Ciaran McGrath
@cerandor.com
Writer of stuff, player of games, enjoyer of life. Living with cancer, trying to be a better person one day at a time.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I think it's kind of funny people are realizing if they use LLMs to do stuff for them then they lose the ability to do it themselves
bud if I stop writing CSS for a week I forget everything, this is 0 surprise to me
bud if I stop writing CSS for a week I forget everything, this is 0 surprise to me
January 28, 2026 at 5:12 AM
I think it's kind of funny people are realizing if they use LLMs to do stuff for them then they lose the ability to do it themselves
bud if I stop writing CSS for a week I forget everything, this is 0 surprise to me
bud if I stop writing CSS for a week I forget everything, this is 0 surprise to me
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I analysed the DoJ’s immigration chatbot for @iccl.bsky.social and the amount of seriously wrong information it gave was shocking even to me. The idea that people fleeing persecution would be expected to rely on a chatbot in lieu of actual legal advice is 😱😱😱
www.dublininquirer.com/chatbots-con...
www.dublininquirer.com/chatbots-con...
Chatbots considered for providing legal counselling to people seeking asylum, documents suggest
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission doesn’t believe chatbots are suitable “in provision of legal counselling”, a spokesperson said.
www.dublininquirer.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:15 AM
I analysed the DoJ’s immigration chatbot for @iccl.bsky.social and the amount of seriously wrong information it gave was shocking even to me. The idea that people fleeing persecution would be expected to rely on a chatbot in lieu of actual legal advice is 😱😱😱
www.dublininquirer.com/chatbots-con...
www.dublininquirer.com/chatbots-con...
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I think about this post a lot.
January 25, 2026 at 10:26 PM
I think about this post a lot.
The weird feeling of suddenly remembering that your parents rented their TV when you were a kid… (Radio Rentals, IIRC.)
January 27, 2026 at 10:55 PM
The weird feeling of suddenly remembering that your parents rented their TV when you were a kid… (Radio Rentals, IIRC.)
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
as Will Stancil pointed out, it's not like the state has inspired the work of one of the most prolific and successful horror authors of all time 🤷♂️
January 27, 2026 at 2:31 AM
as Will Stancil pointed out, it's not like the state has inspired the work of one of the most prolific and successful horror authors of all time 🤷♂️
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Show me your most detailed work.
Here are the 1992 WARHEADS characters for MARVEL UK's OVERKILL anthology and the original 1991 UKCAC Comic Con DPS that inspired publisher Paul Neary to create a story around them. I burned so very, very brightly on this series and left after 50 pages to my regret.
Here are the 1992 WARHEADS characters for MARVEL UK's OVERKILL anthology and the original 1991 UKCAC Comic Con DPS that inspired publisher Paul Neary to create a story around them. I burned so very, very brightly on this series and left after 50 pages to my regret.
January 27, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Show me your most detailed work.
Here are the 1992 WARHEADS characters for MARVEL UK's OVERKILL anthology and the original 1991 UKCAC Comic Con DPS that inspired publisher Paul Neary to create a story around them. I burned so very, very brightly on this series and left after 50 pages to my regret.
Here are the 1992 WARHEADS characters for MARVEL UK's OVERKILL anthology and the original 1991 UKCAC Comic Con DPS that inspired publisher Paul Neary to create a story around them. I burned so very, very brightly on this series and left after 50 pages to my regret.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Joseph of Nazareth:
where the fuck did this sun come from
January 27, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Joseph of Nazareth:
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
BIG TIME. Astonished to say it but now is an incredibly exciting time to begin a political career because *maintaining discipline* (DESTROY ICE & its even tangential supporters) as corporate Dems characteristically fumble ONCE IN A LIFETIME political capital will make people fall in love with you.
We’re seeing a lot of the same dynamic nationally that happened here in MN post-George Floyd murder. The mass outcry across the world led to justice promised- then in time that was consciously morphed into a lot of toothless “reforms” that were easily ignored. Defund became extra-fund! (as you know)
January 27, 2026 at 1:21 PM
BIG TIME. Astonished to say it but now is an incredibly exciting time to begin a political career because *maintaining discipline* (DESTROY ICE & its even tangential supporters) as corporate Dems characteristically fumble ONCE IN A LIFETIME political capital will make people fall in love with you.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Reminds me of a very similar bit of training female members of the British secret service were given during WW2: "Don't ask a man who works for their government what's happening. Confidently tell him something you know to be inaccurate, and he will be forced to correct you".
stop using AI to do your research. it hallucinates too often. if you want an answer to something, post something arrogant on the appropriate subreddit. something like: "this item performs 10% better than everything else. only idiots deny this." this will bait nerds into doing your research for you.
January 27, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Reminds me of a very similar bit of training female members of the British secret service were given during WW2: "Don't ask a man who works for their government what's happening. Confidently tell him something you know to be inaccurate, and he will be forced to correct you".
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Keith Porter had - has - a daughter.
The GoFundMe set up for her & his family has a goal of $300K.
A modest goal.
He was murdered two weeks ago & the goal HASN’T BEEN MET YET.
Meanwhile Renee Good’s GoFundMe was SHUT DOWN when it passed $1.5 MILLION.
COME ON.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
The GoFundMe set up for her & his family has a goal of $300K.
A modest goal.
He was murdered two weeks ago & the goal HASN’T BEEN MET YET.
Meanwhile Renee Good’s GoFundMe was SHUT DOWN when it passed $1.5 MILLION.
COME ON.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
Donate to Support for Keith’s Daughters After Tragedy, organized by Keith Porter
My 43-year-old son, Keith, was tragically killed on New Year's Eve in Northri… Keith Porter needs your support for Support for Keith’s Daughters After Tragedy
www.gofundme.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Keith Porter had - has - a daughter.
The GoFundMe set up for her & his family has a goal of $300K.
A modest goal.
He was murdered two weeks ago & the goal HASN’T BEEN MET YET.
Meanwhile Renee Good’s GoFundMe was SHUT DOWN when it passed $1.5 MILLION.
COME ON.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
The GoFundMe set up for her & his family has a goal of $300K.
A modest goal.
He was murdered two weeks ago & the goal HASN’T BEEN MET YET.
Meanwhile Renee Good’s GoFundMe was SHUT DOWN when it passed $1.5 MILLION.
COME ON.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I enjoy this place, but the people in charge of it are obviously so embarrassed that their userbase ended up as left-leaning as it is.
according to bluesky, working for ice is a protected class against discrimination lol
January 26, 2026 at 6:05 PM
I enjoy this place, but the people in charge of it are obviously so embarrassed that their userbase ended up as left-leaning as it is.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I think this is one of the best things I read last year for what it's worth
I don’t expect to ever get a Hugo nomination, little yet a win. But I suspect that if I do get one it’ll be this year, for Cuddled Little Vice, and I’d be lying if I said that wouldn’t make me an extremely happy little nerd.
www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/the-cud...
www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/the-cud...
January 26, 2026 at 4:14 AM
I think this is one of the best things I read last year for what it's worth
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
How we got here: youtu.be/8BIcAZxFfrc?...
January 26, 2026 at 4:57 PM
How we got here: youtu.be/8BIcAZxFfrc?...
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Did you know The Games Co-Op happens pretty much every month? Next one will happen on the 16th of February at The Circular! As always it's a place for game devs to meet, share, playtest and showcase their work in progress! www.meetup.com/the-games-co...
The Games Co-Op: Furby-ary , Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 7:00 PM | Meetup
Come join us **Monday** the **16th of February** at the **The Circular in Rialto at 7pm.** We’ll be at the Backroom, which you can find behind the curtain.
We will have th
www.meetup.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Did you know The Games Co-Op happens pretty much every month? Next one will happen on the 16th of February at The Circular! As always it's a place for game devs to meet, share, playtest and showcase their work in progress! www.meetup.com/the-games-co...
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Bye forever, WeTransfer.
July 14, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Bye forever, WeTransfer.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
This reminds of a quote I saw online, that the reason ADHD appeared to disappear in adulthood is that men outsourced their executive function issues to their secretaries and wives, and ouch
(and ADHD women were either undiagnosed or burnt out by trying to compensate without support)
(and ADHD women were either undiagnosed or burnt out by trying to compensate without support)
There are a lot of men out there who do not see any of the logistics happening around them and they're like "wait, where the fuck did these hand warmers come from?"
Look at every kid wearing mittens, and that's your answer. From the people who have been silently keeping hands warm for centuries.
Look at every kid wearing mittens, and that's your answer. From the people who have been silently keeping hands warm for centuries.
January 26, 2026 at 11:56 AM
This reminds of a quote I saw online, that the reason ADHD appeared to disappear in adulthood is that men outsourced their executive function issues to their secretaries and wives, and ouch
(and ADHD women were either undiagnosed or burnt out by trying to compensate without support)
(and ADHD women were either undiagnosed or burnt out by trying to compensate without support)
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
Go play TR-49, it's a crunchy little treat that will unfurl inside your brain with the vibes of a mandela effect you invited in.
store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/...
January 25, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Go play TR-49, it's a crunchy little treat that will unfurl inside your brain with the vibes of a mandela effect you invited in.
store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/...
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
No way we let Sweden get over the line on this ahead of Ireland.
Tell your friends. This isn’t just any old petition, this mechanism has EU clout.
Tell your friends. This isn’t just any old petition, this mechanism has EU clout.
358 806 signatures for the full suspension of the EU-Israel association, more than 1/3 of what is needed and 4 of the 7 countries needed over 100%.
tinyurl.com/mv8fzdhu
☑️Belgium 103%
☑️Finland 100.5%
☑️France 296%
Ireland 58.7%
Italy 79.8%
Netherlands 31%
Poland 51.4%
☑️Spain 111.9%
Sweden 81.6%
tinyurl.com/mv8fzdhu
☑️Belgium 103%
☑️Finland 100.5%
☑️France 296%
Ireland 58.7%
Italy 79.8%
Netherlands 31%
Poland 51.4%
☑️Spain 111.9%
Sweden 81.6%
January 25, 2026 at 10:40 AM
No way we let Sweden get over the line on this ahead of Ireland.
Tell your friends. This isn’t just any old petition, this mechanism has EU clout.
Tell your friends. This isn’t just any old petition, this mechanism has EU clout.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
I would like to gently request that AI pharmacy bots stop trying to kill my mother
Recently, I got a notice from my new pharmacy provider that they wouldn’t cover my thyroid medication and bizarrely suggested insulin instead! I need my thyroid medication. Then a couple of days ago, they called and told me to disregard the letter they had sent. AI is such a time and labor saver!
January 23, 2026 at 11:35 PM
I would like to gently request that AI pharmacy bots stop trying to kill my mother
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
existentialcomics.com/comic/100 I don't really care for Existential Comics most of the time but this is v. funny and how some argue the Apology should actually be read.
The "Apology"
A philosophy webcomic about the inevitable anguish of living a brief life in an absurd world. Also Jokes
existentialcomics.com
February 21, 2024 at 5:25 PM
existentialcomics.com/comic/100 I don't really care for Existential Comics most of the time but this is v. funny and how some argue the Apology should actually be read.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
The altnps account is the 13th most followed account on Bluesky and has more followers than every single news outlet other than the NYT, NPR and Meidas Touch on here. They actively spread misinformation and exploit gullible old people for cash. Accounts this unethical do not deserve to exist.
Completely insane. AltNPS claimed to know the name of Alex Pretti's killer, refused to say it because "the truth always comes out," and then just deleted the post.
A man was executed on the street in my hometown, and AltNPS is using that as an excuse to vaguepost for attention.
A man was executed on the street in my hometown, and AltNPS is using that as an excuse to vaguepost for attention.
January 25, 2026 at 7:21 AM
The altnps account is the 13th most followed account on Bluesky and has more followers than every single news outlet other than the NYT, NPR and Meidas Touch on here. They actively spread misinformation and exploit gullible old people for cash. Accounts this unethical do not deserve to exist.
Always repost this one.
Discworld QOTD, from Carpe Jugulum
January 25, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Always repost this one.
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
For real I am so fucking sick of this conversation
Y'all wanna talk about Minnesotan organizing? It's 90% on signal right now. It's fucking working.
Everyone wants to pretend that nothing works so they have an excuse for doing nothing of consequence but posting on fuckin Bluesky
Y'all wanna talk about Minnesotan organizing? It's 90% on signal right now. It's fucking working.
Everyone wants to pretend that nothing works so they have an excuse for doing nothing of consequence but posting on fuckin Bluesky
January 25, 2026 at 7:19 PM
For real I am so fucking sick of this conversation
Y'all wanna talk about Minnesotan organizing? It's 90% on signal right now. It's fucking working.
Everyone wants to pretend that nothing works so they have an excuse for doing nothing of consequence but posting on fuckin Bluesky
Y'all wanna talk about Minnesotan organizing? It's 90% on signal right now. It's fucking working.
Everyone wants to pretend that nothing works so they have an excuse for doing nothing of consequence but posting on fuckin Bluesky
Reposted by Ciaran McGrath
The Cambridge Disinformation Summit will discuss, with global lawmakers, the effects on democracy of concentrated media ownership.
“No other period in history has seen such a rapid and overwhelming buy up of our means of communications by the billionaire class.”
mronline.org/2025/12/03/t...
“No other period in history has seen such a rapid and overwhelming buy up of our means of communications by the billionaire class.”
mronline.org/2025/12/03/t...
The seven richest billionaires are all media barons - MR Online
What the planet’s mega-rich capture of our media system shows is that billionaires are not only a serious drain on resources, but an existential threat to an open society and the free flow of informat...
mronline.org
January 25, 2026 at 7:38 AM
The Cambridge Disinformation Summit will discuss, with global lawmakers, the effects on democracy of concentrated media ownership.
“No other period in history has seen such a rapid and overwhelming buy up of our means of communications by the billionaire class.”
mronline.org/2025/12/03/t...
“No other period in history has seen such a rapid and overwhelming buy up of our means of communications by the billionaire class.”
mronline.org/2025/12/03/t...