wait_im_a_whale's recent activity
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Comment on What happens when prosecutors offer contradictory versions of the truth? in ~misc
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Comment on What happens when prosecutors offer contradictory versions of the truth? in ~misc
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentWhere is the evidence for this comment? There is no pay bump for winning a case, there is no demerit for losing. No one is being hired for their wins. Prosecutors are encouraged to go where the...Where is the evidence for this comment?
Due to how metrics are handled and perceived, they're literally incentivized to make sure they don't lose if they want to go on to bigger and better things.
There is no pay bump for winning a case, there is no demerit for losing. No one is being hired for their wins. Prosecutors are encouraged to go where the evidence leads, and are obligated to drop cases if they don’t believe they are making true claims. Bragging about “wins” or a win rate would be a failing strategy in any interview with any prosecutor I’ve met. I am familiar with this system and, at least in my anecdotal experience, don’t see the evidence for that statement.
Edit for one other point I missed: Criminal justice “metrics” are notoriously difficult to track. State-level data is often collected in so fragmented a way as to not be useful. The idea that individual prosecutors have win rates that are tracked and incentivized is such a foreign concept to the way the system actually works.
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Comment on I rent a million-dollar home: Why can’t I buy one? in ~finance
wait_im_a_whale (edited )LinkThis author needs some serious perspective. There are cities outside of the coasts. Minneapolis, Milwaukee (even mentioned in the article!), Chicago, St. Louis all have what this author is looking...This author needs some serious perspective.
We enjoy the public amenities of living in a somewhat dense area, which include well-funded libraries and parks, absolutely no lawn maintenance—our HOA handles that as part of our rent—and not always having to hop into the car for a 30-minute trip to Costco. It doesn’t seem like much to ask for, but the cost of living out here is proof that it actually is. I doubt that we could ever replicate this lifestyle anywhere in Texas, let alone in much of the vast swath of America between the coasts.
There are cities outside of the coasts. Minneapolis, Milwaukee (even mentioned in the article!), Chicago, St. Louis all have what this author is looking for, community and density-wise (to varying degrees). That’s just the few that come to my mind immediately. The article reads to me like it was written by a Californian who will always live in California complaining about California while justifying the state’s high cost of living. It’s fine to want to live there! It’s just odd to write about it as though it is so exceptional, particularly from someone who has lived elsewhere.
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Comment on Civilians make up 61% of Gaza deaths from airstrikes, Israeli study finds in ~news
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI did not quote those portions because they do not support your incorrect argument that, under international law, staging war from hospitals does not cause the hospital to lose its protected...I did not quote those portions because they do not support your incorrect argument that, under international law, staging war from hospitals does not cause the hospital to lose its protected status. Under the circumstances in Gaza, the burden to prove that acts of war are staged from a given hospital is on the IDF, of course. That doesn’t mean that the IDF cannot engage in military operations after a hospital is used by Hamas troops. The burden as to who must prove what is not relevant to either of our points, because your longer original comment still misapprehends international law (and my cited quotation points that out more succinctly and in a more targeted way).
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Comment on Civilians make up 61% of Gaza deaths from airstrikes, Israeli study finds in ~news
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI will address one point you made regarding a misunderstanding about what the international law says about war in and around hospitals. You state the following: Hospitals are protected, but not...I will address one point you made regarding a misunderstanding about what the international law says about war in and around hospitals. You state the following:
Hamas commits war crimes by storing weapons in schools and hospitals and mosques, and when the Israeli military is "forced" to bomb those schools and hospitals and mosques, it's totally fine and not a war crime and actually justified and also a terrible tragedy that is entirely Hamas' fault.
Hospitals are protected, but not under all circumstances. Hamas’ use of hospitals to stage acts of war means that hospitals can be valid locations of military operations under certain circumstances. See the head ICC prosecutor’s comments:
in relation to every dwelling house, in relation to any school, any hospital, any church, any mosque – those places are protected, unless the protective status has been lost because they are being used for military purposes.
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Comment on What 2023 Black Friday deals are you looking into? in ~talk
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentThose prices are tempting but it is hard not to just see “with ads” over and over again and be deterred. I wish streaming services weren’t going that way.Those prices are tempting but it is hard not to just see “with ads” over and over again and be deterred. I wish streaming services weren’t going that way.
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Comment on Thoughts on Palestinian statecraft in ~talk
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI am not making the claim that game theory is universally useful. It is absolutely relevant and important in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, though. I see no evidence as to why it would not be...I am not making the claim that game theory is universally useful. It is absolutely relevant and important in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, though. I see no evidence as to why it would not be useful, especially given its ability to account for the complex intricacies of repeated interactions and network reciprocity.
Direct reciprocity and punishment as I discuss are distinct from talionic / retributive punishment as you mention. Those are (arguably) harsher subvariants of punishment that admittedly do not always have prosocial outcomes. The only value-add of my initial comment was that sometimes “promoting good behavior” involves responding with negative feedback to negative behaviors. Many (including, for what it’s worth, criminal justice papers) would call this “punishment,” even if the intent is rehabilitative. Blindly modeling prosocial behavior incentivizes defection, and that’s all I’m saying. I’m not making any stronger statement about the proportionality of the Israeli response. Perhaps we have been talking past each other if you have that narrowly-defined a view of punishment.
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Comment on Thoughts on Palestinian statecraft in ~talk
wait_im_a_whale (edited )Link ParentPerhaps the lessons don’t transcend human civilization, but I do not think they need to do so in order to be valuable. Arguably, the comment I was responding to, in discussing positive effects of...Perhaps the lessons don’t transcend human civilization, but I do not think they need to do so in order to be valuable. Arguably, the comment I was responding to, in discussing positive effects of encouraging good behavior, was already framing the issue within civilization implicitly, particularly with reference to children and this conflict.
Though I just cited one article, reciprocity and punishment have been heavily studied and written about in game theory and conflict resolution disciplines for a long while, and I believe cross-cultural studies are out there too. It’s hard to get around human nature or sociability.
I just don’t think the view that punishment, or at least direct reciprocity, has no role in promoting prosocial behavior has any validity whatsoever. Outside of the social/civilization context, my view is that there no point in engaging in a debate about what promotes “good behavior.”
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Comment on Thoughts on Palestinian statecraft in ~talk
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentEffective community dynamics require certain forms of punishment, and I believe the situation to be more nuanced than your comment suggests. There is a substantial literature on how tit-for-tat...Effective community dynamics require certain forms of punishment, and I believe the situation to be more nuanced than your comment suggests. There is a substantial literature on how tit-for-tat actions, direct and indirect reciprocity, etc. promote reciprocity and cooperation in repeated interactions.
Often this is framed as a “generous” tit-for-tat, which (loosely) is closer to your idea of reciprocal promotion of beneficial behavior, but more basic mechanisms for defectors appear more effective than either form of tit-for-tat. Obviously, punishment all the time is not particularly helpful, and the literature accounts for the value of forgiving defectors occasionally too.
This article seems to have a decent summary of some forms of reciprocity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279745/
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Comment on PEP in your step - the public health politics of Doxycycline STD prophylaxis for unprotected sexual activity in ~health
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI do not think the author’s comparison of Lyme disease and acne use is analogous to what the author proposes. Doxycycline is used in cases of acne where other drugs don’t work and in patients who...I do not think the author’s comparison of Lyme disease and acne use is analogous to what the author proposes. Doxycycline is used in cases of acne where other drugs don’t work and in patients who already have Lyme disease. People aren’t taking doxycycline to prevent those issues when they do not already have the issue, whereas this author is promoting antibiotic use in the absence of disease. If someone has an STD that is treatable by doxycycline, they should take it. The fact that doxycycline is in widespread use is a case for using it less, not expanding its use cases.
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Comment on PEP in your step - the public health politics of Doxycycline STD prophylaxis for unprotected sexual activity in ~health
wait_im_a_whale LinkThis is a recipe for antimicrobial resistant STDs (and other bugs). Condoms are safe, effective, and lack this risk. Commenting on the risk of prophylactic use of antibiotics, without any evidence...- Exemplary
This is a recipe for antimicrobial resistant STDs (and other bugs). Condoms are safe, effective, and lack this risk.
Antimicrobial resistance, considered a “global health and development threat” by the World Health Organization, is certainly of immense concern, and it will require sustained observation in tandem with DoxyPEP’s widening implementation. But such a framing risks overstating the scale of the problem, which is already being carefully monitored and has only been very moderately indicated by existing clinical trials. And it singles out DoxyPEP—and, more subtly, its queer users—as exceptional threats for antimicrobial resistance.
Commenting on the risk of prophylactic use of antibiotics, without any evidence of actual reason to use the antibiotics, does not single out queer people as an exceptional threat. The exceptional threat is any use of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure.
The article simultaneously argues that prophylactic use is not widespread, so the risk of superbugs is minimal, but also argues that the use should be more widespread. The discussion of animal use and other uses (typically, on actual disease) distracts from the fact that overuse of antibiotics is bad. “Sustained observation” of the creation of antimicrobial-resistant bugs still creates antimicrobial-resistant bugs.
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Comment on Mobs of masked teens ransacked Philadelphia stores. Police have made over a dozen arrests in ~news
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentThe somber tone after someone lost their life seems appropriate. Mayors of Philadelphia appoint police commissioners, so I would expect the mayor to take a more measured tone. It would seem odd...The somber tone after someone lost their life seems appropriate. Mayors of Philadelphia appoint police commissioners, so I would expect the mayor to take a more measured tone. It would seem odd for him to express hypocritical anger at a department whose head he appointed, especially before an investigation into the incident is completed. It looks like the DA he had confidence in brought charges too, then refilled them after their dismissal. I don’t see an unreasonable difference here given the mayor’s position. The photos of the results of the mob violence look pretty bad.
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Comment on The historic Gullah-Geechee community is fighting to retain its land and culture in South Carolina in ~life
wait_im_a_whale LinkInteresting, I wish the article had more content about the culture, language, and/or people. It feels a bit like it was written by an AI because the article has an arc to it with an intro,...Interesting, I wish the article had more content about the culture, language, and/or people. It feels a bit like it was written by an AI because the article has an arc to it with an intro, content, and conclusion, but not a ton of meat other than that which touches directly the couple of land disputes it mentions. Better to be informed than not, though, and it was interesting to learn about the community.
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Comment on Recommendations for learning how to think and reason in ~books
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI don’t know what your situation is, but if you are in school there are often debate clubs, mock trial teams, and/or model UN teams that all could serve as a good place to practice this type of...I don’t know what your situation is, but if you are in school there are often debate clubs, mock trial teams, and/or model UN teams that all could serve as a good place to practice this type of thing. Maybe they have those for adults too, but I haven’t seen them (nor sought them out). Outside of that type of forum, I can’t recommend trying to argue with people in your day-to-day life. You could try reading philosophy or keeping up with court cases. Maybe some type of academic journal on a relevant subject might interest you. I don’t have a lot of experience with them, but essay competitions are out there too, that may be of some interest to you. Getting involved in your local community or local politics may also put you in the middle of local discussions about all sorts of different things. I think about argumentation as more of a tool that can be applied to different situations than a hobby.
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Comment on Recommendations for learning how to think and reason in ~books
wait_im_a_whale (edited )LinkI am a strong believer in the ability of books to help teach logic, argumentation, and rational analysis, not sure why others dismiss them in this thread. You said general writing, so here’s a few...I am a strong believer in the ability of books to help teach logic, argumentation, and rational analysis, not sure why others dismiss them in this thread. You said general writing, so here’s a few good books that could help:
“Writing Arguments” by Ramage et al
“They Say, I Say” by Graff & Birkstein
“The Power of Critical Thinking” by Vaughn is more of a textbook, but falls within what you are asking also
People will tell you to read ancient philosophy, and I think that there are things to learn from that, but I do not think it should be your first or only stop. Also, be mindful of what you are reading. While “Ethics” by Spinoza (though admittedly not “ancient”) is great at drawing inferences from axioms, “Meditations” by Aurelius just lists thoughts. Obviously, the former is better if you want to think more critically.
It sounds like you are interested in what literature, philosophy, and law call “argumentation,” so I would start by looking into that term. The term encompasses more than heated arguments, covering both logic and presentation. Without being too specific, I am in this field and would be happy to answer questions.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentI know it’s been a controversial split and I’m certainly not trying to take anyone down, but Gloryhammer’s new vocalist is so, so good in my opinion. Amazing range and vocal stamina. They put on a...I know it’s been a controversial split and I’m certainly not trying to take anyone down, but Gloryhammer’s new vocalist is so, so good in my opinion. Amazing range and vocal stamina. They put on a phenomenal live show during their most recent tour. Plus, their most recent album is easily one of my favorites.
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Comment on Aquarium: centre piece for 160l/40 gallons community tank in ~life.pets
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentIf you can keep the pH closer to the 6.5 mark, you should be okay with an apisto (as long as you keep those nitrates in check). They have a huge variety of coloration. I find the "panda" ones to...If you can keep the pH closer to the 6.5 mark, you should be okay with an apisto (as long as you keep those nitrates in check). They have a huge variety of coloration. I find the "panda" ones to be particularly cute. If you choose to get an apisto, I would recommend that you get a cave in addition to your plants. They breed and hang out in caves. That's why I don't really consider it a stereotypical "centerpiece" fish. A lot of people keep them in pairs.
I notice that no one really has addressed what happened to your bettas. I have some thoughts. First, I don't know whether you are around your tank during the day, but I have noticed that fin nipping often happens (if it happens) more during the workday, when the fish are a little more active. If that's a factor, you may have just been somewhat unaware of it when it was happening. That said, I think you have laid out some pretty good explanations for why your bettas may have experienced issues. It seems like your first one, which you had for a while, had some nitrate problems, your second one came in sick (and may have been too cautious, resulting in either being picked on or not getting enough food), and your third one had an accident with an item in your tank. Sick fish can be more placid too, which can compound feeding issues. As I said, I'm not sure bettas are the best for a community tank like this, but you may already have your explanations for why they didn't work out.
Re: veiltails, I think it probably depends. I don't breed bettas, and I don't have any stats for you. That said, I have kept some different bettas. You can get some plakat bettas that at least appear to be closer to wild-type. I tend to think wild-caught fish tend to have problems of their own, but at least they aren't generally as inbred. The koi ones do strike me as more inbred, and I think some of them probably have some genetic issues, perhaps more than veiltails. I suspect that you're right that this varies. That said, I have found the movements of plakat bettas to appear more natural and I prefer them. This largely stems from my belief that they can hold their own a little better in terms of speed, are probably a little closer to wild type, etc.
Given your parameters, you may also consider a Bolivian ram? I do not have personal experience with this type of fish, but they are big and fit right in with your pH. I also believe they are more tolerant of the temps you keep your tank at. They're supposed to be very peaceful, but I am always a little cautious with any cichlid (even if they are S. American). Bolivian rams do get relatively big, though, so make sure you can fit with your other stock. I'm not sure if you like their appearance more or less than apistos. Maybe someone else with more experience with Bolivian rams could chime in.
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Comment on Aquarium: centre piece for 160l/40 gallons community tank in ~life.pets
wait_im_a_whale LinkWhat is your pH? Any plants? My gut says an apisto may work out for you in this type of tank, albeit it isn’t necessarily a central “centerpiece” fish in a typical way. They’re beautiful though....What is your pH? Any plants? My gut says an apisto may work out for you in this type of tank, albeit it isn’t necessarily a central “centerpiece” fish in a typical way. They’re beautiful though. It’s going to be hard to put a big, peaceful fish in a tank with those fast fish, especially if you need something more peaceful than a honey gourami. That cuts out angels and other big gouramis too. German rams are already out because of your temps. You could go with a slightly bigger rainbowfish species, but you would need a few, and you would be butting up against being overstocked.
If you do a betta again, go plakat. More active and slightly less ability to be nipped. I suspect they also aren’t as subject to inbreeding / gene problems as veiltails, too. I don’t love bettas for a tank with a bunch of other fast fish though.
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Comment on Positive masculinity is overrated in ~life.men
wait_im_a_whale Link ParentThis is where a lot of these critiques fall short for me. If being a man is associated with negative traits that are not present (or not as present) in non-men, then being good for a man...This is where a lot of these critiques fall short for me. If being a man is associated with negative traits that are not present (or not as present) in non-men, then being good for a man necessitates acting in a way that redirects or diminishes those negative aspects that are primarily exhibited in men. This cuts both ways, though. It makes sense that there are also positive aspects of manhood that can be emphasized, for the betterment of everyone. That’s more “being good at being a man” than “being good.” Those, to me, seem to be the two sides of being a “good man” that people invoke.
There’s a huge caveat here that not being “good at being a man” is not something that deserves shaming. It is important not to cut anyone down for not being good at “being a man.” That said, the video’s idea that men cut each other down doesn’t seem to be on point. Most spaces, in particular all-male spaces, that I’ve been in have had way more camaraderie and pulling other men up than they do pushing people down who don’t look like Rocky. That part really didn’t track for me.
Editing to comment that I thought there were some good points in the video and that I appreciated her focus that being good overall is a good target. The rest feels like details and approaches on the broader goal that most people seem to share.
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Comment on Vinyl: Maybe it's time we had an intervention in ~music
wait_im_a_whale LinkThis guy’s point about vinyl being toxic is that it is made of PVC and that PVC is harmful. That may be the case, but PVC is everywhere. PVC can even be found in some homes’ water pipes. If the...This guy’s point about vinyl being toxic is that it is made of PVC and that PVC is harmful. That may be the case, but PVC is everywhere. PVC can even be found in some homes’ water pipes. If the pipes aren’t PVC, they could be CPVC, which is just PVC treated with chlorine to be stronger, more flexible, etc.
As much as I was ready to hear a truth I didn’t want to hear, I don’t think PVC is a reason not to own vinyl, unless we are doing a serious overhaul of other stuff in our homes too.
No, I am not aware of any office that evaluates based on those criteria. Typically written work product, court presence, communications with victims, witnesses, and media, are all considered, but wins are not. It just isn’t something that factors in. As for bullying pro se defendants, defense counsel is typically involved in plea discussions unless a defendant refuses counsel. This is a constitutional requirement if jail time is on the table. Defense counsel is required to educate their client about the system and the impact of a plea. No prosecutor is out there looking for smaller cases to “bump up their numbers,” most have those types of case files put on their desk by police agencies. I’d really like some sources on some of the stuff you are saying, because it just doesn’t match up with how the system actually works in at least the several states with which I’m familiar.