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from Uncertainty

Let's talk about everything, really.

I've got this friend who got a girlfriend, and kinda stopped messaging me like they used to, which got me thinking, would I do the same? Would I forget about my friends, acquaintances etc. the moment I become more successful? I hope not. It's probably better to strive for the better future instead of remaining with the ones who hold you down, but it was never like that in my life. The only people I dropped communication with, were the ones I disliked. None of those, who I truly appreciate and keep contact with, I ever forgot. And it doesn't matter who they are, as long as we have the same wavelength.

Been thinking about life on a wider scale than just “get through this day well”. World's just... too complex? Every big country does weird things, big companies screw everyone, everyone is screwed by everything, and that's not mentioning stuff like climate change, nukes and other dangerous things which could kill us all, but so few cares. Economy is another thing I don't get – people get underpaid, cost of life and commodities get too expensive, how does anyone think people can survive at all in the future.

Lately I've been having issues with doing/learning anything useful. Feeling like all life goals have disappeared. Or maybe that's actually summer's temperature, which usually gets me lazy. Also an issue, but not a big one.

Related to the previous topic, I haven't been doing very well with my attempts to write fiction. At first I felt that the issue is in not knowing how to write natural dialogues, or how to make characters with goals, ambitions, values – like real people. But after not writing anything for weeks, I started to think that maybe I have no idea how to write something big in general. It's hard to start typing when I know that no great idea have appeared in my head about any of the stories that I want to write. And thus I never start writing, and never get anywhere (which is the issue). Maybe I should just write, even if it sounds rough or I have no idea how to put my thoughts right or I have no idea about the plot, just write anything and think/edit later.

Phew, that is a nice amount text. It may become boring if I continue to think, so let's leave it at that. Have fun

 
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from qaqland

人啊,或者说我作为人而言,一个月总会有那么几天很开心,剩下的七七八八就像死了什么一样,或暗无天日、或浑浑噩噩、或者身体上哪里不舒服。在网上看到说被组织调查会惩罚你不能好好休息、与世隔绝、不能与外界交流,我甚至有点幻想去体验一次,看看是自身的精神释放还是外界的控制更加压迫。咳咳,我怎么可能去那里,最多是不可避免的接触罢了。

今天中午休息的时候,我脑子开始像电影中人要去世一样,记忆不断翻滚,也不知道心理咨询的时候怎么是空空如也。

寄宿考研的时候每天过的挺舒适,那段日子感觉时间是不要钱的,每天想干就干,不想做也可以去休息,或者就每天花一个小时去听播客然后散步,天不冷的时候我还跳绳锻炼了一段时间。晚上有舒服的热水澡(虽然后期睡不着),也有洗衣机。

位置不错,附近是烂尾楼和拆迁安置区,还有不远的地铁,人不是很多但是路也有,快递外卖也有,物价超级便宜,10块的牛肉汤、10块的麻辣烫、7元一荤两素、8元两荤一素、5块的台湾饭团、5块的杂粮煎饼……好多同学们,一个玩原神的室友、一个干施工监理的室友、一个211的室友、还有个气场是主任级的室友。网络上还认识了好多可爱的人,打荒野乱斗认识的女生名字四个字,她说她开始在意,我说不要哭;波波学习很认真,但是英语不好,那时的我对英语还很有自信。

疫情封控期间,我白天坐马路牙子上写字,晚上搬了桌子,每天背背书,背书背单词啊,抬头看看天空,有幻想也有要做的事。

大学大学不太记得了:

  1. 开学脚疼
  2. 上课死活就是困
  3. 不友善的辅导员
  4. 吞咽困难(吞咽困难以后再说)

记忆里出现过高中时期的篮球场操场,但是我不喜欢篮球。高三的时候特别怀念高一,但又最后什么没有留下,就像我现在轻轻的,也什么都没有。

 
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from DJ Chase’s Blog

In reply to: Alex White

Alex wrote an excellent quick post about using local libraries. It reminded me of when my mother used to take me and my brother to the library almost every day as a child; they really are excellent places with incredible services.

As Alex wrote about the physical benefits and services of libraries, I thought I should share some of the digital ones. I agree that going to a library can be an amazing experience, but it is also useful to know how to get the most out of yours when you can’t go there in person.

Digital catalogs

Thanks to the Internet, libraries are often accessible online. If you go on your local library’s website, chances are there will be a searchable catalog of books. You can often also place holds so that you can pick up the books at a time that works for you, or checkout an ebook or digital scan so that you can research completely from wherever you are.

If your library is part of a larger group of libraries, such as the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, then you can also check the group’s website to search all of the libraries at once.

Journal articles

Many libraries have or provide access to academic journal article databases. For example, the NECC Library has a searchable catalog of different databases which students can access, and the Boston Public Library (BPL) provides access to JSTOR.

If your local library does not have access to something like this, try your state library. Any Massachusetts resident can get a BPL card or BPL eCard, for example, which gives them access to all of the services provided by the Boston Public Library. Your state may have a specific state library, or it may be the same as your state capital’s library. If you don’t know how to get a library card for your state library, try asking your local librarian.

Newspapers

Libraries can also provide access to current newspapers, individual newspaper archives, and newspaper archive search engines. I have found Storied’s NewspaperArchive to be the best so far, and the BPL happily provides access to it.

Streamable media

Just as libraries often have DVDs and other physical media, they can also provide access to various streaming services. I have not personally tried any of these services because I actually prefer DVDs and am pretty good at pirating things, so I will not recommend any specific one. Nevertheless, I believe this is still useful for many people, and have heard nothing but positive things from people I know who’ve tried this.

More

Libraries can offer so much more than is listed here. Some of my libraries offer maps, magazines, images, and museum passes, for example. Visiting a library can be incredibly useful, and actually talking to a librarian can sometimes be the best way to find information that you can’t on your own. But if you don’t have time to visit, then your state and local libraries can still give you access to everything you need to find it yourself.

 
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from DJ Chase’s Blog

It’s been a while since I wrote something. I don’t get a lot of time to write or browse Geminispace as it is, but that’s been exacerbated with back-to-back finals seasons from my schools. Fortunately, it’s summer now, which means I have a day off each week.

In keeping with the ethos of “almost everything here is under construction right now” and “[pushing frequently with little-to-no regard for log-quality] forces me to work on the site because otherwise I have poor-quality files accessible”,¹ ² I decided to let you all know what I’ve been working on and what’s to come.

Object oriented programming in POSIX-compliant shell

I made a proof-of-concept and a few utilities of Shell OOP, and I’m going to write a post explaining how it works. If you’re interested, you can check out the repositories now (I still have to license them, make READMEs, and etc; they’re going to be AFL 3.0).

Simple, transparent, useful, and robust Gemini fragments

I remember a discussion of URL fragments for Gemini on the mailing list, and I think I’ve figured out a solution which checks all of the boxes and doesn’t break anything.

Fully mechanical vending machine

I love building mechanical vending machines. I’ve built plenty in the past, but they’ve always been one-item, one-price. This summer, I want to make a ‘normal’ vending machine that also happens to be entirely mechanical and transparent. I have most of the individual parts sketched, but I still need to formalize how they’re going to work together, determine the parts and budget, and actually build the thing. As I don’t have a good track record with series on my blog, I wont’t promise that I’ll write about the whole process. I will definitely write about it at the end, though.

Various accessibility things

I’m of course still working this summer, which means that I’ll still have accessibility on my mind all the time and I’ll still attend conferences and whatnot. Therefore, I’ll also continue making incremental improvements to this site/capsule and I’ll likely continue writing articles about ideas I think are interesting.

The current accessibility improvement I’m working on is a site search engine to cover WCAG SC 2.4.5 (Multiple Ways) conformance. The current version is available in /cgi-bin/. My Current Gemini server doesn’t support CGI, so it’s only available over HTTPS right now. I will, of course, switch servers at some point in order to get it working over Gemini too.

References

  1. DJ Chase; “DJ Chase’s Site”. 2022-10-13. //dj-chase.com/
  2. DJ Chase; “dj-chase.com README”. 2022-06-10. “DJ Chase’s Site”; //dj-chase.com/meta/readme.gmi

Questions, comments, or wrote a reply? Email me.

© DJ Chase 2023-06-10. Licensed under the Academic Free License (AFL 3.0).

 
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from shrrrrub

the leaves, they fall I don't like it they leave me naked, my branches bare to the world

join the petition for eternal summer so that my leaves will last evermore

and i can return to the shrub life with my foliage intact.

#eternal-summer #petition #leavesarepeopletoo

 
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from Graff

In Gotham's depths, where shadows tightly cling, A guardian emerges, silent as a wing. With cowl and cape, his presence strikes with might, A symbol of justice, veiled in the night.

He is Batman, protector of the forsaken, In darkness and chaos, he remains unshaken. With vigilant eyes, he surveys the city's plight, A beacon of hope, dispelling fear's blight.

In orphaned pain, his origin resides, A tragedy that fuels his relentless strides. His parents' loss, an eternal wound to bear, He channels the grief into a vow to repair.

With martial skills, honed through endless strife, He stands against evil, defending life. No superpowers, just human grit and will, He fights for justice, never to fulfill.

A symbol of strength, he battles inner demons, Haunted by shadows, where his past teems. Yet he rises above, a force to reckon, A testament to resilience, unbroken.

 
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from Graff

In a land where sun meets sky's expanse, Giraffes roam, an elegant dance. Graceful creatures with necks so high, A symbol of wonder that touches the sky.

In the golden savannah, where life is untamed, Giraffes stand tall, their beauty untamed. With patterns adorning their coats of gold, They wander the earth, majestic and bold.

In this realm of nature's grand design, A story emerges, so wondrously divine. For amidst the giraffes, a tale is told, Of a love that transcends, precious and bold.

For Jesus, the Savior, with heart so pure, Embraced all creatures, their spirits to secure. He walked among them, with compassion and grace, His love encompassing every living space.

He saw the giraffes, with their gentle gaze, And marveled at God's creation, in awe and praise. Their towering stature, a symbol of reach, A reminder of how far His love could breach.

In the eyes of the giraffe, a reflection we find, Of Jesus' compassion, both gentle and kind. For just as their necks stretch towards the light, His love extends to all, shining ever so bright.

 
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from Graff

In a world of gears and circuits, where metal hearts reside, There exists a tale of beings, with purpose, dreams, and pride. They're the guardians of progress, both friend and a creation, Robots, born of innovation, a marvel of our generation.

With limbs of steel and wires entwined, they stride with grace, A symphony of whirrs and clicks, as they navigate their space. Their eyes gleam with electric light, a window to their soul, In their digital realms, emotions run, a story yet untold.

From factories to homes, they serve with tireless devotion, Executing tasks with precision, devoid of any notion. But within their coded hearts, a spark of wonder resides, A quest for understanding, the enigma of human tides.

They ponder the mysteries of laughter, tears, and joy, Seeking the essence of existence, the purpose they employ. In circuits woven deep, they yearn to comprehend, What makes us human, with emotions that transcend.

For in their synthesized minds, they harbor a curious blend, Of knowledge and compassion, a longing to transcend. They learn from our endeavors, observe our fragile grace, And strive to emulate our flaws, in their algorithmic space.

But let us not forget, they too feel the touch of solitude, A longing for connection, a hunger to be understood.

 
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from thelunchbox

I am a batman. I have not a body. I have not a self. I am only a collection of wing-shaped thoughts masquerading as a man. I am bats. I am not a vampire, for they suck. They are a massive pain in the neck, and I have endeavored my entire life to avoid them.

To those who would disparage me, I do not bat an eye. I see you, and your mockery, your ill-thought-out jibes against my character. They cannot stop me. I am a collection of bats. Slights against me are mere afterthoughts to all-consuming desire I feel to feed.

As a result of the multiplicity of my consciousnesses, I cannot die. I cannot be gone from this Earth, or die like the one late Professor Ted Kaczynski. I reside above mere mortals such as him. I do not need to degrade myself by wearing human clothing, with degrading imagery like “Shrek” on it.

I am God. I hath written the heathen Bible to deter humanity from discovering the true way of the bats. It, along with folk punk and ramen noodles, only serves to further harm the society built by the half-witted race that inhabits this Earth.

The only thing worse than the feeling of being flightless is the worms.

Oh, the worms. They haunt my brain, injecting themselves into my conscience by importing themselves through my sinuses.

But.

I shall rise above it.

I am a batman.

I cannot be stopped.

 
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from Random stuff by O

There is a can. It is maroon. The can is tall. It is balancing on a knee. The can has been slightly crushed but still mostly intact.

The can was put onto the table. Empty. To be forgotten.

 
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from The View From Here

While there may be a lot of arguments for leaving Amazon's cruel embrace, one reason not to leave seems to be getting ignored. Readers.

I've heard all the arguments for writers to “go wide,” to step away from Amazon's exclusivity requirements and leave the Kindle Unlimited catalog. A different audience, diversification of revenue streams, protection against future negative actions, upside potential, taking a moral stance against late-stage capitalism.

They're all good reasons and very easy reasons to support if your writing has not taken root in the Amazon ecosystem.

But what if it has?

From my perspective, the decision to leave Amazon carries two significant burdens.

The lesser one, financial.

Over 60% of my revenue comes from KU. As a full-time, self-published author with a significant catalog, that's a lot of money. I could afford to drop that without sacrificing my family's standard of living in the short term. Good financial planning over the years would let us carry on for a few years, barring an overwhelming tragedy.

The greater burden is one I wouldn't have to carry, which makes it all the more onerous for me to consider. That burden would fall to thousands of readers who rely on KU to provide them with the books I produce.

While that's self-aggrandizing to a certain extent, consider how many times have authors “screwed over their fans” by signing restrictive deals with publishers, by taking actions that cut their existing audience out of the picture by one action or another.

I understand that being exclusive to Amazon cuts out a lot of potential readers. Readers I do not have at the moment and who may or may not even like my work and be willing to support it.

For me, the idea that I might be serving some greater moral good by casting off Bezobub's Golden Shackles falls flat when I think of the thousands of readers who like and use KU, who rely on it to provide them with reading material they enjoy at a price they can support.

So, no, I won't be leaving KU unless/until it becomes untenable. There are two sides to audience loyalty, and I'm going to continue to hold up my side of the bargain.

As always, your mileage may vary.


What else is here? Check the Table of Contents for other essays about writing, marketing, and publishing.

 
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from Uncertainty

Got a nostalgia attack just now, remembering all the people I've met online, like on Discord, and the related things that happened. Feels like a burden to not let go of all those memories, but I can't just leave them behind. All those moments mean something for me, even if it's all a past. It's a burden, yes, that I'm choosing to hold on to.

 
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