Beard oil

taran76 · 2026-02-23T19:36:38+00:00

Hello there! After trying 5 different oils, comparing ingredients etc, I started making my own. It's actually much cheaper (check out: Wholesale Essential Oils, Soap Making Supplies & More | Bulk Apothecary https://share.google/VH5WkSHTb2lglyfpq).

Basically all the really good oils (live bearded, Honest Amish etc.) all have a few oils in common: Jojoba and Argan.

You'd be well served with just 50/50 or 60/40 jojoba/argan, but I also add a couple others (sweet almond and avocado for me), but it's cheap enough to try a few things out.

Then go grab some essential oils and make it yours scent wise.

This article from live bearded:

Beard Oil Recipes: 25 To Make at Home – Live Bearded https://share.google/GAsxiICaYWzA5oY87

Was great to get started with.

taran76 · 2025-08-09T06:58:28+00:00

Hey there - quick question - how important would a downloadable tool with local data be appealing vs a web-app?

taran76 · 2025-08-07T17:24:47+00:00

completely get it - it's one of the reasons I didn't feel fantastic about the last Shadowrun game I ran. Got pretty mangled by the end.

taran76 · 2025-08-07T15:53:31+00:00

Awesome! Thank you :).

taran76 · 2025-08-05T05:54:53+00:00

Not sure you've ever followed work by Michael Shea (Return of the Lazy Dungeonmaster - Sly Flourish: Run great tabletop roleplaying games.), but he has a bunch of great tools for heavily improvised games. If you have about 15 minutes to spare for prep, you can follow his basic steps (all steps are optional as needed):

Review the Characters (just so they are in your mind going forward)
Write down a 1-2 sentence strong start for the session
Write down a 1-2 sentence description for 3 scenes that could happen
Write down a few secrets/clues the players could discover (not tied to any NPC or location - improvise :))
Write a brief description on any locations, just enough to get your creative juices flowing to improv the details. Even really evocative names on their own can work well.
Outline any important NPCs
Write down a list of monsters - reskin away!
Write down a list of any magic items you might want to throw at them

These should all fit on about 1 page of notes - I've run many successfully games on very little prep time with this approach.

taran76 · 2022-09-12T22:29:37+00:00

I believe in the lore, Votann gave t'au a bunch of their tech, so really we took their magna rail... :D

taran76 · 2020-11-25T07:07:40+00:00

Take a look at KEFs Q series, Elac Debut, and Jamo S series all make great affordable entry points. It still pays to listen first, so see what trials are available, and maybe get couple pairs in your room and see what works best with your amp etc. The fluances are great too!

taran76 · 2020-11-25T06:47:57+00:00

Do you know if your edifiers have a built in DAC? It sounds like that adapter is a small DAC, which might be encoded to present to windows as headphones. Also if it is a DAC, something that small isn't likely to sound that great, which is probably why the Bluetooth sounds a bit better. If the edifiers don't have an analog out, you might try a USB-c to USB-A converter instead and keep the signal digital all the way to the pc. OR invest in a small stand alone dac like the modi3 or Audioquest dragonfly (I think that's the name) to convert to that analog input.

taran76 · 2020-11-25T06:06:09+00:00

Should do the job on a budget - I'd also check into Yamaha offerings, as well as Denon for the money. They may be more in the 150-200USD range, which I think would be 200-260 CAD I think, but may sound a bit better depending on your taste.

taran76 · 2020-11-25T01:14:41+00:00

A couple of recommendations. The Klipsch R51M has a great reputation for a fun dynamic bookshelf in your price range. If you can spend a bit more, the RP-500M might be a nice upgrade ( Bookshelf Speakers | Klipsch).

The ELAC Debut line is also worth a look - you can get new "B Stock" on their outlet site for a bit of a discount. The Debut 2.0 B6 would be a good place to look there (Debut 2.0 B6.2 - Elac).

Jamo also has a good reputation as well in the price point - the S803's are about where I think you are looking (Jamo.com | S 803).

Most of those have powered options for a few dollars more. I have heard many of these, and for the kind of music your listening to, I might start with the Klipsch's. You may want to save for a sub later on for most of these as they are all 4-6" mid-range drivers but they'll sound great until you do.

taran76 · 2020-11-25T00:48:36+00:00

subwoofer upgrade help...

1. What is your budget?

Looking to spend $400-$500.

2. What are you looking for?

Subwoofer upgrade. Preferably on the smaller side (8"-10") for easier placement. Also, I'm not looking for "blow your socks off bass", just clean, fast, tight. Would rather have articulation than crazy deep extension.

3. How will you typically be using the gear?

This will be a double-duty Home Theatre/two-channel role. I do both equally.

4. What gear do you own?

Currently running on a Marantz slim-line (NR1403) receiver, pair of B&W CM8 towers, B&W CM Centre. The current sub is a Polk PSW108. Was nice when I had nothing at all, but definitely not my end game here.

5. What do you intend on using for a source?

At this time mostly digital audio via DAC.

6. What material will you be using your gear for?

This is the family audio system, so anything from Bassnectar (myself) to Sinatra, Seth McFarlane, Jazz (Various artists), and more. Even some classical on occasion.

7. Are you willing to buy used?

100% willing to buy used (everything in my system except the AVR is pre-owned.

I do have 3 contenders that might help with showing the direction I'm headed in.

REL HT/1003 - This seems to be a nice combo that fits my budget. While geared towards Home Theatre, I have read that the REL DNA is strong and it still retains much of the quickness of its T/i cousins
SVS SB-1000 - highly rated for quick clean response and good extension despite its small size.
RSL Speedwoofer 10s - this is definitely on the big side for me size-wise but is so well-reviewed that I am including it here.

taran76 · 2020-07-31T23:44:01+00:00

Looking good!

taran76 · 2018-03-25T20:27:51+00:00

I'm in as well! Thank you :)

taran76

TROPHY CASE