So most people here seem to be into things that most people in our age group would be into. Video games, technology, activism, art etc. I want to know something interesting that you do, collect, make, etc.
I personally consider myself an amateur vexillologist. I love studying the origins of flags and have a huge collection. I also like to design my own flags for fun.
So hubski, whats some of the stuff your into?
I have been told that I am very hard to read emotionally. On the same coin, I am apparently very good at recognizing why people do the things they do. I don't know if that's true or not. I can say that if it is, it's because I listen more than I talk. Makes observing the way people act easy to do.
You ever consider a career in sales? People often think that it's the talkers/gabbers that make good salespeople but really, it's the people that know how to listen. It's a powerful thing!
Haha, nah I haven't, but it does make sense. How can you make the sale if you don't know what they want? I notice it when I pick up my sister from high school. Everybody sort of just...talks over each other because they want to be heard more than anything else. Doesn't really feel like conversation to me, haha. Hope I wasn't like that in HS.
I get the same thing about emotions. It's funny because I'm normally all cheery and happy so when I'm thoughtful about something and stare into space, everyone gets really worried and asks me what's wrong and why I'm so sad. Fun stuff.
I cashier at a gas station, and it's given me an interest in coins. All started when I found a "weird quarter" in my drawer - it was 1964. Looked it up, found out it was silver, and ever since then I've built my collection, almost entirely out of stuff I've pulled out of circulation. It's not a huge collection in the slightest, probably less than 50 coins. But it's a lot of silver.. 5-6 war nickels, about 8 each of various silver dimes and quarters, a 40% silver half, and two silver morgan dollars that somebody wanted to trade for dollar bills. Besides those, I have a few oddities - a proof quarter (which I found within the last week, actually) and a quarter with one of the faces peeling off. All of these pulled out of circulation because of that one quarter I found years ago. I don't really have a lot of other major interests, though - I dabble in conlangs from time to time, and pen-and-paper games, but nothing to the extent of my coin collecting.
I try not to stand out I would love if when going about life, day to day, I would never have to stand out. Sort of like how most of nature doesn't really stand out, that's why instead of describing individual pieces we say "the scenery is nice" I want to be scenery, but not the photographed scenery, but like secret scenery, the type that only a few know about and the regulars are just lovers who go there and make memories together.
I think you have the title of a poem/song/short story there. I like the sentiment, you should expand upon it somehow.I want to be scenery
I have a record label, and I've put out one release on it. I'm currently working on some acoustic music and also some lo-fi stuff. I'm also a college radio DJ which is interesting in and of itself.
Oh god, the name, the name... Thank you for making me laugh.
Long story short, many beers were consumed for the sake of creativity and it was either Dadstache Records or Bananarchist Records. I'm still kind of partial to the latter. Glad you like the name, and glad you liked the tunes NewlyLostAgain! Were you referring to my music in particular or the other stuff we've released?
What, Bananarchist Records could have existed? Dadstache is nice to but... Bananarchist!
Your stuff is really cool. Has a very nostalgic but at the same time fresh vibe to it.
Probably the only thing about me that stands out is that I avoid wearing footwear.
I tend to be the opposite. I hate when my bare feet touch a floor that isnt carpeted.
I have a decent collection of sci fi books. Does that count? Of course I donated like 2 boxes worth so my collection looks a little more barren now. I also like robotics and have a tendency to tear apart old electronics to see what I can make. Since I moved I don't really have anymore of my frankenstein monsters but I plan on hitting up some rummage sales to see if I can replenish my stock.
First of all, I don't think I qualify for this question as I am definitely older than the age group you are referencing. But there are definitely things I do that most people in my "age group" do not. Most notably making music, but also I would put working on Hubski in that list too, as well as the #tngpodcasting that I do with steve. Also, I would like to see one of the flags you have designed and would be interested to know what sort of thoughts and considerations go in to flag designing.
Very cool, I make music as well, and I'll be sure to follow what you post here.
This is going to be a very long comment but here goes: When it comes to flags, simplicity seems to be key, but most people agree that all flags should fall under these five categories: 1. Keep it Simple Too much on a flag clutters it and makes it hard to spot and identify from a distance. Japan has a beautiful, simple, easily identifiable flag. Where as, the flag of Milwaukee is far too busy 2. Use meaningful symbolism It should be representative, without question, and should reflect geographic, political, or national themes. Ukraine's flag does this perfectly, with the yellow representing wheat fields and the blue representing the sky The old Libyan flag is the opposite. Boring, doesn't share the pan African colors of many flags, or the pan Islamic colors. 3.Use 2-3 basic contrasting colors Too many colors in anything can lead to poor design. When designing a flag, colors play a big role. They must accent each other without using too many colors or clashing colors. Germany's flag has bold, distinguishable, colors that complement each other nicely. Dominica has a pretty cluttered flag with many bizarre patterns.
4. Avoid lettering and seals Flags, especially national ones, should be able to be viewed by anyone, anywhere and be instantly recognizable. Lettering alienates non native speakers, and seals tend to break the clutter rule. New Mexico is a great example of representing its people and heritage without clutter or lettering Wisconsin on the other hand has not only lettering, but a seal as well. Most US states have terribly designed flags. 5. Be distinctive or be related Flags should either stand out vividly, or should show a common theme for its geographic region, political stance, culture etc. Nordic Cross flags do this excellently. They all have the same design, but the colors and dimensions all have meaning. Norway & Sweden A bad example of this is Indonesia. Not only is it the same flag as Monaco, but also shares similar design with Poland.
Mind you, there are exceptions to these, but these are a good rule of thumb when designing a flag. Below are some that I have designed personally: Based on England's flag and a Nordic Flag
A French-Swedish Colony Combined the flag of the UK with Jamaica Hope everyone had a good read!
I dig your work, it's clean and crisp. I agree with all of your examples of good/bad flags. My home state of Michigans flag is a bit too busy IMO but it's so familiar to me that I like it. It reminds me of my uncles that hunt. 
Thanks, and thats cool that the flag can still represent something to you. My city had a pretty bad flag Philadelphia But I still kind of like it, due to the colors.
I love your take on the English flag. Is this something you just one day decided to look into or was there a catalyst?
Thank you! Honestly, since I was very young I enjoyed maps, and flags, but never really looked into it. Once I got older, and found out about Vexillology, (via reddit) I was hooked. I have a collection of 35 various flags from around the world. Each week I display one in my living room on a blank wall. I try to incorporate it around certain holidays (Irish flag for St. Patricks day, Mexican flag for Cinco de Mayo etc)
Wow. It's fascinating how certain things just click with people in a way that makes that want to hold on to a subject for the rest of their lives.. Do you have a least favourite? I'm curious if there's a country that just sucks at flag-creation.
My favorite flag in the world is the flag of the Faroe Islands I think its just gorgeous, elegant, and vibrant. Honestly, the US is pretty bad when it comes to state/city flags. Either you get something beautiful like Maryland
or Tennessee Or its the opposite and you get a design abomination like West Virginia Or Montana
It is also argued that any flag with text on it is bad, so some of the Islamic groups and former soviet countries had text on the flag which is considered bad flag design.
I just want to say thank you for teaching me about an area of design I knew nothing about. This was really interesting! Cheers!
No problem! I could talk about this stuff all day!
I learned a lot from the reddit /r/vexillology forum. So much information in the side bar. Also, google and wiki work really well for just looking up history of flags.
Okay so you inspired me to start a vexillology blog :D http://vexillogic.blogspot.com/
I actually like their flag for how unique it is. Like Switzerland and their square flag.
While it uses many colors, the corner "Ray" design is so unique. I like it!
I have an affinity for old electronics - or at least that particular aesthetic. There is something very homely and welcoming about the classic beige behemoth monitors and accessories of yesteryear. Maybe that's just my nostalgia talking. I'm itching to bust out this Model M I bought on Amazon a while back, but I have yet to find and assemble a desk that will fit it!
I love playing guitar, covers mostly. I've only just started trying to write my own stuff, at partially inspired by my recent first break up. I have a strong interest in 1960s/70s folk music so if if anyone is looking recommendations I'd be more than happy to oblige. I'm also really into psychology, sociology and gender studies, I love trying to understand what makes people tick and looking at that in the context of society. Also I'm a guy that's into feminism, I don't know many other guys IRL who identify as one. Redefining masculinity and gender roles are also things I like to think about.
Very cool. What do you mean by redefining masculinity?
Thank you. I think the main thing would be making it more acceptable for men to exhibit qualities traditionally deemed feminine like empathy. Sociologist Michael Kimmel came up with idea of the 'act like a man box' that men have to fit into. If men step outside the box they can be verbally and physically abused. Toxic masculinity or Hegemonic masculinity are variations of masculinity which harm men and others.
Welp, here we go. I'm tall. Not so tall that I feel uncomfortable around people, but tall enough that I stick out and I've always been "the tall guy." On top of that, I'm lanky and skinny. Finding me in a crowd is never a problem. When people talk to me, one thing always stands out to them. I tend to be pretty direct/blunt. If someone asks me a question, no matter what it may be, I will absolutely give a clear and honest answer every time. When someone asks me what I'm interested in, I'm likely to launch into a spiel about my love of technology. I love learning about anything from operating systems to cryptocurrency. This usually surprises people; I apparently don't fit the stereotypical appearance of most technologically-inclined teenagers. My voice is pretty damn deep, and it has been so since the end of the fifth grade. Most people thought I was faking at first, but over the years they have realized I simply hit puberty early. My deep voice has definitely contributed to my ability to tolerate people over the years. I also had a boyfriend last year, and people seem surprised when they see me with bonjourdemain, who is female.
When I had a deep voice in middle school, I was an uncommon person. Most boys' voices hadn't dropped at all yet. My voice dropped significantly, immediately after elementary schooling. I guess that's what starting puberty at the age of eight will do to you. People tend to act hellish towards those who are different. I took flak from many different people through those years of middle school for being different, but the flak I took only increased my tolerance of others.
I sort of stood out due to my height (or lack of it), as well and got picked on throughout the school years. I always thought my tolerance of other people might've come from being often shunned myself. Not that I was a total outcast or anything, but different enough —short, skinny and silent— to stand out, which makes me feel for others who differ from the majority.I took flak from many different people through those years of middle school for being different, but the flak I took only increased my tolerance of others.
I write fiction sometimes. All of it is currently only for myself, i.e. private, more out of a lack of coherent material than a fear of rejection. I'm looking forward to when my brain finally puts out stories longer than 900 words; it's a running theme that I write something one night, like it, and then never touch it or look at it again. It's good for catharsis, but not for my long term aspirations of publication (right now I don't even have the dinner parties, just lots of Dominos pizza with my girlfriend). It's fun though, even if I'm not taking it as seriously as I could. I've made the decision to quit my job and do a Creative Writing MA next year to give myself a much needed push. I also am a 23-year-old English man who loves hip-hop, especially cerebral tracks like Jay Electronica's 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'. It's not THAT strange, especially considering how much Kanye and Jay-z (Kanye Stan here) dominate the pop culture over here in a lot of ways, but I often get confused looks when people see my Spotify.
Cool! What themes do your stories use typically?
Anxiety is the simple answer, solely because I know it pretty well. People in my day to day life tend to think of me as a mellow guy; a girl at work has a photo of me with the definition of 'nonchalant' pinned next to it. Nope. I'm on seroxat after having anxiety attacks during my third year of university. An example: the last thing I wrote was an interpretation of Telemachus as a worry-ridden man who watches his slaves talk to each other to calm his busy mind. Every day he walks across his grounds and becomes trapped in a bubble of liquid that seeps out through cracks in his skull. He drowns. It's a not-so-subtle metaphor for what the attacks felt like. It's very strange typing this out, as I don't normally talk about it except in very abstract terms. Have you ever tried writing? I ask because the maps seem like a creative outlet.
Never really gave it a shot, though I do write music, so that helps with stuff like that.
Do you have any online to link to? No worries if not, I'm just curious.
Not currently, as my guitarist has all the raw files on his laptop. Kind of like the cure meets blink 182 ish if I had to categorize it.