BusAlderaan's recent activity
-
Comment on Thoughts on a Democratic postmortem in ~society
-
Comment on What does the word "cancelled" mean to you? in ~talk
BusAlderaan LinkI don't think I've seen anyone add that "Cancel culture" is currently, and has potentially always been, somewhat of a political or ideological dog whistle for Conservatives. I don't want to...- Exemplary
I don't think I've seen anyone add that "Cancel culture" is currently, and has potentially always been, somewhat of a political or ideological dog whistle for Conservatives. I don't want to generalize too much, because there is a lot of nuance here, but to give you a fuller picture of the term, right now that term is mostly used by Conservative Christians, who don't agree with people they like being "Cancelled." This is one of those times where not all vehicles are trucks, but all trucks are vehicles.
Just this last weekend I was at church and the pastor talked about how shameful it was that Harris Butker was cancelled for "Praising motherhood." This is kind of a perfect encapsulation of what I"m talking about.
- Harris was not cancelled, he is still very much around.
- Calling his remarks a "Praise of motherhood" is such an unbelievable stretch of the English language. His speech was littered with dog whistles for Conservatives,
I won't share all the details, since they're not pertinent to the bit of context I'm trying to give you, but if you want validation that this isn't just in my head, I can explain more.
But, like I said, it's actually still nuanced, and it's not just Conservatives who use the term, the scale is just weighted in their direction.
-
Comment on What does the word "cancelled" mean to you? in ~talk
BusAlderaan Link ParentI want to add an important addition to what you've said, which I basically agree with in it's entirety. Cancel culture became a thing for all the reasons you mentioned, but there was another...I want to add an important addition to what you've said, which I basically agree with in it's entirety.
Cancel culture became a thing for all the reasons you mentioned, but there was another catalyst alongside social media. Human culture spent years covering for each other and pretending it was "impolite" or that "Boys will be boys." Men covered for men constantly, women covered for men, men covered for women, and women turned a blind eye to other women. The reason this is such an important catalyst is because when someone "Apologizes," no one is inclined to believe it anymore, because it's just used as a PR tool. So, in the pendulum of change, we are most definitely swinging too far to the opposite side of there being no accountability for people in power. But I don't think it's fair to omit this detail, basically making the case that cancel culture cropped up out of no societal need, there was and is definitely a need. We just need to correct our over correction to the lack of accountability many of us grew up with, which is something humans have always had to do.
-
Comment on Thoughts on a Democratic postmortem in ~society
BusAlderaan Link Parent"Harris under-performed even so?" I'd actually like to hear your theories on this, because I felt she performed about as good as any candidate would in a 100 day campaign to gain name recognition..."Harris under-performed even so?"
I'd actually like to hear your theories on this, because I felt she performed about as good as any candidate would in a 100 day campaign to gain name recognition next to a guy who has decades of name recognition. After all, we have to remember, the American electorate is unbelievably under-informed. So much so, that the google "Did Joe Biden drop out of the election" spiked on election day. I'm open to hear arguments to the contrary, really open to anything that makes this make more sense.
-
Comment on FEMA can kind of suck in ~life
BusAlderaan Link ParentI think you bring up a great point about the apartments being a business. It sounds like OP is running an apartment differently than most landlords, which is pretty cool, but when you do things...I think you bring up a great point about the apartments being a business. It sounds like OP is running an apartment differently than most landlords, which is pretty cool, but when you do things differently sometimes the system screws you, because it's not designed for you. Apartments, all housing really, is a profit machine in the US and because of that decision, FEMA isn't designed to help them. In the American business world, you were responsible for aggressively raising rents to compete with other apartments and buying more property, investing, or at least saving some of the large profits you made from raising rent every year. That money pays for the tree repair.
I'm not saying any of that is true or accurate, just that FEMA doesn't serve you, because it sounds like you're not running your apartments to make the maximum profit. So you get screwed, because America values money over the human right to housing.
-
Comment on Star Wars Outlaws is a crappy masterpiece in ~games
BusAlderaan LinkI guess I'm confused, the author doesn't even address the #1 issue causing this dissonance, profits. It's not as profitable to ship a triple-a game anymore, like gamers these companies executive...I guess I'm confused, the author doesn't even address the #1 issue causing this dissonance, profits. It's not as profitable to ship a triple-a game anymore, like gamers these companies executive branches are min/maxing, but they're focusing on making money. Is it cheaper to pay testers for a few hundred hours more or is it cheaper to ship the game and make players test it? Is it cheaper hand paint beautiful and thoughtful landscapes or is it cheaper to give the computer a list of objects and let it randomly populate everything in the game? Is it cheaper to have the requested staff of people to ship a good game or is it better to cut the project to shreds and move the timeline up to a better fiscal quarter?
Indie developers are a prime example that, no, games don't have to be shit. Indie devs are making AAA quality games now, they have the tools and the tools make one person's work output like 20x that of a dev 20 years ago. Games of AAA quality still ship in great shape and thoughtful creation, because they don't have a shareholder or board member breathing down their neck.
-
Comment on The US DOJ files an antitrust suit against a software company for allegedly manipulating rent prices in ~tech
BusAlderaan LinkI'm very curious how this plays out, since it seems plain on it's face that this is price fixing, regardless of using some algorithmic middleman to do all the math, but obviously this is some new...I'm very curious how this plays out, since it seems plain on it's face that this is price fixing, regardless of using some algorithmic middleman to do all the math, but obviously this is some new legal precedent and I'm not encouraged by many recent decisions handed down by the federal courts.
-
Comment on US judge rules Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend caused her death, dismisses some charges against ex-officers in ~news
BusAlderaan LinkWhat are the rippling legal implications of a decision like this, can any lawyers explain? This seems like a branch of new legal thinking that protects police.What are the rippling legal implications of a decision like this, can any lawyers explain? This seems like a branch of new legal thinking that protects police.
-
Comment on Sid Meier’s Civilization VII | Gameplay reveal trailer in ~games
BusAlderaan Link ParentI just stumbled across this last night, thanks for sharing though, I am really excited after watching that gameplay. The verticality of the maps is really interesting and I love that they changed...I just stumbled across this last night, thanks for sharing though, I am really excited after watching that gameplay. The verticality of the maps is really interesting and I love that they changed queue management and development.
-
Comment on Sid Meier’s Civilization VII | Gameplay reveal trailer in ~games
BusAlderaan LinkI'm always annoyed when Dev's call a trailer "Gameplay" and it's just inside the game footage. No actual gameplay, not explanation, no highlight of what's new or changed. I'm still excited for the...I'm always annoyed when Dev's call a trailer "Gameplay" and it's just inside the game footage. No actual gameplay, not explanation, no highlight of what's new or changed. I'm still excited for the game, but this didn't offer much of anything but a bit more hype, there are literally no details about the game that get revealed.
-
Comment on Disney seeking dismissal of Raglan Road death lawsuit because victim was Disney+ subscriber in ~misc
BusAlderaan Link ParentThis is how I envision the most toxic aspects of law come from, people being forced to twist the law into some convoluted way to fit a demanded defense and somehow it works and no one cares about...This is how I envision the most toxic aspects of law come from, people being forced to twist the law into some convoluted way to fit a demanded defense and somehow it works and no one cares about the consequences.
-
Comment on ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ struts past $1B global box office; soon to become biggest R-rated movie ever worldwide in ~movies
BusAlderaan Link ParentBut, I wasn't making the argument that a movie can't be both, I was making the argument that a movie can be one of those things. Yes, movies can be fun and good, but can't they just be fun or just...But, I wasn't making the argument that a movie can't be both, I was making the argument that a movie can be one of those things. Yes, movies can be fun and good, but can't they just be fun or just be good? 12 Years a Slave isn't fun, but it's good. So yeah, I just felt like the movie took itself as seriously as the main character and in this particular character's case, being fan-service-y and nerdy is pretty on brand. It's fine that you didn't like it, I just took issue with that part of your review.
-
Comment on ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ struts past $1B global box office; soon to become biggest R-rated movie ever worldwide in ~movies
BusAlderaan Link ParentThanks I guess I'm confused by your opinion that the story was a "non-factor," since the story is that this Deadpool's timeline is about to get the sleep by a rogue TVA employee, who is solely...Thanks
I guess I'm confused by your opinion that the story was a "non-factor," since the story is that this Deadpool's timeline is about to get the sleep by a rogue TVA employee, who is solely interested in climbing the ranks as fast as possible. That's a pretty big motivating factor imo. I do believe it could have had more meat on it's bones, but since the story is one that has to do with infinite realities, wouldn't it make sense that they add color with the characters that show up? I assume you're saying you'd rather they build interesting characters around Pool and Wolverine, instead of shuck in old Marvel failures for the lol's, but since those characters were inevitably going to die, why not have some fun fan service character redemption?
All in all, I didn't go to it expecting to see something good, I went to it to see something fun and I feel like it delivered. I have enough blockbusters with insane CGI and impeccable writing, I like casual fun and this hit the spot. Even more so, the main character is a walking-talking-grating-meme, in the comics and the movies. I can't begrudge the walking meme for being too meme'y, ya know?
-
Comment on ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ struts past $1B global box office; soon to become biggest R-rated movie ever worldwide in ~movies
BusAlderaan Link ParentCare to elaborate why? @teaearlgraycold was asking for reviews, after all.Care to elaborate why? @teaearlgraycold was asking for reviews, after all.
-
Comment on JD Vance’s wife: My husband only meant to insult people who actively choose not to have kids, not people who are trying but are unsuccessful in ~society
BusAlderaan Link ParentI've never heard this idea before, but I really like it and it easily aligns with my understanding of humanity and community. I, personally, relish the idea of a smaller humanity and an earth...I've never heard this idea before, but I really like it and it easily aligns with my understanding of humanity and community. I, personally, relish the idea of a smaller humanity and an earth reborn, even though I don't want to diminish what the transition years may hurt like for those who live through it, but it seems like humanity is doing to the entire planet what humans worry a single invasive species does to a small ecosystem.
-
Comment on Humble Choice - August 2024 in ~games
BusAlderaan LinkWait, like Humble that just laid off their employees Humble? I thought they were shutting down?Wait, like Humble that just laid off their employees Humble? I thought they were shutting down?
-
Comment on JD Vance’s wife: My husband only meant to insult people who actively choose not to have kids, not people who are trying but are unsuccessful in ~society
BusAlderaan Link ParentAfter all, we're destroying the fabric of America by not replenishing the work force.After all, we're destroying the fabric of America by not replenishing the work force.
-
Comment on History book recommendations in ~books
BusAlderaan Link ParentIf you have any interest in the implosion of the Evangelical western church, Jesus and John Wayne is a walk through the timeline that got us today's Christians. It's not a conversion book, there...If you have any interest in the implosion of the Evangelical western church, Jesus and John Wayne is a walk through the timeline that got us today's Christians. It's not a conversion book, there isn't a focus to proselytize to the reader that I can recall, but it makes it much easier to understand the modern evangelical's fear of government/pop culture/change/etc
My broth-il loves historical fiction and raves about The Killer Angels, I can't attest to it, but he is an avid reader and tends to favor authors who puts emphasis on quality of writing and detail.
As for my personal historical-ish favorites:
I went on a run of current political events run for a few months and thought
ENOUGH by Cassidy Hutchinson was a candid inside look into the Trump WH and the personal experience of working for someone you held in the highest regard and what it takes for you to end up in front of Congress testifying against them. I read it out of curiosity, but also because I want to humanize the people I consider "Other" and her book really helped with that. Her behavior in the media and in public is consistent with how she describes herself in the book and that lends credence to her word.
PERIL by Bobwoodward is written by one of the original Watergate journalists and is a look into current (Trump/Biden) presidencies, but focuses on Trump. I haven't finished it, but it's well written and interesting insight into the goings on of recent government.
THE DAWN OF EVERYTHING, a new human history, by David Graeber/Wengrow is exactly what the title suggests. A timeline of human history and a deeply complex, philosophical, and scientific book. Not a light read, but dense in history.
SAPIENS, A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is what it sounds like as well. It's a telling of human history, considered "One of those books that everyone should read." Not too long, very interesting, and not too heady.
CASTE by Isabel Wilderson is a fascinating dive into the caste system in the US and contrasts it to the one in India. It is well researched, documented, and written, but it does not read as academic. She is making a case, but only by telling us stories and then backing that up with data.
GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL by Jared Diamond should only be read if you don't want to read SAPIENS, they fulfill the same purpose and are just different styles.
I'M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy is the story of her childhood in Hollywood. It is gut wrenching, even if you don't know who this woman is (I did not), and a good historical reminder of what Hollywood does to children. But more importantly, it's just a fascinatingly candid and clear look at herself and there's no "Happy" ending. The book ends with where she is now, in the middle of her life. This book is not an afterthought at the end of the list, it's one of the best things I read last year and most of these are books from my list last year.
-
Comment on History book recommendations in ~books
BusAlderaan LinkClarify for me (us?), do you have an interest in historically based fic-story, like Band of Brothers, books that are historical accounts but with a focus on accuracy, or either? For instance, I'm...Clarify for me (us?), do you have an interest in historically based fic-story, like Band of Brothers, books that are historical accounts but with a focus on accuracy, or either? For instance, I'm reading Forget the Alamo, a book about how the fictional story of the Alamo and the narrative that Mexico tried to take Texas from the US became ironclad Texas history, when there is copious evidence to the direct opposite. The author detailedly goes through the historical timeline, so the reader can make their own conclusions from the complete story, but the author has a motive.
-
Comment on Should I be filling out every political poll I’m sent? in ~talk
BusAlderaan Link ParentThe reputable pollsters market themselves clearly in the text/call/email and don't ask for political donations. To that point, you wouldn't get polled by them frequently. Big red flag is any poll...The reputable pollsters market themselves clearly in the text/call/email and don't ask for political donations. To that point, you wouldn't get polled by them frequently. Big red flag is any poll with any pro/anti political rhetoric.
I guess I'm confused... While I agree with everything you wrote, doesn't that prove my own point? I agree that we can't gleam actual statistical analysis of what percentage of US voters were searching with those phrases, but we can agree that a spike from 0 to 10 is a clear indicator that too many people people in the country weren't following the election until election day? If there's 300-some-million people in the country and a 0 in searches still accounts for how ever many people would search those on an average day, there has to be more than 1 person out of that many that searches if someone dropped out of the race every day. Then doesn't it stand to reason that a spike from 0-10 one election day is plain evidence that a not insubstantial number of people searched?