post_below's recent activity
-
Comment on James Webb Space Telescope finds stunning evidence for alternate theory of gravity in ~space
-
Comment on James Webb Space Telescope finds stunning evidence for alternate theory of gravity in ~space
post_below Link ParentI agree, and I'm not sure why the article brings up MOND in particular, rather than just questioning CDM.I agree, and I'm not sure why the article brings up MOND in particular, rather than just questioning CDM.
-
Comment on James Webb Space Telescope finds stunning evidence for alternate theory of gravity in ~space
post_below LinkFrom the article: Dark matter has always struck me as a placeholder, similar to junk DNA, that will eventually be discarded when we have a better understanding. This evidence won't singlehandedly...From the article:
The Lambda-CDM model has long posited that dark matter, an elusive and invisible form of matter, is essential for explaining the structure of the universe. According to this model, dark matter’s gravitational influence shaped galaxies and caused the formation of large-scale structures. It predicts that ancient galaxies in the early universe should appear small and dim, as they were gradually pulled together by dark matter over cosmic time.
However, McGaugh and his colleagues argue that these predictions do not match JWST observations. Instead, the newly observed galaxies appear bright, large, and fully formed, even as scientists peer deeper into the universe’s past. This unexpected brightness directly challenges the conventional understanding of galaxy formation driven by dark matter.
“Astronomers invented dark matter to explain how you get from a very smooth early universe to big galaxies with lots of empty space between them that we see today,” said Stacy McGaugh, professor and director of astronomy at Case Western Reserve, in a press release announcing the study.
“(But) what the theory of dark matter predicted is not what we see.”
Dark matter has always struck me as a placeholder, similar to junk DNA, that will eventually be discarded when we have a better understanding.
This evidence won't singlehandedly put dark matter to bed, it's been the most widely accepted theory for too long, but it's an exciting step
-
James Webb Space Telescope finds stunning evidence for alternate theory of gravity
36 votes -
Comment on How do I trick my brain into accepting eating less? in ~health
post_below Link ParentIt's one of those topics that isn't as simple as a quick google. Over the years studies have reported a wide variety of results. Some suggest a metabolism boost for up to 48 hours, one found it...It's one of those topics that isn't as simple as a quick google. Over the years studies have reported a wide variety of results. Some suggest a metabolism boost for up to 48 hours, one found it takes a week for metabolism to really drop among the very active.
How much it increases is also widely varied, 5 to 20% depending on which study you look at. Or maybe higher, some studies suggest that exercise has a measurable impact on a host of systems and previously unconsidered aspects of metabolism, such as the gut.
There's no perfect way to study it, far too many factors, a wide variance between individuals and too many bits of the process we don't fully understand yet. We just don't know for sure.
In my personal experience, I can easily eat 50% more food in a day without storing anything when I'm extra active and it's sustained for days or weeks. Much more than I'm technically "burning" based on the less than ideal but hopelessly entrenched calorie metric.
-
Comment on How do I trick my brain into accepting eating less? in ~health
post_below Link ParentExtra calories from muscle mass is separate from the increase in metabolic rate following exercise.Extra calories from muscle mass is separate from the increase in metabolic rate following exercise.
-
Comment on How do I trick my brain into accepting eating less? in ~health
post_below LinkI have the same experience with any kind of workout or activity above my baseline, I'm noticeably hungrier. I think that part is pretty natural. Which isn't to make any claims about your larger...I have the same experience with any kind of workout or activity above my baseline, I'm noticeably hungrier. I think that part is pretty natural. Which isn't to make any claims about your larger relationship to food.
You're right that a single workout isn't going to burn a huge amount of calories, but it will increase your metabolism, which will keep burning faster for a day or two after. I've always taken the post workout hunger as my body gearing up for burning more calories. If I'm doing more it ramps up and then levels out eventually at the new normal.
-
Comment on SEO or traffic direction help in ~comp
post_below LinkYou got some great advice in this thread, no notes. Just want to make sure this point is extra clear: Don't expect search engine ranking. Don't waste time on it, and definitely don't follow any...You got some great advice in this thread, no notes. Just want to make sure this point is extra clear: Don't expect search engine ranking. Don't waste time on it, and definitely don't follow any SEO advice you see online outside of the most basic. You can easily do more harm than good.
These days ranking takes time, without a big budget it's essentially impossible to rush it. Content is of course a big factor in SEO, definitely do some blog posts or guides or similar if you or your wife are so inclined. Do them infrequently enough that you won't burn out, the key is to stick with it. But don't expect much in the short term.
The advice about social media others have given you is right on, for now the website is best as just a landing pad for your social media efforts. The real world activities of humans visiting your site and buying things (while being digitally surveilled) will do more for your rankings over time than any amount of SEO tips.
I also second the advice about spending a little money on promotion. You can start very small, the important thing is to have performance metrics (preferably in addition to what the platforms provide). Once you have a solid sense of your advertising ROI, advertising is no longer really an expense.
-
Comment on Flags and symbols of patriotism in context in ~society
post_below LinkIt's remarkable how much the meaning has changed in such a short time. Now that, more often than not, an American flag means MAGA it feels outright oppressive. Not so much a symbol of an ideology...It's remarkable how much the meaning has changed in such a short time.
Now that, more often than not, an American flag means MAGA it feels outright oppressive. Not so much a symbol of an ideology I disagree with as a symbol of small mindedness and hate. The patriotic sentiment it represents really a synonym for fear and disillusionment.
-
Comment on Thoughts on Donald Trump, America and what this all means in ~society
post_below Link ParentI don't agree, or at least I don't think it's realistic to imagine that the good sort of christianity has any hope of taking over and inspiring meaningful change. If christianity, or any...I don't agree, or at least I don't think it's realistic to imagine that the good sort of christianity has any hope of taking over and inspiring meaningful change. If christianity, or any supernatural faith, was going to save humanity it seems like it would have managed it already.
That said, I appreciate your perspective and I enthusiastically support love and compassion as core values regardless of what belief system they arise from.
-
Comment on Thoughts on Donald Trump, America and what this all means in ~society
post_below Link ParentYou're right about the fear. It's baked in deep, and wealth inequality, and the insecurity that creates, turns it all the way up to 10. I don't entirely agree with this though: It's true that...You're right about the fear. It's baked in deep, and wealth inequality, and the insecurity that creates, turns it all the way up to 10.
I don't entirely agree with this though:
The majority of enfranchised Americans who wanted to cast a ballot cast their ballot for fascism
It's true that functionally that's what happened, but I think the vast majority of Trump voters were either just voting on party lines or voting for what they believed was the candidate who stood a better chance of improving their financial circumstances. They're likely wrong in that belief. But without a larger understanding of economics, it's easy to see inflation as a Biden thing and therefore something else as maybe better.
There were of course people voting for fascism, in the sense that the loud, insecure power male dynamic appealed to them, but I don't think it was the majority. I think many just aren't paying much attention. Lots of ignorance at play. Lots of misinformation.
You alluded to a lot of what I'd respond with later in your post, so I don't think we really disagree. As you say (or quote):
someone's womanhood, their minority status, their faith or their convictions might come into play 70% of the time. But humans need food and shelter 100% of the time
Indeed. Mix financial insecurity with fear and the situation is ripe for people to irrationally act against their own interests.
-
Thoughts on Donald Trump, America and what this all means
So this is reality. I warned myself not to take anything for granted with Trump, 2016 happened, but still I was starting to feel hopeful for a minute there. But nope, this is what America looks...
So this is reality. I warned myself not to take anything for granted with Trump, 2016 happened, but still I was starting to feel hopeful for a minute there. But nope, this is what America looks like now. For now.
This sucks for a lot of Americans, some are justifiably devastated. A lot is uncertain and we all have to figure out how to navigate this version of the country for, at least, the next 4 years. That's of course part of the insanity, that there are big questions about what happens when Trump's term is over. We kinda know there's going to be some level of a coup attempt, we just don't know if it will be successful.
But for the moment I want to put aside the myriad fucked up social, economic and geopolitical implications and explore what it means from a more ideology and identity sort of angle.
This means that we don't live in a just world. When my partner was crying last night, I think that's what she was feeling the loss of most of all. The idea that despite the imperfections of the world, somewhere underneath there is some form of justice based in the fundamentally good nature of human beings.
Intellectually it seems obvious that there is no inherent justice. But emotionally it's a different story. Speaking for Americans, it's not the story we're told growing up in the shining beacon of democracy. The concept of what America is, and who Americans are, that we translate to our childen is missing most of the nuance. And many of us keep that with us emotionally as adults, even if we know better.
The grown up version, the story we tell ourselves in American culture, has more nuance but not as much as you'd hope for. As an example, we've been pretending that giant corporations, conglomerates and the ultrawealthy can serve the public interest for an embarrassingly long time. We've made materialism into an art. A little light to medium evil in our foreign policy is just something we need to accept.
Of course the nuance isn't lost on everyone, a lot of us have a clear view of what America is, and western capitalist democracy writ large, but Trump is president, in part, because a lot of people do not. Full stop. We, as a culture, are telling the wrong stories about ourselves.
But Trump is president, in spite of his escalating rhetoric and Jan 6th and the nazis on parade and the election wasn't even close. So we have to come to terms with what that means about what America is, and who Americans are.
That's going to take time and processing and I'm not sure how that might or should look. I just want to add that this isn't new. This is the country we've been living in for some time. The only thing that's really changed is that we can't rationally tell any other story now.
It's heartbreaking but after we grieve I think we'll have an opportunity, collectively, to come to terms with what we are, good and bad. Which is of course a vital early step in the process of change.
One thing I'd like to add to the conversation, that's been said a lot and still not nearly enough, is that the enemies here are not just bigotry, or ignorance, or extremist religion or lack of security. Perhaps the biggest reason, directly and indirectly, for Trump's second term is unchecked capitalism.
I hope that, as a whole, we'll learn from this, and focus our energy on the right demons. The ones we maybe have to deal with before we can handle the others.
And also I want to say: this is sad and it feels bleak at the moment... and this grief is shared by millions. We're not alone in this. We'll get through it.
50 votes -
Comment on California EV maker Aptera unveils solar car with 64 km of daily, charge-free range in ~transport
post_below LinkFor anyone that's new to Aptera... they've been right about to launch repeatedly for the last 5 or 6 years, and taking pre-orders the whole time. I was following them with interest for much of...For anyone that's new to Aptera... they've been right about to launch repeatedly for the last 5 or 6 years, and taking pre-orders the whole time. I was following them with interest for much of that time, but after a couple rounds of "hype release, take pre-orders, go silent", I stopped following as closely.
They could very well be about to launch this time for real, but also the company has been around in various incarnations since 2005 and hasn't released anything so far. For more info see Wikipedia, which could be read as a 20 year lesson in just how far you can go in raising funds without delivering.
I'll be exicted if it happens, but I don't recommend sending them any money just yet.
-
Comment on Nutrient levels in retail grocery stores, or why you should be buying your groceries from Walmart in ~food
post_below Link ParentThat was my read also, you're absolutely going to get more nutrient rich produce from small, local farms. If some of the sellers are selling produce that isn't from local farms, it shouldn't be...That was my read also, you're absolutely going to get more nutrient rich produce from small, local farms. If some of the sellers are selling produce that isn't from local farms, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out over time. It's funny that carrots are the example because store bought carrots taste like a completely different vegetable compared to small farm carrots, you'd know right away.
Even if you did end up buying some questionably sourced produce at your local farmers market, overall you're still getting better stuff than you would from Walmart.
-
Comment on Solid-state batteries enter pilot production, costs expected to drastically drop in ~enviro
post_below LinkI thought this was interesting: Sulfide based looks so promising, and also H2S gas is a holy shit level problem. Maybe enough to keep it out of consumer devices entirely.I thought this was interesting:
Today, there are three competing ways to do solid-state batteries based on different types of electrolyte, and each has its own set of technological bottlenecks.
Polymer-based solid-state batteries are relatively mature and have already been commercialized in parts of Europe. For instance, French company Blue Solutions already produces such solid-state batteries for Daimler electric buses. However, this class of batteries still faces challenges in terms of voltage tolerance and ionic conductivity.
Oxide solid-state electrolytes are known as the most chemically stable class of solid-state batteries but are difficult to manufacture. The “solid-solid” contact between the electrolyte and the cathode/anode active materials leads to higher internal resistance.
Sulfide-based solid-state batteries show particularly strong potential due to their ionic conductivity, which is closest to, and may even exceed, that of liquid electrolytes. This class of solid-state batteries is explored by major developers, including Toyota, Samsung SDI, LGES, SK On, CATL, and BYD. However, this chemistry is unstable in air and highly sensitive to moisture, adding complexity to the production process and potentially releasing H2S gas, which is poisonous as well as flammable.
Sulfide based looks so promising, and also H2S gas is a holy shit level problem. Maybe enough to keep it out of consumer devices entirely.
-
Comment on DebunkBot in ~science
post_below LinkI ended up talking to the bot about the unliklihood of it convincing someone who was truly invested in a conspiracy theory using the strategy it was employing, especially over the course of such a...I ended up talking to the bot about the unliklihood of it convincing someone who was truly invested in a conspiracy theory using the strategy it was employing, especially over the course of such a brief exchange.
It acknowledged this and offered legitimate strategies for dealing with an invested, potentially defensive person, but it didn't really take it's own advice and ultimately ended up repeating itself (as others noticed).
I think the experiment is sort of broken in that, even for a well trained human, a three message exchange wouldn't even begin to be enough time to establish trust and common ground before carefully starting to introduce evidence or lead them to think critically about their own assumptions.
I wonder what the data from such a test could be reasonably used for. It certainly won't tell us anything about how effective an AI would be at changing minds since the exchange isn't long enough to have really any impact on strongly held beliefs.
-
Comment on Traceroute isn't real in ~tech
post_below LinkGreat read (saw it earlier on HN). I've never had any reason to investigate traceroute, it worked well enough for what little I've needed it for, so this was fun to learn about. TLDR: Traceroute...Great read (saw it earlier on HN). I've never had any reason to investigate traceroute, it worked well enough for what little I've needed it for, so this was fun to learn about.
TLDR: Traceroute is essentially a hack. It's not a protocol, isn't included in any RFC and doesn't itself have an RFC (though there is an unimplemented RFC that lays out a completely different, and better, traceroute scheme). Instead it co-opts another network feature, one whose implementation is optional.
If you've ever wondered why there are almost always hops that don't respond during a traceroute, while hops farther down the chain do, this is why. They are simply ignoring it because the RFC doesn't require that they don't.
-
Comment on Advice Needed: Simple and Reliable notifications in ~comp
post_below (edited )Link ParentI wouldn't say it's designed for bulk mail exactly, it works like any SMTP server. Adding: If you run into issues setting it up, feel free to msg meI wouldn't say it's designed for bulk mail exactly, it works like any SMTP server.
Adding: If you run into issues setting it up, feel free to msg me
-
Comment on Steve Ballmer was an underrated CEO in ~tech
post_below LinkI think the author is right that Ballmer was an effective CEO. He took over when MS was dealing with anti-trust enforcement and seemed to navigate it well. He then went on to grow profits by quite...I think the author is right that Ballmer was an effective CEO. He took over when MS was dealing with anti-trust enforcement and seemed to navigate it well. He then went on to grow profits by quite a lot. He's undoubtedly a capitalist success story.
I want to add though... I don't have the kind of inside knowledge to say what kind of guy Ballmer was, but he famously hated open source (calling it a cancer and the community communist). The tech community didn't love that, or the MS lawsuits against open source companies.
In addition you have MS' history of anti-competitive practices, much of which they were never punished for, and the ones they did get slapped over were all brought back in slightly different forms after they waited for regulators and the public to move on. MS was also a pioneer of the now famous "embrace, extend, extinguish" corporate strategy.
That's not all on Ballmer of course, Gates was ruthless and built the culture, but Ballmer didn't really change course, he was just careful to avoid scrutiny for a while.
It's easy to forget that MS was the OG big evil tech company, they were abusing their monopoly before anyone else in tech had a monopoly to abuse. Windows telemetry has been dystopian since before being concerned about tech surveillance was even on the public's radar. Ballmer presided over a lot of it.
Not necessarily relevant, but he always seemed obnoxious to me, he's famous for screaming and freaking out. He reportedly once yelled so loudly at a sales meeting that he ripped his vocal chords and needed surgery. Not on a stage, mind you, where he did a lot of screaming too, but at a sales meeting with other humans with eardrums.
None of this is an argument against the OP blog's claim that Ballmer was a good CEO. Just wanted to add some context since the relatively benign reputation present day MS has compared to other tech companies is not representative of the Ballmer years.
-
Comment on Advice Needed: Simple and Reliable notifications in ~comp
post_below (edited )LinkYou said you were using Python to send yourself email notifications, why not send via Amazon's SMTP service (SES) instead of gmail? You wouldn't have to change very much and it's essentially free...You said you were using Python to send yourself email notifications, why not send via Amazon's SMTP service (SES) instead of gmail? You wouldn't have to change very much and it's essentially free for low volumes of emails.
Alternatively you could read the response from gmail's SMTP server and handle it when it sends back whatever code is associated with your intermittent outages. Possibly a small delay and a retry would solve it.
Edit: Missed a word
I agree it's clickbaity... but isn't the best practice to use the original title?