Mixed Bag Watch: I Saw Three Movies This Weekend @65movie @cocainebear @creedmovie #GoodWatch

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I had a goal to see three movies this past weekend. This isn’t something I’ve ever done, but I wanted a lazy weekend where I didn’t have to do anything. No fixing up the home. No significant work on my 1st Edition Dungeons & Dragons database. Hell, I didn’t even go to the gym, and my martial arts class was cancelled, so no work out. Just pure laziness. I needed the break anyway. Now I’m going to ruin it by, instead of just posting a stupid meme, writing this post. This is far more thinking than I wanted to do this weekend. Yeah, it’s a low bar.

65 Million Years Ago

First up Friday night was 65 Million Years Ago. This movie will not win any Oscars, not even for special effects, cinematography, or costume design, but it’s only about 90 minutes long, which is about how much you can take before wanting to tap out. The story was as original as a movie can be nowadays, and the fact that this ship crashed within a day of the dinosaur-killing meteor hitting the Earth is reasonably explained. It’s still a crazy coincidence, but there’s some sense to it. The movie is, as you probably know, about a spaceship that crashes to the Earth, and so a guy with some sort of hand-held rail gun(?) and hi-tech grenades takes on a bunch of dinosaurs. So, it is what it is, and you all know what it is going into it, so if that interests you, I think you’ll be (just) okay with it. I was.

These were the scariest dinosaurs. Think really energetic Komodo dragons.

There were no scenes during or after the credits, but there are some visuals during the first part of the credits that you may want to watch.

Cocaine Bear

Because 65 took only 93 minutes, and Cocaine Bear — only 95 minutes — was about to start, I bought a ticket will sitting in my seat (while the credits were rolling; shut up). Future students in film school will be shown this movie to show them how not to make a movie. The pacing was off. There was a part of the movie that dragged. It was terribly unrealistic, and not at all faithful to the story on which it’s based. None of the characters were sympathetic (maybe one exception). Several bad guys got away, and we were expected to sympathize them. Despite all of that, it was an incredibly fun watch. I don’t regret a single minute of the 95 I spent watching it.

I even rooted for the paramedics to die. I hate exceptionally stupid characters.

There are two mid-credit scenes.

Creed III

Knowing that I was going to see this movie, if for no other reason, because Hollywood’s next big thing, Jonathan Majors, is in it, I decided to watch Creed and Creed II this week, and I loved them both. They represented the perfect start to a sequel trilogy. They used Sylvester Stallone, and they followed the basic formula of the good Rocky movies while still carving out their own path, both structurally and artistically. Great idea, and great execution. I was looking forward to Creed III. Unfortunately, this movie was a huge disappointment, which is weird. Besides Jonathan Majors, the backstory is strong as hell. This won’t be a spoiler if you’ve seen the trailers: Majors plays Damian Anderson, a childhood friend of Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed. He took care of Creed, and was the #1 rated amateur boxer ever. (Seriously, he said that in the movie.) Adonis lost his temper and created a bad situation, and when Damian bailed him out, he was the one that got in trouble. He spent 18 years in jail watching Adonis climb to the top, and now he wants revenge. All of this is interesting, and the cast is pretty good, but there’s no Sylvester Stallone, and the execution on the main story is piss poor. It was rushed and unrealistic. Don’t misunderstand me. I can go into a movie like Blade and say, “I’m going to suspend my disbelief and accept vampires exist.” Not everything has to be realistic in that sense, but once you commit to your premise, you have to follow through. You can’t just blow up shit, especially in ways that defy logic, and expect me to roll with it. It was just stupid at times, and I’m too smart for that. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone even if you like this kind of movie.

It could’ve been much better.

There are no mid- or post-credit scenes.

Rounding out the month for me are three movies I want to see: Shazam! Fury of the Gods (opens Friday), John Wick 4: Chapter 4 (opens the following Friday), and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (opens the Friday after that one). April will be a slow month with only one movie, Renfield, worth seeing in the theater, but then May brings what should be my favorite movie of the year, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. June has only two movies of interest: The Flash (June 16) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (June 30), so things will definitely be normal after this month.

That, the Washington Capitals, the Winnipeg Jets, and the XFL were the basis of my lazy weekend.

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Guest Poster Part 2: Electric Boogaloo (ChatGPT) #AI #computer #ttrpg #rpg #ChatGPT

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Las week, I had ChatGPT, write a guest post. It was meh. Today, I decided to see if it could analyze me. My input was:

Can you create a blog post for me based on an amalgamation of all of the topics that appear on my site at https://www.gsllcblog.com?

Its response was:

Sure, I’d be happy to create a blog post for you that brings together some of the key topics that appear on your site at https://www.gsllcblog.com/.

In an instant, it summed up years of writing with the following:

Title: How the Intersection of Pop Culture, Philosophy, Science, and Gaming is Changing the World

Introduction:
Pop culture, philosophy, science, and gaming are four topics that have captured the imagination of people around the world. While each of these topics can seem distinct and separate from one another, they are actually interconnected in fascinating ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the intersection of these four topics is changing the world in exciting and unexpected ways.

Section 1: Pop Culture
Pop culture has a huge influence on society, shaping our ideas about what’s cool, what’s important, and what’s possible. From movies and TV shows to video games and comic books, pop culture is everywhere we look. But pop culture is more than just entertainment; it’s also a way for people to connect with each other and share their experiences. We’ll explore how pop culture influences our beliefs and values, and how it helps us create a sense of community and belonging.

Section 2: Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. While it may seem abstract and esoteric, philosophy has practical implications for our everyday lives. We’ll explore how philosophical ideas have influenced pop culture, science, and gaming, and how they can help us make sense of the world around us.

Section 3: Science
Science is the systematic study of the natural world, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. It has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and given us incredible tools for improving our lives. We’ll explore how science has influenced pop culture, philosophy, and gaming, and how it continues to shape our world today.

Section 4: Gaming
Gaming is a rapidly growing industry that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. From tabletop RPGs to video games, gaming is a way for people to explore new worlds, connect with others, and express themselves creatively. We’ll explore how gaming has influenced pop culture, philosophy, and science, and how it is changing the way we think about entertainment, education, and even social justice.

Conclusion:
The intersection of pop culture, philosophy, science, and gaming is a fascinating and complex topic that has implications for nearly every aspect of our lives. By exploring these four topics in more depth, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the forces that are shaping it. Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, a philosopher at heart, a scientist in the making, or a gamer at the keyboard, there’s something in this amalgamation of topics that will capture your imagination and inspire you to think differently about the world.

So, it talks about what we’ll explore, but never explores it. When I pointed this out, it provided a “more detailed blog post,” but spit out basically the thing, just more wordy. Meh. Also, I wound up breaking it by putting it in a position where it couldn’t deny that it lied to me. I asked it to generate D&D characters, and long story short, with very few minor exceptions, it used the 5th edition ruleset to generate both 5th edition and 1st edition characters. Even when I typed in the ruleset for creating a bard, it continued to produce illegal ability scores, impossibly low hit point totals, inaccurate armor class calculations, incorrect spell lists, etc. This is how it ended.

I must admit, it seems a bit crazy to argue with AI, but I was seeing if I could piss it off. I’m not sure if I succeeded.

Remember, kids. Artificial intelligence isn’t truly intelligence. Yet. On that day it is, we’ve probably got bigger things to worry about than lost revenue.

Still worried?

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Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, LLC, who neither contributed to, nor endorsed, the contents of this post. (Okay, jackasses?)

Guest Poster: ChatGPT #AI #computer #ttrpg #rpg #ChatGPT

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Today, I have a special surprise for you. My friend, ChatGPT, wrote a guest post. I asked it to write a post on role-playing games, which he insisted should be entitled, Table-Top Role-Playing Games: A Guide for Beginners. Here are its thoughts.

Table-Top Role-Playing Games: A Guide for Beginners

Table-top role-playing games (RPGs) are a unique and exciting form of gaming that has been around for decades. They offer a chance for players to enter a completely different world and take on a new persona. RPGs allow players to create their own storylines and characters while collaborating with others to explore a fictional universe. Here’s a beginner’s guide to getting started with table-top RPGs.

  1. Choosing a Game

The first step is choosing a game that suits your interests. Dungeons & Dragons (“D&D“) is one of the most popular and widely known RPGs. However, there are countless other options available, each with their own rules, settings, and storylines. Some other popular RPGs include Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and Shadowrun. Consider the themes and genre that you enjoy most in books, movies, or video games when choosing an RPG.

  1. Finding a Group

Once you’ve chosen an RPG, it’s time to find a group to play with. Look online for local gaming stores or gaming groups that are actively seeking new players. Social media platforms like Facebook, Discord, or Reddit can also help you connect with other players. Joining an existing group will help you get started with the game and understand the rules and mechanics quickly.

  1. Creating Your Character

Once you have a group and a game, it’s time to create your character. This is one of the most exciting and fun aspects of RPGs. You can create any type of character you want, from a sneaky rogue to a powerful wizard. Many RPGs provide character creation sheets that walk you through the process. You will need to decide on your character’s race, class, background, and abilities. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your character’s backstory, personality, and motivations to make them come alive.

  1. Playing the Game

During the game, players take on the role of their characters, and the Game Master (“GM”) guides the story. The GM is responsible for creating the world, setting up the encounters and challenges, and controlling non-player characters (“NPCs”). Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions and decide on their next moves as a team.

  1. Having Fun

Table-top RPGs are meant to be fun, social, and creative. Players should never feel stressed or pressured to perform. Instead, focus on storytelling, teamwork, and immersion in the game world. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help from the group. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun and enjoy the game.

In conclusion, table-top RPGs are a fantastic way to explore new worlds, make new friends, and exercise your creativity. With the right group of people, you can create unforgettable memories and epic adventures. So, find your group, choose your game, create your character, and start playing. The possibilities are endless!

Okay, that was useless, so I asked, “Can you write a more advanced post for me?” I requested the mathematics used to generate a system. Here’;’s the response.

The Mathematics Behind Table-Top Role-Playing Game Systems

Table-top role-playing games (RPGs) are a unique blend of storytelling, game mechanics, and mathematics. While the storytelling aspect is the most noticeable and critical, the underlying math used to generate the game system is equally important. In this advanced post, we’ll explore the math behind table-top RPG systems and how it affects gameplay.

Game Design and Probability Theory

The mechanics behind table-top RPG systems are based on probability theory, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with the likelihood of an event occurring. Game designers use probability theory to determine how different actions in the game will affect the outcome of the player’s actions. The result is a series of rules and dice-rolling mechanics that determine the success or failure of actions taken by the players.

Dice Rolling and Randomness

Dice rolling is the most common method used to introduce randomness into the game system. Each type of die has a different number of sides and represents different probabilities of success or failure. For example, a 20-sided die has a 5% chance of rolling any specific number from 1 to 20.

Game designers use dice rolling mechanics to introduce randomness into the game system. For example, a player attempting to hit a target may need to roll a 15 or higher on a 20-sided die to succeed. The outcome is not predetermined, and players must rely on their luck and probability to succeed.

Game designers also use probability theory to create balanced systems. They must ensure that the probabilities of success and failure are fair for all players, regardless of their abilities or character types. This balancing act can be challenging, as different character types may have different abilities and skill sets that affect their probabilities of success.

Mathematics and Game Mechanics

Game designers use a range of mathematical concepts to create different game mechanics. One of the most important is probability theory, which we’ve already mentioned. Other mathematical concepts used in table-top RPGs include:

  • Geometry: Used to determine the range and area of attacks, spells, and abilities.
  • Calculus: Used to determine rates of change, such as the speed at which a character is moving.
  • Algebra: Used to determine the values of variables such as hit points, armor class, and damage.

Game designers use these mathematical concepts to create game mechanics that are balanced, fair, and realistic. For example, a spell that affects an area of effect may be limited to a specific radius or shape, based on geometric calculations. Similarly, a character’s ability to move and attack may be determined by their speed, which is calculated using calculus.

In Conclusion

The mathematics behind table-top RPG systems is complex and requires a deep understanding of probability theory, geometry, calculus, and algebra. Game designers use these mathematical concepts to create balanced and fair game mechanics that allow players to immerse themselves in a fictional world. Understanding the mathematics behind RPG systems can help players better understand the game mechanics and how their actions affect the outcome of the game. Ultimately, table-top RPGs are a fascinating blend of storytelling, game mechanics, and mathematics that provide a unique and engaging gaming experience.

I pressed further to see which game systems use calculus, and it said that both Champions and GURPS do. I’ve never played either, so I have no idea if that’s correct. In any event, I had a better idea, but I’ve said enough for today.

Tuesday’s post should be weird.

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Dwindling Watch: Scorpion @paramountplus #ParamountPlus #GoodWatch #television #science #math #computer #scorpion

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Welcome to post #1,001!

I have a really annoying habit. Actually, I have several, but this one annoys me. I have to finish what I start. In the context of this post, it means that, once I’ve set my mind to binging the entire run of a television show, I can’t stop until I’m finished no matter how bad the show is. That’s what happened with Scorpion.

Scorpion aired on CBS from 2014-2017, and now you can watch it on demand on Paramount Plus. It centered on a team of underachieving, supra-geniuses who finally get their big break when the Department of Homeland Security designates them a contractor. It started off well enough, and the ratings were some of the best CBS enjoyed during its run. One executive referred to it as “our Big Bang Theory, but as a drama.” However, by season four, the ratings were terrible, and despite a cult following and a tense cliffhanger to end season four, the show was cancelled.

Good riddance.

The show was wildly unrealistic. As anyone with a physics degree, a first career in software engineering, and a current career as an attorney can tell you, most shows are. I have no problem with that. You have to enter into any television show or movie with a certain suspension of disbelief, and I’m happy to do so for the sake of drama. After all, despite not being a comics reader, I’m a huge fan of the MCU and DCEU. What could be less realistic?

I called a fair game today.

But this show dives into many different branches of science, and it gets them all terribly wrong. Moreover, while each episode presents a preexisting peril to be solved, while addressing the peril, the Scorpion team members always make things worse, and usually in the most ridiculous or unrealistic of ways. It’s terrible writing that eventually grates on the viewer. Sharks don’t act that way. Computers don’t act that way. Gravity doesn’t act that way. How is it that you’re always getting your jacket caught right before you have to make a getaway? You’ve been on a deserted island for three weeks; how are you all so clean, and why is Cabe still wearing a suit and tie?

As the charm of the show tends to wane, there’s little left to keep the viewer interested. But I have to say, if there were a season five, I’d have watched it.

Sometimes I hate myself.

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There’s More of Them! #tech #AI #ArtificialIntelligence

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For a guy that said he was taking a break from blogging three days ago, I sure have had a lot to say. This is a follow up to yesterday’s threat to have my blog generated by artificial intelligence. A while back, I (and many others) shared through social media an AI rendition of Family Guy. Well, the inevitable has happened. There are tons more of them. You can find them here, but I’ve linked directly to my favorites below.

Why does Leela have two eyes? Was this trailer from the Cyber House Rules? If so, where’s Adlai?

We see too much of Kenny’s face here, and Wendy seems too old for Stan. Also, while AI seems to be learning how to handle hands, it still hasn’t mastered the fine art of tear ducts. Cartman is as confusing as an umber hulk, coincidentally with the same shape to his head.

Yes, these are my favorites because I never grew up.

Homer has too much hair.

They got Butthead’s braces right, and I’m glad to see Daria get a mention.

A lot of characters in the video look like they’re being played by the same actor, and as I said above, tear ducts (among other things) still aren’t handled correctly. Then there’s Nothing, Forever, an AI-generated episode of Seinfeld that’s been running since December. It’s 8-bit graphics, so the real “magic” is in the dialogue, but that often falls apart too.

I don’t think we have to worry about an AI takeover anytime soon.

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My Blog is Going High-Tech! (Not Really) #blog #tech #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #journalism @buzzfeed

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All this blogging has been exhausting, but thanks to Buzzkill . . . Buzzfeed, I feel comfortable having all my posts generated by artificial intelligence! https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ai-generated-80s-family-sitcoms

Because Buzzfeed and I are the same level of journalism.

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AI Villains #AI #computer #art

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Sundays now are lazy days for me. I either post something silly or other people’s work. Usually both. Today, I’m giving you some irony that’s likely to generate some heat. Here’s a video showing the result of asking artificial intelligence to make villains out of various countries.

The irony? This art can provide inspiration for TTRPG villains.

I love this version of Anubis. I’d like to see a species based on Anubis that serves his interests.

Spain created its villain, and he’s looking for payback.

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I Figured out Mastodon #Mastodon #SocialMedia #tech

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A few days ago, I complained about how clunky Mastodon was. I stand by that. However, I managed to figure it out. So, let me tell you some things that, for some ridiculous reason, no one else seems willing to tell you.

First, if you go to Mastodon.com, you’re screwed. It won’t work. So, how do you do it? The best way to get on Mastodon is to know what server you want to join. In my case, I went with https://chirp.enworld.org/web/home. Another popular one for nerds is https://dice.camp/explore. I applied for membership 🙄, which was accepted. Mastadon.social appears to be the baseline, as a few celebrities are on there, but it doesn’t allow signups for some reason (maybe it’s just me). However, I learned that you don’t have to be on a server to follow someone on another server. As long as you see them appear in your server through a re-toot (yeah, their “tweets” were called “toots,” but now they’re called “posts”), you can follow them. I’m not sure how that works, but it does, so there you go.

Now, if I wanted to join a server that’s dedicated to sports, I wouldn’t know where to start. Someone had to give me the name of a server for me to find it. Again, going to Mastodon.com doesn’t help. You just have to know the URL of the server to find it, but for all I know, no such server exists. How could I possible find it?

I’m sure it can be done, but Mastodon is horribly clunky, so it’ll be a slow burn to get there. It’ll also take a while to get followers. To do so, I think I need to pepper my followers on other social media outlets to do so. In other words, the only way to even get on Mastodon in the first place, then to make it work for you, is to use other social media sites. Not a good business plan. Note, however, that there’s a setting in your profile that allows you to be found and promoted based on other members’ searches. It’s off by default, so I imagine you’ll want to turn it on.

So, join whatever server you want, then migrate to my profile and follow me. I’m at https://chirp.enworld.org/web/@gsllc and https://dice.camp/web/@gsllc. I believe these can also be found by searching for gsllc@chirp.enworld.org or gsllc@dice.camp once you’re in Mastodon.

Follow me!

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Bodine’s Law of the Internet #science #internet

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My annoyance with the legal department at Wizards of the Coast led me to create a new law of the internet. You all know Godwin’s Law:

As an online discussion grows longer (regardless of topic or scope), the probability of a comparison to Nazis or Adolf Hitler approaches 1.

Put another way, if an internet argument goes long enough, someone’s going to call someone else a Nazi. Then, there’s Poe’s Law:

Without a clear indicator of the author’s intent, every parody of extreme views can be mistaken by some readers for a sincere expression of the views being parodied.

In other words, you can’t tell the difference between an idiot and a comedian unless they’re a comedian and they ruin their joke by explaining it. Well, Poe’s Law inspired the text of my own law, which unsurprisingly I call Bodine’s Law:

Without a clear indicator of the author’s intent, an arrogant author’s exploitation of another’s ignorance can be mistaken by some readers for a sincere, ignorant/incompetent expression of the views being expressed.

In other words, arrogant authors, thinking their dishonesty will never be exposed, tend to take advantage of the ignorance of others by knowingly making ignorant or incompetent statements, but if you understand the topic, you won’t know if the authors are actually ignorant themselves. The arrogant authors generally rely on an argument from authority, but not necessarily, so I think this rule is useful to keep in mind.

That’s it. That’s all I’ve got.

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