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Find local events and connect with fellow Tucsonans working to save democracy.
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Looking to get politically involved in Tucson? Start here
Take Action Tucson is your Central Hub for Tucson Activism.
If you are a part of this organization please reach out to me. I'd like to have a deeper partnership with them.
Oh, something that the Tucson Metro Chamber will surely push back on!
Oh wait, no? They just wanna suck off Juan Ciscomani for not gutting Medicaid today.
Huh, I'm beginning to think that the Tucson Metro Chamber doesn't give a flying fuck about commerce, just the predominantly white business owner class.
Totally get you on that one. Fortunately, usually when someone misuses one of those it's easy to figure out what they meant.
That being said, constantly using the word deport for illegally disappearing a citizen is far more egregious of a failure than mistaking decimate with devastate.
This is an excellent point. Perhaps my directive should be a little broader. I didn't really consider that facet!
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Temporary Rule - Any Articles referencing "Deporting" a U.S. citizen shall henceforth be required to use the term "Exile" in the title.
This is pissing me the fuck off.
So let me make this utterly clear - henceforth any news article title that is erroneously using "deport" must be re-titled to use "exile" at the very least.
I'll do my part by editing the titles for any newsbot postings since that's all automated.
Language is important, deport has a very specific meaning. You cannot deport a citizen to a different country. The word the media seems to have difficulty using is "Exile" and "Salvadoran Death Camp".
So, I, as server admin will do it for them - because I'm not a fucking spineless coward.
Odds this targets mosques more than churches too… maybe not in the text but in practice.
Maybe so... but also catholic churches that do mass en espanol.
I foresee another catholic schism on the horizon. This isn't going to go over well with the Roman Catholics, but the American Catholics will cheer it on.
Interesting. I couldn't vote for this one, I was just on the other side of the line in Tanque Verde.
Would've just added to the "no's", but hey!
Turnout is pretty low, but that tracks compared to prior city-only elections. It's concerning nonetheless, I was hoping to see increased government engagement during times of economic stress, uncertainty, and the erosion of rights.
I say ban medians! Stroads are a blight on suburban civic engineering! /halfjoking
I mean, FWIW, if it's made for a 1-4 year-old it's probably at least non-toxic to consume.
Sorry, bot was offline for a bit, when it turns on, it backposts a few days. You can block it if you like. It's really only supposed to be relevant to tucson locals.
It's caught up and won't post until something on the source RSS feed updates - as it usually does.
Hi @[email protected] , thanks for getting out the word. However, I'd like to ask that you provide a bit more locally relevant details if you're going to post here in /c/tucsonpolitics. This isn't a warning or anything, I won't even take down future posts if you don't - but I think it's a bit more effective in getting participation than generic calls to action.
Ideas:
- Include the address of the protest site in your post description or as a comment.
- Use an image that includes a simplified map.
- Post en español with the language set as such, huge plus if you have graphics in español to match.
I can, of course, help, but consider how much impact the above could make in your outreach's effectiveness!
For what it's worth, I expect the governor to veto.
Pretty sure it's against the TOS to do that. So if found, the account is simply terminated and it ceases being valuable. That means that even if it's sold - it's value isn't in the games, but your friend network - as a sort of trojan spam/burner account. Which also means that it's not worth more than a few dollars at MOST unless you're some big-time twitch streamer with a vast network of steam friends.
So yeah, just be aware of what you're getting into. It's not likely some guy who wants an instant steam library - it's someone who wants to exploit your friends, family, and acquaintances for money via scams. Don't be that guy.
I liked it just fine!
I know there are a lot of Asimov diehards that found it disappointing. I don't know why. The iRobot book wasn't even really a book, it was a collection of short stories. Not exactly an easy thing to adapt to a movie.
I think this take is starting to be a bit outdated. There have been numerous films to use Blender. The "biggest" recent one is RRR - https://www.blender.org/user-stories/visual-effects-for-the-indian-blockbuster-rrr/
Man in the High Castle is also another notable "professional" example - https://www.blender.org/user-stories/visual-effects-for-the-man-in-the-high-castle/
It's been slow, but Blender is starting to break into the larger industry. With bigger productions tending to come from non-U.S. producers.
There is something to be said about the tooling exclusivity in U.S. studios and backroom deals. But ultimately money talks and Autodesk only has so much money to secure those rights and studios only have so much money to spend on licensing.
I've been following blender since 2008 - what we have now is unimaginable in comparison to then. Real commercial viability has been reached (as a tool). What stands in the way now is a combination of entrenched interests and money. Intel shows how that's a tenuous market position at best, and actively self destructive at worst.
Ultimately I think your claim that it's not used by real studios is patently and proveably false. But I will concede that it's still an uphill battle and moneyed interests are almost impossible to defeat. They typically need to defeat themselves first sorta like Intel did.
Ha...
I listed only a mini tripod under "always", which - in the age of social media - is rather common daily carry. Everything else is software or under they "TRY" category.
But sure, be the internet contrarian you've always wanted to be. I'm sure your ancestors would be proud.
How to photo/video a UFO/UAP - An astrophotography based approach
Hi Folks!
With all the recent hysteria around drones/orbs right now. I wanted to offer a clear guide on how to get the best results when attempting to photo or video something you see.
If someone thinks they see a UFO - please know that quality is paramount right now. You should treat it like such. This isn't something folks can just whip out a phone and try and capture without contributing to the already-bad data. Given how long this mystery has persisted, I've been really surprised at how low effort most evidence is. Is this not important? Don't we want to get to the bottom of things? Well then, read on, here's how:
- ALWAYS- Validate what you are seeing with public data. Use AR Astronomy apps to rule out bright stars and planets. Use AR Flight Radar apps to rule out commercial planes. Also ensure you aren't looking at a lens flair by comparing against other light patterns in the image.
- ALWAYS- Use a tripod or stabilization of some sort and film from a stationary
I mean, regional instances don't have to stop folks from engaging primarily with interest based communities.
Some regions will dominate certain interests for example - here in Tucson we're consider one of the Amateur Astronomy capitals of the world. If mander.xyz were to disappear tomorrow, Tucson would make a good home for all of the fediverse's astronomy needs even though its a region based instance.
Further, there's nothing that states an interest-based instance needs any registration. One could imagine a world where local instances have all the users and identities, and the interest based instances simply provide communities to the larger fediverse with no users of their own.
But yeah, it's definitely a paradigm shift that makes interest based communities a bit more difficult to find.
Oh okay! I'm sorry about the misunderstanding.
???
I don't particularly have any issues with them.
But if a user did, they don't have much recourse. I'm talking about that as a structural aspect. Not a moral one.
But sure if you just want to claim this puts me in the [email protected] community by ripping it out from any relevant context, go ahead I guess?
Hi there! Admin of Tucson.social here.
I think that the only way the fediverse can honestly handle this is through local/regional nodes not interest based global nodes.
Ideally this would manifest as some sort of non-profit entity that would work with municipalities to create community owned spaces that have paid moderation.
So then comes the problem of folks not agreeing with a local nodes moderation staff - but that's also WHY it should be local. It's much easier to petition and organize against someone who exists in your town than some guy across the globe who happens to own a large fediverse node.
This model just doesn't work (IMO) if nodes can't be accountable to a local community. If you don't like how Mastodon, or lemmy.world are moderated you have zero recourse. For Tucson.social - citizens of Tucson can appeal to me directly, and because they are my fellow citizens I take them FAR more seriously.
Only then will people be trusting enough to allow for the key element to protecting against AI Slop. Human Indemnification Systems. Right now, if you wanted to ask the community of lemmy.world to provide proof they are human, you'd wind up with an exodus. There's just no trust for something like that and it would be hard to acquire enough trust.
With a local node, that conversation is still difficult, but we can do things that just don't scale with global nodes. Things like validating a person by meeting them to mark them as "indemnified" on a platform, or utilizing local political parties to validate if a given person is "real" or not using voter rolls.
But yeah, this is a bit rambly, but I'll conclude that this is a problem that exists at the intersection between trust and scale and that I believe that local nodes are the only real solution that can handle both.
Okay, great, can we, like, fix the I-10 now?
Tucson.social will be going down in one hour for updates - 18:00 MST (COMPLETE)
We will be going down to update to v0.19.7 of lemmy among other things.
Well, in the cases that I saw documented it happened in one of two ways.
- Spotify assumes a record label submits good faith information. Many of these impersonation attempts come from "brand new" lables like "Gupta Music" and such. Since they are in the system as a label, it's more permissive and Spotify generally assumes that it's not their place to ask why a Band using one label is suddenly using another. These are the worst offenders and actually impersonate real artists.
- Another approach that's been reported is to not actually impersonate the artist, but to confuse the user that this is the artist visually. Take for example, The Weeknd - AI artists might upload a band named "Weeknd" or "The Weekend" or some other similar permutation - banking on genre similarity to get the algorithm to present you the song and hoping that you don't notice the misspelling. These are still bad, but a bit less so since I can usually find the real band page for the "right" info.
As for new artists that get recommended, a quick search should be able to make it clear if an artist is a real person / group no? With tour dates or pictures and stuff?
I echo xuxxun's feedback here, the newest bands often lack any sort of presence - especially with their first single or EP. A notable one back when they first released was Apocalypse Orchestra - basically ZERO info on the artist except for a newly created facebook page with no images or anything. Obviously that changed in just a few short months. It's definitely not a method that would reliably sort AI from Human - but I do agree that it's more likely to catch the AI stuff.
GenAI killed music discovery for me. How are folks discovering HUMAN music in the modern era?
So first off, let me set this straight.
I actually like GenAI music. It offers me a way to er... "create" tracks that resonate with a particular moment in my life. It's more personal and relevant than anything most artists produce. But that's where it ends - I don't want to hear GenAI mass market slop. Heck, I don't want to hear MOST folk's AI Generated stuff. That's for them. The music I generate is for me.
Moving on from that - I primarily use Spotify currently for music discovery, and up until a few months ago it's been the most reliable way to find new Artists that might interest me. Their algorithm, while not perfect, generally hooked me up with artists that were in the ballpark of what I like and were REAL.
Today, about half of my "Release Radar" is AI generated slop. Some of it is published under their own names and labels which is fine, but others are transparently attempting to dupe listeners by imitating or outright impersonating known bands. However, even in the "n
Tucson.chat is on its way! We need your input. (Survey)
forms.gle Tucson.chat market research survey
In order to build a chat service that serves the citizens of Tucson, this survey collects responses on various desired features for such a service.
Just a brief 1 minute survey on what folks want out of tucson.chat.
Announcing Project Cornerstones - A collaboration with the Pima County Democratic Party - Protesting made easy
🎉 Project Cornerstones: Your Footsteps, Our Future! 🎉
Feeling fiery and passionate about a cause but don’t know where to start? Look no further! Project Cornerstones, in collaboration with the Pima County Democratic Party, is here to fan the flames of change in Tucson! 🌿
What is Project Cornerstones?
Like the Sonoran monsoon, impactful change often starts with small, isolated showers before growing into large storms. We're all about micro-protests—powerful, intimate gatherings of fewer than a dozen folks. Show the world that even the smallest crowd can create mighty storms!
How You Can Get Involved
Crafters
Are you the creative type? Turn your artistry into activism! Design ready-to-use signs, and assemble protest packs specifically for our desert climate, complete with water and sunscreen. Add your unique flair and post your contact info in our “Maker Directory” thread!
Cornerstones
Ready to protest but need a hand? Just pick a corner and p
My dealings with Tucson DSA made me realize why the Democratic Socialists of America are doomed to fail.
So, as y'all know. I made a call to action to protest the Supreme Court Ruling.
As part of this, I reached out to multiple local political organizations. The Pima County Democratic party was pretty excited to work with me. And we'll be having some mutual announcements soon about some neat things we're doing together.
However, contrasting this with the Tucson DSA is stark.
They absolutely refused any sort of solidarity because I had placed some initial rules about not protesting Bidens nomination right now. It's not that I don't believe in that cause (I do!), its that I want to keep the protests from falling to the same issues as Occupy by keeping a narrow focus with specific talking points.
They essentially refused to talk about it at all and walked away.
Folks, to build power, we have to work together. And if we assume everyone else is extremely rigid and walk away any time something even slightly challenges your personal truth, we're all worse for it. We must be open to the
www.tucsonsentinel.com What's open, what's closed on July 4 around Tucson
Independence Day falls on Thursday this year. Tucson, state and federal offices will be closed, except for trash collection and emergency services. Most transportation services will run on a Sunday schedule and you can reach prime fireworks viewing spots with the Sun Link streetcar.
cross-posted from: https://tucson.social/post/858973
undefinedIndependence Day falls on Thursday this year. Tucson, state and federal offices will be closed, except for trash collection and emergency services. Most transportation services will run on a Sunday schedule and you can reach prime fireworks viewing spots with the Sun Link streetcar.
LLAMADO A LA ACCIÓN - Protesta contra la Decisión de Inmunidad de la Corte Suprema - Es una Crisis Existencial para nuestra Democracia
Esta es una convocatoria oficial para TODOS los residentes de Tucson - liberales o conservadores.
CUÁNDO:
- Hoy - 4PM-7PM
- Jueves - 4PM-7PM
- Sábado - 2PM-8PM
DÓNDE:
- Hoy - Banqueta frente a la sede del Partido Demócrata del Condado de Pima - (Trasladarse al Parque Himmel si está muy concurrido)
- Jueves - Banqueta frente a la sede del Partido Demócrata del Condado de Pima - (Trasladarse al Parque Himmel si está muy concurrido)
- Sábado - Parque Himmel
DIRECCIONES:
- Sede de Campaña del Partido Demócrata del Condado de Pima - 2302 E Speedway Blvd Suite 106, Tucson, AZ 85719
- Parque Himmel - 1000 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
POR QUÉ:
"Más allá del destino de esta acusación en particular, las consecuencias a largo plazo de la decisión de hoy son graves. La Corte efectivamente crea una zona libre de leyes alrededor del Presidente, alterando el status quo que ha existido desde la Fundación. Esta nueva inmunidad por
CALL TO ACTION - Protest Supreme Court Immunity Decision - its an Existential crisis for our Democracy
This is an official call to action for ALL Tucson residents - liberal or conservative.
WHEN:
- Today - 4PM-7PM
- Thursday (July 4th / Independence Day) - 4PM-7PM
- Saturday - 2PM-8PM
WHERE:
- Today - Sidewalk in front of Pima County Democratic Headquarters - (Move to Himmel Park if too crowded)
- Thursday (July 4th / Independence Day) - Sidewalk in front of Pima County Democratic Headquarters - (Move to Himmel Park if too crowded)
- Saturday - Himmel Park
ADDRESSES:
- Pima County Democratic Campaign Headquarters - 2302 E Speedway Blvd Suite 106, Tucson, AZ 85719
- Himmel Park - 1000 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
WHY:
"Looking beyond the fate of this particular prosecution, the long-term consequences of today’s decision are stark. The Court effectively creates a law-free zone around the President, upsetting the status quo that has existed since the Founding. This new official-acts immunity now “lies about like a
azcapitoltimes.com No, the Saudis haven’t stopped pumping Arizona groundwater | Arizona Capitol Times
The law has crippled groundwater regulation in most of the state and large farming operations have been exploiting it for decades. This includes American and foreign-owned companies. Even if the state can stop foreign companies from abusing Arizona’s lax water laws, American mega-dairies and large-s...
Technically older than I'd like to post, but this information hasn't been posted before, and I was surprised to learn that, despite the lease cancellations that made the news, there's still a lot more alfalfa megafarms we need to deal with.
Tucson Democrats - are you alarmed after last nights debate? I know I am. Here's what's in our locus of control...
Just a quick reminder of the actions that are within our locus of control.
We can:
- Email our local and state level Democratic party orgs and representatives expressing our alarm and urgent need for a new candidate.
- Protest in front of local and state level Democratic campaign offices expressing our alarm and urgent need for a better candidate.
- Provide extreme feedback in polls and surveys. The DNC is very data driven, and if their internal polling goes south, it could very well force a change.
- Vote for the candidate we have.
There's probably more, but I've done #1, and am planning to do #2. Feel free to join in - the more voices, the louder the message.
The local Democrat Party office can be reached by email at [email protected].
Mark Kelly can be reached with this form here.
Mail correspondence and in-person appeals and protesting should occur at the Pima County Democratic Party headquarters located at **2302 E Spee
My dad just got back online after years of boondocking it - he likes tactical shooters with a rich map making scene - what's out there?
As in title, my father is an American nomad, and he just recently got a spot with good internet signal for a few months.
He hasn't really played in years, and the last game he really enjoyed was Warface and Novalogic's Joint Operations: Combined Arms.
There is a bit of a twist though, his vision certainly isn't what it used to be, so whatever game I suggest needs accessibility options galore.
I found a really good "singleplayer only" experience in Ravenfield and the style lends itself very well to my father's limited vision.
Is there something like Ravenfield but with a well supported online component? Perhaps Battlebit: Remastered is pretty close?
EDIT: I suppose the genre is better described a "mil-sim" than "tactical shooter".
UPDATE: Someone recommended the latest Insurgency game. After realizing my father had over 1K hours in the previous Insurgency game I realized that this was the game to get. Turns out it was a good choice! That's where most of my father's online buddi
Considering disabling downvotes - feedback thread
Hi everyone,
I've been observing a concerning trend on Tucson.social that's prompting me to consider disabling downvotes. It seems many community-focused posts, particularly ones from the city government about Tucson's development, are being downvoted mainly by users who aren't local—over 95%, to be specific. I believe this often isn't nefarious; rather, it's likely the unintended consequence of users browsing their "All" feed and downvoting content that isn't relevant to them. This behavior inadvertently suppresses our most locally impactful content in favor of more broadly appealing posts.
Originally, I maintained the downvote feature because I see dissent as crucial, especially for a platform aiming to mirror our real-life community. However, the majority of our interactions come from users across the wider fediverse, many of whom likely don’t reside in Tucson or even Arizona. This distorts our goal of having the site reflect the community it serves.
We've taken steps to ensure t
Clint Bolick and Kathryn Hackett King erased AZ women's right to bodily autonomy - Vote "No" on retaining them this November. If you haven't signed the Abortion Access petition, link within.
Again, the names are:
- Clint Bolick
- Kathryn Hackett King
While you're here, I encourage you to also sign the petition to get Abortion Access on November's ballot.
Already signed? Donations are always welcome!
EDIT - I keep butchering the title. 😢 If I see issues with this one. I'ma wait a bit and assume I'm having a bad brain day. Sorry if you've been "spammed" by my edits/reposts.
Tucson Sunset of 02-27-24
Image Caption: A picture of an Arizona sunset, featuring Sonoran Desert plants casting a silhouette in front of a dazzling sky featuring bright oranges, pinks, and purples over the layered and complex cloud formations. Taken on a Google Pixel 7 Pro - 02/27/2024
Tucson.social will be going down for a brief period of maintenance at 11:30 PM MST
As in title.
Sunset of Jan 6th 2024 - A Vibrant one today!
On Threads, De-federation, and the goals of Tucson.social
So it's time to make a decision on whether or not we De-federate from Threads.
What is Threads?
Threads is Facebook's Fediverse platform - and soon folks on Threads can make posts and subscribe to our instance.
So what's the problem?
Well, much of the current fediverse is filled with FOSS enthusiasts, Social Justice Warriors, Right Wing Grifters and other demographics that find privacy critically important. As such, the broad sentiment is that Facebook, being a big multinational corporation intends to "Embrace, Extend, Extinguish" the Fediverse by becoming the largest instance - and thereby setting the future standards - with or without the larger Fediverse's approval.
This hesitancy is understandable for these people - but Tucson.social is not for these people. Tucson.social is for Tucsonans, and in my talking to a few average folks around town I've come to the conclusion that most people do not care or actually like the idea of being able to continue to talk t