Random Ralph

Random Ralph

@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Anthropologist. Aspiring science fiction writer. Been around long enough to know that unprecedented means here we go again and that everyone I meet knows something I don't know and should. Mostly share my own thoughts/visuals - interested in yours.

156 followers32 following518 posts

Random Ralph reposted

John Scalzi
@scalzi.com

I've mentioned before I've updated my contracts to make sure everything in the production of my books is done by humans and not "AI"; if you're wondering what such a thing looks like, here's a clause covering that from a recent contract.

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Has anybody noticed the irony of the fact that the Yalta Conference that, among other things, turned over Eastern Europe to Stalin took place in Crimea?

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

A short playlist (1950-1990) for the end of the world 1952 We’ll All Go Together When We Go – Tom Lehrer 1965 Desolation Row – Bob Dylan 1965 Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire 1966 For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield 1969 In the year 2525 - Zager and Evans

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

1979 So Much Trouble in the World – Bob Marley 1983 Every Breath You Take – The Police 1987 The End of the World as We Know It – R.E.M. 1989 Head Like a Hole – Nine Inch Nails 1990 Do Something Different – Brave Combo

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Deadly Landslide in Nepal Most Likely Caused by Weakened Bedrock www.nytimes.com/interactive/... Correct me if I'm wrong, but if permafrost is frozen water distributed through other particles, large or small, of bedrock, then it's part of the bedrock. So isn't part of our bedrock melting?

nytimes.comDeadly Flash Floods in Nepal Most Likely Caused by Weakened BedrockAs the planet warms, glacier meltwater and a thawing permafrost could have contributed to destabilizing the rock.
Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

I'm in northern Ohio within 1/2 mile of two major E/W rail lines. In the past week I've heard and seen way more traffic on these lines than normal. I think folks are trying to get their goods out of Canada before the tariffs hit home. Can anybody back me up on that? If you don't know, please repost.

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: If your State, County, or Municipality has been redistricted recently, your polling place MAY HAVE MOVED or your district number MAY HAVE CHAGED. If you want your vote to count, make sure you know where to vote.

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Well-written books I couldn't finish this year Part 2. 49. The Obake Code – Makana Yamamoto (Asia/Pacific Cyberpunk caper loaded with made-up multilingual slang and word play. Pretty deep if you’re into that kind of stuff. Not nearly as long as Finnegan’s Wake but I never finished that either)

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Random thought 4 forces of the physical universe: Strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force, gravity, electromagnetism, with math explaining relationships. Why not 4 forces of the social universe: Hunger, fear, joy, and faith? Take them together they explain a lot. But where's the math?

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Random thought of the week: Public shaming is a thing on social media, even though it fails abysmally. You can't shame the shameless no matter how hard you try.

Random Ralph
@ralphb3rd.bsky.social

Well-written books I couldn't finish this year part 1 Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World – Haruki Murakami (should’ve read it before The City and its Uncertain Walls) Diablerie – Walter Mosley (a bit raw for my taste) Metallic Realms - Lincoln Michael (only for those who've lived it)