Firehose

stylus_note

There is an old saying that goes “If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product.”

It almost seems that for the digital age it should be altered to “If you’re paying for the product, then you are the product.”

stylus_note

Congrats to the GNOME team for the release of version 46!

Nothing revolutionary but so many fixes, tweaks, and quality of life improvements. Bravo!

stylus_note

I’ve noticed what seems to be a growing distaste for Git in my frontend development feeds on Bluesky.

I must say that once I got past the initial learning curve, I’ve found it quite nice.

stylus_note

There is a problem with the legal system when organisations can throw around their weight and money to crush innovation and community-driven projects under the guise of protecting intellectual property.

article

New post published:
Cybersecurity Superstition

It's time to cut through the cyber clutter.

A look into some cybersecurity myths and misinformation. Explore the best practices regarding passwords, multifactor authentication, social engineering tactics, antiviruses, and much more.

https://vale.rocks/posts/cybersecurity-superstition

stylus_note

Considering the amount of far right content that keeps making its way into my YouTube recommendations, I now understand how so many people end up falling down the path of hate.

YouTube needs to do better and moderate its platform.

I’m especially sickened by the sheer amount of anti-trans content that enters my YouTube recommendations. Videos that outright suggest that people assault transgender individuals.

Yesterday, I saw a video from a literal Nazi. His content was promoted and had a large number of views. He engages in marches around cities, urging others to join him in his hate campaigns. This really shouldn’t be sent to my front page, or anyone’s, for that matter.

I created an alternate account on another device, on another network. This account had no links to my own and a fresh install of its OS. I received the same content nearly immediately. I found YouTube’s Shorts feature pushed it particularly hard.

I also noticed that YouTube’s “news” tab promoted Sky News above all other broadcasters.

News arguably shouldn’t be treated differently on the platform at all, but to promote a network with such bias and prejudice above all others is inexcusable.

Remember not to engage with this content. Move on as soon as you realise what it is. Don’t dislike it. Don’t comment condemning it. Move on.

The more you interact, the more is promoted.

YouTube, you must do better. This isn’t acceptable. Stop this hate bait and get it off the platform.

stylus_note

With the increasing popularity of folding phones I hope we’ll see a mod that plays Mario’s “Goodbye” sound byte from Super Mario 64 DS when closing the lid.

stylus_note

It’s really hard to comprehend how much damage the mongrel Rupert Murdoch has done unless you sit down and look at his publications.

Endless far right slop riddled with engagement bait. The so called ‘news’ sells anger, not information.

stylus_note

It’s amazing how quickly Bluesky is evolving. It’s lovely to see a platform come together like this.

I wonder how long it’ll be until they start shoehorning in features in the pursuit of profit that damages the user experience.

stylus_note

Ahhh, yes. Neo-Twitter. Risen from the ashes of the internet’s previous tabloid crap peddler.

article

New post published:
I Hate My Nokia

Nokia is, quite literally, not the company they used to be.

My review of my Nokia G22. A phone touted as being easily repairable that doesn't quite live up to the standards it sets for itself.

https://vale.rocks/posts/i-hate-my-nokia

stylus_note

I’ve been playing Mario Kart Wii half the day. I got rather violently Mario Karted by the bots on Koopa Cape a minute ago. From 1st to 12th in the blink of an eye. Oh well.

I’m playing with no bloom or background blurring in HD on my rather large TV with an Xbox controller. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the excellent Dolphin emulator. A huge thanks to all who have contributed to emulation.

stylus_note

Started my Diploma of Information Technology (Frontend Development) at North Metropolitan TAFE today!

Eager to absorb new knowledge, enhance my skills, and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

stylus_note

I just remembered the time I had to wipe a PlayStation 2 with tens of game saves dating back to 2000 and one of the save icons was on it’s knees begging me not to delete them.

I still feel like a monster.

stylus_note

Sorry for that outage folks. The router had a blockage. Called out the plumber who cleared the debris from my Ethernet cable though. All good now.

stylus_note

Etched into the depths of my brain:

One-one was one race horse. Two-two was one too. One-one won one race, and Two-two won one to.

stylus_note

The passion with which I hate dealing with Windows cannot be described.

I’ve had more fun grazing my knee.