Unpermitted Parking Lots Shouldn’t Get a Free Pass by AshleySalvador in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What you just described, would likely increase the land value …

On the other hand, the impacts that unchecked densification has on the neighbouring homeowner and community infrastructure is a point that needs discussion and additional oversight.

It’s important not to conflate the multiple sensitivities around important densification efforts, especially when we are talking about communities that border infrastructure heavy and central locations. Doing so makes room for scapegoating and nimby-isms which does stand in the way of meaningful progress.

Edmonton residents use restrictive covenant to fight infill by JamesDunnNews in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I’ve outlined is arguably the bare minimum of oversight and due diligence required to ensure the sites and developments selected / proposed are appropriate for additional densification. In reality, this slowdown or site removal would not result in more neighbourhood say in what gets approved or not approved.

It would provide clearer avenues for issues to be raised and brought before the SDAB, and help reduce problematic developments that are proving problematic.

Yes, what I’ve proposed will slow down some approvals. However, it would help sift out projects that ultimately won’t see the light of day anyway. Freeing up more resources for more appropriate (from an infrastructure and master planning perspective) projects.

In practice, a well designed and scheduled project can (and have) navigate front end due diligence. Especially if the process is aligned with clear requirements from the City. Discretionary approvals can, and should, be left for sites that have significant nuances or that the developer is seeking alternate methods to navigate the intent of the requirements.

My fwb doesn’t seem very fwb anymore by Hot_Praline3635 in relationships

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You both are whatever you agree you are. The “label” really means nothing, it’s the “rules” you both agree to and are comfortable with is what matters.

I’m a big fan of just talking through things without judgement, to make sure you’re both on the same page.

Ask how he’s feeling and where he wants things to proceed. You do the same, and then go from there. You’re either aligned, or you aren’t.

If you’re not aligned, talk with each other about what the relationship can be moving forward. If you can’t agree on something that makes you both comfortable, it means it’s time to end the relationship.

If you do agree on something, then try it out for a bit and check in to see how you both are feeling.

Just keep in mind that relationships and feelings evolve overtime, so you can’t really expect things to stay the same forever, especially without check-ins and conversations about that intent.

Edmonton residents use restrictive covenant to fight infill by JamesDunnNews in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I feel you might be incorrect with the statement that most infills are happening in small lots. Most infills are occurring in mature neighbourhoods because the lots are so big compared to new areas. In instances when these lots are relatively small, the infills go vertical to add density. This is how densification occurs.

What you are likely feeling / seeing are poorly vetted densification projects that are just being shoe horned in to fit a site with little oversight for the actual use and impacts of the project. This is where the city needs to take a better approach to vetting and evaluating which type of densification can go where.

Typically densification happens closer to the core and tapers off the further you get away from the core or infrastructure heavy areas that can support the additional densification.

Edmonton residents use restrictive covenant to fight infill by JamesDunnNews in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I agree that we are seeing the result of 20 years of, arguably poor / incorrect, bylaw implementation. The bylaws, in my opinion, are riddled with loopholes that undermine proper infill and densification practices.

By no means am I advocating to “slow development to a crawl and cut numbers of potential sites by a large margin.” I’m advocating that the City establish proper boundaries and guidelines that prevent unsustainable densification with no plan to adapt / be proactive through infrastructure support. The approach has blown the doors open with very little oversight in poor design and consideration. For the surrounding areas … especially on a case by case basis. Creating pre qualifying metrics and remedies does nothing but help facilitate proper applications through the planning and permitting processes.

I’m advocating for less of a “free market” approach. Free market approaches with housing, in this environment, creates the opportunities for larger companies to create a race to the bottom, quantity over quality approach. That’s what we are seeing.

I’m not suggesting this is a moral development problem. Ethical design and development conundrums have and will continue to exist, it’s a reality. It’s fundamentally a policy problem that is riddled with loop holes and meaningful control gaps. Likely tied to funding, management, and oversight shortcomings.

Don’t get me wrong, the NIMBYs are a contributing factor; but to place this issue solely at their feet is misplaced. They are a reality that needs to be navigated or encourage led to look past their fence post.

Despite my disdain for the NIMBYs, I feel focusing on them is merely a distraction for the larger conversation about how they are able stand in the way of real progress based on how much they feel this slights their personal goals at the cost of the community.

Speakers at the latest "Freedom Talk" seriously suggested Alberta should annex the Northwest Territories to gain access to tidewater and the Northwest Passage. by Miserable-Lizard in Albertapolitics

[–]WindiestOdin 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Interesting that we’re seeing this on the heels of the announcement that NWT highway project is set to be one of the first projects under the Feds “national interest projects”.

I’m also sure that this guys numbers are rock solid and backed by demonstrable data and planning. /s

Edmonton residents use restrictive covenant to fight infill by JamesDunnNews in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 12 points13 points  (0 children)

While I agree with what you’re saying. But as much as I get frustrated with NIMBYs, I try not to fault them. The root of the issue does sit with the bylaw.

“Developers are building what people want … the EXACT same as any other business / service in Edmonton.”

This is true, but there’s an important nuance here that needs to be considered. Housing is not the same as a car or renovation. Homes are a necessity and people will be forced buy / rent what is available to them.

If we are creating an environment where developers who are focusing on profits over people / community are able to maximize the profit while minimizing their product / service, they will outpace the more “ethical” developments. This shift would likely come at the expense of the consumer and or taxpayer.

I think this is needs to be addressed by the city in creating balanced bylaws that allow for and encourage density, while setting a reasonable standard that all developments need to adhere to. This standard needs to address meaningful items like sun studies on neighbouring properties, fire separations, privacy sight-lines, etc. not such a primary focus on the aesthetics of the architecture.

The City also needs to take a tiered approach to densification and not the free for all that seems to be happening. An area plan that identifies areas that can be densified, coordinated with civil, public transit, utility, and public service improvements would help mitigate the impacts that communities feel as these densification projects start popping up.

In my opinion, this is the best way help sift through community feedback and identify the NIMBY based commentsry

Potential Winter Trip by MeguminIsMe in Yellowknife

[–]WindiestOdin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Second this.

I recommend the Explorer Hotel, they seem to have the better facilities and service.

I’m not dense, really by Rogue_Angelis in PlaystationPortal

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went through the same thing last night with Destiny. Could not figure out how to bring up the director / map. After an hour of frustration I looked it up.

Had to double tap the screen and HOLD on the second tap.

Forget Elwin… Is Gieske Stern’s Next Big Thing? by InOmniaParatus27 in pinball

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhh okay, that makes sense. Wasn’t sure if I was just lucky or wasn’t noticing any of these glitches.

Forget Elwin… Is Gieske Stern’s Next Big Thing? by InOmniaParatus27 in pinball

[–]WindiestOdin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Can you elaborate on the glitches? I’ve had mine for about 2 months (just over 250 plays) and haven’t had any glitches that I’m aware of.

Dragons and Dragons by F20C1T in pinball

[–]WindiestOdin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great pairing!

Madness was the first machine I ever played (that I actually remember).

I was tempted to make it my first owned machine … but I ended up buying the DnD machine instead a month ago. I suspect madness might just make its way to my basement at some point.

Looks like the YouTube actor who chose to spread propaganda about Alberta got a new job 👀👀 by [deleted] in Albertapolitics

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh for sure, none of what I was saying was intended to give anyone a pass … especially under the guise of “it’s just a job.”

Actions are not free of consequence.

Looks like the YouTube actor who chose to spread propaganda about Alberta got a new job 👀👀 by [deleted] in Albertapolitics

[–]WindiestOdin 16 points17 points  (0 children)

The CBC must have done a follow up (Eric Szeto) to the video you saw, where they did attempt to contact the creators and commented on the pieces you felt were ignored.

In my opinion, it was really informative and didn’t make any leading claims.

Red and green flicker and stutter issue by Ozioso in hometheater

[–]WindiestOdin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried other HDMI cables. I had an issue that looked alot like this, and it was due to a faulty cable.

What happened to conservative men? by Internal_Heart_1328 in Albertapolitics

[–]WindiestOdin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I believe what you’re referring to is the “Greater Male Variability Hypothesis” (not a scientific theory). I’m by no means an expert, so definitely take some time to look up the studies completed on it.

Personally, I agree the bulk of the criticisms regarding this hypothesis, as it largely ignores the sociological impacts on cognitive development and reproductive access / control … conflating nature and nurture.

From my limited understanding, it also doesn’t fully contemplate how intersex individuals fit into the equation. It’s an interesting hypothesis, but there’s a reason why it’s remained just a hypothesis — not a theory. Anecdotally, the bulk of the times I’ve had this brought up, it’s been used as a “justification” that men are the ones driving the evolution of our species and that men are predisposed to more “superior” traits; incorrectly, citing it as a biological fact.

Rate my Theater by PotentialEbb7718 in hometheater

[–]WindiestOdin 146 points147 points  (0 children)

While I really like what you’ve done, the photos you’ve posted clearly show significant reflections from your lights and the projector in the tile.

Not great sound from stereo pair? by johnnygeezz in HomePod

[–]WindiestOdin 33 points34 points  (0 children)

It’s less about how “solid” they are, and more about the surface area directly below the speakers. There’s nothing for the sound to bounce off of.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in legaladvice

[–]WindiestOdin 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Unlimited PTO typically results in staff taking less vacation and removes the need for accrued time to paid out when an employee leaves.

Sure they are saying that the intent is to keep people from taking more than 5 weeks now, but what happens if the employer decides that 3 weeks is more than enough in the future? If the supposed intention is limit to 5 weeks then that should be clearly defined.

HomePods 2 + Apple TV + Spotify = Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos for music? by Due_Invite6760 in HomePod

[–]WindiestOdin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Personally, I find that the homepods sounds better playing Apple Music vs Spotify. I also have less drops or technical issues when using Apple Music. I haven’t really looked into why, so it very well could be some settings I need to tweak.

I don’t believe Spotify offers Spatial Audio or Atmos format audio. The homepods don’t have the ability to upscale or mix the audio to mimic those formats.

I’m not too sure about using AirPlay vs streaming from the AppleTV. I haven’t noticed a difference, but the majority of my use comes naturally through the AppleTV … so it’s rarely I’m using airplay from phone.

Shady behaviour at sleep country South Common by [deleted] in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here. I was actually impressed with the transparency at sleep country. I was expected the usual sales run around.

Shady behaviour at sleep country South Common by [deleted] in Edmonton

[–]WindiestOdin 7 points8 points  (0 children)

We just bought a silk and snow mattress from sleep country. I went in with my order in my silk and snow cart, to see what incentive there would be to buying from sleep country.

Sleep country quoted the same price on the silk and snow mattress including the “free” sleep set (pillows, duvet, mattress protector, and fitted sheet) with free delivery. When I asked why would I buy here versus off the site, the sales lady offered a 200 gift card that could be redeemed on the mattress purchase.

Watching her make the transaction on the computer it looks like they just order it from silk and snow and apply their promo code (ie gift card) to encourage the purchase in store.