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PaperclipPerfector  19d ago (text post)   26658 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of December 30, 2024

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Not commenting on the political aspects, but it seems like they covered way more benefits of estrogen than they did benefits of testosterone. This irks me because it reminds me of all those nutrition articles that praise one food's benefits, like how uniquely special quinoa is because it has magnesium, this, that, etc. When you could write the same exact article replacing "quinoa" for some other food, because there's tons of foods with identical or better nutrient profiles. Anyway:

You can't just list the cellular and global benefits of estrogen and not list the same benefits of testosterone. Testosterone has to be just as if not more muscle-sparing than estrogen. It is interesting and probably true that estrogen would shift fuel source more to fat, which does sound useful for very long-distance events, but just like women have more estrogen receptors and all the benefits that come with it, men have more testosterone receptors and all the benefits that come along with it, benefits that I could imagine would be relevant to hunting as well. The article doesn't seem to be doing a fair comparison.

For one, male-levels of testosterone uniquely allow tendon and ligament CSA to increase from exercise, which is injury-protective. Bone and muscle CSA will be larger, and fast-twitch muscles and power will be useful for certain game. I think it depends on what kind of game you are chasing, and whether you're going to run 100+ miles or maybe just a marathon or maybe just a short distance, idk.

It is interesting and probably true that estrogen would shift fuel source more to fat, which does sound useful for very long-distance events

My understanding (and it might be bro-science) is that for very long distance events, you're not using either stored fat or glycogen for most of it; you're using what you take in, so your limit is how much you can eat and absorb.

This is correct. Running a marathon is essentially incompatible with doing a keto diet. Throughout the marathon, all the runners will be doing their damnedest to guzzle as much glucose and isotonic drinks as they can stomach without puking and/or shitting themselves. Hitting the wall is the point in the marathon at which you've exhausted your supply of carbs and must burn fat instead, at which keeping to any kind of reasonable pace is effectively impossible.

This irks me because it reminds me of all those nutrition articles that praise one food's benefits, like how uniquely special quinoa is because it has magnesium, this, that, etc. When you could write the same exact article replacing "quinoa" for some other food, because there's tons of foods with identical or better nutrient profiles.

The good news is that LLMs exist now, and you can write those articles about other, non-trendy foods too! Just imagine, "6 Reasons Why Rutabagas Are An Underrated Superfood". Be the change you fear to see in the world.

Just for fun I asked: https://chatgpt.com/share/6773255e-8f74-8004-915d-56088ff34dc2

I'm not going to include the whole thing here so as not to fall afoul of the rules.

Now I want to get me some rutabagas...

Please list 6 Reasons Why Rutabagas Are An Underrated Superfood

Result (Copilot):

Rutabagas are indeed an underrated superfood, packed with a variety of nutrients and health benefits. Here are six reasons why you should consider adding them to your diet:

  1. Rich in Nutrients: Rutabagas are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
  2. High in Fiber: Rutabagas are high in dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy weight by keeping you feeling full for longer.
  3. Low in Calories: Despite being rich in nutrients, rutabagas are low in calories. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing essential nutrients.
  4. Antioxidant Properties: Rutabagas contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  5. Supports Heart Health: The potassium in rutabagas can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, their high fiber content supports healthy cholesterol levels.
  6. Versatile in the Kitchen: Rutabagas can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted vegetables and mashed sides. Their slightly sweet and earthy flavor adds depth and nutrition to many recipes.

Next time you're grocery shopping, don't forget to give rutabagas a try! Your body will thank you.

Recently, I was linked to an anti-Cybertruck viral song clip. I fed a related prompt to an AI and got better lyrics that referenced specific issues I had heard about (rust, frame strength, windows, angular appearance) in one attempt:

There once was a truck that sailed the streets,
The Cybertruck, with angles neat,
But oh, the folks, they did not cheer,
For the truck was quite a sight to fear.

Oh, the Cybertruck, it came to town,
With a body made of steel so brown,
But the people said, "It's just too strange,
We'd rather have a truck that's plain."

The windows cracked, the body bent,
The Cybertruck, it made a dent,
In the hopes of those who dreamed,
Of a truck that wasn't so extreme.

[Chorus]

The design was bold, the look was new,
But the Cybertruck, it split the view,
Some folks loved, but many frowned,
As the truck rolled through the town.

[Chorus]

So here's a tale of a truck so grand,
That tried to change the auto land,
But in the end, it couldn't sway,
The hearts of those who walked away.

[Chorus]

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