Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#61

Post by kashif » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:34 PM UTC

cynicalkane wrote: post #18

I'd like to tout an increasingly rare hobby among younger people (non-retirees): Bridge, the card game. It has a rule structure and that hidden-information element that appeals to nerds, but it forces you to think critically and rationally instead of analytically (usually--opportunities for highly analytical plays pop up), and forces you to be able to relate with another person both at and away from the table, since…

I play bridge too. http://bridgebaseonline.com is my online bridge resource. For those who want to get started this is a basic bidding overview - http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~hde/bidding.htm

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#62

Post by failquicker » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:35 PM UTC

mrduncan wrote: post #30

cynicalkane wrote: post #18

I'd like to tout an increasingly rare hobby among younger people (non-retirees): Bridge, the card game. It has a rule structure and that hidden-information element that appeals to nerds, but it forces you to think critically and rationally instead of analytically (usually--opportunities for highly analytical plays pop up), and forces you to be able to relate with another person both at and away from the table, since…

Based on a CNBC special I saw a year or two ago, I believe Warren Buffett is also regular bridge player.

I can back this up as being a true statement. He regularly plays bridge (and ping pong)on the Sunday following the Shareholders meeting. He does it out in public for people to watch. He is also a pretty strong advocate of the game.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#63

Post by graugrau » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:38 PM UTC

yan wrote: post #19

I am a rock climber and have met or seen at least half dozen people on HN who also climb. Can't say enough nice things about it, gorgeous hobby. edit: I was also curious about this, and created a similar thread a while ago: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=862139

Is rock climbing something you can do alone? (Indoors rock climbing or something similar, at least? I guess outdoors climbing by yourself would be pretty dangerous =P.) It's something I've wanted to get into, but I prefer solo activities.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#64

Post by failquicker » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:41 PM UTC

I'm really into metal casting. Got into a few years ago by bastardizing a kiln I found on craigslist. Have since moved on to building my own propane furnaces and rigging old microwaves to melt copper. I don't know that I'm actually any "good" at it, but I do enjoy it a lot. I like working with a material that you have to respect highly or it will burn a hole straight through you. And I have been able to cast some rudimentary parts(housings, pulllies) that have been used on other hackeresque projects.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#65

Post by mfalcon » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:42 PM UTC

Playing tennis/paddle, writing, reading. I've a growing interest for astronomy so it's the next thing to incorporate in my life.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#66

Post by Glide » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:44 PM UTC

mullr wrote: post #14

Guitar, studying japanese, and recently started lindy hop. #2 and #3 are complementary, and #1 helps #3.

I've done Lindy Hop for about 4 to 5 years now. I love it. It'll be no time when you'll be able to swing out to Shiny Stockings and Jumpin at the Woodside.

And if #1 helps #3 I can assume you're a Django Reinhardt fan.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#67

Post by nfnaaron » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:46 PM UTC

Crossfit.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#68

Post by jcnnghm » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:46 PM UTC

Boating in general. In particular, I love wakeboarding, and I have a stand-up jet ski. The stand-up is my favorite. An 800cc, 80hp engine producing 700lbs of thrust in a <400lb fueled vehicle is pretty intense. There is nothing like going 50mph standing an inch off the water.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#69

Post by pashields » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:48 PM UTC

graugrau wrote: post #63

yan wrote: post #19

I am a rock climber and have met or seen at least half dozen people on HN who also climb. Can't say enough nice things about it, gorgeous hobby. edit: I was also curious about this, and created a similar thread a while ago: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=862139

Is rock climbing something you can do alone? ( Indoors rock climbing or something similar, at least? I guess outdoors climbing by yourself would be pretty dangerous =P.) It's something I've wanted to get into, but I prefer solo activities.

Indoor bouldering is the loner's form of climbing. Outdoor is feasible too, but even with the small falls I worry about someone being totally alone. Bouldering does tend to be a little more intimidating and requires more upper-body strength, but just take your time and you'll get the hang of it.

Re: Ask HN: Hacker Hobbies?

#70

Post by matwood » Sat, May 15, 2010, 4:53 PM UTC

roel_v wrote: post #26

MMA. In my experience the technical sophistication and methodical nature of submission setups appeals to people who are abstract thinkers. Many people need to get over the bar brawler reputation though :) Don't worry, most practitioners are a lot smarter than the typical Tapout fan :)

I agree. I only do BJJ anymore, since really I'm too old to get punched in the face now :) I look at BJJ as a kinda of physical chess match. Every move has a counter and so on, with the question being can you execute it given how physically and mentally tired you might be at that moment.