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Radiohead - All I Need (This one always gives me frisson towards and at the end of the video) by VinceHaazin Frisson

[–]TuckerTheCat 6 points7 points ago

This is my favorite Radiohead song of all time. I remember when In Rainbows came out when I was a freshman in college. I had just gone through a bad break-up, and All I Need really spoke to me at the time.

When I first saw this video, my initial reaction was that it didn't fit the song at all. But I was thinking of the song in a much narrower sense. I then realized that the song is about desperation. It encapsulates that feeling of being completely alone - an animal trapped in a hot car, so to speak - and the only person who can help you - your metaphorical owner - is indifferent to your situation.

Looking at the child in the sweatshop on the right as the speaker in the song makes complete sense.

I love Radiohead, but I do think some of their political activism, particularly concerning their anti-globalization positions, to be a bit obnoxious. But this video is such a tasteful juxtaposition of a real problem in this world. Good for them. The moment at the end with the shoes is heart-wrenching.

The Ph.D. Now Comes With Food Stamps: "Some adjuncts make less money than custodians and campus support staff who may not have college degrees." by ilamontin TrueReddit

[–]TuckerTheCat 1 point2 points ago

I would like to point out that your assumption that these people do not want to and are not trying to teach more classes, get published, and get a job at a 4-year university is, well, ad hominem attack inducing. Moving on...

I did not make that assumption. I simply said: if you are only making $11,000 a year as a professor with a doctoral degree, then there is something you're not doing. I'm sure a lot of people in that situation want to do those things. But for whatever reason they aren't.

I should qualify that I do not mean to suggest that community college professors are bad... but it is probable that they're not the best professors. I'm sure there are plenty of great community college professors who are passionate about what they do, and are fully capable at teaching at more prestigious institutions.

That's a disgusting blame the victims mentality. I'm sorry, but did we as a society not take it upon ourselves to attempt to educate these people professionally for 13 years and less purposefully through massive streams of media for the rest of their life? Did these people not go out of their way to learn the information which they were told to learn? Is it the student's fault that the teacher's, or more accurately society, had failed to give them warning? Failed to prepare them despite 25+ years and plenty of chances?

How am I blaming the victim? How are the professors "victims"? Give me a break. Once you get into academia, you are told on day one that competition is fierce for tenure-track spots at good universities. I have had professors regularly say, if you don't publish X amount of articles in such-and-such journals, then you can forget about trying to get a more prosperous teaching position.

To reiterate my point: Just because you have a Ph.D doesn't mean you should be automatically handed your dream job. There are thousands of universities in this country that have doctorate programs - some of them are more rigorous than others. And some people who get into academia ultimately fall on it as a crutch, having never left school nor have they been out in "the real world." I know a lot of academics, and there some of that definitely fit that caricature. And I think most universities are looking for well-rounded candidates. Most of my well-paid professors have extensive experience outside of academia that complements their scholastic pursuits in the university setting.

I know your comment is rather short and that there are another 50+ comments around here repeating the exact same message, but this is fucking /r/truereddit and you people are actively insulting a massive amount of the people who specifically set out in their lives to produce great, insightful books and articles and generate intelligent discussion.

I get frustrated with this sort of idealization of academia. Yes, there are many brilliant scholars who are doing amazing things with their research and publications. But there is also the esoteric, pretentious circlejerk within. The Sokal affair is a good example of how absurd academia can be, and is a good reason as to why I treat the institution skeptically.

tl;dr: Your Ph.D doesn't mean anything. You're not owed anything because you spent an extra decade in school. What you did to get your degree, how you're using it, and how you will improve the human condition in even the slightest way by enriching others with your knowledge is what matters.

The Ph.D. Now Comes With Food Stamps: "Some adjuncts make less money than custodians and campus support staff who may not have college degrees." by ilamontin TrueReddit

[–]TuckerTheCat 4 points5 points ago

Oh, I completely understand and agree. That's my point - just having a Ph.D shouldn't grant you a well-paying gig at a top-notch university. You actually have to be a good professor and ideally have a lengthy CV.

And what do you expect with a Ph.D in medieval history? There's not exactly a huge demand for professors in that field... and there is certainly an oversupply of professors with such qualifications.

It's hard for me to feel bad for this woman (though simultaneously, I don't look down on her for receiving food stamps and medicaid). Her situation sounds like the direct product of her own choices and abilities. She only teaches two history classes at a community college. If she wants to move up, she needs to teach more classes, get published more, and try to get a job at a 4-year university.

The Ph.D. Now Comes With Food Stamps: "Some adjuncts make less money than custodians and campus support staff who may not have college degrees." by ilamontin TrueReddit

[–]TuckerTheCat 3 points4 points ago

The example in the story's lead is a bit silly. She only teaches 2 classes - at a community college. Most professors teach 3 or 4 classes, in addition to researching and publishing. She is a poor example. Most of the professors I've had (graduated from a tier 1 liberal arts university, now at grad school at University of Texas) make anywhere from $80,000-200,000. Because they're good professors teaching at very reputable institutions. The truth is... if you have your Ph.D and you're teaching at a community college... you're probably not a great professor. Especially considering that a lot of the time, only a M.A. is required to teach at that level.

What is your "never again" brand, item, store, or restaurant ? by radbrad7in AskReddit

[–]TuckerTheCat 5 points6 points ago

This is slightly inaccurate.

The Dublin plant barely produced any of the sugar-cane Dr Pepper that it was known for - they outsourced most of the production of the original recipe to a nearby plant in Temple, Texas, and had been doing that for a long time. The Dublin plant merely bottled it. On top of that, there are at least 4 or 5 other plants in the nation that make Dr Pepper with the original recipe. You can still buy the original recipe Dr Pepper - it's sold under the names "Heritage Dr Pepper" or "Dr Pepper (Made With Real Imperial Cane Sugar)", etc.

The issue with the Dublin plant, was that they were a) bottling their Dr Pepper with the label "Dublin Dr Pepper", which Dr Pepper corporate did not like (brand identity), b) the Dublin plant had agreed to only sell within a 44-mile radius of Dublin, but then made some deals with some enterprising middlemen who would buy in bulk from the plant and then distribute Dublin Dr Pepper all around Texas, and nationwide via internet sales. When you could get Dublin Dr Pepper, why the fuck would you want that HFCS shit? This pissed off a lot of other regional bottlers, who felt that the Dublin plant was overstepping its contractual agreement with Dr Pepper corporate.

Dr Pepper/Snapple did not force the plant out of business - they bought them out, for something like 10 million dollars (not sure of this figure, I've spoken with some people I know in Dr Pepper corporate about it and that's the ballpark figure, the real figure was kept under wraps by the lawsuit).

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Dublin Dr Pepper/Dr Pepper made with cane sugar... I don't drink any other coke besides it. I was sad that the Dublin plant closed down, but it really wasn't a simple case of a big corporation crushing the little mom-and-pop soda shop. Arguably the Dublin plant had violated a lot of the terms of their contract with Dr Pepper/Snapple... and the Dublin plant SOLD OUT...

So, do a little more research next time.

my first headphones, still in use after 7 years by filibin headphones

[–]TuckerTheCat 0 points1 point ago

Yep, I purchased my first pair of "real" headphones about 7 years ago - Sennheiser HD465. Still sound great, though I think one of the speakers is a little loose because I hear a bit of a rattle at certain bass frequencies. Had to replace the cord too. I've since upgraded to a set of HD280s, but I'll listen to the HD465 for more hip hop/electronic stuff. Man, Sennheiser makes some quality, affordable headphones.

Adam "Lakers" Carolla Here - Ask Me Anything by adam_lakers_carollain IAmA

[–]TuckerTheCat -1 points0 points ago

Adam, I want to say thanks for doing Love Line. As a child, this was the only sex-ed I got, and it really taught me a lot of things (for better or for worse).

I want you to retell this story that I heard on Love Line more than 10 years ago. Basically, you and Kimmel were staying in a hotel together (guess it was early on in y'alls career if y'all had to share a room, huh?) and Kimmel went to take a shower. You went in after him, the water was up to your shins due to the plumbing, and then he came beating on the door to inform you that he had jacked off in the shower and his semen was floating around in there. I don't know why, but this story remained ingrained in my head, and I'd like you to verify it or add more detail because I think it's fucking hilarious. Did you feel like a dirty, filthy afterward? Could you look him in the eye knowing his semen was crusted on your leg hair?

Thanks for the laughs, Adam!

Bachelors Degree, Internship, 1 year professional exp. Not a single call back. by VeryAngryUEin jobs

[–]TuckerTheCat 8 points9 points ago

For the kind of work you're going into, you really need to network your ass off. You're not gonna get a job through Craigslist.

Recommendations for good, uh... "romantic" appetizers? by TuckerTheCatin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat[S] 0 points1 point ago

Also, what fillings would you recommend for the crepes? I'm thinking something with cream cheese and herbs/chives would be great, but I'm not sure which meat to use.

Recommendations for good, uh... "romantic" appetizers? by TuckerTheCatin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat[S] 0 points1 point ago

Wow, thank you so much. These are all wonderful ideas. I will definitely use one or two of them. Particularly, #4, #5, and #7. If you have any other tips, let me know.

I'm super into French cuisine (lived there for a few months). That was definitely the direction I want to go in.

Recommendations for good, uh... "romantic" appetizers? by TuckerTheCatin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat[S] 2 points3 points ago

Upvoted because this shit made me giggle. Thanks.

TIL Angus Young's rig consists of an SG straight in to Marshall amps. No pedals at all! by SRotDin Guitar

[–]TuckerTheCat 0 points1 point ago

Not really surprising. His tone has always been very simple and one-dimensional (don't mean that in a bad way).

Still, I'd need my overdrive pedal... no way I could give that up.

How can a high school junior find his inner man? by iwearblacksocksin malelifestyle

[–]TuckerTheCat 2 points3 points ago

Obligatory Reddit advice:

Lawyer up, hit the gym, delete Facebook.

Cascadas Mexican Restaurant: Come for the drinks, not necessarily for the food! by JacobPhiltrumin food

[–]TuckerTheCat 2 points3 points ago

Yeah, as someone who grew up in Arizona and moved to Texas, I pity anyone who thinks this sort of thing is "real" or "good" Mexican food. And what a rip off too. $12.50 for a grilled chicken breast? Even for New York that is a shame.

"there is no greater force for good in the nation than Christian conscience in action.", question for USA voters. by Bastionnain PoliticalDiscussion

[–]TuckerTheCat 2 points3 points ago

The whole "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy was completely manufactured. Don't get me wrong - I was absolutely disgusted that it was even a point of discussion. But, even though a lot of top Republicans spoke out against it, none of them went as far as to say things against Islam the way Geert Wilders did.

Having lived in France and having studied European politics extensively, I really think that Europeans are far more bigoted toward Muslims than Americans are. Mostly because the United States is through-and-through a multicultural society, and the European nations are struggling with the idea that the influx of immigrants might "damage" their respective cultures. Also, I think "political correctness" in the U.S. does a lot to dampen extremist views, so even the most conservative politicians here will really toe the line before saying anything offensive. In Europe - for better or for worse - people are much more apt to speak their mind in public.

I mean honestly, the shit that Geert Wilders and the far-right nationalists in Europe say is way worse than the shit we hear from Republicans in the United States.

"there is no greater force for good in the nation than Christian conscience in action.", question for USA voters. by Bastionnain PoliticalDiscussion

[–]TuckerTheCat 0 points1 point ago

Not to dodge the issue at hand, but even though the U.S. is very religious, I think we're a more tolerant nation than a lot of Europeans give us credit for.

For example, while Islamophobia exists, I'd argue it's not nearly as bad in the U.S. as it is in the Netherlands/France/Belgium/UK/Germany. I mean, to think that this guy had any sort of authority in your country is pretty disturbing. We have our lunatics, too, but don't act like your side of the ocean is the bastion for all things good and tolerant.

Dell's giant sexist mistake... by muzegardenin TwoXChromosomes

[–]TuckerTheCat 0 points1 point ago

Yeah, I think it has more to do with this - socializing kids to do gendered activities.

And I'd also argue that a lot of mothers don't encourage their young daughters to learn how to program or to take more advanced science/computer classes. It goes both ways.

And FWIW, I got an easy-bake oven when I was a kid. I asked for it. Wrapped up next to my GI Joes (and legos!) one birthday was an easy bake oven. I always wanted to know how to cook. I'm really happy my mom was always encouraging in that regard, because at 23 I am constantly impressing people with my cooking ability.

Dell's giant sexist mistake... by muzegardenin TwoXChromosomes

[–]TuckerTheCat -1 points0 points ago

Is it fair to make such a broad statement like that though? Sure, some men are probably disrespectful to women in the tech field (I'd say that some men in the tech field are just disrespectful in general). But I take issue with your generalization.

In all honesty, it seems like there is a lot more to the gender disparity in tech fields than just a few jackass men who treat women poorly.

Dell's giant sexist mistake... by muzegardenin TwoXChromosomes

[–]TuckerTheCat 0 points1 point ago

Serious question: Why are there so few women in the tech industry?

No, I am being serious. I'd like to hear some perspectives.

Do you have a pet peeve with the general public's knowledge of food? What is it? by cookupastormin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat 12 points13 points ago

Well sure, but refusing coffee from an electric coffee maker because of carcinogens?

Do you have a pet peeve with the general public's knowledge of food? What is it? by cookupastormin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat 29 points30 points ago

My roommate won't eat bacon from the grocery store because of the nitrates in it, he buys overpriced "organic" nonsense (like highly-marketed crap), he won't drink coffee from anything but a french press because he thinks electric coffee makers have carcinogens in them, BUT he will eat food off the floor, he will drink alfredo sauce straight from a jar, and he has literally fished my leftovers out of the disposal to eat them.

What the fuck.

Do you have a pet peeve with the general public's knowledge of food? What is it? by cookupastormin Cooking

[–]TuckerTheCat 1 point2 points ago

Sea salt is way overpriced. But I swear, I can tell the difference between kosher salt and table salt.

Pretty girls... by A_Durbeyfieldin TwoXChromosomes

[–]TuckerTheCat 6 points7 points ago

As a dude, I just want to point out one thing in this post that bothered me:

We women need to stick together. All of us.

Naw, come on. We people, we human beings, we friends, need to stick together. I know that some of my female friends have stuck by my side when I needed it most, as I have by their sides as well.

Also - why does the fact that her husband is morbidly obese change anything? It sounds like he treats her well... isn't that what women want? And isn't that all that matters?

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