spinoza-the-jedi's recent activity
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Comment on United States postal service debuts long-awaited new mail truck in ~transport
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Comment on Addressing the cause of collapsing fertility: status in ~life
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI think there are some interesting points made, though his suggestions to solve the problem are ridiculous, immoral, and likely ineffective, anyway. Still, like I said, he made a few interesting...I think there are some interesting points made, though his suggestions to solve the problem are ridiculous, immoral, and likely ineffective, anyway. Still, like I said, he made a few interesting points. I can’t help but wonder if he stole them from somewhere since his suggestions seem silly despite an otherwise thoughtful analysis and the conclusions he draws are (probably) overly-colored by his political opinions. Then again, maybe that’s a hard thing to escape. I’m sure I might be biased, too.
A claim I see here is one I tend to consider a likely cause, too - that the core reason folks don’t want kids is due to our culture. Making it financially easier is a good thing and it helps, but it isn’t enough. It’s apparently not even a strictly “western” problem, since I’m not really sure I’d consider Iran (another country mentioned) “western”. Honestly, his ideas around status would still fit with that theory rather nicely.
There is something particular about their cultural isolation and the structure of their social constitution which facilitates birthrates that other religious groups could only dream of.
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We start to see a trend emerge: the more isolated a population is from liberal modernity, the higher their fertility.
But then this trend he suggests is adding extra political fluff that I’m not convinced the evidence supports. Could it be that plain modernity is the problem? Could it not be that children as an inferior “good” or as a detractor of economic productivity are valued less thanks to our economic system? If by “liberal” he means neoliberalism, then maybe I could understand. But I suspect he means leftists. I gotta say, I don’t blame leftists for this, I blame capitalists with zero social or legal protections from their incessant greed.
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Comment on ‘Paper or plastic?’ will no longer be a choice at California grocery stores in ~enviro
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI think this is good legislation. I also think it shouldn’t just apply to grocery stores, but progress is progress. Plastic bags are almost completely banned where I live, with a few exceptions....I think this is good legislation. I also think it shouldn’t just apply to grocery stores, but progress is progress. Plastic bags are almost completely banned where I live, with a few exceptions. It was strange at first, but it’s ultimately not as impactful as some might think.
Stores offer paper bags, but they charge you for it. So, you learn to keep a few re-usable bags in your car. In some stores, such as hardware stores, they’ll offer you a box to carry your items in. Those boxes are just the boxes they received items in, thereby reusing an ultimately recyclable object. And life goes on.
I used to have one of those plastic bag storage devices that resemble large tissue boxes before living where I do now. It’s true that I used to reuse them for various things (dog poop, small trash cans, etc.). Now when I need a plastic bag for a specific need, I have to be more deliberate. But I think that’s a decent trade-off. If that is, in some way, inefficient, it’s better than the over-use of flimsy plastic bags.
I wish more places would commit to this. It really doesn’t have the kind of impact on your day-to-day life like some seem to think it does.
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Comment on Help on deciding whether to stay with a low cost simple life, or to "live life to the fullest" in ~life
spinoza-the-jedi LinkYou never mentioned if you have a place to park or store a vehicle. I also don’t know what your weather is like (colder climates can be rougher on parked vehicles if there’s a lot of snow/salt)....You never mentioned if you have a place to park or store a vehicle. I also don’t know what your weather is like (colder climates can be rougher on parked vehicles if there’s a lot of snow/salt). Those factors would influence my decision, personally.
Anyway, I know cars can be black holes for money, but also I see cars as long-term “opportunity” investments. Keep in mind, I live somewhere more rural, so cars are basically necessary. Still, when I buy a car (which is rare), I keep them for a long time because I drive them sparingly (I also WFH, I try to find alternative means of transportation, etc.). This is intentional so I can preserve the life of the car.
I’ve had one car for nearly ten years now. There’s a good chance I’ll have it another ten. Sure, I’ve incurred costs. But I prioritize reliable models over flashy, etc. I paid a reasonable price for that car, paid it off in three years, and have spent the remaining seven years mostly paying for gas, insurance, and occasional maintenance.
So, I’d consider doing the math long-term. Do you think you’d be able to find a car and it keep it for 10-20 years? What would the impact to your retirement be if you put away a consistent amount each check that could cover all inevitable costs?
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Comment on I hate alcohol. Totally hate it. in ~talk
spinoza-the-jedi LinkAs others have said, I can tell you’re writing this from a place of pain. I hope you and your family are able to find the help you need, and I hope you all find some measure of solace in the...As others have said, I can tell you’re writing this from a place of pain. I hope you and your family are able to find the help you need, and I hope you all find some measure of solace in the long-term. Growing up, I learned most of my family was filled with alcoholics. I was lucky that my father swore off the stuff and my mother did the same later when she found herself slipping.
I’m not sure hating alcohol is the answer, though. I hate addiction, in general. I hate that it can make someone a slave to their psychological and biological impulses. I hate how it can make an otherwise decent person betray everything they stood for and everyone they ever cared for. I hate how it twists us into rationalizing the problem, despite the evidence to the contrary. I absolutely hate addiction.
I don’t hate any specific drugs, though. I think that’s missing the bigger picture. But you’re not wrong about how we view this particular drug as a society. The peer pressure and the normalization of alcohol in our culture needs changed. It’s a dangerous drug that some folks will inevitably indulge in, but we shouldn’t glorify that.
I think, too, we need to remember that some of these cultural aspects are remnants of another time. Alcohol has long been part of human society, but in the last century it’s reached a level of potency and ease-of-access never seen before. I’m not sure our cultural attitudes have kept up, but I have some confidence they’re starting to. Gen Z is, comparatively, far less interested in alcohol. I hope the trend continues and it becomes another legal drug that’s treated just as responsibly with the appropriate degree of respect for its consequences.
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Comment on Quitting alcohol, I don't feel like I was ever *that bad* in ~health.mental
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI would like to thank you for sharing. Others have shared their past experiences on this, but I wanted to share where I am now. I’m really glad you posted this. You are not alone. You’ve nearly...I would like to thank you for sharing. Others have shared their past experiences on this, but I wanted to share where I am now. I’m really glad you posted this. You are not alone. You’ve nearly described my own situation perfectly. I’d made up my mind a couple of days ago that it was time to change, and your post has only encouraged me.
I don’t feel addicted. But as someone else here said, while I have control of the brakes most of the time right now, brakes can wear down. I’ve decided to drastically reduce my drinking and limit it to outings, social gatherings, or tastings. I think my “drink at home” evenings are done - I don’t want to accidentally drink half a bottle of bourbon anymore, then scold myself for a while only to do it again a week or two later. I don’t want to put too many rules or stipulations in place since that only seems to push me to rationalize breaking them. Instead, I’ve just decided I don’t want to do it.
I wish you well on your journey. Thank you for sharing. And while it was not your intention, thank you for helping me, too. I don’t have much else to say. I think the other commenters have great answers and suggestions, so I hope they’re helping you as much as they have me.
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Comment on The US government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. in ~food
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentI don’t blame you and no one should feel bad for making similar decisions. I support my local business as much as I can within reason. But “voting with your wallet” is often unrealistic when...I don’t blame you and no one should feel bad for making similar decisions. I support my local business as much as I can within reason. But “voting with your wallet” is often unrealistic when you’re just a working class family with limited “votes” to go around. I’d rather vote with actual votes, and I’d like my votes to put folks into office who will pressure and fund regulators to do what they’re supposed to.
Healthy diverse markets that serve the people more than they do the wealthy require government supervision. I’d like big brother Uncle Sam to get out of my wife’s medical decisions and back into my economics.
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Comment on Scientists research man missing 90% of his brain who leads a normal life in ~science
spinoza-the-jedi LinkInitially, this completely amazed me and I had to know more. It seems, though, this article is a tad misleading. In this article, there’s a correction that states the man’s brain was slowly...Initially, this completely amazed me and I had to know more. It seems, though, this article is a tad misleading. In this article, there’s a correction that states the man’s brain was slowly crushed, meaning there’s more than 10% of his brain still present, but it’s been “squished”. That’s still remarkable, but not what the original headline claims.
There’s also a somewhat recent Reddit thread about this. There are some helpful comments that further illuminate what was going on. There also claims that this man did have some development struggles in his youth, so he may have not been symptom-free while his brain was slowly “squished” over his lifetime.
Despite all of this, it’s still fascinating. It’s crazy that his brain was able to withstand such abuse.
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Comment on Front Porch Forum is the friendliest social network you’ve never heard of in ~tech
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI think I'll take the risk of losing some layer of anonymity and share my first-hand experience. I love Front Porch Forum (FPF). The article is right in some ways. When I've made posts, I don't...I think I'll take the risk of losing some layer of anonymity and share my first-hand experience.
I love Front Porch Forum (FPF). The article is right in some ways. When I've made posts, I don't usually expect to see them show up until the following day. It feels a bit like a letter to the editor or a post in a newspaper's classifieds section, but it's free and a significantly faster.
I found someone skilled enough to repaint my metal roof by asking around on there. More than once we've learned about an event happening in a nearby town and decided to check it out thanks to a post in FPF. I found a skilled arborist to help me with an ailing tree because I saved a screenshot of someone's post praising their work. I've enjoyed random poetry between several users as a sort of word game. I've been made aware of local charities in need of assistance or of important local political events. Coincidentally, while not from the same person, I've also scored a few dozen local eggs from someone who simply had too many.
I could go on about FPF for a long time. It's one of the most positive experiences I've had online in recent years. It reminds me of the old forums I used to be in a decade or two ago filled with your neighbors. I wish FPF's model would spread elsewhere, but it's true that I wouldn't want FPF to grow too far beyond its local roots. I would rather it help create sister organizations in nearby states, instead. Otherwise, it might start to lose its mojo, as it were.
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Comment on This feels dumb to ask, but how do you get your news? in ~news
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentI also second Ground News. They’ve been invaluable. I’ll admit that I don’t always agree with how they categorize certain sources, but it’s extremely convenient to have the ability to compare how...I also second Ground News. They’ve been invaluable. I’ll admit that I don’t always agree with how they categorize certain sources, but it’s extremely convenient to have the ability to compare how something is being covered side-by-side in the same app. I still use an RSS reader to keep tabs on other sources they don’t typically have, but Ground News covers the basics pretty well.
There’s also a few political YouTube channels I watch on occasion. However, admittedly, many of them lean left or center-left. So, I like to think Ground News helps me balance it out. I’ve honestly had a hard time finding a similar YouTube channel than leans center-right. Most of them seem to get into propaganda or outright-lying territory a bit too often. But then again, it could be a result of my own biases.
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Comment on Most reliable privacy-conscious notes app? in ~tech
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentI'm glad there's at least two of us! I used to use Emacs + Org + Syncthing. Now I use Logseq + Syncthing. I finally got tired of fiddling with Emacs and just decided to go all-in with Markdown. I...I'm glad there's at least two of us! I used to use Emacs + Org + Syncthing. Now I use Logseq + Syncthing. I finally got tired of fiddling with Emacs and just decided to go all-in with Markdown. I like Obsidian, but I just can't get past the fact that it isn't open source. Logseq itself has been great, so far (about 6 months).
I would argue the most significant privacy concern with any notes app is how it is synced and distributed to your devices. While I might trust Logseq to an extent, I would rather just not use anyone else's servers. I prefer Syncthing's decentralized approach, anyway. My phone and various computers/laptops sync with one another, along with a single server at home that acts as a semi-central node. I know that's not sufficient for everyone, but if you can make it work it's worth trying.
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Comment on Voters trust Donald Trump over Joe Biden to defend against threats to US democracy despite not thinking Trump will accept the results of the election if he loses in ~society
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentQuite right. I'll admit that many of the voters in that sample are likely beyond saving. But I care too much about my neighbors and fellow Americans who actually give a damn to give up. U.S....Quite right. I'll admit that many of the voters in that sample are likely beyond saving. But I care too much about my neighbors and fellow Americans who actually give a damn to give up. U.S. exceptionalism is a lie, but that doesn't mean we don't have amazing potential. This is my home. I'm not going to let the crazy (and often incompetent) authoritarians take it from us, if I have any say about it.
Besides, I'm not sure the alternatives are all that great; I'm not really sure what giving up would do for us. And not just for Americans. Be it a blessing or a curse, our politics have significant impacts on the rest of the world.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~food
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentI’m curious. Why? Is it because you’d rather no one have to work those jobs anymore? Is it because you’d prefer to not interact with any people throughout the process? Or is it something else?I’m curious. Why? Is it because you’d rather no one have to work those jobs anymore? Is it because you’d prefer to not interact with any people throughout the process? Or is it something else?
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Comment on Are there any backpacks which are both stylish and functional? in ~life.style
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI wonder if I'm imagining what you're describing accurately. I envision a hipster with some kind of over-priced leather bag that leans more form rather than function. It's interesting, too, since...I wonder if I'm imagining what you're describing accurately. I envision a hipster with some kind of over-priced leather bag that leans more form rather than function. It's interesting, too, since I feel I have a very different problem - I sometimes struggle to find bags that aren't pseudo-militaristic in style. I wonder if it's just a matter of which trends you find yourself awash in. Anyway, someone already mentioned the Synik 30. But really, I'd recommend anything Tom Bihn.
They're not winning any awards for style or fashion. I'd describe their style as "functional", and I'm pretty ok with that. They're all well-made in Seattle, they have a surprising amount of room, and they have really good warranties. Even if they won't cover the cost, they'll still fix their old bags if you send them in (as in, bags that are over ten years old). I really don't buy bags from anyone else, anymore.
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Comment on Students invent quieter leaf blower in ~engineering
spinoza-the-jedi LinkI can’t give them my money fast enough.I can’t give them my money fast enough.
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Comment on Question for those in colder climates: Pellet HVAC/boilers? in ~life.home_improvement
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentThat was my hope. Honestly, one of the selling points for me is that the fuel would be locally sourced (probably).That was my hope. Honestly, one of the selling points for me is that the fuel would be locally sourced (probably).
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Comment on Question for those in colder climates: Pellet HVAC/boilers? in ~life.home_improvement
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentDo you mind if I ask whether you recall what the brand was? It looks like most pellet boilers come from Europe (Austria, I believe), so I can't help but wonder if it's the same one they install...Do you mind if I ask whether you recall what the brand was? It looks like most pellet boilers come from Europe (Austria, I believe), so I can't help but wonder if it's the same one they install here. I'm glad to at least hear they provide a nice amount of comfortable heat. It's interesting, though. Over here they want to install an external storage container that can hold around five tons. Then there are trucks that can deliver the pellets. They have a long hose they use to pump the pellets into the storage container upon delivery. They seem functionally identical to the oil trucks that deliver heating oil around my area. Now I wonder if this is unique to North America, or even just my region.
Still, your con regarding the math worries me, too. They claim pellets are cheaper. While that's true, they're not that much cheaper, and they still suffer from occasional price fluctuations.
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Comment on Question for those in colder climates: Pellet HVAC/boilers? in ~life.home_improvement
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentI said this in another comment, but we already have some heat pumps. They're in two "main" rooms of the house. It can mostly heat or cool most of the house relatively well. In fairness, I could...I said this in another comment, but we already have some heat pumps. They're in two "main" rooms of the house. It can mostly heat or cool most of the house relatively well. In fairness, I could add additional heads/registers to address that. However, there are times when it easily falls into single digits or less for extended periods. I don't think their alleged inefficiency at those levels is entirely warranted, but I'm still not sure they did all that well keeping up in below zero cold. Of course, to be fair, the oil boiler has to run quite a bit in that kind of cold, too.
I also considered propane. But I was shocked at the additional cost to move the house from oil to propane. On top of that, while it's cleaner, propane's price shot up while I wasn't paying attention these past few years. I think the sales pitch, here, is that burning pellets is carbon neutral and cheaper while propane is cleaner but not quite that good. Whether that's true or not, I couldn't say. After all, I remember the sales pitch for propane being eerily similar 6-10 years ago
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Comment on Question for those in colder climates: Pellet HVAC/boilers? in ~life.home_improvement
spinoza-the-jedi Link ParentYou may be guessing correctly. To be honest, I'm really looking at them as one system among many. We have baseboard heating throughout the house that I honestly like and it feels like a bit of a...You may be guessing correctly. To be honest, I'm really looking at them as one system among many. We have baseboard heating throughout the house that I honestly like and it feels like a bit of a shame to leave it all unused. Or worse, go through the effort of getting rid of them. As far as I understand, converting baseboard heating to a heat pump system is not as simple as you might initially think - or at least I initially thought that. But I suspect our situation is a bit different from yours. Our house is a "new" build from the late 1970s.
In the end, the original goal was to have 2-3 sources of heat to help deal with fuel costs, fight back those occasional weeks of extreme cold, and have a way to stay warm if the power goes out for a long period (I can roll out a backup generator, but the less power we can use in that time, the better). So, we already have heat pumps. They work mostly okay, but that might be because of how the registers are placed. I could certainly add a couple more to address that, and perhaps I should. Then another source was going to be an efficient wood stove or two (cord wood, not pellet) in the main areas of the house.
Since I originally figured I'd stick with a fossil fuel boiler (and I still may), I thought it would really just be there on those truly cold days or if one of the other heat sources failed for one reason or another. I just didn't know pellet boilers existed. Maybe I just need to give up on our old baseboards.
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Question for those in colder climates: Pellet HVAC/boilers?
Hi, everyone. I'm on the hunt for opinions. I live in a colder climate in North America with no access to natural gas. Most heat their homes with propane or oil. Mine uses a very old 30+ year old...
Hi, everyone. I'm on the hunt for opinions. I live in a colder climate in North America with no access to natural gas. Most heat their homes with propane or oil. Mine uses a very old 30+ year old oil boiler. I've started to see more pellet boilers, but I'm a bit uncertain about them at the moment. I don't like burning fossil fuels to heat my home, but electric isn't really an option out here and it's hard to argue with the "tried and true" cast iron boiler with the BTU per gallon oil offers. On the other hand, my local government is practically throwing money and/or attractive financing at people to switch.
I'm curious if anyone out there has made the switch to some kind of pellet-fed heating system from a fossil fuel system. If so, I'd love to hear what you think of them, be it good or bad.
15 votes
I kind of love this idea. I often feel the USPS has a lot of under-utilized potential. This would be a great way to make the data more accessible, and probably far more accurate/up-to-date.