X08's recent activity

  1. Comment on Arizona governor Katie Hobbs signs abortion ban repeal bill in ~health

    X08
    Link Parent
    You're absolutely right. And I could've dug a little deeper into the context instead of throwing over a blanket cover like I did. I currently don't have the capacity to do so but know that you are...

    You're absolutely right. And I could've dug a little deeper into the context instead of throwing over a blanket cover like I did. I currently don't have the capacity to do so but know that you are right.

    1 vote

  2. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (May 2024) in ~health.mental

    X08
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    I'd have to row a boat across the Atlantic so I'll kindly pass on that, but thanks for the offering. I'm a Nursing student so I have some insight but don't take my word for it. I just try to keep...

    I'd have to row a boat across the Atlantic so I'll kindly pass on that, but thanks for the offering. I'm a Nursing student so I have some insight but don't take my word for it. I just try to keep up on medical research if it's in my own interest. Ketamine and its derivatives can have a destructive reaction on your bladder wall. For what it's worth research (link) has shown that EGCG has a protective effect on the bladder wall. Anecdotally I can confirm these findings to be effective in my situation, but that is from someone who's been basically a chemical plant for the past 8 months trying to find solice in anything.

    To summarize, drinking green tea won't hurt you and may keep the side effects from ketamine use at bay.

    2 votes

  3. Comment on Arizona governor Katie Hobbs signs abortion ban repeal bill in ~health

    X08
    Link
    Why people can become so consumed with past ideologies is beyond me. Clinging to the "good ol' days", as if it were great then. Sure, for some, for their parents and grandparents. These systemic...

    Why people can become so consumed with past ideologies is beyond me. Clinging to the "good ol' days", as if it were great then. Sure, for some, for their parents and grandparents. These systemic values echo through generations and it's a shame people don't think in the here and now. I amusingly once said that Conservatives are Progressives but 50 years too late.

    It would be so much easier if people just let slip their pasts, look at the current state of affairs, peer into the future and think, "What do we need? What is science telling us? Where do we need to make strides to stop bad things from happening like they have in the past?

    11 votes

  4. Comment on How are you dealing with inflation regarding everyday enjoyment? in ~life

    X08
    (edited )
    Link
    Regardless of your views on economy, I feel it's not really beneficial to look at numbers alone. A healthier way is to look at your PP(P) or your purchasing power (parity, for comparing it to...

    Regardless of your views on economy, I feel it's not really beneficial to look at numbers alone. A healthier way is to look at your PP(P) or your purchasing power (parity, for comparing it to other countries, there's a neat wiki article about this). What you're experiencing is the loss of said purchasing power and yes, that sucks a ton.

    My best tip is to look at your bosses and negotiate an inflation corrected salary. Unions are especially good for this because you have the force of a large group of workers to demand these things.

    20 votes

  5. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (May 2024) in ~health.mental

    X08
    Link Parent
    Self-prescribed #2 is my go-to, except the longer lasting analogous version called deschloroketamine. It's less intense, a lot more smooth and makes days a lot more bearable. #1 seems really...

    Self-prescribed #2 is my go-to, except the longer lasting analogous version called deschloroketamine. It's less intense, a lot more smooth and makes days a lot more bearable. #1 seems really interesting and I'll have to dive deeper into that. Thanks for your message.

    Don't forget to drink plenty of green tea to make sure your bladder health isn't declining from the ketamine though.

    3 votes

  6. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (May 2024) in ~health.mental

    X08
    Link
    My situation is stable but dire. Depression is lasting well over a year now, seeking out a psychologist and now being into group therapy to deal with my demons from early youth onward. I want to...

    My situation is stable but dire. Depression is lasting well over a year now, seeking out a psychologist and now being into group therapy to deal with my demons from early youth onward. I want to be optimistic but I can't. I use drugs sometimes to alleviate some of the darkness and to remind myself what happiness is but, it's tough, it sucks and I see no hope for the time being.

    Or to quote Metallica on this one (pun intended);

    Darkness, imprisoning me, all that I see, absolute horror.
    I cannot live, I cannot die
    Trapped in myself, body my holding cell

    My depression has currently entered a slow phase and it's haunting, bleak and really hopeless.
    Again, I wish I could be more positive but it's just focusing on the day to day situations at this point.
    The idea of having a family is slowly fading out of sight as well since I'm in my mid 30's and I won't be able to meet a partner, date with them for a while, move in, settle in, then having a kid all within a neat time frame.

    Owning a house is practically out of bounds too as I have no finished higher education to speak off and getting back into that feels like such a monumental task at this point I fear I'll never be able to. I'm a failure, a fuck up, a washed up teen being forced to live an adult life. I try to watch series, movies, play some games but even that won't help to cope anymore.

    It sucks, I hope y'all are doing better.

    7 votes

  7. Comment on Philips agrees to pay $1 billion to patients who say they were injured by breathing machines in ~health

    X08
    Link
    As a Dutchy I feel Philips used to be such a staple hallmark brand in the electronics industry. They used to be comparable to Intel or Bell Labs for inventing new cool stuff out of their Lab...

    As a Dutchy I feel Philips used to be such a staple hallmark brand in the electronics industry. They used to be comparable to Intel or Bell Labs for inventing new cool stuff out of their Lab division, which ASML (highly specialized machinery to produce chip wafers. Company now involved in geopolitical push and pulling) also became a spinoff company out of.

    To think that mismanagement led to selling off a ton of their consumer product lines while donating their brand name. To then go on to solely focus on medical equipment and also just utterly embarrass yourself through the same mismanagement in place and now facing the consequences deeply makes me question what the hell they are actually doing out there.

    4 votes

  8. Comment on Key moments from landmark US Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump’s immunity claims in ~news

    X08
    Link
    I feel there is some precedent for ripple effects into society if leaders aren't upheld to laws. This could potentially mean a lot more lawlessness among certain groups of citizens and quite...

    I feel there is some precedent for ripple effects into society if leaders aren't upheld to laws. This could potentially mean a lot more lawlessness among certain groups of citizens and quite frankly, that is scary.

    The potential for an authoritarian dictatorship loom along these same lines. No person should be greater than others.

    35 votes

  10. A casual chat with ChatGPT about the prosperity of humanity

    ~humanities Text 706 words
    I was in a silly mood and wanted to fleece a socialist opinion out of the ChatGPT. For what it's worth it's nice to see the creators of the system aim for an unbiased answering machine. Poking a...

    I was in a silly mood and wanted to fleece a socialist opinion out of the ChatGPT. For what it's worth it's nice to see the creators of the system aim for an unbiased answering machine. Poking a little further and through a self-proclaimed "simulated opinion", I was allowed to take a peek behind its curtains.

    A few prompts later and I asked:

    What would you say is the ideal goal for humanity to steer towards?

    To which ChatGPT replied:

    Achieving the ideal goals of prosperity, equity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility requires concerted efforts across multiple fronts, involving governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Here are some strategies for accomplishing these goals:

    1. Policy Frameworks: Governments play a crucial role in setting policy frameworks and regulations that promote inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This includes implementing progressive taxation policies, investing in education and healthcare, and enacting environmental regulations to mitigate climate change and protect natural resources.

    2. Investment in Education and Skills Development: Investing in education and skills development is essential for equipping individuals with the knowledge, capabilities, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. This includes promoting STEM education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities to empower individuals to participate fully in the digital economy.

    3. Inclusive Economic Development: Promoting inclusive economic development involves creating opportunities for all members of society to participate in and benefit from economic growth. This includes supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities, as well as implementing policies to reduce income inequality and promote social mobility.

    4. Technology for Good: Encouraging the responsible development and use of technology, including AI, can help harness its potential for positive impact. This includes investing in research and innovation to develop AI solutions that address pressing societal challenges, such as healthcare, education, climate change, and social equity.

    5. Corporate Social Responsibility: Businesses have a responsibility to operate ethically and sustainably, considering the social and environmental impacts of their operations. Embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, including fair labor practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, can contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable economy.

    6. Global Cooperation: Addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality requires international cooperation and collaboration. Countries must work together to set ambitious climate targets, promote trade and economic integration, and support development initiatives that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

    7. Public Awareness and Engagement: Fostering public awareness and engagement is essential for building support for policies and initiatives that advance the ideal goals of prosperity, equity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. This includes educating the public about the benefits and risks of AI and technology, promoting civic participation, and empowering individuals to advocate for positive change.

    By implementing these strategies and fostering collaboration across sectors and stakeholders, we can work towards realizing the ideal goals of prosperity, equity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility, creating a better future for all members of society.

    To which I responded:

    Those all sounds very socialistic :D

    ChatGPT in return said:

    Indeed, many of the strategies outlined for achieving the ideal goals of prosperity, equity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility align with principles commonly associated with socialism, such as a focus on social justice, collective welfare, and government intervention to address market failures and promote the common good.

    Socialist ideologies often emphasize the importance of equitable distribution of resources, public ownership of key industries, and government intervention in the economy to ensure that basic needs are met and that everyone has access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social support.

    While not all the strategies mentioned are exclusively socialist in nature, there is often overlap between socialist principles and policies aimed at promoting inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance. In practice, countries may adopt a mix of socialist and capitalist policies to address complex socio-economic challenges, drawing on a range of ideological perspectives and pragmatic considerations.

    Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance that maximizes the benefits of economic growth and innovation while ensuring that the gains are shared equitably and that the well-being of people and the planet is safeguarded for future generations.

    I'm not sure where I want to head with this little musing. I just found it interesting enough to share. Thanks for reading!

    4 votes

  11. Comment on Is Tildes failing to thrive? in ~tildes

    X08
    Link
    I'll repeat what I've said in previous topic about economics. Growth for the sake of growth is nothing more than cancer. Tildes has carved its space into the internet as we know it today. Nurture...

    I'll repeat what I've said in previous topic about economics. Growth for the sake of growth is nothing more than cancer. Tildes has carved its space into the internet as we know it today. Nurture it, appreciate it for what it is and cherish it. Numbers are just numbers in the end. 50k likes, 2500 upvotes, or 12 thumbs up. It's all symbolism and is meaningless if you are here for the content itself. Life is not a game about being the best. Life is about finding meaning, beauty, enjoyment, sharing and caring about it with friends. Tildes is thriving in its own way.

    38 votes

  12. Comment on Is climate change driving the global rise in populism? If so ... how? If not ... what is? in ~enviro

    X08
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    Maybe it's because of a general feeling of unease and threat that we dig in and have a need for strong leadership. Hard times, hard measures maybe? Populism is notoriously known for outspoken...

    Maybe it's because of a general feeling of unease and threat that we dig in and have a need for strong leadership. Hard times, hard measures maybe? Populism is notoriously known for outspoken individuals.

    3 votes

  13. Comment on 5.25-inch floppy disks expected to help run San Francisco trains until 2030 in ~transport

    X08
    Link Parent
    You're right. I was merely focused on the aspect of the drive alone. If they were to completely make their systems up-to-date that will easily cost what they have predicted it to be. Thanks for...

    You're right. I was merely focused on the aspect of the drive alone. If they were to completely make their systems up-to-date that will easily cost what they have predicted it to be. Thanks for your insight.

  14. Comment on 5.25-inch floppy disks expected to help run San Francisco trains until 2030 in ~transport

    X08
    Link Parent
    if that 5.25 driver is hooked up to anything it has to be IDE or SCSI. Safe to say any daughterboard tricking the system into thinking it's just another IDE or SCSI connection with a heavily...

    if that 5.25 driver is hooked up to anything it has to be IDE or SCSI. Safe to say any daughterboard tricking the system into thinking it's just another IDE or SCSI connection with a heavily reduced but acceptable data throughput will make any modern hardware work with that.

    5 votes

  15. Comment on 5.25-inch floppy disks expected to help run San Francisco trains until 2030 in ~transport

    X08
    Link
    This feels like such an easy fix, right? I mean, if the content on the floppy disk is transferred to a usb stick for example. Alternatively if they still run IDE they could have an IDE to USB or...

    This feels like such an easy fix, right? I mean, if the content on the floppy disk is transferred to a usb stick for example. Alternatively if they still run IDE they could have an IDE to USB or SATA controller board and hook up an SSD or older harddrive. Just path the systems to the new location and boombadabing.

    That sets you back maybe 100euro's and a few hours of work max.

    Insane how they proclaim to it costing them millions and millions.

    5 votes

  16. Comment on Is collapse coming for us? in ~enviro

    X08
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    As long as economic growth comes at the cost of nature, sadly nothing will change. The only way is to be content with less and less. A simpler life, less conveniences, less comfort.

    As long as economic growth comes at the cost of nature, sadly nothing will change. The only way is to be content with less and less. A simpler life, less conveniences, less comfort.

    7 votes

  17. Comment on Linux Distro Recommendations in ~comp

    X08
    Link Parent
    I'll second Debian. It's a low-effort distro, easy to get into after a few days and a pleasure to use.

    I'll second Debian. It's a low-effort distro, easy to get into after a few days and a pleasure to use.

    8 votes

  19. Comment on As obesity rises, Big Food and dietitians push ‘anti-diet’ advice in ~health

    X08
    Link
    If companies are so fond of their ESG ratings these days, maybe marketing against their own ESG goals should be made illegal.

    If companies are so fond of their ESG ratings these days, maybe marketing against their own ESG goals should be made illegal.

    2 votes

  20. Comment on What email client do you use? in ~tech

    X08
    Link Parent
    I'm also in the Tuta camp. I wanted a service specifically in the EU because of Five-Eyes and the like. Privacy is of tremendous value for me, not because 'I have anything to hide', but because...

    I'm also in the Tuta camp. I wanted a service specifically in the EU because of Five-Eyes and the like. Privacy is of tremendous value for me, not because 'I have anything to hide', but because it's a slippery slope if you don't.

    Works like a charm, simple and effective. Plus I like that I don't have a long username, nice and short email address.

    To answer OP's question, their app is in the same vein simple and effective. It just works.