#latest bricks technology

[snpcmachine]

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[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Month - August 2024

1.Negative Power Prices Hit Europe as Renewable Energy Floods the Grid

European power markets are experiencing a notable shift as renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, become a larger part of the energy mix. On Wednesday, power prices in several European markets, including Germany, dipped below zero due to a surge in green electricity production.

2. Taiwan introduces ban on performances by captive wild animals

Live performances by wild animals held in captivity, including performances by dolphins, tigers, and other non-domesticated mammals, will no longer be permitted in Taiwan under new Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) regulations.

3. FTC bans fake online reviews, inflated social media influence; rule takes effect in October

The FTC voted unanimously to ban marketers from using fake reviews, such as those generated with AI technology, and other misleading advertising practices.

The ban also forbids marketers from exaggerating their own influence by, for example, paying for bots to inflate their follower count.

4. Chinese drones will fly trash out of Everest slopes

Come autumn, Nepal will deploy heavy lifter drones to transport garbage from the 6,812-metre tall Ama Dablam, south of Everest. This will be the first commercial work an unmanned aerial vehicle does in Nepal’s high-altitude zone.

The heavy lifter from China’s biggest drone maker, Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), will take on tasks traditionally handled by Sherpas. Officials believe it will help reduce casualties on Everest.

5. Swiss scientists have found a way to use the whole cocoa fruit to make chocolate and not just taking beans and discarding the rest.

Kim Mishra (L) and Anian Schreiber (R) cooperated on the new chocolate making process

Food scientists in Switzerland have come up with a way to make chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit rather than just the beans - and without using sugar.

The chocolate, developed at Zurich’s prestigious Federal Institute of Technology by scientist Kim Mishra and his team includes the cocoa fruit pulp, the juice, and the husk, or endocarp.

6. Six-year-old boy found in Vietnam forest after five days

A six-year-old boy who was missing for five days has been found deep in a forest in Vietnam. Dang Tien Lam, who lives in the northwestern Yen Bai province, was playing in a stream with his nine siblings on 17 August when he wandered into the hills and got lost, local reports said.

He was found on Wednesday by local farmers who heard a child's cry while they were clearing a cinnamon field close to the forest.

7. Lego plans to make half the plastic in bricks from renewable materials by 2026

Lego plans to make half the plastic in its bricks from renewable or recycled material rather than fossil fuels by 2026, in its latest effort to ensure its toys are more environmentally friendly.

The Danish company last year ditched efforts to make bricks entirely from recycled bottles because of cost and production issues. At the moment, 22% of the material in its colourful bricks is not made from fossil fuels.

----------

That's it for this month :)

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[mostlysignssomeportents]

Fintech bullies stole your kid’s lunch money

I'm coming to DEFCON! On Aug 9, I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On Aug 10, I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Three companies control the market for school lunch payments. They take as much as 60 cents out of every dollar poor kids' parents put into the system to the tune of $100m/year. They're literally stealing poor kids' lunch money.

In its latest report, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau describes this scam in eye-watering, blood-boiling detail:

https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_costs-of-electronic-payment-in-k-12-schools-issue-spotlight_2024-07.pdf

The report samples 16.7m K-12 students in 25k schools. It finds that schools are racing to go cashless, with 87% contracting with payment processors to handle cafeteria transactions. Three processors dominate the sector: Myschoolbucks, Schoolcafé, and Linq Connect.

These aren't credit card processors (most students don't have credit cards). Instead, they let kids set up an account, like a prison commissary account, that their families load up with cash. And, as with prison commissary accounts, every time a loved one adds cash to the account, the processor takes a giant whack out of them with junk fees:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/14/minnesota-nice/#shitty-technology-adoption-curve

If you're the parent of a kid who is eligible for a reduced-price lunch (that is, if you are poor), then about 60% of the money you put into your kid's account is gobbled up by these payment processors in service charges.

It's expensive to be poor, and this is no exception. If your kid doesn't qualify for the lunch subsidy, you're only paying about 8% in service charges (which is still triple the rate charged by credit card companies for payment processing).

The disparity is down to how these charges are calculated. The payment processors charge a flat fee for every top-up, and poor families can't afford to minimize these fees by making a single payment at the start of the year or semester. Instead, they pay small sums every payday, meaning they pay the fee twice per month (or even more frequently).

Not only is the sector concentrated into three companies, neither school districts nor parents have any meaningful way to shop around. For school districts, payment processing is usually bundled in with other school services, like student data management and HR data handling. For parents, there's no way to choose a different payment processor – you have to go with the one the school district has chosen.

This is all illegal. The USDA – which provides and regulates – the reduced cost lunch program, bans schools from charging fees to receive its meals. Under USDA regs, schools must allow kids to pay cash, or to top up their accounts with cash at the school, without any fees. The USDA has repeatedly (2014, 2017) published these rules.

Despite this, many schools refuse to handle cash, citing safety and security, and even when schools do accept cash or checks, they often fail to advertise this fact.

The USDA also requires schools to publish the fees charged by processors, but most of the districts in the study violate this requirement. Where schools do publish fees, we see a per-transaction charge of up to $3.25 for an ACH transfer that costs $0.26-0.50, or 4.58% for a debit/credit-card transaction that costs 1.5%. On top of this, many payment processors charge a one-time fee to enroll a student in the program and "convenience fees" to transfer funds between siblings' accounts. They also set maximum fees that make it hard to avoid paying multiple charges through the year.

These are classic junk fees. As Matt Stoller puts it: "'Convenience fees' that aren't convenient and 'service fees' without any service." Another way in which these fit the definition of junk fees: they are calculated at the end of the transaction, and not advertised up front.

Like all junk fee companies, school payment processors make it extremely hard to cancel an automatic recurring payment, and have innumerable hurdles to getting a refund, which takes an age to arrive.

Now, there are many agencies that could have compiled this report (the USDA, for one), and it could just as easily have come from an academic or a journalist. But it didn't – it came from the CFPB, and that matters, because the CFPB has the means, motive and opportunity to do something about this.

The CFPB has emerged as a powerhouse of a regulator, doing things that materially and profoundly benefit average Americans. During the lockdowns, they were the ones who took on scumbag landlords who violated the ban on evictions:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cfpb

They went after "Earned Wage Access" programs where your boss colludes with payday lenders to trap you in debt at 300% APR:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/01/usury/#tech-exceptionalism

They are forcing the banks to let you move your account (along with all your payment history, stored payees, automatic payments, etc) with one click – and they're standing up a site that will analyze your account data and tell you which bank will give you the best deal:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/21/let-my-dollars-go/#personal-financial-data-rights

They're going after "buy now, pay later" companies that flout borrower protection rules, making a rogues' gallery of repeat corporate criminals, banning fine-print gotcha clauses, and they're doing it all in the wake of a 7-2 Supreme Court decision that affirmed their power to do so:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/10/getting-things-done/#deliverism

The CFPB can – and will – do something to protect America's poorest parents from having $100m of their kids' lunch money stolen by three giant fintech companies. But whether they'll continue to do so under a Kamala Harris administration is an open question. While Harris has repeatedly talked up the ways that Biden's CFPB, the DOJ Antitrust Division, and FTC have gone after corporate abuses, some of her largest donors are demanding that her administration fire the heads of these agencies and crush their agenda:

https://prospect.org/power/2024-07-26-corporate-wishcasting-attack-lina-khan/

Tens of millions of dollars have been donated to Harris' campaign and PACs that support her by billionaires like Reid Hoffman, who says that FTC Chair Lina Khan is "waging war on American business":

https://prospect.org/power/2024-07-26-corporate-wishcasting-attack-lina-khan/

Some of the richest Democrat donors told the Financial Times that their donations were contingent on Harris firing Khan and that they'd been assured this would happen:

https://archive.is/k7tUY

This would be a disaster – for America, and for Harris's election prospects – and one hopes that Harris and her advisors know it. Writing in his "How Things Work" newsletter today, Hamilton Nolan makes the case that labor unions should publicly declare that they support the FTC, the CFPB and the DOJ's antitrust efforts:

https://www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/unions-and-antitrust-are-peanut-butter

Don’t want huge companies and their idiot billionaire bosses to run the world? Break them up, and unionize them. It’s the best program we have.

Perhaps you've heard that antitrust is anti-worker. It's true that antitrust law has been used to attack labor organizing, but that has always been in spite of the letter of the law. Indeed, the legislative history of US antitrust law is Congress repeatedly passing law after law explaining that antitrust "aims at dollars, not men":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

The Democrats need to be more than The Party of Not Trump. To succeed – as a party and as a force for a future for Americans – they have to be the party that defends us – workers, parents, kids and retirees alike – from corporate predation.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/26/taanstafl/#stay-hungry

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[rottenpumpkin13]

What kind of smartphones would AGSZC use? Apple or Android?

P.S. - Angeal totally strikes me as an old school flip phone kind of guy.

Angeal: Nokia brick If Shinra didn't provide updated models for all of them, Angeal would have never made the switch from flip phones to smartphones, and would still keep his old phone that was held together by duct tape, superglue, and electrocuted him every time he touched it, because "it works perfectly fine, and phones are for calling, so why buy a new one?"

Zack: latest iPhone Zack misses flip phones not because of the phone itself, but because of how efficient he used to be pre-apps and games. Unfortunately Angeal now has ammo against him.

Zack: OW! MY LEG HURTS!

Angeal: It's because of that damn phone.

Zack: I'M BLEEDING??

Angeal: That damn phone.

Zack: I THINK I BROKE IT!

Angeal: Because you spend too much time on your phone.

Cloud: Doesn't care about the type of phone he has as long as it makes calls and sends emails. He doesn’t get the fuss over the latest models and has no interest in smartphones.

Sephiroth: If he had a say in it, the man wouldn't even own a phone. He would communicate solely through letters and telegrams because that's how exhausted he is of being reachable 24/7. Sometimes he completely gets rid of his phone.

Genesis: I've been trying to reach you for three hours!

Sephiroth: Yes, I threw my phone away. It's healthy to take a break from technology once in a while, Genesis.

Genesis: Angeal is missing! What if he's been in danger and needed to call you??

Sephiroth: If the information is important enough, it will find its way to me.

*A dove flies up to Sephiroth and delivers a letter*

Genesis: !?

*Sephiroth reads it*

Sephiroth: Ah. What did I tell you?

Genesis: Is it Angeal??

Sephiroth: No. Zack has sent me a cat meme.

Genesis: Red iPhone As much as he loves the invention of the smartphone and being able to watch the soap operas (that he denies watching) on the go, he's a sucker for historical relics, and purchased a red rotary phone for his office. It rings at a volume that is a nuisance to the environment.

*Sephiroth walks into Genesis' office, where the phone won't stop ringing*

Sephiroth: Genesis, you need to get rid of that phone. I've been receiving complaints about it all day.

Genesis: Please, you're just jealous of my telephone.

Sephiroth: I promise you I'm not.

Genesis: Ha! I'll tell you what—whoever has a problem with me and my telephone can call me directly to complain about it.

Sephiroth: Understood.

*Sephiroth leaves*

*Three minutes later, the phone rings again and Genesis picks it up*

Genesis: Hello?

Sephiroth: IF YOU DON'T GET RID OF THAT THING, GENESIS, I WILL RETURN YOU TO THE GODDESS.

Genesis:

[haveyouplayedthisttrpg]

Have you played SPACE 1889 ?

By Frank Chadwick

Everything Jules Verne could have written. Everything H. G. Wells should have written. Everything Arthur Conan Doyle thought of, but never published – because it was too fantastic.

In the year 1870, American inventor Thomas Edison paved the way to the stars!

“He reached Mars with the prototype of an ether flyer and was the first man to set foot on the red sand of a foreign world. He was the first of many to come who would gaze in astonishment at the wonders of Mars and its inhabitants—the canals of the Red Planet, built many millennia ago; cities that were already old when on Earth, the Sumerians stacked clay bricks to build the first settlements; and relics of old technologies the functionality of which has long been forgotten. Numerous other explorers have followed in Edison’s footsteps, not only reaching the Red Planet, but pushing forward to the other planets.”

Space: 1889 brings to life the literary fantasies created by Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, H. R. Haggard, and many others. Space: 1889 is a science fiction roleplaying game in a more civilised time. A time when gentlemen and ladies of good character discover that there are adventures to be found in London’s fogbound alleys just as much as there are on the dusty streets of Syrtis Major on Mars. A time when soldiers might be posted to East Africa or Mars by order of their country; a time when inventors rush to test their latest designs and their latest theories; a time when historians search for the secrets of the ancient Martians; and when wild Venusian Lizard-men and proud Martian steppe warriors must serve their tribes and seek fame and fortune in a time when aliens from Earth have come to their planets.

[house-of-mirrors]

I suppose this is the perfect time to introduce one of my favorite OCs: the IT guy that works for the Bazaar in modern era

The Dauntless Technician

Explains to Wines that even if you delete a drunk post, everyone still saw it and it exists forever. Pretends not to see the hundreds of files of porn when they tune up its PC (it is still in charge of the sex trade after all)

Explains to Spices that you can't delete other people's (Wines') posts but you can block them (Spices doesn't). Goes in and clandestinely blocks access to Wines' pages from Spices' browser to get 20 minutes of peace

Removes viruses from Pages' computer because it keeps clicking suspicious "love story" links. There's an infamous incident where Pages clicked an attachment and introduced ILOVEYOU to the Neath. Explains to Pages that you can't make people unblock you

Pages would probably have some claim over the social media trade. The Technician moonlights as a white hat hacker undermining Pages' censorship attempts

Works closely with Fires, considering Fires probably jumps on owning technology as it advances (electricity, invention are under its domain). Fires thinks the Technician is its best ally because the Technician stands there listening to it rant (as an IT person, they are blessed with godlike patience). The Technician couldn't care less.

Replaces Fires' hardware because it melted it for the third time this week after seeing ragebait posts or reading emails from Iron. Also has to deal with Fires demanding the Technician help it install the latest tech updates the moment they drop, even if the Technician can see they won't be good.

Stones is really into mining bitcoin. Our technician doesn't even try touching that

Helps Happles set up a huge PC setup so it has two separate devices/cameras to stream cooking videos as Mr Apples and more scandalous material as Mr Hearts

The technician's favorite master is Iron. It's never demanding, it quickly adjusts to learning how to use technology, and it never gets into trouble with its devices because it's too paranoid to open spam. Iron is happily rolling in a fortune on the metals used in producing computer chips (and intermittently biting Fires over negotiations)

Embattled in a personal, passionate rivalry with the ruthless and skilled "hacker" who tries attacking the Bazaar every seven weeks, DDOS attacks are themed around water imagery, ransomware demands flesh and reckoning (the Technician doesn't have patience for any of this melodrama). The hacker's screen name is allshallbewell.

The Technician sends out PSAs begging people to recognize this and other parabolan hackers' signatures in spam links, which due to the entwining of computing and parabola, can not only brick your device but have dangerous mental consequences

The Bazaar is a messenger so really would be like the source of wifi/central communications network of the Neath, wouldn't she? The Technician gains an intimate knowledge of her from working so closely into her systems. The Penstock of the seventh city.

If our Technician is revolutionary inclined: can they pull off the job of a lifetime? Push a software update through the Bazaar's network that makes her realize she doesn't have to do all this to impress someone who will never love her? Save the Seventh by writing a program that makes the Bazaar love herself?

[five-rivers]

Moving On

AO3

For @ave-aria

.

“Have you ever thought about… moving on?”

.

Skulker scoffed.  “Moving on?  That’s a myth.”  He turned back to the weapon he was sharpening.  “A fairytale the Dead tell themselves.  The only thing that’s after life is this, and only if they’re lucky.”  He held the blade up to the light, examining its edge.  “They pretend there’s something after death.  Well.  Is there something after that, too?  The whole thing is ridiculous.  At least on Earth there’s evidence of ghosts.  There’s nothing to support this nonsense.”

.

Spectra smiled, her too-red lips curving perfectly.  Too perfectly, as always.  Her false skin betrayed her.  “Why do you ask?  Contemplating your own post-mortality?”  A white sliver appeared between her lips.  Her real teeth.  “I don’t think you need to worry about that, sweetheart.  After all, to move on, you need to have your affairs put in order.  You need peace.  Satisfaction!  And you, well…  Look at you.  You’re a mess.  No, I can’t see you ever getting satisfaction.  You can’t even get a good night’s sleep.  Can you?  Be honest.”

.

“Moving on?” repeated Poindexter, fidgeting nervously.  “That’s a bit grim, don’t you think?  I’d never–”  He looked away.  “I used to think I wanted that.  To go somewhere else.  And then I did.  And then I wanted to go somewhere else again, and I…  Someone told me, once, that wherever you go, you bring yourself.”  He adjusted his glasses.  “I don’t know what they were trying to say.  For a long time, I thought that meant I was the problem.  But.  That wasn’t true, not really.”  He squared his shoulders.  “I stopped looking into that kind of stuff.  You should, too.”

.

“Why would we leave the Far Frozen?” asked Frostbite.  “We’ve always been here.  It’s our ancestral– Ah.  I see.  Moving on, not from here, but from the Ghost Zone as a whole?  From, for lack of a better word, this plane of existence?  Well, there’s never been a documented case of something like that spontaneously happening, but I suppose ghosts that have Ended have moved on, in a sense, although that’s rarely peaceful in any sense of the word.  Why do you ask?”

.

“That would be somewhere under number one thirty-two,” said Ghost Writer, not looking up from his computer.  “Possibly one eleven or one twenty-nine.”  He continued typing, only looking up after a minute.  “The Dewey Decimal system.  You have heard of it?”  He looked away again.  “That should tell you all you need to know on the subject.  Now, go away.  I’m writing.”

.

Johnny started laughing.  “Oh, that’s a good one.  Moving on.  Yeesh.”  He wiped a tear from his eye.  “Oh, wait.  You’re serious.  Yikes.  Okay, so.  I dunno.  Like, I’ve got everything I want here.  My girl, my best bud,” Shadow shrieked encouragingly at this, “my bike, nothin’ but open roads in front of me.  This’s paradise.  What’s moving on got on that?  Nothin’, that’s what.”

.

“I’ve already moved on!  I’ve got the move on, I’ve got the groove on!  I’m whatcha wanna put the tube on!  And!  My latest invention!  Will let me, Technus, master of technology and everything that uses LEDs!  Harsh the vibes of anyone who tries to stop me!  From! Taking over the world! Ahahahahaha ha!  Also, you’re way too young to think about that kind of thing.”  Technus’s current body rearranged itself into a massive gun.  “Now, perish!”

.

“Moving on,” said Kitty, thoughtfully.  “Johnny said you’d asked him about it.”  She leaned against the brick wall, seemingly not caring about the grunge her bright red jacket would pick up.  “I’ve thought about it.  Every time Johnny and I break up, which I guess makes it all the time.  But not, like, seriously.  Death, afterlife, whatever… it might not be everything I wanted, right?  But it’s got Johnny, and that’s all I really need.”

.

“MOVING ON?  IS THAT A MOVING COMPANY?  THE BOX GHOST GREATLY ENJOYS MOVING COMPANIES!  THEIR VEHICLES ARE ALWAYS STOCKED WITH WONDERFUL RECTANGULAR BOXES!  Oh, uh.  I MEAN, FEAR ME!  I AM THE BOX GHOST!”

.

“Eh?  Whazzat?”

“Kid wants ta know ‘bout movin’ on, Ernie.”

“Ha!” the third vulture said.  “Movin’ on.  Movin’ on.  That’s more of a fool’s game than this.”  He threw down his cards.  “Fold.”

“Four?”

“Fold.”

“Ya don’t havta shout.  Movin’ on, huh.  No one’s asked us that inna while, eh?”

“Yeah, yeah.  Two thousand and ten years old, at this point we’ve seen it all.  Loadsa movin’ on.”

“Mostly ‘cause we pecked ’em ta death, mind.”

“But, yeah, people move on.  Sometimes they even move to Florida, am I right?”  The vulture waved one of his wings and cards slipped out from between his feathers.  

“You cheating b–”

.

“It’s something I’ve considered,” said Desiree, raising her head from where it had been resting on her coiled tail.  “It’s even something I’ve helped others consider.  Why, are you here to make a wish?  No?  More’s the pity.”  She sighed heavily, resting her chin on her manicured and hennaed fingers.  “Of course, my curse keeps me here, or I would have already left.”  She sighed, heavily.  “It’s lovely, the other world.  Exactly as the old mullahs said.  Do let me know if you change your mind, won’t you?”

.

“I have not,” said Pandora, in her path to adjust one of the hedges of her maze.  “The subject does not hold much interest for me, I’m afraid.  Oh, certainly, I have seen those who claim to know the secrets of moving on, who have certain predictions about what comes next.  But I always wonder… If they are so wise, if they have so much knowledge, why do they not go themselves?”  She shook her head.  “The next world as unknowable to us as this one was when we yet lived.  If it exists at all.”

.

“There are better alternatives if you tire of this world.”  Nocturne’s robes flowed behind them, a hole in the universe leading to the void.  “More reliable alternatives.  After all, who knows what lies beyond?  Why risk that when you can have everything you dream about?”  He smiled sharply, leaning close.  “Why waste time on that fantasy when you can have… mine?”

.

“What are you talking about?” demanded Plasmius.  “Moving on?  From what?  I don’t have anything to move on from.  There’s nothing I have to move on from.  I’m not holding on to anything.  I’m not obsessed.  I swear, if this is another cat thing, I’m not responsible for what I’m about to do to you.”

.

“Well, I’ve heard some ghosts talk about it,” said Dani, swinging her legs back and forth where she was perched on the tree branch.  “But it’s a bit different for me, isn’t it?  There wasn’t anything before for me.  There’s just… me.  Now.  I guess I have some baggage.  Everyone does, and, you know, I’m a clone, so there’s some extra baggage right there.  But what am I supposed to do?  Drop it all and go into the light?  Come on.  I’ve got stuff to do.  Places to see.  Things to eat.”  She leaned back and looked up at the sky.  “Maybe once I’ve done all the stuff I haven’t got the chance to, I’ll look into it more, but for now?  Nah.  Not for me.”

.

“Well, sure,” said Danny.  “Some day, probably.  I’m not…”  He looked away, pressing his lips together.  “I don’t do well when I’m on my own.  So… If that ever happens, I think I’d look into ways to do that… safely.  If it doesn’t happen naturally.  You don’t have to worry about me doing that, though.  I mean.  It’d be after, um.”  He crossed his arms.  “Nothing lasts forever.  I get that.  I wouldn’t–  It wouldn’t be like before.  Why are we talking about this, anyway?  Anything like moving on is ages off for all of us.  Right?  There’s not something you’re not telling me, is there?”

.

The regular ticking of the clocks provided a stark counterpoint to the irregular flicker of the candle flames Clockwork floated in front of.  Wax dripped heavily to the floor.  He turned slightly, his profile in sharp contrast with the light behind it.  “Nothing lasts forever, as I know you’ve been told.  Even in the undying realm of ghosts, everything, and everyone, has its time.”

.Jazz chewed the end of her pencil, but put it to the paper to write: Ultimately, this line of inquiry led to more questions than answers…

[injuries-in-dust]

So I have to ask - do you think the Klingons were right to fear the federation would dilute their culture until they were barely Klingon?

Well, there are good arguments on both sides there.

The Klingon culture is certainly one based on battle and domination, beginning with the battles between primitive Klingon tribes, to the more complex fights in the galactic stage we see today.

Klingons seem to have even been fighting their own planet for the right to survive, with much harsher climates compared to Earth, heavier volcanic activity, and some very nasty predators. Since the very beginning of the Klingon people, they've had to fight to make themselves top of the food chain.

They treat everything as a battle to be fought. Klingons always need an opponent, and for a while, that opponent was the federation.

The federation always tries to come with a warm hand and a friendly greeting. While they've certainly had their fair share of battles they live more by a philosophy of "today might be a fight, tomorrow may be peace talks."

However, the federation is a great respecter of sovereign rights as a whole. I know individual cases crop up where that rule is questioned, even broken. That too is okay, it shows that no system is perfect and no law can be set in stone. Sometimes allowances have to be made based on individual circumstances.

I could debate that all day, but let's focus on the Klingon/federation relations.

The federation is never there to just march in a change a society wholesale. They will stand by the side and make offers along the lines of "We have this technology and these ideas which we feel may improve the lives of your people, ALL of your people, not a select few.

Like, people should be allowed to pursue the lives they want to lead to be happy, not the lives they have to lead just to survive.

They offer these things but don't force them if the people don't want them.

So were the federation ever going to come along and destroy Klingon culture? No.

"dilute their culture until they were barely Klingon?" It depends on what they think a Klingon is.

What they seem to fear is just what is different. they fear the influence of the outsider.

But Klingon culture has always grown and developed at its best when the outsider has been involved.

Kahless the Unforgettable was an outsider among his own people. He got his people to put aside the more primitive feudalistic society they had been living under for thousands of years by that point and serve under the single banner of the Klingon Empire. He introduced the fundamental tenets of future Klingon culture, the ideals of honor and tradition, and the beginnings of the Klingon code.

Things that, today, are at the very core of the Klingon cultural identity, first had to be introduced to that culture.

I will bet a brick of gold-plated latinum that there were Klingons back then talking about Kahless diluting what it meant to be Klingon.

Yet they have remained Klingon. They consider themselves Klingon and everyone they meet will always consider them to be Klingon. Their culture wasn't destroyed or diluted, it was just changed.

Change is natural for survival.

Scientists and engineers are outsiders to the traditional Klingon warrior culture, but without them, they wouldn't have an empire among the stars. No warp drives, no disrupters, and no cloaking devices.

Those who think differently seem to have always brought better things to their society as a whole.

Sometimes they fight against it, just like they did with Kahless. He is known as Kahless the conquerer, and Kahless the warrior king for a reason.

But change will always come, whether they want it to or not. they might delay it, but they cannot stop it forever.

The federation is just the latest bringer of change, the latest opponent they will fight against. Change will come however and the society will adopt the aspects that they want to adopt and leave the rest behind.

Their culture will adapt and grow as it always has.

And they will still be Klingon at the end of it.

[satoshi-mochida]

Goat Simulator Remastered announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC - Gematsu

Coffee Stain Publishing and developers Coffee Stain Studios, Coffee Stain North, and Deep Silver FISHLABS have announced Goat Simulator Remastered for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store). It will launch in 2024.

“Get ready to be transported back to 2014, where times were simpler and everyone just wanted to be a Goat,” said Coffee Stain Publishing producer Joel Rydholm in a press release. “Goat Simulator Remastered is launching during the 10th anniversary of the original game, and we’re so excited to celebrate by bringing back the inspiration behind both Goat Simulator 2 and Goat Simulator 3, giving fans an opportunity to re-experience beloved goat-fueled memories with glorious new graphics and improvements.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Coffee Stain Publishing:

About

Goat Simulator Remastered is the latest in goat simulation technology. Your favorite chaotic sandbox is back and more beautiful than ever, with updated graphics, every downloadable content, and more bugs that you can shake a goat at. WASD to rewrite history. Your goal? Chaos! Your muse? Pilgor the goat! If you’ve had your horns in the sand for the last 10 years, Goat Simulator is a game about causing as much destruction as you possibly can, as a goat. Headbutt, backflip and ragdoll your way around each level to earn points, and come up with creative ways to ruin an NPC’s day. Goat Simulator Remastered is the remaster no one asked for. It comes with everything you loved about the original game and more, with new and improved visuals, updated textures, shiny new lighting, and some brand-new foliage showing off the finest in advanced goat simulation technology. We’ve also completely reworked Mutators, allowing you to pick and choose whichever “goat” you desire from a handy in-game menu. You just have to catch them all first!

The remaster also includes every downloadable content from the PC version, and one of our favorites from the mobile version, including:

“GoatVille” – The Big Apple of Goat Simulator, as some would say…

“Goat City Bay” – The coastal jewel of northern GoatAsia.

“Goat MMO” – A fantasy adventure across lands unknown.

“Goat Z” – Can you survive the apocalypse?

“PAYDAY” – Gather your crew and prepare for a heist!

“Waste Of Space” – Explore the outer reaches of space and see what popular sci-fi references lie within…

“Buck to School” – From Goat Simulator Mobile, GoatVille high has a new jock in town.

There are also less exciting new things, like general optimization and bug fixing—but we promise we mainly fixed the boring ones.

Key Features

You can be a goat… again.

No really, that’s still the main selling point.

A brand spanking new mutator menu that lets you mix and match goats to your heart’s content—if your contentment means abominations.

As buggy as you remember—just because it’s a remaster doesn’t mean we haven’t left in an unhealthy dose of physics-based bugs because why not?

All downloadable content included—we could have sold them separately to you again, but if we’re honest this is already a cash-grab.

New and improved graphics, lighting, VFX and animations – as well as revamped foliage for the prettiest leaves you’ll see in a Goat Simulator game excluding Goat Simulator 3.

Disclaimer

Goat Simulator Remastered is a completely stupid game and has been a completely stupid game since we first invented goat simulation over 10 years ago. We’ve said it before, but you should absolutely be spending your money on something else, like a neat hat, a pile of bricks, or maybe pool your money together with your friends and buy a real goat.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

[ukrfeminism]

2 minute read

Sharing "downblouse" images and pornographic "deepfakes" without consent will be made crimes under new legislation.

The government has confirmed that an amendment to the Online Safety Bill would see police and prosecutors awarded with more powers to bring perpetrators to justice.

Under the new proposals, individuals who share "deepfakes" - explicit images or videos which have been manipulated to look like someone without that person's consent - could be jailed.

The Ministry of Justice is also set to bring forward laws to tackle the installation of equipment including hidden cameras to take or record images of someone without their consent.

This will include "downblousing" which is where photos are taken down an individual's top.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the amendment will allow prosecutors to "come down like a tonne of bricks on those who abuse or intimidate" women and girls.

"Our message is very clear - we want girls, women, to have full confidence in the law and we want those who abuse and harass and intimidate them to feel the full force of the law," he told broadcasters.

Shielding women and children from 'vile abuse'

In a statement, the deputy PM added: "We must do more to protect women and girls, from people who take or manipulate intimate photos in order to hound or humiliate them.

"Our changes will give police and prosecutors the powers they need to bring these cowards to justice and safeguard women and girls from such vile abuse."

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan added: "With these latest additions to the bill, our laws will go even further to shield women and children, who are disproportionately affected, from this horrendous abuse once and for all."

Figures show around one in 14 adults in England and Wales have experienced a threat to share intimate images.

More than 28,000 reports of disclosing private sexual images without consent were recorded by police between April 2015 and December 2021.

Perpetrators will no longer evade justice

The Law Commission had called for the changes, saying criminal offences had not kept pace with technology and failed to protect all victims, while perpetrators evaded justice.

Professor Penney Lewis, of the Law Commission, said: "Taking or sharing intimate images of a person without their consent can inflict lasting damage.

"We are pleased that the government will take forward our recommendations to strengthen the law.

"A new set of offences will capture a wider range of abusive behaviours, ensuring that more perpetrators of these deeply harmful acts face prosecution."

Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs added: "I welcome these moves by the government which aim to make victims and survivors safer online, on the streets and in their own homes."

[cuprohastes]

The Drake Equation is Bullshit

Ok a PSA on the Drake Equation: A bunch of guys who knew fuck all took some drugs. They had a circle jerk about how clever they were, and came up with a spurious equation. It's used to calculate the number of alien civilisations, based on how many lego bricks Carl Sagan could fut up his ass after a couple of popper.

Because people are credulous slackjawed yokels when confronted by a guy who has his own TV show, the Drake Equation is still getting used. It claims that the entire Galaxy is just full of alien civilisations, all of whom have Netflix and WiFi.

This is so ludicrously bad that I got a kobold to run the numbers:

Yip? You want to know how many space buddies we might have, yes? Let's use the famous Drake Equation to find out! This equation helps estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilisations in our Milky Way galaxy. Here are the parameters we will use, based on the latest data:

N=R∗​⋅fp​⋅ne​⋅fl​⋅fi​⋅fc​⋅L

Where:

R∗​: The average rate of star formation in our galaxy.

𝑓𝑝fp​: The fraction of those stars that have planetary systems.

𝑛𝑒ne​: The average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets.

𝑓𝑙fl​: The fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life.

𝑓𝑖fi​: The fraction of planets with life that develop intelligent life.

𝑓𝑐fc​: The fraction of civilizations that develop technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space.

𝐿L: The length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals into space.

Based on the latest research, here are the values we will use:

R∗​: 2 stars per year 

𝑓𝑝fp​: 1 (almost all stars have planets) 

𝑛𝑒ne​: 0.2 (20% of these planets can support life) 

𝑓𝑙fl​: 0.1 (10% of these planets develop life) 

𝑓𝑖fi​: 0.01 (1% of these life forms develop intelligence) 

𝑓𝑐fc​: 0.1 (10% of intelligent civilizations develop detectable technology) 

𝐿L: 420 years (average length of time civilizations can communicate)

Let's plug these numbers into the Drake Equation:

N=2⋅1⋅0.2⋅0.1⋅0.01⋅0.1⋅420

Calculating this, we get:

N=2⋅1⋅0.2⋅0.1⋅0.01⋅0.1⋅420=

0.168

"So, the estimated number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in our Milky Way galaxy is approximately 0.168. This means that, based on these parameters, there might be less than one such civilization in our galaxy. Maybe we are quite alone, or maybe the parameters are too pessimistic! Ah, the mysteries of the cosmos! Kobold think this is very interesting, but also a bit lonely. Maybe we need more mushrooms and roasted cheese to cheer up!"

And this is why when people fanwank about the Drake equation, I get salty. Thanks Research Kobold: Thobold.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_equation [2] https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/are-we-alone-in-the-universe-revisiting-the-drake-equation/ [3] https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.05573 [4] https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/drake-equation/fraction-of-stars-with-planetary-systems-fp-1961-to-the-present/71DDE7F46C63543C4C0FD79A0DA4027D [5] https://www.seti.org/press-release/how-many-habitable-planets-are-out-there [6] https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/drake-equation/fraction-of-suitable-planets-on-which-life-actually-appears-fl-1961-to-the-present/4A473491BD70F5A10007A8C428D1FEF5 [7] https://www.seti.org/drake-equation-index [8] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/astro801/content/l12_p5.html [9] https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/drake-equation/fraction-of-civilizations-that-develop-a-technology-that-releases-detectable-signs-of-their-existence-into-space-fc-1961-to-the-present/3B18044AD7E7D9F83053D59E0BCEF74A [10] https://www.space.com/25219-drake-equation.html

[driveways4you1]

Mastering Driveways in Dublin: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia

Driveways in Dublin represent more than just a pathway to your home; they are an integral part of the city's architectural landscape, reflecting its rich heritage and diverse styles. Whether you're looking for a traditional cobblestone driveway reminiscent of Dublin's historic streets or a contemporary design that complements modern architecture, Dublin offers a plethora of options to suit every taste and preference.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Driveways in Dublin

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. At the heart of every beautiful home in Dublin lies an equally captivating driveway, serving as the gateway to your property and setting the tone for its aesthetic appeal. From quaint cobblestone lanes to sleek modern surfaces, driveways Dublin embody a fusion of tradition, innovation, and timeless elegance. This chapter serves as an introduction to the diverse world of driveways in Dublin, exploring their significance, historical context, and evolution over time.

Chapter 2: Historical Evolution of Dublin Driveways

Delve into the past and uncover the fascinating history of driveways in Dublin. Trace the evolution of driveway materials, designs, and construction techniques from ancient cobblestone pathways to contemporary resin-bound surfaces. Explore how socio-economic factors, technological advancements, and architectural trends have shaped the development of driveways in Dublin, reflecting the city's ever-changing landscape and cultural identity.

Chapter 3: Materials of Choice: Exploring Dublin's Driveway Options

Discover the myriad of materials available for creating exquisite driveways in Dublin. From traditional favorites like cobblestones and bricks to modern innovations such as concrete and resin-bound surfaces, this chapter provides an in-depth analysis of each material's characteristics, advantages, and suitability for Dublin's unique climate and architectural styles. Gain insights into the aesthetic appeal, durability, and maintenance requirements of different driveway materials, empowering you to make informed decisions for your property.

Chapter 4: Design Inspirations: Transforming Your Dublin Driveway

Unlock your creativity and explore a plethora of design inspirations for crafting stunning driveways in Dublin. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of a cobblestone pathway, the sleek sophistication of a modern minimalist design, or the rustic allure of a gravel driveway, this chapter offers endless possibilities to suit every taste and architectural preference. Discover how landscaping, lighting, and decorative elements can enhance the visual impact of your driveway, transforming it into a work of art that complements your home and reflects your personal style.

Chapter 5: Professional Installation: Ensuring Quality and Longevity

Embark on a journey of professional installation as we delve into the intricacies of constructing durable and aesthetically pleasing driveways in Dublin. Learn about the importance of site preparation, proper drainage, and skilled craftsmanship in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your driveway. Explore the latest installation techniques and technologies employed by Dublin's leading driveway contractors, and gain valuable insights into project management, timeline estimation, and budget considerations for a seamless construction process.

Chapter 6: Maintenance Matters: Preserving the Beauty of Your Dublin Driveway

Maintaining the pristine condition of your driveway is essential for preserving its beauty and functionality over time. In this chapter, we delve into the best practices for driveway maintenance, including cleaning, sealing, and repairing common issues such as cracks, potholes, and surface damage. Discover how seasonal maintenance tasks and proactive measures can safeguard your driveway against the effects of harsh weather conditions, ensuring its longevity and enhancing your property's curb appeal for years to come.

Chapter 7: Environmental Sustainability: Green Solutions for Dublin Driveways

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability has become a key consideration in driveway design and construction. Explore eco-friendly alternatives and green solutions for creating environmentally sustainable driveways in Dublin. From permeable paving materials that promote water infiltration and reduce runoff to native plant landscaping that enhances biodiversity and habitat conservation, this chapter offers innovative approaches to minimize the ecological footprint of your driveway while preserving the natural beauty of Dublin's landscapes.

Chapter 8: Future Trends and Innovations in Dublin Driveways

Peer into the future of driveway design and construction as we explore emerging trends and innovations shaping the evolution of driveways in Dublin. From smart driveways equipped with integrated lighting and heating systems to modular paving solutions that enable quick installation and customization, discover the cutting-edge technologies and design concepts that promise to redefine the aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability of driveways in the years to come.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Dream Driveway in Dublin

As you conclude your journey through the world of driveways in Dublin, you are equipped with the knowledge, inspiration, and resources to transform your vision into reality. Whether you seek to recreate the timeless charm of Dublin's cobblestone streets or embrace the innovative trends shaping the future of driveway design, let your driveway be a reflection of your unique style, personality, and appreciation for the beauty of Dublin's architectural heritage. With careful planning, professional expertise, and a commitment to sustainability, your driveway can become not just a functional necessity, but a stunning focal point that enhances the beauty and value of your property for generations to come. Below is some information to know more. Call 01 6877143

Business: Pineview Business Park

Address: Pineview Business Park, Firhouse Rd, Templeogue, Firhouse, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Website URL: http://driveways4you.com

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The reverse-centaur apocalypse is upon us

I'm coming to DEFCON! On Aug 9, I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On Aug 10, I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

In thinking about the relationship between tech and labor, one of the most useful conceptual frameworks is "centaurs" vs "reverse-centaurs":

https://pluralistic.net/2022/04/17/revenge-of-the-chickenized-reverse-centaurs/

A centaur is someone whose work is supercharged by automation: you are a human head atop the tireless body of a machine that lets you get more done than you could ever do on your own.

A reverse-centaur is someone who is harnessed to the machine, reduced to a mere peripheral for a cruelly tireless robotic overlord that directs you to do the work that it can't, at a robotic pace, until your body and mind are smashed.

Bosses love being centaurs. While workplace monitoring is as old as Taylorism – the "scientific management" of the previous century that saw labcoated frauds dictating the fine movements of working people in a kabuki of "efficiency" – the lockdowns saw an explosion of bossware, the digital tools that let bosses monitor employees to a degree and at a scale that far outstrips the capacity of any unassisted human being.

Armed with bossware, your boss becomes a centaur, able to monitor you down to your keystrokes, the movements of your eyes, even the ambient sound around you. It was this technology that transformed "work from home" into "live at work." But bossware doesn't just let your boss spy on you – it lets your boss control you. \

It turns you into a reverse-centaur.

"Data At Work" is a research project from Cracked Labs that dives deep into the use of surveillance and control technology in a variety of workplaces – including workers' own cars and homes:

https://crackedlabs.org/en/data-work

It consists of a series of papers that take deep dives into different vendors' bossware products, exploring how they are advertised, how they are used, and (crucially) how they make workers feel. There are also sections on how these interact with EU labor laws (the project is underwritten by the Austrian Arbeiterkammer), with the occasional aside about how weak US labor laws are.

The latest report in the series comes from Wolfie Christl, digging into Microsoft's "Dynamics 365," a suite of mobile apps designed to exert control over "field workers" – repair technicians, security guards, cleaners, and home help for ill, elderly and disabled people:

https://crackedlabs.org/dl/CrackedLabs_Christl_MobileWork.pdf

It's…not good. Microsoft advises its customers to use its products to track workers' location every "60 to 300 seconds." Workers are given tasks broken down into subtasks, each with its own expected time to completion. Workers are expected to use the app every time they arrive at a site, begin or complete a task or subtask, or start or end a break.

For bosses, all of this turns into a dashboard that shows how each worker is performing from instant to instant, whether they are meeting time targets, and whether they are spending more time on a task than the client's billing rate will pay for. Each work order has a clock showing elapsed seconds since it was issued.

For workers, the system generates new schedules with new work orders all day long, refreshing your work schedule as frequently as twice per hour. Bosses can flag workers as available for jobs that fall outside their territories and/or working hours, and the system will assign workers to jobs that require them to work in their off hours and travel long distances to do so.

Each task and subtask has a target time based on "AI" predictions. These are classic examples of Goodhart's Law: "any metric eventually becomes a target." The average time that workers take becomes the maximum time that a worker is allowed to take. Some jobs are easy, and can be completed in less time than assigned. When this happens, the average time to do a job shrinks, and the time allotted for normal (or difficult) jobs contracts.

Bosses get stack-ranks of workers showing which workers closed the most tickets, worked the fastest, spent the least time idle between jobs, and, of course, whether the client gave them five stars. Workers know it, creating an impossible bind: to do the job well, in a friendly fashion, the worker has to take time to talk with the client, understand their needs, and do the job. Anything less will generate unfavorable reports from clients. But doing this will blow through time quotas, which produces bad reports from the bossware. Heads you lose, tails the boss wins.

Predictably, Microsoft has shoveled "AI" into every corner of this product. Bosses don't just get charts showing them which workers are "underperforming" – they also get summaries of all the narrative aspects of the workers' reports (e.g. "My client was in severe pain so I took extra time to make her comfortable before leaving"), filled with the usual hallucinations and other botshit.

No boss could exert this kind of fine-grained, soul-destroying control over any workforce, much less a workforce that is out in the field all day, without Microsoft's automation tools. Armed with Dynamics 365, a boss becomes a true centaur, capable of superhuman feats of labor abuse.

And when workers are subjected to Dynamics 365, they become true reverse-centaurs, driven by "digital whips" to work at a pace that outstrips the long-term capacity of their minds and bodies to bear it. The enthnographic parts of the report veer between chilling and heartbreaking.

Microsoft strenuously objects to this characterization, insisting that their tool (which they advise bosses to use to check on workers' location every 60-300 seconds) is not a "surveillance" tool, it's a "coordination" tool. They say that all the AI in the tool is "Responsible AI," which is doubtless a great comfort to workers.

In Microsoft's (mild) defense, they are not unique. Other reports in the series show how retail workers and hotel housekeepers are subjected to "despot on demand" services provided by Oracle:

https://crackedlabs.org/en/data-work/publications/retail-hospitality

Call centers, are even worse. After all, most of this stuff started with call centers:

https://crackedlabs.org/en/data-work/publications/callcenter

I've written about Arise, a predatory "work from home" company that targets Black women to pay the company to work for it (they also have to pay if they quit!). Of course, they can be fired at will:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/07/29/impunity-corrodes/#arise-ye-prisoners

There's also a report about Celonis, a giant German company no one has ever heard of, which gathers a truly nightmarish quantity of information about white-collar workers' activities, subjecting them to AI phrenology to judge their "emotional quality" as well as other metrics:

https://crackedlabs.org/en/data-work/publications/processmining-algomanage

As Celonis shows, this stuff is coming for all of us. I've dubbed this process "the shitty technology adoption curve": the terrible things we do to prisoners, asylum seekers and people in mental institutions today gets repackaged tomorrow for students, parolees, Uber drivers and blue-collar workers. Then it works its way up the privilege gradient, until we're all being turned into reverse-centaurs under the "digital whip" of a centaur boss:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/11/25/the-peoples-amazon/#clippys-revenge

In mediating between asshole bosses and the workers they destroy, these bossware technologies do more than automate: they also insulate. Thanks to bossware, your boss doesn't have to look you in the eye (or come within range of your fists) to check in on you every 60 seconds and tell you that you've taken 11 seconds too long on a task. I recently learned a useful term for this: an "accountability sink," as described by Dan Davies in his new book, The Unaccountability Machine, which is high on my (very long) list of books to read:

https://profilebooks.com/work/the-unaccountability-machine/

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/02/despotism-on-demand/#virtual-whips

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[undercover-ballerina]

A snippet from chapter 1 of Trailblazing & Stargazing

Voldemort was dead. Again. They had made it back to present day, safe and sound. The children had gone back to Hogwarts. The grownups, including none other than reformed Death Eater, former school bully, overall nightmare of their childhood Draco Malfoy, had spent a few hours at Grimmauld Place going over the latest events. Harry and Ginny seemed to have finally accepted that Albus was a Slytherin and Scorpius Malfoy was his best friend. They were going to have to deal with the ferret more in the future and were trying to digest that. Ron still didn’t like Draco one bit, but Hermione appreciated the fact that they had both been civil to each other. 

She dreaded the moment Ron would realize that Scorpius had a huge crush on Rose, and the feeling was probably mutual, although Rose herself didn’t seem to be aware of that just yet. She thought Malfoy had changed dramatically, long gone was the spoiled racist brat he had been in school. The war had changed him, just like it had changed them, and the whole tragedy of his wife’s blood curse and subsequent death had left deep scars on him. He was now a generous man and he was still trying to atone for his sins, most of society had forgiven him but he couldn’t seem to forgive himself. Scorpius was a nice kid as well, he looked just like his dad at that age but had a kind smile instead of a mean smirk. He’d grow up to be a good man, without his father’s traumatic past. Draco was a good dad, much unlike Lucius.

Hermione and Ron apparated back into the garden and walked inside their empty two-story brick house. When they had married they had chosen to live in a muggle town on the outskirts of London, similar to where she had grown up. They had muggle technology, like a fridge and a TV, and magical commodities such as floo connection and owl post. Both she and Ron had gotten driving licenses and the children had attended muggle primary school, together with the Potters, before going to Hogwarts. They had the best of both worlds and Hermione really wanted to make it easier for other wizarding families to do the same.

“I’ll make some tea. Are you hungry?” asked Ron, nervously threading his hand through his slightly thinning, but still very brightly ginger, hair. 

“Yes please! I’m starving, really! I’m too old for battling evil wizards, I’m afraid.” Replied Hermione sitting down on the sofa. 

Her hair was still wild, as if it struggled to contain her energy, but some strands here and there were turning grey and she had a few thin lines at the corners of her eyes. She was never one to care about glamour charms or muggle make-up. She showed the signs of her age proudly, she had earned every one of them through the pain, joy, loss and achievement she had gone through in her 41 years of life. Not that she was old, but society always expected women to look like horny teenagers and she would have none of that rubbish.

She picked up one of the many scrolls of parchment her personal assistant had left on the coffee table, as per previous agreement, for her to review. The wizarding world hadn't stopped while the Golden Trio was traveling through time to prevent history from changing for the worst, she had to keep up. She took her job as Minister of Magic very seriously, she was trying to change the future, thank you very much.

Ron handed her a steaming cup of tea and, not finding any room on the table, sat down balancing a plate of samosas on his knee. 

“You know I love you, right?” he said with a deep sigh while nervously tapping his fingers on a cushion. 

“Of course I do, I love you too Ron, you are my best friend.” Her eyes never lifted from the parchment as she replied and took a samosa from the plate. She took a bite, enjoying the spicy goodness within and then sipped her tea, still reading. 

“You are my best friend too ‘Mione.” He stopped for a second and swallowed air, his Adam’s apple slightly bobbing. “That’s why I think we should get a divorce.”

[odiyi]

Online Entrepreneurship: Mastering the Art of Digital Success

Entrepreneurship is a field that has gained significant attention in recent years. With the advent of the internet, there has been a growing demand for online courses and educational resources related to entrepreneurship. This document aims to provide an overview of entrepreneurship online, highlighting its benefits, popular platforms, and key factors to consider before embarking on an online entrepreneurial journey. Benefits of Online Entrepreneurship 1. Flexibility: One of the main advantages of online entrepreneurship is the ability to work from anywhere. With an internet connection, entrepreneurs can conduct business remotely, eliminating the constraints of traditional brick-and-mortar offices. 2. Global Reach: The internet acts as a global platform, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with customers, business partners, and suppliers from all over the world. This opens up new opportunities for expansion, market penetration, and cross-cultural collaborations. 3. Reduced Overheads: Online businesses often have a lower startup cost compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. Entrepreneurs can avoid the physical infrastructure expenses, such as rent, utilities, and employees. Additionally, digital products and services often have lower production and distribution costs. 4. 24/7 Accessibility: The internet provides entrepreneurs with round-the-clock access to their business. Whether it's managing administrative tasks, communicating with customers, or promoting products or services, entrepreneurs have the freedom to work whenever it suits them.

Online Entrepreneurship: Mastering the Art of Digital Success

Photo by Content Pixie Popular Platforms for Online Entrepreneurship 1. Websites: Building a professional website is essential for online entrepreneurship. It allows entrepreneurs to showcase their products or services, engage with customers, and establish a strong online presence. 2. Social Media: Social media platforms have become powerful tools for entrepreneurs. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, entrepreneurs can reach a wide audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to their websites. 3. E-commerce: Selling products or services online through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy provides entrepreneurs with a convenient and efficient way to reach customers. 4. Online Course Platforms: Entrepreneurs can leverage online course platforms to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. platforms such as Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera offer a platform for creating and monetizing online courses. Key Factors to Consider 1. Market Demand: Before embarking on an online entrepreneurial journey, it is crucial to conduct market research to identify if there is a genuine demand for your product or service. Understanding your target audience's needs and preferences will help you create a successful online venture. 2. Competitiveness: Evaluate the level of competition in the chosen niche or industry. Identify unique selling points and differentiate your business to stand out in the market. 3. Digital Marketing Strategy: Develop a well-crafted digital marketing strategy to promote your products or services. This includes SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and other online channels to reach your target audience effectively. 4. Financial Projections: Have a clear understanding of your financial projections and projected revenue streams. This will help you make informed decisions and manage your business finances effectively. 5. Continuous Learning: Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires continuous learning and adaptation. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Conclusion Online entrepreneurship offers numerous benefits, including flexibility, global reach, and reduced overheads. Popular platforms include websites, social media, e-commerce, and online course platforms. To ensure success, entrepreneurs should consider market demand, competitiveness, digital marketing strategy, and financial projections. Continuous learning and staying updated is crucial for long-term success in the online world. Read the full article

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My Essay on Why RK900 is a Nerd

Preface: This essay uses very loose evidence and is for entertainment purposes rather than actually analysing the RK900 scene. Enjoy. word count: 656

Y’all scrapping him up to be some sort of 7′5″ hardass because he stood next to the very-short-Amanda and moved his head slightly. Let me tell you a thing... In an Australian accent.

I present to you my case in which Nines is just a walking lab nerd and not a bloke who will hold Gavin up by the throat.

Point 1: First of All

Connor and Nines are both 6′0″. White lab coat lookin’ ass.

Point 2: What are the Upgrades For?

Amanda states that Nines is to be more effective at the job. “Faster. Stronger. More resilient. And equipped with the latest technologies.”

Yeah, because they learned this android will be goin’ through it. Gunshots, stab wounds, Gavin gut-punches, the works. Equipped with the latest forensic technology? More resilient so his nerd ass can bounce back from DPD bathroom swirlies?

“Faster. Stronger.” Yeah, because why wouldn’t you upgrade any law enforcement android with those things? They have to keep up with other people! Humans birth humans and we sure as hell hope the next generation will be faster and stronger. Next question.

Point 3: Appearance vs Personality

Connor looks unintimidating upon initial interaction which can be accredited to his brown earthy colour scheme (cheers Bryan). Psychologically speaking, you think “hey this cop looks nice and friendly” and then he roars “twenty-eight stab wounds” and you shit yourself. Connor is a cold character personality-wise, in that warm interactions are still calculated and considered.

Nines is designed to be cold on the outside with blue eyes, lowered eyebrows, and a high collar. The seemingly smaller pupils are more hostile, the lowered eyebrows are angrier, and the collar ‘protects’ the neck which gives the illusion that he is less vulnerable. This appearance is specifically designed to deter people from harming the merchandise before it can even come close to them. Probably because if this pencil-dick lab-rat can make them cry by looking at them, they won’t make him cry by talking to him.

Point 4: Socialisation

Connor tries really hard outwardly to get along with as many of his colleagues as humanly possible. (Or not, depending on your choices.) He also will just rip out a biocomponent to torture another android in order to get an answer. Shit, mate, as if that polar opposite snap doesn’t shake you to your core. We know nothing canon about Nines’ behaviour towards others, but I can guess that due to learnings from the RK800 model, he’d be a lot more reserved to preserve himself. Much like how Connor follows Hank around like a dog (which in positive experiences preserved him), Nines would pull a classic introvert move and attach himself to someone who wouldn’t pull a gun on his head. Note that due to the RK model and program, Nines would keep Connor’s professionalism. A fun thing to consider: Nines is the walking laboratory behind Connor, blinking for a flinch any time Connor snaps.

Point 5: Tank vs Glass Cannon

Connor is a sword and Nines is a shield. Nines, built to withstand bullies, would take the shots while Connor fires the shots.

And if Nines were to ever physically attack or defend, it would be such a big well-up that a single swing of his fist would fling a bot from Detroit to Canada. Coding anti-violence stability in the RK900 would be vital for human preservation. Would Nines push Gavin back? Nay. Gavin wouldn’t be able to push this nerd in the first place. It’d be like a brick wall. After Gavin’s fed up with trying to shove Nines over, Hank would call for the android to “come analyse evidence” and Nines would be like “coming lieutenant :)” and step out the break room so Gavin falls flat on his face.

In conclusion

Nines is the “don’t poke the bear” type. A nerdy forensic laboratory following around the leader of the investigation like a timid ginger middle-schooler who secretly knows Kung Fu.

Check out my other essays here.