• Dessalines@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    One I didn’t see mentioned yet: a rice cooker.

    Put in rice, add water, push start button, and you get perfect rice every time. I’m usually against single-purpose kitchen tools but a rice cooker is soo worth it.

  • VaultOS@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    A pair of high fidelity earplugs (aka concert earplugs or filtering earplugs). You can get a good non-custom pair for $15–$40, and that’ll work well for the average person for a long time.

    They’re excellent for live music, airplanes, and anytime you want the world to be quieter but still need to be able to understand speech. And for music specifically, they can bring the volume level down just enough to be safe without muffling the sound like traditional foam earplugs do. Protect your hearing, kids!

    • interolivary@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      Protect your hearing, kids!

      Seriously, PROTECT YOUR FUCKING HEARING. I was young and stupid (now I’m no longer young) and went to way too many raves, gigs etc. without any sort of hearing protection, and now I have a nice constant background track of EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE and can’t hear higher frequencies worth shit

      • Piers@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        Right ear went to working in a call centre. Left ear seems to be trying to decide if it’s going to recover or not from some unaware idiot in Tesco suddenly walking up and slamming his stock cart shut right next to me. I really hope I don’t end up with stereo EEEEEEEEEEEEE but it feels like an inevitable matter of time at this point. There goes the left one again…

        • Linssiili@sopuli.xyz
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          1 year ago

          I can get tinnitus if I have too much ear-wax and I have to remove it periodically, since it wont come out on its own.

          • IgnacioM@lemmy.ml
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            1 year ago

            Yep, tinnitus is your brain filling in the absence of hearing, its not a condition in itself

    • Pattern@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Just went to my first concert with a pair of these and I highly recommend. Not having a headache and ringing ears the next day was really nice.

    • Paul@feddit.uk
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      1 year ago

      I know it’s way more expensive, but the last gig I went to, I used my AirPods Pro in transparency mode, and it reduced the sound down from an insane ~110db to peaks of 90! Definitely worth protecting your ears.

        • Paul@feddit.uk
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          1 year ago

          Yes, good point! Whilst it’s probably better than nothing, it won’t be a proper substitute for proper hearing protection like the earplugs mentioned

        • Paul@feddit.uk
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          1 year ago

          It gives a live read-out of the data in the ‘noise’ app on the Apple Watch. Not sure if that functionality exists without the watch, though!

          Edit: not the most scientific measurement, so apologies if my original comment was misleading

      • Jonesy@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Yeah, I can’t stand losing the high frequencies and overall feel of the music with “musician’s” earplugs. How anyone other than a drummer plays with them and is satisfied is beyond me. I have some Etymotics just sitting here.

      • VaultOS@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        I’m no earplug connoisseur, but I’ve been using Westone’s WM16 for smaller venues, and Etymotic Research’s ER20XS dual-flange for louder situations. I haven’t tried much else, but these work well for me. I’ve also heard great things about Earasers, Eargasm, and Hearos.

        Earasers are a bit more expensive and appear to have a unique ergonomic eartip. iirc you can get them for $40 elsewhere, maybe Amazon. I’ve read that Earasers’ “-19dB Peak” model has a very slight sound reduction, so I’d probably opt for their middle “European Standard” model. On the other end of the price spectrum, Hearos is particularly inexpensive at a glance. Idk anything about specific models.

        Some brands have multiple types of earplugs (e.g. for music, shooting, construction work), so make sure you’re getting one designed for music or “high-fidelity” or something like that. Any of the “good” brands are probably going to work just fine. (Read the reviews if you’re unsure.) Most brands seem to include multiple eartip sizes in the package so you can choose the right fit.

        Beyond that, there is some element of personal preference. For example, I first tried Etymotic’s classic triple-flange version and didn’t like how deep they stuck into my ears. It felt invasive. But the dual-flange model feels great for me.

        And finally, there are different options for how much attenuation (noise reduction) you want. Like I mentioned, my “-16dB average attenuation” earplugs feel good for small/medium venues (a backroom venue of a bar, maybe a theater). For a larger venue (arena or stadium, or even just a really loud loud theater) you’d definitely want more significant average attenuation, probably in the low-to-mid twenties.

        Most earplugs will be confusingly marketed with multiple attenuation values. One will be an official NRR value, which is apparently required but controversial, and the other(s) will be the average and/or peak decibel reduction “when the product is used correctly” as reported by the manufacturer. It seems people don’t talk about the NRR as often. But it’s fun that they’ve made it more complicated for us to compare products.

        I should also mention that if you’re a performing musician or hardcore concert-goer, you may consider springing for custom-molded earplugs, which are way pricier. I haven’t made that upgrade yet, but everyone who does seems to think it’s life-changing.

        This got long, sorry!

      • RinseDrizzle@midwest.social
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        1 year ago

        +1 for Eargasm. The real MVP is the keychain carrying case which ensures I never leave home without em. As a drummer, DJ, and loud music enthusiast they’re one of my best purchases ever. I genuinely forget they’re in sometimes, but then I’ll take em out and it makes a big difference. Awesome quality of sound, just less damage.

    • iRyu@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      For anyone reading this, I definitely recommend Earasers. I have spent the better part of my life around really loud music things, especially because of my job. These things work wonders and are incredibly comfortable and low profile

    • Damaskox@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I have done this same thing. My hearing is a bit hypersensitive and these kinds of headphones have helped me in many different, loud situations!

    • AlgonquinHawk@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      I’ve been using my AirPods Pro 2 at races. They seem to work exceptionally well with noise cancellation on.

    • FrostKing@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Went to my first concert recently—I loved it, but immediately knew I should have bought a pair of these.

    • FederatedSaint@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Even regular earplugs at a loud concert work amazingly well for me. I can still hear conversation (people yelling over the music) but the deafening volume of the concert is brought down to acceptable levels.

      I don’t understand why concerts are so loud. They’re just…so, so fucking loud…

  • nbailey@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    If you have a car get a dashcam. It’s more valuable than any insurance because it will definitively prove what happened when something goes wrong. Bonus: you can post videos of bad drivers doing stupid things on the internet for imaginary points.

  • Jazsta@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    A bidet. You can install it yourself in 20 minutes and enjoy a lifetime of cleaner buttholes and save on tp.

  • UnfortunateBlaster69@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    A bike. Poor people in underdeveloped countries can use it to get access to education and markets, while people from developed countries can ise it to keep healthy and reduce their environmental footprint

    • ∟⊔⊤∦∣≶@lemmy.nz
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      1 year ago

      I was going to say that, but out of the 6 bikes in the garage none of them are under $100 even second hand.

      In fact I would advise against getting a cheap shitty bike that isn’t going to last. Spend the extra money, get something good. It’s better for the environment and your wallet in the long run.

      • Atemu@lemmy.ml
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        1 year ago

        I’ve driven “good” bikes all my life. Aluminium frame, disc brakes, fancy suspension, 3x9 gears. That sort of thing.

        Wanna know what my best biking experience was? Riding a steel frame, 3-speed dutch-style rental omafiets with no suspension and regular-ass brakes on a vacation. That thing was hella comfortable, sturdy as a brick and convenient.

        If I lived in a not fully car-brained city where you can safely bike and was tight on money, I’d absolutely buy an old cheap used regular-ass steel frame bike with no frills and use the hell out of it until it’s irreparably broken. You can leave that thing standing in the rain, locked with just a frame lock (or perhaps even no lock at all) all without worrying that it might get damaged or stolen because there isn’t much to damage or steal in the first place.

        I also don’t see how buying a “good” bike in any way helps the environment when the alternative is re-using something that’s already been built and successfully used before.

        I love my 2000€ Brompton that I daily-drive but I’d be nearly as happy with a 100€ bike like I described above. You don’t get more bike when you go above that price point, you only get a more fancy bike.

          • Atemu@lemmy.ml
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            1 year ago

            Oh I’m sure the one I rode cost a lot more than that, I just took that as an example for a super basic bicycle. Point being that this super basic one was better in many ways than the fancy one at home.

            I was also not talking about getting a “good” omafiets either; that was, like, the whole point.

        • Aux@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          You don’t need an expensive bike for commuting, but for the sake of your health DO NOT DO any sports on cheap bikes! Repairing your skull is not fun. Different bikes for different rides!

        • 𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏@lemmy.one
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          1 year ago

          I’m really jealous of the Brommie’s folding mechanism.

          I currently use a full size Dutch-style bike, but been keeping my eyes out for a secondhand folder for easy travelling, once I can swallow the price 🥲

        • IonAddis@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Steel vs. aluminum might very well depend on how big you are, and if you’re a guy or gal.

          I’m small and the weight difference between aluminum and steel is significant enough that I’ll never go back to steel if I can help it. Basically, with aluminum I can carry groceries and such easier b/c the bike itself is lighter.

          Large folks with lots of muscle might not see this difference, however.

        • UnfortunateBlaster69@feddit.de
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          1 year ago

          Here in Germany you can get a second hand bike for free. In the UK I used to be able to get one for about 50£…My current one is quite fancy, and I got it for 180€, so I don’t think it’s impossible to find it cheap and good.

    • teft@startrek.website
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      1 year ago

      I have a bike in a city and it’s faster than the cars. The cars are always stuck in traffic as I fly by. Bikes are the best.

    • corm@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      I was gonna say this.

      $100 on craigslist or a local bike refurbishing place (where I got mine) will get you something that will last for years.

      Throw in a $15 bike lock, a cheap returned helmet, and a $5 rear bike light and you’re set for life.

    • FrostKing@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      If you live in America, there are certainly a lot of things to consider on this point; mainly whether cycling in your area is even safe—obviously the ideal solution would be to move to an area with safer cycling, but that’s not an option for everyone—and I’d much rather someone not cycle than die because their area has horrible roads for cycling and they didn’t think about that. Check the safety of your area, and consider moving to a safer area for cycling if necessary (Or if you’re in it for the long haul, consider pitching in the community and trying to lead it towards a safer cycling future)

  • LeateWonceslace@reddthat.com
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    1 year ago

    3 dozen pairs of identical socks. Mine are black crew cut. I’ll wear them until the last few pairs are worn through and I’ll never have a sock without a mate.

    • Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 year ago

      And a disaster kit, tailored to the most common disasters in your region. If you have a first aid kit you already have a large portion of what it needs!

    • Landrin201@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      Very important that whatever first aid kit you get has a tourniquet, or that you buy one separately.

      They are easily the most important life saving device in any first aid kit. 99% of the time you won’t need it for normal cuts but when you are dealing an injury that needs one you WILL regret not having one.

  • Mr_1077@monero.town
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    1 year ago

    A fire extinguisher can be found for less than 100 USD and is a must-have. A smoke detector is also a bare minimum in my opinion.

  • kostel_thecreed@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    A water kettle. Doesn’t have to be any fancy one, but it really fucking rocks for anything you might think of : want hot water for tea? No problem. Need hot water to steep something? No problem.

    Most mid-range ones are insanely power efficient too, often being alot better than just boiling water on a stovetop, or using a microwave. And, depending on insulation, heat can be stored for over 6! hours.

  • ch00f@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Maybe specific, but if you do any DIY housework, get an endocscope. Baiscally, a 10 foot long flexible wire with a camera and light at the end. Uses your phone as a screen. Can be had for <$50. So many of my house projects would have been impossible without it. Also good for finding stuff under the couch.

  • Aussiemandeus @lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The Haynes manual for your car. Even if you’re not a mechanic they are so detailed they will walk you through fixing almost anything, they’re made for the laymen. I’m a diesel mechanic and even i own one for my cars.

    When friends buy a new car i buy them a Haynes manual.

    They don’t do them for ever single car in the world and the coverage isn’t as great on later model stuff but if you own s car 5 years or more old they’re great.

    https://haynes.com/en-au/?gclid=CjwKCAjww7KmBhAyEiwA5-PUSuYaLa8Lf9OzVI6z-fuUXN0lI7Wo2VP6vV-gXqGiDAJzVaogwRctThoChAIQAvD_BwE

    • Shrek@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      And not that one that’s been sitting there for many years. They need to be replaced and you need to know how to use them.