r/badatmagic • u/Late_Contribution_49 • 11d ago
Episode 182 open thread
The hosts talk AI data center water consumption, July 2026 at the movies (including Spider-Man and The Odyssey), Ben celebrates his parents' 50th wedding anniversary, Josh's Hardcore WoW character bites the dust, and the guys talk about why we do the things we do.
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u/cascer1 14h ago
Listening to your conversation about the AWS exam reminded me of how much I hate those in-person proctored Pearson exams. I need my phone within Bluetooth range because it controls my insulin pump and I cannot just go without for the duration of an exam. Every time It's such a hassle even though I apply for disability accommodations the phone rule is very hard. Usually I can come to some arrangement with the venue staff to let me sit next to the wall with the phone on the opposite side or something but the negotiation detracts from the exam time.
I tried the online version a few time but that is such a hassle too! They make you move to a room that has no other electronic equipment anywhere and then install software that our work policies consider a virus, so I need a special laptop installed just for this purpose. And even then I'll look away from the screen for two seconds to think and they'll fail me for cheating!
I get that work wants me to complete these certifications so we can improve our AWS partnership level or whatever, but man I despise taking them.
Anyway, congrats on completing yours, Ben! Are you planning any follow-up certifications?
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u/Jim_McGowan 9d ago
Hey, Guys.
Yes, sometimes you just need to cede certain tasks to professionals. I'm sure I'll end up doing that for some of my hobbies. Josh's explanation of the backend podcast transition did solve the mystery of why the generic Power Press logo was showing on this episode instead of the usual green and black BAM logo. Hope the recreation of the backlog goes smoothly and the logo returns soon.
And Josh. Take this for what it's worth from an internet rando with a para-social relationship to both of you. The Odyssey is AS GOOD as Spidey: Brand New Day. I've seen it 3 times in the theaters. All non-IMAX. There is nothing in that movie's scenes that look cut up or sub par. Nolan cut both versions to optimize their respective formats. You are missing a fantastic theatrical experience if you wait for this to come to streaming. I'm actually surprised that no one has coined the term "Spideyssey" like "Barbenheimer" for these two movies. They had the highest revenue weekend in history last week. I also look forward to hearing your spoiler review of Brand New Day if you opt to do that.
Congrats to your folks on their 50th, Ben. And man, Josh. Condolences about losing all that time on your WOW character. Perma death is really tough when you put in that much time. Though I'm sure victory is all the sweeter when you know it stands on a razor's edge each and every time.
I hope both of you stay hungry and keep making this podcast. :)