asparagus_p's recent activity
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Comment on Baldur's Gate 3 - The Final Patch: New subclasses, photo mode, and cross-play in ~games
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Comment on What lesser-known alternative would you recommend as a substitute for something more popular? in ~talk
asparagus_p Link ParentI will always approve of gochujang being used, but the flavour profile is quite different than tomato paste and it's also very spicy. I like that, but maybe not everyone in your house will. I also...I will always approve of gochujang being used, but the flavour profile is quite different than tomato paste and it's also very spicy. I like that, but maybe not everyone in your house will. I also recommend doenjang or miso paste in sauces, and fish sauce for that extra umami kick. I use all of those a lot in my Italian inspired meals.
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Comment on Well this terrifies me: Steve Bannon preparing for a third Donald Trump US presidency in ~society
asparagus_p LinkNot an American, but would the people be ok with it? I assume MAGA would, but the other 2/3rds? Something that never fails to amaze me is how there aren't more people looking at Trump's actions...Not an American, but would the people be ok with it? I assume MAGA would, but the other 2/3rds? Something that never fails to amaze me is how there aren't more people looking at Trump's actions through the lens of the Democrats doing it. If the Dems were ever to get back in again, they should in theory be able to do all of the same stuff, and that should scare some of the more moderate Republicans surely.
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Comment on Tariffs do not in general help trade deficits in ~finance
asparagus_p LinkFrom a Canadian point of view, the US has a tiny trade deficit with Canada in the grand scheme of things, and it's mainly because of oil anyway. Trump is focusing on just goods when he says...From a Canadian point of view, the US has a tiny trade deficit with Canada in the grand scheme of things, and it's mainly because of oil anyway. Trump is focusing on just goods when he says there's a huge deficit, a result of Canadians importing less from the US than the other way round (which is to be expected considering the difference in population size). But he's conveniently ignoring all the other services that Canada imports from the US, which cuts the deficit to something like $30 billion. And if you cut out the oil that the US imports from Canada, then there is no deficit at all.
It's hard to see his tariffs as anything other than a bullying tactic to try and negotiate better deals. Of course, the more sinister reason is he wants to cripple the Canadian economy in the hope that Canada would prefer to join the US, and he can then access all of Canada's resources.
Personally, I can't help but think that he just doesn't really understand economics and trade that well. He gives off the vibes of someone who has never had to learn these things, but has rather spent his whole life getting toadies to give him reports and summaries so he can make a binary decision that favours him as much as possible. To him, surplus = good, deficit = bad. Has he actually spent any time looking at the intricacies and contemplated how many US jobs have been created around refining Canadian crude oil, for example?
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Comment on Digg is relaunching under Kevin Rose and Alexis Ohanian in ~tech
asparagus_p Link ParentVery good point. I guess the requirement is that we want something good enough to migrate to once something has enshittified. It would be a shame if there is no decent replacement and you're left...Very good point. I guess the requirement is that we want something good enough to migrate to once something has enshittified. It would be a shame if there is no decent replacement and you're left with nothing. Perhaps Reddit will become good again once Digg has crappified, and the cycle continues...
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Comment on Digg is relaunching under Kevin Rose and Alexis Ohanian in ~tech
asparagus_p LinkI was a Digg to Reddit migrant, and I would gladly go back to Digg if becomes a decent platform. But how is it even possible? I feel there's a fundamental disconnect between what the owners of a...I was a Digg to Reddit migrant, and I would gladly go back to Digg if becomes a decent platform. But how is it even possible? I feel there's a fundamental disconnect between what the owners of a site like that want (profit), and what the users want (discussion). Call me jaded, but it will probably start off fun and refreshing, and then it will slowly get worse and collapse under its own weight.
One thing I agree with is the need to stop rewarding users based on popularity/followers or any of that bullshit. We don't want it to be full of bots and spammy content just to get likes. And also, how do you stop it from becoming too politically biased? It seems like everything eventually becomes either ultra right or ultra left once the feedback loop begins.
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Comment on What artist, regardless of medium, did the most to progress their field? in ~arts
asparagus_p LinkMaybe not someone who did the most to advance their field, but photographers like William Eggleston who pioneered the "mundane" genre of photography. Ansel Adams pushed the genre forward with...Maybe not someone who did the most to advance their field, but photographers like William Eggleston who pioneered the "mundane" genre of photography. Ansel Adams pushed the genre forward with amazing landscapes, but I like the fact that others found beauty in more everyday scenes.
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Comment on Musings on our current system in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentNo one can deny the historical implementation and associated problems. But "socialist" is still thrown around at capitalist countries whenever they have highish taxes or a some kind of social...Well...yeah. The "historical implementation" has led to some of the most brutal regimes on the planet and one of the largest preventable famines to ever exist. There are still people alive who were there for those events, and yes a lot of them left/escaped/fled to other countries, like america, and thus take issue with the idea that "no really this time we're not going to starve everyone one/murder people with glasses. We'll get it right".
No one can deny the historical implementation and associated problems. But "socialist" is still thrown around at capitalist countries whenever they have highish taxes or a some kind of social welfare program. It's this aspect that puzzles me because "socialized healthcare" should not be used as a stick to try and beat those countries with. I've known friends who have moved to the US and returned to their native country and complained how socialist it is. Apart from being untrue, why is it such a dirty word to have a program designed to help those in need?
That was my main point about the word. I certainly wouldn't argue that people have a right to be wary of what communism and socialism has historically led to in certain countries.
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Comment on Musings on our current system in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentI can't say if you're right or wrong, but I'm not sure you can say it confidently without the data to back it up. As of 2020, about one quarter of Sweden's population is foreign born or from...However, it cannot be ignored that part of their success is due to their homogeneity and very xenophobic citizenship laws.
I can't say if you're right or wrong, but I'm not sure you can say it confidently without the data to back it up. As of 2020, about one quarter of Sweden's population is foreign born or from foreign-born parents. That's not insignificant, although obviously nothing like the US. But there are just so many other differences from the US that I think it becomes very hard to say why Nordic countries are on a different trajectory to the US. Religion (or lack of), education, taxation, history, climate, population size, family traditions..... so many differences that contribute to a society's health.
The sheer size difference has to be a major factor, and that's where I agree that a certain homogeneity helps in these countries. Even though they may have diversity in their populations, it's still a smaller population to take care of, keep happy and build national pride around. The US is just too darn big to get everyone to agree!
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Comment on Musings on our current system in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentAs a non-American, I've often wondered why "socialism" is such a dirty word to them. It's often thrown around like a slur, almost like atheism is to religious people. And I think it's because of...(From the outside though. I would never want to live in a socialist country until there's some evidence that they can exist on a large scale without becoming enormous brutal prisons.)
As a non-American, I've often wondered why "socialism" is such a dirty word to them. It's often thrown around like a slur, almost like atheism is to religious people. And I think it's because of its historical implementation, rather than the ideals put forward. If we look at some common dictionary definitions, we get this:
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(Economics) an economic theory or system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the community collectively, usually through the state. It is characterized by production for use rather than profit, by equality of individual wealth, by the absence of competitive economic activity, and, usually, by government determination of investment, prices, and production levels.
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(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) any of various social or political theories or movements in which the common welfare is to be achieved through the establishment of a socialist economic system
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A set of political and economic theories based on the belief that everyone has an equal right to a share of a country’s wealth and that the government should own and control the main industries
Now, there are some aspects that sound pretty good, and other parts not so much. I think the first definition is what makes some people nervous: collective ownership, government determination of prices and production, etc. It sounds like communism, and even though the ideals of communism were noble, it has historically been implemented as an authoritarian system without individual liberties.
But the other definitions are also valid, where the welfare of people is put before profit or at least given equal priority, and where wealth is distributed more evenly. When we think of more socialist countries, like the Scandinavian ones for example, they are still capitalist, but have high taxes and strong welfare systems. They often come out well in quality-of-life and happiness rankings.
So, even though a rigid socialist system doesn't sound great, implementing some "socialist" ideals or policies doesn't need to be such a dirty word. After all, the main point is to take care of everyone in society and to eradicate the class system that develops from an aristocracy or oligarchy.
Personally, I can't think of a better system than capitalism, but not the rampant for-profit, low-taxes, free-market capitalism that the US seems to love. That just seems to lead to wealth inequality, market consolidation, oligopolies and enshittification (what many refer to as late-stage capitalism). I would like to see a more regulated capitalism that leaves the core mechanics alone, but incorporates socialist values of mutual benefit, a more linear spread of wealth, eradicating poverty, and generally taking care of the population. It seems so obvious that problems like crime and disease will diminish if you take care of your society and meet their basic needs. Capitalism can lead to prosperity and happiness, but not if it's allowed to run rampant and create irreparable schisms in your society.
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Comment on Who are your favorite actresses? in ~movies
asparagus_p Link ParentHard to imagine ever having a crush on her after watching that performance. She's too good at being completely unhinged in that show.Most recently as the deranged mother in The Bear too.
Hard to imagine ever having a crush on her after watching that performance. She's too good at being completely unhinged in that show.
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Comment on Who are your favorite actresses? in ~movies
asparagus_p Link ParentScarlett Johansson was excellent in Marriage Story but she was so good that my previous attraction for her completely vanished!Scarlett Johansson was excellent in Marriage Story but she was so good that my previous attraction for her completely vanished!
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Comment on 27% of Canadians view USA as an 'enemy' in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentAnd Trudeau made him look silly because he countered his stupid power-move handshake. I know all this sounds ridiculous, but I bet Trump really is that insecure and petty.And Trudeau made him look silly because he countered his stupid power-move handshake. I know all this sounds ridiculous, but I bet Trump really is that insecure and petty.
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Comment on 27% of Canadians view USA as an 'enemy' in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentI've been thinking a lot about this too. Let's not forget: He hates Trudeau and wanted petty revenge He wants our resources He's incapable of making any kind of mutually beneficial deal. There...I've been thinking a lot about this too. Let's not forget:
- He hates Trudeau and wanted petty revenge
- He wants our resources
- He's incapable of making any kind of mutually beneficial deal. There always has to be a winner and a loser
I actually think he respects Putin and wants to be the same. Whether he's an asset or not, I think he doesn't care at all about democracy, diplomacy and allies other than what he can get out of them. He's a narcissist and obsessed with being seen as a winner. I think he's picking a fight with Canada just to be a bully and see what he can get from it.
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Comment on When it comes to Canadian politics, all bets are now off in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentThere's a lot of "just one guy" kind of dismissal in there, yet just one guy handing out food is of note? I also find it strange that the "mainstream media" seems to be labelled as untrustworthy,...There's a lot of "just one guy" kind of dismissal in there, yet just one guy handing out food is of note? I also find it strange that the "mainstream media" seems to be labelled as untrustworthy, whereas your sources seems to have come from within or closely connected to the convoy. That doesn't seem like it will give you balanced reporting. The CBC is progressive on many social issues, but it's not some leftist propaganda empire doing the government's bidding. It is actually fairly neutral on political matters. Besides that, Canadian media is largely owned by private companies like PostMedia, and they are certainly not leftist. So why would hundreds of journalists all be out to mischaracterize the convoy?
I'd say those restrictions were worth it based on the fact they probably saved the lives of thousands, maybe tens of thousands. The government's response was not perfect but it was pretty darn good for an unprecedented pandemic where every country was trying to figure things out on the fly.
At no point did I ever feel like my freedoms were so impinged that I felt depressed or suicidal. I think those that lost their jobs have a more legitimate beef, and this is where I think the government did get it wrong. I think they were right to insist on vaccinations for those in front-line healthcare, but I don't think they should have lost their jobs. They should have been redeployed somewhere else. Although I'm struggling to understand why someone in healthcare is refusing to be vaccinated.
I have no problems with people protesting, and there's an argument for restrictions being too harsh or too long, but the hysteria was unjustified in my opinion. It turned into hate and vitriol, not the love fest you describe. I live in interior BC and I saw these protests every week. They were friendly and had a party-like atmosphere if you joined in, but they were nasty, intimidating and basically a big "fuck you" to anyone that disagreed with them. I saw journalists harassed and other people abused. It also attracted the far-right and conspiracy theorists and the MAGA hats, something that really baffles me.
We all wanted the restrictions to end. Who was actually benefiting from them? It wasn't some big conspiracy to keep the people down. The majority of people were happy to be patient rather than throwing their toys out of the pram. Be careful what you wish for. All that talk of Trudolph seems ridiculous when you see what's happening down south right now. I didn't vote for Trudeau and lost faith in him early on, but I can't understand the level of hate he has received when he's actually been an ok leader, especially on the international scene. I do not trust PP to take Canada in the right direction at all.
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Comment on When it comes to Canadian politics, all bets are now off in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentYep, I agree with a lot of that. There is a ton more the government should have been doing. I particularly support the idea of a rail network and relying less on air travel. But your point about...Yep, I agree with a lot of that. There is a ton more the government should have been doing. I particularly support the idea of a rail network and relying less on air travel. But your point about China is an interesting one, because I'm not entirely sure our govt is encouraging us to buy from China (and it's the only affordable option for many in an increasingly expensive world), and more generally, it's a bit tiring asking us residents to try harder and harder to "do our part" when many of us do already, but it feels hopeless when industries, corporations, other countries, and the wealthy elite get to rack up gigantic carbon footprints and not be held to account properly.
But I guess my two main points would be: 1) Yes, the carbon tax is not perfect, but is it really as bad as we are being led to believe by the Conservatives? 2) Do you think the Conservatives will do any better at reducing carbon emissions?
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Comment on When it comes to Canadian politics, all bets are now off in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentThat sounds positively delightful! I get your point that it wasn't like the Jan 6 riots, but that is a very rosy picture of the convoy. Talk to some of the Ottawa locals and see their side of the...the organizers and largely supported their protest. Our members of Parliament walked freely through their midst and enjoyed conversations with them as the protesters hot tubbed, played hockey, had bouncy castles for their kids, held dance parties at the live stage, sang the national anthem and gave out free food to anyone who wanted it, including Ottawa's homeless
That sounds positively delightful! I get your point that it wasn't like the Jan 6 riots, but that is a very rosy picture of the convoy. Talk to some of the Ottawa locals and see their side of the story. You also omitted details about US donation influence (election interference), economic impact to supply lines, swastikas on flags, dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, assault and racial slurs of local businesses, blocking ambulance routes, 100 decibel noise pollution.... and of course, Covid 19 spiked. Yes, there were some decent protesters there, but there were also plenty of racist bigots out there looking for trouble.
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Comment on When it comes to Canadian politics, all bets are now off in ~society
asparagus_p Link ParentIt's not as black and white as you make it sound. For example, many low-income households receive more in rebates than they pay in carbon taxes. It's the cons' favourite stick to beat the libs...a punitive carbon tax
It's not as black and white as you make it sound. For example, many low-income households receive more in rebates than they pay in carbon taxes. It's the cons' favourite stick to beat the libs with, but I'd argue it's a minor point compared with many of the other issues we're facing. Housing, immigration, cost of living, wealth disparity, etc. are all huge issues, and the few hundred dollars net spend that the average Canadian pays in carbon tax is not one of them. We all hate paying taxes, but climate change poses a massive threat to our resources and economy.
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Comment on I hate the new internet. I hate the new tech world. I hate it all. I want out, and I can't be the only one. in ~tech
asparagus_p LinkHey, I just want to say I feel your pain. You're getting lots of good advice in this thread and a little bit of a telling off for going on a rant, but sometimes you just need to rant. I get it. I...Hey, I just want to say I feel your pain. You're getting lots of good advice in this thread and a little bit of a telling off for going on a rant, but sometimes you just need to rant. I get it. I know there are things we can do to make it better and we need to be proactive and stop complaining, blah blah blah. But what's going on right now in the world can feel very overwhelming, and feelings of hopelessness creep in very easily.
I found myself nodding my head to most of what you were saying, because it felt like you're going through exactly the same as me. The enshittification, grifting, mad rush for profits, blatant disregard for facts, etc. is very depressing. I particularly hate that the tech world is forcing shit down our throats, not because we necessarily want it, but because we're being conditioned to want it (our vulnerabilities are easily exploited) and because it's very hard to have a choice. I can't paste into a Word doc now without MS telling me to paste with fucking Copilot. Get that shit out of here!
Anyway, wish I could meet you for a pint and we can have a good rant together!
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Comment on Norway on the verge of abolishing Video Assistant Referee from domestic football league after clubs in the country's top two divisions recommended formally that it should be discontinued in ~sports.football
asparagus_p Link ParentYou're right, it's never the same, but I'd rather know it was a fair goal than have a "hand of god" moment. Sport is meant to be fair at least.You're right, it's never the same, but I'd rather know it was a fair goal than have a "hand of god" moment. Sport is meant to be fair at least.
I played about 13 hours and then work got too busy and I've totally lost momentum. On paper, I should absolutely love this game, but I was not as absorbed as I thought I'd be. In particular, I found the combat really underwhelming after having played DOS1 and DOS2. Having just one proper action seems pretty lame. Do you have any advice for having more fun with it? Should I just play it on Story mode or whatever it was called? Or is there a playstyle that's more fun than the Fighter I'm currently playing?