Nationally it is estimated that workers are not paid at least $19 billion every year in overtime[14] and that in the US $40 billion to $60 billion in total are lost annually due to all forms of wage theft.[15] This compares to national annual losses of $340 million due to robbery, $4.1 billion due to burglary, $5.3 billion due to larceny, and $3.8 billion due to auto theft in 2012.[5]
In short: wage theft is many multiples of all other types of theft combined.
Obvious solution is obvious: Eat the corporate overlords.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
HopePunk spaceship future-singularity RPG!
HopePunk spaceship future-singularity RPG!
https://festive.ninja/return-to-the-stars-science-fiction-roleplaying-game/
I skimmed this. Has anyone else followed it? Anybody know the author?
https://festive.ninja/return-to-the-stars-science-fiction-roleplaying-game/
https://festive.ninja/return-to-the-stars-science-fiction-roleplaying-game/
I skimmed this. Has anyone else followed it? Anybody know the author?
https://festive.ninja/return-to-the-stars-science-fiction-roleplaying-game/
My G+ escape pod: Goodreads.
My G+ escape pod: Goodreads.
That should let me combine my favorite lonely fun with everyone else.
It does help that I just bought a fancy new kindle.
Let's find each other there. My gmail is CallMeWilliam
That should let me combine my favorite lonely fun with everyone else.
It does help that I just bought a fancy new kindle.
Let's find each other there. My gmail is CallMeWilliam
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Today in Japan, we're celebrating the emperor's birthday.
Originally shared by Olivia Hill
Today in Japan, we're celebrating the emperor's birthday. Every bank and public office is closed. Meanwhile, millennials like me, we've got to hustle.
#iHunt The #TRPG, releasing 2019. 15/??
ok. ok. ok.
ok. ok. ok.
I am going to try to combine my love of G+ and my love of reading through the newly purchased eReader, which has Goodreads builtin.
I'm going to send invitational things to people on my gmail there.
Are YOU there?
I am going to try to combine my love of G+ and my love of reading through the newly purchased eReader, which has Goodreads builtin.
I'm going to send invitational things to people on my gmail there.
Are YOU there?
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Rewatched 9-5.
Rewatched 9-5.
The boss isn't just a bouchie fuck. He's a class traitor, such that everything that occurs to him in the narrative is acceptable.
Don't be a class traitor. Help me if I am one.
The boss isn't just a bouchie fuck. He's a class traitor, such that everything that occurs to him in the narrative is acceptable.
Don't be a class traitor. Help me if I am one.
We're trying to figure out effective tax rates on cars in arlington county.
We're trying to figure out effective tax rates on cars in arlington county.
Pulling from two websites, it is:
5% of the value over 20,000 plus 28% of 5% of the value between 3,000 and 20,000 plus 0% of the value under 3,000.
I can't find a calculator for it. The county doesn't seem to provide one.
Being me, I can figure that out. I can build a spreadsheet.
A $20,000 car an effective rate ~3%; a $10,000 car ~2.5%, and a $5,000 car right around 1.44%.
The average car-owner should not need to do this math.
I've aid it before: The average citizen should not need a spreadsheet to figure out there taxes.
Business, millionaires, etc? Sure. But not, like, 90% of us.
Pulling from two websites, it is:
5% of the value over 20,000 plus 28% of 5% of the value between 3,000 and 20,000 plus 0% of the value under 3,000.
I can't find a calculator for it. The county doesn't seem to provide one.
Being me, I can figure that out. I can build a spreadsheet.
A $20,000 car an effective rate ~3%; a $10,000 car ~2.5%, and a $5,000 car right around 1.44%.
The average car-owner should not need to do this math.
I've aid it before: The average citizen should not need a spreadsheet to figure out there taxes.
Business, millionaires, etc? Sure. But not, like, 90% of us.
Need to escape the doldrums of the 9-5?
Originally shared by Olivia Hill
Need to escape the doldrums of the 9-5? Tired of being the competent person in the room, held down from success by hierarchy and policy? Consider a career in freelance monster hunting.
#iHunt The #TRPG, releasing 2019. 14/??
Friday, December 21, 2018
The Mattis resignation letter throws serious shade.
The Mattis resignation letter throws serious shade.
It might as well be:
I’m in the cabinet. I am complicit in
Watching him grabbin’ at power and kiss it
If Washington isn’t gon’ listen
To disciplined dissidents, this is the difference:
This kid is out!
It might as well be:
I’m in the cabinet. I am complicit in
Watching him grabbin’ at power and kiss it
If Washington isn’t gon’ listen
To disciplined dissidents, this is the difference:
This kid is out!
That's a lot per vampire!
That's a lot per vampire!
Originally shared by Olivia Hill
People told me to make a game about the things I deal with. So I made a game about how expensive it is to be a millennial, how health care is broken. Also, about monsters.
#iHunt The #TRPG, releasing 2019. 13/??
Thursday, December 20, 2018
I am crazy.
I am crazy.
There are 15 Tech Levels. TL 10 is "standard". Everything above gives a large number of points, with decreasing points under.
Minimum crew and additional points are given by tonnage:
100t: 1 crew / 1 point
200t: 2 crew / 2 point
400t: 4 crew / 4 point
... etc up to 50,000t, which is 500 crew and points.
This is ten categories of ship size, if my math is right.
You get points for a spaceshp equal to TL ^ 2 - 100 + points from tonnage.
Spaceships have the following stats:
Tracks, including Hull, Heat, Data
Violence, including Guns, Electronic, and Marines
Movement, including Thrust, Jump, and Delta V
Money, including Cargo, Pax, and Data
Staying in the black requires a resistance roll against Money with a difficulty of your ship size. Or something. Working on that, but point is you stay in the black by having a bunch of ways to make money and a bigger ship is harder to keep in the black.
The point value of a stat (like Hull) is it's level squared. Negative values are the negative value squared.
So:
TL 10 Free Trader. 200t, minimum 2 crew. Points: 2
Hull - 1, Heat 0, Data - 1
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust + 1, Jump + 1, Delta V 0
Cargo + 1, Pax + 1., Data 0
TL 11 Free Trader, 200t, minimum 2 crew. Points: 23
Hull 0, Heat 0, Data - 1
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust + 2, Jump + 2, Delta V +2
Cargo +2, Pax + 2., Data +2
TL 9 Free Trader, 400t, minimum 4 crew. Points: -15
Hull -2, Heat -2, Data -3
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust +0, Jump +0, Delta V +0
Cargo +1, Pax + 1., Data +0
Questions: Is this too much of a change per TL? Is ship size a fun stat?
Am I simply crazy?
There are 15 Tech Levels. TL 10 is "standard". Everything above gives a large number of points, with decreasing points under.
Minimum crew and additional points are given by tonnage:
100t: 1 crew / 1 point
200t: 2 crew / 2 point
400t: 4 crew / 4 point
... etc up to 50,000t, which is 500 crew and points.
This is ten categories of ship size, if my math is right.
You get points for a spaceshp equal to TL ^ 2 - 100 + points from tonnage.
Spaceships have the following stats:
Tracks, including Hull, Heat, Data
Violence, including Guns, Electronic, and Marines
Movement, including Thrust, Jump, and Delta V
Money, including Cargo, Pax, and Data
Staying in the black requires a resistance roll against Money with a difficulty of your ship size. Or something. Working on that, but point is you stay in the black by having a bunch of ways to make money and a bigger ship is harder to keep in the black.
The point value of a stat (like Hull) is it's level squared. Negative values are the negative value squared.
So:
TL 10 Free Trader. 200t, minimum 2 crew. Points: 2
Hull - 1, Heat 0, Data - 1
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust + 1, Jump + 1, Delta V 0
Cargo + 1, Pax + 1., Data 0
TL 11 Free Trader, 200t, minimum 2 crew. Points: 23
Hull 0, Heat 0, Data - 1
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust + 2, Jump + 2, Delta V +2
Cargo +2, Pax + 2., Data +2
TL 9 Free Trader, 400t, minimum 4 crew. Points: -15
Hull -2, Heat -2, Data -3
Guns 0, EW 0, Marines 0
Thrust +0, Jump +0, Delta V +0
Cargo +1, Pax + 1., Data +0
Questions: Is this too much of a change per TL? Is ship size a fun stat?
Am I simply crazy?
Brad Murray recently published an article from the ancient internet era regarding the job of the imperium in...
Brad Murray recently published an article from the ancient internet era regarding the job of the imperium in Traveller.
Essentially: to get planets up to TL10, so they can actively participate in interstellar trade.
Assuming that for a moment. You are a native of a barbarous (maybe TL7) system. Call it Krill. Your world uses solar energy and fuel cell. Your local system is ripe for exploitation. Your spaceships go from planet to planet.
You are an out of work former military person. Maybe army, Marines, space navy, scouts, or even merchant. Everything you've known has regarded the Krill system. The scouts investigate Krill, the navy governs the local system.
Someone had shown up, proclaiming himself the Earl of Krill. He has a spaceship with technological supremacy, a small contingent of Marines, and had proclaimed the goal of uplifting your world from barbarism to the technology of the Empire. He has proclaimed that all Krill is under his protection.
What do you do?
Essentially: to get planets up to TL10, so they can actively participate in interstellar trade.
Assuming that for a moment. You are a native of a barbarous (maybe TL7) system. Call it Krill. Your world uses solar energy and fuel cell. Your local system is ripe for exploitation. Your spaceships go from planet to planet.
You are an out of work former military person. Maybe army, Marines, space navy, scouts, or even merchant. Everything you've known has regarded the Krill system. The scouts investigate Krill, the navy governs the local system.
Someone had shown up, proclaiming himself the Earl of Krill. He has a spaceship with technological supremacy, a small contingent of Marines, and had proclaimed the goal of uplifting your world from barbarism to the technology of the Empire. He has proclaimed that all Krill is under his protection.
What do you do?
This article is wrong in a variety of ways.
This article is wrong in a variety of ways.
https://www.tor.com/2018/12/18/how-to-make-beer-with-only-what-you-can-grow-on-a-generation-ship/
I've thought about generation ships a bit. I've got spreadsheets. They aren't necessarily good spreadsheets, but I absolutely have them.
I've also made beer. Homebrewing, and in more fancy establishments. I've been to breweries older than the US.
And, well, here's the net: People will make beer. They'll find a way.
This'll happen for a bunch of reasons:
1. It is a fantastic means of preserving calories.
2. It is a fantastic means of cleaning water.
3. It'll get ya drunk.
4. It tastes good.
This article starts by saying to use Brewer's Yeast. There are a variety of yeasts used to make beer, chosen for taste, expected ABV, durability, and a bunch of other reasons. For example, champagne yeast is good to use if your wort has stalled.
The article then claims the production of starches is problematic, and that you'd only use excess to make beer. Reason (1) and (2) are the biggest ones for why humanity has needed beer over the centuries.
Hops and barley are not the only way to get flavor. Having some is a very good idea, but these are not necessary.
Sure, the Bavarian Purity laws call for only four ingredients. Which is really limiting the beers that can be made and called beer in Bavaria. It's really kind of a problem; the US has a lot of cool microbreweries that use ingredients other than those four, and we're making some of the best new beers.
Anyway. I might be the right person to argue with positions like this. I'm not sure.
https://www.tor.com/2018/12/18/how-to-make-beer-with-only-what-you-can-grow-on-a-generation-ship/
I've thought about generation ships a bit. I've got spreadsheets. They aren't necessarily good spreadsheets, but I absolutely have them.
I've also made beer. Homebrewing, and in more fancy establishments. I've been to breweries older than the US.
And, well, here's the net: People will make beer. They'll find a way.
This'll happen for a bunch of reasons:
1. It is a fantastic means of preserving calories.
2. It is a fantastic means of cleaning water.
3. It'll get ya drunk.
4. It tastes good.
This article starts by saying to use Brewer's Yeast. There are a variety of yeasts used to make beer, chosen for taste, expected ABV, durability, and a bunch of other reasons. For example, champagne yeast is good to use if your wort has stalled.
The article then claims the production of starches is problematic, and that you'd only use excess to make beer. Reason (1) and (2) are the biggest ones for why humanity has needed beer over the centuries.
Hops and barley are not the only way to get flavor. Having some is a very good idea, but these are not necessary.
Sure, the Bavarian Purity laws call for only four ingredients. Which is really limiting the beers that can be made and called beer in Bavaria. It's really kind of a problem; the US has a lot of cool microbreweries that use ingredients other than those four, and we're making some of the best new beers.
Anyway. I might be the right person to argue with positions like this. I'm not sure.
I love these so much.
I love these so much.
Originally shared by Olivia Hill
I wrote a little blog post about this advertisement strategy where our ads are meant to be worldbuilding and new art, in addition to just ads. This includes a dump of the first five iHunt ads, and the video ad.
http://machineage.tokyo/2018/12/20/worldbuilding-with-ads/
http://machineage.tokyo/2018/12/20/worldbuilding-with-ads/
Originally shared by Olivia Hill
I wrote a little blog post about this advertisement strategy where our ads are meant to be worldbuilding and new art, in addition to just ads. This includes a dump of the first five iHunt ads, and the video ad.
http://machineage.tokyo/2018/12/20/worldbuilding-with-ads/
http://machineage.tokyo/2018/12/20/worldbuilding-with-ads/
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Book recommendations, please!
Book recommendations, please!
Some recent anchors to help:
The Fifth Season: This is fantastic, and heavier than what I want right now.
A Closed And Common Orbit: This entire series is what I'm looking for. It shnes with values, and the universe is ultimately moral. Though, it could stand a bit more to justify the finances. Preferably in space.
So.
I guess I'm looking for low-conflict, high-character pieces taking place in a universe that challenges our protagonist(s), who ultimately work to make a better galaxy.
Preferably in space.
Some recent anchors to help:
The Fifth Season: This is fantastic, and heavier than what I want right now.
A Closed And Common Orbit: This entire series is what I'm looking for. It shnes with values, and the universe is ultimately moral. Though, it could stand a bit more to justify the finances. Preferably in space.
So.
I guess I'm looking for low-conflict, high-character pieces taking place in a universe that challenges our protagonist(s), who ultimately work to make a better galaxy.
Preferably in space.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
So.
So.
So. So. So.
We've got like 4 Sprint teams, with different scrum masters. All on the same pretty big project.
We're moving some testers around, for reasons that mostly make sense. I've alerted everyone that, ya know, switching around team members destroys the team's ability to function. That for the next couple of sprints, not to expect much. That I've got to do a bunch of work to keep the positive, safe enviroment that I'd created these past few months.
But, the key thing is: the tester who I have supported and help grow is moving. In her place, I'm getting a tester who has had ... challenges. This includes making some elementary mistakes that are seriously problematic.
I am hopeful that, in the next couple of sprints, I can make her realize I'm here to help, and that she really can bring questions when she's not sure what to do. That this is tremendously better than making mistakes that fuckup other people's work, and that I will move goddamn mountains to find the answers and help.
Here's hoping. Fucking management.
So. So. So.
We've got like 4 Sprint teams, with different scrum masters. All on the same pretty big project.
We're moving some testers around, for reasons that mostly make sense. I've alerted everyone that, ya know, switching around team members destroys the team's ability to function. That for the next couple of sprints, not to expect much. That I've got to do a bunch of work to keep the positive, safe enviroment that I'd created these past few months.
But, the key thing is: the tester who I have supported and help grow is moving. In her place, I'm getting a tester who has had ... challenges. This includes making some elementary mistakes that are seriously problematic.
I am hopeful that, in the next couple of sprints, I can make her realize I'm here to help, and that she really can bring questions when she's not sure what to do. That this is tremendously better than making mistakes that fuckup other people's work, and that I will move goddamn mountains to find the answers and help.
Here's hoping. Fucking management.
Them: All scrum teams should continue to use the 7 subtasks for each user story.
Them: All scrum teams should continue to use the 7 subtasks for each user story.
Me: .... Why?
Them: So we see that each part gets done.
Me: ... How about if I write the user stories on post it notes, put them on the wall, and ask people everyday what they are doing?
Them: Will that work?
Me: I have no idea. Let's find out!
------------
Me: Well, that's working! Can we get rid of the subtasks?
Them: All scrum teams should continue to use the 7 subtasks for each task.
Me: .... Why?
Them: So we have individual accountability.
Me: ... How about if folks put a sticker onto there tasks towards the beginning of the sprint, so we know what folks have committed to?
Them: Will that work?
Me: I have no idea. Let's find out!
-----------
Me: .... Why?
Them: So we see that each part gets done.
Me: ... How about if I write the user stories on post it notes, put them on the wall, and ask people everyday what they are doing?
Them: Will that work?
Me: I have no idea. Let's find out!
------------
Me: Well, that's working! Can we get rid of the subtasks?
Them: All scrum teams should continue to use the 7 subtasks for each task.
Me: .... Why?
Them: So we have individual accountability.
Me: ... How about if folks put a sticker onto there tasks towards the beginning of the sprint, so we know what folks have committed to?
Them: Will that work?
Me: I have no idea. Let's find out!
-----------
Friday, December 14, 2018
Where's the fucking sun?
Where's the fucking sun?
I noticed over the last few days I've been humming Better Son / Daughter by Rilo Kiley. It's one of these fighting depression songs.
And, to be clear: I'm not depressed. Not, like, DEPRESSED. I just get sad when there's no sun. And I know it'll pass.
I'm not sleeping super great. My job involves a whole lot of high-touch happiness, and that's especially draining this time of year. Remember: professional MC, more or less.
So, I'm now playing depression fighting songs while I work from home.
Got any suggestions?
I noticed over the last few days I've been humming Better Son / Daughter by Rilo Kiley. It's one of these fighting depression songs.
And, to be clear: I'm not depressed. Not, like, DEPRESSED. I just get sad when there's no sun. And I know it'll pass.
I'm not sleeping super great. My job involves a whole lot of high-touch happiness, and that's especially draining this time of year. Remember: professional MC, more or less.
So, I'm now playing depression fighting songs while I work from home.
Got any suggestions?
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
This conversation absolutely reminds me of customer support calls
This conversation absolutely reminds me of customer support calls
User: My iPhone tells my granddaughter that I'm a nazi.
Google customer support: We do not make the iPhone.
Nazi: It might have been an Android.
Support Supervisor: What application was operating?
Nazi fuck: One of those kids games!
Google CEO: We need to know the application and phone before we can investigate what happened.
Technophobic Nazi: My GRANDDAUGHTER saw on her PHONE that I'm a NAZI
Google: Have you considered not being a Nazi?
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/420838-google-ceo-responds-to-steve-king-concerns-about-granddaughters-iphone
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/420838-google-ceo-responds-to-steve-king-concerns-about-granddaughters-iphone
User: My iPhone tells my granddaughter that I'm a nazi.
Google customer support: We do not make the iPhone.
Nazi: It might have been an Android.
Support Supervisor: What application was operating?
Nazi fuck: One of those kids games!
Google CEO: We need to know the application and phone before we can investigate what happened.
Technophobic Nazi: My GRANDDAUGHTER saw on her PHONE that I'm a NAZI
Google: Have you considered not being a Nazi?
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/420838-google-ceo-responds-to-steve-king-concerns-about-granddaughters-iphone
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/420838-google-ceo-responds-to-steve-king-concerns-about-granddaughters-iphone
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Which spaceship do you take within your own borders, to esocrt someone to a specialized medical facility?
Which spaceship do you take within your own borders, to esocrt someone to a specialized medical facility?
a. A quick, small ship with space for a half dozen people.
b. a fast warship with a crew of 50 and no medical facilities
You tell me.
a. A quick, small ship with space for a half dozen people.
b. a fast warship with a crew of 50 and no medical facilities
You tell me.
Intentionally put into my argumentative collection.
Intentionally put into my argumentative collection.
Position, which I will defend: Nancy is going to annihilate that asshole.
Note: This is mildly disingenuous. I want folks to agree with me, but if you think I am mistaken, do tell me! I will explain why I disagree with your assessment.
No Devil's advocacy, bad faith, or ad hominem attacks against people who are not fucking nazi's. You can say bad thing about That Asshole all you want.
Originally shared by Curt Thompson
Holy crap.
Well, Nancy Pelosi needed to shore up her cred as a leader, I guess. But man, she must have seen something that lead her to believe that there is no hope of ever working constructively with Trump on anything. Because his ego will demand nothing less than total war with her, now.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/pelosi-questions-trumps-manhood-after-confrontational-white-house-meeting/2018/12/11/2b2111be-fd79-11e8-862a-b6a6f3ce8199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.25fd80ae5355
Position, which I will defend: Nancy is going to annihilate that asshole.
Note: This is mildly disingenuous. I want folks to agree with me, but if you think I am mistaken, do tell me! I will explain why I disagree with your assessment.
No Devil's advocacy, bad faith, or ad hominem attacks against people who are not fucking nazi's. You can say bad thing about That Asshole all you want.
Originally shared by Curt Thompson
Holy crap.
Well, Nancy Pelosi needed to shore up her cred as a leader, I guess. But man, she must have seen something that lead her to believe that there is no hope of ever working constructively with Trump on anything. Because his ego will demand nothing less than total war with her, now.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/pelosi-questions-trumps-manhood-after-confrontational-white-house-meeting/2018/12/11/2b2111be-fd79-11e8-862a-b6a6f3ce8199_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.25fd80ae5355
Things I've said in the office:
Things I've said in the office:
- Capital is dead labor, which, vampire-like, lives only by sucking living labor, and lives the more, the more labor it sucks.
- Management's primary duty is to pay as little as possible for labor. HR's primary job is to keep the company from getting sued. Labor's job is to extract as much from Capital as possible, while providing as little productivity as possible to Management.
- "Bougie" is taken from Bourgeoisie, most noteably used by Marks as oppressors of the proletariat.
- Yes, it is ethical and legal and permissible for you to discuss pay with other employees without management present, and this is a legally protected action.
In other news: Guess whose impressed his bosses sufficiently to be promised a promotion after we negotiate the new contract?
- Capital is dead labor, which, vampire-like, lives only by sucking living labor, and lives the more, the more labor it sucks.
- Management's primary duty is to pay as little as possible for labor. HR's primary job is to keep the company from getting sued. Labor's job is to extract as much from Capital as possible, while providing as little productivity as possible to Management.
- "Bougie" is taken from Bourgeoisie, most noteably used by Marks as oppressors of the proletariat.
- Yes, it is ethical and legal and permissible for you to discuss pay with other employees without management present, and this is a legally protected action.
In other news: Guess whose impressed his bosses sufficiently to be promised a promotion after we negotiate the new contract?
Monday, December 10, 2018
pretty sure i had a stealth migraine today.
pretty sure i had a stealth migraine today. All of a sudden, I couldn't process text on a screen. So I went home and read a paper book for a while.
It helped. I think sleeping will also help.
It helped. I think sleeping will also help.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
There's a DS9 episode "House of Quark", where Quark becomes head of a klingon house.
There's a DS9 episode "House of Quark", where Quark becomes head of a klingon house.
This shows a strategy the Ferengi should really do more of: Buying in to the finances and plots of other Empires.
Imagine:
- Ferengi building of stembolts for the Federation
- Ferengi joining the Cardassian central command
What else?
This shows a strategy the Ferengi should really do more of: Buying in to the finances and plots of other Empires.
Imagine:
- Ferengi building of stembolts for the Federation
- Ferengi joining the Cardassian central command
What else?
There's this notion that folks my age "should" have a whole bunch of cables in a box somewhere.
There's this notion that folks my age "should" have a whole bunch of cables in a box somewhere. Old RCA cables, maybe some USB or ancient iphone cables. I'd expect IDE cables, power cables, frayed cords, etc.
You don't have to. You can have none of that. It's completely OK. It's also completely OK too have that junk, but as that is generally believed, this post is about not owning such junk.
We get rid of wires with force.
Around about once a year, and certainly each time we move, we go through the wires. Plus, if we see a wire we don't recognize then we decide what to do with it. Either at our planning sessions, or just when we're cleaning.
We'e got one 3.5mm headphone jack left, and that's for the nearly decade old NPR-branded radio. It plugs into a dongle, so we can use it as a speaker system for phones. Eventually, I want to replace that but I like that radio and we don't use it this way very often. It's very low on the list of priorities, is what I'm saying.
We're slowly getting rid of miniUSB wires, as both our phones now have USBC or whatever it's called. Point being, the phones can't plug into that. And they can't plug into a 3.5 mm headphone jack without a dongle. We keep a spare pare of old unpowered headphones with a dongle, but we both have new ones that natively talk to the phones.
The only plugs that go into the chromebooks are for power. We cast from the chromebooks to the TV using a chromecast. I intentionally keep a spare one of those, as we've given them away if folks think they are magic. The spare is visually hidden behind a picture.
Also: Chromecasts are magic. Three things plug into our TV: power, chromecast, digital antenna. We use the antenna to watch Jeopardy! We've tried using it to watch The Good Place, but the commercials really reduce the fun. The chromecast is used for essentially everything else.
Anyway; you don't need to have a whole bunch of wires. You do not have to horde them. It's ok to get rid of them. It's completely OK to say "I don't know what this goes to", and then toss the thing.
You don't have to. You can have none of that. It's completely OK. It's also completely OK too have that junk, but as that is generally believed, this post is about not owning such junk.
We get rid of wires with force.
Around about once a year, and certainly each time we move, we go through the wires. Plus, if we see a wire we don't recognize then we decide what to do with it. Either at our planning sessions, or just when we're cleaning.
We'e got one 3.5mm headphone jack left, and that's for the nearly decade old NPR-branded radio. It plugs into a dongle, so we can use it as a speaker system for phones. Eventually, I want to replace that but I like that radio and we don't use it this way very often. It's very low on the list of priorities, is what I'm saying.
We're slowly getting rid of miniUSB wires, as both our phones now have USBC or whatever it's called. Point being, the phones can't plug into that. And they can't plug into a 3.5 mm headphone jack without a dongle. We keep a spare pare of old unpowered headphones with a dongle, but we both have new ones that natively talk to the phones.
The only plugs that go into the chromebooks are for power. We cast from the chromebooks to the TV using a chromecast. I intentionally keep a spare one of those, as we've given them away if folks think they are magic. The spare is visually hidden behind a picture.
Also: Chromecasts are magic. Three things plug into our TV: power, chromecast, digital antenna. We use the antenna to watch Jeopardy! We've tried using it to watch The Good Place, but the commercials really reduce the fun. The chromecast is used for essentially everything else.
Anyway; you don't need to have a whole bunch of wires. You do not have to horde them. It's ok to get rid of them. It's completely OK to say "I don't know what this goes to", and then toss the thing.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Some days, I almost feel like an important part in software development.
Some days, I almost feel like an important part in software development.
Other days, I feel like I'm a scheduler.
Then things like this happen, all over email:
Them: There's a BUG on PROD that only we have found!
Me: Yep. Software has bugs. Let's bring it into the next sprint.
Them: NO WAY. Let's push the solution now now now to prod.
Me: Um. No.If there's already a developed solution for it, then we can bring it into the Sprint, but only with a commit from the test team. If it doesn't require testing, then we can bring it into The Sprint and mark it as done. Under no circumstances are we pushing untested code to Prod.
Testing Manager: Yep. We've got the bandwidth to test it. Please pull it into the sprint, and mark it for the release that's after that.
Me: Done. We'll negotiate at standup exactly who is going to test.
----
I guess I call that one a win?
Other days, I feel like I'm a scheduler.
Then things like this happen, all over email:
Them: There's a BUG on PROD that only we have found!
Me: Yep. Software has bugs. Let's bring it into the next sprint.
Them: NO WAY. Let's push the solution now now now to prod.
Me: Um. No.If there's already a developed solution for it, then we can bring it into the Sprint, but only with a commit from the test team. If it doesn't require testing, then we can bring it into The Sprint and mark it as done. Under no circumstances are we pushing untested code to Prod.
Testing Manager: Yep. We've got the bandwidth to test it. Please pull it into the sprint, and mark it for the release that's after that.
Me: Done. We'll negotiate at standup exactly who is going to test.
----
I guess I call that one a win?
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
well, that was emotionally exhausting.
well, that was emotionally exhausting.
Tell me positives, largely regarding myself?
Tell me positives, largely regarding myself?
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
I'm reading Tale of a Spaceborn Few, the third Wayfarers book.
I'm reading Tale of a Spaceborn Few, the third Wayfarers book.
The first book is on a family merchant Firefly-esque ship, trying to make ends meet.
The second is on a station, about an AI learning to become a person.
The third? Spaceship. Giant goddamn colony spaceships.
These spaceships are built from hexes, which is cool. Each home is seven rooms that're six hexes, which is itself a hex - the center room is a living room, plus four bedrooms, a foyer, and a bathroom. Each home is part of a "hex" of six homes, with the middle being shared services like kitchens. Six of these is a neighborhood, with things like a grocery store. Six of these to a district, with such combined services as recycling and hospitals. 36 of these form a triangle giant hex, with manufacturing, big farms, and the "centre" that turns the dead into soil. Four of these decks to a segment, six segments to a homestead.
And because I'm me, I've got a spreadsheet trying to figure out how big these are, the size of the homes, etc.
By my math, roughly 186,000 familes per spaceship. Each family in a 4-bedroom home, so call it 1.5 million people per spaceship.
The homes are described as relatively large. There's other space besides homes. The total space is proportional to the size of the room - if each room is 8 ft on a side, so 166 sqft. That's a total square footage of something like 400 million square feet. Or 14 square miles, all four floors high.
The first book is on a family merchant Firefly-esque ship, trying to make ends meet.
The second is on a station, about an AI learning to become a person.
The third? Spaceship. Giant goddamn colony spaceships.
These spaceships are built from hexes, which is cool. Each home is seven rooms that're six hexes, which is itself a hex - the center room is a living room, plus four bedrooms, a foyer, and a bathroom. Each home is part of a "hex" of six homes, with the middle being shared services like kitchens. Six of these is a neighborhood, with things like a grocery store. Six of these to a district, with such combined services as recycling and hospitals. 36 of these form a triangle giant hex, with manufacturing, big farms, and the "centre" that turns the dead into soil. Four of these decks to a segment, six segments to a homestead.
And because I'm me, I've got a spreadsheet trying to figure out how big these are, the size of the homes, etc.
By my math, roughly 186,000 familes per spaceship. Each family in a 4-bedroom home, so call it 1.5 million people per spaceship.
The homes are described as relatively large. There's other space besides homes. The total space is proportional to the size of the room - if each room is 8 ft on a side, so 166 sqft. That's a total square footage of something like 400 million square feet. Or 14 square miles, all four floors high.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Our apartment seems to be ADA accessible. I figure this due to the following:
Our apartment seems to be ADA accessible. I figure this due to the following:
- There are no stairs or steps. There is a curved lip between the kitchen tile and the wood in the dining room. Easy for a chair or crutches.
- The bathroom. OMG, the bathroom. There's a shower stall, with hand grippers. It is big enough for a chair.
- The building is an elevator building, and there's no steps or stairs to get in.
And while the radio says I should thanks GHW Bush for these things, I am pretty sure there's thousands of Americans with disabilities who crawled up the steps of the capital who get most of the credit.
Remember that as GHW Bush is being sainted; he only acted after dozens of Americans crawled the steps of the capital. It had passed the Senate a year ago and was languishing in the House.
- There are no stairs or steps. There is a curved lip between the kitchen tile and the wood in the dining room. Easy for a chair or crutches.
- The bathroom. OMG, the bathroom. There's a shower stall, with hand grippers. It is big enough for a chair.
- The building is an elevator building, and there's no steps or stairs to get in.
And while the radio says I should thanks GHW Bush for these things, I am pretty sure there's thousands of Americans with disabilities who crawled up the steps of the capital who get most of the credit.
Remember that as GHW Bush is being sainted; he only acted after dozens of Americans crawled the steps of the capital. It had passed the Senate a year ago and was languishing in the House.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
You might be an anarchist if:
You might be an anarchist if:
- You don't cheat at board games
- You believe others won't cheat at board games
- You design your own gaming materials.
- You think gaming materials can and should be hacked by the table.
- You hold that social roles (GM / host / etc) should be taken on by the willing.
You might be egalitarian if:
- You think the voice of the MC is equally important as the voice of other players.
- You hold screen time should be shared roughly equally.
You might be a socialist if:
- You think everyone should have a space at the table.
- You believe we should ensure everyone can make it to game.
- You hold everyone should provide what they can to the game.
Want to add some others? Do these make sense to anyone out there?
- You don't cheat at board games
- You believe others won't cheat at board games
- You design your own gaming materials.
- You think gaming materials can and should be hacked by the table.
- You hold that social roles (GM / host / etc) should be taken on by the willing.
You might be egalitarian if:
- You think the voice of the MC is equally important as the voice of other players.
- You hold screen time should be shared roughly equally.
You might be a socialist if:
- You think everyone should have a space at the table.
- You believe we should ensure everyone can make it to game.
- You hold everyone should provide what they can to the game.
Want to add some others? Do these make sense to anyone out there?
I decided to make a casserole. Historically, I make a big deal out of these and then do it poorly.
I decided to make a casserole. Historically, I make a big deal out of these and then do it poorly.
I wound up with this. And, turns out, I've developed some important baking skills over the years. I could do this each week, I'm pretty sure.
Design parameters: vegetarian, mexican. Layers.
Basically: Layers of enchillada sauce, tortilla, enchilada sauce, veg, cheese. Repeat. On top is a whisked mixture of six eggs and milk. Bake for 375 for 50 minutes.
Rest for 15. Serve with tomatillo sauce & guac.
I can make improvements. There's different layering, but I want a different texture -- so next time, a bean, corn, and salsa layer.
All in all, a great success.
Which of you are using Blue Apron?
Which of you are using Blue Apron?
We've let ours lapse -- for years -- and want to restart for the winter. Under my name, so it's like a completely new customer.
If you are on it, let's chat so we can both get the referral bonus.
We've let ours lapse -- for years -- and want to restart for the winter. Under my name, so it's like a completely new customer.
If you are on it, let's chat so we can both get the referral bonus.
Friday, November 30, 2018
I think I've become some sort of anarcho egalitarian socialist.
I think I've become some sort of anarcho egalitarian socialist.
I think, anyway. My view here isn't as well thought out as some, hence why it's in my listening collection.
But, in short:
- a world with rules, not rulers
- where political equality is ensured: everyone participates in governance.
- everyone has enough to eat and drink and health care and education, access to broadband and all the other tools necessary for modern life.
I've got more ideas on details that I'm happy to discuss, but I'm primarily looking for thoughts regarding those three pillars.
I think, anyway. My view here isn't as well thought out as some, hence why it's in my listening collection.
But, in short:
- a world with rules, not rulers
- where political equality is ensured: everyone participates in governance.
- everyone has enough to eat and drink and health care and education, access to broadband and all the other tools necessary for modern life.
I've got more ideas on details that I'm happy to discuss, but I'm primarily looking for thoughts regarding those three pillars.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
I talked about Popper this week, and now XKCD is about him.
I talked about Popper this week, and now XKCD is about him.
https://xkcd.com/
Ask questions if you don't get it.
https://xkcd.com/
https://xkcd.com/
Ask questions if you don't get it.
https://xkcd.com/
Monday, November 26, 2018
I need new shoes; my favorite pair has a whole in the leather.
I need new shoes; my favorite pair has a whole in the leather. My feet got went this morning in the rain. I'm wearing my boots now.
I am likely to buy the same shoes, but am open to suggestions.
Ideas?
I am likely to buy the same shoes, but am open to suggestions.
Ideas?
Saturday, November 24, 2018
2 / N
2 / N
In a previous thread on the Paradox of Tolerance, Tony Lower-Basch asked about bad faith arguments.
My answer has gotten long, and deserves it's own post.
Here we go:
1. From Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir, Bad Faith describes the state in which human beings disavow their own freedom and act inauthentically.
What the crap does that mean? What does it have to do with internet arguments?
Without taking everyone down the path of the Existentialists: to act in bad faith is to not act in accordance with the Project of being you. Sarte uses the example of a waiter who is too much of a waiter, and has disavowed the project of being himself.
In this regard, the project is seeking truth. To participate in bad faith is to not be seeking truth. To argue in bad faith is to enter into such a debate without the goal of seeking truth.
This can be authentic to the project of you, but it is not authentic to the project of debate. By participating in the argument, we tacitly agree to seek truth.
2. Bad Faith and Devil's Advocate are different things. A devil's advocate is there to strengthen positions and get closer to truth. They are acting authentically to this project, when it is done correctly. To find holes in our arguments is a duty that is often assigned to the smart people
Especially in this collection, I ask people to find holes in arguments. To tell me where I am wrong. To help us get closer to truth.
But, here's the thing: Self-Appointed Devil's advocacy is a red flag, and often a sign of bad faith. In this case, the self-appointed devil's advocate does not care about seeking truth, but about preventing an interlocutor from having the energy to do anything but defend.
3. Where that leaves us: Arguing in bad faith is to not engage in the agreed-upon project of seeking truth. This is related to but distinct from what Sarte and de Bouvier mean by bad faith, as they are referring to not engaging in the project of being you. This is also different from a true devil's advocate, who is a necessary component of seeking truth.
That's about where I am. This got long.
Comments / thoughts /. questions / concerns are all welcome. Have I misunderstood / remembered the Existentialists? Do I not know how debate works? You tell me!
In a previous thread on the Paradox of Tolerance, Tony Lower-Basch asked about bad faith arguments.
My answer has gotten long, and deserves it's own post.
Here we go:
1. From Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir, Bad Faith describes the state in which human beings disavow their own freedom and act inauthentically.
What the crap does that mean? What does it have to do with internet arguments?
Without taking everyone down the path of the Existentialists: to act in bad faith is to not act in accordance with the Project of being you. Sarte uses the example of a waiter who is too much of a waiter, and has disavowed the project of being himself.
In this regard, the project is seeking truth. To participate in bad faith is to not be seeking truth. To argue in bad faith is to enter into such a debate without the goal of seeking truth.
This can be authentic to the project of you, but it is not authentic to the project of debate. By participating in the argument, we tacitly agree to seek truth.
2. Bad Faith and Devil's Advocate are different things. A devil's advocate is there to strengthen positions and get closer to truth. They are acting authentically to this project, when it is done correctly. To find holes in our arguments is a duty that is often assigned to the smart people
Especially in this collection, I ask people to find holes in arguments. To tell me where I am wrong. To help us get closer to truth.
But, here's the thing: Self-Appointed Devil's advocacy is a red flag, and often a sign of bad faith. In this case, the self-appointed devil's advocate does not care about seeking truth, but about preventing an interlocutor from having the energy to do anything but defend.
3. Where that leaves us: Arguing in bad faith is to not engage in the agreed-upon project of seeking truth. This is related to but distinct from what Sarte and de Bouvier mean by bad faith, as they are referring to not engaging in the project of being you. This is also different from a true devil's advocate, who is a necessary component of seeking truth.
That's about where I am. This got long.
Comments / thoughts /. questions / concerns are all welcome. Have I misunderstood / remembered the Existentialists? Do I not know how debate works? You tell me!
Friday, November 23, 2018
On the Intolerance of Intolerance, or; the Paradox of Tolerance
On the Intolerance of Intolerance, or; the Paradox of Tolerance
Preface: If you don't know the name Karl Popper, this is a thread for you to ask questions in. You can sub, you can ask questions. Everybody can do that.
If you DO know the name Karl Popper, Rawls, etc - then you are welcome to state your own formed thoughts and opinions. Do please disagree!
Is this gatekeepery behavior? Yes. This is the collection where I get to act like a crotchety old philosophy professor with a Socratic stick up my ass.
Here's my thesis: In order to have the sort of community and gaming that accepts in persons who don't look like, well, me, we must not allow the intolerant into our communities. This is everybody from out and out fascists to racists, and bigots of all sorts. For shorthand, I'll refer to them as fascists as, well, there's more of them than I'd hoped.
The reason we cannot is pretty straightforward: The perspectives of others create better gaming - and the interaction with others are literally why we play games. Fascists inherently reduce the scope and depth of others who will be in the community, as by attitude, word, action, body-language they increase the friction for those not like them. It is more difficult for people who are mocked, ridiculed, etc to join these communities and to stay in them.
Folks who stay while facing such difficulties are necessarily dedicated, and this is obvious.
To be clear, the above is a self-serving reason to get rid of fascists from our communities; they make them less of a community than I want to be in.
Here's another reason: Fascists are immoral assholes. We shouldn't give our time and attention to immoral assholes, because they are immoral assholes.
Thoughts / comments / questions / concerns?
Preface: If you don't know the name Karl Popper, this is a thread for you to ask questions in. You can sub, you can ask questions. Everybody can do that.
If you DO know the name Karl Popper, Rawls, etc - then you are welcome to state your own formed thoughts and opinions. Do please disagree!
Is this gatekeepery behavior? Yes. This is the collection where I get to act like a crotchety old philosophy professor with a Socratic stick up my ass.
Here's my thesis: In order to have the sort of community and gaming that accepts in persons who don't look like, well, me, we must not allow the intolerant into our communities. This is everybody from out and out fascists to racists, and bigots of all sorts. For shorthand, I'll refer to them as fascists as, well, there's more of them than I'd hoped.
The reason we cannot is pretty straightforward: The perspectives of others create better gaming - and the interaction with others are literally why we play games. Fascists inherently reduce the scope and depth of others who will be in the community, as by attitude, word, action, body-language they increase the friction for those not like them. It is more difficult for people who are mocked, ridiculed, etc to join these communities and to stay in them.
Folks who stay while facing such difficulties are necessarily dedicated, and this is obvious.
To be clear, the above is a self-serving reason to get rid of fascists from our communities; they make them less of a community than I want to be in.
Here's another reason: Fascists are immoral assholes. We shouldn't give our time and attention to immoral assholes, because they are immoral assholes.
Thoughts / comments / questions / concerns?
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Coming soon: We're going to do some sweet-ass OSR-like dungeon crawlin'.
Coming soon: We're going to do some sweet-ass OSR-like dungeon crawlin'.
We're gonna use Freebooters, which is a DW hack to make the characters a whole lot less powerful and a whole lot more breakable.
And, hey, stats are rolled 3d6 in order. You get to switch two, which is pretty dang generous!
Should be fun. The game even has victory conditions.
We're gonna use Freebooters, which is a DW hack to make the characters a whole lot less powerful and a whole lot more breakable.
And, hey, stats are rolled 3d6 in order. You get to switch two, which is pretty dang generous!
Should be fun. The game even has victory conditions.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Atomic Robo
Atomic Robo
Diaspora
Fate Core
Do: Pilgrims of the Flying Temple
Dresden Files Accelerated
Happy Birthday, Robot
I've enjoyed all of these, in one way or another. I know some of the authors; I was college roomates with one of them. Diaspora caused two marriages, and a person only exists because of my GMing skills in Diaspora.
Also, I understand Improv for Gamers has a kickass proofreader.
Diaspora
Fate Core
Do: Pilgrims of the Flying Temple
Dresden Files Accelerated
Happy Birthday, Robot
I've enjoyed all of these, in one way or another. I know some of the authors; I was college roomates with one of them. Diaspora caused two marriages, and a person only exists because of my GMing skills in Diaspora.
Also, I understand Improv for Gamers has a kickass proofreader.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
We're looking for how to appropriately scale our scrum teams.
We're looking for how to appropriately scale our scrum teams.
Right now, each team is operating essentially independently of each other, and line managers can and do move people between sprint teams. I don't think this is good.
Here are my core suggestions:
1. Volunteerism: The members of the scrum teams MUST be volunteers who have committed to the team.
2. The Scrum TEAM is the central unit, containing all skills from full time volunteers to ship code. The team is constant, existing on the order of YEARS instead of weeks or months.
3. Managers should be mentors, never task givers.
4. Tribes and Squads: Each manager leads a tribe on a functional area, and meets with the tribe each day and makes themselves available to others wanting to learn. The Scrum teams are squads, with every skill needed.
5. A fast-response team may be a good idea.
6. Combined planning sessions, reviews, retros. All teams join together for the combined planning session, with two rotating volunteers from each squad. The Reviews are done together, with hand off to each individual team. Do retros individually by squad, bringing larger-scale issues up in the combined Retro.
Those're the major items.
Whatcha think?
Right now, each team is operating essentially independently of each other, and line managers can and do move people between sprint teams. I don't think this is good.
Here are my core suggestions:
1. Volunteerism: The members of the scrum teams MUST be volunteers who have committed to the team.
2. The Scrum TEAM is the central unit, containing all skills from full time volunteers to ship code. The team is constant, existing on the order of YEARS instead of weeks or months.
3. Managers should be mentors, never task givers.
4. Tribes and Squads: Each manager leads a tribe on a functional area, and meets with the tribe each day and makes themselves available to others wanting to learn. The Scrum teams are squads, with every skill needed.
5. A fast-response team may be a good idea.
6. Combined planning sessions, reviews, retros. All teams join together for the combined planning session, with two rotating volunteers from each squad. The Reviews are done together, with hand off to each individual team. Do retros individually by squad, bringing larger-scale issues up in the combined Retro.
Those're the major items.
Whatcha think?
Some steps to immediately improve the US Government:
Some steps to immediately improve the US Government:
- Disband the electoral college, go to popular vote system. We can do this is states equal to 270 electoral votes say they'll do it.
- Everyone can vote. Registration is automatic. Voting day is a national holiday on the scale of July 4th. Early voting is eligible for a month before the day.
- House seats are determined by algorithm, not by state legislatures. "Least lines" is a pretty decent way to go.
- DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc all become states
-- 18 year terms for the Supreme Court.
These are the obvious things. Any particular disagreements?
Some more questionable things that I think would be good:
- Create a Chamber of Experts to weigh in on areas of scientific and other matters of expertise. PhD's only. Create a Chamber of People, chosen by lot and weighed on demographics such that this chamber is proportional on gender, race, etc. Pay anyone in this 2.5 times the average salary. Eventually, get rid of both the Senate and the House such that government is of the people, not the states.
- Create a minimum basic income such that poverty is eliminated. Provide a public option for housing, utilities, food, healthcare, etc.
- No guns in cities. No assault rifles.
Any particular disagreements on the above?
- Disband the electoral college, go to popular vote system. We can do this is states equal to 270 electoral votes say they'll do it.
- Everyone can vote. Registration is automatic. Voting day is a national holiday on the scale of July 4th. Early voting is eligible for a month before the day.
- House seats are determined by algorithm, not by state legislatures. "Least lines" is a pretty decent way to go.
- DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc all become states
-- 18 year terms for the Supreme Court.
These are the obvious things. Any particular disagreements?
Some more questionable things that I think would be good:
- Create a Chamber of Experts to weigh in on areas of scientific and other matters of expertise. PhD's only. Create a Chamber of People, chosen by lot and weighed on demographics such that this chamber is proportional on gender, race, etc. Pay anyone in this 2.5 times the average salary. Eventually, get rid of both the Senate and the House such that government is of the people, not the states.
- Create a minimum basic income such that poverty is eliminated. Provide a public option for housing, utilities, food, healthcare, etc.
- No guns in cities. No assault rifles.
Any particular disagreements on the above?
Friday, November 9, 2018
Most of my time was spent in conversation, talking to people about various nonsesense.
Most of my time was spent in conversation, talking to people about various nonsesense.
People have noticed that:
1. I check in on people and mean it
2. I want people to take care of themselves more than the sprint.
3. I genuinely care about people.
That's me. It was a rough day for others, but exactly the reason I wanted the job.
People have noticed that:
1. I check in on people and mean it
2. I want people to take care of themselves more than the sprint.
3. I genuinely care about people.
That's me. It was a rough day for others, but exactly the reason I wanted the job.
I have a very strange relationship with hierarchy.
I have a very strange relationship with hierarchy.
For one -- freely admitted -- I benefit from it. The deck is stacked very much in my favor in society.
Yet: I hate positional authority. I loath hierarchy. It's not that I want chaos, merely that positional authority destroys what I care most about.
I've had bosses I like. I've had bosses I dislike. Only recently have I learned how to leverage the relationship towards my own goals. It's hard for me.
When this started working, it turns out, is when I started working as a scrum master. And my goals? At a high level: To help the scrum team and it's members succeed through self-organization.
You know: To destroy hierarchy.
For one -- freely admitted -- I benefit from it. The deck is stacked very much in my favor in society.
Yet: I hate positional authority. I loath hierarchy. It's not that I want chaos, merely that positional authority destroys what I care most about.
I've had bosses I like. I've had bosses I dislike. Only recently have I learned how to leverage the relationship towards my own goals. It's hard for me.
When this started working, it turns out, is when I started working as a scrum master. And my goals? At a high level: To help the scrum team and it's members succeed through self-organization.
You know: To destroy hierarchy.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Meera Barry
Meera Barry
I have summed Meera by enthusiastic prior consent to answer questions about affordable housing.
Here's the one to start off: How can people like me who want everyone to have sufficient housing help?
I have summed Meera by enthusiastic prior consent to answer questions about affordable housing.
Here's the one to start off: How can people like me who want everyone to have sufficient housing help?
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Them: We've built a repository for our features, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
Them: We've built a repository for our features, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
Test Manager: Does it integrate to testrail?
Functionals (people who write user stories. Don't ask): Does it integrate with Word?
Devs: Does it integrate to Jira?
Them: Export to CSV spreadsheets, and to confluence. We can use confluence instead of word. We can build additional functionality to do the rest of this, integration is easy.
Integrations developers: The hell you say.
Functionals: What ....get rid of word?
Me: .... it sounds like the scope has expanded. You've built the slice for this to be useful for your team, right?
Them: Yes!
Me: Great! Then maybe the other slices should be built out from user stories gathered from those most affected. We should put really good resources on it, and continuously improve our internal processes.
Them: No. It'll be what we have made it. And no resources will be put on building internal tools.
Me: ....
--- slighly later---
Me, offscreen: This is a waterfall.
Everyone: Oh, THIS is why we gather user stories early and continuously refine them!
Me: ::smiles:::
--- slightly later ---
Me, to my management: It's a waterfall.
Management: Plus ambition. And you know what Shakespeare said about Caesar's ambition.
Test Manager: Does it integrate to testrail?
Functionals (people who write user stories. Don't ask): Does it integrate with Word?
Devs: Does it integrate to Jira?
Them: Export to CSV spreadsheets, and to confluence. We can use confluence instead of word. We can build additional functionality to do the rest of this, integration is easy.
Integrations developers: The hell you say.
Functionals: What ....get rid of word?
Me: .... it sounds like the scope has expanded. You've built the slice for this to be useful for your team, right?
Them: Yes!
Me: Great! Then maybe the other slices should be built out from user stories gathered from those most affected. We should put really good resources on it, and continuously improve our internal processes.
Them: No. It'll be what we have made it. And no resources will be put on building internal tools.
Me: ....
--- slighly later---
Me, offscreen: This is a waterfall.
Everyone: Oh, THIS is why we gather user stories early and continuously refine them!
Me: ::smiles:::
--- slightly later ---
Me, to my management: It's a waterfall.
Management: Plus ambition. And you know what Shakespeare said about Caesar's ambition.
Remember: The compromise between House and Senate exists so that Virginia can use its slave population towards...
Remember: The compromise between House and Senate exists so that Virginia can use its slave population towards population in the House.
Races:
Races:
- Jennifer Wexton in VA-10, kicking out a monster
- Kendra Horn in OK-5, where I'm from.
- Matt de Ferranti on the Arlington County board, kicking out a man against mass transit
- Jennifer Wexton in VA-10, kicking out a monster
- Kendra Horn in OK-5, where I'm from.
- Matt de Ferranti on the Arlington County board, kicking out a man against mass transit
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Remember to vote
Remember to vote
Did you buy a lottery ticket? Then vote
Do you disdain Trump? Vote
Do you want a better world? Vote
That is all.
Did you buy a lottery ticket? Then vote
Do you disdain Trump? Vote
Do you want a better world? Vote
That is all.
Monday, November 5, 2018
I am really surprised at how bad at statistics and compound interest really smart people can be.
I am really surprised at how bad at statistics and compound interest really smart people can be.
Example 1: Not so good with statistics.
Me: There's about a 5 chances out of 6 this six-sided die will roll above a one.
Them: ok ...
Me, rolls die: It's a 1.
Them: You are bad at statistics, and can no longer be trusted.
Me: ... I said this could happen.
Them: You said the other was more likely, and this is what actually happened.
Example 2: Not so good with compound interest
Me: A times B ^ T times C is the same as A times C times B ^ T
Them: No, because having C happen after the interest accrues means the output is larger.
Me: ....
These were both from real smart people. It's a humbling moment, as I realize I assuredly have similar blocks.
Example 1: Not so good with statistics.
Me: There's about a 5 chances out of 6 this six-sided die will roll above a one.
Them: ok ...
Me, rolls die: It's a 1.
Them: You are bad at statistics, and can no longer be trusted.
Me: ... I said this could happen.
Them: You said the other was more likely, and this is what actually happened.
Example 2: Not so good with compound interest
Me: A times B ^ T times C is the same as A times C times B ^ T
Them: No, because having C happen after the interest accrues means the output is larger.
Me: ....
These were both from real smart people. It's a humbling moment, as I realize I assuredly have similar blocks.
Excel: An incomplete guide to magic.
Excel: An incomplete guide to magic.
Standard use: a grid! This is the MOST USEFUL thing in Excel.
Cantrips: sum
White Magic - these are within Excel's wheelhouse and what it does well.
1st level: concatenate, references, formatting
2nd: conditional formatting, Linking to other sheets
3rd: PivotTables, IF statements, Charts
4th: AND
5th: OR (OR is always mentally more difficult)
6th:
7th:
8th:
9th:
Dark Magic - use with caution. This is outside of what Excel is best at.
1st level: Vlookup
2nd: index & Match
3rd: Offset
4th: Scripted VBA
5th: VBA
6th: VBA variables
7th: VBA parameters and meaningful subroutines
8th: Excel Front-ends and buttons
9th: Excel as ODBC Tool
What am I missing? Would you describe these different?
no need to ask me questions, unless you really want to. Just state your opinion and discuss with each other.
Standard use: a grid! This is the MOST USEFUL thing in Excel.
Cantrips: sum
White Magic - these are within Excel's wheelhouse and what it does well.
1st level: concatenate, references, formatting
2nd: conditional formatting, Linking to other sheets
3rd: PivotTables, IF statements, Charts
4th: AND
5th: OR (OR is always mentally more difficult)
6th:
7th:
8th:
9th:
Dark Magic - use with caution. This is outside of what Excel is best at.
1st level: Vlookup
2nd: index & Match
3rd: Offset
4th: Scripted VBA
5th: VBA
6th: VBA variables
7th: VBA parameters and meaningful subroutines
8th: Excel Front-ends and buttons
9th: Excel as ODBC Tool
What am I missing? Would you describe these different?
no need to ask me questions, unless you really want to. Just state your opinion and discuss with each other.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Some things I dislike:
Some things I dislike:
free parking
Sommeliers
Cops those who, in a position of authority and privilege, use it to escalate violence and harm those they should protect
Advertising
Marketing
[ I'm oddly OK with branding. ]
Republicans Fascists
These are a few of my least favorite things.
free parking
Sommeliers
Advertising
Marketing
[ I'm oddly OK with branding. ]
These are a few of my least favorite things.
Friday, November 2, 2018
DS9 - S2: E20: The Marquis, part 1
DS9 - S2: E20: The Marquis, part 1
I've never liked this episode. I finally realized why.
It's goddamn racist. Also, slow.
Like: For star trek, it is racist. And slow. I do not like it at all.
I've never liked this episode. I finally realized why.
It's goddamn racist. Also, slow.
Like: For star trek, it is racist. And slow. I do not like it at all.
Life organization
Life organization
Some ways that we organize our life that is super helpful:
1. A schedule. So, for ex, I go running at 7:15 each morning. I'm at work by 9. Lights out is at 10 PM. etc. Game nights are set.
2. Planning sessions. Each week (or two), we have a small planning session where we discuss what needs to get done.
3. The standup: Yes, every morning we discuss what we're going to do and if things from yesterday got done. This let's us move things around and adjust.
4. Calendars, which are honored. If it's on the calendar, we fucking do it.
These help us avoid organizational chaos. What do you do to avoid chaos?
Some ways that we organize our life that is super helpful:
1. A schedule. So, for ex, I go running at 7:15 each morning. I'm at work by 9. Lights out is at 10 PM. etc. Game nights are set.
2. Planning sessions. Each week (or two), we have a small planning session where we discuss what needs to get done.
3. The standup: Yes, every morning we discuss what we're going to do and if things from yesterday got done. This let's us move things around and adjust.
4. Calendars, which are honored. If it's on the calendar, we fucking do it.
These help us avoid organizational chaos. What do you do to avoid chaos?
If you don't know this, you owe it to yourself to give a listen.
If you don't know this, you owe it to yourself to give a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojRj2JK5oCI
What this is: acapella Bohemian rhapsody. None of them are Freddie Mercury, which they embrace and make a strength.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojRj2JK5oCI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojRj2JK5oCI
What this is: acapella Bohemian rhapsody. None of them are Freddie Mercury, which they embrace and make a strength.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojRj2JK5oCI
I live in a box a hundred feet above the ground.
I live in a box a hundred feet above the ground.
This is a really nice box: hard wood floors, electricity, hot running water, fast enough internet access, natural light, elevator, a concierge. It's 900 square feet for two people, with a lot of useable spaces that're designed really well for our life. But, fundamentally, this is a box of metal and glass and wires a hundred feet above the ground.
There's an incredible amount of infrastructure that makes this desirable: grocery stores, mass transit, jobs (the federal government is headquartered nearby), water, electricity, schools, a working local government, etc etc. That infrastructure is already built.
From the window, I can see the local jail. It's a pretty decent jail, with a 3-star yelp rating (I shit you not). I can also see the new county-run homeless shelter, which only takes men. Down the road is a shelter for women and families, run privately.
There are 230,000 people in the county. There are about 250 homeless people; 85 in families, 150 or so who are single. The unemployment rate is around 2%; there are more jobs than qualified people. The median household income is just over $100,000. Of those 25 and over, 40% have a masters or professional degree. The average rent is $1,858.
We are governed with patience and kindness. I know thanks to attending county board meetings and listening while my elected representatives deal with asinine questions. There are programs in place for housing assistance.
Given all of this: How in the hell do we have a housing shortage?
That is: The county is rich, and is governed by people who care. We have infrastructure. And yet, the average rent is very nearly a quarter of the median income. The rent is too damn high.
This is a really nice box: hard wood floors, electricity, hot running water, fast enough internet access, natural light, elevator, a concierge. It's 900 square feet for two people, with a lot of useable spaces that're designed really well for our life. But, fundamentally, this is a box of metal and glass and wires a hundred feet above the ground.
There's an incredible amount of infrastructure that makes this desirable: grocery stores, mass transit, jobs (the federal government is headquartered nearby), water, electricity, schools, a working local government, etc etc. That infrastructure is already built.
From the window, I can see the local jail. It's a pretty decent jail, with a 3-star yelp rating (I shit you not). I can also see the new county-run homeless shelter, which only takes men. Down the road is a shelter for women and families, run privately.
There are 230,000 people in the county. There are about 250 homeless people; 85 in families, 150 or so who are single. The unemployment rate is around 2%; there are more jobs than qualified people. The median household income is just over $100,000. Of those 25 and over, 40% have a masters or professional degree. The average rent is $1,858.
We are governed with patience and kindness. I know thanks to attending county board meetings and listening while my elected representatives deal with asinine questions. There are programs in place for housing assistance.
Given all of this: How in the hell do we have a housing shortage?
That is: The county is rich, and is governed by people who care. We have infrastructure. And yet, the average rent is very nearly a quarter of the median income. The rent is too damn high.
What we learn from games.
What we learn from games.
This is going to be a somewhat political post.
From Fiasco, I learned that outcomes are not really up to you.
From D&D, I learned that killing monsters makes you powerful.
From Apocalypse World, we learn different people respond to intimacy differently. That most of us are lead around by simple needs. That we can lose control of violence. And that a Leader with a Vision and a Gun is powerless against the maelstrom.
Oxygen Not Included teaches that we're all in it together. That before you bring in a new person to your society, you should have a bed, a table, and enough food and oxygen. That everybody works, and having new people is helpful.
Also: That making new people is completely optional, they are useful from cycle 1, and that it makes complete sense to choose who is born and who is not from a central authority.
The fog of reality is different than that last, I think. We cannot always predict new people, and it follows we should strive to be prepared for them. A central authority is not the right place to make these decisions, instead sendng them to those most personally involved -- if a pregnant person thinks a new person should be born, then she's probably right. And if she thinks a new person should not be born, she's also probably right.
In a lot of games, we have knowledge of how the system around characters works in ways that we just don't in reality. Experience points are an obvious one, but also moves, powers.
What else do games teach us? How are these applicable to political issues? How do games shape our political beliefs?
This is going to be a somewhat political post.
From Fiasco, I learned that outcomes are not really up to you.
From D&D, I learned that killing monsters makes you powerful.
From Apocalypse World, we learn different people respond to intimacy differently. That most of us are lead around by simple needs. That we can lose control of violence. And that a Leader with a Vision and a Gun is powerless against the maelstrom.
Oxygen Not Included teaches that we're all in it together. That before you bring in a new person to your society, you should have a bed, a table, and enough food and oxygen. That everybody works, and having new people is helpful.
Also: That making new people is completely optional, they are useful from cycle 1, and that it makes complete sense to choose who is born and who is not from a central authority.
The fog of reality is different than that last, I think. We cannot always predict new people, and it follows we should strive to be prepared for them. A central authority is not the right place to make these decisions, instead sendng them to those most personally involved -- if a pregnant person thinks a new person should be born, then she's probably right. And if she thinks a new person should not be born, she's also probably right.
In a lot of games, we have knowledge of how the system around characters works in ways that we just don't in reality. Experience points are an obvious one, but also moves, powers.
What else do games teach us? How are these applicable to political issues? How do games shape our political beliefs?
Thursday, November 1, 2018
POSITION: People who, in open office environments, do not turn off the laptop's speakers while surfing loud-ass...
POSITION: People who, in open office environments, do not turn off the laptop's speakers while surfing loud-ass websites, who YELL, or who talk at length to people who obviously need quiet should be fired.
Discuss. PLEASE disagree, I'd like to see why we should keep this asshole.
Discuss. PLEASE disagree, I'd like to see why we should keep this asshole.
During a retro:
During a retro:
Development team: As we're at one main developer, it's a lot on him. How can we mitigate that risk?
Me: .... Anyone know what T shaped people are?
Team: .... no.
Me: The idea is we have one area of specialty, plus a bunch of other skills that you can learn from each other. Testers can learn development, and vice versa. BA can learn dev and test, too! Everyone can learn from everyone.
Dev Team: But, we'd need to get it cleared by management...
Me: Sure, but let me handle that. It's no problem.
GUY WHAT IS THE PROBLEM, over the phone: LET ME DO YOU A FAVOR. If you want to learn anything, come to me.
...
Me, hangs up phone: Feel free to learn from each other. You do not have to go to that guy.
Like, JFC, shut the fuck up. They were so close to team cohesion, and I SEE the moment self-organization was taken from them. I could see there hearts break.
Development team: As we're at one main developer, it's a lot on him. How can we mitigate that risk?
Me: .... Anyone know what T shaped people are?
Team: .... no.
Me: The idea is we have one area of specialty, plus a bunch of other skills that you can learn from each other. Testers can learn development, and vice versa. BA can learn dev and test, too! Everyone can learn from everyone.
Dev Team: But, we'd need to get it cleared by management...
Me: Sure, but let me handle that. It's no problem.
GUY WHAT IS THE PROBLEM, over the phone: LET ME DO YOU A FAVOR. If you want to learn anything, come to me.
...
Me, hangs up phone: Feel free to learn from each other. You do not have to go to that guy.
Like, JFC, shut the fuck up. They were so close to team cohesion, and I SEE the moment self-organization was taken from them. I could see there hearts break.
In elsethread, Matt Johnson looked at my words about story games and said he doesn't get them.
In elsethread, Matt Johnson looked at my words about story games and said he doesn't get them.
And that's ok!
Here, I'm going to try to explain them words.I'll do so the most fun ways, with an example story.
In this example, there are three players: Charles, playing Millie the Hardhholder. Lauren, playing Octo the battlebabe. and George, playing Blane the Savvyhead.
The Hardhholder is the landlord, govenor, and military dictator of a small town.
The Battlebabe is, well. There are dangerous people in Apocalypse World, and then's there's the heat you know to walk away from. They cause trouble.
The Savvyhead takes care of machinery, keeps shit from breaking, and has a weird psychic connection with it all.
During character creation, we learn how these characters know each other, how they live, etc.
Millie's hold has 150 souls or so, and a gang of 30 people. These have good weapons, but shit for armor and are a pack of fucking heyenas -- no discipline at all. With some Q&A between everyone at the table, we figure out Millie's hold used to be a surburban mall that had a gun store, which explains all the weapons and how there's no armor at all. The community does some basic trading, and Chuck wants them to owe fealty and be owed it. Cool, so there's gotta be this network of people going from hold to hold. Nice.
Lauren interjects that her battlebabe visits the hold from time to time, but she's free and nobody, like, owns Octo or nothing. I ask if she gets around on foot, steals what she can find or, like, has a motorbike. She;s all, "nah, that's not the style. Like a pickup, rusted out and with treads in place of the tires. " And I'm like "that's awesome, yes"
George is like, "Blane is in the hold. I keep some air gears moving that brings in delicious air, tinged with whatever I want. " I look at Chuck, whose all "oh, absolutely. And Millie has no idea."
So, great. We've got a hardhholder with a gang and fealty, a battlebabe with a sweet-ass weird pickup and whatever guns she wants, and a Savvyhead who is ready to turn everyone into soup.
Pretty great. This is (mostly) all from the players, and is an unstable triangle.
Then I ask: Great. Start of session move; what sort of lifestyle?
Charles points out that Millie doesn't have to pay barter, because the hold takes of her. But she has a different start of session move: Leadership.
I love this move. It's a fucking trap for players that think having guns means you are in charge. I have him roll it first, figuring I can use anything from this in determining how we start.
He rolls a 7 on the dice, plus his 2 hard makes nine. The hold is in want; Chuck chooses for it to be that he's gotta go pay some fealty. I decide they want him, like, in person to show up. He's like "Yeah, so I'll take the gang and we head out with our ::looks at sheet:: YEah, like fucking tractors from the old Sears. With plated on armor that looks cool butr don't do anything, and guns violent."
"awesome. While the gang's away, Blane, what's your lifestyle like?"
George smiles and then is like "omg. The gang's gone? Hell yes. I do experiments and learn about people. I guess I'm living among others, so that's one barter to spend but really? This is perfect because I get to learn---"
"And I'm coming in and robbing the place. Cat's away, and I'm the fucking rat." Lauren says, as Octo.
"Sweet.."
And that's how the game starts. The problems emerged from the character sheets, the world from the character's guided imagination, and the interaction from Hx.
And that's ok!
Here, I'm going to try to explain them words.I'll do so the most fun ways, with an example story.
In this example, there are three players: Charles, playing Millie the Hardhholder. Lauren, playing Octo the battlebabe. and George, playing Blane the Savvyhead.
The Hardhholder is the landlord, govenor, and military dictator of a small town.
The Battlebabe is, well. There are dangerous people in Apocalypse World, and then's there's the heat you know to walk away from. They cause trouble.
The Savvyhead takes care of machinery, keeps shit from breaking, and has a weird psychic connection with it all.
During character creation, we learn how these characters know each other, how they live, etc.
Millie's hold has 150 souls or so, and a gang of 30 people. These have good weapons, but shit for armor and are a pack of fucking heyenas -- no discipline at all. With some Q&A between everyone at the table, we figure out Millie's hold used to be a surburban mall that had a gun store, which explains all the weapons and how there's no armor at all. The community does some basic trading, and Chuck wants them to owe fealty and be owed it. Cool, so there's gotta be this network of people going from hold to hold. Nice.
Lauren interjects that her battlebabe visits the hold from time to time, but she's free and nobody, like, owns Octo or nothing. I ask if she gets around on foot, steals what she can find or, like, has a motorbike. She;s all, "nah, that's not the style. Like a pickup, rusted out and with treads in place of the tires. " And I'm like "that's awesome, yes"
George is like, "Blane is in the hold. I keep some air gears moving that brings in delicious air, tinged with whatever I want. " I look at Chuck, whose all "oh, absolutely. And Millie has no idea."
So, great. We've got a hardhholder with a gang and fealty, a battlebabe with a sweet-ass weird pickup and whatever guns she wants, and a Savvyhead who is ready to turn everyone into soup.
Pretty great. This is (mostly) all from the players, and is an unstable triangle.
Then I ask: Great. Start of session move; what sort of lifestyle?
Charles points out that Millie doesn't have to pay barter, because the hold takes of her. But she has a different start of session move: Leadership.
I love this move. It's a fucking trap for players that think having guns means you are in charge. I have him roll it first, figuring I can use anything from this in determining how we start.
He rolls a 7 on the dice, plus his 2 hard makes nine. The hold is in want; Chuck chooses for it to be that he's gotta go pay some fealty. I decide they want him, like, in person to show up. He's like "Yeah, so I'll take the gang and we head out with our ::looks at sheet:: YEah, like fucking tractors from the old Sears. With plated on armor that looks cool butr don't do anything, and guns violent."
"awesome. While the gang's away, Blane, what's your lifestyle like?"
George smiles and then is like "omg. The gang's gone? Hell yes. I do experiments and learn about people. I guess I'm living among others, so that's one barter to spend but really? This is perfect because I get to learn---"
"And I'm coming in and robbing the place. Cat's away, and I'm the fucking rat." Lauren says, as Octo.
"Sweet.."
And that's how the game starts. The problems emerged from the character sheets, the world from the character's guided imagination, and the interaction from Hx.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Scrum is pbta; Agile is Story Games.
Scrum is pbta; Agile is Story Games. Top-down GM centric games are waterfall. Developers are players, and an effective scrum master is essentially an MC.
That is; Scrum is a particular methodology that is lightweight, hackable, and designed to be there when you need it. It is a subset of story games, which are more a philosophy than a methodology. Scrum and pbta demand the players/developers have an agenda, and advocate for themselves.
Top-down GM centric games -- I'm looking at you, Dungeons & Dragons -- put more of the onus on the GM, and expect the players to follow along in the world the GM has built.
I've said this before. I find it more and more true as I practice being a Scrum Master (SM); I provide a structure, and theplayers developers drive.
Or, to phrase this another way: Most of my job is the same skill base as MCing Urban Shadows.
That is; Scrum is a particular methodology that is lightweight, hackable, and designed to be there when you need it. It is a subset of story games, which are more a philosophy than a methodology. Scrum and pbta demand the players/developers have an agenda, and advocate for themselves.
Top-down GM centric games -- I'm looking at you, Dungeons & Dragons -- put more of the onus on the GM, and expect the players to follow along in the world the GM has built.
I've said this before. I find it more and more true as I practice being a Scrum Master (SM); I provide a structure, and the
Or, to phrase this another way: Most of my job is the same skill base as MCing Urban Shadows.
There's been a prompt going around regarding Jewish people who have changed our lives.
There's been a prompt going around regarding Jewish people who have changed our lives. This lead me to, at lunch, talking about the parenting style of a Jewish friend of mine.
This man has raised his children to question authority in all it's bullshit forms, including his own. Such that when his children seek to rebel, they say something like "father, I trust you implicitly and will do as you say", which really irks him.
One of these boys, when a teacher gave some nonsensically dumb instruction, asked to go to the Principal's office to discuss. The teacher refused and told the boy the sit down; the kid's response was "Or what .... you'll send me to the principal?"
The whole family goes on marches for the rights of others. He works on voter registration, and generally seems to care about others.
This is someone I know rather well, and many of you can likely guess who. I didn't have to look far.
This man has raised his children to question authority in all it's bullshit forms, including his own. Such that when his children seek to rebel, they say something like "father, I trust you implicitly and will do as you say", which really irks him.
One of these boys, when a teacher gave some nonsensically dumb instruction, asked to go to the Principal's office to discuss. The teacher refused and told the boy the sit down; the kid's response was "Or what .... you'll send me to the principal?"
The whole family goes on marches for the rights of others. He works on voter registration, and generally seems to care about others.
This is someone I know rather well, and many of you can likely guess who. I didn't have to look far.
NPR this morning allowed a fascist white supremacist to shout down there host while talking about birthright...
NPR this morning allowed a fascist white supremacist to shout down there host while talking about birthright citizenship. This was some asshole who works for that asshole.
I emailed, asking them to stop allowing these people on the show. And, of course, pointing out the host deserves better.
I figure if rpg.net can be anti-Trump, so can WAMU.
I emailed, asking them to stop allowing these people on the show. And, of course, pointing out the host deserves better.
I figure if rpg.net can be anti-Trump, so can WAMU.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
We played The Resistance: Avalon last night, with mostly new people.
We played The Resistance: Avalon last night, with mostly new people.
It felt a lot more like Shoutdown to Launch than Shoutdown usually does. And without the safety tools!
The group was 5 men, 2 women. Team Good shouted at each other -- a dude shouting down a woman -- while team evil kept mostly quiet, occasionally poking.
There's a metaphor in there somewhere. Something about how all it takes for evil to triumph is for good to fight among themselves.
It felt a lot more like Shoutdown to Launch than Shoutdown usually does. And without the safety tools!
The group was 5 men, 2 women. Team Good shouted at each other -- a dude shouting down a woman -- while team evil kept mostly quiet, occasionally poking.
There's a metaphor in there somewhere. Something about how all it takes for evil to triumph is for good to fight among themselves.
Monday, October 29, 2018
An unpopular opinion I actually argued in a meeting: PPT is bad.
An unpopular opinion I actually argued in a meeting: PPT is bad. Instead, write things down with sentences. Paragraphs, even. There is little that can be explained in a ppt that cannot in a five paragraph essay.
Furthermore; PPT dictates a particular speed of presentation, minimizes conversation, and expects people to understand in an arbitrary and dumb way. There's no going back for clarification, and it magnifies some voices while further silencing others.
Instead, have out a few pages. Ask people to read. And to bring comments.
Furthermore; PPT dictates a particular speed of presentation, minimizes conversation, and expects people to understand in an arbitrary and dumb way. There's no going back for clarification, and it magnifies some voices while further silencing others.
Instead, have out a few pages. Ask people to read. And to bring comments.
I picked up a Heinlein book I hadn't read in 20 years. From the library, of course.
I picked up a Heinlein book I hadn't read in 20 years. From the library, of course.
I had wanted Tunnel in the Sky, but the library doesn't have it. Instead, Farmer in the Sky.
What this is: 1950sh era boy life novel set in space. Eagle Scout Farmers on Gandymede.
I read 130 pages in one go. There's a good chance I'll finish it tomorrow.
The good: The style! The prose! Space is big! Communicating across distances is hard! Orbital mechanics are important, and thankfully simplified. Ecology is awesome. There's finances and economics to space! Woot, it almost makes sense and it's clear Heinlein is thinking about how to make this a reasonable scenario.
The bad: Girls and women are, at best, second-class characters. Our young protagonist lives with his dad, and has a dead mom. His dad remarries a woman with a daughter, which makes it possible for all four of them to migrate.
Our protagonist is running around being awesome on Ganymede, while his new sister is stuck in a hospital room. Boys are given perks and privileges girls are not, and this is considered acceptable by the narrative.
The weird: Engineers who don't know what'd happen if, while going very close to the speed of light, you increased acceleration. Answer: Mass increases as you get close to C, such that the energy required to increase velocity asymptotically approaches infinity as V approaches C.
I mostly understand that. What I don't understand is how two light rays emitted from an LED, both travelling at C away from the LED are also travelling at C relative to each other. That I cannot grasp.
The personal: It's clear I picked up some things from this and other Heinlein books. There's some dreadful arithmetic here, things I've been accustomed to through this and other novels.
Thoughts and comments, either on this or Heinlein or scifi?
I had wanted Tunnel in the Sky, but the library doesn't have it. Instead, Farmer in the Sky.
What this is: 1950sh era boy life novel set in space. Eagle Scout Farmers on Gandymede.
I read 130 pages in one go. There's a good chance I'll finish it tomorrow.
The good: The style! The prose! Space is big! Communicating across distances is hard! Orbital mechanics are important, and thankfully simplified. Ecology is awesome. There's finances and economics to space! Woot, it almost makes sense and it's clear Heinlein is thinking about how to make this a reasonable scenario.
The bad: Girls and women are, at best, second-class characters. Our young protagonist lives with his dad, and has a dead mom. His dad remarries a woman with a daughter, which makes it possible for all four of them to migrate.
Our protagonist is running around being awesome on Ganymede, while his new sister is stuck in a hospital room. Boys are given perks and privileges girls are not, and this is considered acceptable by the narrative.
The weird: Engineers who don't know what'd happen if, while going very close to the speed of light, you increased acceleration. Answer: Mass increases as you get close to C, such that the energy required to increase velocity asymptotically approaches infinity as V approaches C.
I mostly understand that. What I don't understand is how two light rays emitted from an LED, both travelling at C away from the LED are also travelling at C relative to each other. That I cannot grasp.
The personal: It's clear I picked up some things from this and other Heinlein books. There's some dreadful arithmetic here, things I've been accustomed to through this and other novels.
Thoughts and comments, either on this or Heinlein or scifi?
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Oxygen not Included: Cycle 53
Oxygen not Included: Cycle 53
... Discovered a chlorine vent. Dug to it. Now the base is filled with chlorine.
Upside: No one is sick.
Downside: Too much chrlorine such that I cannot even produce oxygen.
Starting over.
... Discovered a chlorine vent. Dug to it. Now the base is filled with chlorine.
Upside: No one is sick.
Downside: Too much chrlorine such that I cannot even produce oxygen.
Starting over.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Sabrina would be much better if it was able 30% faster.
Sabrina would be much better if it was able 30% faster.
I enjoy the plot. The feminism is intersectional. It's just slow paced.
In other news: Gilmore Girls is about the right speed.
I enjoy the plot. The feminism is intersectional. It's just slow paced.
In other news: Gilmore Girls is about the right speed.
We are hosting Thanksgiving.
We are hosting Thanksgiving. It'll be 13 people: 9 adults, 4 kids. The oldest kid is 13, the youngest like 9 or so. We're arranging to not have a kid's table.
Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Some consumerist nonsense:
We do not have 13 plates. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 forks. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 spoons. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 wine glasses. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
This pattern continues, and was relatively inexpensive. The above items were under $50. I'm actually really kinda impressed: mid-grade brand-named last for years stuff, and enough for a couple of people to be happy is under $50.
Then, we realized: We could use more cutting boards! Even in our normal life, we run out of cutting boards. And might as well have another Chef's knife.
Another $100. The cutting boards are all Epicurean, and the knife is from Victorinox.
Do you know about Victorinox? They make the third best knife, and are best known for working with the Swiss Army.
We're buying some more stuff, like a second card table so we can have everyone at a single table. No fucking kids table.
All food will be served family style, at the table. Had to buy a a thing to keep the table from getting hot, as apparently that's a problem.
--- anyway ---
No kids table. Everyone eating together. Enough cutting boards and knives, all dishwasher safe.
Someone else is bringing a turkey. We're providing all vegetarian foods, many gluten free.
What're we missing?
Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Some consumerist nonsense:
We do not have 13 plates. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 forks. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 spoons. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
We do not have 13 wine glasses. Well, we do now. We bought 4 more.
This pattern continues, and was relatively inexpensive. The above items were under $50. I'm actually really kinda impressed: mid-grade brand-named last for years stuff, and enough for a couple of people to be happy is under $50.
Then, we realized: We could use more cutting boards! Even in our normal life, we run out of cutting boards. And might as well have another Chef's knife.
Another $100. The cutting boards are all Epicurean, and the knife is from Victorinox.
Do you know about Victorinox? They make the third best knife, and are best known for working with the Swiss Army.
We're buying some more stuff, like a second card table so we can have everyone at a single table. No fucking kids table.
All food will be served family style, at the table. Had to buy a a thing to keep the table from getting hot, as apparently that's a problem.
--- anyway ---
No kids table. Everyone eating together. Enough cutting boards and knives, all dishwasher safe.
Someone else is bringing a turkey. We're providing all vegetarian foods, many gluten free.
What're we missing?
Friday, October 26, 2018
SABRINA SPOILERS
SABRINA SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SABRINA: Rory
The Cousin: Lorelie
The best friend: Lane
The mean aunt: Emily
The nice aunt: Richard
The boy friend: Dean
The mean girls: Paris + Crew
It's not a bad formula. It's a great formula.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SABRINA: Rory
The Cousin: Lorelie
The best friend: Lane
The mean aunt: Emily
The nice aunt: Richard
The boy friend: Dean
The mean girls: Paris + Crew
It's not a bad formula. It's a great formula.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
We got surprise tickets to Board Game Geek Con!
We got surprise tickets to Board Game Geek Con!
Who else is going?
Who else is going?
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Like many (most? all?) of us, I did not win the lottery last night.
Like many (most? all?) of us, I did not win the lottery last night.
If I had won, I was going to fund my favorite charity, put sweat into the organizations I care about, take care of my family, and continue to hang out with my friends.
Instead, I am going to continue to do all of those things to the best of my ability while working for a profit.
A billion dollars would give me a lot more power and ability, but I'm doing pretty alright without it.
A lot of that is due to the birth lottery. I had the good fortune to have grandparents who had decent incomes, went to college, fought against totalitarianism, and raised good children who became my parents.
I'm not much of an outlier for my family. And if I was, there's a good chance that'd be due to luck, rather than virtue.
So, while a billion dollars would be nice ... I'm doing alright. And most of it has absolutely nothing to do with my actions.
If I had won, I was going to fund my favorite charity, put sweat into the organizations I care about, take care of my family, and continue to hang out with my friends.
Instead, I am going to continue to do all of those things to the best of my ability while working for a profit.
A billion dollars would give me a lot more power and ability, but I'm doing pretty alright without it.
A lot of that is due to the birth lottery. I had the good fortune to have grandparents who had decent incomes, went to college, fought against totalitarianism, and raised good children who became my parents.
I'm not much of an outlier for my family. And if I was, there's a good chance that'd be due to luck, rather than virtue.
So, while a billion dollars would be nice ... I'm doing alright. And most of it has absolutely nothing to do with my actions.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
When we win the lotto, some thoughts:
When we win the lotto, some thoughts:
- Fully fund give directly's 10 year longitudinal study.
- Work with the anti-bail organizational to pay for all bail in America, thus ending bail.
- run the for-profit prison system into the ground.
So, that's kinda the plan: Invest money in proving a MBI works with science, end bail, end private prisons.
Think a billion dollars is enough?
- Fully fund give directly's 10 year longitudinal study.
- Work with the anti-bail organizational to pay for all bail in America, thus ending bail.
- run the for-profit prison system into the ground.
So, that's kinda the plan: Invest money in proving a MBI works with science, end bail, end private prisons.
Think a billion dollars is enough?
Monday, October 22, 2018
If the Federation was actually post scarcity ...
If the Federation was actually post scarcity ...
DS9 Se: Ep 18: Profit and Loss.
Cardassian school teacher: I'm a good school teacher, but not much of a shuttle pilot. Can you repair it?
Chief O'Brief: This is an old model shuttle. We'll scrap it and replicate you a new runabout. It'll take about five minutes. Thanks for stopping by the station!
--- end of episode ---
I'm not entirely convinced the federation creates more per capita wealth than the US; they just distribute it a lot more evenly.
DS9 Se: Ep 18: Profit and Loss.
Cardassian school teacher: I'm a good school teacher, but not much of a shuttle pilot. Can you repair it?
Chief O'Brief: This is an old model shuttle. We'll scrap it and replicate you a new runabout. It'll take about five minutes. Thanks for stopping by the station!
--- end of episode ---
I'm not entirely convinced the federation creates more per capita wealth than the US; they just distribute it a lot more evenly.
In an agile meeting.
In an agile meeting.
colleague: Because we're running Jira cloud, if it gets hacked by Russia...
Me: Jira is running in the AWS cloud. If that gets hacked by Russia, we're all fucked anyhow. That's a bad argument, and you can do better.
But what do I know: I'm on NyQuil
colleague: Because we're running Jira cloud, if it gets hacked by Russia...
Me: Jira is running in the AWS cloud. If that gets hacked by Russia, we're all fucked anyhow. That's a bad argument, and you can do better.
But what do I know: I'm on NyQuil
... At the office today.
... At the office today.
Him: The podcast we did this weekend was hard because
Me: My weekly RPG is having similar issues. It's a playtest, and we're recording. So, claps for spikes. I did not know that worked.
Him: .... What RPG is it?
Me: ... a hack of Blades in the dark, which is a hack of Apocalypse World. Basically, magical children soldiers fighting for the last bastion of humanity.
Him: Magical girls?
Me: ... Exactly right.
...
Him: I love Fate.
Me:. Also, do you know Fiasco?
Him: I love fiasco.
Me: ... And camping?
Him: Eagle Scout.
...
Me: Let me tell you about Camp Nerdly.
Him: The podcast we did this weekend was hard because
Me: My weekly RPG is having similar issues. It's a playtest, and we're recording. So, claps for spikes. I did not know that worked.
Him: .... What RPG is it?
Me: ... a hack of Blades in the dark, which is a hack of Apocalypse World. Basically, magical children soldiers fighting for the last bastion of humanity.
Him: Magical girls?
Me: ... Exactly right.
...
Him: I love Fate.
Me:
Him: I love fiasco.
Me: ... And camping?
Him: Eagle Scout.
...
Me: Let me tell you about Camp Nerdly.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Space RPGs.
Space RPGs.
Diaspora -- the fate hack, not the distributed social network making the G+ refugee situation a bit more tenable -- has some real inspirational starship building rules.
While I love them, I've always found them to be not quite what I want:
-- starship size is awesome and matters. In Diaspora, there's no size.
-- Tech level is granular. In Diaspora, there are only a few tech levels -- four capable of spaceships, 2 capable of interstellar ships. I'd rather a dozen or two tech levels.
-- The means of intersteller travel is very specific. While it's cool, it's not genre emulative in a meaningful sense. It's closest to The Expanse, but different.
Traveller has starship size and lots of tech levels, but I can never understand if there are points or whatever associated with tech level and size. It's all foggy to me, and there's probably a dozen different systems over the decades. The intersteller travel is much more genre emulative, but also chunky.
So, some thoughts:
1. Keep points-based. Points are cool.
2. Keep increasing points as levels go up, and making shit cheaper as TL goes up. Make this a formula, rather than charts.
3. Get rid of the cap on bonuses. Shit at the high levels is too expensive to buy anyway. This reduces a 2d grid to a 1D grid. Essentially, this becomes a formula.
4. Tone down EW. If we played the rules right, it is the best way to disable other ships, far outclassing torps or beams. That ain't right. Maybe have EW only work in the nearest one or two zones. So it becomes torps at long range, then lasers, then EW. Each has there best range.
5. Modify Trade into three tracks: Cargo, Pax, Message. So the primary ways to stay in the black are to carry stuff, people, or data. Succeed on any of these roles, and the ship keeps flying. Succeed on two, you get statch. Succeed on all three, you get scratch and something real interesting happens. Maybe this is a pick X on a list, whatever. Fail on all, you be fucked. [ I think Trade is interesting! ]
7. Jump capability is interesting, so let's add a Jump track. Higher the jump, the more times you can jump without refueling. In any system, fuel comes back but slow.
8. Emulating fiction suggests spaceships can enter atmo pretty easily at sufficient tech levels, so let's make a stunt for being able to enter atmo.
Diaspora -- the fate hack, not the distributed social network making the G+ refugee situation a bit more tenable -- has some real inspirational starship building rules.
While I love them, I've always found them to be not quite what I want:
-- starship size is awesome and matters. In Diaspora, there's no size.
-- Tech level is granular. In Diaspora, there are only a few tech levels -- four capable of spaceships, 2 capable of interstellar ships. I'd rather a dozen or two tech levels.
-- The means of intersteller travel is very specific. While it's cool, it's not genre emulative in a meaningful sense. It's closest to The Expanse, but different.
Traveller has starship size and lots of tech levels, but I can never understand if there are points or whatever associated with tech level and size. It's all foggy to me, and there's probably a dozen different systems over the decades. The intersteller travel is much more genre emulative, but also chunky.
So, some thoughts:
1. Keep points-based. Points are cool.
2. Keep increasing points as levels go up, and making shit cheaper as TL goes up. Make this a formula, rather than charts.
3. Get rid of the cap on bonuses. Shit at the high levels is too expensive to buy anyway. This reduces a 2d grid to a 1D grid. Essentially, this becomes a formula.
4. Tone down EW. If we played the rules right, it is the best way to disable other ships, far outclassing torps or beams. That ain't right. Maybe have EW only work in the nearest one or two zones. So it becomes torps at long range, then lasers, then EW. Each has there best range.
5. Modify Trade into three tracks: Cargo, Pax, Message. So the primary ways to stay in the black are to carry stuff, people, or data. Succeed on any of these roles, and the ship keeps flying. Succeed on two, you get statch. Succeed on all three, you get scratch and something real interesting happens. Maybe this is a pick X on a list, whatever. Fail on all, you be fucked. [ I think Trade is interesting! ]
7. Jump capability is interesting, so let's add a Jump track. Higher the jump, the more times you can jump without refueling. In any system, fuel comes back but slow.
8. Emulating fiction suggests spaceships can enter atmo pretty easily at sufficient tech levels, so let's make a stunt for being able to enter atmo.
There's a couple different dimensions I judge jobs I could take on:
There's a couple different dimensions I judge jobs I could take on:
1. Pay, obviously
2. How the job feels - this is everything from commute to coworkers. All those subjective feelings.
3. effect the job has on the world - largely positive, neutral, or negative.
I've had jobs and positions with a lot of variety on these.
Current job pays a bit less than last job, but (2) and (3) are both so much higher. My highest on (1) had very low (2) and (3). This is the best (2) I've had, and quite possibly the best (3).
[ While ultimately what we're doing is something I'd rather we not have, here in reality it'll save the government a whole lot of money while producing better results. I can get behind that. ]
How do you judge your jobs? How is your job now?
1. Pay, obviously
2. How the job feels - this is everything from commute to coworkers. All those subjective feelings.
3. effect the job has on the world - largely positive, neutral, or negative.
I've had jobs and positions with a lot of variety on these.
Current job pays a bit less than last job, but (2) and (3) are both so much higher. My highest on (1) had very low (2) and (3). This is the best (2) I've had, and quite possibly the best (3).
[ While ultimately what we're doing is something I'd rather we not have, here in reality it'll save the government a whole lot of money while producing better results. I can get behind that. ]
How do you judge your jobs? How is your job now?
Totally bought some lotto tickets.
Totally bought some lotto tickets.
What ever shall I do with a billion dollars?
What ever shall I do with a billion dollars?
I should* buy some powerball tickets.
I should* buy some powerball tickets.
I figure two bucks for a one in a billion or so chance of winning a billion or so dollars is a good deal, right?
Having emotional permission to anticipate what life would be like. See, I'd take the annuity, so that's ... what, 20 million a year or more, and it goes up as time goes on? So, I get the chance to think about what life'd be like with a check for 20 million bucks.
I figure we'd do a lot of travelling. See places of the world we've not hit yet. Do some politicking, most likely. Then open a board game cafe / coffee shop / pastry shop. Hire a barrista, a bartender for the late night crowd, and most def a games curator. Make sure we keep interesting games.
Then I'd just play some games that take little more than index cards. Maybe then I could get advance copies of the games I want, too.
Taxes would take some of it, sure. But even half of 20 million is still ten million. I figure we could live on that for a year, pretty damn easily.
And, of course, we'd put at least a million into government bonds or something similar. Emergency back up, never touch it money.
I guess the biggest change is we'd quit our jobs. No need to sweat for companies. That's a great way to opt out of being the working class.
And for most people, that's probably a much bigger deal. We both mostly like our jobs. We're paid well and our jobs aren't too stressful. They aren't likely to disappear, have benefits, and both probably make the world a better place. At least marginally. We've been lucky enough to have our option.
And that's a privilege way to many people do not have. With worker pay flat, stock dividends high, and the estate tax essentially gone, America is headed towards an aristocracy. Which is ultimately good for no one.
So, I guess I should( buy some power ball tickets!
*read as "should not"
I figure two bucks for a one in a billion or so chance of winning a billion or so dollars is a good deal, right?
Having emotional permission to anticipate what life would be like. See, I'd take the annuity, so that's ... what, 20 million a year or more, and it goes up as time goes on? So, I get the chance to think about what life'd be like with a check for 20 million bucks.
I figure we'd do a lot of travelling. See places of the world we've not hit yet. Do some politicking, most likely. Then open a board game cafe / coffee shop / pastry shop. Hire a barrista, a bartender for the late night crowd, and most def a games curator. Make sure we keep interesting games.
Then I'd just play some games that take little more than index cards. Maybe then I could get advance copies of the games I want, too.
Taxes would take some of it, sure. But even half of 20 million is still ten million. I figure we could live on that for a year, pretty damn easily.
And, of course, we'd put at least a million into government bonds or something similar. Emergency back up, never touch it money.
I guess the biggest change is we'd quit our jobs. No need to sweat for companies. That's a great way to opt out of being the working class.
And for most people, that's probably a much bigger deal. We both mostly like our jobs. We're paid well and our jobs aren't too stressful. They aren't likely to disappear, have benefits, and both probably make the world a better place. At least marginally. We've been lucky enough to have our option.
And that's a privilege way to many people do not have. With worker pay flat, stock dividends high, and the estate tax essentially gone, America is headed towards an aristocracy. Which is ultimately good for no one.
So, I guess I should( buy some power ball tickets!
*read as "should not"
At a party last night, I was somewhat needled for my vegetarianism.
At a party last night, I was somewhat needled for my vegetarianism. Which is kind of ok: I have canned and prepared responses.
This time, though: I got heckeled. That's not common!
Me: "... so I avoid meat for a bunch of the standard ethical and enviromental reasons, with some exceptions ... "
Heckler: But bacon is so good. Is bacon an exception?
Me: "... I have pretty bad reactions to bacon, so it's off the list anyway."
Heckler: Too bad, bacon is so good....
Me: ... I try to avoid eating things that want to be free anyway.
Heckler: They aren't human. And taste so good.
Me: "... ok. Fine. You're related to humans, yes?"
Heckler: what?...
Me: On a long enough timeline. You're related to humans, right?
Heckler: Sure?
Me: So what is the moral distinction between eating bacon and cannibalism? If humans tasted good, would you eat them?
His wife, later: My husband hates you because of that attack. He didn't want to play!
Me: .... That wasn't an attack.
Everyone else: You tried to justify eating pigs to William? His reaction sounds par for the course.
Apparently heckling a heckler is an attack now.
This time, though: I got heckeled. That's not common!
Me: "... so I avoid meat for a bunch of the standard ethical and enviromental reasons, with some exceptions ... "
Heckler: But bacon is so good. Is bacon an exception?
Me: "... I have pretty bad reactions to bacon, so it's off the list anyway."
Heckler: Too bad, bacon is so good....
Me: ... I try to avoid eating things that want to be free anyway.
Heckler: They aren't human. And taste so good.
Me: "... ok. Fine. You're related to humans, yes?"
Heckler: what?...
Me: On a long enough timeline. You're related to humans, right?
Heckler: Sure?
Me: So what is the moral distinction between eating bacon and cannibalism? If humans tasted good, would you eat them?
His wife, later: My husband hates you because of that attack. He didn't want to play!
Me: .... That wasn't an attack.
Everyone else: You tried to justify eating pigs to William? His reaction sounds par for the course.
Apparently heckling a heckler is an attack now.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Liberated for discussion.
Liberated for discussion.
Reasonable article. More and more, I think the empire had more production capabilities than it knew what to do with - that tech in star Wars is so staggeringly efficient than building the death star wasn't a big deal.
The Stargate discussion is also good. Now, is the staff weapons were artillery, maybe.
Originally shared by Shawn H Corey
Here's an interesting thought: bullets travel faster than magic. You can't use magic to enhance guns because bullets outfly it. Whether this effects defensive spells or aiming is left as an exercise to the reader. 😉
https://mythcreants.com/blog/seven-common-problems-with-spec-fic-technology/#comment-386745
Reasonable article. More and more, I think the empire had more production capabilities than it knew what to do with - that tech in star Wars is so staggeringly efficient than building the death star wasn't a big deal.
The Stargate discussion is also good. Now, is the staff weapons were artillery, maybe.
Originally shared by Shawn H Corey
Here's an interesting thought: bullets travel faster than magic. You can't use magic to enhance guns because bullets outfly it. Whether this effects defensive spells or aiming is left as an exercise to the reader. 😉
https://mythcreants.com/blog/seven-common-problems-with-spec-fic-technology/#comment-386745
I've come down with the common cold.
I've come down with the common cold.
But, look at this list of things I have immediate access to that mitigate the effects:
-- hot running water. (!)
-- a variety of OTC pharmaceuticals
-- Food i do not need to make, delivered!
-- tissues
-- understanding bosses
-- temperature controlled environment
-- Netflix
-- covers, blankets, and a variety of foam-based soft things
-- SOAP
What'm I missing? These things are all amazing.
But, look at this list of things I have immediate access to that mitigate the effects:
-- hot running water. (!)
-- a variety of OTC pharmaceuticals
-- Food i do not need to make, delivered!
-- tissues
-- understanding bosses
-- temperature controlled environment
-- Netflix
-- covers, blankets, and a variety of foam-based soft things
-- SOAP
What'm I missing? These things are all amazing.
Friday, October 19, 2018
You can find me on Pluspora here:
You can find me on Pluspora here:
https://pluspora.com/people/553a6fc0b0b70136206800505608f9fe
Not sure if that's forever.
https://pluspora.com/people/553a6fc0b0b70136206800505608f9fe
https://pluspora.com/people/553a6fc0b0b70136206800505608f9fe
Not sure if that's forever.
https://pluspora.com/people/553a6fc0b0b70136206800505608f9fe
I got summoned for Jury Duty! (Hooray!)
I got summoned for Jury Duty! (Hooray!)
I have specific goals for when I am on jury duty. Items to discuss. Ways to present myself to prosecutors.
But, here's what I actually want to discuss: Replacing elections with assignment by random lot.
That is: Choosing legislatures randomly. Choosing mayors randomly. Choosing Govenors randomly. Ensuring legislatures match the demographic makeup of those represented.
Moving away from the millionaire and billionaire's club and to something that is closer to representing the people.
It worked in Ireland for the abortion amendment; an unelected group chosen randomly. They voted 2/3rds to propose getting rid of the abortion ban. The country voted, and it was also 2/3rds: the unelected chosen by lot representatives of the people represented the people's will.
Jury Duty doesn't pay well. We'd want legislatures to pay well.
Maybe, oh, 2.5 to 3 times the average salary? And no repercussion if you don't show up?
That way, you'll have civic engagement most among those who make less than 2.5 times the average salary.
This is the collection where I seek other people's views, not the one where I stake out a position and hold it. That is intentional: What do you think of such a system?
Better or worse than the electoral college? Than gerrymandered districts?
When you've thought through that, ask: Is this feasible?
I have specific goals for when I am on jury duty. Items to discuss. Ways to present myself to prosecutors.
But, here's what I actually want to discuss: Replacing elections with assignment by random lot.
That is: Choosing legislatures randomly. Choosing mayors randomly. Choosing Govenors randomly. Ensuring legislatures match the demographic makeup of those represented.
Moving away from the millionaire and billionaire's club and to something that is closer to representing the people.
It worked in Ireland for the abortion amendment; an unelected group chosen randomly. They voted 2/3rds to propose getting rid of the abortion ban. The country voted, and it was also 2/3rds: the unelected chosen by lot representatives of the people represented the people's will.
Jury Duty doesn't pay well. We'd want legislatures to pay well.
Maybe, oh, 2.5 to 3 times the average salary? And no repercussion if you don't show up?
That way, you'll have civic engagement most among those who make less than 2.5 times the average salary.
This is the collection where I seek other people's views, not the one where I stake out a position and hold it. That is intentional: What do you think of such a system?
Better or worse than the electoral college? Than gerrymandered districts?
When you've thought through that, ask: Is this feasible?
Thursday, October 18, 2018
I bungled saying this to Patty Kirsch earlier this week. Here's what I was trying to go for:
I bungled saying this to Patty Kirsch earlier this week. Here's what I was trying to go for:
There are three classes of person within capitalism:
1. Capitalists. Owners of a company, who provide vision and no labor. Also: Leeches.
2. Management. Direct employees of the capitalists, whose job is to extract as much labor for as little cost as possible. Also: Class traitors.
3. Job doers. Employees of management. To act professionally is to privilege the desires of capitalists and management over your own health and family. Also: Dupes
In the interests of full disclosure: I like to think my job is a fourth category, an employees whose job is to fight management for the good of the employees and team. But, really, this is just a subset of (2).
I also like to think my particular company avoids the perils of (1) by being a non-profit. And that we escape the worst evils of (2) by having employees whose job is to fight management. And that (3) is less harmed than normal, due to the modifications to (1) and (2) above. As my management also provides labor, they are part of (3) as well. Our contract is such that it is in the interests of (1) to pay (3) as much as possible. The real world is, of course, muddled.
I don't know if that's true; it is though what I tell myself.
Anyway.
In a system where to not work is to starve or be homeless, work is not free.
Companies aren't families. Their relationship to employees is inherently fraught, and often parasitic. That sense of professionalism where we privilege the needs of the company over our own health or family is intentionally designed so that we will serve the needs of (1) over (3).
The feeling of camaraderie we have with the people we work with can be confused for friendship, but I think it is something very different. I have real friendships with the people I choose to be around, the organizations I join voluntarily, and the bonds I make based around my choices. My colleagues are people I am around (quite a lot!) because we all have our labor extracted against our will by the capitalistic class.
We have options with how to deal with this. We can ignore it. We can deny it. We can get angry. We can sabotage it from within. My suggestion is our duty to our family and others is to:
(A) Extract as much capital as possible from the capitalistic class, ie get paid as much as we can.
(B) While within this system, take care of other employees as much as we can.
(C) When possible, opt the fuck out.
(D) When safe, reduce the inherent information asymmetry and other ways (1) and (2) control (3). That means talking about time off, wages, and how much time is really spent working. Encouraging honesty and bravery among (3).
I may delete this post. It's about how I feel about capitalism. Again: The company I work for is different, as we're a non-profit and our management also do labor. And the nature of our contract is they want our salaries as high as possible.
There are three classes of person within capitalism:
1. Capitalists. Owners of a company, who provide vision and no labor. Also: Leeches.
2. Management. Direct employees of the capitalists, whose job is to extract as much labor for as little cost as possible. Also: Class traitors.
3. Job doers. Employees of management. To act professionally is to privilege the desires of capitalists and management over your own health and family. Also: Dupes
In the interests of full disclosure: I like to think my job is a fourth category, an employees whose job is to fight management for the good of the employees and team. But, really, this is just a subset of (2).
I also like to think my particular company avoids the perils of (1) by being a non-profit. And that we escape the worst evils of (2) by having employees whose job is to fight management. And that (3) is less harmed than normal, due to the modifications to (1) and (2) above. As my management also provides labor, they are part of (3) as well. Our contract is such that it is in the interests of (1) to pay (3) as much as possible. The real world is, of course, muddled.
I don't know if that's true; it is though what I tell myself.
Anyway.
In a system where to not work is to starve or be homeless, work is not free.
Companies aren't families. Their relationship to employees is inherently fraught, and often parasitic. That sense of professionalism where we privilege the needs of the company over our own health or family is intentionally designed so that we will serve the needs of (1) over (3).
The feeling of camaraderie we have with the people we work with can be confused for friendship, but I think it is something very different. I have real friendships with the people I choose to be around, the organizations I join voluntarily, and the bonds I make based around my choices. My colleagues are people I am around (quite a lot!) because we all have our labor extracted against our will by the capitalistic class.
We have options with how to deal with this. We can ignore it. We can deny it. We can get angry. We can sabotage it from within. My suggestion is our duty to our family and others is to:
(A) Extract as much capital as possible from the capitalistic class, ie get paid as much as we can.
(B) While within this system, take care of other employees as much as we can.
(C) When possible, opt the fuck out.
(D) When safe, reduce the inherent information asymmetry and other ways (1) and (2) control (3). That means talking about time off, wages, and how much time is really spent working. Encouraging honesty and bravery among (3).
I may delete this post. It's about how I feel about capitalism. Again: The company I work for is different, as we're a non-profit and our management also do labor. And the nature of our contract is they want our salaries as high as possible.
Monday, October 15, 2018
First: thanks to Eric Willisson for spurring this. Thanks Big Bad Con for doing the real work.
First: thanks to Eric Willisson for spurring this. Thanks Big Bad Con for doing the real work.
I pitched having a completely optional game of practicing virtues. Do a thing, mark XP. Mark enough XP, get a cookie. Get enough cookies, get a harder assignment. Basically.
My boss loved it, and is going to have me pitch it to management. Which is awesome.
During the pitch, I mentioned I got it from gaming + Aristotle. Because that's really what this is: practicing practical virtue
If this nets me a raise or whatever, I'll give some money to BBC's favorite charity, whatever that is.
I pitched having a completely optional game of practicing virtues. Do a thing, mark XP. Mark enough XP, get a cookie. Get enough cookies, get a harder assignment. Basically.
My boss loved it, and is going to have me pitch it to management. Which is awesome.
During the pitch, I mentioned I got it from gaming + Aristotle. Because that's really what this is: practicing practical virtue
If this nets me a raise or whatever, I'll give some money to BBC's favorite charity, whatever that is.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
All my thoughts on space ships, star destroyers, etc always come back to the same published universe: Traveller.
All my thoughts on space ships, star destroyers, etc always come back to the same published universe: Traveller.
Every. Single. Time.
Now I'm reading PDF's on the Free Trader. Blueprints, designs, etc.
It's not perfect; the computers are measures in meters, there's an emphasis on squares instead of real measurements, and the crew size seems smaller than I want.
Still. Here's a 200t free trader.
Every. Single. Time.
Now I'm reading PDF's on the Free Trader. Blueprints, designs, etc.
It's not perfect; the computers are measures in meters, there's an emphasis on squares instead of real measurements, and the crew size seems smaller than I want.
Still. Here's a 200t free trader.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Apparently ISDs can, among other things, enter atmosphere and be fine just a few hundred feet up.
Apparently ISDs can, among other things, enter atmosphere and be fine just a few hundred feet up.
What sort of engineering constraints does this imply, to have a mile-long space ship able to enter atmo seemingly without difficulty?
What sort of engineering constraints does this imply, to have a mile-long space ship able to enter atmo seemingly without difficulty?
Economic status in star wars:
Economic status in star wars:
Rate the following:
1. Han Solo, owner and operator of a two-man light freighter. Very much in debt to big bad gangsters.
2.Uncle Owen & Aunt Beru, owner and operators of a family moisture farm in the desert. Money is tight, but they are able to expand the workforce each season.
3. Ben Kenobi, crazy old hermit who lives out beyond the Dune Sea
4. Princess Leia, of the peaceful world of Alderaan.
5. Darth Vader, strong right-hand of the Emperor.
6. Princess Leia, after Alderaan is destroyed by Darth Vader
7. Lando Calrissian, administrator of Cloud City, an orbital mining platform that is small enough to largely escape Imperial notice.
8. The Might Chewbacca, Han Solo's first mate.
My conjecture: These people are all rich in comparison to most people in the galaxy. They all have enough to eat, those with spaceships have enough cred for fuel, those with emplacements have enough to hire labor.
Even the farmers in star wars are gentry.
Rate the following:
1. Han Solo, owner and operator of a two-man light freighter. Very much in debt to big bad gangsters.
2.Uncle Owen & Aunt Beru, owner and operators of a family moisture farm in the desert. Money is tight, but they are able to expand the workforce each season.
3. Ben Kenobi, crazy old hermit who lives out beyond the Dune Sea
4. Princess Leia, of the peaceful world of Alderaan.
5. Darth Vader, strong right-hand of the Emperor.
6. Princess Leia, after Alderaan is destroyed by Darth Vader
7. Lando Calrissian, administrator of Cloud City, an orbital mining platform that is small enough to largely escape Imperial notice.
8. The Might Chewbacca, Han Solo's first mate.
My conjecture: These people are all rich in comparison to most people in the galaxy. They all have enough to eat, those with spaceships have enough cred for fuel, those with emplacements have enough to hire labor.
Even the farmers in star wars are gentry.
Due to how we have bastardized Jira, it is becoming less useful as a task board.
Due to how we have bastardized Jira, it is becoming less useful as a task board.
A few days ago, I said fuck it. I got out my most important tools:
-- post it notes, multiple colors
-- Sharpie, black
-- a wall
And I went to TOWN. The tickets are on the wall, showing where they are. It is immediately obvious where our pain points are, and it's lead me to an idea for solving some problems.
It also lead to this exchange:
Senior Dev: I hate Jira!
Me: That's because we're using it wrong.
Dev: ... what do you mean? It's so hard to say a ticket is ready for test.
Me, goes to board, picks up a stickie in "dev" move it to "test". BOOM!
Dev: ..... That's so much easier. Why can't we do that in Jira?
Me: We can. We're just using it wrong.
Dev: ..... ok, I'm on board. How do we fix it?
A few days ago, I said fuck it. I got out my most important tools:
-- post it notes, multiple colors
-- Sharpie, black
-- a wall
And I went to TOWN. The tickets are on the wall, showing where they are. It is immediately obvious where our pain points are, and it's lead me to an idea for solving some problems.
It also lead to this exchange:
Senior Dev: I hate Jira!
Me: That's because we're using it wrong.
Dev: ... what do you mean? It's so hard to say a ticket is ready for test.
Me, goes to board, picks up a stickie in "dev" move it to "test". BOOM!
Dev: ..... That's so much easier. Why can't we do that in Jira?
Me: We can. We're just using it wrong.
Dev: ..... ok, I'm on board. How do we fix it?
Pretty sure I'm sick.
Pretty sure I'm sick.
Pretty sure I'll WFH today.
People respond to incentives. I think I am, too.
What incentive is that?
Pretty sure I'll WFH today.
People respond to incentives. I think I am, too.
What incentive is that?
Thursday, October 11, 2018
I want to put together a few pages at work on how we do business.
I want to put together a few pages at work on how we do business.
When this was done before, there was talking of it being a "playbook".
Which got me thinking.
I think I'm going to do it as pbta playbooks.
When this was done before, there was talking of it being a "playbook".
Which got me thinking.
I think I'm going to do it as pbta playbooks.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Sign up now to be notified when the kickstarter goes live!
Originally shared by New Agenda Publishing
Sign up now to be notified when the kickstarter goes live!
https://mailchi.mp/b33e19748bf3/napub
Sign up now to be notified when the kickstarter goes live!
https://mailchi.mp/b33e19748bf3/napub
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Some crazy Star Wars thoughts while we wait for this whole thing to come crashing down.
Some crazy Star Wars thoughts while we wait for this whole thing to come crashing down.
Star Destroyers are the answer to ever-enbiggening military requirements during the Clone Wars, eventually simply containing all needs for a military venture under one command. As they have the entirity of an arsenal needed to take over a solar system, they become a one-stop solution to all military problems. Have some rebels? Send in an ISD. Some rebels get away from an ISD? Send a few ISDs. Vader lose his keys? Send an ISD. Need to subdue a population? ISD.
etc. An ISD is not mission-specific, but rather mission neutral.
Consider instead four smaller ships, each half the length of an ISD and each specializing. Dreadnought, carrier, Division transport, and supply ship. Each has a fraction of the capabilities of a star destroyer, except in one area where they meet an ISD. In all other areas, each of these four is lesser than an ISD.
For example:
ISD: 60 turbolasers / 72 starfighters / 9,000 troops / 40,000 cargo tons.
Dreadnought: 60 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 250 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Carrier: 10 turbolasers / 72 starfighters / 250 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Transport: 10 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 9,000 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Cargo: 10 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 250 troops / 9,000 troops
Now, imagine a a fifth vessel. While an ISD has the firepower to go versus a solar system, this may only be able to subdue a planet:
Victory Star Destroyer: 20 turbolasers / 24 starfighters / 1,500 troops / 8,000 cargo tons.
That is: At this level, there are specialist vessels and still room for a vessel that has a wide variety of missions it can take on. It would not be able to take on as wide or as deep a mission parameter as it's larger sibling. While an ISD has many ATATs, different weather gear for troops, specialist starfighters, and the firepower to decimate a small fleet, the Victory star destroyer is missing the specialist cases.
Finally: There could well be generalist-ships like a Star Destroyer at the 800, 400, 200, and even 100 meter ranges. Admittedly, at the 100 meter, the ship has one starfighter and barely deserves to be thought of the same.
Ships needed a crew of around 10 are in the 50 meter range. This includes Free Traders, Firefly, Pirate ships, etc. At best, you get two externally mounted shuttles as subsidiary craft, not dozes of star fighters.
.... You guys, for whatever reason my brain will not stop doing this math. Over and over again. It's like a fucking loop.
Star Destroyers are the answer to ever-enbiggening military requirements during the Clone Wars, eventually simply containing all needs for a military venture under one command. As they have the entirity of an arsenal needed to take over a solar system, they become a one-stop solution to all military problems. Have some rebels? Send in an ISD. Some rebels get away from an ISD? Send a few ISDs. Vader lose his keys? Send an ISD. Need to subdue a population? ISD.
etc. An ISD is not mission-specific, but rather mission neutral.
Consider instead four smaller ships, each half the length of an ISD and each specializing. Dreadnought, carrier, Division transport, and supply ship. Each has a fraction of the capabilities of a star destroyer, except in one area where they meet an ISD. In all other areas, each of these four is lesser than an ISD.
For example:
ISD: 60 turbolasers / 72 starfighters / 9,000 troops / 40,000 cargo tons.
Dreadnought: 60 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 250 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Carrier: 10 turbolasers / 72 starfighters / 250 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Transport: 10 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 9,000 troops / 2,000 cargo tons
Cargo: 10 turbolasers / 12 starfighters / 250 troops / 9,000 troops
Now, imagine a a fifth vessel. While an ISD has the firepower to go versus a solar system, this may only be able to subdue a planet:
Victory Star Destroyer: 20 turbolasers / 24 starfighters / 1,500 troops / 8,000 cargo tons.
That is: At this level, there are specialist vessels and still room for a vessel that has a wide variety of missions it can take on. It would not be able to take on as wide or as deep a mission parameter as it's larger sibling. While an ISD has many ATATs, different weather gear for troops, specialist starfighters, and the firepower to decimate a small fleet, the Victory star destroyer is missing the specialist cases.
Finally: There could well be generalist-ships like a Star Destroyer at the 800, 400, 200, and even 100 meter ranges. Admittedly, at the 100 meter, the ship has one starfighter and barely deserves to be thought of the same.
Ships needed a crew of around 10 are in the 50 meter range. This includes Free Traders, Firefly, Pirate ships, etc. At best, you get two externally mounted shuttles as subsidiary craft, not dozes of star fighters.
.... You guys, for whatever reason my brain will not stop doing this math. Over and over again. It's like a fucking loop.
Monday, October 8, 2018
An ISD is 1,600 meters, 60 turbolasers, 72 star fighters, 9,000 troops and 37,000 crew.
An ISD is 1,600 meters, 60 turbolasers, 72 star fighters, 9,000 troops and 37,000 crew.
Should a pocket star destroyer be:
a) 200 meters, with 2 turbolasers, 10 quad laser cannons, 3 star fighters, 50 troops, and a crew of 250?
OR
b) 400 meters, with 10 turbolasers, 20 quad laser cannons, 12 star fighters, 250 troops, and a crew of a thousand?
I've got smaller versions of ships than that, but much smaller than this seems like force recon rather than a capital ship.
Should a pocket star destroyer be:
a) 200 meters, with 2 turbolasers, 10 quad laser cannons, 3 star fighters, 50 troops, and a crew of 250?
OR
b) 400 meters, with 10 turbolasers, 20 quad laser cannons, 12 star fighters, 250 troops, and a crew of a thousand?
I've got smaller versions of ships than that, but much smaller than this seems like force recon rather than a capital ship.
There are some potential solutions to this problem. Don't freak out. We've got time to figure it out.
There are some potential solutions to this problem. Don't freak out. We've got time to figure it out.
Originally shared by Aaron Griffin
An experiment:
https://mewe.com/join/the_great_g_rpg_exodus
Originally shared by Aaron Griffin
An experiment:
https://mewe.com/join/the_great_g_rpg_exodus
I am, from time to time, some what obsessive.
I am, from time to time, some what obsessive.
An Imperial Star Destroyer (ISD) has 60 turbolasers, 60 ion cannons, 72 starfighters, 9,000 troops. It is 1,600 meters long. Years of consumeables onboard, an ability to dock with a Correlian Corvette in a menacing way, and take onboard ships larger than the Falcon without a problem.
That is: It is absurd. This isn't just a Dreadnought, it is a fleet onto itself. It is a carrier, destroyer, transport, and cargo ship all in one. With a crew of 37,000, it has the population of a small city.
So, I wondered: What happens if you go to one half the length, and have variants for carrier, destroyer, transport, and cargo? What if, at this size, there's also a "fleet" variant that is a carrier with firepower, troops, and ability to carry cargo, only on a smaller scale? That is, we get variants that specialize in carrying smaller ships, attacking, transporting troops, and transporting cargo.
What if we go to half of that? And half of that?
How far can we keep halving?
Assuming the same proportions, with each half of length you get 1/8th the interior volume. This goes: 1,600, 800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 meters. That was my cutoff, as that's about the size of a TIE fighter.
It holds up; at 12.5 meters, you could have a single quad turbo laser, or room for 2 extra people, or room for 2 containers. Or, take the average and get a dual turbo laser, room for 1 pax, or the ability to haul one container.
The Falcon and Serenity both fall into the roughly 50 meters versions. With ten crew which, again, sounds about right. The Falcon was running on a skeleton crew.
I spent the early afternoon fun spreadsheeting. What'd you do?
An Imperial Star Destroyer (ISD) has 60 turbolasers, 60 ion cannons, 72 starfighters, 9,000 troops. It is 1,600 meters long. Years of consumeables onboard, an ability to dock with a Correlian Corvette in a menacing way, and take onboard ships larger than the Falcon without a problem.
That is: It is absurd. This isn't just a Dreadnought, it is a fleet onto itself. It is a carrier, destroyer, transport, and cargo ship all in one. With a crew of 37,000, it has the population of a small city.
So, I wondered: What happens if you go to one half the length, and have variants for carrier, destroyer, transport, and cargo? What if, at this size, there's also a "fleet" variant that is a carrier with firepower, troops, and ability to carry cargo, only on a smaller scale? That is, we get variants that specialize in carrying smaller ships, attacking, transporting troops, and transporting cargo.
What if we go to half of that? And half of that?
How far can we keep halving?
Assuming the same proportions, with each half of length you get 1/8th the interior volume. This goes: 1,600, 800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 meters. That was my cutoff, as that's about the size of a TIE fighter.
It holds up; at 12.5 meters, you could have a single quad turbo laser, or room for 2 extra people, or room for 2 containers. Or, take the average and get a dual turbo laser, room for 1 pax, or the ability to haul one container.
The Falcon and Serenity both fall into the roughly 50 meters versions. With ten crew which, again, sounds about right. The Falcon was running on a skeleton crew.
I spent the early afternoon fun spreadsheeting. What'd you do?
Friday, October 5, 2018
Me, to the guy everone trusts; I've heard git integrates with our base program.
Me, to the guy everone trusts; I've heard git integrates with our base program. When you have time, can you research that?
Guy: yeah. It may be a while, but if that is true it would be a life saver.
.... Wait......
Guys boss, who is that guy what is the problem: you found a GitHub repository we can use?
Me:.... That's not exactly what I said, no. It looks like we could use git!
That guy: I live your excitement! What's your vision for how this would work?
Me:.... Gives a few relevant features of modern code design.
.
.
.
I still don't know if he's dumb, oblivious to how condescending he is, or just hates anything he doesn't understand.
Any guesses?
Guy: yeah. It may be a while, but if that is true it would be a life saver.
.... Wait......
Guys boss, who is that guy what is the problem: you found a GitHub repository we can use?
Me:.... That's not exactly what I said, no. It looks like we could use git!
That guy: I live your excitement! What's your vision for how this would work?
Me:.... Gives a few relevant features of modern code design.
.
.
.
I still don't know if he's dumb, oblivious to how condescending he is, or just hates anything he doesn't understand.
Any guesses?
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Every other Wednesday, the sprint ends.
Every other Wednesday, the sprint ends.
Every other Wednesday, I facilitate about 4 hours of meetings. That's with the design team, the development team, the client, and a host of hangers-on.
Every other Wednesday, I wear myself out.
Every other Thursday, I am essentially useless. Emotionally drained, with difficulty focusing and sometimes keeping my eyes open.
This is one of those Thursdays.
Tell me something interesting.
Every other Wednesday, I facilitate about 4 hours of meetings. That's with the design team, the development team, the client, and a host of hangers-on.
Every other Wednesday, I wear myself out.
Every other Thursday, I am essentially useless. Emotionally drained, with difficulty focusing and sometimes keeping my eyes open.
This is one of those Thursdays.
Tell me something interesting.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
There is a degree to which the following is true: My duty to my family is to acquire as much wealth from the market...
There is a degree to which the following is true: My duty to my family is to acquire as much wealth from the market as possible.
Which is to say: Always be interviewing. My job is to find the best-paying job, and bring in the moneys. So that we can do whatever we want with the money.
There's a degree to which that's true.
How is it false?
Which is to say: Always be interviewing. My job is to find the best-paying job, and bring in the moneys. So that we can do whatever we want with the money.
There's a degree to which that's true.
How is it false?
Monday, October 1, 2018
A few weeks ago, Tony Lower-Basch suggested Trump would be the new high water mark for the Republican party, in...
A few weeks ago, Tony Lower-Basch suggested Trump would be the new high water mark for the Republican party, in terms of morality, temperament, and fundamental understanding of politics.
It was easy to disagree. I reserved judgement, thinking he was probably overstating the case.
Then Kavanaugh showed up.
And Lindsay Graham disgraced himself. And Orrin Hatch was himself.
And they all made Trump seem reserved and calm.
We're doomed. This is the new Republican party, and it's only going to get worse from here. And they'll do anything to maintain there grip on power.
I only hope Princess Leia was right -- that the more they tighten their fingers, the more cities will slip through there fingers.
It was easy to disagree. I reserved judgement, thinking he was probably overstating the case.
Then Kavanaugh showed up.
And Lindsay Graham disgraced himself. And Orrin Hatch was himself.
And they all made Trump seem reserved and calm.
We're doomed. This is the new Republican party, and it's only going to get worse from here. And they'll do anything to maintain there grip on power.
I only hope Princess Leia was right -- that the more they tighten their fingers, the more cities will slip through there fingers.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
A Correlian Corvette has, as calculated previously, something like 84,000 square feet of potentially useable floor...
A Correlian Corvette has, as calculated previously, something like 84,000 square feet of potentially useable floor space.
Some of that is bedrooms, duty stations, eating rooms. Growing food, scrubbing oxygen and filtering water. That takes a lot of space.
Fully half is decontamination: showers, sinks, hand sanitization procedures, and rooms filled with chlorine. Half the crew are a part of this, and any marines onboard are expected to help.
Docking ship to ship is insanely dangerous; not only do two ships need to align perfectly, but each has it's own viruses. Exposure to that kills crews. Imagine runaway flu spreading through a crew, putting everyone into the medbay.
An air lock needs to cycle chlorine gas along with O2 to kill germs. That all needs to be retained. Chlorine gas is as important as a ship's O2 reserves.
Every few meters, a sanitizer station. You're not expected to use them every time, but people forget, so large ships have more than you need. These rely on the chlorine reserves.
When Stormtroopers broke onto the Tantive IV, those helmets protected them. Not from laser guns, but from those Alderaanan viruses. Before a stormtrooper breaths air, it is decontaminated. Their Navy equivalents don't allow diseases brought back to the Star Destroyer.
Some of that is bedrooms, duty stations, eating rooms. Growing food, scrubbing oxygen and filtering water. That takes a lot of space.
Fully half is decontamination: showers, sinks, hand sanitization procedures, and rooms filled with chlorine. Half the crew are a part of this, and any marines onboard are expected to help.
Docking ship to ship is insanely dangerous; not only do two ships need to align perfectly, but each has it's own viruses. Exposure to that kills crews. Imagine runaway flu spreading through a crew, putting everyone into the medbay.
An air lock needs to cycle chlorine gas along with O2 to kill germs. That all needs to be retained. Chlorine gas is as important as a ship's O2 reserves.
Every few meters, a sanitizer station. You're not expected to use them every time, but people forget, so large ships have more than you need. These rely on the chlorine reserves.
When Stormtroopers broke onto the Tantive IV, those helmets protected them. Not from laser guns, but from those Alderaanan viruses. Before a stormtrooper breaths air, it is decontaminated. Their Navy equivalents don't allow diseases brought back to the Star Destroyer.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Contanmation procedures: a Star Wars / Oxygen Not Included mashup.
Contanmation procedures: a Star Wars / Oxygen Not Included mashup.
Red Alert! Red Alert! Intruders have entered the base!
"Is it Imperials?", asked the green LT while loading up the turbolaser controls. It was his first time as Officer of the Watch, and all that academy training meant one thing.
The Sergeant rolled her eyes, "It's a virus, sir. It's almost always food poisoning. Most likely, a crewman skipped the sink after a shower, or too large a group back from liberty and skipped the hand sanitizer."
She checks a readout, her eyes going wide "Slimelung. Ada just came down. She's on her way to the medbay now."
The LT looks at the Sergeant, "what do we do?"
"Get to the infirmary, sir. Have your system checked out. Officers first, then crew. Anything worse than 50% and you should spend a day in the autodoc, if Ada's not there already. Sir ... "
He stops halfway to the door, "Yes....?"
"If untreated, it's fatal in all cases within 12 days. Standing orders privileges officers over crew, and Ada's crew. You're officer of the watch."
"Understood. I'll get to the medbay as fast as I can, and I promise you Ada will get the doctor's care."
Red Alert! Red Alert! Intruders have entered the base!
"Is it Imperials?", asked the green LT while loading up the turbolaser controls. It was his first time as Officer of the Watch, and all that academy training meant one thing.
The Sergeant rolled her eyes, "It's a virus, sir. It's almost always food poisoning. Most likely, a crewman skipped the sink after a shower, or too large a group back from liberty and skipped the hand sanitizer."
She checks a readout, her eyes going wide "Slimelung. Ada just came down. She's on her way to the medbay now."
The LT looks at the Sergeant, "what do we do?"
"Get to the infirmary, sir. Have your system checked out. Officers first, then crew. Anything worse than 50% and you should spend a day in the autodoc, if Ada's not there already. Sir ... "
He stops halfway to the door, "Yes....?"
"If untreated, it's fatal in all cases within 12 days. Standing orders privileges officers over crew, and Ada's crew. You're officer of the watch."
"Understood. I'll get to the medbay as fast as I can, and I promise you Ada will get the doctor's care."
Friday, September 28, 2018
Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included
Cycle: the 80s.
There are twelve of us. We have a delightful home. We have good food. We have enough water. Ada is a little bit stressed, but that's because she keeps avoiding the stuffed berry. And no one knows why; it's good!
We've even started bringing in water from a cool steam vent, cooled down before it enters the reservoir. There's even some automation wire to make sure it is cool enough!
We're growing plenty of pincha peppers, and loads of bristle berry. That's good eating, especially the bristle berry that grows under the bugs. The bugs make decent omelettes, but the stuffed berry is better!
The AI that guides us has kept us looking to the left and downward. We've found a leaky oil seam, but haven't done anything with it yet. It seems like we could make plastic with it, but that might be easier with the right critters.
Critters are great. I love wrangling them. The bugs are so pretty!
Cycle: the 80s.
There are twelve of us. We have a delightful home. We have good food. We have enough water. Ada is a little bit stressed, but that's because she keeps avoiding the stuffed berry. And no one knows why; it's good!
We've even started bringing in water from a cool steam vent, cooled down before it enters the reservoir. There's even some automation wire to make sure it is cool enough!
We're growing plenty of pincha peppers, and loads of bristle berry. That's good eating, especially the bristle berry that grows under the bugs. The bugs make decent omelettes, but the stuffed berry is better!
The AI that guides us has kept us looking to the left and downward. We've found a leaky oil seam, but haven't done anything with it yet. It seems like we could make plastic with it, but that might be easier with the right critters.
Critters are great. I love wrangling them. The bugs are so pretty!
Obviously, I believe Ford.
Obviously, I believe Ford.
I believe Kavanaugh is part of a culture of rape and abuse. I believe he views women as objects. I think he has used his power and privilege throughout his life for the good of the patriarchy. If I had to place a wager, it'd be firmly on him using his power to have sex with women whose career depend on his good graces. There's a word for that.
I don't think he belongs on the supreme court, or any court. It appears he is a partisan, with a hatred of democrats. That in itself is disqualifying as is, in case there is any doubt, being a rapist.
I also believe Kavanaugh is going to be on the Supreme Court before the mid terms.
When that happens, the last unpoliticized pillar of our Republic falls.
I believe Kavanaugh is part of a culture of rape and abuse. I believe he views women as objects. I think he has used his power and privilege throughout his life for the good of the patriarchy. If I had to place a wager, it'd be firmly on him using his power to have sex with women whose career depend on his good graces. There's a word for that.
I don't think he belongs on the supreme court, or any court. It appears he is a partisan, with a hatred of democrats. That in itself is disqualifying as is, in case there is any doubt, being a rapist.
I also believe Kavanaugh is going to be on the Supreme Court before the mid terms.
When that happens, the last unpoliticized pillar of our Republic falls.
A junior dev, during standup: I think 1603 and 1604 went through in the same migration. Pretty sure.
A junior dev, during standup: I think 1603 and 1604 went through in the same migration. Pretty sure.
Me: OK. Look into it, let us know.
Later, in email to all the correct people, the dev: the migration did not include 1604. Apologies for the mistake. I'll migrate it separately later.
Me, to the dev, privately, later: I want to point out something you did in that email.
Him, a little tense: .....
Me: You showed bravery and courage. Mistakes happen and are no big deal. You corrected it as soon as you could. Keep it up.
Him: Thanks!
It's a little like mind control.
Me: OK. Look into it, let us know.
Later, in email to all the correct people, the dev: the migration did not include 1604. Apologies for the mistake. I'll migrate it separately later.
Me, to the dev, privately, later: I want to point out something you did in that email.
Him, a little tense: .....
Me: You showed bravery and courage. Mistakes happen and are no big deal. You corrected it as soon as you could. Keep it up.
Him: Thanks!
It's a little like mind control.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Gifts are inefficient.
Gifts are inefficient.
..
..
.
Ok, here's the subset of gift I am referring to:
1. Not specifically asked for. That is, gift registries are not within this claim.
2. Not bought with a preternatural understand of the recicpients desires. There are very few presents I have received as an adult that are something I wanted but would not buy for myself. Most recently, this was a used correlian Corvette from xwing.
3. Not cash. Cash can be an efficient present.
4. Not kids it others who often lack an ability to get things they want.
The majority of presents - Christmas, birthdays, etc - fall into this category. We pretend to thoughtfulness, while actually forcing people to either be rude or accept something they don't want.
Cash is different. Cash empowers the recipient to convert it into what they want. Registries are different; this is a gift of time to do the shopping in behalf of the recipient.
Most of the time? Just give cash.
..
..
.
Ok, here's the subset of gift I am referring to:
1. Not specifically asked for. That is, gift registries are not within this claim.
2. Not bought with a preternatural understand of the recicpients desires. There are very few presents I have received as an adult that are something I wanted but would not buy for myself. Most recently, this was a used correlian Corvette from xwing.
3. Not cash. Cash can be an efficient present.
4. Not kids it others who often lack an ability to get things they want.
The majority of presents - Christmas, birthdays, etc - fall into this category. We pretend to thoughtfulness, while actually forcing people to either be rude or accept something they don't want.
Cash is different. Cash empowers the recipient to convert it into what they want. Registries are different; this is a gift of time to do the shopping in behalf of the recipient.
Most of the time? Just give cash.
SUPER CHILDREN DEFEAT LEVIATHAN
SUPER CHILDREN DEFEAT LEVIATHAN
- Tomaz
Last night, while securing the Pipes of Nothingness for THE BASTION, the HERO GROUP was attacked by a vile LEVIATHAN.
THE GROUP included that great hero of the people Rat (Tony Lower-Basch), and the duo TWILIGHT (Rachael Storey), their activities chronicled by the GOVERNMENTS WITNESS, yours truly. They brought two projection handlers, who have asked not to be named.
Rat and Twlight began by investigating the ancient rail car, where the taps pour emptiness, discovered by Rat between his government missions -- time of his own that he spends investigating that which hunts us.
The rail tracks showed footprints, and our intrepid heroes followed. They discovered a FAMILY living ALONE in the wilderness, who showed the origin of the nothingness.
The FAMILY, as all groups expressing such intimacy, was a TRICK of the LEVIATHANS. Our heroes were caught unawares, against a beast with a dozen dozen eyes, whose limbs were canyon walls.
The unprotected, unshielded handlers nearly took the worst of it; Rat saved them both. Truly a hero of the people. The Rat took damage, and the TWILIGHT was caught unawares by the Leviathan.
It was then that the SHINING STAR appeared, giving the people's heros a moment to collect themselves. The ostentatious super hero stood atop Arachnia, appearing just when things seemed worst and saved the PEOPLE's HEROES.
While Shining Star dealt with the EYES of the Leviathan, TWILIGHT pulled and heaved, and RIPPED a limb of the Leviathan from the ground. They held it aloft, and knew this beast could be conquered.
Meanwhile, RAT moved in. With explosives. He deftly maneuvered to the center of the LEVIATHAN. As it saw what he was about to do, such was it's fear of the ICON OF THE PEOPLE that the beast withdrew.
As the dust settled, SHINING STAR was gone. There are reports that for a moment the Shining Star no longer glowed a rain, instead showing a negative. If so, what does this mean for our heroes?
Our child heroes defeated a LEVITHAN without preparation, without aid. They are truly hero of the people!
- Tomaz
Last night, while securing the Pipes of Nothingness for THE BASTION, the HERO GROUP was attacked by a vile LEVIATHAN.
THE GROUP included that great hero of the people Rat (Tony Lower-Basch), and the duo TWILIGHT (Rachael Storey), their activities chronicled by the GOVERNMENTS WITNESS, yours truly. They brought two projection handlers, who have asked not to be named.
Rat and Twlight began by investigating the ancient rail car, where the taps pour emptiness, discovered by Rat between his government missions -- time of his own that he spends investigating that which hunts us.
The rail tracks showed footprints, and our intrepid heroes followed. They discovered a FAMILY living ALONE in the wilderness, who showed the origin of the nothingness.
The FAMILY, as all groups expressing such intimacy, was a TRICK of the LEVIATHANS. Our heroes were caught unawares, against a beast with a dozen dozen eyes, whose limbs were canyon walls.
The unprotected, unshielded handlers nearly took the worst of it; Rat saved them both. Truly a hero of the people. The Rat took damage, and the TWILIGHT was caught unawares by the Leviathan.
It was then that the SHINING STAR appeared, giving the people's heros a moment to collect themselves. The ostentatious super hero stood atop Arachnia, appearing just when things seemed worst and saved the PEOPLE's HEROES.
While Shining Star dealt with the EYES of the Leviathan, TWILIGHT pulled and heaved, and RIPPED a limb of the Leviathan from the ground. They held it aloft, and knew this beast could be conquered.
Meanwhile, RAT moved in. With explosives. He deftly maneuvered to the center of the LEVIATHAN. As it saw what he was about to do, such was it's fear of the ICON OF THE PEOPLE that the beast withdrew.
As the dust settled, SHINING STAR was gone. There are reports that for a moment the Shining Star no longer glowed a rain, instead showing a negative. If so, what does this mean for our heroes?
Our child heroes defeated a LEVITHAN without preparation, without aid. They are truly hero of the people!
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Any one know how to do queries from Jira as like from a database?
Any one know how to do queries from Jira as like from a database?
It looks like: The actual data form is not open, and for good reason. But, the API may be able to pull out data through JQL. If that's true, then we could do pulls like:
Select P.Name, count(*)
from Projects as p
left join Issues as I on p.projectID = I.IssueID
where I.Status in ('Open')
Group by P.Name
order by 2 desc
That's what I want to get to. Obviously, I don't really care about the table names and don't know the underlying structure.
Any help?
It looks like: The actual data form is not open, and for good reason. But, the API may be able to pull out data through JQL. If that's true, then we could do pulls like:
Select P.Name, count(*)
from Projects as p
left join Issues as I on p.projectID = I.IssueID
where I.Status in ('Open')
Group by P.Name
order by 2 desc
That's what I want to get to. Obviously, I don't really care about the table names and don't know the underlying structure.
Any help?
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Civilian starships in Star Wars
Civilian starships in Star Wars
In no particular order:
The Falcon
Slave One
The fighterships working for Lando
The Mon Cal ships, if we take it as cannon that they used to be passenger ships
... for the Original Trilogy, that may be it. I'm intentionally not counting the Rebellion ships, as those are essentially military.
I don't think we ever see a ship of Jabba's.
What do we discover: With the possible exception of the Mon Cal ships, they all have guns. The falcon is a smuggler ship, but Slave One and the fighter ships are essentially military vessels.
So, that's ... horrifying. Even civilian ships are covered in guns.
In no particular order:
The Falcon
Slave One
The fighterships working for Lando
The Mon Cal ships, if we take it as cannon that they used to be passenger ships
... for the Original Trilogy, that may be it. I'm intentionally not counting the Rebellion ships, as those are essentially military.
I don't think we ever see a ship of Jabba's.
What do we discover: With the possible exception of the Mon Cal ships, they all have guns. The falcon is a smuggler ship, but Slave One and the fighter ships are essentially military vessels.
So, that's ... horrifying. Even civilian ships are covered in guns.
Me: this is probably a level two bug.
Me: this is probably a level two bug.
Them: this is a task. There's no user story saying users need to be able to log in
Me:..... Nor that the computer be turned on.
Them: but if it's not in the requirements then we can't point the bug to anything.
Me:... Then call it a requirements bug. I don't really care which we classify it as.
Then: you should!
Me:... Maybe I wasn't clear: If it's in the requirements, then it's a code bug. If it isn't, it's a requirements bug. Either way, users need to be able to log in.
Them, shutting down and disengaging from the conversation: I'll talk to the test lead, but I'm not calling out a level two bug that isn't specified to requirements!
Me:..... Leaves.
Me, to boss: I'm worried there's a growing pernicious fear of reporting bugs to the client.
Boss: no way! Bugs are great!
Me: yes. I know that, you know that. Among others, there seems to be a growing fear.
Boss: want me to talk to anyone?
Me: for now, no. Just situational awareness.
My position: not being able to log in is a fucking problem. It's a minor class of users who we have not yet written user stories for, which makes it level two.
Boss's all seem to think the same way. The courageous ones, at least.
Don't get so tripped over the documentation that you forget what we are doing here: building software.
Them: this is a task. There's no user story saying users need to be able to log in
Me:..... Nor that the computer be turned on.
Them: but if it's not in the requirements then we can't point the bug to anything.
Me:... Then call it a requirements bug. I don't really care which we classify it as.
Then: you should!
Me:... Maybe I wasn't clear: If it's in the requirements, then it's a code bug. If it isn't, it's a requirements bug. Either way, users need to be able to log in.
Them, shutting down and disengaging from the conversation: I'll talk to the test lead, but I'm not calling out a level two bug that isn't specified to requirements!
Me:..... Leaves.
Me, to boss: I'm worried there's a growing pernicious fear of reporting bugs to the client.
Boss: no way! Bugs are great!
Me: yes. I know that, you know that. Among others, there seems to be a growing fear.
Boss: want me to talk to anyone?
Me: for now, no. Just situational awareness.
My position: not being able to log in is a fucking problem. It's a minor class of users who we have not yet written user stories for, which makes it level two.
Boss's all seem to think the same way. The courageous ones, at least.
Don't get so tripped over the documentation that you forget what we are doing here: building software.
Fiasco in a box: When?
Fiasco in a box: When?
Asking here, in case anyone else has good ideas.
If Jason sees it, great. Don't want to plus him in, as I figure I can start by asking The Crowd.
Asking here, in case anyone else has good ideas.
If Jason sees it, great. Don't want to plus him in, as I figure I can start by asking The Crowd.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included
Cycle 50ish.
Duplicants: 12. I like having 12.
Bathrooms: Check. Producing polluted water. Considering building a shower.
Oxygen: Check. Contained in the box. I've built two boxes -- one that is cold and has oxygen, one that has oxygen and a lot of electrical equipment. Like the Kitchen.
Food: Check. About 50,000 calories, with 30,000 in pickled meal that no one is allowed to eat. Have not yet produced the zone I really want, but have it setup. I just need more seeds, and I'll have an area with free lights and hydroponic tiles that produces crops with minimal effort.
Shine bugs: Check. Two areas, feeding them gristle berry so they'll produce better bugs. If I can get to Royal bugs, that'll be awesome for everything. Maybe even vital, but that requires peppa bread.
We're also eating all the shine bug eggs, but not the sunny shine bugs. Gosh, that sounds like eugenics. Is selective breeding better?
Power: 3 coal power plants, a half dozen batteries including one smart battery to regulate. Walled in with abyssalyte. Two small power transformers, making two grids. Each has about half the oxygen generators, among other things. While max power would be more than 1,000 ... I'm not worried about peak.
Water: Check. I have plenty, but ..... this is where it gets interesting. I've found a cool steam vent and, just below it, a cold zone. I want that water.
Plan: Build a reservoir in the cold zone, with a water pump. Dump the hot water in. Cycle it into a storage container held in a small room with a wheezlewort. Bring that water into the base, but only if it gets to under 25 degrees.
Reasonable plan?
This is what has caused colony collapse before, so I really don't know.
Cycle 50ish.
Duplicants: 12. I like having 12.
Bathrooms: Check. Producing polluted water. Considering building a shower.
Oxygen: Check. Contained in the box. I've built two boxes -- one that is cold and has oxygen, one that has oxygen and a lot of electrical equipment. Like the Kitchen.
Food: Check. About 50,000 calories, with 30,000 in pickled meal that no one is allowed to eat. Have not yet produced the zone I really want, but have it setup. I just need more seeds, and I'll have an area with free lights and hydroponic tiles that produces crops with minimal effort.
Shine bugs: Check. Two areas, feeding them gristle berry so they'll produce better bugs. If I can get to Royal bugs, that'll be awesome for everything. Maybe even vital, but that requires peppa bread.
We're also eating all the shine bug eggs, but not the sunny shine bugs. Gosh, that sounds like eugenics. Is selective breeding better?
Power: 3 coal power plants, a half dozen batteries including one smart battery to regulate. Walled in with abyssalyte. Two small power transformers, making two grids. Each has about half the oxygen generators, among other things. While max power would be more than 1,000 ... I'm not worried about peak.
Water: Check. I have plenty, but ..... this is where it gets interesting. I've found a cool steam vent and, just below it, a cold zone. I want that water.
Plan: Build a reservoir in the cold zone, with a water pump. Dump the hot water in. Cycle it into a storage container held in a small room with a wheezlewort. Bring that water into the base, but only if it gets to under 25 degrees.
Reasonable plan?
This is what has caused colony collapse before, so I really don't know.
More thoughts on ships in Star Wars.
More thoughts on ships in Star Wars.
What can we glean from the following:
ISD: 1.6 kilometers long, 60 turbolasers, 60 ion cannons, 72 star fighters, ~10,000 troops, 37,000 crew.
That's not a ship; it is a mobile command base the size of a small city. Much like Asimov's Foundation series, it emphasizes command and control and minimizes the power and relevance of the individual; notice the TIE fighters are after thoughts, not truly capable of harassing a capital ship.
This is a ship for an Empire that maintains a captive population. This is a ship to subdue a world, not to fight an equivalent foe.
Correlian Corvette: 150 meters long, 2 turbolasers, 2 laser cannons, no star fighters, able to carry "hundreds" of pax, crew of 165.
In relationships to an ISD, this is a fast-attack APC, capable of bringing in personnel and material to a hazardous location. Makes sense to pair with X-wings and other similar fighters, which have their own hyperdrive.
The Falcon: 2 crew, laser cannons, torpedoes, able to ferry a dozen people.
That's a smuggler ship, in a world more dangerous than that of Malcon Reynolds.
X-wing: 1 crew + Droid, laser cannons, torpedoes, no cargo and no pax.
Tie Fighter: 1 crew, no droid, laser cannons, no cargo, no pax.
X-wings are versatile space-superiority fighters; tie fighters are single purpose scouts capable of harassing ships like the Corvette, but not an ISD. While an X-wing has a hyperdrive, a TIE fighter does not.
The capability of the X-wing versus the TIE fighter tells us a lot about the philosophical differences between the Empire and the Rebellion; the Empire has command and control, while the Rebellion empowers individuals.
Speaking of command and control: Star Destroyers (battleship / carrier / flag ship role) are helmed by a Captain. This (should) suggest that smaller vessels are commanded by lower-ranked individuals. Perhaps Cruisers are helmed by a Commander, Frigates by a LCDR, and something as small as a Corvette by merely a full LT.
Within the Rebel Alliance, we know the Tantive IV (Leia's consular ship) was helmed by Captain Antillies. We don't know if he was a full Captain, or if this was an honorary rank, such as Captain Solo. While ships fielded by the rebellion grow within the original trilogy -- from Corvette to Frigate to Ackbar's flagship Home One -- the Corvette is the largest rebellion vessel in A New Hope, and serving the heir apparent of the House of Organa is a high-profile assignment.
It seems likely the Tantive IV is the pride of the Alderaanian fleet, and acts as a comparison point of rebellion versus Empire. If so, they truly were a comparitively peaceful people with no weapons, committing themselves to peace in the face of the horrors of the Empire.
What can we glean from the following:
ISD: 1.6 kilometers long, 60 turbolasers, 60 ion cannons, 72 star fighters, ~10,000 troops, 37,000 crew.
That's not a ship; it is a mobile command base the size of a small city. Much like Asimov's Foundation series, it emphasizes command and control and minimizes the power and relevance of the individual; notice the TIE fighters are after thoughts, not truly capable of harassing a capital ship.
This is a ship for an Empire that maintains a captive population. This is a ship to subdue a world, not to fight an equivalent foe.
Correlian Corvette: 150 meters long, 2 turbolasers, 2 laser cannons, no star fighters, able to carry "hundreds" of pax, crew of 165.
In relationships to an ISD, this is a fast-attack APC, capable of bringing in personnel and material to a hazardous location. Makes sense to pair with X-wings and other similar fighters, which have their own hyperdrive.
The Falcon: 2 crew, laser cannons, torpedoes, able to ferry a dozen people.
That's a smuggler ship, in a world more dangerous than that of Malcon Reynolds.
X-wing: 1 crew + Droid, laser cannons, torpedoes, no cargo and no pax.
Tie Fighter: 1 crew, no droid, laser cannons, no cargo, no pax.
X-wings are versatile space-superiority fighters; tie fighters are single purpose scouts capable of harassing ships like the Corvette, but not an ISD. While an X-wing has a hyperdrive, a TIE fighter does not.
The capability of the X-wing versus the TIE fighter tells us a lot about the philosophical differences between the Empire and the Rebellion; the Empire has command and control, while the Rebellion empowers individuals.
Speaking of command and control: Star Destroyers (battleship / carrier / flag ship role) are helmed by a Captain. This (should) suggest that smaller vessels are commanded by lower-ranked individuals. Perhaps Cruisers are helmed by a Commander, Frigates by a LCDR, and something as small as a Corvette by merely a full LT.
Within the Rebel Alliance, we know the Tantive IV (Leia's consular ship) was helmed by Captain Antillies. We don't know if he was a full Captain, or if this was an honorary rank, such as Captain Solo. While ships fielded by the rebellion grow within the original trilogy -- from Corvette to Frigate to Ackbar's flagship Home One -- the Corvette is the largest rebellion vessel in A New Hope, and serving the heir apparent of the House of Organa is a high-profile assignment.
It seems likely the Tantive IV is the pride of the Alderaanian fleet, and acts as a comparison point of rebellion versus Empire. If so, they truly were a comparitively peaceful people with no weapons, committing themselves to peace in the face of the horrors of the Empire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)