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Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: July 20th, 2023

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  • Yeah, it’s cheap. Sorry for the lack of clarity and brevity. Lol.

    I couldn’t get any faster than about a minute and a half using the beginner method so I decided to try learning CFOP. At first I got way slower because there are more algorithms to remember but I saw how some others have modified it a bit to make it simpler and practiced when I could (i.e. watching TV like you lol) and now I can solve it in about a minute.

    That’s clearly not competitive in any way but I’m really just competing against myself so I’m happy with any Improvement. That’s light years better than where I started and to people that don’t know there are 11-year-olds online doing it in 8 seconds, my one minute is pretty impressive! 😂 Happy cubing, my friend!


  • I got a couple Rubik’s cubes for my kids a few years ago for nostalgia and they didn’t want anything to do with them once they realized it wasn’t easy to fix.

    I tried to encourage them to keep plugging at it but they said “how am I supposed to do this if you can’t?” I realized they had a point so I downloaded an illustrated book that takes you step by step through the beginner method, and after a couple of hours I solved it!

    I felt like I had climbed Everest and the first thing my kids did was scramble it again as soon as I showed them. That was the beginning of me getting into cubing as a hobby, and I have to say it’s one of the LEAST expensive hobbies I’ve ever been a part of!

    Like with any hobby there are entry-level cubes and then enthusiast cubes that are more feature-rich and expensive. But the Delta between the two is surprisingly small. The cube that I use the most is one that has won world records and it was about $20 I think?

    I have bought several variations of the 3X3 and other form factors. I have also bought a few as gifts as well as a Bluetooth connected cube with an accompanying robot and I don’t think I’ve spent more than $300-$350 total for the lifetime of the hobby.

    That said you could easily be competitive with a world class cube, a timer, a mat, and some “Cube Lube” for maintenance all for about $60-$80 no prob. It’s about the only hobby I have my wife fully endorses, lol.


  • Right on, my big-footed brother! Xero brand is a good option if you are ever interested in something a little more athletic or casual than your go-to boots. Barefoot shoes take getting used to in general, so keep that in mind. In particular, leading with the heel when walking quickly and especially running can be uncomfortable so you may need to adjust your stride a bit. Also you feel everything under your feet, which would be a huge contrast compared to your boots. In the end it’s worth it for better foot strength and less pain.


  • I second this. I have huge feet (US men’s 15 extra wide) and after a lifetime of cramming my feet into shoes that fit “good enough” I’m developing bunions along with other aches and issues. After a particularly painful weekend on my feet I decided to see if the Internet had any suggestions and I fell down the barefoot shoe rabbit hole. I initially balked at the price and styling of most brands I saw but the cheaper options simply didn’t come in my size. I decided to go for it and got a pair of Xero shoes since they make a men’s 15 that isn’t too hideous and I haven’t looked back. Best decision I have made in the last 2 years.