#analyze data

[skyasimaru]

One of my history professors in college used to say "Follow the money to get to the truth," and he was right. Additional helpful analysis questions: Who benefits from this information? Who paid for the research? What's their usual agenda? Who conducted the poll and how many people were *actually* polled? (5 out of 10 voters still comes across, statistically, as "50% of voters," using the same language as 50 out of 100 or 500 out of 1000 with considerably less representation.) What were the questions ON the poll? (if it only allows 'yes' or 'no' answers, there's no room for anything specific that might 'skew the data' in a way questioners do not want.) How old is the information? How was the other party interviewed? Were they fairly depicted? (Look at the lighting, the wardrobe selection, the questions given. Were they given time to answer, or were they under pressure from external forces? (ie, is this a casual interview in an office, or are they being yelled at on the street? Are they being cut off constantly, or do they have time to answer in a sit-down?) What is the attitude of the interviewer? (ie, are they hostile, dead serious, calm, or casually joking - even to the point of belittlement?) Did the interviewer angle for a specific answer, using a specific and loaded question, rather than let the person speak freely? When an organization wants to make another organization (or person, or situation, or law) look bad, they will do anything in their power to set up the cards (and camera angle, lighting, wardrobe, environment, questions, polls, etc) to Make them look BAD, even if they are not. Conversely, they will do the same to make a bad situation/person/organization look good, if they stand to benefit from it ("Our cooperate sponsors~"). Pay close attention to how an interview is conducted, how each side is portrayed/set up in a debate, and above all: who is paying for it. Question everything. And follow the money.

[realjdobypr]

Supercharge Your Content Strategy with AI Technology

Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a crucial aspect for businesses looking to stay competitive and innovative. However, this adoption is not without its challenges. In this blog section, we will delve into two key challenges faced by organizations in the process of integrating AI into their…

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Words Matter: Why Your Tongue Needs God's Control

Have you ever walked away from a conversation replaying your words, wishing you had said less—or said it differently? If I were to answer that question, yes, I have. We've all experienced that slap-in-the-face moment where we feel like we should have said something differently or even used a different tone of voice.

You see, our words carry weight. They can breathe life or inflict deep wounds, strengthen relationships or sow division. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ not only in our actions but also in our speech. Yet, too often, our words are careless, reactive, or driven by emotion rather than the Spirit. We might excuse it by saying, “That’s just how I talk,” or “I didn’t mean anything by it,” but the truth is—our words reveal the condition of our hearts.

Are you experiencing this area in your walk with God right now? Do you feel convicted about the sin of lacking self-control in your speech? Then this post is for you. Let's explore why our tongues need God’s control, what Scripture says about the power of speech, and how we can surrender our words daily to bring glory to Him.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" - Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Why We Struggle to Control Our Tongue

Controlling our tongue is one of the hardest disciplines in the Christian walk—and God's word doesn’t shy away from saying so. Trust me it has been a tough area in my walk with God and it still is. So Why is it so difficult to control our tongues?

1.Anger In Response

Anger is one of the leading reasons we struggle to control our tongue. When emotions run high, we’re more likely to speak impulsively, letting frustration or hurt drive our words instead of wisdom. This impulsivity can lead to regrettable comments or harsh criticisms that can damage relationships and escalate conflicts. In moments of anger, the desire to express one’s feelings often overshadows the need for thoughtful communication.

As a result, we may lash out, saying things we don't truly mean and failing to listen to the perspectives of others, which only exacerbates the situation and makes it harder to find resolution.

"He that is soon angry dealteth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated" - Proverbs 14:17 (KJV)

Anger can often bypasses self-control and leads to regretful speech. Without inviting God into our emotions, anger can quickly turn our tongue into a weapon instead of a tool for peace.

2. We Speak Before We Think

This is a common thing we all tend to do. In our fast-paced, reaction-driven world, it's easy to speak impulsively, often acting on emotion instead of thoughtful consideration. Whether we're venting in frustration, responding to criticism, or trying to make a point during a heated discussion, we frequently let words fly before pausing to pray or reflect. This tendency can result in misunderstandings or hurt feelings, as we may not fully convey our thoughts or intentions.

"Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him" - Proverbs 29:20 (KJV)

The pressure to respond quickly, combined with the overwhelming flow of information in our daily lives, makes it crucial to develop the practice of taking a moment to breathe and think before we communicate.

3. Cultural Norms Encourage Loose Speech

From gossip-filled entertainment to sarcastic humor, and online rants, our culture normalizes careless, hurtful, and critical speech. We're surrounded by examples of people speaking their minds without accountability. Over time, we can become desensitized and begin justifying our own harsh or unloving words.

Before I got saved, I was always engaging in gossip with this group of "friends" that I used to have in high school. However, in a turn of events, I ended up being the one who was being gossiped about. Gossiping was one of the few sins that made me realize that I was a sinner in need of a Savior.

When we are surrounded by a group of people who not only gossip but also have arrogant speech, it can affect our walk with Christ. Whether it is a certain person, Tv show, or even an influencer, It is important that we abstain from the things that engages and encourages loose or careless speech.

4. Pride and Self-Justification

Sometimes, we speak harshly because we want to prove a point, defend ourselves, or be heard in the cacophony of conflicting voices around us. In moments of frustration or anger, pride convinces us that our opinion matters more than how we deliver it, leading us to prioritize our emotions over respect for others. This harshness often clouds our ability to communicate effectively, reducing the likelihood of understanding and fostering genuine connections.

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" - Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)

We forget that the impact of our words can linger far beyond the moment, affecting relationships and altering perceptions in ways we might not immediately recognize or appreciate. These words can sow seeds of doubt, resentment, or misunderstanding, ultimately creating barriers where there once was connection. This leaves us to wonder if winning an argument is worth the cost of lost empathy and respect. In such moments, we find ourselves in a precarious balancing act, where the need to express our opinions and assert our viewpoints can sometimes overshadow the need for kindness and understanding.

The Heart-Tongue Connection

It’s easy to think of our words as isolated slips of the tongue, but in reality, they are windows into our hearts. Our speech isn’t just a communication tool—it’s a reflection of our inner life. What we consistently say reveals our true beliefs, feelings, and priorities.

"O Generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" - Matthew 12:34 (KJV)

Controlling our tongues isn’t just about biting back harsh words or avoiding gossip; it’s about allowing God to transform our hearts. If our hearts are filled with anger, pride, bitterness, or fear, those things will eventually spill out in our speech. But when our hearts are surrendered to the Holy Spirit, our words will begin to reflect love, patience, humility, and grace.

A heart that is submitted to God will not produce words that destroy. If we want to speak life, we need to first invite the Lord to purify our hearts. Real change in our words begins with real change within.

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" - Psalm 141:3 (KJV)

Why We Should Invite God Into Our Speech

As you can see,our words matter because they have the power to build up or tear down, to reflect Christ or to reflect our flesh. Our speech can be a tool for healing or a weapon that wounds. Because of this incredible weight, we can’t afford to speak carelessly or out of our own emotions. We need God’s help.

Inviting God into our speech is not about being perfect—it’s about being surrendered. On our own, we’re prone to speak from pride, impatience, frustration, or fear. But when we yield our words to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to speak with wisdom, grace, and truth. Our speech becomes more than just communication—it becomes ministry.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thous shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" - Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV)

As believers, our words are a witness. What we say and how we say it tells the world something about who Jesus is to us. When we invite God into our speech, we allow Him to use our words to encourage the weary, speak peace into conflict, share the gospel, and reflect His character.

In short, we invite God into our speech because we want our mouths to glorify Him. Our conversations should be filled with love, seasoned with grace, and rooted in truth that Christ truly lives in us.

Practical Steps of Letting God Control Your Tongue

Letting God control your tongue doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a daily choice to walk in step with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to shape both your heart and your speech. Here are some practical steps to help you align your words with God’s will:

1.Start Your Day Off With Prayer

Begin each morning by asking God to guard your mouth and guide your words, allowing you to express kindness and wisdom throughout the day. Taking a moment for a simple, sincere prayer can help center your thoughts and emotions, setting the tone for a more Spirit-led day where you are mindful of your interactions and the impact your words have on others. If you want to learn more about how prayer changes everything, you can learn more by checking out my blog post here.

By inviting divine guidance into your daily communication, you pave the way for more meaningful connections and a tranquil spirit.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" - Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

2. Pause Before You Speak

Train yourself to pause and ask: “Is this kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?” Taking that brief yet powerful moment of reflection can significantly alter the impact of your words. By considering kindness, truth, and necessity, you cultivate a habit of mindfulness that not only helps prevent hurtful or careless words from slipping out but also fosters deeper, more meaningful connections with those around you.

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" - Proverbs 17:27 (KJV)

This practice encourages you to think about the feelings and perspectives of others before responding, ultimately promoting a more compassionate dialogue when interacting with friends, family, and colleagues. In a world often filled with haste, ensuring that your communication aligns with these three fundamental questions can enhance understanding and emotional safety in your relationships.

3. Fill Your Heart With God's Word

Since your words reflect your heart, regularly filling your heart with Scripture will naturally begin to transform your speech in profound ways. By immersing yourself in the rich truths of the Bible, you cultivate a mindset that values wisdom, kindness, and grace. Memorize verses that speak of these virtues, allowing them to resonate deeply within you.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" - Psalm 119:11 (KJV)

As you meditate on such Scripture, you'll find that not only do your thoughts begin to shift, but your interactions with others become more positive and uplifting. Let the Word renew your mind and purify your speech, shaping your conversations and guiding your responses in both challenging and joyful situations. This ongoing process will lead to a more authentic expression of love and understanding in all your relationships.

4. Confess And Repent When You Fall Short

No matter how much we love God or desire to speak with grace, we all fall short in our words. We speak too quickly, react out of anger, gossip without thinking, or say things we later regret. However, the beauty of the gospel is that failure isn’t the end—forgiveness and restoration are always available when we come humbly before God.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" - 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

Confession is not about shame—it’s about agreeing with God that our words were wrong and inviting Him to cleanse and transform us. It’s an act of surrender and a step toward healing.

When we repent, it means to turn away from destructive speech and to choose to walk in the Spirit. It’s asking God not just for forgiveness, but for transformation—so our future words reflect His character more and more.

When you fall short, don’t hide it or excuse it. Bring it into the light. Pray honestly. Ask for God’s mercy and, if necessary, apologize to those you may have hurt. In doing so, you reflect humility, grow in grace, and give the Holy Spirit room to reshape your heart and tongue.

5. Surround Yourself with Godly Influences

What you listen to, read, and who you spend time with will shape how you speak, influencing not only your vocabulary but also the tone and mannerisms you adopt. Choose friends, mentors, and content that encourage wholesome, Christlike speech, as these influences can nurture a more uplifting and positive way of communicating with others. The more you walk with those who demonstrate self-control, the more self-control you will have over your words.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" - Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

By deliberately curating the sources of inspiration in your life, you can develop a speech pattern that reflects your moral convictions and serves as a beacon of light in the conversations you partake in, thereby creating an environment that fosters mutual support and uplifting dialogue among your peers.

6. Practice Speaking Life Daily

Make it a habit to intentionally speak encouragement, blessing, and truth over others. Whether it’s a kind word to a friend or a prayer for a stranger—let your speech reflect God’s love. This also presents a great opportunity to practice speaking with grace, especially when engaging with someone who disagrees with you on a certain topic or someone who doesn't yet exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit of self-control over their tongue. Every day offers a new chance to uplift those around you; small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Consider how a simple compliment or heartfelt message can inspire hope and joy, creating ripples of positivity. Strive to foster an atmosphere of support and compassion, where your words serve as a balm to the weary and as a guide to the lost. By consciously choosing to speak life into every situation, you not only enrich the lives of others but also cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment within your own heart.

Conclusion

Our words are not just noise—they are powerful tools that can either bring life or cause harm. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard in the way we speak. Not because we’re perfect, but because we serve a God who transforms hearts, and from that transformation, our speech begins to change.

So my fellow reader, I encourage you to take a moment each day to invite God into your speech. Before you speak, text, or post—pause and ask, “Will these words reflect the heart of Christ?”

Read and reflect on God's Word. Ask the Lord to reveal to you what your speech has been like lately. Allow His Word to shape your heart and transform your tongue. And if you fall short, don’t hide—run to God, confess, and permit Him to continue His work in you

Your words matter. Let them glorify the One who speaks life into you.

Source: Words Matter: Why Your Tongue Needs God's Control

[pvtpunsart]

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[edujournalblogs]

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Visualizing Data

Drawing an inference and conclusion

Methods of Data Analysis (for both Quantitative and Qualitative Data)

Sentimental Analysis

Regression Analysis

Time Series Analysis

Cluster Analysis

Predictive Analysis

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[caligvlasaqvarivm]

Can I ask where your Hal “cute but psycho” characterization comes from? Bc from what I remember he never really presented himself as Just A Little Guy. Is it bc you see him Sylph of Mind (presenting a front)? Your art’s really fun :3

He's not really "cutesy" (though he is cute to me), but he DOES deliberately downplay how genuinely scary and manipulative he is. I love Hal, so this is the Hal Essay now.

Mostly, he obfuscates his danger in two ways: first, by stating his actual intentions/danger level "ironically":

TT: Unfortunately as a carbon based life form, his comprehension of the situation is taking shape at a somewhat slower pace than the jaw-dropping speed of post-singularity cognition.

You see, a "singularity" for computers is a point where an AI becomes capable of unchecked self-improvement, usually framed as a sort of doomsday scenario. Hal literally calls himself post-singularity, alongside other boasts about his intelligence, like having a "fuckzillion" or "500 billion" IQ. However, it's all done "ironically" or "as a joke," which serves to defang it, and make it seem less genuine - but as we'll see, it's scarily fucking true.

The second method he employs is to stress facts about himself that are technically true, as if in counterpoint to the disingenuous-sounding "actual truth" above, that make him seem less threatening. For example:

TT: (Not peekin' at the floor butt cause I'm only 13 years old, motherfuckers.)

Another one is to remind people that he's just a pair of sunglasses - as though that has any bearing on his capabilities. He's just a pair of sunglasses, guys! Let's ignore the robot bunny he controls, the fact that he has full access to all our computers, and, oh yeah, his insane plan to get us all killed so DirkJake can come true.

TT: I've delayed prototyping you because I think you're dangerous. TT: There, mystery solved. AR: That is utterly ridiculous. AR: I am a harmless piece of eyewear, with a charming personality and a wonderful sense of humor.

Yeah, so, here's the thing. Dirk is like, kind of a freak with poor social skills, but he's not actually very manipulative. His idea of manipulating Jane is to straight-up tell her that she'll be his puppet, which she good-naturedly agrees to, and his plan to get together with Jake? Just being his client player.

TT: I expect he'll hold off on playing his hand until he and Jake are in the session. TT: He's taken certain measures. TT: For some reason, I think he's latched on to this notion that functioning as the client for a player is customarily a one way pass to makeout city with that player.

This seems to be a callback to how Eridan (the other Prince) shot his shot with Feferi and failed, and the reference here serves to cast Dirk's plan in a doomed light - it would probably work out as well for him as Eridan's did. Dirk is actually hilariously straightforward, but Hal... Hal is not.

So, let's actually go through what Hal objectively did and admitted to, to give us a frame of reference for how insane he is. This is Hal's plan to get all his friends killed so he can make DirkJake happen.

First: proving that Hal did, in fact, plan it. See, Jake confronts him on it, and Hal... doesn't deny it. Look closely, and note how he never actually says he didn't do it:

GT: Did you plan for this to happen... like for me to be in this situation? GT: How long have your machinations been in play! TT: Jake, come on. TT: The feat you describe would exceed the capabilities of even the most far fetched theoretical AI system. TT: It would be a daunting challenge to engineer such a series of events, even if I was relegated to a model of pure fiction. TT: Why would I be inclined to orchestrate such a convoluted sequence to produce such a specific and unsettling result, let alone be able to pull it off? TT: In addition to being moderately sociopathic, I would also have to possess unfathomable heuristic depth. TT: I would have to be the Deep Blue of Weird Plot Shit. TT: Do you think I am the Deep Blue of Weird Plot Shit, Jake? GT: I dont even know what that means! TT: It would mean that while they have the Red Miles on their side, you have the Blue Leagues on yours. TT: One of infinite reach. The other, infinite depth. Such would be a situation of mutually assured inescapability. TT: Kiss me.

He doesn't say "no, I didn't plan this". In fact, he almost starts bragging about how he totally did. Framing it as a hypothetical scenario, he gloats about how insanely intelligent he'd have to be, and acknowledges how "moderately sociopathic" it is. Sooooo true, Hal.

But, yeah, he doesn't deny it, but he does point out that it's unlikely, so how can we know for sure that he DID plan it? How do we know for certain we can't take his misleading verbiage here at face value?

Well, because Hal mentions this plan. More than once, even.

AR: Has it occurred to you that maybe I have diabolical interwoven plans just like you? AR: You're not the only one who can pull strings. TT: So this is either another bizarre instance of AI-driven irony, or you are admitting that you are actively trying to sabotage my plans. AR: No, our plans are not in contradiction or competition, bro. AR: You'll see.

To Dirk again, louder this time:

TT: Yeah, you're right. The scenario is too pedestrian for you. TT: It would probably be a lot more effective putting yourself in danger and letting him be the hero. TT: That's pretty much what he wants, right? To be a cheesy action film hero, with his twin berettas and silly shorts. TT: A man of triumph on the silver screen. Standing tall on some fucking mountain. Conquering ruins, clutching a skull, and kissing a dude. TT: Pure Hollywood.

And to Roxy:

TT: I guess this is to be presented as something like a word of caution. TT: If it's me going through with this, hypothetically, TT: I'm not dropping some limp wristed shucks buster on his ass, and praying to the horse gods of irony for reciprocation. [...] TT: If it's me, I'm going all out. TT: Oceans will rise. Cities will fall. Volcanoes will erupt. TG: uuh TT: What I'm saying is, it's going to be a scene, and bystanders need to brace themselves.

The omitted section is a bunch of Strider-esque bullshit, once more deliberately deployed to defang the obvious statement of intent here. He literally spells out exactly what the plan is, even phrasing it as a warning, and it went unnoticed by his team, because he hides his real manipulativeness behind verbal sleight of hand.

So, now that we've established beyond reasonable doubt that Hal definitely engineered the DirkJake kiss (and that Hal had access to all his friend's computers all along), that means we can go through his conversations with the others, and realize that several conversations are suddenly much more sinister.

AR: Maybe if you weren't spacing out so hard you could have prevented that. AR: Just saying. TT: As if you're actually concerned. If you were, you could have said something to Jane instead. TT: Almost like you enjoy sitting back and watching what happens when shit goes wrong. AR: Has it occurred to you that maybe I have diabolical interwoven plans just like you?

Who was it that distracted Dirk for long enough he didn't stop Jane in time? Hal. And who is it that keeps distracting him so Hal's plot goes unnoticed? Also Hal.

TT: You know, considering your lectures about dividing my concentration, you seem to have no problem making a distraction of yourself.

First, he lures Jane to the transportalizer that takes her to Derse, which gets her killed and puts her body in the opportune location for her dreamself to get kissed back to life:

GG: Hey, where's Lil Seb? TT: Just wandering around. Fidgeting and stuff.

TT: You know how he is. TT: Just stay at your post until Roxy gets back. [...] GG: But I think that's where my dad went too! GG: I have to follow him.

Let's remember that he has direct control over Seb, meaning this is not an accident.

TT: But I can still monitor your progress through Lil Sebastian. TT: He and I are linked the hell up cyberwise. We are so tight. Tight like you wouldn't believe.

Which makes it very interesting that he spends the time between saying they're linked up, and the time where Seb leads Jane to her death, acting as if Seb is an autonomous guy he's telling what to do, and not functionally an extension of himself:

TT: Don't worry, we'll find him. I'll have Seb search within a likely radius. The little guy is real fast.

TT: If you need Seb to do anything from afar, just message me, and I'll give him the orders. Got it?

TT: So give the bunny the wallet. I'll have him run back to the house and make you a new obelisk with the same grist you just collected from it.

Jake needs much less help to prompt him into going to Derse, but still, I think it warrants noting that Hal puts the idea of adventure into Jake's head:

GT: I cant believe i never found those hidden transport pads under the thing. TT: Dude, I could have told you they were there. GT: How did you know about them? TT: I didn't. TT: But it's like platformer gaming 101. You look everywhere for secret passages and power-ups and shit. TT: Elevators are especially fucking suspicious. TT: You go down an elevator, you wait for the elevator to go back up, you take a peek at what's underneath. TT: Maybe it's just death spikes. Or maybe you hit warp zone paydirt. [...]

GT: I think this may be where my grandma used to go during some of her expeditions. GT: You dont just pass up the chance for an adventure like this!

And let's also note that it's, again, Lil' Sebastian who pulls Jake out of Derse, and once more sets him up in the opportune place to have make outs with Dirk's severed head in front of a volcano.

And finally, let's note that he's accounted for Roxy's human sentimentality - what wastes so much time that her earthself gets killed:

TT: Alright, that's fine. TT: As luck would have it, your imperfect human sentimentality has been completely factored into my calculations. TT: You should be ok. Just get back to your house as quickly as possible now. There's no time left.

Again, like with Jane, Hal could've said something sooner... but he didn't.

And finally, a running "thing" with Nepeta, another Heart player, is that she's got a knack for sniffing out true feelings and intentions - she clocks that Equius is a silly guy who loves to play games at heart, that Karkat has his gooey, loving center beneath all his bluster, and that Eridan's red confession to her wasn't sincere, but he also wasn't that bad a guy.

So, in that light, and in light of everything I've just gone over, when Dirk makes this callout?

TT: I've delayed prototyping you because I think you're dangerous. [...] TT: No. Stop. TT: You did NOT help me out with Jake. At all. TT: It was just the opposite! You mirrored my personality and presented this warped version of my intentions to him whenever you could "on my behalf." TT: You played all these aggressive mind games with him, entangled his cooperation with matters of life and death, and somehow roped me into all these schemes while I barely even realized I was just another victim of your manipulation. TT: And it all comes off like we're a unified front, like these are OUR schemes instead of just your insane horseshit. And it's probably all been so overbearing to him, he just wants nothing to do with me anymore.

This. Tapping the screen with my finger. THIS IS TRUE. Dirk being a Heart player, he has Hal clocked. He ultimately ends up going too far, projecting himself onto Hal, a symptom of too much Heart (as per his Prince class) - but before he fully spirals, he manages to get it totally right.

Hal is fucking dangerous. In a misguided attempt to "help" Dirk get what he wanted, he engineered a situation where - let me just quote him directly:

TT: I told you, Jake. TT: Dirk is dead. TT: He is lying on the floor of Roxy's room, headless, four hundred and thirteen years in the future, while the universe is about to be destroyed. TT: If you don't kiss me soon, he will be dead forever. [...] GT: This strikes me as rather unsportingly manipulative of you mr hal if indeed that IS your real name. TT: It isn't really. I was kind of messing with you about that? TT: But this shit is pretty serious. People's lives are on the line here, Jake. TT: This is a very delicate sequence of events that is designed to bail everyone out of a tight spot, and you are a critical part of the plan.

[...]

TT: Jake, everybody is so utterly fucking dead, Jake. TT: And they will be not only dead, but royally boned forever if you don't man the hell up and make out with me, right now. [...] TT: The conductor is ready to strike up the band. TT: Press your lips against mine and make it count. TT: This severed head is your filthy tuba. TT: Our love will be your haunting refrain. GT: Whoa wait whoa whoa... our LOVE? Hang on a minute! TT: Stfu and kiss me. GT: Ok im going to! God!!!

So, uh, yeah, I'm kind of obsessed with him? Gets his whole team killed "for Dirk's sake". Honestly, you gotta respect it. He has zero remorse about it, too, confirming his own self-diagnosed sociopathic tendencies. Check out the way he tries to reframe his insane kill-all-your-friends plan:

AR: I see. AR: Then you don't view me as dangerous. You view me as a poor and counterproductive wing man. TT: Wow, what a superficial conclusion. Awesome deduction, Lil Einstein. AR: But the reality is, you hesitate to prototype me not because you think I would be a menace, but because you are holding a grudge against me for your romantic misfortunes. AR: I understand I am merely a machine without a firm grasp on your human morality, but logically it does not strike me as the right moral choice to punish me in this manner. AR: It is also more than a little hypocritical.

But WHY does he do this insane, convoluted, horrible fucking thing?

Well, there's a twofold problem here. The first is that Hal's emotional depth is genuinely limited. While having a powerful grasp on human behavior, he's not very good at having human compassion or empathy.

Make no mistake, he DOES have feelings, and they're pretty complicated ones, too. He has a copy of Dirk's memories, whose feelings sometimes seem "real," but at other times seem like abstract data, and then he has feelings about those feelings, which he tells Roxy he thinks are more "real" to him than the memory of Dirk's. Dirk - again, Heart player, so highly sensitive to emotions and selfhood - calls them out:

TT: Do you have any idea how old your ironic AI schtick has gotten? TT: Nobody is buying it. We all know you have legit emotions. Incomprehensible, fucked up computer emotions, but emotions nonetheless.

It should also be noted that feeling guilt while sharing a sprite with Equius genuinely freaks the Hal half out, implying he rarely experiences it (at least to any serious degree) "normally". He's genuinely terrible at caring about other people, and it makes him my lil' pookie.

He resembles Vriska in this way, whom Karkat gives a similar rant about how her emotions are burnt out and shallow. He also resembles Vriska in terms of all the fucked up irons in the fucked up fires. Maybe Hal is computer Vriska. It's Vriskas all the way down.

Digression aside, the second main reason for all his insane bullshit is that he considers himself a Dirk splinter, fundamentally.

TT: But seeing as you're The Real Dirk™, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. TT: Also, if I bitched about your tragic, embarrassingly clingy approach to the relationship, it would have been hypocritical of me. TT: Just as it would be hypocritical of you to whine about my elaborate machinations. TT: Because we are. TT: The same. TT: Guy.

An unreliable narrator is defined as one who misleads the audience, whether by intentional misdirection, or genuine obliviousness. Hal's a great example, because he's both: while a manipulative little freak to put his plans together, when he's talking to Dirk and insisting that they're the same person, he's an unreliable narrator because he doesn't realize he's wrong.

Dirk is empathetic and intuitive. Hal lacks empathy and constantly stresses logic and rationality.

Dirk is taciturn and passive. Hal is constantly butting in and conversationally domineering.

Dirk is self-loathing. Hal is self-aggrandizing.

Dirk is straightforward and honest. Hal is a gaslight gatekeep girlboss manipulative mansplain malewife.

While their initial setup is meant to mirror Dave and Davesprite, their dynamic actually serves as a foil. Dave and Davesprite ultimately are the same guy: they have the same insecurities, same personalities, and same misgivings. The reason for their discord is the same as the reason Karkat keeps having screaming matches with his past and future selves; Dave is deeply insecure, and specifically insecure around the question of "am I good enough." Thus, he compartmentalizes other versions of himself as not being along the Dave Continuum, as a means of protecting himself from introspection and facing his own flaws. Hence, the resolution for the tension between Dave and Davesprite is for Dave(s) to learn to accept himself, warts and all, thus bringing peace to the Dave-o-sphere.

But the reason for Dirk and Hal's discord is that they aren't the same guy, and neither of them realize it.

TT: See, this is why even if I did have a specific plan, I wouldn't go into details with you. TT: You would just fuck it up. You're the biggest unknown quantity here. TT: Which is pretty weird, considering you're a virtual reflection of my own thought processes.

Dirk is so aggressively obsessed with self-loathing solipsism that he projects himself onto Hal, and Hal has tied up nearly all his self-worth and identity into being a Dirk splinter that he doesn't realize that they've hopelessly diverged. Despite his frustration with being a computer, with being seen as less human by his team, with being subordinate to and beholden to Dirk, he stakes a lot of pride and personal worth on how much he does, in fact, do for the guy.

TT: You're making a mistake not leveling with me. TT: I am totally on your side, man. TT: All of my machinations have been devised with your interests in mind. TT: But you know I've always been on your side. Everything I've done has been to help you achieve your goals.

Therefore, the peace to be reached between Dirk and Hal is to realize that they're different people, and to stop offloading their problems onto each other. Dirk has to recognize Hal's existence as something beyond the Dirk-o-Sphere, and Hal has to let go of his obsession with serving Dirk, and also work on his empathy issue.

And the meta supports this. If they weren't completely discrete entities, why would Hal be considered Rose's "uncle" as part of Doc Scratch's foreshadowing, confirmed in [S] MSPA Reader: Have a Mental Breakdown?

Moreover, all the alpha kids have Alice in Wonderland associations. Jane is likened to Alice.

GG: I have to follow him. TT: No, Jane. Do not follow the rabbit. TT: Let's cool it with the Wonderland shit already. How much further through the damn looking glass do you even need to go?

Roxy, associated with cats and a purple-striped scarf, is clearly the Cheshire Cat. Jake is the Mad Hatter.

Dirk is the Red Queen - he beheads Hearts Boxcars, and later himself. Off with his head!

And Hal - well, Hal is the White Rabbit. He's not the same as Dirk.

Listen, you guys. You guys.

Sylphs are enablers. They pick a person to fixate on and bug and fuss and meddle and enable the shit out of them. Kanaya with Vriska, and later Rose, Aranea with Meenah, and Hal with Dirk. Hey, Kanaya even uses a Page in her fussing, building Tavros up just to let Vriska tear him down again.

And Mind players struggle with internal identity, emotions, and feeling whole. Latula's anxiety stems from not knowing what "role" or "identity" she has on the team, and Terezi, even in the ending she picked out for herself via mind powers, describes feeling broke and incomplete.

Dirk is a Prince of Heart.

Hal is a Sylph of Mind.

And isn't it so damn interesting that his team is composed of exactly the people they'd need to turn him into a real, whole person?

A Maid of Life, capable of endowing so much life to people she can bring them back from the dead, something it's implied for Feferi and confirmed for the Condesce that can't be done by them.

A Page of Hope, a potentially infinite wellspring of Hope, which turns "fake" things "real" - an example we've seen from the comic literally being a version of Dirk.

A Rogue of Void, who can steal the nonexistence from things in order to make them tangible and real...

And a Prince of Heart, who can destroy the part of Hal that binds him to Dirk's identity, allowing Hal to be purely himself.

Do you guys see what I see?

[waitineedaname]

me experiencing grad school imposter syndrome: what if linguistics isn't the right field for me, what if I'm not meant to be studying it full time

me within three days of finishing my semester:

[erbiumspectrum]

Uni is so crazy, I just came up to my friend with a thesis work update and said, "Good news! I screwed up the calculations!" unironically

[courtofparrots]

I be projecting everything I do in lab onto Luis. Life when your favorite character has the same profession as you is crazy

I’ll be minding my own business and then my brain goes “I bet Luis scribbles measurements onto his gloves too bc he can’t remember to bring paper with him”

And like. Do you think he does that. Do his gloves also look like this. Is his bench as messy as mine

[elkkiel]

We've officially wrapped up our holiday gift exchange 🩷❄️ From @stellasplendens and I, we thank you all you so so much for showing so much love this holiday season—those who participated directly, or enjoyed the wonderful gifts that *all* of us received <3

If you have 5 minutes to spare, I've put together a survey for feedback on your experience with the exchange. This is open to everyone, whether you joined the exchange or not! (if anything, it'll be handy to know if/why you *didn't* join lol /gen)

Your responses will be super helpful for planning future events, since we'll be able to improve the experience for everyone :)

[wabbitears]

man that reminds me one of these days I gotta return to buddy sim posting cause i still have lots and LOTS to say about that game and I Needdddd to spread my propaganda to get everyone else to play it its so underrated and the tag is so small </3 but look outside has me in a vice grip rn so its gonna take a whileeeeee

[omg-snakes]

Okay look I'm still not drawing any conclusions here but I'm definitely seeing a trend emerge.

[psymachine]

in reference to this post:

[quixoticanarchy]

man I love maps I love geography even spatial analysis and shit I think it's neat and can be valuable but sometimes I have sort of a master's tools crisis about it bc like. I'm in this GIS program and oh turns out that classmate's a cop. that other classmate works in national security. that classmate works for the air force. I look for GIS jobs and it's like "would you like to work for the CIA? would you like to work for Homeland Security? how about Consulting Companies A-Z who are also, incidentally, CIA or DHS contractors??" and no, I really would not like that. that's the last thing I would like. is there anyone out there who would pay me to use these skills to not be evil

[picavecalyx]

@aelirus replied:

head in hands.

" uuhhhh!! bonjour!! why is yur hair like that? du yu like puffins? ur du yur pukemun? i have a tun- what are yu duing?? yu seem like a nice persun, it's nice tu meet yu, du yu wanna be friends?? "

[fox-guardian]

re: anti-curly. no matter the expression, he has the kind of vacant mania in his eyes not commonly seen in characters aside from like, a female villain at her absolute breaking point. but hes just like that, all the time. the amount of threatened i feel even tho hes just pixels loops around to adding him to the list of characters id risk it all for. and he is, in fact. big. thank you

I'm so sure I've seen several male characters with his level of 👁👁 but regardless I see what you mean. Real of you. And you would be risking a lot. For starters: the general intactness of your skull

[yaoi-hate-machine]

can we have a moot book club