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Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

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81–90 of 137 posts

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#81
Bowling. If I had to pick only one thing to do it would be this. My goal is to be competitive on the PBA Tour. I'm averaging 220 right now, but that needs to be closer to 235-240 to be competitive.

My other big hobby is music. http://thesixtyone.com/abledanger

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#83
Lindy hop, it's wicked fun! I've been going once a week for a few months now and did a half day workshop last weekend.

http://www.swingland.com/

And I do a bit of drumming, although have been a bit lazy lately. Mostly my hobbies have revolved around music. I enjoy hiking too but haven't been out too much recently. Tried surfing for the first time recently. I was crap at it but it was still good fun. Must go back.

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#85
post #80

Learning Portuguese, studying physics for fun/knowledge, learning how to build an auto engine, and training for private pilot's certificate.

How far long are you on your license (and physics for that matter)? I took my break earlier this year right before stage 1 check, hoping to return soon.

Just started the "instrument rating" section in the following book: Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training

Excellent book that should end up saving me lots of actual flying time in preparation for the certification test.

As for physics, I'm re-taking the first calc-based physics course (online) at UNC Charlotte this fall. Just enjoying studying the basics again. I'll probably take 1-2 classes per semester until I can get a degree in it. May go for masters, not sure yet.

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#86
post #66
post #51

I highly recommend fencing. It's a spectacular workout, and the three different weapons provide unique experiences, one of which will certainly cater to your intellect or personality. Foil is highly strategic, épée is much less rules-oriented and the most like a "real" duel of the three, and sabre is extremely fast-paced. The only downside is that competing can get expensive, but the exposure to so many different fen…

I fenced in school and enjoyed it, but as for being a workout I was always bothered by how it's so asymmetrical. I'm right handed and so it didn't work my left arm nearly as much.

>>asymmetrical

You can say the same about tennis... I wouldn’t worry. You can also try "period" fencing (look up "SCA"). The rules are different: if you are "wounded" on the right arm, you have to switch to the left. There is also two-handed fencing (longsword).

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#87
post #27
post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Upvoted for beer & foreign languages, but at the risk of starting One Of Those Debates; why the video game hate?

At the risk of not conveying mahmud's true reasons, I'd like to chime in since I share all of his hates. If I had to pick a reason to hate video games, I'd say because they are mental sugar. They are a huge time sink and when you are playing video games you are not partaking in other things that I (and maybe the OP) attribute more value to, like socializing, exercising, or a number of other activities.

Video games can potentially improve hand eye coordination, spacial reasoning, and reflex times. There have been experiments that have shown that doctors who played video games growing up, were more skilled in surgery. Perhaps just a correlation and not causation, but definitely something to consider.

I also think I'm a better driver because I play games, and better at understanding sports.

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#88
post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How far long are you on your license (and physics for that matter)? I took my break earlier this year right before stage 1 check, hoping to return soon.

Just started the "instrument rating" section in the following book: Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training Excellent book that should end up saving me lots of actual flying time in preparation for the certification test. As for physics, I'm re-taking the first calc-based physics course (online) at UNC Charlotte this fall. Just enjoying studying the basics again. I'll probably take 1-2 classes per…

FWIW, there isn't much instrument training for your private certificate. You basically just need to be able to understand VOR navigation, manage attitude and speed, and navigate based on instructions from the tower using your instruments.

They pretty much want to give you the skills needed to get help and get back on the ground if you find yourself in a bad situation. And to not overreact and stall or spin yourself into the ground because you didn't trust the instruments.

With that said, there isn't such a thing as knowing too much about flying. But if your aircraft isn't IFR equipped (and lots of rentals aren't), you won't be able to practice much more than the above.

Re: Ask HN: What are your (non-hn-related) hobbies?

#90
post #54

Sailing and skiing. I have really gotten into sailing recently, especially racing. There is so much beauty, skill, and thinking in the sport. I am a huge f1 fan. I either go to a meetup to watch the race (normally at 7am). Normally in addition I download a British feed of Friday practice 1 and 2 (speedtv only shows p2), Saturday p3, and qualifying. F1 has a lot of political intrigue, tactics and technology. I'm not i…

Same here for sailing. Just got into it a few months ago. I love how intellectual the skills required for the sport are, and the long tradition of seamanship. Also one thing that appeals to the nerd side of me is there is so much specialized sailing vocabulary to learn, and I'm now beginning to read more on the topic on the physics of sailing

One bonus also is it's a very social sport. I don't have my own boat, so joined a local sailing co-op/club here in Minneapolis. Now that I've passed my "skipper tests" I'm free to take out their fleet of boats (about 12) anytime I like. I get to sail with other skippers twice a week, and learn from their experience. Most everyone is incredibly nice.

Unfortunately the seasons is just about up here, we're pulling the boats off the water this Saturday :(

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