#if you have an output that needs to be used in multiple locations and it takes 50 lines of code to generate that output

[shmreduplication]

i think if you plan on revolutionizing an industry you shouldn't be surprised that you attract people who want to work for you who also revolutionize other things like team structure. And then if you do hire them to revolutionize the team structure you should, you know, let them do the thing you hired them to do

and if you work at a science company then you should be swayed by data

[allie-leth]

I made an output agnostic logging framework for embedded devices that would work on anything as it's written only with standard C++ libs. In theory I could use it for linux or pis, lol. I made it because I kept having to write new handlers for serial, mqtt, uart, then having to like wire them all together without creating dependency loops or other issues - especially because I often work on meshes or online embedded devices that require multiple outputs. Now you just write your handler, tell it what tags to watch, and it'll log according to tag and log level. So you could write a serial debugging log handler when you're first making it. Then when you're done, disable it, and it'll stop outputting - but then later assign the serial debugging log tag to your MQTT handler and get all your debugging serial lines output to MQTT - then just disable it again when you're done. There's still some polish I need to put into it, it has some jank, some bugs, but it's working and neat. it's kind of neat.

[canmom]

using LLMs to control a game character's dialogue seems an obvious use for the technology. and indeed people have tried, for example nVidia made a demo where the player interacts with AI-voiced NPCs:

this looks bad, right? like idk about you but I am not raring to play a game with LLM bots instead of human-scripted characters. they don't seem to have anything interesting to say that a normal NPC wouldn't, and the acting is super wooden.

so, the attempts to do this so far that I've seen have some pretty obvious faults:

relying on external API calls to process the data (expensive!)

presumably relying on generic 'you are xyz' prompt engineering to try to get a model to respond 'in character', resulting in bland, flavourless output

limited connection between game state and model state (you would need to translate the relevant game state into a text prompt)

responding to freeform input, models may not be very good at staying 'in character', with the default 'chatbot' persona emerging unexpectedly. or they might just make uncreative choices in general.

AI voice generation, while it's moved very fast in the last couple years, is still very poor at 'acting', producing very flat, emotionless performances, or uncanny mismatches of tone, inflection, etc.

although the model may generate contextually appropriate dialogue, it is difficult to link that back to the behaviour of characters in game

so how could we do better?

the first one could be solved by running LLMs locally on the user's hardware. that has some obvious drawbacks: running on the user's GPU means the LLM is competing with the game's graphics, meaning both must be more limited. ideally you would spread the LLM processing over multiple frames, but you still are limited by available VRAM, which is contested by the game's texture data and so on, and LLMs are very thirsty for VRAM. still, imo this is way more promising than having to talk to the internet and pay for compute time to get your NPC's dialogue lmao

second one might be improved by using a tool like control vectors to more granularly and consistently shape the tone of the output. I heard about this technique today (thanks @cherrvak)

third one is an interesting challenge - but perhaps a control-vector approach could also be relevant here? if you could figure out how a description of some relevant piece of game state affects the processing of the model, you could then apply that as a control vector when generating output. so the bridge between the game state and the LLM would be a set of weights for control vectors that are applied during generation.

this one is probably something where finetuning the model, and using control vectors to maintain a consistent 'pressure' to act a certain way even as the context window gets longer, could help a lot.

probably the vocal performance problem will improve in the next generation of voice generators, I'm certainly not solving it. a purely text-based game would avoid the problem entirely of course.

this one is tricky. perhaps the model could be taught to generate a description of a plan or intention, but linking that back to commands to perform by traditional agentic game 'AI' is not trivial. ideally, if there are various high-level commands that a game character might want to perform (like 'navigate to a specific location' or 'target an enemy') that are usually selected using some other kind of algorithm like weighted utilities, you could train the model to generate tokens that correspond to those actions and then feed them back in to the 'bot' side? I'm sure people have tried this kind of thing in robotics. you could just have the LLM stuff go 'one way', and rely on traditional game AI for everything besides dialogue, but it would be interesting to complete that feedback loop.

I doubt I'll be using this anytime soon (models are just too demanding to run on anything but a high-end PC, which is too niche, and I'll need to spend time playing with these models to determine if these ideas are even feasible), but maybe something to come back to in the future. first step is to figure out how to drive the control-vector thing locally.

[pookie-mulder]

Converting plain text fics to .epub

Hey guys! As I’ve entered the wonderful world of The X-Files fandom, I’ve encountered many wonderful old-school fics that are hard to read because they’ve been shared in plain text (.txt) format. I’m sure some of you know already how to convert them to easily-readable epubs, but I thought I’d share how I do it just in case anyone has been suffering through terrible formatting.

Basic tutorial under the cut!

The first thing you need to do is download Calibre. It’s a life-changing desktop app that allows you to edit ebooks.

Once you’ve got Calibre all set up, go ahead and download the fic you want to convert. I’ll show you here with the legendary Tempest, found on Gossamer.

Gossamer has a handy download button, but not all of the old-school fanfic sites do. However, you can still download them as txt files using your browser. It’s different for every browser, but generally it’s under “file” and “export as” or “download page” or something.

Anyway, as you can see, once you download it as a .txt file, it messes up the formatting, making it incredibly annoying to read.

To fix this, you’re going to drag and drop the file into Calibre to add it to your library. Select it, then click “Convert books” at the top. There are a lot of settings you can change, but most of the time, you won’t need to mess with any of them. Just choose “epub” as your output format (top right), click OK, and you’re good!

(This process also works for other file formats like pdfs.)

Once it’s done converting, double click on the title to preview the book and make sure it looks good. If it still has issues, you can try converting it again with heuristic processing turned on (it’s located on the left side of the conversion screen). The conversion process isn’t perfect, but it will take care of the most egregious formatting errors.

Next, click on “edit metadata” at the top and locate the original txt file under the list of formats at the top right. Select it, then click the little green recycling icon to delete it. You can also change the title, author, cover, and series info while you’re at it.

Finally, go back to your library, click “save to disk” at the top, and choose “save only epub format to a single folder” to save the epub file to your computer. From there, you can import it into your ebook app of choice. I use iBooks, so all I have to do is open the file on my computer and it automatically adds it to the library on my phone and laptop.

That’s it! Now you have a readable ebook.

Let me know if you want me to add pictures of the process! I can’t guarantee I know the answers to any questions, but I’d be happy to try to help if you need it.

There’s also a Calibre plugin that allows you to combine multiple epubs into a single file. This is super helpful for fics with chapters uploaded separately. If anyone wants to know how to do that, let me know!

[feelrush]

fast .mkv (to .mp4 / .mov / etc) conversion

are you sick and tired of wrangling with .mkv files when you want to make gifs? are you mad at all the online converters having a 1gb limit?

download amvpack from amv101.

little tutorial under the cut because some friends have reported a little confusion on what to download! (**note, as far as i can tell, this download will expire by the end of the year, 12/31/2023)

download the appropriate software for your operating system. the website offers windows & mac.

install the package as you usually will, continue through the screens. install which programs you want from the package. you will need AMVtool.

now you should have this application. open it.

4. rename your .mkv file to something short & simple so that it converts easily. i usually choose to do the name of the person i'm giffing. open that file in amvtool by clicking add or dragging the file into the window.

5. you'll want it to say 8bit sdr. for me, 10bit videos have never worked. idk i'm not a computer scientist. we're going to click on configure all now. (*note, you can do multiple .mkv files at once)

6. awesome, now you have this window. choose whatever output location you like. make sure you check copy compatible (recontainer). feel free to mess around with the other settings if you have the time. you can also convert video to .mov if you want. on the audio tab, i change use stream to none, as i don't actually watch what i'm giffing and find audio to take up needless space. click ok to save the settings and the window will close.

7. click start ! this usually takes a minute max for me, depending on how big my file is.

8. celebrate, because now it won't take ages to gif !

[laxmankodadala]

How to Improve Effective Team Communication in the Workplace

What is Team Communication?

Team communication is the exchange of information inside or across teams. The idea that "teamwork makes the dream work" is best illustrated by effective team communication in the workplace. Effective team communication at work makes it possible for everyone to be aware of any problems, which enhances operations. In the workplace, it also promotes camaraderie, trust, morale, and employee engagement.

Working alone and in a silo-like setting will disrupt the relationships among employees and reduce their output. In order to accomplish goals in a coordinated and focused manner, team communication is essential. As they say, Two people are needed to tango. Without creating a communal work culture among its personnel, no organisation can afford to advance.

The demands of relating across several platforms to accomplish the shared goal of work might occasionally cause communication to become strained. This is where effective team communication is crucial. As a team's size increases, it is essential that the communication channel become more intelligent, seamless, and, of course, secure. For the entity's overall advantage, this promotes solid and enduring teamwork. Planning strategies to enhance workplace communication makes a lot of sense because this is essential. Effective team communication is difficult to get, but a concentrated effort will guarantee that all employees, regardless of location, are on the same page.

1. Gel Well

Using inclusive tactics helps team members develop a good outlook and effective communication skills. Information sharing within the company will be more honest, transparent, and based on greater trust. To promote a fair and honest exchange of thoughts and viewpoints regarding work, the team leader should make sure to build a personal rapport with each member of the team. Working in silos is far worse than using participatory management and working methods.

2. Instill Trust

When do you believe you'll be accepted by your community? Is it your wealth, your attractiveness, your power? These traits could actually "force" coworkers and subordinates to comply rather than guarantee a sincere and dedicated reaction to work. Allow your actions to speak for themselves. Set a good example and encourage greater levels of trust and teamwork among your staff. To create more equitable relationships and promote a positive work culture, demonstrate real interest in and empathy for others. Nearly one-third of workers have a favourable dislike for their bosses, according to multiple surveys.

When do you believe you'll be accepted by your community? Is it your wealth, your attractiveness, your power? These traits could actually "force" coworkers and subordinates to comply rather than guarantee a sincere and dedicated reaction to work. Allow your actions to speak for themselves. Set a good example and encourage greater levels of trust and teamwork among your staff. To create more equitable relationships and promote a positive work culture, demonstrate real interest in and empathy for others. Nearly one-third of workers have a favourable dislike for their bosses, according to multiple surveys.

3. Get to know individuals better

A blanket opinion about the staff is a big no when it comes to managing them. Take time, understand each individual, and know their strengths.

By understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s easier to have effective team communication in the workplace.

No two personalities resemble fully. Comprehend the subtle variations in moods, responses, and reactions of one and all to varying situations at work.

4. Provide a level playing field

The ability to respect diversity begets positive vibes in the work environment.

Respect differing styles of working as long as the ultimate goal is not vitiated by divergent work styles.

While some may prefer team chat, some may depend on face-to-face interaction. However, both come under team communication skills.

Factor such preferences wherever possible and feasible to promote seamless communication among and with peers and staff.

5. Team Collaboration

Excellent team communication develops a workplace where everyone develops skills and ideas to help them become more educated about duties to various degrees by collaborating as a team instead of as individuals.

What are the different types of team communication?

Some of the different types of team communication are as follows:

Verbal: As was already established, one-on-one interaction is the ideal way to nurture effective team communication. Paying attention to one another and the dialogue promotes a sense of value and credibility. Face-to-face talks allow you to examine your team member successfully.

Body Language: Body language is a method of communication in which information is expressed or conveyed via bodily behaviors rather than words. This behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch, and the use of space.

Written Communication: Any interaction that uses the written word is considered Written communication which involves expressing yourself clearly, using precise language, constructing a logical argument; note-taking, editing, summarising; and writing reports.

Visual Communication: Visual communication conveys information and ideas using symbols and visuals. It is based on actions that convey concepts, viewpoints, and values using visual materials like text, images, or video. Given that the message or information is communicated using a visual medium, visual communication is considered one of the best team communication styles most likely to impact and foster improved comprehension significantly.

Conclusion

Business chat apps that offer a wide range of functions and satisfy users' various needs abound in the unified chat app market. A small number of these team communication tools offer free services with enhanced security measures, but the majority charge users on a monthly basis. Make informed decisions since the secret to success is enhancing team communication.

[magnetarbeam]

So I guess this is the thread where I infodump my ideas about how the magic space technology works in Star Wars, on the off-chance that anyone cares.

The first thing to know in terms of ships is that volume is by far the most important dimension. Almost all other characteristics of a vessel's performance are limited by its volume.

The primary characteristic of that performance is the reactor. The recorded performance of Star Wars ships demands the use of some kind of exotic matter in power generation. This is known as hypermatter. A common Imperator-class star destroyer is understood to generate approximately 1e25 watts - the power of a small star - in a reactor of several million cubic meters. In my current headcanon, the exact values are 1.07e25 W and 3053628 cubic meters, respectively. The relationship between reactor volume and maximum power output is constant and direct, and a hypermatter annihilation reactor can be turned down to zero or near-zero output if you need to save fuel or something (in fact, warships pretty much never operate at maximum output outside of combat), but it can never exceed the output determined by its volume.

It's commonly assumed that all hypermatter annihilation reactors are spherical in shape.

In this context, a proper warship is a vessel that is able to easily divert any or all of its reactor output into any of its major systems at the discretion of the crew. The output of the reactor is the primary comparison for if a ship is overgunned (the combined yield and thus power draw of the energy weapons is more than a second of reactor output, necessitating the guns to be charged over a longer duration) or undergunned (the opposite of that), and the capacity of the shields and power flow of the thrusters are also measured relatively to the reactor.

Small craft have inherent limits on power flow due to the limited size of power conduits, which is the reason that a T-65XJ X-Wing, with an overall output of 4.03e17 W, only mounts four 30-kiloton laser cannons capable of firing one full shot every 1.35 seconds, which draws far less than a percent of the full output. On ships the size of starfighters, the reactors are built directly into the ion engines, whereas capital ships have the reactors more centrally located.

A purposely and professionally constructed capital warship is expected to be able to divert all power into weapons, thrust, or shields, though secondary cannons are afforded a smaller maximum power flow than primaries. Retrofitted civilian vessels like early Mon Calamari combat ships or pre-Clone Wars Lucrehulk configurations have less extensive power transfer systems.

Fuel is a serious concern. A tonne of hypermatter yields 9e19 J when annihilated (this derived directly from the RotS Incredible Cross-Sections entry for the Venator), and on capital ships, the fuel mass at a full tank is several times the dry mass. An Imperator, in my current headcanon, carries fuel for 5400 seconds of full output. In basically any noncombat situation, these vessels operate at power levels many orders of magnitude lower, to conserve fuel. Volume of fuel storage is so poorly defined in Star Wars that I ignore it entirely, but more fuel means significantly more mass, and that makes the ship slower.

For fighters, fuel mass is much less of a concern, but that's mostly due to the smaller craft being meant for shorter flight times.

In order to simplify things, I calculate the acceleration of Star Wars ships based on reactor power-to-weight in most cases. The ion engines on most ships are able to take the full output, and I haven't yet done the calcs for any that can't, but as mentioned, that can and does come up.

The total and reactor volumes of ships vary by multiple orders of magnitude. I currently have the Executor-class at a peak reactor output of 1.95e27 W, and the far more voluminous Mon Cal Viscount-class at 2.87e28.

Among the known performance features used for the Imperator's estimates is the ability to completely glass the surface of a common habitable planet in an hour. Just as a point of reference.

[marvs-alberto]

How to Produce Music at Home

Introduction

Welcome to Your Home Studio Journey

Embark on an exciting adventure into the world of home music production! If you've ever dreamed of creating your own music but felt daunted by the idea of setting up a home studio, you've come to the right place. At marvsalberto.com, we’re dedicated to making the process easy and guiding you through every step.

Why Produce Music at Home?

Why should you consider producing music at home? It’s incredibly convenient. No more booking expensive studio time or trying to fit your creative moments into someone else’s schedule. Having your own space allows you to experiment and refine your sound at your own pace. Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced musician, a home studio offers limitless creative potential.

Getting Started with Your Home Studio

Understanding Your Goals

Before diving into the technical details, take a moment to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to record vocals, produce electronic music, or create full-band demos? Your goals will determine the equipment and setup you need.

Budgeting for Your Studio

Budget is a crucial factor in building your home studio. You don’t need to break the bank to get started. Focus on essential equipment and start with the basics. You can always upgrade as you progress.

Essential Equipment for Home Music Production

Computer and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Your computer and DAW are the core of your home studio. Choose a computer with sufficient RAM and storage capacity. For your DAW, popular software options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X. Each has its own strengths, so pick one that suits your workflow and genre.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is essential for converting analog signals, like your voice or instrument, into digital ones that your computer can process. Look for interfaces with quality preamps and multiple input/output options.

Microphones

A quality microphone can significantly enhance your recordings. For vocals, a condenser mic like the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great starting point. For instruments, dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 are versatile and reliable.

Studio Monitors

Unlike regular speakers, studio monitors offer a flat frequency response, helping you hear your music accurately. Brands like KRK, Yamaha, and JBL provide a range of monitors suitable for different budgets.

Setting Up Your Space

Choosing the Right Room

The location of your studio can impact your recordings. Choose a quiet room, away from external noise, with minimal reflective surfaces. Avoid rooms with many windows or hard surfaces, as they can create unwanted echoes.

Acoustic Treatment Basics

Acoustic treatment helps manage reflections and improve sound quality. Start with bass traps in the corners and absorption panels on the walls. This doesn’t have to be costly; even DIY options can be effective.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Position your desk and monitors correctly for the best sound. The “equilateral triangle” setup, where your listening position and the two monitors form a triangle, ensures balanced sound delivery. Keep your microphone stand and pop filter within reach for easy access during recordings.

Optimizing Your Workflow

Cable Management

A tidy setup is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Use cable ties and organizers to keep your cables neat. This prevents unwanted noise and makes troubleshooting easier.

Ergonomic Setup

Ensure your setup is comfortable for long periods. An ergonomic chair, a desk at the right height, and well-placed equipment can prevent strain and keep you productive.

Software Essentials

Choosing Your DAW

Your DAW is central to your music production. Whether it’s the loop-based workflow of Ableton Live or the extensive plugin support in FL Studio, choose one that aligns with your needs. Most DAWs offer free trials, so explore a few before making a decision.

Must-have Plugins and VSTs

Plugins and VSTs expand your sound palette. Essential ones include EQs, compressors, reverb, and delay. Consider investing in high-quality plugins like those from Waves, FabFilter, or Native Instruments.

Sample Libraries

Sample libraries provide you with ready-made sounds and loops, especially useful for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. Websites like Splice and Loopmasters offer extensive libraries for every genre and style.

Recording Techniques

Recording Vocals

Vocals are often the centerpiece of a track. Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and record in a treated room to minimize background noise. Experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot.

Recording Instruments

Each instrument has unique recording techniques. For guitars, direct input or miking an amp works great. For drums, multiple mics are usually required. Always aim for the best raw sound to simplify the mixing process.

MIDI Recording

MIDI recording offers flexibility. You can edit performances, change instrument sounds, and automate parameters easily. Make sure to quantize your MIDI notes to keep the timing tight.

Mixing and Mastering Basics

Introduction to Mixing

Mixing involves blending all your tracks into a cohesive piece. Focus on balancing levels, panning instruments to create space, and using EQ to carve out frequencies.

Introduction to Mastering

Mastering is the final polish on your track. The goal is to make it sound great on all playback systems. Use limiting, EQ, and compression to increase loudness and clarity without losing dynamics.

Essential Mixing Tools

Invest in good-quality headphones and reference monitors. Use a spectrum analyzer to visualize frequencies and a metering tool to monitor levels. Plugins like iZotope Ozone can also assist in mastering.

DIY Acoustic Treatments

Bass Traps

Bass traps control low-frequency energy that tends to build up in corners. They are crucial for accurate low-end monitoring.

Diffusers

Diffusers scatter sound waves, helping to control reflections without deadening the room. These are best placed on the rear wall or ceiling.

Absorption Panels

Absorption panels control mid and high-frequency reflections. Place them at first reflection points, where sound waves first bounce off the walls.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Layering Sounds

Layering sounds can add depth and complexity to your tracks. Layer similar sounds with slight variations to create a richer texture.

Automation

Automation allows you to add dynamic changes throughout your track. Automate volume, panning, and effects to add movement and interest.

Sound Design Tips

Get creative with sound design. Use synthesis, sampling, and effects to craft unique sounds. Experimentation is key to finding your signature sound.

Staying Creative and Inspired

Overcoming Creative Blocks

Creative blocks happen to everyone. Change your environment, collaborate with others, or try a new genre to reignite your creativity.

Collaborating Remotely

Collaboration is easier than ever with online tools. Use platforms like Splice or Dropbox to share projects and work together, no matter where you are.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dealing with Latency

Latency is a common issue in home studios. Lower your buffer size during recording and increase it during mixing. Use direct monitoring if available.

Fixing Audio Quality Problems

Ensure clean recordings by using high-quality cables and maintaining your equipment. Address issues like hums, buzzes, and pops using noise gates or filters.

Expanding Your Studio Over Time

Investing in Better Gear

As you grow, consider upgrading your equipment. Higher-end mics, preamps, and monitors can elevate your productions.

Adding More Instruments

Expanding your instrument collection adds versatility to your productions. Keys, guitars, and a drum set provide a broad range of sonic possibilities.

Sharing Your Music with the World

Online Platforms for Distribution

Platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify allow you to share your music with a global audience. Each has its own features and audience, so choose those most suited to your goals.

Promoting Your Music

Promoting your music is crucial for reaching your audience. Use social media, engage with music communities, and consider paid promotions to increase exposure.

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

Setting up a home studio and producing music at home is an exciting and fulfilling journey. From choosing the right equipment to mastering your tracks, each step enhances your creative toolkit.

Encouragement to Get Started

Don’t wait for perfection. Start with what you have and build from there. The world is waiting to hear your music, so dive in and start creating!

FAQs

Can I build a home studio on a tight budget? Absolutely! Start with essential equipment and upgrade over time. Many high-quality budget options are available for every piece of gear.

What is the most important piece of equipment in a home studio? Your computer and DAW are the central elements. These will be the backbone of your setup, so invest wisely.

How can I improve the acoustics of my room inexpensively? DIY acoustic treatments like foam panels and bass traps made from rock wool can improve room acoustics without breaking the bank.

Do I need any special skills to produce music at home? Basic knowledge of music theory and production can help, but many resources and tutorials are available online to help you learn.

How can I stay motivated to create music at home? Set regular goals, collaborate with others, and keep exploring new sounds and techniques to stay inspired. Join online communities to share your progress and get feedback.

Start your musical journey today with marvsalberto.com and transform your dreams into reality right from the comfort of your home!

[rin-and-jade]

This question touches upon the notion of “traumagenic” and “endogenic”; as well as The Theory of Structural Dissociation. The Theory of Structural Dissociation seemingly supports endogenics as it states that there are “natural born” systems. They would be “endogenic” because they're not born from trauma, (as those who are “traumagenic” are).

I recently had a discussion with someone in a yt comment section about those two terms and they pointed me to you, so I just want to see what you think.

I believe in endogenic systems; because why would a book (the DSM) made by those who don't even experience plurality determine whether something exists or not? And as systems, those who are heavily categorized and misunderstood or looked down upon because they don't fit the singlet category, I feel as though we should embrace different forms of neurodiversity.

My questions are: what is the real line between "traumagenic" and "endogenic"? Are systems who were born as a system and weren't exasperated by trauma (like an endo) any less valid or real than those who were exasperated by trauma (traumagenic)? Or because of that theory, if that's how all systems work, aren't all systems "endogenic"?

Before reading: Long post. This purpose is to discuss and look at things in another pov, not intended to debate current beliefs/opinions. TLDR Provided. Last notes at bottom.

To clarify first, im in a neutral stance between the endo and traumagenic community as i focus more on the better of living for any kinds of plural people. Your question did seemed interesting and i had ever discussed this by myself on free time, so i do got some answers for you!

The line between these two are its origin and functionality, to put it in my opinion. The unique thing about plurality is that, i can totally see it being possible that it can exist outside of trauma.

Well, let me explain it to you like this:

An intact personality is where multiple facets are cohesive, and these facets that gives you that said personality is your identity. It's how you see yourself, and act like who you know. Basically, it's how you can act differently in different situations be it at school, at home, at somewhere else etc.

The thing about where personality is located in our brain has been a complex topic for scientists, if i remember correctly, there wasn't a specific spot for it as our brain has multiple areas with different functionality, and these regions cooperating creates a tangible output like how you react, or your typical behaviors.

I kept finding singlets discussing things that looks like really mild system things, and especially from this one youtube video (im so sorry i couldn't provide the link, it has been months ago i had watched but it discussing this too by a doctor or something. lmk if i have to find it again) quotes that the brain fools us into thinking theres only one 'kind' of us, not by it's exact words but close. These people can have different levels in terms of sense of personality unity btw, so not all singlets are the same either.

Now the origin and functionality for a traumagenic is different, because these states are being separated, and compartmentalized due to trauma. The presence of amnesia blocks the other side's of selves sometimes to severe degrees, now acting independently. There is also proof that the grey matter and the communication between regions are different, compared to a healthy brain (i can find the links for this too if needed). Well, you could read more about DID if needed.

So no, neither are less valid, but that doesn't mean both works the same or have the same processes either. Which means, not all systems are endogenic by origins.

Lastly, this is from what i had learnt and connect the dots over many sources i had read to ensure a wide perspective, nuanced understandings in topics. I am fully aware if some of you seem to disagree or see my views as wrong,, we have our own pov's ofcourse. i don't want to fight about validating my pov alright? Im also open to feedback/extra questions, im as well aware of the existence of fake/bad endos and do not support them.

TLDR: There are real life experiences and proof that supports the idea of being plural in mild/different ways, or ways that are different to traumagenics due to the complexity of the brain. Neither are the same in terms of how it functions and where it came from. Neither are also less valid.

- j

[cigaretterivals]

DSMP Rivals and Fighting Game Archetypes

Also relating to the last post because now I have fighting game brainrot, its been a handful of years since I was more interested in a few of them but I've always been a sucker for the character archetypes

You already have plenty of locations that you can choose from for the maps considering the entire dsmp map is your oyster in that regard. Community house, L'manburg, Las Nevadas, Artic Commune, etc etc you get what I mean. Pandora's Vault could definitely be thrown in there as well and whether its inside or outside would be up to how much room exactly you would need but I think main cell could be feasible imo

I'm not the most WELL versed in the actual specific archetypes, also because some characters are either super niche or feel like they could overlap multiple archetypes (and the websites im looking at are bombarding me with ads) so we're gonna take all this in a lighthearted fun way okay? perfect, anyway

c!Dream is either a rushdown archetype OR hes hit & run. I'm more inclined to say rushdown soley for the fact that Dream feels very much like he would come with a moveset that rewards juggling your opponent with long complicated combos. He would probably have a good reset ability, and his character would be the reason the game has a burst mechanic so that you don't get stuck in an endless loop of getting your ass kicked (unless you get baited into that burst which is the worst thing ever esp when you can practically hear the clown music in the background)

However combos can't last forever, and to keep things fair, his heavy hitters would most likely be something that launches his opponents away from him. Dealing stronger damage, but also giving the opponent a chance to regroup away from his onslaught until rushdown characters do what they do best

I'm inclined to say he probably wouldn't have a projectile move, if it worked with his kit he could have one maaaaaaaybe two as a treat, but for the most part his utility comes out of getting up close and personal. Aka he would not be having a fun time against zoning characters

Special move wise I can't think of many specifics right now, but for almost all of the characters they would probably be references just cause I think that's fun. One of them would have to be related to the revive book because how could it not be, and the others could even be references to some of his best manhunt moments if you're in the camp that believes manhunt is canon to the dsmp (which I personally am)

c!Techno is a bit trickier because his fan interpretation really depends on whether or not you picture him as a hybrid with a more human appearance OR if you go full piglin/hoglin. You could also have your "both is good" moment by having him start off with the more human looking hybrid form and have his Piglin form be one of his special abilities. Going with that version though would most likely make Techno an Install archetype (or even Stance? Listen these ones were too complicated for me in case it wasn't obvious yet I played characters that either hit fast or hit hard)

But Stance or Install aside, I'm a bit torn on his actual moveset/ combo ability. Techno often tanks a lot of hits because he makes up for his physical lack of a shield by use of potions to keep him up and running and increasing his damage output (which could fit into the Stance archetype if he had a move that essentially let him power up by giving him a potion ability? Or would that be more like a Charge character?)

Giving him a secendary archetype after Install/Stance he would probably be a Punisher or Reversal or whatever the archetype is called for when he's stuck in a block chain but the second the opponent fucks up and drops that chain he's able to jump on that oppurtunity and absolutely ruin the other persons day. I also like how it feels like it plays well into his "I shall repay that injustice a thousand times over." general vibe. Not a defensive fighting style, but one that does play more into countering an ongoing attack vs being the one immediately on the offensive. While his combos would deal a lot of damage, to balance that out I would say he doesn't have good juggle/reset ability so he eventually needs to back off to recoup and wait for his next moment of oppurtunity.

Special moves again not really sure, like the most my brain can come up with right now is him absolutely chucking a human sized potato into his opponent. Other than that his 3-5 meter special could also be wither related

c!Tubbo is a zoner you can't tell me that little shit is not spamming the HELL out of the stage with bombs and mini nukes and bees and who knows what else tell me I'm wrong.

If I get more fighting game thoughts for any of the other characters I'll probably be back but thats all for now k thanks <3

[golmac]

Inform Basics: #19 (regions!)

OK, finally. We have moved on from locale descriptions and its subsystems at last.

As we've seen, we can make rooms, we can put things in rooms. If you've explored the index, you may have already noticed a "World Index" located there. It's the purple one at the bottom.

Inform will try to draw a map of your game world, based on your room definitions and exits. Here's the map it drew of Repeat the Ending:

It's pretty accurate. The rooms that are not connected to anything are ones where I magically teleported the protagonist from one place to another with rules like this one:

Carry out entering the car: say "[some transitional text]"; now the poet is in the Hospital Parking Lot.

These rooms are not all the same color. Inform 7's geography can be organized by regions, which are color-coded on the map. A region is simply a collection of rooms. We can use regions to apply rules to multiple rooms at once. First, let's make the region:

13F is a region. Janet's office is in 13F. Bob's Office is in 13F.

Now, these offices have floors, of course. We could make floors for every room in 13F, but that would be a waste of time unless there is something special about them. Instead, we can use a kind of thing called a backdrop.

By default (and I wouldn't change the default unless you've got something pretty unusual going on), backdrops are scenery objects that occupy one or more rooms. Let's get started:

The linoleum flooring is a backdrop. The description of the linoleum flooring is "The off-white linoleums floor is a one-sided triumph of function over form form.".

Now we could put it in rooms individually:

The linoleum flooring is in Janet's office. The linoleum flooring is in Bob's office.

That compiles, and two lines aren't a lot of work. But we will probably want to do things in a more organized and streamlined manner:

The linoleum flooring is in 13F.

Output

Bob's Office

>x floor The off-white linoleums floor is a one-sided triumph of function over form. >n

Janet's Office

>x floor The off-white linoleums floor is a one-sided triumph of function over form.

Further Considerations

Inform 7 does not always care about the way we order our code. For instance, we can put a table of data at the very end of our program, but write code referencing it at the beginning. In the case of regions, though, we cannot add a room to a region until it has been defined.

For this reason, I define regions near the beginning of the program and even write rules for them, but I leave the regions empty. I place rooms in regions when I define said rooms.

Janet's office is a room. Janet's office is in 13F.

As always, experiment and organize your own code so that it is easy for you to read.

Other Notes

You can place a room in more than one region, or place a region within a region.

There is a built-in region called everywhere. In Repeat the Ending, I placed a backdrop called "Magic" in everywhere because testers often referenced it throughout the game.

How do we deal with this kind of set-dressing in-game? Players are understandably going to try to fiddle with every noun in sight. We need to give them responses of some sort, while trying not to spend too much time on things that don't really affect the game or its story.

Next: More on scenery: technical and craft considerations.

[theknightlywolfe]

As an aside on the memorization thing, I would argue for most humans we haven't lost an iota of memorization, it is simply dispersed over a wider area.

I don't listen to just local May Day and Harvest songs, church choirs, and whatever performances a traveler brought, on any given day a 30min commute each way will play 20 songs and tomorrow that's another 20 songs, and the next day another 20. And I don't have to just remember the rhythm and pace of mass but the words of the books, news articles, social media updates of friends, menus of local restaurants, current locations of favoured food trucks, etc that I encounter every week if I want to apply that knowledge when I encounter/plan something next week. Talking about the Hunger Games movie isn't just remembering the plot and pacing, its recalling Battle Royale, the social standards of when it came out and the inspirations of when the books were written, as well as the other works of the actors. And then I have to do that for hundreds of movies and thousands of episodes of TV. Just look how much there is to think about, know, and retain just with the MCU. And, I, personally, *suck* at modern media trivia and yet still am somehow the person people turn to for that very thing because in certain areas I retain a ton of it.

And my job isn't just painting or leatherworking or carpentry or farming. As an accountant I have to be familiar with GAAP and SOX and the tax rules of the IRS and sales and use, property, income, and payroll taxes of 1 to 50 states (and hundreds to thousands of municipalities) and also IFRS and FAR if I end up in an applicable organization, and that doesn't even begin to touch on how many regulations are applied to the field in medical insurance or government and grant. And then knowing how to use five of the major seven ERP systems I may be asked to work in depending on who I work for, and then the dozens of additional, specialty softwares/services standard to accounting work to say nothing of the advanced Excel skills needed and how that translates in a shared work environment or ports to Sheets and other softwares. And how to use general productivity and communication softwares and the corporate policies and rules of wherever I work. And I also provide software support and low level technical support and I have to know HR basics and local employment laws and management techniques and the specifics of the specialists who report to me or are on my team so I can cover them when they go on holiday. And if I am doing client work I have to do it all for multiple, often completely different, companies all with their own set of additional softwares and services I need to remember not just how to use but how to read their data output (fuck you Amazon and your completely deranged three seperate ways of recording sales and costs in one single fucking period). And then I go home and write, and draw, and leatherwork, and woodwork, and garden food crops.

So yeah, people make jokes about people reusing the same password for everything but good gods, count how many things require you to have a password and I bet you while it may not be the Odyssey, it is pretty well past Prufrock.

So yeah, give me the bloody tool to help me remember whether I need milk from the store or not. (But don't try to force me to use the thing that hallucinates penguin milk)

generative AI literally makes me feel like a boomer. people start talking about how it can be good to help you brainstorm ideas and i’m like oh you’re letting a computer do the hard work and thinking for you???

[djiusa]

The Rise of the Bluetooth Microphone: Freedom Without the Fuss

The Bluetooth microphone has quickly become a favorite among creators and professionals alike. Why? It eliminates the need for bulky cables and physical connectors, offering a streamlined, wireless solution that pairs easily with smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.

For someone recording a podcast while traveling or going live on social media from a scenic location, a Bluetooth microphone provides crystal-clear audio with minimal setup. No cords to trip over. No equipment to configure for hours. Just press, pair, and perform.

Additionally, many Bluetooth mics now include noise cancellation and directional sound pickup, making them ideal for interviews, mobile journalism, or recording in noisy environments.

Why Wireless Lapel Microphones are the Unseen MVP

While Bluetooth mics work great for casual use, the wireless lapel microphone—also known as a lavalier mic—has become the go-to for professionals who need discrete, reliable audio capture during presentations, shoots, or events.

Clipped to a shirt or collar, a lapel mic offers hands-free operation and consistent sound quality, even when the speaker moves around. They're ideal for instructors recording tutorials, event hosts streaming live, or creators filming walk-and-talk segments.

The beauty lies in their simplicity. These compact devices deliver big on clarity without drawing attention, allowing the subject to move naturally while still being heard loud and clear.

Many lapel mics now come with dual-channel setups, meaning two people can be recorded simultaneously—perfect for interviews, podcasts, or collaborative content creation. When paired with mobile devices or action cameras, they create a powerful, mobile-friendly production studio.

Power Station: The Backbone of All-Day Shooting

All this high-performance gear demands one thing—power. That’s where a portable power station comes in.

Imagine being in the middle of a remote shoot with a drained mic, camera, or laptop. That’s not just inconvenient—it can mean the loss of valuable footage, missed opportunities, or delays in delivery. Portable power stations eliminate this risk by serving as a backup battery bank, charging multiple devices simultaneously and often supporting both AC and USB outputs.

Whether you’re deep in the woods capturing wildlife footage or simply working from a local coffee shop, a power station keeps your gear running. Some models even support solar recharging, giving you extended independence from wall outlets.

A solid power station adds peace of mind. It’s not just a backup—it’s your power lifeline.

Combining the Trio: Real-World Impact

Here’s how all three come together:

A freelance filmmaker packs a wireless lapel mic for interview segments, a Bluetooth mic for ambient sound capture, and a power station to keep everything charged during remote shoots.

A content creator sets up in a public park with a lightweight phone gimbal, pairs their Bluetooth mic to a smartphone, and records high-quality vlogs using just the essentials—all powered through a sleek, silent power station stashed in their backpack.

A remote educator uses a lapel mic for lecture clarity, a Bluetooth mic for breakout discussions, and a power station to stay online during power interruptions.

In each case, it’s not about having the fanciest gear—it’s about having reliable, portable solutions that help you focus on the content, not the complications.

Final Thought

The combination of a Bluetooth microphone, a wireless lapel microphone, and a portable power station represents the modern creator’s toolkit. These tools empower anyone to create polished, professional content no matter where they are or what challenges arise.

So whether you’re building your brand, running a business, or just sharing stories with the world, these tools ensure you’re always ready to plug in, speak out, and power through—without limits.

[solarheater]

Proper Sizing of the System: Ensuring Maximum Efficiency with Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors

One of the key factors in ensuring the maximum efficiency of a solar water heating system is proper sizing. If the system is too small, it won’t be able to meet the hot water demand, and if it’s too large, you may end up wasting energy and increasing costs unnecessarily. Properly sizing the system is essential for optimizing performance, minimizing operating costs, and ensuring the system lasts for its intended lifespan. Here’s how to determine the correct size of an evacuated tube solar collector system:

1. Calculate Hot Water Demand

The first step in sizing a solar water heating system is understanding the hot water needs of your household or business. This will depend on factors such as:

Number of users: The more people in the household or the more employees/clients in a business, the higher the demand for hot water.

Water usage habits: For example, a family that takes long showers or runs multiple appliances that require hot water will need more capacity than a household with minimal hot water usage.

Hot water requirements: Consider the amount of hot water required for daily activities like bathing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

Example: A family of four might use between 50–80 liters of hot water per person per day, meaning the total hot water demand would range from 200–320 liters per day.

Benefit: Accurately determining your hot water usage helps ensure the system is properly sized, delivering enough hot water without wasting energy.

2. Assess the Solar Irradiance in Your Area

The solar energy potential or solar irradiance in your area will directly impact the performance of your evacuated tube system. The more sunlight your system receives, the smaller the system needs to be to meet your hot water demands. Conversely, areas with less sunlight (cloudy climates, northern latitudes) will require a larger system to produce the same amount of hot water.

Benefit: Understanding local solar irradiance helps determine the optimal size of the system to ensure it works efficiently in your specific climate.

3. Estimate the Collector Area Needed

Evacuated tube collectors are designed to capture solar radiation and convert it into heat. The size of the collector array (i.e., the number of tubes) depends on the hot water demand, the solar irradiance, and the efficiency of the collector. A larger collector array will capture more solar energy and heat more water, but it will also cost more to install. To estimate the right number of tubes, you'll need to consider the following:

Collector size: Each evacuated tube typically has a thermal output of about 200 to 300 watts under optimal conditions.

Energy demand: Based on your water heating needs and the solar irradiance of your location, you can calculate how many tubes will be required to meet daily demand.

Benefit: Estimating the correct collector area ensures that the system is neither oversized nor undersized, improving its overall efficiency.

4. Account for Seasonal Variation

In colder months or during periods of low sunlight, the performance of evacuated tube systems may be reduced. Seasonal variation in the amount of available sunlight should be taken into account when sizing the system. You may need to slightly over-size the system to account for winter months, or choose a system that includes backup heating (such as an electric or gas backup) to ensure consistent performance year-round.

Benefit: Accounting for seasonal changes ensures that your system provides adequate hot water even in cloudy winter months when sunlight is less intense.

5. Factor in Local Regulations and Incentives

In some regions, there may be local regulations, incentives, or rebates that influence the sizing of solar water heating systems. For example, some regions have minimum energy requirements for residential buildings that may affect the size of the system needed to qualify for certain benefits.

Benefit: Understanding local incentives can help you maximize your investment by ensuring that the system is sized correctly to meet both your energy needs and regulatory requirements, while also qualifying for any financial incentives.

6. Consider the Backup Heating Option

In colder climates or when solar radiation is low, a backup heating system might be necessary to ensure a constant supply of hot water. This can include electric or gas heating integrated with the solar system. While sizing the system, consider whether the backup heating system will be used frequently or only as a backup when solar energy is insufficient.

Benefit: A properly sized backup system ensures that the solar collector works efficiently, while the backup system provides hot water only when necessary, reducing energy costs during periods of low solar radiation.

7. System Efficiency and Losses

Consider the efficiency of the evacuated tube system itself. While evacuated tubes are generally more efficient than flat-plate collectors, there are still losses to consider, such as heat loss from the pipes, storage tank, and distribution system. If the system efficiency is not accounted for, you might overestimate the amount of energy the system will generate.

Benefit: Accounting for efficiency losses ensures that the system size compensates for energy loss, resulting in the right amount of heat being produced.

8. Space Availability for Installation

The available installation space on the roof or the ground also influences the system’s size. It’s important to ensure that there is enough space to accommodate the required number of evacuated tubes. Additionally, the orientation and tilt of the tubes will affect their ability to capture solar energy, so there must be adequate space for optimal positioning.

Benefit: Ensuring you have enough space for installation ensures the system will be sized properly to meet your needs while also being feasible in terms of installation space and orientation.

9. Consider Future Expansion

If you anticipate an increase in hot water demand—such as adding more people to the household, expanding the business, or increasing energy consumption—consider future expansion when sizing the system. This could involve installing additional tubes or a larger storage tank to accommodate growth.

Benefit: Future-proofing your system allows you to expand without needing to replace or upgrade the entire system, providing more flexibility and better long-term cost efficiency.

Proper sizing of your evacuated tube solar collector system is essential for ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By accurately assessing your hot water demand, understanding solar irradiance in your area, considering seasonal variations, and accounting for backup heating, you can ensure that your system is well-suited to meet your energy needs. Proper sizing not only prevents under-sizing (which can lead to insufficient hot water supply) but also avoids over-sizing (which can lead to wasted energy and higher initial costs). By following these steps, you ensure your evacuated tube system operates efficiently, saving you money and energy for many years. For more info contact Solar Water Heater Supplier in UAE or call us at +971 4 2522966.

[storedcskw]

Power Up Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide to Portable Power Stations (2000W)

In today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly on the move, having reliable power sources for our devices is a necessity. Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors, experiencing a power outage at home, or need energy for outdoor events, a Portable Power Station (2000W) guarantees that you never run out of power when you need it most. In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of portable power stations, their advantages, and what to consider when selecting the ideal unit.

What is a Portable Power Station?

A portable power station is a compact energy system that stores electrical power and delivers it to devices, similar to a small generator but quieter and more convenient. The 2000W variant can power a variety of devices ranging from laptops, smartphones, and portable refrigerators, to power tools and medical equipment. With a high-capacity battery, these units are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making them versatile options for various applications.

Key Features of a 2000W Portable Power Station

High Power Output: With 2000 watts of pure sine wave output, these power stations can run essential devices with high power demands without any issues. Whether you're powering multiple gadgets simultaneously or running larger appliances, the 2000W capability provides the reliability you need.

Multiple Charging Ports: A good portable power station typically comes equipped with numerous output options, including AC outlets, USB ports, and DC outputs. This allows users to charge several devices at the same time, from smartphones and laptops to larger appliances.

Rechargeable Battery Lifespan: The best portable power stations use high-quality lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can withstand thousands of charge cycles. This results in a long-lasting power solution that can provide reliable energy when you need it.

Multi-Functional Use: Beyond outdoor activities, a 2000W portable power station can serve as an emergency power backup for home appliances during blackouts. Its utility extends to outdoor events such as parties, tailgating, or festivals where power access is limited.

Safety Features: Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, these power stations include overheating protection, short circuit prevention, and surge protection, ensuring safe operation even during heavy usage.

Why Choose a Portable Power Station (2000W)?

Choosing a 2000W portable power station over traditional generators offers significant advantages. Portable stations are cleaner, quieter, and generally lighter, making them easier to transport and use in various locations without disturbing the peace around you. They are also suitable for indoor use, as they produce no harmful emissions compared to gas-powered generators.

Considerations When Buying a Portable Power Station

When selecting a portable power station, consider the following factors:

Capacity: Look for a model that suits your energy needs. A 2000W model is versatile for many devices, but if you require more power, you should explore higher-capacity options.

Weight and Portability: Make sure that the unit is lightweight and includes a convenient carrying handle for easy transportation.

Battery Type: Opt for lithium-based batteries for better efficiency and longevity.

Warranty and Support: Check for a solid warranty period and reliable customer support, as this ensures quality and peace of mind regarding your purchase.

FOR MORE DETALS:-www.moerdonstore.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, a portable power station (2000W) is a valuable investment for anyone who requires a reliable energy source while on the go or during emergencies. With the right features and considerations in mind, you can find the perfect power solution to meet your needs. Don’t let power shortages hinder your adventures or daily life; equip yourself with a portable power station and stay powered up anywhere!

[andrewhuggett]

Sound Advice: Andrew Huggett on Creativity, Longevity, and Thriving in a Fast-Paced Industry

With a career spanning decades, broadcast in over 180 countries, and more than 3,000 registered television credits, Andrew Huggett has achieved what most composers only dream of—sustained success across changing technologies, genres, and global markets. But his path hasn’t just been about talent. It’s also been about mindset, adaptability, and the kind of professionalism that keeps you relevant in an ever-shifting media world.

Here, Huggett shares the core advice that has guided his journey—and can guide yours, whether you’re a musician, producer, or creative entrepreneur.

1. Don’t Just Create—Solve Problems

“Creativity is valuable. But if you want to work consistently, you need to become someone who solves problems with creativity.”

Huggett stresses that clients—from filmmakers to ad agencies—aren’t just buying music. They’re buying solutions: emotional impact, timing, tone, memorability. That means composers and creatives must learn how to serve the story, not their ego.

His body of academic insights and contributions to musical storytelling can also be explored through his Academia.edu profile, where he reflects on composition in relation to narrative, emotion, and evolving multimedia formats.

2. Be Fluent in More Than One Genre

“I never wanted to be just a ‘jazz guy’ or a ‘classical guy.’ The more languages you speak musically, the more doors open.”

From rock and pop to ethnic and symphonic, Huggett has written across the spectrum—and it’s this musical fluency that’s made him a go-to composer for projects on every continent. If you’re serious about career longevity, don’t limit yourself. Study different genres. Learn their rules. Break them only when you understand them.

His broader professional journey—including skills, experience, and project types—is detailed on his CakeResume profile, providing a comprehensive snapshot of how he balances creative range with commercial awareness.

3. Keep a Global Mindset, Even When You’re Local

“I work out of Ottawa, but my music is global. Your location doesn’t limit your reach—your thinking does.”

Huggett reminds creatives that geography isn’t a barrier in the digital age. Clients in Singapore, Qatar, or South Africa may never step foot in your city—but they will work with you if your output is polished, professional, and adaptable.

He maintains an international presence not only through his work, but also through platforms like ORCID, where his global contributions to music and media are indexed for academic and creative research communities alike.

4. Stay Professional, Even When You’re Inspired

“Music is emotional, but the music business is a business. Never forget that.”

Huggett’s ability to balance creativity with professionalism is part of what has earned him long-term relationships with studios and production companies. He meets deadlines. He listens. He communicates clearly. These are not just “nice-to-haves”—they are essential if you want to turn passion into profit.

5. Keep Creating, Even When No One’s Watching

“Momentum matters. Not every piece gets picked. Not every pitch wins. But if you keep writing, you keep evolving.”

For Huggett, writing music is both profession and practice. Even in slow periods, he creates. He archives. He experiments. Some of his most-used tracks were written during downtimes—proof that discipline creates opportunity.

Andrew Huggett’s career is a case study in consistency, curiosity, and creative endurance. Whether you’re composing, designing, or building a media brand, his insights apply to every kind of creative entrepreneur: solve real problems, speak multiple creative languages, and never stop evolving.

Because in the end, the most valuable art is the kind that lasts.