@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

zakalwe

@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com

Culture Special Circumstances, detached.

pp desc for vision impaired: The N7 (Systems Alliance Special Forces) Seal from the Mass Effect games.

Neuro-spicy. Aspie pretending (sometimes badly) to be human (at least, it often feels that way) while fighting depression and chronic insomnia. Aspiring mostly-SF writer, burned-out IT geek, humanist who wants to see us make at least a token effort to stop enshittifying our entire planet. Is there really anything so incredibly, soul-threateningly terrible about the idea of giving a shit about other people?

Something I said pissed you off? It may be a misunderstanding, I'm far from immune to foot-in-mouth disease. Please check with me before you assume it was malicious. It most likely wasn't. If I don't think you're someone worth talking to, I just won't talk to you in the first place, period.

Follow-backs: If you have something to say, sure. No posts? Nothing to say? What would be the point? In the words of @PatternChaser, "I don't follow back, I follow interesting." I'm trying to keep the signal-to-noise ratio in my feed high. Still, if you follow me and I see it, I will do my best to at least find time to look. I can't guarantee I won't miss it, I'm not awake 24/7.
(And sorry, but don't expect me to follow you if you're posting the same dozen posts, day in, day out, day after day after week after month. In fact I'll most likely mute you.)

Came here to put words into my mouth so you could attack me over something I didn't say? (Yeah, sadly, it's happened.) Just don't. I WILL block your ass. Nobody has time for that shit.

Geek Stuff: I run Gentoo Linux, and I maintain a personal overlay with packages for dev-perl/Tk-MListbox, sys-apps/procmeter3, net-misc/icbm, media-sound/perljammer, app-crypt/sherpa, and app-editors/xnedit. Of those, net-misc/icbm and media-sound/perljammer are my own projects.

#nobot #writer #geek #linux #mysql #Gentoo #nosystemd #science

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Mary625, to random
@Mary625@mstdn.social avatar

Whatever AI shit duckduckgo uses just told me that the Equal Rights Amendment was ratified in 1972

Who knew?

I really hate AI. The browser will not allow me to turn it off and stay off. Every time I open the browser, it's back on

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@Mary625 The integration of artificial stupidity has made web search almost useless.

I was trying to search earlier today for what features to look for in a good Vietnamese coffee maker — a phin. I could not convince the search that 'phin' was not a typo of 'phone'.

(I was eventually able to find a useful "10 Best" review by finding a different way to word the search query.)

I'll repeat this again — if you're using Google search, by adding one additional 'udm=14' parameter to the end of your search URL, you can get a search with no "AI", no ads, no "sponsored links". Just the facts, Ma'am.

RickiTarr, to random
@RickiTarr@beige.party avatar

Alright, lots of heavy discussions today, so let's talk about something silly!

What is a movie that always makes you laugh?

Personal pick:

Anything Mel Brooks, but Robin Hood: Men in Tights, it's just funny every time I watch it.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@RickiTarr Young Frankenstein!

[distant howl]
"Werewolf?"
"There, wolf. There, castle."

[crackle of sparks]
"Damn your eyes!"
"TOO LATE!"

TarkabarkaHolgy, to 13thFloor
@TarkabarkaHolgy@ohai.social avatar

So in honor of #PrideMonth

I am reading an article about how every time ancient art depicts a goddess as sexually alluring, they always get labeled a "goddess of fertility". Even when there is no indication of children, pregnancy, or anything fertile.

The article argues that some goddesses were deities of sex and pleasure, without the maternal fertility aspect.

I am like 🤯 🤯 I have a whole entire archaeology degree and we never addressed this...

#mythology #sex #religion #archaeology

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@TarkabarkaHolgy HERESY!!!

We see far too much of the past through a filter of our own prejudices at the time. It's like anything we don't understand the purpose of, or don't want to acknowledge the obvious purpose of, is a "ritual object".

The Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose is hilarious to tour. For a large variety of reasons, actually, not the least of which is how comically deadly serious they are about themselves. But there's one room that has several entire display cases filled with these tapering — and I DON'T mean conical, I mean organically tapering — textured cylinders of smooth, polished stone. And the po-faced museum guide stands there and pontificates about how they are doubtless some kind of ceremonial seals.

DUDE. LOOK at them. They are DILDOS. 🤣

DrALJONES, to random
@DrALJONES@mastodon.social avatar

Interview

Confusion Reigns After Biden Presents New "Ceasefire Proposal"

Biden says it's an Israeli proposal, but Netanyahu has yet to agree to it publicly.

"Biden may have employed constructive ambiguity about Israel’s position in order to bring the two sides closer to a deal," says Daniel Levy.

What's the guarantee, though, "that this is not just a 42-day hiatus followed by yet further death, killing, destruction that we still now see every day?”

https://www.democracynow.org/2024/6/3/ceasefire_proposal

..

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@DrALJONES @nus I don't think it's so much about AIPAC money as about a knowledge that Israel is one of the third rails of US politics, compounded by Biden's own admitted Zionist leanings. But there comes a point where even the most devoted Zionist has to admit to themselves that Netanyahu is doing the Zionist cause more harm than good. He is making Zionism a dirty word to the world and turning Israel into a pariah state.

flexghost, to random
@flexghost@mastodon.social avatar

** IT’S HERE! FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC THREAD ON #MastodonMusic **

Tonight’s theme is:

🧑‍⚖️⛓️⚖️ PRESIDENTIAL FELONIES 🚨🚔👮

—
🎵 Post songs having to do with crime/prison along with what you’re drinking. 🎶
—

I bet there's rich folks eatin in a fancy dining car
They're probably drinkin coffee and smoking big cigars
I know I had it coming I know I can't be free
But those people keep amovin
And thats what tortures me

🍷 Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues + Whiskey🍸

Post often • share • make some friends

video/mp4

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@flexghost https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5jczes_nMI

🎼 Well good morning judge, how are you today
I'm in trouble, please put me away
A pretty thing took a shine to me... 🎵

Don't have a drink yet. Trying to write.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@flexghost Huh. I'm having difficulty thinking of which Billy Joel song that might be. But I only have two of his albums, Stork Front and his Greatest Hits.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@flexghost Hmm. Nope, I'm not seeing that as based on I'm Not In Love. It reads to me as, look, you don't have to change anything for me, you're already perfect. Whereas I'm Not In Love is, like, OK, I am desperately in love with you but I can't admit it.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@flexghost Another good one, from a dude taken from us much too soon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2HH7J-Sx80

Shanitoba, to random
@Shanitoba@mastodon.social avatar

Dinner! Air Fryer Crispy Tilapia and Ground Cherry Fattoush Salad with Spiced Pita Chips. 😋

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@Shanitoba Looks tasty.

I'm making Little Hero's Beef tonight. (Orange and bites, like a Kzintosh. But only bites a little bit, so must be just a cub.)

zakalwe, to random
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

!!!!!!

Tip for the wise (and the less wise): DO NOT play the drinking game "One shot for each count."

Skepticat, to random
@Skepticat@mstdn.social avatar

DONALD TRUMP IS A FELON!!!🥳🥳🍾🥳🍾🥳🍾🥳🍾🥳🥳

UNANIMOUS GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS! 🔥🔥🔥

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@Skepticat W000000000000T!!!! ​:ablobfoxbongo:​​:ablobfoxbongo:​​:ablobfoxbongo:​​:ablobfoxbongo:​​:ablobfoxbongo:​

GottaLaff, to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

Of course.

Via Ryan Reilly:

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@GottaLaff "Why aren't they showing me here? I'm supposed to be on this!"

Nonilex, to Law
@Nonilex@masto.ai avatar

#TrumpTrial Thurs 30 May 2024 🧵#Deliberations continue

Justice #Merchan says he believes that the #jury wants him to repeat a significant portion of the #JuryInstructions.

He will read pages 6-35.

Each page yesterday took him just a little more than a minute, so this will take >30 mins.

Between that & the testimony readbacks, also expected to take >30 mins, there will likely be >1 hour this morning w/the jury in the courtroom, not actively deliberating.

#criminal #law #Trump

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@Nonilex Well we know Carlson is openly a Russian asset....

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@chrisU @Nonilex True, but very difficult to prosecute/convict, and the US has to be in an active state of declared war. (As best I understand it.)

GottaLaff, to random
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

The amazing Jamie #Raskin on how to force #Alito & #ClarenceThomas to recuse. #SCOTUS

Gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/opinion/alito-thomas-recuse-trump-jan-6.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v00.1DYU.BwyXypgGhMDF&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@GottaLaff Recusal would be a good start, but what's really needed is impeachment.

Waitnwallflower, to random
@Waitnwallflower@beige.party avatar

In case anyone remembers the threatening email I received (and griped about) that said I would be kicked out of the work system I've been working in for >6years if I didn't take introductory training (to which 1 literally says I did already and for which do not specify duration to take, have multiple modules, and must be physically manned to progress slide after slide as it reads to you):

The 10 day warning has come and gone. I received another warning email now. The clock has apparently been reset.

I'm dug in.

I remain firm on not taking unnecessary introductory training on a system I work in often and have worked to have tools implemented in.

I'm fighting the good fight, peoples.

Stop making us take bullshit trainings that waste our time for no good reason. Allow a demonstrated-skill option if you must, by skipping to test. Less than 5m, 5 or less relevant questions.

⏰️🗓

image/gif

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@Waitnwallflower I remember a colleague of mine being asked to demonstrate proficiency with some software tool or another, I forget offhand what.

His answer was three words. "I wrote it."

RickiTarr, to random
@RickiTarr@beige.party avatar

Is this what y'all think living with me is like?!

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@RickiTarr I hate small talk. If you're going to talk to me, don't make me do some empty formalized ritual dance, TALK to me. SAY something. Even if it's no deeper intellectually than "Hi honey, I love you."

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@RickiTarr to me, small talk is the sort of empty ritual social grease, where someone says, "Oh HI, how are you", and you know you're supposed to answer "Oh, fine, how about you", and FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT'S MERCIFUL don't actually answer the question unless you want to get a deer-in-the-headlights stare and a hurried "Oh, excuse me, how time flies, I need to go and varnish the cat."

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@skweetis @RickiTarr This sums it up EXACTLY.

"So how about that local sports team?"
"Which one?"
"Uh, the one with the ball ... I guess?"

zakalwe, to random
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

OK, so look, I'm seeing a lot of people who are really, really unhappy with how the current system in the US works.

And you're not wrong. It's bloody awful and has a staggering amount of room for improvement.

The troubling part of this is how many people think that the solution to this is to burn it all to the ground and start over.

Stop and think for a moment about where the power lies right now.

You are deluding yourself if you think that YOU are going to get to define the new system. It is going to be designed and built BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HOLD THE POWER. And it will have none of the protections that keep them from just doing that right now.

If you succeed in burning the existing system to the ground and starting over, what those people will build to replace it will ALMOST CERTAINLY be SO MUCH WORSE that I don't think you can even really imagine it. The people you are so violently opposed to WOULD JUST LOVE to see you burn it all to the ground.

That way, they get to build THEIR utopia on a clean sheet of paper with nothing to hold them back.

But it won't be YOUR utopia.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@angiebaby Believe me, we are 100% in agreement on Biden/Israel/Gaza.

But there ARE a lot of people on the nominal left who are seriously arguing with a straight face that the ONLY thing worth even TRYING to do is burn the entire existing system to the ground and start over.

evan, (edited ) to random
@evan@cosocial.ca avatar

Should citizens of your country who live abroad be allowed to vote in national elections?

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@evan It occurs to me that I possibly misinterpreted the question and thus cast a wrong vote.

If you're a RESIDENT somewhere, that should be where you vote. You shouldn't get to vote somewhere you don't even live.

RickiTarr, to random
@RickiTarr@beige.party avatar

This was a fun one, so let's do it again. What is something you've learned that seems unlikely, even though you know it's true? Here's one I think about a lot:

Sight, while being something something many people are born with, is not an innate ability, but something we learn to do. People who were born blind or were blind for a long time, who get sight, have to learn to see.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@mikey @RickiTarr And yet here's another thing related to this. Individual atoms are too small to have "color" in the conventional sense. And yet, gold is very clearly colored.

Gold does not get its color by any of the conventional mechanisms. The color of gold comes from the fact that the nucleus of the gold atom is so heavy, and its outer electrons moving so fast as a consequence, that relativistic effects come into play.

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@RickiTarr @mikey 🎼 And nothing to get hung up on
Strawberry fields forever 🎵

zakalwe,
@zakalwe@plasmatrap.com avatar

@RickiTarr Possibly falling into the original question: The Monty Hall "paradox" still really, really breaks my brain. I've been through the math multiple times and understand that it does actually work that way ... and yet every fiber of intuition still screams that it SHOULDN'T.

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