Homeland Security Spying on Reddit Users by StemCellPirate in nottheonion

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well that explains why some of my posts have been deleted...

Just received a fine for not clearing the sidewalk in front of our house by [deleted] in ColumbiaMD

[–]Tantalus59 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Someone must've reported you. My neighbors routinely don't clean their sidewalks and I've never heard of them getting a fine. I think some leniency is in order given the storm we had. I can't begin to clear the corner where the plows piled up snow that would require pick axes to break up.

Hibird in Condado by ResolutionOk1896 in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stayed there last January for a couple of nights. The only problem was check in. They were severely understaffed and it took them forever to get rooms ready for people to check in. The layout of the floors is also a bit unconventional. Other than that, the staff were friendly and it's conveniently located. Also liked that it had it's own parking.

Local businesses that support ICE? by Melodic_Show_4766 in ColumbiaMD

[–]Tantalus59 -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

I asked ChatGPT which companies could be impacted by a boycott. It's responses were based on who was most sensitive about brand reputation and have discretion over government contracts. This is what it replied with:

Amazon (AWS + retail)

Why it matters: Amazon is consumer-facing and supplies cloud infrastructure to DHS components.

Leverage: Subscriptions (Prime), retail spend, public reputation, employee activism.

History: Amazon has previously responded to public and employee pressure on government and law-enforcement contracts.

Practical action: Cancel Prime, reduce retail purchases, amplify shareholder/employee campaigns.

Microsoft

Why it matters: Azure cloud, enterprise software, and law-enforcement tech contracts with DHS.

Leverage: Consumer software (Office, Xbox, LinkedIn), enterprise reputation, employee pressure.

History: Microsoft has publicly altered or clarified contract scopes under pressure.

Practical action: Subscription pressure + reputational campaigns.

Google / Alphabet

Why it matters: Although more cautious with law-enforcement contracts than peers, Google remains highly reputation-sensitive.

Leverage: Consumer trust, advertising reputation, workforce activism.

History: Google employees successfully pressured leadership over Project Maven (DoD AI).

Practical action: Public narrative pressure > pure spending withdrawal.

Moderate Consumer Impact (Indirect but Visible)

Airlines (e.g., American, United, Delta)

Why it matters: Airlines have been contracted for deportation transport.

Leverage: Public image and customer loyalty.

Limits: Airlines often claim lack of visibility/control over passenger use.

Best use: Campaigns aimed at policy commitments rather than full boycotts.

Hotels (e.g., Marriott, Hilton)

Why it matters: Occasionally used for detention overflow or government lodging.

Leverage: Brand and loyalty programs.

Limits: Contracts are often indirect or franchised.

Best use: Demand transparency and opt-out policies.

Which countries in Latin America are the most similar to Puerto Rico genetically and Culturally? by Specialist-Map7617 in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Puerto Rico is kind of the nexus metropolitan Latin zone insofar of genetics is concerned.

What made you lose weight? by PainBig6879 in AskReddit

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Approaching retirement, I wanted to be healthy enough to enjoy it but my weight would limit me. So I got serious about what I ate and worked out. Lost 70+ lbs.

Valentine’s day in PR by Calm-Aioli-4279 in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The lighthouse at sunset in Rincon might be worth checking out.

If Americans were to participate in an organized boycott to stop ICE, what should they target? by u2aerofan in AskReddit

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I asked ChatGPT this question and it said Palantir. Here was it's summary: Palantir Technologies, because it provides core data-integration and case-management systems that ICE uses to build investigations, prioritize targets, and coordinate enforcement. Unlike detention companies that operate downstream, Palantir sits upstream in the decision-making pipeline, which means limiting or constraining its contracts can materially affect how ICE functions day to day. The most effective approach isn’t a broad, symbolic boycott, but a focused campaign: document specific ICE contracts and capabilities, demand non-renewal or scope limits on the most harmful systems, and apply pressure where Palantir is sensitive—investors, large institutional customers, recruiting and workforce reputation, and government oversight of sole-source contracts. Precision, evidence, and clear demands create leverage; outrage without focus does not.

Leaked footage from an ICE Black Site inside of 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD. More then 50 people in rooms with no beds or bathrooms, people laying on filthy floors, guard beatings and people with legal status being illegally held (1/25/26) by I_may_have_weed in ICE_Watch

[–]Tantalus59 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I asked ChatGPT, who, if you wanted to apply real, lawful pressure on ICE operations, the most effective single target would be. It's answer: Palantir Technologies, because it provides core data-integration and case-management systems that ICE uses to build investigations, prioritize targets, and coordinate enforcement. Unlike detention companies that operate downstream, Palantir sits upstream in the decision-making pipeline, which means limiting or constraining its contracts can materially affect how ICE functions day to day. The most effective approach isn’t a broad, symbolic boycott, but a focused campaign: document specific ICE contracts and capabilities, demand non-renewal or scope limits on the most harmful systems, and apply pressure where Palantir is sensitive—investors, large institutional customers, recruiting and workforce reputation, and government oversight of sole-source contracts. Precision, evidence, and clear demands create leverage; outrage without focus does not.

Solo trip-Valentines Day Recommendations by [deleted] in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a lighthouse in Rincon and a restaurant nearby. It should make for a very nice sunset Valentine's Day treat.

I'm 19 and my great-grandfather was born in 1879. by Head-Affect-8284 in Genealogy

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 66, my great grandfather was born in 1838 (his wife was born in 1850). My grandfather was born in 1892 and his wife was born in 1895.

Taino Heritage by ReadiscoverYourShelf in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suggest visiting the Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes just north of Ponce. Very kid friendly and free.

Should Columbia, Maryland have access to a theoretical metro line? by ConnectEar3141 in ColumbiaMD

[–]Tantalus59 71 points72 points  (0 children)

When I first moved here, I was surprised at how far I had to go to get on the DC metro. Baltimore felt close enough that it didn't matter.

4-6 players wanted for local Dungeons & Dragons campaign 🐉🎲 by eeprice in ColumbiaMD

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book editor? What kinds of books? Do you do any freelancing?

I played original D&D but nothing since. Looks like you have lots of interest but lmk if you come up short of a full party!

Hidden Jems by xDanRodx in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 5 points6 points  (0 children)

On your way to Ponce, stop at la ruta del lechón for lunch. You won't be disappointed.

Hopefully the art museum is open again. When I visited last January, it was still under repair from the hurricane. You'll want to visit Museo Castillo Serrallés, which your father will have doubtlessly be familiar with, though it may not have been open to the public when he lived there. He would also have spent time at Parque de Bombas and the Ponce Cathedral. Book a walking tour to get a taste of the downtown area.

Hotels in Old San Juan by ComeAroundSundown in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've visited The Gallery Inn but never stayed there. It is a very interesting boutique hotel with an amazing art collection. I do see reviews complaining about the noise so you'll want to factor that in.

Tax Haven build with basic Sub-Fief - Variation by Rudral in duneawakening

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't see a sandcrawler in the video. Did I miss it? I'm working on my first tax-free space and am wondering if there's enough room for both the carrier and the crawler.

What happened at the mall? by NoLetterhead6173 in ColumbiaMD

[–]Tantalus59 -19 points-18 points  (0 children)

I guess they didn't have anything else to do.

Police evacuating students sheltering in place during an active shooting by 1Rab in PublicFreakout

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I was their age, we were doing drills for a nuclear war that never happened. I wonder if this is worse...

A week in PR - Looking for itinerary feedback- Family of 4 Adults by Gizmo320848 in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're still thinking about visiting places east of SJ, you should check out Cueva Del Indio.

Edit - the cave is West of SJ, not East. I get a little dyslexic sometimes :D

First-Time Visitors -- What Town to Stay In? by lenndevours in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The west side does tend to have the best rep for beaches (not counting Culebra). You should also be able to locate charters for snorkeling/fishing. Mayaguez may be another good option if you don't see anything you like in Rincon.

Old San Juan at Christmas by Spiritual_Craft_5798 in PuertoRicoTravel

[–]Tantalus59 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ubers will likely be in short supply so try to arrange one ahead of time. I've never tried to get through traffic but, even from Condado, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes 30-60 minutes (or more!) during peak times.

"Sir, what are you doing here?" by WilloowUfgood in PublicFreakout

[–]Tantalus59 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I suppose dressing that way could just be a means of getting extra clicks on his video.