Marlinspike

Gen X. Software engineer. Interests in astronomy, physics, politics, music, sci-fi, and fantasy. A centrist devoted to civility.

Public Key

npub1h432z2uts2l9q8nfawkfcu8666mnjnf4khw4sasm6efzjq9afxasgv90ru

NIP-05 Address

marlinspike_at_mastodon.social@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqst6c4p9w9c90jsre57htyuwradddeef56mth2cwcdav53fqz75nwcug06gw

Author Public Key

npub1h432z2uts2l9q8nfawkfcu8666mnjnf4khw4sasm6efzjq9afxasgv90ru

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Last Notes

2024-05-30 14:34:41

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@npub18p4…xjng I like this. It seems to be a much more usable solution to spacial computing than the Apple Vision.

2024-03-18 15:52:01

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@npub18p4…xjng My current daily driver was built as a gaming/first gen VR machine so it's still pretty fast. Tempted, but still afraid of converting it to Linux since I use it for work and play.

2024-03-14 21:29:00

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@npub1su4…a0dw I'll probably wind up watching it but the original with Brandon Lee is one of my all time favorites. The trailer doesn't exactly fill me with optimism.

2024-03-12 22:07:18

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@npub18p4…xjng I can't imagine how this type of AI works. Stakeholders often want a large set of convoluted and unique functionality to work with a larger set of convoluted legacy functionality. How does one communicate such detailed requirements to the AI? I would think that whoever is "talking" to the AI must be an engineer with detailed technical knowledge. And what about the often highly specific and subjective design and UI requirements?

2024-02-29 16:59:12

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@npub18p4…xjng I guess HP is doubling down on the subscription model. But locking customers into a two year contract with an early termination fee sounds ludicrous. Instead, just buy any number of affordable ink jet printers that use relatively cheap bottled inks instead of expensive cartridges.

2024-02-27 20:55:50

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@npub1su4…a0dw I bought a quest and assumed all of this was happening from day one. I have privacy guards on my router that may help, and I'll never use the built-in browser. I considered other VR headsets, and when it comes to data privacy, it's a question of which do I trust more, Facebook or "anonymous foreign company B."

2024-02-14 19:45:27

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@npub1su4…a0dw I doubt that most people who use Firefox want more bloat built into it. Maybe offer these projects as a service or add on? With any new download of Firefox, I immediately disable Pocket since I have no use for it.

2024-01-26 00:21:31

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@npub18p4…xjng What is a "Turbo EV?"

2024-01-24 06:19:48

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@npub1xzm…eykm I personally get a kick out of reimaginings of previous work, like book to movie, animated to live action, and especially something with such an incredible and fantastical world as Air Bender. Each media has its own challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. The books and animated series will still be there to appreciate.

2024-01-18 21:06:50

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@npub1lrv…tth9 I'd think for most people the news source is of primary importance. At least it is for me. So if Google News just spits out articles from random sources, why would anyone use it, with or without AI? There's maybe a dozen specific news sources I trust with some reservation. Anything outside that scope I consider questionable.

2024-01-17 03:49:22

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@npub15x4…3p3l I've noticed that several accounts here on mastodon consistently attract dozens of blue maga responses. It illustrates that this kind of low effort conspiratorial thinking is endemic to the times.

2023-12-12 21:47:56

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@npub1lrv…tth9 When that happens to me, I bite the bullet and open Chrome and take care of business. Then I delete all history and cookies in Chrome, and continue on with my day using Firefox and blockers. I know it's not an ideal solution.

2023-12-12 19:29:08

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@npub1su4…a0dw One of my regrets in life is passing a ticket for E3 to a friend because I couldn't be bothered to drive to downtown LA (I used to work there and absolutely hated the commute). He had the time of his life and brought back tons of cool swag for everyone.

2023-12-05 19:51:48

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@npub18p4…xjng It's pretty empty out there, but there's no way he could've known if his stunt would injure or kill someone on the ground, damage property, or start a wildfire. Surprised prosecutors didn't charge him with reckless endangerment.

2023-11-22 17:08:01

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@npub18qs…0s8s I often get the sense that Mastodon as a whole, users and devs, see the community as a private club, only open to like-minded people. A dissenting reply is seen as taboo. The next feature should be the ability to turn off replies entirely. Or maybe block everyone by default.

2023-11-16 17:57:47

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@npub1vs7…a6g3 Not an unexpected result here. I'm pretty shy, but I voted "yes" because the most amazing and memorable parties I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of were surprise parties.

2023-11-15 16:34:44

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@npub18p4…xjng I've bounced back and forth between Android and iOS just to change things up every now and then. From my experience, neither platform is superior to the other. Right now I'm using iOS because I trust Apple's privacy protections more than Google's. But my next phone will probably be a de-Googled Android.

2023-11-03 15:30:10

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@npub1su4…a0dw This move in particular illustrates how insidious streaming plans are. With the flick of a switch they've converted my television from 4k to 2k and disabled my Atmos system. I'm starting to miss Blockbuster.

2023-11-02 04:10:21

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@npub1lrv…tth9 For desktop, use the Firefox browser with the Privacy Badger plugin, and you should be OK in regards to privacy and tracking.

2023-11-02 00:52:30

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@npub1utv…87lr Honestly I think both points of view are valid, but I don't really care either way. Just curious about why this of all things has sparked such passion.

2023-10-31 17:21:24

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@npub1su4…a0dw I've never been a fan of facade in cars. Fake vents, tuning the headers and muffler, etc. And now EVs are adding fake sounds and manual shifting. The sounds may be for safety reasons, and I can get behind that to a degree. But not manual transmissions. Actually, let me back up. I've always liked pop up headlights. Let's bring them back instead.

2023-10-30 19:33:10

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@npub18p4…xjng Nest/Google practices some odd gate keeping for their doorbell. Holiday themed rings are only available during the relevant holidays. If you want spooky sounds in July, you're out of luck.

2023-10-14 00:37:15

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@npub18p4…xjng That's troubling. I wonder if there will come a time when physical media of any kind is no longer produced. Video games, music, and movies are certainly headed in that direction.

2023-10-06 21:24:38

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@npub18p4…xjng And a free tier with ads. It's not a bad model, given how so much software has successfully transitioned to being subscription based. Personally, I'd abandon Windows rather than be faced with the choice of ads on my desktop or a monthly fee. Doesn't hurt that I'm considering leaving Windows anyway.

2023-10-05 21:44:44

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@npub1xzm…eykm It's funny how quickly buzzwords go off the rails. I remember way back when HD (high definition) was popular and seeing "HD toothpaste" in the store.

2023-09-30 00:16:16

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@npub1cy0…ggw4 I realize Reddit is the default forum for this type of thing, but maybe in the future you could concurrently host an AMA on Lemmy in support of the Fediverse.

2023-09-26 03:37:08

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@npub1lrv…tth9 For me, podcasts fill a specific niche; entertainment while on the move where I need my eyes, such as commuting to work. There are some really interesting podcasts out there with high production values. I didn't know that actively avoiding them was a thing.

2023-09-25 20:05:22

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@npub17ha…t8va What's interesting is that they mention an impeachment investigation may be hurting Biden. Yet criminal indictments are helping Trump. Strange.

2023-09-25 18:59:51

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@npub18p4…xjng If I had no other choice for internet access, I would consider Starlink. It's a shame that something so important is controlled by someone so inept and volatile.

2023-09-22 23:27:09

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@npub1dgc…4yrt Didn't read the paper, but I wonder if this engine could drive a spacecraft to relativistic speeds.

2023-09-22 16:58:44

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@npub18p4…xjng Amazon Prime Video has had some stand out content, like "Fleabag" and "Tales from the Loop," but it's been pretty scarce. It'll be interesting to see their retention when ads are introduced.

2023-09-20 23:18:44

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@npub1su4…a0dw Good on the FAA for doing their job. Private companies have repeatedly demonstrated that the public's best interest and protection is a low priority.

2023-09-15 16:02:45

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@npub18p4…xjng The European USB C regulation feels a little shortsighted. Device power requirements can often vary wildly, so the power supply and cable will still need to be unique for many applications (such as fast charging). And it means, for better or worse, we'll be locked in to using USB C for the foreseeable future.

2023-09-08 03:25:57

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@npub15l7…aang Wow, you weren't kidding. A review of Ahsoka by someone not familiar with Star Wars is fine, perhaps even welcome. But this piece is an indictment against the entire franchise by someone who very obviously knows nothing about the franchise nor the fan base.

2023-09-07 20:08:24

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@npub18p4…xjng Yet one more thing to ask about when purchasing a new car, "are the features subscription based?" If so, I'm out the door.

2023-09-07 19:52:02

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@npub1uw8…88kr Starlink is incredibly disturbing on so many levels, among which, is that this important technology is controlled by someone so unstable and with objectively ill intent. And congrats on making it past my filters :)

2023-09-05 19:58:31

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@npub1su4…a0dw I've learned the hard way to never buy or use Google services, software, or hardware for anything important. Besides the obvious privacy issues, they have a habit discontinuing support seemingly on a whim.

2023-08-31 19:43:04

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@npub1su4…a0dw I love the graphic.

2023-08-25 15:47:15

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@npub18p4…xjng I remember BG II came on several CDs, at least six. The only subplot that I still remember was an homage to "The Blair Witch Project," a popular movie at the time. They captured the creepiness perfectly. And who can forget Boo the space hamster. I have no choice but to buy BG III.

2023-08-25 05:01:49

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@npub1lrv…tth9 I spent over six months developing an app using the Twitter API and was unceremoniously locked out. Never in a million years would I go back, even if they made it free again. That goes for Reddit too.

2023-08-23 01:39:30

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@npub1su4…a0dw Healthcare in the US is a private enterprise, and as with all businesses, the main purpose is to make money. Quality healthcare with positive outcomes are secondary priorities. I fear the US will continue to slip until the prime motivation of the healthcare industry is delivering quality healthcare.

2023-08-18 23:40:24

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@npub1su4…a0dw OK, let's say a WiFi sniffer is a valid means of detecting and recording potential voter fraud. And let's also say that it's legal to use these devices at a polling location. Why use costly drones that need an experienced pilot and need to land every 30 minutes? Just have someone hang out in their car with the device. And his snake oil salesmanship stating "we've never had this before in history" is so over the top. He must be making money on this.

2023-08-15 20:57:13

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@npub1su4…a0dw I had an HP printer and subscribed to their ink service. All was well until one day I went over my allotted page limit and the printer refused to print until I purchased a higher level subscription. I knew there was a page limit, but that experience was somehow anger inducing. The next day I took the HP to an e-waste facility and bought an Epson that refills via ink bottles that seem to last forever. A few years later and it's still chugging along.

2023-08-14 15:43:00

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@npub18p4…xjng I was disappointed that Zuck accepted the challenge. Everyone knows that Musk is just an increasingly erratic troll, and Zuck fell for it.

2023-08-09 15:21:59

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@npub1ks7…eg5u @npub1kvn…hm73 Siddhartha is one of the few books that's really stuck with me and I reread it every now and again.

2023-08-03 21:47:59

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@npub1vs7…a6g3 Tried out several. They all were buggy to varying degrees and missing some pretty basic features. But, for me, the best one, and with the prettiest UI is Ice Cubes.

2023-08-03 17:17:34

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@npub1su4…a0dw There is so much local and state governments can do to help with the issue with pedestrian deaths. Until then, we must all be cautious when entering the road. I see so many people that cross the street without ever looking up. It takes just one inattentive driver to ruin your life. When it comes to me vs a car, I never insist on, nor assume right of way. I know I'll lose.

2023-07-24 20:19:22

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@npub1su4…a0dw Just a friendly reminder that Chrome is one of the least secure browsers when it comes to data privacy (there is no way to prevent Google from tracking you). Firefox is a great alternative, with many built-in privacy controls. Mozilla is a non profit and proponent of data privacy.

2023-07-19 21:52:33

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@npub18p4…xjng I never understood the angry "cancel reactions" to Netflix policy changes. It was nice that it was possible to share our accounts, but we all knew it was cheating right? If the service no longer meets one's needs, becomes too buggy, or too expensive, cancel the subscription. It's not like Netflix has a monopoly on streaming or provides a vital service.

2023-07-18 15:15:58

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@npub18p4…xjng I'm not buying any more pricey mechanical keyboards. I've had two by reputable makers using expensive switches, and both started breaking down within months of use. Multiple switches bouncing or failing. Maybe I was just unlucky or that's part of the experience, but I'm done. Bought a "cheap" no name mechanical keyboard for $50 years ago, and it still works fine.

2023-07-17 19:47:04

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@npub18p4…xjng This sounds like 100% hype. Most customers in the technology field need a lot of hand holding and don't know what they actually want. Human contacts are incredibly important to help them understand the possibilities and limitations of web tech and to help interpret and incorporate their requests into an actual product. It'll be interesting to see if any of these new features are actually useful to customers.

2023-06-27 06:47:29

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@npub15qw…3p2z Robert F. Kennedy Jr has an Andrew Tate vibe going on.