What's the most unexpected hobby or interest you have outside of coding?

[Dani]

I asked ChatGPT for some interesting conversation starters and it suggested this. However, the more I think about it, the less I can come up with something! I enjoy walks on nature trails, but hiking is huge amongst techies in the Bay Area. My husband plays DDR regularly for exercise, but that has a cult following amongst nerdy people. He enjoys gardening, but that's him and not me. I love binge watching TV, but I'm all about sci-fi, and so that's not exactly unexpected for a techie either. Then I started thinking about the girly things I like, but I'm very much not into fashion or makeup or anything like that. Perhaps I'm just so stereotypical it isn't even funny?

OK, you know what? I have a dog. I devote all my free time to her. Let's go with that. :)

[Reverend Jim]

My wife and I consume vast quantities of e-books. Mostly mysteries. But I used to be big into sci-fi. As a teen I loved the (at that time) biggies like Asimov, Heinlein (who has lost his shine the more I learn about him), Blish, Clarke, Herbert, Niven, Ellison, etc. A book I reread every few years is The Flying Sorcerers. It is both a parody/comedy and an homage to the classic sci-fi authors.

There were two series (what were called super-science) by E E "Doc" Smith. They were the Lensman and Skylark series. The concepts were amazing although the dialog was corny. I would rather see them adapted to TV with better dialog than what's been done to Foundation.

[toneewa]

A recent interest is the genome mapping of our DNA. The related pathways, vitamins, minerals, and 20 amino acids, associated with each gene. I wish they wouldn't gatekeep such great technologies for people to have a full mapping.

E.g., Celiac disease, if you don't have the genes HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, there's a 99% chance you don't have celiac. While 30-40% of the population has these, less than 3% will develop into celiac. Celiac disease people were found to have increased levels of seven amino acids: tryptophan, taurine, glutamic acid, proline, ornithine, alanine, and methionine. These findings suggest that the metabolism of amino acids could be responsible for the inflammation experienced by those with celiac disease. Research has also shown that individuals with celiac disease have a major reduction in their antioxidant levels due to a reduction in levels of glutathione.

[pritaeas]

Probably the most unexpected (for a die-hard old-fashioned technical programmer) would be Reiki. I feel like since I've been doing this, my master has introduced me into so many things that appear to have been missing from my life. So much is falling into place now, and I have a very different (and better) view of my life now.

[jkon]

Growing up in the 80's in an environment where nerds where literally punished I developed lots of skills to sugarcoat the fact that I had a computer , I was coding and I liked math. Most of them were various martial arts. Now in my late 40's I still enjoy physical activities , but more like running or swimming when my lateral epicondylitis let me do those ( I also have severe obstructive cardiomyopathy since kid that is classified as "why are you alive?" by doctors , but that never stopped me) . I have started categorize math and physics as "hobbies" even if math is a part of my job. I have also a long standing love for creating music that I don't really care if anyone else likes it ;)

Dani I believe that the LLM that you asked to give you ideas about a topic , was correct about the engagement such a topic would have , but not how it would work in the real world. These kind of topics are great to engage people but not to interact , and interaction is what forums is about.

[toneewa]

With "Tennis Elbow", it’s the tendons that connect these muscles to the bones that are primarily affected by this condition. Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are primarily composed of collagen, a protein that requires several key nutrients for its formation and function.

Vitamin A: It can help enhance collagen development.
Vitamin C: It may help collagen structure and ligament function. Vitamin C is also important because it helps increase collagen production.
Vitamin D: It helps increase bone mineral density and strengthens the skeletal muscles, improving the tendon-to-bone healing process.
Copper and Zinc: These trace minerals play a role in collagen production.
Magnesium: Diets low in magnesium have been linked to the degeneration of connective tissues, including tendons.
Manganese: This mineral is also important for ligament and tendon health.
Glycine and Proline: These are the major amino acids in tendon collagen.
Leucine, Glycine, Proline, and Cysteine: These amino acids can all synthesize collagen in your body.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Consuming high amounts of BCAAs can significantly reduce tightness and stiffness in your tendons.
Collagen: Supplementing with collagen peptides may help improve tendon strength and flexibility.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: They are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and several research shows the association between omega-3s and tendon health.
Protein, iron and calcium are good to help with strength and flexibility.

HOCM (Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy) is often caused by mutations in several genes that encode components of the contractile and apparatus of the heart muscle cells.

MYH7, MYPN, MYBPC3, Titin, TNNT2, TNNI3, ACTN2, MYOZ2, MuRF1 (TRIM63), OBSCN, MYOM2, MYLK2, CAV3, Mitocondrial tRNA (MTTG) and (MTTI). Glycine, isoleucine, histidine, lysine, calcium, CoeQ, and Quercetin were mentioned.

Curious if any other family members have had a history of this or diabetes.
One of my favorite martial art scenes is this.

[pritaeas]

OK, you know what? I have a dog. I devote all my free time to her. Let's go with that. :)

Pets are always fun. We have two dogs, two cats, a tortoise, a pond with fish and some chickens :)

[Dani]

Dani I believe that the LLM that you asked to give you ideas about a topic , was correct about the engagement such a topic would have , but not how it would work in the real world. These kind of topics are great to engage people but not to interact , and interaction is what forums is about.

I assume that what you're getting at is that, unlike topics that bring about a lot of back-and-forth discussion, this one is more so everyone responding individually to the initial question being asked of them. I would like to argue that, not only are both entirely useful forms of communication within a discussion forum, but that perhaps topics like these bring a slight advantage.

It's been my experience that, in the context of forum discussions, when you have a lot of back-and-forth going, it tends to be associated with more heated discussions, more emotional discussions, and the ilk. This is just my own personal experience, mind you. But I've just personally found that that the only way to drive that type of communication has been to have a discussion about something either polarizing or controversial.

On the other hand, I think that with these types of discussions, while it's true that all of the respondents aren't really talking amongst each other, but all rather responding to me, and only me, everyone is reading everyone else's replies. That means that we are all learning more about each other, and, perhaps subconsciously, growing the community just a tad stronger.

For example, now I know that you grew up in the 80s, as did I, and so from now on, when I read your posts, I'll have a picture of you in my mind's eye as listening to my peer. I also now know that you have a heart condition, and I can relate to you on that level as well. As far as I'm concerned, ChatGPT has done an awesome job at solving the problem statement I tasked it with, which was to come up with conversation starters that help to drive community.

[Reverend Jim]

and some chickens :)

Ah. A hobby with many layers ;-)

We've had at least one dog and one cat for more than 40 years, sometimes two of each. There is something very calming about having a cat curled up on your chest while reading (me, not the cat) or a dog (our favourite - Irish Setters) walking by your side, tail wagging (the dog, not me). Sadly, we no longer have the energy for a dog so now we have but a single cat.

[midnightbastet]

Reading and gaming mostly. Also playing with forex charts but it was not meant to me so no more crypto lol

[Dani]

Did you make any money with crypto?

[Chris_103]

Doggy Adventures: Share a recent memorable experience you had with your dog on a nature trail or a dog-friendly hiking spot. Talk about the sights, sounds, and smells that made the outing special.
Canine Companions: Discuss the unique bond you have with your dog and how they've impacted your life. Whether it's providing emotional support, companionship, or simply making you smile with their antics, there's always a heartwarming story to tell.
Paw-some Activities: Mention some fun activities you enjoy doing with your dog, like playing fetch, teaching new tricks, or exploring new dog parks. You might even have some amusing anecdotes or hilarious mishaps to share!