precise's recent activity
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Comment on Record $100 million settlement reached in lawsuits alleging torture, rape, atarvation at US Christian school in ~humanities
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Comment on What did you recently do in your hobby that you're proud of? in ~hobbies
precise LinkI recently went on my second serious storm chase. I always wanted to go storm chasing as a kid, and I'm a big weather nerd. This year I decided I had the means and desire to actually go chasing...I recently went on my second serious storm chase. I always wanted to go storm chasing as a kid, and I'm a big weather nerd. This year I decided I had the means and desire to actually go chasing properly. Over this last weekend I went to southern Indiana and central Illinois to chase a severe weather event for the upper Mississippi valley over two days. It was a monster trip, 48hrs, 35 on the road, and one shitty motel room, I'm still recovering a bit.
Saw a wispy tornado/funnel in the distance, a few wall clouds, lots of lightening, hail (off in the distance, by design) and some really cool supercells. Where I'm from we don't get supercells, rather linear and multicellular systems, and my first chase didn't have the most typical supercells, so seeing these (kinda) monsters with their typical structures and features was special.
I met Simon Brewer and Brandon Copic by chance while chasing, both of whom are famous/prominent (Brandon insists he's not famous). It was amazing to realize I'm chasing alongside (albeit at a much more amateur level) these people I've admired for so long.
Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/DkzgPUC
Things I learned: I need a dedicated camera with an optical lens. I need to study more, a lot more, about forecasting and storm dynamics. The better I chase, the less I drive, which would be a welcome change.
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Comment on Question about a bug encountered while transferring photo and video files between devices in ~tech
precise Link ParentOne thing you could do, is if you have free space on the external HDD is (using Windows) download the Linux ISO onto the external, and then burn it to a separate USB drive. If that's not an option...One thing you could do, is if you have free space on the external HDD is (using Windows) download the Linux ISO onto the external, and then burn it to a separate USB drive. If that's not an option for some reason, WinDirStat, https://windirstat.net/, is what I've used to clean out unneeded files. It gives a visual representation of what's taking up the most space. I strongly encourage you to only remove files from your user directory you know you don't need like old Downloads. I wouldn't venture into system/temp files unless you're confident you know what those do, and that you don't need them. Windows 10 also has a tool to free up space if you go to the Start Menu and type "Delete temporary files." This will remove system/temp files safely.
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Comment on Question about a bug encountered while transferring photo and video files between devices in ~tech
precise Link ParentThanks for doing the requisite research! Not shocked at all by this bug. Great points about read-only! I'd be very hesitant to engage in Windows updates at this point. I have no idea how Windows...Thanks for doing the requisite research! Not shocked at all by this bug. Great points about read-only! I'd be very hesitant to engage in Windows updates at this point. I have no idea how Windows update will handle potentially running out of space, as Windows 10 updates can take gigabytes.
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Comment on Question about a bug encountered while transferring photo and video files between devices in ~tech
precise LinkIf I'm understanding this correctly, Windows is not accurately portraying file sizes / thinks files are bigger than they are? My initial thought it to cut Windows out of the mix and boot from a...If I'm understanding this correctly, Windows is not accurately portraying file sizes / thinks files are bigger than they are? My initial thought it to cut Windows out of the mix and boot from a Linux live USB, mount the Windows NTFS partition and take a gander at the photos from the Linux OS. If the file size is still abnormally large, then something went wrong with a transfer from the phone to the laptop and the issue is with the NTFS partition (if I understand the chain of events correctly), if the file sizes are normal, it's the Windows install. If the files look OK from the Linux USB, I'd proceed to mount the external USB hard drive within the live environment and copy them from the laptop to the HDD.
To play it safe, since these are important files and I always gets nervous when windows starts having file system issues, let me ask: are the photos and videos still on the phone? If the originals are still on the phone, it might be prudent to buy a USB OTG dongle and a flash drive to move the files directly from the phone to another storage medium like the external HDD or a USB drive. Cut the laptop out of the picture.
Unsure on the exact root cause, but interested in your findings if you choose to live boot Linux.
Edit: Also, welcome to Tildes!
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Comment on Police in Finland say they've stopped a far-right terror plot that would have used 3D printed weapons in an attack aimed at leading to the collapse of society in a race war in ~news
precise (edited )Link ParentI find your response disturbing. You're minimizing a legitimate terrorist cell as "a few white nationalists" and then pointing at terrorism and directly tying it to non-"western nations." This is...- Exemplary
I find your response disturbing. You're minimizing a legitimate terrorist cell as "a few white nationalists" and then pointing at terrorism and directly tying it to non-"western nations." This is what-about-ism at its finest. I do want to address some factual inaccuracies with your comment though, because letting far-right talking points lie lets them fester.
For the purposes of the rest of this comment, I want to point out the subtext that might not be apparent, and I don't want to appear as putting words in your mouth. We are talking about immigration, pointedly from the Arab world and the global south. Between your attempted identification of the geographic source of terrorism, your invocation of nationalism which is principally anti-immigrant, and the source you linked to back a claim that immigrants are the source of these grenade attacks, the writing is on the wall.
On the grenade attacks...
The Wikipedia article you linked refutes your own claim:
Many such attacks are related to organised crime and extortion of restaurants and businesses. Far-right political activists spreading anti-immigrant sentiments have attributed the rise in grenade attacks and crime with the migrant crisis, a claim that has been disputed.
There is extensive evidence and reporting indicating that these attacks are linked to organized crime, not terrorism. I would really like to see a reputable source on how all of these grenade attacks can be attributed to terrorist activity.
On the source of terrorism and extremism...
Contradicting your assertion, experts in the CTE/F fields have repeatedly warned that Right-Wing Extremism is a rising and in some cases predominant threat. This isn't to say that Jihadist motivated terrorism isn't a threat, it is (as some of the reporting below highlights), but the very concerning issue here is you're tying it in with immigration, which echoes far-right talking points.
The European Commission's Radicalization Awareness Network: Contemporary manifestations of violent right-wing extremism in the EU: An overview of P/CVE practices
Center for Strategic & International Studies: Trends in Extremist Violence and Terrorism in Europe through End-2016
Europol: European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2022 I have a point of contention with this report due to how they group Ethno-Nationalism and Separatism together, and then define it to include cross-spectrum ideologies. This doesn't make sense to me, if they acknowledge there's ideological roots to these groups, categorize as such.Hell, even Left-Wing extremism is seemingly on the rise: https://www.dw.com/en/after-g20-a-look-at-left-wing-radicalism-in-europe/a-39629507
On immigration and terrorism...
Now that we've taken an objective look at the terror/extremism threat, we can dive into and debunk the implicit suggestion that immigration is linked with terrorism, which research shows it's not:
The University of Chicago Press Journals: Does Immigration Induce Terrorism?
The results suggest that migrants stemming from terrorist-prone states moving to another country are indeed an important vehicle through which terrorism does diffuse. Having said that, the findings also highlight that migrant inflows per se actually lead to a lower level of terrorist attacks.
Cambridge University Press: Terrorism and Migration: An Overview
A review of the empirical literature on the migration–terrorism nexus indicates that (1) there is little evidence that more migration unconditionally leads to more terrorist activity, especially in Western countries.
On the link between far-right extremism and immigration...
You know what immigration does do though? It scares people, and fear leads to misguided beliefs.
According to a Pew Research Study:
The refugee crisis and the threat of terrorism are very much related to one another in the minds of many Europeans. In eight of the 10 European nations surveyed, half or more believe incoming refugees increase the likelihood of terrorism in their country.
A European Commission survey had similar findings:
Almost half (48%) surveyed were most concerned about immigration, while more than a third (39%) told a European Commission survey that terrorism was their greatest fear.
Now we've already seen from the research that this belief is not based in fact. That doesn't matter to the far-right though, the far-right capitalizes on this fear to push their racist, white nationalist/supremacist causes to the masses, mainstreaming their hatred. See far-right strongman Viktor Orban who said:
the factual point is that all the terrorists are basically migrants.
The far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) is surging into popularity on the back of fervent anti-immigrant rhetoric that feeds on this fear. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has neo-fascist roots, campaigned on the back of these fears. In Finland, the Finns party also came to power on anti-immigrant rhetoric. You can read some more about the rise of the far-right in Europe here and here.
So I list all this out in an effort to respond to your statement on the rise of nationalism. The research shows there's a rise in nationalism because of fear, specifically fear of brown people, not any tangible threat. So your assertion that this isn't a race/ethnic issue falls on its face, race and ethnicity are implicit in European anti-immigrant rhetoric that cites terrorism as a rationale, even if folks don't want to admit it. Far-right extremists, ideologues and politicians are stoking the fears of Europeans writ large to score domestic political points. It's working, it's endangering people of color and minorities, and it's leading to far-right extremists mainstreaming their ideas and gaining power.
Edit: As originally written, the last paragraph stated that race and ethnicity are implicitly part of all anti-immigrant rhetoric. This was an error, edited to include a clause regarding anti-immigrant rhetoric prompted by fears of terrorism.
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Comment on Police in Finland say they've stopped a far-right terror plot that would have used 3D printed weapons in an attack aimed at leading to the collapse of society in a race war in ~news
precise Link ParentI'm sympathetic to these cases, and I think vetting is appropriate, but my understanding is that the studies relating continental European immigration to criminal activity have been a mixed bag at...I'm sympathetic to these cases, and I think vetting is appropriate, but my understanding is that the studies relating continental European immigration to criminal activity have been a mixed bag at best. If we're to have a rational conversation about this issue, we need to rely on statistical facts/trends and not abhorrent anecdotes that prompt reactionary outrage. These types of cases, as at least one of those articles suggests, are held up by the far-right as fuel to their reactionary fire.
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Comment on Police in Finland say they've stopped a far-right terror plot that would have used 3D printed weapons in an attack aimed at leading to the collapse of society in a race war in ~news
precise Link ParentAs someone who works in the countering extremism and terrorism field, I find your additional context around the ease of manufacturing even more concerning than the article already suggests. If...As someone who works in the countering extremism and terrorism field, I find your additional context around the ease of manufacturing even more concerning than the article already suggests. If this is easy as you would suggest, that makes it easy for individuals like these to make their own weapons. This is by far not the first radicalized extremist I've seen take to 3D printed weapons.
There hasn't been much information released on the arrestees, but based on what has been released they appear to be a group of sophisticated, thoroughly radicalized white supremacist accelerationists. They've matured to the point where they have their own branding (see the sticker in the article image, Sotaa is Finish for War), they've manufactured their own weapons, and police say it was a disrupted plot, not just some extremists with firearms. This isn't some group of anons that got together and talked about a race war and printed some guns, all indications suggest they were operating as a terrorist cell with an intent to kill people, destroy infrastructure and cause societal collapse.
Even more concerning is the plot was disrupted by happenstance after a separate investigation. This differentiates this instance from other plots being disrupted by counter extremism/terrorism operations. This lends to the idea that they're a mature operation that understood how to maintain operational security.
Speculate all you want about the potential realized impact of their actions, you say yourself that it might have caused a few deaths, that's too many for me. I'd also posit that's an underestimation, 4 armed individuals could easily do much more harm. It doesn't matter if they don't reach their goal.
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Comment on Should Twitter links be banned? in ~tildes
precise Link ParentI agree. I think a screenshot or a link to ThreadReader would work. I don't like Twitter or Musk, but like it or not, there's still folks putting valuable information on the website like front...I agree. I think a screenshot or a link to ThreadReader would work. I don't like Twitter or Musk, but like it or not, there's still folks putting valuable information on the website like front line breaking news. All this said, Twitter isn't the most frequently posted website on Tildes.
Perhaps we can even implement a Twitter tag if we haven't already, and folks who are entirely opposed to Twitter can filter out Twitter posts.
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Comment on Norway may soon open waters in the Arctic and sub-Arctic to sea floor mining – growing demand for important minerals, including copper and nickel in ~enviro
precise Link ParentTheir comment about these unique conditions actually refers to this line from the article: So they're discussing the thousands of years that would in be required to return the environment to its...Their comment about these unique conditions actually refers to this line from the article:
The scientists also warn that mining would release large quantities of sediment disturbing sea floors which took thousands of years to develop.
So they're discussing the thousands of years that would in be required to return the environment to its pre-exploited state if this deep sea mining were to take place.
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Comment on Norway may soon open waters in the Arctic and sub-Arctic to sea floor mining – growing demand for important minerals, including copper and nickel in ~enviro
precise Link ParentYou're right, here's a source, albeit an industry source, to back that up. https://www.mining.com/web/visualizing-the-opportunity-cost-of-unrecycled-metals-in-the-us/And also that there's plenty of minerals to recycle without having to destroy more parts of the not well explored planet.
You're right, here's a source, albeit an industry source, to back that up. https://www.mining.com/web/visualizing-the-opportunity-cost-of-unrecycled-metals-in-the-us/
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Comment on Embrace the slower social web in ~talk
precise LinkFirst. Jokes aide, I wholeheartedly agree. I've gotten really busy in the last year or so, and I've really come to appreciate my time, attention and bandwidth. Every second of my attention counts,...First.
Jokes aide, I wholeheartedly agree. I've gotten really busy in the last year or so, and I've really come to appreciate my time, attention and bandwidth. Every second of my attention counts, and I want to have control where I focus. I've found myself turning off notifications on my phone, I'm about to disable email notifications. I guess it's more about discipline than anything, but meditating in a push notification jungle is difficult and I find cutting down a few of the trees helps.
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Comment on How do you feel about the ongoing Reddit migration to Tildes? in ~tildes
precise Link ParentI appreciate that, @cfabbro. P.S. Nice to be chatting again, I don't know if we ever cross paths, but you're one of the names I recognize from my early days here, glad some things are staying the...I appreciate that, @cfabbro.
P.S. Nice to be chatting again, I don't know if we ever cross paths, but you're one of the names I recognize from my early days here, glad some things are staying the same, even as things change.
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Comment on Google has officially changed its mind about remote work in ~life
precise Link ParentWhat makes "in office" work more valuable than remote work? If I'm just as accessible when working remotely (via Zoom, Slack, Email, etc.) as I would be in the office, what's the differentiation?...What makes "in office" work more valuable than remote work? If I'm just as accessible when working remotely (via Zoom, Slack, Email, etc.) as I would be in the office, what's the differentiation? These companies argue that one isn't fully connected unless they're in the office, but, at least anecdotally, that's not been my experience having worked in both situations.
In fact, I'd argue that employees working remotely are more valuable by nature of costing the employer less in office space and on premise resources. Sure, they might have to pay for a home office budget, but that's a one time expense vs. a physical cubicle or office, AC, electricity, etc.
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Comment on How do you feel about the ongoing Reddit migration to Tildes? in ~tildes
precise LinkI'm concerned about trolls to be honest, specifically bigoted trolls. I look at bigots on the internet all day, and Tildes has always been this little hideaway that they haven't touched as far as...I'm concerned about trolls to be honest, specifically bigoted trolls. I look at bigots on the internet all day, and Tildes has always been this little hideaway that they haven't touched as far as I've seen. I worry far-right trolls will exploit Tildes' more serious tone to legitimize their views, under the guise of "healthy, open debate." They will exploit the inherent trust here at Tildes.
There was recently a post about identity politics, and what struck me was how the author included white nationalism under the identity politics umbrella, which can maybe be included in the most loose of terms, but in my opinion has no place in any identity politics discussion. Identity politics is about the oppressed, not false victimhood. I was legitimately anxious that this person was trying to test the waters for discussion of such ideas. To be clear, I have no idea of that person's intention, and they could be participating in good faith, but I'm especially on guard right now.
To be blunt, I'm tired of the far-right infestation on the internet. My personal rule is that I don't debate fascists, it gives them legitimacy. That said, I don't want to give them this space, and I'd feel responsible to confront any encroaching users. I just don't have the energy to spare. Maybe that's self-centered, but fuck if I need a safe space.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
precise Link ParentI find your take sensible and interesting. I think there was some minor concern in the early days about the invite system and alts, but I don't think there are any rules against alts. The main...I find your take sensible and interesting. I think there was some minor concern in the early days about the invite system and alts, but I don't think there are any rules against alts. The main concerns would be using the alts to engage in bad faith dialogue or vote manipulation. I think we've run into that issue once before, and it was dealt with swiftly. I'm not sure if @Deimos has a mechanism on the back end to detect such things, but the heavy emphasis on good faith dialogue (I hope) has kept this at bay.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
precise Link ParentYeah, I've never been vocal about this I don't think, but I don't want the site to change too much. I disagree that the invite only should be lifted. I don't think we should gate-keep the website,...Yeah, I've never been vocal about this I don't think, but I don't want the site to change too much. I disagree that the invite only should be lifted. I don't think we should gate-keep the website, invites are handed out pretty openly, but I don't want Tildes to be overrun by people who haven't read the Wiki and don't understand the general purpose of platform. I'm happy that there's been a migration to Tildes with Reddit's recent changes, and I welcome all of these new folks, but opening the floodgates would make user moderation unmanageable I suspect.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
precise Link ParentThis is the exact reason if I recall correctly. I agree though when it gets into the hundreds of comments it can be a bit of a pain. That said, I enjoy reading others comments, though it can be...Perhaps this UI approach is intended to encourage reading the discussions within a thread more comprehensively before responding
This is the exact reason if I recall correctly. I agree though when it gets into the hundreds of comments it can be a bit of a pain. That said, I enjoy reading others comments, though it can be arduous. :)
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Comment on Introductions | June 2023, part 1 in ~talk
precise LinkHi everybody! My name's precise. I'm not new, I've been around since 2018, but I've been lurking for the last couple years. I like to hike, backpack and camp. You might also see my wandering...Hi everybody! My name's precise. I'm not new, I've been around since 2018, but I've been lurking for the last couple years. I like to hike, backpack and camp. You might also see my wandering around as a lost noob on Battlefield One if your timing is right. I used to work in IT, burned out and then served with AmeriCorps. I was homeless for a while, now I'm not which is nice. I've got a background in activism rooted in a disdain for systems of least resistance, I'd rather block a pipeline than ask a crony of the oil company to stop it. In addition to environmentalist work, I've also worked in the civil rights space. This leads to where I am today at a non-profit researching political extremism, political violence and terrorism. I came to Tildes for the higher quality conversations, and I hope that continues as it seems Tildes is getting a breath of fresh users.
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Comment on This nonprofit health system cuts off US patients with medical debt in ~health
precise Link ParentI mean, aside from the moral issues at hand?I mean, aside from the moral issues at hand?
I used to think that too. I've come to believe otherwise. Religion can be, has been, and is being used to rationalize horrible things and subjugate others, but (and I hate to use this trope) it's not all religion. I'd like to believe a vast majority of religious folks quietly practice amongst themselves and do not project their values onto others. We always hear about the domineering minority that seeks to craft the world to their ideals, and because that's all we hear about we assume that's all there is to it. It's confirmation bias.
I was raised Catholic -- I now have no religion; I use science and experience as my guides. That said, I disagree that religion is a stain on humanity. Religious followers hold beliefs for a wide variety of reasons, but I've come to realize there's a nearly universal rationale amongst believers of all stripes: it brings inner-peace. Religious folks find stability in their beliefs which is especially important in this unstable world.
I have no problem with people privately practicing their beliefs, and I don't think it's okay to call some folks mental refuge a stain on humanity.