Gandalf's recent activity

  1. Comment on Coffee drinkers are more likely to live longer. Decaf may do the trick, too. in ~food

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    When those articles that state that drinking a modest amount of alcohol correlates with people living longer I often see responses that speculate it is likely caused by the fact that people who...

    When those articles that state that drinking a modest amount of alcohol correlates with people living longer I often see responses that speculate it is likely caused by the fact that people who are sick or have a medical ailment are less likely to be drinkers. I personally am inclined to believe this study is likely explained by similar reasons. Coffee drinkers could be more likely to be employed or financially secure or maybe less likely to be battling severe illness.

    1 vote

  2. Comment on How come seven people (the supreme court) can have so much power? in ~talk

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    Whats the alternative to appointing them politically? I agree it doesn't seem ideal but don't see a better solution.

    Whats the alternative to appointing them politically? I agree it doesn't seem ideal but don't see a better solution.

  3. Comment on Supreme Court Justice Kennedy is retiring in ~news

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    /u/starchturrets already said he didn't believe in using using violence against people who don't support your position. Are you calling for an eye for an eye? If not this feels like an appeal to...

    /u/starchturrets already said he didn't believe in using using violence against people who don't support your position. Are you calling for an eye for an eye? If not this feels like an appeal to hypocrisy to deflect away from the core point.

    3 votes

  4. Comment on Supreme Court Justice Kennedy is retiring in ~news

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    Even specific writing can be ignored, just ask the 4th amendment.

    Even specific writing can be ignored, just ask the 4th amendment.

    4 votes

  5. Comment on US Supreme Court upholds Donald Trump travel ban in ~news

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    The term "slippery slope" has somewhat been warped in the public consciousness. Its so often used in online discussions when pointing out a logical fallacy that people have come to only associate...

    The term "slippery slope" has somewhat been warped in the public consciousness. Its so often used in online discussions when pointing out a logical fallacy that people have come to only associate it with that. I think most would agree there are chains of events which cause one another to happen as a result. The slippery slope only becomes a fallacy when there is no strong or logical reason to believe that the feared consequences would actually happen. If there is a strong pattern of behavior and evidence to support a certain chain of events it no longer sound to dismiss that view as a slippery slope. So no I don't think slippery slope is always a fallacy but it certainly can be.

    2 votes

  6. Comment on 'He wasn't functioning': How a video game addiction turned one family upside down in ~games

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    Loot boxes and gambling oriented towards kids is definitely an issue we're facing but this article seemed focused on the industry as a whole. I think these are really tricky things to regulate;...

    Loot boxes and gambling oriented towards kids is definitely an issue we're facing but this article seemed focused on the industry as a whole. I think these are really tricky things to regulate; the types of games that specifically draw on addictive characteristics are without a doubt scummy. However, I definitely share the hesitance when it comes to forcing responsibility onto game makers. There are a great deal of people that play video games and live perfectly productive lives and may not love the idea of introducing overbearing legislation into the mix.

    1 vote

  7. Comment on How often do you go to write a comment or a post online, and after a bit of time spent writing you decide that it is crap and just delete it? Is this a good thing? in ~talk

    Gandalf
    Link Parent
    This same thought process effects me as well, and it actually tends to make me lurk a lot since the times I feel most compelled to comment are when I disagree or have a differing opinion but I...

    This same thought process effects me as well, and it actually tends to make me lurk a lot since the times I feel most compelled to comment are when I disagree or have a differing opinion but I tend to be very hesitant to rock the boat or get into an argument. I also don't want to do a poor job of presenting the opposing view point so I'll often just move on.

    2 votes