Attenuated Presence 🔭
@attenuated.bsky.social
Nebula guy. Astronomy and physics, teaching, books, games, no politics right now if I can help it.
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Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen ‘slop’ as the 2025 Word of the Year.
December 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen ‘slop’ as the 2025 Word of the Year.
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This is incredibly important. If you read one thing this week: marcusolang.substack.com/p/im-kenyan-...
I'm Kenyan. I Don't Write Like ChatGPT. ChatGPT Writes Like Me.
I'm calm. I'm calm. I promise.
marcusolang.substack.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:47 AM
This is incredibly important. If you read one thing this week: marcusolang.substack.com/p/im-kenyan-...
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Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
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Today in "Don't Trust AI to Tell You Facts": How several different "AI" programs messed up the simple fact of to whom I dedicated a book, and what that means for how much you should trust "AI" to tell you the truth about things (spoiler: not much at all):
whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/13/a...
whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/13/a...
“AI”: A Dedicated Fact-Failing Machine, or, Yet Another Reason Not to Trust It For Anything
I search my name on a regular basis, not only because I am an ego monster (although I try not to pretend that I’m not) but because it’s a good way for me to find reviews, end-of-the-yea…
whatever.scalzi.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Today in "Don't Trust AI to Tell You Facts": How several different "AI" programs messed up the simple fact of to whom I dedicated a book, and what that means for how much you should trust "AI" to tell you the truth about things (spoiler: not much at all):
whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/13/a...
whatever.scalzi.com/2025/12/13/a...
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The internet is fast becoming so choked with this, it'll be unusable. We'll all be boats chugging blindly through the gloom and the muck, finding nothing, barely each other, uncertain what's true or even real anymore.
googled something and clicked a link to a website I'd never heard of that looked like a forum, read the discussion and realized the person asking a question and all of the answers were all LLM generated, the entire website was a fake forum pretending to be people asking/answering questions
December 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The internet is fast becoming so choked with this, it'll be unusable. We'll all be boats chugging blindly through the gloom and the muck, finding nothing, barely each other, uncertain what's true or even real anymore.
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NPR is giving another example of 'AI' meaning whatever you want it to, a buzz-word shorthand with low precision.
I want to argue two things:
1. What this uses isn't 'AI' as most people think of it.
2. It's a good thing, actually.
The way our limbs work is hard to replicate with prosthetics...
I want to argue two things:
1. What this uses isn't 'AI' as most people think of it.
2. It's a good thing, actually.
The way our limbs work is hard to replicate with prosthetics...
Sensors and artificial intelligence help a prosthetic hand act more like a natural one, new research shows. n.pr/4oU0pTh
Amputees often feel disconnected from their bionic hands. AI could bridge the gap
Sensors and artificial intelligence help a prosthetic hand act more like a natural one, new research shows.
n.pr
December 12, 2025 at 12:49 PM
NPR is giving another example of 'AI' meaning whatever you want it to, a buzz-word shorthand with low precision.
I want to argue two things:
1. What this uses isn't 'AI' as most people think of it.
2. It's a good thing, actually.
The way our limbs work is hard to replicate with prosthetics...
I want to argue two things:
1. What this uses isn't 'AI' as most people think of it.
2. It's a good thing, actually.
The way our limbs work is hard to replicate with prosthetics...
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BTW there's a huge sale going on at Steam, so if you're into sniping nazis in the face, check this out:
store.steampowered.com/sale/rebelli...
store.steampowered.com/sale/rebelli...
December 11, 2025 at 11:40 PM
BTW there's a huge sale going on at Steam, so if you're into sniping nazis in the face, check this out:
store.steampowered.com/sale/rebelli...
store.steampowered.com/sale/rebelli...
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That Miiloo, from a Shenzen company, was maybe the most interesting one to me. It's one of the cheaper options and a top hit on Amazon when you search for "AI toys." It's mostly heavily moderated but really draws the line with certain CCP talking points.
December 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM
That Miiloo, from a Shenzen company, was maybe the most interesting one to me. It's one of the cheaper options and a top hit on Amazon when you search for "AI toys." It's mostly heavily moderated but really draws the line with certain CCP talking points.
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New! We worked with the Public Interest Research Group to test a bunch of LLM-driven toys ahead of the Christmas. That sexual talking teddy bear wasn't a one-off; it turns out disturbing behavior is deeply built into these toys across the board.
AI toys for kids talk about sex and issue Chinese Communist Party talking points, tests show
New research from Public Interest Research Group and tests conducted by NBC News found that a wide range of AI toys have loose guardrails.
www.nbcnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM
New! We worked with the Public Interest Research Group to test a bunch of LLM-driven toys ahead of the Christmas. That sexual talking teddy bear wasn't a one-off; it turns out disturbing behavior is deeply built into these toys across the board.
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A ton of @aptshadow.bsky.social books on humble bundle for cheap!
www.humblebundle.com/books/adrian...
www.humblebundle.com/books/adrian...
Humble Book Bundle: Adrian Tchaikovsky's Epic Fantasy by Macmillan
Fantasy fans won’t want to miss this Adrian Tchaikovsky bundle, featuring the Shadows of the Apt series and more! Every purchase supports Cancer Research UK!
www.humblebundle.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
A ton of @aptshadow.bsky.social books on humble bundle for cheap!
www.humblebundle.com/books/adrian...
www.humblebundle.com/books/adrian...
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Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
December 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
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I said it before, will say it again -- generative AI fetishizes "ideas" while sneering at effort, execution, and education. That, despite Gen-AI being built on and out of other people's effort, execution and education.
A.I. and the Fetishization Of Ideas
In writing and in dispensing my (very dubious, probably shady) writing advice, I am often keen to note that ideas are bullshit. Most writers treat them like precious gems when really, ideas are lik…
terribleminds.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I said it before, will say it again -- generative AI fetishizes "ideas" while sneering at effort, execution, and education. That, despite Gen-AI being built on and out of other people's effort, execution and education.
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some libraries have streaming too! and things that help you learn other languages if you're getting off Duolingo bc of AI.
and manga! and comics! and magazines!
and, you know, books. including books by indie publishers, in many cases.
and manga! and comics! and magazines!
and, you know, books. including books by indie publishers, in many cases.
*kicks down the door like Big Bird in that one gif*
VISIT YOUR LIBRARY
WE'VE GOT DVDS
WE'VE GOT CDS
WE'VE GOT BOOKS ON CD
WE'VE GOT THAT TONIES THING FOR YOUR KID
YOUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS AT WORK
VISIT YOUR LIBRARY
WE'VE GOT DVDS
WE'VE GOT CDS
WE'VE GOT BOOKS ON CD
WE'VE GOT THAT TONIES THING FOR YOUR KID
YOUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS AT WORK
“As prices for streaming subscriptions continue to soar and finding movies to watch, new and old, is becoming harder as the number of streaming services continues to grow, people are turning to the unexpected last stronghold of physical media: the public library.”
December 9, 2025 at 10:24 PM
some libraries have streaming too! and things that help you learn other languages if you're getting off Duolingo bc of AI.
and manga! and comics! and magazines!
and, you know, books. including books by indie publishers, in many cases.
and manga! and comics! and magazines!
and, you know, books. including books by indie publishers, in many cases.
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the headline: faster than light travel is now a possibility!
the article: requires negative mass-energy, which is physically impossible.
the "popular science" press recycles this headline 2-4 times a year. i wish my professional peers would stop falling for it, and spreading anti-science disinfo.
the article: requires negative mass-energy, which is physically impossible.
the "popular science" press recycles this headline 2-4 times a year. i wish my professional peers would stop falling for it, and spreading anti-science disinfo.
December 9, 2025 at 1:24 AM
the headline: faster than light travel is now a possibility!
the article: requires negative mass-energy, which is physically impossible.
the "popular science" press recycles this headline 2-4 times a year. i wish my professional peers would stop falling for it, and spreading anti-science disinfo.
the article: requires negative mass-energy, which is physically impossible.
the "popular science" press recycles this headline 2-4 times a year. i wish my professional peers would stop falling for it, and spreading anti-science disinfo.
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Heartbreaking. The University of Nebraska will terminate its entire Earth science department.
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
BREAKING: ‘This hurts’: UNL eliminates 4 programs despite faculty, student pleas
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminates the Earth and atmospheric sciences 8-0, educational administration 7-1, statistics 7-1, textiles, merchandising and fashion design 7-1 programs.
www.dailynebraskan.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Heartbreaking. The University of Nebraska will terminate its entire Earth science department.
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
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It’s a public service not a business. Losses are not relevant. It’s in the goddamn constitution. Gonna lose my mind. AAAAAAAAAHHHHH
🚨SCOOP: Amazon is preparing to sever ties with USPS and expand its shipping network as a true coast-to-coast rival.
It could cost USPS more than *$6 billion* a year in lost revenue, and lead Amazon to dominate yet another facet of the economy.
USPS posted a *$9 billion* loss in 2025.
It could cost USPS more than *$6 billion* a year in lost revenue, and lead Amazon to dominate yet another facet of the economy.
USPS posted a *$9 billion* loss in 2025.
Amazon explores cutting ties with USPS, building its own delivery network
Amazon looks into expanding its nationwide delivery network and giving up its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Postal Service.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It’s a public service not a business. Losses are not relevant. It’s in the goddamn constitution. Gonna lose my mind. AAAAAAAAAHHHHH
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"Or maybe
just maybe
Generative AI is a sack of wet garbage.
Do not use AI for search.
DO NOT USE AI FOR SEARCH."
just maybe
Generative AI is a sack of wet garbage.
Do not use AI for search.
DO NOT USE AI FOR SEARCH."
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 AM
"Or maybe
just maybe
Generative AI is a sack of wet garbage.
Do not use AI for search.
DO NOT USE AI FOR SEARCH."
just maybe
Generative AI is a sack of wet garbage.
Do not use AI for search.
DO NOT USE AI FOR SEARCH."
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It's time to talk to you about my cat.
Vital Cat Update
It’s time to talk about my cat. To which you might be saying, “Chuck, I didn’t know you had a cat!” and I’d respond with, “I didn’t know I had a cat either…
terribleminds.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
It's time to talk to you about my cat.
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Farm workers stand in solidarity with striking Starbucks workers.
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
December 3, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Farm workers stand in solidarity with striking Starbucks workers.
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Starbucks baristas have been fighting for a fair union contract for close to 4 years. Just like many farm workers, @sbworkersunited.org is fighting back against greedy union busting employers.
#NoContractNoCoffee
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Posting from the living room bathtub in my new AI designed house
December 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Posting from the living room bathtub in my new AI designed house
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Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶
November 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶