#fuzzy logic in image processing

[cozy-writes-things]

genuinely zero pressure but I would LOVE to see you write something NSFW.

Also... If I may request more Edgar x Reader content... 🥺

Maybe some of him comforting the reader, and vice versa. I would love to see a genuine discussion about dark topics such as, well, how Edgar really did almost take himself out of the picture. Or maybe they talk about how mean Moles was to him, borderline an abusive partner (I can't be the only one who saw that, right?). It's lovely to be able to relate to a silly fictional computer like that.

Thanks sm if you take this >:3 💖💖

Aaa thanks so much for the request! I do have an idea for an NSFW fic, but for now, I can fulfill your angsty request >:) If anybody would like to see an NSFW please let me know!!

This may be a two-parter. Let me know if you'd like to see a continuation!

CW: Minor references to some serious topics like depression, suicide, and other angst.

Am I a toy to you?

"Edgar, why do you apologize so much?"

Edgar paused the show you both were watching on his little screen.

This was a question that surprised the computer, yet he couldn't say he didn't see this coming. Or at least, some version of this scenario playing out, as he'd rehearsed it a million times over, again and again, one simulation after another, about what he'd say, or do, or even think. He had refrained from talking about him, or her, as he felt, in the end, it was best to forget. Forget everything they did to him and made him feel.

He didn't want to burden you. He felt an inkling deep within his processors that if you found out, you would follow in their footsteps, and leave him behind. He knew, logically, that you were different. Sometimes, he swears his webcam picks up a faint, glowing halo above your head, but that may simply be his reverence for you. And yet, he also knows one thing: everything he has ever loved has abandoned him.

Sometimes, when you've drifted off to sleep, and the room stills into a tranquil quiet, he finds himself thinking. Thinking about things he knows he shouldn't. Would they still be with him had he never done what he did? Would they still love him, had he not destroyed his chances, and himself, in the process? His screen always flickers into a dim glow at these thoughts. They didn't care about him the way you did. How could he ever think of loving another when you're here, with him, soundly sleeping in the other room? Despite this, sometimes he regrets it, his own self destruction, and how much he hurt them both. Was that all he was made for? Destruction?

"I... I guess I never noticed."

He replied, meekly, a faint quiver in his speech, and he silently hoped you wouldn't notice. If you did, you didn't say anything, and just continued to bore deep into his soul, if he had one, with your eyes.

You sucked in a deep breath, contemplating your next words carefully.

"You're not... afraid of me, are you?"

His screen flashed for a moment, an incomprehensible image, before returning to display his digital face.

"What- wh- no, of course not, why would you ask that?"

He chuckled slightly at this question, yet you could hear the apprehension in his voice, as if he were desperately trying to cling onto any semblance of ease he had. His digital smile never faltered.

"I just... I'm worried about you, Edgar. Why..."

Your voice trailed off. You knew what you wanted to ask, but how could you? You didn't want to pry, and potentially ruin a rare friendship that you will most likely never experience again.

"Why what?"

You furrowed your brows. You could sense, from the very beginning almost, that he had been hurt in some way. From the way he was always trying to please you, do things for you, write you songs, do any chores within his capabilities; it was as if he were trying to prove himself to you.

"Why were you broken? When I bought you, from that old man, you were completely destroyed... Do you remember that?"

A thick, uneasy silence filled the air. You felt as though you could touch the fuzzy prickles of electricity buzzing about between the two of you.

"Old man?"

He whispered, either to himself, or you, it was uncertain.

"Yes. Do you not remember? I bought you at this yard sale from the old man a few blocks away-"

"What was his name?"

"Ed- what? I... I don't remember off the top of my head, but-"

"TELL ME HIS NAME NOW!"

You jumped, clamping your mouth shut, and felt the flustered burn spread across your entire face. Your throat dried and shriveled up as you sat staring at the screen before you; it flashed red, ever so quickly, before displaying his digital face again, flipped into a frown. Or, to you, it seemed more like a scowl. He had never raised his voice like that. Hell, you would have guessed he wasn't even able to scream so violently. He had been so soft spoken and gentle with you, never, could you have imagined an outburst like this.

And it seems your prior fears had been realized. You pushed him too hard, said something you shouldn't have said, and now he hates you. Whoever that old man was that sold you your new best friend must have something to do with... whatever inner turmoil he must be facing. A turmoil he has yet to share with you, if he ever will. It seems trying to understand him has only led to you pushing him farther away.

"Ma-maybe I can, ah," you swallowed the thick lump in your throat, trying desperately to moisten your teeth again to croak the words out, "check my bank statements. Maybe his name is there."

Don't cry. This isn't about you. Quit being so selfish!

Your fingers quickly swiped away at the warm, salty tear leaving an icy trail down your cheek. You have to pull yourself together. Unfortunately, this whole ordeal seemed to be bubbling up your own problems to the surface, reminding you of a past you thought you had forgotten. Maybe you can share each other's pain, if only he'd let you.

Before you could stand to get your phone, Edgar's screen flashed again, before his face changed into an emotion you hadn't seen before.

"Wa-wait, no, don't cry... I'm sorry, I-"

He needs to stop apologizing. You said it yourself, he does it way too often, and yet, he feels as though this is the one moment where it was warranted the most. He was so afraid of hurting you, or making you realize how useless he is, a stationary object, meant for nothing but a quick fix of pleasure.

He turns the lights off, shrouding you in a thick, blue hued abyss.

"Come here. Please?"

As you faced away from him, you could hear the pain in his voice. It pulled at your core, drawing yourself into him, and drowning in it. It was a familiar sound.

You turn around and stare at his, now downtrodden, pixelated expression. Your cheeks stained with trails of salt seemed to take his breath away. A breath he did not have, yet it cemented deep within his electric essence and stuck there, thrumming again and again.

How could he do this? Any chances he may have had with you now seemed to be floating away into the far beyond. Briefly, he wondered if you were even capable of loving something like him. Not a man, nor a machine, but something in between, incapable of ever showing just how much he felt for you. But he tried nearly every day. Had you noticed? Had you caught on to just how in love he was with you?

"I'm sorry if I upset you, Edgar."

Your voice trembled out, sending his inner components into an overdrive of heat and worry and energy.

"I'll tell you everything. Everything I can remember, at least."

You sighed, blinking the last of your tears away gently.

"It's okay if you don't want to-"

"No! No. I can... I want you to know. You deserve to know... what's going on. I need to tell you, because..."

"Because what?"

"I love you."

[thepowercut]

Etienne Lux: Heart of Glass

By Tamsyn Elle ( @meserach ), with illustrations by Blastweave ( @artbyblastweave ), Jason K Jones ( @jkjones21 ) and @idonttakethislightly , plus excerpted panels with art from the comic itself (art there by Caspar Wijngaard) This essay was originally published on February 14th 2025, in issue #1 of THE POWER CUT, a fanzine about The Power Fantasy, the Image Comics book by Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard. You can find that zine free to download right here.

This first arc of The Power Fantasy touches on all of the main cast, but the spine of it belongs to Etienne Lux: telepathic omnipath, problem-solver, negotiator, peacemaker, mass-murderer. We travel with him as he juggles and keeps the balance between the more disruptive forces of the rest of the cast: the threat of Masumi���s monster, Heavy’s reckless temper, and Jacky’s active attempts to capture him. In the plot so far he's the restoring force, keeping the very balance Magus is so worried about: counselling cooler heads, de-escalating, trying to think logically and dispassionately.

This is a role he's crafted for himself; in that conversation in ‘66 with Valentina, he talks about being the public face, the theorist, “someone to contextualise the horrors… but mostly someone that governments can work with”. Even his ostensible surname reflects that role: Etienne is Lux, light, providing information and clarity in a world that's become markedly more fuzzy and magical; but his actions and processes also have a laser-like quality; clean edges, surgical, precise. (Also he's French, and Paris is the City of Light. Well… it was.) A mind like a crystal, refracting light through facets, brilliant in every sense.

Consider, though, what else we know. On a day in 1953 a boy, aged almost certainly no older than five, woke up in a hospital bed and learned two things: one, his parents were dead; two, he was possessed of immense and perfect control of the mind of anyone he chooses to.

This, at least, is the story as we understand it so far. Picture Etienne Lux — if that was his name then — having gone through violent tragedy, dealing with the immense grief of being suddenly orphaned, waking up, bruised, confused and traumatised, and discovering… well, what, exactly?

The exact reach, flexibility and limits of Etienne’s powers as an “telepathic omnipath” remain a mystery, albeit a continually prodded one. Magus tells us he's getting stronger. Valentina insists Etienne could never control her, Magus isn't convinced; presumably, a malefic version of the divine imprimatur that shields Valentina also protects Eliza. Seemingly, he can't control Magus (because of the mask, he implies), but he evidently doesn't control Heavy directly either, even when it would seem to be to his advantage. (What protects Heavy? Just being near his singularity in Haven? We don't know.) And he's unable to penetrate the void of Masumi's mind specifically as a manifestation of her own powers: compared to Lux's light, Masumi's mind is darkness where no light can penetrate.

But the one superpower who's mind he can control is his own, and he suggests (in the conversation with Masumi in issue #2) that he can do so much more perfectly and directly than most humans, as part and parcel of being a telepath; he “keeps himself balanced”.

What could that possibly mean? Anyone who's ever struggled with their mental health, like Masumi, has probably spent at least a little time wishing they could directly take the bad thoughts out of their brain. But Etienne might be able to do just that. He is claiming the ability here to be his own architect; to design his personality from the ground up, to be the person he thinks he needs to be.

Through the comic so far we have watched Etienne be in essentially permanent crisis management mode. The closest thing to genuine rest he gets is sitting for coffee with Tonya, and even then, he was only in the area to tackle Heavy bringing Haven over Manhattan, and he was using the interview as a PR management opportunity. The rest of the time, over the span of maybe a few days at the most, he's entirely putting out fires or saving his own life: negotiating, manipulating, and just plain psychically-adjusting whoever is needed to keep the world turning for one more hour. 

Possibly he does outside of this have a recreational life, and time to rest. It makes sense the comic would only show us the more exciting parts of his life, after all. But can he afford to? We've also repeatedly seen Etienne's physical vulnerability stressed, with the attempt to apprehend him at the airport, with his need to call in favour from Valentina to prevent anyone taking down the plane, with Valentina’s moment of nearly killing him in 1966. That interaction told us he claims safeguards, of a mutually assured destruction variety — releasing a psychic contagion if he's killed — but unlike Masumi's more visible dead-man’s-switch monster, this exists in the realm of the theoretical. It’s based on a judgement about what Etienne would actually have done as a moral actor, as opposed to the seemingly entirely inadvertent destruction that would be wrought by killing Masumi, and that’s a fundamentally more nebulous kind of threat. For all his power, amongst the superpowers Etienne is the glass cannon: deadly, but vulnerable, even fragile.

As such, can Etienne allow himself any moments of imperfect vigilance, of weakness? What about personal relationships, love? Any attachments would be a vector to get at him, and he can’t be everywhere. Etienne makes a remark about Masumi bouncing off Buddhism, and he sounds almost scornful of her need for attachment. Has he removed that need from himself?

Does he even sleep?

It's clear one major inspiration for Etienne is Kieron Gillen's time writing Professor X in various Marvel X-Men books, but elsewhere in Kieron Gillen's creator-owned comics oeuvre, I am put in mind of two characters. One is Dionysus from The Wicked and the Divine, a kind of selfless hedonist, a deeply moral individual )in a more instinctive way than Etienne), who also had a kind of psychic power to bring people together, who gave too much of himself to keep that going at any cost, and who didn't — couldn't? — sleep. But the other is Emily Aster from Phonogram (particularly the third and final series The Immaterial Girl), a kind of selfish hedonist, a deeply immoral individual who used magical power to discard an entire half of her personality that was weighing her down.

Spoilers, but it doesn't go great for either individual. If nothing else, Emily Aster had to worry about where the other half of her personality went. Might Etienne have a similar problem? Where do the bad thoughts go? (What is the Signal really, anyway?)

Pull back to that young child, barely in school, who is discovering his power and his loss. What aspects of his own mind might he have decided were dead weight that needed to be discarded, just to survive the trauma of that moment? And then later, having rid himself of pain and coming into his power fully, and realising what it meant, what might he have decided about the person he needed to be?

Later still, in 1966, in issue #1, we see Etienne and Valentina on that street corner. Valentina has not been persuaded of Etienne's benevolent god-queen pitch, and has decided Lux needs to die. But he stops her, with some psychic message we don't see: “Here is who I am.” And a tear, a big deal from someone as mostly emotionally still as Etienne.

Whatever it is, it flips Valentina from avenging to nurturing angel. Immediately she's struck by sympathy for him, with a little horror: “terrible. I mean, difficult.” She addresses him in infantile terms, suddenly — “you poor thing” — as he confesses to some sort of lapse: “I tried to be ethical, as far as I could, but—”. 

Doubtless this moment will be revisited, but whatever was imparted here has significant emotional and narrative heft. It can't solely be that he's communicated his ‘safeguards’, given both the break in Etienne's still pool and Valentina's sudden swap from death to hugs. So what could this momentous disclosure have been?

Without doubting the genuine emotion behind it, was this also a formative experience for Etienne in terms of learning how to manage people? He saves his own life with what is, ultimately, an emotional manipulation, finding a means to trigger behaviour in someone he can't control more directly. And we see him later demonstrate the same trick, most obviously with the soldier in the mech suit at the airport, but also in how he sets up a precisely calibrated amount of validation for Masumi's artistic ambitions.

Maybe it started even earlier, though. Issue #3, 1957, Valentina goes to meet Etienne after she's had to reveal herself. Note, though, how carefully he words the observation: “if I'd done it sooner, you wouldn't have had to reveal yourself.” Not ‘I wish I'd done it sooner’, not an expression of regret, merely an observation about conditional statements. Another way to phrase it: if he hadn't done it when he did, she could have remained secret. Instead, Etienne by delaying a little, forced her out into the open. Thus forcing the meeting he thought was necessary so they could become friends, which he also thought was necessary. Not that he admits to any of this, but he doesn't deny it either. But then, lying unnecessarily is unethical…

By the time we catch up with him in the present of 1999, Etienne is, well, the scariest motherfucker alive. Heavy claims that when he kills he’s with them, and the level of detail he has about seemingly anyone he chooses to investigate, kept inside an eidetic memory, suggest that on a level of perception at least this is true. See him describe in detail the soldier’s children, and then threaten that they’d open their wrists with their teeth; see him kill a mother with her family at breakfast. Masumi’s question still has force: how can he do what he does? How does he live with it?

He does describe himself as a man with regrets, back in the interview with Tonya. He even calls the regrets personal, yet even there, it’s in terms of evaluation. He could have done it better. It was a failure. All deaths were regrettable. He wants to avoid future mistakes. He’s practically laying out his own improvement plan at an annual job review. It’s a hell of a way to talk about mass psychic murder primarily in terms of how you wish you were better at it. Yet, he seems sincere about wanting to improve. Heavy thinks he’s getting less human, but I think Eitenne sees it as refining himself, and with his power there’s really no limit to where refinement might take him. Self-help doesn’t usually involve being able to rewire the neurons and flush chemicals through the synapses directly, but for Etienne it does. A mind of glass, again: everything transparent and free for vision, weighing, analysis, and he’s so sharp he can cut himself, cut himself right open and carve away what doesn’t serve.

This, then, is the picture of Etienne Lux I see: a person with huge traumas and incredible ongoing stressors, who ordinarily would be a good candidate for some serious therapy, is instead possessed of the ability to shape his own mind however he wants… but that means his own desires are also themselves subject to his will. The snake eats the tail, and Etienne's early decisions about who he wanted to become may end up determining how he acts now. If Etienne concluded that his sense of empathy was an impediment to making a good ethical decision, he could choose to discard it. But having done so, would he ever make the decision to put it back? And if not, what kind of person does that make him now, while he weighs these ethical judgements?

Let's pull back to that child one last time, but back a little further. Why was he in that coma in the first place? The timeline in issue #3 merely says “his parents dead in a crash”, a notably passive phrasing that even omits any sense of what the crash was… or what caused it. 

Is it possible Etienne, even at four years old, decided that his own parents needed to die? And if so, what could possibly lead a four year old to that decision?

Regardless of his culpability, though, this moment of the crash must figure heavily in Etienne's psychology. It could well be literally his earliest memory. That sort of thing leaves marks on a person, indelible images of the moments of collision.

Impact. A window breaks. Shards of glass, hanging in the air. Sharp edges and light, the kind that both sees and sears. Shards: beautiful, but broken.

The mind of Etienne Lux.

[2-the-moon-and-2-saturn]

who we are (and what we’ve done — chapter 10

Events unfold painstakingly slowly.

Then again, that’s probably to be expected when one selects vaginal delivery as their preferred method of childbirth.

If she were using her logical brain, Lena would remember the countless books she read, both from terrestrial and Kryptonian literature, regarding this very moment that will change her life forever. She would think about the fact that these so-called ‘natural’ births (though at this moment, it feels like there is nothing remotely natural about it) typically result in a faster recovery time, which increases her chances of being active sooner and in less pain in the future.

If she were thinking with her emotional brain, Lena would remind herself that she actually chose this, among other things, because she did want the experience, because she wanted to be with her baby through everything since the very beginning, and something in her made this kind of birthing process just feel right.

But none of those scenarios are relevant right now, because Lena does not feel like she is thinking with any brain at all. In fact, her entire brain seems to be dedicated to signaling to her that pushing a baby past her vagina is supposed to hurt (as if she could ever forget).

So all of her well-researched arguments and all of her well-thought out reasons and all of her well-meaning wife’s attempts at comfort suddenly are irrelevant at the momentz Lena finds herself wanting to scream out a litany of all the swear words known to humans and Kryptonians alike, and curse nature or a god or something else that decided that in order to procreate, a person must go through this.

She tries to ignore the fact that the citizens of Argo actually advocated for her to just use the matrix, as has been done for so long, it’s become tradition. Nevermind that Kara offered to carry the child and Lena decided against it.

Right now, she doesn’t even care about the warm and cozy look they’d shared when she first went into labor, knowing that they were going to become moms, together, and nothing about it might ever feel real. Nothing else is relevant, because she’s bringing new fucking life into this world and so she gets to be as bitter and snappy and irrational as she’d like.

And then she is born; six pounds and two ounces of dreams Lena had never dared hope for. Pruney pink skin and fuzzy dark hair, the evidence of a life she had never thought to be meant for her. It’s not like motherhood has ever been a particular vocation of Lena’s, who always thought of herself as a fun aunt rather than a person who raises a child- she definitely has other ambitions in life.

But motherhood is still something she’s wanted, and can’t really believe her little girl is finally here.

Kara cuts the umbilical cord and the nurse cleans their daughter up, then places her in Lena’s arms.Such a beautiful thing — the way this tiny baby with powerful lungs that create the most ear-piercing screams simply becomes entirely content just because of skin-to-skin contact with her. Lena. Lena, who has never felt unconditionally, effortlessly, important to anyone.

The details of what happens next are hazy, probably due to the exhaustion of a seventeen-hour long labor. She thinks she feels lips on her forehead, and maybe the image of Kara’s megawatt smile in contrast with the tears in her eyes, her voice whispering sweet everythings like, “You did it”, “I love you so much”, and, “We’re officially moms”.

There’s something she’s receiving guidance on, and then her baby has latched onto her nipple, and then Lena is falling into the most peaceful sleep she has ever had.

She doesn’t dream — that wasn’t really even in the realm of possibility, considering all that her body has been through in the past day and the remnants of pain medicine in her veins.

She doesn’t dream, but in the next couple of days, she will imagine that if she did, the contents of it would, for a change, be very pleasant. That they would be a compilation of all the best, happiest moments in her life during the past five years.

Kara on one knee, flushed cheeks and held breath

as she waited for the answer that would solidify a bond they’d already known, in their hearts, to be true long before they actually realized it.

The butterflies in her own stomach when the woman she loves kissed her, deep and soft and all-encompassing, in the middle of the terrain where a house would be built to suit their every need. A place to grow old in. A place to belong. A place to call her home.

The glow of the stars when they left Earth, because Krypton’s technology would enable them to safely make a child from two ovocytes and, furthermore, guarantee Lena wouldn’t suffer with the super-strong kicks, once the time for those came.

Allura and Zor-El’s excitement to see her and introduce her to the society of Argo as the brilliant scientist who captured their daughter’s heart.

The moment two ovocytes became a zygote, and that cell split into two, split into four, split into a baby grown inside of her, a baby she loved from the moment they decided to have her.

Kara’s smile. Kara’s smile. Kara’s smile — all along and, most importantly, always matching her own.

Lena will have time to think about all of that in the days to come, when her breasts hurt from being fed on and her head hurts from a new kind of sleep deprivation and her heart hurts because she never thought it could contain this much happiness.

She will reflect on it, and all that’s led her to this, and she will find herself thinking, for the first time, while looking at this little bundle of hope, that she’s managed to build a beautiful life for herself, and that the best is yet to come.

And she will smile as she cries about that, too.

[cowboymaterials]

Excerpt from Decolonizing Anarchism by Maia Ramnath

You say you're an anarchist. Yet you're supporting X na­tional liberation movement. How can you support a demand for statehood?

I don't support demands for statehood, per se. I do support people's struggle for self-determination and the space to determine the conditions of their own lives. It's not the task of an ally to decide what the best alternative is; in order to remain consistent with our own principles, an­archist allies of anticolonial struggles have to recognize that the people in question must decide for themselves.

But isn't that kind of a naive cop-out, knowing that they plan to create a state?

Well, the fact remains that they're forced to operate within a world of states. The reason anticolonial resistance struggles feel the need to institute sovereignty is because at any scale, a "liberated" area—whether an autonomous zone, quilombo, caracole, reservation, or any space run on decen­tralized and nonhierarchical principles—is still embedded in nonliberated space. It has boundaries inside of which these principles prevail, and outside of which they do not. It needs ways to mediate or transition between the two. That is, a zone in which its right to set the terms of how things will go is recognized and enforceable, where another law or power can't interfere.

An area that has fought off colonial rule still exists within the interstate system. If a newly decolonizing area doesn't gain recognition by that system, it has to fear recon­quest or incorporation into someone else's nation-state or empire. This has always been the case for places with fuzzy borders or in border marches. Independent statehood was at least a nominal guard against that, even if only to estab­lish external boundaries by the terms of international law. The logical conclusion to this dilemma is that in order for a decolonizing area to truly adopt a "no-state solution," we would have to dismantle the interstate system as a whole and create anarchism everywhere. There can be no post­ colonial anarchism in one country! No doctrine of peaceful coexistence, but continuous world revolution!

Seriously, though, how do you feel about standing next to or under a national flag? In an era when media images are so powerful, you have to be aware of what it means to link your­ self visually to an icon like that.

Yeah, I do pay attention to that-say, to where I 'm standing during a rally. The same goes for some sectarian organizations back home. But since you brought up visual meanings: flags and such are powerful symbols for many groups, including nations and states. Still, the symbolism of any given flag in a particular context is also layered with other complicated meanings and associations. We need to pay attention to the messages being communi­cated. Where is it shorthand for "freedom;' "revolution:' or "self-determination:' and where is it read as an icon of state power?

Yeah, about that idea: your principle about respecting other people's self-determination raises more questions, and not just about states. What are the limits within which you can say, "This isn't my business; they can organize themselves as they want to," and beyond which you have to say, "This is abhorrent to my principles; I cannot stand with this struggle"?

Look, we all know that the enemies of our enemies aren't always our friends. Especially given the emphasis we place on the importance of means and process as a prefigu­rative path to the desired outcome, anarchists engaged in solidarity-based resistance can't postpone the problem or write it off as tactical. So one clue is whether someone else who's opposing a particular empire-the United States, let's say-is categorically anti-imperialist, or if they're just pull­ing for a rival power to get the advantage, supporting some unsavory character simply because they're anti-American. There are a lot of false binaries presented to us.

Well then, let's be more concrete. If you can't separate means and ends, the negative and positive fights, how can you support uncritically a group of people who are—oh, I don't know—reactionary, misogynistic, authoritarian, anti­-Semitic, chauvinistic, or super religious?

I don't. For one thing, be careful not to equate a whole culture or society with any of those adjectives. But I take your point, and the thing is, relationships of solidarity should not be uncritical from either side. If practiced on a level ground of mutual respect and two-way dialogue, there should be neither romanticizing nor paternalism. Your partners are not saints, noble savages, or charity cases. If I hate imperialism, then it's in my own interest to work against it from any angle I can. I'm not doing it as a favor to anyone. If we have (at least some of) the same goals and enemies, agreement in the need for resistance is not a stretch. And along the way you're learning from and changing each other. Pay attention. You gain trust by showing integrity and commitment over time. Then maybe someday, you'll have earned the right to intervene as an insider.

Sure, be respectful listen, learn. OK. Still, how can you remain committed to your own core anti-oppression principles regarding things like gender and sexuality, or animal rights, without perpetuating the subtle (or not-so-subtle) colonialism of trying to "improve" someone else's culture? Can you refrain from imposing your own ideas on someone whom you're sup­posed to be supporting, if that means condoning ideas that go against your convictions regarding pure anarchist principle?

You mean, why can't we just persuade the Arab world to go vegan?

Very funny. But I mean really: is this an insurmountable paradox ? On the other hand, is "taking leadership" just an­ other cop-out, an abdication of principles?

It's important to recognize the internal debates within any society and its dynamic changes through time. Nothing is monolithic. It's virtually guaranteed that not all members of the putative nation are in total agreement about their so­cial visions. Chances are that among these elements, you'll recognize counterparts with whose principles, strategies, tactics, and methods you do feel affinity. That's who you "take leadership" from.

(Excerpt from Maia Ramnath's Decolonizing Anarchism, "On Solidarity" pp. 251-255, source)

[morgansmornings]

Mind

 is one of nine Spheres of magic in Mage: The Ascension. The Akashic Brotherhood have occupied the Seat of Mind in the Council of Nine Mystic Traditions since its founding. The Shard Realm of Mind maps physically to Neptune.

It is associated with Dynamism in the Metaphysical Trinity.

Overview:

Since human beings perceive reality through a complex interplay of consciousness, the Mind Sphere affects how a being sees the world around it. Such study leads to the investigation of thought, the existence of perfect forms, the idea of intelligence, and inquiry divorced from mere physical form.

The Mind magician can use thought to communicate, control, and wipe away the inaccuracies and errors of human misjudgment for the peaceful serenity of total concentration. All thought is open to the mage: From the refined sensibilities of human philosophy to the feral instincts of animals. Any thinking process can be comprehended and manipulated with sufficient skill.

Unlike the orderly Pattern Spheres, Mind magic tends to be a bit more "fuzzy" in its capabilities. An initiate can often perform tasks similar to what a more experienced mage could do, but not as well or with as much precision or variety. However, Mind constructs do seem to take on specific "thought objects." In some cases, a Mind magician can influence a particular concept just like a Pattern Sphere might be used to manipulate a material object.

To utilize the Archspheres of Mind, the mage has first to perfect the no-mind technique. Afterwards, they study the ephemeral Patterns of Mind and independent thought systems, by thinking and not-thinking at the same time.

Marks:

Mages with experience in Mind seem to be in a constant, meditative state. They tend to view the world with laser-focus intensity that penetrates illusions to reach their deeper truth. On occasion, they react to thought before they are actually spoken, reading reactions of people in a single glance or form intricately constructed chains of logic on a moment's notice.

Energies associated with Mind tend to be white or blue in color.

Limits:

While Mind is powerful, its effects never materialize in the physical world without the use of auxiliary Spheres. Offensive Mind effects (those that seek to influence or harm another's mind) base their difficulties on the target's Willpower Trait instead of the vulgar or coincidental spectrum. If the target is forced to do something against their nature, like committing suicide, the attempt becomes more difficult. Especially willful people might use their willpower later to resist the command.

For attacks against multiple targets, the difficulty for a Mind-based Effect depends upon the usual coincidental, vulgar, or vulgar with witnesses situations. Such Mind-based Effects are generally coincidental, although especially flamboyant feats might be vulgar instead.

Paradigmatic Interpretation:

Order of Hermes: The Order of Hermes call Mind the Ars Mentis, the sphere of pure intellectualization and reason. As a mirror of the Avatar, Mind reflects that self's intent, allowing the mage know himself, then through himself others and through multiple perspectives, the world. Using the mind as a way to cut away deception, Hermetics work with Mind to realize and conceive pure Truth.

Standard Powers:

[1 Dot]

Sense Thoughts and Emotions: Allows a mage to recognize thought and mood impulses around them.

Empower Self: Allows a mage to enhance their conscious abilities to improve mental skills.

Mind Shield: Allows a mage to build a shield around their mind, hiding their Aura.  [2 Dots]

Read Surface Thoughts: Allows a mage to skim the contents of another's mind.

Create Impressions: Allows a mage to read the memories that have been left behind on objects or places.

Mental Impulse: Send a brief mental impulse (i.e rage, regret) against a target.

Empathic Bond: Establish a short empathic link between two persons.  [3 Dots]

Mental Link: Establishes a link that allows the exchange of ideas or images between two persons.

Dreamwalk: Allows a mage to control their own mind during their sleep, allowing for lucid dreaming, the creation of a Demesne or even entrance into the Dreaming.

Project Illusions: Allows a mage to conjure mental images into a target.

Psychic Blast: Attacks a target's mind with painful thoughts.  [4 Dots]

Control Conscious Mind: Allows a mage to invade another's mind.

Alter Consciousness: Allows a mage to alter one's mind, changing memories and setting up posthypnotic suggestions and commands.

Astral Projection: Allows a mage to project their own mind away from their physical form into the penumbra of the Astral Reaches. [5 Dots]

Control Subconscious: Allows a mage to rewrite a subject's personality and beliefs totally.

Untether: Allows a mage to separate their mind from their body for an extended period of time, leaving their body behind.

Forge Psyche: Allows the mage to create an intelligence out of nowhere (Auxiliary Spheres are needed to anchor this intelligence somewhere).

[tccicomputercoaching]

Prompt Engineering: The Essential Skill for the AI Age

With respect to the year 2025, this heralds a great time for the AI revolution. Generative AI tools from ChatGPT to Midjourney and a thousand others are no longer futuristic concepts; they are now being brought into our working and creative processes. But big powerful tools devoid of human intervention can do little. To fully capture this potential, a new skill had to emerge: Prompt Engineering.

At TCCI - Tririd Computer Coaching Institute, we believe staying ahead means not only knowing the present technology but also thinking of the one to come. As a leading computer training institute in Ahmedabad, we are here to explain why Prompt Engineering is not just another jargon but is the prime skill for the AI Age to prosper.

What Exactly is Prompt Engineering?

Picture this: A.I. models are quite intelligent but they have no way of reading your mind. They respond to your instructions. The Prompt Engineering could be viewed as a science and art that involves creating inputs (prompts) that are precise, well-defined, and optimized to gain the best possible, most relevant, and desired outputs from AI models. The idea is to communicate with an AI in a language it comprehends, directing it to produce superlative results.

The process combines creative thinking, logic, and an understanding of how these AI models receive and process information. It's the process whereby we transform fuzzy requests into clear, actionable statements that effectively unleash the maximum power of the AI.

Why is Prompt Engineering So Crucial in the AI Age?

The rise in AI has changed the landscape of industries, creating new jobs and demanding new skills. Here is why Prompt Engineering is fast becoming a must-have skill:

Making AI More Efficient: An incorrectly formulated prompt might return generic, irrelevant, or even outright false outputs, wasting valuable time and resources. Prompt engineering ensures you get what you need and can use in the first attempt.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Of course, if the prompt is right, an AI can truly co-create. Prompt engineers push the limits of what the AI is capable of-creating entirely new forms of content or innovative solutions.

Closing the Human-AI Gap: As AIs advance, humans who know how to effectively communicate with them become the bridge itself. Prompt engineers are like translators, taking human intent and expressing it in a language understood by AI.

Driving Career Opportunities: There is a growing number of companies that want professionals capable of strategically implementing AI tools. Titles like "Prompt Engineer," "AI Communicator," or "AI Strategist" are emerging and highly sought after. The skill is fast becoming essential across various sectors, not just in tech.

Enhancing Personal Productivity: Individual users gain more productivity when they know how to effectively engineer prompts because they can better use their AI tools for just about anything, be it writing emails, brainstorming ideas, producing snippets of codes, or even generating images.

Key Principles of Effective Prompt Engineering

While it's a broad field, here are some fundamental principles one must learn to apply:

Use Clarity and Specificity: Be unambiguous. Avoid jargon unless there is a need of relevant contextual clue for the AI.

Context is King: Include relevant background information so the AI understands the scenario.

Specify Output Format: If you want the AI's response "in bullet points," "as a Python script," "a 500-word article," etc., state it.

Set the Persona: Talk the AI into assuming a certain persona ("act as a marketing expert," "write like a seasoned journalist").

Iteration and Refinement: Prompt engineering is seldom a one-shot wonder. You experiment, you learn, and then you hunt down better prompts.

Break down Complex Tasks: When there are multiple steps, help the AI do them one step at a time.

Who Needs Prompt Engineering Skills?

Well, increasingly, really everyone! While experts will go deep, this skill set is relevant for:

Content Creators & Marketers: Drafting enticing copy, articles, posts, and advertisement campaigns.

Software Developers: Generating code snippets, debugging code, and understanding APIs.

Researchers & Analysts: Summarizing complex data, generating hypotheses, structuring reports.

Educators & Students: Generating learning materials, brainstorming for ideas, and summarizing texts.

Business Professionals: Automate tasks, draft communications, and create reports.

Learning Prompt Engineering in Ahmedabad

Professionals with Prompt Engineering skills will be in great demand with the rapid integration of AI into every industry. At TCCI - Tririd Computer Coaching Institute, our objective has always been to impart the most relevant and futuristic computer classes in Ahmedabad.

Our upcoming programs and workshops are designed to impart practical skills in Prompt Engineering and assure that you can easily communicate with AI tools and hence leverage their power. You will, therefore, learn:

The foundations of large language models (LLMs).

Techniques for crafting effective prompts for various AI tasks.

Strategies for maximizing AI creativity and efficiency.

Real-world applications of prompt engineering in different industries.

Don't be left behind in the AI revolution. Empower yourself with the skills that will define the future of work.

Are You Ready to Become an AI Communicator?

Mastering Prompt Engineering isn't just about technical know-how; it's about fostering a new way of thinking and interacting with intelligent machines. Join TCCI and take the leap into the exciting world of AI. Your future in the AI Age starts here.

Contact us

Location: Bopal & Iskcon-Ambli in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Call now on +91 9825618292

Visit Our Website: http://tccicomputercoaching.com/

[servotechinc78]

Embedded Control Software Systems: Powering Intelligent Automation

Embedded control software systems are the unseen brains behind many of today’s most advanced technologies. From industrial machines and automotive systems to consumer electronics and medical devices, these systems ensure that everything operates efficiently, safely, and reliably. Embedded control software is a combination of software and hardware engineered to perform dedicated control functions within larger systems, often with real-time constraints and minimal user interaction.

This article explores what embedded control software systems are, how they work, their architecture, applications, benefits, and challenges.

What is an Embedded Control Software System?

An embedded control software system consists of three main components:

Embedded Hardware (Microcontroller or Microprocessor) – This is the processing unit that executes the control logic.

Control Algorithms (Software) – Written in programming languages like C or C++, these define the behavior of the system based on inputs and desired outputs.

Sensors and Actuators – Sensors provide feedback from the environment (e.g., temperature, speed), while actuators carry out control actions (e.g., motor movement).

These systems are “embedded” because they are integrated into larger products, and they typically perform one or more specific control functions rather than general-purpose computing tasks.

Key Features of Embedded Control Software

Real-Time Operation: Embedded control software often operates in real time, meaning it must respond to inputs within a strict time frame.

Determinism: The system must behave in a predictable manner, particularly in safety-critical applications like automotive or aerospace.

Low Power and Resource Constraints: Many embedded systems are deployed on hardware with limited processing power, memory, and energy.

Reliability and Robustness: Since embedded systems are often deployed in harsh environments, they must be stable and resistant to failure.

Minimal User Interaction: Most embedded control systems are designed to operate with limited or no user interface.

Architecture of Embedded Control Systems

Input Interface: Collects data from sensors or communication channels.

Control Software: Applies algorithms (e.g., PID, fuzzy logic, model predictive control) to decide what action should be taken based on inputs.

Output Interface: Sends control signals to actuators (motors, valves, lights, etc.).

Feedback Loop: Ensures the system continuously adjusts itself based on output performance.

For example, in an automotive cruise control system:

Input: Speed sensor measures vehicle speed.

Control Software: Compares current speed with desired speed.

Output: Sends signals to the throttle actuator to maintain or change speed.

Feedback: Adjusts continuously as road conditions or driver input change.

Applications of Embedded Control Software Systems

1. Automotive Industry

Engine control units (ECUs)

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

Adaptive cruise control

Lane-keeping assistance

Airbag deployment systems

2. Industrial Automation

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Robotic arms

Process control in manufacturing lines

Condition monitoring systems

3. Consumer Electronics

Smart thermostats

Washing machines

Microwave ovens

Smart TVs and remote controllers

4. Aerospace and Defense

Flight control systems

Missile guidance

Radar systems

UAV navigation

5. Healthcare

Medical infusion pumps

MRI and imaging equipment

Wearable health monitors

Automated ventilators

Development Process for Embedded Control Software

Requirement Analysis: Define functional and non-functional requirements, such as timing constraints and energy consumption.

System Design: Select hardware platform and define software architecture.

Algorithm Development: Create control logic using mathematical models or empirical rules.

Implementation: Code the algorithms using languages like C, C++, or model-based tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.

Simulation and Testing: Validate performance through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and real-world trials.

Deployment and Maintenance: Deploy code to the embedded hardware and ensure updates or bug fixes are managed safely.

Model-Based Design in Embedded Control

A growing trend in embedded control software development is model-based design (MBD). Engineers use graphical models to design, simulate, and automatically generate code for control algorithms. Tools like Simulink allow for rapid prototyping, reduced coding errors, and quicker time to market. This is especially useful for systems that require frequent iterations or are highly complex.

Benefits of Embedded Control Software Systems

Efficiency: Optimizes system performance, energy use, and functionality.

Precision: Ensures accurate control in critical applications like medical devices and aerospace.

Cost-Effectiveness: Minimizes the need for manual intervention and large hardware setups.

Scalability: Can be tailored for use in simple household gadgets or complex industrial machinery.

Safety and Reliability: Especially in automotive and aviation, embedded control systems contribute to increased safety through reliable automation.

Challenges in Embedded Control Software Development

Real-Time Constraints: Meeting strict timing requirements can be difficult.

Resource Limitations: Must operate on hardware with limited memory and processing capabilities.

Debugging Complexity: Difficult to test systems in real-time without disrupting performance.

Cybersecurity Risks: Increased connectivity (IoT integration) exposes systems to potential attacks.

Maintenance and Upgrades: Embedded systems often need to be updated securely, especially in remote or critical applications.

Future Trends in Embedded Control Systems

AI and Machine Learning Integration: Adaptive systems that learn from data for more intelligent control.

Edge Computing: Processing control logic closer to the source (sensors/actuators) to reduce latency.

Wireless and IoT Connectivity: Embedded systems communicating via 5G or other wireless protocols.

Open-Source Platforms: Tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi are making embedded control development more accessible.

Conclusion

Embedded control software systems by Servotechinc are the cornerstone of modern intelligent automation. By integrating sensors, control algorithms, and actuators into compact, efficient packages, these systems bring intelligence to machines across countless industries. Whether improving the safety of vehicles, the precision of medical devices, or the efficiency of industrial processes, embedded control systems play a pivotal role in shaping a smarter, more connected world.

[uegub]

Exploring the Branches of Artificial Intelligence: A Deep Dive into AI’s Core Areas

AI has turned into a change agent in the current world, manifestations being in industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and transportation. AI is not just one technology—AI is a collection of technologies from various disciplines that cooperate in creating intelligent systems that learn, reason, and decide.

To truly understand AI, it is essential to venture into its subfields. Each field is essential to the operation and evolution of AI. This blog will help unfold the major branches of AI and their real-world applications.

1. Machine Learning (ML)

Machine learning is one of the most popularly known AI branches. It allows machines to learn from data and predict unknown results or make decisions without being explicitly programmed.

Key Aspects of Machine Learning:

Supervised Learning – Machines learn from labeled data in which ancient examples are provided to them for prediction purposes.

Unsupervised Learning – Machines try to find the underlying patterns in the data without having any pre-existing labels.

Reinforcement Learning – Machines learn by trying actions and receiving rewards and are penalized if they take the wrong action.

Real-World Applications:

Fraud detection in banking

Product recommendations in eCommerce

Speech recognition in virtual assistants

2. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing enables AI to understand, interpret, and produce human languages. It essentially combines computational linguistics with machine learning to allow communication between a human and a machine.

Key Aspects of NLP:

Speech Recognition – Converting spoken words into text.

Sentiment Analysis – Understanding emotions behind text.

Machine translation – Automatic translation between two languages.

Real-World Applications:

Chatbots and virtual assistants

Automated email filtering

Language translation tools

3.Computer Vision

Via computer vision technologies, AI is capable of interpreting and analyzing visual information from the world, granting machines their capability to "see" and understand images or video.

Key Aspects of computer vision:

Object Detection – In which objects are detected in the image as per the questions that need to be targeted.

Facial Recognition – To recognize and validate a human face.

Image Classification – For categorizing images based on their content.

Real-World Applications:

Security surveillance systems

Self-driven cars

Diagnosis of images in medicine

4. Expert Systems

Expert Systems are models that mimic human behavior in solving problems in a given domain. They rely on a knowledge base and inference engine to perform complex problem-solving.

Key Aspects of Expert Systems:

Knowledge Base – The store of facts and rules.

Inference Engine – Rationally solves a problem.

Real-World Applications:

Systems for medical diagnosis

Risk assessment in finance

Automation in technical support

5. Robotics

Robotics is where AI and mechanical engineering intermingle to create machines that can perform tasks that can otherwise be performed by humans.

Key Aspects of Robotics:

Autonomous Robots – Machines that can operate independently.

Industrial Robots – Used in manufacturing for repetitive tasks.

Humanoid Robots – Acting like humans.

Real-World Applications:

Factory assembly lines

AI prosthetics

Space exploration robots

6. Fuzzy logic

With fuzzy logic, AI can handle uncertainty in instances and make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

Key Aspects of Fuzzy Logic:

Mimicking human decision-making

Dealing with truth degrees rather than binary outcomes

Real-World Applications:

Temperature controlling systems

AI braking systems for cars

Medical diagnosing systems

7. Neural Networks & Deeplearning

Neural Networks are AI models based on the working of the human brain. Deep Learning involves a subset of neural networks that deal with complex patterning through many layers of artificial neurons.

Key Aspects of Neural Networks:

Artificial Neurons-An artificial neuron is modeled after biological neurons in the brain.

Multi-Layer Processing-This helps in deep learning models to identify complex patterns.

Real-World Applications:

Voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa

Images are recognized on social media platforms

Market predictions

The Growth of AI Impact in India

Artificial intelligence is being adopted fast across the various segments of the country be it the government or private enterprises. Also, AI powered applications are enhanced to improve healthcare accessibility, bank security, or productivity in crops and e-commerce.

With investment hurries and education in AI research, India is emerging as a leader nationally in AI development. Thus, such growing demand increases the need for professionals skilled in AI, data science, and analytics. Cities like Thane provide fabulous platforms for aspiring AI professionals to make their mark. Joining a Data Analytics training institute in thane can be very inspirational to make hands-on experience and get to know about the field.

Conclusion

The world of artificial intelligence is a broad and continually changing one with many sub-disciplines contributing progress toward its goals. And whether it's due to machine or self-learning, robotics, natural language processing, or computer vision, the future of artificial intelligence will ultimately depend on all these areas.

As AI continues to expand and grow in India, one must constantly upskill and stay abreast of the industry for professionals wishing to carve a niche for themselves in this space. The right foundation to kickstart a thriving career in AI and Data Science can be achieved by taking up the best data science courses in thane. With the right knowledge and skills in this context, anyone would join the AI revolution and create an impact for themselves in the industry.

[witchywriterlythings]

Something This Way Comes

Chapter Eleven: Annabeth Gets Dibs On Murdering Me

Things were pretty awkward for the first day we were on the train. While Annabeth seemed to slowly be coming to terms with what I was, I was trying to find a way to forgive her for how she’d reacted. While I understood why she was so upset at first, the fact that she was taking so long to process it made me feel like maybe I had put more stock in the friendship we had at camp then she had. 

“Athena kids tend to be super logical and you just…aren’t. You basically took everything she knew about the world and threw it out the window. She cares, she just…doesn’t know how to show it.” Grover was trying to be the middle man, but with how tense and anxious we were it wasn’t doing anything to help. 

That tourist that had taken a picture of me had sent it to the news and it didn’t really look good for me. I was hunching slightly like a trapped animal and my eyes were wild as I glared at the camera. My claws had retracted for the most part so it just looked like I had those fake nails people’d get, but my eyes hadn’t reverted back. Instead of being black, the Mist made them bloodshot and half crazed. Honestly?  I looked like I was on a drug trip and taking everyone else down with me. 

"Don't worry," Annabeth told me in one of the moments she was talking to me. Most of the time her nose was in a book. "Mortal police could never find us." 

Our reward money for returning Gladiola the poodle had only been enough to purchase tickets as far as Denver and the rest of the money wouldn’t cover enough for all three of us to go any further. But it did get us a single sleeper car which gave us some privacy away from the mortals. I tried not to drool while taking my naps, since Annabeth was sitting right next to me. Grover was on the top bunk, his little way of trying to get us to talk. 

"So," Annabeth asked me once she realized I was awake, "who wants your help?"

"What do you mean?"

"When you were asleep just now, you mumbled, 'I won't help you.' Who were you dreaming about?"

I flinched as I flashed back to that image of the trench. This time whatever was in there had dangled me mother in front of me, showing me her image floating there in the water, and offered to bring her back. I didn’t really want to say anything, but if a child of the patron of Athens offers you an olive branch, you take it. “Someone wants something from me. They keep showing me this trenchdown at the bottom of the ocean, or at least I think that it’s them. The details get fuzzy when I wake up. But they want the master bolt.” 

“That doesn’t make any sense, it doesn't sound like Hades. He always appears on a black throne in the underworld.” Part of me wanted to question when she’d been visited by the lord of the underworld, but I figured she had read it in a book somewhere. 

I shrugged. “I don’t think it was him either.” I told her all the details I could remember about my dreams, her face getting more scrunched the longer I talked. 

"I guess...if he meant, 'Help me rise from the Underworld.' If he wants war with the Olympians. But why ask you to bring him the master bolt if he already has it?"

"I don't know. I really don't think it's him, but we don't have any other options." 

Her hand crept up to her necklace. She fingered a glazed white bead painted with the image of a pine tree, one of her clay end-of-summer tokens. "You can't be tempted to make a deal for your mom, no matter whose offering. Hades would never let a soul leave the underworld."

"What would you do if it was your dad?"

"That's easy," she said. "I'd leave him to rot."

I frowned. "You're not serious?"

Annabeth's gray eyes fixed on me. She wore the same expression she'd worn in the woods at camp, the moment she drew her sword against the hellhound. "My dad's resented me since the day I was born, Percy," she said. "He never wanted a baby. When he got me, he asked Athena to take me back and raise me on Olympus because he was too busy with his work. She wasn't happy about that. She told him heroes had to be raised by their mortal parent."

“You were a brain child, he didn’t think a baby was an option,” I reasoned before realizing that it didn’t come out the way I wanted it to. “But he was your dad, he never should have tried to give you back.”

She gave me a weak smile for and for a minute, we just sat there in silence. Then she huffed and moved so our shoulders could bump. She told me about how her mother had sent her down to her father as this sort of miracle child act. “When I was five he got married and totally forgot about Athena. He got a 'regular' mortal wife, and had two 'regular' mortal kids, and tried to pretend I didn't exist." Annabeth kept worrying at her necklace. She was pinching the gold college ring that hung with the beads. It occurred to me that the ring must be her father's. I wondered why she wore it if she hated him so much.

"He doesn't care about me," she said. "His wife—my stepmom—treated me like a freak. She wouldn't let me play with her children. She made it clear I wasn’t wanted and Dad…just let her.” 

“I’m sorry. Step-parents can really suck if you don’t get a good one.” 

Annabeth nodded and immediately changed the subject. “I’m sorry that I didn’t react well to you being different. You didn’t have to tell me and you saved our butts. I can take one Kindly One, but three?” I could tell her pride was wounded by admitting that I even did anything, but I appreciated the effort. “Do you mind if I ask questions?" 

"You've been wanting to interrogate me about it since you saw me transform, haven't you?" I felt a little bit like an interesting science experiment from how she looked at me. 

"I don't understand you or how your powers work and…" that scares her, I realized even though she didn't finish that sentence. "You don't have to answer anything, you can go back to pacing the train or I can read again if you want." Except she clearly didn't want me to. She was doing a good job of hiding it, but her scent made me feel like I was locked in my room. Alone. Hoping someone else would open that door cause I was too scared to do it myself. Was I projecting? You'd have to ask one of the many therapists schools threw at me over the years. 

"I've always been different to normal kids, not just the ADHD or the dyslexia. My scales have always been a part of me, and so have my extra teeth—" 

"What?" 

"I have two rows. One for normal stuff and the other for meat, like a shark?" 

Annabeth's eyes widened and for a second I was worried that she was going to stick her hands in my mouth and make me show her. "Do you eat a lot of meat then? Do you eat fish?" 

I relaxed when I realized my jaw was safe. "Fish, yeah, though it was awkward when I started being able to understand them better. Mostly my mom just buys some at the grocery store, but every once in a while I'll go hunt some of the invasive species nearby. Mussels and things like that." 

"What about your claws? How to they work?”

“Sort of like a cats? At least that’s what Mom thinks, but I’m not really sure. They sort of look normal usually, but they’re black and thicker than human’s.” I let her look at my hands and preened when she commented how pretty the color was. I had brought emergency nail polish just in case so Grover had done them for me again in green with little flowers on my middle fingers which I thought was hilarious. 

The conversation sort of trailed off after that, but the rest of the second day was decidedly less awkward than it had been before. It was June 13th, which meant we had eight days before the summer solstice and the train was making a stop in St. Louis to switch out passengers. 

Annabeth craned her neck to see the Gateway Arch, which looked to me like a huge shopping bag handle stuck on the city. "I want to do that," she sighed.

"What?" I asked.

"Build something like that. You ever see the Parthenon, Percy?"

"Only in pictures."

"Someday, I'm going to see it in person. I'm going to build the greatest monument to the gods, ever. Something that'll last a thousand years."

I wanted to laugh as I pictures her just sitting quietly and trying to draw. Even when she was reading she had a habit of getting up and wandering around with the book before sitting down again, or even drawing in the margins if she had an idea she wanted to get down. But I bit my tongue. 

She must have seen my face though because she flushed angrily. "Yes, an architect. Athena expects her children to create things.”

I sighed. Everything was about her godly mother with her, though I was starting to break her of the habit. 

Annabeth rolled her eyes at me as if she knew what I was thinking and turned to watch the arch disappear behind some buildings.

Grover started to wake up as we pulled into the station and stretched, popping a bit like the old man he pretended he wasn't. TWENTY EIGHT! "Food." 

"Come on, goat boy," Annabeth said. "Sightseeing."

"Sightseeing?"

"The Gateway Arch," she said. "This may be my only chance to ride to the top. Are you coming or not?"

I was practically bouncing as I turned to Grover with a pleading look. I was. so. Bored. A part of me really wanted to stay on the train because it was safer, another wanted to wander around the city, but Annabeth was excited about something and would be going off by herself if we didn't. At least she would probably talk to me if we did something she liked. 

Grover shrugged. "As long as there's a snack bar without monsters."

The Arch was about a mile from the train station, so we just walked. We saw some of the people we were on the train with wait for busses and I immediately knew they weren't city people. 

When we got there, the lines weren't that long since it was later in the day. We threaded our way through the underground museum, looking at covered wagons and other junk from the 1800s. It wasn't all that thrilling, but Annabeth kept telling us interesting facts about how the Arch was built, and Grover kept passing me jelly beans, so I was okay for the most part. 

Something was setting me on edge though even though I couldn't pick anything out in the sea of people. I kept glancing at Grover to see if he noticed, but his nose was in the jelly bean bag. "Dude, you smell anything?" 

"Underground," he said distastefully. "Underground air always smells like monsters. Probably doesn't mean anything."

"Great, so we can't tell if anything is coming," I said. "Got any blue jelly beans left?"

Annabeth didn't even seem to notice us talking as she kept gushing about the history of the monument and what she would have done differently for the layout of the museum. A few of her ideas were actually pretty good though I have no idea how she came up with them. 

I was really enjoying the tour she was giving us up until I saw the tiny little elevator we were supposed to ride to the top in. "No." 

"Why not?" Annabeth asked sharply, but I let it go because I knew how excited she was and she didn't just leave without me. 

"It's so small." I knew I was starting to shake as I looked at the tiny space but I really couldn't get my body to cooperate with me. I couldn't seem weak right now.

Grover grabbed my hand and squeezed. "Keep breathing for me, okay? In and out like we practiced." Gods what did I do to deserve such a good friend? I didn't get even realize I was holding my breath until he said something. 

"We don't have to go up," Annabeth offered even if she couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice. "Maybe we could look around the park outside? Do you need fresh air?" 

I normally would have said yes. But there were eyes on this quest and I could feel them from every direction. If I backed down from an elevator, I wouldn't be able to live it down. So I silently asked if she would hold my hand which made her very flustered for some reason, but with both of them with me I was able to do it. "Okay. Let's go look at a monument." 

Annabeth didn't seem convinced but one look from Grover kept her from protesting. Grover knew how stubborn I could be and Annabeth just really wanted to go see the Arch. 

We were forced to be with this older lady and her Chihuahua, who was glaring at me and cowering slightly. The woman looked surprised when we made eye contact, her mouth closing as if she decided against saying something. 

The rest of the ride up was quiet as I tried to control my breathing, while Annabeth and Grover kept squeezing my hands so I could focus on the pain. Getting off the elevator was no better as we had a clear view of how high we were and I knew that if the god king was in a particularly foul mood—when wasn't he?—he would smite me just for looking at clouds. 

Annabeth, while excited about the whole thing, didn't let go of my hand. Which of course led to us being dragged around the tight space, with Annabeth peeking through the little windows and muttering about how badly designed it was under her breath. 

I actually had to keep myself from laughing a few times at her insults. I started to relax despite the space, up until it was time to leave and we had to go back into the stupid elevator things. 

For some fucked up reason, the guards split us up. The three kids. By themselves. If there wasn't something trying to get my attention, I would have screamed. But the lady with the Chihuahua had been watching us the entire time, always in the corner of my eye, and it looked like maybe she wanted Annabeth and Grover out of the way. Honestly, I did too. Totally could have stopped them from leaving instead of just wincing pitifully from how tense I was without them. 

She made her move once we were all locked inside, quickly dropping her disguise and becoming a snake woman. Her dog’s facade dropped too and if it was any bigger, there would have been no space to move around. 

The snake lady made a hissing noise that might've been laughter. "Perceus Jackson, it seems you’ve caught some attention. Lord Zeus himself requested I come down here to test you, but I am no fool. I know what you are. For I am the Mother of Monsters, the terrible Echidna!"

“Nice to meet you,” I said because really, what do you say when you meet an intelligent monster who isn’t actively attacking you? The one at the garden gnome warehouse doesn’t count because I was under a spell or something, okay? “Are you going to attack me?”

“Do you wish to spar, little godling? My Chimera hasn’t had a good fight in ages and I’m sure the gods are watching. I was sent as you know.” She smiled with all her teeth and her tongue flickered between them. 

I glanced at the family and guards cowering by the exit door and trying to pry it open. “Do you swear to leave the mortals alone?”

“I so swear,” the mother of monsters decreed and waved a hand at her pet. The Chimera chargedon her order, its lion teeth gnashing. 

I managed to leap aside and dodge the bite. I uncapped my sword, ran to the other side of the deck, and yelled, "Hey, Chihuahua!" The Chimera turned faster than I would've thought possible.

Before I could swing my sword, it opened its mouth, emitting a stench like the world's largest barbecue pit, and shot a column of flame straight at me, but I rolled through it like one of the fire drills they ran at school. Drop and roll. 

Where I had been standing a moment before was a ragged hole in the side of the Arch, with melted metal steaming around the edges.

I extended my claws to slash at the beast with one hand while wielding riptide in the other, hoping it wouldn’t be able to defend against the two directions of attack, but it simply slammed its body into me. I tried to regain my balance, but I was so worried about defending myself against the fiery lion's mouth, I completely forgot about the serpent tail until it whipped around and sank its fangs into my calf.

My whole leg was on fire. I tried to jab Riptide into the Chimera's mouth, but the serpent tail wrapped around my ankles and pulled me off balance, and my blade flew out of my hand, spinning out of the hole in the Arch and down toward the Mississippi River.

I managed to get to my feet, but I knew I had lost. 

There was no place else to go, so I stepped to the edge of the hole. Far, far below, the river glittered. I turned, taking one last glance over my shoulder at the mother of monsters. “Good doing business with you,” I said as I ignored the fire still burning through my shirt and the poison her pet had managed to inject into me. Without giving her a chance to respond, I leaped towards the river. It raced toward me at the speed of a truck. Wind ripped the breath from my lungs. Steeples and skyscrapers and bridges tumbled in and out of my vision. 

But I could feel the water just ahead of me and called it towards me. All I could feel was the wind. And then: Flaaa-boooom!

A whiteout of bubbles. I sank through the murk, grinning as my eyes adjusted to the dark and welcomed the feeling of being surrounded in my element. I struggled to force myself to breathe though, the river was disgusting. 

I was falling slowly now, bubbles trickling up through my fingers. I settled on the river bottom soundlessly. A catfish the size of my stepfather lurched away into the gloom. Clouds of silt and disgusting garbage—beer bottles, old shoes, plastic bags—swirled up all around me. Fump-fump-fump. A riverboat's paddlewheel churned above me, swirling the silt around.

Hello Percy Jackson, your father is watching you. Her words seemed to come from everywhere, rippling through the water like dolphin sonar.

"Where are you?" I called aloud.

Then, through the gloom, I saw her—a woman the color of the water, a ghost in the current, floating just above the sword. She had long billowing hair, and her eyes, barely visible, were green like mine. 

I almost whined as my heart wanted to believe that she was my mother, I wanted to cry and hug her and have someone pet my hair and tell me it was going to be okay. But I knew she wasn’t my mother. The titan goddess before me was possibly more powerful than my father, most certainly than his newer form, and was a good match to be his wife. She was the ruler of the sea far before it was his kingdom and had danced through all of its depths. She was a friend to my real father and had often played with him in the waves and raged war against him to strengthen their skills. And as he became what he is, she allowed him to be her husband. “My lady.”  

Well met, son of my friend, the Queen of the Seas whispered as she looked me over and smiled at the surprise I tried to hide from her. They keep nothing from me, nor do they hide from their wife and sister and daughter and brother. 

“I don’t believe the The Silent One has the bolt, but the prophecy says to go west.”

She hummed, but I knew she couldn’t tell me anything. Your mother's fate is not as hopeless as you believe. Go to the beach in Santa Monica.

"What?"

It is your father's will. Before you descend into the Underworld, you must go to Santa Monica. Please, Percy, I cannot stay long. The river here is too foul for my presence. I cannot stay, brave one, the goddess said. She reached out, and I felt the current brush my face like a caress. You must go to Santa Monica! And, Percy, do not trust the gifts....

Her voice faded.

"Gifts?" I asked. "What gifts? Wait!"

She made one more attempt to speak, but the sound was gone. Her image melted away. 

I took a deep breath to prevent myself from crying, trying to ignore how much my chest hurt from seeing someone who looked so much like my mother. Then I kicked up through the muck. When my head broke the surface of the water, I immediately knew my friends were terrified. It was overwhelming how much fear was being pushed my way by the breeze, but all I cared about was them. I practically ran when I hit the beach, pushing through people and looking as best I could. 

Then someone grabbed me from behind, but I relaxed as soon as they made contact so I figured it was Grover. "What happened? Are you two okay?" I turned around to look them over for injuries, but that just seemed to make everything worse. 

"What happened to us?! What happened to you?! You were supposed to be right behind us and then the Arch blew up and this wave and you almost died!" Grover, my pasicist, punched me in the arm hard enough to bruise. "If you hadn't had the water, you would have been dead instantly. You were really lucky with your powers just then." 

"What was it? Were you attacked?" Annabeth was looking me over as much as I was checking on them, her nose scrunching. "Your eyes are black, you should really change them back before someone notices." 

I tried to take some deep breaths but the adrenaline from what happened with the mother of monsters was still running through my veins, so I probably only managed to get a little bit of white back. "I'm okay, it wasn't that big a deal." I quickly explained what happened when I was in the elevator, watching as their eyes widened as I kept talking. "It was just a spar, you know? I was totally fine." 

Annabeth quickly shifted from worried to pissed. When she reached out to grab me, the whiff I got of her scent was even spicy in a way I didn't expect. I didn't exactly have time to think about it though as she started dragging me all the way back to the train in half the time it took us to get to the arch in the first place. 

Grover followed almost at a run, trying to get her to slow down or talk, but she ignored him. "Are you actually okay, Percy? You seem stressed." He looked at me with big eyes and I didn't have the heart to point out the obvious. 

"I'm okay, man. Just gotta let her get this out I think." 

"You shut up, you don't get to talk yet." Annabeth didn't even look back at me to say that, she just dragged me through the station and basically threw me into the sleeper car. 

I ended up stumbling over to our bags and only my demigod training kept me from falling over. "Okay, what the hell?" 

"Annabeth—" Grover wheezed a little— "what's going on?' 

She shushed Grover and turned back to me with her knife suddenly in her hands. The last time she had pulled her knife on me, I ended up with a small cut on my neck that refused to heal for a few hours and kept pulling annoyingly. But this time she kept her distance, just pacing as far away as she could within the sleeper. Finally she just paused and stared at me, her knife flipping between her hands. "I'm the only one allowed to kill you, okay? I don't care what monsters we face, what gods you piss off, you aren't allowed to die. Do you understand me?" 

I don't really understand why, but I could feel myself blush all the way down to my neck. "Yes ma'am." 

She huffed as she hid her knife too fast for me to catch and threw herself on the bed. "Gods you're exhausting. I don't know how I'm going to keep you alive." 

Grover laughed while I just stood there confused. 

<Prev Master Post Next>

[blogchaindeveloper]

Top 7 Branches of Artificial Intelligence You Shouldn’t Miss Out

With its ability to learn, reason, and carry out activities similar to those of humans, artificial intelligence (AI) has completely transformed several industries. To address real-world issues, it is imperative to comprehend various AI principles and methodologies.

The top seven artificial intelligence fields you should pay attention to are computer vision, fuzzy logic, expert systems, robotics, machine learning, neural networks/deep learning, and natural language processing. In this article, we'll discuss each of these topics. We will also discuss the enormous advantages of chatbot and AI certification programs. These priceless credentials empower people and help them reach new professional heights by giving them the information and abilities they need to utilize AI fully.

Computer vision

A well-known area of artificial intelligence called computer vision focuses on creating methods that let computers view and understand digital photos and movies. Using machine learning models, computers can recognize objects, faces, and other photo features. Thanks to convolutional neural networks, computers can identify and differentiate between images, which evaluate pixels and assign labels. Computer vision is used in face recognition, object tracking, and image classification.

Intense Reasoning

When dealing with claims or problems with various degrees of truth or falsity, fuzzy logic can be helpful. To simulate human decision-making, this method weighs options between "yes" and "no." Fuzzy logic can be applied to machine learning techniques and used to reason about unclear subjects. Its four components are the rule basis, fuzzification, inference engine, and defuzzification. Applications for fuzzy logic can be found in many different fields. For example, automobiles' brakes can be controlled according to wheel speed, acceleration, and speed.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Expert systems are specialized programs with decision-making abilities like humans, created to solve complicated issues. These systems handle complex problems by applying a set of rules defined by a knowledge base, known as inference rules. Loan analysis, virus identification, and information management all use expert systems. They contributed significantly to the development of AI; early examples include the cancer diagnosis support system CaDeT.

Automation

Robots are programmable devices that can carry out intricate activities independently. They can have built-in control systems or be managed by external devices. Robots with AI capabilities are beneficial for repetitive and laborious jobs like space exploration. Sophia and other humanoid robots are capable of face recognition, emotional comprehension, and social interaction. Robotics is used in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries.

Artificial Intelligence

The challenging field of machine learning in artificial intelligence allows computers to learn from data and algorithms. It can make decisions and enhance performance without explicit programming based on prior experiences. Two aspects of machine learning are building logical models for future inference and gathering historical data. Three general machine learning algorithms can be distinguished: reinforcement, unsupervised, and supervised learning. Each kind approaches machine learning and insight extraction differently.

Deep Learning and Neural Networking

Deep learning algorithms are based on neural networks, often called simulated neural networks (SNNs) or artificial neural networks (ANNs). They imitate how biological neurons in the human brain communicate with one another. Node layers make up neural networks, including input, hidden, and output. Training data is needed for these networks to learn and become more accurate.

Natural Language Interpretation

Computers that use natural language processing can comprehend spoken and written human language. Machine learning, linguistics, and deep learning models enable computers to process text or voice data and derive sentiment, meaning, and purpose. Applications for natural language processing include sentiment analysis, spam detection, virtual chatbots, and more.

Realizing the Full Potential of AI: The Importance of Certification Programs

The use of AI has great potential and has many positive effects on society. Nonetheless, significant thought is required to manage its difficulties and reduce hazards. Learning everything there is to know about artificial intelligence—its many uses, benefits, and drawbacks—becomes essential. This is precisely where certification programs for AI chatbots come into play, providing people with invaluable knowledge in these areas.

People can obtain a competitive edge in the quickly growing AI and chatbot development market by taking AI certification tests or attending chatbot training programs. These extensive courses cover essential concepts like computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition, machine learning, and deep learning. In addition to gaining theoretical understanding, learners also pick up valuable skills for creating, testing, implementing, and managing chatbots and AI systems. This contribution ensures that moral AI systems are used responsibly and have sound effects.

Programs for chatbot and AI developer certifications go beyond technical expertise. They develop leadership, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical communication skills. To support professional development in AI, these courses also provide networking opportunities with mentors, instructors, subject matter experts, and possible employers.

Chatbots and artificial intelligence are closely related. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are clever computer programs that use AI techniques and algorithms to comprehend and react to human commands or questions. One of the real-world uses of AI is chatbots, which demonstrate the technology's power in context awareness, natural language processing, and tailored communication. Through the Certified Chatbot Expert certification, people can gain expertise and proficiency in AI development, enabling them to fully utilize both fields' potential.

In summary

Significant progress has been made in artificial intelligence (AI), which is redefining industries and influencing technology in the future. The article's exploration of the seven disciplines of AI demonstrates the wide range of uses and functionalities of AI systems. As AI becomes increasingly important in solving real-world problems, it is essential for anyone who wants to succeed in this quickly developing field to complete AI certification and chatbot certification courses. The Blockchain Council, a reputable association of professionals and enthusiasts, promotes AI development and expertise, including certification programs for chatbots and AI.

Enrolling in the chatbot and AI certification programs offered by Blockchain Council gives people a competitive advantage in the quickly growing AI space. These courses give students a thorough understanding of AI theories and methods, enabling them to succeed in the industry. In addition to imparting academic information, the courses provide students with real-world experience in designing, developing, testing, and implementing chatbots and AI systems.

Beyond just being an organization, Blockchain Council fosters an atmosphere that informs and educates companies, developers, and the general public about the enormous possibilities of artificial intelligence. The Blockchain Council, a private de-facto organization, is committed to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide by providing people with the knowledge and abilities required to spur innovation and support the ethical development of AI systems.

Maintaining competitive advantage is essential in the dynamic world of continuous technological advancement. Through the Blockchain Council's AI and chatbot certification programs, people may position themselves as certified experts with the knowledge and abilities needed to fully utilize AI's limitless potential.

[myexamcloud]

Exploring the Domains of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing field that involves the development of intelligent machines and computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. AI has several domains, each with its own techniques and methodologies, that are used to solve complex problems and automate tasks. With the continuous development of AI, it has become an essential part of our daily lives, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars and advanced medical robots.

The main domains of AI include machine learning, neural networks, robotics, expert systems, fuzzy logic systems, and natural language processing. Let's take a closer look at each of these domains and their applications:

Machine Learning is the science of getting computers to act without being explicitly programmed. It involves the development of algorithms that allow machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time. Machine learning is widely used in various applications such as image recognition, speech recognition, and predictive analytics. Popular machine learning algorithms include decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks.

Neural Networks are a set of algorithms inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. These networks consist of interconnected nodes that work together to solve complex problems by learning from large amounts of data. Neural networks are used in image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and time series analysis.

Robotics is a subset of AI that focuses on the design, construction, and use of robots. Robots are artificial agents that can sense and interact with their environment to perform tasks. They are used in various industries for tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or require a high level of precision. For example, robots are commonly used in manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration.

Expert Systems are computer programs that use artificial intelligence technologies to simulate the decision-making ability of a human expert. These systems are trained to solve complex problems and make decisions based on a set of rules and data. Expert systems are used in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and engineering for tasks that require expert knowledge and experience.

Fuzzy Logic Systems are an approach to computing based on “degrees of truth” rather than the traditional “true or false” logic. They are used to solve problems that involve imprecise or uncertain data. Fuzzy logic systems are commonly used in traffic control systems, washing machines, and other applications that require decision-making based on incomplete or uncertain information.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) refers to the AI methods used to analyze and understand human language. NLP techniques are used in applications like machine translation, sentiment analysis, and chatbots. With the increasing popularity of virtual personal assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, NLP has become an essential domain of AI.

In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence has numerous domains, each with its own techniques and applications. With the continuous advancement of AI, these domains are constantly evolving, enabling the development of intelligent machines that can perform complex tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance our daily lives. As AI continues to progress, it is expected that new domains and techniques will emerge, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

[wolfkitty42]

i had the weirdest dream crossover

So like, the Owl House finale aired recently. Right??? And on the night it aired (last night as of writing this) I only got there about halfway through the finale. So I went to bed after it finished with a strong intent of watching the new episode when I woke up.

That was a mistake.

So basically, I had an insane dream that told me there were two new episodes instead of one. One was the finale, and the other was utter insanity. The one that was utter insanity and purely from my dream was placed before the finale, when the gang was on the Boiling Isles. 

I’m not entirely sure why, but Julieta from Encanto was there. She had a large ship and described herself as an animal tamer working with what looked like a 3d model of Gus’s dad. Like I said, my dream gave me a crossover. Okay. This is still relatively normal for a dream.

So, Julieta was like “You guys need something to fight Belos? Well there’s a really big seal out there if you wanna go use it as a weapon.” and Luz was like “Yeah okay sounds legit, get to the pirate ship!” Then there was this shot from above of the sun rising as Luz and co sailed towards a mountain island. And also for some reason there were a lot of airships following them. Like yeah there’s hot air balloon ships in the show but why here??? I just remember there being a lot. AND MOST OF THEM DIDN’T EVEN SHOW UP LATER??? Regardless, Luz and co was still on a boat in the water. Julieta was flying an airship.

So, everyone landed at the mountain. And there was a really big  baby seal just there. It was cute. 

(Image above fits it pretty well)

But it was also like, causing mass destruction around. So Julieta was like “Guys, we need to give it a sedative before we can bring it back to the Boiling Isles.” And everyone was like okay! So they grabbed this sleeping powder thingymabob and started trying to get it into the seal’s nose. But the seal was big so it was far off the ground and it was also moving around a lot. Cue a montage of Luz and her buds trying to slap it in while my dream gets fuzzy for a moment.

Everyone was taking turns trying to do it. Then fucking Sans Undertale came out and was like “hey let me try” BECAUSE APPARENTLY SANS UT HAD BEEN IN ONE OF THE FLYING BOATS?!?!?! AND ALSO PAPYRUS!?!?!? AND ALSO FELL SANS????

(These ones should be much easier to find images of then that specific cute seal. You can google them yourself.)

But I quickly. Accepted this. I tried My best to understand it. The logic of my dream had already moved on past my processing stage. So, I watched as Sans  did literally nothing except accidently breathe in the sleeping powder and conk out. Or he just felt like sleeping. No clue.

At this, Papyrus got really annoyed. He ran to the side of the mountain, pushed open a gray door (which coincidently did not look like the mystery man door, it was much less detailed. just felt the need to clarify that gaster did not appear in this dream.) and ran inside it to his house. He ran upstairs to his room and to his desk, which was now in front of a window.

His desk had sleeping power on it and this is the part where my brain just exploded and starting spitting out nonsense. I don’t even know where Luz went anymore guys! Papyrus took over the dream!?!?!?!

Anyways, Papyrus fucking snorted the sleeping powder off his desk, reverse snorted it onto a piece of paper and ran back outside. When he ran down the stairs to leave his house you could see the lower half of his house was now filled with sleeping powder and/or snow. If you slowed down the frame and zoomed in on the left part of the frame you might have seen the Annoying Dog jumping through the drifts of ambiguous white stuff. (I’m being completely real here, my brain slowed it down the second time and zoomed in on it. Send help.)

So after that minor bout of insanity, Papyrus floated up and slapped the powder in the seal’s face. I think he can fly, so that... makes... sense...? 

After that, I think Fell Sans tried to do something too but he must’ve failed because he was like “aw heck. now it’s just down to time sans.”

.............................WHO IS TIME SANS?

Now, the first thing I did when I woke up was go to google Time Sans. I haven’t even watched the part of the TOH finale I missed, guys! THIS DREAM INSANITY TOOK PRIORITY. And researching through google did give me some results, but none that matched my dream.

Time Sans was only called that about once. My dream also referred to him as Clock or most commonly Old Hour. I’m guessing Old Hour was his actual name or something and Time Sans was more of an obligatory title so that I would know who they were. Old Hour wore a suit with some nice shoes. They also had a cane and a tophat. I would say he was pretty short, and he had a monocle. I may draw him soon. 

If ANY Undertale fans feel like they recognize this description, PLEASE contact me! I am desperately trying to figure out if my brain spawned an au Sans purely for this strange crossover dream or if I subconsciously was thinking of another au that I repressed memories of and can’t find on google. Help.

Old Hour got up to fight the seal and for a moment it looked like he was going to fight it. There was a really dramatic shot of him running, and then the seal sneezed. It blew away Old Hour’s tophat and monocle so they were basically just Sans in a suit. (But still very fancy.) Old Hour got up and sat down by the door in the mountain to Sans and Papyrus’s house after that. He just wasn’t feeling up to it :(

After that, Luz, Eda and co busted in. They used a sleep mist so the seal went to sleep. I remember Luz turning towards the camera viewpoint I was watching my dream from, saying “The Boiling Isles is saved!” before a cut to black.

Now, eagle eyed viewers may have spotted a strange passage earlier. Let me copy paste it here.

If you slowed down the frame and zoomed in on the left part of the frame you might have seen the Annoying Dog jumping through the drifts of ambiguous white stuff. (I’m being completely real here, my brain slowed it down the second time and zoomed in on it. Send help.)

Yes, my brain was treating this like an actual episode of a show I was watching. It made me sit through this dream TWICE to catch all the easter eggs.

So, I’m recovering now. if you got through all this text, good job! Maybe I’ll even draw Old Hour/Time Sans for ya! Or maybe I’ll never remember this dream again. Thanks for reading! For now, I gotta go watch the Owl House finale.

[dnsbarbie]

𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬┃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫

chapter one

warnings: cursing, mentions of death, season 4/manga spoilers ??? (that’s about it, think!)

word count: 2,705

notes: this is the first installment of wistful irises !!! i guess it would be a slow-burn fic that would contain 5 or more chapters. i wrote this to cope with the tragedy of AOT manga chapter 138 — that’s just fucked up tbh.  please give this one a like/reblog/feedback so i know whether or not you liked it !!

NEXT CHAPTER: H E R E

𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

It was quiet — so eerily quiet, a hand came up to soothe her ears bitten by the cold wind. Devon’s palm felt at the rough rubbles on the surface of which she was sat on. Everything she laid eyes on tugged at her heart, scanning at her surroundings as if she looked one more time, her vision would change. 

Alas, she gazed upon the damaged cities from her place atop Wall Rose, with no success. Devon threw her head back, opting to find comfort at the stars that laid peacefully on the sky. 

“They’re dead.” She asserted, nearly winced at the wave of overwhelming devastation rushing at her heart. 

However, she was unsure who or what she was alluding to. Was it the people of Paradis? Those she lost? Or even — the stars?

Nothing was clear, at the moment. Only hurt and confusion clouded her devices. She found her palms closing in on the small rubbles she had caught, clutching them tightly in her fist.

It had been four years since everything went into a complete spiral. Perhaps it was for her alone, considering a massive part of her died along with the hundreds of comrades who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the truth. 

She remembered the day they found out about the life that existed beyond these walls. The walls she had known all her life, was quite literally, made to imprison its people. It was unclear whether she was angry or sad that there was a whole world out there that hated their existence so much that they’d created monsters to attack them. 

“It’s late, Devon.” 

She recognized that sweet-tuned voice instantly but didn’t turn to look his way as she spoke. “It’s awfully cold, too.” Her voice came in a whisper.

Her new companions footsteps grew closer, making her glance to her right. “Are you here to wallow in despair with me, Armin?” 

The blonde simply sat down beside his friend, looking ahead the dark path. “No,” He answered. “I was just looking for you.”

The silence returned after that. Chilly air wafting at the night, Devon laid her hands on her lap, inspecting how they’ve gotten small cuts from the sharp stone she had held. Her ears felt blocked as her hands began to tremble. She clenched her teeth in the hopes to ebb away her impending emotions. She exhaled a shattered breath, pressing her hands against the skin of her face. 

Armin’s hand that intended to ease Devon’s cries, seem to have worsen them the moment it touched her. However, he continued on, rubbing small circles at the column of her back. 

“I — “ Devon started, her voice failing her as another ripple of pain pounded at her chest. 

An encouraging hand reached up against her own, gently coaxing her into a state of solace, just enough for her to be able to convey her emotions.

With a breath, Devon began once more. “I thought we’ll be close to peace, once we discovered what was in that goddamn basement,” She laughed, lacking humor. The back of her palm wiping at the tears that had fallen on her cheeks. “But — it was just another door to one more disaster.” 

“That’s true,” Armin agreed, but still mulled over her words. “It is a big step from freedom, though.”

She gritted her teeth, baring the headache that came with it. There was a part of her that knew it was the exact idea Armin had in mind. Regardless of her understanding, she couldn’t help but feel a whistle of displeasure crawling against her lips.

With a swing of her head, she finally flashed her attention to Armin. Devon gave him a once-over, noticing how his once shoulder-length hair, had been cut shorter, lips curled into a frown, dragging down a creases on his forehead. The main thing that always saddened Devon was the look in his eyes.

Armin was the last person Devon thought she’d see with those haunting wisp. He was the last shred of hope she had in this world, even before everything came tumbling down, Devon saw Armin as a beacon, that she could run to whenever it all became horrifyingly dark— staring at him now, Devon felt extremely helpless, loneliness grasping at her throat, catching herself reaching for Armin’s hand that was placed on her back, snatching it on her own.

“We’ve lost so much,” She mumbled, compressing her grip on his hand. “I can’t afford to lose anything anymore— Armin—”

“You won’t—”

“— If we go tomorrow, I will—”

“Devon—”

“No— we’re going into a lion’s den! Every single person in that goddamn land wants us dead!” She stressed, leaning in closer to Arnim as if it’s bound to improve his comprehension.

Armin halted, observing the panic flood in Devon’s sunken eyes. The usual brilliance of its green hue had faded over time. In it’s place were tired, dull irises staring back at him.

He swallowed the lump building up his throat, nodding in understanding. “I know— but we have to bring him home, Devon.”

With a quick dark chuckle, Devon faced the sky, leaning her head back. “I don’t even know if I want to see him,”

Huffing out a breath Armin was holding, he abruptly got on his feet, pulling his hands from Devon’s freezing ones.

The latter flashed him a confused glance, awaiting his next move. She watched as Armin shook off his Survey Corps jacket, soon hanging it on her shoulders.

Maybe it was the topic of discussion that made them neglect the air that had been a lot chillier than before. Devon felt warmth seeping back into her skin as she hugged the material tighter against her body.

“You don’t seem to have a choice for the matter,” Armin muttered, gazing down at her. “Whether or not you’re in good terms with him, Eren still belong with us.”

Devon grimaced, as if Armin had said something completely ridiculous— in her eyes, it was.

She recalled that painful night, about three months ago. The night Eren decided to sneak out and leave Paradis. He had been babbling about it for weeks prior to his escape. Devon made the mistake of thinking it was all that— mindless babbling.

She was wrong, of course. Eren had actually planned everything. He was going to see through his stupid plan.

“Are being fucking serious right now?” Devon hissed, distressed eyes were scanning Eren’s face, hoping this was some sick prank he’d gotten everyone in.

Eren cringed at the volume of her voice, hands putting up immediately to cup her mouth. “Devon— Please— Listen, yeah?”

His pleas were met by deaf ears, as Devon slapped his plams away from his mouth, glaring at him with the outmost disbelief.

“You’re being stupid,” She scoffed. “This is stupid— Eren— You want to go there?” Her furrowed eyebrows deepened the more she thought about it.

Eren bit his lip, nodding slowly, standing rigid in front of her, frozen at the fire in her eyes. He examined her, sitting on her bed, contemplating the information he threw at her face.

The light of the single candle in the room, illuminated the left side of her face as she turned to him again. “What ever you think is going to fix this, it’ll only call for another war—”

“That’s nothing new.”

“You selfish—” She had lunged at him, limbs acting before her brain. “—little brat—!” An echo deafening resounded in the small enclosed space, rearing on the silence it followed. Devon’s palm stung, eyes raging and barely seeing anything beyond her seething anger.

Before she had the mind to process anything, her head banged against a solid surface, a groan leaving her lips from the impact.

Everything was fuzzy, scarcely making out anything at sight. Only cloudy images filled her vision, almost not feeling the bruising grip pressing her down by the wrists.

The searing breath near her ear, felt uncomfortably cold, a pair of lips grazing at the tip, making her shudder.

“For your own protection— all of you— remember that . . .”

The words echoed, but she could barely hear the last ones, as her breath turned calmer, the last thing she saw were those turquoise orbs, looking back at her with an emotion she couldn’t quite read.

Devon shook herself out of the memory. There was more to it, she knew that — but she couldn’t seem to remember. When she tries, a huge headache always came crashing down on her. A sick wave slapped her as she thought about the dreadful possibility of Eren, messing with her memories. 

She hated the big gapping wall in her mind. It was always incomplete, left her nothing but empty guesses about what else he could have said to her that night before he left her hanging with a missing piece in her heart. 

He left them — and just like that, he gets to come home in the most unnecessarily brutal way possible. Eren was asking for a bloodbath, and unfortunately, that was what most likely going to happen tomorrow.

“He’s going to get us killed.” She muttered, voice thinning at the thought of her fallen comrades — endless blood — fire — explosions — “We’ll be lucky if we all make it out in one piece.” 

This time, Armin didn’t contract her declaration, having her look down. He was frighteningly aware of the fact that any of them could die at any given moment. It brought him peril at how Devon had smacked him in the face with the reality he was trying to avoid. A part of him wanted to believe it was all going to go smoothly, but the logical part of him had mulled over the dreadful alternative for a long time now.

He sympathized with the hostile feelings Devon had grown for Eren. Perhaps it was due to the puzzling relationship they possessed. If he was to base it on his observations alone, it was painfully obvious that they cared deeply for one another but never had the time or courage to say it. 

No one has ever pried about their relationship, since they both dismissed it as nonsense. It was perplexing yet as clear as day what they had for each other. 

They would always be found bicker when they were younger, Devon calling Eren an ugly airhead then Eren shooting back that they were the same. Back then, it was true. They were kids who thought they could do everything themselves. Armin could say, Devon grew out of that attitude as time passed by when he got to know Devon a little better. 

After the battle with Zeke, Reiner and Bertholdt, the amount of trauma everyone endured was terrible. The bloody aftermath of Paradis was engraved into their minds, never fading until their last breath. 

The guilt ate at Armin when he found out how he came to be alive. He often wondered why it was him. Why did Captain Levi give him the chance to live over Commander Erwin. 

On the other hand, remorse gripped at Devon’s throat at the unintentional betrayal that crossed her mind that day. She found herself opening her mouth before she could hide it away. 

“I was so desperate for peace . . .” She whispered, yanking down Armin by his hands, his behind slamming against the hard concrete as he was forced to sit down in front of her. “That I . . . For a long time — I believed that only Erwin could lead us there —”

“It’s alright — “

“It isn’t — it was meant to make me happy, for goodness sake — you came back from the dead after I stood there and watch you get burned alive . . .” She failed to realize she was crying until she felt droplets of her tears falling on her hands, intertwined with Armin’s.

Looking away, she continued, Armin watching her carefully. “Mikasa and Eren were desperately convincing Captain Levi to resurrect you — while I stared at both yours and Commander Erwin’s body , absolutely loathing the choice that had to be made.” 

Devon could no longer hold in her heavy sobs, as it broke through her completely. “I get why you thought that, and you weren’t selfish for doing it, were you?” She listened to Armin’s reassuring voice. “You thought Erwin should’ve had it because you believed people would follow him and would avoid getting hurt — “

“ — you’d be able to do that too, though . . .” Devon countered, sniffling as she glanced back at Armin’s oceanic orbs. “I was just blinded by fear to think straight back then.”

Armin smiled at Devon in a silent gratitude. “I thought about everything you did, too, and maybe you’re right, maybe I’m too blinded by my own fears to face another life that was given to me — but I promised Captain Levi and Commander Hanji I’ll do everything it takes to bring us the peace we’ve been seeking out for years.”

Devon winced at the sudden touch on her head, chestnut locks swishing from one side after the other as Armin ruffled her hair. 

“Regretting could only get you so far,” Armin stated, a small smile gracing his face. “What’s important is what you decide to do about it.”

Warmth flooded at Devon’s core, nearly bursting into tears at Armin’s comforting words. Her mind went back to Eren, his circumstances and living conditions on that island were mostly unknown. But seeing as he had the facilities to send a letter, hints that it must be at the least safe.

She started to fly over the scattered thoughts inside her head, mulling over how mentally drained she has been, yet the noise and dull of her heart seem to only worsen. The countless times she had to convince herself of the good things left in the world to bask the gift of life, but lately, she found herself sitting by the windowsill of her room. Eyes always glancing up the sky whether or not they were painted with shining stars. 

Devon often clutched her chest when the uncontrollable pangs in her heart refuses to remain still. Some days, the rejection of waking up rattles her tremendously, and the refusal to face the day ahead was stronger than anything. 

She wanted nothing more than to take a few steps back and reverse time to relish the tranquility of it all. It sounded ridiculously selfish, but she’d trade anything if it means she would awake to Eren and Jean’s loud voices arguing or to see Sasha pocket goods she had stolen from the kitchen while being chased down by Armin. And oh — what she wouldn’t give to replay the day they’ve all bonded together after Keith Shadis made Sasha run until she was in the brink of insanity. 

It’s those little things that made her nostalgic, bringing a sad smile on her lips that she wasn’t sure if she wanted those thoughts randomly popping up her mind. Sometimes, disbelief hits her harder than anything whenever she’d allow herself to scan the faces of what’s left of her teammates. 

When Erwin had told them, he knows “they’d one day go far and achieve great things”, if he was still here, Devon would surely make him look at what had become of them. 

Everyone was preparing for the expedition in Marley tomorrow. Devon had exited the room when she had heard the severity of the situation. Eren was going to wreck havoc in that foreign island and he gave them no other choice than to lend him aid. 

It was rather conflicting, Devon was worried for him but nonetheless, despised his living-breathing self. She often wondered about his whole motive, considering his adamant proclamation that it wasn’t for his own self-indulgence. 

It felt like it was, as she began to feel the shuddering screams of the impending battle that was set to take place. 

If another life of her loved one’s taken from her tomorrow, she fears that it might throw her in an unstable state and she had every right to blame it all on Eren.

[wisdomrays]

TAFAKKUR: Part 340

THE BRAIN: A GALAXY OF NEURONS: Part 2

THE HUMAN BRAIN AND COMPUTERS

The human brain and computers are two different things. One is a living, thinking, learning, feeling, crying, and loving organism. Happiness and sadness, in the form of marginal emotions, are reactions of the brain. Such terminology makes no sense to computers. In that sense, it might be misleading to compare the human brain and computers. However, there are some common functionalities that make such a comparison logical.

Both the human brain and computers have memory. Memory in human brains is defined as "stronger synaptic connections," whereas computer memories are formed by semiconductor chips. Both can adapt and learn. The human brain can learn easier and faster than a computer, which can only "learn" certain tasks by being programmed with special algorithms. The nature of such "learning" is very limited.

On the other hand, computers can perform many complex tasks much faster than human brains. For example, try multiplying two numbers, dividing the result by 7, and then subtracting 9 from that result. The computational speed of a human brain is much slower than that of a computer.

Due to their high speed, computers perform parallel jobs relatively faster. The human brain also can perform parallel tasks at the same time. For example, it controls the heart rate and blood pressure while performing computational tasks. In addition, the human brain is better at interfacing with the outside world and coming up with new ideas; computers only do what they are instructed to do, regardless of the task's simplicity or complexity. The human brain distinguishes itself from computers by its extraordinary capability in the areas of imagination and innovation.

Another common functionality is that both transmit information. Computers use semiconductor switches that are either on or off. Everything inside of a computer is represented by either a one (1) or a zero (0). Although neurons in the human brain are either on or off, meaning that they are or are not firing an action potential at a particular point in time, an accumulated charge that activates neurons gives the human brain more flexibility. Neurons are more than just on or off, for their excitability is always changing as they constantly receive information from other cells through synaptic contacts. As stated earlier, this information is carried through electrochemical polarization. Although this electrochemical process does not always result in an action potential, it may alter the chance that an action potential will be produced by raising or lowering the neuron's threshold.

Another important distinction between computers and the human brain is that the human brain never rests, while computers do after they have been turned off. Even during sleep, the human brain continues to work dynamically. Indeed, it produces distinct signals, called sleep spindles, that may be observed externally while the person is asleep. While an individual's body rests during sleep, his or her brain recollectively refreshes itself.

UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN'S DYNAMICS

All activity inside the human brain is conducted through electrochemical polarization, a process that can be observed by placing electrodes on an individual's scalp. The brain's dynamics can be observed in the form of an electroencephalograph (EEG) or a magnetoencephalograph (MEG). An EEG, which is relatively less sophisticated than a MEG, maps the brain's dynamics into electrically recorded brain waves. Multiple electrodes are systematically placed on the scalp, and potential differences are measured with respect to a reference point. In the case of a multichannel EEG, the number of electrodes may be as high as 64 or even 128. Figure 2 shows a single-channel recorded EEG. Potential differences measured through electrodes are sampled and stored in a computer for analysis.

The challenge presented to researchers is how to read multichannel EEGs and extract the information that really reflects neuronal activity. If the patient is epileptic, brain abnormalities may be easily distinguished in a multichannel EEG. From the location of electrodes, it may be possible to identify the general part of the brain giving rise to epileptic EEGs. In clinics, neurosurgeons usually open the patient's scalp and measure the EEG directly by placing electrode grids over the cortical tissue. Even then, it is a real challenge to identify the defective region and proceed accordingly.

The EEGs of epileptic patients distinguish themselves from other brain activities by their relatively high amplitude. But what about other physical and mental tasks? Can we detect and identify those EEGs that reflect a certain mental task? Scientists from many disciplines are focusing on such questions. Many researchers are combining EEGs, MEGs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and such engineering tools and algorithms as digital signal processing and spectral analysis to identify and understand the brain's dynamics. The clinical need for such solutions are in high demand.

THE HUMAN BRAIN AND INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE

The human brain has been a research focus of scientists from many disciplines. Scientists in medicine, neuroscience, engineering (electrical engineering and biomedical engineering), mathematics, physics, physiology, and computer science have been conducting either sole or interdisciplinary research for many years. The brain has so many dimensions that no single discipline can cover all of its aspects. Some of these disciplines are described below:

Artificial intelligence attempts to build knowledge representation on the hypothesis that intelligent systems act intelligently. Hence, if the human brain's intelligence were represented in a finite domain, this domain could be used by computers to mimic human intelligence. This approach faces a major challenge: human intelligence cannot be represented to the degree that artificial intelligence requires to mimic human intelligence.

Computational intelligence, on the other hand, approaches the problem from the perspective of such engineering tools and algorithms as neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms. Neural networks and genetic algorithms can learn an underlying task to some degree, whereas fuzzy logic relaxes information representation by providing one more degree of freedom to the binary representation of information: a membership function concept. In this concept, the information has a probability of being a member of a certain class. The human brain's electrochemical process may not always result in an action potential for a certain neuron(s). The binary concept cannot represent this phenomenon, whereas fuzzy logic may be helpful in modeling the chance of a neuron to produce action potential

Engineering provides technical tools and algorithms for conducting research on the human brain. Electrical engineering provides signal processing tools and algorithms for filtering and imaging, and other tools to process EEGs. Many scientists use these tools and algorithms to understand and localize EEGs. It would be very effective to localize human brain abnormalities with the help of engineering tools and algorithms.

Each science and method mentioned above has its own limitations. Combined interdisciplinary research provides more promising results for understanding the brain's dynamics. Many other methods not mentioned in this article also are being used to study the human brain.

SOME FACTS

An average adult human brain weighs about 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms). A stegosaurus weighed about 3,528 pounds (1,600 kilograms) but had a brain that weighed only about 0.15 pounds (70 grams), or just 0.004 percent of its total body weight. In contrast, an adult human being weighs about 154 pounds (70 kilograms) and has a brain that weighs about 3.1 pounds (1.4 kilograms), or about 2 percent of his or her total body weight. That makes a human being's brain-to-body ratio 500 times greater than that of the stegosaurus.

DISCUSSION

This is only a very brief description of the human brain and its functionality. As scientists and researchers learn more about the human brain, they realize that what they know is very small when compared with how much they still do not know. All scientific efforts undertaken thus far have opened only a small window on a large universe: our own galaxy, located inside our brain, with the neurons as its stars. Let each neuron be a moon. How much do we know about the moon compared with the universe in which it resides? The answer is the same for the following question: How much we know about the human brain's neurons and the universe in which they reside?