Better for what? I only listen to mp3s I’ve got stored on my phone; I use BlackPlayer for that, and I love it. For streaming music purposes… I dunno, I never got into that racket.

The theory I heard on the Strict Scrutiny podcast is that the 5th Circuit exists to write atrocious opinions on terrible rulings so that the Supreme Court can make rulings that are only 85% as horrible as that so the SC can seem more reasonable by comparison.

And the Carolina Squat!

I thought that was the sort of thing that the government mandated companies had to do in a controlled and transparent fashion. I wouldn’t have thought that the NTSB would allow a vehicle to be registered without a thoroughly vetted crash testing procedure.

Sorry

PLEASE ADOPT VERIFICATION CAT TO CONTINUE

“To prove that you are human, donate $$$ to Doctors Without Borders.”

“To prove that you are human, register to vote.”

“To prove that you are human, adopt a pet from the local animal shelter.”

Did you catch all-despising baby skull last night?

Picsart. I’d like something that can do a bit of photo editing, adjust brightness/contrast/curves, work with layers, and conveniently slap together collages, but that doesn’t interrupt me in between every other operation with an ad or a request to sign up for a subscription to the app.

In any sane society, closing a private prison would be cause for celebration.

I’m curious: what would that mean, within Brazil’s borders? Would they be able to prevent Starlink from being used? Broadcast a Starlink jamming signal over the whole country? Or turn it into a diplomatic issue, with the US State Department getting involved?

Not to mention the security that comes from being able to not pay if you get scammed for whatever reason. I paid for a course at a community college with a credit card, but then my schedule changed so I tried to cancel the class before it even started. The college gave me a whole runaround, and whether it was willful or just simple incompetence, I wasn’t able to get a refund. So I called my credit card company and explained the situation to them, and they resolved the whole thing for me. Sometimes even mentioning that you’ll refer such a problem to the fraud department at your credit card company is enough to get someone to back down and give you a refund.

Credit cards have issues, especially if you have problems with using them responsibly, but that’s one particular way in which they can save you a lot of headache.

First devouring all of Fantasia, now this.

Never listened to OA, but Strict Scrutiny is one I listen to for Supreme Court news and analysis.

Sketch out a three film proposal for a trilogy of movies about how Hollywood is corrupted by its own hubris and greed, becomes convinced that it can use AI to replace human writers and actors, and eventually collapses and is replaced by a new and better movie making paradigm.

Title: “The Rise and Fall of Illusion”

Film 1: “Hubris Unleashed” Synopsis: In the first installment, Hollywood executives, driven by their insatiable greed and arrogance, become convinced that AI technology can revolutionize filmmaking. They start replacing human writers and actors with AI-generated content, leading to initial success and critical acclaim. However, cracks begin to appear as creative stagnation sets in, and audiences grow disillusioned with the soulless productions. The film ends with the industry at its zenith, but teetering on the brink of its own downfall due to its hubris.

Film 2: “The Age of Artificiality” Synopsis: As Hollywood doubles down on AI-driven filmmaking, tensions escalate between those clinging to the old ways and those embracing the new paradigm. The struggle intensifies as AI-generated content becomes increasingly indistinguishable from human creativity, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Amidst mounting controversies and ethical dilemmas, the industry faces its greatest existential crisis yet, with the very essence of storytelling at stake.

Film 3: “Rebirth of Authenticity” Synopsis: In the final chapter, Hollywood reaches its breaking point as the flaws of its AI-driven model are exposed in a spectacular fashion. A grassroots movement emerges, championing human creativity and authenticity over artificial perfection. Against all odds, a group of renegade filmmakers and actors lead a revolution, reclaiming the industry from the grips of technology and corporate greed. As the dust settles, a new era of filmmaking dawns, one that celebrates the human spirit and embraces diversity of voices and ideas. The trilogy concludes with hope for a brighter future where artistry triumphs over algorithms, and the magic of cinema lives on.

Suggest a line of action figures based on the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

Title: “Legends of Illusion”

1. Hubris Heroes: This action figure set features iconic characters from the first film, “Hubris Unleashed,” including the arrogant Hollywood executives, the enigmatic AI creators, and the disillusioned writers and actors caught in the crossfire. Each figure comes with interchangeable accessories symbolizing their respective roles in the industry’s rise to power.

2. Artificial Avengers: Inspired by the second film, “The Age of Artificiality,” this action figure line showcases a diverse array of characters representing both proponents and opponents of AI-driven filmmaking. From rebellious filmmakers leading the charge for authenticity to cutting-edge AI algorithms with their own agendas, each figure is intricately detailed and highly poseable.

3. Rebel Renegades: Celebrating the heroes of the final installment, “Rebirth of Authenticity,” this action figure series honors the courageous individuals who stood up against the corrupted Hollywood regime. From charismatic actors turned revolutionaries to visionary directors leading the charge for change, each figure embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that ultimately saved the industry.

4. Paradigm Shift Playset: Recreate pivotal scenes from the trilogy with this elaborate playset depicting the evolution of the cinematic landscape. From the opulent boardrooms of Hollywood’s elite to the gritty streets where grassroots movements took root, this playset offers endless storytelling possibilities for fans of all ages.

5. Illusionary Icons Collector’s Edition: This limited-edition action figure set pays homage to the most iconic characters and moments from the trilogy, featuring premium sculpting and detailing. Packaged in a deluxe display case, each figure is accompanied by a booklet exploring the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

Suggest some limited edition Mountain Dew soda flavors based on the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

1. Hubris Haze: A bold fusion of citrus and tropical flavors, representing the intoxicating allure of Hollywood’s hubris. This limited edition Mountain Dew flavor captures the essence of ambition and excess, with a tantalizing blend that leaves you craving more.

2. Artificial Rush: Experience a surge of energy with this electrifying Mountain Dew flavor, infused with hints of synthetic sweetness and a burst of artificial adrenaline. Perfect for those moments when you need to stay one step ahead in the fast-paced world of AI-driven filmmaking.

3. Rebel Revolt: Break free from the norm with this rebellious Mountain Dew flavor, blending tangy rebellion with a hint of defiance. Inspired by the courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo, this limited edition soda is a refreshing reminder to embrace authenticity and individuality.

4. Paradigm Shift Spark: Ignite your taste buds with this revolutionary Mountain Dew flavor, featuring a dynamic mix of exotic fruits and unexpected twists. As the cinematic landscape undergoes a transformation, this soda mirrors the excitement and unpredictability of the changing times.

5. Illusionary Infusion: Delve into the depths of imagination with this mesmerizing Mountain Dew flavor, weaving together layers of mystery and intrigue. With every sip, you’ll be transported to a world where reality blurs and illusions reign supreme, leaving you craving more of the cinematic magic that inspired it.

Suggest a set of five different slogans for the Rise and Fall of Illusion cinematic universe.

1. “Witness the Rise, Feel the Fall: The Illusionary Saga Unfolds”
2. “From Hubris to Hope: The Epic Journey of Creativity vs. Technology”
3. “Unravel the Illusion: A Cinematic Universe Beyond Imagination”
4. “Where Dreams Collide and Realities Shatter: The Rise and Fall of Illusion”
5. “Experience the Rebirth: A New Era of Cinema Dawns in the Aftermath”

Unihertz!

What’s twisted is that, if you go way out at the edge of the curve, you’ll find people who either actually do enjoy any horrible job you can think of, or else are willing to do an earnest imitation of enjoying it. Large enough employers can search though a large enough pool, using sophisticated enough tools, to find these weirdos and try to employ only the kinds of lunatics who would say “I love this job, and I think a pizza party is an acceptable alternative to a raise!”

Let us face squarely the paradox that the world which goes to war is a world, usually genuinely desiring peace. War is the outcome, not mainly of evil intentions, but on the whole of good intentions which miscarry or are frustrated. It is made not usually by evil men knowing themselves to be wrong, but is the outcome of policies pursued by good men usually passionately convinced that they are right.

—Norman Angell, author of The Great Illusion

Giant woman!

See also: The Despecialized Edition of the Star Wars Original Trilogy