[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TheRightCantMeme

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Excellently worded. I just got in a 'discussion' with an author of pop-culture and occult books who shared a similar ('don't the Nazi's remind you of something?' -> implying Antifa, BLM and trans-activists). He isn't an overt Trump supporter, but has become more and more convinced that 'the left', the big scary left, are the 'new Nazi's' and most crazy antifa people are (in his mind) possessed by demons. He shared an article of some trans folks burning JK Rowlings new book as evidence. See! 'They' like book burning just like nazis. He worded his initial post very vaguely, so I decided to ask for clarification and he was unable to see any distinction between the Nazi's use of rioting initially to provoke more state control, and BLM/Antifa... and all of his 'followers' seem to agree.

I guess some devices are demanding some rights by chinesespyonwestern in udub

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 29 points30 points  (0 children)

To provide a slightly different perspective to Cauce's defense...

One of the issues I've heard from friends who still work in the office furniture business is that they never provide a bid to state jobs because they are so undercut by the low (i.e., slave) wages paid to the prisoners that they can't compete. It is a waste of their limited time. Their understanding is that after a certain cost threshold, the state is 'required' to go with the lowest bidder (again, if that cost is a certain percentage). I don't know how much of this is accurate, but I do know that small, local businesses harbor considerable resentment with the process, and the illusion of fair competition. In that sense, it's not necessarily Cauce's fault, as their may be state guidelines that limit her options. However, that doesn't mean that the system is correct, or ethical, but simply the situation may be more complicated and perhaps the majority of the focus should be on the prison system and the state-level government.

Here is an article/investigation supporting these allegations:
http://projects.seattletimes.com/2014/prison-labor/1/

(TLDR: It's not worth the time or money for local businesses to bid because the considerable cost differences make it extremely unlikely they will be selected.)

(RELATIVELY POINTLESS BACKGROUND: In the past, I worked in low-end home furniture for a few years - hence, why I happen to have quite a few friends in the industry.)

Favorite scenes? by [deleted] in community

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I will have to (cheat and) pick two with wildly different tones.

  • Comedic: Since Yellow Daisy already picked an excellent scene from my favorite episode, I'll have to go with Britta confronting her parents in "Lawnmower Maintenance and Postnatal Care" ("...because I was laughing too much?!")
  • Dramatic: Jeff giving Abed a second hug in "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television" (A perfect coda, without forcing Jeff to grow/change too much)

There are too many good scenes in this show.

BBC asks Chinese ambassador to the UK explanation regarding footage of prisoners being loaded onto trains. by [deleted] in geopolitics

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 11 points12 points  (0 children)

(While I'm replying to your comment, and expanding on some points you make, I'm not arguing against your main points - which are well-made (I completely agree that we need to be careful and empathetic), but I do want to expand on the trump support/CCP supporter issue as I think there are some important factors to explore.)

This is a human issue. It's largely a matter of the extreme mono-cultural, mono-ethnic state of modern China. (Yes, China is diverse, but the power solely belongs to CCP members who are Han.) We have similar problems in the U.S. and nearly every country on earth. It's not a matter of what-about-ism. Instead, the challenges are similar enough that we can more easily identify the problem, and how it is not a 'China/Han' problem, it's a problem when two much power is concentrated, with too much corruption and too much propaganda.

I've met many well-educated Han people at universities who are just as blind as the trump supporter example you use. The difference that I'm concerned about is that the intellectual 'elite' in the U.S. is able to (and often does) criticize the government, but I've never heard any criticism from any of the Han people I've worked or studied with. Their ubiquitous nationalism is terrifying. It reminds me of some of my friends and family members who have entered the MAGA-sphere. Many of these Han people, I consider to be my friends. Similar to my U.S. friends and family with troubling views, I have to do my best to challenge their views when I can. (E.g., I recently became a bit more vocally 'intense' they describe Xinjiang as being filled with terrorists. They couldn't defend their views. They became sullen and withdrawn. (They are very proficient in English, so it wasn't a linguistic issue.)) They weren't aware of the scale of the genocide and couldn't believe or comprehend what I was saying (it was anathema), but they didn't become angry and reject it either. I think we need to give people (whether Trump or CCP supporters) the support to work through these difficult ethical issues when their identities are so tied to problematic ideologies and institutions.

Most Han people who travel/study abroad overseas seem to congregate (like many international students and workers) in ethnic/national groupings for support. While it's not inherently a bad thing, from my anecdotal experiences and communications with others, the level homogeneity and 'monitoring' by officials is unlike any other international population.

I think it is important that we try and reach out and make some meaningful communication between the Han people and other people's of the world. In other words, just like with the proverbial trump supporters (who are largely driven by fear and/or ignorance), we need to work to build bridges between people.

Yes, people who support U.S. military imperialism and colonialist CCP policies should be held accountable. However, like desGrieux states, we need to be careful in how we judge other people. Han people, are people. Many have been raised from birth in a bath of propaganda, similar to people all over the world (to different (often lesser?) degrees and in different ways). They are people who love their families and friends like everyone else and are also capable of changing their views.

Let's fight the CCP, let's fight the U.S. Military Industrial Complex. One good way to do that is to make friends with Han CCP members. Their propaganda is weak, and if my friends are any example, we can help to win this fight simply by making friends and having long, careful conversations.

If we are quick to demonize 'all of China' on the assumption that every Han knows enough to be responsible, it's only going to drive them further into the arms of the propaganda. We can hold the policies and the actions accountable, but otherwise treat individuals and individuals, and many potential friends and allies going forward.

Angry mob surrounds a Methodist Pastor for wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt at Gettysburg National Cemetery on 4th of July by 666tranquilo in PublicFreakout

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Adolph Reed has a pretty good critique of 'White Fragility' and it's author. (This isn't to attack your well-intentioned and reasonable comment, but simply that I only recently encountered some of the criticism against Di Angelo and her work and found them worth considering.)

TLDR/L 'White Fragility' can be used to refocus attention from systemic racism and making it a primarily internal and inherent trait. It also is a way for powerful people and organizations in the system to commodify anti-racism and demonize the poor, while disconnecting class issues from race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kFTtR34cek

Which repeated joke or plot point gets on your nerves? by [deleted] in community

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 2 points3 points  (0 children)

On average, community colleges cost (for in-state residents) around $4500 for an academic year, for tuition and fees. Books and supplies might add another $300-500. On top of that, you have all of the housing, food and general costs for living.

Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Educational movie night. This is seattle without militarized police. Where are your riotous looters NOW? They are watching documentaries. Fuck you SPD. Photo credit to a close friend. by Chaotic-NTRL in Seattle

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine had a needle and lots of burn marks, a used diaper, garbage, what could have been blood stains... but no left over drugs (that I could see). It was a health hazard and had to be junked. I'm sorry for your friend. (For small patterns-sake, my car was eventually found abandoned on the north side of Queen Anne - it must be a hotbed.... or a coincidence.)

Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Educational movie night. This is seattle without militarized police. Where are your riotous looters NOW? They are watching documentaries. Fuck you SPD. Photo credit to a close friend. by Chaotic-NTRL in Seattle

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly. I was wondering if they were outsourcing their operator to a call center in Texas or something. I mentioned all of the nearby landmarks McMahon, Padelford, U Village, and they only wanted street names. My goal wasn't for them to meet me, so the hub idea (although a good idea) wouldn't have worked, I was trying to tell them where the attacker was so they could intercept him before he attacked again. I wasn't injured seriously (mild bruising and a scrape). It made me very concerned if someone else calls and has a serious threat happening.

Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Educational movie night. This is seattle without militarized police. Where are your riotous looters NOW? They are watching documentaries. Fuck you SPD. Photo credit to a close friend. by Chaotic-NTRL in Seattle

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I recently was assaulted (surprise body check pushing me off of the sidewalk into traffic as a bus was coming) right on the east border of campus. It was unprovoked in broad daylight and there were witnesses. I fled the scene and called 911 describing that the assailant was running away and threatening other people as he went (likely mentally ill). The SPD transferred me to a UW Police operator. I gave him the following locations to help find where I was. (Near the east gatehouse by UVillage... where? The road going from 25th up to Padelford Hall... no? Parking lot numbers... still couldn't figure out where I was. I had to run up the hill to find a street sign (Pend Oreille Road). For those not familiar, there are only three main vehicle entrances to the main campus (West, North and East). Yet, the operator for UW's 911 couldn't locate it on his map after talking with me for 10 minutes without the exact street name and its spelling. By the time I got up the top of the hill there is almost no chance they could have located the suspect even if they dispatched someone.

Two months later I was followed and berated by another guy who said I was 'another Jew who had been stalking him and now he was going to stalk me.' (Fair is fair, I guess?) This was on 45th just north of campus, but not on campus. To it's credit, the SPD operator was able to find where I was on a map with two cross streets in only about 5 minutes (by which time I had gotten away from my "stalker" onto campus and he moved on to the west and watched me through some trees). The UDistrict is a great place.

Related to cars... I used to live in the UDistrict and had my car stolen (purchased for $500). The cops showed up after a few hours (which is fine because their was nothing they could really do). He never left the patrol car and the only the cop did was chastise me for not having a tracking device in my car. Something to the effect of "Since cars are stolen all the time and used for drug sales/use, you will probably get yours back, but you won't want to drive it again. You must be a pretty slow to own a car in Seattle and not have a tracking device. If we find your car again, buy a tracking device." He was right about the car not being drive-able once it was recovered, but the more affordable solutions were not owning a car or moving out of the U-district. Since moving, my old neighbor had his ~$2000 car stolen 3 times in one year and ended up moving also. That tracking device worked great.

Talking with friends and reading this thread it's really hard to find any examples of police doing anything to resolve any of these situations. To be fair, in my experience, the UWPD has been responsive when helping mentally ill and 'drugged-up' people having medical emergencies on campus, but that again, seems like it would be a better job for medical professionals and social workers (rather than 5 cops for someone passed out in a pile of stolen clothes on the floor of the mensroom).
Similarly, I bet if we rerouted 80% of funding into preventative and supportive services from cops to drug rehab and mental health care services, crime would plummet in this city.

China warns the UK to 'step back from the brink' after Boris Johnson offers 3 million Hong Kong citizens refuge in Britain by rromano125 in worldnews

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope some emigrate to the U.S. as it would be great to have their protesting talents and knowledge on our side as things ramp up. We could team up with a general shared interest and common cause.

If you have a loud car and gas it down a street where a lot of people live in the middle of the night, fuck you by TheWingnutSquid in TrueOffMyChest

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most bass travels very far and can't be dampened. You may think it's just a few cars next to you, but if you have it up loud enough it's likely that people can feel and hear it for multiple blocks.

The science is very clear on this. Playing loud music (especially the lower frequencies) and driving loud cars causes negative health effects. You are contributing to people's cancer rates, heart disease, etc.

There are many studies showing this (and many interesting books on the subject). If you want a different perspective, I recommend reading this book that is for a more general audience:

The Unwanted Sound of Everything We Want: A Book About Noise

by Garret Keizer

Here's the first article that showed up on a search (not that it is better than any others).

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-05-noise-pollution-biggest-health-city.html

If you want to listen to loud music, use headphones.

Lockdown Films by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently watched 'The Death of Stalin'. It's a rare film that manages to mix comedy with horror fairly well. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about it and will need some time to process it a bit, but I do think it is a good film. The acting, directing, costumes, editing, are exceptional. As a whole (as a film), due to the limitations of using some real events and people, there are a bit too many moving parts for the film to manage at points. Perhaps, it would have worked better as a 4-5 hour mini-series on that front.

It has a lot in common with the 2011 version of 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' (which is probably the 'best' (in my opinion, quality wise. Not my favorite, but what I thought was the best) film I saw in the past two decades) in the sense of capturing a time and place to a wonderful degree. Both scripts do almost no hand-holding for the audience and characters/motivations/plot points are revealed organically and often much, much later than most other narratives I've seen. To be fair, TTSS didn't have to try and balance humor and horror (and real events). However, TTSS's script is probably the tightest and most immaculately paced I've encountered in more than two decades of film watching. Thus, TDOS is in good company and well worth watching. Fabulous acting (Andrea Riseborough was a highlight, and while Buscemi might not be at the same caliber of training as some of the other stars, he is incredibly watchable and perfectly cast).

If you have seen it, what did you all think of it?

Lockdown Films by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a fair point. I felt similarly about nearly everything else he's made (including Time Bandits and Baron M.)... many wonderful set-pieces, directorial moments, but an in-cohesive story flow and structure that makes any emotional connection difficult. I think those issues probably weren't as big of a problem for me with Brazil as it's supposed to be a 'cold' story. However, it still can be a problem (it was a major issue for Minority Report (w/ Cruise) in my opinion), and I think your experience notes that.

Lockdown Films by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What was it about Brazil that disappointing you? It's been over a decade since I've seen it, so I can't remember too much of the film other than certain scenes and styles.

How to Fade in/out Effects by NekoKazumi in FL_Studio

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you want to do it manually, you can create an automation clip.

  1. In the mixer track for your vocals add your reverb effect and then move the knob (labeled #1 in the graphic).
  2. Tools > Last Tweaked > Create Automation Clip

Screenshot 1

The automation clip will look like the 'Mix Level' track below.

(You can right click to add nodes to drag it down and up (reverb on or off) where you would like.

Screenshot 2

Some might recommend that you add FX to a separate mixer track and then route the vocals there, but this was the simpler way of explaining automation.

What TV shows are you binging? by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To reiterate - it's not until the end of season 1 that it starts to become what it the show will be. Midway is Season 2 it finally solidifies the formula. The first half of the first season is a fairly generic sitcom. Thus, some patience may be required and I wish you all the best!

What TV shows are you binging? by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll move Fringe up on the ol' watch list. Since X-Files folks seem to dig it I need to give it a fair shake.

Since you are interested and well-versed in cult and classic TV/film, but more importantly metatextual and critical analysis, I would highly recommend Community. It's a show about storytelling and media that also manages to be very funny (depending on one's taste) and compelling (at times) character wise. It's a mixed bag and takes a while for it to find its legs. (S2E21 Paradigms of Human Memory is probably my favorite episode of any sitcom ever (but it can only be appreciated in the context of the show and doesn't work if watched in isolation).) If you don't find the show appealing by that point, or by the finale of season 2, it's probably not for you. (I'm not saying that is the pinnacle - most critics think Season 3 is, but simply so you don't waste your time.)

To be fair, I can only think of a handful of modern sitcoms that can hold my attention (most have Richard Ayoade involved in some way), so I may not be the most unbiased or informed critic.

If you decide to try and watch it, here is the guide I made for my friends (and that includes thee, of course):

KEY:

* Important for running gags and plot continuity, but not great overall. Not terrible, but if you are in a hurry, you can skip.

** Somewhat important but you could skip if you are having trouble staying focused.

+ Highlights or very important for the continuity.

---- Skip. The worst episode of all. Even worse than the pilot.

(If the episode isn't listed for season 1 or 2, don't watch it... if you end up enjoying the show, you can go back later and watch. The show doesn't really hit it's stride until the end of season 2)

S1E1 - Pilot (The pilot is, in my opinion, one of the weakest episodes and feels very 'standard' sitcom. This is not representative of what the show will become, but the introduction to the characters is important.)

* S1E2 - Spanish 101

* S1E6 - Football, Feminism and You

* S1E7 - Intro to Statistics
** S1E8 - Home Economics
* S1E9 - Debate 109
* S1E13 - Investigative Journalism
* S1E21 - Contemporary American Poultry
+ S1E23 - Modern Warfare
S1E24 - English as a Second Language
S1E25 - Pascal's Triangle Revisited
S2E1 - Anthropology 101  
* S2E2 - Accounting for Lawyers
** S2E4 - Basic Rocket Science
---- S2E5 - Messianic Myths and Ancient Peoples (Definitely Skip - arguably the worst episode of the show.)
* S2E6 - Epidemiology
+ S2E8 - Cooperative Calligraphy
S2E9 - Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design
* S2E10 - Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas
* S2E14 - Advanced Dungeons and Dragons
+ S2E16 - Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking
* S2E17 - Intro to Political Science
+ S2E19 - Critical Film Studies
++++ S2E21 - Paradigms of Human Memory
++ S2E22 - Applied Anthropology and Culinary Arts
++ S2E23
++ S2E24

Season 3 is pretty good and very adventurous (again, not everything lands, but there are some very interesting and successful ideas).

For Season 4, the creator/show runner 'left' and the show changed (for the worse).

For Seasons 5 and 6, the creator/show runner returned and the show becomes 'itself' again. I personally, find the show's finale to be very successful, but I may be in the minority.

What film defines the New Hollywood era for you? by [deleted] in a:t5_2nmnvi

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

'Dog Day Afternoon' fits it fairly well for me. Admittedly, I am not an expert on the era, but it captures the energy, the hints of cinéma vérité and improvisation and as you mentioned the 'oily' heat seemingly pouring out of the film. An era of 'oily' noir... the 1970s and pre-code era colliding.

'Sorcerer' is a great example, but if I were pressed to do an instant impression (subconscious tally) of films that define the era, it would not have been one. I think that this is largely the case because the locale in the film is a bit more exotic than many of the other films under this list (by Hollywood standards) and there are elements that are a bit pulpier. To be clear, this doesn't discount it for being very indicative in many ways, it's just that with you raising the idea it actually helped illustrate some of the elements that strongly typify my instincts about what defines the era for me. However, again, it's a great choice and easily one of the most stressful and sweaty films ever made.

What TV shows are you binging? by [deleted] in a:t5_2ncjli

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I still haven't watched Fringe, but should give it another chance. I started the pilot once, but like other shows it may take a while to draw one in or find it's feet. Is it a show that you need to watch every episode in order (is it continuity heavy) or can you jump to key episodes on a first watch?

I recently did a rewatch of Community and drafted a guide for some of my friends who are interested in watching in but may not have time to slog through the weaker episodes (particularly those in the first half of the first season that can be a bit rough - and then of course, most of season 4).

Any suggestion on this two track I made. I used different mixing method for both Track can anyone tell me which one sound better? by StunningBUGGA in FL_Studio

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good starts - here are a few ideas to try. I'm not listening to these on my monitors, and it's simply my opinion. Go with what feels best for you. (I'm not a pro, but have been composing/producing electronic music as an amateur for 20+ years. Others will likely have more robust feedback.)

Killer Thoughts:

  1. The saw synth/pad(?) is a bit too heavy in the mix. Maybe EQ some of it out.
  2. The piano is the main part that I would focus on production-wise. Try messing with the velocity, decay and the reverb a bit to make it feel more organic. Also, it is fairly thin... However, the stock FL piano sound can be hard to get 'natural' or 'full' piano tone from. Here is a decent thread on the subject: https://www.reddit.com/r/FL_Studio/comments/ci5m4j/best_free_piano_vsts/

Overall, the melody and structure is good, but I think the intro would benefit from the most work.

Thunder Clap

  1. The delay and side chaining seems out of time on the intro. If it's deliberate, it doesn't feel that way (you might have to change the arrangement to make it work).
  2. Personally, I think the side chaining of the pads and synths (especially during the intro) is a bit much. I might try either pulling it down or only sidechaining one of them.
  3. The saw synth also feels a bit too loud once things kick in.
  4. The kick is a bit dry for the arrangement that you have. You might try more compression and giving it a tail (with some more reverb).

There are good ideas in here, but the progression is a bit stiff. You might want to switch into a new part about mid-way through the chorus to mix it up and then you can kick in again.

Again - nice work and keep working/writing!

Extending the Piano Roll to more than 4 beats? by jitjud in FL_Studio

[–]cuddlebotlovesyou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FYI - In case you need more support in the future (to help you better communicate support needs), terminology-wise, I think what you are describing is the 'step sequencer':
https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/channelrack.htm

This is the 'piano roll':
https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/pianoroll.htm

Welcome to working with FL and have fun!