[-] derek@infosec.pub 6 points 1 day ago

I think they knew full well what they were doing. It's undeniably goofy to anyone who's seen a horse. That right there ain't a horse. For one thing: it's egg-shaped and, for another; it's clearly about to get obliterated by the horse and rider on the left while brandishing an expression that reads "oh no I'm in for it now" like a Tom and Jerry cartoon.

This shit is hysterical and they knew it. Even if the artist had written out a confession of sincerity regarding their non-comedic intent I can't imagine holding that egg up to that artist and asking,

"You expect me to believe this is your best attempt at a horse? Seriously?"

without that artist at least cracking a grin.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 34 points 1 month ago

I honestly think that's part of the appeal for those who idolize Bateman. He's particular and vane and envious. We are led to see his flaws as he sees them: extensions of justified righteous indignation at the world's resistance to his perfection, all. His narcissism fueling disgust for the world and everyone in it.

The jilted pampered white boy is exactly what they identify with.

Evaluate the comparison drawn in the final scene of the film. Bateman confesses again, in-person this time, to his lawyer who blows him off for reasons that could be debated within the narrative. The important bit for our discussion is that, regardless of the reasons for dismissal, the lawyer simply doesn't believe Bateman is capable of the crimes he confesses to.

Not even recognizing Bateman and mistaking Bateman for someone else the lawyer says: "Bateman's such a dork, such a boring, spineless lightweight..." "...Oh Christ. He can barely pick up an escort girl, let alone... What was it you said he did to her?"

After some more back and forth Bateman returns to his friend's table and finds his friends discussing Ronald Reagan's address regarding the Iran-Contra scandal. The sentiment is how unbelievable it is that someone so unassuming could do something so vile, brazenly lie about it, and almost get away with it.

To be dismissed as incapable while believing oneself cunning and depraved and wholly underestimated. To act on that depravity and take by brutal force. To confess vile crimes that go unpunished because no believes you capable of them... It's a twisted diamond in the rough story.

That's not the gritty visual masculinity we normally think of, as you say, but Bateman is rape culture personified and adorned in every tropey "high-class" commecialization of masculinity at the time. Couple that with anemoia for the eighties in a generation raised on algorithmically tuned psychological traps which weaponized toxic masculinity for profit and... Tada!

We strike resonance with a certain brand both of internet-raised narcissist and naive, disaffected, emotionally-immature manchild. Especially young men who've been emotionally manipulated into believing alt-right propaganda makes sense of a world they've been stymied from understanding.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 32 points 1 month ago

One way this question could be interpreted and restated is: Trans people don't have blanket immunity against critique, right?

If that is the legitimate heart of your question then: No. They do not. No one does.

Let's say some puppy kicker happens to be trans. I publically and vocally oppose their puppy kicking. They respond by labeling me transphobic. That's nothing more than a weak response from a bad person using their minority status as a cover for their shitty behavior/beliefs.

That said, and I cannot stress this enough; that is not how your question reads and the above is an overly charitable interpretation.

If that is not the legitimate heart of your question then all I can do is refer you to the bible: https://genderdysphoria.fyi/en

[-] derek@infosec.pub 26 points 4 months ago

For the curious:

https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/746684/why-does-a-microwaves-faraday-cage-block-microwaves-but-not-larger-wavelength-r

The metal screen on the microwave door is designed to block the specific wavelength being used to heat your food. It isn't a full cage and isn't effective at blocking other frequencies.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 24 points 4 months ago

I'm afraid there is no reason to suspect that ingesting higher-than-suggested doses of vitamins and minerals will make your penis larger. Even while passing the kidney stone.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 47 points 5 months ago

What elevates you, in your mind, to replace solidarity with disgust and empathy with such dismissive, petty, useless condescension? Your judgement is meaningless. Your ire misplaced. Your indignation unearned.

Must perfection precede praxis? Can the misled not recognize deception and correct their course? If you're as wise as you think then you would be helping those trying to affect change instead of yelling into the void about how they should be doing it better.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 37 points 7 months ago

Well, two, actually.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 23 points 7 months ago

It isn't just one thing. The big money wants to present this unified front to the public like LLMs are a single commodity anyone can use. In reality they're a collection of complex tools that few can use " correctly" and whose utility is highly specialized for niches those few find valuable.

So you're correct in a way. I'm sure model decoherence isn't helping much either and isn't as visible in those niche applications as it is for the general public.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 36 points 7 months ago

Your comment makes no sense and helps no one.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 65 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

I keep seeing this sentiment and I don't understand it. Are you speaking purely out of anger and ignorance? The recent No Kings protest was either the third or first largest protest in the history of the U.S.A. and some communities have literally been running ICE gestapo out of their towns.

The Christian Conservative minority have gridlocked the American government, silently stacked the judicial system in their favor, and partnered with the American oligarchy to bankroll fascists and create the most pervasive, effective, and enduring propaganda machines ever seen (that's already worked its way into Australia and had been finding footholds in Europe).

The idea that Americans aren't doing anything about this or that there could ever possibly be a single unified movement that magically fixes "the issue" is incoherently reductive and impractical. If I see a comrade struggling for air I don't yell at them to just breathe. I help them remove the pig standing on their neck. What are YOU doing to lend a hand or show lost comrades that there's still hope?

[-] derek@infosec.pub 47 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

It's not too late. The 14th amendment Section 3 specifically prohibits an insurrectionist from holding public office unless a special Congressional vote is held and passes with a 2/3rds majority.

Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

All US citizens should call their representatives and demand they uphold their sworn Constitutional duty to refuse the certification of Donald Trump's victory as he is disqualified from holding office.

This is not speculation. Donald Trump was successfully impeached for inciting insurrection. The US is in the middle of a Constitutional crisis which Congress must resolve.

Finding your reps is easy. Go here:

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Either let the site use your location or enter your home address. It'll pull all the info you need in one click.

[-] derek@infosec.pub 54 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Long time guitar owner here. You could get some wood glue and use a small amount to affix the chip back to the guitar pretty seamlessly so long as you've got a steady hand. In my experience it's harder than it looks.

My direct advice? Keep the missing chunk in a safe place and live with the guitar as-is for a month. There's no rush and this will give you some time to process.

If the gouge ends up sticking in your mind as something you want gone? Call a local luthier, explain what happened, that you'd like it restored, and ask for an estimate or evaluation if you want to budget for the expense. If you have a preference for a kind of repair you can ask for that too. Mending a wound on an instrument can be an opportunity to add beauty instead of simply removing a blemish. What kind of repair you want is entirely up to you and a temp fix now might make the repair more difficult / expensive.

If none of that sounds appealing and if after a few weeks the idea of a nail polish scar or other punky hack makes you happy then go for it! It's your instrument and best is conditional so go nuts. 🙂

My only concern with leaving the natural wood exposed would be moisture and cracking/paint flaking over time. Even if you think the chip looks bad ass and you end up wanting to keep it: I would ask a luthier to seal it up to preserve the instrument (battle-scar and all).

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derek

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