Captain_Wacky's recent activity
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
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Comment on Birthrates are plummeting worldwide. Why? in ~life
Captain_Wacky Link ParentI work for the post office. You would not believe how many suburbanite parents hang around at the bus stop, all in their cars, partially because they themselves don't want to walk to the stop, and...I work for the post office.
You would not believe how many suburbanite parents hang around at the bus stop, all in their cars, partially because they themselves don't want to walk to the stop, and so their child doesn't have to walk the street-and-a-half distance. I see only one or two parents hanging around, not in a car, walking back with their children.
I'll also see about three or four kids total out on bikes. Idk any exact number, but I'd roughly estimate about 20 kids or various ages in the neighborhood.
Now with all that being said, I should my experiences are limited to three bus stops in the same neighborhood, and are purely anecdotal. That being said, it doesn't take a PhD to realize that nothing about this is healthy or sustainable.
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Any books for a beginner Go player?
Discovered Go not too long ago, finding it quite enjoyable. I know there's plenty of reading material out there, but I'm unaware of what exactly would be worthwhile, especially for someone who's...
Discovered Go not too long ago, finding it quite enjoyable.
I know there's plenty of reading material out there, but I'm unaware of what exactly would be worthwhile, especially for someone who's been dabbling around at it for 3 months at most.
Grateful for any and all suggestions!
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Comment on The death of a gun-rights warrior in ~life
Captain_Wacky Link ParentGod, I know that Republican doublethink is fantastic at this sort of thing, but you'd think the cognitive dissonance would be so blatantly apparent to the person in question. Sure, they're "free...God, I know that Republican doublethink is fantastic at this sort of thing, but you'd think the cognitive dissonance would be so blatantly apparent to the person in question.
Sure, they're "free from fear," but to conceal and carry (at least, to do so legally) means giving up access to a lot of those spaces that I'm sure the gun owner holds dear, as per the standard "No Weapons" sign on the doors of practically every corporate/suburbanite box store in existence.
Trying to picture it conjures imagery of Don Quixote trying to keep his delusions alive and well.
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Comment on You can’t even pay people to have more kids in ~health
Captain_Wacky Link ParentSorry, for the late reply. It may be higher quality stuff than what's bought in the stores; but that's all irrelevant if "suburbanite Karen" sees it, chances are her sheltered mind is going to...Sorry, for the late reply.
It may be higher quality stuff than what's bought in the stores; but that's all irrelevant if "suburbanite Karen" sees it, chances are her sheltered mind is going to revert to Hollywood/cartoon logic and think the family is so dirt poor they need a wellness check, either out of pure genuine ignorance, spiteful 4-D chess bullying, or somewhere in-between the two.
It's an incredibly slim chance such a thing would ever realistically happen, but it is a nonzero chance.
At least, that's what all comes to my mind when I think of potential reactions to the idea of handmade clothes. Mostly positive things, save for a few bad actors that can't help but bring more merit to the phrase "....this is why we can't have nice things."
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Comment on You can’t even pay people to have more kids in ~health
Captain_Wacky Link ParentI think it may be pertinent to mention that while people lived in squalor in the 1800's, they also lived lives where many facets were (at the time) just uncoupled from the economy. Today, you...I think it may be pertinent to mention that while people lived in squalor in the 1800's, they also lived lives where many facets were (at the time) just uncoupled from the economy. Today, you can't (as easily) make a direct translation from work to reward and simply "skip" the "acquire money" part that is now cemented in-between.
For example; today you're going to run into many problems trying to grow a subsistence garden, especially in an urban environment, in comparison to the 1800's. HOA and city ordinances are going to stop you.
If you send your kids to school in homemade clothes today, there's a nonzero chance CPS will be called on you.
Even trickier: even if you had the know-how to make your own clothes and grow your own food (a rarity today) you likely don't have the time due to the increased expectations for work hours. You simply do not have the time or energy. This fosters a feeling of general helplessness and an unwanted co-dependence upon the system.
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Comment on Quizzle – Can you guess the word in fewer than twenty questions? in ~games
Captain_Wacky Link"Is it (color)?" returns the shrug emoji."Is it (color)?" returns the shrug emoji.
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Comment on One huge contradiction is undoing our best climate efforts in ~enviro
Captain_Wacky LinkSome have gotten close, but since no one has mentioned it yet: a lot of our climate problems stem from producing goods at industrial scale. As a society that's focused on cultivating hyperconsumer...Some have gotten close, but since no one has mentioned it yet: a lot of our climate problems stem from producing goods at industrial scale. As a society that's focused on cultivating hyperconsumer lifestyles to promote spending on trivial shit, I think that reducing our production of those (hyperconsumptive) goods as close to zero (as what could be possible) would likely be the only really meaningful step forward to solving the climate change crisis.
We just produce so much useless bullshit, that's meant to be bought on impulse. Trying to identify goods explicitly made for that purpose would be tricky, but it will be a problem that will need to be tackled at some point, if we want a realistic chance at reducing and/or reversing climate change.
As a thought experiment; think about mugs. All the varieties that exist within the pantheon of 'traditionally' built mugs. All the colors, all the sizes, shapes, materials, glazes, stains, etc. Recognize that, as a society we seem compelled to demand that we should have access to all these permutations to the 'classical mug' be available to us, 24/7/365, either online or by a collection of nearby stores, competing or cooperating to provide an ample selection at all times.
Now realize that all I've mentioned is the basic, humble mug. A rather utilitarian product, of which I've already given some leeway for 'self-expression' and 'identity' by allowing all the permutations mentioned in the above. That's already an incredible, unfathomable amount of mugs to be stamping out on a production line on a monthly basis, at an industrial scale.
But it isn't enough. We demand a holiday specifically for mugs, so mug consumption increases as a part of our culture, and thus "Father's Day" was born, as if Christmas wasn't already enough. We demand mugs that aren't really "mugs," in that they're too elaborate a design to drink from, but rather serve as pen/pencil holders on our desks. (again: father's day gifts) People buy mugs not to drink from, but simply to "collect" them and admire them, an action that can only be described as "consumption for the sake of consumption." We have mugs adorned with graphics and logos for any and every occasion, location, movie, TV show, snarky one-liner, fandom, meme, YouTube channel, corporate entity, governmental entity, whatever! You better believe there's a mug for it, and if there isn't, there's certainly a company that would be willing to take your order and stamp a few pallets into existence for you, and ship it halfway around the world, for a price.
And this is just how we treat mugs. Now broaden your horizons and consider entire industries, like souvenirs. Gifts. The industries that surround the holidays, and the annual consumption each one demands. Think about how we treat complex consumer goods, like fucking cars. We need to change how we consume, and how we think about the act of consumption itself. We need to remove hyper-consumerism from our zeitgeist entirely, or else nothing will change and we all die buried in a mountain of green-washed Furbys redesigned for Generation Alpha.
Sure, changing to electric vehicles will help in reducing carbon emissions, and it needs to be done. But in the long run it's probably not going to really help much if we treat electric vehicles the same as we treat ICE vehicles; with new annual iterations with differing models and choices and offerings and luxuries in every color of the fucking rainbow stamped out in annual increments in the hundred-thousands, if not millions, and that's before the even more absurd shit we'll inevitably follow up with, if shit like Hyundai's 2019 Kona, "Iron Man Edition," was of any indication. It won't simply be "enough" to have solar panels on your roof, I guarantee there will be demand created for 'nostalgic, old school' solar panels of the 1970's. Maybe bring it up after Jimmy Carter's death, his addition to the White House.
I'm absolutely terrible with endings. I'm sure if I think up of anything later, I'll edit it in. I can only rant so much.
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Scientists are researching a device that can induce lucid dreams on demand
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
Captain_Wacky LinkFinished up "A Treasury of Kahlil Gibran," which was absolutely nourishment for the soul. Now, I'm picking at Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" when I have a little free time, and/or "Don Quixote" when...Finished up "A Treasury of Kahlil Gibran," which was absolutely nourishment for the soul.
Now, I'm picking at Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" when I have a little free time, and/or "Don Quixote" when I find myself with an hour or so free.
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Comment on ‘Five Nights At Freddy’s’ $78m breaks mold on Peacock theatrical day and date; best opening for Blumhouse, Halloween and more in ~movies
Captain_Wacky Link ParentI've certainly got an 'outside looking in' kind of perspective going on, but I think a large part of it boils down to it being Gen Z's first exposure to a 'fantasy' story that has layers of...I've certainly got an 'outside looking in' kind of perspective going on, but I think a large part of it boils down to it being Gen Z's first exposure to a 'fantasy' story that has layers of background lore, and its all wrapped up in a setting that would make sense to them, which in turn has induced an emotional attachment that allows for so much 'forgiveness' toward whether any of it is of any quality.
But, "quality" is a hell of a subjective thing.
Kind of like early Millennials and our love for Napoleon Dynamite. That was "our" quote-packed summer movie, akin to how Ferris Bueller's Day Off was to Gen X. I certainly remember Napoleon Dynamite success being incredibly baffling to older generations, too. But when looking back to Napoleon Dynamite today, I can certainly understand the older generation's puzzlement. "Shut up Tina, you fat lard!" is certainly a baffling line to behold.
Lastly, since FNaF was an indie game, this was probably Gen Z's first time where they could see the creative process for world building in action, akin to Minecraft being the first game to release in 'unfinished' states and versions of alpha and beta.
There's also a lot of indie horror games that could probably trace it's lineage back to FNaF as well, for whatever worth that could be, given that the indie scene is so relatively young.
When writing this, I discovered that Napoleon Dynamite and Ferris Bueller both share the same theater release date, June 11. Lots of other really big films share that date too, like ET and Jurassic Park. Wild. Anybody know why?
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Comment on Should I stop flying? It’s a difficult decision to make. in ~enviro
Captain_Wacky Link ParentPaywall is blocking me, can you please provide a copy/paste/workaround?Paywall is blocking me, can you please provide a copy/paste/workaround?
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Comment on YouTube is now rolling out disabling videos after detecting adblockers in ~tech
Captain_Wacky LinkCurious to know if this triggers for people with a premium subscription that still use adblock.Curious to know if this triggers for people with a premium subscription that still use adblock.
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Comment on Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90 in ~news
Captain_Wacky Link ParentWhat time is the age limit in Mexico? I ask this, because an age limit of 70 would certainly still allow for old "institutional" knowledge to proliferate, and "thinking forward to your next job...What time is the age limit in Mexico?
I ask this, because an age limit of 70 would certainly still allow for old "institutional" knowledge to proliferate, and "thinking forward to your next job prospect" wouldn't really be a feasible thing if you're someone planning to stay till 70.
It's also old "enough" where someone who's lived a healthy life would certainly be old, but not be in pure, demented cognitive meltdown.
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Comment on Looking for book suggestions in ~books
Captain_Wacky LinkThis will be a bit of an oddball suggestion, but "Tales of Moonlight and Rain" are a good collection of short stories written by Uyeda Akinari, originally published in Edo-era Japan, specifically...This will be a bit of an oddball suggestion, but "Tales of Moonlight and Rain" are a good collection of short stories written by Uyeda Akinari, originally published in Edo-era Japan, specifically in 1776.
The book itself (before introductory texts and whatnot) is under 150 pages, but it provokes such a dark mood and tone that some copies (depending on the publisher) have a little subscript to the title, explicitly calling them "Japanese Gothic Tales."
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Comment on Digging in: Why don’t Americans eat mutton? in ~food
Captain_Wacky Link ParentThere's also mutton BBQ with origins in Kentucky. With how big BBQ is in the US, I'm very surprised it hasn't gained traction outside of KY. Edit: heck, it was even in the article, how did I miss...There's also mutton BBQ with origins in Kentucky.
With how big BBQ is in the US, I'm very surprised it hasn't gained traction outside of KY.
Edit: heck, it was even in the article, how did I miss that?!
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Comment on Euthanizing my old friend. When is the right moment? in ~life.pets
Captain_Wacky LinkA lot of people have already given great advice; but I feel it pertinent to also state: a vet will never offer euthanasia as an option, unless they themselves have already drawn the conclusion...A lot of people have already given great advice; but I feel it pertinent to also state: a vet will never offer euthanasia as an option, unless they themselves have already drawn the conclusion that the time is right.
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
Captain_Wacky LinkGetting closer to Halloween, so to get in the mood I'm reading "The Book of Yōkai" by Michael Dylan Foster. It does a good job explaining Yokai through the historical ages of Japan, and how they...Getting closer to Halloween, so to get in the mood I'm reading "The Book of Yōkai" by Michael Dylan Foster.
It does a good job explaining Yokai through the historical ages of Japan, and how they evolved with the zeitgeist(s). Nice illustrations, too.
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Comment on Hundreds of flying taxis to be made in Ohio, home of the Wright brothers and astronaut legends in ~engineering
Captain_Wacky LinkSo, technology has changed a lot since the 1960's, but I'm basing a large part of my opinion on what happened with New York Airways. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Airways Running aircraft...So, technology has changed a lot since the 1960's, but I'm basing a large part of my opinion on what happened with New York Airways.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Airways
Running aircraft of any kind will be more expensive in comparison to other vehicles, save for maybe railway maintenance. The materials and airframe for these flying taxis will certainly be more advanced, but the companies will still operate the same, and I can't trust anyone who's still trying to appeal to the public's nostalgia for retro-futurism (flying cars, in this case) to not be in some sort of grift, and they will absolutely cut corners to maximize profit.
I also doubt that these things will ever be as quiet as a car. Drones carrying (quality) cameras can get pretty loud, something similar carrying a human-sized payload will probably sound like a train running through the neighborhood.
From my (limited) perspective, to me this just looks like another band-aid solution to the problem of an under-development of dedicated mass-public transit. We need to be investing money into bringing back dedicated tram lines, train lines, bus lines, bike paths, walking paths that are worth a damn, not trying to (re?)create the future that never was. It will be incredibly expensive up-front, but that's simply because we've been kicking that can down the road for far too long.
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Comment on Archaeologists discover world’s oldest wooden structure: dating back half a million years and predating the evolution of our own species, Homo sapiens in ~humanities.history
Captain_Wacky LinkVery interesting find, but I'm not entirely sure how it could "challenge the prevailing view that early humans were nomadic." If their dwelling was rudimentary enough to be potentially built in an...Very interesting find, but I'm not entirely sure how it could "challenge the prevailing view that early humans were nomadic."
If their dwelling was rudimentary enough to be potentially built in an afternoon, why bother hanging around for one place for too terribly long?
Jose Saramago's "Death With Interruptions" is a lovely musing into the idea that "Lady Death" is real, and decides to take a break at her job for a little while.
He mulls over how humanity handles their newfound immortality; how the govt, deathcare, and life insurance companies cope with their new reality, and how things are handled when she returns, and it's all packaged nicely in at a little over 200 pages.