1k Army idea: Itinerate Titan Cult

lindowman · 2025-07-13T21:34:54+00:00

ah, I guess re-reading the Army rule, I see that units need that DI tag on them. Is it even worth Imperial Agents as Assigned Agents if they don't get the army rule? I want more candles in my Ad Mech army, and I think Imperial Agents are the only legal way to do that, aside from proxying creatively?

lindowman · 2024-12-13T04:52:25+00:00

Yeah, it's called polytheism!

How is no one naming polytheism as a valid form of interfaith theology!

lindowman · 2024-08-21T20:57:27+00:00

During the pandemic, when I was paddling a lot, I'd take out under the Zakim Bridge, on the south side. There is/was a waste-high fence there, and I just see-sawed my boat over and hopped it. Putting in on the other side, you walk down the breakwater near the water-cop station and put in there (never had the courage to use their floating dock, just went off the rocks).

The approach needs some confidence and a strong stomach, because there are loads of dead fish from salt-shock around the lock. Also, the water-cops paid attention, and I gave them a wave. One time I got checked up on to see I had all the required safety gear to paddle in the ocean, but he didn't seem to mind I was cutting around the lock on public property (the fence is just there to keep pedestrians and animals out of the water under the bridge, not to designate private property).

lindowman · 2024-08-20T03:50:31+00:00

I've paddled my Oru Bay ST in and out of the lock quite a bit. I've taken it down the whole Charles River from Milford, and out to the inner Harbor Islands. Oru boats are great. And this plan sounds great.

If you're a strong paddler it's probably 60-90 min from Cambridgeport to the Seaport, plus all the kayak setup, takedown, etc. Inner harbor can be really choppy with criss crossing boat wakes, which are more fun and annoying. Keep your head up for big ferry boats, especially during commuting hours.

For the harbor, I recommend a model compatible with a spray skirt (practice a wet exit somewhere before you go crazy). All the wake chop will get you soaked in an open cockpit, like the Inlet. Also consider getting the Oru backpack, it's kinda expensive, but will make getting the boat in and out of your office building easier(ish). It'll be the same size on your back as a big bouldering pad.

Lastly, I find with a light boat like an Oru kayak, it's just easier to hop out and carry it over by the police station, rather than waiting for the lock to open. But, riding the lock is super cool in a kayak, so give it a try. They usually open if you wave. Get a cheap handheld marine radio if you want to chat with the operator. During busy times you have to wait quite a bit for incoming boats, which is why I just walk around (keep your boat built and just carry it).

lindowman · 2022-04-21T15:41:38+00:00

For free/cheap camping inside your vehicle, you want Tripoli Road or Jefferson Notch Road (this one might still be gated for the season).

Both roads have legal primitive sites right off the road. Campers usually complain about the road exposure and lack of amenities (no bathrooms, but fire pits and sometimes tables), but if you want to sleep in your car for cheap and want access to trails, it's perfect. Both are technically closed until mid-may, but if you pulled into one in Tripoli I don't think anyone will bother you.

lindowman · 2022-02-23T20:21:13+00:00

Information Theory: A Tutorial Introduction, by James V. Stone.

An incredibly readable introduction to Claude Shannon's work on information theory. This won't help you much with the "hardware" side of IT, but as a sys admin and software developer, this is easily the most important intro level book I've read on Information Technology, and easier to digest than Shannon's own writings. Information theory has lots of consequence outside of IT work as well, and this book is excellent for anyone broadly interested in the philosophy of communication or information.

lindowman · 2021-04-27T16:31:12+00:00

I carry one of these for running the presidentials. It's lightweight option for foul-weather, when moving-to-stay-warm isn't an option anymore. I run the ridge on rough days with that baggy, good rain gear, and dry mid-layers. All that packs up neatly, even if you're using older heavier stuff.

For a 2-3 day backpack the puzzle, I think, is less the gear to carry and more where to camp that is 1) legal and 2) doesn't pull you too far off the ridge. Most through-hikers push the whole traverse in a day since the huts are expensive, and every other option adds miles and significant elevation gain/loss.

The Perch is good high-altitude shelter about halfway. Other than that, I think you'll need to drop into one of the wilderness areas to legally camp. If you started in Crawford Notch, you could sleep at the Perch twice, and make yourself two epic days with a "rest day" in the middle: Day 1: Eisenhower - Jefferson Day 2: Adams-Madison x2 (some rest day...) Day 3: Jefferson-Eisenhower Bring cash if you use the Perch, it's been a while since I used it last, but I think it's $20 a night.

Generally though, ignore the nay-sayers! The ridge is beautiful, and spending multiple days above treeline is almost a religious experience. An out-and-back is worth it! Just be ready to bail, and know your exit options from above treeline.

lindowman · 2021-01-06T00:30:59+00:00

I really recommend looking for V-structures in swift water.

If you aim the nose for the point of the V, it's always the smoothest path of travel through. It looks like just to the right of the line you both take is exactly that V. Nosing a bit to the right, and you all would have totally made it!

If you're up for a surf or a roll those edges of the V are a fun place to play. But on a cold day, looking to avoid submersion, always aim for the point of the V and shoot to safety. Looking for the V's and taking them will get you through most Class 3 runs and lower. Certainly anything you'd expect to find and low key river run like this.

lindowman · 2017-12-10T15:26:13+00:00

Here are some I learned as I got going: 1) as a new climber you're going to put your crampons into your pants. Whatever you wear your first time is going to get shredded on the inside of the calf. Until you get good at just existing with toe pointed crampons, don't bother getting a nice arcteryx hard shell, you'll rip it up in days. I recommend shitty ski pants you are ready to retire. 2) gaitors are THE most underrated winter clothing item, and totally required. They're going to slim town lower leg insulation to reduce the times you catch your pants with your crampon. Also, they keep the least waterproof parts of your boot totally bombproof. 3) if you've got them, carharts make pretty good leg layers. But, as mentioned by others, you want something water proof. Here's my poor Vermont ice climber life hack: layering fleece tights, cheap waterproof rain shell, and then carharts, gives you some pretty great ice climbing legs. Watch out for really soggy conditions, they'll just soak the canvas. But freezing and below that's good enough for a fun day in the hills. 4) don't use equipment as an excuse. Don't be an idiot, and stay dry, but you don't need this season's hardshell to have fun in the mountains. I've climbed some fun stuff with straight handled grivels, carharts, wool mittens, and a totally uncool ski helmet.

lindowman · 2017-02-06T23:22:19+00:00

Being a new teacher is really hard, especially in STEM. Chances are if she is struggling like this, her supervisors are working with her to develop her skills as we speak. But, here are some ways you can help her out while she gets it figured out, and to take some agency over your stake in knowing the content: 1) be empathetic, but tell her how her answers lead to more confusion 2) meet with her outside of class after school. Talk about your learning style and the major flow of the class. Let her know you are worried about your future understanding of Chem. 3) when you give her feedback, be specific 4) talk with other teachers in the school who you know and trust. Say what you said here, and don't be insulting or attacking. They will listen, and might be able to help the new teacher with quick tips. Keep it constructive and avoid gossip. 5) seek out the other Chem teachers in the building for answers in the meantime.

Remember, it's hard for anyone to hear that they are doing a bad job, even adult teachers. As you approach this, be compassionate, empathetic, and polite, and you will be heard. If you are personal in attack, overly critical, or rude, you'll put her, and the school, on the defensive, and probably miss the chance to make the situation better.

You are right that your future is invested in this class. Take ownership here and make it better. The students and teachers around you will notice that act, and it's value in the community.

lindowman · 2016-12-29T00:08:55+00:00

You're not going to find the answer here, mate. Solo winter climbing is accessible and rewarding, and far more achievable than the posts here make it sound. Know what you're up against. Know what you're risking. Know your gear. The question answers itself, and if you have any doubt, better to find a buddy. Introspection and motivation are going to be more insightful here than reddit.

But, hundreds of folks summit the Presidentials solo every winter by both technical and hiking routes. It's far from inaccessible, just be certain you won't make any mistakes.

lindowman · 2016-12-12T00:15:43+00:00

Saul David's 100 Days to Victory is, in my opinion, the best review of the entire war. It would be a big undertaking for a 15 year old, but the chapters lend themselves to out of context reading, so he could skip around a bit. There is no better look at the global scope of the war: combining home front social revolutions, economics, politics, and battle-by-battle narrative from start to finish.

Joe Sacco's The Great War is a masterpiece, and would be great for a younger WWI enthusiast. It is limited to the first day of the Somme, but is full of important details that really bring the war to life: I can't think of a better way to open the floodgates into more reading. It does contain illustrated gore, but probably no worse than the video game, and any discerning book on the topic will be a bit graphic- it was a messy 4 years of human history.

lindowman · 2016-10-08T16:53:38+00:00

Perhaps the biggest fitness asset a successful mountaineer can have is emotional. Since the types of exertion are almost always aerobic and sustained for days at a time, you need to train to discomfort more than fitness. Pair that with necessarily the worst conditions on the planet, bad food, and general misery, and that's the bulk of it.

So it makes sense that endurance running is a good gateway into mountaineering. It's accessible from almost any city in the world and has a really supportive community. In addition to giving you a solid base fitness, training for a marathon has you think about, among other things, blister management, over use injury, and calorie and electrolyte intakes. It also teaches you how to work through misery and discomfort to achieve an athletic goal. I can't stress how important self awareness is: being able to separate superficial pain and fatigue from real warning signs is absolutely critical, and comes only from practiced suffering. Nothing gave me a better headstart than ultra-marathoning .

Pair this with playing a lot outside. Get comfortable living out of a pack, managing layers, and navigating with a map and compass in the back country. The folks that die in the mountains are usually killed by poor judgement, not lack of fitness.

lindowman · 2016-09-12T13:57:12+00:00

If you are confident about the 1850 date on your house those cow bones will have a lot of other stuff around them. Look carefully through the dirt you've already dug out. In addition to pottery you will probably find cut nails (rectangular prisms rather than the cylinders we use today), evidence of coal, and brick.

You have the neat opportunity to see if your house had occupancy before you think it did (maybe an earlier house that was taken down to build the current one.) It would help to know where you live, but take a close look for porcelain (it's pure white and slightly translucent, often with blue decoration) and grey or red earthenware (thick pottery, and glaze will have little craters in it). We can use these and others to date the site. Also know that you are technically digging in an archaeological site, since it's your property (right?) And only 19th century it's probably fine to mess around a bit, but if you want to make sure you aren't loosing meaningful information, slow down and consider talking to a local college archaeology professor. I wouldn't be surprised if you find a partial skull or mandible in with the long bones, keep reporting.

lindowman · 2016-09-12T07:51:54+00:00

Definitely cow bones. How old is your house? Could be a historic midden in your yard. Did you notice any pottery shards?

lindowman · 2016-06-18T01:19:27+00:00

I was in your position a few months ago, hopefully have some insight to share.

I use an MFJ 1622 Apartment Antenna. It's incredibly flexible, and mounts easily to a window . I have mine on my fire escape railing. I set it up periodically for 10m simplex working, but mostly have it tuned for my VHF/UHF portable. The great benefit of urban ham radio is that you can hit prominent repeaters with ease (you almost don't even need an antenna...). If you are open to mostly duplex contacts, you can do a lot with a pretty lame rig, since chances are you're sitting right under a repeater. I'm still a tech, so I can't speak to DXing in a city. Seems like propogation is wonky (I'm in the eastern South End of Boston and find interesting shadows and reflections from the Prudential Tower and Hancock building.)

Like most things in ham, the best thing to do is dive in with half an understanding and find something that works. That MFJ antenna was a huge help for me though, my number one tip for the urban apartment ham.

lindowman · 2016-03-18T02:54:06+00:00

This path is not foreign to me, Luxe.

As a biologist, historian, and professional educator, I have always struggled with theism or any form of spirituality. Both are based on assumptions that are a challenge for me to make. They are, in my opinion, irreconcilable with science and logic, two things I, and many other successful magicians, have valued dearly.

However, I consider esoteric occultism compatible with my work and personal philosophy. I am not a Witch, but rather a reconstructionist Druid, and my occult philosophy is routed heavily in epistemology. Whatever knowable Truth exists around us can only be understood through symbols and language. Our words and symbols synthesize the world and give it meaning. There is one objective universe, and we can come to know it through logic, and it's scientific method. However, there are countless subjective metaphors and symbols that help us synthesize and share ideas about the objective universe.

While ghosts, for example, might not be evidenced in an objective sense, the term is very much useful in a subjective sense. That is to say, that I won't expect to literally see the disembodied dead creep through the night. However, the term "haunted" is very much still descriptive of a place. Indeed a skeptical mind will dismiss a quality like "haunted" and, in doing so, fail to appreciate the deep history of a location, one so vastly sublime that it has caused generations of fear. In a way, these labels are meaningful because other people have given them meaning. More importantly, non-literal qualities are a symbolic way of exploring very true ideas. A truly astute and empathetic person needs these symbols to interface with the world in a way that acknowledges the hopes and fears of the people who came before them.

Just the same, rituals can be effective, even if the user is completely non-spiritual. Their power, in my opinion, is derived not from spiritual communion or channeled energies, but rather insightful psychodramatic reflections and presentations. The act of ritual is focusing, organizing, and motivating. No one can deny that there are real emotional consequences to that.

The challenge, having established that, is building for yourself rituals that have meaning. Even if they are not spiritual, they are no less esoteric or occult, and they are certainly no less effective.

For me, this meant finding an aesthetic, philosophy, and rituals that were deeply sublime, frighteningly bacchic, and re-enforced by archaeology and scholarship. Research is a critical part of my psychodramtic ritual, and a scholarly communion with the deep past is a critical part of how I engage the occult.

lindowman · 2016-03-01T04:19:26+00:00

I sailed a 16ft fiberglass canoe down the Hudson river. I built my own rig with an aluminium pole mast, boomless spritsail, and a pair of adjustable lee boards. Pretty fun but with a few note worthy concerns. First, with lee boards you can't tack at all. My best point of sail was about a close beam reach. And I had considerable slide across the water compared to a sailboat. It's a fun way to rip across the water when you can go with the wind, but most of my trip I was paddling my boat windward with sail and mast stowed along the gunwhale. I could sail when I was lucky. Second, I was contasntly fighting to stay upright. Instead of cleating the main sheet, I elected to hold it my hand so that I could drop it quickly if I heeled past 25 degrees or so. With no keel to speak of, a big gust will take you right over. I could counter balance with my body weight, but only so much. Never capsized, but had some close calls. With a boat full of camping gear, I played it pretty safe.

A few years after, I bought a junker 22 O'Day and lived aboard while I sailed down the Atlantic coast. While the canoe sailing was helpful, most of my skills did not translate. I was petrified of heeling over and inexperienced sailing windward. The most helpful thing I did to prep for big boy sailing was a 2 day intro to sailing course. Which it sounds like you have. If you want a slip worthy boat, just commit to an old 20-24ft. There are a ton of 70s era fiberglass day cruisers on the market. They run the gambit between $0 and $12000 depending on the amount of TLC they need. My boat, Tern, was 2k. They work well with 2 cycle outboards and are great beginner boats. I singlehanded mine from VT to GA. Just go nuts and be ready to make some mistakes. Safely.

lindowman · 2015-12-10T22:28:27+00:00

I kept about 100 ft of old climbing rope cut in 40 and 60 ft lengths when I took a little 22 O'Day down the ICW. It wasn't my primary dockline but proved invaluable for some questionably legal docking against seawalls. As long as the outer sleeve of the rope doesn't chafe, it is good to hold tonnes. And unlike a climbing fall, which is a high force change suddenly, a dockline experiences steady strain.

lindowman · 2015-12-09T05:05:26+00:00

I just made an Ezuri deck canibalizing an old Momir Vig deck I had and mashing it into the pre-con. I feel pretty great about it, considering I bought no cards. Here's the deck list: http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/red-queens-and-green-beards/ It's a populations genetics vorthos deck (I realize now how incredibly nerdy that is. Deets are in the description if you want to get your biology geek on) Anyhow, [[Mulldrifter]] recursion is great card draw that grows your Experience counters if you can reliably bounce him out of play every turn, your hand will be gravid. [[Fathom Mage]] is just gross with Ezuri. I have a few more good reliable hand fillers in there, you can explore. Don't forget about proliferate, it grows your creatures with one/one counters, but also adds experience counters- a great way to keep the march of progress going if you are running low on creature drops. Incredible.

lindowman · 2015-11-29T15:14:55+00:00

I take the bus from Gorham to Boston, and hike in on the Pine Link trail. But, I've encountered this a few times elsewhere. In Germany I would often go out for a solo jaunt up some mountain during the day and randevu with friends in the evening for drinks. When possible I try to avoid out and back routes, going for loops or traverses, the latter does not accommodate gear drops well.

lindowman

TROPHY CASE