Buy it for Life

Durandal , in Why you should spend more money on underwear
@Durandal@lemmy.today avatar

“The average American buys more than one new piece of clothing per week. If that matches your shopping habits, in a span of five years you have purchased more than 320 pieces of clothing.”

Who the fuck is buying multiple pieces of clothing every week? I don’t know anyone that does that. I feel like buys-ridiculous-amounts-of-clothing George is an outlier and shouldn’t be counted.

Yondoza ,

Do individual socks count? If so, buying a 10 pack of socks and a 6 pack of undies gets you through half a year by this metric.

IMongoose ,

Man, I don't even do that every year. Maybe every 3-5 years. I do not buy clothes very often at all.

evasive_chimpanzee ,
BossDj ,

This article is so entitled

IMongoose ,

It really is the entitled version of the boots theory. I wear my clothes literally hundreds of times before they get worn out and this article is suggesting that 10 wears of "cheap" ($50) clothes and it's trash time. This article is way out if touch to the average non-fashion obsessed buyer imo.

delirious_owl ,
@delirious_owl@discuss.online avatar

They're talking about the average US American, not the BIFL crowd. We're a special group, and they're trying to nudge more people our direction

tal ,
@tal@lemmy.today avatar

Well, if you average it, maybe. I tend to get clothes en masse -- I don't get one pair of socks.

Neato ,
@Neato@ttrpg.network avatar

I think I've bought 2 pieces this year.

Nemo , (edited )

Back of the envelope, to keepy work uniform crispy, every six months or so I need to obtain:

  • two work shirts

  • two undershirts

  • two pairs pants

  • a five-pack of boxers

  • a pair of shoes

That's twelve, times two to get the yearly average. I also get a six-pack of socks every other year or so, call that twenty-seven per year, plus one or two purchased for me as gifts (gloves, sweatshirts, hats, ties), call it thirty.

There's fifty-four weeks in a year. Either the author is out-of-touch or I'm already following their advice, IDK. I just found brands that are comfortable and wear them until they're discontinued. Personally, I wish I was buying clothes less often; I hate that I go through work shirts and pants so fast, in particular.

Edit: bad arithmetic originally. Revised estimate is more in line with author's projection but still significantly lower.

delirious_owl ,
@delirious_owl@discuss.online avatar

Judging by the amount of clothes at second hand stores in the US, its mostly middle class women

activistPnk ,

I have a shopaholic aunt who is said to wear things she buys once on avg. She could open her own 2nd hand shop (or if she moved her stock to Europe she could open ~6 2nd-hand shops). Many women in my family are inflicted with this disease to varying degrees. It’s a gender-specific disease that I think men are immune to.

delirious_owl ,
@delirious_owl@discuss.online avatar

Men are not immune to it, but it is less common

CompN12 ,

looks at $150 Warhammer model next time buddy, I'll grab a paint pot on my way out, and maybe a brush, hmm I need better sprue cutters...

awwwyissss ,

Wow that's wasteful

Maeve ,

It's called, "not addressing my personal issues," aka "retail therapy." It's not gender specific, it's common and manifests in multiple ways.

mipadaitu , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?

Calibre and DeDRM can strip Amazon's DRM and let you save the books forever.

https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools

You need a registered Kindle, but you don't need to actually use the Kindle to make it work. Just download the ebook from the Amazon website "for Kindle XYZ" and then import and convert the ebook in calibre.

pezhore ,
@pezhore@lemmy.ml avatar

This is unfortunately the closest answer to what the OP is asking.

To the best of my knowledge, outside of independent authors like Cory Doctorow selling drm-free from their own sites, I'm not aware of any place to shop for ebooks that are not tied to some online DRM scheme.

Humble Bundle books are another option, but it's highly dependent upon if you want what they're selling.

Rai ,

Going that far, I’d sooner just apply for a Bibliotik account.

mesamunefire ,

Baens library has been doing this for the past 25(?) years. They even have a free library. https://www.baen.com/catalog/category/view/s/free-library/id/2012

calamitycastle ,

Also works on kobo books which use adobe digital editions. I think the plugin is called obok (I've only just realised that kobo is an anagram of book haha)

This is the way anyway

Thorned_Rose ,
@Thorned_Rose@kbin.social avatar

OP wants to avoid Amazon. This is still giving Amazon money and therefore encouraging Amazon's greed, walled garden and dark patterns.

A better alternative would be using almost any other digital book seller. There's plenty. And if the author chose or was forced to only sell through Amazon, then you can try library sources (like Overdrive) so the author at least gets something. And if you still can't get what you're looking for, then it's time to sail the high seas.

At least make Amazon the last resort option.

SturgiesYrFase ,

I've tried 5× to get it to work and not been able to....I'm even somewhat good with following instructions!

TexMexBazooka , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?

On the high seas

FrostyTrichs ,
@FrostyTrichs@sh.itjust.works avatar

Yarrrrr.

wesker , in Rice cookers - any advise for one that lasts, is easy to clean, and doesn't easily get nasty AF
@wesker@lemmy.sdf.org avatar

Virtually any model of Zojirushi. It pretty much is the Japanese standard of excellence when it comes to rice cookers.

EDIT: I am specifically referring to their "Micom" cookers. I can't personally speak to the simpler ones.

aniki ,

Second this. There's a reason you find them and nothing else in all corners of Asian society. I fucking love mine and rarely needs to be cleaned heavily outside the Teflon pot

Ghostalmedia OP ,
@Ghostalmedia@lemmy.world avatar

Micom

Interesting that thing looks like it has a pretty tight seal around the interior pot. How is it with getting rice water crust around the hinge the plastic channel around the lid? Mine is always getting nasty, and it's hard to get into those tight spaces to clean.

wesker ,
@wesker@lemmy.sdf.org avatar

I've had mine for 4 years, and never had to really clean anything except the interior removable pot and pressure lid. And that takes all of 2-3 mins.

other_cat ,
@other_cat@lemmy.world avatar

We have a simple one (push a single button and walk away style) and love it. It's not that much different from the cheap $20 we got at the store, but the quality of the insert is much higher.

thisfro , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?

You can borrow them forever from libgen or similar ;)

walden , (edited ) in Safety Razor, what do I need to think about?

FYI there's a whole Lemmy instance for wetshaving. If you don't get enough answers here, swing by !wetshaving

Edit for some more info:

We have a wiki with a hardware section, and you should also check out the beginners section. https://wiki.wetshaving.social

Since this is a BIFL community, you're probably interested in a razor that will last you a long time. In that case, you'll want something made of stainless steel, brass, titanium, or aluminum.

Most of those options are expensive, with aluminum being the most affordable option for new, modern razors.

Vintage razors are an EXCELLENT way to get a great, BIFL razor that will last generations. Search on eBay for Gillette Tech. They are very affordable, and if you're picky you can just keep an eye out for one that looks nice. Even if the plating is worn off, they are made of brass and will last forever.

Gillette Tech has another advantage, in that it's widely regarded as being relatively mild (good for just starting out), but also good at shaving. Mild razors can sometimes come with the downside of not providing a very close shave. Trading comfort for efficiency. With a Tech, that's not much of a problem.

If you'd prefer a new razor, I'd actually recommend starting with one of the many Zamak razors available, figuring out what you like, then getting something more expensive. The starter kits in the wiki have decent razors to get you started. I also like to recommend this Baili on Amazon. It won't last more than a few years, probably, but it's a great starter razor (I still enjoy using it even as an "experienced" person).

jodanlime ,
@jodanlime@midwest.social avatar

You gotta decide if you want a fixed blade or adjustable, adjustable will cost more and have a higher learning curve but can give a closer shave.
I like Merkur, but I'm sure there are other good brands. I started with a cheap fixed and then replaced it with an adjustable a few years later.

bigbluealien OP ,
@bigbluealien@kbin.social avatar

It looks like even if I set it once and stick with it, it's worth it to go adjustable, they're all reasonably priced and it gives me options later, thanks

bigbluealien OP ,
@bigbluealien@kbin.social avatar

Thanks, I'll check that community out. On vintage razors, there's a good chance I've got a Grandad's razor somewhere that works just fine with current blades, looks like they've not changed design. Should look into that first

odium , in Safety Razor, what do I need to think about?

https://slrpnk.net/post/4377634 crazy that this lemmy community is old enough and big enough that we can refer some new posts to related older posts now.

NightAuthor ,

Whoo, go fediverse!

toothpicks ,

Yessss

cosmic_cowboy , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?
@cosmic_cowboy@reddthat.com avatar

Anna's Archive is a good option if you're wanting to sail the high seas. Very easy to navigate, and almost all titles are available in multiple formats (I.e. PDF, epub)

lud ,

MAM is the best for piracy.

Zagorath ,
@Zagorath@aussie.zone avatar

What's MAM, and in what ways is it better than Anna's Archive?

lud ,

myanonamouse.net/

They have a lot of content and a pretty nice community.

It's a private tracker but it's easy to join even if it's your first.

sbv , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?

Tor (the publisher, not the anonymizer) doesn't use DRM on their ebooks.

ProdigalFrog Mod , (edited ) in 15 years has passed - it's time for a new mattress
@ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net avatar

When it came time to replace a mattress that was older than me, I did a maddening amount of research before making a purchase, since they're pretty darn expensive. Here's a few takeaways:

  • Mattresses at physical stores have a significant markup compared to online mattresses (there's also a comedic level of public rivalry between physical mattress store owners and online store owners on mattress subreddits, they absolutely hate each other's guts. Be wary of those subreddits by the way, it's difficult to get truly objective information there due to how astroturfed they are).
  • Cheap memory foam mattresses wear out pretty quickly, and are very hot to sleep on.
  • Full foam mattresses, especially full Latex ones, are incredibly heavy, and very difficult to change the sheets on, all for very little, if any, real advantages.

Of the better things to look for in a mattress, I would recommend:

  • Hybrid Coil with Latex Foam mattresses. These combine the best of both worlds, and are what I personally chose in the end. Latex foam lasts an incredibly long time, is much cooler than memory foam, and never really develops low spots like memory foam does. It should last the entire usable life of the mattress, which could be as much as 10 to 15 years.
  • Try to opt for a pocketed-coil spring if the budget allows for it (yours certainly would). Pocketed coils contour to your body better, and transfer much less bouncy energy across the bed to a partner compared to traditional interwoven coil mattresses.
  • While it usually costs a slight premium, if the budget allows, try to opt for a mattress that uses non-plastic based materials to reduce the chance of microplastics ending up in the environment when the mattress becomes end of life (there are recycling facilities for mattresses, but I'm not sure if they re-use/melt down the polyester outer shell).

Personally, I purchased my hybrid mattress online at Arizona Mattress, since they had the lowest price for the materials and design that I wanted. I've been sleeping on it for nearly 2 years now, and have been very pleased with it.

If you search around for a coupon code, you can bring down the price another 5 or 10% or so. I got a coupon code from this mattress manufacturer coalition forum, which is such an odd thing to exist, lol. That forum has some affiliate coupon codes for almost all of the major online mattress companies.

If possible, try out a mattress first at a local store, then purchase it online to avoid the markup.

treesapx ,

I did the same research and your second set of points are spot-on. Hybrid mattress with pocket springs are amazing.

The only physical store worth a damn is Ikea. Their hybrid mattresses aren't bad and decently priced. Although it tended to sag after a few years, it was still worth it for the price I paid.

I've since gone with Titan mattress and have been extremely happy paying a bit more for the increased quality and durability. I've had mine for 3 years and it hasn't shown any signs of wear.

itchick2014 ,

I do not recommend IKEA mattresses. We had one and it started sagging about a week in and my husband started having back pain. New mattress and back pain went away.

DolphinMath , (edited )

Do you remember specifically which mattress you tried? From when I’ve looked, they have some really cheap options, and some higher quality options.

I slept on on of their cheap mattress just out of college and liked it, but I haven’t used them in a while. I’m strongly considering their HAUGSVÄR mattress as a budget-friendly/midrange option.

itchick2014 ,

I believe it was the Myrbacka.

DolphinMath ,

Thanks!

bleistift2 ,

Myr backa hurts. Noted.

Coreidan ,

IKEA only sells cheap shit. For furniture it isn’t too bad but the build quality still sucks.

Never cheap out on a mattress. Your back and health will pay for it over time. Spend the money.

DolphinMath ,

I beg to differ. IKEA sells at a bunch of price points with good value. The quality and durability of their furniture is better than their competition for the most part.

I distinctly remember them selling at least one mattress for more than $1000 USD. That’s not cheap unless you’re exceptionally wealthy.

treesapx ,

Their hybrid mattress is damn good for the price, especially when it's on sale. Not everyone can afford spending so much money. At the time I couldn't, that Ikea mattress was leagues ahead of the competition.

bulwark , in Robust, yet compact umbrella?
@bulwark@infosec.pub avatar

I live in an area with strong winds and I'm happy with Knirps, they can be found in both NA and EU.

More expensive than "regular" umbrellas, but they are built to last and are compact to boot.

viking ,
@viking@infosec.pub avatar

Oh nice, another knirps fan. I love them.

BeatTakeshi OP ,
@BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world avatar

Thank you, I'll probably go for the t200.

Anyone has used blunt umbrellas? I like the design and reviews seem to say they are sturdy too.

ladfrombrad ,
@ladfrombrad@lemdro.id avatar

We were just not an hour or two ago having a natter about umbrellas after I bought a RAM umbrella (I've used their mounts, was surprised they did umbrellas) after years of living in the UK. Yes, I've never used an umbrella in all my days here.....

Along with the Blunt recommendation I also got from my expert across the pond poking me towards these too

https://www.rei.com/product/206129/shedrain-54-vortex-vented-jumbo-compact-auto-openclose-umbrella

The RAM one is fugging lethal if you point the opening mechanism towards someone's face, but is very satisfying and seems solid contrary to the reviews?

phcorcoran ,

I had a blunt umbrella several years ago (not the compact model however) and it was great quality and would buy it again. I sadly lost mine a while back

da5nsy ,

I've been tempted by a Blunt umbrella but I'm sure I'd lose it immediately! I've been wondering if I could attach some sort of tracking device to it haha

RootBeerGuy ,
@RootBeerGuy@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

Seconded, got mine years back for living in Scotland. Still not broken after almost 10 years use.

Dkarma , in Why you should spend more money on underwear

Here's the thing about "signaling to the industry with your money":
They will take it and not give you shit.

Pay 30$ or $300 for a drill it's still made in China from plastic and planned obsolescence.

Underwear is no different.

cynar ,

Pay cheap and you get cheap. Pay more and sometimes you get fat better quality. Unfortunately, you can also get cheap with a larger mark-up.

activistPnk ,

Voting with your money works. But only when there are good options to vote for.

There are a couple BifL sock makers, but no BifL underwear makers. That’s the problem. If someone made loose-fitting stretchy aramid boxers with a drawstring that lasts 1+ lifetimes, people would pay $100/ea for them.

r_thndr ,

I dunno, Makita and some Milwaukee tools are absolutely worth the money, especially if you're willing to buy into their battery ecosystem.

ikidd ,
@ikidd@lemmy.world avatar

With both those brands, buy brushless. I've lost count of the times I've had to change brushes on both brands of drill. At least Makita makes it easy to change them and you don't have to split the whole drill to do it.

On the other hand, I've never changed brushes on my 25 year old Ryobi, and it's put in a hundred times as many screws as the other two put together.

HelixDab2 ,

You've never bought a $30 drill, have you?

I use my Makita drill a significant amount. Right now I'm using it instead of a hand crank on my case trimmer (for reloading ammunition; I'm a moderate volume shooter). I've had it for nearly a decade. Yeah, I've replaced the batteries twice, and now have the higher capacity ones. But the drill is still holding up. The Festool Rotex disc sander I've got is easily the best sander that I've used.

Kecessa , in EVs Could Last Nearly Forever—If Car Companies Let Them

There's plenty of gas and diesel cars that can also last pretty much forever if we apply the same logic of "having to replace parts doesn't count"...

silence7 OP ,

More that "at no time do enough parts start failing often enough that repair ceases being cost-effective"

Kecessa ,

Does diesels with over a million miles count?

remotelove ,

Maybe. Depends on how often engine is overhauled, what it's operating environment is and why the vehicle was kept operating for so long.

JoMomma , in Any suggestions for a good buy it for life backpack?

I've been using my Ospree for almost 20 years and it hasn't failed or even worn in any way I can tell

Bougie_Birdie , in Where can I buy ebooks that will actually be mine for life?
@Bougie_Birdie@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

Free and DRM-free Z-Library

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