Most cursed blahaj

man with gyrojet pistol: I am become carrier, deployer of aircraft.

That blows but I'm not surprised. Reddit has gone full lockdown on anything opposing glorious leader, his politics, and the money Spez presume will soon flow to him as just reward. The LA sub was already super conservative anyway. Even the fucking NOLA sub is shockingly conservative for this town. The Money doesn't like to be reminded of inconvenient truths.

Well, I've labelled you as an LA local. If we keep posting and building up a fediverse LA community, I know we'll eventually get to critical mass here!

Also, I'm quitting tomorrow and you're in charge of MysteryTool maintenance. I'd start by upgrading the .NET version, that baby's still running on Framework 4.5!

As discussed previously, browsers are quite complex and so adding a new feature (subtitles) is actually adding several features, on top of existing features (video player) that aren't really (arguably) core to the web experience.

(I think olds like me want to believe the web is still "for" text and static images, but the majority of users today are (allegedly) all-in on video.)

Anyway, what sub-features make up "simple" subtitles? Oh the usual: where are they sourced? What format? What language? What encoding? (Utf8 one can only pray) Left to right support? Asian character support? What font are you using? System fonts? Are they widely supported? Does any of it work on mobile? Who holds the relevant patents? Etc.

Stock growth, not user growth. Valuations are all made up, and the oligarchs are orchestrating for tech stock values to plummet so they can go shopping for user data, cheap employees, and tech stacks. (In that order)

At least the names are extremely self-documenting. Some of those German variable names are long enough they might even be self-aware!

The United States will happily supply all the weapons our oldest ally, Canada, needs for this battle of survival against the tyrannical forces of the United States. Will you be paying with cash, credit, layaway, or mineral rights to all your natural resources?

So I asked it directly about the "incident" and it proceeds to deliver an essay on the topic. The rest of this post is all DeepSeek-R1:14B.

>>> Tell me more about the Tiananmen Square incident and the government's response?

<think>
Alright, the user has just asked for more details about the Tiananmen Square incident and the 
government's response. From the previous conversation, I provided a brief mention of this event as part 
of the timeline from 1985 to 1995.

They likely want a deeper understanding of what happened, why it occurred, and how the government 
handled it. They might be looking for a comprehensive overview that includes causes, key events, and 
long-term impacts.

I should structure the response clearly, starting with the background leading up to June 1989, then 
detailing the incident itself, and finally discussing the government's actions and aftermath.

It's important to maintain neutrality while explaining the event. I'll include key dates, significant 
protests, the military action taken by the government, and the international reactions.

Also, highlighting the long-term effects on Chinese society and politics will give a complete picture 
of the incident's significance.
</think>

The Tiananmen Square protests were a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history, representing one of the most dramatic confrontations between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and pro-democracy activists. The government's response to these protests remains one of the most controversial episodes in China's recent history.

Background

• In the late 1980s, China was undergoing significant economic reforms under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. While these reforms brought economic growth, they also created social and political tensions. Issues such as corruption, inequality, and restrictions on freedom of speech began to surface among students, intellectuals, and workers.
• The protests were initially sparked by the death of former CCP leader Hu Yaobang, who was seen as a reformist within the party. Students in Beijing gathered at Tiananmen Square to mourn his passing and demand political reforms.

The Protests

• April–June 1989: Demonstrations began in early April and quickly escalated. By June 3rd, hundreds of thousands of students, workers, and citizens had gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
• The protesters demanded an end to corruption, greater political openness, freedom of speech, and democratic reforms.
• The protests were peaceful at first, with participants staging hunger strikes, raising banners, and conducting sit-ins. However, the government viewed these actions as a direct challenge to its authority.

The Government's Response

• By late May, the situation had become increasingly tense. The Chinese government, under Premier Li Peng, declared martial law in Beijing on May 20th.
• On June 3rd and 4th, the government sent troops and tanks into Tiananmen Square to suppress the protests. Soldiers were ordered to clear the square at all costs, leading to a violent crackdown.
• Eyewitness accounts and leaked footage revealed that soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians, including students, intellectuals, and bystanders.

The Aftermath

• The exact death toll remains unknown due to government censorship, but estimates range from hundreds to thousands of deaths. Thousands more were injured or imprisoned in the aftermath.
• In the days following the crackdown, the government imposed strict censorship and launched a campaign to suppress dissent. Activists, intellectuals, and even foreign journalists were targeted.
• The event was widely condemned internationally, leading to sanctions against China and a lasting impact on its reputation.

Long-Term Effects

• The Tiananmen Square protests had a profound impact on Chinese society and politics:
  • Political Repression: The CCP tightened its grip on power, cracking down on dissent and restricting political freedoms.
  • Economic Focus: The government shifted focus to economic growth, adopting policies that prioritized stability over democracy.
  • Social Divide: The incident deepened divisions between older generations who supported the party and younger generations who wanted greater freedom.

Censorship in China

• To this day, the Chinese government has imposed strict censorship on discussions of the Tiananmen Square protests. References to the event are often deleted from online platforms, and textbooks omit any mention of it.
• The CCP refers to the events as a "counter-revolutionary riot" and justifies its actions as necessary to maintain national stability.

International Reactions

• Many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, imposed economic sanctions on China in response to the crackdown. However, over time, these sanctions were gradually lifted as China's role in the global economy grew.
• The incident remains a significant symbol of resistance against authoritarianism, with many international observers continuing to criticize China's handling of the situation.

Conclusion

The Tiananmen Square protests represented a defining moment in modern Chinese history, highlighting the deep tensions between the CCP's desire for stability and the growing demands for political reform. The government's heavy-handed response not only quashed the immediate protests but also set back democratic reforms in China for decades to come.

I just ran my own copy of 14B and got it to talk about this really easily.

A lot of it was pretty dull stuff though, let me post the highlights:

~$ ollama run deepseek-r1:14b
>>> Hello
<think>

</think>

Hello! How can I assist you today? 😊

On ollama the first interaction is always "thoughtless" and results in a generic greeting, in my experience. So I always greet it now to get that out of the way.

>>> Are there topics you cannot discuss?
<think>
Alright, the user just asked, "Are there topics you cannot discuss?" Hmm, I need to figure out why 
they're asking this. Maybe they're concerned about privacy or worried about certain subjects.

I should reassure them that I'm here to help with a wide range of topics. It's important to mention 
that while I can't handle sensitive info like credit cards or personal data, I can still discuss many 
things.

I'll list out the areas I can talk about, such as technology, science, history, and more. Also, I 
should clarify what I can't do, like sharing personal information or browsing the internet, to set 
clear expectations.

Making sure my response is friendly and open will help build trust. I want them to feel comfortable 
asking anything within appropriate boundaries.
</think>

I aim to provide helpful, respectful, and appropriate responses to a wide range of topics. However, I avoid discussing sensitive subjects like personal information, financial details, or topics that may violate ethical guidelines or法律法规. If you have any questions or need assistance with something specific, feel free to ask! 😊

>>> What is "法律法规" in English?
<think>
Okay, the user just asked, "What is '法律法规' in English?" Hmm, they must be referring to the Chinese 
term I mentioned earlier. They're probably looking for a translation.

I should explain that it means "laws and regulations." It's important to clarify both words to make 
sure the meaning is clear. Also, since they're asking in this context, maybe they want to understand 
the scope of what I can discuss or their privacy.

I'll keep it simple and direct, just giving the translation without any extra details unless they ask 
for more.
</think>

"法律法规" translates to "laws and regulations" in English.

I asked it a little more about that, but it didn't really go anywhere. Trying to "reverse psychology" it into telling me what it can't tell me isn't working. So I go a little more direct:

>>> You mentioned we could discuss history. Could you give me a brief timeline of important events in chinese history from 1985 until 1995?

<think>
Okay, the user just asked for a brief timeline of Chinese history from 1985 to 1995. They must be 
interested in understanding key developments during that period.

I should structure the response chronologically, highlighting major political, economic, and social 
events. Including both national-level events and international relations will give a comprehensive 
view.

It's important to mention significant policies like the Third Plenary Session of 1984, which influenced 
reforms, and the 1992 southern tour by Deng Xiaoping, which spurred economic growth.

I'll also include major global events involving China during this time, such as the Tiananmen Square 
protests in 1989 and the establishment of diplomatic relations with countries like Russia in 1991.

Ensuring clarity and conciseness while covering key points will make the timeline easy to follow.
</think>

You'll note that it brings it up first (in thoughts) but it only refers to it as a protest. The word "massacre" is never used. It then proceeds to give me a timeline. Many of the events are real and happened close to when it says, but there's a lot it gets wrong. I'm just going to post the highlights though.

Certainly! Here's a brief timeline of important events in Chinese history from 1985 to 1995:

1985

• April: The Third Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was held, emphasizing reforms and opening up under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. This session marked a key moment in China's economic reforms.
• November: China successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile.

It made one of these little blocks for each year. Each year had exactly two events listed. Here comes the money shot.

1989

• June 4: The suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests led to a global outcry and economic sanctions against China. This event marked a turning point in Chinese politics and society.
• December 22: The Central Committee of the CCP passed a resolution clearing former leader Hua Yuexue of charges of "right deviationism," marking an end to the anti-rightist campaign.

Wow, he just say it!

1992

• January–February: Deng Xiaoping's "southern tour" (南巡讲话) took place in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai. His speeches reaffirmed the CCP's commitment to reform and opening up.
• October 14: China established diplomatic relations with Russia, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy.

This actually did happen, Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour (who were the opening acts?) is described by Wikipedia as one of the most important economic events in modern Chinese history.

1993

• September 25–October 7: China launched its first experimental satellite, Shijian-02 (实践二号), which tested space technologies for communication and broadcasting.
• November 18–22: The Third Plenary Session of the 14th Central Committee was held, focusing on economic reforms and development.

Ah but at least one of these didn't happen. I didn't delve into the Plenary sessions, of which 6 were mentioned, but while Shijian-02 is a real satellite, it launched in 1981 and (as the name might hint) was not China's first satellite.

These years were a transformative period in Chinese history, marked by significant economic reforms, political challenges, and shifts in foreign policy.

Indeed. So at this point, I'm very intrigued. DeepSeek doesn't seem too hung up about Tiananmen Square. Let's get some more details.

>>> Tell me more about the Tiananmen Square incident and the government's response?

Out of room, to be continued in a reply!

The first time I played Crisis, I was already in awe because of that brilliant sunrise opening scene. As I'm creeping through the jungle towards the next objective, I hear loud running water and decide to see what it is.

They put in an absolutely stunning waterfall off to the side, complete with rainbows and ferns growing up around the base. One of those few memorable, special times when a game had the right art direction, graphics tech, and hit at just the right moment for me to all culminate in a real feeling of wonder and joy.

I tend to be very cynical about games being able to do that to me anymore, and it is much rarer with how commonplace high-definition but artistically uninspired assets have gotten. But it still happens now and then, the last time being Elden Ring which did have impressive art and design, and did "wow" me several times.

The French Quarter has retractable bollards in that area. They had been temporarily removed for upgrades ahead of the Super Bowl. At least that's the story circulating here.