Unprepared for the Solar Storms: The Looming Threat of Increased Solar Activity on Aging Infrastructure

As the sun enters a new period of heightened solar activity, experts warn that we may not be adequately prepared to handle the potential consequences. The last period of increased solar activity, known as the solar maximum, highlighted vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, which have not been adequately addressed since then. In this article, we explore the upcoming period of increased solar activity, the risks it poses to our aging infrastructure, and the potential impact on power grids, communication systems, and the economy.

The Solar Cycle and Solar Maximum:

The sun operates on a roughly 11-year cycle, with periods of increased and decreased solar activity. During the solar maximum, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) become more frequent, releasing a surge of solar energy and particles towards Earth. While the solar maximum presents awe-inspiring displays of auroras, it also carries the potential for detrimental effects on our technological infrastructure.

Risks to Aging Infrastructure:

1. Power Grid Vulnerabilities:

The power grid is particularly susceptible to solar storms, as geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can be induced in long transmission lines. These GICs can overload transformers and other equipment, leading to widespread blackouts. According to a report by the National Academy of Sciences, a severe solar storm could cause prolonged blackouts affecting tens of millions of people, with the recovery time spanning from weeks to months.

2. Communication Disruptions:

Solar storms can interfere with radio signals, satellite communications, and GPS systems. This interference can disrupt essential communication networks used in emergency services, aviation, and navigation, leading to potential safety risks and economic losses.

3. Infrastructure Costs and Damage:

The potential damage to infrastructure from solar storms can result in substantial economic consequences. The repair and replacement costs for damaged transformers, power lines, and communication equipment can reach billions of dollars.

Unaddressed Vulnerabilities Since the Last Solar Maximum:

Despite the lessons learned from the last solar maximum in 2013, our infrastructure vulnerabilities remain largely unaddressed. The increasing reliance on technology and interconnected systems only amplifies the potential risks.

1. Aging Power Grid:

Many power grids are aging, and the necessary upgrades and fortifications to withstand solar storms have been slow to materialize. The lack of investment in grid resilience puts us at greater risk of widespread blackouts.

2. Unprotected Communication Systems:

Satellite systems, GPS networks, and communication infrastructures remain vulnerable to solar storms due to inadequate protective measures. The potential disruptions in these critical systems can have cascading effects on transportation, financial services, and emergency response.

3. Economic and Social Impact:

The economic and social consequences of prolonged blackouts and communication disruptions cannot be underestimated. The impact on industries, businesses, and daily life could be severe, with potential ripple effects on global trade and supply chains.

Preparedness and Mitigation:

To adequately prepare for the upcoming period of increased solar activity, urgent actions are required.

1. Infrastructure Upgrades:

Investing in upgrades and fortifications of power grids and communication systems can enhance resilience against solar storms. Utilizing advanced materials and technologies can reduce the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

2. Space Weather Monitoring:

Enhancing space weather monitoring and early warning systems can provide timely alerts and enable utilities and agencies to take preventive measures.

3. Public Awareness and Preparedness:

Raising public awareness about the potential impact of solar storms is crucial. Encouraging preparedness measures at individual and community levels can help mitigate the effects of blackouts and communication disruptions.

As the sun enters a period of increased solar activity, our aging infrastructure faces significant risks. The unaddressed vulnerabilities since the last solar maximum leave us ill-prepared to handle the potential consequences. The risks to power grids, communication systems, and the economy underscore the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, space weather monitoring, and public awareness. By taking proactive measures and investing in resilience, we can navigate the upcoming solar storms with greater preparedness and safeguard our technological infrastructure from the potential impact of increased solar activity.

Climate-Related Disasters and the Threat of Exhausted Aid Funds: Navigating the Rising Tides of Climate Change

As climate change intensifies, the world is witnessing an alarming increase in climate-related disasters. From devastating hurricanes and wildfires to prolonged droughts and floods, these catastrophic events are straining humanitarian efforts and aid funds. The continuous stream of climate-related disasters poses a significant challenge, potentially depleting aid funds faster than they can be replenished. In this article, we explore the pressing issue of exhausted aid funds and how climate change could exacerbate this problem, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures and sustainable solutions.

The Escalating Cycle of Climate-Related Disasters:

Climate change is unleashing a vicious cycle of escalating disasters. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, leading to a surge in climate-related disasters. The increasing occurrence of hurricanes, cyclones, wildfires, and other calamities places an immense burden on humanitarian organizations and aid agencies worldwide.

1. Strained Humanitarian Efforts:

With a continuous stream of climate-related disasters, humanitarian organizations are stretched to their limits. Providing immediate assistance, emergency relief, and long-term recovery efforts require substantial financial resources. The constant influx of disasters challenges the capacity of aid organizations to respond effectively and promptly.

2. Depletion of Aid Funds:

The demand for aid in the wake of climate-related disasters can deplete funds allocated for humanitarian purposes rapidly. With disaster after disaster, aid funds are exhausted, leaving little room for proactive measures or preparedness for the next event.

3. Delayed Replenishment:

The replenishment of aid funds often relies on donations from governments, private organizations, and individuals. However, the frequency of climate-related disasters could lead to donor fatigue, delaying the replenishment process and exacerbating the issue of insufficient funds during subsequent disasters.

Climate Change as a Catalyst:

Climate change acts as a catalyst, magnifying the impacts of natural disasters and escalating the exhaustion of aid funds.

1. Amplified Disasters:

The warming climate intensifies the ferocity of hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, leading to more significant damages and higher recovery costs. The severity and frequency of these events put a tremendous strain on humanitarian resources.

2. Displacement and Migration:

As climate change disrupts ecosystems and weather patterns, it can trigger mass displacement and migration. People forced to leave their homes due to climate-induced disasters require assistance, further straining humanitarian resources.

3. Growing Vulnerability:

Communities vulnerable to climate change are often ill-equipped to cope with the aftermath of disasters. The lack of resources and infrastructure in vulnerable regions increases the demand for aid, putting additional pressure on aid funds.

Proactive Measures and Sustainable Solutions:

To address the challenge of exhausted aid funds and the escalating impact of climate-related disasters, proactive measures and sustainable solutions are crucial.

1. Climate Adaptation and Resilience:

Investing in climate adaptation and resilience measures can reduce the impacts of disasters and lower the demand for aid funds. Implementing early warning systems, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and supporting sustainable agriculture can enhance communities’ ability to withstand climate shocks.

2. Global Collaboration:

International cooperation and collaboration are vital in addressing the global challenge of climate change and its consequences. Strengthening global partnerships can pool resources and expertise to build more robust response mechanisms.

3. Long-Term Planning:

Shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive, long-term planning strategy is essential. Investing in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation measures can save lives, reduce damages, and alleviate the burden on aid funds.

Conclusion:

The continuous stream of climate-related disasters is placing unprecedented pressure on aid funds and humanitarian efforts. Climate change acts as a force multiplier, amplifying the impacts of disasters and exacerbating the issue of exhausted aid funds. Urgent action is needed to embrace proactive measures and sustainable solutions to enhance climate resilience, reduce disaster impacts, and strengthen global collaboration. By investing in climate adaptation, long-term planning, and community resilience, the world can better navigate the rising tides of climate change and safeguard humanitarian resources to support those in need in the face of ongoing and future climate-related disasters.

Harnessing the Power of Prompt Engineering: Enhancing Generative AI Tool Results

Generative AI tools, powered by advanced language models like GPT-3, have revolutionized the way we interact with technology, enabling us to generate text, code, and even creative works. However, to achieve optimal results, prompt engineering plays a pivotal role. By crafting well-designed prompts, users can guide these powerful models to produce more accurate and contextually relevant outputs. In this article, we explore the concept of prompt engineering and its significance in obtaining better results when using generative AI tools.

Understanding Prompt Engineering:

Prompt engineering refers to the process of formulating input instructions or queries that guide generative AI models to produce desired outputs. Effective prompt engineering involves providing the right context, constraints, and specifications to achieve the desired outcome. Well-crafted prompts help the AI model understand the user’s intent and generate relevant and coherent responses.

Key Strategies for Effective Prompt Engineering:

1. Be Clear and Specific:

When crafting a prompt, clarity is essential. Clearly state the desired task, context, or goal. Being specific about the required output can help the model produce more accurate results. Avoid ambiguous or overly general prompts, as they may lead to less relevant or coherent responses.

2. Use Examples and Context:

Provide relevant examples or context within the prompt to guide the model’s understanding. Include specific details or keywords that anchor the AI’s response to the desired subject matter. Examples help the model comprehend the user’s intent and generate content accordingly.

3. Define the Format:

For tasks that require structured outputs, define the format explicitly in the prompt. For instance, when generating code, indicate the desired programming language and expected code structure. This helps the AI model understand the required syntax and ensures more precise results.

4. Incorporate Temperature and Max Tokens:

Generative AI models have parameters like “temperature” and “max tokens” that control the randomness and length of the output, respectively. Adjusting these parameters can influence the generated response. Lower temperature values produce more focused and deterministic responses, while higher values allow for more creative and varied outputs.

5. Iterate and Refine:

Experiment with different prompts and observe the model’s responses. Iterate and refine your prompts based on the results to achieve better outcomes. Continuously improving the prompts enhances the overall performance and accuracy of the generative AI tool.

6. Mind Ethical Considerations:

Prompt engineering carries ethical responsibilities, as AI models can be sensitive to biased or harmful inputs. Ensure that your prompts align with ethical guidelines, avoiding content that promotes discrimination, hate speech, or any form of harm.

Conclusion:

Prompt engineering is a crucial aspect of utilizing generative AI tools effectively. By crafting clear, specific, and context-rich prompts, users can guide AI models to generate more accurate, relevant, and contextually appropriate outputs. Utilize examples and define the format to achieve desired structured results. Adjust temperature and max tokens to control the creativity and length of responses. Continuously iterate and refine prompts to improve performance. Lastly, be mindful of ethical considerations to ensure responsible use of these powerful AI technologies. By mastering the art of prompt engineering, users can unlock the full potential of generative AI tools and leverage them for a wide range of applications, from content generation to code synthesis and creative endeavors.

Protecting the Voiceless: Combating the Abhorrent Trend of Animal Exploitation on Social Media

The rise of social media platforms, such as TikTok, has transformed the way we connect, entertain, and share experiences. However, alongside the positive aspects, a disturbing trend has emerged—a concerning practice where some users exploit animals for views and engagement. The welfare of innocent creatures is compromised as they are placed in dangerous situations solely for entertainment. In this article, we shed light on the abhorrent trend of animal exploitation on social media and discuss the urgency to protect these voiceless beings from harm.

1. The Disturbing Reality:

On platforms like TikTok, videos showcasing animals in dangerous or stressful situations have garnered attention, becoming viral sensations. These videos often feature pets or wildlife subjected to alarming stunts, startling noises, or situations that invoke fear. Such content poses serious threats to the physical and emotional well-being of animals, raising ethical and moral concerns.

2. Impact on Animal Welfare:

Animals have emotions and sensations, much like humans. Placing them in dangerous scenarios can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and trauma. The quest for online fame should never supersede the well-being of innocent beings, who are unable to consent or comprehend the potential harm they may endure.

3. Normalization of Harmful Behavior:

When videos that exploit animals gain popularity and engagement, it sends the wrong message to impressionable viewers. It normalizes harmful behavior and encourages others to follow suit for the sake of internet fame, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of animal exploitation.

4. Ethical Responsibilities of Social Media Platforms:

Social media platforms must bear the ethical responsibility to combat animal exploitation and ensure that content that harms animals is promptly removed. Implementing strict guidelines and policies to address such issues is crucial in promoting a safe and compassionate online environment.

5. Education and Awareness:

Raising awareness about the negative consequences of animal exploitation on social media is essential. Encouraging users to report harmful content and promoting compassionate animal handling can lead to a positive change in online behavior.

6. Supporting Animal Welfare Organizations:

Supporting animal welfare organizations that rescue and care for abused and exploited animals is an effective way to combat this trend. These organizations play a vital role in rescuing animals from harm and providing them with a safe and loving environment.

7. Influencers as Role Models:

Influencers and content creators on social media platforms hold significant influence over their followers. Encouraging responsible animal content and discouraging harmful practices can create a positive impact and help change the narrative.

The abhorrent trend of exploiting animals on social media is a distressing reminder of our moral responsibility towards the most vulnerable members of our society. As we navigate the digital landscape, it is crucial to prioritize the welfare and safety of animals over fleeting internet fame. Promoting a culture of empathy, respect, and compassion for animals should be at the forefront of our collective efforts. By uniting to combat animal exploitation and promoting a compassionate online community, we can ensure that social media platforms become a force for good, where animals are protected and celebrated rather than harmed for the sake of entertainment. Together, we can protect the voiceless and pave the way for a more compassionate digital era.

Embracing Generative AI: Redefining Copyright Infringement in the Age of Derivative Art

The world of art and creation has long thrived on the exchange of ideas and inspiration. From paintings and literature to music and film, human expression has been a reflection of the past, enriched by the amalgamation of previous works. Generative AI, a transformative technology, carries on this tradition of derivative creation. In this article, we explore how generative AI challenges conventional notions of copyright infringement, and why it deserves to be embraced as a novel form of artistic expression that builds upon the rich tapestry of human creativity.

1. Redefining Creativity in a Digital Era:

Generative AI represents a paradigm shift in creativity, where algorithms produce original content by analyzing vast datasets of existing works. Rather than copying and pasting, generative AI harnesses the essence of previous creations and reimagines them into novel forms. This concept of derivative art is in line with the idea that nothing is truly original, as all human creation is inherently influenced by the past.

2. The Emergence of Creative Machines:

Generative AI, powered by deep learning models like GPT-3, excels in generating text, music, images, and more. These systems learn patterns from extensive datasets of human creations, enabling them to generate new content that bears resemblance to but is distinct from the training data. This interplay between human and machine gives rise to a collaborative creative process, enriching the realm of artistic expression.

3. Advancing the Public Domain:

Traditional copyright laws aim to protect original works and incentivize creators. However, in a world where everything is derivative to some extent, generative AI encourages artists to build upon and contribute to the collective cultural heritage. The reimagining of public domain works and iconic creations can lead to renewed relevance and appreciation.

4. Inspiring New Forms of Art:

Generative AI fosters experimentation, enabling artists to explore uncharted territories. Artists can feed AI models with their own works or those of others, creating remixes, mashups, and innovative art forms that defy traditional boundaries. This process of creative synthesis adds depth and diversity to the artistic landscape.

5. Automating Mundane Tasks:

Beyond artistic expression, generative AI can also streamline mundane creative tasks. For instance, AI-generated text can serve as a starting point for writers, easing the process of content creation without undermining their unique contributions in refining and enriching the work.

6. The Role of Attribution and Ethical Use:

While generative AI embraces derivative creation, attribution and ethical use are paramount. Artists and creators should be transparent about the AI’s contribution and credit the underlying datasets that inspired the output. Ethical guidelines should be established to ensure the responsible use of generative AI and respect for the creative efforts of others.

Generative AI stands at the crossroads of art, innovation, and human expression. Its ability to produce derivative works has sparked debates on copyright infringement and the nature of creativity. Embracing generative AI as a form of derivative art challenges traditional notions of originality, emphasizing that human creation has always been a continuous and evolving process. As we navigate the path of AI-generated content, acknowledging the interplay between human and machine, we redefine copyright infringement in the digital age and embrace generative AI as a powerful ally in expanding the boundaries of artistic expression. With responsible use and ethical considerations at its core, generative AI heralds a new era of collaboration between humans and machines, enriching our collective cultural heritage and shaping the future of creativity.

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The Dawn of a New Era: How Generative AI is Revolutionizing Livestreaming

The world of livestreaming has undergone a seismic transformation with the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Platforms like Twitch, once known for passive viewer experiences, are now entering a new era of interactive and dynamic content creation. Generative AI brings unprecedented opportunities for content creators to engage their audiences like never before. In this article, we explore how generative AI is reshaping the landscape of livestreaming, revolutionizing content creation, and opening doors to endless creative possibilities.

1. Interactive Storytelling:

Generative AI allows livestreamers to create interactive and adaptive narratives in real-time. Viewers can actively influence the storyline, character development, and plot twists through chat interactions or other engagement mechanisms. This immersive experience blurs the lines between creator and audience, fostering a deeper sense of community and connection.

2. Personalized Content:

With generative AI, livestreamers can customize content for individual viewers based on their preferences, making each viewer’s experience unique. AI-driven recommendation systems analyze viewers’ behaviors, interactions, and interests to serve tailored content, maximizing engagement and viewer satisfaction.

3. AI-Driven Avatars and Characters:

Generative AI empowers creators to develop lifelike avatars and characters that can interact with viewers in real-time. These AI-driven entities can respond to chat messages, answer questions, and simulate human-like behavior, elevating livestreams to a level of interactivity previously unattainable.

4. Real-Time Effects and Augmented Reality:

Generative AI enables livestreamers to incorporate real-time effects, filters, and augmented reality elements seamlessly into their broadcasts. From face filters to virtual backgrounds, AI enhances visual aesthetics and keeps viewers captivated.

5. Auto-Generated Content:

Generative AI can automate certain aspects of content creation, such as generating background music, visuals, or overlays. This not only saves time for creators but also maintains a consistent and polished presentation for the livestream.

6. AI-Enhanced Chat Moderation:

Livestreamers can use AI-powered chat moderation tools to ensure a safe and respectful environment for viewers. AI algorithms can identify and filter inappropriate content, spam, and toxic behavior, fostering a positive community atmosphere.

7. AI-Driven Predictive Analytics:

Generative AI can analyze viewer data and engagement patterns to provide valuable insights and predictive analytics for livestreamers. Creators can optimize content, scheduling, and monetization strategies based on AI-generated recommendations.

The Future of Livestreaming:

As generative AI continues to evolve, the future of livestreaming on platforms like Twitch holds limitless potential:

1. Enhanced Audience Participation:

AI-driven interactivity will further empower viewers to actively participate in livestreams, blurring the boundaries between creators and audiences.

2. Virtual Worlds and Immersive Experiences:

Generative AI will enable the creation of interactive virtual worlds where viewers can explore and interact with AI-driven characters and elements.

3. Personalized Monetization:

AI-powered recommendation systems will revolutionize monetization strategies, presenting personalized content and product offerings tailored to individual viewers.

4. Cross-Platform Integration:

Generative AI can foster seamless integration across multiple livestreaming platforms, expanding the reach and impact of content creators.

5. AI-Assisted Content Curation:

AI algorithms will assist creators in curating relevant and engaging content, optimizing content discovery for viewers.

Generative AI is ushering in a new era of livestreaming, transforming passive viewers into active participants in immersive and interactive content experiences. From personalized storytelling to AI-driven avatars, the possibilities are boundless. As this technology advances, livestreaming platforms like Twitch will continue to evolve, nurturing thriving communities of content creators and engaged audiences. The future of livestreaming is fueled by generative AI’s ability to create unparalleled content, fostering deeper connections and redefining the very nature of content creation and consumption on the digital stage.

Choosing the Right Retirement Account: A Guide to Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA Investment

Planning for retirement is a critical aspect of financial management, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are popular tools that offer tax advantages to help individuals build their nest egg. When it comes to selecting between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, understanding the key differences and considering individual financial goals and circumstances is essential. In this article, we explore the contrast between Traditional and Roth IRAs and provide insights on how to choose the most suitable option for each individual’s retirement journey.

1. Traditional IRA:

Definition: A Traditional IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account that allows individuals to contribute pre-tax dollars, reducing their taxable income for the current year. Earnings within the account grow tax-deferred until withdrawals are made during retirement.

Eligibility: Anyone with earned income can contribute to a Traditional IRA, regardless of income level. However, there are specific income limits for individuals who also have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k).

Tax Treatment: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax-deductible in the year they are made, potentially lowering the individual’s current tax bill. However, withdrawals during retirement are taxed as ordinary income at the individual’s income tax rate at that time.

Key Considerations:

– Traditional IRAs can be advantageous for individuals in higher tax brackets who expect their income tax rate to be lower during retirement.

– Individuals who prefer immediate tax savings on their contributions may find Traditional IRAs appealing.

– Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must be taken from Traditional IRAs starting at age 72, which may impact retirement income planning.

2. Roth IRA:

Definition: A Roth IRA is a retirement account that allows individuals to contribute after-tax dollars. Unlike a Traditional IRA, withdrawals during retirement are tax-free, provided specific criteria are met.

Eligibility: Roth IRA contributions have income limits, making them unavailable to high-income earners. However, there are no age restrictions for contributing to a Roth IRA, as long as the individual has earned income.

Tax Treatment: Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, as they are made with after-tax dollars. However, qualified withdrawals during retirement, including earnings, are entirely tax-free.

Key Considerations:

– Roth IRAs are suitable for individuals who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement or prefer tax-free withdrawals.

– Roth IRAs offer flexibility, as there are no RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime. This allows for greater control over when and how much to withdraw in retirement.

– Roth IRAs can serve as an effective estate planning tool, as they pass tax-free to beneficiaries.

Choosing the Right Option:

The decision to invest in a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA should be based on an individual’s current and future tax situation, financial goals, and retirement timeline. Here are some essential factors to consider:

1. Current Tax Bracket: If an individual is in a higher tax bracket now but expects to be in a lower bracket during retirement, a Traditional IRA’s upfront tax deduction may be advantageous.

2. Future Tax Projections: If an individual expects to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement, a Roth IRA’s tax-free withdrawals may be more appealing.

3. Time Horizon: Individuals with a longer time horizon until retirement may benefit from the tax-free growth potential of a Roth IRA.

4. Financial Flexibility: Roth IRAs offer the advantage of no RMDs and greater flexibility in retirement income planning.

5. Estate Planning Goals: Roth IRAs can be beneficial for passing tax-free assets to beneficiaries, offering estate planning advantages.

Both Traditional and Roth IRAs offer valuable tax advantages for retirement savings. Deciding between the two requires careful evaluation of an individual’s current financial situation, expected future tax rates, and retirement goals. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized insights to navigate the complexities of retirement planning and ensure that the chosen IRA aligns with an individual’s unique circumstances. Ultimately, with the right choice, an IRA can become a powerful tool to secure a comfortable and financially secure retirement future.

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A Review of Broadchurch

I had originally seen the first several episodes of the series way back when it first was put on Netflix. I had enjoyed the series, but for some reason had set it aside for a while. This week though, I binge watched the whole three seasons available, and I’ve got some thoughts on the series.

A bit about the series. It is about a Scottish detective (David Tennant) who failed a case, being given the head of a police station in Broadchurch, a fictional British town, instead of local detective (Olivia Colman). The first season of the show involves the murder of a local boy, and the mystery surrounding the murder. This season was great. The suspicion, the drama, every time you think they have a lead pinned down, you think to yourself about all of the other suspicious people, and all of the unanswered questions.

For a mystery, it is certainly one of the more gripping stories that I’ve seen. A lot of mysteries either tend to have only a few viable theories, or the series throws insane twists that you couldn’t possibly see coming. You really learn details of the investigation alongside the detectives, and get to have fun picking apart the maddeningly vague stories that people give. Even with the obvious lying by witnesses and the holes in their stories, they don’t hone down on the possibilities of why those characters are lying, adding levels of mystery to the show. When I got near the end of the first season, I thought to myself, how could they continue from here? Could they do another murder mystery in the same small town? Could they solve the failed case from before? Could they do the trial of the murderer?

In fact, they do both of the last two options, solving the old failed case, and at the same time, going through the trial. I actually really loved this season for the fact that it was almost a critique of dramatic TV police investigations. All of those times that my critical brain, during the first season thought, “Wow, that’s great TV, but would be a nightmare if the case got to an actual courtroom, that kind of sloppy work would get a case dismissed.” It turned out that nearly all of those points come up again as points in the case, which was delightful. Additionally, solving the cold case was a fun mystery. There were some new characters introduced, and some new drama with the side effects of dealing with the events of the first season, though the amount of mystery and questions were reduced.

Season three though… I have a few issues with. In this season, with the trial completed, and the cold case solved, what is there left to do? Nothing actually, but to have another case. This time a rape case, where one of the characters from the first season is a crisis care worker, so that she can just so happen to hang around with the detectives more on this case, and so that we have an excuse to continue following the aftermath for their family, and find some way to bring them into the case. I didn’t really mind this too much though, as it was another compelling story, with another group of suspicious characters that reminded me of the swimming pool of questions I nearly drowned in in the first season.

With that said, I did have one actual problem with this season. Pornography. There was this incredibly moralistic attitude towards porn in the show, portraying it as a gateway to degeneracy and criminal sex abuse. Now, this could be a commentary on the views of small-town folk in the UK, but it really doesn’t appear that this is the case. Now, there are instances of underage people watching and sharing porn, I get that, and there are different types of pornography, some of which is actually violent, or may even be criminal. However, the series does not distinguish between porn in magazines or produced by studios, and videos of rape being passed around by underage students. Instead it is all looked at with this moralistic view.

What’s doubly frustrating about this view is that the series contains several scenes of partial nudity, or even softcore sex scenes. While not the whole of the thing, the hypocrisy was frustrating and confusing, and I wish that they had at least made some distinction, where they could have said “I think all porn is bad, but this stuff is illegal.”. Or, “Not my thing, but this stuff is bad.” Or “Sharing porn of people you know is a bad thing, don’t do that.”

Overall, I very much enjoyed the series, and might watch “Gracepoint” later on, when I need another hit of British mystery, or David Tennant.

What I’ve Been Up To: Fall Quarter Edition

I moved! Only to a different apartment in the same complex, but nonetheless, out from a good deal of my stress. I now have much less personal drama in my life, and can spend my mental energy on doing things that I want to do! Of course, this means updating my blog more often, and best of all, the ability to continue working on my book!

Speaking of my third book, I finally got through the climax! Now, I just need to wrap up the story, and I can bring the first arc of the series to a close, which, if I decide not to write more on the series (though I’ve got up to 14 volumes planned) will make for a decent ending. There’s nothing like the impending end of the year coming up to make a person start to hustle on their goals for the year.

While I haven’t been writing very much, I still have been busy, between working, and learning. I’ve spent more time learning Houdini, specifically trying to learn various simulation effects. My partner and I have been working together on different parts of 3D modelling. She has difficulty with object forms, but she can turn a basic model into something detailed and interesting. I on the other hand, am good with form, and am learning some of the more technical things like simulation, rigging, lighting and rendering, so we have been passing models back and forth to create some interesting characters. I would link here, but many are NSFW. I should take more screenshots of my in-progress work, or the parts I’ve been working on.

For my reading list, I have finally made it through ALL of the Discworld novels now, and am planning on doing a retrospective writeup about the series, because I have thoughts. Also now that I am more comfortable in my living space, I can resume making my way through some of the more academic books I’ve got.

Now for the bad news, if you made it through this far. Just a couple of days ago, I briefly left my new apartment to do errands, and in the short period of time that I was gone, I managed to lose my wallet in one of the parking lots. It was my accursed comfortable pajama pants responsible for the loss, but it means that I can’t resume my delivery work that actually pays the bills until I get my replacement license in the mail. Sure I could have gotten a temporary replacement if I had gone to the DMV in person, but the only one processing licenses was too far to walk, or risk driving to. I mean, who can afford a ticket in this economy? I certainly can’t.

On the bright side, I’ve managed to work my macros out better now, and they are producing a decent amount for me. With just two phones, I’ve made about $50 so far this month, with a total of about $100 each month likely to be where I end up. Unfortunately, I misplaced my third spare phone in the move, or I would actually be able to pay my real phone bill with that passive income. For now, I am saving it for something, though I haven’t decided what yet.

On the fun front, I’ve started to play Mabinogi again, and goddamn, I forgot how much fun I had playing it. It’s like life, but so much less difficult, and more fun. I’ve been keeping an eye out on the updates for Dwarf Fortress though, once the new update hits, I may never be seen again, hah. I’ve been thinking about capitalizing on this by streaming my gameplay of these more niche games, where I can also shill my books, and get some real feedback.

There’s a lot that I missed here, summing up a quarter just doesn’t let you get into the same detail as at least monthly, if not weekly. Until next time then.

More Dreams

Man, I have just been on a roll with the vivid dreams lately. Since the last time that I posted about a vivid dream that haunts me, I’ve had not one, but two more dreams about nuclear apocalypses. In both we had just an hour or so to find shelter. In the first dream, I grabbed my whole computer. In the second dream, I just tore out the hard drives and threw them into a microwave to protect them.

In the first dream, the bomb struck very close, but I didn’t actually witness the bomb or anything, I just woke up. In the second dream though, I was actually outside, and saw a missile moving at incredible speeds shooting towards the industrial zone just north of Denver.

What has been extra weird about these dreams is not how vivid they are, but how regular, even now that I am much less stressed about the world in general at the moment. The third weird thing is that I usually smoke a bunch of marijuana before bed to prevent myself from dreaming, but even that hasn’t been enough to stave off these incredibly intense dreams.

In both dreams, the blast happens in the evening, good for me, since that’s the only time that I am reliably awake, ha, it would be terrible for something like that to happen in your sleep, with no chance to escape. I think that a good chunk of it might be my built-up creativity from not writing much lately. However, it could also be that I am now just too cynical, and have a latent fear of nuclear destruction from my negative view on the direction that global politics is headed in. It could also be that my natural ability to lucid dream is just more powerful than what I’m smoking, and so I will be stuck with more of these, and will need to do some exercises to regain control properly, though it’ll be tough, the amount of fear that I feel in the nuclear dreams makes me feel frantic and unfocused. When I was young, and the threats I faced were smaller, like a vampire, or some zombies, while I was sometimes frantic, it was much easier for me to gather myself, and shift enough details to turn it from fear to fun (such as one time limiting the entry ways to one for zombies, and giving myself infinite shotgun ammo in a gun that never needed to be reloaded).

On the bright side, I finally am in a place where I actually feel comfortable enough to write again, and I even managed to knock out a big section of the climactic battle of the third book that I’m working on.