#Explain different types of operating system

[kedreeva]

My father recently (like 2-3 days ago) started playing Minecraft and I have been helping explain it to him.

The first thing you need to know is that my dad owns a laptop whose keyboard doesn't work. He doesn't use a different USB keyboard. He clicks on the digital keyboard (???) the operating system has, and clicks each letter to type. Or he copy pasted letters by clicking. It's insane of him.

So he's trying to play on a USB keyboard, but he didn't use a real keyboard anymore so he's basically forgotten how to type with his hands. He can't use the keyboard and the mouse at the same time effectively anymore. So I had him order a controller. This isn't a lot better, but it is better. He's figuring it out.

So he made a world, I dropped in, and I walked him around on peaceful survival mode, always day, keep inventory... Just in case. He picked a very random oak Forest to settle in, and I helped him build a little survival home with two bedrooms so he could have one and I could have one.

Last night, he calls me, anxious because he's lost, he doesn't know where he is and "I think I've fallen off the edge of the world" and I'm thinking like okay. He fell into a pit and doesn't know how to get out. No big deal. So I log in and I ask for his coordinates.

He's approximately 300 blocks from his house, lost in the woods.

[chezzywezzy]

Yandere Edward Cullen (4/8)

WC: 3k

R was doing her late-night job of chatting up some rich and married man in his fifties while studying the following Sunday. The money flow kept coming as he begged to “see more,” but R was typically advised by coworkers to just keep a stash of lingerie, bikini, and blanket pictures that told a story and if they actually paid a lot of money, maybe reveal a bit more. In a way, Playboy was a scam to the typical middle class income males. It was always the millionaires and billionaires that got the full experience, seeing as they didn’t need to waste time in donating only a couple hundred dollars at first.

Another thousand rolled in, displayed on her second computer screen. She eyeballed it for a moment before clicking to attach an image. The computer suddenly froze before both screens went black. Not even a second later, the entire house was shrouded in darkness.

“Shit���” R muttered. Without the sound of her typing and clicking, she could firmly zone in on the howling wind and rain outside. She hadn’t heard any thunder, but the wind itself was strong enough to send a tree billowing over a nearby power line. 

R wandered downstairs with her emergency flashlight she had in her desk for occurrences such as this. She internally praised herself for how adult and mature it felt to prepare for what-if circumstances.

She opened a blind and surveyed it around outside. Although it was foggy, R noticed that the dim lamppost down the street was still functioning. She assumed nothing of it, considering it probably had a totally different operating system, but it made her curious none the less.

R decided to brave through it and put on her best raincoat. She wanted to see what exactly had happened.

R almost immediately whelmed with regret and she could barely get the back door open. Rain spat at her, almost painfully so, and she covered herself with her arm blocking the way. She meandered, fighting against the tempest weather, until reaching the power box.

It would hardly open with her strength, but she managed. Her flashlight ran over the box. Nothing had been tampered with, except for  very clear rips of the three wires that sprung from them. The tear hardly seemed from scissors, but wires were strong. Bare human hands could hardly do something like that.

Shivers rolled down her spine and she was quick to pack up her things and stay in a brightly lit motel that evening, despite the horrible weather.

~~~

The next morning, R arrived to school with dark under eyes. Things were becoming weird in the little town of Forks. Too many coincidences. The open windows, the power box, the feeling of an intense gaze no matter where she was. R was certain it was a stalking situation. Even if it hardly was directly harmful, last night’s incident felt threatening, as though a possessive man had put a stop to her work in the midst of it. 

She chatted with Jessica briefly, explaining that she had a rough night and was a little scared for her safety because of strange things happening around her house. Fully expected, Jessica offered her place to stay the night, and said they can make a girl’s day out of it. Of course, she agreed, but made sure Jessica promised to keep them both on task as they planned to campaign for student council together. Angela was invited, but she said she would rather keep her stake in the treasury.

She slouched in her seat in O-chem, avoiding eye contact with a clearly concerned Edward. He kept gulping down his words, but class came and went. Afterwards was when he finally spoke up.

“I… I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself,” Edward stated carefully, trailing after R as she maneuvered to her next class. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Due to last night’s spook, R hardly had a chance to think about Edward, but something stirred suspicion but also an internal voice that rejected such suspicion. She halted in the hallway and turned to face him. Fellow students blurred past as R reluctantly made eye contact.

“I… guess not,” R mumbled so quietly that she was certain he couldn’t hear, but he nodded anyways. R did not reject his carefully placed shoulder rub. “I think I’m being stalked. It’s been going on for a while, and…”

Her mind scampered around to all the evidence. The tampering in her home when she was away. The window opening at night. The power box. A part of her tried to make sense of blaming it on Edward, but it felt too peculiar - they had hardly known each other and he never knew where she lived when these occurrences had begun, but all hallucinogenic and coincidental evidence, as bizarre as it was, pointed to him.

Edward’s eyes squinted in empathy and he gave R’s shoulder a squeeze. “Have you reported it to the police yet?”

“I reported the most obvious event last night, but without fingerprints or cameras or anything else, they can’t do much,” R admitted , sinking toward the man.

“That’s… unhelpful.” The man chose his words cautiously, enveloping her in a tight hug. The hall was rather empty. “You… you do not think it’s me, do you? I hardly meant to startle you Saturday —“

R tore away glaring at Edward defeatedly. “I do, Edward, and that’s what scares me. Because I have no idea how.”

Edward almost seemed embarrassed, yet his expression hardly gave away the correct answer. “But why…? I understand Saturday, but I was genuinely just in the area —“

“That just seems too impossible,” R exclaimed. Edward immediately shushed her, and despite her mind screaming to retaliate, he pulled her into the empty O-chem classroom. “I mean, I see you in my sleep, my house is acting like it’s haunted, and somehow you’re so fast and so strong, but it isn’t even humanly possible —“

Edward shushed her suddenly, pressing her carefully against the lab table, so gently that it was as though not to mess with a hair on her body. R’s mind was so extremely confused because Edward was so caring and so polite - if he was the stalker, surely he could have just asked her out from the beginning, knowing how irresistible he is. But none of this started until after they made eye contact and became closer. And she saw Edward several times, as though he was a phantom, but ghosts were not real.

“You see me in your sleep?” 

Under other circumstances, she would have blushed and felt embarrassed. But she sensed a shift in the mood, as though Edward was suddenly melting into her. R was not sure why she talked to him about it in the first place. However, she rationalized that if Edward was the stalker, he was too careful to get caught in the first place, or would bend to her pleas and misery.

“Not like - that…” R almost felt out of control as her heart swelled with a sense of adoration and trust in the man. It did not feel like her own emotions, but could not fathom where else they would come from. Edward made intense eye contact before sending a glance to the doorway and back. R noticed someone there, but only for a brief moment. 

Edward traced the outline other jaw passionately. “May I… try something?”

R gulped, heart beating disproportionately. She felt sick in the stomach - from fear or from attraction, she could not distinguish. She nodded ever so slightly. It was easy to anticipate as Edward slowly pulled forward, cupping her cheeks. His skin was so, so cold, almost burning. She clamped her eyes shut.

His lips were just as cold but with a bit more softness to it. He pressed so gently into the kiss that it felt more like a skim or a brush, and she would have never guessed this was a kiss without context clues. R stayed stationary before Edward suddenly increased intensity - his lips pressed harshly and moved, and with a sudden heave, he effortlessly placed her on the lab table. R felt an immediate reciprocation to the  heated make-out, grabbing the back of his neck and pulling him by his hair to decrease distance. Their bodies pressed together flush, and R experienced the trembling sensation of his entire frozen body.

Edward painted a fluid tenseness, as though he was cautiously climbing a cliffside - following so many procedures, but still being aware of the uncertain doom that lay beneath. His hands tangled into R’s hair, scrunching it gently between his fingers, as his other clung to her hip to keep the woman steady. 

Despite her body rejecting such a chill, she grasped at his bicep and ran her fingers firmly through his well-maintained hair.

R suddenly opened her eyes and came to a realization of what she was doing. She attempted to push the man right off of her, but Edward hardly seemed to notice as he kept weaving their lips together. It took her punching his chest that he suddenly pulled away, panting, while a glaze of adoration washed over his bright red eyes.

“You - your eyes,” R gasped, wiped her mouth. “How are they red? They were just…”

“Fluorescents,” Edward rasped, looking away.

“Your strength and speed —“

“The gym.”

“Do not bullshit me, Edward! I… I have to go —“

He caught her arm on the way out, eyes pleading. She twisted and turned to escape while he hardly budged, but relinquished hold and watched as she went. She went straight home after that, feeling unsafe near his location. An electrician was coming by in the afternoon, and that felt quite safe. Instead of delving into her studies like one would hope when taking difficult stem classes, she sat there staring at her blank computer screen. When the electricity is fixed, she immediately took to google.

Nothing human came up. The results of vampirism were the first, and Edward fit the bill in so many ways: the speed, the strength, his voice, his missed days when sunny, his eyes, his diet or health disorder, his consistently untouched lunches, his alluring demeanor…

Except who could she even tell to begin with?

Her phone suddenly rang from downstairs and she ran to grab it. She leaned against the counter, suddenly feeling as though her world had turned upside down. Everything no longer felt like a coincidence, but a damnation to hell. 

“Angela,” R gasped. “How are you?”

“Hey, where are you? You weren’t in class or at lunch - Jess and the boys are all worried, especially all the creepy shit that’s been happening to you.”

“I went home for the day to take care of the electricity,” R sighed. “I think I know —“

A freezing hand suddenly clasped down on her shoulder. A silent scream tore through her lungs, and she knew who it was. Who it had always been. She gulped and could feel his frosty breath on the nape of her neck. She backtracked.

“I think I know what happened last night, so it isn’t a big deal - um, electrician said that an animal got into the… power box.”

“What? That’s crazy! Do you still want a girl’s night?”

R could feel the brooding answer from behind her. “Um, well, Can we do it over the weekend? I feel rude, but I have a lab report I need to get done tonight all of a sudden and also working on the stu-co campaign more… I’m just swamped.”

“I totally understand.” Angela relayed the information to Jessica, who was sat beside her. Jessica exclaimed quickly. “It makes sense. God, stem is the worst, huh?”

They made some more small talk, but R made it short, feeling Edward’s gentle hands roam across her back and arms. She felt defeated as she hung up the phone. Her body began trembling from fear and cold. She did not turn around. She did not need to, worried her heart would become conflicted again, despite the sudden knowledge that Edward could not be human.

“I want you to look at me,” Edward whispered. “Please.”

R slowly turned and pressed herself against the island, casting her gaze to the ground and shriveling up as much as possible. Edward’s finger delicately pressured her chin toward him, and he almost seemed wounded at her reluctant glances.

“It is not what you think,” he insisted. “I feel… protective of you.”

“You’re some sort of… monster, though!” R exclaimed, trying to maintain her sanity in that moment. “You’re not human. What the hell are you?”

Edward seemed to take offense, but was quick to answer. “A vampire.”

“Is this the part where… where you kill me?”

Edward seemed appalled at the suggestion, taking a couple stumbling steps back. R could even go as far to say that he was having some sort of identity crisis as the man felt the sudden sting of naivety and rejection. 

“I would never hurt you,” he insisted, his voice cracking. R had never seen the man with such a shattered expression. It made a feeling of sudden guilt and remorse well, but R swore he had been manipulative from the start. “I would never… I love you.”

“Why? You don’t even know me!” R shouted angrily, overwhelmed from the amount of information hidden that was suddenly being revealed. “You know nothing about me! You’ve been stalking for god knows how long and you think that means you know me?”

“You think I haven’t tried to tune out your thoughts, or stop my nose from smelling your scent, or my eyes for seeking you out the moment you enter a room?”

“My… my thoughts…?” R felt a sudden rush of nausea. All she could think about was how trapped she felt. In every biological twist, he had her overpowered. Perhaps he did know her better than she knew herself, and the thought terrified her. 

“I - all vampires have a special ability when turned. Mine was, unluckily, a power one,” Edward explained exasperatedly. “I… I didn’t choose this lifestyle nor this power.”

“You have a twisted notion of love then. Love someone of your own… caliber.”

Edward furrowed his brows and clamped his hands on her shoulder. His hands were firm yet not painful, and even as R squirmed, his hold did not change. “You think I chose this? Why would I ever wish this lifestyle on a woman I loved, a human, and a famous one at that?”

R fell silent as a few tears escape from fright. Was he —

“I do not want you to be like me… But even so, I hope you can understand that me - my family - we’re not like the others. We’re… vegetarians. We only drink the blood of animals, not humans. There are many that are not that way, but…”

“You don’t understand,” R cried. “You may be nice for your species, but you are still a creep. You’ve been watching me sleep, you’ve been stealing my things, you’ve been following me - god knows what else —“

“I wanted to protect you - you live such a vulnerable lifestyle —“

“And it’s mine to live, Edward,” R insisted in panic, wrenching away from his grasp. “The funny thing is, you could have just been a normal guy. I had a crush on you, as I’m sure you knew, until you started being all weird and manipulative. Instead you had to make my mental health turn to shit and make me paranoid of everything! A creature like you… Don’t pretend you weren’t leaving me hints of you - making eye contact, leaving windows open, tampering with my stuff and coincidentally showing up places you shouldn’t have been. You’re probably some fucking freak that gets off of terrorizing girls like me!”

Silence fell over the household. Edward seemed appalled by R’s deduction. He was stunned, clasping at his heart. His eyes watered, letting R’s cruel words sink in. His eyes suddenly furrowed in anger. Absolutely nothing was going according to plan. He was sure that if he pleaded innocence and made himself look like the anti-hero, she might’ve understood, but… she was right. He had done all that, and even out of his twisted notion of love, no other reasonable suggestion would have been inferred. 

He was struck back into reality by the slamming of the front door. He knew if he could not silence her with his love and adoration and truth, not only to protect his family’s identity but to keep the girl he loved so much, he had to silence her with fear.

[fixyourwritinghabits]

Editing Part 4: Worldbuilding Pass

Next up, worldbuilding! We're tackling this before structure, because you don't want to get too far into the weeds, realize a critical component of your story is wrong, and then throw your computer out the window in frustration.

Anyway, when it comes to worldbuilding, there's a lot of moving parts. There is no right or wrong way to worldbuild, but my preferred approach is to worldbuild as the story goes along. Any method works, and you can check out the worldbuilding tag for more. In editing your worldbuilding, you want to think about:

Trimming Front-loading/Info Dumps

When writing fantasy/sci-fi, getting down how the world works can take over the story. In first drafting, this is fine! But when you're trying to clean that draft up, it's better to weave this information in as you go.

Need to explain how the giant mechas guarding the city operate? Maybe your main character is trying to steal some precious alloy from one, giving you opportunity to explain how they work and how society feels about them. Have a magic system that relies on singing tunes? Show that off by having students practicing, or dueling rivals taking it too far.

You probably know by now that the thing you should avoid the most is "as you know" dialogue dumps - characters explaining concepts to each other that they both clearly understand. Another, weaker version of this is the "magic class" trap, where things are explained to the main character and the reader. A classroom environment is fine, but pair worldbuilding with action - demonstrations get out of hand, spells go wrong, etc. Make it fun!

Your World Needs Clear Rules (Sorry)

Listen, this is the part I hate. I have a WIP with the word "Rules" in the title and I'm still figuring out what those rules are. Argh. But the sooner you know the rules, the easier editing will be. The more clear those rules are to the reader, the more impactful breaking them will be.

If the rules of the world (you can't use warp speed too close to a planet's gravitational pull, the same type of magic cancels each other out) and the consequences of breaking them are clear, the pay-off will be satisfying for both you and the reader.

Use Your Environment to Your Full Advantage

You've no doubt heard 'make setting a character' and that's evergreen advice. Some of the best books out there are those where it feels like you could step through the page and into a real place, be it your childhood middle school or Narnia. Getting that feeling, however, is more than just describing a place really well.

Mood - How does the location make you feel? Does a dark, cramped room leave the characters with a feeling of dread? How would that feeling change if it was an overstuffed library with comfortable chairs?

Weather - Beyond the 'dark and stormy night' descriptions, weather impacts our daily lives and is often overlooked. A rain-drenched funeral scenes seems like it's the way to go, but how differently would that scene feel if it was a sunny day with birds singing?

City Versus Countryside - These books are a great reference for description, but also take a step back to compare how different situations would feel both in the setting and to your character. Quiet can mean very different things depending on where you are. A morning fog in the countryside might feel comforting to someone used to it, but to someone new to that environment, it might feel creepy. Think about both your environment and how your character reacts to it based on their backstory.

The Empty Room Problem

This is always a big challenge when moving from the first draft bare bones basics to fleshing things out. How much description is too much? (As a note, it's always okay to overcorrect - you'll have a chance to fix it later!) This post from @novlr has a lot of great questions - but you're still going to narrow it down to the most important details.

Escape the Movie Setting - You cannot describe the room like it's a movie set. Trying to do so is going to be overwhelming, and important details will be lost in the attempt. If you were to describe your room or your favorite coffee shop and could only highlight four or five details, what would you focus on? What gives the reader the essence of the place rather than a list of things that exist there?

Establish the Essentials - Is this your first character's first time in this room? Is it going to be key to several plot-important scenes? Some big, sweeping details when entering - how big it is, what's in it, where the windows are, how it feels, etc - are good to start with. Your character can briefly admire a full bookshelf in the first scene, and then study it in more detail in the second. If you have one scene in this place and spend too much time describing it, you're going to make your reader think it's more important than it is.

Engage the Senses - Does an old room smell musty? Does the coldness of the woods have a sharp taste? Does touching a shelf bring up a lot of dust? How does the lighting in the room make the main character feel?

Getting down the description of a room or setting is not something you'll nail in one shot, but if you approach each scene asking yourself "does this feel like a real place or a white room?" you can narrow down what's missing.

[orcusnoir]

More Chain "weirdness" because, honestly, these Links are living anomalies

Time: He knows the time. Exactly. Always, if you ask, you'll get the answer down to the second. (A common headcanon)

Stal monsters are absolutely terrified of him. They'll attack if other Links are around or if backed into a corner. But out in the open? They scatter. The Stal monsters can sense something is just wrong with Time. Maybe it's the Fierce Deity that still lingers within him.

Or maybe, just maybe.

They know what happens to him.

Even his own weapons are anomalies. Wild tried to take a picture of the Gilded Sword for the Compendium, and the Slate crashed.

The magical operating system of the Sheikah Slate hard crashed and, when rebooted, displayed only one line when the image of the Gilded Sword was selected.

"Error: Temporal Anomaly detected"

The image itself could not be displayed.

Twilight: Mirrors will very, very briefly show an image of a wolf whenever the Rancher stares into one.

Goats and other farm animals will always approach Twilight.

The Captain joked that the animals can sense that Twilight worked on a farm and is very good at it.

But do they sense that? Or something more?

Wind: Ever since getting the Phantom Sword, the Sailor's perception of time can randomly slow. The way he describes it reminds Wild of his Flurry Rush, but Wind can't control when it happens. It just does.

Four: The Smithy has a similar effect when it comes to reflections, but his mostly appears in pools of "magic" water, such as the water found around the Great Fairies in Wild's Hyrule.

Whenever he stares into such waters, he doesn't see his reflection, only the Colors staring back.

This also applies to pure silver. Which is why Four went from making silverware to making weapons.

Legend: The Vet has an uncanny ability to just know what magic type something is by just looking at it. And it's not just from experience

If the Vet were to ever face the Gloom, he'd know it's from Ganon without even knowing that Ganon was back.

Hyrule: No matter what village the Chain travels to. Everyone there just recognizes Rule, but can't explain why. Even if they've never met a Link before.

Warriors: His mere presence causes guards and the such to treat him and the Chain with the utmost respect and authority. The Captain could be in his pajamas, and it'd happen.

Wild: People, outside of those closest to him, will just forget his face entirely. Distant friends take a second or two before realizing that they're looking at the Champion.

Sky: The Divine Dragons, if visible, will just follow him. The breeze by him is always comfortable.

The shadows underneath him display a different figure at sunset. One that wears a pauldron on his right arm. None of the Links wears a lone pauldron besides the Captain.

Sky knows who the shadow is.

He was the first to be reincarnated after all.

[thebibliosphere]

Hello, I apologize if this is something you've already talked about or you've answered this question before or don't want to speak more on it but I saw that ask you responded to the other day that your 'mast cells burnt down your gi track' and I wanted to ask what the name of that condition is called? Several years ago I randomly lost 45 pounds and couldn't explain it. And while I already had gi issues before, after it happened I started developing new ones that got worse with time to the point that now I am physically unable to work. There are a lot of other factors with my situation that could be to blame but I've gotten an absurd amount of various tests with no answers to show for it. And now I'm wondering if maybe whatever happened to you has happened to me.

Oh, bestie, you're all good; all I do is bitch on this app about having mast cell dysfunction.

There are a handful of different mast cell disorders, but my condition is known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS for short. If you want to know what a mast cell is and how it operates in the immune system, I'd recommend checking out The Mast Cell Disease Society:

They're currently redoing their content, but there's still a wealth of information on there.

You can also search my blog for #MCAS and find a handful of posts where I break it down in detail, along with the current flaws in testing for mast cell patients.

The reason I lost a lot of weight was because my mast cells made my GI tract so inflamed that I couldn't digest anything I was eating. It was going in through my mouth, causing excruciating pain and giving me no nutritional value whatsoever.

Histamine type 2 blockers, such as famotidine/pepcid used to treat acid reflux, can help with GI inflammation from mast cell dysfunction (the GI tract is lined with histamine receptors), but I needed extra support, which I finally got late last year when my GI doctor realized after a biopsy that I was being undermedicated and needed more help managing my MCAS.

If you want to ask more specific questions, I'm happy to try to answer them, but I'd suggest reading through the above link first to see if any of it resonates with you.

[techav]

On Celebrating Errors

Isn't it beautiful? The lovely formatted tables of register and stack contents, the trace of function addresses and parameters, the error message ... it's the most beautiful kernel panic I have ever seen.

Why on earth would I be so excited to see a computer crash? What could possibly be beautiful about a kernel panic?

This kernel panic is well-earned. I fought hard to get it.

This kernel panic came from a current NetBSD kernel, freshly compiled and running on Wrap030, my 68030 homebrew computer. It is the result of hours upon hours of work reading through existing code, scattered documentation and notes, writing and rewriting, and endless compiling.

And it's just the start.

As I've said before, a goal of this project has always been to build something capable of running some kind of Unix-like operating system. Now that I finally have all the necessary pieces of hardware, plus a good bootloader in ROM, it's time to give it a shot. I'm not that great with this type of programming, but I have been getting better. I might just be able to brute force my way through hacking together something functional.

It is hard.

There is some documentation available. The man(9) pages are useful, and NetBSD has a great guide to setting up the build environment for cross-compiling the kernel. There are some published papers on what some people went through to port NetBSD to this system or that. But there's nothing that really explains what all these source code files are, and which parts really need to be modified to run on a different system.

I had a few false starts, but ultimately found an existing 68k architecture, cesfic, which was a bare minimum configuration that could serve well as a foundation for my purposes. I copied the cesfic source directory, changed all instances of the name to wrap030, made sure it still compiled, then set about removing everything that I didn't need. It still compiled, so now it's was time to add in what I did need.

... how ... do I ... ?

This is where things get overwhelming very quickly. There is documentation on the core functions required for a new driver, there's documentation on the autoconf system that attaches drivers to devices in the tree, and there's plenty of drivers already to reference. But where to start?

I started by trying to add the com driver for the 16550 UARTs I'm using. It doesn't compile because I'm missing dependencies. The missing functions are missing because of a breaking change to bus.h at some point; the com driver expects the new format but the cesfic port still uses the old. So I needed to pull in the missing functions from another m68k arch. Which then required more missing functions and headers to be pulled in. Eventually it compiled without error again, but that doesn't mean it will actually run. I still needed to add support for my new programmable timer, customize the startup process, update hardware addresses, make sure it was targeting 68030 instead of 68040 ...

So many parts and pieces that need to be updated. Each one requiring searching for the original function or variable declaration to confirm expected types or implementation, then searching for existing usages to figure out what it needs ... which then requires searching for more functions and variable types.

But I got something that at least appeared to have all the right parts and compiled without error. It was time to throw it on a disk, load it up, and see what happened.

Nothing happened, of course. It crashed immediately.

I have no debugging workflow I can rely on here, and at this stage there isn't even a kernel console yet. All I could do was add little print macros to the locore startup code and see where it failed. Guess, test, and revise.

I spent a week debugging the MMU initialization. If the MMU isn't properly configured, everything comes to an abrupt halt. Ultimately, I replaced the cesfic machine-specific initialization code and pmap bootstrapping code with functions from yet another m68k arch. And spent another day debugging before realizing I had missed a section that had comments suggesting it wasn't for the 68030 CPU, but turned out to be critical for operation of kernel memory allocation.

Until this point, I was able to rely on the low-level exception handling built into my bootloader if my code caused a CPU exception. But with the MMU working, that code was no longer mapped.

So then came another few hours learning how to create a minimal early console driver. An early console is used by the kernel prior to the real console getting initialized. In this case, I'm using the MC6850 on my mainboard for the early console, since that's what my bootloader uses. And finally the kernel was able to speak for itself.

It printed its own panic.

The first thing the kernel does is initialize the console. Which requires that com driver and all the machine-specific code I had to write. The kernel is failing at its step #1.

But at least it can tell me that now. And given all the work necessary to get to this point, that kernel panic data printing to the terminal is absolutely beautiful.

[lucentshore]

obviously we'll have to wait and see, but i've been eyeing the steamdb page for silksong since i heard that team cherry uploaded language packs for the achievements, and i figure it might be a good idea to show what i've watched be uploaded in that time, for those curious about silksong development stuff.

for anyone who wants to review this themselves, here is the link to the steamdb page for the game.

so that others dont have to go to the page to verify what i'll be talking about here, i will provide screenshots. it's all under the cut, but if you don't want to read it all,

tldr; team cherry has uploaded translation packages for achievements in ten different languages (viewable on the steam page), uploaded two game packages (one of which uses the official title, the other being noted for developer & publisher use), updated a time or two more without adding details, and updated compatible operating systems to include mac & linux (not updated on the steam page).

JUNE 3RD, 2025.

this was the translation package that restarted the silksong rumors! the steam page was updated to reflect the languages the game will be available in now, too, while steamdb specifically noted them to be achievement languages.

the added languages are brazillian portugese, english, french, german, italian, japenese, korean, russian, simplified chinese, and spanish.

after this, two more updates were released. the changelog doesn't note what they were,

but if you head to the packages tab, you'll see a total of three packages noted. the first two are the ones that were updated during this day.

i had to look this up, so just to explain the billing type,

CD & Store Keys are how a game is verified after purchase. its their way of confirming that okay, yes, you did buy the game, and this is your copy. theyre called CD keys, because when games were distributed only on CD keys years ago, it was on the CD itself.

nowadays, it's basically a confirmation of purchase upon installation.

SO. let's start with that top one. Steam Sub 342710 (link to package) is for developer and publisher use only. it has ten different CD keys, is licensed for single purchase, and is listed as having 0 available. i would speculate here, but i know fuck all about game development, and i'm not gonna give any false hope.

...though i do wanna point out that if you go into the history for that package it has been there since 2019, and based on how it talks about a release override and counting as always being owned, this definitely is a dev-use only package. anyway.

you can see the information listed on the package's page below.

the other one, bearing the game's full name of Hollow Knight: Silksong (link to package), was actually updated like. twenty minutes before the other one. which unironically probably does not mean much, don't look too far into it, im giving you a timeline here. that's it.

this one has ten CD & Store keys, as opposed to only having CD Keys. i tried to look up the difference, but couldn't find anything. it's also only for single purchase, and is listed as having 0 available. it also has cross-region trading and gifting disabled.

you can see the information listed on the package's page below.

and that was all the changes for june 3rd, 2025.

JUNE 4TH, 2025.

there was one update on june 4th, and despite poking around, i couldn't figure out what the update was to. the changelog lists that there was an update, but it doesn't say what was changed. shrug.

you can see that below.

JUNE 6TH, 2025.

starting out strong with. well. a repeat of june 4th, we have a listed update that i could not find a notable change from.

and then, thirty minutes or so later, the compatible operating systems list was updated! i'll be honest, i don't understand all of what's listed here, but i do understand that this is confirmation that silksong will be playable on windows, mac, and linux.

unfortunately, as of the time this post has been made, the steam page still has not been updated to reflect this compatibility update.

that is, as of the time this post has been made, the last update listed on the steamdb page for silksong.

[brandinotbroke]

Linux distros - what is the difference, which one should I choose?

Caution, VERY long post.

With more and more simmers looking into linux lately, I've been seeing the same questions over and over again: Which distro should I choose? Is distro xyz newbie-friendly? Does this program work on that distro?

So I thought I'd explain the concept of "distros" and clear some of that up.

What are the key differences between distros?

Linux distros are NOT different operating systems (they're all still linux!) and the differences between them aren't actually as big as you think.

Update philosophy: Some distros, like Ubuntu, (supposedly) focus more on stability than being up-to-date. These distros will release one big update once every year or every other year and they are thoroughly tested. However, because the updates are so huge, they inevitably tend to break stuff anyway. On the other end of the spectrum are so-called "rolling release" distros like Arch. They don't do big annual updates, but instead release smaller updates very frequently. They are what's called "bleeding edge" - if there is something new out there, they will be the first ones to get it. This can of course impact stability, but on the other hand, stuff gets improved and fixed very fast. Third, there are also "middle of the road" distros like Fedora, which kind of do... both. Fedora gets big version updates like Ubuntu, but they happen more frequently and are comparably smaller, thus being both stable and reasonably up-to-date.

Package manager: Different distros come with different package managers (APT on ubuntu, DNF on Fedora, etc.). Package managers keep track of all the installed programs on your PC and allow you to update/install/remove programs. You'll often work with the package manager in the terminal: For example, if you want to install lutris on Fedora, you'd type in "sudo dnf install lutris" ("sudo" stands for "super user do", it's the equivalent of administrator rights on Windows). Different package managers come with different pros and cons.

Core utilities and programs: 99% of distros use the same stuff in the background (you don’t even directly interact with it, e.g. background process managing). The 1% that do NOT use the same stuff are obscure distros like VoidLinux, Artix, Alpine, Gentoo, Devuan. If you are not a Linux expert, AVOID THOSE AT ALL COST.

Installation process: Some distros are easier to install than others. Arch is infamous for being a bit difficult to install, but at the same time, its documentation is unparalleled. If you have patience and good reading comprehension, installing arch would literally teach you all you ever need to know about Linux. If you want to go an easier and safer route for now, anything with an installer like Mint or Fedora would suit you better.

Community: Pick a distro with an active community and lots of good documentation! You’ll need help. If you are looking at derivatives (e.g. ZorinOS, which is based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian), ask yourself: Does this derivative give you enough benefits to potentially give up community support of the larger distro it is based on? Usually, the answer is no.

Okay, but what EDITION of this distro should I choose?

"Editions" or “spins” usually refer to variations of the same distro with different desktop environments. The three most common ones you should know are GNOME, KDE Plasma and Cinnamon.

GNOME's UI is more similar to MacOS,  but not exactly the same.

KDE Plasma looks and feels a lot like Windows' UI, but with more customization options.

Cinnamon is also pretty windows-y, but more restricted in terms of customization and generally deemed to be "stuck in 2010". 

Mint vs. Pop!_OS vs. Fedora

Currently, the most popular distros within the Sims community seem to be Mint and Fedora (and Pop!_OS to some extent). They are praised for being "beginner friendly". So what's the difference between them?

Both Mint and Pop!_OS are based on Ubuntu, whereas Fedora is a "standalone" upstream distro, meaning it is not based on another distro.

Personally, I recommend Fedora over Mint and Pop!_OS for several reasons. To name only a few:

I mentioned above that Ubuntu's update philosophy tends to break things once a big update rolls around every two years. Since both Mint and Pop!_OS are based on Ubuntu, they are also affected by this.

Ubuntu, Mint and Pop!_OS like to modify their stuff regularly for theming/branding purposes, but this ALSO tends to break things. It is apparently so bad that there is an initiative to stop this.

Pop!_OS uses the GNOME desktop environment, which I would not recommend if you are switching from Windows. Mint offers Cinnamon, which is visually and technically outdated (they use the x11 windowing system standard from 1984), but still beloved by a lot of people. Fedora offers the more modern KDE Plasma.

Personal observation: Most simmers I've encountered who had severe issues with setting up Linux went with an Ubuntu-based distro. There's just something about it that's fucked up, man.

And this doesn't even get into the whole Snaps vs. Flatpak controvery, but I will skip this for brevity.

Does SimPE (or any other program) work on this distro?

If it works on Fedora, then it works on Mint/Ubuntu/Arch/etc., and vice versa. This is all just a question of having the necessary dependencies installed and installing the program itself properly. Some distros may have certain prerequisites pre-installed, while others don't, but you can always just install those yourself. Like I said, different distros are NOT different operating systems. It's all still Linux and you can ultimately customize it however you want.

In short: Yeah, all Sims 2-related programs work. Yes, ReShade too. It ultimately doesn't really matter what distro you use as long as it is not part of the obscure 1% I mentioned above.

A little piece of advice

Whatever distro you end up choosing: get used to googling stuff and practice reading comprehension! There are numerous forums, discord servers and subreddits where you can ask people for help. Generally speaking, the linux community is very open to helping newbies. HOWEVER, they are not as tolerant to nagging and laziness as the Sims community tends to be. Show initiative, use google search & common sense, try things out before screaming for help and be detailed and respectful when explaining your problems. They appreciate that. Also, use the arch wiki even if you do not use Arch Linux – most of it is applicable to other distros as well.

[velnna]

The more I learn about your comic... The more I fall in love with it. Especially your bugs! Like can you explain more about them? I'm really curious about them (from the full bugs to the hybrids and anything else that comes to mind).

Anyway your art is wonderful and I adore seeing it on my dash. And you can info-dump too. If you want ofc.

Thank you!

The worldbuilding is a work in progress (as it always is, but the first chunk of the comic itself is pretty self-contained so we've been slowly tinkering at the rest of the world and creatures as we go without affecting it much), so we mostly have loose rules and ideas for the bugs as a species. Or anything in between for that matter.

For all intended purposes, bug people are all the same species and can usually cross-breed within mechanical constraints, as well as mix with the elves we threw into the mix. Genetics? Don't know her. We operate on Sims logic here.

A full bug has roughly a human lifespan, with some variation depending on the type of bug it's closer to and some type-specific quirks. The one we've explorer the most, as it pertains to Ashton and the latest batch out of the oven, is the ability that some types might have to undergo metamorphosis, usually at the expense of lifespan. This is Ashton btw

And this is Ashton pre-metamorphosis:

Something like this isn't super common tho! So despite me drawing a bunch of butterfly or moth people they generally don't get to that point and stay looking more like funky lizards with many arms

Bugs can have many arms or legs or eyes, funky colours, exoskeletal bits, antennae, or look pretty close to your average human/elf with hidden bug features. Dahlia for instance is a vaguely spidery bug but can easily hide a bunch of her eyes and secretes venom thru hidden glandes so you could mistake her for an elf

Meanwhile it'd be very hard to mistake someone like this guy for anything other than a horned bug

If u catch my drift.

Some bugs are small! Some are huge. Some are out there committing atrocities

Some dont look like bugs at all

They're generally not as physically strong as the average elf but more resilient in a cockroach kinda way. They can have a chaotic range of circulatory systems and internal organs that sometimes just make them really hard to kill and its also pretty hard to keep track of every variation of the species and their quirks.

That being said in a lot of places they're super common and coexist with elves just fine, mix up and it's also not super uncommon to have half breeds like our man Staeve (the ThUG edition). The closer you get to elf the longer you live and less "non human" traits you have. There's also a bunch of different types of regular ass elf and it all falls under the elf category unless we decide to name them something else down the line.

Then you've got a smaller category of super elves that have been isolated for so long they never blended with anything else, are more attuned to magic and in general have a sort of mythical status amongst everyone else. They also have the longest lifespan at around 250 ish years.

That's sort of the TL;DR for now! Ollie and I have started to put all the info we've got into a single repository and do want to start sharing it (probably as patreon posts for now) because comics are slow and the scope might not encompass that much of what we want to explore of this world. And the chaotic idea machine never stops

Here's a metamorphosis meme for ya

[vergess]

Please, please explain how to install and use linux like I'm 5 years old. I'm so sick of windows adding AI and other bullshit to my already struggling elderly laptop but I'm really not good with computers at all so I have no idea where to start with Linux.

Okay, so, I'm going to break this down into steps I would give the average tumblr user first, and then if any of them are confusing or use words you don't understand, ask me and I'll explain that step in greater detail.

Step 0) BACK. UP. YOUR. SHIT.

NEVER EVER EVER CHANGE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM WITHOUT A COMPLETE BACKUP OF ALL YOUR FILES.

Step 1) Learn your machine. You need to know:

How much RAM you have

If your processor is 32 or 64 bit

How big your hard drive is

On windows, you can find out all of this by going to the start menu, typing "about" and opening the first result on your system instead of the internet.

For additional instructions, visit this page.

Step 2) Pick your Linux.

There's like 10,000 kinds of Linux, each tailored to particular functions that the end-user (that is you!) might want to have. The sheer amount is very daunting, so first I'm going to give my suggestions, then I'll explain how to pick for yourself.

For Mac users, I suggest Kubuntu. For windows users, I suggest Mint Cinnamon. If your laptop is really REALLY old, I recommend Sparky Stable, which is the lightest weight Linux I would ever suggest for a new user. In every case, download the version suited to your processor (32 bit can be labelled "x86" or "32 bit"; 64 bit is always labelled "64 bit").

If you want to try a different type of linux, you'll need to make sure your laptop meets the "minimum specs" or "system requirements." These numbers tell you how much RAM, processor and hard drive space the linux will use. (That's why you needed those numbers at the beginning.)

Step 3) Collect your supplies. You're going to need:

An ISO burning program compatible with your current system, like Balena Etcher.

A copy of the ISO file for the Linux you want to use.

Your laptop.

An 8gb or larger USB flash drive.

Step 3) Make a bootable USB drive

Install Balena Etcher, hitting "okay" and "next" when prompted. Last I checked, Etcher doesn't have adware attached, so you can just hit next every time.

Plug your USB drive into the laptop.

Open Etcher.

Click "flash from file" and open the ISO file with your Linux on it.

Click "Select target" and open the USB drive location. Hit the "flash" button. This will start writing all the linux installer data to your flash drive. Depending on the speed of your machine, this could take as long as 10 minutes, but shouldn't be much longer.

Step 4) Boot to the USB drive

This is, in my opinion, the trickiest step for a lot of people who don't do "computer stuff." Fortunately, in a rare act of good will, Windows 10 made this process a lot easier.

All you'll need to do is go to settings, then recovery, then advanced startup and pick the button labelled "use a device."

This tutorial has images showing where each of those is located. It's considered an "advanced setting" so you may get a spooky popup warning you that you could "harm your system by making changes" but we're not doing anything potentially harmful so you can ignore that if you get it.

Step 5) Try out linux on the flash drive first.

Linux installs using a cool little test version of itself that you can play around in. You won't be able to make changes or save settings, but you can explore a bit and see if the interface is to your liking. If it's hideous or hard to navigate, simply pick a new linux version to download, and repeat the "make a bootable USB" step for it.

Step 6) Actually install that sucker

This step varies from version to version, but the first part should be the same across the board: on the desktop, there should be a shortcut that says something like "install now." Double click it.

Follow the instructions your specific linux version gives you. When in doubt, pick the default, with one exception:

If it asks you to encrypt your drive say no. That's a more advanced feature that can really fuck your shit up down the road if you don't know how to handle it.

At some point you're going to get a scary looking warning that says 1 of 2 things. Either:

Install Linux alongside Windows, or

Format harddrive to delete all data

That first option will let you do what is called "dual booting." From then on, your computer will ask every time you turn it on whether you want Windows or Linux.

The second option will nuke Windows from orbit, leaving only linux behind.

The install process is slower the larger your chosen version is, but I've never seen it take more than half an hour. During that time, most linux versions will have a little slideshow of the features and layout of common settings that you can read or ignore as you prefer.

Step 7) Boot to your sexy new Linux device.

If you're dual booting, use the arrow keys and enter key to select your linux version from the new boot menu, called GRUB.

If you've only got linux, turn the computer on as normal and linux will boot up immediately.

Bonus Step: Copy Pasting some code

In your new start menu, look for an application called "terminal" or "terminal emulator." Open that up, and you will be presented with an intense looking (but actually very harmless) text command area.

Now, open up your web browser (firefox comes pre-installed on most!), and search the phrase "what to do after installing [linux version you picked]"

You're looking for a website called "It's FOSS." Here's a link to their page on Mint. This site has lots and lots of snippets of little text commands you can experiment with to learn how that functionality works!

Or, if you don't want to fuck with the terminal at all (fair enough!) then instead of "terminal" look for something called "software manager."

This is sort of like an app store for linux; you can install all kinds of programs directly from there without needing to go to the website of the program itself!

[sightseertrespasser]

Hell yeah hc permissions granted. Unravelling my mile long piece of parchment

I think both Hot Rod and Blurr have wheels on their mechs feet, allowing them a rollerblade/ iceskating type movement. They can also walk normally though as their skates(?) just sort of. fold inwards and form a whole foot. Because of said wheels, Roddy had the fastest mech until Blurr. Blurr i think can iceskate outside his mech, Roddy im not so sure Very based off Odds of Survival but i think Jazz has magnetic pedes aswell as servos! Vortex also has this, aswell as most other Striker and Rescue class mecha. Roddy and Blurr dont since. Wheels.

I think Hunter class mecha have long (and retractable) spikes in their feet for gripping hazardous terrain, like if they were deployed somewhere super icy. Jazz, after enough begging, also has this! Though it means the magnets in his mechs feet arent as effective as they should be Ive also thought alot about Jazz's mech operating in a vacuum/ really minimal atmosphere? Going to do my best to explain here with my limited (and likely inaccurate) understanding of how Temperature and Cooling work. Apologies if i end up talking in circles

There isnt really? Anything to transfer temperature with in space?? Since vacuum? So the only cooling Jazz is going to have once he's up there is what chill his coolant lines already had. I reckon this was absolutely factored in though, everything designed to generate as little heat as possible, and his entire mech able to vacuum seal itself so theres still an atmosphere amongst the machinery, and maybe also his coolant temps is set lower than most other mechs, but that isnt gonna change the fact that hes going to slowly get hotter until he can get to an atmosphere. The way i understand cold and cooling is like. Cold isnt real, theres only Not Hot. You cant make something colder, you can only take away more heat. (Same with darkness. You cant make something darker, only take away more light). In an atmosphere thats not a problem, you can just blow the hot air out some fans and away. Not as possible in a vacuum (The reason i bring up the atmosphere in the mech is because air is a faster conductor of heat than like. Water or metal, since air is less dense. Water is what ive assumed the coolant to be. It also, and i think more importantly, means more chill can transfer at once since the coolant has more surface area to work with. Without the atmosphere the only parts of the mech receiving cooling would be where the pipes directly touch the machinery)

So in space, with the closed atmosphere of the mech, there isnt really anywhere to? Put the hot? His coolant is absorbing the heat his engine is making but like. Theres nowhere to dump that heat. Its a closed system. Even though he's made for space he's still on a time limit. Most his now pretty useless cooling systems can do is just move the Really Hot to somewhere Not As Hot. (I also think Jazz's cockpit has its own seperate cooling system dedicated to JUST the cockpit to make sure he isnt boiled inside the very expensive machinery. It still has the slowly-getting-hotter problem but wayyy slower than the rest of the mech) Ok enough science. I think that all the mechs have sensors around their feet/ lower legs. Not like, motion sensors or cameras or anything, just sensors to see if Somethings There yk? That way they’re less likely to trip over something while fighting quintessons on uneven rubble, and it greatly reduces the chance of accidentally booting an engineer across the hanger floor. I imagine to a cybertronian it just looks like whoever theyre looking at is really surefooted

I think the ventilation system on the mechas are a little different to that of the cybertronians? From what ive seen (probably shouldve mentioned sooner but the vast majority of my knowledge of transformers is through this au LMAO) Cybertronians do a similar thing to our breathing? Air in then air out? One at a time? Whereas the mechs i think do more of a continuous stream of air. Its constantly cycling. Theres no in-out theres just the constant hum of fans

Final hc for now since if i let this get too long tumblr wont let me send it in one part. I think the mechas are electric and run on a rechargeable battery. Mostly because idk how else Jazz would keep his mech running in space. I dont think either a diesel OR petrol engine would be particularly happy receiving energon instead. (One of the few still non-electric mechs is Vortex. He was going to be converted over but then Vortex's Mech became just. Vortex. And none of the engineers managed to successfully switch the engine over)

Anyway ty for letting me ramble, hope youre having a great day!

The head canons have been unleashed!

No idea how Jazz’s mech works in space. Currently thinking it’s some kind of sci-fi fission type reactor. Good news he’ll definitely run out of oxygen before he runs out of power. Bad news his mecha can explode SPECTACULARLY under the wrong circumstances.

In terms of life support? I’m imagining it was designed on the NASA principle of “Whatever you need to live, double it.”

Striker class are normally meant to be piloted for however long it takes to get to the fight and finish it, so probably a few hours. Put that in space and suddenly getting in and out of that mecha just got way more complicated. It’s easier to design Jazz’s mecha to accommodate him piloting for longer than to deal with going in and out of a space station more frequently.

Technically, he’s only supposed to be in there for a day (12-24 hours). But he’s got enough redundancies to last a week. So if the space station suffers some kind of internal damage he can hang out while everyone on earth shits themselves works out a solution.

-

The venting situation for cybertronians is actually pretty interesting! It’s basically another method of cooling. Unless the gas is actively corrosive, whatever they “breath�� in doesn’t matter, just the temperature.

On the whole, in/out doesn’t actually matter but it’s a writing choice when I phrase it certain ways.

Bonus bit, because cybertronians are essentially giant walking engines and computers, they probably keep their living spaces cold as shit.

-

Last thought for the night: there’s no current depiction of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe in the mecha au that I know of. But I have been picturing giant monstrous metal wolverines.

[paigesbasketball]

Echos of The Fallen

Chapter 2: A game of shadows Shadow the hedgehog x reader Warnings: None!

September 29th - 10:00 AM - G.U.N. Headquarters

The walls of the briefing room seemed to close in around Shadow as he paced restlessly. The rhythmic sound of his boots on the cold floor was interrupted only by the flickering hum of the projector coming to life. The screen illuminated with the image of the woman from last night—the mysterious infiltrator—her face half-obscured in the surveillance footage, but unmistakably calculating in her movements.

“This is the only clear footage we recovered before someone wiped the system clean,” a technician reported, nervously adjusting his glasses as he stared at his screen. “She entered under a fabricated identity—‘Danny’s wife’—and vanished into the shadows.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed in frustration. He could feel the pressure building in his chest. “She made sure to be seen, just enough to cause a distraction,” he muttered, his voice low and intense.

Sonic, casually leaning against the table with his arms folded, gave a smirk. “Guess she played you, huh?” His grin widened, obviously enjoying the rare moment of seeing Shadow out of his element.

Shadow’s gaze shot daggers at him. “Enough jokes, Sonic,” he growled. His tone carried a warning.

The door to the briefing room opened, and the G.U.N. Commander entered, a man known for his stoic demeanor and rigid control over operations. He tossed a thick file onto the table, its contents spilling slightly over the edges.

“You wanted answers, Shadow?” The Commander’s voice was authoritative. “Here’s your next assignment.”

Shadow flipped open the file, scanning its contents. There, in bold black letters, was the name he dreaded to see: Cipher.

“She's connected to Cipher?” Shadow’s voice was cold, an edge of disbelief lingering in his words. His fingers ran across the file, flipping through pages that were filled with diagrams, surveillance photos, and cryptic reports.

“Possibly. Cipher’s been building a network—recruiting individuals with specific skills for an operation of unknown scope. We believe this woman is either working for him or with him. Either way, she's a significant threat,” the Commander explained, his tone stern. “Your mission is to uncover her identity, determine what she knows, and figure out how deep she is in.”

Shadow leaned back slightly in his chair, considering the implications. “And if she’s not working for him?”

“Then she knows something critical. And we need her.”

Sonic, sensing the weight of the situation, leaned forward. “So what’s the plan, Shadow? How do we track her down?”

Shadow closed the file with a sharp snap, his expression unreadable. “Simple. We track her down.”

The Commander paused, his sharp gaze falling on Shadow. “One more thing. This operation is off the books. No reports, no records. If this leaks, there will be more trouble than just Cipher.”

The room went silent. Shadow nodded once, his resolve hardening.

Meanwhile, somewhere far from G.U.N. Headquarters, an entirely different scene was unfolding...

September 29th - 9:33PM - The Warehouse - Unknown Location

The warehouse was dark, its only illumination the faint glow from a lone hanging bulb that swayed slightly in the damp air. A distant drip of water echoed through the silence. Carson Palo sat slumped in a chair, unconscious, a thin line of blood trailing from his temple. His arms were bound tightly, and his chest rose and fell slowly, unaware of the danger that loomed around him.

Scar, ever the quiet observer, leaned against a brick wall, arms crossed, eyes locked onto Carson as she waited for instructions. Her sharp eyes tracked every movement in the room, every sound, calculating the next step. Zero, meanwhile, sat comfortably on a nearby table, typing away furiously at his laptop, eyes fixed on the screen as he monitored their surroundings.

“Security systems are offline,” Zero reported without looking up. “No heat signatures nearby. We’re clear for now.”

I stood in front of Carson, my fingers drumming on the edge of the table. I hadn’t taken my eyes off him since we brought him in. It was time to wake him up. The information he held was too important to wait any longer.

Viper, always the one to get her hands dirty, stepped forward. She took a bottle of water from the nearby shelf and splashed it over Carson’s face. His eyes snapped open immediately, panic flickering in his gaze as he tried to process his surroundings.

“Good morning, sunshine,” I said, crouching down in front of him. “Hope you got some rest, because we’ve got a lot to talk about.”

Carson gasped, his breath shallow and frantic. “What do you want from me?”

“Oh, I’m not interested in torture,” I answered, my tone calm, almost indifferent. “It’s too messy. But I do want information. You see, I know G.U.N. is working on something big. Something... high-value. And I know they don’t want the world to know about it.”

Carson’s eyes flickered, betraying his attempt to hide his fear. I leaned in closer. “Tell me about it, Carson.”

He clenched his jaw, looking away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mumbled, but the tremble in his voice betrayed him.

I smirked, sensing victory. “You flinched. That means you do.”

The pressure of the situation began to crush him. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he realized he couldn’t hide the truth any longer. He opened his mouth, but I cut him off before he could speak.

“You have two choices, Carson,” I said, my voice cold. “You tell me what I need to know, and we let you walk out of here. Or... you don’t. And then, I hand you over to Scar.”

Scar grinned, cracking her knuckles as she stepped forward. Her gaze never left Carson’s face, enjoying the fear in his eyes. “I really hope you pick option two.”

Carson swallowed hard, his voice shaking as he gave in. “Fine. Fine! G.U.N. is developing something... something dangerous. It’s some kind of advanced tech. A weapon, I think, but I don’t know exactly what it does. They’re keeping it locked down tight.”

I raised an eyebrow, pressing further. “Who’s leading the project?”

Carson hesitated, then his eyes flickered. “I... I don’t know. But they’re dangerous. More dangerous than you think.”

I clenched my fist, frustration boiling under my skin. “Names, Carson. Give me names.”

He sighed in resignation. “One name. That’s all I’ve got.”

I leaned in, eyes narrowing, waiting for the revelation.

“…Commander Sammuels.”

My heart skipped a beat, the weight of the name settling in. No. This couldn’t be right.

Scar’s face laced with confusion before speaking "there's a commander Leroy?—”

Before she could finish, a loud bang echoed through the warehouse, followed by a tremor that shook the floor. The lights flickered, and a deafening explosion rattled the building, debris crashing down from the ceiling.

“Move!” I barked into my earpiece. “Get out now!”

Gunfire erupted outside, and red and blue lights flashed through the gaps in the boarded-up windows. The sound of boots pounding against the concrete made my stomach drop. We were running out of time.

Scar looked at me, eyes narrowed. “We’re caught.”

Carson’s face lit up, his moment of hope shining through as he believed rescue had come. I turned, my expression stone-cold. “Thanks for your cooperation.”

Without another word, I nodded to Scar, and in a heartbeat, the sound of a single shot pierced the air. Carson slumped forward, lifeless, his final breath slipping away before he could say another word.

Scar smirked, tucking her gun away as she casually wiped her hands. “Leaving a message?”

I pulled a folded note from my pocket, carefully slipping it into Carson’s jacket. The ink was dark, the letters bold and clear. For Leroy. See you soon.

With sirens wailing and G.U.N. forces closing in, I exhaled, tension coursing through me. “Time to go.”

I pressed a finger to my earpiece. “Zero, Diversion 6. Send two to the right and three to the left.”

A voice crackled back immediately. “Copy that.”

Outside, the roar of engines shattered the silence as five black cars—hacked and remotely controlled by Zero—sped off in different directions. The chaos was immediate. G.U.N. agents scrambled, chasing after the decoys, their confusion working in our favor.

We slipped out the back entrance, vanishing into the shadows just as planned.

September 29th - 10:00PM - Abandoned Parking Lot

Shadow’s POV

We were closing in. G.U.N. had dispatched their agents to pursue the vehicles, their efforts futile in the face of the diversion. As I followed one of the fleeing cars, my pulse quickened. Something felt wrong. The car came to an abrupt stop in an empty parking lot, and my instincts screamed at me to be cautious.

I approached the vehicle slowly, weapon drawn. Every step was measured, every sound amplified in my heightened state of awareness. Something wasn’t right.

My fingers brushed against the door handle, but I froze when I saw a faint, familiar flashing icon on the window—Zero’s hacker signature.

“Damn it,” I cursed under my breath, taking a step back.

The faint beeping sound from inside the car only confirmed my worst fear.

It’s a bomb.

Without thinking, I sprinted away from the car, diving behind cover just as the vehicle erupted in a deafening explosion. Heat and force radiated from the blast, and I could feel the shockwave ripple through the air as debris flew past me.

Smoke billowed in the aftermath, and the blaring sirens of approaching G.U.N. reinforcements filled the air. My chest tightened with the weight of the situation.

She was gone.

But she wouldn’t be for long. I wouldn’t let her slip through my fingers again.

September 29th - 10:06PM - Random Rooftop

I stood at the edge of a rooftop, looking down at the explosion below. The bright flames lit up the night sky, sending chunks of debris flying in all directions. The car was no more than a twisted heap of metal, burning fiercely as the sirens screamed in the distance.

Better than fireworks, I thought, a smirk tugging at my lips as I watched the chaos unfold.

I could hear Scar behind me, her footsteps quiet on the rooftop before she stopped just a few paces away. The stillness stretched between us for a moment before she spoke up, her voice a little softer than usual.

“You know, Avia,” she began, her tone knowing, “for what it’s worth, call it a hunch, but I see how you look at him.”

I froze, my hand gripping the edge of the building. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my chest tighten. I slowly turned to look at her, unable to mask the shock that flashed in my eyes. “Wait, the agent?” I asked, my voice laced with disbelief. “You’re not serious. I met him once.”

Scar paused for a second, her eyes narrowing as she looked me over, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “So, you don’t think he’s cute? Or even handsome?” she prodded, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

I rolled my eyes, refusing to entertain this line of thought. “He works for G.U.N. There is nothing attractive or special about him,” I snapped, trying to shut down the conversation.

But Scar wasn’t done. She leaned back against the wall of the rooftop, crossing her arms with a thoughtful expression. “Then why are you looking at him right now? You’ve never looked at our explosions like that,” she said, her voice sharp, almost teasing.

I didn’t answer her. I refused to. The question caught me off guard, and a small pang of embarrassment crept up my spine. I had no answer. I wasn’t looking at Shadow like that, was I? I couldn’t be. I didn’t care for relationships—never had, never would. Dating, hookups… none of it ever appealed to me.

As uncomfortable as the thought made me, I had to admit something to myself—I had never felt the need to change my stance on that, not even with him.

I glanced at Scar again, trying to hide the shift in my expression. “Listen, even though I’m a virgin at my grown-ass age...?” I said, almost as if to justify my refusal to go down that path. “I’ve never felt the need to change that.”

Scar’s gaze softened, but only slightly, as she gave a knowing look. “Well, it’s not like I’m pressuring you, it just also wouldn't hurt to see you romantically happy” she said, shrugging with her usual nonchalance. “maybe i you got dick you would be less uptight sometimes” She says jokingly.

I exhaled sharply and roll my eyes, my heart still pounding a little faster than normal. “I’m not staring at him, Scar,” I muttered under my breath, refusing to meet her eye. “Let’s just get moving.”

And with that, I turned away, focusing on the mission ahead and not the weird, unexpected stirrings inside me. There was too much at stake to get distracted by anything else—least of all a G.U.N. agent. Especially not Shadow.

[dayshdiaries]

🪐 ⋆⭒˚.⋆ Astrology Observations ⋆⭒˚.⋆🪐

If you have certain degrees on your houses or in placements it can represent some very significant events for you around that time.

Degrees range from 0°-30°

0°-10°=

New beginnings/new themes/doing things differently, it’s a trial & error type of energy when you have this degree your like a toddler learning the world again, experimenting, playing, figuring it out.

20°-29° =

Ending of old cycles/transforming/purging this degree is very wise in energy if you have learnt it will be more rewarding if not you will learn this degree teaches by manifesting into a lesson you can not ignore.

10°-15° =

Fun/adventure/experimenting this degree is one of the most auspicious times for you everything is comfortable you’ve got a hang of the energy more now & can operate in it in a lot more naturally.

Eg: Aries ascendant 29° progresses into Taurus ascendant 0° the once fiery and hot headed Aries starts to mellow out that famous temper of theirs turns into a quiet stubbornness with boundaries.

I met my first boyfriend on this degree at age 20-21 I was with him while my ascendant sat in both degrees 29° Aries and 0° Taurus I learnt so much through him I had no choice if I tried to resist it was eventually forced onto me anyway (courtesy of 29°)

It was like he manifested as this transit in my physical life a catalyst (courtesy of 29°) for me in love/relationships & my identity in general (progression of asc-dsc/identity & relationships) he helped me grow into my new Taurean traits (courtesy of 0°).

I love my new ascendant it enters the 10° which I am stoked for 21-22 was action-packed with a lot of learning for me 23-24 should be good

P.s - If you are not familliar with decans/degrees & progression charts I suggest you do some research the insight they offer is invaluable.

Special s.o - I love this ladies work a brief breakdown of the ascendants and their 12 house placidius chart system.

[goblinsofdiscord]

The Enneagram Explained ⚔️ Defence Mechanisms & Self-Sabotaging Behaviors 💣🔪

By Larissa

(This is an excerpt from a workshop I taught in 2023) If you want the accompanying "Unf*ck Yourself" mini workshop + pdf workbook join the membership and get it instantly. I apologize for how dry and cringe the names/descriptions are.

To watch/listen instead:

One of the main ways you can stop operating out of autopilot, quit the shit patterns and actually get what you want is by:

Being with the discomfort of not operating out of your personality trap + shadow (being conscious, making different choices, regulating your nervous system in the moment with breath, tapping, affirmations).

Integrating the opposite of your personality's "belief" (the shadow).

This sounds simple but it actually requires a considerable amount of bravery and determination. Which is why most people who learn the Enneagram don’t actually use it for self-growth. Because it’s more fun to chit chat about and study than to actually apply to our own lives.

The personality’s belief structure creates behaviors and defense mechanisms. These beliefs and behaviors create the shadow. 

The defense mechanisms come from Freud's psychoanalytic theories and have been correlated to Enneagram theory by multiple sources and evolved over time with other people's ideas (Fritz Perls, Oscar Ichazo, Helen Palmer, Naranjo, etc). I won’t be getting into any of that, I’m just going to apply them in how I see them as useful. I’ve also added behaviors that I notice in each of the types.

I’m not sharing these to shame anyone or be judgmental, because we’re ALL doing at least one, if not three or more of these patterns. I’m using the Enneagram as a framework to show you how to spot patterns, unuseful beliefs and shadow at a much quicker pace than if you’re just doing it from just generic journaling prompts or waiting for something to “happen” before you address it. This way you have a pathway to start looking at the problems before your life goes to total shit. 

Each type’s flawed belief (“If I am not ___ I don’t exist /I am not me/I am not safe”) manifests itself through behaviors and actions. 

This process is unconscious. Even if you were aware that you were doing some of this stuff, it’s not your fault. It’s what we were programmed to do. But by integrating our shadow and coming into acceptance and wholeness we get to make better choices, think supportive thoughts, feel better, more useful and aligned feelings. And you can also catch yourself in the act and check yourself before you wreck yourself.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 1 - “DADDY”

1’s prefer to see themselves as being conscientious and above the degenerate riff raff. They’re proper, correct and in integrity, therefore they cannot see themselves as lazy, foolish, wrong, messy or "bad.” Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

1’s avoid outwardly expressing anger to remain “objective” and in control. Because expressing “anger” is “bad.” To be imperfect, incompetent, wrong or out-of-control is death to the 1. This mechanism reinforces the 1's ego because it assures them that they are right, proper, perfect, and correct. Therefore, their survival and identity continues. However, because the 1 is an anger/gut type, they’re constantly churning irritation factories.

If the 1 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 1 utilizes “anger” they are unlikely to allow themselves to see themselves as incorrect, in the wrong, imperfect. 

How this manifests:

Reaction Formation: 1’s can express the opposite of their actual feelings and desires. They do this to reinforce their ego as “not being angry” (being perfect, right, correct, proper, good). Expressing anger is “bad” or what people who have no self-control do. 

Channeling unexpressed anger into physical activities - going hog wild on cleaning, obsessively exercising, restricting food/hedonistic delights, perfectionism fixations, taking a red pen to their life.

Criticality + judgmental concerns projected onto people around them, for their “own good.” To the 1 they’re being responsible, doing the right thing. 

Splitting: Seeing things in black and white under stress (this is good, this is evil). In super low health this can lead to extreme behaviors, like witch-hunting, finger-pointing, being the ‘voice of God’ / judge, jury and executioner.

Rationalization: 1's can rationalize to justify their self-righteousness. “This is the most correct, right, or efficient way to do the thing, therefore I am right and you are wrong.” If you don’t do what I say, it will be to your own detriment.

Hypocrisy: Projecting their own denied desires, feelings and even private behaviors by condemning the same desires, feelings and behaviors in others. They know the right way to be, and you are not being it. They can become preachy about whatever they take issue with, in order to unconsciously overcompensate for their secret bad behavior or naughty thoughts. This ties directly to Shadow Work, because 1's and 1-fixers can have a pungent Shadow full of all kinds of misdeeds and “dark” desires, but be totally blind to them while criticizing others for the same things.

Example: The anti-gay politician who is having an affair with a man, or the barbiturate-poppin' mom who wages a neighborhood campaign against drugs. 

OCD: Obsessively creating more order and rightness in their physical environment, relationships, or self. They can go into “perfecting” mode in order to feel in control of something they cannot control, where they exert order onto their surroundings and right wrongs (like becoming obsessed with cleanliness in their home or laying out ‘rules’ that others must follow). 

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 2 - “MOMMY”

2’s prefer to see themselves as being loving, nurturing, selfless, self-sacrificing, caring towards others, concerned and kind-hearted. Therefore they cannot see themselves as selfish, self-centered, giving to get, cold, heartless or "bad”. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

2’s avoid feeling selfish or needy, by refusing to directly ask to get their needs met or receive what they truly wish from others. 2's unconsciously repress these needs and desires to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are self-sacrificing, needed, good and loving. Therefore their survival continues.

If the 2 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 2 utilizes “pride” they are unlikely to allow themselves to wallow or even acknowledge any wrongdoing or selfishness on their part. It’s the other person’s fault, the 2 is blameless.

How this manifests:

Repression: 2’s hide their needs and "selfish" desires from themselves in order to maintain their caring and indispensable self-image. They use Repression to AVOID feeling needy, unnecessary or rejected. Because of their type structure, they can't see how they are in need of anyone else's help or how they are anything other than self-sacrificing. They cover up these feelings with flattery, offers of help, being intrusive and overly nice. 

2’s prioritize others’ needs in the hopes someone will prioritize theirs. But then when that happens, the 2 goes into rejection mode and wants to get back into position as ‘the helper’ as that’s where their identity is invested.

The 2 projects their needs onto those around them by being overly helpful or intrusive. If they feel like they're not being appreciated or getting their needs met, they can move into covertly "punishing" behaviors to the person they keep giving to or subconsciously create situations in which the person might be forced to give back to them.

Example: The 2 wants help cleaning from their spouse, so over-cleans to the point where they become ill so that their partner is forced to pick up the slack or show them care for all of their self-sacrificing. This can also manifest in ways like them offering to do something and then making the other person wait to receive if they are feeling secretly resentful or not shown adequate appreciation or having their self-image adequately validated.

In low health, 2’s can use “Identification” to take on the needs and worries of those around them as if it’s theirs. They become fretful over other people’s problems. Anything that hurts their loved one hurts them. And it becomes covertly narcissistic, wherein they can make someone else’s suffering about themselves, but also their wins. “If it wasn’t for my help, they wouldn’t have accomplished that.” They can secretly (or not secretly) want undue credit for “help” they’ve provided (whether solicited or not).

2’s use “Reframing” in collaboration with “Repression.” They can reframe their intentions (to maintain a pride in their pure and loving intentions) and reframe others intentions too, lest it burst the sugar-coated bubble they’re desiring to live in or reflect back to them that they’re unwanted.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 3 - “SHAPESHIFTER”

3’s like to see themselves as impressive, competent, successful and admired or valued for what they do or are. Therefore they cannot see themselves as losers, failures, or less than others. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

3’s avoid feeling like a failure or worthless by adapting to external ideals, competing, and striving. 3's unconsciously use “Identification” to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are valuable, worthy, admired and successful. Therefore their survival continues.

If the 3 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 3 utilizes “deceit” they are unlikely to allow themselves to own their failings or true feelings if it interferes with the image they’re projecting.

How this manifests:

3's use "Identification" as a defense mechanism, by unconsciously assimilating with the "other." They use this to avoid feeling like a failure. How this shows up is that they take on the traits, characteristics, attributes, aesthetics, preferences, values and mannerisms of important people in their life, groups, people they see as valuable and those they admire or envy. They do this to create an image of success (to themselves and/or others).

Denial/Projection: 3’s can blame others for their failures or what isn’t working for them, offloading image fails onto others to distance themselves from shame. Just like they can take on others traits/behaviors/stories, they can offload those same things onto others as well. 

Deception: This collection of traits is their "self image" and where their ego and self-worth resides, and because their external sources and what is valued may change, it can give 3's a shapeshifter quality depending on who or what they're surrounded by, what they value, what they do. Underneath this layer of shiny baubles is still a 'shame type' and so without this sometimes fragile self-image being upheld they are but a raw, shameful nerve. Because of this, they can lose contact with their own internal compass, needs, desires and their authentic self. They prioritize what gets them those positive hits and bolsters their ego/self-image. They can be totally asleep to this inner incongruence, and be deceiving themselves, especially in lower levels of health.

Numbing/Workaholism: 3’s can use numbing so they don’t get stuck in the emotional swamp and become unproductive. They can power down the “I’m a failure, I’m upset, I’m emotional” aspect and power up the drive to override emotional slop that might get in their way. They might override this with going hard into working around the clock, substances, shopping/spending a lot or doing something flashy to bolster their self-image. 

Competition: 3’s can get caught up in competition, using others as a stepping stone or a way to boost their own image by comparison (“see how much better of a job I’m doing than Ted.”) They might do this to the point where they end up chasing someone else’s dreams and totally shooting themselves in the foot.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 4 - “DISDAINFUL DEPRESSIVE”

4’s like to see themselves as separate, uniquely flawed, deep, and the special exception. Therefore they cannot see themselves as mundane, relatable, ordinary, adaptable, or even for many 4’s functional. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

4’s avoid feeling mundane, ordinary, relatable, shallow, functional or happy. 4's unconsciously self-sabotage and focus on the negative and what’s frustrating, to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are deep, different, uniquely flawed and unlike anyone else. Therefore their survival continues.

If the 4 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 4 utilizes envy (what is missing) they are unlikely to allow themselves to see where they are functional, relatable, understandable or even happy. They subconsciously craft a self-image that rejects any "positive" information about themselves that comes into conflict with this existing "negative" image.

How this manifests:

Introjection: Introjection is presented as absorbing another person's identity or feelings (like a parent) and transferring it to themselves. However, it's more nuanced and specific than that for 4’s. 4's aren't just taking in any old information, they're unconsciously taking in evidence that they are broken, estranged, alien, fucked up and damaged - and this is great news to them. While the external world may be giving the 4 fuel, their experience has almost nothing to do with the outside world. The outside world is just serving to fuel the 4's internal narrative. The 4 weaves these evidentiary mementos into a story. They identify with specific negative traits that reinforce that they are separate, rare, deeply flawed so as to never quite be understood or capable of being happy and functional.

They do this unconsciously as a way to cope with the pain of feeling broken, unwanted, dysfunctional and different. They weave the negative narratives into their identity and shape it into a way that makes them feel in control of it, to project depth and meaning onto it vs someone or something outside of themselves creating their story and making it shallow. The more they associate into this negative state, the more dysfunctional they can become and the more it supports their type's ego structure. Without these narratives they feel naked and non-existant. Because their self-image is inherently negative, they are “positively” associated with being in a negative, frustrated, unsatisfied state.

Idealization: Idealizing people or situations as a way to generate feelings to pull the 4 away from the mundane reality/experience. This idealization is a frustration pattern designed to keep them in a loop of disappointment and longing because nothing will ever live up to what they hope, something will always be missing and the 4 can never truly actualize or be happy as a result. And if it is everything they’ve ever wanted, the 4 is likely to find something wrong anyway or create a problem where there is none.

As a result, the 4 might self-sabotage opportunities that would actually aid them in being functional, capable, happy, or get them what they claim they want. They may discard things, people, ideas, pursuits if they feel too easy, cheap, relatable, mundane. Or keep churning up issues and provocations that will lead to them being able to say, “see, I never get to have what I want.” Or “I knew no one would understand.”

Splitting: 4’s reject what’s “not me” and often find what’s not to their tastes or “not me” disgusting. Everything that’s not in the frustrated realm that the 4 approves of is superficial, shallow, ugly, vapid, horrible, etc. For the faceless masses, not the 4. Being at odds with reality helps reinforce their self-identity. I’m not like that, therefore I’m deep.

Because 4’s are usually creative or self-identify with the idea of being an artist/writer/creative, their tragically romantic, broken and disdainful views can be expressed through their art. They may overdo it in making it unpalatable or abstract. Or if they become popular they may self-sabotage their own success or self-image by being provocative, turning on their fans/the public, becoming moody, self-destructive or unpredictable. They’ll likely move away from what is expected or desired by their fanbase, even if they secretly desire an audience. Or maybe they’ll over-specify how they present themselves and shroud themselves in mystery in a way that others cannot easily relate to, they can only *bear witness.*

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 5 - “BRUNDLEFLY”

5’s like to see themselves as insightful, competent, self-sufficient, independent and objective. Therefore they cannot see themselves as emotional, human, helpless or dependent on others. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

5’s avoid feeling dependent on others, helpless, depleted, or engulfed in the messy world. 5's unconsciously retreat inwards and withhold energy and information, detach, and compartmentalize to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are competent, objective, smarter than everyone else and above the mortal coil. 

Because the 5 utilizes avarice (hoarding inner resources) they are unlikely to allow themselves to allow themselves to be put in a position where they are “needed” for anything outside of the scope of their specific interest/competency focus, or entangle themselves with hot messes (people or situations). Of all the types, this is maybe the one that is least likely to give a shit if they have a shadow, tbh.

How this manifests:

Isolation: 5’s retreat and protect their inner sanctum from being invaded or picked clean by the outside world. They use isolation to avoid dependence on others or having to be interlaced with their chaotic whims and needs which may disrupt what the 5 would rather be doing with their time (some kind of mind pursuit). They may design their entire lives to protect themselves against intrusion.

Detachment: 5’s use detachment as a means to cope when they feel overwhelmed. They disconnect from and retreat from their own and others’ unstable feelings. In order to feel competent and safe and conserve their mental resources, they can cut all contact or need for the outside world.

They use ‘rejection’ methods of cutting off and compartmentalizing to ensure they’re not swallowed up in the messy ass human bullshit of this humdrum existence. This may show up as minimizing their needs (physical, relational, financial, emotional). They’re the most likely to live in some secret, off-grid tiny home. Not the one with all the gardens and crops and goats, but the one that has the bare minimum to survive where they can focus on their studies or whatever their mental obsession is, far away from other people. 

They can have totally hidden worlds within worlds that others know nothing about. Each world dangerously close to being lopped off at a moment’s notice if the 5 sees no use for it anymore. They dump all of their energy into their main pursuit because it’s where they feel “safe” and valuable, and so the outside world interfering with that feels like an attack on their very existence. By overdoing this one area of “competency” they can actually make themselves unable to actually be independent or functional. So to them they may seem overly competent, but to the outside world they may seem bizarre and dysfunctional.

5’s use compartmentalization of emotions, energy, and relationships. Separating their thoughts from feelings, and putting people into boxes to be dealt with or utilized instead of truly connected to. This can have a dehumanizing effect on the people around them who don’t want to only interact with the 5 when they have the inner resources or only interact with them on narrow and specific terms. By doing this, the 5 effectively shuts out having to deal with whatever they don’t want to but also hacks off pieces of their own heart, spirit, and humanity which is the only true place to create and mine for the insights and independence they seek.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 6 - “CITIZEN EMO”

6’s like to see themselves as loyal, hardworking, just a regular person, authentic, responsible, fair and connected to the family/community/tribe, etc. Therefore they cannot see themselves as bad, traitorous, pompous or “too good.” Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

6’s avoid feeling unsafe, uncertain or abandoned in their attachments and support systems (physical, group, partner). 6's unconsciously seek security/safety (and dangers), truth (and lies) and support systems they can trust and rely on to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are accepted, part of the tribe, safe, secure, supported and prepared. Therefore their survival continues.

If the 6 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 6 utilizes “fear” (and anxiety) they are unlikely to allow themselves to relax, ease up, stop hunting for discrepancies or what could go wrong.

How this manifests:

Projection: 6’s project their worst fears and worst case intentions onto other people. They’re always sniffing out danger in the world and in their connections. Who’s being disloyal? Who’s up to no good? They can engage in investigative, gossipy behaviors, seeking out clues of their worst fears. Sometimes they project their own behaviors, feelings and thoughts onto others and then fear being blamed or accused (which leads to projecting).  

On the flipside, they can project idolization fantasies onto “experts”, simping people who they can put all their trust and outsource their thinking to. They do this to create certainty within themselves. 

Worst Case Scenario: Projections can also show up as “predictions” where the 6 may anticipate the worst and then by overfocusing on this negative outcome, they manifest it into reality. Their worst case scenario becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. (“See! I knew the basement was going to flood!” Or “See! I knew you’d cheat on me!”) This churning distrust has them always on the hunt, and never feeling safe. 

Splitting: Like other types they can see things in “black and white”, good or bad, you’re with me or against me. 6’s can be tribal and overly-identified to their “side” - whether that’s ideologically, politically, religiously or just in their general friend groups.

Outsourcing anxiety: They can overdose on anxiety in order to reach equilibrium. They project their internal anxieties into the outside world in the hopes that someone else will solve the problem for them. Like constantly bringing people’s attention to the negative or what could go wrong. They cannot rest until someone else validates and matches their concern. They want help to deal with the problem (real or imagined) and for someone else to assuage their fears. 

Redirect overwhelming fears from one source onto another source that they feel is easier to manage (like a loved one, peer, boss).

Rebellion: 6’s can get anti-authoritarian when their trust is broken, they’re disappointed, or they engage in “splitting.” They can be mega social justice warriors and fight for what is “right”, but in doing so they can totally lose perspective and go so hard in fighting for justice that they actually become the bad guy.

6’s can also be hypochondriacs with their anxiety. Excessive worrying, creating symptoms and scenarios out of the ether. They can circle the drain, fixating on problem after potential problem. They can literally bring forth a potential health catastrophe into reality with constant focus on it. This paranoia can manifest in many ways, but sometimes they’re right!

Self-deprecation: They also may use self-deprecation or humor, or presenting as an “underdog” as a way to deflect being targeted or being seen as too big for their britches. They can project this onto other with a ‘tall poppies’ or ‘crabs in the bucket’ mentality.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 7 - “MAD HATTER HEDONIST”

7’s like to see themselves as interesting, exciting, innovative, individualistic, creative and fun. Therefore they cannot see themselves as boring, normal, part of the grind or a downer. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

7’s avoid feeling trapped, limited, stifled, cut off and bored. 7's unconsciously seek new, interesting people/things/situations/interests to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are fascinating, buoyant, original and compelling creatures. Therefore their survival continues.

Because the 7 utilizes “gluttony” they are unlikely to allow themselves to stagnate for too long, moving onto the next thing and the next thing and the next thing.

How this manifests:

Rationalization: Which means the 7 can subconsciously (or consciously) rationalize away shitty behaviors and dodge responsibility. They are usually averse to their specific flavours of what is “painful” and will reframe reframe reframe themselves up up up and away from whatever that source of “pain” is. Whether it’s the guilt of doing something awful, or the fall-out of saying something flippantly, or the consequences of a thoughtless action. They’re especially prone to rationalizing if making the pain conscious means they’re not able to do, be or have something they desire. 

Distraction: They go into distraction seeking mode via hedonism, intellectual stimulation, adventures, extreme sports, partying, being totally manic and creating for 3 days straight, shopping, etc when they want to avoid discomfort, pain, boredom.

Repression: They use repression to bury negative emotions (in whatever flavour they despise) and push away anything that makes them feel like they’ve been victimized. 7’s can be emotional and melodramatic but it’s in the flavour they find the most interesting. They’re not here to be a boring victim or cry themselves to sleep every night over a loser.

Anticipation/Planning: They can over idealize an outcome to the point where they are more about getting the dopamine hits off anticipation than actually doing the thing or seeing whatever their harebrained scheme is through to completion.

Entitlement: 7’s can be massive brats about getting what they want. As frustration types they’re often focused on what they don’t have and what they want, but because they’re assertive they’re more likely to chase after it, expect it to be given to them, or push people out of the way to get it.

Pleasure-seeking/Hedonism: 7’s reject that which is not pleasurable because there’s nothing in it for them. When 7’s get into this “thank you, next” pattern it can become impossible for them to actualize or stick to something long enough for them to enjoy the fruits of all their initial excitement. The sparkle fades and there’s nothing tasty for the 7 to stick around and lick, so they’re likely to start looking for something else.

Rebellion: Like 6’s, 7’s can also be rebellious, but their reasons for rebelling are likely centered around freedom (literally or freedom of expression), anti-censorship, pro-individuality/individual choice. They can also just rebel for the hell of it if they’re bored, or if there are hot people associated with a cause.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 8 - “FINAL BOSS”

8’s like to see themselves as powerful, invulnerable, independent, intimidating IDGAF leaders. Therefore they cannot see themselves as weak, under someone else’s heel, being controlled, powerless or soft. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

8’s avoid feeling weak, vulnerable, powerless, small or allowing anything to threaten them. 8's unconsciously deny vulnerabilities and weaknesses to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are indeed powerful and no one can or will fuck with them. Therefore their survival continues.

Because the 8 utilizes “lust” they are unlikely to allow themselves to put themselves in a position where they could be steamrolled, deprived, slowed down or made small or powerless.

How this manifests:

Denial: 8’s use “Denial” by rejecting their own vulnerabilities or weaknesses. This can show up as denying emotions, fears, thoughts that don’t serve the 8’s ego identification of being powerful. They can also completely deny the existence of any perceived weak points that an “enemy” could use against them. If possible, they will lop off anyone or anything that causes them agitation (people, situations) or seems like a threat to their inner or outer sanctuary that they’ve created.

Rejection/Coldness: They can view softness and receptivity as death. If they weaken for a moment, they’ll get screwed over or tricked.

Reaction Formation: 8’s can express the opposite of how they feel. So they can feel really hurt but act like they’re emotionally impervious. You have no effect on the 8. You don’t matter. If you’ve wounded their steel heart, you’ll pay the price. Like the 7 they can deny victimhood, but they might personally feel quite slighted and seek revenge to get the ball back in their court, the power back in their hands, for how the person made them feel.

Aggression/assertiveness: 8’s can take up space and project an air of confidence in order to pre-defend against would-be attacks. Showing up with big bear or chaos demon energy ensures no one will fuck with them and that they’ll get what they want. Therefore they can be domineering, bossy, straight-shooters. My way or the highway.

Control/conquering: 8’s can be hyper controlling and even paranoid, depending on their position and the situation. They can take on the role of puppetmaster or dictator, to ensure things happen according to their plan and they’re not at the whims of someone else or underneath someone else’s thumb.

Justification: 8’s can be impulsive with their anger and feeling absolutely justified. The desired effect can be to crush whatever is pissing them off with their brutality and force.

ENNEAGRAM TYPE 9 - “SOOTHING SQUISH”

9’s like to see themselves as chill, empathetic, caring, supportive and deep. Therefore they cannot see themselves as provocative, disruptive, thoughtless, aggressive or selfish. Of course, when going too hard into the personality type’s false belief, it creates a big ol’ shadow. 

9’s avoid feeling in conflict and stressed out. 9's unconsciously seek to be in harmony and flow with those around them and their environment to reinforce their type's ego because it assures them that they are chill, harmonious and connected.

If the 9 catches themselves in the act, or someone else does (gasp), it may increase the dissonance between the Shadow and Unintegrated Self if they don’t understand that it’s just their personality bs. Because the 9 utilizes “sloth” they are unlikely to allow themselves to just get after it, make demands, make bold moves.

How this manifests:

Narcotization/Dissociation: 9’s use narcotization which means to numb, to ease discomfort. This can manifest in multiple ways, falling asleep at the wheel of life - outsourcing decisions, independence, physical needs, to others. It can also show up as losing yourself in mindless side-tasks instead of just dealing with problems. They can dissociate from problems by numbing their heart and mind to what’s in front of them, or to just hope it resolves itself without any involvement or disruption to the 9’s existence.

9’s repress their anger in favor of keeping peace. They can be really annoyed and not able to verbalize it until it reaches a crisis point for the 9. The other person may be totally shocked when it happens, especially if the 9 kept telling them that everything was fine.

Passive Aggression: 9’s express how they feel indirectly and hoping the person picks up on their subtle cues without them having to generate conflict. This can also just slip out subconsciously through offhand comments, looks, tone or behaviors. And when confronted with it, they’ll likely recede into a mist and say nothing’s wrong.

9’s can also use “positive reframing”, not unlike 7, but theirs is more used as a numbing agent, smoothing out a dire situation or other people’s malintent, rudeness, or shitty behavior so it doesn’t result in conflict or upset.

Outsourcing: 9’s often give their power away, instead of asking for what they want or expressing themselves without being prompted. They can become disappointed when others fail to mind-read or intuit their needs without them having to assert themselves or vocalize it.

Self-Forgetting: Because 9’s can dance around their location in order to keep the peace and not lose connection, they can forget what they want or how they really feel about something.

Merging: Like 3’s, 9’s merge with the people around them, often taking on their interests, aesthetics, values and even mannerisms. However the 9 isn’t doing it to become an ideal and compete for validation, they do it because they over-identify with the idealized other to create harmony and melt into them.

7’s and 9’s can both procrastinate and get lost in multiple fantasies of possibilities, but the difference is that the 7 is likely taking an active, assertive approach and throwing spaghetti at the wall, whereas the 9’s dreams can fade away if they don’t have another person holding them accountable or a job to show up for or something external. 

Ghosting: Instead of just saying “no,” often 9’s will be vague or give a “maybe” or “sure” if they don’t know their location in the moment or don’t want to rock the boat. And then they’ll disappear when followed up with.  

SELF-REFLECTION PROMPTS (FOR JOURNALING)

Did you cringe at any of the behaviors listed? did you recognize any of these in yourself?

write out which ones you recognized. no judgment. it's not "you", it's just behaviors Created out of your personality's false belief. Unpack them. go back to the situation. what were you feeling at the time? what was running through your mind?

What did you need to know in that moment to feel totally safe and make a different choice?

What different choice can you make next time?

What would be the worst thing someone could say about you or make you feel? 

Is there anything in your life that you can see as you trying to avoid this being said about you, control people's perceptions, or avoiding feeling?

Can you accept this behavior in yourself right now, forgive yourself, and choose to be more consciously aware?

If you want the accompanying "Unf*ck Yourself" mini workshop + pdf workbook join the membership and get it instantly. I apologize for how dry this is. Want to get typed or coached by me? Book here.

[rin-and-jade]

Accidentally Setting Off Bombs?.. : A Post on (system) Triggers

What if you're on a fine day, nothing's going wrong, only to be met with a specific phrase or experience that throws off your balance for the next few days?

Well, it seems like you got some landmines in your mental territory with it's uninviting presence--but triggers are more than just a trauma mechanism. As basically, we all (singlet and systems) operate with many, many, different types of triggers that makes us act the way we are.

This post will cover different kinds of triggers, educate the nuance of its purpose, as well as how they operate--or respond like, and how to handle the typical destructive and bad triggers! There's even bonus info. CLICK ME!!

TLDR section: gotchu covered! Scroll to most bottom.

Trigger? What trigger?

Uhhm.. Hold for a sec guys-- *googles awkwardly infront of you* Alright, found it: "to cause something to start" -Cambridge Dictionary

To cause something, you say? Okay, i see now, try bringing yourself back to past experiences for a while and observe how some responses/conversations had made you feel: sad? happy? confused? angry?

That's a general example of triggers, as they spark an emotion to you within a brief moment after you've finished registering and processing an information.

When it comes to system topics, the word "triggers" are often used to describe any informational/sensory input that caused/starts a switch between two parts. This usually takes more than sparking a fuse that will cause emotions to do that though.. here, let the chief explain some types for you:

Types of triggers.. (and as bomb names)

Internal - Dynamite Caused by: Thoughts, memories, experiences Combustion power: High

Details: Due to high sensitivity, any internal pressure can cause it to detonate and land a strong impact, giving way for strong emotional reactions to hit fast and strong, or a sudden switch to happen.

External - Landmine Caused by: Stimuli from external environments (scents, people, places) Combustion power: High

Details: Due to its ability to detect pressure on a proximity, rearing too close to one would cause a detonation, no matter how unexpected or aloof.

Physiological - Grenade Caused by: Heart rate, pain, hunger, fatigue, etc Combustion power: Moderate high

Details: Being exposed to a stimulus causes the safety pin to be pulled, which gradually causes a build up of chemicals before reaching to the shell's threshold, causing a defined space of explosion.

Psychological - Time bomb Caused by: Stress, anxiety, overwhelm, etc Combustion power: Moderate

Details: Set with a special timer, after being triggered, it has a defined length of time before it detonates, this can be from a couple of seconds to hours. Failure to diffuse, would mean the prolonged exposure and effects will inevitably, turn into an explosive mess.

Behavioral - Smoke bomb Caused by: Routine, certain repetition, engaging an activity Combustion power: Moderate

Details: They're not apparently harmful, but when deployed, it causes a fog of confusion, causing dissociation and detachment from a certain part to notice or be fully aware of the situation. Unlike other previous bombs, they may cause a more silent/subtle or temporary switch or shift.

Emotional - Firecrackers Caused by: Negative, or positive emotions Combustion power: Low to moderate

Details: Although small, they're very loud and explosive. They do not have any destructive capabilities within them, yet capable of causing a temporary reaction of emotions or myriad of things. Possibly close to a partial switch/influence. Unless strong, it could cause a switch.

Symptom - Flare gun Caused by: Presence of specific symptoms from illnesses/health Combustion power: Low

Details: They don't have any explosive or destructive qualities, rather, it's akin to an SOS signal, alerting possible parts to come by as an aid to the situation, responding and taking the wheel from the distress call, tanking discomfort/symptoms.

Meaning of terms: "Caused by" - To convey what it detects that started the trigger "Combustion power" - To convey how strong it facilitates a switch, and/or how destructive the reaction would be if it sets the fuse off

Okay, but how do they work??

Explosives devices such as dynamites, landmines, or grenades pack a lot of charged emotions or reactions that is strong enough as a signal to your brain to perform several brain modes and complete a switch that is necessary to the heat of the situation.

While less destructive ones like crackers and flares do not hold enough pressure or combustion, which explains partial alter influences, or just enough to call them into the co-conscious proximity.

--

The idea of how triggers facilitate switches is from how these inputs are taken account into brain modes as cues, and depending on the cues and learnt patterns, it will bring forth an associated alter that fits for the situation.

In short, parts have their own memory banks of experiences and triggers, which is why dangerous or stressful situations bring forth protectors or why seeing cute videos or toys bring forth littles.

Are we ever free from triggers?

No, not really--but that doesn't mean its bad!

Generally, triggers are just the mediator to initiate certain steps, actions, emotions, or learnt behaviors to navigate our life. It's what puts us into work mode, or when to joke--when to not. We're made of different sets of modes, and these triggers made sure we act and think correctly within specific situations.

The issue here is when traumatic triggers are ruining other benign types of triggers, which i will address next.

When bombs are planted with trickery:

The complexity starts here. Why? Because triggers also works in stacks and combos. Especially the traumatic ones. A trigger only can shift/affect a mood or state, but combo'd ones does a rollercoaster of reactions, where most damage is done.

They're capable of stacking or performed in combos due to how each activates another trigger, one after other, i'll give an example:

You got insulted by someone (external trigger) -> Caused you to feel sad (emotional trigger) -> Makes you remember all the other times you've disappointed people (internal trigger) -> These past experiences slowly overwhelm you and cloud your judgement (psychological trigger) -> Which causes a breakdown and perform unhealthy coping mechanisms, like isolating or substances (behavioral trigger)

Oof.... yeah no one would like that. Right? Right??..

Alright, and that's how easy it is to get caught up to a reactive state. And you'd love to know ANY. FRICKING. WAYS. to diffuse that annoying pattern.. which i do know--if not this post won't even be released if it doesn't have the advice section.

Chief, spill your CIA files on this!

I am, i am!!..

Oftentimes, these triggers hit you big and hard,, because once ya lose your cool? Thats game over. Now, here's a lil cheat sheet:

Identify the device Which is why understanding and identifying the name of the bombs is the first important step to counter the detonation. Did you snap a trigger for defensive behavior? Or the one that makes you feel lots of things?

Do not run, attempt to diffuse instead I mean, we all want to escape from potential dangers, but that doesn't stop the explosion, which may or may not hurt you or other people within the process. Once you start feeling finicky or a little panicky--immediately assert yourself to recognize your build up pressure, that'll muffle it good and helps you and control from the reactive bursts from affecting you emotionally and mentally.

Cut the wires off (get out of the negative thought loop) Take proactive steps to solve or manage your emotions. We often assume the worst would happen, and thats when.. you leave the bomb as it is. Get going and prevent the worst possible scenario. Craft a plan on how you can manage,, are there pliers? Do you have enough time to cover with a shield to avoid its impact? I don't know, smash it!

Understand consequences (additional info) When you realize that there are various ways to react after a trigger is activated, you might see which can make the situation worse, or can make the situation lighter. This buys you a little more time to reflect and choose the outcome you truly want to achieve.

For first-timers, it is hard to fight off the bombs because you never had a plan or experience to handle them, if so, this is your call to create a plan or strategy whenever triggers will topple your balance. Most importantly, self confidence and trust in managing a difficult, bomby situation would do you wonders.

If you failed to deactivate the bomb:

Salvage the situation If the damage was inevitable, then you can attempt to ground yourself back, and empathetically apologize to the people who got hurt in the process. Explain to them what just happened, and etc.

Log them in What pattern did you see? What can you implement next time to manage the situation better? This is a good moment for reflection/evaluation and planning.

Give yourself some grace (most important) You're just learning, punishing or shaming yourself won't get you anywhere far. It's okay, you can still practice to deflect another future trigger if you do failed a bunch.

Bonus Information

Triggers are also connected to the polyvagal theory, i'll share you a bit on it!

When brain modes has the job to pull out the right alters for the right situation then... who opens the gate for a switch to happen? Thats right, its your big brother: Mr. PV .

Hyper-aroused vagus:

Switches happen within the sympathetic state--which is all about action and fight/flight. Being in a sympathetic state makes certain alters with active roles be more alert, and also signals an urgency to be flexible or adapt to the situation. The threshold for triggers to feel 'moderate' emotions also lowers (means more sensitive), which also make sense why you are easier to be irritated or emotional in a heightened state.

Often times, if too many alters are co-conscious, and variated stimulus are presented, this causes multiple switches at short successions in attempt to upkeep the demand of which alter is needed within the ever-changing moment. Like when you're trying to juggle some balls with your hands, it's akin to multitasking.. but juggling alters around.

Oh right, sounds familiar huh? That's what rapid switch is.

Hypo-aroused vagus:

But, when you're too overwhelmed or had exerted alot of strain/energy, you might crash into a mental exhaustion.

This exhaustion is the dorsal vagal state, where your body attempts to conserve and hide away when active fighting doesn't work. triggers are harder to facilitate switches as it puts the threshold bar up high.. rendering normal triggers obsolete.

Felt like you've been there? Well, that's the process which made you front-stuck, which you might recognize.

-- clarification -- Rapid switch and front-stuck also involve other factors such as stress tolerance and emotional resilience, take this as a piece of pov to learn how these two mechanisms works.

Takeaway

Alright fellas.. that's all you get from the hands on education on my bomb camp. What kind of bomb do you often experience? Which one is the most annoying to you so far? Let me know!

Also.. it would be awesome if you start mentioning triggers as bomb names as they almost perfectly depict what they feel like.

AND REMEMBER. Do not attempt to intentionally trigger a bomb without a professional or a trusty friend. Doing so alone would cause unwanted effects. If you want to un-learn your triggers, contact me,, the master of bombs,,, i'll be able to curate a personalized step by step on how to tackle them!

(and... uh... i write my posts differently after final fusing, i hope you guys are okay with this forever now)

-- TLDR --

Triggers in DID they are cues (internal, external, emotional, etc.) that cause a specific reaction or switch between alters, depending on the situation.

Triggers vary in impact: some are like dynamite (internal triggers from memories), others like landmines (external stimuli), grenades (physiological states), time bombs (psychological stress), smoke bombs (behavioral patterns), firecrackers (emotional responses), or flare guns (symptom-related).

Polyvagal Theory explains rapid switching between hyperarousal (fight-or-flight state) and hypoarousal (shutdown state), contributing to feeling "stuck" or experiencing frequent switches.

Not all triggers are negative; they can play an adaptive role, bringing forward the most appropriate alter for a situation. Learn to manage and "diffuse" these triggers by identifying them, using grounding techniques, and developing strategies to mitigate their effects.

Key takeaway: Triggers are a natural part of life for everyone, but managing traumatic triggers is essential for those with DID. Understanding and handling them effectively can help maintain balance and well-being.

- chrono

[talenlee]

The Whole Sort of General Mish Mosh of AI

I’m not typing this.

January this year, I injured myself on a bike and it infringed on a couple of things I needed to do in particular working on my PhD. Because I had effectively one hand, I was temporarily disabled and it finally put it in my head to consider examining accessibility tools.

One of the accessibility tools I started using was Microsoft’s own text to speech that’s built into the operating system I used, which is Windows Not-The-Current-One-That-Everyone-Complains-About. I’m not actually sure which version I have. It wasn’t good but it was usable, and being usable meant spending a week or so thinking out what I was going to write a phrase at a time and then specifying my punctuation marks period.

I’m making this article — or the draft of it to be wholly honest — without touching my computer at all.

What I am doing right now is playing my voice into Audacity. Then I’m going to use Audacity to export what I say as an MP3, which I will then take to any one of a few dozen sites that offer free transcription of voice to text conversion. After that, I take the text output, check it for mistakes, fill in sentences I missed when coming off the top of my head, like this one, and then put it into WordPress.

A number of these sites are old enough that they can boast that they’ve been doing this for 10 years, 15 years, or served millions of customers. The one that transcribed this audio claims to have been founded in 2006, which suggests the technology in question is at least, you know, five. Seems odd then that the site claims its transcription is ‘powered by AI,’ because it certainly wasn’t back then, right? It’s not just the statements on the page, either, there’s a very deliberate aesthetic presentation that wants to look like the slickly boxless ‘website as application’ design many sites for the so-called AI folk favour.

This is one of those things that comes up whenever I want to talk about generative media and generative tools. Because a lot of stuff is right now being lumped together in a Whole Sort of General Mish Mosh of AI (WSOGMMOA). This lump, the WSOGMMOA, means that talking about any of it is used as if it’s talking about all of it in the way that the current speaker wants to be talked about even within a confrontational conversation from two different people.

For people who are advocates of AI, they will talk about how ChatGPT is an everythingamajig. It will summarize your emails and help you write your essays and it will generate you artwork that you want and it will give you the rules for games you can play and it will help you come up with strategies for succeeding at the games you’ve already got all while it generates code for you and diagnoses your medical needs and summarises images and turns photos of pages into transcriptions it will then read aloud to you, and all you have to focus on is having the best ideas. The notion is that all of these things, all of these services, are WSOGMMOA, and therefore, the same thing, and since any of that sounds good, the whole thing has to be good. It’s a conspiracy theory approach, sometimes referred to as the ‘stack of shit’ approach – you can pile up a lot of garbage very high and it can look impressive. Doesn’t stop it being garbage. But mixed in with the garbage, you have things that are useful to people who aren’t just professionally on twitter, and these services are not all the same thing.

They have some common threads amongst them. Many of them are functionally looking at math the same way. Many or even most of them are claiming to use LLMs, or large language models and I couldn’t explain the specifics of what that means, nor should you trust an explainer from me about them. This is the other end of the WSOGMMOA, where people will talk about things like image generation on midjourney and deepseek (pieces of software you can run on your computer) consumes the same power as the people building OpenAI’s data research centres (which is terrible and being done in terrible ways). This lumping can make the complaints about these tools seem unserious to people with more information and even frivolous to people with less.

Back to the transcription services though. Transcription services are an example of a thing that I think represents a good application of this math, the underlying software that these things are all relying on. For a start, transcription software doesn’t have a lot of use cases outside of exactly this kind of experience. Someone who chooses or cannot use a keyboard to write with who wants to use an alternate means, converting speech into written text, which can be for access or archival purposes. You aren’t going to be doing much with that that isn’t exactly just that and we do want this software. We want transcriptions to be really good. We want people who can’t easily write to be able to archive their thoughts as text to play with them. Text is really efficient, and being able to write without your hands makes writing more available to more people. Similarly, there are people who can’t understand spoken speech – for a host of reasons! – and making spoken media more available is also good!

You might want to complain at this point that these services are doing a bad job or aren’t as good as human transcription and that’s probably true, but would you rather decent subtitles that work in most cases vs only the people who can pay transcription a living wage having subtitles? Similarly, these things in a lot of places refuse to use no-no words or transcribe ‘bad’ things like pornography and crimes or maybe even swears, and that’s a sign that the tool is being used badly and disrespects the author, and it’s usually because the people deploying the tool don’t care about the use case, they care about being seen deploying the tool.

This is the salami slicer through which bits of the WSOGMMOA is trying to wiggle. Tools whose application represent things that we want, for good reasons, that were being worked on independently of the WSOGMMOA, and now that the WSOGMMOA is here, being lampreyed onto in the name of pulling in a vast bubble of hypothetical investment money in a desperate time of tech industry centralisation.

As an example, phones have long since been using technology to isolate faces. That technology was used for a while to force the focus on a face. Privacy became more of a concern, then many phones were being made with software that could preemptively blur the faces of non-focal humans in a shot. This has since, with generative media, stepped up a next level, where you now have tools that can remove people from the background of photographs so that you can distribute photographs of things you saw or things you did without necessarily sharing the photos of people who didn’t consent to having their photo taken. That is a really interesting tool!

Ideologically, I’m really in favor of the idea that you should be able to opt out of being included on the internet. It’s illegal in France, for example, to take a photo of someone without their permission, which means any group shot of a crowd, hypothetically, someone in that crowd who was not asked for permission, can approach the photographer and demand recompense. I don’t know how well that works, but it shows up in journalism courses at this point.

That’s probably why that software got made – regulations in governments led to the development of the tool and then it got refined to make it appealing to a consumer at the end point so it could be used as as a selling point. It wouldn’t surprise me if right now, under the hood, the tech works in some similar way to MidJourney or Dall-E or whatever, but it’s not a solution searching for a problem. I find that really interesting. Is this feature that, again, is running on your phone locally, still part of the concerns of the WSOGMMOA? What about the software being used to detect cancer in patients based on sophisticated scans I couldn’t explain and you wouldn’t understand? How about when a glamour model feeds her own images into the corpus of a Midjourney machine to create more pictures of herself to sell?

Because admit it, you kinda know the big reason as a person who dislikes ‘AI’ stuff that you want to oppose WSOGMMOA. It’s because the heart of it, the big loud centerpiece of it, is the worst people in the goddamn world, and they want to use these good uses of this whole landscape of technology as a figleaf to justify why they should be using ChatGPT to read their emails for them when that’s 80% of their job. It’s because it’s the worst people in the world’s whole personality these past two years, when it was NFTs before that, and it’s a term they can apply to everything to get investors to pay for it. Which is a problem because if you cede to the WSOGMMOA model, there are useful things with meaningful value that that guy gets to claim is the same as his desire to raise another couple of billions of dollars so he can promise you that he will make a god in a box that he definitely, definitely cannot fucking do while presenting himself as the hero opposing Harry Potter and the Protocols of Rationality.

The conversation gets flattened around the basically two poles:

All of these tools, everything that labels itself as AI is fundamentally an evil burning polar bears, and

Actually everyone who doesn’t like AI is a butt hurt loser who didn’t invest earlier and buy the dip because, again, these people were NFT dorks only a few years ago.

For all that I like using some of these tools, tools that have helped my students with disability and language barriers, the fact remains that talking about them and advocating for them usefully in public involves being seen as associating with the group of some of the worst fucking dickheads around. The tools drag along with them like a gooey wake bad actors with bad behaviours. Artists don’t want to see their work associated with generative images, and these people gloat about doing it while the artist tells them not to. An artist dies and out of ‘respect’ for the dead they feed his art into a machine to pump out glurgey thoughtless ‘tributes’ out of booru tags meant for collecting porn. Even me, I write nuanced articles about how these tools have some applications and we shouldn’t throw all the bathwater out with the babies, and then I post it on my blog that’s down because some total shitweasel is running a scraper bot that ignores the blog settings telling them to go fucking pound sand.

I should end here, after all, the transcription limit is about eight minutes.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!