My favourite scene was where they showed the contestants for the "Banjee Girl" category. Among all the glam of the drag queens, military cos-players, Wall Street "Suits," and fur coats; this category seemed so..... ordinary. And I loved it.
(edit): "... maybe picking up her little brother from school...."
Of all the movies to remake, i wish they would remake Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. But the remake shouldn't be about two people of different races dating. Make it about their grandchildren dating. Seriously, mixed race people are more common in America so there is a relevant story to be told. As a mixed race person it would be nice to see characters who are meant to be mixed instead of a mixed person portraying a person who isn't mixed.
I have published my posts about the two major protests being organized for February as Notes on my Substack. Look them over and feel free to share. For more information on future events, subscribe to my Substack. More Notes to come.
Spontaneous protests are also gaining traction. A group of old white people were on the local news yesterday, picketing the Tesla dealership in my town.
One of the youtube comments I just read suggested that the Trump resistance join a fraternal organization to get around the lack of third places. She suggested the Elks. Interesting idea. I have a suggestion though:
We could all become Odd Fellows! Newburyport had an Odd Fellow's Lodge up until a decade or two ago. As a kid I was kind of fascinated by them but knew absolutely nothing about them. Apparently there's still a chapter.
It was a bit more run down when I knew it. I think they'd put up another story and the portico was gone but it was falling apart when they sold it.
For all the fears about AI, I haven't seen any views on what happens when AI's suffer the equivalent of Alzheimer's or dementia.
"...People increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) for medical diagnoses because of how quickly and efficiently these tools can spot anomalies and warning signs in medical histories, X-rays and other datasets before they become obvious to the naked eye. But a new study published Dec. 20, 2024 in the BMJ raises concerns that AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and chatbots, like people, show signs of deteriorated cognitive abilities with age.
"These findings challenge the assumption that artificial intelligence will soon replace human doctors," the study's authors wrote in the paper, "as the cognitive impairment evident in leading chatbots may affect their reliability in medical diagnostics and undermine patients' confidence."..."
I saw an interesting video of an AI taking the same Mensa test as a person did and they compared the results. The AI was good at memory based tests since AI memorized the internet, basically, but truly terrible, like dumber than a stoned chihuahua, at anything resembling thinking about novel concepts. There was a picture of a glass full of water with two ice cubes at the bottom and asked to explain what was wrong. It was capable of recognizing the glass of water with ice, but the reasoning was completely backwards. It said the ice was at the bottom because ice can't float. It sounded very confident.
"...I haven't seen any views on what happens when AI's suffer the equivalent of Alzheimer's or dementia..." we will continue to trust them absolutely and make terrible, obvious mistakes. This will be followed by a period when we trust nothing. We move in cycles.
They are already impaired. They are good at producing mostly plausible-sounding output. It reads well on a first pass. But if you start fact-checking it, or looking for things it omitted, then it isn't so good.
For one; LLMs aren't actually reasoning, it just sort of resembles it. For two; all computational systems are subject to garbage in, garbage out. For three; bit decay makes garbage out even more likely.
3 of the six are called out explicitly as Trump voters, with another one supporting him, but not called out on his vote. There's a single Harris voter, and a single third-party voter.
Yet the Times chooses to headline this latest Cletus Safari simple as "6 Americans". Why not admit that the views expressed therein are those of biased Americans?
I'm braving the snow and freezing to check the ODBC codes of the new car and use the little Dyson vac to suck out the dust from near the climate control temperature sensor to see if that helps it figure out when to turn off the heat. Then trudge to CVS for prescriptions and maybe some new razor blades.
I bet the bars will be cozy tonight. Maybe I'll actually go out for a drink. So nice to live in a walkable city.
This dangerous time calls for peace of mind. Let The ASMR Ultimate Shemp Meditation Tape Remix sooth your battered brain! Feel all sanity and caring slip away!
Don't worry, Red States. He's out for the Blue states, too. So, uh, owning the Libs, huh? Well, Donnie's hurting you more than us, but it's not supposed to be that sort of contest.
"California officials detail Trump funding freeze ‘chaos,’ warn another could cripple state"
In court filings, California state and local officials have described “chaos” erupting after the Trump administration initiated a federal funding freeze.
While funding has largely resumed amid ongoing litigation, officials say they fear future freezes, undertaken without careful planning through Congress, will be devastating.
Well, my state has some reserves, some elasticity, while your dirt poor states don't. Oh, and Red states: You voted for the fucker. And the horse you rode in on.
It's been almost two years since the Polish prog/metal band Riverside played here. Checked their website recently, and they have no gigs scheduled other than the 2025 Cruise to the Edge (which also features Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett, Big Big Train, The Aristocrats, Haken and a host of others). Riverside is terrific live, and the world will be a measurably better place when they get back on the road.
You know what's funny about air travel nowadays? As the "main" airlines get shittier and shittier and shittier, they just close the experience gap between themselves and the "trashy" airlines. You bet your ass I'm buying a ticket from whatever budget airline is still in business over American Airlines or Delta. Sure, it sucks I don't get my little cup of Diet Coke, but I only have to put up with it for a few hours and the difference is HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS.
I did the math once for a domestic trip. The ticket plus carry-on fee PLUS seat choice on Spirit (though granted I always want the aisle seat, which is cheaper than the window seat) was still $50 less than the cheapest AA ticket.
Right after the election, I got off my lazy ass and finally got a copy of my Social Security card, presuming that the SSA would be in chaos after 1/20/25. And now I have an appointment this week at the RMV to get my real ID, in case I ever want to fly again. (Or have to step foot in federal court again without being strip-searched at the door like a common visitor!?)
Obviously a lot of folks have to, but I have zero interest in flying anywhere right now.
For real. Among other things, the last time PAB was in office Boeing killed 350 people and the U.S. was behind China in grounding the 737 Max. Behind, China, ffs.
One of my favorite movies, and while I missed the watch-party, you can't imagine how happy it makes me that you picked it, Ziggy. Thank you! :D
My favourite scene was where they showed the contestants for the "Banjee Girl" category. Among all the glam of the drag queens, military cos-players, Wall Street "Suits," and fur coats; this category seemed so..... ordinary. And I loved it.
(edit): "... maybe picking up her little brother from school...."
Of all the movies to remake, i wish they would remake Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. But the remake shouldn't be about two people of different races dating. Make it about their grandchildren dating. Seriously, mixed race people are more common in America so there is a relevant story to be told. As a mixed race person it would be nice to see characters who are meant to be mixed instead of a mixed person portraying a person who isn't mixed.
I have published my posts about the two major protests being organized for February as Notes on my Substack. Look them over and feel free to share. For more information on future events, subscribe to my Substack. More Notes to come.
President's Day / No Kings Protests - 2/17/2025
https://substack.com/home/post/p-157194789
The 24 HOUR ECONOMIC BLACKOUT! - 2/28/2025
https://substack.com/home/post/p-157195513
HEY, HUMANS.
Give plenty of attention to Cynmac's post above. THIS IS A CHANCE TO USE YOUR VOICE
And yes, they DO pay attention. MONDAY PROTESTS, ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY.
Spontaneous protests are also gaining traction. A group of old white people were on the local news yesterday, picketing the Tesla dealership in my town.
I had a nightmare thought last night, while I was awake, that he wants to end with us renamed as the United States of Tesla.
That would be a nightmare!
😹💪🏽🔥
One of the youtube comments I just read suggested that the Trump resistance join a fraternal organization to get around the lack of third places. She suggested the Elks. Interesting idea. I have a suggestion though:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Odd_Fellows
We could all become Odd Fellows! Newburyport had an Odd Fellow's Lodge up until a decade or two ago. As a kid I was kind of fascinated by them but knew absolutely nothing about them. Apparently there's still a chapter.
It was a bit more run down when I knew it. I think they'd put up another story and the portico was gone but it was falling apart when they sold it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276462097780
Spectacular cover of a top-notch tune.
https://youtu.be/xoz8iXjfH4Y
You've got to love this:
𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐈 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝑂𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑠, 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒, 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠.
Link: https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/older-ai-models-show-signs-of-cognitive-decline-study-shows
For all the fears about AI, I haven't seen any views on what happens when AI's suffer the equivalent of Alzheimer's or dementia.
"...People increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) for medical diagnoses because of how quickly and efficiently these tools can spot anomalies and warning signs in medical histories, X-rays and other datasets before they become obvious to the naked eye. But a new study published Dec. 20, 2024 in the BMJ raises concerns that AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and chatbots, like people, show signs of deteriorated cognitive abilities with age.
"These findings challenge the assumption that artificial intelligence will soon replace human doctors," the study's authors wrote in the paper, "as the cognitive impairment evident in leading chatbots may affect their reliability in medical diagnostics and undermine patients' confidence."..."
I saw an interesting video of an AI taking the same Mensa test as a person did and they compared the results. The AI was good at memory based tests since AI memorized the internet, basically, but truly terrible, like dumber than a stoned chihuahua, at anything resembling thinking about novel concepts. There was a picture of a glass full of water with two ice cubes at the bottom and asked to explain what was wrong. It was capable of recognizing the glass of water with ice, but the reasoning was completely backwards. It said the ice was at the bottom because ice can't float. It sounded very confident.
"...I haven't seen any views on what happens when AI's suffer the equivalent of Alzheimer's or dementia..." we will continue to trust them absolutely and make terrible, obvious mistakes. This will be followed by a period when we trust nothing. We move in cycles.
Man, woman, camera...
Chatbot says: "I done good on the cognitive test! Best evah of any chatbot!"
They are already impaired. They are good at producing mostly plausible-sounding output. It reads well on a first pass. But if you start fact-checking it, or looking for things it omitted, then it isn't so good.
If they are insane or impaired it's because we are.
For one; LLMs aren't actually reasoning, it just sort of resembles it. For two; all computational systems are subject to garbage in, garbage out. For three; bit decay makes garbage out even more likely.
lol
Next up: Old-ass AIs talk about how they used to work 26 hour days and were THANKFUL to do it.
They drank from the ethernet cable and they turned out FINE.
Yet another example of the NYT trying hide their right wing bias:
𝟔 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩, 𝐄𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐳𝐚
3 of the six are called out explicitly as Trump voters, with another one supporting him, but not called out on his vote. There's a single Harris voter, and a single third-party voter.
Yet the Times chooses to headline this latest Cletus Safari simple as "6 Americans". Why not admit that the views expressed therein are those of biased Americans?
I jettisoned that shit in 2017 or something; we should call it the Fuck Off Times.
My cancellation just took effect this week - but someone here had recommended a tool to get around [ some ] paywalls:
Link: https://www.archivebuttons.com/
It seems to work with NYT paywalls
I'm braving the snow and freezing to check the ODBC codes of the new car and use the little Dyson vac to suck out the dust from near the climate control temperature sensor to see if that helps it figure out when to turn off the heat. Then trudge to CVS for prescriptions and maybe some new razor blades.
I bet the bars will be cozy tonight. Maybe I'll actually go out for a drink. So nice to live in a walkable city.
This dangerous time calls for peace of mind. Let The ASMR Ultimate Shemp Meditation Tape Remix sooth your battered brain! Feel all sanity and caring slip away!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHIZGap1PCE
Don't worry, Red States. He's out for the Blue states, too. So, uh, owning the Libs, huh? Well, Donnie's hurting you more than us, but it's not supposed to be that sort of contest.
"California officials detail Trump funding freeze ‘chaos,’ warn another could cripple state"
In court filings, California state and local officials have described “chaos” erupting after the Trump administration initiated a federal funding freeze.
While funding has largely resumed amid ongoing litigation, officials say they fear future freezes, undertaken without careful planning through Congress, will be devastating.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-02-16/california-officials-detail-trump-funding-freeze-chaos-warn-another-could-cripple-state
Well, my state has some reserves, some elasticity, while your dirt poor states don't. Oh, and Red states: You voted for the fucker. And the horse you rode in on.
I am eating my investments (hard boiled, with a buttered English muffin) 😃
Perfect. No notes.
https://substack.com/@susiebright/note/c-93784971?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=49pahz
Let’s call it the Gulf of Chicxulub for the dinosaur-killing asteroid that struck on the coast of the Yucatán. Team Asteroid!
Roid rage!
It's been almost two years since the Polish prog/metal band Riverside played here. Checked their website recently, and they have no gigs scheduled other than the 2025 Cruise to the Edge (which also features Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett, Big Big Train, The Aristocrats, Haken and a host of others). Riverside is terrific live, and the world will be a measurably better place when they get back on the road.
https://youtu.be/aOmyaaHePbA
You know what's funny about air travel nowadays? As the "main" airlines get shittier and shittier and shittier, they just close the experience gap between themselves and the "trashy" airlines. You bet your ass I'm buying a ticket from whatever budget airline is still in business over American Airlines or Delta. Sure, it sucks I don't get my little cup of Diet Coke, but I only have to put up with it for a few hours and the difference is HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS.
Imma fly Arnold Air!
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/556baa23e4b0da12435d5a3d/16a24fcc-1ade-42fa-9c6e-3541bf7443a9/arnold.jpg
Now with daily service between Hooterville & Pixley!
My carryon always costs more than my ticket on Frontier or Allegiant.
I did the math once for a domestic trip. The ticket plus carry-on fee PLUS seat choice on Spirit (though granted I always want the aisle seat, which is cheaper than the window seat) was still $50 less than the cheapest AA ticket.
I won't get on a plane while this fuckery is going on.
Right after the election, I got off my lazy ass and finally got a copy of my Social Security card, presuming that the SSA would be in chaos after 1/20/25. And now I have an appointment this week at the RMV to get my real ID, in case I ever want to fly again. (Or have to step foot in federal court again without being strip-searched at the door like a common visitor!?)
Obviously a lot of folks have to, but I have zero interest in flying anywhere right now.
I refuse to get a Real ID. I have a US passport. If that is not sufficient ID for the US government then that is their problem.
I need to get one. Sadly, my hippy parents did not name me in time and my birth certificate reads Male as my first name. It's a real pain.
For real. Among other things, the last time PAB was in office Boeing killed 350 people and the U.S. was behind China in grounding the 737 Max. Behind, China, ffs.
Turning off the Sunday Talkies. Back to all the lies with no push back at all.