asparagus_p's recent activity
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Comment on What moderate countries are left to emigrate to? in ~travel
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Comment on What moderate countries are left to emigrate to? in ~travel
asparagus_p Link ParentWhat about midges? Are they just in the Highlands or are they everywhere?What about midges? Are they just in the Highlands or are they everywhere?
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Comment on Elections: ultimately, it’s going to be okay in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentYes, I'm sorry to hear that, and my comments were more from a Canadian point of view, where federal governments don't seem to have quite as big an impact. It seems such an unfair system that the...Yes, I'm sorry to hear that, and my comments were more from a Canadian point of view, where federal governments don't seem to have quite as big an impact.
It seems such an unfair system that the incumbent president can make SCOTUS appointments. Why is it not always a bipartisan process?
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Comment on Elections: ultimately, it’s going to be okay in ~society
asparagus_p LinkI'm not from the US and have recently realized I was getting too invested in US politics. For the better part of a year I have been following the news and living in my liberal/progressive echo...I'm not from the US and have recently realized I was getting too invested in US politics. For the better part of a year I have been following the news and living in my liberal/progressive echo chamber, wondering how on earth so many millions of people could vote for someone as odious as Trump.
I'm mainly worried about Trumpism taking root in other countries, especially Canada. We are already seeing it, but I just hope that it doesn't completely take over like it has south of the border. Ultimately, I find that federal governments rarely change your day-to-day living as much as you think. There can be some big changes that affect certain groups, but on the whole, life carries on without major changes.
I really hope that the next 4 years goes by without any of the worst predictions coming true. I share your optimism in that things will probably be OK. The only trouble is that I'm losing some faith that voters actually make any difference at all. It's starting to feel like we are all just being manipulated by the uber-rich.
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Comment on Thoughts on a Democratic postmortem in ~society
asparagus_p LinkI have been watching from afar (not an American), but your post sums it up well. The cost of living crisis was the no.1 issue, and voters were looking for change, whatever form that change took....I have been watching from afar (not an American), but your post sums it up well. The cost of living crisis was the no.1 issue, and voters were looking for change, whatever form that change took. Trump could afford to just turn up to rallies and dance because his message was clear: are you better off than 4 years ago? The Dems did not paint a picture of change, and instead relied too much on the fascism/weirdo strategy. That was a huge mistake. Also, celebrity endorsements mean fuck all if you can't clearly communicate actionable policies that sway voters. Harris should have concentrated on the cost of living and been clearer how she was going to fix it.
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Comment on Hezbollah is hit by a wave of exploding pagers that killed at least nine people and injured thousands in ~news
asparagus_p Link ParentTrue, but for the most part it is just causing injuries, so those people can continue to operate, albeit with more paranoia and fewer fingers.True, but for the most part it is just causing injuries, so those people can continue to operate, albeit with more paranoia and fewer fingers.
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Comment on US President Joe Biden reportedly more open to calls for him to step aside as candidate in ~news
asparagus_p Link ParentEvery move he makes now is getting heavily scrutinized, and boy does he look old. Maybe he always has done over the last couple of years, but I can't stop seeing it now. He's doddery, infirm and...The fact that they tried this and it has not assuaged concerns is an indication that his age is an issue, and the debate simply revealed that.
Every move he makes now is getting heavily scrutinized, and boy does he look old. Maybe he always has done over the last couple of years, but I can't stop seeing it now. He's doddery, infirm and slow. I think everyone is seeing this now, and it's only a matter of time before he steps aside. I can't believe he wasn't advised to do it earlier, but I think they genuinely thought he could beat Trump again. It's looking less likely by the day, however.
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Comment on Donald Trump does not get post-shooting poll boost in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentWhat happened to all that talk of dementia? It's gone quiet on that front, maybe because we're just used to his ramblings now.But, again, he seems fine
What happened to all that talk of dementia? It's gone quiet on that front, maybe because we're just used to his ramblings now.
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Comment on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree embargo lifted in ~games
asparagus_p Link ParentThanks for the detailed answer. If I had more gaming time, there's no doubt I'd try it some day, but it doesn't sound like my type of game. I do like to try new genres though from time to time....Thanks for the detailed answer. If I had more gaming time, there's no doubt I'd try it some day, but it doesn't sound like my type of game. I do like to try new genres though from time to time. I'm often pleasantly surprised and something made well can always be fun, even if it's not your usual preference.
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Comment on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree embargo lifted in ~games
asparagus_p Link ParentThanks. It doesn't really sound like it would be the type of game I'd love, but I've been wrong many times before with this kind of thing. I didn't think I liked turn-based games until I tried...Thanks. It doesn't really sound like it would be the type of game I'd love, but I've been wrong many times before with this kind of thing. I didn't think I liked turn-based games until I tried X-Com, and I didn't think I liked FPS games until I tried Half Life back in the day. My time for gaming is severely limited though these days, so I tend to be more choosy. Maybe it's the type of game I'll try if it is ever given away free or drops to $5 in a sale.
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Comment on New AI project aims to mimic the human neocortex: The Thousand Brains Project offers a fundamentally different approach to AI in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentHopefully working in the interests of humanity and not just increasing profits for the select few.I wonder what AI will be like in 20 years
Hopefully working in the interests of humanity and not just increasing profits for the select few.
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Comment on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree embargo lifted in ~games
asparagus_p LinkI have never played ER or any souls game, mainly because I don't generally like boss fights and because the worlds seem to be particularly dark. I tend to like story-rich RPGs with relationship...I have never played ER or any souls game, mainly because I don't generally like boss fights and because the worlds seem to be particularly dark. I tend to like story-rich RPGs with relationship building (including romance) and plenty of levity while the world turns to ruin. So, examples would be games from old Bioware, CDPR, Bethesda, Larian, Capcom (Dragon's Dogma), etc. But I keep hearing how amazing Elden Ring and FromSoft games are. Would anyone still recommend this game to someone like me? Or is it more for hardcore players who like bosses and the challenge of getting good at the gameplay mechanics?
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Comment on AI took their jobs. Now they get paid to make it sound human. in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentThanks for the info. I'm only half serious about the mail carrier gig, but still half serious (I'm in Canada as it happens). But moving from quite a creative, intellectual job to one almost the...Thanks for the info. I'm only half serious about the mail carrier gig, but still half serious (I'm in Canada as it happens). But moving from quite a creative, intellectual job to one almost the opposite might be a problem I'm not prepared for. My thinking is that a steady job with set hours might leave time for my creative pursuits after work. I didn't consider that it might be difficult to get the permanent gig and going through a temp period. But I've not even started looking at anything else seriously yet. Still deciding whether to stick my current job out as best I can. I have some loyal clients who would hate for me to leave. The decision all boils down to whether I'll have enough income until I retire.
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Comment on AI took their jobs. Now they get paid to make it sound human. in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentDo you mind saying what sector you now have a job in? I've even been daydreaming about being a mail carrier because I just want to stay active and make a steady income rather than feel the stress...Do you mind saying what sector you now have a job in? I've even been daydreaming about being a mail carrier because I just want to stay active and make a steady income rather than feel the stress of what my yearly salary will be. My income has not really changed in about 10 years, but 2024 may well be different. I would earn a lot less as a mail carrier, but maybe I'd be happier...
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
asparagus_p Link ParentI've never had much anxiety about endgames other than frustration at final bosses. I hate bosses as a general rule, which is why I've never played any of the Souls games. If I can't beat a boss...I've never had much anxiety about endgames other than frustration at final bosses. I hate bosses as a general rule, which is why I've never played any of the Souls games. If I can't beat a boss after 2-3 times, I stop having fun. Yes I'm lame :)
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Comment on AI took their jobs. Now they get paid to make it sound human. in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentI too want to steer my kids in this direction. For me though, I would need to find a trade that isn't too physically demanding because of some issues with my body I have developed in middle age,...(2) learn a trade
I too want to steer my kids in this direction. For me though, I would need to find a trade that isn't too physically demanding because of some issues with my body I have developed in middle age, and also something that doesn't require lots of money to learn / gain credentials. I simply can't afford to go back to school now.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
asparagus_p (edited )LinkI have not been playing games over the last month or so, but I have been reading a lot about them with all the summer games fests going on. I have been watching all the Dragon Age: The Veilguard...I have not been playing games over the last month or so, but I have been reading a lot about them with all the summer games fests going on. I have been watching all the Dragon Age: The Veilguard news with interest because it has been a favourite franchise of mine. However, my expectations have been low ever since Bioware shat the bed with Anthem and then completely failed to suck me in with Andromeda.
The trailers and previews for DA:V have not been encouraging for my preferences, but it has made me want to finish my second playthrough of Inquisition and complete all the DLCs. I have of late had a very bad habit of not finishing games, and Inquisition is one of them. I tend to run out of steam in big RPGs around the 60% completion mark, mainly because of work/family commitments. So I have quite a back catalogue of half-finished games at the moment, including Inquisition, Divinity Original Sin 2, AC: Odyssey...
So, regarding DA: Inquisition, other than Trespasser DLC (which I believe is crucial for the DA:V story), is it worth doing any other content like the Jaws of Hakkon?
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Comment on AI took their jobs. Now they get paid to make it sound human. in ~tech
asparagus_p LinkI work in the translation/editing/copywriting field and so the threat of AI is like a black cloud constantly over my head. I've built and sustained my business over the last 15 years and I...I work in the translation/editing/copywriting field and so the threat of AI is like a black cloud constantly over my head. I've built and sustained my business over the last 15 years and I consider myself quite lucky to have been successful in what is quite a difficult sector. I'm now at a very difficult crossroads in my life where I could keep plugging away at it and hope to keep doing what I love, or try a career change before AI possibly takes my job.
I wish there were a clear answer. We are already seeing AI take some work away, but equally I'm also seeing some pushback and clients telling me that they still value human-created content. Some clients have suggested that they do not ever intend to use AI for their content, citing privacy, security and authenticity concerns. I'd be a fool to fully believe them, but I still think it's possible that AI won't actually replace humans in the way that I fear. But AI in 10 years could be so much better that all of the problems we are currently seeing will be ironed out? Or will it be dumber from having been seeded with even more sub-par content?
It's such a difficult decision, especially because every single sector will be affected by AI. Which jobs are safe now? Ironically, it seems the manual labour ones might be, which were the ones we thought robots and machines would take back in the day.
Maybe generation Z, who are already embracing vinyl, film cameras and birding, will not embrace AI as once feared, and will instead fight to keep humans central to whatever we do. I think the answer is that there will always be a demand for human-created content, but it will become more niche and artisanal. The question for me and others like me is: do we want to stay and fight to be in this niche? Because there will be fewer jobs and clients. I think that is inevitable.
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Comment on Donald Trump hush money trial: What criminal charges does he face? in ~news
asparagus_p Link ParentIs it? Surely it depends on the crime. Are we all ok with rapists and pedos running for president? I wouldn't be. I believe some crimes are more forgivable and that most people should be given a...It's better for it.
Is it? Surely it depends on the crime. Are we all ok with rapists and pedos running for president? I wouldn't be. I believe some crimes are more forgivable and that most people should be given a second chance. So, l wouldn't say all crimes should preclude you from running. But the trouble is, you can't just bank on the public weeding out the crazies. That's the troubling part - that a charismatic leader can charm their way into such a position despite their background. History has shown us where that leads.
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Comment on Google I/O 2024 in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentI used to watch I/O with interest every year a while ago. There always seemed to be something really innovative and exciting coming. But then Google changed and I really can't muster any...I used to watch I/O with interest every year a while ago. There always seemed to be something really innovative and exciting coming. But then Google changed and I really can't muster any enthusiasm now for their business. I'm sure some AI enthusiasts will find something exciting, but I'd be happier if AI was put on pause until we have some decent regulations in place. These tech companies are just forcing it down our throats whether we like or not and counting on the fact that it will be too embedded into our lives by the time the regulations are drawn up.
I'm really drawn to Scotland, but the weather and bugs are a bit of a turn-off, especially for my wife. Last year we spent the summer on the east coast of Canada, and I was really surprised how many biting insects there were. It really put a downer on evenings when you wanted to sit outside to enjoy the sunset. I really love the Scottish landscape though, and the history.