0x29A's recent activity
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Comment on Hacktivist deletes white supremacist websites live onstage at a cybersecurity conference while dressed as the pink Power Ranger in ~tech
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Comment on What private companies are you happy doing business with? in ~talk
0x29A LinkAside from a very few specific small businesses, I can't say there are necessarily any large businesses I am "happy" to support, just products or services I still find to be reasonable or useful...Aside from a very few specific small businesses, I can't say there are necessarily any large businesses I am "happy" to support, just products or services I still find to be reasonable or useful or of a particular quality and if the business hasn't made itself out to be awful in a number of ways, I may recommend their products or services to others.
I find it extremely difficult to determine any I would be enthusiastic about supporting vocally unless they met a high bar of workers' rights, inclusivity, and other standards.
There are crappy companies that still get my business because of an abundance of convenience or affordability or some other reason that I begrudgingly use them
While I understand and even think private vs. public can have a definite impact on how a company operates, I don't think much can be determined from that factor alone (aside from I would be hard-pressed to support any public company enough that I'd consider them worth mentioning to anyone). But plenty of private companies and even small businesses can easily have bad company cultures, be crappy to their workers, make bad products, overcharge for those products, etc
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Comment on What programming/technical projects have you been working on? in ~comp
0x29A Link ParentThat reminds me, I finally looked into how to do some easy trigger stuff in Home Assistant because my lights would always unsync / lose status after the power blinked out and I'd have to manually...That reminds me, I finally looked into how to do some easy trigger stuff in Home Assistant because my lights would always unsync / lose status after the power blinked out and I'd have to manually dig through menus to resync. Set up a script to wait a couple of minutes after HA starts and then resync the devices and it worked like a charm! While I keep my "smart" home surface area very minimal, I do enjoy HA and the ability to customize and do all sorts of triggering/etc. Plus everything is SO much faster and more reliable when the cloud isn't involved. Switching to HA from Google Home / Alexa was the best decision
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Comment on Strange Pop! OS 24.04 behavior in ~tech
0x29A LinkI might be too behind in my knowledge to know (maybe UEFI changes things?), but I'm curious why the OS was interfering with access to the BIOS at all, since the BIOS is on a chip on the...I might be too behind in my knowledge to know (maybe UEFI changes things?), but I'm curious why the OS was interfering with access to the BIOS at all, since the BIOS is on a chip on the motherboard and can be accessed without an OS or drive even present, typically with a certain keypress during boot, before the OS even has a chance to load (and without a drive connected at all, often will boot directly into the BIOS without input)
It's difficult to know for sure why the performance was heavily affected, your hunch there is not necessarily a bad one (could be that, could be other settings, could be a driver issue, power management, etc), but it's odd to me that with 24.04 installed that you had difficulty accessing the BIOS as that's not something I would think should be affected by a particular OS or version at all
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Comment on Regarding travel agency exoticca.com in ~travel
0x29A (edited )LinkNot sure what to think, hard to get a good grasp of them. Reading through their BBB complaints page there are plenty of complaints, and it's hard for me to gauge how reasonable both the customers...Not sure what to think, hard to get a good grasp of them. Reading through their BBB complaints page there are plenty of complaints, and it's hard for me to gauge how reasonable both the customers and company are being, though I will say quite a few of the company's responses are disputed afterwards by the customer rather than resolved, which gives me a bit of a red flag.
I don't know how trustable the A+ rating or the "reviews" are either (there are plenty of good reviews too it seems?). It almost seems like it's a "hit or miss" kind of situation, and if it happens to be a miss and something goes wrong, they may not be in any rush to properly resolve it.
Reddit reviews all over the place too (i don't like linking Reddit but for this stuff unfortunately it's helpful) but worth reading for individual experiences. Anecdotally ranges from "it went perfectly" to "we had some inconveniences that they were unhelpful in solving" to "it was awful"...
Seems if you go with them the big things are "you get what you pay for" and "read all the fine print". Basically very communicative at first and eager to sell you a package and then extremely hard to get in touch with afterwards (classic...)
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Comment on What programming/technical projects have you been working on? in ~comp
0x29A LinkTo continue my 3D printing journey I have been trying to learn more about ways to get more comfortable with the FreeCAD way of 3D designing things since it has a steeper learning curve than other...To continue my 3D printing journey I have been trying to learn more about ways to get more comfortable with the FreeCAD way of 3D designing things since it has a steeper learning curve than other software
The 3D CAD software market is pretty messy and with a lot of licensing models I do not like and companies I don't necessarily want to support, and FreeCAD is quite powerful if I can get comfortable enough with it, and then I'd no longer have any worries about licensing, even if I somehow was able to create a business out of 3D printing. It would just be nice to be free of any of those worries (similar to how switching to Linux has been liberating)
The only downside I see is that doing quick designs does take longer, or at least, the workflow is so different than something like Fusion or Tinkercad. However, after watching some videos I feel like one can get fast at FreeCAD, and the power available (especially for free) is actually incredible.
For anyone interested, and not used to FreeCAD or have struggled with it in the past after using other tools, I highly recommend Brodie Fairhall's videos which are a bit outdated (so things are better/easier in FreeCAD than even shown here) however, the superpower these videos had was making me feel empowered to use FreeCAD. It demystified a lot for me. I particularly recommend the "Fusion360 to FreeCAD" videos as a starting place.
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Comment on Mac advice for a long time Windows user in ~tech
0x29A LinkIf you very often go back and forth between operating systems in your daily life, then I think swapping CTRL and CMD can be useful. As much as I totally understand the "get used to it" sentiment...If you very often go back and forth between operating systems in your daily life, then I think swapping CTRL and CMD can be useful. As much as I totally understand the "get used to it" sentiment too- I think that's fine if the majority of your computer use is on macOS.
However, I go back and forth between Linux and macOS all the time and having them align is more comfortable for my brain- and if I don't swap them I constantly make frustrating mistakes
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Comment on Doppi, the nicest player for your music files in ~tech
0x29A Link Parentoh nice, didn't realize there was a mobile version! i have enjoyed the desktop version before. i will be checking this out too, and i do like that the developer, while not having the software...oh nice, didn't realize there was a mobile version! i have enjoyed the desktop version before. i will be checking this out too, and i do like that the developer, while not having the software currently open source, has said they will open source foobar2000 if it gets to the point that they can no longer maintain it
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Comment on Feeling weird about my career with respect to AI in ~life
0x29A (edited )LinkThis is one of the reasons I am wary to enter back into really almost any part of the tech industry that isn't physical in some way. I want nothing to do with any institution that legitimizes use...This is one of the reasons I am wary to enter back into really almost any part of the tech industry that isn't physical in some way.
I want nothing to do with any institution that legitimizes use of those systems. Will not work with people that use it. Will not be in a position that requires it. (Don't ask me why, no need to rehash the pro/anti AI discussion for the thousandth time- part of it is personal and emotional in addition to political and social)
Mainly just want to say, even as someone that isn't a programmer, but has done adjacent tech work, I feel you
When I left my most recent position it was already starting to infect systems administration with coworkers using it in ways that caused them to have scripts they couldn't fully explain or would oddly fail and they couldn't figure out why, etc, and this was not in an industry where I would want people to take such an approach to extremely vital systems.
Though I will say- utility is secondary for me. I would still be against these systems even if they were 100x more reliable than they are now, in fact I'd oppose them even more strongly, because they would be an even bigger threat. Whether they work or are useful or not doesn't matter to me or at least does not move the needle of my opposition- things can be useful and also bad for us at the same time
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Comment on Doppi, the nicest player for your music files in ~tech
0x29A (edited )LinkI have had this on my phone for a while, used to use it a bunch for playing audio files, enjoyed its simplicity. Didn't realize there's a subscription now though, I suppose it's optional as I have...I have had this on my phone for a while, used to use it a bunch for playing audio files, enjoyed its simplicity.
Didn't realize there's a subscription now though, I suppose it's optional as I have never paid any subscription to use it and never felt the need
Apparently it's only free for "up to 80 songs". Maybe I was grandfathered in OR very possibly never ran into the limit because of the way I used it (for a few specific albums over bluetooth while showering).
Good to know that if I want to listen to my full library I suppose I will need to use a different app (I have also used Cs Music which is free but allows tips). Not against paying for apps but it doesn't offer anything I can't just get otherwise for free
I have since moved to Amperfy + a navidrome server for all my in-home listening and can just use the free apps for the rare case I need listening outside the home on my phone specifically
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Comment on Deleting topics in ~tildes
0x29A (edited )Link ParentYeah i agree- i fully understand the impulse and desire to know why a thread was removed (and have had it myself many times), especially if one was contributing to spending time in a conversation,...Yeah i agree- i fully understand the impulse and desire to know why a thread was removed (and have had it myself many times), especially if one was contributing to spending time in a conversation, but ultimately any reasoning given might contribute to gaming the rules or other bad faith approaches other forums struggle with, like the people that "technically don't break rules" but consistently act in bad faith and stir the pot using the technicality of the rules as a shield for their behavior
I much prefer it instead that we of course still have baseline rules but that those with moderation capabilities use their own ultimate discretion in addition to those and in application of those, letting their earned trust and authority make decisions where necessary and not necessarily transparently. I both value and desire transparency but I also know in some situations it can contribute to a problem rather than relieve it.
Online moderation is a very difficult topic and one that needs its own very unique approach and Tildes I think has done exceptionally well in this regard.
Like, IMHO instead of cultivating a place of discussion where everyone is scared of the rules or wanting to brush up against them, just do your best to adhere to the spirit of the rules that are written and if you make a mistake, knowingly or unknowingly, then allow yourself to receive direct moderation without taking it personally
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Comment on I am kinda curious about the demographics of Tildes in ~talk
0x29A (edited )LinkThough I've been open about other things in my life here (and probably have revealed too much / overshared already in other threads, so forgive my hypocrisy), revealing demographic data in a...Though I've been open about other things in my life here (and probably have revealed too much / overshared already in other threads, so forgive my hypocrisy), revealing demographic data in a centralized thread about the topic on a site where some are at least semi-anonymous, feels like an exercise in reducing some operational security/privacy, so I suppose I'll remain vague. I guess it's up to people to reveal whatever they feel comfortable with- but maybe something like this entices people to overshare, idk. I'm probably overthinking this as I do many things, and (unnecessarily?) out loud.
But, demographic data often feels so "cold / descriptive / statistical" rather than something that makes for useful conversation- unless something about those demographics is brought into a specific relevant discussion about something else where it has a bearing on those experiences.
Early 40s, Eastern US. In between employment, previously have done mostly customer service, help desk, desktop support, and systems administration. No idea what I'm doing next but probably ultimately not tech (and certainly never never anything that even touches generative AI if I can help it, doing so would be a massive personal failure for me). If it is something I've done before it will be temporary. In a weird mid-life limbo atm.
In the meantime, reading, 3D Printing, making music, among many other things
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
0x29A LinkPlaying around with trying tracker software (like Furnace) for retro PC/console style music making. Also playing around again with Bespoke Synth, a different kind of synth/music making paradigm....Playing around with trying tracker software (like Furnace) for retro PC/console style music making.
Also playing around again with Bespoke Synth, a different kind of synth/music making paradigm.
Just getting out of the box of what I normally do and seeing where that leads.
More 3D printing.
Seeing if I can come up with a satisfactory way to take videos/photos of brewing coffee and tea and similar things.
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Comment on Not-so-humble brag: What are you proud of that you don't normally get to talk about? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentGotcha, can't say I've ever experienced that. I do think I have a bit less pleasant intestinal comfort / bathroom trips / other related effects etc. when it comes to fatty/greasy foods, but never...Gotcha, can't say I've ever experienced that. I do think I have a bit less pleasant intestinal comfort / bathroom trips / other related effects etc. when it comes to fatty/greasy foods, but never sick. I'm sure a number of my organs could handle being in a better state, I haven't exactly treated any of them super well
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Comment on Not-so-humble brag: What are you proud of that you don't normally get to talk about? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentHeavy amounts of sugar definitely make me feel sick/gross, especially if they are in liquid form (milkshake, soda, etc). I may actually have some similar gallbladder... dysfunction- I have no idea...Heavy amounts of sugar definitely make me feel sick/gross, especially if they are in liquid form (milkshake, soda, etc). I may actually have some similar gallbladder... dysfunction- I have no idea if it's actually the case or a semi-hypochondrial self-diagnosis just based on how my body has changed and felt and been affected throughout my weight journey... given the difficulty I have getting myself to ever go to the doctor, I'm unlikely to find out any details any time soon.
At least given my new approach to eating, I have a better overall well-being and feel like I've improved on a number of things that I know were starting to become a problem
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Comment on Not-so-humble brag: What are you proud of that you don't normally get to talk about? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentYes! Very much so, or if I do want things like them, I don't "constantly or intensely crave" them anymore. Like, things with overwhelming amounts of sugar (pint of Ben & Jerry's, etc) especially-...Yes! Very much so, or if I do want things like them, I don't "constantly or intensely crave" them anymore. Like, things with overwhelming amounts of sugar (pint of Ben & Jerry's, etc) especially- I look at them and I instantly can feel in my mind and body something akin to "this is just a decision to feel awful, not really to enjoy something". Or "this is 10 minutes of pleasure for a week of pain". If I do want them, it's often in very tiny portions or in a way where I can be measured in my approach. Like, "added sugars" in general have become anathema to me. If I see a particular amount of them present in something- I've trained myself to basically lose my craving for whatever it is, basically a "not worth it" kind of assessment where I even physically feel repulsed by the idea of consuming it
I still don't look at most things as inherently "awful for me vs. good for me" but more like "the dose is what matters". Tangentially: upping my fiber intake in general has made so many other parts of my life better (general wellbeing, bathroom trips, etc) that that has been a MAJOR factor in all of this
But my relationship with food has developed to a point that everything I'm doing, I'm doing with intent, not mindlessly. Even if I'm making what someone would consider a "bad choice" nutrition-wise, I'm very aware and intently making that choice in the moment with the full knowledge and acceptance of how it will affect me- and I find that, subconsciously, after teaching myself to always approach with awareness and intent, I automatically shy away from the worst choices- and actively feel my body and mind resisting those choices, instead of always rationalizing them like I used to. No more mindlessly buying or consuming things only to regret later and repeat the toxic cycle
Sometimes I'll even approach and admire the thing that my eyes crave, but then I let myself say no. I'll walk over to the dozen donuts on sale and go "I would enjoy that, and maybe once or twice a year I will, but I'm comfortable walking away, and substituting something else I can enjoy just as much"
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Comment on Not-so-humble brag: What are you proud of that you don't normally get to talk about? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentThanks!!! :) Yeah I am not entirely sure why I even stopped other than just missed a few weeks from not feeling like doing it and then lost the habit. I may give it another try or two just to see...Thanks!!! :)
Yeah I am not entirely sure why I even stopped other than just missed a few weeks from not feeling like doing it and then lost the habit. I may give it another try or two just to see if the joy of doing it comes back to where I want to continue. It does take a certain amount of time commitment to do it the way I want and I think sometimes that's felt like a hurdle to going back to it. We'll see- no pressure on myself about "failing", just more or less whether I feel like moving on or not
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Comment on Not-so-humble brag: What are you proud of that you don't normally get to talk about? in ~talk
0x29A (edited )LinkI have continued to keep the 50+ lbs I lost a while back over the period of some months/years off (aside from some fluctuations I allow) for a while now. Just being able to maintain and not...I have continued to keep the 50+ lbs I lost a while back over the period of some months/years off (aside from some fluctuations I allow) for a while now.
Just being able to maintain and not re-destroy myself and gain it all back using food as a coping mechanism is a big win. No more wild binges or complete lack of care about my nutrition. No more "cheat days turning into giving up" kinds of relationships with toxic dieting ideas. Instead, a more measured, balanced, maintainable set of life changes that still allow me to enjoy whatever I want.
All dieting "tips" or "methods" aside- making my mental relationship with food healthier was far more important.
Also both a thing I am proud of and yet lament not being able to keep going consistently now, is that for over a year I intently checked out and sorted through hundreds of new music releases and picked my weekly favorites and posted them on a blog. I had never before committed to or done even a very concise/small but consistent amount of research and writing like that so it feels good that I kept it up as long as I did. I might jump back into it but I have not entirely decided on the fate of that project yet.
I have struggled a lot in other ways the past couple of years (very "midlife crisis" and executive function kinds of things that I won't go into) but I will take the wins where I can get them
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Comment on Cory Doctorow: A post-American, enshittification-resistant internet (39c3 talk) in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentI agree, and honestly I think even he knows it's a long shot, I just think he speaks as though it's not because that makes a more persuasive/effective call to action rather than a defeatist rant....I agree, and honestly I think even he knows it's a long shot, I just think he speaks as though it's not because that makes a more persuasive/effective call to action rather than a defeatist rant. That, and the idea that it takes one or two dominoes to fall to potentially start some inertia from these kinds of things
He's smart enough and dealt with these topics enough for so long that he's seen firsthand how difficult it is to get something to happen.
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Comment on I feel that Destin (SmarterEveryDay on Youtube) is straying from the path in ~talk
0x29A (edited )Link ParentIt reads to me sometimes like a discussion-terminating endpoint of "i am firm enough in my belief that it's pointless to bother challenging the claims my worldview makes, so let's move on", which...It reads to me sometimes like a discussion-terminating endpoint of "i am firm enough in my belief that it's pointless to bother challenging the claims my worldview makes, so let's move on", which is unfortunate but maybe also true and as honest an approach someone devout can have if they must stick to the dogma regardless.
I think trying to find common ground can be a good thing, a noble effort, and with Destin that may be more possible than with some others- depending on where that is focused.
But I agree sometimes that isn't possible, and I sometimes feel like it's an attempt to elevate religious claims about the world to the same playing field as science when it hasn't earned that position. There can be value to "let us understand each other" but that middle way only goes so far until it falls apart
Like, at some point it's true- if (hypothetically) someone tells me they don't think evolution is factual and explain why but that they're not willing to budge on that view- then about the only thing we can do, on a personal level, is agree to disagree- but in doing so i am only acknowledging that there is personally no place for this to go- they must understand that the idea and the organizations that uphold it should still be challenged.
Sometimes I feel like it's a "can't we all just get along and not worry about this" kind of plea for a type of "respect" for the ideas themselves that desires to make them "disrespectful" to challenge- and that's a hard no from me
"Soft on people, hard on ideas" (but also set your boundaries etc etc)
Also yeah it's an odd flex- some early thinkers also did some incredible thinking work and discovery work and still filled god into the gaps. It doesn't make their god of the gaps any more real, and those gaps have shrunk significantly as we've continued filling them with actual factual information, so it's not really substantive to point back at that as some kind of win for Christians. If it's a defense of "look Christians can be smart and make discoveries and do science and thinking too" then that's valid up to a point. Humans compartmentalize well sometimes. But it's also fair to point out that it will inevitably come into conflict at some point if there's a dogma that must be adhered to that demands to override an observation with faith (and the early thinkers' approach to god may have been far different than modern ones- which admittedly are extremely varied)
It appears the CCC site automatically adds the time elapsed parameter to the URL while watching the video. I noticed URLs I have copied from the address bar for them all do that so may not have been intentional