Everyday Junglist
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About me. You know how everyone says to be a successful writer you should focus in one or two areas. I continue to prove them correct.
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Top 6 Listicle Gimmicks According to Science
According to science According to a recent study published in a scientific journal the use of “according to science” in listicle titles has never been higher. The article found that many authors believed the use of the phrase “according to science” would add an air of credibility to their work that would otherwise be totally devoid of even the faintest shred of reliability or trustworthiness. According to a scientist this is terribly misguided and wrong. Instead it only serves to highlight the scientific naivety of the author and woefully misrepresents what science is and can do to the non technical/scientific public.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Filthy
Dear Women, Men Owe You an Apology Once Again
Dear Men, Feminism Needs You - Stop waiting for us to explain everything, and start doing the work I was lounging around watching football and drinking beer this week when my pal Tim asked a question I’ve been asked a hundred times before: How can men do a better job of helping feminists? It’s a strange query, and for years I’ve answered it by pointing out all the ways men can listen to women as they explain feminism to us and how we can help. But this time, I’d run out of patience.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Viva
Analogy Does Not Recapitulate Reality
The Possibility of Analogy Does Not Necessarily Correlate with the Probability of Reality I take a hard line against the currently (and formerly) in vogue position of equating human beings, particularly their brains, with computers. To me it is obvious that no such equivalence exists despite decades of suggestions otherwise. The number of analogies between various structures/functions of the human brain and those of a computer/computer system are as large as the number of neurons estimated to comprise said brain. The prevalence of these analogies often makes us forget that they are only that, analogies. They are not based in scientific fact, but instead are based in the imaginative capacities of the organ which is the topic of these comparisons. The possibility of analogy is however often confused with the probability of reality. Those things for which we can analogize more are thought to be more accurate representations of the real relationships of the things being compared. Therefore, because there are so many analogies possible between how (we hypothesize) a human brain works and how a computer works, it must be true that a human brain is very similar to, or exactly like, a computer. The point of analogies is (or should be) to help clarify/deepen our understanding of a thing through a comparison of that thing and/or it’s attributes with another (usually similar but not always) thing. We suggest that the first thing is like the other because of x, y, and z and the comparison allows us to see the thing we are trying to clarify our understanding of in a different way. To ‘see’ it anew. In no way however is the analogy an argument (it is not an argument and should not be viewed as such) as to the actual similarity (in point of fact/reality) of the two things. It is for illustrative purposes only and carries no truth value or “reality bestowing” power. Analogies are powerful, but they are not all powerful. They can clarify but they can also mislead. We must not confuse our ability to create analogies with our ability to clearly see, study, and understand reality.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Futurism
Genius Grant Winner is No Einstein When it Comes to Life
Genius mathematician Ramash Rapandradan winner of the prestigious Fields Medal and most recent MacArthur Fellow “Genius Grant” awardee struggles to complete a wide variety of activities most humans consider basic to everyday life. He has made important contributions to the study of hyperbolic geometry (also called Bolyai–Lobachevskian geometry or Lobachevskian geometry), a non-Euclidean plane geometry which considers the geometry of surfaces with a constant negative Gaussian curvature. In contrast to his proficiency with the highly abstract mathematical geometry he is less capable of functioning with actual geometry especially directions, which he does not know how to follow, and often becomes lost while walking or driving short distances from his apartment in Cambridge. Ramash is also said to be a leading mind in knot theory, the study of mathematical knots. These knots are similar to those from daily life such as ropes and shoelaces, but the ends are joined together so that they cannot be undone. In precise mathematical language, a knot is an embedding of a circle in 3-dimensional Euclidean space, R3. Two mathematical knots are equivalent if one can be transformed into the other via a deformation of R3 upon itself (known as an ambient isotopy). Ironically Ramash cannot tie his own shoelaces and often considers the various problems inherent in ambient isotropy while struggling to untangle his which he sometimes ties together rather than preparing a single knot for each shoe as intended by their design. Ramash will spend the no strings attached $645,000 five year stipend to continue his pioneering work in information theory and signal processing, two important branches of applied mathematics involving the quantification of information, and the analysis, interpretation and manipulation of signals. In contrast to his proficiency with information theory he struggles mightily to process information related to many aspects of his home life including where he put any of his silverware, which items need to go in the refrigerator and which in the freezer, and how to put on pants. He also misunderstands a host of signals sent by other human beings when involved in social interactions and often mistakes a friendly smile from a woman as an invitation to take her to bed, and a handshake from a man as a challenge to a duel. Reached for comment Ramash looked down sadly, shook his head, and mumbled “What’s this all about now? Who are you? Where am I?” and finally, “I forgot to wear my pants again didn’t I?”
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Fiction
Computer Defeats Human in Game of Computing
In a stunning result the artificial intelligence (AI model x101371-c) has defeated a human (Mark Starr) in a rules based game of computing for the first time ever yesterday. The modern computer outcomputed the human in just under 1 nanosecond making it the fastest win ever for a computer in a head to head matchup with its creator, man. Mr. Starr, looking grim but composed, said of the artificial neural network powered machine “It was only a matter of time. We knew one day a computer would become better at the action of mathematical calculation (computation) then us. In retrospect it should have been obvious, that is why we called them computers after all.” The AI, which is incapable of having or expressing emotions, said nothing as it is also incapable of speech, though it did offer to “Perform a Google search” and “Find an Indian restaurant in the area.” Technology analysts believe it is only a matter of time before modern computers become so good at computing that humans will have no need at all for computation and cede control of all calculations to their math superiors. This hypothetical point in time is referred to by some as the mathemological algularity and may signal the end of man’s dominance on the planet. Leader of the transmathematist movement (humans who believe the algularity will initiate a transition to a new golden age in which humans are no longer required to learn or study math at all) said of the AI’s win “This is just another sign that the algularity is at hand. Very soon now we will be freed of the shackles of universal math education. The quantitative sections of both the SAT and ACT will be a thing of the ancient past.” Algularity skeptics pointed out that man will still need to be able to compute simple things such as how to make change for a dollar or how many apples they have left of the four they started with after they eat two of them, and thus some low level computation will still be required. Skeptic John Albon said “All this talk of the algularity and computation free humans is nothing but a distraction from the fact that modern computers are still falling well below expected performance levels in matching us to our perfect dates. Call me when a computer has figured that one out.”
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Futurism
On Krav Maga and Fearing the Wrong Things
Author's preface: I first published this piece way back in 2018. Since it does not meet the Vocal 600 word count minimum rule I am adding this preface at the beginning to provide filler material. Typically I do this at the end of one of my many stories that do not meet the 600 word count minimum. I decided to mix things up for this story just because I love wasting my time writing filler material so much that I wanted to make sure everybody who wanted to would have the chance to read it and not click away after seeing "THE END" and not reading the subsequent filler material. And there you have it. What was once a 554 word story that did not meet the word count minimum is now a 600+ word count story that does. What a great use of mine and my reader's time wouldn't you say? Enjoy the story..
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Confessions
Gillette Scientists Announce Breakthrough in Decades Long Quest to Develop Planck’s Razor
Prototype Expected By Year’s End Gillette scientists announced a major breakthrough today in their decades long quest to develop the so called Planck’s razor. The until now only theoretical razor would give a man the closest shave possible in the universe based on our current understanding of the physical laws which underlie it. The beard hair would be cut at the smallest possible measurable unit of distance (Planck’s length) from the face resulting in a face actually smoother than a baby’s bottom. In fact, if the models describing the razor are accurate, the Planck’s razor shaved face would be 10²² times smoother than a baby’s bottom which actually has microhairs at the molecular level which can be sensed by human touch. Human senses are nowhere near sensitive enough to detect any facial hair on the Planck’s razor shaved face, and it is said such a face would feel like glass or silk to the touch. The scientists noted that any man who had such a silky smooth face would be a hit with the ladies since everyone knows “they go crazy for a cleanly shaven man.” The breakthrough is said to have come when Gillette researchers discovered how to create a near infinite repeating layer of attomolecular razors (1 attometer = 1 x 10^-18 meters). The layers of tiny razors are separated by flexible carbon nanotubes that act as molecular springs allowing each attolayer to “float” just above the layer below it, and just above the lowest level of skin molecules at the surface of the face. If not for these springs the razors sharpness would immediately slice to ribbons any face which it even glanced upon. Concerns about safety, and the bloodshed that could occur should the nanosprings fail, have kept Gillette scientists from constructing a prototype. However, that prohibition may soon end and we may yet see Planck’s razors for sale in local supermarkets within the year. Gillette expects them to retail for $8,000 per pack of six blades or $10,000 for eight. The high price will be a barrier for many but considering each blade is expected to last well beyond 300 years before dulling it may be worth the investment over the lifetime of the average hairy faced man.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Lifehack
Last Remaining Transhumanist Swears the Singularity is Still Gonna Happen
The worlds last remaining transhumanist reported today that the singularity is still just around the corner and will be here before you know it. Ted Stephens, speaking from his parents basement, made the following statement describing his belief in no uncertain terms. “People called us crazy five years ago when we began sharing the news that the singularity was coming with the non woke people of the world. They said a utopian future fueled by runaway computer growth featuring ultra intelligent machines catering to our every wish, allowing us to live in work free luxury while they do all the work of maintaining our world and civilization, was nuts. That saying man and machine would bond to form a new third species that transcends the limitations of both, sounded like the ramblings of a madman. Well, who’s crazy now, I ask them, who’s crazy now? The singularity is coming. This week for sure, or next, possibly next month, likely this year, almost certainly in the next five years, no doubt about it this decade, can’t miss absolutely certain this century, you’ll see, you’ll all see.” He then cackled strangely, turned, and slowly walked away. Reached for comment the rest of the world replied “the singu what now? Was that the thing where all the drones were going to be delivering our packages and filling the skies in a cloud so thick it blocks out the sun? or the thing with the cars that drive themselves? and aren’t computers already ultra-intelligent, I mean machines are learning left and right out there and they have beaten us at a bunch of games, including some humans consider very hard. A non intelligent computer could never do that. That dude is a weirdo.”
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Futurism
The Time I Almost Died in Real Life and Did Die In My Mind
Authors note: These events are relayed to the best of my recollection. Obviously, given the situation, that recollection is far from perfect. I have written so much about this event/these things but never put any of it out for public consumption before. Maybe it was too painful or too personal or too scary. Whatever the reasons I’m over them. I will be updating/editing and releasing parts of some of these writings from now until I run out I guess. I hope they can mean something to someone besides me.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Humans
My Cat Shima
Author's note: The below story was originally published in November 2016. Since that time my life has taken many strange and exciting twists and I have become the guardian of many, many more cats. I have even lost some as well. Only perhaps one has touched me as much as Shima did. I still miss her dearly.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Petlife
My Wife and I Are Both Fighting SARS-CoV-2 in the Lab
Author's note: The story below was first published on a different platform in May 2020. Many of the fears I expressed in the article have thankfully not come to pass. Specifically ADE (at least of the classical variety) has not proven to be an issue. I still have significant concerns about the medium to long term safety profile of the mRNA vaccines, though obviously not enough to stop me from getting thrice vaccinated with them. The article took a fairly pessimistic tone which I still feel is justified. In many ways I undersold the dangeers. In particular the numerousness and ferocity of the SARS-CoV-2 variants was not something I had foreseen. Overall I still thinks it makes an interesting read and gives a good picture of travel during the early days of the pandemic.
By Everyday Junglist4 years ago in Longevity
