dfx's recent activity
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Comment on More than 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested across US campuses in ~news
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Comment on More than 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested across US campuses in ~news
dfx Link ParentThe large amount of controversy, as I understand it, isn't because of the criticism of Israel's disproportionate response or Netanyahu's strategy; it's because of the legitimate antisemitism that...- Exemplary
I honestly can't even understand why it's controversial to take the stance that people don't want to support a nation that is literally murdering thousands of children.
The large amount of controversy, as I understand it, isn't because of the criticism of Israel's disproportionate response or Netanyahu's strategy; it's because of the legitimate antisemitism that is cropping up and being demonstrated during the protests. It's one thing to criticize the Israeli government; it's another to chant dog whistles ("From the river to the sea"), fly flags of groups that are widely-accepted as terrorist organizations with the explicit goal of eradicating Jewish people from the earth (Hezbollah, Hamas), and say antisemitic rhetoric in speeches where you simply replace "Jews" with "the colonizers". If the argument is that the people with Hamas/Hezbollah flags are merely a small minority, they are still allowed to co-mingle and exist within the protest space. By not removing these individuals and policing the space to avoid literally supporting terrorist organizations, it appears to be (at least) passive support of terrorist sympathizers. We've heard over and over again that "If you have a group of 10 people, a nazi joins and they aren't kicked out, you have 11 nazis"... this is quite literally that concept in action. And this isn't even getting into the debate over whether protestors themselves are calling for a genocide against Jewish people (by advocating for their removal from an area) - I am unconvinced on this part, but it is certainly a controversial aspect of the protests.
For what it's worth, I have a few Jewish friends that are both strongly opposed to the actions being carried out by Israel but also very afraid at the apparent rise in antisemitism that's occuring on campuses.
(Also, I know there is a difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. I'm specifically referring to antisemitism.)
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Comment on Has anyone here received any benefit as a consumer from algorithmic ad targeting? in ~tech
dfx LinkI run network-wide adblockers at home, with pretty strict blocking for trackers as well. On the go, I have a nextDNS profile installed on my phone with similar block lists. As a result, I feel...I run network-wide adblockers at home, with pretty strict blocking for trackers as well. On the go, I have a nextDNS profile installed on my phone with similar block lists. As a result, I feel like “targeted” ads that do make it through really aren’t that targeted, with a couple of notable exceptions.
I have an Instagram account that I use to follow a handful of creators and local news accounts (under 50 total accounts). I have zero followers and only check in every now and then. My Facebook account is deactivated and not linked to the IG account. The ad algo there has nailed me. I’ve purchased a few items I saw in ads that piqued my interest (although I’m careful to not purchase through the ads themselves). TikTok’s ad algorithm is all over the place with me, but the content algorithm is pretty accurate overall.
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Comment on New York governor sends national guard to subway in crime crackdown in ~transport
dfx Link ParentIt is (generally) against posse comitatus to use federal military personnel in law enforcement roles in the United States without martial law being declared. When not federally activated, national...It is (generally) against posse comitatus to use federal military personnel in law enforcement roles in the United States without martial law being declared. When not federally activated, national guard and air guard personnel generally fall under Title 32 or “state active duty” roles… Posse comitatus does not apply to either National or Air Guard while in either of these statuses. It’s pretty much the entire purpose of their existence, to be used by governors in emergency situations in which first responders are overwhelmed… although we seem to be straying further and further from that concept over the last several years.
DSCA is an entirely different concept where federal/federalized troops are used to augment civil authorities, and there are only very narrow exceptions permitted to avoid running into posse comitatus issues.
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Comment on What Is A Secure Note-Taking App? in ~comp
dfx Link ParentIt’s a bit of a hacky workaround, but it’s definitely possible to make a docker image with Obsidian installed on a Kasm image, which would provide you with essentially a virtual desktop with...It’s a bit of a hacky workaround, but it’s definitely possible to make a docker image with Obsidian installed on a Kasm image, which would provide you with essentially a virtual desktop with access to the app. Hosting it on something like Oracle’s free tier would be more than sufficient.
That being said, Standard Notes was what I used in your situation. It’s pretty good, but I grew concerned about the lack of ability to just pull things out of the database at will (You need SN to access the files, it’s not plain markdown like Obsidian), and the markdown support wasn’t nearly as great as Obsidian’s… But that may have changed between now and then. It’s a great app, otherwise and completely web-first.
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Comment on Why we’re dropping Basecamp in ~tech
dfx Link ParentThat last bit seems kind of crazy without context. Wanting context, I did some browsing and found that working dogs usually only receive titanium crowns when their teeth are damaged, similar to...That last bit seems kind of crazy without context. Wanting context, I did some browsing and found that working dogs usually only receive titanium crowns when their teeth are damaged, similar to when a human would get crowns.
One such instance:
https://www.ketv.com/article/police-dogs-armed-with-titanium-teeth/7644760It’s also not even unique to the United States:
https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2022/09/port-alberni-rcmp-clarify-why-k9-rcmp-dog-received-titanium-teeth/Older article from Wired debunking the claim regarding military working dogs:
https://www.wired.com/2011/05/no-navy-seal-dogs-dont-have-titanium-teeth/ -
Comment on At least sixteen dead in Maine shooting as police hunt for ‘person of interest’ and residents shelter in ~news
dfx Link ParentEverytown’s stance on this seems to be (unsurprisingly) intentionally deceptive. Maine has a provision that allows law enforcement to petition a court to seize firearms from a person that is...Everytown’s stance on this seems to be (unsurprisingly) intentionally deceptive.
Maine has a provision that allows law enforcement to petition a court to seize firearms from a person that is presenting an extreme risk to themselves or others by possessing the firearms.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/34-B/title34-Bsec3862-A.html
They have dubbed it a “yellow flag law” because family cannot petition the court, it has to be law enforcement.
A large problem with this is that pretending a law doesn’t exist shields the law enforcement agencies that should have actually used the law to prevent this. It makes it seem like the legislators are to blame, when he was already on law enforcement’s radar and should have ostensibly had his firearms seized and made into a prohibited person under a law that very much exists. It’s a failure of the police that were involved here to… police.
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Comment on Anyone have recommendations for a CD player I can charge via USB and play via BT (or USB) in my car? in ~tech
dfx LinkA quick search on Amazon came up with this: https://a.co/d/4HGIMOc Bluetooth or aux output, powered by a rechargeable battery that is charged via USB (or continually powered by USB).A quick search on Amazon came up with this:
Bluetooth or aux output, powered by a rechargeable battery that is charged via USB (or continually powered by USB).
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Comment on Calorie counting app of choice? in ~health
dfx Link ParentSecond MacroFactor. I used it for a while and am about to start using it again after a break due to life circumstances. One thing I loved is how absolutely non-judgemental it was. It’s not...Second MacroFactor. I used it for a while and am about to start using it again after a break due to life circumstances.
One thing I loved is how absolutely non-judgemental it was. It’s not gamified in a way some other apps are that can lead to tremendous anxiety and an unhealthy focus on the raw numbers. Another plus is how it automagically calculates TDEE, so after a week or so it has a (very) good idea of your average expenditure, and you’re not having to enter every little activity into the app to try and keep things accurate.
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Comment on What online subscriptions do you pay for? in ~tech
dfx Link ParentNot sure if you’re aware of it, but Nitro Basic for $3/month has most of the features of the old Classic plan (and a few new features). Once they got rid of discriminators, I downgraded since that...Not sure if you’re aware of it, but Nitro Basic for $3/month has most of the features of the old Classic plan (and a few new features). Once they got rid of discriminators, I downgraded since that was the only big feature left that was missing from basic.
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Comment on US mother sentenced to two years in prison by Nebraska for giving daughter abortion pills in ~health
dfx Link ParentIt is worth pointing out that the fetus was actually at 29 weeks in this case, something that was routinely misreported at the outset:...It is worth pointing out that the fetus was actually at 29 weeks in this case, something that was routinely misreported at the outset:
After the teen aborted the 29-week-old fetus, the two burned the remains and buried them in a field north of Norfolk in north-eastern Nebraska. Authorities later found the burned fetus.
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Comment on New Mexico Governor bans public carry of guns in Albuquerque in ~news
dfx Link ParentWhile not getting into merits or lack thereof for this particular action, I don’t think it’s quite the same to equate it to abortion bans in red states. The legislature enacted those, which is...While not getting into merits or lack thereof for this particular action, I don’t think it’s quite the same to equate it to abortion bans in red states. The legislature enacted those, which is generally how laws and this type of thing are supposed to be enacted. The novel precedent this unleashes is that (for example) in states where abortion bans were attempted but failed in legislature, the red governor can take unilateral action and declare a public health emergency in which the solution is to ban abortions.
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Comment on What is a simple tech tip that changed how you use your computer or other devices in a significant way? in ~tech
dfx Link ParentIt’s been like that since Windows Vista, which was released over 16 years ago.It’s been like that since Windows Vista, which was released over 16 years ago.
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Comment on Advice on insomnia due to noise pollution? in ~health
dfx Link ParentAwesome! I hope you get dialed in on a dose that works well for you.Awesome! I hope you get dialed in on a dose that works well for you.
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Comment on Advice on insomnia due to noise pollution? in ~health
dfx Link ParentI’ve been on it for close to a decade at this point, and haven’t built tolerance that I’ve noticed. I originally started taking it for nerve pain from a lower back injury, and found that it super...I’ve been on it for close to a decade at this point, and haven’t built tolerance that I’ve noticed. I originally started taking it for nerve pain from a lower back injury, and found that it super helped with my sleep.
As far as noise, yes. Noise, light, physical sensations… all keep me up. The gabapentin just seems to help make me actually drowsy and then get me to a deeper sleep once I do fall asleep. I do sometimes have a little bit of grogginess in the mornings, but it wears off quickly and I much prefer that to absolutely shit sleep.
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Comment on Advice on insomnia due to noise pollution? in ~health
dfx LinkI also have a lot of issues with sleep and gabapentin is one of the only things that routinely works. 4 hours seems very low, though. What dosage are you on? 300mg a couple of hours before bed...I also have a lot of issues with sleep and gabapentin is one of the only things that routinely works. 4 hours seems very low, though. What dosage are you on? 300mg a couple of hours before bed does the trick for me 90% of the time.
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Comment on Grand jury in the US state of Georgia returns indictments in Donald Trump 2020 election case in ~news
dfx Link ParentThe issue here is that Fulton County is pretty well-known for releasing known violent offenders that are a danger to the community on bond. It will not be hard for the defense to find plenty of...The issue here is that Fulton County is pretty well-known for releasing known violent offenders that are a danger to the community on bond. It will not be hard for the defense to find plenty of cases of individuals arrested for murder that were given bond (even folks arrested for bail jumping or failure to appear are granted another bond), and it will be hard for the court to go back on the precedent it has set for itself.
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Comment on Starter tool set for someone starting out in ~life.home_improvement
dfx Link ParentI was introduced to magnetic stud finders a few years ago and have had nothing but success with them. The one I have even has a small bubble level on it to assist with pinpointing the stud further...I was introduced to magnetic stud finders a few years ago and have had nothing but success with them. The one I have even has a small bubble level on it to assist with pinpointing the stud further away from the magnet.
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Comment on Advice for a few days in Atlanta please in ~travel
dfx (edited )LinkKeep in mind that Atlanta is undergoing some interesting changes and in some of these suggestions, you’ll want to appear as not-tourist as possible. The Trap Museum, for instance, is right on the...Keep in mind that Atlanta is undergoing some interesting changes and in some of these suggestions, you’ll want to appear as not-tourist as possible. The Trap Museum, for instance, is right on the border of the Bluff. If you go any further west, you may be in for quite an adventure. The stuff downtown around Centennial Park is generally very tourist-friendly and the most you’ll worry about are semi-aggressive panhandlers (but what city doesn’t have those). (This is only intended to say that generally the area west of Northside from Donald Lee Hollowell (Bankhead) to MLK Blvd is definitely a rougher area, so weigh that against your comfort level of navigating such areas)
Ponce City Market is a pretty cool area, as is Little 5 Points if you’re just looking for places to walk around and visit some local shops and restaurants. PCM is right up against the Beltline, if you’re interested in doing some walking or biking and seeing some neat art along the way. You can even get from PCM to the Jimmy Carter museum pretty easily by the various connecting paths. L5P has a lot of great restaurants and is pretty much a local landmark - Hattie B’s, Fox Bros, Vortex are all worth checking out if you venture over that way.
I live in Atlanta, so feel free to ask any specific questions you may have.
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Comment on Is Apple's "walled garden" as bad as it was when the first few iPhones came out? in ~tech
dfx Link ParentI guess my main issue with this premise is, what data would they be collecting? Google, for example, is notorious for scanning emails and serving ads based on the content of the emails. Apple...I guess my main issue with this premise is, what data would they be collecting? Google, for example, is notorious for scanning emails and serving ads based on the content of the emails. Apple offers zero-knowledge encryption of your entire iCloud presence. The closest thing that comes to them engaging in advertising is selling sponsored spots in the App Store. Aside from which apps I download (and maybe searches for apps), I’m not sure what else there is for Apple to collect. We’d have to get into some really extraordinary claims like Apple tracks all of your Safari browsing or sucks up your location data against your will for it to be anywhere near the level of Google data mining.
I think I get what you're saying, but that's not quite what I'm saying. I'm not saying that if a group of Pro-Palestinian protesters don't kick out visible terrorism sympathizers, that makes every Pro-Palestinian a terrorist sympathizer. I'm saying it makes the group of Pro-Palestinians that are directly involved look as if they are sympathetic to terrorist groups if they fail to eject that person from the group. I believe this concept would hold true if someone was in a Pro-Israel counter-protest holding up a "Nuke Palestine Now" sign. If the individuals involved in the counter-protest did not kick this person out, it would very much appear that they are okay with this statement and perhaps even support it.
The scope is completely different between "this relatively small group of protesters that very much have a say in who they are associating with refuse to eject extremists, so it definitely gives the appearance that they support extremism" and "this one protest group refused to kick out an extremist, so anyone in the world associated with the cause they're supporting must also support extremists."
I never intended to imply as much; I just wanted to explain why some of these protests are viewed as controversial by some, and reframe the reasons for the controversy - it's not that people don't take issue with Israel's actions, it's more that people take issue with some protestors' actions (or lack thereof).