#Resource-Constrained Environments

[virtualizationhowto]

K3s vs K8s: The Best Kubernetes Home Lab Distribution

K3s vs K8s: The Best Home Lab Kubernetes Distribution @vexpert #vmwarecommunities #100daysofhomelab #homelab #KubernetesHomeLab #k3svsk8s #LightweightKubernetes #KubernetesDistributions #EdgeComputing #HighAvailabilityinKubernetes #KubernetesScalability

Kubernetes, a project under the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, is a popular container orchestration platform for managing distributed systems. Many who are running home labs or want to get into running Kubernetes in their home lab to get experience with modern applications may wonder which Kubernetes distribution is best to use. Today, we will compare the certified Kubernetes distribution…

[anim-ttrpgs]

Silk & Dagger: A Sensible Drow RPG

(thumbnail art by @chaospyromancy)

Drow: Intensely matriarchal, tunnel-dwelling, scantily-clad warriors obsessed with an evil spider goddess. Why would anyone with access to magic and resources live in tunnels and fight half-naked? Enter: Silk & Dagger: A Sensible Drow RPG.

These dark elves have a long and sordid history, but now they live in a network of tightly constraining social rules, entangling them like a useless servant in the webs of a domesticated spider. Every Drow is the matriarch of a household of servants, and together (and apart), they must navigate the edicts of the Spider Goddess and keep up the Reputation that keeps them safe against other Drow.

Asymmetric Gameplay 

Silk & Dagger: A Sensible Drow RPG features two distinct player-character classes, and two distinct game master roles.

Players either take the role of a brutal mistress whom everything she says goes, whether she understands what she’s talking about or not, and whose position of dominance is maintained by the respect of her peers, respect that hinges on how brutal and controlling she is to her subordinates; or an array of pathetic servants who are helpless without their mistress’s “leadership,” (and maybe even be more so with it).

In addition to the standard game master role, the one who sets up the scenario and runs the NPCs, there is a secondary game master role, that of the Spider Goddess, representing the social scrutiny weighing down on every caste of this strict, ruthless society. Silk & Dagger encourages rotation of players in and out of these roles, rewarding them with points that can be spent to give their own PCs an edge next time they play a PC.

Satire and Deconstruction 

Silk & Dagger: A Sensible Drow RPG takes many of the established trappings of “dark elves” and asks “what kind of society and environment would actually produce individuals like this?” This question is the springboard off which the satire launches, and lands uncomfortably close to home.

Comedy 

Taking inspiration from games like Paranoia, Silk & Dagger: A Sensible Drow RPG presents a situation where survival often hinges on working together, but social pressures, class divides, and constant scrutiny encourage player-characters to do anything but, resulting in a sitcom-esque comedy-of-errors in a grimdark, lightless world.

[alexanderwales]

Species can be usefully divided between r-selected and K-selected. In r-selected species, they have lots and lots of babies, with very few surviving to adulthood. In K-selected species, they have only a small handful, but most of them become adults.

Humans are a K-selected species. The question of what an intelligent species would look like if they were r-selected is an interesting one.

For one thing, technology probably allows for a survival rate of the offspring that's far, far higher. We know this, because human snake breeders (for example) can do it. The primary limits are resource constraints in terms of space and food. So a snake with resources could lay a clutch of a hundred eggs, raise them in controlled environments, then have an immediate fighting force. It's very common among r-selected species to have incredibly short "childhoods", with self-sufficiency almost right away, and that too shapes what their society ends up looking like.

But also ... there's no instinct to raise children in most r-selected species, there's just an instinct to plop eggs down and walk away to go do something else more interesting. So maybe society just grows in such a way that no one really cares about these offspring, that it's more about the feeling of getting the eggs out than the actual child. There's no care and compassion built in.

Except that probably you get a socially better society if people do take care of and shepherd the young. So maybe this happens mechanically, with no emotion, only calculation? Or only in certain circumstances, those where continuity is important, because after all, an r-selected species can create many many more of themselves if they aren't resource constrained.

I imagine r-selected armies, raised from birth, which was maybe only a year or two ago, clashing against each other in a bloodbath, all in service to their overlords.

[calcichel]

I've been reading Worm by wildbow, and I haven't said much about it here on Tumblr yet, but a friend encouraged me to start posting my thoughts as I read along.

I've been thinking about the end of the Leviathan fight, just before the introduction of the Wards. That seems to have been a serious inflection point for Taylor. Seriously injured, just having severed ties with her friends, filled with guilt for enabling Dinah's kidnapping, all alone in the world once again. If things had played out just slightly differently, it could have been a perfect moment to recruit her for the Wards.

She had already considered it a few times before. The Wards' recruiting practices already advertise themselves as a resource for anyone young and troubled who still wants to be a hero. It would have been a clear path to order, redemption, and community. All she needed was one person to step in and reach out their hand to her. One hero to enter the room and speak kindly to her. To validate her feelings and offer her a path that wouldn't compromise her values.

But of course, it didn't play out that way. She spent hour after hour in growing anxiety, helpless and being actively refused information, until a former enemy implies to her that she is likely going to be taken into custody. Of course Taylor tries to escape. And the first thing she encounters the face of one of the Wards: Sophia's. It's a galvanizing moment for her that slams the doors shut to various possibilities. She rejects the Wards, and sets about forging her own path.

It wasn't until later, when the reader is getting treated to an intimate look at the Wards and how they operate, that I realized what a (probably) dire misjudgment Taylor made (not that she could have helped it). She knew Sophia from school, so it was natural to assume that the same person who made her life hell in that environment would go on to do the same in this one. She has only ever known a world where Sophia's cruelty is a dominant force against which there is no effective resistance. She never got a chance to see a system like the Wards', where that cruelty is effectively constrained by rules and discipline, where mutual respect and trust is prioritized and cultivated. If Taylor had joined, Sophia's hate-on for her would not have been tolerated. Friction and conflict would have bloomed, of course, and Sophia - angry, misanthropic, sadistic, no part of her a true hero - would have failed to sufficiently hide her true colors. She would have been kicked out of the program, leaving Taylor with all the resources and structure of a supportive community.

You just know she would have gotten along with the other kids. And in such close proximity, they would have come to see her and realize that she had been misjudged. Over the years, she would have gained renown and respect as a hero, and joined the Protectorate as a figure who can be truly empathetic with the other side, who knows what shit is like out there in the world because they've seen it and felt it.

An entirely different narrative universe could have played out here. But of course, it didn't, for the same reason so many things in Taylor's life didn't play out well: for the lack of even one effective compassionate adult, to intercept her path and treat her with respect and dignity. No one in the high school, or in the Protectorate, or outside of it, has offered her that barest minimum of supportive influence. So it's no surprise she considers the only path available to be one that she forges herself.

[divinatorydoll]

planets in the twelfth house:

by popular demand, i'll be talking about each of the planets and what they mean when placed in the twelfth house !! the house of mystery, isolation, foresight, miracles, and self improvement

planets in the 12H will give the individual intuitive gifts, many 12H placements end up being psychic or have visions in their dreams. they are very introspective and need lots of alone time, but can think too much on their past mistakes or struggles

THE PLANETS THROUGH THE 12TH HOUSE:

the sun in the 12H: highly intelligent but do not like to express their smarts in a constrained environment. they tend to have controlling families, but will usually inherit familial wealth later in life. makes for good models, designers, artists, or creative directors

the moon in the 12H: very sympathetic to the needs of others, but can often forget their own. can be sensitive to comments about their lifestyle or interests. likes to spend a lot of time in the water because it emotionally renews them

mercury in the 12H: can have a bit of a 'speak when spoken to' demeanor in public. remarkable creativity but it can be hard for them to translate their ideas into reality. very resourceful because of their grand imagination, good to brainstorm with

venus in the 12H: incredibly musical. unique senses of style and taste that separates them from those around. exceptionally generous and nurturing to their loved ones. very beautiful, but can deal with insecurity in their appearance. the romantic life can be a bit difficult for them

mars in the 12H: makes for a great writer and musician !! fears conflict or displeasing people because of their own needs; mars struggles here because anger and energy is held in, rather than released through daily activities. finds relief in loud, aggressive fun

jupiter in the 12H: wonderful actors and playwrights, theatre and impersonation are great outlets for them. jupiter tends to bless the native "at the last moment" whenever they're in trouble. often remembered favorably by many people

saturn in the 12H: an excellent businessman position, very reliable and they're great at handling stress without it spilling onto others. usually carry a lot of spiritual and emotional responsibility for the people around them. their family values are very important to them

uranus in the 12H: often end up having influence over a lot of people like 12H saturn; very impactful on others because of their ideals and talents. can be quite defiant, likes to challenge the status quo regularly and involve themselves in social activism

neptune in the 12H: powerfully imaginative but are prone to escapism and daydreaming. deeply compassionate people, but can prioritize the feelings of others over theirs. have a strong allure and presence to them; usually have charming, enjoyable voices

pluto in the 12H: metamorphic, creative, and progressive. will go through a lot of different "eras" in their life, it brings them happiness to be able to change themselves dramatically and see what those changes bring. their talent, for whatever reason, brings them judgement from others

book a reading !!

my linktree

reader's note: the 12H and 8H both have a lot to with dreams, so for those who want to know more, here's my blog post about it !!

[ahb-writes]

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions (Natural Resources)

Natural Resources Worldbuilding Questions:

What is the most precious or in demand natural resource, and why?

What natural resources are most endangered or at risk, and what could/must be done to avoid disaster?

Who has the monopoly on each natural resource (or are resources more universally shared or hard to find)? Why?

Who uses the most natural resources (individually or as a group such as a nation, city, government). Are some fair or wise in their use while others are selfish or unaware?

Where is each natural resource located? How has this impacted other categories of worldbuilding such as trade, geography, transportation, environment?

Where are the most strategic locations for access to natural resources? Is there (or has there been) conflict over who controls them?

When was each natural resource discovered, have some been used longer than others in different regions?

When will supplies of resources dwindle? Will they be abundant for the span of your characters’ lives?

Why is access to natural resources either constrained/controlled or free?

Why are natural resources important to social justice or politics?

❯ ❯ ❯ Read other writing masterposts in this series: Worldbuilding Questions for Deeper Settings

[dailyanarchistposts]

To The Punjab Governor

Sir, With due respect we beg to bring to your kind notice the following:

That we were sentenced to death on 7th October 1930 by a British Court, L.C.C Tribunal, constituted under the Sp. Lahore Conspiracy Case Ordinance, promulgated by the H.E. The Viceroy, the Head of the British Government of India, and that the main charge against us was that of having waged war against H.M. King George, the King of England.

The above-mentioned finding of the Court pre-supposed two things:

Firstly, that there exists a state of war between the British Nation and the Indian Nation and, secondly, that we had actually participated in that war and were therefore war prisoners.

The second pre-supposition seems to be a little bit flattering, but nevertheless it is too tempting to resist the desire of acquiescing in it.

As regards the first, we are constrained to go into some detail. Apparently there seems to be no such war as the phrase indicates. Nevertheless, please allow us to accept the validity of the pre-supposition taking it at its face value. But in order to be correctly understood we must explain it further. Let us declare that the state of war does exist and shall exist so long as the Indian toiling masses and the natural resources are being exploited by a handful of parasites. They may be purely British Capitalist or mixed British and Indian or even purely Indian. They may be carrying on their insidious exploitation through mixed or even on purely Indian bureaucratic apparatus. All these things make no difference. No matter, if your Government tries and succeeds in winning over the leaders of the upper strata of the Indian Society through petty concessions and compromises and thereby cause a temporary demoralization in the main body of the forces. No matter, if once again the vanguard of the Indian movement, the Revolutionary Party, finds itself deserted in the thick of the war. No matter if the leaders to whom personally we are much indebted for the sympathy and feelings they expressed for us, but nevertheless we cannot overlook the fact that they did become so callous as to ignore and not to make a mention in the peace negotiation of even the homeless, friendless and penniless of female workers who are alleged to be belonging to the vanguard and whom the leaders consider to be enemies of their utopian non-violent cult which has already become a thing of the past; the heroines who had ungrudgingly sacrificed or offered for sacrifice their husbands, brothers, and all that were nearest and dearest to them, including themselves, whom your government has declared to be outlaws. No matter, it your agents stoop so low as to fabricate baseless calumnies against their spotless characters to damage their and their party’s reputation. The war shall continue.

It may assume different shapes at different times. It may become now open, now hidden, now purely agitational, now fierce life and death struggle. The choice of the course, whether bloody or comparatively peaceful, which it should adopt rests with you. Choose whichever you like. But that war shall be incessantly waged without taking into consideration the petty (illegible) and the meaningless ethical ideologies. It shall be waged ever with new vigour, greater audacity and unflinching determination till the Socialist Republic is established and the present social order is completely replaced by a new social order, based on social prosperity and thus every sort of exploitation is put an end to and the humanity is ushered into the era of genuine and permanent peace. In the very near future the final battle shall be fought and final settlement arrived at.

The days of capitalist and imperialist exploitation are numbered. The war neither began with us nor is it going to end with our lives. It is the inevitable consequence of the historic events and the existing environments. Our humble sacrifices shall be only a link in the chain that has very accurately been beautified by the unparalleled sacrifice of Mr. Das and most tragic but noblest sacrifice of Comrade Bhagawati Charan and the glorious death of our dear warrior Azad.

As to the question of our fates, please allow us to say that when you have decided to put us to death, you will certainly do it. You have got the power in your hands and the power is the greatest justification in this world. We know that the maxim “Might is right” serves as your guiding motto. The whole of our trial was just a proof of that. We wanted to point out that according to the verdict of your court we had waged war and were therefore war prisoners. And we claim to be treated as such, i.e., we claim to be shot dead instead of to be hanged. It rests with you to prove that you really meant what your court has said.

We request and hope that you will very kindly order the military department to send its detachment to perform our execution.

Yours

BHAGAT SINGH

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Consumer facial tissue brand Kleenex will soon be no more in Canada, as the company that makes the iconic product has decided to exit a major part of its business in this country.

Kimberly-Clark, which makes many other paper product brands, including Cottonelle, Huggies, Poise and Depend, says it has made the decision to stop making the consumer-focused versions of Kleenex facial tissues in Canada, even as its other products will stay on the shelves.

"We have been operating in a highly constrained supply environment, and despite our best efforts we have been faced with some unique complexities on the Kleenex business," said Todd Fisher, Kimberly-Clark's Canadian vice-president and general manager, in an emailed statement.

"This decision is one that will allow us to shift our resources to better focus on other brands in Canada and meet the needs of our consumers with continued innovation and value," he said. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[omegaphilosophia]

The Moral Philosophy of Markets

Markets play a fundamental role in organizing economic activity, but their moral implications are widely debated. The moral philosophy of markets explores whether markets are inherently ethical, how they should be regulated, and what obligations economic actors have toward society. This inquiry intersects with utilitarianism, libertarianism, virtue ethics, and theories of justice.

1. Are Markets Morally Justifiable?

Markets operate on the principle of voluntary exchange, where individuals act in their self-interest. But does self-interest align with morality?

Utilitarian View: Markets increase overall welfare by efficiently allocating resources, promoting innovation, and reducing scarcity. If markets maximize happiness, they are morally justified.

Libertarian Perspective: Free markets respect individual liberty, allowing people to make their own choices without government interference. This perspective values freedom over outcomes.

Virtue Ethics: Aristotle and other virtue ethicists would argue that markets should cultivate ethical behavior, not just economic efficiency. Markets that incentivize greed or deception may be morally questionable.

2. Market Failures and Ethical Concerns

Markets are not perfect, and their failures raise ethical questions:

Negative Externalities: When businesses pollute the environment or exploit workers, they impose costs on society without compensation. Who is responsible for these harms?

Economic Inequality: Does a just market system allow extreme disparities in wealth? Should governments redistribute resources to create fairness?

Commodification of Morality: Should healthcare, education, or even human organs be bought and sold? Markets can conflict with moral values when some goods shouldn’t have a price tag.

3. Ethical Regulation: Free Market vs. Controlled Market

Should markets be left alone or ethically constrained?

Rawlsian Justice: John Rawls argues for economic systems that ensure fairness by prioritizing the well-being of the least advantaged.

Social Responsibility: Corporations have duties beyond profit, such as environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, and fair wages.

Government’s Role: Laws and policies are necessary to prevent market abuses, but excessive intervention can stifle innovation and individual freedom.

4. Alternative Market Models

Different economic systems propose various moral approaches to markets:

Capitalism: Focuses on free enterprise and individual ownership but raises concerns about inequality and exploitation.

Socialism: Seeks to reduce wealth disparities but may limit personal freedom and innovation.

Mixed Economies: Attempt to balance free markets with social safety nets, creating a moral compromise between efficiency and equity.

5. The Future of Ethical Markets

With the rise of automation, globalization, and climate change, moral questions about markets are evolving:

Should AI and automation replace human labor if it causes mass unemployment?

Do businesses have an obligation to fight climate change, even if it reduces profits?

Is wealth accumulation ethical, or should markets be structured to prevent extreme inequality?

Conclusion: Can Markets Be Moral?

Markets are not inherently moral or immoral—their ethical standing depends on how they are structured and regulated. A just market system must balance efficiency, fairness, and human well-being, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of exploitation or societal harm.

[mariacallous]

The shocking turn in U.S. policy away from Ukraine and its long-standing allies and toward Russia has led European leaders to make a fundamental reassessment of their security requirements. Gone are the days where faith in dialogue and reliance on the United States could be assumed. Now, Europe needs to take responsibility for bolstering Ukraine and defending itself.

The March 6 emergency European Council meeting resulted in fundamental agreement on a core principle: European governments, alone and together, will devote the necessary resources to finance a rapid buildup of their defenses and support for Ukraine. These decisions are critically important, for without adequate funding there can be no real security.

But money alone is not enough. The key question Europeans still need to answer is how to ensure Ukraine’s security without U.S. backing and how to take primary responsibility for their own defense. Both will take time—in the latter case even years to complete. While U.S. President Donald Trump’s Washington may ultimately leave Europe no choice but to move forward on its own, European leaders would be well advised to make the United States an offer that will be hard to refuse.

Such an offer would have two elements: First, a commitment to deploy a significant reassurance force into Ukraine to prevent future Russian attacks as part of any cessation of hostilities. And second, a clear timetable for transitioning primary responsibility of Europe’s defense onto European shoulders.

To support negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Europe should agree to deploy four fully enabled armored brigades, backed by robust air power and other critical combat assets including air and missile defenses, to deter Russia and reassure Ukraine that the resumption of war would immediately involve Europe and its military.

This commitment, however, would need to be conditional on four elements. First, Ukraine needs to be part of any negotiation leading to a cease-fire, and Europeans deploying a security force need to have full and complete transparency regarding the substance and outcome of negotiations.

Second, Ukraine’s military capabilities must not be constrained by any agreement or negotiated settlement with Russia. Moreover, continued Western support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces should also be unrestricted, as a credible Ukrainian military is a condition for a lasting peace.

Third, European combat deployment needs to be under NATO command and control, even if the United States opts out of participating on the ground (as other allies have done in past operations). Most European militaries have been trained, equipped, and operated in combat as part of NATO or U.S.-led operations, especially in nonpermissive environments. The United States has always opposed duplicative European efforts to establish parallel command structures and insisted on the integration of European high-intensity combat power within NATO. To achieve a successful mission and enable a lasting peace, European forces in Ukraine require access to NATO command and control, intelligence, enablers, and other strategic assets.

Finally, the United States needs to remain fully committed to Article 5 and commit to defend Europe in case of an armed attack against a NATO member. Europeans cannot be expected to weaken their defense and deterrence capacity by deploying their most advanced capabilities to prevent the recurrence of war in Ukraine without the sure knowledge, reaffirmed at the highest level, that the United States remains fully committed to NATO’s collective security and defense.

In the longer term, Europe needs to take primary responsibility for its defense. Decades of European under-investment have left Europe woefully unprepared to take a major, let alone a leading, role in its defense. European allies must commit to a clear timeline transitioning responsibility from the United States to Europe for its defense through three key steps.

First, by the end of 2025, European forces should replace the 20,000 U.S. troops deployed to Europe following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, this commitment only applies if no European forces are deployed in Ukraine, for it does not have the forces necessary to do both within the suggested timeframe.

Second, by the end of this decade, non-U.S. NATO allies will fill 70 percent to 80 percent of the force and capability requirements of the NATO Response Force. This includes the ability to deploy around 75,000 troops in 10 days, another 225,000 troops in 30 days, and a further 400,000 troops in six months. All these forces will be ready, fully trained, and fully equipped for sustainable, high-intensity combat operations.

Finally, by the end of 2032, non-U.S. NATO allies will procure and deploy 75 percent of all required advanced strategic enablers. The United States has for decades provided the bulk of these critical forces to NATO—including heavy airlift, aerial refueling, intelligence and targeting information, advanced surveillance and reconnaissance, integrated air and missile defenses, and more. To take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe, Europeans need to invest in acquiring these strategic assets to enable the United States to redeploy them to other contingencies.

In making these commitments, it is important that the United States also agree to several commitments of its own. First, Washington needs to agree to an orderly transition over the next five to 10 years by drawing down its forces and capabilities only as new European capabilities are fielded. The United States should also commit to carrying a significant, if much reduced, part of the collective defense burden, including through the support of U.S. strategic enablers, after Europe has taken primary responsibility for its defense.

Second, Washington needs to commit to heading the overall NATO command structure (Saceur) and all force commands (land, air, and maritime) by dual-hatting its European commanders under the NATO structure, notwithstanding other adjustments in the command structure. While Europeans will bear the brunt of NATO’s defense, a U.S. commitment to continue providing the command-and-control glue to hold NATO together is vital.

Finally, Washington needs to affirm that it will continue to provide the backbone of NATO’s nuclear deterrence, including with the continued deployment of nuclear forces in Europe as part of NATO’s nuclear-sharing agreements. The role of other nuclear and non-nuclear allies is to strengthen this deterrent posture.

It’s time for a new trans-Atlantic bargain—one where Europe takes primary responsibility for security on the continent and where the United States empowers and enables Europe to do so. The White House may be in no mood to accept this timeline for transitioning responsibility, but agreeing to it will strengthen Europe’s commitment to its own security and a renewed trans-Atlantic relationship.

The article, which includes inputs by Camille Grand, Kajsa Ollongren, and Daniela Schwarzer, draws on a report titled A New Transatlantic Bargain: The Case for Building a Strong European Pillar, published by the Belfer Center at the Harvard Kennedy School last month.

[impact-newswire]

Capgemini reveals gen AI-driven breakthrough to accelerate the bioeconomy

New methodology reduces the data requirements for protein engineering by 99% soorganizations can unlock innovation even in resource-constrained environments Press Release – Paris, February 10, 2025 – Capgemini today announced a new generative AI-driven methodology for protein engineering that uses a specialized protein large language model (pLLM) to predict the most effective protein variants.…

[dark-rx]

China’s DeepSeek AI signals faster path to space autonomy

ORLANDO, Fla. — The emergence of China’s DeepSeek has shaken up the artificial intelligence sector, promising new opportunities for space companies beginning to explore ways to leverage AI in space.

AI is seen as key to unlocking true autonomy in orbit and managing an increasingly congested space domain. Yet, while satellite operators like Loft Orbital are making strides to integrate AI into their operations, widespread adoption across the industry remains in its early stages.

Enter DeepSeek, which claims to achieve high performance with significantly lower computational demands than other generative AI — a category of deep-learning models that analyze vast datasets to generate content, answer questions and infer likely outcomes based on learned patterns.

This efficiency is a critical advantage for space applications, where bandwidth and onboard processing power are limited. Notably, DeepSeek is open source, positioning it as a potential catalyst for broader AI innovation.

Details are still emerging, but if DeepSeek can run efficiently on devices at the edge of a network, or within smaller models, it could make real-time AI decision-making more feasible for autonomous satellites, deep-space exploration and other resource-constrained environments.

China’s Sputnik moment

DeepSeek innovations could help large language models get off the ground and into space to increase autonomy, said Douglas Marsh, CEO of Martian Sky Industries, which is leveraging AI to develop orbital debris mitigation technology.

“If you can get systems that are talking to each other — that are trained and have some sort of wrapper around them that’s essentially defining what they’re looking at, what they do, and what they process — you can begin to further automate systems,” Marsh said Jan. 30 on the sidelines of the SpaceCom conference here.

While DeepSeek is not more capable than other generative AI platforms, its main breakthrough lies in the apparent speed at which it was trained to compete with them.

“It means that you can solve problems faster,” said Isaac Passmore, technologist fellow at U.S. government contractor ASRC Federal.

Speaking on a SpaceCom panel, Passmore predicted more frequent “DeepSeek moments” that disrupt the AI landscape, with the next likely to happen within 18 months.

[translationandbetrayals]

Miyazaki and Gudynas: representation of sustainability through Princess Mononoke

In Princess Mononoke, Hayao Miyazaki masterfully uses visual storytelling and cinematic framing to explore the complex relationship between humanity and nature, a conflict also discussed in Eduardo Gudynas' document, “Desarrollo y sustentabilidad ambiental: diversidad de posturas y tensiones persistentes”. Gudynas critiques how sustainability is often co-opted to serve economic growth, which parallels Lady Eboshi’s industrial expansion in the film, ultimately distorting the concept of sustainability to justify the exploitation of natural resources. Miyazaki’s film, however, goes beyond a simple dichotomy of good versus evil. Through dynamic cinematic frames and character positioning, he explores the tension between human needs and environmental preservation, visually portraying humanity as a small, sometimes insignificant part of the larger natural world.

  Miyazaki frequently employs wide, panoramic shots to depict the vastness of the forests and the grandeur of the animal spirits, contrasting them with the smaller, more constrained frames that depict human settlements. For example, Iron Town is often portrayed as a cramped space, with smoke billowing into the sky, boxed in by mountains and surrounded by dense forests. In these scenes, Lady Eboshi and her workers seem almost dwarfed by the encompassing landscape. This framing reflects Gudynas’ critique of the "weak sustainability" model, where human activity is seen as a dominant force yet remains constrained by the natural limits it tries to overcome. The limited perspective of these frames conveys a sense of entrapment, suggesting that despite Lady Eboshi’s technological advancements, her domain is fragile and vulnerable compared to the boundless, interconnected natural environment outside Iron Town. 

By contrast, the forest scenes are depicted using expansive frames, giving a sense of depth and continuity that portrays nature as an enduring, unified force. The viewer’s eye is often drawn to the towering trees, the flowing rivers, and the majestic animal spirits, which dominate the screen. These elements visually represent the concept of “super-strong sustainability” that Gudynas advocates—a vision where nature is not merely a resource for human use, but a complex, living system with intrinsic value and agency. Princess Mononoke (San) and the animal gods appear as integral parts of this environment, often framed together with natural elements that emphasize their connection to the forest. In one memorable scene, San, flanked by the wolf goddess Moro and other animal spirits, stands atop a cliff overlooking Iron Town. The frame is composed to make the characters appear as natural extensions of the landscape, their bodies blending with the foliage, suggesting a sense of unity and wholeness that transcends human influence.

Moreover, Miyazaki utilizes high-angle shots to further emphasize the smallness of human figures within the natural world. This technique is particularly evident in scenes depicting Ashitaka’s journey through the forest, where he is shown as a tiny speck in the vast, living ecosystem. Such visual choices align with Gudynas’ argument that human activity should not be seen as the center of sustainability discourse, but rather as a small part of a much larger ecological system that operates according to its own laws and balances. In these scenes, the human presence appears fleeting and almost intrusive, reinforcing the idea that humanity must find a way to coexist harmoniously rather than seek to dominate or control.

The juxtaposition of these visual techniques illustrates the clash between two sustainability paradigms. Iron Town’s closed, oppressive framing reflects the anthropocentric view critiqued by Gudynas, where nature is subservient to human needs, whereas the forest’s expansive, inclusive framing embodies an ecocentric approach that acknowledges the value of non-human life forms. Through these cinematic choices, Miyazaki conveys that true sustainability requires more than just technological management or economic compromise. Like Gudynas, he suggests that it demands a radical rethinking of humanity’s place within the natural world—where humans are just one small piece in a complex, interdependent system, rather than its master.

- Eduardo G. Bada

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

What would incentive a city to completely redesign their whole city and make all similar use buildings with the same layout and connect all the buildings together. What I mean by similar use is office buildings vs residental buildings vs public buildings. Of course individuals owning specific units/floors can do whatever contruction they want. I'm talking about something the size of Manhattan. Could they possibly do it in sections? Especially since people are living and working there. Start with new land taken from reclamation or the wilderness? Perhaps it would take 100 years from the first new building to the very last one? Then there's the problem of perhaps historical buildings - perhaps those might be exceptions that won't get connected? Or what happens if for whatever reason the project just stops half way. I mean 100 years is a whole long time. Governments that allowed it back then could totally have changed.

Utuabzu: You should look into Kowloon Walled City. While it no longer exists, and was vastly smaller, it was probably the nearest equivalent to what you want here. But something that should be obvious from even a brief skim of wikipedia is that Kowloon Walled City developed the way it did because of some specific circumstances. It was without any formal government and thus acted as a refuge for displaced people from China and various criminals and social outcasts from Hong Kong, and its physical area was firmly constrained, forcing any new construction to be inwards and upwards, rather than outwards. You should consider why your community is being built like this. Is their physical area constrained by geography or politics? Is there some cultural reason?

Another thing you should consider is the psychological and social impact that a monotonous urban environment will have on the people living in it. There's a reason everyone hates the repetitive grey concrete blocks that were built in postwar Eastern Europe and as public housing in much of the west. They lack any visual interest, and this has negative psychological effects on the people living in and around them, and the uniformity makes it difficult for people to form any sort of attachment to the space. Which is a major reason why these buildings tend to look so dingy now. Nobody gives enough of a damn to clean or maintain them.

Conversely, add a bit of visual interest via ornamentation and a more human scale, and people start to like the place, and are more likely to care for it. Look at the historic cores of older cities across the world, and the amount of effort and resources people are willing to expend to maintain them. People like pretty things and pretty places, especially ones that feel distinct. They help to form local identities - we are people from this place - which help to create a sense of community and shared responsibility for them.

Now, if you want a dingy dystopian megacity, look to big public housing projects from the 50s to about the 80s or 90s in the US and Western Europe, and cheaply built Soviet apartments, and sprinkle in some Kowloon for flavour. You can make a place pretty believably unpleasant by looking at real world examples. But if you want this to be a pleasant place, you need to consider the way the built environment is going to make people feel.

Feral: In addition Utuabzu’s examples, I would look to the Boulevards of Paris, which include construction across regime changes. 

I’d also like to point out, if it’s not on your mind already for this world, but an official “state architecture” is heavily associated with fascism and other forms of totalitarianism. Back in 2020, there was a huge kerfuffle in the American architectural world when Trump signed an Executive Order limiting the styles of architecture federal buildings were allowed to be constructed in with for this very reason. 

[nectoy7]

Understanding Java Data Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Java, one of the most widely used programming languages, is known for its portability, security, and rich set of features. At the core of Java programming are data types, which define the nature of data that can be stored and manipulated within a program. Understanding data types is crucial for effective programming, as they determine how data is stored, how much memory it occupies, and the operations that can be performed on that data.

What are Data Types?

In programming, data types specify the type of data that a variable can hold. They provide a way to classify data into different categories based on their characteristics and operations. Java categorizes data types into two main groups:

1. Primitive Data Types

2. Reference Data Types

Why Use Data Types?

1. Memory Management: Different data types require different amounts of memory. By choosing the appropriate data type, you can optimize memory usage, which is particularly important in resource-constrained environments.

2. Type Safety: Using data types helps catch errors at compile time, reducing runtime errors. Java is a statically typed language, meaning that type checks are performed during compilation.

3. Code Clarity: Specifying data types makes the code more readable and understandable. It allows other developers (or your future self) to quickly grasp the intended use of variables.

4. Performance Optimization: Certain data types can enhance performance, especially when dealing with large datasets or intensive calculations. For example, using int instead of long can speed up operations when the range of int is sufficient.

5. Defining Operations: Different data types support different operations. For example, you cannot perform mathematical operations on a String data type without converting it to a numeric type.

When and Where to Use Data Types?

1. Choosing Primitive Data Types:

Use int when you need a whole number without a decimal, such as counting items.

Use double for fractional numbers where precision is essential, like financial calculations.

Use char when you need to store a single character, such as a letter or symbol.

Use boolean when you need to represent true/false conditions, like in conditional statements.

2. Choosing Reference Data Types:

Use String for any textual data, such as names, messages, or file paths.

Use Arrays when you need to store multiple values of the same type, such as a list of scores or names.

Use Custom Classes to represent complex data structures that include multiple properties and behaviors. For example, a Car class can encapsulate attributes like model, year, and methods for actions like starting or stopping the car.

1. Primitive Data Types

Primitive data types are the most basic data types built into the Java language. They serve as the building blocks for data manipulation in Java. There are eight primitive data types:

Examples of Primitive Data Types

1. Byte Example

byte age = 25; System.out.println(“Age: ” + age);

2. Short Example

short temperature = -5; System.out.println(“Temperature: ” + temperature);

3. Int Example

int population = 1000000; System.out.println(“Population: ” + population);

4. Long Example

long distanceToMoon = 384400000L; // in meters System.out.println(“Distance to Moon: ” + distanceToMoon);

5. Float Example

float pi = 3.14f; System.out.println(“Value of Pi: ” + pi);

6. Double Example

double gravitationalConstant = 9.81; // m/s^2 System.out.println(“Gravitational Constant: ” + gravitationalConstant);

7. Char Example

char initial = ‘J’; System.out.println(“Initial: ” + initial);

8. Boolean Example

boolean isJavaFun = true; System.out.println(“Is Java Fun? ” + isJavaFun);

2. Reference Data Types

Reference data types, unlike primitive data types, refer to objects and are created using classes. Reference data types are not defined by a fixed size; they can store complex data structures such as arrays, strings, and user-defined classes. The most common reference data types include:

Strings: A sequence of characters.

Arrays: A collection of similar data types.

Classes: User-defined data types.

Examples of Reference Data Types

1. String Example

String greeting = “Hello, World!”; System.out.println(greeting);

2. Array Example

int[] numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}; System.out.println(“First Number: ” + numbers[0]);

3. Class Example

class Car {     String model;     int year;

    Car(String m, int y) {         model = m;         year = y;     } }

public class Main {     public static void main(String[] args) {         Car car1 = new Car(“Toyota”, 2020);         System.out.println(“Car Model: ” + car1.model + “, Year: ” + car1.year);     } }

Type Conversion

In Java, type conversion refers to converting a variable from one data type to another. This can happen in two ways:

1. Widening Conversion: Automatically converting a smaller data type to a larger data type (e.g., int to long). This is done implicitly by the Java compiler.

int num = 100; long longNum = num; // Widening conversion

2. Narrowing Conversion: Manually converting a larger data type to a smaller data type (e.g., double to int). This requires explicit casting.

double decimalNum = 9.99; int intNum = (int) decimalNum; // Narrowing conversion

Conclusion

Understanding data types in Java is fundamental for effective programming. It not only helps in managing memory but also enables programmers to manipulate data efficiently. Java’s robust type system, consisting of both primitive and reference data types, provides flexibility and efficiency in application development. By carefully selecting data types, developers can optimize performance, ensure type safety, and maintain code clarity.

By mastering data types, you’ll greatly enhance your ability to write efficient, reliable, and maintainable Java programs, setting a strong foundation for your journey as a Java developer.

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At his heels lie beds of near every hue ( pampered, thriving ), though their floral collection is limited. It's not for lack of ambition, or a lack of labour. Nay ⸻ the Blight has robbed the land of much. In that quiet morning, his only company is the babble of rills throughout the backyard's nursery, an echo of a lifestream in all sense. Not too long ago, this sight was consigned to fantasy. During their nascent years, they had naught ⸻ no seeds, no preparations were salvaged since Kupka's assault. All which remained would serve as monuments, mementos, proof of an existence lost to time and dust. He bristles at that. They need not desecrate memory with a want so trivial as a sample of a wildflower. Would he have thought the same of this passing request, some moons ago, regarding the harvesting of Snow Daisies and their seed ? Their temperamental needs were attributed and tailored to their environment. To mimic these conditions would normally be considered a trivial use of resources already strained thin. Once vernal lands choke on hibernal corruption, half-buried dreams, and an unprecedented scarcity both flora and humans alike must face. Yet their gardeners had achieved the impossible. Despite the odds, despite the difficulty. In secret, they'd mottled what they could. A modest patch, tended and nurtured. And now, their patience is rewarded, with the added boon of resilience.

Daisies aren't a common choice, but they embody a particular beauty. Refined, reticent in their presence, yet deadly. As is one Jill Warrick. Horticulture wasn't his forte, though he'd been informed of their toxicity. A fitting comparison perhaps, considering her skill with a blade. Roses, while cliché, deliver messages of affection effective and clear. Though, he gathers them this day not for the uniqueness of the arrangement, rather for a union of loyalty unwritten. Both flowers serve as vestiges of home, bundled in delicate parchment, suspend the glory and essence of nations beloved and bold. Rosaria and the Northern Territories, respectfully. Now they rest as bitter shells of yesteryear.

It’s a small, meaningful lull to days of activity and no pause. He’d even gone as far as inscribing words of appreciation onto paper ⸻ far from a letter of love ( and uncharacteristic ), he’d never been the sort to find himself fanciful with language. But she needed to know her importance to him : her contributions, his pride in seeing her grow and heal, and her ascension to personhood ⸻ unfettered, she climbs closer to the fruits of freedom.

The quill pauses then.

In youth, following her arrival, she held a predictable reticence. Yet, she also lacked a certain regality about her ⸻ no pretension or haughtiness embittered her words. The Princess of the North graced them all : a sharp interruption within the walls of Rosalith. So different. So stark. Blue to red. Red to blue. The Rosfield heirs welcomed her as any other, lacking prejudice and honouring her origins. It wasn’t long before she established roots for herself, now warmly settled despite her apprehension. And as they grew close, he’d learned much from her. With her, she'd brought wise perspectives, intentional words. Emotion guided her, true, as it did all youth ( before logic and maturity stunted their wonder of the world ), but she enlightened him with what many would consider an ancient wisdom. Perhaps the conflict had acquainted her with worldly knowledge, of lessons seldom taught so early. But war was not courteous enough to spare anyone. She’d protected him, cured him of indiscretion and lapsing confidence, remained realistic. She'd kept his expectations within the realm of man, constrained and attainable, promoted his success. Even at an age so tender, she carries words so wise. A song honed through generations, as though the Queen of Rime sung them within her ear, imbued through slumber. She’d done much for him ( down to catering to his own hound ! ) and in return, he’d incurred naught but debt ⸻ debts she futilely reminded he need not pay.

He’d insist.

During one of his father's annual tours, he'd reciprocate. Once they'd broken from the procession, exploring field and wood unseen, he'd aimed to surprise her with sights wild and wonderful. It would not be. The heavens wept, drowned his hopes, and earned her a nasty cold. Yet, she laughed nonetheless. Laughed lovely and sweet. He apologized post-haste. Bashful. Ashamed. Still, she forgave him. In retrospect, that’d been the day he’d come to love her much more than a friend. But fate is not so forgiving, and their separation stung deep and malignant as a wound ⸻ perhaps more so. Physical wounds mended with time and patience. The brunt of emotional wounds had a lifetime to foster their potential. And it’s precisely what he’d feared would happen. Once reconciled some thirteen years later, she forgave him. And again, he requests a pardon. It’s naught but apologies which he gifts her, or torment, or eves marked by worry. She gives unconditionally. He wishes to do the same. It took their reunion to rend him from a myopic, transactional relationship to war and destruction and a devilish temper.

To him, love is not overt. It’s intentionally unassuming, expressed through touch. The sweep of a strand too keen upon her brow, or a reassuring stroke to the small of her back. It's delivered through questions regarding her well-being, through attentiveness, through notes of her preferences. It's expressed through a protective glance in battle, or an assist ( akin to a dance. Poetic, albeit macabre, but harmonious nonetheless ). It's through the way he trusted her wholly with his affairs, both personal and professional. While she supports, she also challenges his ire, grounds him, reminds him of the alternatives. He needn’t be so headstrong, and throughout the years, she has reinforced his empathy, strengthened and nourished his soul.

The letter is completed, with melted wax to seal. It's melded with the pigments of woad and rouge leaning stains, not quite overtaking the default alabaster in its bleed. Two fingers press to lips, fall downward, impress atop parchment. Unseen, as an incantation, yet present. It’s the gesture which mattered most. He'd likely find her hovering about the map table of their shared chambers ⸻ her routine was predictable. She’d sift through newly delivered missives and glean any urgent matter. If she hadn’t dealt with them then he would upon his return. In that time, he hopes she will appreciate the gift in full, in the peaceful hum of shared company and thought. And, as predicted, as he emerges from those oaken doors, he is greeted by his beloved and a silken hello. She is usually the first to initiate, but he’d done so first, sinking into her approach, leaning, pressing lips flush and wanting into her own. It’s comforting. It’s sanctuary. The flutter of lashes tickle cheeks, as does her giggle ; in times like these he doesn’t feel so scorn. As they retreat to their short distance, fingers entwine with the bouquet and foreheads press. They fall into step naturally, recalling bygone days and the countless lessons for galas they never wholly got to appreciate. It’s only the creak and whispers of the Hideaway which serve as their tune. He didn’t mind. It’s a comfortable silence, a comfortable appreciation of the company they kept. He needn’t honour a day to show his gratitude, but at times he needs an arresting realization to slow down. He didn’t just live for himself anymore.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫. @nievea