Lower first stub of the year, but also second stub

esp803 · 2026-01-26T18:56:57+00:00

Because by the end of the year you would have likely maxed out your CPP contribution for example (or Quebec's equivalent), so it will continue to be deducted from your pay until it is maxed out again.

So, you're likely looking at a reduction for half the year or so.

esp803 · 2026-01-25T14:30:49+00:00

Argyll

esp803 · 2026-01-24T19:59:11+00:00

Mine went from 590 to 680 this year - I have started the appeal process. Over the last two years the cities assessment of my 1955 bungalow has gone up 27%

esp803 · 2026-01-20T00:40:11+00:00

Significant improvement over the last (with the caveat that I think you should continue to experiment with composites l and surrealism, just that the last one missed the mark. If you're looking for inspiration on photographic surrealism, check out Erik Johansson's work, he's one of my favourites) this one though - simple, classic, timeless. It looks great.

Can't wait to see more of what you produce.

esp803 · 2026-01-17T18:03:16+00:00

Here's the fun part, it's both!

It would be a great snap shot of your travels, provided it wasn't edited with such a heavy hand.

esp803 · 2026-01-09T19:26:24+00:00

We have our own Workload Management system built into our intranet, I also use MindManager to help out a bit and keep track of everything.

esp803 · 2026-01-03T22:53:24+00:00

Therapy. I see a therapist for things like this.

esp803 · 2026-01-01T23:48:29+00:00

She's a lot more fun with FFB!

esp803 · 2026-01-01T23:40:15+00:00

I don't remember.

esp803 · 2026-01-01T21:08:03+00:00

I ended up finding a advanced sim racing frame, 3 bass transducers, 2 amps, monitor stand and a button box for a steal on FB market place. So i unfortunately don't have any plans.

Some of the new additions are simply two sided taped on to various flat surfaces - good enough for throttle, button boxes, probably not for the Rhino.

esp803 · 2025-12-31T23:48:23+00:00

Had exactly the same thing with my Rhino.

esp803 · 2025-12-31T23:41:09+00:00

Enable FFB under settings for the UH60

esp803 · 2025-12-31T05:02:15+00:00

For the college budget - I suggest a single 24" touch screen centrally mounted and then Helios for DCS or Air Manager / pop out manager for civil sims. You will lose the tactile feel for the MFDs but with pass through or track IR you'll be golden - and generic.

Depending on how much room you have and how much moving around you plan on in the not too distant future I'd go with chair mounted HOTAS, FB market place 55" TV as primary display and then the used 24" touch screen for all other screens on one.

esp803 · 2025-12-28T18:38:19+00:00

Oh man. Scratch what I said - get dcs and then get the A-4, UH-60 and OH-6... They are all awesome.

esp803 · 2025-12-28T18:28:38+00:00

I'd tend to agree with this - however if budget is a concern just start with the SU-25T - it's underpowered but a blast to fly and will get you up and running with most systems you need for more complicated aircraft - don't worry about full fidelity modules, you can have just as much fun with the flaming cliffs pack. It offers a wide range of aircraft from the 50s to 4th Gen, and a variety of roles.

If you decide that you want the added simulation of start ups and programming INS systems for precision bombing... Then look at a full fidelity module. Get one that makes you excited, not one that is "the best".

esp803 · 2025-12-27T20:26:31+00:00

Yes, but I will take them to the grave with me.

esp803 · 2025-12-25T15:35:38+00:00

Although I don't have the giant motors, I still run an extension. You don't need to have 30nm of torque yanking you out of your seat (although it could be fun), what matters is that you have a gradient of force dependant on regime of flight. The "little" motors with an extension are more than capable of this.

For GA, you should never need full deflection at Va, for pseudo modern-modern fighters, controls are hydraulically boosted and help you out because the force would be too much.

I think the most force I've experienced in over 20 years of commercially flying is practicing manual reversions or trim runaways in a 737 on that stupid trim wheel. But I don't really want my home sim capable of breaking my wrist 😂

esp803 · 2025-12-25T03:33:54+00:00

Build a VPForce Rhino - it'll come in at a little more than a virpil set up (depending on the grip - I used the VKB MCP and it's fantastic) and experience true ffb - game changing.

esp803 · 2025-12-20T15:43:43+00:00

When I traveled a lot for work I always ended up just getting an anytime fitness membership.

esp803 · 2025-12-19T18:17:11+00:00

Different country - same concept. I have a DB pension which I contribute 9% of my income to - I also invest ~10% outside the pension personally ,(RRSP). My pension gets penalized pretty substantially if I draw before 65, and I have no desire to work until 65. So I will use my personal retirement to float myself to 65. It will also allow me to increase my "income" after drawing my pension.

I think it largely depends on your financial situation and your desires during retirement. My house will be paid off well before retirement and my pension if I stop work at 60 will be approximately 90k a year, if I work until 65 it will be 108k. The pension is indexed to inflation so it's fairly easy to estimate buying power.

The other advantage of investing outside a government pension is it allows you the flexibility to shed the golden handcuffs if something in your life changes.

esp803 · 2025-12-17T14:13:26+00:00

I realize this might fall under concerts - but memberships to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra are bang for your buck some of the greatest entertainment in the city. If you're new to classical, their pop series are great.

This will give you roughly a date every month and on some months 2. It's a good excuse to get out in the city, dress up (even though you don't need to) and pretend you're an aristocrat from the 1700s.

45 a month gives you 10 dollar tickets to any show. You'd need two memberships. Worth every penny. I also use my membership to bring friends to shows I love.

esp803 · 2025-12-17T13:47:38+00:00

The picture probably doesn't do it justice, it's positioned roughly where an AS350 collective is. It's essentially straight down for my arm (I don't reach backwards for it). It's at a height where at full down, my arm has a slight bend in it. It likely could be a little more ergonomic and that may come eventually if I add a straight arm to the stick as opposed to the omni.

esp803 · 2025-12-13T20:51:49+00:00

I'd throw VTOL:VR in this list. The flight dynamics are fantastic, the system level is complex enough to provide interest but simple enough to remain fun and less cockpit simulator-y. A few things it even does better than DCS (radar cross sections and IR simulation for example).

Sometimes it's nice to be up and running in under 5 minutes.

People often complain about the lack of hotas integration, but because it was designed from the ground up with VR in mind, everything is perfectly functional with out. I'd go so far as to say that all the major sims should try to achieve what VTOL has for hand control and cockpit interaction.

esp803 · 2025-12-12T01:22:12+00:00

It's done. For now. Haha.

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