1. I've never read Song of Ice and Fire or seen Game of Thrones, but I have to pay congratulations to George R.R. Martin: Well done, sir; you have become the new Duke Nukem: Forever. 2. Do people actually take what AI bots say seriously? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but still; you do … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: AI and Sentience, Goldfish, and More
Poem – ‘De Consolatione, Book II, Song 2’
Though countless as the grains of sandThat roll at Eurus' loud command;Though countless as the lamps of nightThat glad us with vicarious light;Fair plenty, gracious queen, should pourThe blessings of a golden shower,Not all the gifts of fate combin'dWould ease the hunger of the mind,But swallowing call the mighty store,Rapacity would call for more;For still … Continue reading Poem – ‘De Consolatione, Book II, Song 2’
More Thoughts On Dante
This is more or less what was supposed to be in Friday's post. In my reading of The Divine Comedy, the poets have reached Purgatory. It's really a relief to get out of Hell (I mean, you wouldn't think so, but...). I'd forgotten how effective Dante is at making the Inferno more and more unbearable … Continue reading More Thoughts On Dante
Friday Flotsam: Cut Short
1. Had an unexpectedly bad day yesterday; nothing really happened, but I found myself strangely lethargic and unhappy. I experience this kind of dreariness every now and again, and it never results in anything good. I need to find a way to snap out when that happens. 2. I'm realizing that part of the effect … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Cut Short
Lenten Embertide
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the first Sunday of Lent are the Spring Ember Days, when we fast and give thanks for the marvelous works of God, Who orders the changing of the times and seasons. In Lenten Embertide, we anticipate the coming of Spring, the time of birth and renewal, of planting and preparation. … Continue reading Lenten Embertide
Kaiju Appreciations: Legendary Kong
As I said, part of my Lenten fast is giving up most video content. However, this doesn't extend to working on my own videos, since I want to pick up on the pace on those. And today I finished and uploaded my latest one: an appreciation for Legendary Kong, the version of Kong from the … Continue reading Kaiju Appreciations: Legendary Kong
‘The Best of the Planetary Anthology Series’ is Now Live!
As most of you know, Tuscany Bay's Planetary Anthology series is now no more, save in audiobook form. However, Mr. John M. Olsen very graciously took it up and composed a "best of" anthology, taking what he regarded as the best two stories of each book and compiling them into a plump volume of 22 … Continue reading ‘The Best of the Planetary Anthology Series’ is Now Live!
Poem – “Strictly Germ-Proof”
The Antiseptic Baby and the Prophylactic Pup Were playing in the garden when the Bunny gamboled up; They looked upon the Creature with a loathing undisguised;— It wasn't Disinfected and it wasn't Sterilized. They said it was a Microbe and a Hotbed of Disease;They steamed it in a vapor of a thousand-odd degrees; They froze it in a freezer … Continue reading Poem – “Strictly Germ-Proof”
Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
1. So another Lent begins. This year I'm focusing on purgation, clearing out habits that have been a drag on my mind and attention span. In particular I'm giving up most video media: no perusing YouTube, no movies, no shows, etc. I'll still work on my own videos some, and still use 'ambience' videos (which … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
Poem – “To His Excellency George Washington”
Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!See the bright beams of heaven's revolving lightInvolved in sorrows and the veil of night! The Goddess comes, she moves … Continue reading Poem – “To His Excellency George Washington”
Serpent's Den 