kfwyre's recent activity
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Comment on Women should be able to open things in ~life.women
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre (edited )Link ParentAh, that makes sense. I’d definitely recommend starting with the easiest (whole blood) before trying plasma/platelets. Good luck with the appointment! Let us know how it goes. I think you’re doing...Ah, that makes sense. I’d definitely recommend starting with the easiest (whole blood) before trying plasma/platelets.
Good luck with the appointment! Let us know how it goes. I think you’re doing an awesome thing.
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre Link ParentI hear that. My left arm is worse for sticks than my right, so it'll occasionally (not often) take two or three different attempts in different locations for them to get one that works. I've...I hear that. My left arm is worse for sticks than my right, so it'll occasionally (not often) take two or three different attempts in different locations for them to get one that works. I've gotten used to it now, but do I keep hoping that my site will change over to single-arm. When I get an itch, or when my glasses slide a little bit down my nose, and I just have to sit there without being able to do anything about it, it can get a little maddening.
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre (edited )Link ParentWhat constitutes "biological donation?" That's not terminology I'm familiar with. As for being squeamish, something that helped me deal with the whole process was the idea that I'm choosing a...What constitutes "biological donation?" That's not terminology I'm familiar with.
As for being squeamish, something that helped me deal with the whole process was the idea that I'm choosing a temporary discomfort on behalf of people who didn't choose their discomfort and have to deal with it far longer than I do.
Like, the car crash victim that needs my blood and the cancer patient that needs my platelets are in far worse situations than I am. I'm choosing to put up with having a needle in my arm for a few minutes so that people like them can have their lives prolonged. It makes the discomfort "worth it" psychologically for me.
I also think about the idea that, if I were in a car accident or got cancer, then I would absolutely want the blood/platelets I need, and that's only possible if people who are not in those situations are donating. Science hasn't come up with synthetic blood/platelets yet, so us humans are the only source of it. Since I'm a human not currently in those situations, I'm happy to be the "other person" to those that are. While I hope I'm not ever on the other side of the bag, if I ever am I can know that I've done my part as well.
I also remind myself that I'm in the care of professionals who know what they're doing and trust that they're doing their best. This doesn't mean it always goes perfectly -- just that it gives me peace knowing I'm in good hands.
Now, in terms of practical tips for blood donations:
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Hydrate. If you're doing it early in the day, the hydration the day BEFORE your donation actually matters more than the hydration the day of, though certainly drink plenty on the day of too.
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Let them know if anything feels off. The workers can't see inside your arm or your head, so if the stick is stinging more than it should, or if you're getting lightheaded or whatnot, speak up. Trying to "tough it out" isn't a good idea, and they'd honestly rather you let them know so they can accommodate you.
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They have to test your hemoglobin to see if you're within range to donate, and this can be done either through a finger prick or a thumb cuff. For me, the finger prick actually hurts WORSE than the needle sticks in my arm (you have have a lot more nerve endings in your fingertips). The nice part is that this happens early on during the intake, so once it's done it gives me the psychological comfort of "the worst part is over." This really helped with my anxiety early on when I first started donating, though my site has since switched to the thumb cuffs, which I much prefer. I've also gotten much more comfortable with the whole process so I don't need the psychological "relief" nearly as much.
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This seems counter to everything else I've said, but a whole blood donation is honestly pretty easy and over in less than 30 minutes from intake to cookie. I think it's easy to hype it up as a "big" event in your mind (my anxiety certainly did this), but it's genuinely quite simple and quick, and before you know it you'll be sipping on fruit juice and/or eating a cookie with the satisfaction of knowing that you've genuinely done something lifesaving/lifeprolonging for someone else.
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I like to keep the hours following the blood donation open so I can just relax and lie down. I usually get myself some sort of tasty treat on the way home, eat it once I get in, and then park myself in bed for an hour or two and just enjoy being in a low-energy state. My husband, on the other hand, feels fine after his donations and doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary, so it really depends on how your body responds.
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Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of July 27 in ~society
kfwyre LinkFather of teen school shooter sentenced to 15 years in prison (BBC)Father of teen school shooter sentenced to 15 years in prison (BBC)
The father of a teenage boy who shot and killed four people at a high school in the US state of Georgia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder, manslaughter and other charges.
Colin Gray, 55, was found guilty in March on a slate of charges stemming from the 2024 attack that left two teachers and two students dead in Winder, Georgia.
His son, 16-year-old Colt Gray, pleaded guilty to the murders last week, and investigators said that the rifle he used was a gift from his father.
Colin Gray's prosecution marks the third time a US parent has been held criminally responsible for a mass shooting carried out by their child, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre Link ParentI do a triple, which takes just under 2 hours for the donation itself once it’s up and running, but it’s closer to 3 hours total with intake, setup, takedown, and chilling at the canteen...I do a triple, which takes just under 2 hours for the donation itself once it’s up and running, but it’s closer to 3 hours total with intake, setup, takedown, and chilling at the canteen afterwards.
Whole blood donations usually hit me harder than platelet ones. After platelets it varies from feeling fine for the rest of the day to having that low key tiredness that @tanglisha mentioned.
It’s not anything terrible for me though. I can do something later in the day after giving platelets, whereas with whole blood I try to keep the afternoon clear because I just want to lie down.
Another thing to consider is whether the site that you’re using does a single-arm or double-arm procedure. The process involves two sticks: one draw and one return. My location does double-arm (one in each), so I can’t move my arms for two hours.
I have a whole setup with a mount, my ereader, and a page turning ring that lets me read while I’m donating, but the place also has screens for platelet donors with Netflix on them which is what most people there use.
I have friends that donate at locations that do single-arm (both sticks in the same arm), so they can still use one of their arms to go on their phone or hold a Kindle or whatnot.
Single-arm is definitely the easier of the two to do. Double-arm locks you out from, say, scratching an itch on your nose. It’s something I put up with and have gotten used to, but I mention it because it can be a little intimidating, especially to first-time donors.
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Comment on Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle in ~games
kfwyre (edited )LinkSteam keys are not included. Games will be hidden in your itch.io library until you download them so as not to flood your library with all the titles. If you want to activate all titles...The game industry has a problem. Too many people are out of work. Reports say 33% of the industry lost their jobs in the last two years, and the jobs they could fill are disappearing as CEOs try to replace them with AI. It's hard for companies to adjust to the new shape of the game industry, but even harder for the people they should be employing.
Just recently we've seen massive layoffs at Ubisoft, Microsoft, and many others, with thousands of game developers, many with 20+ years of experience, out of work.
To address this in some small way, we have created a bundle with almost 150 games. The proceeds of this bundle will go toward a hardship fund for those experiencing layoffs. Individual out of work or under-employed game developers can apply to this fund and use the money for things they need, like food, healthcare, and rent. (This fund is not for companies.)
The fund will be run and dispensed by United Videogame Workers, a union benefiting game developers. They are local 9433 of Communication Workers of America, and a 501 (c)(5) organization. Due to the nature of their jurisdiction this fund will only be available to developers in North America (the U.S. and Canada). They also have a FAQ about who's eligible and how.
Steam keys are not included.
Games will be hidden in your itch.io library until you download them so as not to flood your library with all the titles.
If you want to activate all titles automatically, you can use this userscript with Tampermonkey.
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Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle
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Comment on GOG confirm they are working towards GOG Galaxy on Linux in ~games
kfwyre Link ParentInteresting! They don’t show up for me at all on iOS using Safari, even with zooming or tapping.Interesting! They don’t show up for me at all on iOS using Safari, even with zooming or tapping.
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Comment on Just Kids (2025): a documentary following three families affected by gender-affirming care bans in the US in ~lgbt
kfwyre Link ParentI will say that parts of it are definitely difficult to watch, but also the love and support that the teens receive from their families is legitimately, deeply heartwarming. I also think it was...I will say that parts of it are definitely difficult to watch, but also the love and support that the teens receive from their families is legitimately, deeply heartwarming. I also think it was particularly brave of these families to be willing to share their stories given the current climate and what they personally have been through — each of them has experienced community harassment and threats even before appearing in the documentary.
Some of my tears were happy tears. Some of them were borne of admiration. And, of course, some came from sorrow, but that wasn’t the only feeling I felt.
Not trying to obligate you (or anyone else) to watch it, mind you. I just want to let everyone know that it’s not a complete downer. I personally feel better for having watched it, not worse.
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre (edited )Link ParentPlatelets (and I believe plasma, though I could be wrong on that) follow the opposite pattern of blood, meaning that while O- is the “universal donor” for whole blood, AB- is the “universal donor”...Platelets (and I believe plasma, though I could be wrong on that) follow the opposite pattern of blood, meaning that while O- is the “universal donor” for whole blood, AB- is the “universal donor” for platelets. Your platelets can be used by any recipient, which is awesome!
I’m a regular platelet donor, so if you have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to ask. The one caveat is that I’m in the US, so the rules might differ between countries.
It looks like you can use this or this to find locations near you. Platelet donations require a bit more machinery than regular blood donations, so you’ll likely fewer options than you would with whole blood. I go to a place about half an hour away from me for mine.
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Comment on Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply in ~health
kfwyre LinkCanadian Blood Services says it is facing a shortage as blood donations have plummeted over the last several weeks.
The agency says the blood supply has decreased by nearly 20 per cent since June 1.
It is urging people across Canada to book a blood donation appointment, noting that the shortfall is beyond the usual drop in donations during the summer months.
Canadian Blood Services says all blood types are needed and that there are fewer donation appointments booked than expected in all provinces.
People can book donation appointments at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.
In Quebec, people can book appointments through hemaquebec.ca.
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Canadian Blood Services calling for donors amid serious drop in supply
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Comment on American Red Cross declares second-ever national blood supply crisis, urges immediate blood donations in ~health
kfwyre LinkThe American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.
Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand — which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply.
As the nation's largest single provider of blood products, the Red Cross now has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood — the most commonly transfused blood type. To help ensure blood is available for patients facing the most critical, life-threatening emergencies across the country, the Red Cross has begun limiting distributions of type O blood to individual hospitals.
The Red Cross urges all eligible donors — especially those with type O blood — to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If an immediate appointment is not available, donors are encouraged to schedule a donation in the days and weeks ahead to help the Red Cross replenish and maintain a stable blood supply.
As a thank-you, everyone who comes to give blood by July 31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to a $15 ticket price and fees). Those who donate Aug. 1–31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. Additional details about both offers are available at RedCrossBlood.org.
Just three more donors at each blood drive this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply.
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American Red Cross declares second-ever national blood supply crisis, urges immediate blood donations
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Comment on Just Kids (2025): a documentary following three families affected by gender-affirming care bans in the US in ~lgbt
kfwyre (edited )LinkI just finished with this and am not yet fully done crying. It's equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. I highly recommend it. It's available on Prime Video in the US -- not sure about other...JUST KIDS is a documentary that follows three teens in states that restrict gender-affirming care. Over the course of a year, these families endure impossible challenges and show unparalleled strength as they endure attacks from their government—and communities. Civil rights experts and pioneers in the trans community contextualize this moment in history: these new laws are a thinly veiled political strategy that’s been used against different communities for decades.
I just finished with this and am not yet fully done crying. It's equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. I highly recommend it.
It's available on Prime Video in the US -- not sure about other countries.
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Just Kids (2025): a documentary following three families affected by gender-affirming care bans in the US
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Comment on Game Pass was supposed to save Xbox – instead, it’s killing the company in ~games
kfwyre LinkWith this as the backdrop, it’s no wonder one man had an ambitious vision: what if you paid $9.99 a month for access to a whole cornucopia of games? After all, if it could work for film and television, why wouldn’t it work for video games? Back in 2017, former Xbox head Phil Spencer’s novel idea felt like it had arrived at just the right time. So how did Game Pass go from being Xbox’s innovative new spark to setting the company on fire?
The Activision-Blizzard acquisition began a series of cataclysmic financial consequences for Xbox. 2024’s Black Ops 6 is the highest-grossing game in Call of Duty’s 23-year history - but 82% of all sales came from PlayStation. While Xbox had the smaller share, Game Pass scuppered Microsoft’s chance to make a fortune in COD’s most financially successful year ever. According to an anonymous Xbox employee via Bloomberg, the company lost $300 million in console and PC sales as a direct result of placing its latest mega-shooter on the service. Why would anyone pay $70 for a game that they could pay $15 to access alongside 400 others?
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Game Pass was supposed to save Xbox – instead, it’s killing the company
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Comment on CGA-2026-07 🕹️🔥⚔️ REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals in ~games
kfwyre LinkCGA Announcement: We have officially ejected the cartridge for Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals. This topic is for people to share their parting thoughts and experiences. Spoilers are NOT required...CGA Announcement: We have officially ejected the cartridge for Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals.
This topic is for people to share their parting thoughts and experiences. Spoilers are NOT required to be hidden for this topic, so if you're reading this before you've finished, be careful about reading any comments here.
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Big and tall guy here too, so I feel your pain, but the issue isn’t that we can’t accommodate everybody everywhere, it’s that in WAY too many instances of design, testing, and implementation, women haven’t even been considered.
I highly recommend Caroline Criado Perez’s book Invisible Women for a data-driven look into the issue at large.
One thing that stuck out to me from it was that female crash test dummies weren’t used until the 2010s(!) in the US, and when they finally were implemented, safety scores for cars plummeted. It highlighted a significant safety issue for women that was previously unknown because nobody was testing for it.
The book is very illuminating and I highly recommend it. This issue is so much deeper than “not everybody fits the average.”