University spring term started again this week, and after being loaded down with three more assignments (including another group project), we also got the grades for one of last term’s assignments. I am very, very pleased with mine - 81%, which probably only really means something to those familiar with UK degree-level grading, but I’m really proud of it (while simultaneously being mildly annoyed I couldn’t do better). Last term’s group project grades will be given next week (though we do know that everyone passed, which is 40% or higher), and I’m expecting that one to be quite a bit lower. I’d like something above 70%, but that feels a bit optimistic given what a disaster the project was.
I’ve mentioned on a number of occasions the guy who was on my team project whose combination of arrogance and laziness made him more of a hindrance than a help throughout the entire project. I had a bit of a blow up at him just before Christmas, the culmination of his obstructiveness, his chronic (but not terminal) verbal diarrhoea, and utter lack of ability to accept that no means no. (“Do not touch my laptop” is pretty explicit, and should not prompt an argument about how it’s fine because he knows how to handle laptops.) Anyway, the outcome of this is that he’s spent the whole week sulking in the corner of the room, not talking to anyone. He also ragequit the class Discord server over Christmas, and nobody even noticed he was gone until today when we were getting set up for the new group project. That’s how much everybody likes him. I feel a little bad because I don’t like it when someone feels like they’re not welcome… even when they’re genuinely not welcome because they’re a dick.
I just purchased my first car today. I’ve never needed a car before because paying for Uber was cheaper, but now with my new job, transportation costs will be lower with a car.
I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’ve heard about the stress that comes with driving, but never experienced it with a brand new car that I just purchased.
I’m also trying to find a good name for the car, but it should come to me in due time. Overall, I think it’s worth it and that I’ll hopefully feel less stressed the more I drive.
My driving instructor always used to say “for all its faults, a car is still highly addictive”, and he’s totally right. But of course how much you enjoy driving it depends on where and how much you do that. Congrats anyway! What type of car is it, and what style of name did you have in mind?
It’s a Nissan Kicks SV, compact crossover, 122hp/FWD. I also chose it for storing my luggage when moving or traveling.
I do like the noise it makes when accelerating and it reminds me of a small dog barking at something 5x it’s size. The car feels light and smooth when driving, as well. I’m heading in that direction so, if you have any suggestions, let me know.
Sounds like both a practical and fun car! Here’s to many adventures with it.
As for the name, I have no idea. For some reason, Pierre comes to mind. Maybe because Nissan is french nowadays, or maybe I’ve just rewatched too many episodes of Danger 5 this week.
There’s a 50/50 chance I just got myself fired for standing up for myself at work, I’ll find out on Tuesday when I go back in, I guess; it really doesn’t matter to me anymore, I wasn’t happy there, just stressed. If I’m not, then that’s cool.
This is definitely the most euphoric I’ve felt in years, I think I’m going to celebrate with a trip to the beach and maybe look for some spots to skate. I think I’ll start self advocating for myself more, too. I like this feeling.
Looking at the replies on that open ai thread, and how many of people are just going on rooting for ai companies just taking other people’s work without their consent, is alarming, also probably signals that this community might not be for me.
Thank you for everything, and sadly I think I might leave beehaw altogether.
Going to have a look. Not because I don’t believe you, but because it seems so at odds with the usual vibe here that am wondering whether someone unleashed some bot accounts to push this stuff.
If it is regular Beehaw members, that is for sure unnerving!
EDIT: am too dumb at internet to find it. Tried a search (for “ai” to keep it broad), browsing local and looking at subscriptions which aren’t totally incompatible places for such a topic, but coming up blank. Feel free to fling a link my way.
I understand your sentiment, threads on generative AI get me all worked up as well. I couldn’t resist jumping into the fray and I did have the distinct impression that most users supporting OpenAI’s stance were originating from other Lemmy instances and that many Beehaw based users were against it. My humble opinion is that this specific thread is more representative of the Fediverse’s vibe than of Beehaw’s.
I very much doubt you’ll get snark for your comment. That’s just not what Beehaw stands for. If you decide to hang in there some more, I suggest you pay attention to the commenters’ Lemmy instance. Beehaw embodies the hope for a caring web community, but the rest of the Fediverse doesn’t necessarily share the same ideals.
Technology is fun and interesting. AI is interesting and there’s a lot of research going on right now.
But I noticed the same things you do. Many people seem to be “anti-humanity”. We as people need workers protections, better social programs, and more so terrible consequences of these technologies don’t harm us. Technology should be used to help people and societies thrive not for the elite to keep even more power.
Beehaw may not be perfect. And you have a great example of why beehaw should leave the fediverse. But beehaw is the only place I’ve found where we can have civil discussion on topics. Much of the toxicity introduced in beehaw come from non beehaw users. I enjoy my time here, but it’s not for everyone. If you leave, I hope you find a space that’s best for you.
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