we the operas brothers let us sing you a song

Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). These are pups!

caption by @/ashleytheebarroness on tiktok: People reach for the Gestapo comparison because it sounds extreme and foreign. It lets white Americans pretend this kind of policing came from somewhere else. But ICE looks closer to slave patrols because that's our history. Local enforcement. Racialized suspicion. Vague authority. Taking people first, justifying it later. Gestapo is a warning. Slave patrols are a mirror.

You know I hadn’t made this exact connection at first but something in my gut told me that people comparing ice to the gestapo didn’t quite feel right. This comparison does fit a lot better.

We need to start seriously treating the concepts of "obesity" and "weight loss" as a dangerous pseudoscience and I'm not kidding.

It's some shit that everyone thinks they can understand based on vibes but science just doesn't work that way. Real scientists have proved time and time again that it doesn't work how people assume. Many medical conditions where it's assumed weight is a "cause", something to blame the patient for, it's often actually a symptom.

Body size is based on so many individual possibilities. genetics, upbringing, wealth, what type of food you eat, what type of work you do, where you live, etc etc etc. it is impossible to control for all of these.

I was a child born to fat, impoverished, labourer parents, and I grew up doing farm labour, gaining muscle - I will never ever be thin. It's just how my body developed. And no matter how much weight I were to hypothetically lose, doctors would still push me to lose more. Family would push me to lose more. Society would push me to lose more. It will never ever ever be enough. You will never be thin enough, there is no bmi low enough to satisfy them, there is no "progress" that won't just make them pity or shame you even more. Your personal circumstances aren't important to a pseudo-scientific practice, the variables don't matter that much, it must be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Every weight loss pill, every low calorie shake or meal replacement, every weight watchers frozen meal, it all contributes to the pseudo-scientific cult of thinness. Every ad that says you're not good enough, it pushes you to drop your critical thinking skills. We have created a world where people think shitting themselves into thinness using potions with untested ingredients is healthier than having some fat on their bodies. But it's not! That's absurd! You're sending your body into a constant state of gastric shock!! And one day, when you get bored of eating tasteless nutrient paste and decide to eat something with some flavour in it, your body will react with a starvation response and store every little bit of fat that it can, because it's so used to being fucking starved. Which sends people into a panic response, buying up more pills and trying to crash-diet and lose their meagre protective layers.

Your body stores fat because that's your reserve energy. Fat is protective. I thank my body every day for storing so much energy for me, fuck knows I need it! That's your blubber!! You are a large mammal. Your body is designed to keep energy in reserve so you can sleep and stay warm and keep your brain alive. You should research the human metabolic process. You should research the cow metabolic process. You should research bear metabolic process. YOU NEED FAT!

And just like so many other pseudosciences, fatphobia and all that it entails is deeply rooted in racism and specifically antiblackness. It is not a mistake that the ozempic-chic era is coinciding with one of the biggest waves of open, globalised white supremacy we've seen in decades. Whiteness needs to perform & police whiteness constantly, maintaining appearances is THE way to stay part of the ingroup.

You must commit to removing yourself from that ingroup. Do not allow it a single toe in the door. A pseudoscience, no matter how comforting and easy to digest it may be, is not your friend. It is feeding you lie upon lie upon lie.

Looked up something about menopause symptoms the other day, and I had to take a screenshot of options for symptom management:

You can see that weight loss is in the comparable company of hypnosis, acupuncture, and chiropracticity. Absolutely pseudoscience.

measure once cut also once, no prablem

#i know i already reblogged this but i need to like. cross stitch it or carve it into wood or quilt it or something

concept for a vcarving project

no i get you this was perfectly centered when i wrote it

I have done the cross stitch

in honor of all the times I've made this mistake irl

Portland's crow population not only rebounded from West Nile Virus a couple decades ago, but has exploded! Thousands of them migrate toward downtown every evening to roost in the trees. I get to watch them flying over my apartment, at a time I call "Crow O'Clock." This video shows a relatively small gathering I saw while out and about yesterday.

Sometimes it is possible for there to be a many-months-long effort in software engineering where the instructions from leadership are "go as fast as possible, don't think decisions through, just do things, because time is the most important factor, be as fast as possible" and so a bunch of people get together to make a shittier and shittier train which is only designed to go as fast as possible and all the bolts are wiggling loose under the momentum and sometimes you're like "the bolts are super concerning. the 1 million loose bolts are super concerning. and everything else. i dont like to look at this. im not even sure that's salvageable" and leadership says "train should be faster" and you're not even the fastest train because the shitty huffing wiggling-apart locomotive is being overtaken by other trains that spent longer on the train engineering and then your train derails and gets all crashed up in the grass and is a lot of crashed up busted train pieces all in the grass and leadership is like "okay just put it back on the track and make it go fast" and I don't know how to tell you how much a crashed up train rolling down the hill into the nearest river below is never going to actually be a good fast train.

So so so much this OP. There’s this idea that “get it working shoddily and quickly so you can get the customers and the money then fix the issues with the money” and while there are a lot of problems with that mindset the one that drives me crazy is the idea that getting it working shoddily is easier and cheaper and quicker than getting it working right. This isn’t naivety because the naive position is actually that, of course shoddy engineering is quicker than good engineering. But in my experience it’s so much easier and quicker to build the second half of the building if the first half of the building isn’t actively collapsing underneath you. But management loves to be like “the people living on the first story of the building don’t mind the walls swaying, so just build the second story of the building on top real quick and then we can reinforce the first story.” And I’m going insane because it’s so much harder and worse to build the second story of a building on top of a swaying first story but what do I know.

(This is still about software development.)

I largely blame this on corporate leadership hearing about “agile development” without understanding anything about it. For those who are unfamiliar it’s a framework that aims to “fail fast” in the prototyping phase, incorporate frequent end user feedback, and deliver in small increments that provide value to the user. This is not solely a software methodology. It’s also rarely actually implemented with those goals.

Instead of implanting the full framework, leadership will nod along and hear fail fast, deliver often to the customer and ignore if it’s actually a useful improvement or even a working one. They cut the customer feedback loop out because it “slows things down” and “development should be fast.”

Instead of consistent research and outreach by product owners, the role is boiled down to being a “tell the team this is what they’re making” role with all of the time spent refining the backlog. Dev just hears “here’s your next two weeks of work, get it done faster so our velocity increases” while decisions are made in an echo chamber.

It’s become a game of improving KPIs instead of properly scoping projects based on what the team can take on. It’s become “qa isn’t a listed role so it’s not needed” instead of qa being an active participant in engineering. It’s soul sucking instead of encouraging useful ideas and iterating with end users.

Because profit is more important than the customer. And all they see is output=profit. Until it tanks because it’s become unusable. And that’s no longer that corporate leaderships problem because they sold the company the moment before everything broke, and the cult following never saw it coming.

Got this locally dyed wool at the coast in October! I was so hyped that the LYS we found had spinning stuff. Colorway is Stargazer on rambouillet by Hearth Rest. So soft so bounce so pretty colors 🐑 chain plied to maintain the gradient

:)

NO bald. NO nuance.

"OP you forgot –" stickers will be awarded for CREATIVITY, but you guys don't get a button.

Here comes the Terracotta Army feature! Chinese netizens have discovered that many people nowadays look exactly like the terracotta warriors.

The Terracotta Army, aka Bing Ma Yong兵马俑, an over 2,200-year-old collection, buried with China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang, features thousands of unique life-sized soldiers and horses. Each figure has unique facial features and details. So far, about 8,000 human-shaped terracotta figures have been unearthed. With no repeated faces or identical expressions among them, this collection is truly an artistic miracle. This archaeological marvel remains one of China's most iconic ancient treasures (Qin State: 770 BCE – 221 BCE Qin Dynasty: 221 BCE – 207 BCE). Here are modern people — some ordinary individuals, some actors — who bear a striking resemblance to the Terracotta Warriors.

This terracotta warrior below is widely considered the most handsome one. Based on his facial features, people have reconstructed what he would look like in real life by 3D modeling. Yet, even the restored version still falls short of the sculpture's beauty, nor can they recreate that piercing and resolute gaze of the sculpture.

"Now I finally understand why people sob when they see the Terracotta Army in person. Seeing Bingmayong in person feels completely different from viewing photos. Standing in the silent underground vault, surrounded by thousands of solemn figures, the profound sense of history and awe-inspiring grandeur moves many visitors to tears.

Guides explain that each warrior was carved based on the faces of real soldiers. What's particularly touching is that experts believe many artisans used their own family members serving in the military as references, pouring genuine emotion into their work. This personal connection explains why the figures feel so vividly alive. On their faces, necks, and breastplates, you can still find the fingerprints of those ancient craftsmen — marks so tangible that some visitors have even managed to photograph them." (photos and cotexts by 小川迦蓝，遗产君，Staringrace，皮卡～可达～)

The restoration of the Terracotta Army is an ongoing, long-term project that has already spanned over six decades and continues to this day. The core restoration efforts can be divided into three main phases. After the figures were accidentally discovered in 1974, archaeological teams first launched emergency excavations. They faced enormous challenges: the pits contained vast quantities of shattered and collapsed warriors and horses — some broken into dozens, even hundreds, of fragments.

To date, approximately 2,000 terracotta figures have been restored and put on display. However, a tremendous number of fragments remain — in Pit No. 1 alone, over 100,000 pieces have been unearthed — all awaiting or undergoing restoration. This monumental task is far from over and will continue for many years to come. The restoration of the painted bronze chariots and horses from the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang:

It's said that when Bingmayong were first unearthed, they weren't like what we see today—they were colorful and stunningly detailed. But just 15 seconds after being uncovered, the colors began to fade, and within five minutes, they had completely disappeared.

Here are precious photographs taken by archaeologists: the Terracotta Warriors immediately after excavation, their colors not yet faded, rapidly oxidizing. Their vivid appearance is truly breathtaking.

There's this photo of a newly-unearthed terracotta head that looks way too real. With the pigments oxidized, it looks like something straight out of a forensic autopsy. That one's even more shocking. I won't post the image here, or it'd definitely get some "restricted content" label. Curious people click this Douyin link.

Here are the appearances of some famous Terracotta Warriors.

By the way, if you visit the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, make sure you go to the correct address. There are scammers operating in the area who may trick you into getting into their vehicles and take you to counterfeit attractions.

The authentic Terracotta Army is part of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum(秦始皇陵博物院), located at the intersection of Qinling North Road and Yongguan Highway in Lintong District, Xi'an(陕西省西安市临潼区秦陵北路与秦俑馆公路交叉口). This official AAAAA-rated attraction features real excavated pits and authentic terracotta figures.

Beware of scams in the area. Common fake attractions include:

• "Dream Back to Qin" (formerly known as "Trace to Qin Mausoleum") – no real artifacts, only replicas. It's NEAR the real Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum so be very careful.
• "World Eight Wonders Museum" – poorly made replicas with exaggerated features. Located at the foot of Lishan Mountain in Lintong, the terracotta figures here are crudely crafted — some even feature exaggerated "double eyelids and red lips" — making them drastically different from the authentic artifacts and easily distinguishable.
• "Qin Tomb Underground Palace Simulation" – a small, artificially created exhibition with wax figures and models.

When visiting, prioritize taking official bus routes like Tourist Bus 5 (Route 306) and avoid unlicensed taxis or unauthorized guides. Always purchase tickets through the official channels of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to prevent being misled to imitation sites.

Pay special attention to identifying official buses. The legitimate Tourist Bus 5 (Route 306) displays a "State-Owned 国营" label on the front windshield and only collects fares after passengers board, never charging in advance. Be cautious around the train station area where unauthorized vehicles often impersonate this route—do not trust claims like "premium direct service" or "skip-the-line access."

So Tourist Bus 5 (Route 306) (Chinese:游 5（306 路)) is the official route. Its departure point is the Textile City Public Transport Hub纺织城枢纽站. You can take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Textile City Station, then transfer to Tourist Bus 5. Alternatively, continue on Metro Line 9 to Dongsancha Station, exit at Gate C or B2, and walk a few minutes to the transfer stop (bus stop name: Renmin Road Station) for Tourist Bus 5.

If you're still unsure, you can always search for related information on Xiaohongshu, or just post a question directly. There will definitely be Xi'an locals who come across your post. Also, timing your visit is crucial. Try to avoid holidays and go during the off-peak season. Arriving before 10 AM makes for a much better experience. If you go when it's crowded, you'll just be looking at the backs of people's heads, be like people mountain people sea.

Also Xi'an served as the capital for 13 different dynasties across China's long history, making it one of the world's most ancient and significant capitals. Locals say there's something kinda mystical about the place, probably because of many ancient ancestors buried underground. That's why they have all these unwritten rules: Don't make any serious vows or oaths in Xi'an, because they might just come true way faster than you think. Basically, watch what you say there.

These are Cnetizen's real experiences. I hit the 30-pic limit so here's a direct text translation.

"My out-of-town friend visited Xi'an, and I kept warning them to watch their words. They were really careful the whole trip. When we were about to leave, dragging our luggage to the train station, my friend said, 'I love Xi'an so much I don't even want to leave!'... Then at the waiting hall, we got notified our train would be delayed for at least 10 hours – the train was still somewhere in Xinjiang or Qinghai! We had to return tickets and rebook for the next day. Literally ended up staying one more night."

"And never, ever use phrases like 'It never...' or 'This would never...' here. Whatever you say tends to come true instantly."

"I bought a lottery ticket with my colleague and joked, 'If I win, I'm not coming to work tomorrow.' Well, I really didn't show up the next day—because my kid had a fever. My coworker was so worried I'd actually won that they lost sleep over it."

"Never gossip about people here. The moment you do, you'll turn around and find them standing right behind you."

"Good predictions never come true, but the bad ones strike instantly. I've had so many moments where I said, 'It's been so long since…' and that very thing immediately happened. And multiple times, the second I complained about my boss, I'd either find them behind me or get a phone call from them."

Basically, this legend is like the one about Beijing's Yonghe Temple—don’t make random wishes there, because it’s known for granting them in all kinds of bizarre ways. If you're curious, I can translate some of those weird and wonderful experiences shared by Chinese netizens about the temple someday.

villainous and evil morning. rushed out to get the bus only to discover that my bus mask was not in my pocket. ok fine, not ideal but it happens. unfortunately also thirsty. took a sip of water, choked on it. coughing fit. stuffed myself down in my coat neck trying not to spray spit everywhere. making noises ive never made before. trying to reassure my bus neighbors i choke out out “i’m not sick i just —EHGEHE UHGHHGHHHH — just swallowed wrong." they nod at me nervously. it KEEPS GOING. you know how it is when you get the wrong pipe. starts to turn into almost a barfing gulp. HUHGH KGHCKKKK GKUHHHHHH. i'm hunched down in the neck of my coat like Morla the Ancient One. spitting on my own face. all the tubes are involved now. it's so wet in there. people turning around staring in open horror. had to get off the bus early bc i was so conspicuous and ashamed. we as a society really look at coughers like they are doing this on purpose btw, and i know because i have made this face myself, partly by accident and, frankly, if i examine myself rigorously, partly as a self-righteous social rebuke: why would you leave your house, Typhoid Mary? WITHOUT A MASK? well it's not just the mask i left at home, i wish i could have said to them, it's everything, i also left my wallet AND my work badge so i can't even get in and out of the stupid office, where btw I DON'T WANT TO GO ANYWAY, but am forced to because my gormless bosses — the real villains!!! — are making a huge stupid deal about our in-office policy. anyway all this is to say: we should never have left the ocean. gotta drag these sacks of water around on land and they don't even have enough WATER in them to get us through the fucking bus ride. bullshit

There was a time Scott "Dilbert Guy" Adams was seen as a "smart" public figure & somehow this was the same time he was publishing books where he talked about his belief in the Law of Attraction, advanced alternate theories of gravity, and created a inedible Dilbert-themed vegan burrito that contained every important vitamin & mineral since that makes it The Most Healthy Food & incomprehensibly branded it "the blue jeans of food" (since "everyone likes" & "almost everyone wears" blue jeans, just like how everyone would like & eat a Dilbert-themed undifferentiated lump of minerals that would destroy your guts if you so much as smelled it)

RIP to the Dilbert guy, creator of the Dilberito, who spent his last days begging Donald Trump to let him try a fake treatment and declaring his intent to convert to Christianity at the last minute bc of Pascal's Wager

This is how I learned Scott Adams died lmao

Scott Adams was such a bizarre man. From posting about how he should have murdered his stepson in 2022 to claiming in 2020 that his shitty cartoon was cancelled because he was white to his blog in 2006 where he ranted about, among other things, his belief that fossils weren't real and his belief that the Holocaust didn't kill as many people as historians say it did.

I can't say I'm mourning him, he was a miserable shithead and nearly every kind of hateful imaginable, but I'll almost miss him the way I almost miss John McAfee. Horrible human being who deserved worse than they got, but disconnected from reality enough to be unintentionally funny a lot of the time.

& because of his bizarre ideas, some people dismiss it as just 'crazy talk', but there was a clear and very consistent line through it all:
he hated black people. Whenever something didn't work out for him, he loudly and publicly blamed black people. He explicitly and repeatedly argued for re-segregation.

He can Rest in Piss