Caracoles's recent activity
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Comment on A new type of vaccine is needle-free and doubles as dental floss in ~science
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Comment on Potentially autistic and frustrated in ~health.mental
Caracoles Link ParentAccording to the WHO, “[a] mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour”. Clinical significance refers...According to the WHO, “[a] mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour”.
Clinical significance refers to whether a condition or treatment has a meaningful impact on one’s wellbeing—which is absolutely more broad than pure survival or ability to work.
I’m a layperson but I’ve undergone an evaluation myself and can say that the neuropsychologist indeed focused intently on impact to quality of life and functioning.
May I ask your background? From your language it sounds like you may be a clinician.
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Comment on Managers say they are having trouble finding candidates for nearly 400,000 US manufacturing and technical jobs in ~finance
Caracoles Link ParentI do tend to have a black and white, rules-based sense of morality. If the rules are just (arguable in this case) and applied the same for everyone, then some ethical threshold has been met. So if...I do tend to have a black and white, rules-based sense of morality. If the rules are just (arguable in this case) and applied the same for everyone, then some ethical threshold has been met.
So if the United States chose to move heavily towards a merit system where immigrants with skills are favored, and if they have a visa program for in-demand skills that can’t be met locally, then in my mind it’s only “fair” that we follow that system. And further, my mind painted an image of a company that would skirt that process as trying to access cheap, exploitable labor, and suppressing American wages/quality of life as a side effect.
I’m not arguing so much as reflecting where my biases are over text. And I don’t know where to go with those feelings. Are Americans more deserving of employment within America than immigrants? Not in the sense that we’re all humans with inalienable rights. And not in the sense that America has colonized and plundered wealth from around the world.
But most countries do have similar requirements for entering, so anyone that abolished those checks will be at a disadvantage. And within that system, it does feel unfair to potentially miss out on opportunities because a corporation chose to hide it and say no one wanted it.
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Comment on Managers say they are having trouble finding candidates for nearly 400,000 US manufacturing and technical jobs in ~finance
Caracoles Link ParentI have an acquaintance who said their company had an H1B candidate in mind, so they posted the job opening in a printed newspaper. More hearsay, but as someone who is open to immigration that...I have an acquaintance who said their company had an H1B candidate in mind, so they posted the job opening in a printed newspaper.
More hearsay, but as someone who is open to immigration that struck me as deeply unethical.
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Comment on Parenting is not just for pronatalists: the progressive case for raising kids in ~society
Caracoles Link ParentI feel like the article was trying to argue that left-leaning fence sitters shouldn’t let these anxieties push them away from kids, because having kids will push parents to be agents of change...- Exemplary
I feel like the article was trying to argue that left-leaning fence sitters shouldn’t let these anxieties push them away from kids, because having kids will push parents to be agents of change towards a better world.
It also argued that progressives have ceded ground on family issues to the far right—I really disagree with that idea, just for the record. Project 2025 going nutso with pro-birtherism garbage does not imply that the left has a gap in identity and policy.
I agree that having a kid for any parental benefit is insane. Antinatalists are, in my opinion, right about having children being a selfish act. We’re spinning up a whole new being who will hopefully grow, learn, suffer, laugh, etc. Whatever that child can do for us as parents is irrelevant, because the cost in human life is too high.
I think I’m drifting a bit from what o meant to reply to, so I apologize. I’m just having Big Thoughts. Having a kid is illogical, expensive, and taxing on the planet. I think prospective parents shouldn’t pretend that they can guarantee that their child will be a net benefit to the planet, either on their own or as a vehicle for parental enlightenment. The focus should stay on the child-to-be and their welfare.
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Comment on Going vegan (general veganism thread) in ~food
Caracoles Link ParentI would add one additional note that I feel applied to me on my four year vegan journey. I would often bristle at omnivore people making comments that vegan food should just be vegan food and not...I would add one additional note that I feel applied to me on my four year vegan journey.
I would often bristle at omnivore people making comments that vegan food should just be vegan food and not try to be omnivore food—even though I do broadly agree with the idea!
When you adopt a plant based diet it’s definitely more helpful to focus on plant based foods to adjust your palette. An Impossible meatloaf isn’t bad, but it’s not going to have all the same characteristics of a cow meatloaf and setting yourself up for comparison is setting yourself up for failure. Plus, eating a lot of meat alternatives means you’re eating less whole foods.
But once you do adjust your palette there can be lots of wonderful vegan foods that do “scratch the itch” that a omnivore recipe targets. For instance, if I want a meatloaf I am probably up for something comforting and familiar that’s easy to make. I like making this vegan lentil loaf because it scratches that itch.
Similarly, this scrambled tofu recipe is amazing, and it hits that “warm savory soft food on toast” itch that I can get for breakfast.
I didn’t mean to start writing a ton of paragraphs with recipes but this lasagna is also amazing and stands up on its own.
I would also recommend thinking through where you want to draw the line in terms of your commitment to “practical and possible” because it’s easy to get caught in purity tests, and it can be helpful to know beforehand so you’re not freaking out at a store looking at ingredients.
- White sugar in the United States is often processed with animal bone char. You’d need to find organic white sugar to avoid it. I decided I was not going to worry about it
- Bread products may be enriched with vitamins which may come from animal sources. I decided I was ok to buy enriched bread and pasta, but I chose to seek vegan vitamin supplements
- Honey and milk are added to a lot of things. I chose to avoid products with them, but I was ok with the cross contamination (aka “may contain traces” or “processed on equipment with”)
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tech
Caracoles Link ParentJust as a point of clarification, NFTs offer no functionality with regard to auto executing code, from what I understand. It’s more that a distributed system has concurred that the contract exists?Just as a point of clarification, NFTs offer no functionality with regard to auto executing code, from what I understand. It’s more that a distributed system has concurred that the contract exists?
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Comment on I don’t want to be famous on the Internet anymore in ~tech
Caracoles Link ParentI want to echo your feelings! There’s nothing inherently mentally ill about wanting to be successful or popular or famous. There’s also something valuable in making a sincere effort towards goals....I want to echo your feelings! There’s nothing inherently mentally ill about wanting to be successful or popular or famous. There’s also something valuable in making a sincere effort towards goals. Is it so different from a local band trying to go big or an artist publishing their work?
It’s three hundred percent foreign, to me, as someone who specifically avoids attention, but that’s undoubtedly a valid and important part of your life, even (or especially!) if you’ve moved past it.
Perhaps if you have a natural talent to share there might be more local and less public avenues to build community.
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Comment on Dipping my toes in OpenBSD, in Amsterdam in ~tech
Caracoles LinkI’ve always used Linux as-is, buttoned up neatly by RedHat and managed by IT. Nor have I played in the self-hosting space, or even much in the personal project space. But I did enjoy the author’s...I’ve always used Linux as-is, buttoned up neatly by RedHat and managed by IT. Nor have I played in the self-hosting space, or even much in the personal project space.
But I did enjoy the author’s take on learning and the friction we experience when trying to intake information that’s perpendicular to the worldview and assumptions we had previously.
I had a similar experience when I was trying to set up a complicated* Azure DevOps pipeline.
* note: comparatively complicated for me

I find that I often come at these sorts of new challenges sideways. I’ve used a heavily-templated pipeline before, I just need it to do one thing differently, I’ve read almost none of the documentation but by gods this should be easy, and then six hours later I’ve wound my way through the help pages of thirty different features and have perhaps constructed the knowledge available from the introduction web page by way of the negative space left by the rest of them. -
Comment on Tildes Book Club discussion - February 2025 - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah in ~books
Caracoles Link ParentMy youth was flush with watching The Daily Show with Stewart, and I went into the host switch with no idea of who Trevor Noah was. I, like many others, wrote him off as not having the same “vibe”...My youth was flush with watching The Daily Show with Stewart, and I went into the host switch with no idea of who Trevor Noah was. I, like many others, wrote him off as not having the same “vibe” as Jon, and quickly fell off watching.
After gobbling this book down in a single day, I’m really regretting my snap decision. At the very least, Noah has such an incredible breadth of life experiences and perspectives that I would love to hear more from him going forward.
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Comment on Microsoft reported to be sharply reducing planned data center investment worldwide in ~tech
Caracoles Link ParentI haven’t followed his writing, but I was struck by the number of leading questions within this article. It definitely felt like the intent was to lead the reader towards a conclusion that the...I haven’t followed his writing, but I was struck by the number of leading questions within this article. It definitely felt like the intent was to lead the reader towards a conclusion that the supporting arguments were not strong enough to support on their own.
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Comment on How often do you replace your phone? in ~tech
Caracoles LinkI read everyone’s replies to see if I could commiserate with anyone who exclusively had “when I break the old one” as an upgrade breakpoint. My complete personal phone history is so weird that I...I read everyone’s replies to see if I could commiserate with anyone who exclusively had “when I break the old one” as an upgrade breakpoint. My complete personal phone history is so weird that I think it would dox myself, but in general I have a clumsiness issue where, if I’m not 100% focused, I will try to remove my phone from my pocket, slip, and thrown it directly at the floor.
Currently I’m on an iPhone X that I had the screen repaired on for $100, but on the way back to put it in the heavy duty case I dropped it again and shattered the glass back. Which is fine, so long as it remains in the case.
I’ve considered a phone tether before.
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Comment on American Red Cross national blood inventory plummets 25% in July - declares emergency blood shortage in ~health
Caracoles LinkI went to donate blood today after reading this article here on Tildes 🙂 I actually had to wait a bit since so many people were responding to the emergency call, despite having an appointment, so...- Exemplary
I went to donate blood today after reading this article here on Tildes 🙂
I actually had to wait a bit since so many people were responding to the emergency call, despite having an appointment, so that was heartening!
It was my second blood donation and first time doing the “power red” donation, which made me feel a little more woozy but not bad. It feels good to help make a difference, if you have the means and the health, I would recommend giving it a go.
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Comment on Most US Black and Hispanic adults expect to get the new COVID-19 vaccine, though most white adults don’t in ~health
Caracoles Link ParentI would still highly recommend it! Your body will still fight the virus naturally. It’s actually a really neat process. Inactive vaccines Inactive vaccines are made from the virus, but the virus...I would still highly recommend it! Your body will still fight the virus naturally.
It’s actually a really neat process.
Inactive vaccines
Inactive vaccines are made from the virus, but the virus has been killed, so your immune system can see the markings of the virus and be more prepared with antibodies in the future
Live vaccines
Live vaccines are generally “attenuated” which means grown for many generations in a very cold environment, so that they adapt to that temperature and can’t replicate at human temperatures. Meanwhile your immune system can be like “the hell is this??” and prep defenses
MRNA
MRNA vaccines contain some number of proteins that will actually have your cells build the spikes or other signatures of the virus. So it’s the most separate from the actual virus. More like a fire drill for the immune system.
I would encourage you to consider it! Even if it’s not as helpful for you, you could be a good role model for more vulnerable people in your community.
I also know of a very healthy 25 year old ER nurse who got the flu (years before this whole mess) and died. I’ve gotten the shot every year since then.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~enviro
Caracoles Link ParentI would like to add a caveat to your statement. Wild javelinas can be extremely territorial, particularly when babies are nearby, and their tusks and determination can certainly make them scary....I would like to add a caveat to your statement. Wild javelinas can be extremely territorial, particularly when babies are nearby, and their tusks and determination can certainly make them scary. And, though I’m sure it doesn’t need to be said, practice caution and keep your distance if you see javelinas in the wild, they won’t like belly rubs as much as Charlie did!
However, they deserve the right to live in their natural environment and exercise those natural behaviors. I’m all for returning this golf course to nature.
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Comment on Lets talk kitchen dishes in ~life.home_improvement
Caracoles LinkHave you held Fiestaware in person? They are fairly heavy, and come in a variety of colors, some darker— but all have a shiny glaze, with the exception of the retired Foundry set, which has a...Have you held Fiestaware in person? They are fairly heavy, and come in a variety of colors, some darker— but all have a shiny glaze, with the exception of the retired Foundry set, which has a “cast iron” look to it.
One valuable thing about both Corelle and Fiestaware is that they’ve maintained their form factor for many decades. Even if breakage is unlikely, it’s nice to have the option to expand the collection or get replacements.
Regarding stone wear being easily chipped, it really depends on the brand. I’ve found Fiestaware to be quite sturdy. Oddly, it’s my Corelle that I’ve broken more often— and when that breaks it shatters into a fine shardy dust.
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Comment on I did a drawing! It sucked! Any advice on how to make it better? in ~creative
Caracoles LinkOne area I have not seen addressed is the defensive “sucky” qualifiers given to your drawing. Please don’t do that! Putting yourself and your work down is totally unhealthy for your growth....One area I have not seen addressed is the defensive “sucky” qualifiers given to your drawing. Please don’t do that! Putting yourself and your work down is totally unhealthy for your growth.
There’s lots to improve with the anatomy, posing, etc. I’ll leave that to others as it’s an active area of work for myself as well. But lots to appreciate as well. While your drawing could use more contrast, the sketchy line art has a maturity that I don’t have in my own work. Hard to describe, but it has purpose? The wrinkles and shadows on the pants, the little notches in the sword. It’s nice to zoom in and look at!
I would personally recommend a figure drawing class, if there are any near you. I think you would be great at capturing the rough forms and all the weird ways people can stretch, hang, and move. Getting that better grasp of anatomy (the head looks like this when it turns this way, the muscles stretch across the rib cage like that, I can capture the feeling of the leg with a swoosh like this, etc) will then help your translate it into whatever style you want.
Another big recommendation is to keep your old drawings and when you made them, which is another thing I worry about when artists say they’re sucky. This is your first step back into a wonderful journey!
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Comment on Is there a vegetarian or vegan recipe that you think is better than the meat based version? in ~food
Caracoles Link ParentI make a killer vegan lasagna with a tofu/nooch “ricotta” and a sauce made with red lentils. It has enough protein to knock you flat! Probably a Nora Cooks recipe, if I had to guess. Haven’t found...I make a killer vegan lasagna with a tofu/nooch “ricotta” and a sauce made with red lentils. It has enough protein to knock you flat! Probably a Nora Cooks recipe, if I had to guess. Haven’t found a satisfying vegan cheese to top it with. Usually I either add slices of Miyoko’s Mozzarella (or the liquid stuff if I’m feeling fancy) or just leave it off.
Since you mention “more types of cheese” I’d be curious to know if you mean dairy cheese or some (actually good??) vegan cheese?
I wish we had more information about the human volunteers and the physical experience of flossing.
From a PR perspective, if it’s painless I think the term “micro-needle” could use some reworking. Ridges? Spokes?