R.NF

A few rows back from the empty stage, Amanda Mainville burst into tears, and instantly, every camera in the vicinity swung its lens toward her. She shouted an expletive as she wiped her eyes, bathed in the blue light bouncing off the walls and stage.

Fortunately for her, Jon Gurman and his daughter Raquel were standing nearby, ready the moment the mood turned. Mr. Gurman reached into his jacket and produced a plastic canister labelled “Anti-Liberal Wipes" ("Now with extra logic!" was emblazoned across it) and a metal can of “Anti- Liberal Rash Cream." ... The previous night, she had attended the big rally in Mr. Poilievre's riding of Carleton on the outskirts of Ottawa- where, as of this writing, he was behind and at risk of losing his seat to his Liberal challenger. She found it to be a transformative experience, much different from watching his videos online.

"He fills my soul. When I watch him on the lives, it's one crying, we were in tears," she said. "You feel from the soul of Pierre, just bringing that out to everybody."

I really appreciate the GrapheneOS security model with detailed permissions for every app, including internet access.

I'd like to have something similar to that on my main OS. I like to be able to install an app without trusting it. So that I can be more lax with the FOSS projects and the proprietary stuff I use.

I use my PC for gaming, programming and personal stuff. I have been using Fedora for quite some time.

I know that QubesOS exists, and would give me the highest security and privacy guarantees, but i'd prefer something more elegant. I havent tried Qubes in 10 years though 🤔

Am I limited to Flatpak with Flatseal and similar solutions to Flatseal for AppImage?

Edit: I have a ryzen iGPU and a seperate dedicated GPU

On March 22nd, this journalist detailed the findings of a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on “Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023.” That investigation focused primarily on the hideous, industrial scale rape and sexual abuse of male and female Palestinian detainees in Zionist Occupation Force prisons, a phenomenon so pervasive it can only be dedicated, determined policy, signed off upon and directed by the highest levels of the Israeli government.

Reinforcing that horrifying conclusion, buried within the Commission’s report are bombshell passages unequivocally charging the Zionist entity with deliberately committing “genocidal acts” in Gaza, consciously and intentionally “calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians as a group.” The details provided are irresistibly persuasive, and point to Israel being in flagrant breach of both the Rome Statute, and Genocide Convention. In a truly just world, the mainstream media’s mass omertà on this landmark ruling would in itself be a criminal act.

Washington (AFP) – President Donald Trump's administration has fired the authors of the United States' premier climate report, a move scientists said threatens to derail a key assessment vital to preparing for global warming.

In an email sent to contributors of the Sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA6) on Monday, the administration said the report's "scope" was being reevaluated and informed participants they were being "released from their roles."

The decision follows mass firings earlier this month at the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the body overseeing the congressionally required report, and marks the latest flashpoint in Trump's efforts to reshape the federal government.

"The people who work on this report are dedicated to informing the public about the latest scientific knowledge, how this might affect people, and what some of the options are to address climate change," Abby Frazier, a climatologist at Clark University who was set to author a chapter on Hawaii and US-affiliated Pacific Islands, told AFP.

"I am devastated by this news."

She added that the last report had helped people see how climate change affected their communities, particularly in the Pacific Islands.

Rachel Cleetus, a senior policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and a former author on NCA6's chapter on coastal impacts, blasted the move as reckless and politically motivated.

"The Trump administration senselessly took a hatchet to a crucial and comprehensive US climate science report by dismissing its authors without cause or a plan," she said in a statement.

"Trying to bury this report won't alter the scientific facts one bit, but without this information, our country risks flying blind into a world made more dangerous by human-caused climate change."

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Other authors also took to social media to confirm they had received identical notices, expressing frustration and alarm.

Since returning to office, Trump has embarked on an aggressive overhaul of federal institutions, firing thousands of civil servants, including climate scientists and public health experts.

It has also steered agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Institutes of Health away from climate and environmental research.

The disruption of NCA6 comes at a perilous time: global temperatures have begun to breach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above preindustrial levels, according to recent international analyses, fueling worsening wildfires, droughts, floods, and storms across the United States.

The National Climate Assessment, first published in 2000, is a cornerstone of US government climate understanding, synthesizing input from federal agencies and hundreds of external scientists.

Previous editions have warned in stark terms of mounting risks to America's economy, infrastructure and health if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed.

While not directly prescriptive on policy, the reports have served as guides for lawmakers, businesses, and local governments planning climate resilience.

Under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, the government is legally obligated to deliver the climate assessment to Congress and the president. It remains unclear whether the administration's actions will delay, compromise or cancel the report.

cross-posted from: https://lemy.lol/post/43444441

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through your social media feed, only to realize hours have passed? You’re not alone. In a world where social media dominates our daily interactions, it’s crucial to understand the hidden mechanics that keep us glued to our screens. These platforms are not just tools for connection; they are meticulously designed environments that exploit our psychology to maximize engagement. Let’s dive into the captivating—and often unsettling—world of social media design and its implications for our mental health and well-being.

At the heart of this engagement strategy is infinite scrolling. Imagine a never-ending stream of content that invites you to keep going, with no clear endpoint in sight. This design choice creates a seamless experience that lulls us into a trance-like state, making it all too easy to lose track of time. It’s a clever trick that keeps us engaged without requiring any conscious decision to continue. Pair this with variable rewards—the unpredictable likes, comments, and shares that pop up as we scroll—and you have a recipe for compulsive behavior. It’s akin to the thrill of gambling, where each notification feels like a small win, driving us to chase that next rush of validation.

But the hooks don’t stop there. Notifications are the sirens of the social media world, beckoning us back with promises of new interactions. Each ping creates a sense of urgency, compelling us to check our apps even when we’re busy with other tasks. This constant barrage can lead to heightened anxiety, as we feel the pressure to stay connected. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) looms large, pushing us to compulsively check our feeds to ensure we’re not left out of the latest trends or conversations. It’s a design tactic that effectively keeps us tethered to our devices, often at the expense of our mental health.

Then there are personalization algorithms, which curate content specifically for us based on our preferences and behaviors. While this can enhance our experience, it also makes it increasingly difficult to disengage. The more time we spend on the platform, the more tailored our experience becomes, creating a feedback loop that keeps us coming back for more. This is further reinforced by the sense of community and belonging that social media fosters. While it’s wonderful to connect with others, this reliance on online validation can lead to a dependency that’s hard to shake off.

However, the practices of major social media companies raise serious ethical concerns. The extensive collection of user data for targeted advertising purposes raises questions about privacy and consent. These companies often prioritize profit over user well-being, designing features that promote addictive behaviors to maximize engagement. The lack of transparency regarding how our data is used and how algorithms determine what we see can create a sense of distrust. Many users are left in the dark about how their information is being utilized, making it challenging to make informed choices about their engagement.

Critics argue that the relentless pursuit of profit often overshadows the responsibility these companies have to protect user privacy and promote healthy online interactions. The design choices made by these platforms can contribute to negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to maintain an online presence and seek validation through likes and shares can be overwhelming, leading to a detrimental impact on our overall well-being.

Yet, it’s essential to recognize that not all users feel “trapped” by these platforms. Many find genuine value in the connections and content they encounter online. The debate surrounding social media is complex and multifaceted, encompassing both the benefits and drawbacks of these platforms. As users, we must remain vigilant and critical of the design elements that shape our online experiences, striving for a balance between engagement and ethical considerations.

In conclusion, as we navigate this digital landscape, it’s crucial to be aware of the mechanisms at play that keep us engaged. By understanding the design elements that contribute to our online experiences, we can make more informed choices about our social media usage, ultimately leading to a healthier and more balanced digital life. It’s time to take control of our online interactions and ensure that they enhance our lives rather than detract from our well-being. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling endlessly, take a moment to reflect: Are you in control, or is the platform pulling the strings?

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/2599828

...

As some European countries and the United States head towards isolationism, authoritarianism and turn to the East — even flirting with Russia — Canada’s continued Liberal leadership reinforces its position as a key ally for the European Union. Carney’s centrist and pro-EU attitude provides stability and relief for Europeans.

From defence to trade and climate, Canada and the EU share deep economic and strategic ties. With a Liberal government, these connections will strengthen, offering both sides what they need the most: a reliable, like-minded partner at a time of transatlantic unpredictability.

...

Trade remains the foundation of the Canada-EU relationship, and both sides should aim to build on it. At the heart of this partnership is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has increased EU-Canada trade by 65 per cent since 2017.

...

Beyond trade and energy, defence co-operation between Canada and the EU is expected to surge. A key priority for the new Liberal government is to finally reach NATO’s benchmark of spending two per cent of gross domestic product on defence, a longstanding commitment that has eluded previous administrations.

Post by Tred (tredlocity)
Socials: Bluesky, Patreon
Comic: Val and Isaac

CTV News also made the same call.

Majority or minority gov tbd

Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney take in the results in Ottawa. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

Der Mann war betrunken und mit über 100 Stundenkilometern durch die Stadt gerast, hatte dann die Kontrolle über seinen Audi verloren und war nahe der Grindelhochhäuser in einen Mercedes gekracht. Zwei Menschen wurden schwer verletzt. Als sie im Gericht aussagten, wurde es emotional. Der Angeklagte hatte ihnen einen Brief geschrieben, in dem er sich entschuldigen wollte, aber das wies einer der Verletzten entschieden zurück. "Lächerlich", sagte er. "Bei dem, was Du mir angetan hast, kannst 100 Mal sagen, dass es dir leid tut. Das nehme ich nicht an.

Der 23-Jährige hatte durch den Unfall mehrere Knochenbrüche erlitten, seine Freundin wurde sogar lebensgefährlich verletzt. Der Angeklagte hatte damals 1,3 Promille Alkohol im Blut. "Ich konnte aber noch fahren," behauptete er. "Ich weiß nicht, warum ich aus der Kurve geflogen bin." Dazu die Richterin: "Weil Sie betrunken waren und gerast sind."

Im Brief mit der Entschuldigung bemitleidete sich der Angeklagte laut dem Staatsanwalt selbst. Darin stehe auch der Satz: Unfälle passieren.

Ich bin mir nicht sicher ob ich hier an der richtigen Adresse bin mit dem Thema, falls das woanders hin muss bitte gerne sagen.

Ich werde meinen Einbaukühlschrank durch einen größeren freistehenden ersetzen. Dadurch wird Platz für eine Spülmaschine.

Beim Kühlschrank sehe ich keine größeren Probleme auf mich zukommen aber bei der Suche nach einer Waschmaschine war ich gestern am Abkotzen. Hatte eigentlich Bosch ins Auge gefasst weil die Maschinen im mittleren preissegment bei Stiftung Warentest super abschneiden und die zumindest teilweise noch in der EU produzieren. Jetzt habe ich aber gestern zufällig durch ein YouTube Video erfahren, dass teilweise Features nur über die App mit Cloud Integration verfügbar sind was für mich ein absolutes No-Go ist. Jetzt gibt es zwar zufälligerweise seit Ende letzten Jahres über openhab ein Modul das es einem erlaubt dieses Zeug komplett lokal zu steuern (Home Connect local binding). Ich habe zwar auch geplant für dieses Jahr mal openhab aufzusetzen und smart Thermostate anzuschaffen, aber damit habe ich noch nicht angefangen und aktuell auch wenig Zeit dafür.

Deshalb jetzt meine Frage ob jemand Erfahrungen mit den Bosch Spülmaschinen mit App zwang hat, wie schlimm ist das? Sind das nur Dinge die man eh nie benutzt die hinter der App gelockt sind? Wenn das der Fall wäre könnte ich mir überlegen die anzuschaffen und dann wenn ich openhab aufsetze kann ich den Rest ja nutzen. Geht mir aber grundsätzlich schon mal gegen den Strich und ich hab eigentlich schon keinen Bock mehr auf Bosch. Spricht etwas gegen AEG? Preislich vergleichbar, eher noch günstiger. Schneiden bei Tests schlechter ab als Bosch aber noch gut? Bauknecht scheint mit schlechter zu sein als AEG und bosch. Miele ist zu teuer, würde gerne mit beiden Geräten zusammen unter 1000 bleiben, absolute Schmerzgrenze ca 1200.

cross-posted from: https://metawire.eu/post/58067

President Trump brushes off his historic approval ratings lows and condemns the polls as ‘FAKE’ as he marks his 100th day in office

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/2600244

Archived

Poland’s foreign minister ... used an annual address to parliament to send a sharp message to Russian leaders as war continues in neighboring Ukraine, asking: “Don’t you have enough land?”

Foreign Minster Radek Sikorski described the difficult situation Poland faces with the war across the border and the threat of its expansion, and voiced concerns about the “disintegration” of Western unity.

Poland, on NATO’s eastern flank, is one of Kyiv’s strongest supporters, and Sikorski used his speech to strongly criticize Russia.

He said, addressing Russian leaders: “Don’t you have enough land? Eleven time zones and still not enough? Take care of better governing what is within your borders according to international law.”

...

“For Poland, the greatest threat would be the disintegration of the Western community. That is why we cannot afford illusions or inaction. We cannot afford to be alone,” Sikorski said.

He had a warning for Russia. “You will never rule here again, neither in Kyiv, nor in Vilnius, nor in Riga, nor in Tallinn, nor in Chisinau,” he said, listing the capitals of Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Moldova.

...

He also noted that the situation on the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine is “ambiguous,” and that Russian forces’ slow progress is paid for “with huge losses.”

“After three years of this stage of the war, which Putin planned for three days, Russian troops control only about 20% of Ukrainian territory and are still stuck in eastern Ukraine,” Sikorski said.

“It is estimated that the war has already cost Russia at least $200 billion, and almost a million Russian soldiers have been eliminated from the battlefield. Ukrainian losses are smaller, and they have not allowed either the capture of their capital or the installation of a puppet government.”