skullkid2424's recent activity
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentNo offense, but that seems like a very naive take. Not using a password manager won't magically give you a better memory. That typically forces people to use easier-to-remember passwords with...I turn off this password manager everytime I reinstall a.PC for someone. People can't remember their passwords and I try to force them to by doing that. Password manager (of other type) won't solve that.
No offense, but that seems like a very naive take. Not using a password manager won't magically give you a better memory. That typically forces people to use easier-to-remember passwords with worse security, making them less secure.
I did use a similar tiered password system for a while, but ultimately ended up switching to full time password managers.
The big problem is that as leaks and dumps became available, its very easy to build a profile of old passwords and try them on similar websites. So if any company at any password tier has a security problem, then that entire tier is insecure. I used a base password and would customize it based on the actual site - for example,
hunter2+tildesfor tildes andhunter2+redditfor reddit. But that obviously has similar flaws in that any human might be able to guess the system after seeing a leaked password - not to mention anyone attempting to bruteforce passwords would potentially be able to use old passwords as a starting point.I came to the conclusion that realistically, I can't remember enough unique and secure passwords to provide every email, bank, credit card, etc with the security that I should. A password manager (rather, a good password manager) is the best solution IMO. I can focus on remembering a few key secure passwords, and generate very secure passwords that I don't have to remember. I'm much less vulnerable to random brute force attacks and smarter attacks made with previously leaked passwords.
The other solution I considered was to randomly generate secure passwords, but to never write them down - always using the "I forgot my password" button whenever I need to login. That route very clearly has some usability issues - though I still might consider it valid for things you only need to log into very rarely.
I also have basically stopped using security questions (as intended). Security questions are a huge vulnerability and the source of many hacks. At the very least, its worth having a system where the answers don't match up with the questions. A hacker may be able to guess or figure out the make and model of my first car. But if I answer every car-related security question with the same unrelated answer (something completely out of left field, like "Frank Herbert's Dune") - then I'm in much less danger of someone doing some social engineering to gain access. Of course, using the same answer for every car-related question introduces the same vulnerability where if one instance of those are ever leaked, attackers have a starting point to attempt to guess for other sites. Which brings us back to the best solution for security questions to be randomly generated passwords stored in a password manager. Perhaps a different password manager than the rest of your passwords.
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Comment on Is Tildes failing to thrive? in ~tildes
skullkid2424 Link ParentHmmm. Fair enough. I suppose I never do look at tildes without being logged in.Hmmm. Fair enough. I suppose I never do look at tildes without being logged in.
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Comment on Is Tildes failing to thrive? in ~tildes
skullkid2424 Link ParentI'm curious where you got the idea that tildes is in alpha. IMO, the invite-only aspect is a key part of why tildes is so high quality. We'll alternate between low user growth and then some event...Given that it's still in "invite-only alpha" with very little development, no promotion and no clear future plan
I'm curious where you got the idea that tildes is in alpha. IMO, the invite-only aspect is a key part of why tildes is so high quality. We'll alternate between low user growth and then some event (usually some sort of reddit enshitification) driving a big swing. If things are slowing down, we can recruit more. But big user waves also tend to lower quality for a bit until the new users figure out the site and those who want memes self-filter elsewhere.
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Comment on Credit cards and privacy: Can I have both? in ~tech
skullkid2424 LinkFew clarifying questions: Are you asking about debit cards vs credit cards, or cards vs cash? Who are you trying to avoid being tracked by? Banks? Credit card companies? Vendors?Few clarifying questions:
- Are you asking about debit cards vs credit cards, or cards vs cash?
- Who are you trying to avoid being tracked by? Banks? Credit card companies? Vendors?
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Comment on What is the "bible" of your hobby or activity? in ~hobbies
skullkid2424 (edited )Link ParentTheres tons of stuff out there. Some companies with decent quality are sparrows, southord, multipick, jimylong, covertinstruments, and peterson. They should all have a starter kit or three....Theres tons of stuff out there. Some companies with decent quality are sparrows, southord, multipick, jimylong, covertinstruments, and peterson. They should all have a starter kit or three. Definitely avoid cheap amazon kits. The main things I'd look for would be the pick profiles that come with them, the quality/ergonomics of the handle, and the turning tools. The main picks are used for single-pin-picking, which is the more deliberate style that is akin to solving a puzzle. There are also various "rakes", which are used by rapidly moving the bumps over the pins to hopefully set those pins. Raking is often a quick way to open a lock, but if you're more interested in the puzzle-style, then they are superfluous.
I'll note that picks typically range from 0.015-0.025" in thickness - thinner means you can fit into tight keyways, but are often more fragile. And there are various profiles like shallower picks that fit better into smaller locks, deeper picks which can push up on pins in the back of the lock, and the tip of the pin might be flat or rounded or even have a little divot. Its hard to say what you might use. Many starter kits have a few in 0.025", and perhaps a single thinner pick at 0.015". Some meet in the middle for a 0.018-0.020" that should be a good blend of both.
I started with the Sparrows Tuxedo kit, which was solid enough quality and a good price. The picks don't have any grip, so I picked up some electrical shrink wrap from amazon to make some. Doesn't look too pretty, but it worked. The main thing that set lacked would be "bar-style" turning tools like these and/or these. I ended up picking up both of those bar sets after I knew I was interested in the hobby.
If you want to jump ahead a bit, I found that lockpicking was sometimes rough on my fingers/wrists, so I ended up with some jimylong picks (grip is based on surgeon tools) and these ergonomic turning tools.
It looks like jimylong has a starter set, so I'd probably recommend that. Great quality for great price.
I'd definitely recommend /r/lockpicking and their discord as a resource. They have a "karate belt" style ranking system that you can participate in, which doubles as a good list of interesting locks roughly sorted by difficulty.
Finally, just a note on legality - never pick a lock that is in use or that you don't own. Its very easy to "brick" a lock and render it inoperable. Don't try to help your friend when they are locked out of your house - you can make the situation worse and its a good way to get the cops called on you. Before you start, look at toool's lockpicking laws page to get an idea of the legality of lockpicks in your state. In most states, owning lockpicks is not enough to be charged with a crime - you also have to show intent to break in/steal. But good to know the laws, especially when traveling. I often travel through an iffy state when seeing family, so I won't bring a pick + lock for demonstrations.
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer =)
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Comment on What is the "bible" of your hobby or activity? in ~hobbies
skullkid2424 LinkI picked up lockpicking as a pandemic hobby. There are a ton of great resources, but the MIT Guide to Lockpicking is probably the "bible" - covers the basics and fundamental concepts that still...I picked up lockpicking as a pandemic hobby. There are a ton of great resources, but the MIT Guide to Lockpicking is probably the "bible" - covers the basics and fundamental concepts that still apply, despite being ~30 years old.
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Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
skullkid2424 LinkDisc Golf and apartment hunting! Despite being ~25-35 degrees F with some snow on the ground, managed to get out for a round on both saturday and sunday. Saturday round was a wooded course that...Disc Golf and apartment hunting!
Despite being ~25-35 degrees F with some snow on the ground, managed to get out for a round on both saturday and sunday. Saturday round was a wooded course that was out of the wind, and the muddy areas were still frozen and crunchy. Sunday round is half-wooded, and the open holes had some brutal wind gusts - bad for both wind chill and throwing discs. Still very fun, though I definitely regretted not having a softshell layer to break the wind.
Less fun was apartment hunting. Currently paying "luxury apartment" rates due to pandemic rent raising, but my current apartment is very much a mediocre apartment. So I went and looked at some actual luxury apartment complexes. One was disappointing (an ok apartment, but not nice and shared laundry), but would have been cheaper than my current rent. Second apartment complex is very nice - tons of space, clean apartment, all the apartment features I want, shared gym/pool/basketball/grill areas, and in a great location (off the main road enough to be quiet, close enough to shopping/downtown/highway, and closer to the disc golf courses). Only downside is that its ~$100 more expensive, but pretty sure it will be worth it. Now to do the boring application stuff.
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Comment on Defeat Clintin the mini-boss in new ‘Epstein’ island game on Steam in ~games
skullkid2424 Link ParentI think its the only source reporting on it because there isn't much to report on? An asset-flip company made an game with an "edgy" premise to get some shock value sales. The article saying it...I think its the only source reporting on it because there isn't much to report on?
An asset-flip company made an game with an "edgy" premise to get some shock value sales. The article saying it "shocks gamers" is stretching the few steam reviews and twitter posts.
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Comment on Taskmaster NZ | Series 2 complete playlist in ~tv
skullkid2424 Link ParentI actually appreciate that he doesn't try to blindly copy Greg and Greg's relationship to Alex. Some of the other non-UK ones have felt weird when they try to force that relationship. Jeremy...I actually appreciate that he doesn't try to blindly copy Greg and Greg's relationship to Alex. Some of the other non-UK ones have felt weird when they try to force that relationship. Jeremy doesn't lean into the "bullying" relationship with assistant and just has a positive one - which works for him.
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Comment on Time loop stories aren't all 'Groundhog Day' rip-offs. Time loop stories aren't all 'Groundhog Day' rip-offs. Time loop stories aren't all... in ~movies
skullkid2424 LinkI think younger generations will stop linking time loops to Groundhog Day - the movie is 30 years old at this point...and not high up in the list of classics to watch. Side note - I'd highly...I think younger generations will stop linking time loops to Groundhog Day - the movie is 30 years old at this point...and not high up in the list of classics to watch.
Side note - I'd highly recommend Mother of Learning for anyone interested in a great time-loop fantasy story. It also is one of the stories that lead to the modern "Progression Fantasy" subgenre.
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Comment on What is there to do anymore? in ~talk
skullkid2424 Link ParentHappy to hear that there are some courses on udisc nearby - I was hoping that would be the case. For some background, disc golf had a huge jump in popularity during the pandemic as an outdoor...Happy to hear that there are some courses on udisc nearby - I was hoping that would be the case. For some background, disc golf had a huge jump in popularity during the pandemic as an outdoor activity that could be done alone or in small groups in your "bubble".
For getting started, you'd really just want athletic shoes/clothes, a water bottle, the udisc app (for finding teepads/baskets and optionally keeping score), and 1-3 discs.
If any of your friends play, they can likely lend you discs or give you advice on basic discs depending on how you throw. There are tons of different discs to choose from and you can get very in depth. Many players who really like the sport will carry 15-30 discs in a backpack on the course. To start though, you really only need 1 or 2.
The no-thinking solution is buy a starter pack. Basically every company that makes discs will sell a 3-disc starter set for $20-30 - they include a putter, a midrange, and a driver (which you can usually ignore as a beginner). They are usually cheaper plastic and lighter weights, which is good for kids and beginners - but will get chunks taken out of it or even crack after hitting trees. There are also starter sets out there that are not from actual disc manufacturers, which can be confusing - avoid things like franklin or that have no name. The set from Innova is the classic - their starter set isn't very durable, but will last for long enough for you to decide if you like the sport and want to invest in more. They are also the most "mainstream" set, and can be found in places like walmart, dicks, and play-it-again-sports. Other good options are dynamic discs, latitude64, westside, MVP, axiom, streamline, remix, discmania, divergent discs, and many others. If you find a kit and want to know if its decent, feel free to ask. I personally recommend either the Axiom R2 set (made from recycling discs with manufacturing defects, but still is better plastic than most starter sets, downside is black flight plate can sometimes be hard to find after a throw) or the Divergent Discs Max Grip set (company makes discs for beginners only, better plastic than most starter sets, bright colors) to my friends.
If you know you're going to get into the sport, you can skip the starter set and buy 1-5ish discs to cover several slots. To really get good value from this, you need to know a bit about the discs that you want - or you can take recommendations from a friend who plays. If you want to go this route, you can look at the Innova factory store - which sells factory seconds (discs with cosmetic imperfections, but are perfectly functional) for fairly cheap ($10-12 for premium plastic, $6 for base plastic which is good for putters). They also do a code every friday for a free disc if you buy 3+ other discs. Another similar option would be to look at Remix discs on amazon, which are overstock/factory seconds from another of the big companies - and they put them on amazon for $10-12/disc. The third option I'd recommend would be to buy a factory second mid ($15) and putter ($12) from Trash Panda - which make their disc from fully recycled plastic (and they mark their discs so they are technically recyclable as well).
If you're looking for more resources, there are tons of disc golf youtubers out there with various styles. Foundation has a good video on just the basic backhand throw. Overthrow is coaching oriented and has a good video on how to putt. The Disc Golf subreddit will also have some good threads and is one of the 2 subs I still use reddit for.
Let me know if you have any questions, and have fun!
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Comment on What is there to do anymore? in ~talk
skullkid2424 Link ParentUdisc is the main app for finding courses and keeping score - check their website for courses, as it will have way more than google maps or something similar. Most disc golf courses are free,...- Exemplary
Udisc is the main app for finding courses and keeping score - check their website for courses, as it will have way more than google maps or something similar.
Most disc golf courses are free, usually built on public land. There are also private courses, which often range from $5-20 per play, and tend to be higher quality and better maintained. But the majority are free.
For setting up your own course - its definitely possible, though it can vary greatly depending on land, time, money, etc put into it. Portable practice baskets run $80-200ish each. Those aren't meant to be left outside 24/7, but they are cheap and light weight - letting you keep it in your car/garage/house and set it up farily easily. The permanent baskets are in the $300-700 range IIRC, and usually have a metal sleeve cemented into the ground. Maybe a consideration if you really get into the sport and have some land where you can set up some holes. Homemade baskets are a thing, but vary wildly in quality. The ones with decent chains for catching discs tend to be similar price to the practice baskets - so many of the homemade baskets are things like a bike tire mounted on a pole with chains hanging from it.
Your best bet for a nearby course is to talk to your local government and figure out if there is land for a possible course, and then convince them to fund/build one. It can take some research and prep work - especially when it comes to things like insurance, course design, initial setup, and maintenance. Probably a tall task for someone brand new to the sport. But you can maybe find some local players who might help out with pushing the local government to build something.
The simplest way to start though is to go back to the roots of the sport, which would be an "object course". While modern disc golf uses a basket below hanging chains - the sport started by simply seeing who can hit a given tree with a frisbee first. You can use existing trees or fence posts or whatever else is around, or get a traffic cone to set your own hole wherever. The fancier versions would be "tone poles", which are basically any metal pole or object that makes a nice tone sound when hit. I've seen homemade courses using old oxygen tanks and fire extinguishers with the bottoms cut off - basically turning them into big bells. I've seen nicer ones with 4 ft tall hollow obelisks as well.
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Comment on What is there to do anymore? in ~talk
skullkid2424 LinkI picked up Disc Golf last year and quite enjoy it. Easy to start, more approachable than ball golf, relatively cheap as far as hobbies go ($20 for starter discs is all you really need - you won't...I picked up Disc Golf last year and quite enjoy it. Easy to start, more approachable than ball golf, relatively cheap as far as hobbies go ($20 for starter discs is all you really need - you won't be spending thousands of dollars a year unless you really want to), you can play alone or with friends, and has some element of socialization as you meet people on the course. Still more of a hobby than a third place though.
Depending on where you are, the current weather and temperatures may not quite be ideal time to start - but something to keep in mind.
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Comment on Twitch's new sexual content guidelines updated to include 'artistic nudity' after viral topless stream in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentThats certainly an option - but not one that matches US societal norms or the rules that US companies are aiming for. A trans man who has physically transitioned would be "male-presenting...I think companies should craft their content policies to be neutral: no visible nipples.
Thats certainly an option - but not one that matches US societal norms or the rules that US companies are aiming for.
I'm pretty sure Twitch would ban "male-presenting" nipples if a trans man went topless and wouldn't ban "female-presenting" ones if a trans woman did.
A trans man who has physically transitioned would be "male-presenting nipples". A trans man who has not physically transitioned would be "female-presenting nipples". Same (but opposite) for trans women. Despite the weird-yet-clinical phrase, "female-presenting nipples" seems to be accurate.
Also, this specific case is referring to fictional/drawn art. Which opens of pandora's box for anatomy that doesn't exist in the real world. "Female-presenting nipples" seems to be the most accurate way to describe the content that the new rules cover (or covered, since the rules have been walked back).
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Comment on Polish hackers repaired trains the manufacturer artificially bricked. Now the train company is threatening them. in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentWho can make the call on that though? It should probably be the government's transit authority - not a private company. Its also not like they were taken to a random guy on the street with a...Who can make the call on that though? It should probably be the government's transit authority - not a private company. Its also not like they were taken to a random guy on the street with a wrench - they used a reputable independent repair shop that works with train carriers. The problem in my mind is that a private company sold trains and wants to still decide how those trains are used. Do you really own something if the company that sold it to you can brick that thing and blackmail you into paying exorbitant repair costs?
While phone repair is definitely lower consequence, this has been a recurring issue with iPhones in particular. The real apt comparison though would be John Deere and the way they handle tractors. There are been years of legal battles over farmers being able to repair their own tractors and if John Deere should have the power to remotely shut down tractors that they already sold.
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Comment on Google promises unlimited cloud storage; then cancels plan; then tells journalist his life’s work will be deleted without enough time to transfer the data in ~tech
skullkid2424 Link ParentGoogle Inbox wasn't paid, but I would've paid for it. Have yet to find anything that can replace it. It feels silly that I can't find an email app that supports a unified inbox, has a simple way...What are some of y'alls stories of paying for discontinued google products and services?
Google Inbox wasn't paid, but I would've paid for it. Have yet to find anything that can replace it. It feels silly that I can't find an email app that supports a unified inbox, has a simple way to snooze an email for X amount of time as a reminder, and has a relatively clean/simple interface to archive.
I'm currently using Fairemail and I appreciate that its open source, privacy conscious, and clears out ads/trackers. Despite all its customization, I can't get it to be what I want. The gmail app itself never got most of the inbox features, and I gave up after a while because you couldn't default to a unified inbox. A new app "Shortwave" has come out that has promise, but only supports gmail accounts. Its also only available on newer versions of android, which means I am currently unable to even test it (my phone is both completely functional and no longer supported...RIP).
I've had a few other email solutions on my todo list to try (Spark and Spike), but haven't managed to get around to them - leaving me far from inbox zero =(
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Comment on Which food delivery app, in your opinion, is the best? in ~food
skullkid2424 Link ParentIts less about the physical implementation for me, and more about deception. If someone creates a completely new restaurant that is only-online and has a kitchen in an unmarked building - no...Genuinely not seeing the difference a ghost kitchen makes?
Its less about the physical implementation for me, and more about deception. If someone creates a completely new restaurant that is only-online and has a kitchen in an unmarked building - no issues there. If I see a restaurant that specializes in wings, then I'm going to maybe consider them for their specialty if I'm hungry for wings. But in reality, that company is just Chili's - who has created multiple fake storefronts that each specialize in a different food, but in reality are just different sections of the Chili's menu...that is disingenuous and really offputting.
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Comment on What six months of Denver’s Basic Income Project tells us in ~finance
skullkid2424 Link ParentAs ducc stated, they didn't go with a control group, but a "comparison group" that got some small monetary compensation. On one hand, that weakens some of the results of the study. On the other...As ducc stated, they didn't go with a control group, but a "comparison group" that got some small monetary compensation. On one hand, that weakens some of the results of the study. On the other hand, perhaps it means that even a small-but-reliable increase in income makes a non-trivial difference to those in their position.
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Comment on 'Torture and barbarism' endemic in porn industry, finds study in ~life
skullkid2424 LinkI'm hesitant to comment on what is a sensitive topic - especially since there are very real problems with the porn industry and violence against women. Perhaps its simply that the english article...I'm hesitant to comment on what is
potentiallya sensitive topic - especially since there are very real problems with the porn industry and violence against women. Perhaps its simply that the english article doesn't cover the french report well - I can't verify since I don't speak french.But this seems like poor methodology and poor definitions to make a predisposed point.
After analysing hundreds of videos, the organisation concluded 90% of pornographic content available online contains physical or verbal violence and is "criminally reprehensible".
The independent public institution carried out a study of the internet's four main pornographic platforms – Pornhub, XVideos, Xnxx and Xhamster.
"these acts are not simulated, the violence is real, it is not cinema".So it sounds like they simply reviewed the end-product videos? Its my understanding that a lot of the violence against women in the porn industry is going to be behind the scenes - human trafficking, forcing women into contracts, pushing for harder stuff while already on set, etc. Simply watching the end result is a poor way to tell if it is a scene where the actors/actresses are simply acting or if there are more sinister things going on. Is that someone's hand lightly around someone's throat to look like choking - or are they actually being choked?
It found multiple videos entitled "triple anal" or "prolapse", which refers to the dropping of internal organs as a result of brutal penetration.
The report also points to "gangbang" videos in which several men simultaneously penetrate a woman through multiple orifices.
"There are 1.4 million videos of sadistic practices: "Suffocation, bukkake (as many as dozens of men ejaculating on one woman), gangbang, gagging (deep fellatio suffocation), torture, electrocution" it continues.Some of these things are not like the others. Some of these seem relatively tame and not dangerous/violent (bukkake and non-rape gangbang for example). Others like suffocation/gagging/electro play can be done safely with preparation and consent. Torture isn't defined in the english article - but could range from light S&M to more extreme BDSM stuff or consensual non-consent. Tricky, but still can be done with proper understanding, preparation, and consent.
I'll note that one of the conclusions of the article "stresses the importance of sex education in schools to combat the risk of young people being educated primarily by watching porn." - which is definitely a great response to this. Better sex education might also cover the dangers and consequences of some of the more extreme acts, as well as the proper ways to communicate, prepare, and consent for tricky things - both of which are usually absent in typical porn videos.
insisting that production companies and platforms "have no right to profit from the exploitation of the human body".
Perhaps this is simply a translation error - but wouldn't the "exploitation of the human body" apply to basically all work? We're exploiting the physical labor of the human body for many blue collar jobs. We're exploiting the creativity and mental labor for many white collar jobs. Again, perhaps its the translation...maybe its referring to something more specific - for example focusing on exploitation via human trafficking or conditions forcing people to sign contracts that don't want to sign just to put food on the table.
"It is not possible to "consent to an act of violence against yourself," it added.
Others have pointed out the oddness of this line, so I won't rehash it.
The report's authors point out that it is not only women who are victims of the pornography industry, children are affected too.
They say there are about 1.3 million child-themed videos on these sites that "trivialise and eroticise incest and child criminality".
This is another tricky one. There is definitely a big concern with child pornography. Children should never be involved or harmed by the making of porn. However it sounds like they are talking about "step-sibling" videos - which is a different can of worms. Is an over-the-top silly porn scenario really encouraging incest? Perhaps they are referring to other videos or worse videos, but the majority of "step-sibling" porn is simply regular porn with a thin veneer of plot thrown in. My guess is that it is popular because people who don't care about step-siblings can simply watch the sex act and ignore the "plot" - and they can add on the taboo for those interested in something more.
That said, the conclusions and recommendations seem to be fairly reasonable.
These include giving the French regulator for audiovisual and digital communications the power to "block pornographic websites that do not apply effective age controls".
There are probably some privacy concerns, technical difficulties, and other discussions to be had here - especially when it comes to implementation details. But overall a reasonable goal.
Another of the measures they propose is to establish a right to remove content of a sexual nature at the request of any person featured in a given recording.
This is probably aimed at "revenge porn" or other videos where the the victim did not consent to videos/pictures of them being made public. As mentioned elsewhere - this gets tricky with contracts and "professional" porn. There plenty of discussion to be had on exploitation, trafficking, unwilling participants. But also whether or not a completely professional/consensual porn video could be pulled based on this. Having porn videos out there could certainly impact career or dating prospects...but it also would mean a valid production stops making money and could affect the income of other actors/actresses/assistants/etc - definitely a bit of a tricky topic.
The report also stresses the importance of sex education in schools to combat the risk of young people being educated primarily by watching porn.
The committee wants at least three sex education lessons in schools to include a critique of pornography.
As stated earlier - education is almost always a good thing, and a good way to help differentiate "real" sex from "porn" sex.
To me, this feels like when a bunch of older politicians are attempting to make laws on technology they don't understand. There are real problems and concerns there - but it doesn't feel like they did the background research or involved experts.
Fair. Though most people will have their password manager as an app on their phone, so they'll have their passwords with them wherever they go.