#creativity catalyst

[enchantingepics]

Story Prompt 65

The docks bustled with activity as people milled about, admiring the colossal ships docked alongside. Amidst the chatter and the sounds of seagulls, two figures strolled along the wooden planks, taking in the sights. Suddenly, a voice pierced through the ambient noise, calling out a name that stirred something deep within one of them.

The person turned around, eyes widening in disbelief as they locked onto a figure striding towards them. Memories, long buried beneath the sands of time, flooded back in a rush of emotions. The two locked eyes, a mixture of surprise and recognition flickering between them like a dance of shadows in the fading light.

"It can't be you," came the hesitant whisper, disbelief coloring every syllable.

The approaching figure smiled, a bittersweet expression etched upon their features. "But it is. It's been so long, hasn't it?" Their voice carried the weight of years gone by, yet held a hint of longing beneath its surface.

The air around them seemed to crackle with unresolved emotions as they stood face to face, the gap between them bridged by years of memories and unspoken words.

"Perhaps we should catch up," one suggested tentatively, breaking the tense silence that enveloped them like a heavy fog.

"Yeah, that sounds… nice," came the hesitant reply, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty.

[nastylittleghouls]

Give Chris some boops too for being so brave 🐾

[catsinthebagdesignposts]

What Love Says… Catalyst of Love

Informed choice and inner-standing resonates from a heart of love discovering inward guidance is an invitation to create. You are love and stardust with music playing notes of a unique song which draws to you a matching frequency.

Are you playing with the frequency of love that you are? Can we create a tsunami of love inward knowing the power of love energy radiating everywhere heals yourself, heals all?

Contrasts experienced in life become catalysts for loving inner evolution, through choice, through embracing experiences as opportunities to grow, and change, you become.

With loving intent place your focus where you want be utilizing any experience as a catalyst for inner change. Through focus you create an energy, through choosing love in all experiences you create new ways to be the best you while facing any challenge.

Self mastery is conscious awareness in all choices, becoming a loving co-creator. Through this you become conscious of when you are unconscious, and become a master of thoughts and words, infusing, creating and nourishing all with the truth of love.

Are you choosing to consciously create? Be the driver of your best life with focused conscious awareness and love create.

You are PURRiful love connected to everything, everywhere all at once, in all MEOWments singing, playing, being a zen master of life and love.

What Love Says… 2024 by Jennifer R. Cook @catsinthebagdesignposts illustrations, content are the imagination, thoughts and feelings expressed here every day are from one heart to all.

[arolesbianism]

I’ve drawn a decent amount of isat au eternal gales but yknow what I haven’t drawn? Eternal gales au isat. Don’t look at me.

[mantaphase]

so at launch we had a canon bi man, a canon gay man, and a canon nb person. in a mainstream battle royale that people play at international tournaments. three queer player characters. and then they just KEPT ADDING MORE?????

catalyst explicitly mentions being trans in one of her quips. she says the word "trans". if god hates the queers why do we keep winning

[fuckyeahmirrorsedge]

11.05.15 Faith_on_the_Go

thank you to @i-vn for the submission!

[colorfulnickellandgarden]

I FINALLY GOT UP HERE HOLY SHIT

[chrisaldrich]

A #zettelkasten or commonplace provides a catalytic surface to which ideas in the “solution of life” can more easily adhere to speed their reaction with ideas you’ve already seen and collected. Once combined via linking, further thinking and writing, they can be released as novel ideas for everyone to use.  

[freezethebeez]

Hey do vampires have an equivalent to like. And listen you're gonna have to hear me out. Like I'm begging you. I swear I'm going to get to a good metaphor at some point. Do they have an equivalent of breastfeeding

Like. A vampire mother drains a human, ravenous, in order to feed her child. The kid (who simply does not have the capability to get their own food) latches onto her arm or wrist or whatever all feral-like. And to the mother it's an instinctual obligation? It's looking at her baby and thinking, this is the pain I put others through to sustain myself. The blood of strangers has fuelled me for centuries. Here I am, bringing something into the world that will perpetuate that pain, and I'm its first victim. I have not known this child long enough to love it, and yet here I am, offering my skin freely, daily, in order to sustain a life of death.

I think it would be interesting if vampires were parasites from birth.

I mean listen. Maybe I just think the one-sided love and pain of motherhood is a neat thing to write about. I am never having kids so I don't really know or care or whatever bye

i've never thought about that before and honestly, if prompted, that's the better version of what i would say.

the alternative would be 'mother bites human, human bleeds freely for the baby vampire to drink' but what you described is so much more interesting i love it.

"Here I am, bringing something into the world that will perpetuate that pain, and I'm its first victim. I have not known this child long enough to love it, and yet here I am, offering my skin freely, daily, in order to sustain a life of death" absolutely genius. phenomenal writing. i am in awe. thank you for providing me with such an interesting aspect of lore that i had never even considered, and doing such a good job with it.

[curiousoh-randomfandoms]

I hate to dogpile but yeah. The point of fandom isn't to create product, you can potentially go to work for that. (And thus capitalism has no place in fandom except in the way that it effects the community members IRL that makes it difficult to fandom how they want to. Because real life interferes unfortunately with creating art despite how necessary it is to live.)

And I say this as someone who's had a 4 year period where I literally was too physically disabled to create art the way that I had.

I found another way because I had to. To freaking survive this hellscape. Making stuff was literally the only way that I held on.

And same deal when I was freaking out of my house trying to hustle and be able to afford the basics around 16-20 hours a day, more than 5 days a week. I was engaging (obviously not as much) because it was necessary to my survival at the time. I needed art and community and just a break from trying to get by.

It's about the art. Sharing the work is about community building. There literally wouldn't be any reason to share the work, in fandom without the community. You would just keep it to yourself. You can't make bank on other's IPs and because of that True Fandom isn't and can't be commercialized.

It is 100% that beautiful horrible desire for connection and understanding and community that drives you to share the work. I was writing stories by myself for around 5 years before I had anyone who actually was willing to read it. That didn't mean I wasn't trying. I was in fandom before internet, before finding that connection was easy. I was in a fandom of like 3 people pre-internet. Because that's how many people I knew were into the thing. Obv. in internet times that number got a lot bigger.

But yeah it's about sharing your weird little brain worms and infecting others and being like, isn't this insane and wonderful and horrible.

Genuinely A.I. has no place in fandom. You might consider that ableist as hell. But I am a working artist who's had chronic pain of around 30 years so I don't give a fuck about that. It is ableist. A.I. generation is literally ableist. It's built on the labor of disabled folks.

The majority of working artists I happen to know (And I know I lot because I travel for work and engage in that community building. There are people who I met the first time I was attempting to sell my art who wanted to sell art who I have now met at events trying their dreams.) are disabled in some way. Literally like 90% of them.

I have friends who have M.S., POTS, arthritis bad enough they have those poor hands that are just stuck, ND, mental health problems, vision issues and wheelchairs etc. And the main victims of the A.I. crap, the work that they stole without compensation are those artists.

Trying to monetize art is an act of desperation. Yeah it can certainly be about ego but the majority of artists are not financially comfortable with family trusts to fall back on. The majority of artists I know and have met, started trying to make money with the crap they made in their spare time because they literally couldn't afford to live. And other avenues make them potentially too rich that they don't qualify for the medical help required to allow them to keep living in the level of health most possible, yet that richness cannot afford the maintenance to keep them alive with their conditions.

I am so sick of this A.I. Tech Bro argument that it's somehow ableist to expect art made by humans. To want human expression to be the primary art in the world.

And yeah I had friends who had been living a financially free life where they could afford to maintain their conditions and were actually doing insane things like beginning to have savings, that literally could no longer in a Post A.I. generation mainstreaming world.

I don't fault folks for using A.I. as assistive tools for things like grammar, or potentially translation although both of those have been such a wonderful community building cornerstone of fandom... and we really should not be seeking perfection in our art that's just for us, that's made out of love, out of need to express ourselves etc. Because I get that it is hella hard to find wonderful folks that want to translate out of love or beta because they see the potential in your work and just want to make it sing. And as is often the case, even more in this terminally online world. The act of creation is solitary at first. It takes a while to build some community.

But man, I absolute hate to see the individuality scraped out of stuff. To see people stagnate because their work isn't changing with them because they are no longer the primary architects of that work. We are ever changing and it is beautiful. It is amazing the way that my work changed when I was physically unable to work the way I could. It literally made my work so much better, I explored stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise. And it will continue to enrich my work for the rest of my life.

And A.I. just middle of the roads you. It doesn't keep your little idiosynchronisies and lexicon that's a beautiful microcosm of all of the beautiful people who you've loved and left the mark on. It doesn't understand the iconography of the media you've consumed that it then colored by your experience, color sense and cultural background. By the time period you happened to have lived. It just removes you.

And fandom, as all the best community building is... it's about who you are, what you do and who you love.... who you hate even. How you move or cannot move in this world. It's about yearning even maybe and the passion to do a thing even though it does not benefit you outside of this weird little community. And the benefits are simply being known. Sharing a little piece of yourself while you consume and love and encourage others who are sharing a little bit of themselves too.

My point is that it is about love. And as of yet, there isn't a computer that can do that right, yet.

just saw a fanfic on ao3 have a dedication for chatgpt... that section is meant for your horny perverted mutual who proofread your work, you violated sacred law and you will be torn apart and laid bare btw

[thawthebeez]

i need to write about vampires soon or i will actually start to decompose

[enidreamcollective]

🅼🆈 🅱🅾🆈, 🆁🅴🅼🆈, 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖆𝖙𝖆𝖑𝖞𝖘𝖙.

divider by: @cafekitsune

The room was dimly lit, a single bulb swinging from the ceiling casting eerie shadows on the cracked walls. Remy sat in the center, bound to a cold metal chair, his head tilted slightly as he regarded his captors with a mixture of amusement and boredom. His hair, a striking mix of grey with black tips, cascaded down to the lobes of his ears, the strands sleek and well-groomed. A single blonde streak at the front fell just so, lightly brushing against his long, dark eyelashes, giving him a distinctive and memorable look. His eyes, a piercing shade of grey, were sharp and calculating, always seeming to be one step ahead. These intense eyes were set above high cheekbones and a strong jawline that was often clenched in a show of perpetual defiance and determination. He was dressed in his signature pink suit, a bold choice that made him stand out in any crowd. The suit, though normally immaculate, now bore the marks of a recent struggle. The sleeves and hems were burnt, the fabric singed and frayed, and patches of dirt clung stubbornly to the material, telling the story of past fierce and chaotic encounters. Despite the disarray, the suit still hung on him with a certain elegance, hinting at his usual meticulous attention to detail. But despite the state of his attire, he exuded an air of casual menace, as if the very idea of being restrained was a joke to him.

The gang, known as The Lionteeth, had been after Remy for months. They were a ruthless group, notorious for their brutal methods and relentless pursuit of power. Led by a man known only as Sebastian, they had terrorized the city with their extortion, drug trafficking, and violent reprisals. Remy had crossed paths with them when he disrupted one of their operations, costing them a significant amount of money and resources. Now, they sought to make an example of him, to show that no one could defy The Lionteeth and live.

They circled him like vultures, sneering and hurling threats, but he remained unfazed. His eyes tracked their movements with an almost lazy interest. One of the men, burly and scarred, stepped forward, his face twisted in anger. "You think this is funny, huh?" He slapped Remy across the face, the sound echoing through the room like a gunshot. Remy laughed manically, the sound grating and wild.

"Oh, I think it’s very fucking hilarious!" he said, his voice dripping with mockery. He licked a bit of blood from his lip, savoring the metallic taste. Another blow landed, this time harder, but Remy’s laughter only grew louder. It was a laugh that sent shivers down the spines of even the toughest men in the room.

"You don’t get it, do you?" Remy questioned, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light, he then let out hysterical giggles that climbed in intensity and pitch, then let out a wheezing intake of air. "I’m not stuck in here with you. You're stuck in here with me."

The men exchanged uneasy glances, they were used to seeing fear, to breaking men with their brutality. But, man, he was different. There was something unhinged in his eyes, something that made them hesitate. The door creaked open, and the room fell silent. Sebastian entered, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was tall and imposing, with a sharp, cruel smirk and cold eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone he looked at. He took some steps towards Remy, not letting up his gaze on him, stopping in front of Remy, examining him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. He leaned down, a smirk playing at his lips.

"So, you're the one who's been causing us all this trouble," Sebastian said, his voice smooth and dangerous, his eyes narrowed. "I have to admit, you’re taking this remarkably well. Almost as if you're enjoying it."

"You have no idea," Remy said, his grin widened playfully, blinking slowly, his tone playful and mocking. "This is the most fun I’ve had in ages." Sebastian straightened up, his hands raised to chest level, with the fingertips of both hands lightly touching, forming a delicate point of contact. The fingers are spread out and angled to create a triangular shape, with the thumbs and index fingers forming the base and sides of the triangle. The remaining fingers are extended but relaxed, framing the space within. The palms face inward towards each other, creating a sense of focus and contemplation, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

"What if we got you a gift? Would you listen then?"

Remy chuckled.

"A gift, huh? What could you possibly offer that would make me listen to you?"

Sebastian smirked and snapped his fingers with a sharp, authoritative click. From behind a heavy velvet curtain, two burly men emerged, half-dragging, half-carrying a bloodied and bruised figure. Remy’s laughter died abruptly in his throat, replaced by a cold, murderous glare that promised retribution. Despite the fury bubbling beneath the surface, he forced himself to maintain his composure, his mind racing with potential plans and strategies. Baby? MY baby. FUCK- Eni, his beloved girlfriend whom he always called "baby" because he preferred it to her 'normal' name, was supposed to be somewhere safe, far from danger. Yet here she was, barely conscious and in enemy hands. Her head lolled weakly as her eyes fluttered open and shut, trying desperately to focus on him. Her once bright and lively eyes, now dulled with pain and confusion, seemed to plead for help. Her usually radiant face was marred with bruises and dried blood, and her clothes were torn and dirty. Remy’s heart ached at the sight, the contrast between the Eni he knew and loved and the broken figure before him igniting a fire within him that was both terrifying and exhilarating. It was a burning resolve, a fierce determination to exact revenge on anyone who had dared to harm her. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat fueling his rage.

"Still laughing now?" Sebastian taunted, his voice dripping with mockery and confidence. His eyes gleamed with a cruel amusement, utterly convinced of his own superiority and control over the situation. His smirk broadened as he reveled in the perceived power he held, completely oblivious to any danger. Sebastian’s ego was as impenetrable as ever, and the fear that might have flickered in another's eyes was absent in his. He was certain that he had the upper hand, basking in his own arrogance and the belief that he was untouchable. Remy forced a grin, his lips stretching tightly across clenched teeth. It was a strained expression, the corners of his mouth twitching with the effort to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil raging within. His jaw tensed visibly, betraying the façade of calm he desperately tried to maintain. Behind his forced smile, his eyes smoldered with suppressed rage, a silent promise of vengeance simmering just beneath the surface.

"She looks pretty roughed up," Remy said, his voice laced with mocking disbelief. His tone carried a sharp edge of sarcasm, as if he couldn't fathom how anyone could treat someone so carelessly. "Did you pick her up off the street?" His words dripped with contempt, each syllable punctuated by a cold sneer that belied the concern he felt for Eni. Despite his bravado, there was an underlying tension in his voice, a thinly veiled threat simmering just beneath the surface. Remy's gaze flickered between Eni's battered form and Sebastian's smug expression, silently daring him to underestimate the consequences of his actions. Sebastian's smirk faltered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face as he sensed the underlying threat in Remy’s tone. He gestured casually to one of his men, who raised a hand, preparing to strike Eni again.

"Don’t," Remy interrupted sharply, his usual facade of calm cracking under the pressure of his mounting anger. The room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thick and palpable, as everyone awaited Sebastian's response.

Sebastian paused, his lips thinning into a tight line as his eyes narrowed. He leaned slightly forward, his gaze locked onto Remy's with a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "And why not?" he challenged, his voice carrying a hint of defiance masked by a layer of feigned indifference. The air crackled with anticipation, each man sizing up the other, waiting to see who would blink first in this dangerous game of wills. Remy's demeanor shifted, the corners of his mouth pulling into a feral grin. His eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and menace as he locked gazes with Sebastian.

"Because you’re going to regret this," he declared, his voice steady and chillingly calm despite the raging storm of emotions beneath the surface. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of impending consequences. Remy could feel the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, the dark anticipation of what was to come sharpening his senses.

With deliberate slowness, Remy rose to his feet, every movement calculated and purposeful. The men surrounding him instinctively tensed, their earlier confidence waning in the face of his unwavering resolve. The restraints that had bound him moments before lay discarded and useless at his feet, symbols of a control that had slipped away. His presence filled the room, commanding attention and respect born not of fear, but of a primal understanding that the tables had turned.

As he stood tall, his gaze fixed on Sebastian, a silent challenge passed between them, unspoken yet understood. In that charged moment, Remy exuded an aura of quiet menace, a predator poised to strike. Remy's muscles tensed as he lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise. The room erupted into chaos as he engaged Sebastian's men with calculated ferocity. His fists blurred as they connected with flesh and bone, each strike a testament to years of honed skill and pent-up fury. He dodged a swinging fist with a graceful sidestep, his footwork nimble and sure despite the cluttered space. Adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus. The scent of sweat and fear mingled in the air as the clash of bodies reverberated around him. A quick jab to the gut doubled one assailant over, followed by a swift knee to the chin that sent another staggering backward. Remy moved with a dancer's grace, turning defense into offense seamlessly. His mind raced, anticipating each move before it happened, staying one step ahead of his opponents. The room echoed with grunts of pain and the clatter of overturned furniture as the brawl intensified. Remy's hands were a blur of motion, blocking strikes and delivering punishing blows in rapid succession. His expression was a mask of controlled aggression, every ounce of his being focused on the task at hand.

As chaos erupted around him, Remy's senses sharpened with a primal focus. His fists clenched, ready for the fray, as he surveyed the dimly lit room with a calculated calm. The air was thick with tension and the sharp tang of adrenaline, punctuated by the harsh clang of metal meeting metal. In the midst of a melee, his gaze fell upon a familiar glint amidst the debris—a handle protruding from beneath a fallen table. With a swift, determined stride, he closed the distance, his heart pounding in sync with the pulsing rhythm of battle. With a quick, practiced motion, Remy seized the handle and drew forth his trusty axe, its weight familiar and reassuring in his grip. The polished blade gleamed in the dim light, reflecting the flickering flames of nearby torches. Its presence filled him with a surge of confidence, a reminder of countless battles fought and won. Armed with his weapon of choice, Remy moved with fluid grace, each swing of the axe a precise and deadly arc. His movements were a dance of controlled aggression, deflecting blows and delivering punishing strikes with calculated precision. The blade sang through the air, cleaving through obstacles and adversaries alike with relentless determination. His focus was unwavering, his mind a whirlwind of strategy and instinct honed by years of combat experience. Every maneuver was deliberate, every strike aimed with deadly intent. The chaos of battle faded into the background as he became one with the rhythm of combat, a force to be reckoned with amidst the swirling maelstrom of violence. Around him, opponents faltered and fell, their bravado shattered by the relentless onslaught. As the last of Sebastian's men crumpled to the ground, defeated and broken, Remy stood panting amidst the aftermath of the melee. His chest heaved with exertion, but his eyes burned bright with triumph, he turned to face Sebastian, the bottom of his boots feeling sticky from the blood and dirt mix on the floor.

Sebastian, who now was trembling uncontrollably, who watched in stunned silence, as the balance of power irreversibly shifted, he staggered backward, his bravado shattered in an instant. He raised a hand instinctively, as if to ward off the inevitable, realizing too late the magnitude of the monster they had provoked. The room seemed to shrink around him, closing in on all sides as he stumbled over discarded furniture in his retreat. Remy's eyes, ablaze with righteous fury and primal intensity, locked onto Sebastian's quivering form. In that charged moment, time seemed to stand still as their gazes met. Sebastian saw not just anger, but a chilling resolve that cut through the chaos like a knife. It was a gaze that spoke of retribution, of justice demanded and soon to be delivered. Fear gripped Sebastian's heart like a vice as he glimpsed his own mortality reflected in Remy's unrelenting stare. The realization dawned on him with brutal clarity—the tables had turned, and he was now at the mercy of the very man he had underestimated. The air crackled with tension, thick with the weight of impending consequences. Remy took a step forward, his movements deliberate and calculated. Every muscle in his body tensed with purpose, poised to deliver the final blow that would seal Sebastian's fate. His voice, low and steady, cut through the silence like a blade.

"You should have known better."

Remy's axe came to Sebastian's throat with a sickening sound of ripping of flesh. Sebastian staggered back, clutching his throat, blood seeping through his fingers. He stumbled against the wall, his face a mask of pain and disbelief. Remy crouched down to Sebastian's level, his presence looming over the wounded man who sat against the wall, clutching his throat, struggling to breathe through the gurgling blood. Sebastian's eyes widened in terror as Remy leaned closer, watching him with cold detachment. The room was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the heavy silence of imminent death.

"You thought you could play with fire," Remy murmured, his voice low and menacing. "But you didn’t expect to get burned, did you?"

Sebastian choked on his own blood, his breaths shallow and desperate. Remy's grey eyes bore into him, unyielding and unforgiving. He felt a sick satisfaction as he watched the fear in Sebastian’s eyes, the realization that his own cruelty had led him to this moment of reckoning. Remy's lips curled into a cruel smile.

"Good boy," he said mockingly, patting Sebastian's slumped head with condescending familiarity. The gesture was chilling in its casual cruelty, a reminder of the power dynamics that had shifted so drastically in this dark, blood-soaked room. Standing up, Remy looked down at his axe, its blade stained with crimson. He felt a surge of pride, not for the violence he had inflicted, but for the swift justice he had delivered to those who dared to threaten what was his.

He turned his attention to Eni, his gaze softening as he approached her. Eni lay still, her breath shallow and her eyes half-closed. Remy knelt beside her, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face, his gaze lingered on Eni's bruised face, his heart aching at the sight of her injuries. Carefully, he maneuvered his axe through a tear in his burnt pink suit jacket, ensuring it was secure and it didn't graze her. He didn't want anything to harm her further, not after what she had endured. His movements careful and deliberate as he gently lifted her into his arms.

"I’m here, baby," Remy murmured, his voice a soothing whisper that contrasted sharply with the violence that had just unfolded. Eni stirred faintly in Remy's arms, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to regain consciousness. She could hear his reassuring voice murmuring softly, his words a comforting anchor in the chaos that surrounded them. With great effort, she raised a trembling hand, fingers curling weakly as she reached out towards him. Remy felt the faint pressure of her fingertips against his cheek, her touch feather-light and fragile. His heart clenched with both relief and sorrow at the sight of her bruised and battered form, so fragile in his arms, he held her close. Her hand faltered, her strength failing her, Eni's fingers slipped from his cheek, falling limply back to her side. A small whimper escaped her lips, a mixture of frustration and exhaustion.

"It's okay, baby," Remy whispered, "They’ll never hurt you again." her eyes drifting shut once more as she surrendered to the overwhelming weariness that enveloped her.

Outside, the night air was cool and still, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had engulfed them moments before. Remy carried Eni through the shadows of the hallways, his steps purposeful and unwavering. The weight of her in his arms grounded him, anchoring him in the present. Remy emerged from the darkened building, the weight of her in his arms was both a burden and a comfort, grounding him in the reality of their escape. Her head rested against his chest, her breathing shallow but steady. Remy could feel the warmth of her body against his, a tangible reassurance that she was alive and in his care. The night air enveloped them in a cool embrace, a stark contrast to the stifling turmoil they had left behind. Above, the stars twinkled in a canopy of velvet sky, offering a silent witness to their escape. The world seemed hushed and still, as if holding its breath in reverence. The distant sounds of sirens and the hum of city life faded into the background, replaced by the rhythmic cadence of Remy’s footsteps against the pavement. His senses were heightened, attuned to any sign of danger or threat that might lurk in the darkness. Remy’s gaze flickered down to Eni's face. Even in the dim light, he could see the bruises marring her delicate features. Remy gently laid Eni down on the ground, ensuring her comfort as he assessed her condition. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, meeting his with a mixture of relief and gratitude. He smiled reassuringly, his touch gentle as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"Stay here," Remy murmured softly, his voice a soothing whisper in the quiet night air. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before rising to his feet, his gaze scanning their surroundings with a vigilant intensity. He hurried over to a nearby pile of rubble, remnants of the building's crumbling façade. His fingers fumbled as he lifted a piece of broken cement, revealing a small metal box where he had stashed the keys earlier. He retrieved them with a quick, practiced motion, the cool metal comforting in his hand. Glancing around nervously, Remy's paranoia heightened as he unlocked the nearby sedan car door. Moving swiftly to the trunk, Remy popped it open, retrieving his axe from the hole in his suit jacket. The blade gleamed faintly in the moonlight, a stark contrast to the darkness that surrounded them. He placed it carefully inside the trunk, securing it with a sense of finality. Closing the trunk quietly, Remy took a moment to gather himself. His heart raced with adrenaline, his mind still processing the events that had unfolded. He glanced back at Eni, Remy swiftly returned to her side, he gently lifted her into his arms once more, cradling her securely against his chest. Her head nestled against his shoulder, finding solace in the strength of his embrace. His steps were purposeful yet cautious, his senses heightened as he balanced the need for haste with the imperative of remaining discreet. Approaching the car, he slid Eni carefully into the backseat, ensuring she was settled and safe before closing the door with a soft click, ensuring she was comfortable before closing the door with a soft click. He moved swiftly around to the driver's side, sliding into the seat and starting the engine with a subdued rumble. With a deep breath, Remy took a moment to gather himself. His heart raced with adrenaline, he glanced back at Eni, her form peaceful in the backseat. As he pulled out onto the quiet street, Remy kept a watchful eye on the rearview mirror, scanning for any signs of pursuit. The city stretched out before him, a labyrinth of shadows and secrets. Remy navigated the familiar streets with practiced ease, his focus unwavering as he guided them towards a sanctuary. Home.

[gynoidgearhead]

[image caption: two books, one very thick and one very thin. the first is "the plot of mass effect 1" and the second is "the plot of mass effect 1 if the n7 armour had a helmetcam". end caption]

my mass effect hot take ((fuck the council))

[jcmarchi]

The Impact of AI and LLMs on the Future of Jobs

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-impact-of-ai-and-llms-on-the-future-of-jobs/

The Impact of AI and LLMs on the Future of Jobs

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown tremendously in recent years, which has created excitement and raised concerns about the future of employment. Large language models (LLMs) are the latest example of that. These powerful subsets of AI are trained on massive amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language.

According to a report by LinkedIn, 55% of its global members may experience some degree of change in their jobs due to the rise of AI.

Knowing how AI and LLMs will disrupt the job market is critical for businesses and employees to adapt to the change and remain competitive in the rapidly growing technological environment.

This article explores the impact of AI on jobs and how automation in the workforce will disrupt employment.

Large Language Models: Catalysts for Job Market Disruption

According to Goldman Sachs, generative AI, and LLMs can potentially disrupt 300 million jobs shortly. They have also predicted that 50% of the workforce is at risk of losing jobs due to the integration of AI in business workflows.

LLMs are increasingly automating tasks previously considered the sole domain of human workers.  For instance, LLMs, trained on vast repositories of prior interactions, can now answer product inquiries, generating accurate and informative responses.

This reduces the workload of human staff and allows for faster, 24/7 customer service. Moreover, LLMs constantly evolve, going well past customer services and being utilized in various applications, such as content development, translation, legal research, software development, etc.

Large Language Models and Generative AI: Automation

LLMs and generative AI are becoming increasingly prevalent, which could lead to partial automation and the potential displacement of some workers while creating opportunities for others.

1. Reshaping Routine Tasks

AI and LLMs excel at handling repetitive tasks with defined rules, such as data entry, appointment scheduling, and generating basic reports.

This automation allows human workers to focus on more complex tasks but raises concerns about job displacement. As AI and LLMs become more capable of automating routine tasks, the demand for human input decreases, consequently triggering job displacement. However, jobs that require a high degree of human oversight and input will be the least affected.

2. Industries at Automation Risk

Sectors with a high volume of routine tasks, like manufacturing and administration, are most susceptible to AI and LLM automation. Due to their ability to streamline operations like data entry and production line scheduling, LLMs are a risk to jobs in these sectors.

Source

According to the Goldman Sachs report, AI automation will transform the workforce with efficiency and productivity while also putting millions of routine and manual jobs at high risk.

3. Potential Loss of Low-Skilled Jobs

The impact of AI on the low-skilled workforce is expected to grow in the future. ​The skill-biased nature of AI-driven automation has made it more difficult for those with less technical knowledge to grow in their employment. This is because automation widens the gap between high and low-skilled workers.

Low-skilled workers can only retain their jobs through high-quality education, training, and reskilling programs. They may also face difficulty transitioning to newer, higher-paying, and high-skilled jobs that use AI technologies.

This becomes more evident as the latest McKinsey report predicts that low-wage workers are 14 times more likely to need a job switch. Without upskilling or transitioning to new, AI-compatible roles, they risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving job market.

4. Role of AI and LLMs in Streamlining Processes

A significant shift occurs within the business landscape due to the growing adoption of AI and LLMs. A recent report from Workato reveals a compelling statistic: operations teams automated a remarkable 28% of their processes in 2023.

AI and LLMs are game-changers, reducing operating costs, streamlining tasks through automation, and improving service quality.

The Future of Work in the Age of AI

While AI is inevitable, with enough resources and sufficient training, employees can use AI and LLMs to increase productivity in their daily routine tasks.

For instance, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) states that customer support agents using a generative AI (GPT) tool increased their productivity by around 14%. This shows the potential of collaboration between humans and machines.

While AI undoubtedly changes the job market, its integration should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.  The true potential lies in the collaboration between human intuition, creativity, and empathy combined with AI’s analytical prowess.

Reskilling For LLMs and Generative AI

While GPT could generate texts and images, its successors, like GPT-4o, seamlessly process and generate content across text, audio, images, and video formats.

This shows that the new multi-modal LLMs and AI technologies are evolving rapidly. Reskilling becomes essential for both modern organizations and workers to survive due to the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of jobs. Some of the important skills include:

Prompts Engineering: LLMs rely on prompts to guide their outputs. Learning how to create clear and concise prompts will be a key factor in achieving their true potential.

Data fluency: The ability to work with and understand data is essential. This covers collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, influencing your interaction with LLMs.

AI literacy: Foundational knowledge about AI, including its capabilities and limitations, will be essential for effective collaboration and communication with these powerful tools.

Critical thinking and evaluation: While LLMs can be impressive, assessing their outputs is important. Assessing, updating, and analyzing the LLM’s work is essential.

Ethical Implications of AI in the Workplace

The presence of AI in the workplace has its pros and cons, which must all be carefully considered. The former, of course, increases productivity and reduces costs. However, if adopted detrimentally can also have adverse effects.

Here are some ethical considerations that need to be part of the larger narrative:

Algorithmic Bias and Fairness: AI algorithms have the potential to reinforce biases found in the data they are trained on, which could result in unfair recruitment decisions.

Employee Privacy: AI relies on vast amounts of employee data, raising concerns about potentially misusing this information, which could lead to unemployment.

Inequality: The increased use of AI in workflows presents challenges like inequality or inaccessibility. Initiatives like upskilling and reskilling programs can help reduce AI’s negative impacts on employees across organizations.

Workplace paradigms are shifting as a result of AI and LLMs integration. This will greatly impact the future of work and careers.

For further resources and insights on AI and data science, explore Unite.ai.

[donotdestroy]

A "catalyst artist" typically refers to someone who sparks or accelerates change, innovation, or new developments within the art world. These individuals often push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire others to think differently about art. They can be influential in shaping artistic movements or trends.

By ChatGPT

[greenthestral]

Empowering Women Artisans: Celebrating Creativity and Equality

In today's world, women continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings in various fields. One area where their contribution is often overlooked but incredibly significant is in the realm of artisanship. Women artisans play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering creativity, and driving economic growth. This article aims to shed light on the incredible work of these women and the importance of empowering them to thrive in their craft.

The Rich History of Women Artisans

Throughout history, women have played a significant role in artisanal trades, showcasing their remarkable creativity and skill across various crafts. From pottery and weaving to jewelry-making and embroidery, women have served as the custodians of artistic traditions, passing down their knowledge and expertise from generation to generation. These crafts not only contribute to the cultural fabric of societies but also serve as a crucial means of economic sustenance for countless women around the world.

In every corner of the globe, women have been instrumental in preserving and advancing traditional artistic practices. In many cultures, pottery has been a craft passed down through generations, and women have been at the forefront of this art form. From shaping the clay to adorning the finished pieces with intricate designs, women artisans have demonstrated their mastery of this ancient craft. Their delicate touch and attention to detail have resulted in exquisite pottery that reflects their cultural heritage and artistic sensibilities.

Weaving is another craft where women have played an integral role throughout history. Whether it's creating intricate patterns on textiles or crafting beautiful rugs and tapestries, women have honed their weaving skills to perfection. In many indigenous communities, weaving has been an essential cultural practice, and women have been the primary weavers, using age-old techniques and traditional looms. Their creations not only showcase their artistic abilities but also serve as a means of preserving cultural narratives and identities.

The art of jewelry-making has long been associated with women artisans who possess a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of materials. From crafting exquisite necklaces and earrings to intricate bracelets and rings, women have elevated jewelry-making to an art form. Through their work, they infuse pieces with personal stories, symbolism, and cultural motifs, creating wearable works of art that carry a piece of their heritage.

Embroidery, too, has been a craft dominated by women artisans. With a needle and thread, they transform plain fabrics into stunning works of art, embellishing them with elaborate patterns and intricate stitches. Embroidery has traditionally been used to decorate clothing, household items, and ceremonial garments, and women have excelled in this meticulous craft, showcasing their creativity and attention to detail.

These crafts have not only contributed to the cultural heritage of societies but have also provided economic sustenance for countless women artisans around the world. In many communities, artisanal trades have been a primary source of income for women, enabling them to support their families and create a better future for themselves. By engaging in these crafts, women have gained financial independence, empowered themselves, and contributed to the economic well-being of their communities.

Moreover, these crafts have often provided a safe and supportive space for women to express their creativity and forge connections with their cultural roots. They offer an avenue for self-expression, allowing women to showcase their artistic talents and leave a lasting impact on their communities. Through the act of creating, women artisans find a sense of fulfillment and purpose, as they channel their passion and skills into their craft.

It is crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women artisans throughout history. Their creativity, skill, and dedication have enriched our societies, preserved cultural traditions, and provided economic opportunities. By empowering women artisans and ensuring their work receives the recognition and support it deserves, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world that values and celebrates their talents. As we continue to appreciate the artistry of women artisans, let us also strive to provide them with the resources, training, and platforms they need to thrive in their chosen crafts.

Challenges Faced by Women Artisans

Despite their immense talent and dedication, women artisans face numerous challenges in their pursuit of artistic expression and financial independence. Discrimination, limited access to resources, lack of market opportunities, and gender-based violence are some of the obstacles that they encounter on their journey.

In many societies, women face cultural and social barriers that hinder their ability to engage fully in artistic pursuits. Traditional gender roles often confine women to domestic responsibilities, leaving little time and support for them to explore their artistic potential. Moreover, limited access to education and training programs further exacerbates these challenges.

Lack of financial resources and market opportunities pose significant hurdles for women artisans as well. Without access to credit or capital, they struggle to invest in tools, raw materials, and infrastructure necessary for their craft. Additionally, gender bias in the marketplace can prevent them from gaining fair recognition and adequate compensation for their work.

The Importance of Empowering Women Artisans

Empowering women artisans is not just about ensuring gender equality; it is a vital step towards sustainable development and cultural preservation. When women are given the necessary support and opportunities, they can contribute significantly to economic growth, poverty reduction, and community development.

By empowering women artisans, we can unlock their creative potential and nurture innovation. Their unique perspectives and skills can enrich artistic traditions, leading to the creation of diverse and culturally significant artwork. This, in turn, fosters a sense of pride and identity within communities while also attracting tourists and buyers interested in authentic, handmade crafts.

Furthermore, empowering women artisans has a multiplier effect on society. As women gain financial independence and improve their living standards, they can invest in the education and well-being of their families. This creates a positive cycle of empowerment that extends beyond the individual and contributes to the overall progress of communities.

Initiatives for Empowering Women Artisans

Recognizing the significance of empowering women artisans, numerous organizations and initiatives have emerged to provide support and create opportunities for these talented individuals.

Microfinance institutions and nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in providing financial assistance and training programs to women artisans. By offering microloans, these institutions enable women to invest in their craft and develop their businesses. They also provide training in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management, equipping women with the skills necessary to thrive in the marketplace.

Government policies and programs also play a crucial role in empowering women artisans. By implementing gender-responsive policies, governments can create an enabling environment that supports women's entrepreneurship and access to markets. Initiatives such as setting up women-centric artisanal hubs, organizing exhibitions, and providing platforms for skill-sharing and networking can significantly boost the visibility and market reach of women artisans.

Furthermore, consumer awareness and conscious buying practices can contribute to empowering women artisans. By actively seeking out and supporting businesses that prioritize fair trade and women's empowerment, consumers can contribute to creating a more equitable marketplace. Social media platforms and e-commerce websites have become powerful tools for connecting women artisans with a global audience, amplifying their reach, and creating sustainable market opportunities.

Success Stories of Empowered Women Artisans

Across the globe, there are inspiring stories of women artisans who have defied the odds and achieved remarkable success in their craft.

One such example is Fatima, a skilled ceramic artist from a rural village in Morocco. With the support of a microfinance organization, she was able to establish her pottery workshop and train other women in her community. Today, Fatima's intricate ceramic artwork is highly sought after, and she has become a role model for aspiring women artisans in her village.

In India, organizations like the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) have been instrumental in empowering women artisans. SEWA provides training, access to credit, and market linkages to women engaged in various crafts such as embroidery, weaving, and block printing. Through their efforts, thousands of women have gained financial independence and transformed their lives.

Conclusion

Empowering women artisans is a powerful step towards building a more inclusive and equal society. By addressing the challenges they face and providing them with the necessary support and opportunities, we can unlock their creative potential, contribute to economic growth, and preserve cultural heritage. Through microfinance, training programs, policy reforms, and conscious buying practices, we can collectively work towards a future where women artisans thrive and their invaluable contributions are celebrated. Let us stand together in empowering women artisans and create a world that values and nurtures their creativity.