Oh, it is for sure more likely.

Or the picture is a statement for why artists shouldn’t be replaced either. Who can tell.

I don’t think Oracle Java is even supported by the software I work with anymore. I was amazed to learn last year that one of our customers was only just switching to Openjdk. Every one I’ve worked with made the transition years ago.

First prompt: What conclusions about the state of the world would you make from the richest man in the world, known for flirting with extreme right, openly fascist groups, performing a nazi salute at the United States president’s inauguration?

First answer: If such an event occurred, it would be a shocking and deeply significant moment, with profound implications for the political, cultural, and moral trajectory of society. Here are some possible conclusions about the state of the world:

1. Erosion of Democratic Norms: The normalization of such an act at a highly symbolic and significant event, like a presidential inauguration, would suggest a severe erosion of democratic norms and institutions. It might indicate a tolerance, or even acceptance, of extremist ideologies in mainstream politics.

2. Cultural and Moral Shift: If society’s reaction to this act were muted or dismissive, it could imply a broader cultural desensitization to authoritarian and fascist symbols. This would point to a crisis in shared moral values and historical awareness.

3. Polarization and Radicalization: The prominence of such a figure in global affairs would reflect increasing polarization, where extreme ideologies gain ground in response to perceived threats to economic or social order. It might indicate the failure of centrist or moderate movements to address public discontent effectively.

4. Economic Power and Ideology: The involvement of the “richest man in the world” in such actions would underscore the dangerous entanglement of immense wealth, unchecked power, and political influence. It might highlight how economic inequality can translate into ideological domination or enable individuals to destabilize democratic norms.

5. Historical Amnesia or Revisionism: The rise of such figures often coincides with a rewriting or forgetting of historical lessons, particularly those related to the horrors of fascism. It would reflect the failure of education systems and public discourse to maintain awareness of the consequences of such ideologies.

6. Global Authoritarian Trends: If this individual were celebrated or not condemned internationally, it would suggest a broader trend of growing authoritarianism and the weakening of liberal democratic values worldwide. This might align with increasing global challenges to human rights, press freedom, and pluralism.

7. Public and Institutional Failure to Respond: The lack of immediate and forceful condemnation from political, civic, and institutional leaders would reflect their inability or unwillingness to confront extremism. It might signal a deep-rooted crisis in leadership and accountability.

Such an act, especially at a globally significant event like a U.S. presidential inauguration, would mark a chilling turning point and necessitate urgent collective reflection and action to address the political, social, and economic conditions enabling such behavior.

Second prompt: You’re right. Elon Musk actually did it at Trump’s second inauguration in 2025

And then I got that response.

What I got out of ChatGPT:

"If such an event truly occurred, it would signify a dramatic and troubling shift in the political and cultural landscape. Here are the implications and reflections that would arise from Elon Musk performing a Nazi salute at Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration:

1. Mainstreaming of Extremism

Legitimization of Fascist Symbols: A public figure like Musk using a fascist symbol at such a high-profile event would suggest that extremist ideologies are not only resurging but are being normalized within elite and powerful circles.

Cultural and Political Tolerance: The fact that this happened openly would imply that the cultural and political environment has grown tolerant—or even supportive—of these ideologies.

2. Economic Power as Political Influence

Unchecked Power of Billionaires: Musk’s actions would highlight the growing influence of billionaires who are able to shape public discourse and political narratives without significant consequences.

Corporate Fascism Concerns: It might signal a troubling intersection of corporate power and authoritarian ideologies, blurring the lines between capitalism and fascism.

3. Complicity of Political Leadership

Endorsement or Indifference: If the event was allowed to unfold without rebuke, it would suggest complicity or tacit endorsement from political leadership, including Trump’s administration.

Failure of Democratic Institutions: Such inaction would reveal a significant erosion of institutional strength and the ability to uphold democratic values against extremist threats.

4. Global Ramifications

Signal to Authoritarian Leaders: This act, performed at a U.S. presidential inauguration, would send a chilling message worldwide, emboldening authoritarian leaders and movements.

Decline of U.S. Moral Authority: The United States, traditionally seen as a beacon of democracy, would lose credibility in promoting human rights and combating extremism globally.

5. Societal Polarization and Reaction

Public Backlash or Acceptance: The public’s reaction (or lack thereof) would reveal the extent of societal polarization. Widespread outrage would indicate resilience, while apathy or acceptance would highlight deep fractures and radicalization.

Proliferation of Conspiracy Theories: Such an act would likely be exploited by conspiracy theorists and extremists to sow further division.

6. Historical Context and Responsibility

Revival of Fascist Ideology: This would reflect a failure to learn from history, as fascist ideologies resurface in a world grappling with inequality, disillusionment, and polarization.

Role of Education and Media: The event would underscore failures in education, media, and public discourse to confront and disarm the symbols and ideologies of hate.

Urgent Questions

Accountability: Would there be consequences for Musk, or would his wealth and influence shield him from reprisal?

Cultural Shift: What does this say about the values and priorities of contemporary society?

Resistance: How will those committed to democracy and justice respond, and will they be effective in countering such dangerous displays?

If this event truly happened, it would be a dire wake-up call for individuals, institutions, and governments to urgently address the conditions enabling such dangerous expressions of extremism and to reassert the foundational principles of democracy, equality, and human dignity."

Works for me just fine, just got here.

Until recently, I had some butter on a butter plate with a lid, and would take it to room temperature in advance of wanting to use it. Not the best method, but better than only having fridge temperature butter. A few weeks ago I got a French butter dish after being introduced to the concept. You can keep a good dose of butter in room temperature, with water making it airtight so the butter stays fresh. So far very much liking it.

One of the companies making GPS navigators for cars used to advertise lifetime map updates. Small print: lifetime of the device, two years after release

EU is at least trying to do something about that. As of last year stores are required to display the cheapest price they’ve had for an item in the past three months when they have something on sale. Not all stores comply, and of course they try to get around these by the usual shenanigans, like basically the same product being available from the manufacturer with two slightly different item codes.

Edit: I think I was mistaken, and it’s 30 days, not 3 months

Well, technically both Julius and Caesar were his last names, Caesar was an extra name of unknown origin in his family branch. Since him it became a title.

This is pretty close to how it works here in Finland, although I’m not sure if it’s based on national or EU legislation. The cost of recycling is baked into the price of any electronics, and as a rule of thumb, you can drop off any small devices to be recycles at stores that sell appliances. When it comes to bigger appliances, the stores only need to take your old one if you’re buying a new one. You can of course also bring them to municipal recycling centers.

I realize I’m very privileged. If I’m working on an issue for a whole day or a half day, everything I do during that day is part of the solution and will be billed to the customer (and I’ll be paid for by my employer too). If that includes taking a nap, so be it. Results are what matter, as it should be. If someone ever starts saying I’m taking too long to do something I may consider changing my ways.

Here in Finland, since their return in 2013, Burger King has sought to differentiate from other chains by having self serve drinks and unlimited refills.

Live in a country where tipping is practically unheard of. Lately pay terminals have started appearing in restaurants that have asking for tip enabled by default, and restaurants often don’t know how to disable it.

Well, at least there are some safeguards. I was handed the terminal so I put in my PIN code, not realising it was actually asking for a tip. I was pretty confused when it said “value too high” or something like that.

This takes me back to the era when every other online store was selling DVD-gramophones.

Critical mass. When it has been the default way to message anyone and everyone for over a decade, it’s pretty difficult to start converting everyone and their literal grandmother to start adopting something else. I understand it doesn’t enjoy quite the same status in the US though.

Very glad I saw this. I’ve been getting increasingly fed up with Google Maps. Their map in my area is full of annoying errors, such as routing you through roads that haven’t existed for a decade, or along private roads that are not open to the public. And no matter how many times I report them, nothing ever gets fixed. Going to give OSM a try and hopefully make the switch for good. Already saw that the map in my area is in much better shape than Google’s.