All the AI generated websites are driving me insane. They just repeat the same thing over and over again with a bunch of useless text.

I never wanted Joe Biden to win, but he has completely won me over. He has been an absolute class act. Americans are very fortunate to have a president who has experience with the Cold War right now. I can’t think of any major criticism, besides his age.
The economic policy has been effective, unemployment is low, inflation is under control, working class wages have risen, foreign relations are stronger, the deficit spending has been dropping, and the country feels much less hostile then it did 2-4 years ago.
I seriously was upset he won, but he’s impressed me.

FYI, those are known to be full of malware if you buy the random branded ones off Amazon. It’s Highly recommend that people go with known reputable brands.

Ukraine is doing great. I know Russia is a meme, but they do have far more resources and man power. These guys are working with tech they just got trained on. Russia is well fortified. Keep in mind, the counter offensive is still developing. Often things are said publicly to skew the other side.

Let’s cut through the noise here. The idea that China has been playing 4D chess while the West plays checkers is a sexy narrative, but it misses the forest for the trees. Yes, China has masterfully leveraged the existing global system, pulling itself up from the economic bootstraps with a mix of state-driven capitalism and strategic engagement with Western technology and markets. This isn’t a con; it’s smart strategy, plain and simple. They saw an opening in the global market’s hunger for cheap labor and pounced, all while Western companies tripped over themselves to cut costs and boost quarterly earnings. Exploitative? Perhaps. But a con game? Hardly. Both sides knew what they were getting into; it was a marriage of convenience where both parties shared the bed for mutual benefit.

Now, onto this doomsday prophecy about the U.S. spiraling into oblivion. If you’re betting on American collapse, you’re going to lose your shirt. The U.S. isn’t just standing; it’s adapting and moving in ways that the naysayers seem to conveniently overlook. Post-COVID, the stats tell a story not of decline but of rebound and resilience. Unemployment’s in check, inflation fears are being managed, and domestic consumption is through the roof. Americans are spending, industries are innovating, and energy? The U.S. is sitting on an energy bonanza that makes the Middle Eastern oil sheikhs blush. Thanks to shale, the U.S. is not just energy independent; it’s a global energy heavyweight.

And let’s not forget technology. Silicon Valley isn’t just a place; it’s a global beacon of innovation. AI, biotech, quantum computing—you name it, the U.S. is at the sharp end of the spear. This innovation engine isn’t sputtering; it’s accelerating, fueled by a demographic dynamism that much of the developed world can only dream of, thanks largely to immigration.

As for Europe, casting it as the West’s last bastion against a rising China misses the point. Europe has its cards to play, sure, but don’t count the U.S. out of the game. The American economy is a behemoth, driven by internal markets, technological supremacy, and demographic vitality. Europe’s integration and strategic coherence are worth watching, but let’s not pretend it’s the only show in town.

In sum, the narrative that China’s rise comes at the expense of a declining West, and particularly a faltering U.S., is overly simplistic and frankly, wrong. We’re in a period of massive global transition, sure, but the American decline? That’s not the story being written. The U.S. is shifting gears, and the next chapter might just surprise the gloom-and-doom crowd.

“We’re supposed to be able to go about our business in our day-to-day lives without being surveilled unless we are suspected of a crime, and each little bit of this technology strips away that ability.”

Sounds nice in theory, but that’s not true at all. From my understanding, there is no expectation of privacy in public.
It feels really strange, but we are all under satellite observation almost 24/7. There are observational drones that can loiter and collect ground data. This has been around for decades. Radio lab did a great episode about this.
It’s definitely creepy. There is no escaping it at this point :/.

That’s got to be written by Chatgpt lmao. Still funny 😆

I, and many others, find the use of ‘loli’ content in this context to be morally questionable. The key concern is the normalization of such behaviors, which can perpetuate and potentially endorse harmful desires. Moreover, even though it involves drawings, it still fosters an environment that is fundamentally based on the sexualization of underage characters.

Same. People used low quality Ni-Mh batteries and got what they paid for. Eneloops have worked great for me. Believe it or not, Duracell has been great too. It’s the energizers that have all been awful for me.

It all makes sense now. Idk how you can look at the state of twitter and think it’s a model to aspire too. Weird.

Unpopular opinion: bots might be a good thing for now.
I’m speaking from a growth perspective. Assuming users want to use social media to…socialize… you need active users and constant content. New social media platforms have a lack of users and content. Bots can bridge that gap until enough users are contributing and using the platform.
If you really think about it, it comes down to a platform using bots effectively. Let’s say the bots will only submit content when user submitted content falls below a threshold. Maybe it will auto generate threads for breaking news.
What if bots are used to ask questions and further conversations, like a social lubricant. Employed in a way to pull more useful information from users or to keep people engaged.
This all hinges on the ability for a bot to appear real.

This sounds super fucked when you think about it. I’m not a fan of bot content. If you didn’t know it was a bot, what difference would it make? LLM might be able to make it engaging and natural.

Those are all good things for economies! They offset demographic declines.

The thing is, American politics is inherently cyclical. Yes, it’s a rollercoaster with the parties flipping policies like burgers at a BBQ, but that’s the beauty of it. This isn’t weakness; it’s the vibrancy of democracy in action. It creates a resilience, a kind of institutional elasticity that’s unique.

Now, about the U.S. pulling back from the world stage—it’s not so much isolationism as it is recalibration. America’s geography, its energy independence—these are cards other countries can only dream of. This allows for a shift in priorities without losing global influence. The world’s changing; the U.S. is just adjusting its sails, not abandoning the ship.

Talk of secession, extremism—it’s eye-catching, sure, but let’s not get carried away. The U.S. is facing challenges, absolutely. Polarization, debates on its identity and role globally, these are serious. But remember, the U.S. has navigated through civil wars, major economic depressions, and profound social changes. It’s not just going to crumble.

In this global game, where uncertainty seems to be the only constant, the U.S. remains a key player. It’s picking its battles, sure, but when it steps onto the field, it plays to win. The essence here is not about a retreat but a strategic pivot. The world’s a complex place, and the U.S., with all its debates and divisions, is still right at the heart of it, making moves that count.

If it makes you feel better, it won’t all be bad for everyone. It’s going to largely depend on where you live. Some places will become…better.
Some places won’t change at all.
Many places will change for the worse.
The key is that things will change, but it doesn’t mean it’s a death sentence. It won’t be an overnight thing. You’ll have plenty of time to adjust.
If anything, humans are the most adaptable animal when it comes to climate.
Just throwing it out there. Im not trying to belittle the issue, it’s real and should be addressed. Just focus on today and take it as it comes.

Remember when trump insulted Cruz wife? Cruz went on to shit talk him at the RNC, only to turn around and bend the knee. Sad.

I use propane in my house and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the instant heat and instant cool. It works really well to for pan frying.
It’s awful at boiling water. It’s faster to use an electric kettle.
The cost of the propane is horrible too. $4.80+ a gallon.
I’d 1000% move to electric or induction, but it’s just another big expense. I’d also have to run a 208v/30a circuit to my kitchen :(
Electric prices have been steadily rising as well :/

Just snagged it and jumped on. Works pretty well. Still would prefer kbin, but it’s damn close. Hopefully the kbin one goes public soon.

Good observation. Reads exactly like one.

"Comrade, come! Ve have no time for play videogames, da?"

I’m seeing 170,000 on kbin.social

That’s actually a fantastic use of resources. Their chillers probably work much for efficiently. It’s similar to traditional power plants.

Texas has some really unique qualities that make it attractive. The economics, resources, and location make it stand out.
-massive amounts of cheap, easily developed land.
-high availability of cheap energy (fossil fuels, but also a leader in solar and wind generation).
-no income tax, and cheaper taxes for businesses.
-it’s a financial hub and a manufacturing powerhouse.
-large tech sector
-easy access to the United States-Mexico trade. (this is important as the us moves away from Chinese manufacturing).
-easily taps into cheaper Mexican labor

I’m not a fan of the politics of the state, but it’s probably the best positioned state moving forward. The politics can be fixed. A couple of the points I made could be argued one way or another, but even a couple of them make Texas bound for success.

Ahhhh ok. That makes sense. Ty

Ooo you had me at tipper. At the last tipper and friends, this guy named Omnist crushed it.

[https://on.soundcloud.com/2ezK5QTRZWHFgbUE6](Forces of the unseen mix)
^it gets spicy

Shield is an incredible beat maker. His drum samples are amazing, specifically the snare hits and fills always stood out to me. When he gets together with Jon1st, they bring the best out of each other. Jon1st is an incredible turntablist.

[https://on.soundcloud.com/1Kcb1ytabxqNNW8q8](shield-beats from the basement)

[https://on.soundcloud.com/6PaAqsAi59N4RtMg9](Jon1st & Shield - Fat Boys Flip)

I could go on all day, but the last one I’ll leave you with is Mad Zach. Been a big fan of this guy since he dropped a track called “The Visitor”. He’s quite diverse in style, but definitely deep in the underground bass scene. Hearing this guy on a well tuned f1 rig was incredibly euphoric.
[https://on.soundcloud.com/1UTkVGYt2VeoVumF8](Mad Zach - Brootle)

Would the inverse be true? Would reducing the GDP therefore increase outcomes for citizens?

It’s a double edged sword. On one hand, it’s a great tool to stomp out crime. It can save lives.
They used it in Iraq to find people who were placing road side bombs.
You could use it to find victims of kidnapping. Tracking murderers.
They’ve tracked criminal drug traffickers with it in Mexico. It’s extensively being used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict today.
It is stalking, but possibly unintentional.
The worrying thing is that this Information can likely be bought. Im pretty sure you can just buy satellite imagery.
It’s definitely weird af and most people wouldn’t be ok with it. Could a ban or block be even possible?
I know there are various laws that restrict or prohibit where you can point cameras. I used to install security cameras and it was a big no no to point them at someone else’s property, but I’m not sure if it was a law or not?
I guess I’ve just accepted it as normal. It sounds defeatist, but public cameras have never impacted my life.

Google news is actually fantastic. I picked it up when Reddit dropped and it’s been a great time killer. Encouraged me to sub to a news site and read articles and less comments. Kbin/lemmy have been like a nicotine patch to get off Reddit.

It’s be way harder for me to go back to corded tools. Li-Po tools are incredibly convenient. I’ve been able to buy adapters for dewalt batteries that make them work with all kinds of tools and devices (including an adapter for a Dyson handheld vacuum).
Lightweight, powerful, and the batteries can be swapped (as well as a decent amount of aftermarket batteries and adapters).

@_MoveSwiftly
Sorry! Will do.

So while GDP growth reflects national economic progress, it doesn’t necessarily ensure improved welfare for all citizens, particularly in light of the increasing income inequality seen in many societies.

Challenges related to demographic shifts, notably aging populations in Western countries, can further exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to wage stagnation and straining public services. However, immigration, especially by young, educated individuals, can help mitigate these demographic challenges. These immigrants contribute significantly to the economy, the labor market, and notably to the tax base, which can help alleviate these pressures.

Young, educated immigrants often contribute more in taxes than they receive in public services over their lifetimes. This positive fiscal impact can be channeled into public services and infrastructure that benefit all citizens.

In terms of real estate and housing, it’s important to understand that the housing market is influenced by a myriad of factors beyond immigration, including interest rates, building regulations, local zoning laws, and broader economic conditions. While increased immigration could theoretically drive up housing demand, it’s just one piece of a complex puzzle.

Further, the broader economic benefits brought by immigrants, like strengthened public finances and economic vitality, can indirectly alleviate housing concerns. For instance, the taxes paid by immigrants can be invested in public infrastructure and affordable housing projects that benefit existing residents. Additionally, the economic activity stimulated by immigrants can drive investments in residential development, potentially increasing housing supply.

Therefore, while concerns about housing demand are valid, they need to be contextualized within the broader economic and policy landscape. Immigration and real estate markets interact with each other, but they also operate independently and are shaped by a multitude of factors. In this regard, it’s essential to leverage the economic benefits brought about by immigration effectively to ensure they benefit all citizens, including in areas like affordable housing.

Keep moving the goal post.

Source? I can’t find anything about this requirement.

The thing you got to realize is that the executive branch does not have free reign to pass whatever they want. To me, the mark of a good executive is their ability to pass legislation. The Biden administration has done a fantastic job in light of such a polarized political system in the United States. Not everybody is going to want the same things that we want. In order to get things passed, sometimes we have to make compromises.

Furthermore, the Biden administrations passing of the Inflation Reduction Act specifically invested 70+ billion into public transportation (specifically rail), and far more into renewable energy production.

Biden has been able to move the meter to the left while still working with conservatives on certain issues. If you’re looking at it from a progressive standpoint, and you might not think they’re doing as much as they can. But please keep in mind that they also have to represent moderates and conservatives of the democratic branch.

Also, walkability would be state/local issue lol.

I’ve come across some studies on this stuff. One study I found actually found a connection between violent video games and aggressive behavior in teenagers. Now, it wasn’t a massive correlation, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/1850198).

As for evidence of normalization, it’s tricky. The concept of normalization doesn’t necessarily imply a direct cause-effect relationship, like ‘X’ content led to ‘Y’ real-world behavior. It’s more about subtle shifts in societal attitudes over time. It’s challenging to directly measure these shifts, but there are sociological studies that suggest media consumption can influence perceptions and attitudes.(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/22223200\_Living\_With\_Television\_The\_Violence\_Profile)

So, my concerns about Loli aren’t pulled out of thin air. It’s about the potential shift in our societal attitudes towards child exploitation. It’s not easy to put hard numbers on these effects, but given what we know about the impact of media, I think we should avoid it.

I get where you’re coming from with the video games comparison, but we’re talking apples and oranges here. The two just aren’t the same. Violent video games, sure, they’re a problem, and I’m not a fan of those either, especially when kids are involved. But this loli content? That’s another level for me.

We’re dealing with stuff that inherently sexualizes minors, albeit in a fictional realm. When something like this becomes just ‘another thing’, a part of everyday life, people may start shrugging off the real-life equivalent too. And that’s what worries me.

Sex education, by the way, isn’t even in the same ballpark. It’s about teaching kids the facts of life, about relationships, about consent. It’s about protection, not exploitation.

As for telling reality from fantasy, most people, sure, they can do that. For me, the line’s pretty clear. Anything that makes it okay to sexualize kids, real or not, that’s a step too far.

The sexualization of minors, even in fictional contexts like ‘loli’ content, is where I believe we cross a moral line. Children are a vulnerable and protected group in our society, and any content that even implicitly sexualizes them can contribute to an environment that trivializes or normalizes such exploitation. It’s about maintaining the inviolability and innocence of childhood, a value deeply ingrained in our society.

But a Sony, rca, jvc, boss, kenwood, pioneer, jbl.

Fuck yes. Well said. I’ve been really enjoying this. Everyone is so nice here. The mood feels good. I hope a good chuck of people stick around.