2024-11-21

Jason Becker: ‘Four issues without ambiguity’

[A]nd our incoming government is wrong on all four at once.

  • We must support Ukraine against Russian invasion
  • Israel is murdering Palestinians with impunity and support.
  • Climate change is a serious, immediate threat
  • Trans rights are human rights. Just fucking respect people.

[…] Whether we’ve entered the end of America’s leadership on the international stage as a matter of projected force, I do not know. But whether we’ve absolutely failed the moral leadership test? There’s no question.

Yup. 😔

2024-11-21

Google Research is working on wildfire detection and modeling:

FireSat is a constellation of satellites dedicated entirely to detecting and tracking wildfires. After it launches, it will provide global high resolution imagery that is updated every 20 minutes, enabling the detection of wildfires that are roughly the size of a classroom.

It strikes me that Apple tackles problems from the human scale (AirPods as hearing aids, crash detection, etc.), and Google tackles problems from the global scale (FireSat program, Project Loon’s internet access, flood forecasting, etc.).

(Via kottke.org)

2024-11-21

Another banger from Jason Snell: ‘The App Store era must end, and the Mac is the model’

But over time, the inevitable happened: Apple used the exclusivity of the App Store and its total control over the platform to extract money through rent-seeking and to bar businesses from admitting that the web existed outside their apps. Perhaps worst of all, the App Store’s exclusivity allowed Apple to essentially treat app developers as Apple employees, forcing them to follow Apple’s guidelines and please Apple’s approval apparatus before their apps would be allowed to be seen by the public.

2024-11-21

I’m apparently not the only one waffling. Jason Snell, sixcolors.com:

But… this also means I would need to travel with a 14-inch MacBook Pro. They are great, don’t get me wrong, but I’m a refugee 11-inch MacBook Air user now accepting life with a 13-inch MacBook Air. Do I want to travel with a larger laptop? (Or, if I mostly use the iPad when I travel, does it not matter?)

Personally, I can’t decide between an M4 MacBook Pro (that screen and nano-texture!) or waiting out for an M4 MacBook Air (that thin, fanless design!).

2024-11-21

A worthy piece from Paul Kafasis:

I had been describing myself as disgusted by this result, but I eventually realized that was incorrect. What I actually am is disillusioned. America was a dream, and now that dream is gone from me. Holding on to beliefs like “good triumphs over evil” and “justice will be served” has always required taking a long view. But now, when a convicted felon has yet again managed to evade consequences and scam his way into the presidency, I find my faith in my country shattered. It lies in pieces at my feet and I am unsure what I’m going to do about that.

2024-11-21

I didn’t have high expectations for my performance, but I entered my first-ever climbing competition last weekend…and came in second place for the Intermediate division! It was a ton of fun, way lower pressure than I expected, and brought together a bunch of local climbers. Thanks Mt. Van Ho!

Two smiling people pose enthusiastically indoors one wearing a medal and a white shirt the other in a tropical shirt and beanie with climbing holds visible on the wall behind them. A person climbs a bouldering wall, gripping colorful handholds, in an indoor climbing gym.

2024-11-20

And Re: the terrible Apple Intelligence ads, @gruber@mastodon.social spotlights an example that I didn’t, but that I totally agree with. The ads make everyone look super dumb and rude.

2024-11-20

Re: Overcast’s update, I really appreciate the thought that went into the privacy angle of its history/sharing feature:

2024-11-20

I asked ChatGPT, “Based on what you know about me, draw a picture of what you think my current life looks like.” Not too bad. It nailed the outdoor mountain theme, included @onwardguides, and even got Phin! I’d love to have that little cabin.

A golden retriever sits inside a wooden cabin filled with hiking gear and potted flowers Onward Mountain Guides sign above door Autumn mountains and lake visible through windows

2024-11-20

Overcast version 2024.11.1:

New Overcast Premium features:

  • Listening stats: See your top podcasts by year, month, or day, with stats going back to the start of 2023!
  • 48-hour History and Undo: Accidentally seek too far, leave your phone playing overnight, or delete the wrong episode, podcast, or playlist? Just undo it!

These are two features I’ve wanted forever and I can’t wait to dig in!

2024-11-18

Hank Sanders, nytimes.com, on the jaw-dropping effect of introducing Nerds Gummy Clusters:

The effort seems to have worked. In 2018, Nerds products brought in $40 million in sales. In the past calendar year, the company said, that number jumped to $800 million, a 20-fold increase in about six years. The company declined to specify its profits. The new product’s following also led to the first Super Bowl ad in Ferrara’s history, and the company said it planned to release a second Super Bowl ad in 2025.

It’s true; they’re DaBomb.com and seriously addictive. I can’t resist. (Via kottke.org)

2024-11-18

Back to Street & Nye (I promise we guide other mountains!) with @hikingwith_diane for the best weather and conditions of the past two weeks!

The weather was crisp, which gave us nice firm trails for most of the day, and the sunny view at Street was amazing! Even microspikes colluding with tree roots trying to trip us up couldn’t keep our spirits down. And learning a new skill to hike the frozen trails with them was a highlight of the day.

We had a great time in the backcountry, with big props to Diane as she completed the 9th and 10th peaks of her 46ers. 🤞 for good weather the rest of the week!

Mountains silhouetted against a pastel twilight sky stand beyond a field, bordered by a line of dense evergreen trees, creating a serene and expansive landscape view. Wooden signpost displaying directional arrows amidst a forest setting reads 38 Adirondak Loj Mount Jo Trailhead Parking High Peaks Information Center Heart Lake Loop Street and Nye Rocky Falls Two people smile while hiking in a forest filled with bare trees. One holds trekking poles. Both wear winter gear and backpacks, surrounded by fallen leaves on the forest floor. A hiker climbs a snowy forest trail using trekking poles surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through the branches. Sunlight shines through dense evergreen trees against a mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky. Delicate ice crystals form intricate ridges while resting among moss and soil in a shaded outdoor area. A person in hiking gear smiles while holding trekking poles in a snowy forest with fallen branches and evergreen trees surrounding them. Sunlight filters through the trees. A small stream trickles over rocks and roots within a snow-dusted forest of tall trees and moss-covered logs surrounding the area. Topographic map shows Nye Mountain North Peak labeled with contour lines and an elevation marker of 3600 feet A dotted trail crosses the map with an orange arrow pointing southwest Person hiking wooded trail stands beside tree holding trekking pole wearing backpack under sign reading Street Mountain Evergreen trees stand still on a hilltop, overlooking a vast range of forested mountains under a clear blue sky. Two people smiling stand among evergreen trees with sunlit mountains and clear blue sky in the background. A barren tree stands still against a backdrop of a snow-dusted mountain under a clear blue sky. Sparse evergreen branches frame the scene. A person wearing a blue jacket holds hiking poles while smiling in a snowy forest trail with surrounding green moss-covered trees.

2024-11-17

Same! Thanks to Micro.blog.

You can find me on the web.

So much chatter lately on leaving social platform this to go to social platform that.

The new thing.

The better thing?

What is everyone chasing?

I’ll be right here on the web.

Same place I was before.

Same place I’ll be in the future.

2024-11-16

It strikes me that everyone seems to remember the “scribble a fish on your Apple Watch to let a buddy know you want sushi for lunch” example. The feature didn’t pan out, but that demo sure stuck with folks. 🤔

2024-11-15

Oh come on, this book is awesome! I can think of at least three people who would laugh their asses off pulling it out of a stocking.

A black book lies closed on a wooden table. White text on the cover reads, “FUCK OFF, I’M READING AN AUDIOBOOK."

2024-11-15

Tim Hardwick shared a good tip that I wish people never needed, but unfortunately do from time to time: ‘Hide iPhone Find My Location Without Raising Suspicion’

To hide your actual location, you’ll need to have at least two Apple devices signed in to your Apple Account with Find My enabled. This method works by telling Find My to use a stationary device’s location instead of your iPhone’s.

2024-11-15

Hey friends, I need some advice. I started an Instagram for my new solo guiding service, but I’m already torn between posting there or on my personal account. Should I just stick to one? Thoughts on using your personal for everything vs. keeping a business account too? I’ve seen both work well.

2024-11-14

Tom and I had the whole mountain to ourselves today as we took on Street ( ft) and Nye (ft)! After our 11-hour hike yesterday, we moved a little slower up the trail while navigating our boots carefully through each icy step.

We reached the summits before the clouds rolled in, giving us pristine views over the McIntyres, Santanonis, and Sewards. We even caught a glimpse of Gothics, which we summited yesterday. With temps warming, we had to be extra careful on the descent, trying to avoid punching through the ice into mud and water below.

Crossing back over Indian Pass Brook was our final challenge, which we dispatched with ease, and were rewarded with a fantastic view of the moonrise on our drive out from the Loj. Another perfect day in the peaks.

@newyorkoutdoorguides @lakeplacidadk #Adirondacks #PerfectDayADK #hireaguide 📷

Person taking a photo with a smartphone stands among trees in a dense forest with mountains visible in the background carrying a backpack and holding a walking stick. Wooden signpost displaying directional arrows stands in a forest with fallen leaves and trees nearby. Text includes Eureka Loj Trailhead Parking. Mount Jo via Rock Garden Trail. Street & Nye. Phelps. Two hikers walk through a sunlit forest wearing backpacks and winter gear. A digital device on one backpack displays 8:56. Rest of the screen text is not fully visible. Tall evergreen trees stand still on a hillside surrounded by a dense forest under a bright sun partially obscured by thin clouds with distant mountains visible in the background. Animal paw prints create a trail across a snow-covered rock in a forest setting surrounded by fallen branches and snow-dusted evergreen trees. Icicles hang from a rocky cliff with green moss growing above frozen streams cascading down surrounded by forest underbrush and snow-dusted rocks nearby. A tree trunk stands with carved letters “NY 51” amidst a snowy forest setting featuring a small icy stream and surrounding evergreen trees. A person walks cautiously on a snowy and icy forest trail surrounded by tall trees and dense underbrush, creating a winter hiking scene. A person stands smiling in a snowy forest wearing hiking gear including a blue jacket and cap. A wooden sign on a tree reads STREET MOUNTAIN. Two people smiling outdoors standing near small evergreen trees with snow-dusted mountains in the background. One wears a blue jacket and baseball cap; the other wears a beanie and jacket. Wooden sign with yellow text reading STARR KING MOUNTAIN attached to a tall tree trunk in a forested area with branches and blue sky visible above. Two hikers are smiling in a snowy forest, wearing jackets and backpacks. A wooden sign on a tree reads NYE MOUNTAIN. A person hikes through a forest, stepping over icy roots between a large tree and a rock. The surrounding area is dense with trees and natural vegetation. Clouds scatter across a twilight sky reflecting in a calm lake surrounded by forested hills and silhouetted branches in the foreground.

2024-11-14

A bit of happy capital ‘N’ News, for a change:

‘The Onion wins Alex Jones’ Infowars in bankruptcy auction'

The Onion plans to shutter Jones’ Infowars and rebuild the website featuring well-known internet humor writers and content creators, according to a person with knowledge of the sale. About an hour and a half after the announcement of the sale, Infowars' website was shut down.

I hope this is featured on The Good News Podcast tomorrow.

2024-11-14

Mythic Quest returns along with spin-off Side Quest (great name) soon!

Fantastic show. Can’t wait.

2024-11-13

~4 more new miles (and 2 more peaks!) explored today on our 12-mile journey. 🏔️ 📷

2024-11-13

Uh-oh. I tried the wide/ultra-wide Mac Virtual Display through visionOS, and now my regular 28-inch monitor looks small. 😬

2024-11-13

I have a great many to add, but I finally made a space for my favorite quotes on my website: https://heydingus.net/lists/quotes

(Thanks to shoutouts.page)

P.S. They should each probably be blog posts, but I like how this works.

2024-11-13

No-Shave November check-in. 📷

A person with short hair and light facial hair stands facing forward wearing a gray shirt in front of a textured black and frosted window.

2024-11-12

I really dig this kind of charger for the bathroom. But I can’t seem to find one that’s compatible with fast-charging a modern Apple Watch. Anybody know of one?

A smartwatch with a silver case displays “100% Charged” in green, indicating full charge, connected to a black wall charger featuring USB ports, against a plain white background.