Author | Lightnews

Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 18h

Colour me unsurprised . . .

Joe Hanson @drjoehanson.bsky.social · 5d

When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.

Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.

academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...

Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning

Abstract. The effects of using large language models (LLMs) versus traditional web search on depth of learning are explored. A theory is proposed that when

academic.oup.com

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Reposted by Erik Buchanan

Gaëtan Charlebois @glcharleboisbks.bsky.social · 2d

Shameless promo

#booksky #fantasy #romantasy #freehilt #presale #gaysky

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

The pain was sudden, sharp, and agonizing and I knew I would not rise again without help. The dragon reared back, ready to flambé me and turn me into supper.

Which is when the truck came around the corner too fast and ended him rightly.

And that is how I hurt my leg. Surgery consult on Monday.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Much fire was cast, much blood was spilled from both, and as I closed in on victory, my sword ready to cut through its neck, it lashed out one last time, its tail slamming into my leg and sending me to the ground.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

One by one I faced them down and ended them, until it was only I and the largest of the brood left, on the corner of Davenport and Spadina.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Now, even at full-sized dragons are only 8 feet long, but when they come in a group it can be a pain to destroy them.

Nonetheless, we fought. Up and down the Casa Loma steps, through the wooded hillside, and even into the hallways of George Brown college.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

It was a glorious battle. Me against 6 full-sized dragons, breathing flame and slashing with their claws (did you know dragons don’t like biting when they fight? Their teeth are precious to them and they like to keep them polished and clean, save for eating their usual repasts of young children).

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Now, I know what you are thinking: “Dragons? In downtown Toronto? Don’t the raccoons wipe them out?”

And yes, generally the raccoons stay on top of the dragon problem, but sometimes the odd nest slips through. Then they call me.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Day 2 of FUQT (f'd up quad tendon). It scares me how little it hurts. I'm seeing the specialist on Monday and suspect that will change.

Also, I've been told the story of how it happened is lame (pun intended) and I should concoct a better one, so here:

It stared as it always does: dragons.

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Reposted by Erik Buchanan

Georgia Cook @georgiacooked.bsky.social · 2d

If we don't hit our goal (which is looking increasingly likely), we cannot make season two.

Even if you can't donate, a share or review goes so far. This is a project Fio and I are so proud of, and we really want to see it through to the end.

Season one is already available for free online!

The Holmwood Foundation - Season Two

Season Two of the horror-fiction audio drama about possession, queer identity, and Dracula's severed head!

www.kickstarter.com

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Happy Hallowe'en to all. Obviously, I'm not going anywhere, but my daughter has made a costume suggestion:

IHoP.

Sigh. Who gave her that sense of humour, I want to know.

(I did. It's my fault. Sigh)

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Well, I'm fucked.

Yesterday, I slipped on the street, went down and tore my left quadricep tendon. Leg is immobilized. Going to the fracture clinic in a couple of days but suspect I'll need surgery.

If anyone wants me today, I'll be sulking and strategizing how to deal with the next six months.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Thursday, #SkyWriters, and apparently getting enough sleep really helps with functionality. Who knew 🙄.

Anyway, feeling better than I have in a while, so let's see what I can get done.

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

a cartoon of spongebob doing a bunch of housework while holding a vacuum cleaner .

Alt: a cartoon of spongebob doing a bunch of housework simultaneously.

media.tenor.com

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 4d

Not ADHD (though my family has suspicions). Turned out it was a migraine. Had a lie down and took meds. Semi-functional now.

Qi Gong is fun.

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 4d

Huh. I usually don't feel this overwhelmed until Thursday. My brain is telling me I have thousands of things to do today, but can't name a single one.

Oh, well. Back to the word mines.

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 5d

Tuesday, #SkyWriters. The day where we say . . . Tuesday!

My sympathy to all Jays and Dodgers fans who have to go to work this morning. Good game, though.

Now, off to find some words and put them into an order that pleases my sensibilities.

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 6d

post something halloween-y 🎃👻💀

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 6d

Monday, #SkyWriters, and they're testing the fire alarms in our building. Pray for my sanity.

In better news, Doug Ford walked back his plan to end tenancy so building owners could throw people out at the end of their lease. So there's a win.

To the word mines!

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 9d

COFFEE SHOP DAY! The day that reminds me I'm allowed out of the house.

The Ontario Premiere is changing the Landlord-Tenant Act so landlords can throw you out once your initial lease ends (BIll 60).

Here's his contact information:

correspondence.premier.gov.on.ca/EN/feedback/...

Contact the Premier

Send your ideas, questions, or concerns to the Premier of Ontario.

correspondence.premier.gov.on.ca

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 10d

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!!! 😜

a cartoon of two women standing next to each other in an office

ALT: a cartoon of two women standing next to each other in an office

media.tenor.com

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 10d

It is Thursday, #SkyWriters and I have decided I don wanna.

If you are looking for me, I will be doing it anyway, but with a pout worthy of a three-year old denied a cookie just before dinner.

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

a black and white cat is sitting on a bed next to a pillow .

ALT: a black and white cat is sitting on a bed next to a pillow .

media.tenor.com

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 11d

Wednesday. I'm trying to figure out how to use my limited energy to be more engaged in my community.

My focuses are Canadian environmental issues, human rights, and the social safety net. Also, disempowering billionaires and fascists.

Anyone know any good Canadian info. sources for such things?

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 12d

Tuesday, #SkyWriters! The day where we say . . .Tuesday!

Having a day where my TO DO list feels like more than I can handle. Got client work and much else besides, and need to get out for a walk before the rain comes.

So off I go! Talk to you later.

#amwriting #morecofffee #elbowsup

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 13d

Monday, #SkyWriters. Slightly behind but raring to go. The new meds are doing good work, so I'm going to make the most of them.

It would be nice to end a year on a high note.

To the word mines!

ALSO: 70 new followers? Welcome! I write books! You can buy them!

#amwriting #morecoffee #elbowsup

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Erik Buchanan @erikbuchananauthor.bsky.social · 19d

It was good. We did our traditional Thanksgiving puzzle building and pizza dinner. With pie for dessert!

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