We’re cavemen on the Moon, we carry bone harpoons! But there ain’t no whales so we tell caveman tales and sing a whaling tune!

There are plenty alcohols, like whiskey and wine, that are supposed to have “oaky” flavors due to the barrels they’re kept in.

Highly recommend Pod Save America and their spinoffs / associates. The Pod Save guys are ex-Obama staffers, so they know how the sausages are made, but they are by no means full-time DNC cheerleaders. Just lately their conversation seems to in the realm of “Biden is the nominee, but we have a responsibility to have a level-headed conversation about if that is the best idea; every possible choice comes with risks, and we aren’t doing ourselves any favors if we don’t consider them.”

They make no secret about the fact that they are pushing a progressive agenda, but they also aren’t blowing smoke up your ass about how well we are or aren’t doing, or if democratic figures have made gigantic fuck-ups, which I appreciate.

I was trying to watch the original Nosferatu but the version I was watching had dogshit Casio keyboard accompaniment. I muted it and had Spotify put on a playlist based on “Danse Macabre.” Much better. That said, a proper silent movie with live accompaniment is fucking fantastic. I saw Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall that way and loved it.

Laser thermometer. It makes cooking things at really specific temperatures a lot easier.

Some long-handle sundae spoons. They’re incredibly useful for getting to the bottom of a deep jar or yogurt tub.

Collapsible screw-together travel chopsticks. They take up virtually no space, come with their own holder so they stay clean, and you’ve always got some nice chopsticks to eat with.

Blue painter’s tape. You can label anything (especially stuff that’s going into the freezer), and it’ll peel off again without leaving any residue.

Beaded reusable cable ties. It’s always nice to be able to tie up a power cord.

A nice headlamp. It’s really nice to be able to put on a headlamp and have your hands free when you’re doing stuff outside at night. Fair warning: you may fall down a nice flashlight rabbit hole.

We got the under cabinet Un-skru kind, and it works like a dream.

I got a Zojirushi at the thrift store and I love it, but then I realized that the pot has a nonstick coating inside, and there doesn’t seem to be a replacement that doesn’t have nonstick. No more rice cooker for me. :(

Slightly less than one boob and one testicle. Just like the average person has slightly less than two legs.

I haven’t seen Come and See and based on what I’ve read I’m not really inclined to.

That tens of thousands number is always brought up, but it’s an average that is affected by the actions of Spiders Georg, an outlier who should not be counted.

Or the fighter jets are piloted by teenaged schoolgirls.

Or the fighter jets are teenaged schoolgirls.

Even if they don’t have a nuke (and we assume they haven’t otherwise acquired one), does Iran have the materials to make a dirty bomb?

In all honesty, it seems like they’ve been trying to make 3D happen every ten to fifteen years since the 1950s. And they tried making VR a thing in the 80s and 90s, too until it went to sleep for a little while.

Think about the ways that information tech has revolutionized our ability to do things. It’s allowed us to do math, produce and distribute news and entertainment, communicate with each other, make our voices heard, organize movements, and create and access pornography at rates and in ways that humanity could only have dreamed of only a few decades ago.

Now consider that AI is first and foremost a technology predicated on reappropriating and stealing credit for another person’s legitimate creative work.

Now imagine how much of humanity’s history has had that kind of exploitation at the forefront of its worst moments, and consider what might lie ahead with those kind of impulses being given the rocket fuel of advanced information technology.

I was curious about a guy who bullied me in elementary school so I looked up his name on Facebook. His profile picture had a pro-life message in it. I was not at all surprised.

There’s a thing I heard somewhere about how your magical system needs to have a balance between how well it’s understood vs. how useful it is, or else it will break the plot.

If a magic system is extremely useful, then it must also be extremely mysterious, so that you can say “Well, it can’t immediately fix all problems because the gods work in mysterious ways.” Gandalf or Tom Bombadil seem incredibly powerful, but they don’t solve all of the problems in Middle Earth, and that’s okay because they’re terribly mysterious.

If a magic system is extremely well understood in-universe, then it has to have hard limits on how useful it is, so you can say something like “Well, the Law of Equivalent Exchange says that to solve all our problems would require a blood sacrifice of the entire population, so that’s not an option.”

If your magic is pretty well-understood AND very useful, then by all rights it OUGHT to solve all your problems, and when it doesn’t then readers rightly begin to question why any of the plot needs to happen at all (see, for example, the time turners in Harry Potter).

We got a service. We’ve two cats, a dog, and a toddler, and no family closeby to help with child care. We did the math and decided we needed the help. It’s fantastic.

1 moa (minute of audio in 128000 bps mp3)

Give me 320000 bps or give me death!

Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Ian McKellan and Christopher Lee in The Lord of the Rings

Bruce Willis and Bonnie Bedelia in Die Hard

Sketch out a three film proposal for a trilogy of movies about how Hollywood is corrupted by its own hubris and greed, becomes convinced that it can use AI to replace human writers and actors, and eventually collapses and is replaced by a new and better movie making paradigm.

Title: “The Rise and Fall of Illusion”

Film 1: “Hubris Unleashed” Synopsis: In the first installment, Hollywood executives, driven by their insatiable greed and arrogance, become convinced that AI technology can revolutionize filmmaking. They start replacing human writers and actors with AI-generated content, leading to initial success and critical acclaim. However, cracks begin to appear as creative stagnation sets in, and audiences grow disillusioned with the soulless productions. The film ends with the industry at its zenith, but teetering on the brink of its own downfall due to its hubris.

Film 2: “The Age of Artificiality” Synopsis: As Hollywood doubles down on AI-driven filmmaking, tensions escalate between those clinging to the old ways and those embracing the new paradigm. The struggle intensifies as AI-generated content becomes increasingly indistinguishable from human creativity, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Amidst mounting controversies and ethical dilemmas, the industry faces its greatest existential crisis yet, with the very essence of storytelling at stake.

Film 3: “Rebirth of Authenticity” Synopsis: In the final chapter, Hollywood reaches its breaking point as the flaws of its AI-driven model are exposed in a spectacular fashion. A grassroots movement emerges, championing human creativity and authenticity over artificial perfection. Against all odds, a group of renegade filmmakers and actors lead a revolution, reclaiming the industry from the grips of technology and corporate greed. As the dust settles, a new era of filmmaking dawns, one that celebrates the human spirit and embraces diversity of voices and ideas. The trilogy concludes with hope for a brighter future where artistry triumphs over algorithms, and the magic of cinema lives on.

Suggest a line of action figures based on the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

Title: “Legends of Illusion”

1. Hubris Heroes: This action figure set features iconic characters from the first film, “Hubris Unleashed,” including the arrogant Hollywood executives, the enigmatic AI creators, and the disillusioned writers and actors caught in the crossfire. Each figure comes with interchangeable accessories symbolizing their respective roles in the industry’s rise to power.

2. Artificial Avengers: Inspired by the second film, “The Age of Artificiality,” this action figure line showcases a diverse array of characters representing both proponents and opponents of AI-driven filmmaking. From rebellious filmmakers leading the charge for authenticity to cutting-edge AI algorithms with their own agendas, each figure is intricately detailed and highly poseable.

3. Rebel Renegades: Celebrating the heroes of the final installment, “Rebirth of Authenticity,” this action figure series honors the courageous individuals who stood up against the corrupted Hollywood regime. From charismatic actors turned revolutionaries to visionary directors leading the charge for change, each figure embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that ultimately saved the industry.

4. Paradigm Shift Playset: Recreate pivotal scenes from the trilogy with this elaborate playset depicting the evolution of the cinematic landscape. From the opulent boardrooms of Hollywood’s elite to the gritty streets where grassroots movements took root, this playset offers endless storytelling possibilities for fans of all ages.

5. Illusionary Icons Collector’s Edition: This limited-edition action figure set pays homage to the most iconic characters and moments from the trilogy, featuring premium sculpting and detailing. Packaged in a deluxe display case, each figure is accompanied by a booklet exploring the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

Suggest some limited edition Mountain Dew soda flavors based on the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

1. Hubris Haze: A bold fusion of citrus and tropical flavors, representing the intoxicating allure of Hollywood’s hubris. This limited edition Mountain Dew flavor captures the essence of ambition and excess, with a tantalizing blend that leaves you craving more.

2. Artificial Rush: Experience a surge of energy with this electrifying Mountain Dew flavor, infused with hints of synthetic sweetness and a burst of artificial adrenaline. Perfect for those moments when you need to stay one step ahead in the fast-paced world of AI-driven filmmaking.

3. Rebel Revolt: Break free from the norm with this rebellious Mountain Dew flavor, blending tangy rebellion with a hint of defiance. Inspired by the courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo, this limited edition soda is a refreshing reminder to embrace authenticity and individuality.

4. Paradigm Shift Spark: Ignite your taste buds with this revolutionary Mountain Dew flavor, featuring a dynamic mix of exotic fruits and unexpected twists. As the cinematic landscape undergoes a transformation, this soda mirrors the excitement and unpredictability of the changing times.

5. Illusionary Infusion: Delve into the depths of imagination with this mesmerizing Mountain Dew flavor, weaving together layers of mystery and intrigue. With every sip, you’ll be transported to a world where reality blurs and illusions reign supreme, leaving you craving more of the cinematic magic that inspired it.

Suggest a set of five different slogans for the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

1. “Witness the Rise, Feel the Fall: The Illusionary Saga Unfolds”
2. “From Hubris to Hope: The Epic Journey of Creativity vs. Technology”
3. “Unravel the Illusion: A Cinematic Universe Beyond Imagination”
4. “Where Dreams Collide and Realities Shatter: The Rise and Fall of Illusion”
5. “Experience the Rebirth: A New Era of Cinema Dawns in the Aftermath”