So big scary warning, but nothing than "audit your shit" to address it? I'm not an expert, and in fact just got ollama w/deepseek running on my machine last night... but like, isn't it common courtesy to at least suggest a couple of ways to mitigate things when posting a "big scary warning" like that?
Especially given deepseek's more open nature, and the various tidbits I've seen indicating that deepseek is open enough to be able to tweak/run entirely locally. So addressing the API issue seems within the realm of possibility...
Really depends on what I eat. Beans? Mediocre, the kind of fart that you know exactly what to expect and it's entirely mid. Brocoli? Might as well call Greta Thunberg, because those one's are probably cleaner than the air I breathe.
Now clams? Hoo boy. Those are the kind of farts that not only am I proud of, I want to forcefully share that pride with others.
In the style you've done, my first thought was "Uncle Ruckus" from the Boondocks. Either way, great job mate.
Makes me wonder what other things get lost to time or get overlooked because a larger group controlled "the narrative".
Recently watched a documentary about technology being used to scan the Amazon, which revealed an "unknown" city that used to exist in the heart of the Amazon, as well as revealed evidence that pre-European Amazon was very similar to early-settlers' New England - mostly farmland, rather than vast forest with evidence of large tracts being managed, and purposely shaped for agriculture. Also revealed that one native tribe, which now is just a small village and a couple hundred people, sits on top of a site that was once a major city. Swallowed up by the jungle and time.
And each of these respective pieces of peoples' history happened at a time merely a few generations ago, yet we have barely scratched the surface of recovering what was lost.
It's clearly bad juju if you dont then save again just to be sure.
Used to lust after the R34 Skyline as a kid. Interests have shifted a little, but still remains JDM at heart with a strong desire for a nice kei-car/van; something like an Autozam AZ-1 or something like a Suzuki Every.
Having driven a Geo Metro for a couple hundred thousand miles (350k on the odometer when I sold it for what I paid for it after having having driven it for 250k~ of those miles myself) I have a strong like for Suzuki products.
I've always had cats in the house, even as a kid. Our family has pretty much always followed the "They get breakfast when we get breakfast, and dinner at dinner time" so that's when they get a portion of "wet" food, with dry/crunchy available to "free feed" on throughout the day if they get snackish as well as a few different sources of water.
While that can lead to cats being overweight, we generally let the cats outdoors or now more recently, give them free reign of the house and attached garage. The garage is basically just a building shell, so critters like rodents and birds can still come in which in turn gives the cats something to do and keeps them active which is the key. As long as they're burning off the extra calories and maintaining a healthy weight, the "how" becomes somewhat irrelevant.
The general advice that seems to be prevalent though is to intentionally restrict their diets a bit to keep them at a healthy weight. So the "free feed" idea may not be the best advice.
Mostly weird looks from strangers and random offers of tissues/napkins.
Looked up LL Bean on OpenSecrets just because my other reply rants about them a little. So I'm eating a bit of crow and sharing that apparently according to https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/ll-bean-inc/summary?id=D000042703 LL Bean's contributions lean vastly towards the Democrats, and none were from the company itself, but individuals within.
Still dislike the company for other valid reasons, but their political stance is different than I was originally assuming.
Saw this post, saw L.L. Bean on the list. Felt the need to comment "Yet another reason to say FUCK L. L. Bean".
A once great company driven into the ground through corporate greed and poor policies. And that was before all of the current political nonsense. A damned shame the state of Maine holds that company on a damned pedestal.
The only good thing about Bean depends solely on whether the gentleman with the big Newfoundland hounds still frequents the area, because those dogs were/are awesome.
-edit- Quick edit to add that we should probably look at who the parent companies are. For example "Marshall's" is owned by the same company that also run "TJ Maxx" and "HomeGoods" if I recall correctly. And companies such as "Wow Cable" and "Boost Mobile" rely on infrastructure/deals made with larger companies (Spectrum and ATT, respectively). Figured if people are going to avoid companies, it'd be more impactful to avoid the ones the money ultimately funnels to.
This feels like a paid article to promote that particular development.
According to it's tourist-oriented site, Mackinac Island (which is part of "America" has been a car-free community for over 100 years. Whereas this development outside Phoenix hasn't even been around for a decade.
The article itself reads very much like an advertisement as well, going as far as emphasizing the "slightly higher than average rents" as a good thing.
So... yeah.
As much as I dislike TikTok and short-form video in general, I really don't think this falls on TikTok. The idea of middle-schoolers discovering they can choke themselves out has been around as a "thing" since at least the late 90s.
We knew it as the "Space Monkey". And yeah, the whole idea was to chokehold yourself until you nearly/did pass out. I suspect it has more to do with the timing of learning things like biology, and the immaturity of middle schoolers finding the idea of blacking out to be funny.
Enzo, the Official Dog of Clinton Community College
Finally, an official we can all stand behind.
https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/meet-enzo-the-official-dog-of-clinton-community-college/
Figured something a little more light-hearted was in order for this fine Friday afternoon. I love going into places that support pets, and think the idea of having a big friendly goof like Enzo be representative of a community is a nice idea.
While Enzo is a little outside my stomping grounds, the Ace Hardware in Lake Placid has a big fluffy shop cat, which is neat.
North Country DAs Support Case Reform
In brief, a look is being taken at how the process of discovery is done in criminal trials. A proposed reform would give leeway in cases to prevent cases from being dropped on "technicalities".
https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/02/06/north-country-das-support-reform-so-criminals-dont-get-off-technicalities/
My personal thought is that in extreme cases, it would be a major injustice for a defendant to get off on a minor technicality if/when the majority of evidence supports their guilt.
However, I feel it's important for both prosecution and defense to practice due diligence to ensure that no such technicalities exist, as ultimately, these decisions impact people's lives. I'm not sure if granting leeway is a good idea, as my reactive thought is that the system will be taken advantage of, and people will not get the fair trials the rights granted to them by the Constitution guarantee.
Avian Flu Likely on Otisco Lake
https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2025/02/avian-flu-likely-killed-dozens-of-dead-geese-found-in-otisco-lake-and-seneca-river.html
Dozens of sick and/or dying geese out on the lake certainly brings the topic of "Bird Flu" a little closer to home. Spring is around the corner, and for many of us that means flocks of geese flying overhead.
While the Canada Goose isn't exactly the friendliest of wild birds, I genuinely hope that we can prevent things from getting much worse.
As is, there have been a few cases of transmission of the virus to humans, with the majority of cases stemming from industrial agriculture such as poultry farms. That being said, there are at least a handful of cases that are not related to industrial agriculture, so the concern is real.
While it is only a rumor of a suggestion that I heard in passing, the idea of "Don't put out bird feed, reduce attractants for wild birds near humans" seems like a good precaution.
Winter Driving - A Cautionary Post
Posting this one to drive home (ha...) the point that everyone really ought to be more cautious when road conditions are anything but clear and dry.
As someone with a bit of a lead foot myself, I know it's annoying to drive slower and give vehicles more room to maneuver and stop, but would you rather be slightly annoyed, or in the hospital?
Also, wear your damned seatbelts people. Takes almost zero effort, and prevents a lot of unnecessary injury.
https://www.newyorkupstate.com/northern-ny/2025/02/woman-thrown-from-car-that-went-off-road-in-jefferson-county-3-taken-to-hospital.html
So uhh... hypothetically if one were to live next to a cornfield and acquire some seeds from said field cough somehow cough, would those purely hypothetical seeds grown in one's garden then constitute corn piracy?
Asking for a friend of course.
I hadn't thought about the Kofi banner thing, and this is anecdotal though my experience, but upon seeing that mentioned my mind immediately jumped to the Steam Workshop; at least with some of the games I play, it's very common to see some form of "Donate".
Setting that aside, the thought occurred to me of somehow tying something we're all used to seeing and interacting with - usernames - into something that if one were so inclined, could interact with somehow to pull up something like a QR code to their "donate box" of choice.
I have no idea how it'd be actually implemented, but it doesn't seem impossible that something like that could allow for both traditional fiat payments, crypto, or even links to "Yoder's Rent-a-goat". I mean, I'd work for a goat as payment, so why not.
QR codes themselves are pretty visually meaningless, and that physical step of the user having to scan it would be that "fully intentional" aspect that'd keep things from being somewhat predatory (thinking in-app payment type stuff).
<shrug> I have no skin in this game, so just thinking out loud on this, is all.
On the one hand, people should be able to make a living.
On the other, places where every Tom, Dick and Harry has their hand out expecting payment for the most inane things (i.e. tipping culture, states where billboards are allowed...) turn pretty crap pretty fast.
Something to remember is that advertising on the internet was a slow-roll at first... until all of a sudden, everyone has ads and popups.
IKR, the least Meta could do is give us a magnet link or something...
Just a quick addition as a comment that didn't quite fit the body of the post well, but if anyone was curious about the details of the event and would like to form their own opinion, the footage has been made available through the New York Attorney General's office.
Before watching, know that the video contains footage of violence, may contain language, and ultimately, watching the video translates to watching someone be killed in a violent manner. Goes without saying the content is NSFW and I highly advise practicing good discretion.
Link to Footage on Attorney General's website:
https://ag.ny.gov/osi/footage/robert-brooks
Hochul Calls for Arrest of Those Involved in Marcy Prison Beating
Tried my best to slim down the headline without sensationalizing it. For those of you following the story, Robert Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility was beaten to death while in custody. Bodycam video released of the incident shows several correctional officers bringing Brooks into a room and within seconds, the correctional officers start physically assaulting Brooks with no apparent provocation.
The above is a brief summary of the event, and I attempted to use ambiguous language so as not to convey my own opinion on the topic.
https://www.uticaod.com/story/news/2025/02/06/hochul-calls-for-arrests-after-robert-brooks-death-ruled-homicide/78287283007/
According to the above article:
"“The murder of Robert Brooks was horrific, shocking all New Yorkers to our very core,” Hochul said in a statement. “Now that the Onondaga County Medical Examiner has ruled Mr. Brooks’ death was a homicide, I believe the legal process must quickly move forward with criminal charges being filed and arrests being made.”"
I think that blurb/quote from Kathy Hochul sums it up.
Snowiest Place in the US
Man, you'd think places like the Rockies, or Alaska would take the title for "Snowiest Place in the US" but it seems this year that title belongs to the little village of Copenhagen (in the town of Denmark - insert poor taste Greenland joke here).
257 inches of snow this season, and we're not done yet!
https://www.newyorkupstate.com/weather/2025/02/the-snowiest-place-in-us-now-is-a-tiny-village-in-upstate-ny-heres-what-it-looks-like.html
Record NYS Park Attendance
https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/new-york/new-york-state-parks-saw-record-breaking-attendance-in-2024/
88.3 Million visits to our beautiful parks throughout New York State, with over 325,000 visits in just the short period of the eclipse this past April. It goes without saying that the state and national park system is quite the state and national treasure. I heartily encourage everyone to get out there and take advantage. There's literally something for everyone and every ability out there.
Let's get to 100 million in 2025?
PSA for Rochester Area - Rash of Car Break-ins
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/crime/15-more-cars-broken-into-on-university-ave-rpd-increases-patrols/
Just a head's up for those in the Rochester area, seems there's been an uptick in car break-ins along University Ave. So just a reminder:
Don't leave anything in your vehicle. Make sure to LOCK your vehicle. If you see suspicious activity (like people lurking near vehicles, peering into multiple vehicles, that sort of thing...), report it to the local authorities.
If you're the one doing it, remember that your actions are impacting people that are probably mostly in the same boat as you: Folks just trying to make a living.
Syracuse to Remain "Sanctuary City"
https://www.wrvo.org/2025-01-31/syracuse-remains-sanctuary-city-following-executive-orders-regarding-immigration
Sharing this one as it brings home something in the national spotlight. While I don't have strong opinion on the topic one way or the other, I operate from a position of "The US was founded by those coming wanting a better life" and acknowledge that without broad immigration, many aspects of the US as we know it simply would not exist.
That being said, it's also important to acknowledge that regardless of how we feel about the topic of immigration, it's important to acknowledge the impact it has on the community - the positives and the negatives, and I encourage those of you with strong opinion on the topic to keep that in mind.
I will throw out there that I agree with Syracuse's mayor in that the term "sanctuary city" is a bit of a loaded term given the dynamics between the city, and local as well as federal law enforcement agencies.
Huge Food Donation in CNY - With a Catch
Haha. Fish pun. Catch. Get it?!
https://www.wrvo.org/2025-01-30/food-bank-of-cny-netted-a-huge-haul-of-13-000-fresh-salmon-the-catch-the-fish-were-still-alive
So awesome to see a business care for the community. And even though volunteers had to scramble, things worked out so now folks in Central NY and beyond will get to enjoy some fresh salmon.
Not much to say on this one, but I will take the opportunity to encourage those with the means to find opportunity to donate towards those in need. Build each other up, rather than tear each other down.
Sidewalk Issues in the Winter
https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/01/30/watertown-fielding-complaints-about-unshoveled-sidewalks/
Gist of it is that this winter, people are failing to clear their sidewalks, and it's impacting the community. Some areas are clearly the responsibility of the city, while others are the responsibility of the property owner.
Long story short, uncleared sidewalks can be treacherous for those that travel on foot and people/businesses need to step up and do better.
My question is: What is our general consensus on the topic? Do you (those that have city sidewalks) clear your section, or wait for the town to do it, and why? Are businesses held to the same standard (asking as footage from the above seemed to show quite a few stretches that'd be in commercial areas) and should that standard change (such as increased standards as businesses in theory should have more funds to do such)?
I know I could do better at keeping my walkway/driveway cleared for the sake of potential guests/deliveries, but part of me likes that a somewhat messy driveway makes unexpected visitors less likely.
Annual Chili Cook-off Benefit in St. Lawerence/Jefferson Counties
Hey all,
Apologies for how slow a start this community has. News in the North Country is rather slow, which in my opinion is a nice change of pace from the "normal" news cycles. Anyways, here's a good one:
It's that time of year! The annual Chili Cookoff, which benefits the Volunteer Transportation Center, begins February 1st. If chili is your thing, it's a good opportunity to participate in your community, and help out an organization that so many people rely on, especially in our more rural areas where transportation is essential, but incredibly lacking.
https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/01/31/its-chili-cook-off-time/
For information, you can also visit the Volunteer Transportation Center's website: volunteertransportationcenter.org
If any of you all happen to participate, feel free to share your pics and if willing, recipes.
"Because I wrote it, and they took what I wrote and they are using it without asking me."
I'm using that, and I'm not gonna tell anyone where I got it from! MWahahahahaha!
For real... it'd make sense if it was some sort of original idea... but it's literally a generic descriptor made up of other generic descriptions. And not even in any sort of "unique" combination. You fighting this fight would be like trying to claim that someone copying any one of the above sentences is "stealing my work".
Are we really trying to claim that a vague, generic description is worthy of copyright? lolwut.
Weather Advisory - North Country - Jan 25 2025
Figured a heads up about today's weather in the North Country is in order. We're expecting sustained 20-30 MPH winds, with gusts up to 50 so be wary while out and about. Watch for downed trees and power lines, and make sure to bring anything not tied down inside.
On top of that, there's also expectation of snow, with forecasts predicting about an inch.
Mostly just a head's up about the wind, as it can create some dangerous conditions.
Controversial Golf Course Purchase in Watertown
Here's one I'm sharing more because of how ridiculous overall it seems to me. Brief summary is that some Watertown council members are being investigated after a complaint was made regarding the purchase of a golf course by the city. The complaint alleges that there was potential for bribery regarding the deal, and state police are now investigating.
It's ridiculous to me because of how wasteful a golf course actually is. Doesn't seem like a good use of taxpayer money, and the scandal surrounding this deal makes it even worse. I'm of the opinion that it's a terrible purchase that'll serve only to hurt the city and make a couple of people wealthy at the cost of everyone else in the area.
Relatively Current Conditions in the ADKs
For all you winter activity types, here's a pretty good run down of what to expect should you decide to come up to the Adirondacks to enjoy the winter. While NCPR's article focuses more on the southern and eastern side of the Adirondacks, I can tell you now that if snow is your thing, the trails and peaks in the north and west are good to go. The trail grooming crews were out the last couple weekends tending to the snowmobile trails, and there was quite the shin-dig out in Childwold over at the local watering hole, the Thristy Moose (anyone been?), to wrap up a larger effort to get the trails groomed.
Looks like we've also got good ice this year, so ice-fishing has been in full-swing since early January/late December in some spots, with increased activity out on the ice over the last couple weeks.
Also, just want to add that it's about time winter has felt like winter up here. Been a hot minute and the whole "80 degrees in December" thing was getting old.
Possible Reform to Address Absenteeism in Schools
How do we feel about the current education system? According to NorthCountryNow (Use reader mode in your browser to bypass the paywall) some thought is being put into addressing absenteeism in schools.
I thought this would be a good "first" post, as education is vital however how that education gets delivered is an area that we probably all have thoughts about.
On the one hand, absenteeism is clearly a problem. If children aren't getting the education they need, they'll struggle later in life which has effects that ripple through their lives, as well as effects that ripple through communities.
However, my own opinion is that our education system has fallen into a sort of disrepair. Between lack of reasonable wages for educators, increasing class sizes and the politicization of the curriculum itself, it feels as though us adults have collectively decided to set future generations up for failure. The "Fuck you, I got mine" mentality shown in other areas of society has seemingly, unfortunately, been made a part of the administration mechanisms that oversee education.
Unfortunately, while I can say that I recognize the problems, I struggle with offering any ideas/solutions. I'm not sure the efforts merely to increase attendance are the bandaids that will "fix" the system, but I feel that at least it's something to get the ball rolling and perhaps by opening up the discussion our political representatives can come up with something that'll be beneficial to all of us.
Moderators Wanted
Hey all,
Just figured I'd get something going for one of the most beautiful regions the US has to offer. Obviously, I'm hopeful that this little community gains traction as it provides an alternative to other, more restrictive and less open communities.
My goal for this community is to have a place for all of us who live in the New York that gets overlooked to share news, stories, and information for each other and others that might want to visit or move to our neck of the woods.
As such, I'd like this community to be a little more broad than other, specific communities outside the fediverse. A sort of mashup of Upstate and anything Adirondacks if you will.
In order for that to work out, it'd be nice to connect with some of you all that may be scattered across the state as I'd very much like the moderation team for this community to have direct ties to the places they're posting about/moderating.
If folks are comfortable, at some point I'm even contemplating a small meet up or something similar, so we're not just faceless entities.
So with this brief outline of what I'm thinking in mind, if you feel like UpstateNY is a place you're knowledgable about, you've got a strong local connection, and an ability to set aside personal biases feel free to reach out regarding currently open moderator positions.
So with that, I'll see y'all at the Saranac Lake Ice Castle this winter. Looks like it'll be cold enough to last more than a day this time around.
~ADKSilence