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Bubbles and the Zen of being an AnthroPC AI

Faye has weird existentialist dreams

The Overmind Speaks

Corpse Witch is God

Brun is an Alien AnthroPc AI

Brun is God

Analysis of Clinton continues

Mystical Spathe Ham with Pizza and Lattes

Ohm mani Padma Ohm

Only The Architect knows

Mystical Purple Monkey Dishwasher

Jeph is God

Jeph is Life

[blue5]

You folk saying Renee doesn't recognize that Climton isn't a random guy are forgetting that, to HER, he is. WE know better, Brun knows slightly better, but as far as Renee is concerned, The only objective fact is that Clinton's the guy who followed Brun to her hotel after the bar burned down.

This in mind, CAN YOU BLAME HER FOR BEING SUSPICIOUS?

Then, consider we mever met those friends of Angus who sang 'Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead.' Possibly, that's because they were douchebags. just saying. Stop taking their words as objective truth, especially Angus' subjective experiences.

I don't know if I like Renee yet, or not, but SHIT, you folk are burning months worth of calories, the number of conclusions you're jumping to.

I see your point. Look we run the risk of being like Renee and jumping to conclusions.

On the other hand, Renee didn't bother to hear out the situation and began to demonize the person she hadn't met yet by attempting to fill Brun's head with paranoid nonsense. Stopping to listen is the fundamental to not jumping to conclusions. Of course this is the QC universe and misunderstanding is the foundation to hi-jinks.


I am a scope collector and can understand Brun's focus on collecting unique and interesting pieces and not plastic mass made stuff.

[bhtooefr]

I will also admit that I want a 24 hour flip clock for my alarm clock. (The problem with this is, most of them are European, and therefore won't work on US power. Step-up transformers usually aren't even the answer, because they're using synchronous motors that are set up for 50 Hz.)

[JimC]

What the artwork can't convey is the smell. Things that have been through a housefire stink of the smoke. Its just awful. Much of my more important possessions were salvable, which was good, but meant that smell was with me for months, even longer. Books especially. For some reason when I looked at the page just now it really came back to me. Horrible.

[snubnose]

You don't buy a $10k Rolex to tell the time any more than you will buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car;

Err, of course you dont buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car.

Its a sports car. You dont buy sports cars because you need a car. You buy them because of the fun of driving ! And the speed to get to places.

While a Rolex ... knowing the time ?!? Oh my god, how exciting. This fun is neverending !!!

That said, people collect the strangest things.

  Yeah.

[jwhouk]

That begs the question then: why do people buy Tesla Model S's?

[BenRG]

Err, of course you dont buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car.

No you don't. If you need a car, you'll buy something like a Volkswagen 'Beetle', a Fiat 131 or a Vauxhall Vectra;  they cost less than 1/5 as much and will give several times better lifetime service due to their greater fuel economy and parts lifespan. If you buy a 911, especially one of the old 1970 classic bloc models, it's because you want to send a message about yourself, your buying power and, possibly, your virility too!

[cesium133]

That begs the question then: why do people buy Tesla Model S's?

It's gonna save the earth, man. (Never mind that the electricity comes from a gas or coal-burning power plant.)

Err, of course you dont buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car.

No you don't. If you need a car, you'll buy something like a Volkswagen 'Beetle', a Fiat 131 or a Vauxhall Vectra;  they cost less than 1/5 as much and will give several times better lifetime service due to their greater fuel economy and parts lifespan. If you buy a 911, especially one of the old 1970 classic bloc models, it's because you want to send a message about yourself, your buying power and, possibly, your virility too!

I bought a Chevy Spark. I'm not sure what message that sends about me.

[hedgie]

especially one of the old 1970 classic bloc models, it's because you want to send a message about yourself, your buying power and, possibly, your virility too!

I used to work with a guy who had an old air-cooled Porsche.  He just liked working on the damned thing.

[JimC]

No you don't. If you need a car, you'll buy something like...

Only, perhaps, if you don't enjoy driving for its own sake.  I do think you are grossly over simplifying. If one of your pleasures in life is driving simply for the sake of it, then your choice of car will reflect that. If you have to spend many hours in your car, then the choice will reflect that too, and so it goes on.

[themacnut]

You don't buy a $10k Rolex to tell the time any more than you will buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car;

Err, of course you dont buy a Porsche 911 because you need a car.

Its a sports car. You dont buy sports cars because you need a car. You buy them because of the fun of driving ! And the speed to get to places.

While a Rolex ... knowing the time ?!? Oh my god, how exciting. This fun is neverending !!!

You're looking at a watch as a sensible, practical purchase, and in that I agree with you. In fact, since the advent of smart phones I haven't worn a watch at all, for years.

Someone who buys a Rolex though, is essentially saying "I have so much money I don't have to be practical or sensible with every purchase. I can buy stuff just to look good, because it looks good on me.". No it makes no sense to people like us, and I wouldn't buy a Rolex even if I had the money to waste on it. People who do, generally have the money to waste and then some. Practicality and sensible behavior have nothing at all to do with it.

[jheartney]

That begs the question then: why do people buy Tesla Model S's?

Have you ever driven/owned an electric? It's a revelation. You'll never see loud, smelly, high maintenance gasoline cars the same way again. The Tesla S is the pinnacle of electrics (for now); no real range anxiety, and with the network of superchargers, you can actually take it cross-country. But even the lesser electrics have many of the same virtues, like the quiet drive, instant torque, far shorter maintenance list, and the incredible convenience of home charging.

[miados]

When I was little I collected post cards from travel and other peoples travel. Although i suspect that was a way for my parents to get me souveniers and not spend much as they suggested it.

now i collect coins. I started when i found a penny from 1897.

[blue5]

The model s is a fascinating beast. My test drive was better than was pitched. Quick and responsive. It shows what can be and they will produce cheaper models but i doubt the average daily drive will show the difference.

Actually building a solar charging station is possible. So you may not be tired to the grid in terms of charging.

[bhtooefr]

Also, there's this:



Granted, that's sales weighted and therefore includes a lot of (somewhat more efficient) Nissan Leafs, but really, relative to the class it's participating in, the Model S wins over the ICE competition in carbon footprint even in the worst grid regions, and that's assuming you don't install your own solar, or switch to a renewable energy plan (it actually turned out to be cheaper for me to switch to a plan that was 100% renewable than the mostly coal plan I used to be on, although I'm not charging an EV from it).

[JimC]

I can buy stuff just to look good, because it looks good on me.". No it makes no sense to people like us,

I dunno, I bet quite a few of us have ear rings, or studs and piercings or tattoos whatever? Like them an expensive watch is jewelry, but unlike them it has a limited practical use as well.

[USS Martenclaire]

What did I do *now*?

And FYI, my avatar and nick are due to the phenomenon as the hedgehog's dilemma.

And because hedgehogs are both awesome and cute.

[sitnspin]

I can buy stuff just to look good, because it looks good on me.". No it makes no sense to people like us,

I dunno, I bet quite a few of us have ear rings, or studs and piercings or tattoos whatever? Like them an expensive watch is jewelry, but unlike them it has a limited practical use as well.

I've spent more on tattoos than most people will on jewelry. I'm hardly in a position to criticise anyone for impractical purchases. They do serve a less tangible, more psychological/emotional function for me, however. What one person finds silly and impractical can be an important form of self expression, a source of comfort, or simply a object of intense fascination to another.

[aliensporebomb]

I'm going to give renee the benefit of the doubt.  She's concerned with her friend and the people on the other side of the breakup are possibly biased and have their own agenda.  In renee's case here's someone who gets up at 4 to work for a bakery and works out 3 days a week and goes to bed at a very early hour.  How much trouble can she be?

yes I know but she's drawn cute so I kinda want to like her.  This has gotten me in trouble in real life of course.

[Zastie]

I stopped reading and started skimming and suddenly there's discussions of cars, jewelry, and tattoos out of seemingly nowhere. Goodness.

[SubaruStephen]

My alarm clocks are AWESOME. They're (a) cheap and (b) they work. Whow ! Cant think of any third condition they would have to manage. Can you?

Yeah, the ability to withstand my fist smashing the snooze button like the hammer of Thor day after day.




I have a serious hate for my alarm clocks (all 4 of them), and it they go off on a Saturday or Sunday, I typically end up having to buy a new one to replace it before Monday morning comes.

[Zebediah]

I stopped reading and started skimming and suddenly there's discussions of cars, jewelry, and tattoos out of seemingly nowhere. Goodness.

Happens all the time here. At least this time nobody's brought up the second world war.

[SubaruStephen]

Ya just did.....

[Zastie]

GG, I'm off to the bomb shelter now.

[Kugai]

*Hands you a Tin Hat*

[Carl-E]

*takes tin hat, turns it over, and makes a salad in it*

[Tova]

OMG won't you get tin poisoning?? *puts tin foil hat back on*

(click to show/hide)

It's a joke, Joyce

[Gyrre]

2 question:

1) why is Bubble's and Faye's boss called  "Corpse Witch"?
2) Will Clinton, Brun, or one of the other cast members get to use the word waltersobchakiteit  when they meet Renee with Brun?

[JimC]

My alarm clocks are AWESOME. They're (a) cheap and (b) they work. Whow ! Cant think of any third condition they would have to manage. Can you?

Yeah, the ability to withstand my fist smashing the snooze button like the hammer of Thor day after day.

Never forget aesthetics.

Some folks might live in a damp scrotty rented flat which they intend to get out of the very second an even half better alternate presents itself, are there only ever there to sleep, and only then when no warmer bed is on offer. You wouldn't expect them to care what anything looks like, only its function.

At the other end of the spectrum there are those for whom their home space is, effectively, a work of art which they take pride and pleasure in, and so the appearance of every single item in it is of very great importance to them.

Both seem to me valid ways to live.

[Is it cold in here?]

Sounds like there's some interest. Would people use a DISCUSS thread about climate change if I started one and split the debate into it?

Gyrre, the our-world answer about Corpse Witch's name is that Jeph made a joke about it, the fans ran with it, and Jeph played along. I'd speculate that the QC-world explanation is that someone who runs an illegal business will want, or at least be assigned, a gnarly nickname. It could also have come from people who didn't appreciate her personality.

[pwhodges]

as far as Renee is concerned, The only objective fact is that Clinton's the guy who followed Brun to her hotel after the bar burned down.

No; Clinton's the guy that helped Brun to the hotel.

This in mind, CAN YOU BLAME HER FOR BEING SUSPICIOUS?

Yes.  Due caution is prudent and perfectly reasonable; suspicion without cause is unhealthy.

[wlewisiii]

Sounds like there's some interest. Would people use a DISCUSS thread about climate change if I started one and split the debate into it?

Please split if off.

[DSL]

as far as Renee is concerned, The only objective fact is that Clinton's the guy who followed Brun to her hotel after the bar burned down.

No; Clinton's the guy that helped Brun to the hotel.

This in mind, CAN YOU BLAME HER FOR BEING SUSPICIOUS?

Yes.  Due caution is prudent and perfectly reasonable; suspicion without cause is unhealthy.

You're ignoring the "As far as Renee is concerned" part. Goes to motivation, Your Honor. (Or is that "M'Lud"?)

[Larm Hargraven]

I think they were replying to make the point that we, as the readers, know the objective facts. Those facts being that Clinton helped Brun rather than just be "random guy who followed."

[DSL]

I think they were replying to make the point that we, as the readers, know the objective facts. Those facts being that Clinton helped Brun rather than just be "random guy who followed."

Our motivations don't matter; Renee's are under discussion.

[Tova]

as far as Renee is concerned, The only objective fact is that Clinton's the guy who followed Brun to her hotel after the bar burned down.

No; Clinton's the guy that helped Brun to the hotel.

This in mind, CAN YOU BLAME HER FOR BEING SUSPICIOUS?

Yes.  Due caution is prudent and perfectly reasonable; suspicion without cause is unhealthy.

You're not being entirely fair.

One can hardly disagree with your perfectly reasonable sounding remark at first blush, but the phrase due caution is purely subjective, as is the distinction betwen that and suspicion without cause. Which of those Renee is exhibiting is precisely the subject of the discussion. Everyone seems to constantly forget that Renee is in the dark and we are not.

So, is Renee's suspicion without cause? Maybe, maybe not. We don't know their history.

[Is it cold in here?]

Global Moderator Comment

There's now a Climate Change thread in DISCUSS. If I left a climate change post here in the WCDT, or if I dropped one on the floor in between, let me know.

[sitnspin]

Yes.  Due caution is prudent and perfectly reasonable; suspicion without cause is unhealthy.

My experiences have taught me that suspicion is a very healthy starting position. Trust is earned. It is safer to err on the side of caution.

[blue5]

An ounce of caution is fine. Renee crossed the line with attempting to over the phone threaten Clinton. As far as she knows he followed Brun, but to paraphrase GOT "you know nothing, renee"


A healthy does of MYOB would have helped Renee.

[Tova]

How do you feel about Faye?

[Morituri]

1) why is Bubble's and Faye's boss called  "Corpse Witch"?

I think it's probably because she chose that name for herself.  I haven't heard any noises about someone playing the "parent" role with an AI, so they wouldn't get names from parents the way people do.

2) Will Clinton, Brun, or one of the other cast members get to use the word waltersobchakiteit  when they meet Renee with Brun?

I don't think anyone's demonstrated any knowledge of German, so I rather doubt it. 

[Morituri]

For what it's worth, I sort of think it's disrespectful of parents to choose a name for their child before they've even met them and started to learn who they are.  And a bit odd that people no longer have a traditional rite of passage wherein they choose their adult name for themselves.

Seriously, get to know the kid for a week or two before you pick a name.  Introduce the child to the rest of your family, see if anyone has insight into who they are and what name will suit them.  Might be a good chance for the family to discuss what they hope for the child and what sort of life they can provide and how.

I recognize that I'm more-or-less alone in this opinion, aside from a few others whose general attitudes and culture are rooted in a different century.   And of course governments now want a name stamped onto a child immediately for a birth certificate.  But I still find the modern custom baffling and bizarre, no matter how many times I see it and no matter how normal it seems to everyone else. 

[pwhodges]

You're ignoring the "As far as Renee is concerned" part. Goes to motivation, Your Honor. (Or is that "M'Lud"?)

No - Renee is ignoring what she was told.

As far as she knows he followed Brun,

The first thing Brun tells Renee is that Clinton helped her.

[Near Lurker]

Well, there we have it.  Name children by numbers, like Roman girls.

[Tova]

She's not ignoring what she is told. She's just maintaining her suspicion in spite of what she was told.

Much like what's going on in this thread.

[chaospersonified]

The first thing Brun tells Renee is that Clinton helped her.

So? How often do strangers help strangers with no ulterior motives? I mean, it happens, sure, but there's every chance Renee's life has lead her to believe it doesn't.

[blue5]

Every person does something good for someone else for a reason. Something simple as it feels good to help to hoping to get a reward. Doesn't mean its wrong, just thats how human beings are.

Some behavior is learnt but her overall attitude is something she is as a person. Some poor experiences in life is no excuse to be terrible to people. It makes renee just as bad as the theoretical people that may have done her wrong.


Its also possible that her slights are imagined and a symptom of a deeper problem.

[pwhodges]

How often do strangers help strangers with no ulterior motives?

Every day, all the time.  And we're not even talking about a stranger who "merely" went to help - Clinton was in the fire himself; how many people have been sufficiently traumatised in their life to think that someone who's sharing such a bad experience would also be taking advantage of it?   Maybe Renee has - we'll learn in due course - but if not, her reaction is out of order.

[blue5]

How do you feel about Faye?

Faye was stuck in adolescence but being around martin and friends helped her work out problems. Sometimes she is a pain but unlike renee, she is working on making things work. Not always with success but at least she tries. Now she is trying to help.


Renee version of helping is giving poison to a person who stubbed their toe

[Is it cold in here?]

There was a reference once to Winslow choosing his own name, but I think the reference is lost along with Hannelore's Formspring account.

[Method of Madness]

Seriously, get to know the kid for a week or two before you pick a name.

According to my parents, I didn't have a name until I was about a week old.