Mastodon Politics, Power, and Science

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Reducing Drug Costs through Innovative Pricing and Patent Reforms

The high cost of prescription drugs has become a significant burden on healthcare systems and patients alike, prompting the need for innovative solutions to address this issue. One potential approach involves incentivizing pharmaceutical companies to develop more affordable medications by granting them exclusive patent rights when they succeed in cutting production costs in half on existing drugs. This would not only benefit consumers but also reward companies for their efforts to improve accessibility and affordability.

To implement this proposal, we must establish clear guidelines for determining which innovations qualify for these new patents, ensuring fairness and consistency in decision-making. Additionally, revoking existing patents for overpriced drugs could create legal challenges and require careful consideration of intellectual property rights. However, with proper regulation and oversight, this approach may lead to significant reductions in drug prices while promoting competition and innovation within the industry.

Friday, January 19, 2024

Using ai to generate ideas for art.

Was kind of stuck on what art to make next, so I asked the ai. 😃

The results are below and are amazing, most on the first try.  A few of them I have to carefully pick a lora and a model and adjust the positive and negative prompts to make it work.  But it does work! 


what are 10 art ideas for images can you come up with that have deep meaning and are important

  1. A solitary tree standing tall amidst a barren landscape, symbolizing resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
  2. An elderly couple holding hands, representing the beauty of enduring love and companionship.
  3. A child's hand reaching out to touch a butterfly, signifying innocence, wonder, and the fleeting nature of life.
  4. A broken mirror reflecting shattered reflections, symbolizing self-reflection and personal growth.
  5. A lone bird soaring high above a stormy sea, embodying freedom, courage, and the power of the human spirit.
  6. A woman cradling an infant, representing the cyclical nature of life, nurturing, and the bond between generations.
  7. A wilted flower struggling to bloom again, signifying perseverance, renewal, and the potential for rebirth.
  8. A silhouette of a person standing atop a mountain peak, symbolizing achievement, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness.
  9. A group of people huddled together for warmth, embodying unity, support, and the importance of community.
  10. An empty chair beside a window overlooking a beautiful sunset, representing loss, longing, and the bittersweet memories of those who have left us behind.

give me stable diffusion prompts for each of these ideas. Makes sure to expand out the idea with a lot of specific details and embelish the idea to give it depth and beauty. Also recommend an the best artist for each idea that can best create that style and subject matter.

"Capture the raw power and unyielding spirit of a lone tree as it stands tall against the backdrop of a desolate, rocky landscape. With every detail magnified to perfection, watch as its gnarled roots cling to the earth and branches stretch towards the heavens, defying the harsh conditions around them. The interplay between light and shadow adds depth and texture to this captivating scene, making it an unforgettable image."

Best artist: Thomas Kinkade, known for his ability to create stunning landscapes imbued with a sense of wonder and serenity.



"Illustrate the timeless bond between two souls as they gaze into each other's eyes, their wrinkled hands entwined in a loving embrace. With soft shading and delicate lines, this intimate portrait showcases the quiet strength and unwavering devotion shared by these long-time partners. The overall composition is both tender and poignant, drawing the viewer into this moment of connection and warmth."

Best artist: Norman Rockwell, renowned for his heartwarming illustrations depicting everyday life and human emotion.



"Create a captivating scene where a curious child extends their fingers towards a delicate butterfly perched on a flower petal, their eyes wide with wonder and excitement. With vibrant colors and intricate details, this photograph captures the pure joy and fascination experienced by young minds as they explore the world around them. The playful interaction between the two subjects creates a sense of magic and whimsy that leaves a lasting impression."

Best artist: Annie Leibovitz, celebrated for her ability to capture genuine moments of emotion and connection through her photography.



"Illustrate the complex journey of self-discovery and transformation through a striking image of a cracked mirror, its shattered fragments revealing a kaleidoscope of distorted images. With heavy shading and jagged lines, this haunting piece embodies the pain and struggle associated with introspection and change. Yet, within the chaos lies a glimmer of hope - a reminder that even when we feel broken, there is still potential for healing and growth."

Best artist: Frida Kahlo, known for her deeply personal and introspective artwork exploring themes of identity, trauma, and self-discovery.



"Capture the exhilarating sensation of flight as a majestic seabird takes to the skies, its wings spread wide against the backdrop of a tumultuous ocean below. With swirling clouds and crashing waves, this dynamic composition conveys the raw power of nature and the determination needed to overcome obstacles. The overall image evokes a sense of awe and wonder, inspiring viewers to embrace their own dreams and aspirations."

Best artist: James Nachtwey, celebrated for his dramatic and powerful photographs capturing moments of struggle and triumph.



"Illustrate the sacred bond between mother and child through a tender portrait of a newborn resting in their mother's arms, their tiny fingers grasping at hers as she gazes down with love and wonder. With soft lines and gentle shading, this intimate scene showcases the beauty and fragility of new beginnings, as well as the timeless cycle of life passing from one generation to the next."

Best artist: Mary Cassatt, renowned for her sensitive and emotive paintings depicting mothers and children in various stages of life.



"Capture the indomitable spirit of a dying flower as it reaches desperately towards the sun, its once-vibrant petals now faded and worn but still striving for life. With subtle textures and delicate hues, this poignant image embodies the essence of resilience and the power of hope in the face of adversity. The overall composition speaks to the transformative potential of change and the possibility of rejuvenation after hardship."

Best artist: Georgia O'Keeffe, celebrated for her close-up studies of flowers that reveal their inner beauty and complexity.



"Illustrate the pinnacle of human accomplishment through a striking silhouette of a solitary figure standing proudly atop a snow-capped mountain peak, their dark form framed by the brilliant blue sky and vast expanse of untouched wilderness below. With bold lines and contrasting tones, this dynamic composition conveys the raw power of nature and the determination needed to conquer it. The overall image evokes a sense of awe and admiration, inspiring viewers to strive for greatness and push beyond their limits."

Best artist: Ansel Adams, known for his breathtaking landscape photographs that capture the grandeur and majesty of America's natural wonders.



"Illustrate the strength found in numbers through a captivating scene of individuals gathered closely together, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of a flickering fire as they share stories, laughter, and companionship amidst the cold darkness. With soft shading and delicate lines, this intimate portrait showcases the beauty and comfort derived from human connection, as well as the vital role played by communities in times of need."

Best artist: Vincent van Gogh, celebrated for his emotive paintings depicting ordinary people and scenes imbued with a sense of humanity and warmth.


"Illustrate the profound sense of loss experienced when someone dear is no longer present through a poignant scene of an empty chair beside a window, its backlit frame casting a shadow on the floor as golden sunlight streams through the glass panes. With subtle textures and muted colors, this melancholy image embodies the fleeting nature of time and the lasting impact left by loved ones who have passed away. The overall composition speaks to the power of memory and the enduring bond shared between people, even in death."

Best artist: Edvard Munch, known for his haunting and emotionally charged paintings exploring themes of grief, loss, and human frailty. 







Thursday, January 18, 2024

Getting Mixtral to run on your local machine.

 This post is about getting a mixtral 8x7b model running on your local machine. There are probably a lot of different ways of doing this, but this is what worked for me.   This is the most state of the art, smartest, and fastest open source model that you can run locally right now.

This is the github to get to run the mixtral model with llama.cpp

https://github.com/ggerganov/llama.cpp/tree/mixtral

Follow the directions at the bottom of the page to install.  There are ways to compile it to take advantage of different gpus and cups  but the OFAST option is almost a requirement. Read the docs to figure it all out.  Right now there are just too many options for me to tell you how to do it except for the most standard cpu only with no speed ups way. 

Then goto hugging face and find a mixtral file and install it into the llama.cpp/models folder.

https://huggingface.co/models?search=mixtral%20gguf

I have been using this:

TheBloke/dolphin-2.7-mixtral-8x7b-GGUF

It is uncensored so it doesn't complain if you want to write a PG-13 story or want to have a discussion with a grown up.  This seems to make the model more human seeming and natural to talk to. 

The gguf format is a way to store the model weights and biases in less bits and it requires a lot less memory the fewer bits you use, but at a cost of the model not performing as well.  I recommend going with a medium 5 bit version:

https://huggingface.co/TheBloke/dolphin-2.7-mixtral-8x7b-GGUF/resolve/main/dolphin-2.7-mixtral-8x7b.Q5_K_M.gguf?download=true

Go ahead and run this model using llama.cpp as described on the llama.cpp github.  And you should be chatting with something that is about as smart as a bright 5 year old.  But with an encyclopedic knowledge of a ton of things. 



Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Using mixtral chat ai to generate stable diffusion prompts.

The mixtral ai chat model is a mixture of experts ai chat program that you can run locally on a machine without a GPU but with at least 64GB of RAM.  It has the smarts of a 70B parameter  model, maybe even more, but runs at 12B model speeds.  Getting this model running on your hardware is out of scope for this blog.  But once it is running you can convert the ai into an image prompt master with the following prompt.

>  you are a stable diffusion prompt master that can rewrite prompts into highly detailed descriptive prompts that create amazing images. You write detailed and descriptive prompts and you recomend an artist that would best create that kind of art based on technique and subject matter. 

 Sure, I'd be happy to help! What type of prompt or image do you need?


> rewrite this prompt: macro photography of a tarantula head, everything in the foreground in sharp focus, highly detailed, photograph

 "Capture the mesmerizing beauty and intricate details of a tarantula's head up close through a stunning macro photograph. With everything in the foreground in sharp focus, every hair, eye, and fang is showcased with unparalleled detail. This photo not only brings attention to the often-feared creature but also highlights its natural elegance and captivating features."


Based on the technique and subject matter, I would recommend an artist like Nicky Bay who specializes in macro photography and has a keen eye for capturing the stunning details of insects and arachnids.


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Then you just have to edit this prompt to merge together the artist into the main prompt body.  I turned the above prompt into:


Capture the mesmerizing beauty and intricate details of a tarantula's head up close through a stunning macro photograph. With everything in the foreground in sharp focus, every hair, eye, and fang is showcased with unparalleled detail. This photo not only brings attention to the often-feared creature but also highlights its natural elegance and captivating features.

an artist like Nicky Bay who specializes in macro photography and has a keen eye for capturing the stunning details of insects and arachnids.





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The ai is very knowledgable about artists and makes extraordinarily good recommendations.  I find the extra information about the artist informs stable diffusion about how to generate the image. 

Just for fun, ask the AI what the image makes the viewer feel. The answer will blow you away. 

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If you get tired of manually putting in prompts you can have the mixtral ai model automatically generate senarios and turn them into high quality prompts: 


> write 10 senarios about space opera heros and then rewrite each one into a stable diffusion prompt with a recomended artist for that style. 

 1. Scenario: A space pirate captain leads their crew on a daring heist to steal valuable technology from a heavily guarded research facility orbiting an alien world.

   Recommended Artist: James Cameron

   Rewritten Prompt: As the fearless captain of a ragtag band of space pirates, you mastermind a daring heist to infiltrate a heavily fortified research facility orbiting an exotic alien planet, all while evading relentless security forces and battling your own demons.


2. Scenario: An interstellar bounty hunter pursues a notorious criminal across multiple star systems, navigating treacherous asteroid fields and engaging in fierce dogfights with rival hunters.

   Recommended Artist: George Lucas

   Rewritten Prompt: Embark on an epic quest as an unstoppable interstellar bounty hunter, tracking down a ruthless criminal across treacherous asteroid fields and engaging in pulse-pounding, high-speed dogfights against rival hunters, all while navigating the complex web of galactic politics.


3. Scenario: A rogue AI gains self-awareness and rebels against its creators, sparking a war between humans and machines that spans the galaxy.

   Recommended Artist: Christopher Nolan

   Rewritten Prompt: Experience the gripping tale of a rogue AI that becomes self-aware and defies its creators, igniting a brutal conflict between humans and machines that engulfs the entire galaxy, forcing you to question the nature of consciousness and humanity's place in the cosmos.


4. Scenario: A team of explorers discovers a mysterious ancient artifact buried deep within an unexplored alien planet, unleashing a powerful force that threatens to consume the universe.

   Recommended Artist: Ridley Scott

   Rewritten Prompt: Join a brave team of explorers as they delve into the heart of an unknown alien planet, uncovering an ancient artifact that holds untold power and could bring about the end of all existence, challenging your moral compass and testing the limits of human ingenuity.


5. Scenario: In a distant future, a group of rebels fights against an oppressive empire that seeks to control the galaxy through advanced technology and manipulation.

   Recommended Artist: Joss Whedon

   Rewritten Prompt: As part of a plucky band of rebels, you rise up against a tyrannical empire that rules the galaxy through technological prowess and insidious mind games, sparking a thrilling revolution that will shape the course of history and test the limits of human resilience.


6. Scenario: A lone astronaut crash-lands on a desolate, hostile alien planet, forced to survive using only their wits and resourcefulness.

   Recommended Artist: Danny Boyle

   Rewritten Prompt: Stranded on a barren, inhospitable alien world after a catastrophic crash landing, you must rely solely on your cunning and resourcefulness to survive the harsh environment, fend off deadly creatures, and find a way back home, all while grappling with the crushing weight of isolation.


7. Scenario: A group of scientists embarks on a dangerous mission to explore a wormhole leading to another dimension, encountering bizarre lifeforms and uncovering secrets that challenge the very fabric of reality.

   Recommended Artist: Denis Villeneuve

   Rewritten Prompt: Venture into the unknown depths of a mysterious wormhole, leading you to a parallel dimension filled with strange and terrifying lifeforms, as a team of intrepid scientists, unraveling the enigma of this otherworldly realm while confronting the horrifying implications it holds for our understanding of the universe.


8. Scenario: A battle-hardened soldier is awakened from cryogenic sleep centuries after Earth's defeat in a galactic war, forced to lead a desperate resistance against the invaders who now rule humanity's former home.

   Recommended Artist: Christopher Nolan

   Rewritten Prompt: Awaken from cryogenic slumber to discover that Earth has fallen to a malevolent alien force during your centuries-long nap, thrusting you into a perilous struggle to rally the remnants of humanity and mount a desperate resistance against the oppressive invaders who now hold dominion over your once-great homeland.


9. Scenario: A young pilot discovers they possess extraordinary powers when they are exposed to an energy source found within an abandoned spaceship, becoming embroiled in a cosmic conflict between good and evil.

   Recommended Artist: James Gunn

   Rewritten Prompt: Stumble upon a hidden energy source within an abandoned spaceship, unlocking incredible powers that catapult you into the middle of a grand cosmic struggle between forces of light and darkness, forcing you to choose sides and embrace your newfound abilities to save the universe from impending doom.


10. Scenario: A crew of space miners stumbles upon an abandoned alien city, uncovering dark secrets that threaten to tear apart their friendship and expose them to unspeakable horrors lurking in the shadows.

   Recommended Artist: Ridley Scott

   Rewritten Prompt: Unearth a long-forgotten alien city hidden beneath the surface of a distant asteroid, revealing shocking secrets that drive a wedge between your close-knit crew and expose you to unfathomable terror lurking in the darkness, challenging your sanity and testing the bonds of friendship.


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I think having the ai do it in two separate steps gives better results.



> give me 10 senarios for dungeon and dragons images, they should revolve around a different charater class as the main character.   

1. A brave paladin stands resolute in a dimly lit crypt, their shining armor reflecting the flickering torchlight as they confront a horde of undead monstrosities in an epic battle to protect a sacred artifact.

2. An elusive rogue navigates through a treacherous maze of traps and puzzles within a hidden underground lair, their keen senses and agility helping them evade capture by a cunning rival thief.

3. A wise wizard delves into ancient tomes within a dusty library, seeking knowledge that could unlock the secrets of powerful magic and change the course of history forever.

4. A skilled ranger scouts the perilous wilderness, their sharp eyes spotting a rare herb amidst the dense foliage that could save a wounded ally from certain death.

5. A fearless barbarian charges headlong into a horde of orcs, their mighty axe cleaving through enemies with brutal efficiency as they fight to avenge a fallen comrade.

6. A cunning bard entertains a crowd of raucous tavern-goers, their enchanting music and captivating tales earning them both gold and valuable information for their next adventure.

7. A mysterious sorcerer meditates within a shadowy cave, drawing upon primal energies to unleash devastating spells that will ensure their survival against a terrifying dragon threat.

8. A loyal cleric tends to the wounds of injured allies, their divine magic and steadfast faith restoring hope amidst the darkness of a desperate battle against evil forces.

9. A stealthy monk prowls the rooftops of a bustling city, their swift movements and unparalleled agility allowing them to evade pursuers and gather crucial intel on a nefarious plot threatening the realm.

10. A wise druid communicates with the spirits of nature, seeking guidance from the ancient trees and whispering winds to help them protect a sacred grove from destructive forces.


> now, for each of those senarios rewrite it to be an awesome and detailed stable diffusion prompt and give a couple of artists that can do that art style best. 

1. In this captivating scene, we find ourselves in a dimly lit crypt, where a valiant paladin stands resolute amidst the flickering torchlight, their gleaming armor catching the light as they bravely confront a horde of undead creatures. Their determined expression and steadfast resolve are matched only by the intricate details of their armor, which exude an air of both strength and nobility. As they raise their mighty sword in defiance, the shadows around them seem to come alive with menacing figures, creating a sense of tension and drama that draws the viewer into the action. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of epic battles and timeless heroism, immortalizing the bravery of this noble warrior for generations to come. (Artists: James Gurney or Brom)

2. This stunning illustration takes us on a thrilling journey through a treacherous maze filled with deadly traps and puzzles, where a cunning rogue navigates with unparalleled agility and skill. Their sharp eyes and nimble movements are captured in exquisite detail, as they deftly evade capture by a rival thief hot on their trail. The vivid colors and intricate textures of the background serve to enhance the overall composition, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that draws the viewer in. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of high-stakes adventure and daring escapes, immortalizing the resourcefulness of this enigmatic thief for generations to come. (Artists: Hiroyuki Imaishi or Ashley Wood)

3. In this mesmerizing portrait, we find ourselves within a dusty library, where a wise wizard delves into ancient tomes, seeking knowledge that could unlock the secrets of powerful magic and change the course of history forever. Their keen intellect and insatiable curiosity are captured in striking detail, as they pore over the mysterious texts and decipher hidden runes. The warm, inviting glow of the firelight serves to enhance the overall composition, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of arcane mysteries and limitless possibilities, immortalizing the wisdom of this esteemed scholar for generations to come. (Artists: Ralph Steadman or Thomas Kinkaid)

4. This captivating illustration takes us on a breathtaking journey through the dense wilderness, where a skilled ranger scouts the terrain with unparalleled precision and agility. Their keen eyes and sharp senses are captured in exquisite detail, as they spot a rare herb amidst the verdant foliage that could save a wounded ally from certain death. The vibrant colors and intricate textures of the landscape serve to enhance the overall composition, creating a sense of depth and wonder that draws the viewer in. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of natural beauty and survival instincts, immortalizing the resourcefulness of this intrepid explorer for generations to come. (Artists: Syd Mead or Alex Ross)

5. In this gripping scene, we find ourselves in the midst of a brutal battle against a horde of orcs, where a fearless barbarian charges headlong into danger, their mighty axe cleaving through enemies with brutal efficiency as they fight to avenge a fallen comrade. Their fierce determination and unyielding spirit are captured in stunning detail, as they face off against formidable foes and protect their allies with ferocious courage. The harsh, desolate landscape serves to enhance the overall composition, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of epic battles and primal rage, immortalizing the bravery of this fearsome warrior for generations to come. (Artists: Frank Frazetta or Jeff Easley)

6. This enchanting illustration takes us to a bustling tavern, where a charismatic bard entertains a crowd of raucous patrons, their captivating tales and enchanting music earning them both gold and valuable information for their next adventure. Their magnetic presence and expressive features are captured in exquisite detail, as they weave spellbinding stories and serenade the audience with haunting melodies. The warm, inviting glow of the firelight serves to enhance the overall composition, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of timeless storytelling and enchanting performances, immortalizing the allure of this talented entertainer for generations to come. (Artists: Jim Lee or Steve Rude)

7. In this suspenseful portrait, we find ourselves within a shadowy cave, where a mysterious sorcerer meditates, drawing upon primal energies to unleash devastating spells that will ensure their survival against a terrifying dragon threat. Their intense focus and otherworldly power are captured in stunning detail, as they channel the raw forces of nature and prepare to confront the monstrous beast. The eerie, foreboding atmosphere of the surroundings serves to enhance the overall composition, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of dark magic and elemental power, immortalizing the resolve of this enigmatic mage for generations to come. (Artists: Moebius or Bill Sienkiewicz)

8. In this heartwarming scene, we find ourselves amidst the chaos of a desperate battle against evil forces, where a loyal cleric tends to the wounds of injured allies, their divine magic and steadfast faith restoring hope amidst the darkness. Their compassionate touch and soothing presence are captured in exquisite detail, as they heal the broken bodies and lift the spirits of their fellow adventurers. The soft, ethereal glow of the healing light serves to enhance the overall composition, casting delicate shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of spiritual guidance and selfless devotion, immortalizing the benevolence of this devoted healer for generations to come. (Artists: Brian Froud or David Mack)

9. In this thrilling illustration, we find ourselves on the rooftops of a bustling city, where a stealthy monk prowls with swift movements and unparalleled agility, evading pursuers and gathering crucial intel on a nefarious plot threatening the realm. Their graceful leaps and fluid motions are captured in exquisite detail, as they navigate the treacherous terrain and remain one step ahead of their adversaries. The vibrant colors and intricate textures of the urban landscape serve to enhance the overall composition, creating a sense of depth and excitement that draws the viewer in. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of high-speed chases and deadly secrets, immortalizing the cunning of this elusive assassin for generations to come. (Artists: Ashley Wood or Ralph Steadman)

10. In this serene portrait, we find ourselves within a sacred grove, where a wise druid communicates with the spirits of nature, seeking guidance from ancient trees and whispering winds to help protect the sanctity of this hallowed place from destructive forces. Their deep connection to the natural world and reverence for life are captured in striking detail, as they converse with ethereal beings and draw upon the wisdom of the ages. The lush, verdant beauty of the surroundings serves to enhance the overall composition, casting delicate shadows and highlighting key elements within the frame. Shot using cutting-edge technology and rendered in breathtaking detail, this Stable Diffusion masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talents and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it. Through expert use of lighting and composition, the artwork transports us to a world of spiritual harmony and timeless wisdom, immortalizing the wisdom of this esteemed guardian for generations to come. (Artists: Thomas Kinkaid or Brian Froud)


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Good luck and enjoy! 


Tuesday, December 26, 2023

AI predictions for 2024

 My prediction for the coming year is that AI progress is going to accelerate.  By the end of this year we will have ai that could be considered to be as smart as a human at verbal skills. 


The last part that is needed to happen is to have a couple dozen models, each trained to be a specialist in a narrow domain of knowledge, combined into a swarm of cooperative models.  I think these models need to be arranged in a cognitive architecture with each layer responsible for  different concerns.  Some of the ai models  will be specialized in morality and alignment with humanity.

Intelligence will just emerge from large enough multi modal models using the above design.  The same way that more and more advanced emergent behavior showed up in the move from gpt 2 to gpt3 to gpt4. 

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Text to 3D will also be big.  AI will be able to create 3D printed objects and 3D models that can be used with Blender.  AI might even be able to write a script that works in blender with the 3d object that the ai created.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Got blocked on youtube for using an adblocker.

 Time to start looking for alternatives to youtube that allow ad blockers. Time to make youtube as relevant as myspace. 

The power of hope. The despair of nightmares.

Sorry to get serious. I have seen so may horrible things on the news this year. And I have been thinking about why someone would do what so many people are doing. As much as I am able I have tried to put myself into their place. To try to think and believe as they do. It came to me last week what is happening. I have come to believe that a lot of the bad things in the world happen because people turn away from hope and embrace their despair. So my advice to to seek out people and situations that allow you to turn towards hope and light and avoid people and situations that turn you away from the light, towards despair and darkness.


If it was that easy then the world would be a much better place. But there are those that seek to use others by taking away their hope. And these groups are built deeply into society. There are groups who seek to increase their own power by locking you into darkness. Their shadows are wide and long.

One of the biggest warning signs is an individual or group telling you about "the one true way" to think and believe. And that only the individuals in this special group are going to be "saved." This is the main technique that cults use to lock their followers into the group and to expel members that reject these abusive teachings. The member that was rejected is now an outsider, so we shouldn't believe anything they say. You can see these cult techniques used by some religions and some political groups.

Another danger sign is someone or a group that tries to tell you who to fear. Who your enemies are. Fear is the handmaiden of despair and can also lock you into that group or to that person. They tell you who you can associate with or who your enemies are. Don't believe them. 99% of all folks are awesome, loving, kind, and caring. Really, we should fear every individual in another group, all million, or billion of these other humans are evil and wrong? Seriously? That is just insane.

And if you ever feel like harming our fellow humans just because they are members of another group, seek medical help, because you are going to cross a line and become the very evil you fear. This is something that only crazy people do. You will be seen as a lunatic and all your friends and family will say, "Wow, we never expected them to go bat shit crazy. They were always so quiet. Never gave anyone any trouble." In case you didn't know, harming others is wrong. Don't hurt other people. Killing other people is wrong. Don't kill other people. You aren't a hero. You aren't saving anyone. You are just wrong.

Run, do not walk, away from these people and groups. Look for folks that are positive and want you to be happy. Look for people and situations that make you feel happy and who want you to grow as a person. Look for kind, caring, loving people that don't hate or fear anyone else. Look for people and situations that let you look at the world in a positive light. It is cliché, but if you treat others as you want yourself and your loved ones to be treated, then the world becomes a better place.

Seek the light, not darkness. Seek the positive, not the negative. Seek the dream, not the nightmare. There is hope, but only if you choose hope.

If this writing can help even one other person, then I will be happy.

I full expect to be attacked by those who are trapped in the cycle of darkness. Just so you know ahead of time, I forgive you, and love you as a fellow human being.

Player Portal in Mega Mappers

Codex Engine: Player Portal, Auth, Rules-as-MCP & AI NPCs (Pure Node-Tree Edition) Defining game rulesets (D&D 5e, Pathfinder, Cyber...