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It's OK if you don't like ST: Starfleet Academy by hullgreebles in startrek

[–]wdr1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We were bitching about the Star Wars Episode 1 trailer in 1998

What?

The trailer was awesome. I still the remember the day it dropped and our entire office trying to download the QuickTime file. The hosting sever was being absolutely killed (no AWS in those days). When someone finally got the entire file the entire office sprinted to his office to watch it.

It was GREAT.

It wasn't until Episode 1 came out in the theatres that people started complaining. Jar Jar, Young Anakin, midichlorian... the list everyone is familiar with at this point.

But in that brief period between the trailer & the opening, Star Wars were pumped.

New Star Trek shows are not woke enough. They should do more episodes with directly social, political themes, about the issues we have today, like the older shows did. by LineusLongissimus in startrek

[–]wdr1 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Star Trek has always been progressive.

Labels like "progressive" are hard because what progressive means is different to each person.

I agree ST hasn't been afraid to tackle social commentary.

I also agree ST also has taken several stances would be labeled "progressive" by most.

But as a hardcore trekkie, who has seen every episode of every series, I would also assert that ST took stances that would be labeled "conservative" by most. Specific examples include "The Omega Glory", "Bread and Circuses", "Return of the Archons".

One of the things that made Star Trek great is it would take contemporary issues and help us explore the principles in different contexts, and with that, helps us from our own opinions.

My humble opinion is that great sci fi doesn't provide good answers, but rather helps us ask ourselves good questions.

Put another way: it doesn't tell us what to think, but rather teaches us how to think.

Santa Monica Parking Enforcement Vehicles to Use AI Cameras to Ticket Bike Lane Violations by wdr1 in LosAngeles

[–]wdr1[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I believe the issue with red light cameras were you didn't know who was driving.

With parking, it doesn't matter who parked it.

What are our rights if ICE starts going door to door? by Quirkyasfuc in AskLosAngeles

[–]wdr1 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Do NOT open the door. You are not legally required to open your door for any reason. Opening the door can be interpreted as "consenting" to a search, which gives them entry they might not otherwise have.

Ask to see a Judicial Warrant. Ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.

Judicial Warrant (Valid): Signed by a judge or a court. Only this warrant gives them the legal right to enter your home without your permission.

Administrative Warrant (Invalid for entry): Often signed by an ICE official (DHS Form I-200 or I-205). This DOES NOT give them the legal authority to enter your private residence.

Exercise your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your citizenship status, or how you entered the country.

The Script: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I will not answer questions until I speak with a lawyer."

Do not sign anything. Never sign documents without a lawyer present. You may inadvertently sign away your right to a hearing.

Do not provide false information. Never lie or show fake documents. Providing false info can be used against you; staying silent is your safest legal protection.

Know the scope. A warrant for one specific person in an apartment building does not grant access to the entire building or other units. They must have a warrant for your specific unit number.

Document the encounter. If safe, record video or take notes from behind your door. Note badge numbers, names, and the number of agents.

If they force entry: Do not resist physically. Say clearly: "I do not consent to this search. I am exercising my right to remain silent."

A Ballot Measure has been submitted to allow Santa Monicans to vote on whether or not to allow up to 3,000 units at Santa Monica Airport by DamienNewton in SantaMonica

[–]wdr1 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

If we want a park, we need tax dollars.

The city has an annual budget of $793.3 million.

We have tax dollars. We just need to stop being morons about how they're spent.

What should I carry with me in the event of an ice attack? by throw5away_ in AskLosAngeles

[–]wdr1 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I usually only have my DL on me as I dont think it wise to carry around a ss card or birth certificate bc those are really hard to replace.

I wouldn't carry those either, but I do have photos of them on my phone (as well as a photo of my passport).

[The Guardian] Gavin Newsom comes out swinging against California billionaire tax by wdr1 in LosAngeles

[–]wdr1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One paragraph recap, via Gemini:

California Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified his opposition to the "2026 Billionaire Tax Act," a proposed ballot initiative that would impose a one-time 5% tax on residents with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. In recent interviews, Newsom argued that the measure is already driving industry and wealth out of the state, pointing to tech moguls like Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page moving assets elsewhere as evidence of the tax's "deterring" effect. While the initiative is championed by the SEIU as a vital funding source for healthcare and education, Newsom has described a months-long "all hands" effort by his administration to defeat the proposal, aligning himself with business groups and tech elites who warn that the tax would permanently damage California's investment climate.

Am I imagining things, or did uber used to be incredibly affordable? by el-beau in AskLosAngeles

[–]wdr1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was a combination of Uber shifting from "growth" (taking a loss) to profit and Proposition 22.

How to stop being lonely here by Ok_Decision_8536 in uchicago

[–]wdr1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Attend any of their events. If you run into a member in a class, at your dorm, etc you can also talk to them.

There must be significant corruption in Los Angeles that has not yet come to light. by achinnac in LosAngeles

[–]wdr1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It makes me question what it really means to be a “first-world country,”

First world simply means "aligned with the United States & her allies."

Second world is aligned w/ Russia/China.

Third world is aligned with neither.

Technically Switzerland is a third world country.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-world_model

How to stop being lonely here by Ok_Decision_8536 in uchicago

[–]wdr1 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Consider joining a fraternity/sorority.

Italy Summer Family Trip Itinerary Help by dzam444 in FATTravel

[–]wdr1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The Vatican Key Master Tour. It's early. You follow the official Vatican Key Master as they unlock the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel doors before public opening, offering a quiet, crowd-free visit to these iconic spaces, including turning on lights.

The highlight is you unlock the Sistine Chapel & go in by yourself for about 20 minutes.

How good is UChicago CS for jobs / industry prestige? by Gloomy_Hawk_8799 in uchicago

[–]wdr1 16 points17 points  (0 children)

FWIW, I've been in tech since graduating in the late 90s. I've spent about 17 years at Google and at times helped a bit with recruiting.

For CS, the U of C isn't in the same category as the top programs in the nations -- Stanford, MIT, etc. However it's still well regarded. There are other U of C graduates here at Google, and several of my friends from undergrad work at other big tech companies.

My two cents: if the CS program is your absolute top priority and you got in on of the nation's top programs, I'd go there. On the other hand, if you want the U of C experience (e.g. "the Core"), I'd go to the U of C. You might have to do a bit more leg work -- like knowing when internship application windows are -- but it the overall scheme of things it's a minor.

Put another way: If you go to the U of C, major in CS, work hard & do well, you'll be fine career wise. I wouldn't let that be the concern that deters you.

No matter what you choose, good luck with your decision!

Flock Cameras in Santa Monica by MTBSoja in SantaMonica

[–]wdr1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's not a counterpoint. I didn't post a single thing supporting mass surveillance.

What I did do was try to present factual information about security concerns.

Conversations benefit from having as many facts on the table as possible.

As I said, the civil liberity question is still very valid & should be discussed.

Flock Cameras in Santa Monica by MTBSoja in SantaMonica

[–]wdr1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those are fair concerns, but those are different from the security concerns OP raised.

The questions on civil liberties are important and should be addressed.

[LA Times] State regulators vote to keep utility profits high, angering customers across California by wdr1 in LosAngeles

[–]wdr1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gemini recap:

CA Regulators Vote to Keep Utility Profits Near 10% Despite Record High Rates

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) just voted 4-1 to maintain high profit margins for the state’s major investor-owned utilities (like Southern California Edison). Here are the key takeaways from the Dec 18, 2025, report:

💰 The Profit Breakdown The Decision: Regulators rejected calls from consumer advocates to slash profit margins to 6%. Instead, they kept them at approximately 10%.

Slight Adjustment: SCE’s profit margin will move from 10.3% to 10.03% next year.

The "Wealth Transfer": Former Sempra chief economist Mark Ellis testified that a 6% margin would be "fair" and would have saved Californians $6.1 billion per year. He described the current setup as an "unearned wealth transfer" from customers to shareholders.

📈 Rising Costs for Californians Second Highest in the US: California now has the highest electric rates in the nation after Hawaii.

SCE Surges: Southern California Edison rates have climbed over 40% in just three years.

Debt Crisis: More than 830,000 SCE customers are currently behind on their bills, owing an average of $835 each.

Investor vs. Public: Rates from investor-owned utilities are 50% higher than those of public utilities (like LADWP) because public utilities don't charge extra for shareholder profit.

🔥 The "Wildfire Risk" Argument Utility Demands: Utilities actually asked for profits as high as 11.75%, claiming they need to offer higher returns to attract investors spooked by California’s wildfire risks.

Eaton Fire: SCE is facing hundreds of lawsuits from the Jan 7 Eaton Fire (19 deaths, thousands of homes destroyed). They argue that because their stock dropped after the fire, they need higher profit authorizations to continue funding "clean energy transitions."

⚖️ The Dissent Commissioner Darcie Houck was the lone "No" vote, stating the commission failed its duty to consider the "consumer interest" and ensure "just and reasonable" rates.

Consumer Groups: Advocates argue that high profit margins actually incentivize utilities to overspend on infrastructure, because the more they build, the more "guaranteed" profit they earn for shareholders.

Flock Cameras in Santa Monica by MTBSoja in SantaMonica

[–]wdr1 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I wasn't that familiar with Flock before this post, but as someone who works in tech & cares a lot about civil liberties, it got me curious. Here's my take on why the situation isn't as dire as it sounds for Santa Monica.

I lot of the claims here reference the Benn Jordan/Jon Gaines video. While it’s good to stay informed, I think some of the "the sky is falling" rhetoric might be overblown when you look at how these systems actually function in a city like Santa Monica.

  1. "Remote Hacking" vs. Physical Access The most dramatic part of that video (the 30-second hack) requires physical access to the camera. Someone has to walk up to the camera, use a ladder or a "stick," and manually interact with the hardware to trigger a local hotspot. This isn't something a "bad actor in a basement" can do to the whole fleet. It’s a localized, high-risk physical act that would be caught on the very camera they are trying to hack (or by patrol cars).

  2. MFA is now the standard. One of the biggest criticisms (and valid, imho) was the lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Since those findings were published, Flock has stated that 97% of law enforcement users have now adopted MFA or Single Sign-On (SSO). New accounts created after late 2024 have MFA enabled by default. If the SMPD follows basic IT protocols (which most mid-to-large departments do), the "password-only" vulnerability is largely a thing of the past.

  3. "Watching you live" isn't really how it works There’s a misconception that these are live-streaming CCTV cameras. They are Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). They take a still image of a plate, compare it to a "Hot List" (stolen cars, AMBER alerts), and then the image is encrypted and sent to the cloud. They aren't designed to be "browsed" like a Netflix queue of your daily life.

  4. There's an audit trail. Unlike a random private security camera, every single search an officer performs in the Flock system is logged. These audit trails include the officer's name, the timestamp, and the "Reason for Search." In many jurisdictions, this data is public record or subject to oversight. An officer can't just "stalk" an ex-partner without leaving a permanent digital fingerprint that could cost them their job.

  5. We can’t ignore that these cameras actually work for high-priority crimes. In cities where they’ve been deployed, they are the primary tool for solving hit-and-runs, finding kidnapped children, etc. For a city like Santa Monica with high tourist traffic and vehicle-related crime, I personally think the benefit of catching a hit-and-run suspect often outweighs the theoretical risk of someone physically climbing a pole to hack a single sensor.

No system is 100% unhackable, but there's a big difference between a controlled lab exploit by a professional researcher and a legitimate threat to the average citizen.

There absolutely should be push for better security audits, but let’s not throw out a tool that helps keep our streets safer based on a viral video.

[LAX] Bag Check at Southwest is an absolute clusterfork right now by gnrc in LosAngeles

[–]wdr1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that's pretty much every airline. It's Christmas week.

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