Halfloaf's recent activity
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Comment on Climate.us is a new website created by former NOAA employees who worked on Climate.gov until they were laid off last year as part of the heinous DOGE cutbacks in ~enviro
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Comment on Signs you're a dangerous terrorist: using Signal, moving zines in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentThe person that shot the officer stated that at the time, they were worried that the officer was going to shoot someone instead, arguing that they were acting in defense. Given the recent (even...The person that shot the officer stated that at the time, they were worried that the officer was going to shoot someone instead, arguing that they were acting in defense.
Given the recent (even more recent at the time of this action) killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, I think that is relevant context to the state of mind.
In my opinion, that should have resulted in a lower penalty, rather than a life sentence. I admittedly don’t know any of the actual facts around the timeline though, so this is really just my uninformed opinion.
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of June 22 in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentHere’s a good thread talking about another possible reason the bloom is so bad - they may have refilled it with untreated city water, which algae loves.Here’s a good thread talking about another possible reason the bloom is so bad - they may have refilled it with untreated city water, which algae loves.
Since I did do my PhD in cyanobacteria growth and treatment optimization modeling AND work in the water treatment industry, I’m gonna share my theory as to what’s happening here and how to fix it.
People are focusing on the painted bottom of the pool increasing residual heat, and while that 1/19
could contribute to faster algae growth, the real issue is nutrient eutrophication. Given warmth and light (summer), ANY water with enough nutrients will grow algae. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) isn’t limited by temperature and light this time of year, it’s limited by nutrient availability 2/19
(typically phosphate, sometimes but rarely nitrogen).
So why, all the sudden, would it be really high in nutrients? My guess is they refilled it with city water. Washington DC like most major metropolitan areas, adds orthophosphate to the water for lead corrosion control. It works beautifully 3/19
for this, but orthophosphate is also a bioavailable form of phosphate, aka algae food!
Eutrophication, the term used to describe water that is so high in nutrients it causes an explosion of algae growth leading to ecosystem disruption, is defined by water containing more than 0.03 mg/L of 4/19
phosphorus, which is equivalent to 0.09 mg/L of orthophosphate.
In order for orthophosphate to reach the ends of a distribution system, water treatment plants typically dose it high enough to carry a residual between 1.0-2.0 mg/L, more than 10-20x the amount needed to cause an algae bloom. 5/19
This pool is 6.9 million gallons. Typically, only a relatively small amount of water is added to top off the pool, so orthophosphate is diluted to levels low enough for typical treatment and natural biology to handle. But because they refilled the entire pool at once, 6/19
they had high phosphate levels and caused this bloom.
This theory is consistent with the fact that we ALSO saw an algae bloom in 2012 after it was entirely refilled following repairs and renovations. The bottom was still light colored then, but high nutrients lead to a bloom. 7/19
So, what could be done about it? Actually, the hydrogen peroxide was NOT a bad idea to start with, it was just poorly executed.
Peroxide oxidizes cyanobacteria cell membranes and causes them to lyse VERY quickly. But, it also breaks down very fast into water and oxygen, so it has to be spread 8/19
evenly and at a high enough dose to completely kill the algae. Typically you'd want a dose of 10-20 mg/L of H2O2 depending on the bloom density. Since they used 12% H2O2, that would be at least 600-1200 gallons for this pool. I don't know how much they applied, but I doubt it was that much. 9/19
Because they only applied to the edges, and peroxide breaks down before it has time to reach the middle, as we saw it was only effective at the edges. On the bright side anyone who was worried about wildlife rest assured peroxide is one of the safest algaecides you can use since it breaks down 10/19
into water and oxygen. I would have recommend it to start with, but I would have recommended they use a stabilized form (such as sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) labelled as an algaecide and distributed it evenly across the entire pool.
But that's not enough. Even if they apply more and 11/19
manage to kill back the algae, ALL of that phosphate that was bound up inside the algae cells is immediately released BACK into the water. They will see rebound growth within a week or two.
So, obviously they need to treat the cause of the problem: the phosphate. 12/19
I have seen interviews and articles claim it's not possible to remove algae to a low enough level to prevent a bloom, but this is simply not true. In fact, this is exactly what I'm working on in research and development at my company. 13/19
Phosphate removal and sequestration is done in wastewater treatment and to manage recreational and drinking water lakes and reservoirs all the time. A water treatment coagulant is all you need to achieve this. These are typically aluminum (or sometimes ferric) based coagulants that are used to 14/19
treat your drinking water before disinfection, and your wastewater before it is released into waterways. While wastewater typically only treats down to around 1.0 mg/L phosphate, lower levels are achievable with the right coagulants.
The phosphate will bind to the aluminum ions, precipitate, 15/19
collect into clumps called floccs, and settle to the bottom of the pool. From here, it can be vacuumed into the filters where it can be easily removed with a backwash.
So in conclusion, this problem can be solved, and would be solved if they listened to the appropriate scientists. 16/19
And while I am THOROUGHLY enjoying pointing and laughing at this administration's avoidable failures just like the rest of you, I WOULD like to see this problem solved sooner rather than later. Why?
Many species of cyanobacteria are capable of producing cyanotoxins, 17/19
which can be fatal if ingested. People, wildlife, pets, all can come in contact with this water. If it contains cyanotoxins such as microcystins, which is more likely than not given it's appearance, and someone's pet dog drinks from it, it could be fatal to that dog. 18/19
A kid splashing in it could get a serious rash. Wildlife swimming in it and drinking from it are also at risk.
So as funny as green water for the fourth of july celebrations might seem to you, let's hope these folks get their shit together quickly! 19/19
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of June 22 in ~society
Halfloaf LinkDoes DOJ even know how to issue subpoenas for a proper purpose these days? This is very refreshing to read, personally. (Also, Chris Geidner has some great law coverage, imo!)Does DOJ even know how to issue subpoenas for a proper purpose these days?
“Because the Court finds that the dominant purpose of the challenged subpoenas is to coerce Minnesota officials into assisting the federal government with enforcing civil immigration law and to harass and retaliate against them for failing to do so, the Court grants the motions to quash,“ Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote.
It is “beyond reasonable dispute,” he wrote, that “the subpoenas were a part of a broader campaign to coerce state and local officials in Minnesota to assist the Trump administration in its enforcement of immigration laws.”
This, Schiltz explained, runs counter to “the Tenth Amendment’s ‘anti-commandeering’ rule,” under which — quoting the Supreme Court — the federal government “may not ‘command the States’ officers, or those of their political subdivisions, to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program.’”
This is very refreshing to read, personally.
(Also, Chris Geidner has some great law coverage, imo!)
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Comment on Test your medical knowledge with daily clinical scenarios in ~health
Halfloaf LinkWell, this is a fun -dle! It felt like playing through an episode of “House, M.D.”, except I had no idea what I was doing, and I’m guessing my patient died. I’m definitely going to make my fourth...Well, this is a fun -dle!
It felt like playing through an episode of “House, M.D.”, except I had no idea what I was doing, and I’m guessing my patient died.
I’m definitely going to make my fourth guess “Lupus” from here on out though, in honor of the show.
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Comment on What do you think is the best sandwich? in ~food
Halfloaf Link ParentThis thread was a delight to read. Thank you both. (I have no stance on the Grilled Cheese / Melt debate, I only strongly believe that they’re best made with mayo instead of butter for the...This thread was a delight to read. Thank you both.
(I have no stance on the Grilled Cheese / Melt debate, I only strongly believe that they’re best made with mayo instead of butter for the grilling process)
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Comment on Among Us S01E01 - ”A Pizza Party Where Nothing Bad Happens” in ~tv
Halfloaf LinkI thought this episode was fun, and I’m curious how they handle the concept of the game throughout multiple episodes. That being said, I don’t think an episode could be good enough to get me to...I thought this episode was fun, and I’m curious how they handle the concept of the game throughout multiple episodes.
That being said, I don’t think an episode could be good enough to get me to give Paramount money.
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Comment on A Parade of Horribles - Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl #8) in ~books
Halfloaf LinkThis is a related and fun video - the author and the audiobook voice actor ranking various characters! It’s really just a fun showcase of the talent of the voice actor. I’m really impressed with...This is a related and fun video - the author and the audiobook voice actor ranking various characters!
It’s really just a fun showcase of the talent of the voice actor. I’m really impressed with his range!
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The US Supreme Court's Republican appointees end civil rights redistricting protections
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentSorry! I should’ve been a little clearer in my statement! Parsing the right chain is really tricky with all the various branches - I’ve done the same multiple times in the past!!Sorry! I should’ve been a little clearer in my statement!
Parsing the right chain is really tricky with all the various branches - I’ve done the same multiple times in the past!!
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentIn my opinion, this is not a helpful response, and it’s insinuating a lot in a passive aggressive way.In my opinion, this is not a helpful response, and it’s insinuating a lot in a passive aggressive way.
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentSo, do you believe that the transcription answered the question posed by the title of the piece? If so, how? I didn't see any conclusive point throughout the entire piece.Not only do I completely disagree with you when you say that the speakers are not addressing their stated topic,
So, do you believe that the transcription answered the question posed by the title of the piece? If so, how? I didn't see any conclusive point throughout the entire piece.
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentThe sort of effort that it takes to refute a “provocational” topic like this just isn’t sustainable. In my personal experience, when I say that threads like this are exhausting, it’s because I’ve...- Exemplary
I get ya, but that's the burden one must accept when they become a tildo.
The sort of effort that it takes to refute a “provocational” topic like this just isn’t sustainable.
In my personal experience, when I say that threads like this are exhausting, it’s because I’ve had to burn so much more of my time than the person that I’m explaining something to, and it isn’t the first time I’ve chosen to burn my time in such a way.
Eventually, I think I’ll choose to just not respond, and that deeply saddens me. I just don’t think there’s another option out there, when I’m just so tired of being punched.
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentI don't think that the transcription of the linked video has a lot of substance to it. In the beginning of the article, it looks like they're defining "wokeism" as the specific use of a set of...I don't think that the transcription of the linked video has a lot of substance to it.
In the beginning of the article, it looks like they're defining "wokeism" as the specific use of a set of words, in a misguided attempt to be inclusive. It's a way of poking fun at the sillier parts of trying to be respectful and inclusive.
To start, I wanted to play a game where I am going to say a word and you guys are going to tell me if it is alive, dying or dead.
Aminatou Sow: Sounds great.
Brock Colyar: Let’s do it.
Spiegelman: OK: problematic.
Colyar: Dead.
Sow: Hmm. Should die. But it’s around. You know what I’m saying? It’s around, but it should die.
Spiegelman: Triggered.
Sow: That one’s going to come back. It’s going to come back, but it’s dead.
Colyar: I still see quite a bit of that, especially on the internet, which is really disturbing because it’s like, “trigger warning,” and then here’s a video of some horrifically violent thing.
Sow: But it’s why I love it. I’m just like, thank you for triggering me with the trigger. It’s like the reaction came 10 seconds before, so I love it.
Spiegelman: Microaggression.Sow: Dead.
Colyar: Dead.
Spiegelman: OK. Safe space.
Sow: Dead.
Colyar: Dead.
Spiegelman: “Folx” — with an “x.”
Colyar: Dead.
Sow: Never alive.
Colyar: I mean, talk about ridiculous. That really makes me so mad, because I know people who have dutifully and earnestly used that, and it’s like, oh my gosh.
I think that comparing the usage of "Folx" (which I've never seen, but may exist) to the usage of various slurs is pretty wild.
My personal definition of "woke" is being aware that my experiences aren't the same as others' experiences, and wanting to listen to those that may know better. If someone wants me to use specific pronouns, I'm going to try my best to do so, and I'd like it if they told me about it!
In that case, I don't think that anything is "worse off", and I don't think they make a case for it.
They don't ever really define "wokeism" in the transcription, to the best of my knowledge. They suggest that it's just a rebranding of "political correctness", but I don't think they get any more definitive than that. I think it's worth pointing out that both "woke" and "politically correct" are right-wing-slanted terms.
In my opinion, the left-wing-slanted version of the same concept would be "open-mindedness", or "kindness-as-default".
It's a difficult thing to discuss in a productive way.
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentCould you be a bit more precise in your definition of “wokeness” here? I think that may be contributing to the churn in deeper comments.The premise of the discussion is that „wokeness“ is culture on the way out for both the left and the right.
Could you be a bit more precise in your definition of “wokeness” here? I think that may be contributing to the churn in deeper comments.
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentNote, in this case, I believe the “you” being used is directed at the author of the article, (or maybe even the fictional person “harmed” in this scenario) rather than the person posting it. I...Note, in this case, I believe the “you” being used is directed at the author of the article, (or maybe even the fictional person “harmed” in this scenario) rather than the person posting it.
I personally agree with the sentiment being expressed - when you have people taking a broad “this movement is good / this movement is bad” stance, it’s going to really difficult to get any meaningful discussion out of it.
It’s great at generating arguments though, I think, which seems to have been successful in this case!
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Comment on Did wokeness leave us worse off? (gifted link) in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentAgreed completely! (Wanted to state my support in a way a little more explicit than vote)Agreed completely! (Wanted to state my support in a way a little more explicit than vote)
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of April 27 in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentThis is one of those days. The days where I’m torn between rage, sorrow, and disbelief. I knew more days like this would be coming, after Trump packed the court in his first term. I didn’t know...This is one of those days. The days where I’m torn between rage, sorrow, and disbelief.
I knew more days like this would be coming, after Trump packed the court in his first term. I didn’t know how often they’d be coming, and I didn’t know how hard they’d be hitting, but I knew they were on the horizon.
It’s a difference to be in those days, though. Hugs to all that need them.
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Comment on Ilhan Omar says she isn’t a multimillionaire, blames accounting error in ~society
Halfloaf Link ParentSeriously! The man’s net worth increased by at least 100 times the amount being discussed in this article. I would hope for at least 1 x the discussion.Seriously!
The man’s net worth increased by at least 100 times the amount being discussed in this article. I would hope for at least 1 x the discussion.
Donald Trump just had the most lucrative year of his life. The president is now worth a record $7.3 billion, up from $4.3 billion in 2024, when he was still running for office. The $3 billion gain vaulted him 118 spots on The Forbes 400, where he lands at No. 201 this year.
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Comment on Interesting material types for fantasy resources/macguffins other than crystals or metals? in ~creative
Halfloaf LinkThe best answer here is to pick something absolutely mundane, then find a justification for it to be magical. A glass of milk? This bottle came from before written history. You know the phrase...The best answer here is to pick something absolutely mundane, then find a justification for it to be magical.
A glass of milk? This bottle came from before written history. You know the phrase “milking it for all it’s got?” This milk is the result. This milk is all we have. I sure don’t know what that means, but it sounds powerful.
A plank of wood! At the beginning of the world, a divine being planted a single tree. People then took shoots from that tree and grafted them onto all sorts of standard trees. Each piece of wood from these half-divine trees has a special property - cherry tree wood compels people to tell the truth. Ash makes you resistant to fire. Maple makes you ravenously hungry.
The more boring a thing is to begin with, I think it makes the answer to “well, why would anyone care about it” more compelling!
In this case and in many others, I think it’s reasonable to expect some real hesitancy to use LLMs.
Here, for example, LLMs were used extensively by DOGE to justify firing these very employees.
Also, many “AI” companies are paying absurd amounts of money to some of the people responsible for the loss of climate.org.
I know that if I were in the authors’ shoes, I wouldn’t want to use LLMs as my first option.