UTDoctor's recent activity

  1. Comment on Reddit moderators will now have to submit a request to switch their subreddit from public to private in ~tech

  2. Comment on Kamala Harris’ lead dips in national US polls and it’s very close in the key states in ~society

    UTDoctor
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    This talking point can be yelled from the rooftops every day until the election but the average American doesn't buy it. Trump is going hammer her on the country's economic record under the...

    Yet the economy has improved, greatly, under Biden's administration

    This talking point can be yelled from the rooftops every day until the election but the average American doesn't buy it. Trump is going hammer her on the country's economic record under the Biden/Harris administration.

    https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/05/23/views-of-the-nations-economy-may-2024/

    6 votes

  3. Comment on It’s official: These thirteen books are now banned from all public schools in Utah in ~books

    UTDoctor
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    In the same way certain films are not appropriate for younger audiences, certain literature is not appropriate for younger audiences and shouldn’t be in school libraries. It’s really not...

    In the same way certain films are not appropriate for younger audiences, certain literature is not appropriate for younger audiences and shouldn’t be in school libraries. It’s really not complicated and is far from “dystopian.”

    2 votes

  4. Comment on ‘Morally, nobody’s against it’: Brazil’s radical plan to tax global super-rich to tackle climate crisis in ~enviro

    UTDoctor
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    I don't have an issue with the way you've described this. I have a few issues with it. One issue I have is the targeting of the group. And no, I'm not saying "why won't someone think of the poor...

    I disagree on a couple of points, though. First, a matter of terminology. An increase in revenue that is entirely offset by additional taxation isn't a net increase; it's a revenue neutral increase. A net increase would be one where the government had extra unallocated resources at the end of the year.

    I don't have an issue with the way you've described this.

    I also disagree with your claim that there's always increased taxation rather than a replacement of one sort of spending with another, but even if we assumed that increased spending is always paired with additional taxation I'm not sure I see the problem with it? Unless the government just handed all the cash over to an even smaller group of people than the billionaires they're taxing, the money will be used to support endeavors that make things better for everyone.

    I have a few issues with it. One issue I have is the targeting of the group. And no, I'm not saying "why won't someone think of the poor billionaires." Unless I'm mistaken, this would be a flat tax applied to individuals over $X income (assets? net worth?). Notwithstanding the constant cat-and-mouse game of wealthy folks structuring their funds to avoid paying taxes like this (overseas etc.), there are questions of legal equality.

    Ex. Billionaire 1 annually gives tens of millions of dollars annually to towards climate solutions and actually made a large part of their fortune fighting for that cause. Should they be subjected to this tax the same way another billionaire is that doesn't give any $$ to charity etc.? I'm strictly looking at the principle of equality before the law. I don't think principles should change just because of scale. Furthermore, if there are breaks given so folks don't have to pay this tax if they do X, Y, or Z, who's going to provide the oversight? Are we going to have a global IRS? Again, back to pragmatism.

    My 2nd issue has to do with this statement:

    "the money will be used to support endeavors that make things better for everyone."

    Governments worldwide have a large statistical track record of not being financially prudent. I'm not saying a solution can't ever come from a government entity, but there are significantly more examples of governments trying to implement policies that fail financially than succeed. I think it's especially problematic when the scale of the solution encompasses the globe. Back to pragmatism.

    4 votes

  5. Comment on ‘Morally, nobody’s against it’: Brazil’s radical plan to tax global super-rich to tackle climate crisis in ~enviro

    UTDoctor
    Link Parent
    At a very surface level, my answers to these questions are "yes", "yes", and "no", but as you know, there are a multiplicity of nuances for actual answers on these questions. My issue, generally...

    At a very surface level, my answers to these questions are "yes", "yes", and "no", but as you know, there are a multiplicity of nuances for actual answers on these questions.

    My issue, generally speaking (keeping nuance in mind), is proposed solutions for new government initiatives are almost always increased taxation/spend. Proposals almost never begin with suggestions such as reallocation of funds or "let's make cuts on this program to pay for this other action over here"; it's always a net increase in government budget.

    I'm sure we could go down a ton of rabbit trails with this subject matter, but without getting too into the weeds, this is the gist of my issue with legislation like this, among other things.

    3 votes

  6. Comment on ‘Morally, nobody’s against it’: Brazil’s radical plan to tax global super-rich to tackle climate crisis in ~enviro

    UTDoctor
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    Since when does giving a government more money equal a certain outcome? The US budget is six trillion this year, and apparently that's not enough. So how much is? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? We just give...

    Since when does giving a government more money equal a certain outcome? The US budget is six trillion this year, and apparently that's not enough. So how much is? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? We just give them infinity money and the world is saved?

    "Morally, nobody's against it." Pragmatism be damned.

    5 votes

  7. Comment on Donald Trump whisked off stage in Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd in ~news

    UTDoctor
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    I remember when Reddit found the Boston marathon bomber after it happened. We did it guys!

    I remember when Reddit found the Boston marathon bomber after it happened.

    We did it guys!

    21 votes

  8. Comment on Microsoft erases guide for switching to local Windows accounts in ~tech

    UTDoctor
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    It’s beyond me how anyone remotely tech savvy would willingly use Microsoft products. They have shown that they are actively against their users engaging any actions that are against their company...

    It’s beyond me how anyone remotely tech savvy would willingly use Microsoft products. They have shown that they are actively against their users engaging any actions that are against their company objectives. What little autonomy you have over your machine is continually being chipped away at.

    If it weren’t for the chokehold that MSFT has on enterprises, I don’t understand how they’re putting themselves in a positive light for your average consumer. They’ve become my most actively disliked company, even over Xfinity, EA, etc.

    23 votes

  9. Comment on Your favorite deeply unpopular music in ~music

    UTDoctor
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    Just started listening because of this comment. Great recommendation 👍

    Just started listening because of this comment. Great recommendation 👍

    2 votes

  10. Comment on How are you dealing with AI generated results in your searches? in ~tech

    UTDoctor
    Link Parent
    Was just about to mention this. I used up my 100 searches in ~4 days and it asked me to subscribe. One of the best $10 per month expenses I’ll make. Have been very happy with the service.

    Was just about to mention this. I used up my 100 searches in ~4 days and it asked me to subscribe. One of the best $10 per month expenses I’ll make. Have been very happy with the service.

    20 votes

  11. Comment on Are there any backpacks which are both stylish and functional? in ~life.style

    UTDoctor
    Link Parent
    “I was ready to share my recommendations based on the title, but I'm honestly very put off by the "tech bro" and "tech nerd" name calling. If you can't describe what you're looking for without...

    “I was ready to share my recommendations based on the title, but I'm honestly very put off by the "tech bro" and "tech nerd" name calling. If you can't describe what you're looking for without denigrating people based on appearance or some preconceived stereotype, reconsider instead of bringing that to Tildes. That negativity and...generalized bullying is a good part of why I finally cut Reddit out of my life.”

    That’s hardly name calling bud; it’s an apt description. Not something to clutch pearls over.

    32 votes

  12. Comment on What is a keystone species, and why are they so important? in ~enviro

    UTDoctor
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    As is the concept of keystone species that the author of this article fails to sufficiently shed light on. Something that I thought was interesting when getting my ecology degree was research into...

    These strong, top-down effects are known as “trophic cascades” – and they can be much more complex than you might realize.

    As is the concept of keystone species that the author of this article fails to sufficiently shed light on.

    Something that I thought was interesting when getting my ecology degree was research into the area of biodiversity. Specifically, there is evidence that biodiversity in itself isn't necessarily an indicator of the health of any particular ecosystem. We often see in the news that having a plurality of species within an ecosystem is a net positive and should be sought regardless of other factors. This is a simplistic view of the complexities of ecosystems and what makes one healthy vs. not.

    Back to the topic at hand: keystone species. I wish the author would have discussed that it's not about the species themselves, but about the roles they can play. A species may be a keystone player in one ecosystem but not another. Some ecosystems might have redundant species that perform similar ecological roles. If multiple species can fulfill the same ecological role, the loss of one species - even if "keystone" - might not lead to deleterious trophic cascades. Focusing solely on individual species is less important than understanding the interactions and dynamics within ecological networks at large.

    This is a good surface level article, but I do wish it explained more along these points I outlined above.

    4 votes

  13. Comment on For some Helldivers 2 players, the fascist role-play has gone too far in ~games

    UTDoctor
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    Insert "booyah!" "booyah!" "booyah!" "over here!" "booyah!" spam

    It's pretty hard to be toxic in systems like that.

    Insert "booyah!" "booyah!" "booyah!" "over here!" "booyah!" spam

    6 votes

  14. Comment on The carry-on-baggage bubble is about to pop in ~travel

    UTDoctor
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    To me, it's less about fees and more not wanting to chance my luggage getting lost. My apprehension to checking bags is attributable 100% to the airlines.

    To me, it's less about fees and more not wanting to chance my luggage getting lost. My apprehension to checking bags is attributable 100% to the airlines.

    77 votes

  15. Comment on OpenAI board in discussions with Sam Altman to return as CEO in ~tech

    UTDoctor
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    Is the board making decisions like the headless chicken scene on South Park? For the unaware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz-PtEJEaqY

    Is the board making decisions like the headless chicken scene on South Park?

    For the unaware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz-PtEJEaqY

    6 votes

  16. Comment on Why banks are suddenly closing down customer accounts in ~finance

    UTDoctor
    Link Parent
    During the George Floyd protests I saw mentioned over and over again online (link below is an example) that "Protests are supposed to be disruptive" as people blockaded roads and destroyed...

    And all over an event where they held the capital of Canada hostage for weeks. That's not a protest. Nothing about the Convoy is a protest.

    During the George Floyd protests I saw mentioned over and over again online (link below is an example) that "Protests are supposed to be disruptive" as people blockaded roads and destroyed property (the most costly in US history). I'm curious if you make difference between the Convoy protest and the George Floyd ones?

    https://www.yesmagazine.org/opinion/2020/07/08/history-protests-social-change

    8 votes

  17. Comment on BMI 'vastly underestimates' true obesity in ~health

    UTDoctor
    Link Parent
    But I mean at a certain point, other factors are irrelevant, right? It doesn't matter how many other things you consider, if you're 500 lbs, you're obese and at serious risk of health hazards....

    But I would argue that this BMI score = obese without considering all of the other factors of that person’s physical situation is unhelpful to that individual.

    But I mean at a certain point, other factors are irrelevant, right? It doesn't matter how many other things you consider, if you're 500 lbs, you're obese and at serious risk of health hazards.

    Splitting hairs over 28 vs. 29.5 for example is where I would with you.

    4 votes

  18. Comment on BMI 'vastly underestimates' true obesity in ~health

    UTDoctor
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    Do you think if there are exceptions to a general rule that the general rule is bunk? BMI is fine for looking at populations of people, but of course, because humans are diverse, there will be...

    Do you think if there are exceptions to a general rule that the general rule is bunk? BMI is fine for looking at populations of people, but of course, because humans are diverse, there will be exceptions. Doesn't mean BMI is an inherently bad measurement.

    13 votes

  19. Comment on Reddit communities are switching to NSFW to create some friction and rob Reddit of ad revenue in ~tech

    UTDoctor
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    It absolutely is to a degree. I've personally found bots (they're probably people, but organized to propagate a specific message) in the politics subreddit posting the exact same comments. You can...

    Sometimes I wonder if Reddit itself is maybe astroturfing with bots

    It absolutely is to a degree. I've personally found bots (they're probably people, but organized to propagate a specific message) in the politics subreddit posting the exact same comments. You can take a quick glance through their comment history. It's pretty obvious.

    16 votes

  20. Comment on Anyone here into watches? in ~hobbies

    UTDoctor
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    There are lots of great options for all price points. If you're not looking to spend a ton but still want to get one from a brand that has a history of making watches, I'd look into Casio or Timex.

    There are lots of great options for all price points.

    If you're not looking to spend a ton but still want to get one from a brand that has a history of making watches, I'd look into Casio or Timex.

    1 vote