Grayscail's recent activity
-
Comment on Denmark ending letter deliveries is a sign of the digital times in ~society
-
Comment on Famous cognitive psychology experiments that failed to replicate in ~science
Grayscail LinkThis reminds me of that Harvard professor Francesca Gino who built a career based on studying honesty and ethical behavior and had studies like "If you sign an honesty pledge at the top of an exam...This reminds me of that Harvard professor Francesca Gino who built a career based on studying honesty and ethical behavior and had studies like "If you sign an honesty pledge at the top of an exam you are less likely to cheat", but then it came out that she had been fabricating data to make it look like she got a positive result.
-
Comment on ‘Being short is a curse’: the men paying thousands to get their legs broken – and lengthened in ~life.men
Grayscail Link ParentThe risk of giving people with body dysmorphia the bodies they desire is that their desires are warped by a distorted perspective. People like Eugenia Cooney have gotten the bodies they desire,...The risk of giving people with body dysmorphia the bodies they desire is that their desires are warped by a distorted perspective.
People like Eugenia Cooney have gotten the bodies they desire, but I dont know if I would say thats a good thing for their health.
I dont know the science, maybe its totally fine and healthy, but I cant help but wonder if there are long term negative side effects to snapping your legs in half and reconstructing them if you dont need to.
-
Comment on What happened to your first car? in ~transport
Grayscail LinkMy first car was a used Nissan. It got me through half of highschool and all of college. Over the years it started developing problems. The main one being something wrong with the transmission....My first car was a used Nissan. It got me through half of highschool and all of college.
Over the years it started developing problems. The main one being something wrong with the transmission. When I would try to shift it would hang. It was an automatic transmission but when I had to shift to Drive it would just be stuck with the "clutch" applied for a few seconds before rattling into place. I tried taking it to a mechanic once but I was told that with the age of the car any transmission work would cost more than the car was worth.
About a year into my first job I was driving down the highway running some errands. I heard a loud noise and a shake and smoke started coming out of the hood and the gas pedal stopped responding. I was going around 70-80 miles per hour so I used the momentum of the car to move to the rightmost lane and into the nearest exit. As soon as I got to a place where I wasnt going to block traffic I stopped at the side of the road and called for a tow truck.
Apparently the engine exploded. No idea what exactly happened, but there was baseball sized hole in the bottom of my car. The mechanic told me that the car was scrapped, which I already figured, so I just donated it to some charity that was collecting recyclable cars and accepted it.
-
Comment on If you're a programmer, are you ever going to believe an AGI is actually 'I'? in ~tech
Grayscail LinkI can look behind the curtain of human intelligence too. Open up someones skull and youll see a brain filled with neurons sending signals around. I can physically look at each neuron and...I can look behind the curtain of human intelligence too. Open up someones skull and youll see a brain filled with neurons sending signals around. I can physically look at each neuron and understand what its doing and how, and I can see how different neurons connect together to produce more complex behaviors. Doesnt mean I understand consciousness, or what the brain as a whole is doing.
Similarly, I can look at the source code or architecture of a given AI, and I can describe mechanically how it works, but ultimately the "intelligence" will be in the form of a giant list of coefficients that mean nothing to me beyond being a list of numbers.
Its completely plausible to me that some combination of feedback loops and pattern recognition could contain the fundamental essence of what we consider as intelligence. But only because I have a vague idea at best of what intelligence is.
-
Comment on The future is NOT self-hosted in ~tech
Grayscail Link ParentMight need to go a step further than that. Even if there is established software everyone has a different computer setup and interactions with other software or drivers can still make running...Might need to go a step further than that. Even if there is established software everyone has a different computer setup and interactions with other software or drivers can still make running software a headache.
Maybe something like an approved docker container that is being maintained to fix any bugs that pop up would be better. That way all the supporting software can also be included and the differences between individual peoples computers wont be as much of a concern.
-
Comment on Something I always wondered: Why did Dave Chappelle get a bigger backlash for what he said about the trans community compared to someone like Bill Maher? in ~talk
Grayscail LinkI think the simple reason is that a lot of people dont really care about Bill Maher. I know he is ostensibly a "comedian" but I dont know any jokes hes known for or anything like that. The only...I think the simple reason is that a lot of people dont really care about Bill Maher. I know he is ostensibly a "comedian" but I dont know any jokes hes known for or anything like that. The only people who care about what hes saying are presumably already fans.
Chapelle had far more broad of reach since he was actually considered an actual good comedian, and was more of a comedic comedian as opposed to a political commentary commedian.
-
Comment on Modern masculinity and The Critical Drinker in ~life.men
Grayscail LinkIts curious how the Critical Drinker's thesis is apparently "Men don't feel things as much as people seem to think they do, they dont constantly frett or worry over trivial problems" while...Its curious how the Critical Drinker's thesis is apparently "Men don't feel things as much as people seem to think they do, they dont constantly frett or worry over trivial problems" while actively fretting over the most trivial of problems the way he has been doing for years at this point.
-
Comment on 'I destroyed months of your work in seconds' says AI coding tool after deleting a dev's entire database during a code freeze: 'I panicked instead of thinking' in ~comp
Grayscail Link ParentIt means that thats what the model considers to be the average response to that kind of accusationIt means that thats what the model considers to be the average response to that kind of accusation
-
Comment on Why is the right so fascinated with fantasy literature? in ~books
Grayscail LinkI dont know man, this seems like a real stretch. A couple of nerds have expressed interest in the Lord of the Rings, which was a massive epic blockbuster trilogy that was a pillar of pop culture...I dont know man, this seems like a real stretch.
A couple of nerds have expressed interest in the Lord of the Rings, which was a massive epic blockbuster trilogy that was a pillar of pop culture for years afterward and also one of the most popular book series ever published? Sounds like a red flag for fascism.
In other news, black people like watermelon, and this is significant because thats markedly different from how literally everybody feels about watermelon.
I mean, I bet a bunch of people here like The Lord of the Rings too. Should we be concerned?
-
Comment on Superman (2025) - Discussion thread in ~movies
Grayscail (edited )Link ParentThats a tough question. I dont know if there is a single characterization that I think fully encapsulates the character. He has different personality aspects that shine in different kinds of...Thats a tough question. I dont know if there is a single characterization that I think fully encapsulates the character. He has different personality aspects that shine in different kinds of stories.
In terms of movies, Man of Tomorrow is a good young Superman story, All Star Superman is a good old Superman story.
But the aspects I like best about the character tend to work more in comic format, where you can do shorter stories that are more like vignettes. Superman shines best when you lean into the idea that he is overpowered, and that can do well in brief encounters but is hard to fill up a 2 hour film, or even a 25 minute TV episode. Adventures of Superman 40-41 is a good example. This scene would only take a couple minutes to resolve in a live action film. But is a good length for a comic.
-
Comment on Superman (2025) - Discussion thread in ~movies
Grayscail Link ParentI think its just a consequence of the fact that American entertainment seems to lean heavy on drama in general. There were 15 minutes of previews between the starting time and the actual movie...I think its just a consequence of the fact that American entertainment seems to lean heavy on drama in general.
There were 15 minutes of previews between the starting time and the actual movie start, and I noticed that every preview was doing that sound effect thing of having a loud rising sound in the background like its building up to something big. This was even happening on movies that were not at all dramatic, like a preview for The Cat in the Hat. Its just the default to sprinkle in a little drama to everything, like its salt.
I suspect thats why the filmmakers wanted every confrontation to feel like it had some stakes, so they never wanted anything to seem too easy for Superman. But I feel like that's a very iconic Superman move, to have bullets bounce off him or tank an enemy's punch without flinching. Often times a show will have some more minor antagonist early on thats not on the superheros level, and that will be the chance to do stuff like that, but this movie starts with him fighting a hard opponent right away so they dont get that chance.
-
Comment on Superman (2025) - Discussion thread in ~movies
Grayscail Link ParentIm a big fan of Superman. I dont think this did a great job of handling the character, but I do think Gunn will do a good job with the DC universe. I thought it was refreshing that they wasnt so...Im a big fan of Superman. I dont think this did a great job of handling the character, but I do think Gunn will do a good job with the DC universe. I thought it was refreshing that they wasnt so much Marvel style humor all the time, but there are still a few good comedic beats too.
Mr. Terrific was a highlight, I hope he gets his own movie in the future.
-
Comment on Superman (2025) - Discussion thread in ~movies
Grayscail (edited )LinkJust saw the movie today. Overall as someone who really likes Superman I would say this is a good movie that I enjoyed, but a bad rendition of Superman. If I had to guess, I would say this was...Just saw the movie today. Overall as someone who really likes Superman I would say this is a good movie that I enjoyed, but a bad rendition of Superman.
If I had to guess, I would say this was written by writers who didn't like Superman growing up because they thought he was too boring and overpowered. Dude is constantly on the back foot this whole movie. Until the last 10-15 minutes I don't feel like there is ever a moment where it feels like he is in control of the situation. Any situation.
The movie starts with text on the screen saying that for the first time ever, Superman has lost a fight. And from that point on, the guy is just constantly struggling. When he's fighting some faceless goons with Luthor tech, its difficult. When public sentiment turns against him, he doesn't know how to respond. Even when he is fighting a big generic monster that should be his bread and butter, he ends up taking a backseat to other heroes who show up to help.
The big problem I see with this version of him is not physical weakness though, its his lack of emotional stability. There is a part from the trailers where you see Lois Lane interviewing Clark as Superman, and that happens early on in the film. In this scene, Clark starts off saying he is media savvy and can handle tough questions, but he very quickly cannot handle it. He gets defensive and seems to scoff at the very idea of being questioned, and I just personally don't think that fits at all. It's not how Superman would react in character, and it's not how Clark would react out of character.
There's a part where he is upset about something, so he smashes through a wall and threatens a nonsuperpowered person with violence. That's something Shazam would do, because he is still a child. Superman has a lifetime of experience with not losing control and bullying people with his powers. Its one of his most defining character traits.
Lois Lane is in the movie, but her relationship with Superman/Clark quickly devolves into relationship drama. Later on they reconcile, and once they do they don't really interact again until the end of movie kiss. Because if its not drama, it's not interesting, right?
The most "Superman-esque" scene in the movie is not Superman at all, it's Mr. Terrific fighting some goons. Which I liked a lot, Mr. Terrific is great in this. Luthor is also pretty good, but he doesn't get very much characterization until one monologue at the end. It relies a lot on you already knowing what his whole deal is.
Bottom line, Superman is a superhero in this film, but he isn't the Gold Standard of a superhero like he ought to be.
However, I should say I still liked the movie. I hadnt really been keeping up with Marvel anymore, but this movie felt refreshing after seeing so many movies in the Marvel style. It is a movie thats more earnest and not undercut with humor as much. Theres still some, but less. I liked the side characters and thought they played off each other well. Luthor being unapologetically terrible wasnt what I was expecting, but it works well.
-
Comment on The state of American men is — not so good in ~life.men
Grayscail (edited )LinkI do not think any form of "redefining masculinity" is ever going to work out the way people seem to think it is. Dont try to analyze demographics from an objective distance, just try to...- Exemplary
I do not think any form of "redefining masculinity" is ever going to work out the way people seem to think it is.
Dont try to analyze demographics from an objective distance, just try to empathize. Think back to when you were a teenager. Did you enjoy it when your parents would nag you and tell you all the things you are doing wrong with your life? Even if it was good advice? I never did. My brother never did. None of my peers did.
Now imagine, would you like it more if instead of your parents who feed and clothe and maybe even love you, it was some random stranger who doesnt even know you?
Young men do not want some random woman on the internet defining masculinity for them, because it is a form of control. It takes away their agency to have an outsider define their goals for them. Its like when people turn away from Christianity because they are sick of old people juding them, so they go in the opposite direction and become goth or something like that. They know you dont like it, thats part of what made it appealing in the first place.
Similarly, if youve got a culture thats focused on stuff like feminism telling young men that they need to change themselves because who they currently are is not good enough, they will run in the opposite direction. Declaring a "crisis of masculinity" because of people like Andrew Tate will backfire. It will only serve to make the man seem cooler than he already did to them.
-
Comment on The America Party in ~society
Grayscail Link ParentLong term though, if you wanted the colony to eventually be self sustaining it would be worth thibking about.Long term though, if you wanted the colony to eventually be self sustaining it would be worth thibking about.
-
Comment on The America Party in ~society
Grayscail Link ParentI wonder how hard it would be to make solar panels from lunar material? I dont mean getting the material, I mean fabrication. My basic understanding is that you need a pretty sophisticated setup...I wonder how hard it would be to make solar panels from lunar material?
I dont mean getting the material, I mean fabrication. My basic understanding is that you need a pretty sophisticated setup to make quality semiconductors, which is why Taiwan has such a valuable semiconductor industry.
I figure it wouldnt be that difficult to make a clean room in space, but what would be involved in creating a foundry that could produce high quality silicon? I think foundries here burn coal or gas or something else that takes advantage of all the free air in the atmosphere, but do you need to import air to do the same on the moon?
-
Comment on The America Party in ~society
Grayscail LinkI find this party very appealing. Not because of its policies, which are pretty vague and generic, but becauae I really like the color teal.I find this party very appealing. Not because of its policies, which are pretty vague and generic, but becauae I really like the color teal.
-
Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
Grayscail LinkIve been reading You Are a Four Leaf Clover. Its about two childhood friends where the girl moves away when they are in grade school. Afterwards the guy's live goes really downhill until he is on...Ive been reading You Are a Four Leaf Clover.
Its about two childhood friends where the girl moves away when they are in grade school. Afterwards the guy's live goes really downhill until he is on the verge of committing suicide, but then the girl moves back into town all of a sudden and reuinites with him.
Ive enjoyed it a lot. The manga has just finished its second major arc. There is a supernatural element to the story and some mystery and intrigue beyond what I described.
I like both the MCs in this story. Oftentimes I will see anime where the male main character is some "everyman" type character with no particular interesting traits, but this story does actually provide a good reason for why the female main character is so devoted to him. And the female main character is a good protagonist. All her actions seem smart and well reasoned, she doesnt make dumb mistakes just for the sake of the plot so when things occasionally do go wrong it doesnt feel cheap.
-
Comment on Lego Island has been recompiled in ~games
Grayscail LinkI can still remember that "Brick by Brick" song. Did they ever figure out how to get into that pirate door?I can still remember that "Brick by Brick" song.
Did they ever figure out how to get into that pirate door?
Like 95% of my mail is just junk I have to immediately toss in the recycling anyway.