Thursday 15 August 2024

August 6, 2024


“We don't make movies to make money. We make money to make more movies.” ― Walt Disney 24y8m15d

Sunday 11 August 2024

Politness

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The expectations around returning calls have evolved over the decades, reflecting changes in technology, communication styles, and societal values. Here's a rough breakdown by decade:

1960s-1970s: Return calls within 24 hours, ideally the same day. Delaying beyond 24 hours was considered impolite.

1980s: With the rise of answering machines, it was acceptable to return calls within 24-48 hours.

1990s-2000s: The advent of cell phones and voicemail made it expected to return calls within 12-24 hours.

2010s: With the proliferation of smartphones and instant messaging, the expectation shifted to returning calls within 1-2 hours, or at least by the end of the day.

2020s: In today's fast-paced, digitally connected world, it's considered polite to return calls within 1 hour, or at most, within 2-3 hours.

Please note that these are general guidelines and may vary depending on personal relationships, professional contexts, and individual preferences.

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 Avengers Assemble... on the Racetrack!

Imagine the thrill of the Avengers team revving up their engines, ready to take on the racetrack in their high-tech sports cars, accompanied by the iconic soundtrack that has fueled their battles against evil!
Iron Man's Audi R8: The sleek, armored vehicle roars to life, its engine purring like the hum of Tony Stark's suit. The soundtrack's pulsating electronic beats match the rhythm of the R8's revving engine, as Iron Man speeds through the track with precision and style.
Captain America's Chevrolet Corvette: The star-spangled hero takes the wheel of this American muscle car, its V8 engine rumbling like the mighty shield he wields. The soundtrack's soaring orchestral themes echo the Captain's unwavering courage and determination as he races towards victory.
Thor's Koenigsegg Agera: The God of Thunder's Scandinavian supercar thunders onto the track, its 1,340-horsepower engine roaring like the mighty hammer Mjolnir. The soundtrack's epic, otherworldly scores match the Agera's cosmic speed and Thor's unbridled power.
Black Widow's Nissan GT-R: Natasha Romanoff's sleek, high-tech ride zooms through the track, its twin-turbo engine purring like her stealthy movements. The soundtrack's dark, edgy electronic tracks mirror Black Widow's mysterious and deadly precision.
The Hulk's... well, The Hulk smashes!: No sports car can contain the Incredible Hulk's raw strength! Instead, he smashes through the track on foot, his thunderous roars and pounding footsteps creating their own soundtrack, shaking the very foundations of the racetrack!
Get ready to rev up your engines and join the Avengers on this high-octane adventure!

The Overton Window




The Overton Window is a concept in political science that refers to the range of ideas and policies that are considered acceptable and mainstream in public discourse at a given time. It is named after Joseph Overton, who first proposed the idea.
The Overton Window suggests that there is a spectrum of ideas, with some being more extreme or radical than others. Ideas that fall within the window are considered acceptable and are often discussed in the media, while those that fall outside of it are considered fringe or unacceptable.
The window can shift over time, either expanding to include previously unacceptable ideas or contracting to exclude ideas that were previously considered mainstream. This can happen due to various factors, such as changes in public opinion, political leadership, or cultural norms.
Here are some key points about the Overton Window:
  • Ideas can move in and out of the window: As societal attitudes and values change, ideas that were once considered fringe can become mainstream, and vice versa.
  • The window can expand or contract: The range of acceptable ideas can broaden or narrow, depending on the political and cultural context.
  • ** Politicians and media can influence the window**: By promoting or criticizing certain ideas, politicians and media outlets can help shape public opinion and move ideas in or out of the window.
  • The window can vary across different domains: What is considered acceptable in one area, such as economics or social issues, may not be in another.

Understanding the Overton Window can help you better navigate political discussions and recognize how ideas and policies gain or lose traction over time.

Saturday 10 August 2024

To compete in shooting at the Olympics, you’ll need to follow a structured pathway. Here’s a step-by-step guide, starting from the Olympics and working backward to the beginning:

1. Olympic Qualification

2. National Competitions

  • Compete in National Championships: Participate in your country’s national shooting championships. These events are crucial for gaining experience and recognition.
  • Earn National Rankings: Achieve high rankings in national competitions to be considered for international events.

3. Training and Coaching

  • Consistent Practice: Regularly practice your shooting skills. Focus on technique, accuracy, and mental preparation.
  • Work with a Coach: Find a qualified coach who can provide personalized training and feedback.

4. Join a Shooting Club

  • Local Shooting Clubs: Join a local shooting club to access facilities, equipment, and a community of shooters.
  • Participate in Club Competitions: Start by competing in local club competitions to build your skills and confidence.

5. Get the Right Equipment

  • Invest in Quality Gear: Purchase the necessary equipment for your chosen discipline (rifle, pistol, or shotgun). Ensure you have the right firearms, ammunition, and safety gear.

6. Choose Your Discipline

  • Decide on a Discipline: Choose between rifle, pistol, or shotgun events. Each discipline has different requirements and techniques.

7. Beginner Training

  • Basic Training: Start with basic shooting training to learn safety protocols, handling, and basic shooting techniques.
  • Safety Certification: Obtain any necessary safety certifications required by your local shooting ranges or clubs.

8. Research and Learn

By following these steps, you’ll be on the right path to potentially competing in shooting at the Olympics. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask! 🎯🏅

1: Olympics Qualification System 2: Olympic Shooting Events and Rules 3: Shooting 101: Olympic Competition Format


Here are some shooting clubs in Toronto where you can start your training:

  1. Longshots Shooting & Social

  2. Archers Arena

    • Address: 3-1140 Sheppard Ave W, Toronto, ON M3K 2A2
    • Phone: (647) 992-7362
    • Website: Archers Arena
  3. Shooting Academy Canada Ltd.

  4. Pew Pew Toronto

    • Address: 78A Wellesley St E, Toronto, ON M4Y 1H2
    • Phone: (647) 946-7275
    • Website: Pew Pew Toronto
  5. Target Sports Canada

    • Address: 14 Stalwart Industrial Dr, Gormley, ON L0H 1G0
    • Phone: (905) 888-8288
    • Website: Target Sports Canada

These clubs offer various programs and facilities to help you get started and improve your shooting skills. If you need more information or have any other questions, feel free to ask! 🎯🏅

In Olympic shooting events, the following types of weapons are allowed:

Rifles

  1. Small-Bore Rifle (50m)

    • Caliber: 5.6mm (.22 caliber)
    • Weight: No more than 8 kg (17.637 lbs) for men, 6.5 kg (14.33 lbs) for women
    • Events: 50m Rifle 3 Positions, 50m Rifle Prone
  2. Air Rifle (10m)

    • Caliber: 4.5mm (.177 caliber)
    • Weight: No more than 5.5 kg (12.125 lbs)
    • Events: 10m Air Rifle

Pistols

  1. Rapid Fire Pistol (25m)

    • Caliber: 5.6mm (.22 caliber)
    • Weight: Maximum 1.4 kg (3.0865 lbs)
    • Trigger Pull: Minimum 1 kg (2.2046 lbs)
    • Events: 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
  2. Air Pistol (10m)

    • Caliber: 4.5mm (.177 caliber)
    • Weight: Maximum 1.5 kg (3.3069 lbs)
    • Trigger Pull: Minimum 0.5 kg (1.1023 lbs)
    • Events: 10m Air Pistol

Shotguns

  1. Trap and Skeet
    • Gauge: 12 gauge
    • Weight: Typically around 4 kg (8.8 lbs)
    • Events: Trap, Double Trap, Skeet

These weapons are used in various shooting disciplines, including rifle, pistol, and shotgun events123. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask! 🎯🏅

1: Olympic Shooting Equipment Guide 2: Olympic Shooting Disciplines 3: Team Canada - Shooting




Yes, you generally need a license to own and use firearms for Olympic shooting disciplines. Here are the details:

Rifles and Pistols

Air Rifles and Air Pistols

Shotguns

Archery (for clubs like Archers Arena)

It’s important to check the specific regulations and requirements in your area, as they can vary. If you need more information or have any other questions, feel free to ask! 🎯🏅

1: Canadian Firearms Program 2: Air Gun Regulations in Canada 3: Archery Canada





Friday 2 August 2024

 Pandora Box of Artificial Intelligence

Well, shucks folks! It seems we've gone and opened a Pandora's box of a different sort - Artificial Intelligence. Now, I ain't one to shy away from progress, but this AI business has got me scratchin' my head.
A Box Full of Wonders and Woes
Just like Pandora's box, AI's got its wonders and its woes. On one hand, it's a regular problem-solver, whippin' through tasks like a hot knife through butter. But on the other hand, it's got some folks worried about their jobs, and others fretting about them algorithmic biases.
The Curiosity Conundrum
Now, I reckon curiosity's a mighty fine trait, but when it comes to AI, it's a double-edged sword. We're so busy wonderin' what AI can do, we forget to ask what it should do. And that, my friends, is a recipe for trouble.
The Golem of Prague: A Cautionary Tale
Y'all remember the story of the Golem of Prague? That's another tale of a creation gettin' outta hand. Made from clay and brought to life, that Golem was a powerful creature, but it was also a mighty dangerous one. And that's the same risk we're runnin' with AI.
The Responsibility Rodeo
We've got to ride herd on this AI, folks! We can't just let it run wild, doin' its own thing. We've got to take responsibility for our creations, and make sure they're used for good, not evil.