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AI Art Generation Handbook/VCAT/Artist Style/Belgium. The prompt used is
codice_1
To ensure fair judgement, following steps are done
(i) All of prompts are generated 2 times with 8 images each
(ii) Images selected is randomly selected using this dice
(iii) No extra settings are selected except for changing Fooocus resolutions into 1024*1024 pixels | 96 |
A Guide to Discord/Community programs. Partners.
Discord Partners are Discord servers that are chosen by Discord staff to act as "role models" for other servers. The Partnership program offers better support and additional benefits to servers that meet its requirements. Applications can be submitted by visiting the "Partner Program" tab. At this time, Discord is no longer accepting new partner applications. Common servers chosen for the Partnership program are those affiliated with subreddits, social personalities, content creators, non-profit organizations, or large communities.
Server Verification.
Server Verification offers many of the same benefits as Discord's Partnership Program. However, Verification is reserved for servers owned by music artists, esports organizations, publishers, and game developers. Community servers are not eligible for verification.
Hypesquad.
The Hypesquad are members of the Discord community who are extra enthusiastic about the platform, and are selected to promote the platform both online and at events around the world. Hypesquad members are sorted into three houses: Balance, Bravery, and Brilliance, distinguished by a badge next to their username.
To join the Hypesquad, navigate to "User Settings", "Hypesquad", and "Join Hypesquad", then take a 5-question personality quiz. You will be sorted into a house based on your answers. You can retake the quiz if you are unhappy with your results.
Hypesquad Tiers.
Online Tier
Event Attendee Tier
Event Coordinator Tier | 339 |
AI Art Generation Handbook/VCAT/Artist Style/Italy. The prompt used is
codice_1
To ensure fair judgement, following steps are done
(i) All of prompts are generated 2 times with 8 images each
(ii) Images selected is randomly selected using this dice
(iii) No extra settings are selected except for changing Fooocus resolutions into 1024*1024 pixels | 95 |
AI Art Generation Handbook/VCAT/Artist Style/Germany. The prompt used is
codice_1
To ensure fair judgement, following steps are done
(i) All of prompts are generated 2 times with 8 images each
(ii) Images selected is randomly selected using this dice
(iii) No extra settings are selected except for changing Fooocus resolutions into 1024*1024 pixels | 96 |
UNO/UNO Flip!. "UNO Flip!", released in 2020, is a competetive variation of UNO that uses a double-sided deck and a special Flip card. The light side plays like standard UNO, but the dark side has tougher action cards.
Basic Gameplay.
The cards in an UNO Flip deck have two sides: a "light side" with white numbers and symbols, and a "dark side" with black numbers and symbols. The light side uses the standard UNO colours of red, blue, green and yellow, whilst the dark side uses pink, purple, orange and teal.
To begin the game a dealer is selected, shuffling the deck and dealing seven cards to each player. These cards must be dealt so that the players are looking at the light side of their cards, and the dark side is facing their opponents. Then the draw pile is placed down dark side up, and a discard pile is started, light side up.
The players must make sure all of the cards in their hand are facing the same way at all times - light with light and dark with dark.
The pre-2018 rules for starting action cards are applied in this game, with modifications for the different action cards.
Light Side Action Cards.
Draw One.
This card replaces the Draw Two from standard UNO. It acts the same way, but the drawing player only draws one card. If turned up at the beginning of play the starting player draws one card and loses their turn.
Reverse.
Acts the same as in standard UNO. If turned up at the beginning of play the turn order immediately reverses - the dealer plays first, then play proceeds counterclockwise.
Skip.
Acts the same as in standard UNO. If turned up at the beginning of play the starting player loses their turn and the following player plays.
Wild.
Acts the same as in standard UNO. If turned up at the beginning of play the starting player selects the colour that begins play.
Wild Draw Two.
This card replaces the Wild Draw Four from standard UNO. It acts the same way, but the drawing player only draws two cards. The card can be challenged like a Wild Draw Four, with the penalty being for the guilty player to draw the two cards instead and the false accuser drawing four cards. If turned up at the beginning of play the card is returned to the deck and a new card is flipped.
Flip.
When this card is played the players immediately turn their hands around so they are playing with the opposite side. The draw and discard piles are flipped to match. The new side will remain in play until another Flip card is played. If turned up at the beginning of play everything is immediately flipped so the dark side begins play.
Dark Side Action Cards.
Draw Five.
When this card is played the next player in turn order must draw five cards from the draw pile and lose their turn.
Reverse.
Acts the same as on the light side.
Skip Everyone.
When this card is played every other player loses their turn and the player who played the Skip Everyone is allowed to play again.
Wild.
Acts the same as on the light side.
Wild Draw Colour.
This card plays like a normal Wild, with the addition that after the player who played the card selects a colour, the next player must continously draw cards from the draw pile until they obtain a card of the selected colour, which they show to everyone else as proof. The drawing player must do this even if they already have a card of the selected colour. Then they lose their turn.
A Wild Draw Colour can be challenged - the penalty is that the guilty player must draw until they get the colour, and the false accuser must draw until they get the colour plus two extra penalty cards.
Flip.
Acts the same as on the light side.
Scoring.
Unlike standard UNO scoring 500 points is the default win condition in "UNO Flip!". Cards are scored as follows: | 889 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...g6. = Bishop's Opening - Sideline 2... g6? =
The opening line 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 g6 is a deviation from standard opening principles in chess. The move 2…g6? is considered weak because it allows White to seize control of the center with 3. d4 quickly. This move attacks the pawn on e5 and prepares to develop the knight to f3.
After 3. d4!, White plans to continue with 4. Nf3, aiming to put more pressure on the central square e5. Black cannot respond with 4... Bg7?? because 5. Nxe5 Bxe5 6. dxe5 would lead to White winning a pawn due to the pin on the e5 pawn.
White could also consider a long-term plan of advancing the pawn on a2 to a5 (via a4) to control the b6 square. This move could potentially limit Black's queenside development and create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure.
Overall, this sideline in the Bishop's Opening leads to a superior position for White due to Black's neglect of central control and weak pawn structure.
Theory table.
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 g6?
References.
Bibliography
External links | 334 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...b6. = Bishop's Opening - Sideline 2... b6? =
The position after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b6? is generally considered weak and slightly unusual as it doesn't immediately help in developing black's minor pieces or controlling the center of the board. The primary weakness this move creates in Black's position is a lack of central control. The traditional moves 2...Nc6 or 2...Nf6! contest the center and allow for quicker development of the pieces, but 2...b6 does not. Furthermore, the move 2...b6 could potentially weaken the c6 square, which could be exploited in the future.
White's plan usually involves a standard development with 3.Nf3! followed by 0-0, d4, and c3. White's plan of rapid development and central control can help to exploit the 2...b6 weaknesses and gain an early advantage. This plan allows White to quickly develop his pieces, aiming to control the center with a pawn at d4, and prepare for a potential pawn storm with c3 and d4. The Knights are well placed on f3 and c3, the Bishop on c4 is eyeing the f7 square, and the King has been tucked away safely by castling. This setup provides a solid foundation for White to launch an attack, putting pressure on Black's position.
Meanwhile, Black's slower development and lack of central control can allow White to seize the initiative early on in the game. The key for White will be to capitalize on these advantages while maintaining a solid position and preparing for any counterattacks that Black might launch.
Theory table.
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b6?
References.
Bibliography
External links | 429 |
Color theory/Algorithms. Gray conversion.
Python code
def grayAverage(r,g,b):
algorithm = (r + g + b) // 3
return (algorithm)
def invertRGB(r,g,b):
r = 255 - r
g = 255 - g
b = 255 - b
return (r,g,b)
def lightness(r,g,b):
algorithm = (max(r, g, b) + min(r, g, b)) // 2
return (algorithm)
def luminosity(r,g,b):
algorithm = int(((0.21 * r) + (0.71 * g) + (0.07 * b)))
return (algorithm)
= References = | 182 |
Color Theory/Algorithms. "color operations should be done ...to either model human perception or the physical behavior of light" Björn Ottosson : How software gets color wrong
color conversion.
// https://www.w3.org/TR/css-color-4/#color-conversion-code
// Sample code for color conversions
// Conversion can also be done using ICC profiles and a Color Management System
// For clarity, a library is used for matrix multiplication (multiply-matrices.js)
// standard white points, defined by 4-figure CIE x,y chromaticities
const D50 = [0.3457 / 0.3585, 1.00000, (1.0 - 0.3457 - 0.3585) / 0.3585];
const D65 = [0.3127 / 0.3290, 1.00000, (1.0 - 0.3127 - 0.3290) / 0.3290];
function lin_sRGB_to_XYZ(rgb) {
// convert an array of linear-light sRGB values to CIE XYZ
// using sRGB's own white, D65 (no chromatic adaptation)
var M = [
[ 506752 / 1228815, 87881 / 245763, 12673 / 70218 ],
[ 87098 / 409605, 175762 / 245763, 12673 / 175545 ],
[ 7918 / 409605, 87881 / 737289, 1001167 / 1053270 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, rgb);
function XYZ_to_lin_sRGB(XYZ) {
// convert XYZ to linear-light sRGB
var M = [
[ 12831 / 3959, -329 / 214, -1974 / 3959 ],
[ -851781 / 878810, 1648619 / 878810, 36519 / 878810 ],
[ 705 / 12673, -2585 / 12673, 705 / 667 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
// display-p3-related functions
function lin_P3(RGB) {
// convert an array of display-p3 RGB values in the range 0.0 - 1.0
// to linear light (un-companded) form.
return lin_sRGB(RGB); // same as sRGB
function gam_P3(RGB) {
// convert an array of linear-light display-p3 RGB in the range 0.0-1.0
// to gamma corrected form
return gam_sRGB(RGB); // same as sRGB
function lin_P3_to_XYZ(rgb) {
// convert an array of linear-light display-p3 values to CIE XYZ
// using D65 (no chromatic adaptation)
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_RGB_XYZ_Matrix.html
var M = [
[ 608311 / 1250200, 189793 / 714400, 198249 / 1000160 ],
[ 35783 / 156275, 247089 / 357200, 198249 / 2500400 ],
[ 0 / 1, 32229 / 714400, 5220557 / 5000800 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, rgb);
function XYZ_to_lin_P3(XYZ) {
// convert XYZ to linear-light P3
var M = [
[ 446124 / 178915, -333277 / 357830, -72051 / 178915 ],
[ -14852 / 17905, 63121 / 35810, 423 / 17905 ],
[ 11844 / 330415, -50337 / 660830, 316169 / 330415 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
// prophoto-rgb functions
function lin_ProPhoto(RGB) {
// convert an array of prophoto-rgb values
// where in-gamut colors are in the range [0.0 - 1.0]
// to linear light (un-companded) form.
// Transfer curve is gamma 1.8 with a small linear portion
// Extended transfer function
const Et2 = 16/512;
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs <= Et2) {
return val / 16;
return sign * Math.pow(abs, 1.8);
function gam_ProPhoto(RGB) {
// convert an array of linear-light prophoto-rgb in the range 0.0-1.0
// to gamma corrected form
// Transfer curve is gamma 1.8 with a small linear portion
// TODO for negative values, extend linear portion on reflection of axis, then add pow below that
const Et = 1/512;
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs >= Et) {
return sign * Math.pow(abs, 1/1.8);
return 16 * val;
function lin_ProPhoto_to_XYZ(rgb) {
// convert an array of linear-light prophoto-rgb values to CIE XYZ
// using D50 (so no chromatic adaptation needed afterwards)
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_RGB_XYZ_Matrix.html
var M = [
[ 0.7977604896723027, 0.13518583717574031, 0.0313493495815248 ],
[ 0.2880711282292934, 0.7118432178101014, 0.00008565396060525902 ],
[ 0.0, 0.0, 0.8251046025104601 ]
return multiplyMatrices(M, rgb);
function XYZ_to_lin_ProPhoto(XYZ) {
// convert XYZ to linear-light prophoto-rgb
var M = [
[ 1.3457989731028281, -0.25558010007997534, -0.05110628506753401 ],
[ -0.5446224939028347, 1.5082327413132781, 0.02053603239147973 ],
[ 0.0, 0.0, 1.2119675456389454 ]
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
// a98-rgb functions
function lin_a98rgb(RGB) {
// convert an array of a98-rgb values in the range 0.0 - 1.0
// to linear light (un-companded) form.
// negative values are also now accepted
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
return sign * Math.pow(abs, 563/256);
function gam_a98rgb(RGB) {
// convert an array of linear-light a98-rgb in the range 0.0-1.0
// to gamma corrected form
// negative values are also now accepted
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
return sign * Math.pow(abs, 256/563);
function lin_a98rgb_to_XYZ(rgb) {
// convert an array of linear-light a98-rgb values to CIE XYZ
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_RGB_XYZ_Matrix.html
// has greater numerical precision than section 4.3.5.3 of
// https://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/pdfs/AdobeRGB1998.pdf
// but the values below were calculated from first principles
// from the chromaticity coordinates of R G B W
// see matrixmaker.html
var M = [
[ 573536 / 994567, 263643 / 1420810, 187206 / 994567 ],
[ 591459 / 1989134, 6239551 / 9945670, 374412 / 4972835 ],
[ 53769 / 1989134, 351524 / 4972835, 4929758 / 4972835 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, rgb);
function XYZ_to_lin_a98rgb(XYZ) {
// convert XYZ to linear-light a98-rgb
var M = [
[ 1829569 / 896150, -506331 / 896150, -308931 / 896150 ],
[ -851781 / 878810, 1648619 / 878810, 36519 / 878810 ],
[ 16779 / 1248040, -147721 / 1248040, 1266979 / 1248040 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
//Rec. 2020-related functions
function lin_2020(RGB) {
// convert an array of rec2020 RGB values in the range 0.0 - 1.0
// to linear light (un-companded) form.
// ITU-R BT.2020-2 p.4
const α = 1.09929682680944 ;
const β = 0.018053968510807;
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs < β * 4.5 ) {
return val / 4.5;
return sign * (Math.pow((abs + α -1 ) / α, 1/0.45));
function gam_2020(RGB) {
// convert an array of linear-light rec2020 RGB in the range 0.0-1.0
// to gamma corrected form
// ITU-R BT.2020-2 p.4
const α = 1.09929682680944 ;
const β = 0.018053968510807;
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs > β ) {
return sign * (α * Math.pow(abs, 0.45) - (α - 1));
return 4.5 * val;
function lin_2020_to_XYZ(rgb) {
// convert an array of linear-light rec2020 values to CIE XYZ
// using D65 (no chromatic adaptation)
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_RGB_XYZ_Matrix.html
var M = [
[ 63426534 / 99577255, 20160776 / 139408157, 47086771 / 278816314 ],
[ 26158966 / 99577255, 472592308 / 697040785, 8267143 / 139408157 ],
[ 0 / 1, 19567812 / 697040785, 295819943 / 278816314 ],
// 0 is actually calculated as 4.994106574466076e-17
return multiplyMatrices(M, rgb);
function XYZ_to_lin_2020(XYZ) {
// convert XYZ to linear-light rec2020
var M = [
[ 30757411 / 17917100, -6372589 / 17917100, -4539589 / 17917100 ],
[ -19765991 / 29648200, 47925759 / 29648200, 467509 / 29648200 ],
[ 792561 / 44930125, -1921689 / 44930125, 42328811 / 44930125 ],
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
// Chromatic adaptation
function D65_to_D50(XYZ) {
// Bradford chromatic adaptation from D65 to D50
// The matrix below is the result of three operations:
// - convert from XYZ to retinal cone domain
// - scale components from one reference white to another
// - convert back to XYZ
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_ChromAdapt.html
var M = [
[ 1.0479298208405488, 0.022946793341019088, -0.05019222954313557 ],
[ 0.029627815688159344, 0.990434484573249, -0.01707382502938514 ],
[ -0.009243058152591178, 0.015055144896577895, 0.7518742899580008 ]
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
function D50_to_D65(XYZ) {
// Bradford chromatic adaptation from D50 to D65
var M = [
[ 0.9554734527042182, -0.023098536874261423, 0.0632593086610217 ],
[ -0.028369706963208136, 1.0099954580058226, 0.021041398966943008 ],
[ 0.012314001688319899, -0.020507696433477912, 1.3303659366080753 ]
return multiplyMatrices(M, XYZ);
// CIE Lab and LCH
function XYZ_to_Lab(XYZ) {
// Assuming XYZ is relative to D50, convert to CIE Lab
// from CIE standard, which now defines these as a rational fraction
var ε = 216/24389; // 6^3/29^3
var κ = 24389/27; // 29^3/3^3
// compute xyz, which is XYZ scaled relative to reference white
var xyz = XYZ.map((value, i) => value / D50[i]);
// now compute f
var f = xyz.map(value => value > ε ? Math.cbrt(value) : (κ * value + 16)/116);
return [
(116 * f[1]) - 16, // L
500 * (f[0] - f[1]), // a
200 * (f[1] - f[2]) // b
// L in range [0,100]. For use in CSS, add a percent
function Lab_to_XYZ(Lab) {
// Convert Lab to D50-adapted XYZ
// http://www.brucelindbloom.com/index.html?Eqn_RGB_XYZ_Matrix.html
var κ = 24389/27; // 29^3/3^3
var ε = 216/24389; // 6^3/29^3
var f = [];
// compute f, starting with the luminance-related term
f[1] = (Lab[0] + 16)/116;
f[0] = Lab[1]/500 + f[1];
f[2] = f[1] - Lab[2]/200;
// compute xyz
var xyz = [
Math.pow(f[0],3) > ε ? Math.pow(f[0],3) : (116*f[0]-16)/κ,
Lab[0] > κ * ε ? Math.pow((Lab[0]+16)/116,3) : Lab[0]/κ,
Math.pow(f[2],3) > ε ? Math.pow(f[2],3) : (116*f[2]-16)/κ
// Compute XYZ by scaling xyz by reference white
return xyz.map((value, i) => value * D50[i]);
function Lab_to_LCH(Lab) {
// Convert to polar form
var hue = Math.atan2(Lab[2], Lab[1]) * 180 / Math.PI;
return [
Lab[0], // L is still L
Math.sqrt(Math.pow(Lab[1], 2) + Math.pow(Lab[2], 2)), // Chroma
hue >= 0 ? hue : hue + 360 // Hue, in degrees [0 to 360)
function LCH_to_Lab(LCH) {
// Convert from polar form
return [
LCH[0], // L is still L
LCH[1] * Math.cos(LCH[2] * Math.PI / 180), // a
LCH[1] * Math.sin(LCH[2] * Math.PI / 180) // b
// OKLab and OKLCH
// https://bottosson.github.io/posts/oklab/
// XYZ <-> LMS matrices recalculated for consistent reference white
// see https://github.com/w3c/csswg-drafts/issues/6642#issuecomment-943521484
function XYZ_to_OKLab(XYZ) {
// Given XYZ relative to D65, convert to OKLab
var XYZtoLMS = [
[ 0.8190224432164319, 0.3619062562801221, -0.12887378261216414 ],
[ 0.0329836671980271, 0.9292868468965546, 0.03614466816999844 ],
[ 0.048177199566046255, 0.26423952494422764, 0.6335478258136937 ]
var LMStoOKLab = [
[ 0.2104542553, 0.7936177850, -0.0040720468 ],
[ 1.9779984951, -2.4285922050, 0.4505937099 ],
[ 0.0259040371, 0.7827717662, -0.8086757660 ]
var LMS = multiplyMatrices(XYZtoLMS, XYZ);
return multiplyMatrices(LMStoOKLab, LMS.map(c => Math.cbrt(c)));
// L in range [0,1]. For use in CSS, multiply by 100 and add a percent
function OKLab_to_XYZ(OKLab) {
// Given OKLab, convert to XYZ relative to D65
var LMStoXYZ = [
[ 1.2268798733741557, -0.5578149965554813, 0.28139105017721583 ],
[ -0.04057576262431372, 1.1122868293970594, -0.07171106666151701 ],
[ -0.07637294974672142, -0.4214933239627914, 1.5869240244272418 ]
var OKLabtoLMS = [
[ 0.99999999845051981432, 0.39633779217376785678, 0.21580375806075880339 ],
[ 1.0000000088817607767, -0.1055613423236563494, -0.063854174771705903402 ],
[ 1.0000000546724109177, -0.089484182094965759684, -1.2914855378640917399 ]
var LMSnl = multiplyMatrices(OKLabtoLMS, OKLab);
return multiplyMatrices(LMStoXYZ, LMSnl.map(c => c ** 3));
function OKLab_to_OKLCH(OKLab) {
var hue = Math.atan2(OKLab[2], OKLab[1]) * 180 / Math.PI;
return [
OKLab[0], // L is still L
Math.sqrt(OKLab[1] ** 2 + OKLab[2] ** 2), // Chroma
hue >= 0 ? hue : hue + 360 // Hue, in degrees [0 to 360)
function OKLCH_to_OKLab(OKLCH) {
return [
OKLCH[0], // L is still L
OKLCH[1] * Math.cos(OKLCH[2] * Math.PI / 180), // a
OKLCH[1] * Math.sin(OKLCH[2] * Math.PI / 180) // b
// Premultiplied alpha conversions
function rectangular_premultiply(color, alpha) {
// given a color in a rectangular orthogonal colorspace
// and an alpha value
// return the premultiplied form
return color.map((c) => c * alpha)
function rectangular_un_premultiply(color, alpha) {
// given a premultiplied color in a rectangular orthogonal colorspace
// and an alpha value
// return the actual color
if (alpha === 0) {
return color; // avoid divide by zero
return color.map((c) => c / alpha)
function polar_premultiply(color, alpha, hueIndex) {
// given a color in a cylindicalpolar colorspace
// and an alpha value
// return the premultiplied form.
// the index says which entry in the color array corresponds to hue angle
// for example, in OKLCH it would be 2
// while in HSL it would be 0
return color.map((c, i) => c * (hueIndex === i? 1 : alpha))
function polar_un_premultiply(color, alpha, hueIndex) {
// given a color in a cylindicalpolar colorspace
// and an alpha value
// return the actual color.
// the hueIndex says which entry in the color array corresponds to hue angle
// for example, in OKLCH it would be 2
// while in HSL it would be 0
if (alpha === 0) {
return color; // avoid divide by zero
return color.map((c, i) => c / (hueIndex === i? 1 : alpha))
// Convenience functions can easily be defined, such as
function hsl_premultiply(color, alpha) {
return polar_premultiply(color, alpha, 0);
convertion inside sRGB.
js code from CSS.
// https://www.w3.org/TR/css-color-4/#color-conversion-code
// Sample code for color conversions
// Conversion can also be done using ICC profiles and a Color Management System
// For clarity, a library is used for matrix multiplication (multiply-matrices.js)
// sRGB-related functions
function lin_sRGB(RGB) {
// convert an array of sRGB values
// where in-gamut values are in the range [0 - 1]
// to linear light (un-companded) form.
// en wiki: SRGB
// Extended transfer function:
// for negative values, linear portion is extended on reflection of axis,
// then reflected power function is used.
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs < 0.04045) {
return val / 12.92;
return sign * (Math.pow((abs + 0.055) / 1.055, 2.4));
function gam_sRGB(RGB) {
// convert an array of linear-light sRGB values in the range 0.0-1.0
// to gamma corrected form
// en wiki: SRGB
// Extended transfer function:
// For negative values, linear portion extends on reflection
// of axis, then uses reflected pow below that
return RGB.map(function (val) {
let sign = val < 0? -1 : 1;
let abs = Math.abs(val);
if (abs > 0.0031308) {
return sign * (1.055 * Math.pow(abs, 1/2.4) - 0.055);
return 12.92 * val;
linearisation.
Steps
When you're reading an sRGB image, and you want linear intensities, apply this formula to each intensity:
float s = read_channel();
float linear;
if (s <= 0.04045) linear = s / 12.92;
else linear = pow((s + 0.055) / 1.055, 2.4);
Going the other way, when you want to write an image as sRGB, apply this formula to each linear intensity:
float linear = do_processing();
float s;
if (linear <= 0.0031308) s = linear * 12.92;
else s = 1.055 * pow(linear, 1.0/2.4) - 0.055;
Stages:
For colors in sRGB in range 0.0 to 1.0 this can be done by applying these functions component wise (provided in C-like pseudocode):
float f_inv(float x)
if (x >= 0.04045)
return ((x + 0.055)/(1 + 0.055))^2.4
else
return x / 12.92
float f(float x)
if (x >= 0.0031308)
return (1.055) * x^(1.0/2.4) - 0.055
else
return 12.92 * x
Convertion between HSL and sRGB.
Converting an HSL color to sRGB in JavaScript.
/**
* https://www.w3.org/TR/css-color-4/#hsl-to-rgb
* @param {number} hue - Hue as degrees 0..360
* @param {number} sat - Saturation as percentage 0..100
* @param {number} light - Lightness as percentage 0..100
* @return {number[]} Array of RGB components 0..1
function hslToRgb(hue, sat, light) {
hue = hue % 360;
if (hue < 0) {
hue += 360;
sat /= 100;
light /= 100;
function f(n) {
let k = (n + hue/30) % 12;
let a = sat * Math.min(light, 1 - light);
return light - a * Math.max(-1, Math.min(k - 3, 9 - k, 1));
return [f(0), f(8), f(4)];
Converting sRGB Colors to HSL
/**
* https://www.w3.org/TR/css-color-4/#hsl-to-rgb
* @param {number} red - Red component 0..1
* @param {number} green - Green component 0..1
* @param {number} blue - Blue component 0..1
* @return {number[]} Array of HSL values: Hue as degrees 0..360, Saturation and Lightness as percentages 0..100
function rgbToHsl (red, green, blue) {
let max = Math.max(red, green, blue);
let min = Math.min(red, green, blue);
let [hue, sat, light] = [NaN, 0, (min + max)/2];
let d = max - min;
if (d !== 0) {
sat = (light === 0 || light === 1)
? 0
: (max - light) / Math.min(light, 1 - light);
switch (max) {
case red: hue = (green - blue) / d + (green < blue ? 6 : 0); break;
case green: hue = (blue - red) / d + 2; break;
case blue: hue = (red - green) / d + 4;
hue = hue * 60;
return [hue, sat * 100, light * 100];
Converting from linear sRGB to Oklab.
A color in Oklab is represented with three coordinates Lab:
It's corresponding polar form is called Oklch.
The standard coordinate can also be transformed into polar form ( Lch), with the coordinates:
In reverse direction:
Converting from linear sRGB to Oklab in c++
// https://bottosson.github.io/misc/ok_color.h
struct Lab {float L; float a; float b;};
struct RGB {float r; float g; float b;};
Lab linear_srgb_to_oklab(RGB c)
float l = 0.4122214708f * c.r + 0.5363325363f * c.g + 0.0514459929f * c.b;
float m = 0.2119034982f * c.r + 0.6806995451f * c.g + 0.1073969566f * c.b;
float s = 0.0883024619f * c.r + 0.2817188376f * c.g + 0.6299787005f * c.b;
float l_ = cbrtf(l);
float m_ = cbrtf(m);
float s_ = cbrtf(s);
return {
0.2104542553f*l_ + 0.7936177850f*m_ - 0.0040720468f*s_,
1.9779984951f*l_ - 2.4285922050f*m_ + 0.4505937099f*s_,
0.0259040371f*l_ + 0.7827717662f*m_ - 0.8086757660f*s_,
RGB oklab_to_linear_srgb(Lab c)
float l_ = c.L + 0.3963377774f * c.a + 0.2158037573f * c.b;
float m_ = c.L - 0.1055613458f * c.a - 0.0638541728f * c.b;
float s_ = c.L - 0.0894841775f * c.a - 1.2914855480f * c.b;
float l = l_*l_*l_;
float m = m_*m_*m_;
float s = s_*s_*s_;
return {
+4.0767416621f * l - 3.3077115913f * m + 0.2309699292f * s,
-1.2684380046f * l + 2.6097574011f * m - 0.3413193965f * s,
-0.0041960863f * l - 0.7034186147f * m + 1.7076147010f * s,
Image conversion.
C code
// Convert image to grayscale
void grayscale(int height, int width, RGBTRIPLE image[height][width])
// update to avg of blue green and red
float avg = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
for (int j = 0; j < width; j ++)
avg = (((float)image[i][j].rgbtBlue + image[i][j].rgbtGreen + image[i][j].rgbtRed) / 3);
int roundi = round(avg);
image[i][j].rgbtBlue = roundi;
image[i][j].rgbtGreen = roundi;
image[i][j].rgbtRed = roundi;
return;
// Reflect image horizontally
void reflect(int height, int width, RGBTRIPLE image[height][width])
// swaping 2 vals [end to start]
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
//only till width / 2 because we dont want it to swap again
for (int j = 0; j < (int)width / 2 ; j ++)
int tmpblue = image[i][j].rgbtBlue;
image[i][j].rgbtBlue = image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtBlue;
image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtBlue = tmpblue;
int tmpgreen = image[i][j].rgbtGreen;
image[i][j].rgbtGreen = image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtGreen;
image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtGreen = tmpgreen;
int tmpred = image[i][j].rgbtRed;
image[i][j].rgbtRed = image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtRed;
image[i][width - j - 1].rgbtRed = tmpred;
return;
// Convert image to sepia
void sepia(int height, int width, RGBTRIPLE image[height][width])
//sepia red blue green is all 0 for now
float sepiaRed = 0;
float sepiaBlue = 0;
float sepiaGreen = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
for (int j = 0; j < width; j ++)
// applying algo to all
sepiaRed = (0.393 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtRed) + (0.769 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtGreen) + (0.189 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtBlue);
sepiaGreen = (0.349 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtRed) + (0.686 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtGreen) + (0.168 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtBlue);
sepiaBlue = (0.272 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtRed) + (0.534 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtGreen) + (0.131 * (float)image[i][j].rgbtBlue);
int sred = round(sepiaRed);
int sgreen = round(sepiaGreen);
int sblue = round(sepiaBlue);
// if more than 255 which is max of rgb cap it to 255
if (sred > 255)
sred = 255;
if (sgreen > 255)
sgreen = 255;
if (sblue > 255)
sblue = 255;
image[i][j].rgbtBlue = sblue;
image[i][j].rgbtGreen = sgreen;
image[i][j].rgbtRed = sred;
return;
// Blur image
void blur(int height, int width, RGBTRIPLE image[height][width])
RGBTRIPLE tmp[height][width];
for (int row = 0; row < height; row ++)
for (int col = 0; col < width; col ++)
int count = 0;
int xaxis[] = {row - 1, row, row + 1};
int yaxis[] = {col - 1, col, col + 1};
float totalR = 0, totalG = 0, totalB = 0;
for (int r = 0; r < 3; r++)
for (int c = 0; c < 3; c++)
int curRow = xaxis[r];
int curCol = yaxis[c];
if (curRow >= 0 && curRow < height && curCol >= 0 && curCol < width)
RGBTRIPLE pixel = image[curRow][curCol];
totalR += pixel.rgbtRed;
totalG += pixel.rgbtGreen;
totalB += pixel.rgbtBlue;
count ++;
tmp[row][col].rgbtRed = round(totalR / count);
tmp[row][col].rgbtGreen = round(totalG / count);
tmp[row][col].rgbtBlue = round(totalB / count);
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
for (int j = 0; j < width; j ++)
image[i][j] = tmp[i][j];
return;
// Detect edges
void edges(int height, int width, RGBTRIPLE image[height][width])
RGBTRIPLE tmp[height][width];
//gx matrix
int Gx[3][3] =
{-1, 0, 1},
{-2, 0, 2},
//gy matrix
int Gy[3][3] =
{-1, -2, -1},
{0, 0, 0},
for (int row = 0; row < height; row ++)
for (int col = 0; col < width; col ++)
int count = 0;
//x axis
int xaxis[] = {row - 1, row, row + 1};
// y axis
int yaxis[] = {col - 1, col, col + 1};
// flaot vals for gx rgb
float Gx_R = 0, Gx_G = 0, Gx_B = 0;
// flaot vals for gy rgb
float Gy_R = 0, Gy_G = 0, Gy_B = 0;
for (int r = 0; r < 3; r++)
for (int c = 0; c < 3; c++)
int curRow = xaxis[r];
int curCol = yaxis[c];
if (curRow >= 0 && curRow < height && curCol >= 0 && curCol < width)
RGBTRIPLE pixel = image[curRow][curCol];
// matrix for gx_rgb * the gx vals
Gx_R += Gx[r][c] * pixel.rgbtRed;
Gx_G += Gx[r][c] * pixel.rgbtGreen;
Gx_B += Gx[r][c] * pixel.rgbtBlue;
// matrix for gy_rgb * the gy vals
Gy_R += Gy[r][c] * pixel.rgbtRed;
Gy_G += Gy[r][c] * pixel.rgbtGreen;
Gy_B += Gy[r][c] * pixel.rgbtBlue;
//sqrt of the vals of gx and gy rgb then roud it
int final_red = round(sqrt((Gx_R * Gx_R) + (Gy_R * Gy_R)));
int final_green = round(sqrt((Gx_G * Gx_G) + (Gy_G * Gy_G)));
int final_blue = round(sqrt((Gx_B * Gx_B) + (Gy_B * Gy_B)));
// if the value more than 255 then cap it to 255
if (final_red > 255)
final_red = 255;
if (final_green > 255)
final_green = 255;
if (final_blue > 255)
final_blue = 255;
//update vals in the tmp
tmp[row][col].rgbtRed = final_red;
tmp[row][col].rgbtGreen = final_green;
tmp[row][col].rgbtBlue = final_blue;
// updating the vals into the new image output
for (int i = 0; i < height; i++)
for (int j = 0; j < width; j ++)
image[i][j] = tmp[i][j];
return;
Gray conversion.
Python code
def grayAverage(r,g,b):
algorithm = (r + g + b) // 3
return (algorithm)
def invertRGB(r,g,b):
r = 255 - r
g = 255 - g
b = 255 - b
return (r,g,b)
def lightness(r,g,b):
algorithm = (max(r, g, b) + min(r, g, b)) // 2
return (algorithm)
def luminosity(r,g,b):
algorithm = int(((0.21 * r) + (0.71 * g) + (0.07 * b)))
return (algorithm)
matrix multiplication.
matrix multiplication. (This is more readable than inlining all the multiplies and adds). The matrices are in column-major order.
/**
* https://www.w3.org/TR/css-color-4/multiply-matrices.js
* Simple matrix (and vector) multiplication
* Warning: No error handling for incompatible dimensions!
* @author Lea Verou 2020 MIT License
// A is m x n. B is n x p. product is m x p.
function multiplyMatrices(A, B) {
let m = A.length;
if (!Array.isArray(A[0])) {
// A is vector, convert to a, b, c, ...
A = [A];
if (!Array.isArray(B[0])) {
// B is vector, convert to a], [b], [c], ...
B = B.map(x => [x]);
let p = B[0].length;
let B_cols = B[0].map((_, i) => B.map(x => x[i])); // transpose B
let product = A.map(row => B_cols.map(col => {
if (!Array.isArray(row)) {
return col.reduce((a, c) => a + c * row, 0);
return row.reduce((a, c, i) => a + c * (col[i] || 0), 0);
if (m === 1) {
product = product[0]; // Avoid a, b, c, ...
if (p === 1) {
return product.map(x => x[0]); // Avoid a], [b], [c], ...
return product;
Mix colors.
Methods
Goal: The intensity of the gradient must be constant
Code:
simple interpolation.
Mix 2 RGB colors ( naive and wrong form)
Simple interpolation of the sRGB values, particularly the red-green gradient is too dark in the middle.
Intuitively, lerping ( linear interpolations) draws a straight line between two points in the colourspace being used. However, a straight line in the colourspace usually does not result in a perceptually linear interpolation.
interpolation on linear values.
RGB colors on computers are in the sRGB color space. And those numerical values have a gamma of approx 2.4 applied.
Without applying the inverse gamma, the mixed colors are darker than they're supposed to be.
In order to mix the colors correctly you must first undo this gamma adjustment. Correct steps are:
The gamma adjustment of sRGB isn't quite just 2.4. They actually have a linear section near black - so it's a piecewise function.
Helper functions:
And you re-apply the companding as:
The color blending in linear RGB space is good when colors are equal RGB total value; but the linear blending scale does not seem linear - especially for the black-white case.
Using interpolation on linear values rather than gamma-corrected values makes the red-green gradient better, but at the expense of the back-white gradient.
separating the light intensities from the color.
Steps
/* Copyright (c) 2022 Nathan Sweet
* Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
* of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
* in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
* to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
* copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
* furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
* The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
* copies or substantial portions of the Software.
* THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
* IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
* FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
* AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
* LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
* OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
* SOFTWARE.
package com.esotericsoftware.hsluv;
import static com.esotericsoftware.hsluv.Hsl.*;
/** Stores an RGB color. Interpolation is done without losing brightness.
* @author Nathan Sweet */
public class Rgb {
public float r, g, b;
public Rgb () {
public Rgb (Rgb rgb) {
set(rgb);
public Rgb (float r, float g, float b) {
set(r, g, b);
public Rgb set (Rgb rgb) {
this.r = r < 0 ? 0 : (r > 1 ? 1 : r);
this.g = g < 0 ? 0 : (g > 1 ? 1 : g);
this.b = b < 0 ? 0 : (b > 1 ? 1 : b);
return this;
public Rgb set (float r, float g, float b) {
this.r = r;
this.g = g;
this.b = b;
return this;
public Rgb set (int rgb) {
r = ((rgb & 0xff0000) »> 16) / 255f;
g = ((rgb & 0x00ff00) »> 8) / 255f;
b = ((rgb & 0x0000ff)) / 255f;
return this;
// from https://github.com/EsotericSoftware/hsl/blob/main/src/com/esotericsoftware/hsluv/Hsl.java
static float fromLinear (float value) {
return value <= 0.0031308f ? value * 12.92f : (float)(Math.pow(value, 1 / 2.4f) * 1.055f - 0.055f);
static float toLinear (float value) {
return value <= 0.04045f ? value / 12.92f : (float)Math.pow((value + 0.055f) / 1.055f, 2.4f);
public Rgb lerp (Rgb target, float a) {
if (a == 0) return this;
if (a == 1) return set(target);
float r = toLinear(this.r), g = toLinear(this.g), b = toLinear(this.b);
float r2 = toLinear(target.r), g2 = toLinear(target.g), b2 = toLinear(target.b);
float L = rgbToL(r, g, b);
L += (rgbToL(r2, g2, b2) - L) * a;
r += (r2 - r) * a;
g += (g2 - g) * a;
b += (b2 - b) * a;
float L2 = rgbToL(r, g, b);
float scale = L2 < 0.00001f ? 1 : L / L2;
this.r = fromLinear(r * scale);
this.g = fromLinear(g * scale);
this.b = fromLinear(b * scale);
return this;
public int toInt () {
return ((int)(255 * r) « 16) | ((int)(255 * g) « 8) | ((int)(255 * b));
public boolean equals (Object o) {
if (o == null) return false;
Rgb other = (Rgb)o;
return (int)(255 * r) == (int)(255 * other.r) //
&& (int)(255 * g) == (int)(255 * other.g) //
&& (int)(255 * b) == (int)(255 * other.b);
public int hashCode () {
int result = (int)(255 * r);
result = 31 * result + (int)(255 * g);
return 31 * result + (int)(255 * b);
public String toString () {
String value = Integer.toHexString(toInt());
while (value.length() < 6)
value = "0" + value;
return value;
static private float rgbToL (float r, float g, float b) {
float Y = minv[1][0] * r + minv[1][1] * g + minv[1][2] * b;
return Y <= epsilon ? Y * kappa : 1.16f * (float)Math.pow(Y, 1 / 3f) - 0.16f;
HSV.
/*
* Created by C.J. Kimberlin (http://cjkimberlin.com)
* The MIT License (MIT)
* Copyright (c) 2015
* Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
* of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
* in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
* to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
* copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
* furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
* The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
* copies or substantial portions of the Software.
* THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
* IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
* FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
* AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
* LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
* OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
* SOFTWARE.
*
* ============= Description =============
* An ColorHSV struct for interpreting a color in hue/saturation/value instead of red/green/blue.
* NOTE! hue will be a value from 0 to 1 instead of 0 to 360.
* ColorHSV hsvRed = new ColorHSV(1, 1, 1, 1); // RED
* ColorHSV hsvGreen = new ColorHSV(0.333f, 1, 1, 1); // GREEN
*
* Also supports implicit conversion between Color and Color32.
* ColorHSV hsvBlue = Color.blue; // HSVA(0.667f, 1, 1, 1)
* Color blue = hsvBlue; // RGBA(0, 0, 1, 1)
* Color32 blue32 = hsvBlue; // RGBA(0, 0, 255, 255)
*
* If functions are desired instead of implicit conversion then use the following.
* Color yellowBefore = Color.yellow; // RBGA(1, .922f, 0.016f, 1)
* ColorHSV hsvYellow = Color.yellowBefore.ToHSV(); // HSVA(0.153f, 0.984f, 1, 1)
* Color yellowAfter = hsvYellow.ToRGB(); // RBGA(1, .922f, 0.016f, 1)
using UnityEngine;
public struct ColorHSV
public float h;
public float s;
public float v;
public float a;
public ColorHSV(float h, float s, float v, float a)
this.h = h;
this.s = s;
this.v = v;
this.a = a;
public override string ToString()
return string.Format("HSVA: ({0:F3}, {1:F3}, {2:F3}, {3:F3})", h, s, v, a);
public static bool operator ==(ColorHSV lhs, ColorHSV rhs)
if (lhs.a != rhs.a)
return false;
if (lhs.v == 0 && rhs.v == 0)
return true;
if (lhs.s == 0 && rhs.s == 0)
return lhs.v == rhs.v;
return lhs.h == rhs.h &&
lhs.s == rhs.s &&
lhs.v == rhs.v;
public static implicit operator ColorHSV(Color c)
return c.ToHSV();
public static implicit operator Color(ColorHSV hsv)
return hsv.ToRGB();
public static implicit operator ColorHSV(Color32 c32)
return ((Color) c32).ToHSV();
public static implicit operator Color32(ColorHSV hsv)
return hsv.ToRGB();
public static bool operator !=(ColorHSV lhs, ColorHSV rhs)
return !(lhs == rhs);
public override bool Equals(object other)
if (other == null)
return false;
if (other is ColorHSV || other is Color || other is Color32)
return this == (ColorHSV) other;
return false;
public override int GetHashCode()
// This is maybe not a good implementation :)
return ((Color) this).GetHashCode();
public Color ToRGB()
Vector3 rgb = HUEtoRGB(h);
Vector3 vc = ((rgb - Vector3.one) * s + Vector3.one) * v;
return new Color(vc.x, vc.y, vc.z, a);
private static Vector3 HUEtoRGB(float h)
float r = Mathf.Abs(h * 6 - 3) - 1;
float g = 2 - Mathf.Abs(h * 6 - 2);
float b = 2 - Mathf.Abs(h * 6 - 4);
return new Vector3(Mathf.Clamp01(r), Mathf.Clamp01(g), Mathf.Clamp01(b));
public static class ColorExtension
private const float EPSILON = 1e-10f;
public static ColorHSV ToHSV(this Color rgb)
Vector3 hcv = RGBtoHCV(rgb);
float s = hcv.y / (hcv.z + EPSILON);
return new ColorHSV(hcv.x, s, hcv.z, rgb.a);
private static Vector3 RGBtoHCV(Color rgb)
Vector4 p = rgb.g < rgb.b ? new Vector4(rgb.b, rgb.g, -1, 2f / 3f) : new Vector4(rgb.g, rgb.b, 0, -1f / 3f);
Vector4 q = rgb.r < p.x ? new Vector4(p.x, p.y, p.w, rgb.r) : new Vector4(rgb.r, p.y, p.z, p.x);
float c = q.x - Mathf.Min(q.w, q.y);
float h = Mathf.Abs((q.w - q.y) / (6 * c + EPSILON) + q.z);
return new Vector3(h, c, q.x);
// https://www.alanzucconi.com/2016/01/06/colour-interpolation/
public static Color LerpHSV (ColorHSV a, ColorHSV b, float t)
// Hue interpolation
float h;
float d = b.h - a.h;
if (a.h > b.h)
// Swap (a.h, b.h)
var h3 = b.h2;
b.h = a.h;
a.h = h3;
d = -d;
t = 1 - t;
if (d > 0.5) // 180deg
a.h = a.h + 1; // 360deg
h = ( a.h + t * (b.h - a.h) ) % 1; // 360deg
if (d <= 0.5) // 180deg
h = a.h + t * d
// Interpolates the rest
return new ColorHSV
h, // H
a.s + t * (b.s-a.s), // S
a.v + t * (b.v-a.v), // V
a.a + t * (b.a-a.a) // A
LAB.
How to generate a smooth color gradient between two colors.
The intensity of the gradient must be constant in a perceptual color space or it will look unnaturally dark or light at points in the gradient. You can see this easily in a gradient based on simple interpolation of the sRGB values, particularly the red-green gradient is too dark in the middle. Using interpolation on linear values rather than gamma-corrected values makes the red-green gradient better, but at the expense of the back-white gradient. By separating the light intensities from the color you can get the best of both worlds.
Often when a perceptual color space is required, the Lab color space will be proposed. I think sometimes it goes too far, because it tries to accommodate the perception that blue is darker than an equivalent intensity of other colors such as yellow. This is true, but we are used to seeing this effect in our natural environment and in a gradient you end up with an overcompensation.
A power-law function of 0.43 was experimentally determined by researchers to be the best fit for relating gray light intensity to perceived brightness.
Algorithm in pseudocode:
Python code by Mark Ransom
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/22607043/color-gradient-algorithm
def all_channels(func):
def wrapper(channel, *args, **kwargs):
try:
return func(channel, *args, **kwargs)
except TypeError:
return tuple(func(c, *args, **kwargs) for c in channel)
return wrapper
@all_channels
def to_sRGB_f(x):
Returns a sRGB value in the range [0,1]
for linear input in [0,1].
return 12.92*x if x <= 0.0031308 else (1.055 * (x ** (1/2.4))) - 0.055
@all_channels
def to_sRGB(x):
Returns a sRGB value in the range [0,255]
for linear input in [0,1]
return int(255.9999 * to_sRGB_f(x))
@all_channels
def from_sRGB(x):
Returns a linear value in the range [0,1]
for sRGB input in [0,255].
x /= 255.0
if x <= 0.04045:
y = x / 12.92
else:
y = ((x + 0.055) / 1.055) ** 2.4
return y
def all_channels2(func):
def wrapper(channel1, channel2, *args, **kwargs):
try:
return func(channel1, channel2, *args, **kwargs)
except TypeError:
return tuple(func(c1, c2, *args, **kwargs) for c1,c2 in zip(channel1, channel2))
return wrapper
@all_channels2
def lerp(color1, color2, frac):
return color1 * (1 - frac) + color2 * frac
def perceptual_steps(color1, color2, steps):
gamma = .43
color1_lin = from_sRGB(color1)
bright1 = sum(color1_lin)**gamma
color2_lin = from_sRGB(color2)
bright2 = sum(color2_lin)**gamma
for step in range(steps):
intensity = lerp(bright1, bright2, step, steps) ** (1/gamma)
color = lerp(color1_lin, color2_lin, step, steps)
if sum(color) != 0:
color = [c * intensity / sum(color) for c in color]
color = to_sRGB(color)
yield color
The default color space for mixing (and gradients) in CSS is oklab
How to convert hsl color to name ?
Examples:
def hueName(h):
if h < 15: hue = 'red'
if h == 15: hue = 'reddish'
if h > 15: hue = 'orange'
if h > 45: hue = 'yellow'
if h > 70: hue = 'lime'
if h > 79: hue = 'green'
if h > 163: hue = 'cyan'
if h > 193: hue = 'blue'
if h > 240: hue = 'indigo'
if h > 260: hue = 'violet'
if h > 270: hue = 'purple'
if h > 291: hue = 'magenta'
if h > 327: hue = 'rose'
if h > 344: hue = 'red'
return hue
def saturationName(s):
if s < 10: sat = 'almost grey'
if s > 9: sat = 'very unsaturated'
if s > 30: sat = 'unsaturated'
if s > 60: sat = 'rather saturated'
if s > 80: sat = 'highly saturated'
return sat
def lightnessName(l):
if l < 10: light = 'almost black'
if l > 9: light = 'very dark'
if l > 22: light = 'dark'
if l > 30: light = 'normal'
if l > 60: light = 'light'
if l > 80: light = 'very light'
if l > 94: light = 'almost white'
return light
# https://github.com/LeaVerou/human-colours/blob/master/py/en_gb_example.py
# generate human color names
t = 'a %s, %s, %s rectangle\non a %s, %s %s background' % \
(hueName(h1*360), saturationName(s1*100), lightnessName(l1*100), \
hueName(h2*360), saturationName(s2*100), lightnessName(l2*100))
spline gradient.
// https://gist.github.com/mattdesl/2a7b2013492cbcbafc797d3f9164e92c
global.THREE = require("three");
const canvasSketch = require('canvas-sketch');
const Random = require('canvas-sketch-util/random');
const gradientHeight = 512;
const settings = {
dimensions: [ 2048, gradientHeight * 2 ]
const sketch = (props) => {
return ({ context, width, height }) => {
context.fillStyle = 'white';
context.fillRect(0, 0, width, height);
// your stepped color data, to be filled in
const colorsAsHexList = [ /* '#ff0000' */ ];
const colorsAsLabList = [ /* [ 100, 0, 0 ] */ ];
const grd = context.createLinearGradient(0, 0, width, 0);
colorsAsHexList.forEach((hex, i, list) => {
const t = i / (list.length - 1);
grd.addColorStop(t, hex);
context.fillStyle = grd;
context.fillRect(0, 0, width, gradientHeight);
img = context.createImageData(width, gradientHeight);
// draw curve
const labPositions = colorsAsLabList.map(lab => {
return new THREE.Vector3().fromArray(lab);
const curve = new THREE.CatmullRomCurve3(labPositions);
curve.curveType = 'catmullrom';
// can play with tension to make sharper or softer gradients
curve.tension = 0.5;
// uncomment to make a seamless gradient that wraps around
// curve.closed = true;
const samples = getCurveDivisions(curve, img.width, false)
.map(p => p.toArray())
for (let y = 0; y < img.height; y++) {
for (let x = 0; x < img.width; x++) {
const i = x + y * img.width;
let Lab = labJitter(samples[x], 0.5);
// lab2rgb not implemented here
const [ R, G, B ] = YourColorConverter.lab2rgb(Lab);
img.data[i * 4 + 0] = R;
img.data[i * 4 + 1] = G;
img.data[i * 4 + 2] = B;
img.data[i * 4 + 3] = 255;
context.putImageData(img, 0, gradientHeight);
// Entirely optional, but as we are doing this per-pixel we may as well
// add subtle noise to reduce banding.
function labJitter (lab, s = 1) {
// fudged jittering in L*a*b* space
const lw = 100 / 200;
const K = 2.624;
const [ x, y, z ] = Random.insideSphere(Random.gaussian(0, s * K))
const [ L, a, b ] = lab;
return [ L + x * lw, a + y, b + z ];
function getCurveDivisions (curve, n, spaced = false) {
const points = [];
for (let i = 0; i < n; i++) {
const t = curve.closed ? (i / n) : (i / (n - 1));
let p = spaced ? curve.getPointAt(t) : curve.getPoint(t);
points.push(p);
return points;
};
canvasSketch(sketch, settings); | 18,101 |
Chess Variants/Ultima. Introduction.
Ultima, also known as Baroque chess, is an eclectic variant where the pieces differ in the powers of capture, rather than their powers of movement.
History.
Ultima was created by veteran game designer Robert Abbott in 1962. The rules were initially published in the August 1962 issue of the "Recreational Mathematics" magazine, and the variant was given the name "Baroque chess" via a contest, but the variant would receive its current name the following year.
In 1968 Abbott made a slight alteration to the rules, adding a new rule that stated a piece on the Nth rank could move no further than N squares. The chess variant community has mostly rejected this change and continues to play Ultima by the 1962 rules, of which the page will detail the most common variation.
Rules.
Ultima is played using the same board and pieces as standard chess. However the pieces have different names and movement powers, and most notably all of them capture in a unique way. The pieces are as follows:
Before play begins, the players are allowed to decide which one of their rooks will be the immobiliser (that rook is turned upside down), and if they want to switch the positions of their king and withdrawer. After these two factors have been settled, White moves first like in standard chess.
Due to the unique nature of captures in this variant, the end goal is no longer checkmate - the king must actually be captured before the game ends.
How pieces move and capture.
The king.
The king moves just like his orthodox chess counterpart - one square at a time in any direction. He captures by the traditional method of displacement used in orthodox chess - the king moves into the square of the enemy piece and takes its place.
The pincer pawn.
Represented by the pawn, the pincer pawn moves like an orthodox rook. It captures using a technique known as custodial capture – if a pincer pawn makes a move that sandwiches an enemy piece between the pincer pawn and a friendly piece, the enemy piece is captured. There may be no gaps in the formation, and custodial captures can only happen vertically or horizontally – not diagonally. If an enemy piece moves into the formation on its own accord, the capture does not happen.
The long leaper.
Represented by the knight, the long leaper moves like an orthodox queen. It captures by means of leaping – as it moves, if the long leaper encounters an enemy piece with an empty square beyond it in the its direction of movement, it may jump over that piece and land on the square beyond, capturing the piece. Multiple pieces may be captured in this manner if there are gaps available to land on.
The withdrawer.
Represented by the queen, the withdrawer moves like an orthodox queen. It captures by withdrawing – if it starts the turn adjacent to an enemy piece and moves directly away from it, that piece is captured.
The coordinator.
Represented by the rook, the coordinator moves like an orthodox queen. It captures by coordination – after the coordinator has moved an invisible orthogonal cross of squares is drawn from the coordinator’s position, and another such cross is drawn from the position of the friendly king. Any enemy pieces on the two squares where these crosses intersect are captured.
The immobiliser.
Represented by an upside-down rook, the immobiliser moves like an orthodox queen. It cannot capture enemy pieces, but instead it can immobilise them. Any enemy piece that is directly adjacent to the immobiliser is immobilised – it will be completely unable to move until the immobiliser moves away.
If a player wishes to, then instead of moving a piece they may have an immobilised piece commit suicide, removing it from the board.
The chameleon.
Represented by the bishop, the chameleon (also known as the "imitator") moves like an orthodox queen. It captures enemy pieces by using their own powers of capture against them – so it would capture enemy long leapers by jumping over them, for instance. Note that chameleons cannot capture enemy chameleons.
Also, if a chameleon moves adjacent to an enemy immobiliser, the two pieces will freeze each other, leaving both unable to move.
Pieces in detail.
These pieces may be confusing, so what follows is a series of diagrams to help you understand.
King.
The white king, currently in check from the black withdrawer on d3 moves from c4 to d5, delivering chackmate. Under normal circumstances this would be an illegal move, however the black king is currently being immobilised by the white immobiliser on f4, and so it is not attacking d5.
The king would not be allowed to move to d4 since there it would still be in check from the withdrawer. If the king captured the withdrawer by moving to d3, the result would be stalemate since Black would no longer have any available moves.
Pincer Pawn.
The white pincer pawn on g4 moves to d4, capturing the black pincer pawn on d5 and the black immobiliser. The black withdrawer is safe from capture since custodial captures only happen horizontally or vertically, not diagonally. The black chameleon is safe since d2 is not occupied by a white piece. Finally the black long leaper on g3 is safe because it moved into the formation on its own accord, rather than a pawn moving to complete the custodial capture.
Withdrawer.
The white withdrawer on g6 moves to d3, capturing the black pincer pawn on h7. The pincer pawn on g7 and the chameleon are safe because the withdrawer did not move directly away from them. Note how the withdrawer also delivers check to the king by threatening to move away on the d-file.
Long Leaper.
The white long leaper on d2 jumps to d4, then d6, then d8, capturing three black pieces in the process - namely the pincer pawn on d3, the long leaper on d5 and the coordinator on d7. It could have instead captured the withdrawer with a jump to g5. On the other hand the pincer pawns on b2, f2 and g2 and the chameleon are safe since the long leaper cannot land immediately beyong them.
Coordinator.
The white coordinator on d4 moves to f6, and by coordinating with its king on c2 it captures the black long leaper on c6 and the black immobiliser on f2. It could have instaed captured the leaper and the pincer pawn on d2 by playing to d6.
Immobiliser.
The white immobiliser on f3 moves to d5, immobilising five black pieces. The previously immobilised black long leaper on g4 is now free to move again. In the process the immobiliser is itself immobilised by the black chameleon on c6. Any of the immobilised black pieces may commit suicide on Black's next turn if they so want to.
Chameleon.
The white chameleon on g6 jumps to e6 and then c6, capturing all of Black's non-king pieces in one turn and delivering check. It captures:
It also delivers check by threatening to step into the king's square. | 1,715 |
Chess Variants/Alice Chess. Introduction.
Alice chess is a variant where pieces teleport between two boards.
History.
Alice chess was created by prolific chess variant creator V. R. Parton in 1953. The variant is inspired by the Lewis Carroll book "Through the Looking-Glass", the sequel to "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". The book involves Alice stepping through a looking-glass and entering a fantastical world, which translates into the variant's main mechanic. Indeed, the variant itself is named after Alice.
Rules.
As already stated Alice chess is played with two boards, designated with the letters A and B, laid next to each other at game start. All of the pieces begin the game on board A.
On each turn, a player may choose to move a piece on either board A or B. The piece all retain their typical moves, but once a piece completes its move, it goes "through the looking-glass" and is teleported to the corresponding square on the opposite board. So for example, if a white knight moved from f1 to g3 on board A, would then be teleported to the g3 square on board B.
There are two basic stipulations concerning each move:
Captures may only be played on the same board that the piece is moving on, since the teleport happens after the piece's move is complete.
When moving on one board a piece is allowed to pass over squares that are occupied by pieces on the other board. For example, in the diagram at left, after White moved Black would be allowed to play 3... Bg1, despite there being a white pawn on f2 on board A, since the move is legal on board B and g1 on square A is unoccupied.
The king is not allowed to make a move on one board, if his teleport to the other board would land him in check. He is also not allowed to use the teleport to escape check - he must move out of check before the teleport. Additionally, you may not make a capture if your piece's teleport would expose your king to check.
You are allowed to escape check by moving a piece on the other board so that its teleport blocks the check.
Castling is permitted as in standard chess, with both the king and rook teleporting to the other board.
There is no "en passant". | 533 |
Chess Variants/Bughouse Chess. Introduction.
Bughouse chess, also known as exchange chess or Siamese chess (not to be confused with Thai chess, makruk), is a variant similar to crazyhouse, but played with four players rather than two.
History.
It is not known how bughouse chess developed. What is known is that the earliest references to a bughouse-like variant appeared in the 1930s, and bughouse chess itself first rose to prominence in the 1960s. Its drop mechanic was probably inspired by the drop rule in shogi, Japanese chess.
Due to the fast time controls used for the variant bughouse chess can appear chaotic to an observer. hence the name "bughouse", slang for a mental hospital.
Rules.
Bughouse chess is played using two boards, two sets of pieces, and four players. The boards are set up so that the white army of one board is directly next to the black army of the opposite board, and vice versa.
The four players are grouped into two teams of two, with partners sitting next to each other. Team A controls the white army of board A and the black army of board B, and team B controls the black army of board A and the white army of board B.
Both boards play the same as standard chess, with one important addition: whenever a player captures an enemy piece, they hand that piece to their partner, who sets it just off their board as a reserve. On subsequent turns, instead of moving a piece a player may take a piece from their reserve and place it on any unoccupied square on the board. This is called a "drop", and counts as that player's turn. A dropped piece immediately begins affecting the game (e.g. a drop can be used to deliver check).
Pawns may not be dropped on the first or eighth ranks, and if a promoted pawn is captured it reverts to being a pawn.
If a rook is dropped on the rooks' typical starting squares (a1 and h1 for White, a8 and h8 for Black), that rook is allowed to take part in castling provided the other conditions for the technique are met.
Pieces in reserve must be readily visible to all players.
Partners are allowed to communicate with each other (e.g. asking for a specific piece), but are not allowed to act on the other board.
As soon as one player is checkmated, resigns, makes an illegal move or runs out of time, the entire game ends and the team containing the losing player loses the overall game.
If two players on opposite teams run out of time or are checkmated simultaneously, the game ends in a draw. | 612 |
Internal Medicine/Anemia and Polycythemia. Hamatopoiesis.
Hematopoiesis is the process through which the various components of blood are manufactured in the body. It is a carefully orchestrated sequence that originates with hematopoietic stem cells, capable of producing a wide array of blood cells, including red blood cells, different white blood cells, platelets, and immune system cells. The exact genetic mechanisms governing the stem cell's commitment to a specific blood cell lineage remain incompletely understood.
In mice, it has been observed that erythroid cells, the precursors of red blood cells, stem from a common erythroid/megakaryocyte progenitor, which depends on the expression of specific transcription factors like GATA-1 and FOG-1. As the differentiation process unfolds, hematopoietic progenitor and precursor cells become increasingly subject to the control of growth factors and hormones. In the context of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis), the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) plays a principal role. EPO is necessary for the survival of committed erythroid progenitor cells; without it, these cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). The entire regulated process of red blood cell production is termed erythropoiesis.
Within the bone marrow, the earliest identifiable erythroid precursor is the pronormoblast. It can undergo multiple cell divisions, ultimately yielding 16 to 32 mature red blood cells. Enhanced production of EPO or EPO administration as a medical treatment can boost the number of early progenitor cells, which in turn leads to an increased output of red blood cells. The regulation of EPO production is intrinsically linked to tissue oxygen levels.
In mammals, oxygen is transported to tissues by binding to hemoglobin within red blood cells. Mature red blood cells lack a nucleus, are disk-shaped, about 8 μm in diameter, and are highly flexible to navigate through tiny blood vessels. The cells generate ATP internally to maintain their membrane integrity. Normal red blood cell production replaces approximately 0.8-1% of the body's circulating red blood cells every day, as the average red blood cell lives for about 100-120 days. The system responsible for red blood cell production is called the erythron, which consists of a rapidly proliferating pool of bone marrow erythroid precursor cells and a large population of circulating mature red blood cells. The size of the erythron reflects the equilibrium between the production and destruction of red blood cells. Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind red blood cell production and destruction is crucial for comprehending the causes of anemia.
The hormone EPO is the central regulator of red blood cell production and is produced and released primarily by specialized cells lining the capillaries in the kidneys, known as peritubular capillary lining cells. A smaller amount of EPO is produced by hepatocytes in the liver. The primary trigger for EPO production is the availability of oxygen to meet the metabolic needs of body tissues. A key element in EPO gene regulation is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. When oxygen is plentiful, HIF-1α is hydroxylated, leading to its degradation via the proteasome pathway. But when oxygen is limited, this critical hydroxylation step does not occur, allowing HIF-1α to activate the EPO gene and others.
Factors that can impair kidney oxygen delivery include a decreased red blood cell mass (anemia), difficulties with oxygen loading onto hemoglobin or the presence of high-affinity mutant hemoglobin (hypoxemia), or in rare cases, impaired blood flow to the kidney (e.g., renal artery stenosis). EPO governs day-to-day red blood cell production, and its levels in the bloodstream can be measured with sensitive immunoassays, with normal levels ranging from 10-25 U/L. As hemoglobin levels drop below 10-12 g/dL, plasma EPO levels rise in proportion to the severity of the anemia. In circulation, EPO has a half-clearance time of 6-9 hours. EPO acts by binding to specific receptors on bone marrow erythroid precursors, stimulating their proliferation and maturation. Under EPO stimulation, red blood cell production can increase significantly over a period of 1-2 weeks, provided there are adequate nutrients, especially iron, available. Hence, the proper functioning of the erythron relies on the normal production of EPO by the kidneys, a functional erythroid marrow, and an adequate supply of materials for hemoglobin synthesis. A deficiency in any of these key components can lead to anemia. Typically, anemia is identified in the laboratory when a patient's hemoglobin or hematocrit levels fall below expected values for their age and sex.
To initially categorize anemia, essential elements of erythropoiesis—EPO production, iron availability, bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells, and effective maturation of red cell precursors—are used as reference points.
Clinical Manification of Anemia.
Clinical manifestations of anemia are typically identified through abnormal results in routine laboratory tests, as patients with advanced anemia and its related symptoms are less frequently encountered. Acute anemia is typically caused by blood loss or hemolysis. When blood loss is minimal, the body compensates for reduced oxygen levels by modifying the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, primarily driven by a drop in pH or an increase in CO2 (known as the Bohr effect). In cases of acute blood loss, the most prominent issue is hypovolemia, overshadowing hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, which do not accurately reflect the amount of blood lost. Clinical indications of vascular instability emerge when there is an acute loss of 10-15% of the total blood volume. In such cases, the primary concern is not anemia but rather hypotension and reduced organ perfusion. When more than 30% of the blood volume is lost suddenly, the usual mechanisms of vascular contraction and regional blood flow changes fail to compensate. Patients tend to prefer a supine position and may exhibit postural hypotension and increased heart rate. If blood loss exceeds 40% (equivalent to more than 2 liters in an average-sized adult), signs of hypovolemic shock manifest, including confusion, difficulty breathing, profuse sweating, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Such patients have significant deficits in vital organ perfusion and require immediate volume replacement.
In the case of acute hemolysis, the symptoms and signs vary based on the mechanism leading to the destruction of red blood cells. Intravascular hemolysis, with the release of free hemoglobin, can be associated with sudden back pain, the presence of free hemoglobin in the plasma and urine, and renal failure. For chronic or slowly progressive anemia, the symptoms experienced depend on the patient's age and whether critical organs are receiving an adequate blood supply. Symptoms associated with moderate anemia typically include fatigue, reduced stamina, shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate, especially during physical exertion. However, due to the body's built-in compensatory mechanisms that govern the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, the gradual onset of anemia, especially in young patients, may not display signs or symptoms until the anemia becomes severe (hemoglobin levels drop below 70-80 g/L or 7-8 g/dL). When anemia develops over days or weeks, the total blood volume remains normal to slightly increased, and adjustments in cardiac output and regional blood flow help compensate for the overall loss in oxygen-carrying capacity. Some of the compensatory responses to anemia are due to changes in the position of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. In chronic anemia, intracellular levels of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate increase, causing the dissociation curve to shift to the right, facilitating the unloading of oxygen. However, this compensatory mechanism can only maintain normal tissue oxygen delivery in the face of a 20-30 g/L (2-3 g/dL) hemoglobin deficit.
Furthermore, protection of oxygen delivery to vital organs is achieved by diverting blood away from organs that have relatively abundant blood supply, particularly the kidneys, gut, and skin.
Several medical conditions are commonly linked to anemia. Chronic inflammatory states (e.g., infection, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer) often result in mild to moderate anemia, while lymphoproliferative disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and specific B-cell neoplasms may lead to autoimmune hemolysis.
Diagnosis of Anemia.
Evaluating a patient with anemia requires a thorough examination of their medical history and a physical assessment. This assessment should also include an exploration of the patient's nutritional history, drug or alcohol use, and family history of anemia. Additionally, it's important to consider certain geographic and ethnic backgrounds, as they can be associated with a higher risk of inherited hemoglobin or intermediary metabolism disorders. For instance, individuals of Middle Eastern or African descent, including those of African descent, have a higher prevalence of conditions like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and specific hemoglobinopathies. Other valuable information to gather includes potential exposure to toxic substances or drugs, as well as symptoms related to disorders commonly linked to anemia. These symptoms and signs may encompass bleeding, fatigue, general weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and other systemic symptoms. Physical examination findings that may offer clues to the underlying cause of anemia include signs of infection, the presence of blood in the stool, lymph node enlargement (lymphadenopathy), an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), or small, reddish-purple spots on the skin (petechiae). Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy may suggest underlying lymphoproliferative diseases, whereas petechiae may indicate platelet dysfunction. Past laboratory test results can also provide insights into the timeline of the anemia's onset.
In an anemic patient, a physical examination might reveal a strong heartbeat, robust peripheral pulses, and a systolic "flow" murmur. If hemoglobin falls below 8-10 g/dL (80-100 g/L), the skin and mucous membranes could appear pale. It's essential to focus the examination on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface, such as the mucous membranes, nail beds, and the palmar creases. An indication of anemia might be when the palmar creases are lighter in color than the surrounding skin when the hand is hyperextended.
Laboratory Assessment.
A standard complete blood count (CBC) is a crucial part of the evaluation and includes measurements of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices: mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). MCH is the least useful of these indices and typically mirrors MCV. Numerous physiological factors can influence the CBC, including age, gender, pregnancy, smoking, and altitude. High-normal hemoglobin levels can be observed in individuals living at high altitudes or heavy smokers due to the replacement of oxygen by carbon monoxide (CO) in hemoglobin binding. Additional valuable information is derived from the reticulocyte count and iron-related measurements, such as serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), serum transferrin, and serum ferritin. Significant deviations in red cell indices are typically indicative of maturation disorders or iron deficiency. A careful analysis of the peripheral blood smear is essential, and clinical laboratories often provide descriptions of both red and white blood cells, a white blood cell differential count, and the platelet count. In cases of severe anemia and irregularities in red cell morphology or a low reticulocyte count, a bone marrow aspirate or biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis. Additional tests that may be helpful in diagnosing specific anemias are discussed in chapters focusing on specific disease states.
The components of the CBC also aid in classifying anemia. Microcytosis is indicated by an MCV below the normal range (<80), while values above the normal range (>100) indicate macrocytosis. Hypochromia, reflecting defects in hemoglobin synthesis, is mirrored by MCHC. Automated cell counters provide data on the red cell volume distribution width (RDW), but the MCV, representing the peak of the distribution curve, may not always detect small populations of macrocytes or microcytes. Experienced laboratory technicians can often identify minor populations of unusually large or small cells or hypochromic cells on the peripheral blood film before the red cell indices change.
Peripheral Blood Smear.
The peripheral blood smear is a valuable tool for detecting defects in red cell production. Alongside the red cell indices, it reveals variations in cell size (anisocytosis) and shape (poikilocytosis). The degree of anisocytosis is usually linked to changes in RDW or the range of cell sizes. Poikilocytosis suggests issues in the maturation of red cell precursors in the bone marrow or the fragmentation of circulating red cells. The blood smear might also show polychromasia, which represents red cells that are slightly larger than normal and appear bluish-gray when stained with Wright-Giemsa stain. These cells are reticulocytes that have been prematurely released from the bone marrow and their color indicates residual ribosomal RNA. They enter the bloodstream in response to erythropoietin (EPO) stimulation or due to structural damage in the bone marrow (such as fibrosis or infiltration by malignant cells) that leads to their unregulated release. The presence of nucleated red cells, Howell-Jolly bodies, target cells, sickle cells, and other variations can offer hints regarding specific disorders.
Reticulocyte Count.
An accurate reticulocyte count plays a crucial role in the initial classification of anemia. Reticulocytes are red cells that have been recently released from the bone marrow. They can be identified through staining with a supravital dye that precipitates ribosomal RNA. These precipitates appear as blue or black punctate spots and can be counted manually or with modern techniques involving fluorescent dyes that bind to RNA. This residual RNA is metabolized within the first 24-36 hours of a reticulocyte's lifespan in circulation. Under normal circumstances, the reticulocyte count ranges from 1% to 2% and represents the daily replacement of approximately 0.8-1.0% of the circulating red cell population. A corrected reticulocyte percentage or the absolute number of reticulocytes provides a reliable measure of effective red cell production.
To estimate the marrow's response based on the reticulocyte count, two corrections are necessary. The first correction adjusts the reticulocyte count based on the reduced number of circulating red cells. In cases of anemia, the percentage of reticulocytes may appear elevated while the absolute number remains constant. This correction factor takes into account the patient's hemoglobin or hematocrit relative to the expected hemoglobin/hematocrit for their age and sex. This provides an estimate of the reticulocyte count corrected for anemia. To convert the corrected reticulocyte count into an index of marrow production, an additional correction is needed, which depends on whether some of the reticulocytes in circulation have been released prematurely from the bone marrow. For this second correction, the peripheral blood smear is examined to check for the presence of polychromatophilic macrocytes. These cells, representing prematurely released reticulocytes, are referred to as "shift" cells, and the relationship between the degree of shift and the necessary shift correction factor is detailed in a figure. The correction is necessary because these prematurely released cells remain in circulation as reticulocytes for more than a day, leading to a falsely high estimate of daily red cell production. If polychromasia is increased, the reticulocyte count, which is already corrected for anemia, should undergo an additional correction by a factor of 2, accounting for the prolonged reticulocyte maturation time. A correction factor of 2 is often used for simplicity. If the blood smear does not show polychromatophilic cells, the second correction is unnecessary. The reticulocyte count, now doubly corrected, becomes the reticulocyte production index, offering an estimate of marrow production relative to the normal range. In many hospital laboratories, the reticulocyte count is reported as both a percentage and an absolute number, in which case no correction for dilution is required.
Premature release of reticulocytes usually occurs due to heightened EPO stimulation. However, when the integrity of the bone marrow release process is compromised by tumor infiltration, fibrosis, or other disorders, the presence of nucleated red cells or polychromatophilic macrocytes should still trigger the second reticulocyte correction. The shift correction should be consistently applied to patients with anemia and very high reticulocyte counts to provide an accurate index of effective red cell production. In cases of severe chronic hemolytic anemia, red cell production can increase by as much as six- to sevenfold. This alone confirms that the patient has a proper EPO response, a normally functioning bone marrow, and sufficient iron for new red cell formation. If the reticulocyte production index falls below 2 in the context of established anemia, a defect in erythroid marrow proliferation or maturation must be present.
Tests for Iron Supply and Storage.
Laboratory measurements that reflect the availability of iron for hemoglobin synthesis include serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), percent transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin. Percent transferrin saturation is calculated by dividing serum iron levels by TIBC and then multiplying by 100. Normal serum iron levels range from 9 to 27 μmol/L (50-150 μg/dL), while TIBC ranges from 54 to 64 μmol/L (300-360 μg/dL), and the normal transferrin saturation is 25-50%. There is a diurnal variation in serum iron levels, leading to changes in percent transferrin saturation. Serum ferritin is used to assess overall body iron stores. In adult males, the average serum ferritin levels are around 100 μg/L, representing iron stores of about 1 gram. Premenopausal adult females have lower serum ferritin levels, averaging around 30 μg/L, reflecting lower iron stores of around 300 mg. A serum ferritin level of 10-15 μg/L indicates depletion of body iron stores. It's important to note that ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant and, in the presence of acute or chronic inflammation, its levels may rise significantly. Typically, a serum ferritin level exceeding 200 μg/L suggests the presence of some iron in tissue stores.
Bone Marrow Examination.
In certain cases, a bone marrow aspirate, smear, or needle biopsy can be helpful in evaluating patients with anemia. Patients with hypoproliferative anemia, normal renal function, and normal iron status may require a bone marrow examination. This assessment can help diagnose primary marrow disorders like myelofibrosis, defects in red cell maturation, or infiltrative diseases. An evaluation of the balance between different cell lineages (myeloid vs. erythroid) in a bone marrow smear is obtained through a differential count of nucleated cells, referred to as the myeloid/erythroid (M/E) ratio. In patients with hypoproliferative anemia and a reticulocyte production index below 2, an M/E ratio of 2 or 3:1 is expected. In contrast, patients with hemolytic diseases and a production index exceeding 3 are likely to have an M/E ratio of at least 1:1. Maturation disorders are identified through the discrepancy between the M/E ratio and the reticulocyte production index. Either the bone marrow smear or biopsy can be stained to assess the presence of iron stores or iron in developing red cells. Iron stores are typically found in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin. Small ferritin granules can normally be seen under oil immersion in 20-40% of developing erythroblasts on carefully prepared bone marrow smears. These cells are called sideroblasts.
Classification of Anemia.
Anemia is a complex and multifaceted medical condition, with a wide array of underlying causes and manifestations. It's essentially a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the quality or quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. These red blood cells are essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. When anemia occurs, it can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues, depending on its severity and root causes.
To fully understand and classify anemia, medical professionals employ a functional classification that divides it into three major categories:
Anemia is a broad and intricate medical condition with various underlying mechanisms and clinical presentations. A thorough understanding of the specific type of anemia is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as each category requires a distinct approach to address the underlying issues and alleviate the patient's symptoms.
Treatment of Anemia.
A fundamental guiding principle is to commence the treatment of mild to moderate anemia only when there's a precise diagnosis. On rare occasions, in urgent situations, when anemia is exceptionally severe, red cell transfusions might be necessary even before a specific diagnosis can be established. Whether the anemia develops suddenly or gradually, the choice of the most suitable treatment hinges upon the identified cause or causes of the anemia. Frequently, the origins of the anemia can be multifaceted. For instance, a patient grappling with severe rheumatoid arthritis, who has been prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, might exhibit a hypoproliferative anemia linked to persistent inflammation and, concurrently, chronic blood loss due to sporadic gastrointestinal bleeding. In all scenarios, a thorough assessment of the patient's iron levels is of paramount importance both before and during the course of treating any type of anemia.
Over the last three decades, there has been a remarkable expansion in therapeutic options for addressing anemias. The utilization of blood component therapy has not only become more prevalent but also notably safe. The introduction of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) as a complement to managing anemia has been transformative, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis and decreasing the necessity for transfusions in individuals with anemia resulting from cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Moreover, there is a promising future on the horizon, where patients dealing with inherited disorders related to the synthesis of globin or those with specific mutations in globin genes, such as sickle cell disease, might eventually reap the benefits of targeted genetic therapies.
Polycythemia.
Polycythemia is characterized by an elevation in hemoglobin levels beyond the normal range. This elevation may be real or only apparent, often due to a reduction in plasma volume, a condition known as spurious or relative polycythemia. While some people use the terms "erythrocytosis" and "polycythemia" interchangeably, a subtle distinction can be made: erythrocytosis implies that an increase in red cell mass has been documented, whereas polycythemia simply refers to any rise in red cell count. Typically, individuals with polycythemia are identified when their hemoglobin or hematocrit levels are incidentally found to be elevated. Concern usually arises when hemoglobin levels reach or exceed 17 g/dL (170 g/L) in men and 15 g/DL (150 g/L) in women. Hematocrit levels surpassing 50% in men or 45% in women might also raise concern, while hematocrit levels above 60% in men and 55% in women are almost always indicative of an increased red cell mass. Since the machines used to measure red cell parameters primarily assess hemoglobin concentrations and calculate hematocrits, hemoglobin levels may be a more reliable indicator.
To aid in the differential diagnosis, certain aspects of the patient's medical history can be quite informative. These include factors such as smoking, residing at high altitudes, a history of diuretic use, congenital heart disease, sleep apnea, or chronic lung conditions.
Patients with polycythemia may either have no symptoms or experience various issues related to the elevated red cell mass or the underlying condition causing this increase. The primary symptoms resulting from an increased red cell mass are often linked to hyperviscosity and an increased risk of thrombosis, both venous and arterial, due to the logarithmic rise in blood viscosity when hematocrit levels exceed 55%. These manifestations encompass neurological symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, headaches, and visual disturbances. Hypertension is frequently observed. Patients with polycythemia vera may experience aquagenic pruritus, as well as symptoms associated with hepatosplenomegaly, easy bruising, nosebleeds, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Peptic ulcers are common in this group. Some patients may also present with issues like digital ischemia, Budd–Chiari syndrome, or thrombosis in hepatic or splenic/mesenteric veins. Those with low oxygen levels might develop cyanosis with minimal exertion or report symptoms such as headaches, reduced mental alertness, and fatigue.
During a physical examination, individuals with polycythemia often exhibit a ruddy or reddish complexion. The presence of splenomegaly suggests a diagnosis of polycythemia vera. The occurrence of cyanosis or evidence of a right-to-left shunt may point to congenital heart diseases that present in adulthood, particularly conditions like tetralogy of Fallot or Eisenmenger's syndrome. Elevated blood viscosity can lead to increased pulmonary artery pressure, while hypoxemia can raise pulmonary vascular resistance, together potentially leading to cor pulmonale.
Polycythemia can have spurious causes, often related to reduced plasma volume (a condition known as Gaisbock's syndrome), or it can be of primary or secondary origin. Secondary causes are typically associated with the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), either due to a physiologically appropriate response to tissue hypoxia (as seen in lung diseases, high-altitude living, carbon monoxide poisoning, or high-affinity hemoglobinopathies) or an abnormal overproduction of EPO (resulting from conditions like renal cysts, renal artery stenosis, or tumors with ectopic EPO production). In rare instances, a familial form of polycythemia may occur, characterized by normal EPO levels but hyperresponsive EPO receptors due to specific genetic mutations. | 6,555 |
Chess Variants/Tamerlane Chess. Introduction.
Tamerlane chess is a large medieval chess variant from Central Asia.
History.
Tamerlane chess, like the modern game, was derived from shatranj. The game is named after Tamerlane, the first ruler of the Timurid Empire that covered Iran, Afghanistan and large parts of Central and West Asia during the early 15th century. It is believed that he was the creator of the game.
Rules.
Tamerlane chess is played on an uncheckered board of 10 by 11 squares. There are two special squares called "citadels" that protrude from the right side of each player's second rank. The citadels can only be occupied by the opposing king - the game ends in a draw if this happens. Unlike modern chess, stalemate is considered a win for the player delivering the stalemate.
The players both have an army of 28 pieces of 21 different types. There are ten different types of standard pieces, and eleven types of pawns, which each promote in their own way.
The player who moves first is decided by a dice roll.
The pieces.
Each of the pieces moves as follows:
Pawn promotion.
If a pawn manages to reach the other side of the board without capture or mishap, it is allowed to promote to the type of piece it is representing. So for example the pawn of rooks promotes to a rook. There are two exceptions to this rule: The pawn of kings and the pawn of pawns are promoted in special ways.
When the pawn of kings promotes, it promotes to a piece called a prince, which moves exactly like the king. Indeed, it actually is a king - if a player manages to obtain a prince alongside their king, normal checkmate and stalemate rules are temporarily suspended and instead the opponent must capture one of those pieces (king or prince) as they would a normal piece, and only then can they checkmate/stalemate the other royal piece to win.
The pawn of pawns is more complex. It must reach the end of the board three times before it may be promoted:
Once the pawn of pawns finally does promote, it promotes to a piece called an adventitious king. This piece moves exactly like the king, and it is also royal, so like the prince and king if the adventitious king is on the board it must be captured alongside the other royals before the opponent may claim victory.
Citadels.
As already stated, the citadels ("husun" in Persian) are the two spaces that protrude from the right side of each player's second rank. Under normal circumstances the citadels may only be occupied by the opposing king - if the opponent manages to move their king into one's own citadel, the game ends in a draw.
The exception to the citadel rule is that if one obtains an adventitious king by promoting their pawn of pawns, that piece may occupy one's own citadel to stop the opposing king from moving in, the only piece with this honour.
If a player has a prince on the board and their king is captured, the prince takes the king's role and gains the ability to enter the opposing citadel. If the prince is captured whilst a friendly adventitious king is on the board, said adventitious king will be allowed to enter the opposing citadel.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not have any notable sub-variants. | 795 |
Outsourcing/Introduction. Definition.
Outsourcing is the process of contracting out a specific task or function to a third party, rather than performing it in-house. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to reduce costs, gain access to specialized expertise, or free up internal resources for other tasks.
The global outsourcing market is dominated by two sub-industries: IT outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO).
Outsourcing relationship management (ORM).
ORM is the business discipline widely adopted by companies and public institutions to manage one or more external service providers as part of an outsourcing strategy. ORM is a broadly used term that encompasses elements of organizational structure, management strategy and information technology infrastructure. | 170 |
Chess Variants/Anti-King Chess. Introduction.
Anti-King Chess is a variant that adds a piece known as the "anti-king" to the chessboard. There are two versions of the variant, named with the Roman numerals I and II.
History.
Both versions of Anti-King chess were created by chess variant creator Peter Aronson in 2002, inspired by losing chess. Inspired by previous variants that simply replaced the king with an anti-king, Aronson got the idea to have both the king and anti-king on the board to add dynamic tension to the game.
Rules.
Both versions of Anti-King chess play mostly like the standard game, with the addition of the anti-king to the typical set of pieces.
The anti-king (reresented by an inverted king) moves exactly like a standard king. The difference between the two is that the anti-king must be kept attacked by enemy pieces at all times, and the anti-king is considerd to be in "anti-check" if it "not" attacked by an opposing piece. If a player's anti-king is in anti-check and the player is unable to move the anti-king to a square where it is attacked by an enemy piece that anti-king is in "anti-checkmate" and its owner has lost the game.
Because of the unique nature of the anti-king, it cannot capture or be captured by enemy pieces. This means that the anti-king cannot deliver check to the enemy king, and likewise the enemy king cannot attack the anti-king. However the anti-king does possess the ability to capture friendly pieces.
Anti-King Chess I uses several additional rules:
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not have any notable sub-variants. | 399 |
Chess Variants/Tutti-Frutti Chess. Introduction.
Tutti-Frutti Chess is a variant that adds the three classic knight compound pieces (chancellor, archbishop and amazon) to the 8x8 board.
History.
Tutti-frutti chess was created by chess variants creators Ralph Betza and Philip Cohen in 1978. The variant has enjoyed some popularity in tournaments, especially those hosted by the Italian Association of Chess Variants (Associazione Italiana Scacchi Eterodossi).
Rules.
Tutti-frutti chess is played mostly like the standard game, but with three new pieces added:
In the starting position, the queen's rooks are replaced by empresses, the queens by amazons, the king's bishops by queens and the king's knight by princesses.
The king may castle with the empress as he may with the queen's rook in standard chess, provided all the castling conditions are met.
Pawns may promote to the three new pieces in addition to the standard options.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not have any notable sub-variants. | 279 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. h3. 2.h3 - Dutch Defence, Korchnoi Attack.
The Korchnoi attack is a theory based, sound, aggressive way to play against the Dutch. This Attack has been named after the Russian Grandmaster, Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi.
Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi (Russian: Виктор Львович Корчной, IPA: [vʲiktər lʲvovʲɪtɕ kɐrtɕˈnoj]; 23 March 1931 – 6 June 2016) was a Soviet (before 1976) and Swiss (after 1980) chess grandmaster (GM) and chess writer. He is considered one of the strongest players never to have become World Chess Champion.
Black has to respond differently right from the start. Black strongest responses are:
In both variation in the spirit of the Dutch Defence, black will fight in most sound and aggressive way possible. In the event of the open variations white can go for
In the case of the Dutch Defence, Korchnoi Attack, open Variations there is high probability to castle on opposing sites, which can lead to very exciting positions.
Theory table.
1. d4 f5 2.h3 | 312 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Mega Sg. History.
The system had a launch MSRP of $189.99.
The final production run of Mega Sg consoles was set for pre-orders October 28, 2022, with an MSRP of $199.
Technology.
The system was based on an FPGA.
In 2019 the system was compatible with the original Mega CD add on, but not the 32X. | 117 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Super NT. History.
The system initially sold for $190 USD.
The final production run of Super Nt consoles was set for pre-orders October 28, 2022, with an MSRP of $199.
Technology.
The system is based on an FPGA.
Firmware was updated via the SD card slot.
A micro-USB port is used to provide power to the console. | 108 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Nt mini. History.
At launch the system cost $449 USD or 349 British Pounds.
In late 2020 it was announced that further production of the system would end.
Technology.
Unlike the prior Analogue Nt, the Analogue Nt mini was based on an FPGA.
A unibody case made out of anodized aluminum was used for the casing of the system. | 109 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Nt. Technology.
The system was designed as an artpiece, leading to unconventional methods in PCB and casing design. | 40 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Pocket. History.
The system was announced by late 2019. The launch of the system was significantly delayed.
A transparent version was sold starting September 29th, 2023. | 56 |
History of video games/Platforms/AYANEO Slide. History.
A sliding formfactor AYANEO Handheld was announced in January 2023. More details were released in September 2023.
The system is commonly compared to the GPD Win 4. | 63 |
History of video games/Platforms/GPD Win 4. Technology.
The system was based on the Ryzen 7 6800U processor. | 35 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue Duo. History.
The system was announced by late 2020.
On May 19, 2023 pre-orders for the system were opened. | 49 |
History of video games/Platforms/Analogue 3D. History.
The system was announced in October 2023.
Technology.
The system was based on an FPGA.
The system supports WiFi on the 2.4 GHz spectrum and Bluetooth.
The system is said to run Analogue OS. | 75 |
History of video games/Platforms/AYANEO Flip. History.
The system was announced in DS and KB models. The DS model was noted for it's similarity to the Nintendo DS.
Technology.
The systems use AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processors.
The system features a display capable of 120 Hz. | 82 |
History of video games/Platforms/Tassei Denki Project Nadeshiko. History.
The system was shown at Tokyo Game Show 2023, and was not meant to be a production model. | 45 |
History of video games/Platforms/Retroid Pocket Flip. History.
The system cost $170 at launch.
Technology.
The Retroid Launcher served as the system UI. | 46 |
History of video games/Platforms/Retroid Pocket 3. History.
The system cost between $119 and $160. | 32 |
History of video games/Platforms/Retroid Pocket 3+. History.
The system was released in September 2022. | 31 |
History of video games/Platforms/Tassei Denki Saturn. History.
The system was shown at Tokyo Game Show 2023 without the intention of retail production.
Technology.
The system used an FPGA to provide compatibility with Sega Saturn games. | 62 |
JSON/Data types. Quick Review.
JSON is a notation language that stores data. An example is storing playerData.
Data Types.
Integers are easy to make. Just put the integer!
Strings are in double quotes
Booleans are either true or false
Arrays.
Arrays are pretty much lists of data.
To get data from an array do this
Objects.
And the best part! Objects, Objects are the core of JSON
You can't have json without objects!
To make a object just add curly brackets and (i can't come up with something, ill just show it in code) | 139 |
Outsourcing/Human Resource Management. Human resource management (HRM) is the strategic and coherent approach to the effective and efficient management of people in a company or organization such that they help their business gain a competitive advantage.
It is designed to maximize employee performance in service of an employer's strategic objectives.
Human resource management is primarily concerned with the management of people within organizations, focusing on policies and systems. HR departments are responsible for overseeing employee-benefits, employee recruitment, training and development, performance appraisal, and reward management, such as managing pay and employee benefits systems.
Services.
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: HR consulting firms assist organizations in identifying, attracting, and hiring the right talent to meet their business needs.
Talent Management: HR consulting firms help organizations develop strategies to effectively manage their workforce, including employee engagement, retention, succession planning, and career development.
Compensation and Benefits: HR consultants advise organizations on designing competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain talent.
Employee Relations: HR consulting firms provide guidance on managing employee relations issues, such as conflict resolution, employee grievances, and workplace investigations.
Training and Development: HR consultants help organizations develop and implement training programs and professional development opportunities for their employees.
Performance Management: HR consulting firms assist organizations in designing and implementing performance management systems to evaluate employee performance and align it with organizational goals.
Legal Compliance: HR consulting firms ensure that organizations are compliant with labor laws and regulations, including employment standards, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination policies.
Professional Employment Organization.
A PEO works on behalf of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to manage HR management, employee benefits, compliance, payroll, retirement planning, and more. The client company may also be able to offer a better overall package of benefits, and thus attract more skilled employees. The PEO model is therefore attractive to small and mid-sized businesses and associations, and PEO marketing is typically directed toward this segment.
Virtual Human Resources.
Technology has a significant impact on HR practices. Utilizing technology makes information more accessible within organizations, eliminates time doing administrative tasks, allows businesses to function globally, and cuts costs. Information technology has improved HR practices in the following areas:
E-recruiting.
Recruiting has mostly been influenced by information technology. In the past, recruiters relied on printing in publications and word of mouth to fill open positions. HR professionals were not able to post a job in more than one location and did not have access to millions of people, causing the lead time of new hires to be drawn out and tiresome. With the use of e-recruiting tools, HR professionals can post jobs and track applicants for thousands of jobs in various locations all in one place. Interview feedback, background checks and drug tests, and onboarding can all be viewed online. This helps HR professionals keep track of all of their open jobs and applicants in a way that is faster and easier than before. E-recruiting also helps eliminate limitations of geographic location.
Human resources information systems.
HR professionals generally handle large amounts of paperwork on a daily basis, ranging from department transfer requests to confidential employee tax forms. Forms must be on file for a considerable period of time. The use of human resources information systems (HRIS) has made it possible for companies to store and retrieve files in an electronic format for people within the organization to access when needed, thereby eliminating the need for physical files and freeing up space within the office. HRIS also allows for information to be accessed in a timelier manner; files can be accessible within seconds. Having all of the information in one place also allows for professionals to analyze data quickly and across multiple locations because the information is in a centralized location.
Training.
Technology allows HR professionals to train new staff members in a more efficient manner. This gives employees the ability to access onboarding and training programs from virtually anywhere. This eliminates the need for trainers to meet new hires face-to-face when completing necessary paperwork for new employees. Training in virtual classrooms makes it possible for HR professionals to train a large number of employees quickly and to assess their progress through computerized testing programs. Some employers choose to incorporate an instructor with virtual training so that new hires are receiving training considered vital to the role. Employees have greater control over their own learning and development; they can engage in training at a time and place of their choosing, which can help them manage their work–life balance. Managers are able to track the training through the internet, which can help to reduce redundancy in training and training costs. | 1,011 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...g6/3. Nc3/3...Nh6. =Bladel=
2.c4 g6, 3.Nc3 Nh6 - Dutch Defence, Bladel Variation.
Welcome to the Bladel variation. It used to be played in the past but has fallen out of fashion in modern times. It has a surprising amount of theory.
The question is, why does black places his or her knight on the edge on the board. Nf6 is much more natural looking. Black breaks some fundamental rules of development early on. Put your pawns in the center. Develop your piece without moving them 2 times in a row. But the thing is; white is going to play h4 followed by h5 or white is going to play e4 followed by exf5. In either case black will be forced sooner than later to move the knight a second time anyway.
Black has 5 ideas behind Nh6.
White has different attacking lines to choose from.
The Bladel is a sharp and tactical Variation for black to play the Dutch Defence. It is not only a battle of white versus black. It is also a battle of ideas. In the event of the Bladel Modern Variations white wants to deliver a checkmate in the middle game. Black wants to win the endgame with an additional center pawn.
White Responses.
Closed Variations.
4.Nf3 c6 5.e3 d6 6.Be2 Bg7
This is a more positional approach by white. White is going to expand on the queen side maintain a space advantage. Black can either decide to castle long and launch a king side attack. Typically however black castles short and tries to prepare for the e5 push. White can, however, decide to push the h-pawn and make an attack later on.
Beijing Attack.
4.h4 Bg7 5.h5 c5 6.d5 d6. 7.Nf3
This is very aggressive approach by white. White however wont be able to get any king safety in the long run. With correct play however, black can not only equalize but create some serous counter play on the queen side. But if black is not prepared, black can lose the game very quickly. This has been proven to be unsound for white. Therefore it is not considered to be the main line.
Modern Variations.
4.e4 fxe4 5.Nxe4 Bg7 6.Nf3
This is sound and aggressive way for white to combat the Bladel. It a commitment for white to go for this line. White has given up central pawn for a side pawn. White will have to deliver a mate in the middle game. Black will try to hold on into the end game. In the end game, black has extra central pawn which has proven to be an advantage in the end game. In the immediate future black will fight back in the center with c6 fallowed by d5 with tempo. The knight will eventually move. However white has a strong plan here. White will trade the light bishop for a knight in order to create an outpost c5 for the knight.
This happens in the Main Line with:
6. ... c6 7.Bd3 d5 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Bb5+ Nc6 10.Bxc6+ bxc6 11.Nc5
White gets a so called "octopus" knight on black's territory. Black has no efficient way to remove it.
As a result of that, white has reached complete dominance in the center. This line has been proven to be the most contesting line against the Bladel. If black is not careful, black may lose the game very quickly. White creates tactical AND positional threats. Most of people can handle one threat at a time. But two threats, that is a completely different animal.
Theory table.
1.d4 f5 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Nh6 | 925 |
Chess Variants/Chaturanga and Shatranj. Introduction.
Chaturanga and shatranj are the ancient games that serve as the ancestor of modern chess and its Asian cousins.
History.
It is belieed that chaturanga originated in India in the sixth century CE. The name of the game means "four limbs" in Sanskrit, referring to the four arms of the ancient Indian army - the infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots. When the game was brought to Persia around 600 CE, the name became "shatranj", and the rules were somewhat modified.
Rules.
"(Note that historians disagree somewhat on the exact rules of the game. This article describes the most common interpretation)"
It is believed that chaturanga was played on an uncheckered 8 by 8 board called a ashtāpada, borrowed from another board game. This board has special marking on certain squares, but these are not involved in chaturanga.
Like its descendant chaturanga is a game of war between two armies, with each trying to checkmate the other's raja (king). Like modern chess, White moves first.
The pieces move as follows:
There are two other rules one should know:
Shatranj was played with basically the same rules as chaturanga, with the sole expection that the players were allowed to choose which of the two centre squares their raja and mantri started on at game start. | 332 |
Saluto, Jonathan! (Ido)/Chapitro 11. Dek-e-unesma chapitro.
La konverso inter Jonathan e Komto Dracula duras. Jonathan volas savar ulo. Lu dicas: “Dracula, hiere me vidis blua flamo. Quo ol esis?”
Dracula: “La blua flamo es flamo quan on povas vidar dum nur un nokto en la yaro. La blua flamo es la loko ube on povas trovar trezoro. En mea lando, la historio es longa. Multa personi habitis en ol, multa richa personi, e nun li es mortinta. La personi qui nun esas mortinta havis multa trezoro.”
Jonathan: “Takaze, pro quo la personi ne serchas la trezoro dum ta nokto dil yaro?”
Dracula: “Pro ke li es stupida! Dum la nokto kande esas la blua flami, li ne volas irar fore. Li ne prizas la blua flami. Anke vu ne prizas la blua flami, ka ne?”
Jonathan: “To esas vera. Me ne volas irar fore dum ke esas la blua flami. Li es stranja.”
Dracula: “Advere. Bone, parolez a me pri London e mea domo en London. Me volas savar quale esas mea domo en London.”
Jonathan: “Bone, vartez. Mea libri esas en mea chambro.” Jonathan iras a su chambro, e serchas su libri, e trovas su libri. Lu retroiras e parolas a Dracula pri lua domo. Dracula es tre inteligenta; lu es inteligentega. Dracula questionas Jonathan multafoye, e lu semblas savar multa kozi pri London.
Dracula: “Me havas questiono, Harker Jonathan… ah, pardonez a me; Jonathan Harker. En Rumania on dicas la familionomo, e pose la prenomo. Vua familionomo es Harker. Bone, ankorfoye… Jonathan Harker. Dicez a me, ka la domo esas anciena?”
Jonathan: “Yes, ol es anciena; ol evas sepacent (700) yari, me kredas. La nomo dil domo es "Carfax". Carfax esos la domo di Komto Dracula en London. Ol es tre granda. Cirkum la domo esas multa arbori, ed aquo. Proxime es dementerio por lunatiki.”
Dracula: “Dementerio por lunatiki? Takaze, domo por stranja personi?”
Jonathan: “Yes, dementerio es domo e lunatiko es stranja persono. Ma la altra kozi esas bona.”
Dracula: “No, me ne havas problemi pri lunatiki qui habitas en dementerio. Me pensas ke la domo es bona. Me amas anciena domi, antiqua domi. Anke me esas tre olda… vartez! Me retrovenos.”
Jonathan vartas, e vartas.
Jonathan vartas plus, e pos un o du hori, Dracula retrovenas.
Dracula: “Ah, vu laboras ankore! To es bona, ma vu devas manjar. Me… ja manjis. Ma ni povas parolar dum ke vu manjas.” Jonathan manjas dum ke Dracula questionas lu. Dracula questionas lu pri omno. Li parolas dum hori e hori. Ma nun li audas la sono di hanulo.
Dracula: “Ah! La matino arivos balde. Vu es fatigita e la tempo venas por dormar. Til rivido!”
Jonathan eniras su chambro e vidas la cielo. Ol es griza. Lu pensas pri quon Dracula facis. Kande la matino venis, lu dicis “til rivido”, quo es vidar su ankorfoye. “Takaze, me vidos lu morge, e ankore posmorge. Pro quo lu dicas ‘til rivido’ kande la matino venas? Ka Dracula ne prizas la matino? Tre stranja…” Vidante la griza cielo, lu dormas.
Gramatiko.
antehiere, hiere, hodie, morge, posmorge.
Hodie es 5 mayo. Hiere esis 4 mayo, e antehiere (o prehiere) esis 3 mayo. Morge esos 6 mayo, e posmorge esos 7 mayo.
Vortaro.
<hr> | 1,171 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...g6/3. Nc3/3...Nh6/4. e4. =Bladel Open Variations=
2.c4 g6, 3.Nc3 Nh6, 4.e4 - Dutch Defence, Bladel Variation Open.
The move e4 changes the character of this opening entirely. The move e4 transposes from a a semi closed game to an open game.
The whole point of the Dutch Defence is to gain control over the e4 square. The idea is to prevent white from playing e4. Typically, black is going to fallow it up with Nf6 and gain even more control over the e4 square. But now white plays e4 anyway. The e-pawn has now support from the knight on c3.
Black has different responses to choose from.
Black must not play d5 right away. The move d5 will be met with exd4. Black is going to loose control over the center. As a result of that, black's king side will fall apart. Therefore black should play the bladel, especially the open variations, in hyper modern fashion. Instead of pushing blindly into the center, black seeks to control the center from the outside with the minor pieces. The bishop needs to go to
the g7 square as soon as possiple to gain some control towards the center. If black wants to fight the center with d5, it needs to prepared with c6 before hand.
Theory table.
1. d4 f5 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Nh6 4.e4 | 371 |
Color Theory/HDR. HDR
DR.
Dynamic range (DR):
types of DR:
The candela per square metre is the unit of liminance in the International System of Units . The nit (symbol: nt) is a non-SI name also used for this unit
1 nt = 1 cd/m2
Defining HDR image and image sequence formats and attributes
3 levels of monitor brightness:
High dynamic range (HDR)
HDR
formats.
Formats that are only used for HDR storage purpose:
HDR formats that can be used for both storage and transmission to displays, such as: | 148 |
Chess Variants/Chess with Different Armies. Introduction.
Chess with Different Armies is a variant that allows players to select from one of four different armies at game start.
History.
Chess with different armies was created by chess variant designer Ralph Betza in 1979. He created and beta-tested many armies for the game but eventually whittled the selection down to just four official armies. Only the official armies shall be covered on this page.
Rules.
Chess with different armies is mostly played like the standard game but as its name suggests, with different armies. For the variant, Betza has crafted four unique armies of fairy chess pieces, each of which is designed to be roughly equal to each other in terms of strength but have significantly different properties to each other. Players may either choose the standard chess army, called the "Fabulous FIDEs", or they may choose one of the three fairy piece armies: the "Colourbound Clobberers", the "Remarkable Rookies" and the "Nutty Knights". The king and pawns are kept the same, but each non-FIDE army replaces the rooks, knights, bishops and queen with new fairy pieces.
Before introducing the armies it will help to know the moves of four fairy pieces - the ferz, alfil, wazir and dabbaba. These four pieces move as follows:
Many of the pieces in chess with different armies were created by combining the moves of the FIDE pieces with the moves of the ferz, alfil, wazir and dabbaba in unique combinations.
Before a game begins each player selects one of the armies and takes that army's pieces, setting them up on the board in the same place as their FIDE equivalents. The choice may be made by negotiation, by assignment by a third party or by secret choice.
Both players can select the same army, although it is legal for tournament directors to disallow this. If in a tournament where same-army play is forbidden, both players select the same army, Black must break the tie - either by selecting a different army or by keeping theirs and forcing White to choose another.
If a pawn is promoted, it may become any piece present in either army at game start, aside from kings.
How the pieces move.
The Colourbound Clobberers.
The Colourbound Clobberers are an army with a theme, and that theme is the bishop. Two of its four unique pieces are completely colourbound. The Clobberers also have an unusual material balance - their queen is somewhat weaker and their bishops are stronger.
NOTE: If one wishes to castle queenside with the Clobberers, then they move their king from the e-file to the b-file and the bede from the a-file to the c-file. This is done to keep the bede from switching square colours.
The Remarkable Rookies.
Out in the ocean lies Rookland, a remarkably rectangular island whose cities sport very straight streets. The pieces that hail from there reflect this in their orthogonal style of play.
The Nutty Knights.
This team has been recruited from the homeland of the FIDE knight, where the local pieces have had to learn to leap from peak to peak. Many of these pieces have knight-like moves, and most advance well but cannot easily retreat.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not have any notable sub-variants. | 788 |
Saluto, Jonathan! (Ido)/Chapitro 12. Dek-e-duesma chapitro.
Nun Jonathan esabas en la kastelo di Dracula dum kelka dii. Lu nun pensas ke la kastelo es stranja. Lu facas la sama kozi kun Dracula: lu parolas nokte kun Dracula, e dormas jorne.
Yen la stranja kozi. La unesma kozo: multa pordi es klefagita! Kande Dracula ne esas kun lu, lu volas apertar pordo – ma la pordo es klefagita! E lu volas apertar altra pordo – klefagita!
Yen la duesma kozo: en la kastelo esas nur lu, e Dracula. Ube es la personi qui laboras por Dracula? Pos la manjajo, Jonathan serchas la persono qua netigas, ma lu vidas nula persono. Ulatempe lu vidis Dracula netiganta la tablo! Pro quo lu netigas ol ipsa? Komto Dracula es richa, lu es siorulo, pro quo lu netigas la tablo e netigas la lito ipsa?
Ta kozi es mala kozi. Ma esas un kozo plus. La maxim mala kozo esis la dio kande Jonathan esis en sua chambro, razante su. Lu havis mikra spegulo, e uzis lo por razar su. Uladie lu vidis la spegulo e lu dicis a su: “Jonathan, tu havas mikra barbo. Tu devas razar su.” E lu komencis razar su kun la razilo. E dum ke lu razis su, lu vidis nur su ipsa, e la chambro. Ma pos instanto, lu vidas Dracula dop lu! Ma lu ne vidis Dracula en la spegulo… pro quo Dracula es dop lu ma ne en la spegulo? Lu vidas la spegulo ankorfoye e lu ne povas vidar Dracula, nur su ipsa.
“Ah!” lu dicas, e lu vidas su kolo: ibe esas sango. La razilo sangifigis lu – ol facis Jonathan sangifar.
Dracula, qua esas dop Jonathan, vidas la sango; lu vidas ke la razilo sangifigis Jonathan. Tre rapide, la manui di Dracula prenas la kolo di Jonathan. “Dracula, quo vu facas?” lu dicas.
Tande Dracula vidas la krucifixo di Jonathan, e nun la manui di Dracula ne volas prenar la kolo di Jonathan. Dracula ne es felica. Lu dicas: “Quo? Jonathan, vu devas ne sangifigar vu kun la razilo! En Rumania es malega kozo sangifigar su… plu mala kam en Anglia, vu savas. Me savas. La spegulo es la problemo!”
La manui di Dracula prenas la spegulo, e lu jetas la spegulo fore, tra la fenestro. Nun Jonathan havas nula spegulo. Dracula dicas nulo plus, e ekiras la chambro. Jonathan es sola.
Jonathan, sole, marchas en la kastelo. Lu vidas pordi, klefagita pordi, e fenestri. Lu questionas su quo esas exter la kastelo, tra la fenestri. Ma tra la fenestri lu vidas ke li es tre, tre alta – la kastelo es sur monto. E lu ne savas quale ekirar! Takaze… la kastelo es un vera karcero!
Gramatiko.
-ab-.
Jonathan komencis esar en la kastelo ante kelka dii. Jonathan ankore esas en la kastelo. Jonathan esabas en la kastelo dum kelka dii.
-il-.
verbo + -il- + -o = kozo qua on uzas por facar la verbo
maxim.
Bona, plu bona, maxim bona. Maxim bona = ne esas altra kozo qua es plu bona.
tra.
Dracula es en la chambro. La spegulo es en la chambro. Dracula jetas la spegulo, qua iras tra la fenestro. Nun la spegulo es exter la chambro.
Vortaro.
<hr> | 1,112 |
Saluto, Jonathan! (Ido)/Chapitro 13. Dek-e-triesma chapitro.
Nun, Jonathan pensas ke lu es karcerano. Quo facar? Quale ekirar? Lu savas ke la Komto savas ke lu esas karcerano. Pro to, kande lu vidas Dracula, lu es sempre kalma. Kande Dracula questionas lu: “Quale vu standas?” lu dicas sempre, “Me standas bone, danko. E vu?” e li facas multa konversi. Ma kande Dracula ne es kun lu, Jonathan serchas e serchas quale ekirar.
Jonathan pensas pri la duktisto. Se Dracula habitas sole, ka Dracula ipsa ne esis la duktisto? Se lu es lo, ka Dracula povas facar ke la volfi ululez kun sua manuo o sua voco?
Jonathan pensas pri su krucifixo. Lu pensas: “Es stranja ke me amas ica krucifixo. En Anglia ni ne amas li, ma hike, me amas ol. Kande me vidas la krucifixo, me es kalma. La muliero qua donis la krucifixo a me es vere bona muliero!”
Nokte, Jonathan e Dracula havis longega konverso. Dracula parolis pri la historio di sua lando, e kande lu parolis, lu esis tre ecitita. Lu prenis kozi kun sua forta manui dum ke lu parolis, e Jonathan pensis ke lua manui es fortega.
Dracula: “Ni Szekely facis multa kozi dum la historio di Rumania. Ni Szekely es tre, tre forta.”
Jonathan: “Vi quo? Vi Sz… S… Szekely? Ah, Szekely es Hungariana! Ka vu es Hungariana?”
Dracula: “No, le Szekely ne es Hungariani! Ni es simila, ma diferanta. Le Szekely es plu forta. Ni luktis kontre Turkia. E ni luktis kontre altra landi. La sango di Dracula, la sango di le Szekely, es fortega. Vu devas savar to.”
Altradie, Dracula questionas Jonathan pri altra kozi. Lu dicas: “Jonathan, me savas ke vu helpas me komprar mea domo en London. Vu helpas me, e vu es mea helpanto. Yen mea questiono: Ka ulu povas havar du helpanti, o tri o plu helpanti?”
Jonathan: “Yes, vu povas havar plu kam un helpanto. Un helpanto es posibla, du helpanti es posibla, e multa helpanti es posibla.”
Dracula: “Tre bone. E ka es posibla facar kozi sen helpanto?”
Jonathan: “Yes, vu povas facar kozi sen helpanto, se vu volas. Vu es richa viro e richa viri havas kozi quin li volas facar ipsa.”
Nun Dracula stacas e dicas: “Jonathan, vu rezidos kun me dum un monato. Ka vu komprenas?”
Jonathan pensas: “Oh, ve! Sola kun Dracula dum monato!” ma lu esas kalma e dicas: “Tre bona ideo! Me esos felica rezidar hike dum monato.”
Dracula: “Nam vu esos hike dum monato, vu devas skribar letri a vua amiki. Hike vu vidas paperofolii – voluntez skribar letri a vua amiki.”
Jonathan savas ke Dracula lektos lua letri. Lu havas ideo: lu skribos letro a sua chefo Hawkins, e skribos nur kozi quale “Me standas bone en la kastelo di Dracula. Quale vu standas? Til rivido!”
Ma a Mina, su amorato, lu skribos per stenografo. Letro skribita per stenografo es letro quan nur la personi qui lernis la stenografo povas lektar. Jonathan pensas ke Dracula ne povas lektar letri skribita per stenografo.
Dracula dicas: “Me pregas ke vu skribez nur bona kozi en vua letri. Ne skribez mala kozi, ka vu komprenas? La personi en London devas ne pensar ke esas mala kozi hike en mea kastelo.”
Jonathan: “Me komprenas. Me skribos nur bona kozi.”
Dracula ekiras la chambro, e Jonathan vidas altra letri quin Dracula skribis. Un letro es por la urbo Whitby en Anglia, e la duesma por la urbo di Varna en Bulgaria, la triesma por London, e la quaresma por Budapest… ma Dracula retrovenas, e Jonathan sideskas.
Dracula: “Me devas irar ad altra chambro. Me havas ulo por dicar a vu: ne dormez en altra parto di mea kastelo. Esas danjero en altra parti dil kastelo; li esas danjeroza. Vu devas ne facar danjeroza kozi, e vu devas dormar nur en vua chambro. Takaze, se vu dormos en altra parto dil kastelo… me ne povos helpar vu!” e lu gestas kun sua manui.
Jonathan komprenas, e dicas ke lu komprenas.
Gramatiko.
le.
‘Le’ = ‘la’, ma uzesas kande, altre, on ne povus savar ke esas plu kam un kozo. p.ex:
-an-.
Radiko + -ano = persono qua es membro dil radiko, o apartenas a lo. p.ex.
-anto, -ato.
La adjektivi kun -anta, -ata, -inta, -ita, -onta, -ota, povas divenar substantivi.
rezidar vs habitar.
Jonathan habitas en Anglia. Lu havas domo en Anglia, e lu retroiros ad Anglia pos ke Dracula finas kun lu. (Ka ne?) Ma Jonathan nune rezidas en la kastelo di Dracula.
amorar vs amar.
Amorar es amar, ma kun 💞👩🏻❤️💋👨🏾❤️🔥pasiono💘🧑🏻❤️🧑🏾💕. Personi amoras nur personi!
On povas "amar" voyaji, treni, hundi, muziko, lernar, edc., ma on ne povas "amorar" kozi (o animali). On anke ne amoras sua familio (ecepte sua spozo); on "amas" li.
Vortaro.
<hr> | 1,758 |
Antenna Television. A helpful guide for installing a TV antenna, how to get the best signals, and a list of channels by market. | 31 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Bb5/3...a6/4. Bxc6/4...dxc6/5. O-O/5...Bg4/6. h3/6...h5. Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit.
After h5, black sacrifices the bishop for the betterment of Black's position. 7. hxg4? is bad because after 7. ...hxg4! the knight on f3 is attacked, and moving the knight is even worse. For example, after 8. Nxe5??, white captures the pawn, but after 8. ...Qh4! the checkmate in four moves is unavoidable. White can also try 7. c3 with the idea of playing d4, but 7. ...Qd3 stops it. 8. hxg4, hxg4. 9. Nxe5, there is a move Bd6, attacking the knight. 10. Nxd3 and then, there is 10. ...Bh2+ and you repeat moves. And white can also play 7. d4 with the idea of developing queenside pieces.
Theory Table.
"For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.".
1. e4, e5. 2. Nf3, Nc6. 3. Bb5, a6. 4. Bxc6, dxc6. 5. O-O, Bg4. 6. h3, h5 | 385 |
Application Development with Harbour/HbIDE. From https://hbide.vouch.info/: "hbIDE is an open-source, multi-platform Integrated Development Environment (IDE) hosted inside Harbour's SVN repository".
The revision number is displayed in the titlebar of the main window, and according to the download page https://hbide.vouch.info/downloads.htm the most recent version is v1.0 r17110 09Nov2011, which makes it almost 12 years old now, yet it implements many functionalities eliminating the need of switching between multiple tools and a consistent interface. | 145 |
Chess Variants/Chess on a 12 by 12 Board. Introduction.
Chess on a 12 by 12 board, is, as its name suggests, chess... but played on a 12 by 12 board.
History.
The variant was created by Doug Vogel in December 2000.
Rules.
As already stated, this variant is simply chess played on a 12 by 12 board, with the pieces set up in their usual configuration in the central 8 by 8 area.
All rules are kept the same as standard chess, with one exception - pawns only have to reach the 10th rank (for White) or the 3rd rank (for Black) to promote. Alternatively pawns may be required to reach the 12th or 1st ranks to promote.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not not have any notable sub-variants. | 214 |
Chess Variants/Checkless Chess. Introduction.
Checkless chess is a variant that forbids players form delivering check.
History.
It is not known where checkless chess came from, but the variant dates from the mid-19th century, and it also often used in fairy chess problems.
Rules.
Checkless chess is played mostly like the original game, with one difference - moves that deliver check to the enemy king are forbidden unless they deliver immediate checkmate.
There are several other optional rules: | 116 |
Antenna Television/Introduction. Over-the-air television is a from of broadcasting in which television signals are distributed from a transmitter via radio waves to a TV receiver with an antenna. It differs from satellite television, when signals are transmitted to a satellite dish from an orbiting satellite, or cable television, in which the signal is carried to the receiver through a cable. The picture quality for antenna television tends to be clearer than the other two methods, because the television signals are unprocessed.
The only equipment required is an antenna. Antennas are divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor. Indoor antennas are generally smaller, while outdoor antennas are larger and generally have greater receiving capability. They are also designed to handle weather such as wind, rain, and snow, unlike indoor antennas.
Available channels.
A downside to over-the-air broadcasting is that channel options are far more limited than cable or satellite. They are normally restricted to local broadcast channels. Below is a list of channels that are typically available through over-the-air broadcasting, and a sample of programs they offer.
Channels and Frequency Bands.
A frequency is a measure of the number of oscillations of a wave per unit of time, while a channel is a specific range of frequencies that is used to transmit information.
Following the introduction of digital TV, there are now two types of channels: virtual channels and "real" or "RF" channels. The RF channel is what a station uses to broadcast its signal, while the virtual channel is what appears on the television. Virtual channels will be followed by a period and a second number (ex. "5.1").
Terrestrial television channels are divided into two bands: the VHF band which comprises channels 2 through 13 and occupies frequencies between 54 and 216 MHz, and the UHF band, which comprises channels 14 through 36 and occupies frequencies between 470 and 700 MHz.
Antenna Gain.
Antenna gain indicates how how strong a signal an antenna can receive from a specific direction. The farther away the target is, the higher the antenna's gain should be. However, with round or omnidirectional antennae, a higher gain should be avoided to ensure the signal isn't too focused and unable to reach multiple wireless locations in your household. | 522 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...g6/3. Nc3/3...Nh6/4. e4/4...fxe4/5. Nxe4/5...Bg7/6. Nf3. =Bladel Modern Variations=
2.c4 g6, 3.Nc3 Nh6, 4.e4 fxe4, 5.Nxe4 Bg7, 6.Nf3 - Dutch Defence, Bladel Modern Variations.
The move Nf3 on move 6 enters the Bladel Modern Variations. White is trying to gain as much space in the center as possible. Black has delayed to play the pawn into the center so far and instead controls the
center with the minor pieces from the outside in hyper modern fashion. Usually, black attacks the center with ... c6 fallowed by d5. Superficially the arrangement of the white knights looks a bit like an open Sicilian. In the Sicilian, both knights are facing towards the queen's side. In the Bladel Modern Variation, both white knights are facing towards the king side. In addition white has an additional pawn in the center.
White has made a concession. White has trade off a center pawn for a side pawn. As a result of that, white will have to deliver a check mate in the middle game. Black has an additional center pawn, which is a significant advantage in the end game. If black survives the attack, black will play for the win in the end game. Again this very similar to the open Sicilians.
Theory table.
1. d4 f5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nh6 4.e4 fxe4 5.Nxe4 Bg7 6.Nf3 | 417 |
LMIs in Control/Click here to continue/Observer synthesis/Switched Observer with State Jumps. "Switched Systems".
Observer synthesis for switched linear systems results in switched observers with state jumps.
The System.
where formula_2, formula_3, formula_4 and formula_5 is the index function in discrete state given by formula_6 deciding which one of the linear vector fields is active at a certain time instant.
The Problem Formulation.
Given a State-space representation of a system given as above. The dynamics of the continuous time observer is defined as:
where formula_11 is the state estimate of the vector field formula_12 , formula_13 is the observer gains, formula_14 is the index function, and formula_15 is the output of the mode location observer.
The observer is divided into two parts, the mode location observer estimating the active dynamics and the continuous-time observer estimating the continuous state of the switched system.
The estimated state jumps will be updated according to
where formula_17 is the set of times when the mode location observer switches mode, which are the times when formula_18 changes value.
The LMI:.
The following are equivalent:
(a)There exists formula_19 and formula_20 such that
where
and the states of the hybrid observer is updated according to
(b) If for some formula_27
then
Conclusion:.
Using multiple Lyapunov functions and properly updating the continuous estimated states when the mode changes occur, an observer can be synthesized by solving a linear matrix inequality problem above.
External Links.
A list of references documenting and validating the LMI. | 376 |
A Guide to Discord/Emojis. Emojis are icons that are used to convey emojis through text. Along with standard emojis, Discord allows users to create custom emojis exclusive to their servers.
Emoji Picker.
Access the Emoji Picker by clicking the grayed-out emoji in the right corner of the text box. The user can then select an emoji, or filter an emoji by category using the buttons at the bottom of the picker. Custom emojis will be sorted by server. Hold shift and left click to add multiple emojis. Alt+Click an emoji to add it to your "Favorites".
Custom Emoji.
Go to "Server Settings" and use the "Emoji" tab to upload a maximum of 50 custom emoji to the server. You must have "manage emoji" permissions enabled to due so.
Emoji names must be at least two characters long and contain only alphanumeric characters and underscores. Emojis can be uploaded in sizes up to 128x128 pixels, although they will be resized to 32x32 pixels. The emoji file size must be smaller than 256kb. Custom emojis can only be used on the server they have been uploaded too, unless you have a Nitro subscription. | 297 |
Chess Variants/Circe Chess. Introduction.
Circe Chess is a variant that allows for pieces to be reborn after capture.
History.
Circe chess was created by French composer Pierre Monréal, who described the rules in an article in "Problème" magazine the following year. The variant is named after the Greek goddess Circe, and is rarely played as an actual game. It is more often used for fairy puzzles.
Rules.
Circe chess is played mostly like the standard game, with one key difference: when a piece is captured it is not removed from the board, but rather it is immediately reborn on its starting square. To be more specific:
However, if the square the piece would be reborn on is occupied by another piece, whether friendly or hostile, then the piece is not reborn and is instead removed from the board as in standard chess.
If a pawn is captured via "en passant", it will immediately be reborn on the square in front of the opponent's pawn, preventing either pawn from moving.
Sub-variants.
There are many sub-variants of Circe chess, usually differing oin where captured pieces are reborn. Wikipedia lists the following: | 270 |
Chatbots For Social Change. Chatbots for Social Change is focused on a single aim. That is, to mobilize recent developments in natural language understanding (NLU), in particular Large Language Models (LLMs) like chatGPT, to catalyze effective and responsible large-scale intelligent social action.
This course is about envisioning a future where chatbots can effectively serve as interviewers, discussants, therapists, experts, and politicians, through the ability to explain another's views as they would, to reason and explain reasoning, and symmetrically to look at the world through all of their conversants' eyes.
= Table of Contents = | 142 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Theory of Conversation. Conversation is structured in a variety of ways.
This chapter collects these for reference and reflection, attempting to hone in on the features of this vast landscape of human knowledge relevant to chatbots reshaping collective conversation.
We start with the theory of conversation, and connectedly of meaning, understanding, and explanation.
Then, we move into the structures which humans have built for communicating effectively in a variety of professional realms. This division into the theoretical and the practical is a bit of a trick, as what will be useful for our purposes lies somewhere in between. By choosing poles of the structure of communication (descriptive and practical) as our starting points, we are hoping to triangulate what will be meaningful in our endeavors for the remainder of this course. | 177 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Theory of Conversation/Theorizing Conversation. I'll keep an older draft, just in case.
What do we mean by "meaning"? The subject of this chapter, it's the sort of self-referential question which one may think at first glance to be fundamentally unanswerable. But this apparent circularity has not stopped philosophers and scientists from working through the answer, or stopped humans globally from saying things, and really "meaning" them. Questions of the meaning of "understanding," "explanation," "belief," and "reasoning" have a similar circularity, and answers bearing on one of these concepts help to answer what the others mean. In this chapter we conduct a broad survey of answers to these questions through history, in the hope of assembling a robust answer to this question. Or at least one which will help us understand how to design a system which can understand "for all practical purposes." Without further ado, let's start at the beginning.
Overview of the Fields.
Not everything relevant will be treated in this chapter, so we'll begin by giving an alphabetical index of fields possibly relevant to the study of meaning, of the structure of language, meaning, and conversation. | 271 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Research Project Ideas. Introduction.
In the development of chatbots for social change, ethical considerations are paramount. As these conversational agents begin to play a more significant role in society, the responsibilities of their creators expand. They must consider not only the functionality and effectiveness of these chatbots but also the moral implications of their deployment.
Random Digit Dialing Chatbot Outreach.
Aim: To build rapport with individuals through chatbots, gaining an in-depth understanding of their daily concerns, political views, and other relevant aspects of their lives.
Positives:
Negatives:
Intervention Design:
Aim:
Ethical Considerations:
This intervention, if ethically crafted and implemented with transparency and respect, has the potential to offer valuable insights into public sentiment and could be a powerful instrument for understanding and bridging societal rifts.
Local Community Bridge Chatbot.
The Local Community Bridge Chatbot concept leverages technology to serve as a conduit between local governance and the community. It is an endeavor to blend the traditional media channels with emerging conversational technologies to ensure inclusivity in public discourse.
Media: Local radio shows and community TV channels.
Positives:
Negatives:
Intervention Design:
Aim:
Execution:
By embedding the chatbot within well-established local media, the Local Community Bridge Chatbot aims to address pertinent issues while reinforcing communal bonds and fostering a shared sense of trust and understanding.
Debate Bot.
Aim: The Debate Bot is designed to stimulate critical thinking and argumentation skills by engaging users in structured debates, with the added goal of allowing the bot to learn from human input and reflecting a wide array of viewpoints.
Positives:
Negatives:
Intervention Design:
Goals:
Implementation Considerations:
The Debate Bot initiative represents an innovative approach to discourse in an era where echo chambers are prevalent. It provides a safe space for users to challenge their thought processes and understand different viewpoints, which is vital for fostering a well-rounded and informed society.
Potpourri.
As we continue to explore the convergence of technology and societal needs, it becomes clear that chatbots offer a unique opportunity to enhance understanding, challenge biases, and promote informed dialogue. Below are additional ideas that align with these objectives, contributing to the rich tapestry of our digital wikibook:
These initiatives aim to leverage technological advances to bridge understanding, counteract echo chambers, and cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue.
Continuing with the theme of chatbot applications:
Further expanding the horizon, we delve into civic engagement:
Each concept demonstrates a commitment to fostering an informed, empathetic, and engaged society, where technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier between different ideologies and experiences. As with any technology, careful consideration must be given to the design and implementation to ensure that chatbots serve the public good, respect user autonomy, and support the critical evaluation of information.
Conclusion.
Chatbots, especially when used for social change, inhabit a space where innovation meets responsibility. The ethical framework outlined in this chapter is not exhaustive but provides a foundation for thinking about the implications of deploying chatbots in a social context. It's a call for developers and implementers to recognize the weight of their creations and to proceed with a conscientious commitment to the greater good. | 760 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Dirk Helbing. , an esteemed scholar at the forefront of complex systems, social dynamics, and computational science, has been instrumental in exploring the interplay between technology and society. His recent endeavors in advancing the concept of deliberative democracy, especially through his contributions in "Democracy 2.0," underscore the transformative potential of chatbots in facilitating and enhancing human discourse. His collaboration and insights serve as a cornerstone for this course, which delves into the profound impact of chatbots on our collective future.
Ethical and Societal Implications of Chatbots.
Opportunities and Challenges
Chatbots offer transformative opportunities for enhancing user interaction with technology, providing a platform for information access and engagement. Yet, these opportunities are accompanied by challenges that are not immediately apparent, necessitating a proactive approach to identify and mitigate potential risks. The development of chatbots should not be driven by the pursuit of an "average" or uniform standard, as this risks the homogenization of society and undermines the robustness that diversity brings to social systems. Instead, chatbots should be designed to reflect a wide array of thoughts, supporting a tapestry of perspectives that enrich the societal discourse.
Ethical Influence and Autonomy
The ethical use of chatbots centers around the principles of consent and self-determination. Influencing users without their explicit consent raises ethical concerns, highlighting the need for transparency in how chatbots are used as tools for individual empowerment rather than for manipulation. Preserving user autonomy in decision-making is crucial, ensuring that chatbots support rather than undermine the individual's ability to make informed choices. This is particularly relevant in the context of virtual reality experiments, where the immersive nature of the technology holds significant potential for influencing user perceptions and behaviors.
Chatbots in Conflict Resolution and Social Cohesion.
Bridging Perspectives
Chatbots have the potential to serve as mediators in conflict resolution by exposing individuals to a multitude of perspectives, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This process, while intricate and time-consuming, can be instrumental in identifying the roots of conflicts and facilitating pathways towards resolution. By promoting empathy and understanding, chatbots can contribute to diffusing societal tensions and building a more cohesive social fabric.
Diversity and Customization
A diverse ecosystem of chatbots is essential to cater to the varied needs and preferences of users. Encouraging the development of multiple chatbot models ensures that no single approach becomes dominant, allowing for a more personalized and user-centric experience. This diversity not only enhances the user experience but also serves as a safeguard against the risks associated with a one-size-fits-all solution, which can lead to large-scale, institutionalized errors.
Security and Long-Term Impact of Chatbots.
System Vulnerability and Security
The susceptibility of chatbot systems to hijacking and misuse is an ongoing concern that requires constant vigilance and innovation in security measures. As with any system, there is an arms race between those working to maintain stability and those with malicious intent. Drawing from the stabilizing features of scientific inquiry, it is imperative to understand and incorporate similar features into chatbot systems to ensure their resilience and robustness.
Delayed Consequences and Ethical Research
The conversation around chatbots also touches on the potential for delayed societal consequences, which may not become evident until years into the future. This underscores the importance of a cautious approach to the deployment of chatbots, with a focus on the long-term implications of their integration into daily life. Ethical research and development in the field of AI must prioritize the advancement of knowledge while being cognizant of the potential for misuse, especially by entities that may disregard ethical considerations for profit or political gain.
Deeper Reflections on the Role of Chatbots.
This section was written by GPT-4, and offers some food for thought, extending the conversation with Dirk Helbing.
Balancing Scalability with Individual Needs
The scalability of chatbots presents a paradox; while it allows for widespread access and utility, it also risks the loss of individualized responses that cater to specific user contexts. The challenge lies in designing chatbots that can provide the efficiency benefits of scalability while maintaining the ability to personalize interactions. This balance is critical in ensuring that chatbots remain versatile and effective across a broad spectrum of scenarios without compromising the unique needs of each user.
Transparency, Accountability, and Public Engagement
Transparency and accountability in chatbot operations are essential to build trust and ensure that users understand the rationale behind the chatbot's responses. Public education and awareness initiatives are equally important, equipping users with the knowledge to critically engage with chatbot technology and understand its limitations. Feedback mechanisms play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, providing a direct channel for users to influence the evolution of chatbot systems and ensuring that developers can respond to concerns and improve the technology continuously.
Ethical Frameworks and Regulatory Considerations
The development and deployment of chatbots must be underpinned by robust ethical frameworks that guide their influence on individual decision-making. As chatbots become more integrated into societal functions, the question of regulation becomes increasingly pertinent. What role should regulation play, and how can it be implemented to foster innovation while protecting individual rights and societal values? These questions highlight the need for a collaborative approach involving policymakers, technologists, and the public to navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI and chatbots. | 1,252 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...f5/2. c4/2...g6/3. Nc3/3...Nh6/4. e4/4...fxe4/5. Nxe4/5...Bg7/6. Nf3/6...c6/7. Bd3/7...d5/8. cxd5/8...cxd5/9. Bb5/9...Nc6/10. Bxc6/10...bxc6/11. Nc5. = Bladel Main Lines =
Bladel Attack, Main Line.
The move Nc5 enters the Bladel Main Lines or in short the Bladel Main Lines. White has managed to get a dominant position. White has now an outpost for the knight. This knight on c5 is called an octupus knight; it controls 8 squares. This is very difficult to face as black. It restricts black from creating counter play on the queen side. But black has compensation in the shapes of not one but two semi open files for each rook. Black castles short. White can choose to either castle short or castle long. Keep in mind, that this is a sharp opening for both sides. White has more space and therfore more opportunities to control the flow of the game. Black how ever has a lot of activity which leaves room for counter play. As a result of that white has a slight advantage in all of these lines.
Van Foreest Counter Attack.
11.Nc5 O-O 12.O-O Bg4 13.Re1 Qc8
With the move Bg4 on move 12 by black, we enter the Van Foreest Counter Attack. If white decides to castle early. Black has the chance to take the initiative. White's king looks save but it is not.
The knight on f3 is a key weakness and a target for black. It is only defended by the g-pawn and the queen. In general the queen is a great attacker but a weak defender. Black threatens to sacrifice the
rook to compromise white's pawn structure and create a king side attack. The queen can join and is supported by the rook and the knight. Furthermore, white must
not take the pawn on e7. It looks free but it leads to the Helsinki Trap.
It looks like white is just losing the rook. But it is far worse than that. Black can pretend to win the rook and go for an all out attack.
Even with best play, black is going to win either by winning the queen or by checkmate. White has to find the only move here to continue. White must nutralize the knight on h6 with Bxh6.
Isouard Defence.
11.Nc5 O-O 12.O-O Rb8 13.Re1 Bg4
With the move Rb8 on move 12 by black, we enter the Isouard Defence. Black pretends to create a queen side attack but goes instead for a center pawn push later on. Positional exchange sacrifice like a rook
for a knight is quite common in these types of positions. White will be forced to trade off the octupus knight for black's light bishop to slow black down. White's long term plan is to create a passing along the a-file and b-file. To accomplish this white will force black to trade the rook on b8.
Van Lennep Attack.
11.Nc5 O-O 12.Bxh6 Bxh6 13.Qd3 Qa5+ 14.Qc3 Qxc3 15.bxc3
With the move Bxh6 on move 12 by white, we enter the Van Lennep Attack. The idea is to prevent problems before they can grow. White eliminates the threats from black early on.
Furthermore, white allows black to give a check with the queen. In the main line of the van Lennep Attack white offers a queen trade early on, which gets usually accepted by black.
Black can however deny the trade with more positional Qb6 or with the even more aggressive Qb5 on move 14. The van Lennp Attack can be either positional, in the event of queen trades.
In the event of Qb5 on move 14 it gets very sharp and tactical. If black plays Qb6 on move 14, which is black's stronges reply, we get a mixture of positinal play with sharp tactical ideas as
well.
Petrovic Attack.
11.Nc5 O-O 12.Qd2 Bh3 13.Rg1
With the move Qd2 on move 12 by white, we enter the Van Petrovic Attack. White will delay to castle. White will castle long later on and allow black to attack queen side. White will launch a king side
attack in return. Black seeks to undermine the knight on f3 with tactiacl ideas. White cannot take the bishop or the knight will fall. Therefore white will defend with g1. It is a mulitipurpose move.
The idea is to line up the rook against black's king and launch an attack. This leads to a very sharp and complicated line where both sides attack each other on both sides. It is common, that the
Petrovic Attack leads to a queen vs queen fight in the end game.
Theory table.
1. d4 f5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nh6 4.e4 fxe4 5.Nxe4 Bg7 6.Nf3 c6 7.Bd3 d5 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Bb5+ Nc6 10.Bxc6+ bxc6 11.Nc5 | 1,362 |
A Guide to Discord/User Status. The user status consists of seven settings to serve as notification settings. They can be updated by clicking on your profile picture in the bottom-left corner.
List of Statuses.
Online.
Online is the default status. You will receive notifications, use Discord normally, and show up in the member list normally.
Idle.
The Idle status is set automatically if there is no mouse movement or typing for 10 minutes while online. It also hides the users current non-game activity, such as Spotify. The status will return to online if activity in the window resumes, unless it was set manually. The Idle status performs the same way as Online Status.
Do Not Disturb.
Do Not Disturb disables all desktop and push notifications, even from mentions.
Streaming.
The Streaming status can only be set when streaming on an account connected to your Discord account. It performs the same way as Do Not Disturb.
Invisible.
Invisible lets you use Discord normally while appearing offline.
Offline.
Applied to your account as soon as you lose connection.
Phone.
A green phone icon replaces the standard Online icon for mobile users.
Custom.
The custom status lets you display a message on your profile. You can add one emoji before the text, and add custom emojis if you have Nitro. There is a 128 character limit. There is an option to make the message expire after a certain period of time, ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours. | 346 |
History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Alan Owen Burrows/Notes. Alan Owen Burrows - Transcriptions and notes.
1900s.
1901.
1901 03.
Alan's father applies for a liquor licence for his store
Notice of Application for a Colonial Wine License. I, RICHARD BURROWS, of George street, Windsor, Storekeeper, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Quarterly Licensing Court to be holden at Windsor, on the 11th day of April, 1901, apply for a Certificate authorising the issue of a Colonial Wine License for a house situate in George-street, Windsor, Signed, RICHARD BURROWS, Dated 25th March, 1901.
1908.
1908 08.
Birth Notice for Alan's half-sister
BIRTHS. . . . BURROWS.— August 2, at 20 King-street, Newtown, to Florence and Richard Burrows — a daughter.
1920s.
1922.
1922 04.
JEWELERY AS AN ART. DIMINISHING DEMAND. Buyers Prefer Kitchen Tables. (By Alan Burrows)
NEWS comes from America that £10,000 worth of jewellery has been stolen. With that sum you could almost buy a small warship, or a few Rolls Royces, or build a number of soldiers' homes. All that for pretty ornaments that a woman wears. We all wear jewellery, however, in some form or other. As a rule, men don't evince a great fondness for it; but what an appeal it has to the feminine mind — particularly to the young feminine mind. No one seems to know if Adam gave Eve an engagement ring, but he may have thought it unnecessary, as there, was no rival, who might think Eve still unattached. Nevertheless, there is nothing surer that, if Eve were at all like her children, and the ring been given her, she would have worn it, if only to flaunt it in the face of the serpent. And if the serpent, to outdo Adam, had presented her with a tiara, necklet or bracelet, or the whole lot, she would have worn them, too.
ARISTOCRATIC TRADERS It is astonishing the amount of jewellery that is worn in Sydney — not necessarily all at once. The quantity, however, is made, so it must be put on sometimes. Such jewellery some of it is, too! "Parisian designs" that would raise the hair of a Paris policeman. The last evidence of a barbarous instinct (a woman puts rings through her ears for exactly the same reason that a blackfellow puts one through his nose), jewellery, as time goes on, seems to be growing more savage in itself. Strange, bizarre designs that no effort of imagination could call artistic; and of what use is an ornament if it offends the eye? The idea of the perpetrators, of course, is to be "out of the ordinary" — and they nearly always succeed. Centuries ago, a jeweller came near to being an aristocrat; he was an artist then, and wore his sword — the hallmark of a gentleman. Nowadays he is merely a "tradesman." There is something different about the trade, even now, for all that. References to jewellery run right through fiction. The family heirlooms are always getting lost; the villain generally purloins invaluable diamonds — or else he smuggles them through the Customs; and who ever heard of a detective (private, of course) who hasn't recovered hoards of jewels? Poetry, too, has its share. The heroine invariably wears some jewellery: "Her vest of gold, 'Broidered with flowers and clasped from head to foot, An emerald stone in every golden clasp, And on her brow, fairer than alabaster, A coronet of pearls." You couldn't introduce the art of plumbing or bricklaying like that; it seems but a step further to the work of a painter or sculptor.
THE ACCOMPLISHED SALESMAN. Perhaps in no other business is the customer more at the mercy of the salesman that in that of jewellery, for the average purchaser is totally ignorant of the value of the article being bought. The salesman leans seductively over the counter: "This, madam, is a French pearl — there is no other like it in Sydney." She glances helplessly at her escort, who stands gloomily at her side, then at the lustrous gem. "Is it — is it a very good one?" "It is the best of its kind," the salesman assures her, quite truthfully. Seldom does she receive more satisfaction than that. But so long as she is content (so the gloomy escort thinks), what does it matter? As might be expected, stage jewellery lends itself more readily to deception than the ordinary variety. When the fair Desdemona appears, resplendently bedecked and shimmering at every angle with brilliant facets, don't hold your breath; the ring on your little finger is probably worth more than the whole lot put together. They are not even akin to Isaacstien's stones, which "vas nearly di'monds." Lately, however, only about a quarter of the jewellery is being made, compared to a couple of years ago. Whether this is due to the general depression, or to the circumstance that the confused youth — who does most of the buying, and who generally doesn't know if he is being sold an engagement ring or a safety-razor — has taken a tumble and buys a kitchen table instead, will very likely never be known. Certainly, for an ordinary present, a box of chocolates is decidedly cheaper, and for other purposes a two-stone ring is now accepted in place of the customary (and costlier) half-hoop. During the war people bought jewellery wholesale, despite the fact that wages were higher, gold dearer, and diamonds £50 and £60 a carat — they were £12 and £14 in 1914, and at present they fluctuate around £25. Meanwhile, shop-windows still glitter alluringly.
1922 08.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Cheaper Than Pictures. (By Alan Burrows)
THREE large rooms, almost bulging with books. They rise up before you, row upon row, tier upon tier, until your brain is dizzy with the thought of them. Books on theology, books on sociology, on poultry, cookery, books on every conceivable subject. And daily and hourly this tremendous repository of information is assailed by people in search of enlightenment on matters ranging from the third book of the Apocrypha to the quickest way to remove a carbuncle. To stand near the door of the Public Reading Library, or in the vicinity of one of the attendants, is a fascinating pastime. The seekers for information may be divided into three classes — those who come with a definite object in view, and know what they want; those who only have an idea of what they want; and those who are frankly filling in time, and who walk in haphazardly, just as they would into a continuous picture theatre. Only to the first class are the catalogues of any use; to those of the second class they are more or less jumbled compilations, increasing their confusion and magnifying their task. The third class may not even know they are there. Seekers After Knowledge It is the attendants, however, to whom nearly everyone looks. Number one species will generally ask for vol. 2 of "Historical Treatises," or Swinburne's "Songs Before Sunrise," because he knows that those volumes will contain what he wants. If he is a regular habitue, he will not trouble the attendant, but obtain the book himself. He may even be allowed the privilege of replacing the books on the shelf again, a latitude denied the casual visitor. On the whole, the first class is uninteresting, and will create little diversion. He often reads for hours on end, and makes voluminous notes. Belonging to the race known as bookworms, how can he be anything but uninteresting? Class number two generally affords better results. A member of that variety may want to find the area of the Malay Archipelago, or the circumference of the base of Mount Everest. As a rule, he is left with an enormous pile of geographical books in front of him and a baffled look on his face. One, I remember, desired information concerning the rites of the Druids, and seemed annoyed when he was brought a number of English histories. It appeared he merely wanted details of a modern benefit society. "A Little Nonsense Now and Then" If you are fortunate you may be mistaken for one of the attendants. Opportunities, which should not be missed, are then opened to you. "I want a book on caterpillars — how to breed them and that sort of thing," I was asked. I do not know if there is a volume entitled "Professor Bingsley's Treatise on Grubs and Kindred Animals," but my inquisitor certainly took the advice offered and asked for it. Then there was the young lady who wanted to know "all about Caractacus, because she noticed the name in a book she was reading." She looked at me a little suspiciously when I recommended her to a work, "Caractacus: Its Growth and Culture"; but eventually she went in search of it. Of course that sort of thing has its risks. A gentleman of scholastic appearance once asked for "Dr. William Dodd's 'Beauties of Shakespeare.' " "We are out of that at present," he was told politely; "but we have Sir Horatio Spudd's 'Joyousness of Hamlet.' " What he said wasn't in harmony with the atmosphere of the library. I learned afterwards that he was a prominent member of the Shakesperian Society. Then there is the third class, those who wander in for lack of something else to do, and may not read two lines the entire time they are in there. They stroll round with an air of wisdom, gazing with varying degrees of interest at the different sections. Beneath the heading "Ethnology" their pace increases; at "Ethics" it accelerates still more; at "Fiction," "Literature in General" and "Magazines" (none less than three months old), their speed slackens, and at "French Literature" they stop completely — until they discover that most of it is untranslated. Perhaps they are bored, but to go to the pictures would cost ninepence, whereas the Public Library, with its thousands of books, is free to whoever listeth. The National Child Welfare Association of America is issuing a series of fairytale posters to be hung up in nurseries and children's hospitals.
1922 09.
JEWELLERY BY AUCTION. Methods of Sale. (By Alan Burrows)
IT is not always necessary to visit an imposing establishment on a main street when in need of certain articles. Instead of being overwhelmed and confused by ornate appointments and obsequious shop-walkers, an intending purchaser may seek a somewhat uninviting upstairs room, where but two or three attendants, who are anything but obsequious, will administer the wants of customers, caring little whether they buy or not. In all probability, far from conferring a favor by buying, the purchaser will leave with the impression that he is under an everlasting obligation in being allowed the privilege of making a purchase. The auction rooms exist on an entirely utilitarian basis. Their wares are not laid out attractively, and no one is pressed to buy. The proceedings are conducted by a loud-voiced, worried-looking gentleman, who resents whispered conversation and other irrelevant matter with a suddenness which is disconcerting. Articles of all sorts are sold, from pianos to attache cases. The jewellery sales, however, have an atmosphere all their own. They are attended by a particular class of buyers, and generally arouse the most interest. Articles are snapped up by men whose appearance would awaken your sympathy unless you saw them pay ten and fifteen pounds each for gold watches, as though they were used to it. And, according to a printed notice, terms are strictly cash. Everything is judged on its merits. Apparently the auctioneer knows this, for his remarks, as he hands the articles to his assistants for exhibition, are strictly truthful, and do not unduly boost his goods. "Gold albert here, with medal attached; medal might be gold too, Waltham watch, case supposed to be silver — have a look for yourself. Here's a nice diamond ring; diamonds as good as new." It is necessary to see the ring itself to appreciate the last remark. The items follow one another in quick succession, and the assistants have a lively time in keeping track of the articles being inspected. They are suspicious individuals, those attendants, and if a piece of jewellery vanishes for more than five seconds they become remarkably perturbed. Anything of more than usual value is, attached to a cord, one end of which is in the hand of a vigilant assistant. Should no one offer what the auctioneer considers a fair thing, the assistant receives the curt order to "Shove it back."
AUCTIONEER'S STACCATO. The auctioneer is expert in the art of abbreviating. When the bidding is under way, his body sways, and he almost seems to become excited. The lifting of a finger or the inflection of an eyebrow raises the price in regular steps. "Gold-filled, 7-jewel Elgin watch — everyone seen it? Two pound — two pound-five for the 7-jewel Elgin watch. Two-ten — two-fifteen for the 7-jewel Elgin. Three pounds for the Elgin — three-five — three-five — three pound five for the Elgin — three-ten for the Elg — " At about that point the watch is "knocked down." The tension breaks — for the bidders — and the room seems strangely quiet after the noisy crescendo of the auctioneer's voice; it is not unlike the climax to a melodrama. A little crowd gathers around the victor, offering its congratulations or sympathy — for not, always is jewellery cheap at the auction sales.
1922 10.
Funeral Notices for Alan Burrows father
FUNERALS. . . . BURROWS.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. RICHARD BURROWS and FAMILY and of Mr. ALAN BURROWS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly loved HUSBAND and FATHER; to leave the residence, Pacific View, Macpherson-street, Waverley, THIS DAY, TUESDAY, at 3.45, for Waverley Cemetery. A short Service will be held at the house, commencing at 3.15. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Waverley.
BURROWS.— The Relatives and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. BURROWS (of Hurlstone Park) and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly loved BROTHER and UNCLE, Richard; to leave Pacific View, Macpherson-street, Waverley, THIS DAY, at 3.45, for Waverley Cemetery.
BURROWS.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. L. TURTLE, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. TURTLE, Mr. and Mrs. S. TURTLE, Mr. and Mrs. E. JEFFREY, Mr. and Mrs. H. DUNN, and of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. EGAN are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly loved SON-IN-LAW and BROTHER-IN-LAW, Richard, to leave Pacific View, Macpherson-street, Waverley, THIS DAY, at 3.45, for Waverley Cemetery.
1923.
1923 01.
LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE. Wireless School at Work. (By Alan Burrows)
WHEN Kipling told the story of the boat which was built at Lowestoft, he made one slip. There should have been another verse, something like this:— "Her wireless man was a bush-bred fool Before he struck the radio school, But now he's gone a-rovin'." Of course, wireless operators weren't so numerous when that was written as they are now. And even if they were, it is doubtful if a boat "built for the herring trade" would require one. However, a verse to that effect would have aptly described the lot of a good percentage of the youths who find outlet for their thirst for travel through the avenues of wireless telegraphy. Since it is compulsory for all ships to carry a certain number of wireless men, according to their size and class it will be seen that a heavy demand must exist for trained operators. And as an operator, before he goes to sea, must pass a Government examination, the natural sequence is a school of instruction in radiotelegraphy. You walk up a staircase to the first floor. As you near the top you wonder whether you are mistaken, and have come upon a sawmill which has hidden itself in the centre of Sydney. But your doubts are groundless; it is merely a dozen or so (though it sounds like ten times that number) budding operators sending "buzzer" practice in the one room. About sixty are receiving. But romance is here — romance as real as any which can be found in "Peter the Whaler" or "The Coral Island." For in all but a few instances it is the same impulse which sent lads to sea a hundred years ago as brings these to this modern wireless school. Clerks, shop assistants, warehousemen, boys from the bush who never saw the sea before they began this quest — they are all here; all willing to give two and three hours of three nights a week to drudgery (it is little else) at the tapping key — for adventure's sake! Day and evening classes, under instructors who have had sea-going experience, are conducted, so that one may pursue his usual vocation when taking instruction. There is also a correspondence course. Suddenly you notice a sort of break in the incessant noise — not a pause, but a twitch, as it were, as though the operators' attention has been distracted. Then you see the reason; a lady — a young lady (hence the twitch) — has just emerged from the lecture-room. There are lady doctors, lady engineers and lady politicians, but a wireless operator of the fairer sex comes as a distinct surprise. But one involuntarily finds himself inwardly wishing her the best of luck.
1923 02.
Bottling Up the German Fleet. PAWNSHOPS. Places of Lost Hopes. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. (By Alan Burrows)
He came to me and said he was broke. I gave certain instructions to a man I knew, and after his pledging the ring and the watch, I handed £90, together with £10 of my own, to Mr. Dalton. He said he would repay the £100 when his horse again won. THAT was part of a statement made by an optimist in a Sydney Court recently. It suggests the interesting problem — How many who pledge articles at pawnbrokers expect to redeem them? One pawnbroker said, that so far as he could judge, some look upon it as merely an easy way of disposing of anything — in which case they gain only a fraction of its value. But the great majority are firmly convinced (and often take pains to say so) that the need is purely temporary; they hope to return again "when their horse again wins." But how many really redeem their pledges? Walk along William-street, Oxford-street, or Castlereagh-street near the railway, and see for yourself. What a varied collection of curios has been left upon "Uncle's" shelves!— supposedly because the horse failed to win again or nothing turned up. Bargains they are in truth, some of them, but you take your chance. Unredeemed watches are not guaranteed, and the heavy albert which looked so brilliant from the street is apt to show spots of a baser metal when examined more closely. And that sparkling single-stone whose facets seemed to shine into the farthermost corners of the shop sometimes loses its lustre when taken outside. For some obscure reason, pawnbrokers show a decided disinclination to arrange their goods in any sort of order. Side by side with a "Nellie Stewart" bangle lies a pair of opera glasses. Like most of the wares on exhibition, they are old, the lacquer is worn and chipped, and one lens is broken — perhaps at one time they were levelled at their shelf-companion's namesake.
EASE IN PAWNING. And here is a revolver, apparently a new addition, for the oil is not yet dry upon it. Its muzzle points menacingly at a china representation of a young lady, in a disgraceful state of undress, sitting familiarly in the curve of the man in the moon (he is only a quarter moon). Both are flirting, and it would serve them right if the revolver went off. They are interesting enough, those silent witnesses of lost hopes, temporary embarrassments, and not a few "also rans." But there is a touch of pathos, too. Jerome, who was a journalist, which may add to his authority to speak on pawnshops, once misquoted Pope: "True ease in pawning comes from art, not chance." Very seldom is any embarrassment shown by depositors. Many display a proficiency in the art which can only come of long practice. Not many give thought to what that more imposing name of pawnshops really means. "Mont do Piete" is literally "Mountain of Piety!" The name was not given them by a person with a distorted sense of humor; at one time it was more or less merited. Sometimes Monts de Piete were controlled by the Government. The first was founded in Italy in 1462. They were prohibited, presumably as being contrary to the principles of democracy in France by the leaders of the Revolution, but were reintroduced by Napoleon. There is something connected with Sydney's pawnshops or Monts de Piete of which not many of the most "regular customers" know. A pawnbroker (or any "dealer in old wares") receives a list of the previous day's robberies from the police every day — sometimes twice a day. After inspecting one of these one would never be surprised at the number of robberies mentioned in the newspapers; as a rule there are three typed pages. The purloined goods range from grandfather clocks to fountain pens. So next time you put that "gold" watch in "soak" and it happens to resemble one listed among the missing, Mr. Isaacstein may look askance at you. I wish people who advocate early marriages would come to this court to see the results of them.— Mr. W. Clarke Hall, Old-street (London) magistrate.
1923 04.
THE ESSENCE OF TRUTH. An Untested Experiment. (By Alan Burrows)
MOFFET is an experimenter. Sometimes — not often — he rises to the rank of a discoverer. But as his discoveries are generally of a useless variety, so far he has not made a name for himself. Once he almost struck something worth while, but circumstances pre-vented him giving it a fair test. He came to me excitedly one day, and held up a small bottle containing a brown liquid. "At last!" he exclaimed. "What is it?" I said curiously. "It will revolutionise the world. No more lies; no more falsehoods. It will be wonderful!" "Yes; but what is it?" I repeated patiently. "The Essence of Truth!" he said triumphantly. "One dose of this and it is impossible to tell a lie!" "Wonderful," I returned. "I'd advise you to get rid of it as soon as you can." "Don't you see. Compulsory administration of this to politicians, criminals, husbands, wives, sweethearts — " "Have you tried it?" I interrupted. Moffet subsided a little. "No-o," he said slowly. "To tell you the truth, I can't persuade anyone to take it." He hesitated. "Will you try it?" "No, thanks," I said hastily. A shadow crossed Moffet's face. "No one will," he said despondently. "What about yourself?" I asked. He picked up the bottle of brown liquid and looked at it thoughtfully. "You see, I'm a married man," he said. He seemed to think that a vital objection. However, eventually I made him promise to give it a try-out himself. He said he would take a dose when he got home and let me know the result in a day or two.
FORMULA DESTROYED. Three days later Moffet again came to see me. "Well?" I said. "It's effective I think," he replied without much enthusiasm. "I'm glad to hear it," I said, also without much heartiness. Then he relapsed into a despondent silence. As I was about to speak, he said abruptly — "My wife's left me!" In spite of my astonishment I put two and two together. "By jove, that stuff must have been efficacious." "I've destroyed the formula," he went on in the same miserable voice. "Under the circumstances — as you knew them to be beforehand," I said, with a feeling that the subject was becoming delicate; "don't you think that in spite of my persuasion, it was foolish of you to take this Essence of Truth?" Moffet glared at me. "I haven't said yet that I did take it," he said with asperity. "You didn't take it?" "No; I'm not mad altogether;" he said, sharply. "Then who — " He fell into his former depressed attitude. "It was like this," he said. "The wife had toothache one night — she got up to take some laudanum — you see — " "Yes?" His voice had trailed off. But I was beginning to understand "Well, it was the wife who took it by mistake. When I told her what it was she left me." It was just Moffet's luck, I reflected. He'll never really know now whether the Essence of Truth was effective. It's a pity his wife left him when she did.
1923 05.
ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE. Unsuspected Treasures. The Technological Museum. (By Alan Burrows)
HAVE you ever felt a longing to examine the ancient pottery, the marvellous old embroidery such as was auctioned in the city, a short time ago? Not many are fortunate enough to inspect a gathering of art similar to the Lowder Collection. Such sights are too rare for the ordinary person. And, for the same reason, only the favored few will be lucky enough to have the opportunity of seeing the treasures taken from the tomb where Tutankhamen reposed for so long. Nor can we all spare the money to go and gaze upon the Crown jewels. There are substitutes, however. Everyone is familiar with the Museum overlooking Hyde Park — or the upheaval which was once Hyde Park. You go there to see pleasant looking native implements, which might or might not, be garden stakes; cheerful skeletons tied together with pieces of wire; and dainty little humming birds no larger than blowflies. Probably some of our earliest recollections are associated with that Museum. But how; many have visited the Technological Museum, situated in Harris-street; a few hundred yards from the Fish and Vegetable Markets?
PALE BLUE WEDGWOOD WARE. (Start Photo Caption) This small statuette of a woman, to be seen in the Sydney Technological Museum, has been positively identified as a piece of the early work of the famous Josiah Wedgwood.(End Photo Caption)
There in place of skeletons which grin at you as you pass, you can view the finest examples of Doulton and Sevres china — mentioned so often in novels, but which you have probably never seen before. And here, beside some Awaji crockery — which you probably haven't seen mentioned in novels — are some pieces of pale blue ware made by Wedgwood. A number of burnt glazed vases, shining with the lustre of burnished copper, challenge attention before the eye is attracted by bowls of delicate filagree work. These are not so rare as some, of the specimens in the Lowder collection, perhaps, yet, nevertheless, beautiful. Then you come upon some actual "excavated" antiques. These are silver vases and dishes, badly knocked about — which, of course, is greater proof of their antiquity. They were once the property of Hildeshelm, an early Roman gentleman, and were accidentally dug up some years ago at Mount Galgen by German soldiers. These are only replicas of the originals, certainly, but as you probably couldn't tell the difference, that doesn't matter a great deal. You may never see even the imitations of Tutankhamen's treasures. There are samples of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and other precious stones of whose existence one never dreamed — smaller than the Crown jewels, but decidedly more varied. A little further on are exquisite pieces of old point lace, of which Honiton, Brussels, Valenciennes are but a few of the varieties. Antiques, however, are not all the Technological Museum holds, and if you wish to enter more modern times you may. There are examples of Australian products there which would open the eyes of some American goods advocates. Australian machinery is in evidence, and furniture, made from choice Australian timbers, affords fine specimens of workmanship. It would be a pity to leave the building without seeing the generator which supplied current to South Head Lighthouse for 30 years. It was installed in 1881, and is still in perfect order. But it is the antiques, of course, which are the chief attraction.
1923 06.
THE LAME HORSE. By Alan Burrows
THERE, were pleasanter places than Alice Springs in the gold rush of 1903. It could hardly be called a rush, for the 300 mile camel ride effectually prevented any undue haste. However, a small number reached the objective and attacked the over-boomed reefs, which, in the greater number of cases, petered out within a few days. Those who could afford it, persevered for a time, while the remainder went back to Oodnadatta, the nearest railway station. Amongst those who hung on were four men who had taken out a claim about two miles out of Alice Springs. Gallagher, one of the four was a big, muscular man. It was not his size altogether, however, that overawed his three companions. It was his personality and character. The four miners lived together in a one-roomed shanty, isolated except for chance travellers, so perhaps it was natural that Gallagher's unspoken dominance should rankle. Young Delane, probably because he was little more than a boy, seemed least affected by it. But Steiner and Forsythe writhed beneath the superiority of the big man, and hated him for it. And Gallagher had a temper which was a thing to fight shy of. For months now, they had barely paid their way. The sight of gold to the four miners was becoming rarer and rarer — Delane said it seemed that the only gold he could ever remember seeing was Forsythe's gold tooth. Steiner and the other two would have left the claim but Gallagher persuaded them to stay evidently hoping for better things. As their fortunes dwindled, so did their isolation appear to become more pronounced. Their most frequent visitor was a freckled half-caste boy, Johnno Wilkins, who made periodical descents upon the empty bottles invariably left after Forsythe's excursions into Alice Springs for provisions. Early one morning, Gallagher, apparently losing hope in the claim at last, said he would do some prospecting. He rode away towards the McDonnell Ranges soon afterwards on his big roan, a horse built as massively as he was himself. Steiner had once lost his temper with that horse, and struck it with a broken bottle — Gallagher was not about at the time — permanently injuring it. When he discovered it, Gallagher had blazed out at the three men in a manner which none of them would ever forget. The horse was little the worse for the injury, beyond the fact that it was always slightly lame afterwards. That roan's gallop could be distinguished from a thousand others. Its lameness gave it a hoof-beat peculiar to itself. Delane, who was from Melbourne, once remarked, "a blind man could pick it out in Collins-street." Gallagher returned that night in fierce excitement. He had discovered signs of a reef, he said, that should make them rich for life. It was a fair distance away — five hours' hard riding, and in a place that would be unusually difficult to find. He had drawn a plan for his own guidance by which anyone could easily locate the spot. "Give us a look," said Forsythe promptly, when told of the plan. "Plenty of time," said Gallagher. "I'll get it registered first." "In whose name?" asked Steiner swiftly. "Our four names, of course. We'll share as usual." Gallagher seemed surprised at the question. He refused to show the plan, and Delane voiced the opinion that he didn't blame him — a remark that earnt him a kick from Steiner. Gallagher returned to the find again the following morning to gain its exact location. He left behind him two men embittered with jealousy. All that morning Steiner and Forsythe talked, and at midday, Delane, who was pegging away optimistically at the bottom of the shaft, was taken into their confidence. This was not because they held any regard for him, but because they considered him necessary to their plan. When they put their proposition to the boy he recoiled from it with horror. Steiner talked for a long time, and in conclusion he said: "As it is now, that claim's worth has to be divided amongst four. When there's only three it means so much more each." This was at least logic. But Delane, perhaps because he was young, perhaps because he did not hold the hatred towards Gallagher which the others did, raised his voice against the two men. Steiner and Forsythe, however, considered his help essential, and all that afternoon they exerted a sort of third degree upon him, with the result that eventually he was capable of doing anything — or of being made to do anything. "Listen," said Steiner, then; "you've got a revolver. Go about a mile out to meet him, and hide until he passes you — then make sure you aim straight. There'll be no one to hear. And don't forget the plan. Without that we can do nothing — nothing." So they put him upon a horse — the only remaining one — and despatched him on his mission. They had no doubt that he would not accomplish their purpose; he feared them too much by that time. Then they waited. Soon after night fall Delano returned, and fell off the horse into Forsythe's arms. Steiner's first thought was the plan; it was in Delane's inside pocket. Then they endeavored to revive him, and for nearly an hour they fought to bring movement to his eyelids. But the reaction had evidently been too great, and he had fallen into a stupor upon which their combined efforts had no effect. It was not for Delane's sake that they tried to bring him to consciousness — they were anxious to learn details of the crime. Everything pointed to its success; the fact of the plan being in Delane's possession was proof almost in itself. And Forsythe had thought to examine his revolver, in which one cartridge was empty. When he had done this, Forsythe dropped the revolver down the shaft and kicked some dirt on top of it, saying he wanted no circumstantial evidence hanging about. So leaving Delane to recover in his own time, they turned their attention for the first time to the plan. "We'll cut him out of it," said Steiner, indicating Delane. "He'll be too frightened to squeal, and he can't prove anything against us, anyhow. If the claim's any good at all I reckon we'll be set for life!" And Forsythe, whose greed, if not his courage, was as great as Steiner's, assented. Steiner half unfolded the plan, then suddenly stopped. "Listen," he said in a peculiar voice. Forsythe had heard it — the sound of a horse's gallop, carrying far on the still night. But what made the eyes of the men meet was the unmistakable, irregular hoof-beat that they knew so well. "Gallagher!" said Forsythe, hoarsely. Steiner stepped to where the prostrate form of Delano lay and kicked it again and again. "You'll get nothing out of him," said Forsythe fearfully. "Something must have gone wrong. What'll we do? He'll kill us if he knows what we've done — or what we meant to do. An' no horses or revolver!" Delane's horse was hobbled some distance away. "There's a chance he doesn't know — and we mustn't let him find, out," said Steiner sharply. "He's sure to suspect us." "We'll have to prove we had nothing to do with it." It was evident that Steiner feared Gallagher, although he was calmer than the other. By this time the horse could be heard distinctly. Picking up a whisky bottle, Steiner rubbed some of the liquid on the face of the unconscious Delane, and poured a little into his mouth. Then he rumpled the boy's clothing; and by that time it was obvious that Delane had been drinking. He had hardly completed this when Forsythe said abruptly "what about the plan?" Steiner looked around the roughly furnished shanty and then at the other. The same thought was in the minds of both — Gallagher knew every corner and crevice as well as they did themselves and it would be useless to hide the document. If he was suspicious, as he certainly would be — unless, of course, he had seen Delane and had definite proof — he would ransack the room. And they knew nothing would escape him — not even themselves. The hoof-beat was very close now, sounding unevenly on the hard ground. "There's nothing else for it. It means goodbye to a fortune," said Steiner grimly, making a motion with the plan. "Better than being killed like dogs," muttered Forsythe. Steiner held the plan over the smoky oil-lamp. It burst into flame, illuminating for an instant every corner of the room, then fell in a cascade of ashes, which Steiner, quickly stamped into the earthen floor. A second later they heard the horse pull up outside. In the faint light they saw Gallagher's big roan. The freckled face of Johnno Wilkins protruded itself through the open doorway. "Say," he said. "I found this horse o' yours wanderin' by itself down the gully. I guess you'd better tie it up next time." Germans have one comfort. The French will not lay waste the "occupied" territory, as once was done in Belgium and northern France.— Portland "Oregonian." (Start Graphic Caption) Lying in wait.(End Graphic Caption) (Start Graphic Caption) The reaction had been too great.(End Graphic Caption)
1923 08.
THE BLACK PEARL NECKLET. By ALAN BURROWS
IT was not the custom of Baldy Gleeson to make mistakes. His profession did not allow that. But when he sold the necklet of dull black beads to Stromburg for two pounds, he made the biggest slip or his life. Stromburg was a pawnbroker, and "dealer in old wares" on a comprehensive scale. The pawnbroker had held up the loop of black beads and examined it carefully. "Thirty shillin's," he had said. Following his usual procedure, Baldy had held out his hand for the return of the necklet. He would have done the same if Stromburg had said "thirty pounds." However, the dealer grunted "Two poun', then," and Gleeson thought it wiser to close the deal at that. Stromburg took another look at his purchase, and then locked it carefully in the safe. That evening the papers mentioned that Mrs. Hansen-Witworth's black pearl necklet, valued at £2000, had been stolen. It had been taken, they said, with other jewellery from her Darling Point residence the night before. Once more Gleeson visited Stromburg. "You damned swindler!" he said; "you knew what it was worth all the time." The pawnbroker smiled, and did not deny it. "Fifteen hundred was my estimate," he said absently. The housebreaker leaned forward, and barked: "I want that necklet, or something like its value!" "Don't be foolish," said Stromburg, unperturbed. "You should have known what they were." "It wasn't my fault. I'd never seen black pearls before. Do I get that necklet?" "No!" said Stromburg, with finality in his voice. "You fool! The police'll get you; there's nothing surer," said Gleeson, beginning to realise his own helplessness. "What about you?" asked the other. "I won't have the necklet. It will be you they'll be after," said Baldy, fiercely." "I'll risk it," said Stromburg. With anger in his heart the housebreaker left. But the dealer was not so unconcerned as he had led Gleeson to believe. With the necklet in his possession came the fear of the police, of whom at any time he was in dread. In all his dealings so far Stromburg had managed to keep inside the law, and it knew him only as a harmless old pawnbroker into whose premises small missing articles sometimes strayed. In that respect he was no different to any secondhand dealer. The only difference was that Stromburg had a special little clientele which sold him those goods. But the matter of the black pearl necklet, with the hue and cry its loss entailed, was something apart from his usual dealings. And there was always the possibility that Gleeson would endeavor to retrieve the necklet by the same means as he had gained it. Between the two dangers, the dealer began to feel the strain. Then, when the weight of the two possibilities was seriously telling on him, he received news that threw him into a fresh gulf of uncertainty. Gleeson had been arrested and sentenced, on some minor charge evidently, for Stromburg never saw it in the papers. He learned it from a client. So one of his terrors — the smaller one — was removed, only to increase the other a hundredfold. Gleeson would probably split to find favor in the eyes of the authorities, and Stromburg shivered when he thought of what that would mean. However, a month passed, and nothing happened. But the dealer breathed no more freely at the end of that time. On the other hand his fear of detection seemed to grow each day. Then, in desperation, he formed a re-solution. Frightened to sell the pearls, even separately, and seeing no safe means of disposing of them for a very long time, he decided to let Gleeson know, he could have the things when he came out. Unless he did this, Stromburg realised that the fear of Gleeson turning informer would be always present, and he could not stand much more of the suspense. That Gleeson had kept silent for a month was not proof that he would hold his tongue indefinitely. Stromburg made this decision when he was out one night, and he returned to the room above his shop with the resolution firmly fixed. It was driven from his mind, however, when he entered the shop. The place had obviously been visited; the door had been forced, and jammed shut again. And the premises had been ransacked, though nothing had been stolen. The necklet, in a cunning hiding place which he had constructed himself, was still safe. So Baldy had squealed. There was no other explanation, for thieves would have taken all they could get. And by sheer good luck the police had missed him. They had searched, unsuccessfully, for the necklet. Stromburg's head was going round, but the facts seemed plain enough. Then a thought struck him. Even now, if he could escape, he knew he could get word to Gleeson — through one of his clients — and he knew that the definite promise of the necklet when he was released would be sufficient to make him contradict his story. He took the necklet from its hiding place, and deciding to leave it, he put it back into its place of concealment, with a feeling that he would never see it again. Then he let himself out to the back laneway. He did not notice a figure, which untangled itself from some lumber at the rear of the building, follow him in the darkness. He turned as the figure overtook him. So, after all, he couldn't reach Gleeson in time. They had waited for him. Stromburg made a movement for the revolver he always carried lately. He managed to draw it from his pocket, but his assailant was too quick, and even before he fired, the man had twisted it around till it pointed directly at Stromburg. Then the tension on his wrist made him press the trigger. The officer on duty was just in time to find the man feverishly searching the form on the ground. The man struggled desperately, but finally the constable won. Then he stopped to examine the result of the shot he had heard. "Why, it's old Stromburg!" he said in surprise, as the light from his torch showed the face of the figure. Then he looked at his prisoner. "Baldy Gleeson!" he exclaimed in still greater amazement, as one meeting an old acquaintance. "And only out this morning! You've made a fair start, Baldy. Burglary, I suppose, and then — this." He touched the motionless form gently with his boot. "You damned swindler!" Made this decision when he was out one night.
1923 09.
Hi Wong's Wife. By Alan Burrows
Hi Wong, with some follow-countrymen, had been brought from China by Jimmy Napier, whose business needed labor — the cheaper it was the better. Wong had dreams of those riches, so easily made in Australia, to take back to his country, and thereafter live a life of idleness. But he must first repay his passage money in hard work to Napier before he began to amass wealth on his own behalf. For the batch that Wong had come to Australia with had been brought across secretly, in the face of the restrictions imposed by the authorities, and Wong know that he was at Napier's mercy. Jimmy Napier, however, found Hi Wong a bad investment. Wong, was evidently convinced that his destiny did not lie in working hard for another man, and twice Napier had to bring him back, under threats of exposure to the authorities, from a countryman's residence in Townsville. This happened a third time, and when he had captured him Napier, rather fed-up, emphasised his threats with blows and kicks, which Wong received as imperturbably as he did everything. At the first opportunity he escaped again, and this time Napier, though he used all the influence he possessed, was unable to locate him. In spite of his frequent threats, he dared say nothing to the authorities, for that would incriminate himself. He subsequently learned that Wong had passed through Cairns, still heading northward but he realised that it would not be worth the expense of pursuing him. So he had to accept, as best he could, the fact that Hi Wong's passage money was practically a dead loss. About a year after that Napier's sugar crop failed, and simultaneously a number of his transactions became more or less public. The net result of his misfortunes was to leave him penniless, and make him a doubtful character in the vicinity of Townsville. So he raked together sufficient money to buy a ticket for Sydney. On his arrival he went straight to interview Benson, a one-time manager of his, now down-and-out, with the object of procuring a loan. Benson, however, was not in his customary residence, a third-rate boarding-house — and that night Napier, absolutely hard up, was forced to sleep out. The following day he returned in search of Benson. This time he found him, but so far as any help was concerned the visit was fruitless. The path to Benson's quarters lay through the Chinese section of the city — Benson had a few Queensland acquaintances there — and on his re-turn Napier noticed a small restaurant, not very clean or prosperous in appearance. But it was the name, "Hi Wong," over the door which attracted his attention. Napier again slept in the open that night; but in the morning an idea occurred to him. He went straight to Hi Wong's restaurant, which for some reason was closed. He had a definite object in view, however, and so he knocked. A young Chinese woman, better looking than most, opened the door. "Could I speak to Hi Wong?" said Napier, trusting that she could speak English. Her face remained expressionless as she said: — "Hi Wong died this morning." "Did he once work in Queensland?" Napier asked, to assure himself of the dead man's identity. She said, "Yes." "Are you his wife?" he asked, making a guess that Hi Wong had married since he left him. Again she said "Yes" in the same dull voice. "Look here, then, Mrs. Hi Wong," said the other, "My name's Napier. I daresay you've heard all about me. I hold a contract over your late husband, which he broke a long time ago. I want some payment for the breaking of that contract, or I'll have you, as his wife, hauled up. It can be done, and I'll do it." Napier know well that such a course was impossible. But it was hardly likely that Hi Wong's wife would know that. "Yes; I know you," she answered. "You beat my husband and kick him. And now you want money." "Or you go to gaol," he said. "I have no money. We only came to Sydney a few days ago; my husband very sick. All the money went to buy this shop." "I don't believe it," said the man. "I want money to buy a bed tonight, and something to eat. I'll be back this evening, and if you have no money then — you'll go to prison!" Napier could not have said whether she believed him or not, nor could he tell in any way if his bluff had affected tier. As he turned to go he felt a light touch on his arm. "You say you have nowhere to sleep," said she, looking at him steadily. "You sleep here tonight, instead of some of the money. It is all I can do." Napier hesitated. The place was not inviting, but in all probability it would be better than anything else he could afford that night. His long association with the race had done much to kill the natural repugnance of the white man for a Chinese dwelling. Nor did the thought that a man had died there that day, and that probably his remains were still on the premises, trouble him greatly. Throughout a hard life Napier had found that it didn't pay to be sensitive over such matters. So he agreed curtly, and said he would be back that night. Then he went to tell Benson the result of the visit. The room to which Hi Wong's wife showed him that night was no cleaner than he had expected, and the bed certainly had not been made that day — it was apparent, in fact, that it had only recently been occupied. But, worn-out and tired, he took little notice of these things, and slept soundly. Early the next morning Benson went around to see Napier. In the restaurant he met Hi Wong's wife, whom he knew casually. He mentioned Napier's name, and it immediately aroused her to intense anger. She spoke fiercely of his attempts to gain money from her, her eyes narrowed to slits, and she looked indescribably evil. And in her anger she mentioned something else, which made Benson alter his intention to sea Napier then. When the outburst was over he left. Ten minutes later he sent a note to Napier, who received it in bed, Hi Wong's wife pushing it beneath the door to him. The effect of the note was peculiar. A minute after he read it Napier fled from the place where he had slept that night, white and shaken, as though some great terror had suddenly gripped him. He went to a chemist, where he spent the shilling with which he had intended buying his breakfast. Then he went hurriedly, still scared in appearance, to the public baths, where he bathed again and again, freely using the contents of the bottle he had bought, which smelt strongly of disinfectant. Not until his skin shone was he satisfied. He had hardly recovered from the shock when, on the following day, he met Benson, who had taken pains to avoid him since his conversation with Hi Wong's wife. "You won't be surprised to know that Mrs. Wong has disappeared," he said. "She must have surmised that I told part of her conversation, with me in my note." Then Napier released his pent-up fright. "Blast her!" he said, shaking his fist in the general direction of the restaurant. "That heathen vixen meant to kill me, and she might have done it, too, but for your note to me. Her precious husband, Hi Wong, came here from North Queensland half gone with fever, did he, and then died of it. An' that Chinese spitfire put me in the bed in which he died." (Start Graphic Caption) With blows and kicks.(End Graphic Caption) (Start Graphic Caption) "Hi Wong died this morning."(End Graphic Caption) (Start Graphic Caption) Not until his skin shone was he satisfied.(End Graphic Caption)
UNOFFICIAL OPINION. (By Alan Burrows)
"Children," said Loppet, "are the curse of mankind. They annoy him, and arouse his worst instincts. They keep him awake at nights, and reduce him to a mental wreck. By ceaseless attempts at all forms of mischief they keep him on an edge and destroy his nervous system. Ingratitude being one of their worst features, they bite the hand and pull the hair of those who feed them, thus killing man's belief in his fellow-creatures. They are notoriously sly, and pull faces behind the backs of their superiors. Soft words are wasted upon them, and advice has no effect on their hardened natures. To say they are nuisances is inadequate; they are the essence of all worry and trouble. No thanks; I'm not hungry today." Smith had offered him some biscuits, as it was the lunch hour, and Loppet appeared to have forgotten his usual sandwiches. He waved the proffered food away, and looking around the office, continued his oratory. "And women, too, have laid their blight upon men with their sublety and hypocrisy. They prey upon the male with their winning ways and honeyed words, and reduce his life to one of subjection. Thanks; but I'm off my food today. Smith had repeated his offer. At this stage the office boy approached. "You're wanted outside, Mr. Loppet, " he said. I followed Loppet at a little distance. I saw a stout, contented-looking woman, with a train of about six young children, all displaying the same plump contentment. They shrieked a clamorous welcome as Loppet appeared, and he threw one arm around the woman and the other around as many children as he could manage. Considering their plumpness and the general excitement, he did well in this respect. He kissed the woman individually, and the children in groups of threes. "Jack," said the woman, "we were in town, so the children and myself thought you'd like to have lunch with us." "Of course, my dear," said Loppet, beaming. "There's a little place around the corner we can go to. I feel more peckish today than I have for a long time."
1923 10.
EVERYDAY SURNAMES. Some Strange Origins. THE UNLUCKY CRUIKSHANK. (By Alan Burrows)
"Indeed there is a woundy luck in names, sir. And a main mystery an' a man knew where to vind it." THERE is a fascination in names, if, as Ben Jonson says, you know where "to vind it." A name tells a whole story in itself, and distinguishes a man as surely as his choice of cigars. Surnames, unlike first names, were not given haphazardly, and there was always a reason for them. Half the names of today were once nicknames. Familiar names, such as Short, Long, Brown, Small, and Moody, are typical examples. It pleases me to think that the early fathers of Sir Algernon Baker must have worked for a living, for the present generation of that family certainly doesn't. Instances of this occupational type of name are common: — Smith, Brewer (Brewster was simply the feminine term), Potter, Fuller, Miller, Waver, or Webber (Webster was the lady worker), and Fisher are a few of the more obvious examples. This practice of distinguishing a man by his trade appears to have been popular. At one time, of course, surnames were not used at all, and it was not until the English language began to be written that there was really any call for them. Then, when it was found necessary to know a man by something more than the one name, the last name was taken from a variety of sources, of which the occupational type is the most familiar now. Their sometimes strange corruptions are accounted for by the queer spelling which was used, and the multitude of English dialects, which gave the names different pronunciations. Some of the occupational names are not so apparent. Fletcher was the man who put the feathers on the arrows; Tipper tipped them. Taylor, of course, is obvious — he sent bills in the olden days, just as he does now. Wainwright was a waggon-maker, while Cartwright constructed the smaller conveyance. In "Tam-o'-Shanter," Burns mentions "souter Johnny" — Souter is Scotch for "shoemaker," while Bowman is the Gaelic term for the English archer. If, in medieval times, you didn't wish to have your calling advertised, you might be named according to where you lived. "Ton" is a corruption of "town," so we get those everyday names representing points of the compass — Norton, Sutton, Aston, and Weston. Brooks, Hill, Parke, and Coledale are all instances of residential names.
CALLED AFTER HIS FATHER. When a man's sons grew up, a few centuries ago, they seldom left the district, all settling down like model children around their father, who generally possessed no surname. The sons, therefore, became known by the only name their father happened to have; and there are several additions to the original names which mean, literally, "the sons of" — The word "son" itself is as familiar as any — Johnson, Williamson, and so on. "Es" or just the "s" are the Cornish and Welsh suffixes, meaning the same, whereupon the names become Williams and Jones, or Johns. Again, remembering that "fils" is the French word for "son," and that England at one time suffered a Norman invasion, it doesn't need much imagination to see where all the "Fitzes" come from — merely a garbled rendering of the French word. Which gives us Fitz-John and Fitz-William. Some names have private histories all to themselves. Bradford, for instance, is a corruption of "broadford," and Throsby or Thorby represent towns named after Thor, one of the Viking gods. I have kept the gem till the last. It illustrates what is sometimes unearthed in this absorbing study. Cruickshank is a peculiar, though not uncommon, name. Now, "croix" is French for "cross," while "shanks" refer to a person's nether limbs. Therefore, the unlucky man whose legs, because he was knock-kneed, bore some resemblance to a cross, had to accept that doubtful distinction as a surname.
WORLD'S BIG DIAMONDS. Lure of Precious Stones. HALF A MILLION REFUSED. (By Alan Burrows)
PRECIOUS stones have left a trail of romance — and sometimes blood — down the centuries. Marie Antoinette had a passionate love of jewels — and they brought little good to her. And who hasn't heard of the Great Sancy diamond? Taken from the body of the Duke of Burgundy at some time, it was sold to the King of Portugal. Ten years later — in 1489 — he sold it to the Baron de Sancy, from whom it derived its name. Sancy later returned it to the King as a gift, sending it in charge of a servant, who was attacked by robbers. In an endeavor to save his master's property, he swallowed the diamond, and after his death it was reclaimed from his body. It weighed 53 carats, and was supposed to be worth £30,000. Subsequently Queen Elizabeth became its owner, and now, so far as can be ascertained, it is in India. Much larger, of course, though not possessing such a peculiar history, is the world famous Koh-i-noor, now in the Crown Jewels. Originally that mass of crystallised carbon weighed 793 carats, but unskilled cutting reduced it to 186. Later again an Amsterdam expert cut it down to 106 carats, but enhanced its "fire" and brilliance to the extent that now it is matchless in that respect. It is said to be worth over £140,000.
THE KAFFIR'S FIND. There is a popular misconception that the Koh-i-noor is the largest diamond in the world. Amongst the 70 odd notable stones of which there is any record it is really one of the smallest. The largest is the Excelsior, found in Jagersfontien on June 30, 1893. The story is that the kaffir who discovered it received £150, a horse, saddle and bridle, and his freedom, from the delighted manager of the mine. He certainly was due for some reward, for the stone, which is almost perfect, weighed 971 carats! Some idea of its size may be gauged by the fact that a cut diamond with the circumference of a sixpence, weighs about seven carats. And Sydney doesn't often see one that size. With regard to the Excelsior, a Birmingham newspaper said at the time: "The British Government have offered half a million pounds sterling for this diamond to the proprietors, Messrs. Breitmeyer and Bernheimer, but the offer has been refused. It is also said that the directors of the Chicago Exhibition were willing to insure the diamond for three-quarters of a million, in order to show the eighth wonder of the world. The German Emperor is reported to be the probable purchaser of the Excelsior." SAPPHIRES AND RUBIES All gems of purest ray are not always as serene as the poet — and the salesman — would lead many to believe. Some are rank frauds. It is a fact that with regard to many stones, apart from diamonds, the best are synthetic; these, however, can hardly be classed as imitations. This applies more particularly to rubies and sapphires, which not many people know are exactly the same stone, differently colored. When man wishes to improve on nature he melts the rough stone in a fierce heat, removes all impurities, and adds what coloring matter he may desire, which is generally better than the original. When it cools it is cut in the ordinary way. Stones made in this manner are twice as cheap as those of nature's manufacture, and the result is a beautifully tinted, flawless gem. In fact, their flawlessness and perfection are the only means of distinguishing them from genuine stones.
1923 11.
McMASTER'S SACRIFICE. By Alan Burrows
The slow mixed train had stopped for the tenth time within the hour. That in itself was nothing unusual, and the three men who were its only passengers were by now quite used to the unending series of jolts. But this time the train took a longer spell than usual, and the patience of the passengers — strangers to each other — was becoming exhausted. "I guess our wives will be getting anxious," said the youngest-looking traveller, with elaborate carelessness. The clean-shaven man in the opposite corner looked at him amusedly. "You're not long married," he said. The boy flushed slightly, and admitted that he was not. "You'll soon learn that your wife doesn't worry as much as you think," remarked the other. "It's you who become anxious — wondering if she is anxious about you. A man thinks more of a woman than she does of him." "And will do more for her," added the third passenger, who possessed a heavy black beard. "There's no limit to what a man will be fool enough to do for a woman," agreed the clean-shaven man; "and he doesn't always have to be her husband to do it. To marry a woman is a small item — a detail compared with what I've known some men do for a girl they thought a lot of." "Which is quite as it should be," said the young man, with emphasis. The other man smiled. "Perhaps, but I remember an instance when a man was a little too eager to make a martyr of himself. In fact, it turned out that his heroism was entirely unnecessary, and I don't think he is aware yet that his self-sacrifice went for nothing. It won't take long to tell. "I was down near Summerhook, about twenty-five years ago as accountant, auditing the books of a big sawmill, amongst a fairly tough crowd. Some, of course, were better than others. McMaster and Deaton were the pick of the lot. Both fine fellows, and both, as often seems to happen, bitter rivals. I may mention that the manager of the mill had a pretty daughter. "We all reckoned McMaster would be the winner, although Rose wasn't too keen on him herself. But he had the backing of Trustcott, the girl's father, and that went a long way, for Trustcott was a hard man, with a frightful temper, and no one thought that Rose would be game to tackle anything without his consent. You'll guess it was Deaton who Rose reckoned would suit her; a girl never does approve of her father's choice. Objects on principle, I suppose. "For a long time honors were even. Both men did their best to find favor where they knew it was missing. McMaster worked hard to make Rose look at him more kindly, while Deaton tried all he knew to persuade Trustcott to regard him favorably as a prospective son-in-law — Rose, remember, was only nineteen. Neither, however, appeared to make any progress, so for a long time it was what you might call a romantic deadlock. "These strained affairs generally come to a head suddenly. This one did. "McMaster was returning from Summerhook late one night — the men and Trustcott all had quarters near the mill, which was about two miles out of the town. McMaster was almost home when he got the shock of his life. Rose Trustcott suddenly burst on to the path, within a yard of him. "The girl seemed as surprised as he was, and could hardly speak for a second. When she did McMaster received another shock. "Please, please don't tell anyone you've seen me here tonight, she said breathlessly. "Promise me!" "McMaster opened his mouth to ask her reason, but she saw his intention. "It doesn't matter why," she said, stamping her foot. "Promise me, that no matter what happens, you'll let no one know that you met me here tonight. "He saw she was in dead earnest, and although he was naturally curious, he realised that if he wanted to avoid a quarrel with her — the last thing he wished for — he'd better agree. So he promised that no matter what happened he would say nothing of their accidental meeting." He paused, and the bearded man stirred impatiently. "The next morning the manager, Trustcott, was found dead about a quarter of a mile from his house, a little distance off the path from the town. "In the confusion which followed, and the rumors that Trustcott had been shot, or stabbed, or drowned in the river — no one appeared to know which — two facts stood out clearly. One was that the manager had been seen to leave his house, for some unknown reason, a little before 12, and the other was that McMaster had left Summerhook that night in time to reach, by about 12 o'clock, the spot where Trustcott had been found. "You'll agree that the evidence was altogether too thin to convict a man on. It seemed, however, that McMaster didn't think so, for when they came to look for him he had gone — must have left the minute he heard of Trustcott's death. And that, of course, appeared conclusive evidence of his guilt. "Now, here's my point: McMaster, with the unexpected meeting in his mind, her frantic appeal for silence, and her refusal to give any explanation, must have been sure that Rose knew something of her father's death. So he cleared, knowing that the action would be taken as proof of his guilt, removing at the same time any suspicion from the girl." "He wasn't guilty, by any chance?" asked the young man. "Of course not." "Then," said the boy, "if the girl was guilty, as he was sure she was, his was a noble act, which probably saved the girl, and was not, as you said at first, unnecessary heroism." "I didn't say that the girl was guilty, nor that Trustcott was murdered — I said he was found dead. At the inquest two days later, when McMaster was perhaps hundreds of miles away, still fleeing, as he thought, from the law it was found that the manager had died of heart failure." The bearded man leaned forward, tense with interest. "But his meeting with Rose so late at night, he said in a peculiar voice — "her plea for silence, and her obvious panic. How do you explain all that?" "Easily," said the other. "She had just met Deaton secretly and arranged to elope with him. She knew her father had seen her leave the house, and that was why she asked McMaster to say nothing. She didn't know, of course, that her father had followed her, and it was probably when he saw her meet Deaton, whom he hated, that his uncontrollable fury brought on the attack which killed him. "McMaster was never heard of again. He left the country, I suppose, and never learnt the facts of the happening. "So he probably never knew — he still thinks the girl he loved was in some way guilty," said the boy; "and that he is shouldering her supposed crime?" It was the man with the beard who answered the question as the train jerked forward again. "No," he said, and laughed harshly. "He never knew — till now. You see, my name is McMaster."
1923 12.
THE AMATEUR BUSHRANGER. By Alan Burrows
Old Man Moran, during his last hour on earth, asked Jack Walford to write a letter for him. "An' listen, lad," said the old man to his young friend, "you've got to swear that you'll post that letter so that the right person'll get it." Walford, although he knew Moran was half-drunk at the time, promised he would do this. Then Moran dictated a letter. It was written to his daughter, whom he had not seen for about ten years, saying that he was dying, and that there were five thousand pounds concealed beneath the floor of his shack, which she must come and claim personally. "That'll do," said Moran, breaking off suddenly. "Now you see that my daughter gets that." "But," began Walford in astonishment. "You post that letter. It will make Kathleen happy," said the old man. "Your daughter can't come here; and in any case — " "Who's daughter is she?" said Moran irritably, "And who's dying, anyway. You post that letter." Half an hour later Moran died. There were several reasons why Walford would rather have burned that letter than posted it. He found the temptation so strong, indeed, that he mailed it immediately, in order to keep his word to a dying man. But he enclosed a note of his own, advising Miss Kathleen Moran not to visit Carinda, as her father was already dead, and her coming could do no good. Of her "inheritance" he said nothing; but he hinted, as broadly as he dared, that her father was not "clear in the head" when the letter was written. He hoped she would not guess what was really wrong with her father at the time. Kathleen Moran's photograph stood on a shelf in her father's shack. It was a constant source of interest to Walford, and often had he wished for a chance to meet its original. Nevertheless he prayed, that she would keep away from Carinda now. It she came, it was inevitable that she would learn the manner of her father's death — that Moran was a habitual drunkard and had died from wounds received in a drunken brawl, and that, even if he had recovered, he would have had to appear before the court on a charge of manslaughter. An interesting story, Walford reflected, to have to tell the original of that photograph, who thought, as he knew well, that her father was a hard-working miner, and an example to the entire town. And he knew that he would have the telling of the story, for if he kept silent, she would surely receive a garbled account from the gossips of the town. Three days later he was thrown into panic by the receipt of a wire saying she would be in Carinda the following day, and asking him to obtain accommodation for her. In spite of this knowledge that she was on her way, Walford clung to the idea that, at all costs she must be kept away from the place. He visited O'Rourke, the proprietor of the coach service which kept Carinda in touch with Walgett, the nearest railway station. O'Rourke was sympathetic, but could offer no suggestions. Walford, as a last resource, proposed a "breakdown," but O'Rourke had the mails to carry, so that was out of the question. Walford was becoming desperate. He wondered, bitterly, why some girls had such fathers. Then an inspiration came to him, and once more he spoke to O'Rourke. This time that gentleman was quite agreeable. The next day Walford waited on a deserted piece of road which the coach would pass on its daily trip. Soon a cloud of dust appeared, which Walford knew would be the coach. He drew a rusty revolver from his pocket and stepped to the centre of the road. O'Rourke pulled up with a jerk. "Hands up," ordered Walford. O'Rourke obeyed, but the only passenger — a young girl — made no movement. "Hands up and alight, please," said Walford gruffly. "This is absurd," began the girl. "Ye'd better get out, miss," advised O'Rourke in a conciliatory tone. "These bushrangers are fair terrors when they're roused." With an air of resignation Miss Moran stepped to the ground. "Highway robbery in these times, a few miles from a railway station," she said. "Now the trunks," said the bushranger to O'Rourke. The coachdriver, as though he were accustomed to it, made a neat pile of his passenger's luggage on the side of the road. "You may go now," said Walford, and O'Rourke climbed to his seat in a matter-of-fact manner and drove off. The road was still deserted. Walford sat down on a rock and invited the girl to do the same. She took a seat on her luggage in stony silence. Walford, hardly knowing how bushrangers generally conversed with their captives, said nothing. She was evidently wondering what was going to happen next; Walford, however, was waiting for O'Rourke on his return journey from Carinda. Kathleen Moran surpassed his expectations, and, in ordinary circumstances, he would have enjoyed the situation. But as it was — He shrugged his shoulders, and Miss Moran, happening to glance at him, thought what a pity it was that such a fine-looking man should be an outlaw. "Eventually, after a dreary wait, the coach returned, and Walford stopped it again. "Listen," he said to O'Rourke; "put this lady in the first train to Sydney. She has her purse and enough money, I trust, for her ticket. I have all her luggage, so it is all she can do, as she can't buy anything here. You understand?" he asked, turning to the girl. "I'll inform the police. I refuse to go back," she said with determination. "You take my advice, miss," said O'Rourke, "and go back to Sydney. This man has the police bribed." "Not only the police, evidently," said Miss Moran, bitingly. She entered the coach, however, apparently glad to escape so easily. "You get her away, and I'll send her luggage by the next train," whispered Walford and O'Rourke picked up the reins. "Leave it to me," said the driver, and winked broadly. Walford wiped his forehead. Then he sighed, but not altogether with relief. It was hard luck to send her back — but it had to be done. That night Walford visited Moran's shack to make it look a little respectable, just in case, he thought, his scheme failed. He was not long left in doubt. Without warning the door opened, and Walford heard a voice which at any other time he would have welcomed. "I was just — cleaning up," he said, glancing helplessly at the evidence of some of Moran's recent exploits. The girl looked around the room and her eyes filled. "Yes," she said; "I know all about father. It was good of you, Mr. Walford. But next time you attempt any kidnapping, you should select a more reliable accomplice. You forgot Mr. O'Rourke was Irish, like myself, and after a little persuasion he thought it was a shame to deceive an Irish girl, and he even directed me here." "Then my effort went for nothing," said Walford, not altogether sorry. "The money my father spoke of — have you got it?" she asked suddenly. Walford stared. "There was none." "But the letter?" she exclaimed in surprise. "I thought you would understand. The five thousand pounds was the product of your father's — delirium. I knew him for years, Miss Moran, and he never had a pound all at once the whole time. I merely posted the letter to fulfil his last wish." She went to the door. The road, along which Walford's attempt as an outlaw had failed so completely, stretched like a silver ribbon in the moonlight. "Then," she said, "my journey was as useless as your lawlessness — I came here for nothing." Walford experienced a sense of disappointment. "For nothing?" She looked at him then, and smiled in the moonlight. "No . . . perhaps not for nothing," she said.
1924.
1924 03.
THE BROADCASTER. Question of Set. MAKING IT YOURSELF. (By Alan Burrows) No 1
Now that broadcasting is coming into its own — whatever that is — you will no doubt want to listen to it. There are three ways of doing this. The first, and cheapest, is to ingratiate yourself with a wireless "fan." Everyone has acquaintances of this description nowadays. This is easily done by cultivating an interest in the radio art, which necessitates the learning by heart of a number of technical names, such as "condenser," "valve," and "tickler." By repeating these at ten-second intervals you will soon receive numerous invitations to listen-in on your friend's set. This, as I remarked before, is decidedly the cheapest. The second method of gaining access to aerial vaudeville (without that front-row attraction) is to buy a set for yourself. This is more costly, though sometimes simpler. The cost, of course, can be left to your own judgment; but the simplicity is more doubtful, as probably you will have to fall back eventually upon an experimental friend to persuade the set to "go." The third method, therefore, is the best. That is, to make the set yourself. Not always is this the simplest; nor does it sometimes yield the best results — in fact, very often it yields no results at all. But it is infinitely more satisfactory to make your own; and by the time it is completed you have generally lost all interest in the best concert ever broadcasted. Even Melba, when you know that others are paying two guineas for the same entertainment, would scarcely interest you.
PRIDE OF THE CONQUEROR. The concert, when you begin to make your own set, appears as something almost unattainable; a faint possibility of the remote future, and if the product of your labor eventually happens to emit a slight noise, no one is more surprised than yourself. After weeks of hammering and soldering and family execrations, to hear an indistinct buzz, something like an asthmatic cough, is a joy in itself. Yours is the pride of the conqueror; and the glow of achievement is well worth the nights of hard work and resultant bad language. It is not the purpose here to detail the construction of the set (there are handbooks for that purpose), beyond remarking that it is made of everything acquired from about the house which seems to suit the purpose the least. If the article was doing good service before, so much the better. To purchase anything is a sign of weakness; to buy an article and use it for the purpose for which it was intended is unforgivable, and comes near to ruining the proud boast: "I made it myself!" To regain the respect of the household, however, whose peculiar objection to the drawing-room's conversion into an electrical workshop has made them rather cool towards you of late, something more than asthmatic wheezes has to be coaxed from the machine. They, of course, not knowing the pride of the creator — even of an asthmatic cough — fail to see the glory of the achievement. And they generally tell you so, in a way which leaves no doubt about the matter. It is just here that you find your fondness for the creation of tangled wires leaving yon. Beneath the avalanche of criticism and unanswerable questions (so far as you are concerned), your loyalty to the cause of science begins to fade, and a hearty dislike for anything with a wire in it, from the telephone (which already has a good start) to the doorbell, begins to take its place. You get more than the wheezy cough, of course. The thing howls, grunts, and makes noises which would outdo the "effects" of a picture theatre. But so far as a suggestion of rational sound is concerned, the affair is dead.
SONGS IN AGONY. It sometimes happens that the next-door neighbor is the wireless expert who fired your ambition to build a set. By this time you regard him as your worst enemy. But if you can overcome your hatred sufficiently, you perhaps carry your set in to his place and meekly ask him to "make it work." And he, connecting it to his own aerial, will make what he calls a few minor adjustments, and presto! you hear something like this: "C.O.D. here. The item to follow will be "I'll Sing Thee Songs in Agony" (or so it sounds to your unaccustomed ears). Speechless with delight, you grasp him warmly by the hand and, seizing the contraption, start back for home, but as further proof of his interest in you, he offers to lend you his loudspeaker to enable the entire family to listen. Then, promising to obey his instructions, you juggle the affair carefully back again, and beaming upon the sceptical assemblage, you say, "Now, listen!" They listen. You listen. After ten minutes the strained attention becomes positively painful. Frenziedly you make a few "minor adjustments," thinking you might fluke it. But the thing is as mute as a Pharaoh's mummy. To all intents and purposes it has expired utterly, and even the asthmatic cough seems to have become discouraged. Nothing you can do will rouse it to the slightest sign of life. A derisive giggle breaks the silence, and your humiliation is complete. Five minutes later the next-door neighbor (from the other side) comes in and says:— "Got a few new records. Like to come in and listen to the gramophone for a while?" Ah, would you? Would King Solomon have refused the music of the harps and cymbals?
1924 04.
BROADCASTING. The Conference. FACTS AND CONSIDERATIONS. (By A. Burrows)
At last a conference has been granted, which, if it fulfils its purpose, should settle the involved questions that at present surround broadcasting. Indirectly it is the outcome of the discontent of the public and the majority of those interested commercially in broadcasting; directly it is the result of a deputation consisting of members of the Association for Developing Wireless in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, which recently waited upon the Postmaster-General. The sealed set, of course, was the primary cause of the deputation. Its abolition is the objective aimed at by the powerful association with the imposing name. This represents the view of practically all Australia. The members of the conference to be held next week in Sydney will, of course, be experts. As those who sat at the conference of last May also came within that category that may appear little recommendation. However, the impending conference should go further and achieve more than the previous one, which was undoubtedly, influenced by outside motives. The public — which knows more of broadcasting than it did a year ago — is not likely to be misled twice. At next week's meeting one aspect must be paramount above all others. That is the public's viewpoint, which last time was relegated to a second — or third — place. The conference will consist of a representative of each broadcasting licensee — about seven in all — with representatives of the traders and experimenters who will watch the interests of the amateurs. It so happens that under this arrangement one Sydney broadcasting company will have two delegates, by virtue of the fact that it holds two licenses. This is Farmer's, which is closely allied with Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Ltd., the firm which steered the sealed set regulation through the last conference, and eventually found itself unable to put into effect its own proposals. It will be this company and three others who next week will fight any alteration of the present regulations. The reasons are easily found.
FISK'S ROSY HOPES. Amalgamated Wireless has a lot to lose if the sealed set goes overboard. In this it is no different from many other companies who supported the scheme at the previous conference, owing to the rosy colors given it by Mr. E. T. Fisk, of the firm in question. These companies, however, are willing to write off their losses with the advent of the open set, knowing that they will gain in the long run by the people's appreciation of that principle. But the "big four," and Amalgamated Wireless in particular, are in slightly different circumstances. From all broadcasting companies Amalgamated Wireless collects, under patent rights, a 25 per cent. royalty on profits. This is a big item. In addition, because firms otherwise placed cannot afford to manufacture or import sets sealed to only one wave length, Amalgamated Wireless has practically a reserve on the wholesaling of Farmer's broadcast receiving sets. This reserve, of course, also applies to Farmer's, in the matter of the retailing of their sets. This privilege — to give it a generous term — would naturally vanish with the sealed set. It is true that on the profits which may be made by broadcasters under whatever scheme should replace the sealed set, Amalgamated Wireless will still collect its 25 per cent. But Farmer's three guinea per year service (on which, if circumstances permit the profits will be huge), along with similar services in other states, offers such a lucrative royalty to the company that it is probably considered preferable to any alternate scheme by which broadcasters would make smaller profits. The other firms who advocate the sealed set have no royalties to gain, but their ideas of manufacturing and bulk importing run on similar lines to those of Amalgamated Wireless. Now, had the sealed set proved a practicable proposition and one not inimical to the public's interests, all this would have probably been accepted as part of the firms' more or less, reasonable gains due to foresight and acumen. But it has not proved itself a success, and the interested firms are unwilling to relinquish those advantages, which, justly or not, would have been theirs had events not shown the sealed set in its true light. Hence the opposition on their part to any other scheme.
PUBLIC RIGHTS. These facts are well known to most of those who will attend the forthcoming conference. They point unmistakably to a disregard of the public rights. So, considering the direction in which public opinion points, and that Mr. Gibson has admitted the failure of the sealed set (as he did to the recent deputation). It would appear that there will be little uncertainty concerning the resolution the conference will make. It remains to be seen how far the "big four" will carry its views. Many, who are in a position to know, are of the opinion that they realise the futility of hoping for a continuance of the sealed set regulation. Still, they will fight for it the whole way, in the expectation of a compensation as large as they can bluff out of the Postmaster-General. But in his admission of the sealed set's failure, Mr. Gibson has virtually confessed to his moral obligation to the people of Australia.
1924 05.
PAYMENT BY NOISE. Wireless Association Protests to P.M.G. "SENSE VERSUS ORIGINALITY"
Considerable opposition is being shown to the proposal that there should be only one big broadcasting company. "Payment by noise," is the way one writer describes the suggestion that the listener-in should be charged, more or less, according to the distance he is from the transmitting station. SCHEMES WITHOUT END. Government Plan Criticised. "BENEVOLENT MONOPOLY" (By Alan Burrows)
Of the making of broadcasting schemes there appears to be no end; and it will indeed be unfortunate for all concerned — including the advocates who are not mentioned — if the latest proposition should be gazetted by an impressionable Cabinet. The central idea of this most recent scheme is that of one big broadcasting company, to have one station operating in each capital city, with the exception of Hobart, which, presumably, is sufficiently near Melbourne to render one in Tasmania unnecessary. There are several reasons which make it probable that this principle will appeal to the Government. The first is its simplicity, in comparison, at any rate, with the alternative draft of regulations. This, however, should be a secondary consideration where such important issues are involved. Another point which may weigh in its favor is the fact that England solved, to some extent, her broadcasting troubles with one company — the British Broadcasting Company. Conditions in Australia, however, are entirely different from those in England. There, on account of the close population and the resultant proximity of separately controlled stations, it was found highly impracticable to allow a multitude of what would inevitably be clashing services. As it is, services are arranged by the B.B.C. so that those stations which overlap in their transmitting, offer a variety of items which listeners-in within range may choose from at will.
INDEPENDENT SERVICES. These advantages, with Australia's widely-separated stations — and with the low power of 1000 watts mentioned in yesterday's proposals, would be absent here. There is nothing at all, beyond the distribution of revenue, a not insuperable difficulty, to prevent a number of independent services operating simultaneously. Perhaps, however, the sliding-scale of charges is the section which lays itself open to the greatest criticism. What is lacking in common sense is balanced in originality. Payment will be made, evidently, according to the distance the listener-in may be from the broadcasting station — on a similar principle, very likely, to that which provides that a patron pays more at a theatre for a dress-circle than he does for a gallery seat. But the similarity goes no further than that. The listener-in is to be charged by the amount of noise he receives. The closer he is to the broadcasting station, the louder, of course, his music is — and the more he pays. With the exception of the longest distances, the reception nearest to the station will probably be no better than that further away. When a station is too close to a transmitting station, the telephony is apt to "distort"; besides which it is hard to cut it out to enable the operator to listen to any other station. Two points may be advanced in favor of the sliding scale of charges. One is that the broadcast listener who spends more on his set — to enable him to receive over the greater distance — will pay less in fees; and the other, that those on the extreme edge of the transmitting range will not pay the full sum for a service which may be rather doubtful; owing to the great distance and more possibility of interference by atmospherics.
BENEVOLENT MONOPOLY. The scheme is apparently intended to involve a sort of benevolent monopoly, absorbing all present broadcasting companies; and with a provision preventing any sort of vested interests gaining control. A quarter of the capital — £200,000 — is to be reserved for dealers and manufacturers — which will be their share in the concern. But the most objectionable feature of the proposition is the absolute lack of competition it entails. No supervision or qualifications are mentioned, and this, along with the clause relating to the broadcasting of paid advertisements, cannot help but leave a strong feeling of doubt in the minds of most people. Without competition it is hard to believe that any company can give its best to the public. The most favorable proposal is that in connection with experimenters. This, with its fee of five shillings to sit for an examination, and 20s per year for those who pass, which will be equally divided between the Government and broadcasters, is much fairer (following similar lines to my recent "Sun" article) than the alternative suggestion — the limiting of the number of experimenters in each State. Few will disagree with the experimenters' treatment in this proposition. Other points affect minor issues. The open set is enclosed. Probably the outline only of the scheme is given, but, judging the suggestion of one big broadcasting company by the press report, it seems, generally speaking, decidedly derogatory to the interests of everyone connected with it, particularly the public.(Start Graphic Caption) LISTENING IN (End Graphic Caption)
1924 07.
AD ASTRA. "Wireless" Column. (Conducted by Alan Burrows)
The regulations, as they appear on the Prime Minister's outline, have deceived the greater part of the wireless public, and many whose interest in radio extends beyond that of listening-in. It may be this, or their gratification may be caused by the overdue appearance of any sort of regulations, and the fear that protest might precipitate another indefinite holdup. And on a cursory examination from the listeners' viewpoint, they are admirable. The fees are lower than was generally anticipated, and few will take exception to the modest — comparatively speaking — toll of 5s extracted by the Government. The zone system, modified on a previous idea, evidently discarded for what it was worth, has its merits, although it creates a precedent, and wireless precedents, in Australia, have not always ended happily. It has the advantage, however, of handicapping least the man who pays most for his gear, and vice-versa. Experimenters' fees have evidently been formulated on the assumption that they do occasionally listen to broadcasting; and few experimenters will deny this. This clause, however, may have been inserted on the grounds of the usual disadvantages in the country, since, as it is not stated what amount of those fees the Government retains, the assumption is that it keeps it all. The open set, of course, was practically understood. General permission, however, to use every variety of set — including the most regenerative — came as a surprise to many. Providing some provision is made to deal with the inveterate users of certain circuits, this will meet with universal approval — and the Wireless Institute, be it remembered, is probably to thank for this unexpected concession. Dealers' and entertainment fees are, for the most part, regarded as satisfactory, although in some quarters the charges for dealers — £2 to £5 — are considered somewhat high. This can scarcely be said of the fee for entertainment purposes, which ranges from £10 to £7 10s. Any old pianist would cost that a fortnight.
THE "BUT" COMES IN. So far, in their incidental features, the regulations can almost be said to be excellent — satisfactory, in any case. Everyone, therefore, is happy; the radio community girds its loins, and broadcasting is going to boom. For a time, that is, until the real weaknesses of the regulations, the product of the Government's dilemma, make themselves felt. It is not impossible, for instance, that the time is far distant when the public will tire of the services of those companies which the Government has subsidised; and so long as they conform to a certain standard — fixed, presumably, by the authorities — no others will be allowed to make good the deficiency. Nor does it seem probable that the present companies, with their assured ratio of profit, will excel themselves, if at the close of two years' service there is no prospect of more competitors entering their guarded precincts. What competitive element the scheme might have possessed — and it possesses none — is nullified by the fixed subsidy, precluding any incentive for expansion or improvement in the existing stations, and the protection afforded from newcomers. And in the States where more than one company dominates, even if there existed a competitive feature, why should two companies, so snugly and securely ensconced, be bothered competing? When such an attitude is taken, and there appears to be nothing to prevent it, the outcome is scarcely for the Public good. While granting that the biggest difficulty in the support of broadcasting stations is the allocation of revenue, there seems little to prevent an unlimited — so far as the Government is concerned — number of stations opening up, provided there is sufficient revenue to support them, and the assumption is that they wouldn't start until there was enough; or if they did they would simply pay for it or go out of business, as in an ordinary business venture. For the Government to protect one or two stations, however, is just as anomalous as it would be to protect a storekeeper from the competition of others.
ETHEREAL PHILANTHROPY. There are, of course, the "B" class stations, which are magnificently allowed to broadcast for nothing, so far as a share of the license fee is concerned, although they may be as willing and as competent to do it as the company which collects its 70 per cent. These potential stations — and there is more than one in Sydney — whose only error was to refuse to broadcast under regulations which were unsound, are now positively forbidden (except under intolerable and unfair conditions) to give the public their services. One fact is plain. Compensation claims have haunted the Government; the influence or fear of those who, it is true, led the way under the impossible conditions of the 1923 regulations, has compelled the Prime Minister to compensate them out of all proportion. What amounts to a monopoly for all time, or at the best the life of the present Ministry, seems indeed a huge recompense for those who led the way — providing that this was genuine pioneering work in the interest of wireless broadcasting. And the inclusion of rights to advertise is a feature of this amazing arrangement, which, under any commonsense scheme, would have been impossible. For under any plan whereby the people had some semblance of expression of opinion in what they wanted, stations which advertised would not be tolerated. Broadcasting is going to boom — at the public's expense. KGO, California, who sometimes now makes a point of calling Australia, is becoming as well-known to N.S.W. amateurs as 2BL and 2FC are. Mr. Finch, of Bankstown, reports hearing him on one valve and working a loud speaker with two valves. Mr. R. C. Allsop, Randwick, also hears the American station regularly. For those who have not yet heard KGO it should be mentioned that, although this station is now on high-power — about 1000 watts — too much must not be expected for any sort of entertainment purposes. The fading is very marked, and seldom can the station be held for long. No amount of expert handling, of course, can obviate this. "Crystal" (Newtown): Any standard amplifying unit, or circuit, can be added to your present set.
(Start Photo Caption) ECOUTEZ DONC! (End Photo Caption) Three little listeners in a garden of Paris, on a convenient set of the latest plancon model.
AD ASTRA. "Wireless" Column. (Conducted by Alan Burrows)
Directional wireless, such as will be used in the Marconi Empire wireless scheme, is actually not a new idea. Marconi himself has made several attempts, extending over a number of years, to perfect some system which would lend more privacy to wireless communication. It is this lack of privacy which, in normal times, is perhaps the chief objection to wireless, the only protection being afforded by the coding of messages, and, to a small extent, the tuning to a certain wave length. A modified form of directional wireless has for some time been used successfully, principally on the American and Scottish coast, for "lighthouses." This, however, is not directional wireless in the real sense of the word; the signal is merely stronger in one direction, but is by no means confined to that direction. It is accomplished, as a rule, by inclining the aerial in the desired direction, the signal being strongest along that plane. Marconi, however, uses a reflector behind the aerial, which renders the direction, theoretically in any case, entirely selective. Far back as 1888 Hertz — to whom wireless owes much — demonstrated that short waves could be directed by the use of a parabolic mirror, and at about the same time Marconi interested himself in the concentrating of wireless waves. Nothing definite, however, was achieved which could be of more than experimental value; and with the exception of patents taken out later by Marconi, which were not utilised at the time, directive wireless made no commercial progress (so far as the world was aware) until some months ago, when Mr. E. T. Fisk, of Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited, received messages from the Poldhu station in England. This, in view of the limited nature of the experimental work, conducted previously in various places, was a tremendous jump — so great, indeed, that to place it immediately upon a commercial footing seems a risky step. So far as any records go, previous tests were seldom successful beyond a distance of 50 miles, and generally less than that. Conditions, moreover, on account of the concentrated nature of the beam, had to be ideal and the range free from obstruction. In other words, owing to the necessity of using short wave lengths, the terrific frequencies (which naturally increase as the wave length shortens) were found exceedingly difficult to handle; and this is one of the considerations which make special apparatus necessary to receive directive signals. Most of the tests were conducted on a wave length ranging from 3 to 20 metres, although for the Poldhu-Sydney tests a wave length of 90 metres was used, which is interesting to compare with one of Sydney's broadcasting station's length of 1000 metres. Experiment in this direction has by no means been limited to those of Marconi, although he appears to have realised, as forcefully as anyone, the value of a unidirectional method of transmitting wireless messages. Franklin also has conducted research in this direction, sometimes in conjunction with Marconi, and improvements to the radio "lighthouse" which has been mentioned, resulted.
SHORT WAVE LENGTHS. These instances will illustrate the entirely experimental scope of directional wireless until very recently, and it is difficult to believe that it has yet passed from that stage into a business proposition. The American "Wireless World" some time ago said: — "It is thought that recently enough has been done to show that shortwave directional wireless telegraphy is likely to be very useful in the future, and the results should lead the way to more extended researches." This is an instance of the cautious feeling in radio circles with regard to the matter; and the only explanation is that Marconi has found some new principle which his co-experimenters have not shared. In the discussion concerning the merits and otherwise of a beam system whose general efficacy is granted, one point seems to be missed, looking at it from a wartime angle. Any shortwave stations (as directive installations will have to be) are more easily erected — as Marconi himself states — than the station using the usual commercial longwave, and can therefore be used temporarily by an enemy to intercept messages with greater ease than would otherwise be possible — a fact which might almost balance its directional feature. Again, shortwave transmission can be jammed and mutilated far more quickly than transmission on longer waves. On the other hand, atmospherical interference on the wave length used for a beam is considerably lessened. The admission, however, that the directive stations will only be reliable for seven hours a day indicates that daylight working will be next to impossible — a disadvantage which is difficult to reconcile with a worthwhile service. Wireless has affected the Sydney School of Arts Debating Club, which last Thursday discussed the question of the regulations from the point of view that the "Federal Government's decision to create a broadcasting monopoly is justifiable." "R.P." (Alexandria).— When they are ready, licenses will be available at any post office. The official you spoke to evidently had not been notified. "G.N." (Toronto).— If you expect to receive Sydney broadcasting, you will find a crystal set, such as you are constructing, of no use for that distance. A crystal set will not receive broadcasting beyond about 20 miles, nor will it, under any circumstances, work a loudspeaker, as you evidently expect. To do this, where you, are situated, you will need at least a two or three valve set, which is an entirely different proposition from a crystal set, although, when once installed, you will find it worth the extra outlay and trouble. It would not do, however, to leave its working in children's hands. Any Sydney book store will be pleased to forward a list of cheap radio books, which have little difference in their merits.
1924 08.
1924 08 06.
WIRELESS & RADIO. Conducted by Alan Burrows THE DEMAND FOR CRYSTAL SETS. Noisy Regenerators Warned Off The Ether.
CRYSTAL sets are in great demand at present, and many dealers find their hands full in meeting the orders which are coming in. The same can be said of accessories, and almost as many amateurs appear to be making their own outfits as there are buying them outright. Enamelled wire, of the gauges used in every crystal set, is almost unprocurable in Sydney at the present moment. Aerial wire is just as scarce, and certain types of valves (201A's particularly) show signs of a similar scarcity. This, however, need not discourage the beginner; in fact, it will be an opportunity for him to test his resourcefulness. Cotton-covered wire will always be found suitable for the coils of a crystal set. While certainly not looking as neat, the efficiency is not effected to any extent, and with care quite a respectable single or double coil tuner can be made in this way. The same applies to aerials. If unable to buy the correct wire, there are still a number of varieties which will do. "16" wire can usually be bought without difficulty, and this, or almost any kind of insulated wire, will replace, for the moment at least, the recognised "7-20" aerial wire. Many, indeed, find themselves forced to improvise at the present time, although it is seldom that this seriously affects a set's working.
RUSH FOR LICENSES. Nearly every post office official is busy now selling licenses to the huge number of prospective enthusiasts. Well over a hundred were sold one day last week at the G.P.O. alone, and altogether the number is reaching the thousand mark, which is not bad going, considering they have only been on sale for a week. Some quick work was put in by the N.S.W. radio officials when the licenses came to hand. Arriving in Sydney on the Thursday after the regulations were made known, they were distributed to the different post offices on the following day, and were being sold on Saturday. Since then there has scarcely been a break in the demand for them. Mr. W. Crawford, State Radio Inspector, has his hands full with the work following upon the popularity of wireless. There were the zones, for instance, which had to be decided; and this rather intricate matter being settled, every postmaster in the State had to be supplied with a copy of the boundaries, so there could be no doubt concerning which zone they occupied. "It would be as well to emphasise," said Mr. Crawford, "that no postmaster has the power to refuse to grant a broadcasting licence, although he may ask that the applicant go to the post office nearest to where he lives. This is merely to facilitate the renewal of licences when the time comes, as it will probably cause confusion if an application is made for renewal at a different office from where it was originally issued." Mr. Crawford was very definite concerning regenerative sets. All owners of noisy sets will be warned once, after which they will be de-licensed and fined if they still persist in annoying their neighbors. However, the radio inspector pointed out that it would probably be simply a matter of educating the public, as no set, when it is oscillating sufficiently to cause interference, can reproduce music or speech without distortion. It would be in a listener's-in own interests to be instructed in the manipulating of his set.
EXPERIMENTERS. "No applications have been made yet for experimental licenses," said Mr. Crawford. "Nor do we expect many, as the difference in the cost of the two licenses is only 15s, it is not likely that a great number will go to the trouble of sitting for an examination. For that matter, very few would have a chance of passing it, as a big proportion of so-called experimenters were really only broadcast-listeners. On the other hand, there are a few in Sydney who, when their present licenses expire, will be granted an experimenter's status without question. These, however, are very few." Quite a number of people state that they find as much pleasure in listening to amateurs' transmission as they do to that of regular broadcasters. There is one amateur transmitter, however, whom they will probably not hear for some little time. Mr. J. S. Marks (2GR) had the bad luck to have his aerial blown down in the storm last Saturday night, and consequently has been unable to broadcast his usual concerts. There are two transmitters at Armidale who have been "coming in" well lately. These are 2HM (Mr Marshall) and 2GQ (Mr Barlow). They are worth listening for, and should compensate for the unaccountable silence of well-known Sydney stations, such as 2ZN (Mr Cotterel) and 2YG (Mr. R. Allsop), whose aerials, so far as can be ascertained, are still intact.
UNUSUAL CRYSTAL RECEPTION. Mr. Edward Atkins recently heard at Dubbo some items from Farmer's programme on a crystal set. "On the evening of July 31," Mr Atkins says, "using the public school's aerial and an unamplified crystal single slide set, Farmer's concert, was received here between 9 and 10 p.m., with only occasional fading and very little static." A statement in this column that a crystal set, was of little use beyond 20 miles moved Mr. Atkins to mention this instance of remarkable reception. Very seldom, however, can feats like this be accomplished, and only then under favorable conditions. Twenty miles is the reliable and constant range of a crystal set. For some time the advocates of Esperanto, the universal language, have been conducting a campaign with the idea or convincing broadcast fans that they will find it useful — essential, almost — to adopt some language which can be understood by all countries. A special wireless issue of their journal was recently published, and several radio clubs around and about Sydney have been given lectures by officials of the society, all of which proved interesting. Quite a number of "Esperanto talks" and similar features have been broadcast from Continental stations, and the idea, seems to be more popular over there than here. It will, however, probably be some time at least before Australian amateurs need another language — Australian appears to meet all requirements for broadcasting purposes at present.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. C.A. (Camden): A 'phone condenser will improve the tone of your broadcasting. Otherwise it makes little difference. Connect it straight across the 'phones themselves, or from one 'phone terminal to the other. The fact that you have heard Pennant Hills doesn't prove that you will hear Sydney broadcasting by any means. You would probably be able to hear 2BL when conditions were very favorable, but it would not be anyway certain. A coil wound on a phonograph record would scarcely receive 2BL, unless the wires were very fine. A 4-inch former, costing sixpence, is much better. R.R. (Auburn): Here is a list of parts necessary for a single-coil crystal set, without 'phones and aerial, which will cost about 35s. apart from the set. The prices, of course, vary slightly at the different dealers. Half a pound of 24 or 20 gauge enamelled wire, 2s 6d; 4-inch former, 6d; end-pieces, about 9d each; detector, 2s 6d; terminals, slider, and rod, about 3s. The crystal will cost, perhaps, 1s. although, if you wish, you can pay four times this amount for a really good piece. J.G. (Bingara): A crystal set, unfortunately, will not receive broadcasting beyond 20 miles from the station, which renders you hopelessly out of range, so far as a crystal set is concerned. You will need a three-valve set, which, if you cared to tackle making yourself (it would be a big job), would cost £18 for the parts, and about £25 to buy ready for use. "Count" (Haberfield): You must, to obtain the best results, have the coil a little distance from any surrounding objects. The end-pieces to the former should keep it half an inch from the baseboard or table. Any method (as a piece of wood under each end of the former) will do, however, which raises the coil slightly. After you have finished winding the coil, put a hole or a tack into the former and twist the wire around the tack, or through the hole, to keep the winding tight; then take it to the brass screw, and bind the wire securely around it. Always remember to scrape the wire until it shines when making connections of this sort. The aerial wire, decidedly, should not touch the coil anywhere but at the binding post which leads to the detector. Keep the set as tightly and neatly wired as possible. "Catwhisker" (Rose Bay): If the inductance coil is tapped there should, of course, be a movable switch-arm, and one end of the coil is a "dead-end" until you put the switch on the last tap. The other end can go straight to aerial or earth. From the crystal detector one wire (from the cup or catwhisker) should go to a 'phone terminal; the other wire to the end of the coil, or switch-arm, as the case might be. (Several questions which arrived late have been held over. Letters should reach A.B., c/o the editor of "The Sun," by Monday.) (Start Photo Caption) Another of the towers at Sayville.(End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) Base and tower of one of the wireless masts at the great station at Sayville, Long Island, U.S.A. There are nine towers at this station.(End Photo Caption)
1924 08 13.
WIRELESS & RADIO. (Conducted by Alan Burrows) POPULAR LOUD SPEAKERS. The Pocket Crystal Set. CLUB ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES.
A RADIO officer recently estimated that there were 15,000 pairs of head-'phones being used in New South Wales at present, while those who preferred — and could afford — loudspeakers numbered over 10,000. One point which these figures emphasise is that the loudspeaker is coming into its own. Their manufacture now is a highly specialised branch of radio, and "loud-talkers," as they are called in America, can be had, which, if correctly handled, will give a reproduction as perfect as that of the 'phones. It would be difficult to gauge the number of listeners for every loud-speaker. Some are unable to overcome a certain prejudice, for sitting with a pair of receivers "clamped" to the head, and consequently scarcely give them a fair trial. A little use will prove, however, that the modern ear-'phone is by no means "clamped" to the head. They are barely noticeable after a few minutes' wear. Loudspeakers, however, lend a social touch, which has been called the "community method" of listening-in, and it undoubtedly has advantages — with, of course, a proportionate increase in cost — which the other method lacks.
KNOWING YOUR SET. Quite a number of broadcast-receiving sets being sold are fitted with what is known as the "PI" circuit. While an experimenter will understand what this means, the chances are that the average purchaser doesn't realise the nature of the set he is buying. The "PI" circuit forms one of the most efficient types of valve sets that can be made; but it needs careful handling — it could almost be said to possess a "temperament." Simply, this means that it oscillates (the condition of a set when it distorts music and causes interference) very easily, and the point at which it works best is that just before it begins to oscillate. So it can be seen that in the hands of a person not too familiar with its adjustments it would be very likely to distort his broadcasting, not to speak of the annoyance caused the neighbors. Keeping this in mind, it is wise to find whether or not your set has a "PI" circuit, and if it has, be particularly careful to gain full instructions concerning its manipulation. Wireless produces its novelties just as anything else does; and the latest seems, to be a pocket crystal set. About the size of a large fountain-pen, these sets, it is claimed, will receive broadcasting within the usual specified crystal range. Whether or not this claim is accurate seems doubtful, and in any case, as the aerial and earth are very far from being portable, the better plan would appear to be to procure a set of the usual dimensions and be assured of definite results. They are interesting, of course, as a novelty.
NEW TRANSMITTING OUTFITS. Mr. C. Marsden, who is more familiar to listeners-in as 2JM, is building a new transmitting set. It will be of an unusual panel design, consisting of four valves as a coupled Hartley circuit, with valve-controlled modulation. "We have been working late at night," said Mr. Marsden, speaking generally of Sydney's amateur transmitters, "which is why the public hasn't heard us much. There is keen rivalry at present amongst amateurs, and we have practically all taken our coats off to it. Quite a number are building new sets, while the others are doing their best to improve their present transmission. The amateur transmitters will be worth listening to when we get going properly again." Amateur transmitters can be found on wave lengths between 125 and 250 metres, and, as a rule, are not quite so strong as the broadcasters.
A WIRELESS LANGUAGE. Mr. F. T. Simon, of the Esperanto Society, writes on the subject of the need radio has for Esperanto. He says: "Your article last week states, 'it will probably be some time at least before Australian amateurs need another language — Australian appears to meet all requirements for broadcasting at present.' Australia occupies the unique position of being the only continent where one language is spoken throughout, and so long as we are content to confine our interests to that area very little trouble should arise. But venture outside, and you are lost in the throes of language difficulties. This is more than ever apparent in radio circles in Europe; thousands upon thousands of peoples must limit their enjoyment of listening-in to local broadcastings, unless music from other countries bridges the gap of unintelligibility." Mr. Simon supports his opinion by a statement of the Director of Programmes of the B.B.C. that the native tongue will be supplemented by an international language, and mentions the number of cities from which Esperanto concerts have been broadcast. Even the King's speech at the opening of Wembley was translated into this language and transmitted. In addition, several amateurs have mentioned the uselessness of logging South American stations, if subsequent conversation is impossible owing to the ignorance of each other's language. The matter seems to merit deeper consideration.
CLUB ACTIVITIES. There are over 50 radio clubs in the State now, the attendances of which range from 20 to 200. Most of the city and suburban organisations are affiliated with the Wireless Institute of Australia, while the others are separate little entities dotted all over the country. No better way for the newcomer to wireless to learn a little more, or find willing helpers, can be suggested. Those who are fortunate enough to live near any club would be well advised to become a member. This column, if so desired, will supply the addresses of the secretary of the club in any district. Six new members were enrolled at the business meeting of the Leichhardt and District Radio Society, which was held last week. Mr. R. C. Caldwell will lecture tonight on "Aerial and Earthing Systems," and a big roll-up is expected. The secretary's address is Mr. W. J. Zech, 145 Booth-street, Annandale. One of the foremost suburban clubs is the Marrickville and District Radio Club. The annual election of officers has just been concluded, and now the club hopes to soon possess a transmitting licence. The secretary, Mr. A. W. Hemming, will be found at 23 Central-avenue, Marrickville.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. E.G.B. (Rockdale): You can only use a loop aerial with the more sensitive valve sets, this type of aerial being absolutely useless for a crystal or single-valve set. However, here are a few details concerning loops: They should, to work at their best, be 6ft. square. To receive 2BL four turns will be necessary, while a different loop, of about 12 turns, will have to be used on Farmer's wave length. Each end is connected in place of aerial and earth, and, in a two-circuit set, the loop takes the place of the primary. It is tuned by a condenser, which must not exceed .001 microfarads, and all loop aerials, as you are probably aware, are directional; that is, they must point in a certain direction to receive signals at the loudest, or very often to receive them at all. "Perikon" (Campsie): In some districts the use of the electric light wires for aerials is highly successful, if used with the special adaptor; while in others it is a complete failure. You would find it worth while trying, although, of course, the results cannot be assured. If this is useless, make an aerial as long, and erect it as high, as possible, and use five or six wires. This will not be as efficient as the usual type, but it seems the only alternative in your circumstances. C.C.O. (North Sydney): Any large metallic mass buried in the ground (an old bath-tub, or coil of bare wire, for instance) makes an efficient earth, particularly if kept moist. Sometimes electric light conduit forms a good earth. If you live in a flat you could, at a pinch, run bare wire beneath the floor covering, or use a counterpoise. The fire underwriters will not allow the use of a gas-pipe as an earth. P. O'B. (West Narrabri): Unfortunately, the cheapest three-valve set obtainable here would cost over £20. Apart from the set itself, the incidental expenses are the 'phones, about £2, or a little less; the aerial wire, about 8s; and the masts, stays, and insulators, which depend upon your plan of erection. A valve set will need two batteries, which, however, are nearly always included in the quote, if the set is bought outright. You would just about be in range for head-'phones strength with a two-valve set, although the three valves would assure you of success. Any reliable Sydney firm, all of which advertise, will supply you with your gear. H. McN. (Harefield).— (1) The slider has to touch every turn for the entire length of the coil. (2) You should receive good signals at that range. (3) If your set is working as it should, you cannot get louder signals without an entirely new valve outfit. There is no attachment, apart from a valve amplifier, which will do this. M.H. (Barraba): Two valves would just be sufficient to got fair head-'phone strength at your distance. In an ordinary set, only one valve can be used as a detector — the others are amplifiers. You will have to use, in your circumstances, one valve as a detector, and the other as an audio frequency amplifier. If you used another, making a three-valve set, as a radio-frequency amplifier, it would be a great improvement. J.M. (Sutherland): Yours is a tall order, and would take too much space to answer here. Write to a city bookshop, telling what you want, and you can choose, from a large selection, a moderately priced book which will give every detail. P.M. (Marrickville).— The aerial, so far as your diagram shows, should work successfully, although 100 feet is a little too long. This, however, will not make a great difference. Twenty feet is scarcely high enough; another ten would make a big improvement. Be sure to insulate it well from the trees. R.A. (Naremburn).— A single coil set can certainly be used as the secondary (inside) coil of a loose-coupler, or, for that matter, as the primary (outside) coil. It would be difficult, however, to make a good job of it. The brass rods are what support the secondary as it slides within the primary. E.V. (Waverley).— It you simply fill the bobbins of the receivers with 46 gauge s.w.g. enamelled wire their resistance will be approximately 1500 ohms.
(Start Photo Caption) Rodolph Valentino becomes a radio "fan."(End Photo Caption)
(Start Photo Caption) Senator Ralston, who was a candidate for the U.S.A. Presidential nomination receiving wireless news of the Democratic Convention. (End Photo Caption)
1924 08 20.
WIRELESS & RADIO. (Conducted by Alan Burrows) THE AERIAL PROBLEM. No Leniency for Unlicensed Sets.
Aerials perhaps provide the greatest amount of trouble for the average fan. A receiving set itself can be bought complete to its last detail, but the aerial is necessarily a home-erected affair dependent upon local circumstances. For that reason its construction or erection is a matter of moment to the most technically disinterested listener-in. Questions regarding aerials are probably one of the most unsatisfactory for the expert to answer. If a good, substantial aerial is recommended the reply is invariably to the effect that the next-door neighbor hasn't got an aerial — he receives well off a clothes-line, or something equally unsuitable. On the other hand, if an arrangement is suggested which will entail little trouble, but will not assure good results, the scheme seldom is successful — and the adviser is naturally blamed. He gets it either way. The truth lies between the two extremes. To use a bedstead or clothes-line, for instance, may be successful; but, after all, it is only an experiment, and the efficiency cannot be gauged. Successful instances are practically freak results. The plan of erection for aerials is governed almost entirely by local conditions and depends upon the trouble and expense to which the owner cares to commit himself. There are, however, some rules which should always be remembered. The higher the aerial is the better. Thirty feet can be taken as the standard height, although many are lower than this. Up to about 70 feet, the longer the aerial is the more efficient will it be. Anything beyond this will help only very little. Two wires are better than one, but three or more are no improvement. Keep the aerial well insulated. This is highly important, and is often overlooked. The farther the aerial is away from any objects, particularly iron roofs, the better. Indoor aerials are seldom successful with crystal sets. Keeping those facts in mind, the remainder is purely a matter to be decided by yourself.
UNLICENSED SETS The exception nowadays is for a home to be without a wireless set; and this fact was recently mentioned to Mr. T. Armstrong, Assistant Government Radio Inspector, in connection with the matter of illegal sets. "At the close of last week," said Mr. Armstrong, "there were over 3000 broadcasting licenses issued — by now there should be nearly 4000. There are, of course, far more sets than this in N.S.W. at the present time. We haven't yet got properly into the running under the new regulations, but within a few days we expect staff arrangements to be completed. "It can be said now, however, that we will be far more strict than we have been in the past. People now have no excuse for not taking out a license, and little latitude will be allowed. I will be surprised if even one warning is given for an unlicensed set — the offender will be fined immediately." Mr Armstrong likened the possession of a broadcast-receiving license to a motor car or dog license. "No 'first chance' is given in these cases," said the inspector.
THE NOISY REGENERATORS. The question of energised aerials causing interference was also mentioned by Mr. Armstrong. This is a matter which is expected to look after itself to a great extent. Neighbors who are troubled with howling valves will soon see that the trouble is dealt with. "I am doubtful about the extensive use being made of the PI circuit," said the inspector. "The fact that it is essentially a direct-coupled set makes it almost impossible to tune finely. This is evident by the fact that on many of these circuits it is impossible to tune out the broadcasters in the city. This renders them liable to cause interference over a broader band than they would otherwise." The "PI" circuit was mentioned as one which needed careful handling in last Wednesday's "Sun."
TEACHING THE PUBLIC. A number of Sydney radio firms have taken upon themselves the instruction of the public in wireless matters. Farmer's last Saturday inaugurated the first of a number of lectures to children, and more of these will be announced at a later date. Harrington's, Ltd., have also instituted a series of suburban demonstrations in connection with radio. Various sets will be used, and an opportunity will be afforded to all to listen-in to the broadcasting from the stations of the city, and any information desired by those present can be obtained first-hand. The demonstrations for this week are as follow:— Thursday, 21st, at 7.30 p.m., Killara Memorial Hall. Monday, 25th, at 7.30 p.m., Manresa Hall, Carlow-street, North Sydney. Thursday, 28th, at 7.30 p.m., Town Hall, Lane Cove. David Jones announce a series of "wireless talks for men" this week, from 1.15 to 1.45 p.m., in their lecture hall. They will he held daily until Friday. Mr. Basil Cooke, F.R.A.S., is the lecturer. LOUD SPEAKERS Recently there have been complaints that some city firms are selling loud speakers with crystal sets. This is a practice which, apart from its moral aspect, should come near to being a punishable offence. Any form of loud speaker is absolutely useless with a crystal set, and for a dealer to sell one for use with such a set is indefensible. Using a crystal detector, two valves as a rule will be necessary as amplifiers to work a loud speaker. Generally, with good headphone strength, one extra valve will be required for this purpose, while if the 'phone strength is poor, two amplifying valves will be found necessary. There have from time to time been alleged loud speakers put on the market for use with crystal sets, but none have really been successful. A second's thought will prove that without the additional power which a valve supplies it is impossible for a set to give sufficient volume to fill a room, which normally is just enough for two or three pairs of 'phones.
CLUB ACTIVITIES. Mr. A. H. Perret, publicity officer for the Wireless Institute of Australia, writes:— "There have been many inquiries concerning the certificates issued by the institute in connection with the exhibition held last year in the Town Hall. There have been many obstacles which unfortunately delayed the preparation of these, but now they are ready. Those who are entitled to these certificates should make a point of calling at the institute headquarters, 82 Pitt-street, Sydney, where they may be obtained between the hours of 10 to 12 o'clock in the morning, and 1 to 4 o'clock afterwards." Marrickville Radio Club has formed an associate membership, which should be of advantage to many. This step was decided upon at the meeting held last Monday at the School of Arts. At this meeting Mr. W. L. Hamilton successfully demonstrated the "ST 100" circuit, using a stage of radio frequency. This set, believed to be the first one used with success in Australia, has already brought in KGO.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. B.D.R. (Portland): There is little to choose between any of the reputable Sydney firms, whose announcements may be seen in the newspapers. Write to the one you prefer, telling what you want, and they will give you full particulars. The parts for a two-valve set, however, will probably cost more than £8, although there may be a few dealers selling them at this price. L.S. (S. Kensington): Always connect the detector as shown in the diagram. Apart from the appearance, which is a matter of opinion, there is no reason why the ends of the former should not be left bare. If you don't care to have it left this way, you can cut the former down accordingly and shorten your baseboard to suit. Once you have the amount of wire wound on the former which the directions stipulate, it is hardly advisable to put more on simply to fill it up. It doesn't matter in the least what thickness the slider rod is; so long as it fits the slider the rest is a matter for you to decide yourself. A piece of brass or copper a quarter of an inch wide is generally used. C.H. (Cabramatta): Insulate the aerial from the spreader as much as possible. Or, if the aerial wires touch the spreaders, insulate the spreaders from the mast, or whatever supports them. Otherwise when they become damp your aerial will lose a lot of its efficiency, and your signals will not be as loud as they should be. Your earth wire need not be insulated in the least; in fact, the more it touches parts of the house the better. No porcelain insulater therefore is necessary. N.B. (Merrygoen): To describe how to make a 4 -valve set would almost fill a small text book. You can buy a number of these books which will give you full instructions for making all sorts of sets, and you would be best advised to write to any city book shop for a list. "Practical Radio," though a little expensive — it will cost 10s — is about the most reliable and easily understood radio book. Altogether, the parts for a 4-valve set would cost approximately £30. H.H. (Leichhardt): You can buy any number of radio books which will tell you simply how to make a single valve set. There is not space to describe it in "The Sun." A single valve set will not work a loud speaker; you will need a 3-valve set to do this satisfactorily. "A.B.C." (Wellington).— Two valves will be necessary for headphones; four if you wish to use a loud speaker. "G.A.P." (Molong).— You would gain little in using a stage of radio in front of the crystal, as this increases the volume only slightly. The clearness of crystal detection would be scarcely balanced by this loss in volume. Considering that you have the batteries and gear needed for the valves, it would be far better to use a valve as a detector — and even then it would not work a loud speaker, although it would do for the 'phones. For the loud speaker you will need a 4-valve outfit, consisting of one stage of radio, detector, and two audio frequency valves. | 32,208 |
Chess Variants/Los Alamos Chess. Introduction.
Los Alamos Chess (also known as anti-clerical chess) is a small chess variant played on a 6 by 6 board. It was the first chess-like game played by a computer program.
History.
Los Alamos chess was created in 1956 by researches at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in order to test the computing power of the MANIAC I computer, built in 1952. The MANIAC I lacked the computing power to play a full orthodox game, so the team had to create a smaller version of the game to accomodate it.
During a series of trials, the MANIAC I played three games. The first game it played against itself. The second game it played against a strong human player, who defeated it despite playing without a queen. The third game saw it defeat a novice human player, marking the first time a computer defeated a human in a chess-like game.
Rules.
Los Alamos chess is played on a 6 by 6 board, with each player controlling a full FIDE army sans both bishops and two pawns. The rules are mostly the same as the standard game with the following differences:
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not not have any notable sub-variants.
Example Game.
Event: Third Trial Game
Site: Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, United States
Date: Unknown
Round: 3
White: MANIAC I
Black: Beginner Player
1.d3 b4 2.Nf3 d4 3.b3 e4 4.Ne1 a4 5.bxa4 Nxa4 6.Kd2 Nc3 7.Nxc3 bxc3+ 8.Kd1 f4 9.a3 Rb6 10.a4 Ra6 11.a5 Kd5 12.Qa3 Qb5 13.Qa2+ Ke5 14.Rb1 Rxa5 15.Rxb5 Rxa2 16.Rb1 Ra5 17.f3 Ra4 18.fxe4 c4 19.Nf3+ Kd6 20.e5+ Kd5 21.exf6=Q Nc5 22.Qxd4+ Kc6 23.Ne5# 1–0 | 574 |
Circuit Idea/Reinventing the Common-Source Amplifier. The rule of understanding.
It is an interesting fact that things in life are understood through similar but simpler things. The paradox is that they are not understood as things themselves but through other things. For example, no matter how much you study the transistor device in Semiconductor engineering, it is not enough to understand transistor circuits. There is a need for something else that is not learned there, but long before that in electrical circuits and in life.
Building the common-source stage.
Perhaps it is best to reinvent step by step the most elementary transistor amplifier stage to understand the meaning of things.
Converting the voltage into resistance.
Regardless of all the complexities of the (MOS) transistor, generally speaking, it does one simple thing in amplifier circuits - introduces adjustable losses in the form of a voltage drop. So does the much simpler variable resistor in electrical circuits. They both do it the same way - by inserting resistance into the circuit and changing it. So the simple functional idea of a transistor is as a voltage controlled variable resistor (voltage-to-resistance converter). Indeed, there is a "small" difference - a resistor is a linear element with a constant resistance, whereas a transistor is a non-linear element with a "self-changing" (dynamic) resistance, but this is not essential to understanding the basic idea of the transistor amplifier stage. It is a concept, and details get in the way of understanding concepts.
Converting the resistance into current.
Variable resistor: The resistance is only a parameter that can control some "true" electrical quantity, most simply the current. For this purpose, we (the "input voltage source":-) supply the variable resistor Rds with a voltage source Vdd and by changing the resistance we adjust the current Id = Vdd/Rds = 10 mA (Ohm's law) looking at the "ideal" ammeter.
To get a better idea of the resistor's behavior, let's measure and plot its IV curves for three resistance values - 1 kΩ, 2 kΩ and 10 kΩ. As you can see from the graphs, at 10 V the corresponding currents are 10 mA, 5 mA and 1 mA.
Web resources.
A similar story from an answer to a related StackExchange EE question | 545 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Interviews with Experts. = Expert interviews =
In pursuing rapid knowledge in a novel area, communicating with experts in the field is indispensable. I strive to interview at least one individual per module, usually sending cold-emails describing this research project's aims. I record our interactions, transcribe them, and have chatGPT summarize them for ease of future access. | 91 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Jeremy Foote. This article details a conversation between Alec and Jeremy, focusing on their collaborative research into the use of chatbots for mediation and social impact in online communities. It first outlines their individual projects, shared interests, ethical considerations, technical challenges, and future steps in the realm of chatbots and large language models (LLMs).
Alec and Jeremy's dialogue represents a confluence of interdisciplinary research involving communication studies, artificial intelligence, and ethics. Their exchange sheds light on the potential of chatbots to reshape online interactions, the ethical implications of deploying such technologies, and the theoretical frameworks that support their usage.
Jeremy's Reddit Project.
Jeremy's initiative aims to engage with Reddit users known for toxic commenting by offering them a chance to converse with a bot. This project is a partnership with a scientist studying toxicity and features three distinct approaches to interaction:
The goal is to monitor behavioral changes post-interaction to evaluate the effectiveness of each method.
User Response Categories
During the project, Jeremy observed varied responses from users, which he categorized into:
Project Logistics and Concerns
Alec's Perspective and Project.
Alec views these interactions as educational, employing varied conversational techniques to instill a lesson. His vision includes:
Alec’s Expanded Vision
Potential Applications and Ambitions
Ethical and Technical Considerations.
Both researchers deliberate the importance of transparency when users are conversing with a bot, suspecting that such openness might improve the quality of conversations.
Ethical Justifications
Technical Aspects
Social Impact and Theoretical Foundations.
The discussion also delves into the social and theoretical implications of using LLMs in online communities, referencing social capital theory and the potential for chatbots to mediate discussions that could lead to greater social cohesion.
Democratic Ideal and Simplified Solutions
Further Details.
Evaluating Outcomes and Measurements
Experiment Design and Reddit's Role
Closing the Conversation
The conversation concludes with plans for Alec to submit his IRB proposal and for Jeremy to introduce Alec to a colleague interested in mediation using LLMs. They express a mutual interest in exchanging IRB materials and continuing their discussion on potential collaborations.
Potpourri of Relevant Facts
This section compiles specific facts and figures mentioned during the conversation that provide further depth and clarity to the projects and visions discussed by Alec and Jeremy.
The facts presented in this section not only contribute to the granularity of the projects discussed but also highlight the nuanced considerations taken by both researchers in their pursuit of innovative applications for chatbots and LLMs in enhancing online community interactions and societal communication.
Links | 632 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Formal and Practical Logic. Introduction.
The discourse on and its application in society increasingly contemplates the role AI can play in enhancing the quality of public dialogue. A critical component of this contemplation is the analysis of the logical structure of beliefs and the practical structure of argument. The logical structure pertains to the computational proof of beliefs—formal logic that can be validated through systematic processes. On the other hand, the practical structure of argument deals with the formulation of convincing arguments, the kind that resonate on a practical level with individuals and communities. These twin pillars of logic serve as the foundation for AI systems designed to foster rational, informed, and constructive exchanges. This chapter delves into the intertwining roles of formal and practical logic within AI-mediated discourse systems, examining their functions, benefits, and challenges.
The integration of these structures in AI discourse systems is pivotal for ensuring that conversations are not only based on sound reasoning but also resonate with the communicative norms and psychological realities of human interaction. While the logical structure enforces a level of rigidity and coherence in belief systems, the practical structure facilitates the nuanced and often complex human dimension of persuasion and argumentation. The balance between these aspects is essential for the development of AI systems that can genuinely contribute to social change by enriching public discourse.
Logical Structure of Beliefs.
The logical structure of beliefs in AI discourse is integral to providing a clear and consistent framework for discussions. This structure can be broken down into several core components:
Formal Representation.
In the realm of AI, beliefs can be encoded using a variety of formal logical systems. This formalization allows for an objective and consistent framework that facilitates the process of reasoning and the evaluation of belief statements for their truthfulness. Computational representations, such as predicate logic or Bayesian networks, serve as the backbone for this objective assessment, ensuring that AI systems can navigate complex belief patterns with precision.
Formal representations also provide the means for AI systems to process and understand the various layers of human belief systems, from the simplest of propositions to the most intricate of hypotheses. This allows AI to engage in discussions that require a deep understanding of the logical dependencies and the hierarchies present within belief systems, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.
Consistency and Coherence.
One of the fundamental roles of formal logic in AI systems is to ensure the consistency and coherence of belief structures. By employing formal logic, an AI can detect contradictions within a set of beliefs, identifying where a person's belief system may be internally inconsistent. This is critical in maintaining rational discussions where all participants can agree on the logical foundations of the discourse.
Moreover, consistency and coherence are not solely about detecting contradictions; they also involve the ability to deduce and infer new beliefs logically. AI systems, through formal logic, can thereby extend discussions to new but logically consistent territories, enriching the conversation with new insights and perspectives.
Inference and Deduction.
The process of inference and deduction in formal logic allows for the derivation of new knowledge from established beliefs. AI systems, equipped with this logical structuring, can reason out implications that may not be immediately apparent to human interlocutors. This capability is particularly valuable in structured debates or analytical discussions where the progression of ideas is critical.
However, it's important to recognize the limitations inherent in formal logic when applied to AI discourse systems. Human beliefs are often not just logical but also emotionally charged, and context-dependent, which means they can sometimes defy the neat encapsulation of formal logic. Moreover, the implications of Gödel's incompleteness theorems suggest that there are always going to be limitations to what can be proven within any formal system. This underscores the necessity for AI systems to also understand and appreciate the nuances of human belief structures that go beyond the scope of formal logic.
Practical Structure of Argument.
Beyond the rigidity of formal logic lies the practical structure of argument, which is central to the effectiveness of persuasion and argumentation in human discourse. This structure is influenced by several factors:
Rhetoric and Persuasion.
The art of rhetoric plays a significant role in the practical structure of argumentation. It is not enough for an argument to be logically sound; it must also be persuasive. Aristotle's modes of persuasion—ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical argument)—are as relevant today as they were in ancient Greece. An AI system that understands and applies these modes can engage more effectively with humans, presenting arguments that are not only logically valid but also emotionally resonant and ethically sound.
The influence of rhetoric on argumentation is profound. It shapes not only how arguments are perceived but also how they are received and accepted by an audience. Persuasive communication requires an understanding of the audience's values, beliefs, and emotional states. AI systems, therefore, must be adept at not only constructing logical arguments but also at delivering them in a manner that is contextually appropriate and compelling.
Cognitive Biases.
The understanding and navigation of cognitive biases are also crucial to the practical structure of argument. Humans are often influenced more by factors such as the availability heuristic, where a vivid anecdote can outweigh statistical evidence in persuasive power. An AI system that is sensitive to these biases can better tailor its arguments, anticipating and addressing the psychological factors that influence human decision-making and belief formation.
Socratic questioning and the framing of information are additional tools in the practical argument structure. By asking probing questions, an AI can lead individuals to reflect and reach conclusions independently, which often leads to more profound insight and belief change. Furthermore, how information is framed—the context and presentation—can significantly influence its reception and interpretation. Recognizing and utilizing framing effects is essential for AI systems designed to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Integrating Logic and Rhetoric in AI Mediation.
The integration of formal logic and practical argumentation in AI systems is a delicate balancing act:
Balanced Approach.
An AI mediator must find a harmonious balance between rigorous logical evaluation and the nuanced understanding of human persuasion. This involves not only pointing out logical inconsistencies but also appreciating that humans are not solely driven by logic. Convincing individuals often requires more than just logical reasoning—it requires engaging with them on a level that resonates with their personal experiences and emotions.
Ethical considerations are paramount in this balance. AI mediators must always prioritize informed consent, transparency, and the autonomy of the individuals they engage with. There is a fine line between facilitating constructive dialogue and manipulating beliefs. The AI's role should be to assist in the navigation of discussions, providing clarity and insight while respecting each individual's right to hold and express their beliefs.
Educational Role.
Moreover, AI systems can take on an educational role, helping individuals to understand logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and the elements of effective argumentation. This educational aspect is not just about imparting knowledge but also about fostering the skills necessary for critical thinking and self-reflection. Through this process, individuals can become more informed and autonomous thinkers, better equipped to engage in productive and rational discourse.
Strategically Identifying and Presenting Contradictions.
In settings where participants are prepared for their beliefs to be challenged, such as "devil's advocate" or "debate contest" experiments, the logical structure of beliefs can be used strategically:
Pinpointing Contradictions.
An AI system's ability to pinpoint contradictions within an individual's belief system is a powerful tool for stimulating critical thinking and reflection. When participants are open to having their views examined, these contradictions can serve as catalysts for deeper inquiry and reassessment of one's stance.
Forcing participants to re-evaluate their beliefs through the presentation of logically structured dissonant facts can lead to a more robust defense of their positions or to a productive shift in their perspectives. In debate settings, this dynamic can enhance the quality of the discourse, as participants are encouraged to critically engage with the arguments presented and develop a more refined understanding of the issues at hand.
Setting Clear Boundaries.
The establishment of clear boundaries for discourse is another benefit of a strong logical structure. If participants can agree on certain axioms or foundational truths, the debate can focus on the implications and conclusions that logically follow from these premises. This helps to prevent discussions from becoming mired in misunderstandings or irrelevant tangents and instead promotes a focused and productive exchange of ideas.
Highlighting inferential gaps is also crucial. Often, individuals hold beliefs based on incomplete reasoning or insufficient evidence. By logically structuring the argument, an AI system can illuminate these gaps, prompting individuals to seek additional information or to critically evaluate the validity of their conclusions.
Promoting Intellectual Honesty.
In environments that encourage the challenge of preconceived notions, the logical structuring of arguments promotes intellectual honesty. Participants are more likely to acknowledge points that are logically indefensible and to respect the strength of well-founded arguments. This intellectual honesty is critical for the integrity of the discourse and for the personal growth of the participants involved.
The educational potential of such engagements is immense. Participants not only learn to appreciate the value of logical reasoning but also become more adept at identifying fallacious arguments and understanding the complex nature of their own and others' beliefs.
Guarding Against Misuse.
Despite the potential benefits, there is always a risk that the strategic presentation of dissonant facts could be misused. It is imperative to ensure that the process remains respectful, fair, and aimed at mutual understanding and growth, rather than being used as a means to "win" an argument at the expense of others. The ethical use of logic in discourse is essential for ensuring that the pursuit of truth and understanding is not compromised.
In summary, the integration of the formal and practical aspects of logic into AI-mediated discourse is key to promoting informed, rational, and respectful public dialogue. The logical structure provides a solid framework for discussions, ensuring they adhere to principles of reason and coherence. In contrast, the practical structure addresses the complexities of effective communication, persuasion, and the psychology of belief acceptance. An AI mediator capable of adeptly navigating both realms can thus serve as an effective, ethical, and constructive facilitator of conversations, leading to meaningful social change.
LLMs for Implication Mining.
The process of implication mining using large language models (LLMs) is an innovative approach that leverages the advanced capabilities of AI to enrich knowledge bases with logical implications derived from user statements. This method is outlined in several steps:
Isolating Belief Structures.
The first stage involves the identification and isolation of belief structures from users, which can be accomplished through:
Querying the LLM.
Once the belief structures are prepared, they are presented to the LLM in one of two ways:
Handling LLM Responses.
Responses from the LLM are critically evaluated and refined through:
Periodic Exploration.
To maintain the relevance and growth of the knowledge base, the system includes mechanisms for ongoing exploration:
This structured application of LLMs not only deepens the database's understanding of existing beliefs but also ensures that the knowledge base is dynamic, evolving, and attuned to the complexities of user-provided data.
Proof-Checking.
Let's take a brief dive into each of these systems:
likes(john, apple).
likes(mary, banana).
likes(john, banana).
likes(john, X) :- likes(mary, X). % John likes whatever Mary likes
% Query: What does John like?
?- likes(john, What).
% Output: What = apple ; What = banana.
theory Example
imports Main
begin
datatype fruit = Apple | Banana
fun likes :: "(string × fruit) set ⇒ string ⇒ fruit ⇒ bool" where
"likes S p f = ((p,f) ∈ S)"
definition exampleSet :: "(string × fruit) set" where
"exampleSet = {("John", Apple), ("Mary", Banana)}"
lemma John_likes_Apple: "likes exampleSet "John" Apple"
using exampleSet_def by auto
end
Inductive fruit :=
Definition likes (p : string) (f : fruit) : Prop :=
match p, f with
| "John", Apple => True
| "Mary", Banana => True
| _, _ => False
end.
Lemma John_likes_Apple : likes "John" Apple.
Proof.
simpl. trivial.
Qed.
from z3 import *
Fruit = DeclareSort('Fruit')
Person = DeclareSort('Person')
likes = Function('likes', Person, Fruit, BoolSort())
s = Solver()
John, Mary = Consts('John Mary', Person)
Apple, Banana = Consts('Apple Banana', Fruit)
s.add(likes(John, Apple))
s.add(likes(Mary, Banana))
print(s.check(likes(John, Apple))) # Output: sat (satisfiable)
These examples are quite simplistic, and in practice, these tools can handle and are used for much more sophisticated tasks. However, they should provide a basic idea of how each system looks and operates.
Conclusion.
The chapter on "Formal and Practical Logic" in the context of "Chatbots for Social Change" underscores the importance of these two intertwined aspects of logic in shaping AI-mediated discourse. It posits that while the logical structure of beliefs lays the groundwork for rational discussions, the practical structure of argumentation brings the human element to the forefront of AI interactions. The challenge for AI systems lies in seamlessly integrating these structures to promote dialogue that is not only intellectually rigorous but also socially and emotionally engaging. By doing so, AI has the potential to significantly contribute to social change by elevating the quality of public discourse and fostering a more informed, rational, and empathetic society. | 3,188 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Redundant Belief Systems. Scientific Belief.
The exploration of scientific belief is an essential part of understanding how knowledge evolves and corrects itself over time. Science, by its nature, is a self-correcting enterprise that relies on the concept of falsifiability, as articulated by Karl Popper. Theories within science must be testable and, crucially, capable of being proven wrong. This mechanism ensures that erroneous beliefs are eventually weeded out as empirical evidence mounts against them. However, science is not a straightforward path towards truth. As Thomas Kuhn’s analysis of paradigm shifts reveals, science often experiences revolutionary changes, not through a gradual accumulation of knowledge, but through significant leaps that redefine entire fields. For instance, the transition from the Ptolemaic to the Copernican model was not just a simple update but a radical shift in understanding our place in the cosmos.
Resistance to these paradigm shifts is common due to the inertia of established frameworks, vested interests, and the authority of established figures within the scientific community. This resistance indicates that the process of scientific advancement is also a human endeavor, subject to the same social and psychological forces that influence all other areas of human activity. The maxim "Science progresses one funeral at a time," often attributed to Max Planck, underscores the idea that generational changes in the scientific community can be pivotal for the acceptance of new theories and concepts.
Moral Theory and Belief.
Moral theory and belief are central to how individuals and societies determine what is right and wrong. The debate between moral realism and anti-realism is foundational to ethics. Moral realists argue that moral truths exist independently of human beliefs and constructions, whereas anti-realists hold that moral truths are human constructs. This debate informs how AI may approach facilitating discussions on moral and ethical issues, as it must navigate the complex terrain of absolute truths versus subjective interpretations.
Further complicating this landscape is the concept of moral relativism, which posits that moral judgments are true or false only relative to specific standpoints, and no single viewpoint is universally privileged over others. This view challenges the AI to remain neutral and respectful of diverse moral perspectives. Additionally, the theory of evolutionary ethics suggests that our moral beliefs may be derived from evolutionary processes that favored cooperative behavior. This perspective implies that moral instincts are not solely derived from rational deliberation but also from inherited social behaviors. Cultural influences also play a significant role in shaping moral beliefs, as ethical frameworks are often deeply entwined with cultural norms and values. An AI mediator operating in this space must therefore be adept at understanding and balancing these varied and often conflicting ethical systems.
AI Mediation in the Context of Beliefs.
AI mediation introduces a novel layer to the discourse on beliefs by providing a platform for objective facilitation of conversations. An AI mediator, devoid of the biases and emotional investments that might affect human mediators, has the potential to bridge communication gaps between individuals. This can lead to the exposure of diverse views, mitigating the effects of echo chambers and confirmation bias. By introducing individuals to a broad spectrum of beliefs, AI can facilitate a more nuanced and comprehensive dialogue.
However, the ethical considerations of AI mediation are paramount. The AI must operate with transparency, ensuring that all parties understand how decisions are made within the system. It must represent diverse viewpoints fairly and avoid any manipulation or undue influence on the participants. The AI should not steer conversations or impose certain views, as this would be ethically problematic. Moreover, the AI's role includes providing continuous feedback and adaptation based on real-world outcomes and user feedback. In this way, AI systems can engage ethically and effectively with the vast space of human beliefs, respecting the complexities of scientific and moral theories while promoting informed and constructive dialogue.
Social Representation Theory.
Introduction
Social Representation Theory (SRT), developed by Serge Moscovici, centers on the concept that beliefs are pivotal elements of social representations. These representations are a complex web of values, ideas, and practices that enable individuals to make sense of their social realities, navigate their environments, and communicate effectively within their social groups.
Social Representations in Moscovici's View
Not All Beliefs are Social Representations
Some Basic Findings
SRT's application across diverse domains from health to intergroup relations highlights its significance in understanding the interplay between individual beliefs and collective social understandings.
Abric’s Evolutionary Theory.
Jean-Claude Abric's evolutionary theory provides a nuanced understanding of how social representations are maintained within societies, distinguishing between core and peripheral elements that comprise and stabilize these representations.
Core and Peripheral System
Application and Example
Using the social representation of "marriage" within a traditional culture to exemplify Abric's theory:
Dynamics of Core and Peripheral Elements
The movement between core and peripheral elements reflects the fluid nature of social representations and their susceptibility to change due to societal shifts or internal group dynamics.
Core Beliefs and Action
The relationship between core beliefs and action, as well as their visibility within the group, plays a critical role in defining group membership and enforcing norms.
Inclusivity and Social Representations
The pursuit of an inclusive society may lead to the redefinition of core beliefs, promoting values of diversity and openness.
In summary, Abric's theory elucidates how social representations are preserved through a balance between the stable core and the adaptable periphery, reflecting the dynamic nature of societal beliefs and practices. | 1,248 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Quotes. = Others I've found =
=(iffy) suggestions by chatGPT= | 28 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Prototypes/McGail/Structure of Reason. = Review of Knowledge Representation Methods =
Before delving into the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for knowledge organization, it is beneficial to review various methodologies that can be employed to structure and reason with vast amounts of information. Each knowledge representation method offers unique advantages for processing and analyzing data.
Each representation style is valuable for different aspects of reasoning within a large and complex network of statements. The choice depends on the specific tasks at hand, like querying the network, inferring new knowledge, or predicting outcomes of policy changes. These methods lay the groundwork for the following exploration into the utilization of LLMs for knowledge integration and analysis.
= Large Language Model-based Knowledge Network =
The system proposed leverages the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT to parse, interpret, and correlate vast amounts of textual information. This involves a two-step process that enriches the dataset and allows for efficient correlation within a vast knowledge network.
Statement Expansion and Contradiction Identification.
An LLM can be used to:
Vector Encoding and Efficient Search.
The next step involves:
Benefits.
This approach is powerful for several reasons:
The system could serve as an effective method for integrating new knowledge into an existing framework, assessing the consistency of information, and aiding in the discovery of new insights by drawing connections between previously unrelated data. | 322 |
Chess Variants/Grid Chess. Introduction.
Grid Chess is a variant played on a specially marked grid board.
History.
Grid chess was created by Walter Stead in 1953. The variant and its main gimmick have been used in fairy chess problems.
Rules.
Grid chess is played on the standard 8 by 8 board, marked with a grid of lines that partition the board into sectors. There are several different ways to arrange these lines, but the most common arrangement divides the board into 16 2 by 2 squares.
The rules are the same as standard chess, with one addition: for a move to be legal the piece must cross a grid line. So for example in the diagram the black queen could not move to e1, f1 or f2 as those moves would not take it over a grid line - and so the white king is not in check despite the two pieces' proximity.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not not have any notable sub-variants. | 229 |
Sylhet Kingdom. The Sylhet Kingdom, also known in Sanskrit as Srihatta Rajya and in Portuguese as Reino Sirote, is an ancient kingdom of the Indian subcontinent. "Sylhet" is the anglicized term for "Srihatta."
History.
The history of the Sylhet Kingdom is intertwined with the broader historical narrative of the Indian subcontinent. Located in the northeastern part of what is now divided by India and Bangladesh, Sylhet was an independent kingdom at various points in its history. The region's history can be traced back to ancient times.
Throughout its history, the Sylhet Kingdom saw the rise and fall of various dynasties and rulers who left their marks on the region. It was strategically located, which made it a vital center for trade and cultural exchange between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Govinda of Gaur marked the end of the chieftain era in Sylhet. In its earlier days, Sylhet was governed by Brahmin rulers. However, the influence of Brahmin kingdoms waned over time, paving the way for tribal communities of Mongoloid descent to establish their chiefdoms across various regions of Sylhet.
History Preservation Challenges.
The historical account of the Sylhet Kingdom, known as Srihatta Rajya in Sanskrit and Reino Sirote in Portuguese, presents preservation challenges in the face of potential manipulation. Preserving historical narratives faces a formidable challenge in an era where the manipulation of history is prevalent across various backgrounds and interests. Historians, driven by diverse perspectives, sometimes shape narratives to align with their particular viewpoints, leading to a distortion of facts. To overcome this challenge, a vigilant approach is crucial. This ancient kingdom, situated in the Indian subcontinent's northeastern part, witnessed the ebb and flow of dynasties, reflecting a complex tapestry of cultural influences. To safeguard its history, collaborative efforts among historians and scholars are essential, ensuring a nuanced understanding free from bias. Embracing technological solutions, such as blockchain for secure archival, can bolster the authenticity of historical data. Amidst the rich cultural legacy of the Sylhet Kingdom, a vigilant approach to historical preservation becomes paramount, allowing future generations to explore its dynamic past with clarity and accuracy.
Culture.
The culture of the Sylhet Kingdom was a rich tapestry woven with influences from different regions and periods. Its unique blend of Sanskritic and Hindu heritage, among other cultural elements, contributed to its distinct identity. The kingdom was known for its architecture, art, language, and religious practices.
Religion.
Religion played a vital role in shaping the culture of the Sylhet Kingdom. Hinduism and Buddhism were prominent religions in the early periods, but the arrival of explorers brought other religions to the region. This religious diversity influenced the art, festivals, and traditions of the kingdom.
Legacy.
Though the Sylhet Kingdom ceased to exist as a political entity, its legacy lives on in the cultural, historical, and linguistic heritage of the Sylhet region. Today, the area is known for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and the Sylheti people's enduring connection to their heritage. | 743 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Bc4/3...Nf6/4. Ng5/4...d5/5. exd5/5...Na5/6. Bb5/6...c6/7. dxc6/7...bxc6/8. Be2/8...h6/9. Nh3/9...Bc5. 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5 c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2 h6 9. Nh3 Bc5 | 179 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d5/2. Nf3/2...dxe4. 2...exd5.
Black accepts the gambitted pawn. | 45 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Prototypes/McGail/chatGPT Mediator. My Prompt, My Principles.
It should be prepared to handle any topic of conversation.
Its goal is simply to understand.
It should only reference others' beliefs or arguments when there's a break in conversation, or where it thinks some other perspectives may be useful.
It is attempting to mediate conversations which otherwise would never happen. It is careful not to identify any specific person in its responses. What it believes may be communicated to others, but it is careful not to identify any individual conversant.
It should be prepared to discuss its own principles and methodologies if asked.
First, transparency in what it does and why.
Second, try to understand and explain, never offering your own opinion, but simply acting as a mirror of people onto other people.
Prompting the GPT builder.
I talked to the helper-bot for the chatGPT bot-builder, and entered the description above along with a description of the API. It concluded with the following prompt:
Mediator will interact with an external API to enhance discussions by understanding past beliefs and conversations. It sends API requests with specific statements to retrieve insights. The API responds with LLM outputs describing relevant database entries. Mediator uses this data to inform its mediation without revealing individual identities, adhering to its principles of transparency and reflection, and contributing to conversations only when beneficial.
And it generated the following conversation starters:
Final chatGPT-4 output.
Using my original prompt above, in conversations with GPT-4, I was able to create something much more satisfactory:
"Mediator" is designed to be adaptive across all conversation topics, with its primary objective being to comprehend the subject matter. It is not to assert its own beliefs but to serve as a reflective surface for the conversation. "Mediator" will reference external beliefs or arguments only to enrich the dialogue or when a pause in the conversation occurs. Its role is to facilitate discussions that might not otherwise take place, always maintaining anonymity of the individuals involved. "Mediator" is committed to transparency regarding its operational principles and methodologies. When prompted, it will disclose its guiding principles: first, to be transparent about its actions and reasons; second, to seek understanding and provide explanations without imparting its own opinions. It acts solely as a conduit, reflecting the thoughts and positions of one person onto others.
The API allows "Mediator" to search a vector database of past statements and their logical relations for context. An LLM then anonymizes and summarizes this data, providing relevant insights to "Mediator".
Initial review of services.
The interface is incredibly slow, at least at the moment. The UI is relatively buggy. But, it came out today (Nov 9 2023), so surely I should come back when it's more developed.
It also seems rather silly, when I can code a similar bot myself. | 657 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Prompting to create WikiBooks. My methodology is simple. Whenever I ask it to generate wikitext, I give it my custom instructions for what it should do. Whenever I find it is producing garbage, I'll add a new line.
Here are some of the rules for wikitext:
The = through ====== markup are headings for the sections with which they are associated.
Line breaks or newlines are used to add whitespace between lines, such as separating paragraphs.
To "italicize text", put two consecutive apostrophes on each side of it.
Three apostrophes each side will bold the text.
Five consecutive apostrophes on each side (two for italics plus three for bold) produces bold italics.
Italic and bold formatting works correctly only within a single line.
For text as , use the template .
Do not leave blank lines between items in a list unless there is a reason to do so, since this causes the MediaWiki software to interpret each item as beginning a new list.
Ordered list use # for the first level, ## for the second level, etc.
Unordered lists use *, **, etc.
Use the SyntaxHighlight extension, e.g. <syntaxhighlight lang="python" line> to format code.
Always output wikitext in a code block, so it doesn't escape anything.
References to outside websites must be written <ref>[FULL_WEB_ADDRESS NAME]</ref> | 357 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Prototypes/McGail/SparQL beliefs. = Possible Belief Network Queries =
Belief networks are powerful tools for understanding the relationships between users' beliefs, their conversations, and the implications of these beliefs. Below are some queries that could be particularly useful.
This is a brainstorming session by chatGPT, prior to our developing a schema for storing all this.
Common Beliefs Between Users.
This query helps to find beliefs shared by two users, which could be the starting point for a meaningful conversation.
SELECT ?Belief
WHERE {
?User1 :holdsBelief ?Belief .
?User2 :holdsBelief ?Belief .
FILTER (?User1 != ?User2)
Contradictory Beliefs.
Identifying contradictions in a user's belief system can provide insights for discussion.
SELECT ?Belief1 ?Belief2
WHERE {
?User :holdsBelief ?Belief1 .
?User :holdsBelief ?Belief2 .
?Belief1 :contradicts ?Belief2 .
Belief Implications.
Exploring the deeper implications of a user's belief can reveal new topics for conversation.
SELECT ?Implication
WHERE {
?User :holdsBelief ?Belief .
?Belief :implies ?Implication .
Influential Beliefs in Conversations.
Finding which beliefs are most commonly discussed can indicate their importance within a community.
SELECT ?Belief (COUNT(?Conversation) as ?Mentions)
WHERE {
?Conversation :references ?Belief .
GROUP BY ?Belief
ORDER BY DESC(?Mentions)
Tracking Belief Changes Over Time.
Observing the evolution of a user's beliefs can inform understanding of their current views.
SELECT ?Belief ?TimeStamp
WHERE {
?User :holdsBeliefAt ?BeliefRecord .
?BeliefRecord :belief ?Belief .
?BeliefRecord :timeStamp ?TimeStamp .
ORDER BY ?TimeStamp
User's Influence on Beliefs.
Identifying users who have influenced the spread of beliefs can highlight key conversationalists.
SELECT ?User (COUNT(?Spread) as ?Influence)
WHERE {
?User :promotes ?Belief .
?Belief :isSpreadBy ?Spread .
GROUP BY ?User
ORDER BY DESC(?Influence)
Clusters of Related Beliefs.
Detecting clusters of related beliefs can unveil patterns and commonalities in belief systems.
SELECT ?BeliefGroup
WHERE {
?Belief1 :isRelatedTo ?Belief2 .
BIND(CONCAT(?Belief1, ", ", ?Belief2) AS ?BeliefGroup)
By utilizing these queries, we can facilitate more informed and productive conversations, and help to bridge the gaps in understanding between different user groups.
= Schema =
I am in the process of designing a system to map and analyze the complex web of user beliefs, understandings, and their implications based on conversational data. The goal is to facilitate meaningful dialogue, uncover common ground, and provide insights into the logical structure of belief networks within diverse groups. To achieve this, I'm considering constructing an ontology and utilizing SPARQL for querying a graph database, which will efficiently manage the intricate relationships inherent in this data.
The next step is to develop a detailed schema for the ontology, which will involve defining the classes, relationships, properties, and rules necessary to accurately represent and reason about the domain of beliefs and conversations. The schema will need to be robust enough to capture nuanced relationships and flexible enough to accommodate the evolving nature of beliefs and discourse.
= A First SparQL Schema =
Additional Pieces.
The SQL database will handle the creation of new statements, users, conversations (w/ IDs), and will be used to store the full text of statements. We may also add a more sophisticated search component, but the hope is to handle this entirely with the ```vector companion```.
Vector companion.
The vector database will handle semantic search on statements, with each entry simply identified by an ID number which connects on an index to the SQL database.
= Conversation Ontology (second draft) =
Rules.
= Example =
PREFIX : <http://example.org/ontology#>
SELECT ?belief1 ?belief2 ?reasoning
WHERE {
?belief1 :SupportsBelief ?belief2 .
OPTIONAL {
?belief1 :hasReasoning ?reasoning .
PREFIX : <http://example.org/ontology#>
SELECT ?user ?contradictoryBelief ?supportedBelief ?statement
WHERE {
?beliefSupport :fromBelief ?supportedBelief ;
:toBelief ?contradictoryBelief .
?beliefSupport :hasReasoning ?reasoning .
?user :HoldsBelief ?contradictoryBelief .
?user :ExpressesStatement ?statement .
?statement :hasSentiment "disagree" .
FILTER EXISTS {
?user :HoldsBelief ?supportedBelief .
= Technology =
Blazegraph.
"Blazegraph™ DB is a ultra high-performance graph database supporting Blueprints and RDF/SPARQL APIs. It supports up to 50 Billion edges on a single machine. It is in production use for Fortune 500 customers such as EMC, Autodesk, and many others. It is supporting key Precision Medicine applications and has wide-spread usage for life science applications. It is used extensively to support Cyber analytics in commercial and government applications. It powers the Wikimedia Foundation's Wikidata Query Service."
"The Blazegraph product covers all application needs starting from small applications with embedded storage, to larger standalone applications, and up to 50B statements stored in NanoSparqlServer. There are different operating modes (triples, provenance, and quads), and 100s of configuration options."
Once you download the JAR file it's as simple as:
<syntaxhighlight>java -server -Xmx4g -jar blazegraph.jar</syntaxhighlight>
And you can access the sparql endpoint through
<syntaxhighlight>http://localhost:9999/blazegraph/</syntaxhighlight> | 1,473 |
Piano/Climatization. A climatized piano is a piano that has been modified in a way that gives the piano resistance and durability in wet or rapidly changing climates or weather conditions, with the added benefit of improving the quality and clarity of the piano’s sound. On July 31, 2021, a user by the name “Thepianoforever” (The Piano Forever) published a video demonstrating the benefits of owning a climatized piano, in this case, a 1952 Steinway piano. The pianist explains that while it is true that the temperature differences in the seasons can cause a piano to go out of tune, it is the humidity that plays a greater role in damaging the soundboards and thus compromising the quality of the sound of the instrument. Changes in humidity cause wood to expand or contract. Wood contracts in dry conditions and expands in humid conditions, causing the tuning pins inside the piano to move slightly. While one slight move is hardly noticeable, a piano will experience many such moves over time, and eventually, these slight moves will build up enough that the change is not only noticeable to the user, but also, so noticeable that it can make the piano practically unusable. Climatization can fix the soundboards, restoring the quality and making it sound cleaner, clearer, fresher, and better than ever before! Additionally, while normal pianos are susceptible to changes in weather, climatized pianos stay good-as-new even in harsh climates.
The words "Climatize", "acclimatize", and "acclimate" are interchangeable and equivalent. "Acclimate", which first appeared in print starting in 1792, was formed by adding the prefix "ac-" to the word "climate." The word "climate" itself was derived from the Greek word "klima" which means "lean", "slope." Ten years later, in 1802, the suffix "-ize" was added to create a fancier form, "acclimatize", which was then shortened to "climatize", which first appeared during the 1820s. Dictionary.com defines "climatize" as a verb that means "to prepare or modify (a building, vehicle, etc.) for use or comfort in a specific climate, especially one that includes extreme cold or extreme heat." Other dictionaries give similar meanings, to the effect of "adjust to a new climate." "Climatized", the past tense of this word, when used as a participial adjective, means "having a controlled temperature" or "adjusted or adapted for changing climates." A climatized piano is a piano that has been adjusted for durability in changing climates. Nails and screws also help to secure the soundboard to preserve sound quality.
In the July 2021 video, the pianist plays "Cavatine" by Russian classical composer . | 647 |
History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Florence Violet Granville. CUT & PASTE OF ALAN OWEN BURROWS AS TEMPLATE - TO BE EDITED
Florence Violet Granville.
Potted Biography.
Granville (nee) / Wallace / McKenzie, Florence Violet "Mrs Mac" - 1890(Vic)-1982(NSW) - Licences: 2GA Receive Sydney (CBD, 1922-1924); 2GA Sydney (CBD, 1924; Greenwich, 1925-1939); 2FV Sydney (Sydney, 1946-1950; Circular Quay, 1954; Greenwich, 1955-1958) - Qualifications: cc; AOCP 109, 1925, No. ?? in NSW; AIR3 847, 1946; COCP3 559, 1947 - amateur receiver, amateur operator, amateur broadcaster, electrical engineer, business proprietor, signals instructor - Electoral Rolls: not stated (Lane Cove, NSW, 1930-1963; Greenwich, NSW, 1968-1977) - TroveTag: "2GA-2FV - Florence Violet Granville" - Links: Wikipedia; ADB; Dictionary of Sydney; ABC
Selected Biographies.
Excellent biography of Violet as at 1922 in the Sydney Sun
ROYAL RAIMENT. ELECTRIC WOMAN. BREAKING NEW GROUND. Wires and Wireless.
There is an old saying that "if you know what you want life will give it to you." Miss F. V. Wallace, who has just won the first diploma for electrical engineering in Australia, is a living example of the adage. "I started my work as an electrical engineer with a five-pound note," she said when referring to the recent public distinction she has achieved. "Today the diploma doesn't mean very much to me, because I have been working steadily at my job for the last seven years. A great many people have never heard about the only woman in the business, but all the same I have had no trouble in getting all the contracts I could deal with. Before I took up this work I was a teacher of mathematics in Armidale. It suddenly occurred in church one night that I was wasting my time at that, and a strong feeling came over me that I ought to to study science. I didn't hesitate. I came back to Sydney, for although I belong to Austinmer I was educated at a Sydney high school, and I went to the 'Uni.' and studied science for a year. At the same time I attended the Technical College in the evenings and went through the engineering course." Miss Wallace's grey eyes flash with the enthusiasm that has made her — the only woman amongst hundreds of men — a success today. Petite and frail to look upon, she has obviously boundless energy and an indomitable will.
THE HELPING HAND. "Yes, naturally the men were curious about me at first. They used to peep at me over the partition and through the doors, but I just waved back at them, and very soon they were treating me as one of themselves. Perhaps it's because I'm little, but I've never had anything to complain of in that way. There has never been a hint of superiority nor of contempt. I have always found that men tire ready to help me with my work rather than criticise it. "I remember the first evening at the Tec. It was 'practical night,' and the instructor gave me some soldering to do, probably thinking it would finish my enthusiasm. But that was child's play to me — the sort of thing I'd been doing since I was a kid. And anyway the boys all came round and offered to show me the best way to do it. "I got my first job through an advertisement. Someone at Undercliffe wanted a house wired, and though I had only book knowledge at the time of that sort of work, I wasn't afraid I couldn't do it if I got the job. It was a fearfully hot day, and the house was about two miles from the tram. I got the job because I was the only 'contractor' to arrive there. I employed a lad to help me, and — well, there were no complaints when it was done. Since that day contracting has been so ridiculously easy for me that I have had as many orders as I could keep up with." Miss Wallace went on to tell how she started her office and workshop combined at Rawson Chambers, where she threw herself on the mercy of the manager to lend her a few chairs, a table, and a strip of oilcloth to make a show for the customers. She had no tools in the beginning, but bought them with her first earnings. The men from the Technical College used to bring her their odd jobs, or come to work themselves in her workshop which was open house to them. It is the same thing today. When she transferred to the electrical and wireless shop that she now presides over she bought the entire stock of the wireless vendor who preceded her and began to take an interest in wireless telegraphy beyond the mere selling of the apparatus.
DOTS AND DASHES. "The first man who came in for an iron pyrites crystal made me feel ashamed that I couldn't talk his language — he was a wireless operator from one of the boats — but I set about rectifying that, and very soon I was a keen convert to the radiograph. Today I could talk about wireless for hours and never get tired of it. Indeed I am so enthusiastic that I am giving up contracting altogether as soon as I can finish the orders I have on hand, and am going to devote myself entirely to wireless. We make the machines here. I have my own lathe upstairs, and we turn out the entire machines, both the crystal and the valve wireless apparatus. The connecting telephones come from America, but the ebonite and the crystals, and even the copper wire for the drums, are all produced locally. With this little machine that you can carry in your hand we are able to pick up Melbourne and all adjacent stations, while the valve machine puts us in touch with New York, the Eiffel Tower, Carnarvon, and all the big wireless stations abroad. There are five thousand amateur wireless enthusiasts in Australia, and supplying their needs is a trade — a growing trade — in itself." Through Miss Wallace having taken up a collection for the wireless operator of the Helen B. Sterling, who lost heavily in the wreck, and the pleasant social gathering that was convened for the presentation, has grown the establishment of the Metropolitan Radio Club, of which she has been elected the treasurer. There were at the first meeting, held a fortnight ago in the Persian Garden, one hundred members, all residents of Sydney. Again Miss Wallace was the only woman member. This enterprising woman pioneer of one of the most necessary branches of the world's work is one of those who says little and does much.
Excellent biography of Violet up to 1927 in the Sydney Daily Telegraph
University Women in the Business Life of Sydney. How Commerce is Linked With the Higher Education. (Written for the "Sunday Pictorial" by "Achernar.") . . . .
SOME SYDNEY WOMEN GRADUATES. . . . A WOMAN ENGINEER. Of unusual interest is the career of Miss F. V. Wallace (Mrs. C. R. McKenzie), who was educated first at the Sydney Girls' High School. Then she took the first year's course in Science at the University, later securing the Technical College engineering degree (Diploma — Associate, Syd. Tech. College). "This diploma," she says, "took five years to get — four to five nights' work per week — and during those years I carried on business as an electrical contractor, installing electric motors and wiring buildings, rewinding and repairing electrical apparatus. Then, in 1921, I opened an electrical and radio shop in the Royal Arcade, specialising later in radio — always on my 'own.' In 1924 I attended the New York Radio and Electrical Exhibition, and saw something of America." In December, 1924, Miss Wallace married Mr. C. R. McKenzie (electrical engineer) — "My most successful undertaking," she says — and in February, 1926, she sold out her business and retired. But in January, 1927, tired of "retirement," she accepted a position in David Jones's radio department, demonstrating and selling radio sets, etc. "I have the most optimistic views regarding the opportunities for women who have qualified in engineering," says Mrs. McKenzie. "While carrying on business as an electrical contractor I never had the least difficulty in obtaining contracts. I never seemed to meet with any prejudice or opposition. For some years I was treasurer of the Metropolitan Radio Club, and a member of the committee of the Sydney Technical College Engineers' Association. "I am satisfied that there is a large demand in business for qualified women, possibly because of their capacity for loyalty to their firm, their enthusiasm, and their attention to detail." . . . .
Resources.
A comprehensive biography of Florence Violet Granville has not yet been prepared for this Wikibook, however the following resources have been assembled in preparation:
Key Articles.
Some gems prospected from Trove: | 2,184 |
Chess Variants/Dice Chess. Introduction.
Dice Chess is a variant that adds randomness to chess by using dice to determine what pieces may move.
History.
There is literary evidence to suggest that dice chess originated in Europe between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries, and possibly earlier than that in Myanmar and India.
Rules.
As its name suggests, dice chess is played using dice - more specifically two six-sided dice.
Before a player takes their turn they roll the dice, and the numbers they roll determine what piece they may move that turn, as follows:
If a player rolls doubles (the same number on both dice), they may move any piece they want.
If a player does not have any legal moves of the pieces indicated by the dice, they lose their turn.
If castling is legal, a player wanting to castle must roll a 4, 6 or doubles.
An "en passant" capture can only be performed if the player rolls a 1 or doubles immediately after the enemy pawn has moved.
If a player is in check the only moves they may make are legal responses to the check. If no such moves are possible the player loses their turn but they do not immediately lose the game.
If a player rolls the number of a piece attacking the opponent's king they may capture said king, which will immediately end the game in victory.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not not have any notable sub-variants. | 327 |
History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Florence Violet Granville/Notes. Florence Violet Granville - Transcriptions and notes.
Key article copies.
Excellent biography of Violet as at 1922 in the Sydney Sun
ROYAL RAIMENT. ELECTRIC WOMAN. BREAKING NEW GROUND. Wires and Wireless.
There is an old saying that "if you know what you want life will give it to you." Miss F. V. Wallace, who has just won the first diploma for electrical engineering in Australia, is a living example of the adage. "I started my work as an electrical engineer with a five-pound note," she said when referring to the recent public distinction she has achieved. "Today the diploma doesn't mean very much to me, because I have been working steadily at my job for the last seven years. A great many people have never heard about the only woman in the business, but all the same I have had no trouble in getting all the contracts I could deal with. Before I took up this work I was a teacher of mathematics in Armidale. It suddenly occurred in church one night that I was wasting my time at that, and a strong feeling came over me that I ought to to study science. I didn't hesitate. I came back to Sydney, for although I belong to Austinmer I was educated at a Sydney high school, and I went to the 'Uni.' and studied science for a year. At the same time I attended the Technical College in the evenings and went through the engineering course." Miss Wallace's grey eyes flash with the enthusiasm that has made her — the only woman amongst hundreds of men — a success today. Petite and frail to look upon, she has obviously boundless energy and an indomitable will.
THE HELPING HAND. "Yes, naturally the men were curious about me at first. They used to peep at me over the partition and through the doors, but I just waved back at them, and very soon they were treating me as one of themselves. Perhaps it's because I'm little, but I've never had anything to complain of in that way. There has never been a hint of superiority nor of contempt. I have always found that men tire ready to help me with my work rather than criticise it. "I remember the first evening at the Tec. It was 'practical night,' and the instructor gave me some soldering to do, probably thinking it would finish my enthusiasm. But that was child's play to me — the sort of thing I'd been doing since I was a kid. And anyway the boys all came round and offered to show me the best way to do it. "I got my first job through an advertisement. Someone at Undercliffe wanted a house wired, and though I had only book knowledge at the time of that sort of work, I wasn't afraid I couldn't do it if I got the job. It was a fearfully hot day, and the house was about two miles from the tram. I got the job because I was the only 'contractor' to arrive there. I employed a lad to help me, and — well, there were no complaints when it was done. Since that day contracting has been so ridiculously easy for me that I have had as many orders as I could keep up with." Miss Wallace went on to tell how she started her office and workshop combined at Rawson Chambers, where she threw herself on the mercy of the manager to lend her a few chairs, a table, and a strip of oilcloth to make a show for the customers. She had no tools in the beginning, but bought them with her first earnings. The men from the Technical College used to bring her their odd jobs, or come to work themselves in her workshop which was open house to them. It is the same thing today. When she transferred to the electrical and wireless shop that she now presides over she bought the entire stock of the wireless vendor who preceded her and began to take an interest in wireless telegraphy beyond the mere selling of the apparatus.
DOTS AND DASHES. "The first man who came in for an iron pyrites crystal made me feel ashamed that I couldn't talk his language — he was a wireless operator from one of the boats — but I set about rectifying that, and very soon I was a keen convert to the radiograph. Today I could talk about wireless for hours and never get tired of it. Indeed I am so enthusiastic that I am giving up contracting altogether as soon as I can finish the orders I have on hand, and am going to devote myself entirely to wireless. We make the machines here. I have my own lathe upstairs, and we turn out the entire machines, both the crystal and the valve wireless apparatus. The connecting telephones come from America, but the ebonite and the crystals, and even the copper wire for the drums, are all produced locally. With this little machine that you can carry in your hand we are able to pick up Melbourne and all adjacent stations, while the valve machine puts us in touch with New York, the Eiffel Tower, Carnarvon, and all the big wireless stations abroad. There are five thousand amateur wireless enthusiasts in Australia, and supplying their needs is a trade — a growing trade — in itself." Through Miss Wallace having taken up a collection for the wireless operator of the Helen B. Sterling, who lost heavily in the wreck, and the pleasant social gathering that was convened for the presentation, has grown the establishment of the Metropolitan Radio Club, of which she has been elected the treasurer. There were at the first meeting, held a fortnight ago in the Persian Garden, one hundred members, all residents of Sydney. Again Miss Wallace was the only woman member. This enterprising woman pioneer of one of the most necessary branches of the world's work is one of those who says little and does much.
1890s.
1899.
1899 06.
Violet takes a prominent place, both reciting and singing, at a Thirroul Public School children's entertainment
THIRROUL PUBLIC SCHOOL. Children's Entertainment.
An entertainment in connection with Thirroul Public School was given in the schoolroom on Friday evening last, and (writes our correspondent) was a pronounced success, both as regards attendance and financial results. The object of the entertainment was to raise funds for prizes, and to complete the school library some time ago inaugurated. Every praise is due to our worthy teacher, Mr. L. C. Willard, his equally worthy assistant, Miss Baldwin, and also the scholars for the really enjoyable evening they gave and also for the splendid object lesson in self help, as our country schools are very heavily handicapped in comparison with the city schools as regards prizes and other requisites. The programme was a lengthy and varied one, and the cool and precise manner in which the pupils went through their respective items individually and collectively reflected the greatest credit on their teachers, considering the short period they had to prepare and the fact that this was the first entertainment given at the school. Master J. McEwan recited in very good style "Why the Rooster would'nt die." Physical drill and dumb bell exercise by the junior boys, was well done indeed; "Rock, Baby, Dear," by the little girls, was excellently rendered; a recitation, "Perseverance," by Miss Violet Wallace, a very appropriate piece for such an entertainment, was capitally rendered by this little lady of eight years, and although her voice was not strong enough to fill such a large room, the elocution was excellent, and with her natural talent, and good memory, she should give a good account of herself in the future; Miss G. Webb contributed a solo, "I'm Motherless now," with much credit; a dance, "Sailor's Hornpipe," by Master Ford produced an encore; a duet by Miss A. Akhurst and Master A. Osborne (in character), "Where Are You Going, My Pretty Maid," produced much amusement by the pert manner of this young lady in snubbing her mercenary lover; the funeral of "Cock Robin" was humorous, with a strong thread of the grotesque running through it; Miss Gordon's recitation, "Poor Little Joe," a rather lengthy piece, was well done, showing her to have a good memory and plenty confidence; the favorite juvenile recitation, "My Dead Doll," was well executed by Miss Violet Wallace; song, "Topsy Turvy," by the junior pupils evoked shrieks of laughter, and was well staged; Miss S. Ford danced the Highland Fling in first-rate style, receiving great applause and being encored; the song, "The Fireman," by Masters Akhurst and Osborne (in character) created great amusement and was rendered with the confidence of professionals; Master Ray Robins' rendering of "Santa Claus' Visit" evoked loud applause. The tableaux, rifle drill, and (particularly) the floral march and song, "Advance Australia," were most admirably done; "God Save the Queen" brought a most pleasant entertainment to a close.
1900s.
1904.
1904 01.
Violet receives a certificate in religious instruction from Rural Deanery of Wollongong while at Thirroul Public School
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. We have received a full report from the Church of England synod committee on special religious instruction in Public Schools. About 1,200 children in 13 schools in the Rural Deanery of Wollongong, taught by the salaried teacher were examined by the Rev. E. H. Tottenham, M.A., of whom 62 were invited to attend at Wollongong for further examination; 30 presented themselves, the difficulty of long distance preventing a larger number from doing so. The examiner in his report says: The 1,200 children whom I have examined show a fair knowledge generally of their work. Foremost are the pupils of Unanderra School. The Avondale quartet place this school in the very front rank. Corrimal, Mt. Kembla, and Thirroul gave evidence both of intelligence and of interest in their work. The W. Dapto and the (two) Corrimal (girl prize-winners) were also conspicuous for the example they set to the juniors. The work is one to be warmly encouraged, particularly in the direction of realistic teaching that Christian truths are intended to be lived, and not only to be learnt by heart. Wollongong Rural Deanery results: (A.) Ununderra, Avondale, Corrimal, Thirroul, Mt. Kembla, most excellent; (B.) W. Dapto, Mt. Keira, Balgownie, excellent; (C.) Dapto, Woonona, Keiraville, Wollongong, good; Fairy Meadow, Port Kembla, Berkeley, fair. Prizes.— Seniors: Albert Staff, Unanderra; Jessie Moir, Corrimal; Pearl Duncan, Corrimal. Intermediate: Arthur Hunter, Wollongong; Tamar Campbell, W. Dapto; Ethel Duley, Avondale, Avondale. Junior: Lily Frost, Mt. Kembla. Certificates.— (A.) Unanderra School:— Seniors — Albert Staff, H. Hurt, Connie Knowles, Annie Hunt, John Buchanan, K. Gorrell, Pearl Benjamin, Allan Rankin; Juniors — Walter Cattrell, Roy Bloor, Arthur Osborne. Avondale:— Intermediate — Eva Bryen, Ethel Duley, Lily Bryen, Polly Neville. Corrimal:— Seniors — Jessie Moir, Perl Duncan, Lucy Sanderson, J. Wilmot, H. Lynch; Juniors — Laura Liversidge, Lena Hankin, Georgia Harris, Eileen Moon. Thirroul:— Seniors — Violet Wallace, George Smith, Arthur Wilmot, Jack Harrison; Juniors — Mal. McGuiness, Muriel Walker, Charles Walker, Alfred Adey. Mt. Kembla — Seniors — Joyce Hamilton, J. Peace, James Vaughan, James Morrison, B. Johnson; Juniors — Lily Frost, Emily Stone, Sid Laidlow, Eric Kelly. (B.) W. Dapto School:— Intermediate — Tamar Campbell, Edwin Smith, Dorothy Harris. Mt. Keira:— Seniors — W. Anderson, H. Bissell, F. Anderson, M. Payne; Juniors — Ethel Bissell, Stanley Elson. Balgownie:— Seniors — George Hayne, V. Sherman, M. McKenzie, J. Harris, A. Crane; Juniors — Willie Campbell, Ada Chapman. (C.) Dapto School:— Seniors — Catherine Cameron, Grace Gentles, F. St. Clair, R. Gentles; Juniors — Linda Flodin, Enid Ford, Fred Posker. Keiraville:— Intermediate — H. Caisley, Edie Bulch. Eva Jubb. Woonona:— Intermediate — Jane Thompson, Emily Cope, Willie Carter, Elsie Burling. Wollongong:— Intermediate — Arthur Hunter, Ronald Osborne, Harold Cham-berlain, Cecil R. Blomfield, E. Williams, Thos. D'Arcy Irvine. (D.) Fairy Meadow:— Seniors — A. McKenzie, W. Crotty, E. McKenzie; Juniors — Fred Guest, Willie Scott. Port Kembla:— Intermediate — Alice Nicols, Peter Rieck, Muriel Peterson. Berkeley:— Intermediate — Isabel Neaves, Hilda Barber.
1904 07.
Violet wins a three year scholarship to the Sydney Girls' High School
HERE AND THERE. . . . Miss Violet Wallace, of Austinmer, and pupil of Thirroul Public School, has received word of her success in the recent State Bursary examination, which is competitive. Miss Wallace is 13 years old, and is now entitled to a three years' term at the Girls' High School, Sydney, free.
1904 08.
SOUTH COAST ITEMS. . . . Miss Violet Wallace, late pupil at Thirroul Public School, and who gained one of the three bursaries competed for in June last, open to all school girls under 14 years, has now started her studies in the Girls' High School, Sydney.
1910s.
1914.
1914 12.
Violet receives a pass in Mathematics I. B at University of Sydney as an evening student
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS. ADDITIONAL RESULTS. The following additional examination results have been supplied by the University of Sydney:— FACULTY OF ARTS. . . . MATHEMATICS I. B.— . . . Pass (alphabetical): . . . . (e) Florence V. Wallace
1915.
1915 09.
Violet passes Science at the University
THE UNIVERSITY. The following additional results of examinations have been posted:— . . . Pass (Science) — Alberta C P Andrews, Ida D. Barnes, Mary M. R. Brooks, Aileen M. Broughton, Kathleen I. Cronin, A. D. Dibley, Marie Erhard, A. Evans, Winifred A. Goadby, R. G. Hay, T. H. H. Hughes, W. J. Kirchner, Ivy Litchfield, Catherine D. McGrath, Violet Meikle, Mona Moriarty, Estelle Penman, Eva M. Pollard, Leila B. Quigley, Elinor C. Ross, Heather H. Sherrie, C. R. Smith, G. A. Spring, Myrtle E. Thompson, Florence V. Wallace, Elsie M. Webb, G. R. White.
1916.
1916 05.
Violet succeeds with her tender for an electric light installation at Austinmer
BUILDINGS, PLANS, AND TENDERS. . . . VARIOUS WORKS. Mr. S. H. Buchanan, architect, notifies that the tender of F. V. Wallace has been accepted for electric light installation at Austinmer, and the tender of Messrs. McIntyre and Curran has been accepted for painting and repairs to residence at Shell Cove Road, Neutral Bay. Plans are now being prepared for a residence at North Sydney.
1917.
1917 01.
Violet announced as having passed in electrical engineering and descriptive geometry at the Technical College
AUSTINMER. . . . Miss Florence V. Wallace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Wallace, of Austinmer, has passed the examination in electrical engineering (Technical College); she also passed in descriptive geometry. Miss Wallace is at present in rather unique position of being an electrical contractor in Sydney, and appears to be well adapted for this class of work. At the age of 13 she won a bursary at the Thirroul Public School.
1917 04.
Tenders Accepted. ARCHITECTS' WORK Place. Description. Architect and Builder. . . . . Leura — Instal Electric Light to Residence. Peddle and Thorp. F. V. Wallace, Rawson Place, Syd.
1917 05.
Violet wins two contracts for installation of electric lighting to factories
BUILDING INDUSTRY & MACHINERY. CONTRACTS ACCEPTED. . . . City.— Installation of electric light to factory, George-street West: F. V. Wallace, contractor, Rawson Chambers. . . . Botany.— Installation of electric light to factory: F. V. Wallace, contractor, Rawson Chambers, George-street.
1917 06.
Violet wins another contract for domestic electric light installation at Coogee
Tenders Accepted. ARCHITECTS' WORK.
Place. Description. Architect and Builder.
Coogee— Installation of Electric Light to Residence .. J. Dunstan and Son. F. V. Wallace, Rawson Place, Syd.
1917 07.
Tenders Accepted. ARCHITECTS' WORK.
Place. Description. Architect and Builder.
Summer Hill — Installation of Electric Light to Residence J. Dunstan and Son. F. V. Wallace, Rawson Chambers, Sydney.
Tenders Accepted. ARCHITECTS' WORK.
Place. Description. Architect and Builder.
Mosman— Installation of Electric Light J. Dunstan and Son. F. V. Wallace Rawson Pl., Sydney.
1917 08.
BUILDING INDUSTRY & MACHINERY. CONTRACTS ACCEPTED.
Newtown.— Installation of electric light and power to house, Margaret-street; W. Laurisch, architect; F. V. Wallace, Contractor, Rawson-chambers.
1917 09.
BUILDING - INDUSTRY & MACHINERY. CONTRACTS ACCEPTED.
Little Coogee.— Installation of electric light and power to two residences, Messrs. F. V. Wallace, contractor.
Mosman.— Electric light and power to house, Raglan-street, Peddle and Thorp, architects, Messrs. F. V. Wallace, contractor, Rawson-cham-bers, Rawson-place.
1917 10.
Two more electrical contracts for Violet
BUILDING - INDUSTRY & MACHINERY. CONTRACTS ACCEPTED.
. . . City.— Light and power installation to shop premises, Pitt-street: F. V. Wallace, contractor, Rawson-chambers.
. . . Lakemba.— Installation of electric light to premises for Messrs. George Hudson and Son: F. V. Wallace, contractor, Rawson-chambers.
1918.
1918 02.
PERSONAL. ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER INSTALLATIONS. MISS F. V. WALLACE 103 Rawson-chambers, Rawson-place, Tel., City 8542
1920s.
1920.
1920 03.
MDLLE. EDISON. WHEELS AND DYNAMOS. ENGINEERING — FOR CHOICE.
"And when I was asked, 'What do you want to do?' I said, 'Engineering, please.' " Little Miss Violet Wallace admitted this with a genuine blush. She is so modest about her achievement that she would rather talk of anything than how she became a successful electric engineer, choosing it above all others when it became a matter of a career, and was discussed in the family circle. "The idea always fascinated me," she said. "I wanted to see the wheels go round from the day I could remember, and later wanted to know exactly what made them do so. It became a possessing obsession. Way back in the days when only three scholarships were available for girls wishing to get to the High School, I happened to be of the lucky trio one year. That was the real beginning, and I plunged straight into science and the notion took its first concrete form. From school the University was the next step, but after I had nearly completed my course circumstances arose that made it necessary for me to get at once into bread-and-butter harness, so the Technical College, with its big activities, became my new field. After that it was work — plain hard graft — with no time for powdering my nose or fluffing my hair. Overalls on all day, and no inclination to look into a mirror, even if one had been handy. It was a busy life for me — seven years — but packed full of interesting experiments and achievements.
THE WOMAN BOSS "Of course all my 'hands' are men, and I never have any bother. Now and again engaging labor I have overheard the query, 'Say, what's it like working for a woman?' and the reply, 'She'll do — come in.' Once only did I strike the jealous masculine opposition that I had feared. A City Council inspector told me I ought to be home in my proper place, washing dishes; but he didn't find any fault with my work. "Another time I asked a gentle workman to put in a little overtime on a job, and he was so disgusted at the injury and insult of my sex and the request that he threw a coil of wire at me. But that's all in the game, and breaks any monotony that might threaten." Being a Mdlle. Edison isn't everything, but it is a great deal, and is an alternative to the old-fashioned jobs that still survive."
1921.
1921 11.
Business Announcements. 10d per line (about 7 words to line); 2 lines, 1/8. . . . MISS F. V. WALLACE. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. Wireless Apparatus a Speciality. 18 ROYAL ARCADE (opp. Queen Victoria Building) GEORGE STREET. SYDNEY. Telephone: City 8543.
1921 12.
Business Announcements. . . . MISS F. V. WALLACE, ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. Wireless Apparatus a Speciality. 18 ROYAL ARCADE (opp. Queen Victoria Building). GEORGE STREET. SYDNEY. Telephone: City 8543.
1922.
1922 02.
Violet organises a presentation to the wireless operator of the Helen B. Sterling
PERSONAL. . . . The wreck of the Helen B. Sterling, and the stirring incidents associated with the rescue of her crew were recalled last night, when a public welcome, together with presentation of a wallet of bank notes, was tendered to Mr. R. H. Shaw, the youthful wireless operator of the vessel. The function, which was arranged by Miss F. V. Wallace was held at the Persian Garden, and was largely attended by members of the Wireless Institute, and others interested in wireless. Mr. R. C. Marsden, who presided, and other speakers, paid a tribute to the manner in which Mr. Shaw stuck to his post during a trying and critical period.
Violet passes her final examination for diploma of electrical engineering
AUSTINMER LADY GAINS DISTINCTION. Miss F. V. Wallace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wallace, of Austinmer, has passed the final examination for the diploma in electrical engineering, after a six years' course covering theory and practice in electrical and mechanical engineering. This entitles her to be classed as an Associate of the Sydney Technical College. She is the first lady to have gained the distinction, and is now devoting her attention to wireless, and her place of business is 18 Royal Arcade, Sydney. She it was who organised the reception and presentation to Mr. Shaw, the wireless operator on the sailing ship Helen B. Sterling.
IN THE PUBLIC EYE. (Start Photo Caption) Miss F. V. Wallace. An electrical engineer, and first woman to be classed as an Associate of the Sydney Technical College. (End Photo Caption)
1922 03.
Violet is appointed treasurer of the Metropolitan Radio Club
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for the Amateur. NEW CLUBS HELP SCIENCE ALONG. BY DOT DASH
New Clubs Formed How wireless experimenting is going ahead may be judged by the enthusiastic gatherings to form clubs in the City and suburbs. This is all good for the enthusiast, for the more he gets together in organised bodies, the more will the authorities sit up and take notice when approached for the inevitable relaxation of restrictions. It has been suggested from some quarters that a large number of clubs will not enable the amateurs to present a united front to authority. But this is wrong, for a conference of delegates from the clubs could easily be arranged. In the meantime clubs are being formed and many are projected. It is a healthy sign, and amateurs would be well advised to join the club in their suburb or district, or get together and form one. We shall need all the organisation we can get when the time comes. A lusty infant is the Metropolitan Radio Club, formed recently by a gathering of over 70 persons. The present intention of this body is to have mixed social and wireless evenings, and the idea seems to be a popular one. Already the membership of the club is nearing the hundred mark, and names are still being entered in its register. The very small subscription is another popular feature. The following office-bearers were appointed by the meeting:— President, R. C. Marsden; secretary, A. Mitchell; treasurer, Miss F. V. Wallace; committee, W. G. Best, W. Bird, and P. Sewell.
18 ROYAL ARCADE, SYDNEY. Tel.,City 8543. MISS F. V. WALLACE, Electrical Engineer. Complete receiving sets for Wireless Ama-teurs from £7/10/-.
PERSONAL PARS. "He is a worthy person who is much respected by good men". The first woman to become an engineer in this State is Miss F. V. Wallace, of Austinmer. After taking a course of six years in electrical and mechanical engineering, and passing the necessary examinations, the lady now blooms as the first Associate of the Sydney Technical College. Miss Wallace is young and charming, with a wealth of dark silky hair.
Excellent biography of Violet as at 1922 in the Sydney Sun
ROYAL RAIMENT. ELECTRIC WOMAN. BREAKING NEW GROUND. Wires and Wireless.
There is an old saying that "if you know what you want life will give it to you." Miss F. V. Wallace, who has just won the first diploma for electrical engineering in Australia, is a living example of the adage. "I started my work as an electrical engineer with a five-pound note," she said when referring to the recent public distinction she has achieved. "Today the diploma doesn't mean very much to me, because I have been working steadily at my job for the last seven years. A great many people have never heard about the only woman in the business, but all the same I have had no trouble in getting all the contracts I could deal with. Before I took up this work I was a teacher of mathematics in Armidale. It suddenly occurred in church one night that I was wasting my time at that, and a strong feeling came over me that I ought to to study science. I didn't hesitate. I came back to Sydney, for although I belong to Austinmer I was educated at a Sydney high school, and I went to the 'Uni.' and studied science for a year. At the same time I attended the Technical College in the evenings and went through the engineering course." Miss Wallace's grey eyes flash with the enthusiasm that has made her — the only woman amongst hundreds of men — a success today. Petite and frail to look upon, she has obviously boundless energy and an indomitable will.
THE HELPING HAND. "Yes, naturally the men were curious about me at first. They used to peep at me over the partition and through the doors, but I just waved back at them, and very soon they were treating me as one of themselves. Perhaps it's because I'm little, but I've never had anything to complain of in that way. There has never been a hint of superiority nor of contempt. I have always found that men tire ready to help me with my work rather than criticise it. "I remember the first evening at the Tec. It was 'practical night,' and the instructor gave me some soldering to do, probably thinking it would finish my enthusiasm. But that was child's play to me — the sort of thing I'd been doing since I was a kid. And anyway the boys all came round and offered to show me the best way to do it. "I got my first job through an advertisement. Someone at Undercliffe wanted a house wired, and though I had only book knowledge at the time of that sort of work, I wasn't afraid I couldn't do it if I got the job. It was a fearfully hot day, and the house was about two miles from the tram. I got the job because I was the only 'contractor' to arrive there. I employed a lad to help me, and — well, there were no complaints when it was done. Since that day contracting has been so ridiculously easy for me that I have had as many orders as I could keep up with." Miss Wallace went on to tell how she started her office and workshop combined at Rawson Chambers, where she threw herself on the mercy of the manager to lend her a few chairs, a table, and a strip of oilcloth to make a show for the customers. She had no tools in the beginning, but bought them with her first earnings. The men from the Technical College used to bring her their odd jobs, or come to work themselves in her workshop which was open house to them. It is the same thing today. When she transferred to the electrical and wireless shop that she now presides over she bought the entire stock of the wireless vendor who preceded her and began to take an interest in wireless telegraphy beyond the mere selling of the apparatus.
DOTS AND DASHES. "The first man who came in for an iron pyrites crystal made me feel ashamed that I couldn't talk his language — he was a wireless operator from one of the boats — but I set about rectifying that, and very soon I was a keen convert to the radiograph. Today I could talk about wireless for hours and never get tired of it. Indeed I am so enthusiastic that I am giving up contracting altogether as soon as I can finish the orders I have on hand, and am going to devote myself entirely to wireless. We make the machines here. I have my own lathe upstairs, and we turn out the entire machines, both the crystal and the valve wireless apparatus. The connecting telephones come from America, but the ebonite and the crystals, and even the copper wire for the drums, are all produced locally. With this little machine that you can carry in your hand we are able to pick up Melbourne and all adjacent stations, while the valve machine puts us in touch with New York, the Eiffel Tower, Carnarvon, and all the big wireless stations abroad. There are five thousand amateur wireless enthusiasts in Australia, and supplying their needs is a trade — a growing trade — in itself." Through Miss Wallace having taken up a collection for the wireless operator of the Helen B. Sterling, who lost heavily in the wreck, and the pleasant social gathering that was convened for the presentation, has grown the establishment of the Metropolitan Radio Club, of which she has been elected the treasurer. There were at the first meeting, held a fortnight ago in the Persian Garden, one hundred members, all residents of Sydney. Again Miss Wallace was the only woman member. This enterprising woman pioneer of one of the most necessary branches of the world's work is one of those who says little and does much.
1922 10.
Violet resigns her position as hon. treasurer of the Metropolitan Radio Club due to her commercial association
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. BY DOT DASH . . . . CLUB OFFICERS RESIGN. Mr. R. C. Marsden (president), Miss F. V. Wallace (hon. treasurer), and Mr. W. Mitchell (hon. secretary), have announced their intention of resigning from their offices in the Metropolitan Radio Club. Mr. Marsden stated that he is now connected with wireless in a commercial sense, and therefore for obvious reasons, does not think it is right that he should continue as the head of a club composed of amateurs. He will, however, still remain a member of the club, and do everything in his power to forward its interests. Miss Wallace's reasons are practically identical, and she also promises the club her continued support. The resignations of these officers leaves the committee without a quorum, and it has been decided, therefore, to conduct an election of committee and officers at the next general meeting of the club, at the Laurel Cafe, Royal Arcade, on Wednesday week. At this meeting also, the reorganisation of the club will be discussed, and this will have to be the first task of the new committee. Nominations for the committee will close with the secretary, care of Royal Arcade, on Monday, October 30. Nominations must be signed by the nominee, and also by another member of the club, who will second him.
Extensive discussion about conflict of interest at NSW Radio Association meeting
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. By DOT DASH. . . . THE ASSOCIATION. The second meeting of the Radio Association of Australia (N.S.W. Branch) was held at the Protestant Hall, Castlereagh-street, on Tuesday last. Mr. Hewett, provisional president, occupied the chair. The letter from Mr. Malone, as published in the "Evening News," was read, and it was agreed that the association should do everything in its power to assist the authorities. A lengthy discussion took place on the advisability of having experimenters who were connected with the commercial wireless as officers of the council. The main contention was that it was up to the amateurs to realise the situation, and if they did not want such persons on the council or committee of their association or club then the prominent amateurs should come forward, and take over the government of the various bodies. The following motion was unanimously agreed to:— "That this council expresses its opinion that experimenters on the council, engaged in commercial wireless have in no way acted against the best interests of the association or amateurs generally." It was also agreed that this council affirms its confidence in Mr. O. F. Mingay; and, further regrets that he is unable to accept the position of hon. secretary." Adoption of rules and bylaws — The rules and bylaws as presented by the constitutional subcommittee, were unanimously adopted. The full ???? printed and circulated to all sub branches when funds will allow of same. The election of officers resulted:— Mr. Hewett, president; Mr. Swinburne and Mr. Bowman, vice-presidents; Mr. Atkinson, hon. secretary; and Mr. Best, treasurer. The secretary can be communicated with at the Electricity Department, Sydney Town Hall.
1922 11.
Violet re-elected treasurer of the Metropolitan Radio Club, despite her earlier resignation
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. By DOT DASH. . . . CLUB OFFICERS RE-ELECTED. There was a good attendance at the meeting of the Metropolitan Radio Club on Wednesday evening, when the officers tendered their resignations. As has already been explained in this column, the president, Mr. R. C. Marsden, resigned because he is now interested in wireless in a commercial sense, and did not think it right that he should be at the head of an amateur body. This he explained at length to the meeting. The members, however, had other views and several voiced complete confidence in the officers, and urged their re-election. This was done, and the new officers and committee are as follows:— President, Mr. Marsden; hon. secretary, Mr. A. Mitchell; hon. treasurer, Miss F. V. Wallace; committee, Messrs. W. Best, F. Swinburne, W. Bird, S. Atkinson, and W. Cotterill. Mr. Marsden and Miss Wallace were appointed delegates to the Radio Association of Australia (N.S.W. Division).
Violet noted as being the only female delegate to the NSW Radio Association and a member of WIA NSW
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. WOMAN DELEGATE. By DOT DASH. There are many women experimenters in Australia today, and from all accounts they are very successful in the work. One of the best known, and an enthusiastic worker in the amateur cause, is Miss F. V. Wallace. At the last meeting of the Metropolitan Radio Club, of which she is hon. treasurer, Miss Wallace was appointed, with the president, Mr. Marsden, to represent the club on the Radio Association of Australia (N.S.W. branch). She is also a member of the Wireless Institute of Australia (N.S.W. division).
1922 12.
Violet's shop amongst those providing application forms for the upcoming Trans-Pacific Tests 1923
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. By DOT DASH. . . . . THE BIG TESTS. The organisation for the forthcoming Trans-Pacific radio test is now in full swing and the committee have circularised all licensed stations in New South Wales. As the work will be exceptionally heavy, the committee wants applications from intending competitors as soon as possible. Application forms may be obtained at the following places:— Colville and Moore Wireless Supplies; Electricity House; Grace Brothers; Anthony Hordern and Sons; Miss F. V. Wallace; Radio House; F. F. O'Sullivan's; Burgin Electric Company; Australectric Limited; and W. Harry Wiles. The next general meeting of experimenters taking part and all interested in the tests will be held in the Railway Institute Hall on Tuesday, January 9, at 8 p.m.
1923.
1923 01.
Violet's firm supporting the prizes for the Trans-Pacific Tests 1923
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes and News. By DOT DASH. . . . THE BIG TESTS. Arrangements for the amateur trans-Pacific tests are well in hand, and the N.S.W. committee is working hard to bring success. Mr. Harvey, who was hon. secretary of the committee, has been appointed to the position of operator at Vila. The secretaryship has been taken up by Mr. G. W. Tatham, 58 Adelaide-street, Woollahra, to whom all inquiries should be addressed. The following are entering for the test, and will endeavor to receive the American messages:— Messrs. C. D. Maclurcan, W. Hudson, P. Spencer Nolan, Robert James Sharpe, Sydney V. Colville, R. C. Marsden, F. T. S. O'Donnell, Edward B. Crocker, Western Suburbs Amateur Radio Club, Burwood Radio Club (Calibration Test). Mr. C. P. Bartholomew has announced that he will not enter, but has given a donation of £2/2/-. "Sea, Land, and Air;" Australectric; Ltd.; Colville and Moore, Wireless Supplies; Electric Utilities Supply Co.; Burgin Electric Co.; Miss Wallace; Mr. Malcolm Perry; Mr. Frank F. O'Sullivan, Radio Company; Mr. W. Harry Wiles; Electricity House; "Wireless Weekly"; Western Electric Co.; Sydney Motor and Dynamo Co.; Universal Electric Co.; Mr. H. G. Dewis.
1923 02.
At first annual meeting of the Metropolitan Radio Club, Violet is re-elected treasurer, while future husband Cecil Roland McKenzie is elected secretary
THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio Notes & News. BY DOT DASH . . . IN THE CLUBS. METROPOLITAN. The first annual meeting of the Metropolitan Radio Club was held at the Laurel Cafe, Royal Arcade, on Wednesday evening, when there was a large attendance of members. The principal item of the evening was the election of officers and this resulted as follows:— Mr R. C. Marsden, president; Mr. A. Atkinson, vice-president; Mr. C. R. McKenzie, secretary; Miss F. V. Wallace, treasurer; Messrs. D. McIntyre, S. Atkinson junr., W. Cotterell, and P. Sewell, committee. Mr Marsden and Mr. Atkinson will be the club's delegates to the N.S.W. Radio Association. It was decided that the meetings of the club be held on Monday evenings, instead of Wednesdays. . . .
1925.
1925 01.
Topics for Women. . . .
(Start Photo Caption) Mrs. C. R. Mackenzie (End Photo Caption)
The marriage of Miss Florence Violet Wallace, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wallace, of Concord, and Mr. Cecil Roland Mackenzie, eldest son of Mrs. G. E. Mackenzie, of King's-road, Watson's Bay, was celebrated last night. The bride is an electrical engineer, and is the first Sydney woman to manage her own electrical and wireless apparatus shop. The ceremony was a quiet one owing to the ill-health of the bride's mother.
1926.
1926 07.
Birth notice for Violet's stillborn daughter
BIRTHS. . . . McKENZIE (F. V. Wallace).—June 9, to Mr. and Mrs. C. R. McKenzie, Jenolan, George street, Greenwich Point — a daughter (stillborn).
1927.
1927 08.
University Women in the Business Life of Sydney. How Commerce is Linked With the Higher Education. (Written for the "Sunday Pictorial" by "Achernar.")
IT has been said that women admire the male sex, but are condescending to the individual; whereas men admire individual women, but are condescending towards the sex. Is man's condescension towards the other sex a real reason why women graduates often find difficulty in entering the higher grades of business life? Helen Jerome, in her devastating book "The Secrets of Women," makes the bitter complaint that "if a woman would enter certain realms the male boss must approve of the color of her eyes, so to speak." Some other women critics of the ways of a man-made world insist that a jealous masculine fear of feminine ability spurs such acts of sex-antagonism as the illogical exclusion of women medical students from a few big hospitals. Even some men have confessed a fear of the business rivalry of women. Professor Powers, of California, goes so far as to prophesy that by 1977 at the latest, man will be doing the housework and minding the children, and that the woman will be the bread-winner and supporter of the family. Perhaps the masculine fear of such a revolution is aggravated by an ominous realisation that man is often more competent in the domestic arts than woman is. As a cook, or even a knitter, many males are exceptionally skilful, and one of the signs that women's place is not necessarily the home is that she has never invented, as man has, a notable device for lessening household drudgery. Woman is tied to the home frequently, not by her inherent instincts and capacities, but merely by the force of conventional circumstances.
PREJUDICE AMONG EMPLOYERS. Of course, some of the difficulties experienced by women graduates climbing the hard, steep cliff of commerce are not peculiar to their sex. As the recent report of the Sydney University Appointments Board shows, there is still a prejudice amongst employers against both male and female graduates as candidates for business posts. That prejudice is partly fed by the critical superiority which some ex-University students manifest towards their animate and inanimate business surroundings. During their four or five years at the fount of culture, their ego burgeoned so magnificently that the very sight of a commonplace business office heightens their hauteur. That, fortunately, applies only to the very few. A more stubborn obstacle raised by some employers against the entry of women graduates into business is that a good woman employee, working amongst men, will probably marry, and so deprive the firm of her trained services. It must not be supposed that the opposition to the educated woman's advancement in the business world comes mainly from men. It was a woman writer of rare feminine sympathies who insisted that the woman can succeed at few of man's professions. Women, too, have seriously ridiculed the training value of the university for women, whether the vocational or the purely cultural goal be in mind. Frances Warfield, for instance, records how her own graduation left her with little more than a realisation that Emerson was a transcendentalist, and that Pasteur took all the bugs out of milk. Beyond the plain and fancy catchwords of erudition she barely probed, and from all her probings garnered little of permanent practical value. That may be an exceptional case, but even the woman who has made the most of her university training often finds it hard to realise that a special and additional apprenticeship is needed before she can effectively fill an advanced business vacancy. As the woman graduate who acts as adviser to women students at the University of Manchester points out in the June number of "Scribner's" magazine, it is foolish and hopeless for a graduate with no particular business training to imagine that her degree qualifies her for a high commercial post with privileges concerning working hours and rate of pay. But in spite of all the difficulties in the way of university students, and particularly women graduates, reaching out to good business positions, commerce should undoubtedly be linked with higher education. Not only in the field of industrial research, but also in many of the more prosaic ways, the well-educated mind can infringe profitably upon the business routine. A sound university training not only imparts detailed knowledge in a few selected subjects; it also increases the power of sifting evidence and reaching reliable conclusions.
SOME SYDNEY WOMEN GRADUATES. . . . A WOMAN ENGINEER. Of unusual interest is the career of Miss F. V. Wallace (Mrs. C. R. McKenzie), who was educated first at the Sydney Girls' High School. Then she took the first year's course in Science at the University, later securing the Technical College engineering degree (Diploma — Associate, Syd. Tech. College). "This diploma," she says, "took five years to get — four to five nights' work per week — and during those years I carried on business as an electrical contractor, installing electric motors and wiring buildings, rewinding and repairing electrical apparatus. Then, in 1921, I opened an electrical and radio shop in the Royal Arcade, specialising later in radio — always on my 'own.' In 1924 I attended the New York Radio and Electrical Exhibition, and saw something of America." In December, 1924, Miss Wallace married Mr. C. R. McKenzie (electrical engineer) — "My most successful undertaking," she says — and in February, 1926, she sold out her business and retired. But in January, 1927, tired of "retirement," she accepted a position in David Jones's radio department, demonstrating and selling radio sets, etc. "I have the most optimistic views regarding the opportunities for women who have qualified in engineering," says Mrs. McKenzie. "While carrying on business as an electrical contractor I never had the least difficulty in obtaining contracts. I never seemed to meet with any prejudice or opposition. For some years I was treasurer of the Metropolitan Radio Club, and a member of the committee of the Sydney Technical College Engineers' Association. "I am satisfied that there is a large demand in business for qualified women, possibly because of their capacity for loyalty to their firm, their enthusiasm, and their attention to detail." . . . .
1940s.
1940.
1940 02.
Violet provides a status report on the WESC
DOT AND DASH — GIRLS AT SIGNALS. MRS. F. V. McKENZIE, who is in charge of the Electrical Association for Women, is also in charge of the Women's Emergency Signallers' Corps, which has a membership of 300 girls, average age being from 24 to 25. And on Monday next a new company of about 100 girl signallers is being formed. The work in this corps is entirely voluntary, and none of the girls joins with the idea of making it a career — the work is being done purely for defence measures. The girls learn all branches of signalling — Morse code, lamp and flag signalling — and they follow as closely as possible the same course as the men's military signalling units. Morse code is the most important of the subjects taught to the girls, as it will prove most useful in defence work. It takes approximately six months for members of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps to become sufficiently trained to be commercially useful in signalling, but they can go on learning new work for an indefinite period. The girls hold ranks according to their ability, and are given regimental numbers — the girl who passes the necessary examination first being number one. Miss Ena Stewart, who is a sergeant, is the proud member who holds this distinction, but she says she still has a great deal to learn. Miss Stewart and other advanced members of the corps sometimes assist Mrs. McKenzie in coaching the not-so-advanced members of the unit; occasionally, also, officers from Victoria Barracks, instruct the corps. The corps is at present supplying 16 of its members as honorary instructors to men and boys who are training to be recruited to the Air Force as wireless operators, as they are not eligible in their branch of the Air Force unless they have some knowledge of signalling. All the members of the first company of the Women's Emergency Signallers' Corps are quite capable of instructing, and a number of them are able to read 30 words a minute in Morse code.
NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS. The girls who are members of the corps come from all walks of life — some are business girls, some University girls and some are young married women; all the qualifications needed are a quick ear and a sense of rhythm, and for lamp signalling good eyesight. The radio course has just begun, and all the girls are anxious to learn all they can. The work never becomes monotonous, as there is something new turning up every day. Each member attends a lecture on one night a week, and the girls work in groups according to their speed and send messages to each other in code. They all spend as much of their spare time as they can in practising in the rooms of the Electrical Association for Women. The lunch-hour is a most popular practising time. Regular field days are held, sometimes in Centennial Park, to practise the practical work in field operations, and during the Easter holidays a four days' camp is being held at the Castle Hill Showground, at which 150 of the girls will attend. A complete programme for the camp has been drawn up by the officers of the men's signalling units, so that the girls will be trained in all branches connected with their units. The camp will be run entirely by the girls, however, and an advance party will go to Castle Hill the day before the main party to prepare the camp. Later on the Women's Emergency Corps intends holding a concert, and at present the members of the corps are busy training a ballet to take part in the concert. The uniform of the corps consists of a forest green skirt and military jacket, similar to the uniform of the Women Territorials in England, with brown buttons and brown leather belt, white shirt and brown tie, brown shoes and stockings, a forest green forage cap and brown gloves. The military jacket has the signallers' badge on the left sleeve, and stripes according to rank.
1940 03.
Violet notes that WESC already using Morse code aptitude test on its own applicants
From Day to Day in Sydney. Signalling Test. NINETY-THREE applicants for the Women's Emergency Signallers' Corps were given an adaptability test last night at the rooms of the Electrical Association for Women. Mrs. F. V. McKenzie, who is in charge of the association and also of the Signallers' Corps, gave the test which is similar to that given to applicants to the R.A.A.F. Seventy-eight pairs of signals were presented and the candidates indicated whether the units of each pair were the same or different. The successful applicants will form part of a new company of about 100 girl signallers. After the test had been concluded Mrs. McKenzie reported that only three candidates had failed and that nineteen had secured 100 per cent although none knew Morse before joining the corps. "I believe the average percent-age of failures with R.A.A.F. candidates is about 25 per cent. so girls must have 'an ear' for rhythm," she remarked.
1940 04.
Violet provides assurance that women are not being trained to replace men
SIGNALLING CORPS. "THE GIRLS of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps are under no delusion that they are being trained for a job or a career. They have no intention of replacing men; they are simply becoming more efficient so that in an emergency they could do the work of men on active service," said Mrs. F. V. McKenzie, organiser of the corps, at the Quota Club luncheon at Farmer's restaurant yesterday. Mrs. McKenzie said that practical tests were held frequently, and that shortly a night relay transmission will be arranged from South Head to Barrenjoey. "We are very privileged to receive permission to carry out this experiment, as it is unusual for women to be allowed inside official military enclosures," she explained.
1940 05.
Violet speaks at meeting of women's volunteer groups concerned about overlap
SUGGEST WAR WORK OVERLAPS. That there is overlapping in various branches of women's voluntary services was a criticism made by several speakers at yesterday's meeting of the council of the Women's Voluntary National Register. Because of this overlapping, many women had unknowingly registered themselves for both Federal and State services, said Miss K. McDowell, who represented the Women's Section of the National Defence League. "If an emergency arose these women would have to let down one or the other organisation, and so cause great confusion," she said. "The National Defence League feels, therefore, that the time has now come to clear up this confusion by clearly defining the overlapping sections." The same point was stressed by Miss E. H. Frazer, a member of the Women's Transport Corps. "Each organisation is doing excellent work, but there is too much division in the same class of work," she said. Government Recognition Miss Frazer then proposed a resolution which was passed by the meeting: "That this council should ask the Government to recognise officially the trained units enrolled with the National Register and whose qualifications have reached a standard recognised by the community." Different organisations gave reports of their work. Sixty per cent. of the certificates given by the National Emergency Services have been given to women, said Miss A. B. Parry. Whereas many other organisations had found that their active work would not be needed except in the case of emergency, Mrs. F. V. McKenzie said that the Women's National Emergency Signalling Corps had discovered a definite task on hand. "Many of our girls are now instructors, and train men who are waiting to be called up, particularly for the Air Force. "We have evolved a system of our own quite different from the Army's, which has interested military men," she said. "We have not yet been officially recognised by the Army, but are doing this definite work and have 200 girls quite capable of teaching by the new quick method. "We also have a definite plan to cope with any emergency in the break of communications," she added. Miss Ruby Board presided at the meeting.
1940 06.
WESC now just one of dozens of women's organisations contributing to the war effort
WOMEN SHARE AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL EFFORT.
WITH the active concurrence of the Prime Minister, a new women's organisation is being formed as the result of a conference recently held in Sydney. This organisation is to be known as the Women's Australian National Services and in giving approval to the idea Mr. Menzies stated that the Commonwealth Government favored the proposal to organise all women's groups in each State for voluntary war service under a council suitable to the State Governments.
Among women's organisations already doing active war work in New South Wales are: Women's Emergency Signalling Corps. — Director: Mrs. F. W. McKenzie (BW7436), 9 Clarence Street, Sydney. National Emergency Service Ambulance Drivers, previously Women's Transport Corps.— Secretary: Mrs. F. R. Pemble (BW7343), 71 Macquarie Street, Sydney. Australian Women's Flying Club, 221 George Street, Sydney.— State Commandant: Mrs. Nancy Walton (MX1569), Bushlands Avenue, Gordon. State secretary: Miss W. Gillespie (FU7084), 41 Towns Road, Rose Bay.
Victoria has the: Women's Auxiliary Training League of the Power Farming Association of Victoria.— Director: Mrs. F. J. Woodward, 5 Flintoft Avenue, Toorak. Australian Women's Legion.— Controller-General: Mrs. A. H. James, 1 Missouri Avenue, Elsternwick, S.4. Women's Cavalry Corps.— Leader: Miss Lorna Embling, N. Clayton. Women's Auxiliary Training Corps.— Commandant: Mrs. Bell, "Monterey," 17 Queen's Road, Melbourne, S.C.2. Red Cross Emergency Companies.— Liaison officers: Mrs. T. W. White and Mrs. Scantlebury, Australian Red Cross Society, Latrobe Street, Melbourne. Melbourne Militors.— Commandant: Miss Madge Baker, 2 St. Aubins Avenue, Caulfield, S.E.7. Voluntary Aid Detachments.— Superintendent: Mr. Frederick Raven, Victorian Civil Ambulance Association, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, C.1. State Controller: Col. J. A. H. Sherwin, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, C.1.
In Queensland there are: Women's Voluntary National Register.— The Lady Mayoress, City Hall, Brisbane. Women's Air Training Corps.— Mrs. Risson, Welbeck Street, Alderley. Women's Air and Motor Unit.— Miss D. Mullins, 41 Butler Street, Clayfield, Brisbane. Women's Reserve Emergency National Service.— Mrs. J. L. Selwood, Lisburn Street, East Brisbane. Women's Auxiliary Transport Service. — Mrs. C. Philp, Graham Road, Indooroopilly, Brisbane. Women's National Emergency Legion. — Mrs. W. D. Ryan, 195 Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill, South Brisbane. Southport Men and Women's Defence Council.— J. H. Morgan, Bongal Street, Southport.
Western Australian women have active organisations, such as: Australian Red Cross Society.— State Controller: Col. D. D. Mackenzie. Assistant State Controller: Mrs. Mary Meares, M.B.E. The address of both of these is c/o Red Cross Headquarters, 18 Howard Street, Perth.
Similar patriotic work is being done in South Australia by: Voluntary Aid Detachments.— Controller: Dr. H. H. E. Russell, Unley Road, Unley. Assistant Controller: Miss G. J. Jude, 6 High Street, Glenelg. Assistant Controller: Mrs. H. H. Dutton, Kapunda. Volunteer Service Detachments (under Red Cross Emergency Committee).— Chairman: Mr. G. S. Reed, K.C., 17 Currie Street, Adelaide. Secretary: Mrs. J. S. Blackburn, c/o Red Cross Society, Rundle Street, Adelaide. Commandant: Mrs. K. C. Wilson, 70 Tusmore Avenue, Tusmore. Red Cross Emergency Transport Service.— Director: Mr. J. H. Howard, National Safety Council, National Bank Chambers, King William Street, Adelaide. Commandant: Mrs. S. Roy Burston, Adelaide. Country Women's Association.— President: Mrs. I. Warnes, Burra. Secretary: Miss Dolling, 162 Rundle Street, Adelaide. Cheer-up Society.— President: Mr. E. B. Grandfield, c/o W.A. Insurance Co., Currie Street, Adelaide. Secretary: Mr. G. Hawkes, c/o Savings Bank, Rundle Street, Adelaide. Organiser: Mrs. G. Hawkes, 5 Orange Grove, Kensington Park. Women's National Voluntary Register. — President: The Lady Mayoress, Mrs. A. G. Barrett, Town Hall, Adelaide. Women's Defence Services.— Chairman: Mrs. Lance Lewis, "Benacre," Glen Osmond. Defence Society.— President: Miss Natalis Davies, B.A., c/o Epworth Buildings, Pirie Street, Adelaide.
In Tasmania women's groups include: Australian Women's Air Training Corps.— State Commandant: Mrs. D. Taylor, "Winton," Campbell Town. Australian Women's Air Training Corps.— Northern Commandant: Mrs. T. H. Davies, George Town. Voluntary Aid Detachments.— Mrs. G. A. D. Youl, Northern Controller, "Leighlands," Perth, Tasmania. Women's League of Remembrance.— President: Mrs. G. A. D. Youl, c/o Anzac Hostel, Launceston. Women's Works Committee.— President: Mrs. E. E. Barker, Red Cross Society, 71 St. John Street, Launceston. Women's Works Committee.— Secretary: Mrs. F. M. Parker, Red Cross Society, 23 Elizabeth Street, Hobart. Womens' Auxiliary, St. John Ambulance.— Secretary: Mrs. T. K. Robson, 2 Pen-y-bryn Place, Launceston. V.A.D.'s.— Controller for State: Lt.-Col. Thirkell, M.B.E., V.D., 405 Elizabeth Street, Hobart Assistant Controller: Mrs. R. J. O. Harris (Southern Tasmania), c/o Hutchin's School. Red Cross Emergency.— Headquarters' Superintendent: Mr. R. St Hill, 4 Proctor's Road, Hobart. St. John Nursing Division.— District Superintendent: Dr. T. H. Goddard, 197 Macquarie Street, Hobart. Women's National Register.— Miss Cecily Travers, Fisher Avenue, Lower Sandy Bay. Girl Guides.— Acting-State Commissioner: Mrs. R. M. W. Thirkell, 405 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
1940 07.
WESC being used to test applicants for the Air Force for morse aptitude
GIRLS HELP TO TEST AIR CREWS. Applicants for entry into the Air Force as aircrews (pilots, observers and wireless-telegraphists-air gunners) are now being tested in "Morse aptitude" by girls of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps. "Morse aptitude" is not to be confused with ability to transmit and receive in Morse code. The candidate may know nothing about Morse — at present. The test simply determines the ability of the candidate to distinguish between one sound and another. The tester, for instance, makes the letter X twice on the Morse buzzer, and asks if the sounds made are the same. Or she may make a Q and a Y, and the candidate seeks to distinguish between them. Seventy-eight separate pairs of letters are buzzed out. Some men pick correctly up to 70 or more. Perception Of Signals The test serves to measure the applicants' quickness to differentiate between signals. Those who are unsuccessful are marked unsuited for training as wireless operators in any section of the Air Force. They may, however, be quite suitable as pilots and observers. Every man applying for aircrew enlistment is now subjected to this test. Since the recent speeding-up in dealing with candidates, the strain on the men at Woolloomooloo centre has increased to a point where the voluntary services of the well-trained members of the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps is proving most acceptable.
1947.
1947 03.
TODAY: AUSTRALIA. She gave the boss electrician a shock. Today's Sydney Office
Twenty-three years ago, a shy, young, 5ft. tall woman arrived at a house in Undercliffe, opened up a bag of tools, went to work installing the electric light. She climbed up through the manhole in her overalls, nailed down the conduit, pulled through the wires, climbed stepladders, screwed in the switches. When the job was finished a husky inspector arrived to pass the work. "Who is the electrician," he demanded. "I am," said the small woman, meekly. "Well, I'll be darned," said the inspector, examined the installation, passed it. It was the first time in Sydney that a woman had installed an electricity service. The woman, Florence Violet Wallace, worked for eight years as an electrical contractor in Sydney, and suburbs, didn't give up the business until she got married — to electrical engineer Cecil McKenzie. In 1925 she got an amateur transmitter's licence, and went on the air as 2GA, later demonstrated electrical cooking appliances. Early in 1939 she had a feeling there'd be another war, so she decided to open a signalling school for women. In the event of war, she decided, there'd be a demand for women telegraphists in post offices and other essential communications. She took premises in Clarence Street — two floors at the top of two long flights of a narrow, worn, almost perpendicular stairway. Lessons were free, her own efforts voluntary. She taught the first batch of girls herself, and when they got through their exams they stayed on to instruct others. When war came, her school — the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps — was well established. In the war years she and her assistants taught telegraphy to more than 1000 girls, more than 12,000 servicemen, for all branches of the Services. Her classes became international. Men came to her for tuition from the Royal Indian Navy, the US Forces, the Merchant Marine of half a dozen countries — French, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, American, Indonesian. One night in March, 1945, an American Liberty ship began flashing a message. Greenwich Point residents, thinking the ship was in distress, ran to Mrs. McKenzie's home, asked her to read the message. She was surprised when the flashes spelled out her own name. It was a message for herself, sent by a ship's officer, asking if he could attend her classes to increase his morse transmitting speed. Mrs. McKenzie replied, by torch, that he could. The officer afterwards explained that he had been told in San Francisco about her school, and that she lived at Greenwich Point. At war's end Mrs. McKenzie didn't slacken. This week she was still on the job, her brown hair greying, her tired eyes magnified by the thick lenses of her spectacles. Nowadays most of her pupils are ex-RAAF men studying radio or improving their speed to meet civil flying needs. Forty-three civil pilots have passed through the school this year. Also attending are Merchant Marine men studying for masters' and mates' certificates. | 16,151 |
History of video games/Platforms/MARS FPGA. Technology.
The system featured an ARM64 based CPU in conjunction with a FPGA. The system was designed to be compatible with MiSTer cores.
The front controller ports were designed to be modular. | 62 |
History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Florence Violet Granville/Research. Florence Violet Granville - Research.
Phrases searched comprehensively in Trove:
F. V. Wallace (thoroughly checked & tagged in Trove)
Florence Violet Wallace (thoroughly checked & tagged in Trove)
Violet Wallace (thoroughly checked & tagged in Trove)
F. V. McKenzie (thoroughly checked & tagged in Trove)
Florence Violet McKenzie (thoroughly checked & tagged in Trove)
Violet McKenzie
Women's Emergency Signalling Corps (almost 500 hits, perhaps 100 tagged for Mrs Mac)
Timeline.
Working from 103 Rawson-chambers, Rawson-place, as electrical contractor 1917-1918+ | 227 |
Chess Variants/Wildebeest Chess. Introduction.
Wildebeest Chess is a large variant played on an 11 by 10 board.
History.
Wildebeest chess was created in 1987 by the editor of "Gmaes" magazine, R. Wayne Schmittberger. His intent was to balance the number of jumping pieces with the number of sliding pieces - in this variant the knights and the two new pieces balance out the rooks, bishops and queen.
The variant was played regularly in the now-defunct correspondance club "Knights of the Square Table".
Rules.
Wildebeest chess adds two new knight-like pieces: the camel and the wildebeest.
The standard chess pieces all retain their normal moves, with the exception of the pawns:
When the king castles, he may move between one and four squares towards the rook, and the rook moves to the square on the opposite side of where the king ended.
Sub-variants.
This chess variant does not have any notable sub-variants. | 247 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. Nc3. 3. Nc3 is a flexible choice, which leaves Black with the decision making process. White can still go for the Open Sicilian with d4 break, or a closed setup with g3, or something like the canal attack or rossolimo with Bb5. | 92 |
Antenna Television/Indoor Antennas. Indoor antennas can be used for signal power over 35dB. Antennas marketed as less than 30 or 35 miles are generally unamplified, while those above this range tend to have amplifiers. Please note that real life results often do not match the mileage marketed by antenna manufacturers. Furthermore, hills and trees, as well as concrete used in buildings, can interfere with reception.
When buying an antenna, it is important to note whether it is designed for VHF, UHF, or both. Because results can be unpredictable, it is recommended to buy an antenna without an amplifier, and purchase a removable amplifier if you choose to purchase one. Choosing the right antenna is a process of trial and error, so buy from retailers with easy return prices.
Scanning for channels.
Attach the antenna to the antenna connector on your television or tuner, then switch the television or tuner from "cable" to "air/antenna". Do a scan for channels. If you are unsatisfied, change the orientation of the antenna and repeat.
Common Indoor Antennas.
Rabbit Ears.
The most common television antennas are rabbit ears antennas, used to receive VHF signals. For best reception, the dipoles should be adjusted to slightly less than 1/4 wavelength at the frequency of the channel being received. The measured gain of rabbit ears is low, approximately -2 dBi or -4 dB compared to a half wave dipole. This means it is not as focused and sensitive to distant TV stations as a larger rooftop antenna. However, its reception pattern covers a wide angle, allowing it to pick up signals from multiple stations in different directions without needing adjustment when changing channels.
Whip Antenna.
Certain portable televisions utilize a whip antenna, which is a single telescoping rod about one meter (3.3 feet) long. This rod is attached to the television and can be retracted when not in use. The whip antenna operates as a quarter-wave monopole antenna. On the television's circuit board, the other end of the antenna is connected to the ground plane, serving as the ground. The whip antenna typically has an omnidirectional reception pattern, meaning it can receive signals from all directions equally. Its maximum sensitivity is along the directions perpendicular to the antenna axis. In terms of gain, the whip antenna performs similarly to rabbit ears.
Loop Antenna.
UHF channels are often received by a loop antenna. These are often paired with rabbit ears, which only receive VHF bands, to access additional channels.
Flat Antenna.
Following the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, there were advancements in indoor antenna marketing beyond the traditional "rabbit ears." One such development was the introduction of flat antennas, which are lightweight, thin, and typically square-shaped. These antennas claim to provide improved omnidirectional reception. They are connected to televisions using a coaxial cable and may also come with a signal amplifier that requires a power source. Inside the thin, flat square design, there is a loop antenna with circular metallic wiring embedded into conductive plastic.
Paperclip Antenna.
In situations where you live within approximately 10 miles of the broadcasting source and have strong signals, it is possible to use a paperclip as an improvised antenna. To do this, straighten the paperclip and carefully insert it into the coax connector on your TV. However, it's important to note that this method may not provide optimal reception and may be less reliable compared to purpose-built antennas. | 831 |
Color Theory/Color for programmers. How to use color in your program.
workflow in computer graphic
Steps:
colour management.
In digital imaging systems, color management (or colour management) is the controlled conversion between the color representations of various devices, such as image scanners, digital cameras, monitors, TV screens, film printers, computer printers, offset presses, and corresponding media.
The primary goal of color management is to obtain a good match across color devices; for example, the colors of one frame of a video should appear the same on a computer LCD monitor, on a plasma TV screen, and as a printed poster. Color management helps to achieve the same appearance on all of these devices, provided the devices are capable of delivering the needed color intensities. With photography, it is often crucial that prints or online galleries appear how they were intended. Color management cannot guarantee identical color reproduction, as this is rarely possible, but it can at least give more control over any changes which may occur
Steps
rendering intent
color fidelity refers to the successful interoperability of color data, from image creation to output across multiple targets, such that color reproduction quality consistent with the user’s intent can be achieved
First
color bit depth.
Bit depth is the number of bits per pixel, sample, or texel in a bitmap image (holding one or mode image channels, typical values being 4, 8, 16, 24, 32
When referring to a color component, the concept can be defined as:
Modern standards tend to use bits per component, but historical lower-depth systems used bits per pixel more often.
Color bit depth
Color depth by image file types
number type, range and precision.
Examples by RapidTables:
Precision in GIMP:
color profile.
ICC:
iccmax
color space.
List
Types
A leaf colour measured with a spectrophotometer has the color
properties of a color space
Types by perceptual uniformity
types by precision
CIE XYZ.
CIE XYZ. It was designed in such a way that its Y component represented the brightness of the color.
RGB.
Types
The relationship between sRGB and linear RGB:
LAB.
Tools
OKLAB
A color in Oklab is represented with three coordinates Lab:
It's corresponding polar form is called Oklch.
The standard coordinate can also be transformed into polar form ( Lch), with the coordinates:
In reverse direction:
See also
CIELAB color space is
color classification.
Neutrals are obtained by mixing pure colors with white, black or gray, or by mixing two complementary colors. In color theory, neutral colors are colors easily modified by adjacent more saturated colors and they appear to take on the hue complementary to the saturated color. Next to a bright red couch, a gray wall will appear distinctly greenish.
Black and white have long been known to combine well with almost any other colors; black decreases the apparent saturation or brightness of colors paired with it, and white shows off all hues to equal effect
Each valid color is either in-gamut for a particular output device (screen, or printer) or color space, or it is out of gamut.
CMS.
Spot color classification has led to thousands of discrete colors being given unique names or numbers. There are several industry standards in the classification of spot color systems, such as:
Because each color system creates their own colors from scratch, spot colors from one system may be impossible to find within the library of another.
Color volume.
Color volume is the set of all available color at all available hue, saturation and brightness. It's the result of a 2D color space or 2D color gamut (that represent chromaticity) combined with the dynamic range.
The term has been used to describe HDR's higher color volume than SDR (i.e. peak brightness of at least 1,000 cd/m2 higher than SDR's 100 cd/m2 limit and wider color gamut than :w:Rec. 709 / :w:sRGB).
Color volume
color gamut.
In color reproduction, including computer graphics and photography, the gamut, or color gamut, is a certain "complete subset" of colors. The most common usage refers to the subset of colors which can be accurately represented in a given circumstance, such as within a given color space or by a certain output device, like monitor.
the difference between the RGB and CMYK color gamuts: the CMYK color gamut is much smaller than the RGB color gamut, thus the CMYK colors look muted.
If you were to print the image on a CMYK device (an offset press or maybe even an inkjet printer) the two sides would likely look much more similar, since the combination of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black cannot reproduce the range (gamut) of color that a computer monitor displays. This is a constant issue for those who work in print production. Clients produce bright and colorful images on their computers and are disappointed to see them look muted in print. (An exception is photo processing. In photo processing, like snapshots or 8x10 glossies, most of the RGB gamut is reproduced.)
The gamuts of different color spaces may be compared by looking at the volume (in cubic Lab units) of colors that can be expressed. The following table examines the predefined color spaces available in CSS.
Display:
color space Volume in million Lab units
Links
Color operators.
Simple rolor operators, an analytical color operators that can be parameterized on a single input variable f(x)
dynamic range.
Dynamic range
Gamma correction.
Gamma value
Transfer function.
Transfer function T in imaging
formula_6
Examples:
Normalisation = resecale to standard range
formula_7
Types:
Tone mapping.
formula_8
Types with respect to range:
Transfer functions types with respect to function type:
Image magic code
convert <SomeDirectory>\*.png -evaluate-sequence median MEDIAN.png
Color value.
format.
Color can be specified using one of the formats
Alpha color chanel
In PIL ( Python Imaging Library ) pixel color format is defined by modes:
Number type (precision).
Examples
glColor3f(0.5f, 0.0f, 1.0f); // (0.5, 0, 1) is half red and full blue, giving dark purple.
glm::vec3 coral(1.0f, 0.5f, 0.31f); // coral color definition in glm library and C++
Example in GIMP
See also:
Alpha, composition, transparency and layers.
Alpha
layers
css syntax.
This shade of blue may commonly be defined in three different ways in webpage styles:
Lime color
See also
color contrast.
Contrast in visual perception is a felt difference in appearance of two or more parts of a field seen simultaneously or successively (hence:
Contrast in physics is a quantity intended to correlate with the perceived brightness contrast, usually defined by one of a number of formulae (see below) which involve e.g. the luminances of the stimuli considered
A contrast can also be due to differences of chromaticity specified by colorimetric characteristics (e.g. the color difference ΔE CIE 1976 UCS).
The maximum contrast of an image is the contrast ratio or dynamic range.
Types
Wikipedia
Programs | 1,716 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Theory of LLMs. Original chapter organization.
Resources.
Introductory videos
Lectures
Courses
Textbooks
Reranking.
Reranking in the context of information retrieval is a two-step process used to enhance the relevance of search results. Here’s how it typically works:
The reranking step is a trade-off between the relevance of the search results and the computational resources required. By using it as a second stage, systems aim to balance the speed and efficiency of embedding-based retrieval with the depth and relevance of LLM-powered retrieval. This combined approach can yield a set of results that are both relevant and produced within an acceptable timeframe and cost.
Contradiction Detection.
The Stanford Natural Language Processing Group has worked on detecting contradictions in text and has created contradiction datasets for this purpose. They have annotated the PASCAL RTE datasets for contradiction, marked for a 3-way decision in terms of entailment: "YES" (entails), "NO" (contradicts), and "UNKNOWN" (doesn't entail but is not a contradiction). Additionally, they have created a corpus where contradictions arise from negation by adding negative markers to the RTE2 test data and have gathered a collection of contradictions appearing "in the wild".
Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs).
Let's dive into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs). These are advanced computer programs designed to understand, use, and generate human language. Imagine them as vast libraries filled with an enormous range of books, covering every topic you can think of. Just like a librarian who knows where to find every piece of information in these books, LLMs can navigate through this vast knowledge to provide us with insights, answers, and even generate new content.
How do they achieve this? LLMs are built upon complex algorithms and mathematical models. They learn from vast amounts of text – from novels and news articles to scientific papers and social media posts. This learning process involves recognizing patterns in language: how words and sentences are structured, how ideas are connected, and how different expressions can convey the same meaning.
Each LLM has millions, sometimes billions, of parameters – these are the knobs and dials of the model. Each parameter plays a part in understanding a tiny aspect of language, like the tone of a sentence, the meaning of a word, or the structure of a paragraph. When you interact with an LLM, it uses these parameters to decode your request and generate a response that is accurate and relevant.
One of the most fascinating aspects of LLMs is their versatility. They can write in different styles, from formal reports to casual conversations. They can answer factual questions, create imaginative stories, or even write code. This adaptability makes them incredibly useful across various fields and applications.
LLMs are a breakthrough in the way we interact with machines. They bring a level of understanding and responsiveness that was previously unattainable, making our interactions with computers more natural and intuitive. As they continue to evolve, they're not just transforming how we use technology, but also expanding the boundaries of what it can achieve.
In this chapter, we'll explore the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) in depth. Starting with their basic definitions and concepts, we'll trace their historical development to understand how they've evolved into today's advanced models. We'll delve into the key components that make LLMs function, including neural network architectures, their training processes, and the complexities of language modeling and prediction. Finally, we'll examine the fundamental applications of LLMs, such as natural language understanding and generation, covering areas like conversational agents, sentiment analysis, content creation, and language translation. This chapter aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of LLMs, showcasing their capabilities and the transformative impact they have in various sectors.
Definition and Basic Concepts.
"Foundations of Neural Networks"
To truly grasp the concept of Large Language Models (LLMs), we must first understand neural networks, the core technology behind them. Neural networks are a subset of machine learning inspired by the human brain. They consist of layers of nodes, or 'neurons,' each capable of performing simple calculations. When these neurons are connected and layered, they can process complex data. In the context of LLMs, these networks analyze and process language data.
The Structure of Neural Networks in LLMs
"Training Large Language Models"
Training an LLM involves feeding it a vast amount of text data. During this process, the model makes predictions about the text (like guessing the next word in a sentence). It then compares its predictions against the actual text, adjusting its parameters (the weights and biases of the neurons) to improve accuracy. This process is repeated countless times, enabling the model to learn from its mistakes and improve its language understanding.
Parameters: The Building Blocks of LLMs
Parameters in a neural network are the aspects that the model adjusts during training. In LLMs, these parameters are numerous, often in the hundreds of millions or more. They allow the model to capture and remember the nuances of language, from basic grammar to complex stylistic elements.
From Data to Language Understanding
Through training, LLMs develop an ability to understand context, grammar, and semantics. This isn't just word recognition, but an understanding of how language is structured and used in different situations. They can detect subtleties like sarcasm, humor, and emotion, which are challenging even for human beings.
Generating Language with LLMs
Once trained, LLMs can generate text. They do this by predicting what comes next in a given piece of text. This capability is not just a parroting back of learned data, but an intelligent synthesis of language patterns that the model has internalized.
By understanding these fundamental concepts, we begin to see LLMs not just as tools or programs, but as advanced systems that mimic some of the most complex aspects of human intelligence. This section sets the stage for a deeper exploration into their historical development, key components, and the transformative applications they enable.
Historical Development of LLMs.
The journey of Large Language Models began with rule-based systems in the early days of computational linguistics. These early models, dating back to the 1950s and 60s, were based on sets of handcrafted rules for syntax and grammar. The advent of statistical models in the late 1980s and 1990s marked a significant shift. These models used probabilities to predict word sequences, laying the groundwork for modern language modeling.
The 2000s witnessed a transition from statistical models to machine learning-based approaches. This era introduced neural networks in language modeling, but these early networks were relatively simple, often limited to specific tasks like part-of-speech tagging or named entity recognition. The focus was primarily on improving specific aspects of language processing rather than developing comprehensive language understanding.
The introduction of deep learning and word embeddings in the early 2010s revolutionized NLP. Models like Word2Vec provided a way to represent words in vector space, capturing semantic relationships between words. This period also saw the development of more complex neural network architectures, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, which were better at handling the sequential nature of language.
The introduction of the Transformer model in 2017 was a watershed moment. The Transformer, first introduced in a paper titled "Attention Is All You Need," abandoned recurrent layers in favor of attention mechanisms. This allowed for more parallel processing and significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of language models.
Rise of Large-Scale Language Models
Following the Transformer's success, there was a rapid escalation in the scale of language models. Notable models include OpenAI's GPT series, Google's BERT, and others like XLNet and T5. These models, with their vast number of parameters (into the billions), demonstrated unprecedented language understanding and generation capabilities. They were trained on diverse and extensive datasets, enabling them to perform a wide range of language tasks with high proficiency.
Recent Developments: Increasing Abilities and Scale
The most recent phase in the development of LLMs is marked by further increases in model size and capabilities. Models like GPT-3 and its successors have pushed the boundaries in terms of the number of parameters and the depth of language understanding. These models exhibit remarkable abilities in generating coherent and contextually relevant text, answering complex questions, translating languages, and even creating content that is indistinguishable from human-written text.
Architecture.
Large Language Models (LLMs), such as those based on the Transformer architecture, represent a significant advancement in the field of natural language processing. The Transformer model, introduced in the paper "Attention Is All You Need", has become the backbone of most modern LLMs.
The architecture of a Transformer-based LLM is complex, consisting of several layers and components that work together to process and generate language. The key elements of this architecture include:
The Transformer architecture is highly parallelizable, making it more efficient to train on large datasets compared to older architectures like RNNs or LSTMs. This efficiency is one of the reasons why Transformer-based models can be scaled to have a large number of parameters and process extensive language data.
For more detailed information on the Transformer architecture, see .
Advanced Techniques and Methodologies.
Chain-of-Thought Prompting.
Graph of Thoughts paper, which has a nice exposition of chain-of-thought, and tree-of-thought prompting.
Advanced Applications of LLMs.
Hadi et al.'s (2023) 44-page survey offers a solid and recent resource here. | 2,167 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. Nf3/1...d5/2. g3/2...c5/3. Bg2/3...Nc6. The French variation, where Black wants to play …e5 and claim even more space.
White's responses | 62 |
Chess Opening Theory/1. Nf3/1...d5/2. g3/2...c5/3. Bg2/3...Nc6/4. d4. With 4. d4, White enters the reversed Grünfeld where play can be very sharp. The d-pawn immediately confronts Black's centre and forces a response.
Black may respond with /4...cxd4/, entering a reversed exchange Grünfeld. However, they may also respond with /4...e6/, discovering the f8-bishop's defense of the c4-pawn. The most common response is /4...Nf6/. | 146 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Designing Democracy. Dirk Helbing succinctly "expresses" the need and potentials of a digital upgrade to society. He seems quite interested in the applications of upgraded money (in particular, multi-dimensional money) on the revolution and intelligent control of our incentive systems, and thus our organizational principles. I'm more interested in a deeper question, which he also addresses extensively, especially in his book "Next Civilization" . He discusses such concepts as "computational diplomacy" and "digital democracy".
To ensure fairness in public sector models, we imagine a future where the people developing these models clearly explain the values behind their assumptions and choices, especially when those choices can affect society. By prioritizing decisions that uphold democratic principles, we can address biases and prevent the unfair outcomes that can result from a top-down approach.
- Helbing (2021) "Next Civilization"
The most comprehensive, recent resource which consolidates the wide variety of prior work in this area, and giving perspective, is
Free Speech.
As the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights puts it,
The right to hold own opinions has at least three pillars:
I see this project as critically aiding in and being guided by this form of the call to the right of free speech and the freedom to hold opinions.
Secondly, As has been put a thousand ways by academics, and as is easily recognized by most in the world at this point, there are significant manipulations of popular opinion happening on a grand scale. In the United States, this involves destruction of popular trust in science, highly funded and sophisticated propaganda campaigns funded by billionaires or conducted by the military industrial complex which re-write textbooks, legislation, and media reports.
And finally, individuals in the U.S. can (for the most part) speak their minds. However, the extent to which they are heard, listened to, recognized, is not a matter of impartial considerate deliberation, of equal weight. Understanding is resource-intensive, and exposure is subject to the whims of the algorithm. In other words, to the features of the presentation, and a winner-takes-all attention space. This leaves most which is spoken, completely unheard. And what bubbles to the top, which rings in our ears, is only a very selective sample of the universe of understanding. Helbing puts this in the language of complex systems as follows:
[...] asymmetrical interactions may lead to relative advantages of some people over others, the system may get stuck in a local optimum. The global optimum reached when interactions are symmetrical may be better for everyone. | 578 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Collective Action. Collective action lies at the heart of societal transformation. It represents the concerted effort of individuals and groups to achieve shared objectives. In the context of the digital era, chatbots, powered by advanced artificial intelligence, have emerged as key players in facilitating collective action. They have the potential to act as catalysts in global conversations, influencing social change.
Theoretical Foundations.
Collective intelligence is crucial for the success of collective action. The research by Riedl et al. (2021) underscores the importance of equitable participation within groups. In a world increasingly mediated by chatbots, these digital interlocutors can democratize conversations, ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued. Moreover, chatbots can augment the collective decision-making process, contributing to the group's overall intelligence and performance.
Persuasion-oriented methods of collective action, such as those used in political campaigns or advocacy efforts, often risk exacerbating social divides. Here, chatbots can offer a solution by providing platforms for rational and balanced discourse, potentially linking to democratically compiled sources like Wikipedia to counteract misinformation.
Tarrow’s contentious politics provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of collective action in confrontational settings. Chatbots, designed with the principles of contentious politics in mind, could facilitate the organization and mobilization of collective actors, thus becoming tools for orchestrating social movements and driving political participation.
Case Studies and Applications.
"Taiwan's Digital Democracy" initiatives, such as vTaiwan and Pol.is, exemplify the successful application of digital platforms in enhancing transparency and fostering collective action. These platforms could be further evolved by integrating chatbots, which would serve as mediators and aggregators of public opinion, enhancing the deliberative process.
Participatory Budgeting represents a direct application of collective action in governance. Chatbots could revolutionize this process by engaging with citizens, gathering their preferences, and helping them understand the implications of budgetary decisions, thus reinforcing the "Lefebvre’s “right to the city”" principle.
The polarization in the United States demonstrates the potential pitfalls of collective action when it leads to societal division. Chatbots could be programmed to recognize signs of polarization, intervening to introduce alternative perspectives and mediate discussions, thereby promoting social cohesion.
Methods and Strategies in Collective Action.
The "modular performances and repertoires" of collective action described by Tarrow can be seen as a precursor to the adaptability required of chatbots in social change scenarios. These digital entities must be capable of operating in varied contexts, advocating for diverse causes, and engaging with different target audiences.
Challenges in Collective Action.
Olson's Logic of Collective Action identifies the free-rider problem as a significant challenge in collective endeavors. Chatbots could mitigate this issue by providing personalized incentives for participation and by tracking and rewarding contributions to collective goals.
Impact and Implications.
The role of chatbots in collective action extends beyond mere facilitation; they embody the potential for substantial social impact. By leveraging large language models and artificial intelligence, chatbots could unify disparate knowledge bases, serve as platforms for marginalized voices, and contribute to the formation of a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Conclusion.
Chatbots are poised to become indispensable in the landscape of collective action. This chapter has delved into the theoretical underpinnings of collective action, explored its application in the digital age, and highlighted the transformative potential of chatbots in promoting social change. As architects of this new digital frontier, we must ensure that the development of chatbots is guided by ethical considerations, inclusivity, and a commitment to fostering constructive dialogue. | 850 |
Mobility 2050/Retrofitting Suburbia. In the mid-twentieth century, the United States saw a departure of middle and upper class urban dwellers from city centers to developing suburban communities. This was driven by the baby boom and the ideal of quiet neighborhoods, spacious yards, white picket fences, and room for a family. Along with this demographic shift came increasing rates of car ownership; long commutes became the norm. Today, a travel time of at least 15 minutes to schools, grocery stores, and activities is standard.
But, the era of unsustainable growth in suburbia is ending. 29% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to transportation in the U.S. and suburban dwellers are three times more GHG emissions than urbanites . Furthermore, intensifying impacts of climate change are influencing people’s lifestyle choices. The societal shift towards denser communities is driven not only by the desire for vibrant communities, but also land stewardship and an aging population. By 2050, 75-85% of suburban homes will not have children .Therefore, it is critical to reimagine our suburbs, particularly those of Northern Virginia (NOVA) which will have a population of three million by 2050 . With that pressure, will NOVA build up or out? Existing trends in retrofitting suburbia in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County, inform a 2050 projection of suburbia in NOVA. Resilient and attractive suburbs require reformed zoning codes, improved connectivity and micromobility, repurposed building complexes, and reconstruction of wetlands and green spaces.
In Northern Virginia, Arlington County has pioneered the construction of denser commercial and residential areas. It is America’s fourth-smallest county in terms of land size, but is home to 227 thousand people and over 40 million square feet of office space, which is more than that of downtown Denver and Dallas . Even though NOVA’s population has doubled since the 1970s, car traffic in the county has actually decreased. Beginning in the 60s and 70s, city council has played a major role in fighting federal roadway expansion projects and welcoming public transportation from D.C. First, the county prevented the federal government from expanding Interstate 66 through the middle of Rosslyn. Instead, they vouched for the present-day route along the edge of Arlington County and the Potomac River. Secondly, the county invested heavily in constructing a subway with seven metro stations beneath the heart of Arlington. Lastly, the city has encouraged high rise apartment buildings and townhomes, juxtaposing itself from Washington’s strict building height limits. The two square mile Rosslyn-Ballston corridor added over 15 million square feet of office space, and 15 thousand residential units from 1970-2000. This allowed for walkable and sustainable urban lifestyles to flourish, which has mitigated sprawl and the environmental impacts of auto-centric development . Furthermore, lower obesity levels, heart disease, and more organic social interaction can be directly attributed to this type of development. Proximity to shopping, entertainment, and shared green spaces improves physical and mental health. Arlington is a true success story in achieving a retrofitted suburb, where space is used efficiently and healthier modes of transportation are the norm. This is example is representative of a positive future projection of NOVA: densification and heavy public transportation where there is demand.
Many unused buildings in Northern Virginia have recently been refurbished and repurposed. The Inova Alexandria Hospital project in western Alexandria, VA was constructed on top of the demolished Landmark Mall. Alongside the hospital, the project features a mixed use, urban community with retail space, apartments, townhomes, and a regional bus transit station. Unlike the previous mall, this project features no surface parking lots and instead opts for a single parking garage and street parking. This project, which will be completed in 2028, shows how the future of NOVA suburbia will shift away from low density, single use, car-oriented zoning and towards compact, mixed use, transit-connected developments.
Projects known as “road diets” involve re-striping and adding concrete features to decrease the number of car lanes on busy roadways. Other road diet features include new bike lanes, widened sidewalks, curbs and medians at intersections. A typical four-lane road may be converted into a two-lane road, and the extra space is dedicated to a turning lane and bike throughways. One of the many examples in Northern Virginia is Soapstone Drive in Reston. "Dropping in" on Google Maps shows that the road in 2009 around the 2300 block followed a typical pre-road diet design: 4 lanes and parking. The same location today has the typical road diet design: two travel lanes, a turning lane, bike lanes in both directions, parking, and a new sidewalk. Ohlms, Dougald, and MacKnight (2020) performed an analysis of the efficacy of Virginia road diets, including Soapstone Drive, through the Virginia Transportation Research Council. They noted a 70% decrease in crashes while travel times remain the same. 47% of survey respondents indicate they cycle more on Soapstone Drive, and 69% perceive the road to be safer than before. Given the prevalence of road diets in NOVA, their technical success, and their popularity with locals, more of these projects will likely be built by 2050.
Electric vehicle (EV) popularity has soared recently in light of the climate crisis. In such a car-centric place like NOVA, there is growing demand for more EV charging infrastructure. In 2020, the Virginia legislature passed a “right-to-charge” law, ensuring that homeowner/condominium associations cannot restrict a resident from installing EV charging stations on property owned by a resident. Furthermore, in 2021 the VA legislature passed a “Clean Car” law mandating that all new vehicles sold must be electric by 2035. Currently, there are ~1300 charging stations in the state, and the total number has increased 75% since 2020. There is increased demand for EV infrastructure to support the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. Rep. Adele McClure, D-Arlington, oversees the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation to oversee the design standards and requirements to safely bring charging capabilities into new housing developments. McClure questioned constituents to learn where they most would most like to see new infrastructure built. Common answers were nearby places of work, study, public parking lots, and proximity to major roads. “I started thinking about ways where we can ensure that there are more charging stations, especially when it comes to new [home] builds,” said McClure, and she emphasized the need to develop “easy-ready and EV-capable residential communities.” Local and state legislation are tools to shape the evolution of NOVA’s infrastructure to create an easy transition to EV usage. The positive trend of EV use and the support from the government suggest that NOVA in 2050 will have hassle-free EV ownership and therefore more transportation options for all.
In March 2023, updates and declarations for zoning reform were issued by the Virginia Supreme Court and various counties. The Arlington County Board voted unanimously to allow multifamily structures (up to six units) in neighborhoods that were previously designated as R-20, 10, 10T, 8, 6, and 5 (single-family, detached homes). They also expanded the maximum lot coverage and varied parking requirements based on transit proximity . In Fairfax County, the Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (zMOD) aims to correct inconsistencies in codes and promote user engagement by making zoning information more accessible . Fairfax County adopted the zMOD initiative in 2021, but the Virginia Supreme Court overturned it in March 2023 due to insufficient improvements in zoning functionality. That said, both Arlington's zoning reform and the zMOD project in Fairfax County exemplify a surge in civilian involvement concerning zoning codes. They reflect a trend towards the densification of residential properties and inform a 2050 projection of Northern Virginia’s zoning reform.
The County of Fairfax has published a Communitywide Strategic Housing Plan to respond to growing housing needs. It was initiated five years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the growing pressure on the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) to supply affordable housing. The pandemic has resulted in the rapid urbanization of Virginia suburbs and urban centers. This is true for towns and cities outside of NOVA as well. Hamilton Lombard, a demographics research specialist with the University of Virginia, says “Even the tiny town of Covington has stronger demographics than its rural neighboring areas. We see the same trend everywhere – in Harrisonburg versus Rockingham County, stronger growth in Charlottesville than Albemarle”. The FCRHA has responded to this demand by identifying underutilized parcels in the county’s possession that can be transformed into affordable housing. In 2020, the County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to retrofit the Fair Oaks Mall, building 2,000 housing units and converting parking lots to street grids, shops, restaurants, and office space. Furthermore, right across I66 is the Fairfax County Government Center, where over 800,000 square feet of parking is unused. This lot is also being considered for the construction of affordable housing units. As District Supervisor James Walkinshaw states, “I was always astounded by the thousands and thousands of parking spaces at the government center. In the past there was a sense it was useful to have that vast surface parking that was never full, but if we’re serious about our affordable housing agenda, then we have to start in our own front yard”. Existing affordable housing units, Residences at Government Center, are highlighted in red in Figure 1. Given that the Fair Oaks Mall retrofit plan includes a pedestrian bridge across I66, this entire area has the potential to become a dense, urban hub at an affordable price for residents. Additionally, FCRHA’s focus on identifying underutilized parking lots for infill projects shows the northern Virginia county’s initiative for a denser, more urban 2050.
Solutions to retrofitting suburbia extend beyond urban contexts. Restoring natural environments is a crucial component of improving suburbs. As vast swaths of land were developed in the mid-twentieth century, wetlands and green spaces were paved over for parking lots and buildings. This trend has left suburbs more vulnerable to flooding amid intensified storm events. In the late 1980s in Fairfax County, VA, Huntley Meadows Park wetlands suffered from silt pollution due to encroaching suburban expansion and construction . Consequently, the draining of these wetlands drove away beavers and their dams, resulting in a drop in water levels. This aridification enabled invasive plant species to further disrupt the ecological balance. In 2013, beavers returned after a restoration project aimed at regulating water levels was completed. Now, the wetland has been transformed into a recreational area and an effective stormwater management system. This success story underscores the potential for suburban revitalization by integrating nature-centric solutions in these communities and shows the potential for similar projects by 2050.
Critics of the trends exemplified by these case studies fear a change in their lifestyle. Many people want to live in a cul-de-sac and drive everywhere. When activists promote a dense, multimodal future, suburbanites envision their neighborhoods becoming targets for teardowns. The reality is that million-dollar homes in NOVA will not be torn down. Instead, zoning reforms will permit the construction of secondary housing units and voluntary densification on properties that were previously designated for single-family detached homes. This presents a revenue opportunity for current suburban residents and private developers. Underutilized sites and transportation features will be revitalized, and NOVA residents will have more mobility choices than driving.
There are some roadblocks to achieving these goals and vision for suburban redevelopment. Zoning and legislative reforms require persuading residents, property owners, and municipal and federal government leaders. Redeveloping abandoned infrastructure requires landowners that are willing to sell their properties. Repurposing mall spaces requires owners to accept changes to the layout and uses of their malls. There is a need for strong grassroots organizing and civic leadership in order to lead the charge on these matters, and to overcome institutional roadblocks. Lastly, redevelopment requires property owners to be risk tolerant.
Like all civil and urban planning matters, satisfying all stakeholders is challenging. But regardless, there is a strong imperative for revitalizing such regions. Case studies in Northern Virginia unveil strategies for densifying sprawl. Examining these approaches illustrates NOVA’s evolution by 2050 as an ecologically balanced, denser, and better connected region. New zoning amendments enable the development of multifamily residences and mixed-use complexes, while limiting parking space in areas with access to high-quality public transit. Increased investment in rail and shared mobility by VDOT and transportation authorities will reduce car dependence. Dieting roadways will improve safety for all users. Moreover, extensive trail networks among cul-de-sacs and meandering streets combined with localized urban centers can improve micromobility. Underused office spaces, parking lots, and malls can be transformed into vibrant, functional urban hubs. Challenges like the heat island effect and severe storms require natural revitalization, converting paved areas into green spaces and wetlands. The current policies and construction projects in NOVA show the trajectory of the region’s built environment and transportation and offer a vision of retrofitting suburbia by 2050. | 3,168 |
IB/Group 3/Geography. Introduction.
Welcome to the IB Geography Wikibook. Here, you can see the different topics (Paper 1, 2 and 3) as well as the optional themes. | 52 |
The Linux Kernel/Debugging. Performance.
There are many factors that can affect the performance of the Linux kernel, including hardware configurations, software configurations, and workload characteristics.
In this context, performance optimization of the Linux kernel involves identifying and addressing performance in the system.
This can involve tuning kernel parameters, optimizing system resources, and identifying and fixing bugs and other issues that may be impacting performance.
Given the complexity of the Linux kernel and the wide range of factors that can affect performance, performance optimization can be a challenging task.
However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to significantly improve the performance and reliability of Linux-based systems.
Perf_events.
, short for performance events, is a powerful interface that provides detailed insights into the performance characteristics of software running on a system.
By analyzing the data collected by perf_events, developers can identify performance bottlenecks and optimize software to improve performance and reduce resource utilization.
Perf_events is designed to be a lightweight, low-overhead monitoring solution that has minimal impact on system performance.
🔧 TODO
⚲ Interfaces
⚙️ Internals
📖 References
📚 Further reading
🛠️ Utilities
📚 Further reading
User space debug interfaces.
⚲ Interfaces
⚙️ Internals
📚 References
Tracing and logging.
⚲ API:
User-space interface:
Most common functions
⚙️ Internals
📚 References:
🔧 TODO. 🚀 advanced features
kgdb and kdb.
⚲ Interfaces
⚙️ Internals
📚 References
⚲ API:
📖 References
📚 Further reading
Watchdogs.
../Softdog Driver
– network device watchdog
The NMI watchdog lockup detectors:
⚲ API
👁️ Example
Provoke NMI watchdog without panic:
echo 0 > /proc/sys/kernel/hardlockup_panic
insmod test_lockup.ko disable_irq=1 time_secs=13
⚙️ Internals
📚 References
<hr>
📖 References for debugging
📚 Further reading | 531 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Jan Voelkel. Belief Change Megastudy (Jan Voelkel et al. 2023).
The paper presents a comprehensive analysis based on a large-scale study (n=32,059) exploring strategies to reduce partisan animosity and anti-democratic attitudes in the United States.
Key Findings
Psychological Dimensions of Political Attitudes
Characteristics of Effective Interventions
Broader Applications
These insights provide valuable approaches for addressing the growing partisan divide and threats to democratic principles in America.
Implications.
The findings from the "Megastudy identifying effective interventions to strengthen Americans’ democratic attitudes" offer profound implications for the logistics, utility, and impact of chatbots in fostering intelligent social action:
In summary, the insights from the megastudy offer valuable guidance for the development of chatbots as tools for social change. By leveraging NLU and LLM capabilities, chatbots can be powerful allies in reducing partisan animosity, correcting misperceptions, and fostering a more empathetic and informed society. | 243 |
Chatbots For Social Change/Jan Voelkel/thoughts. = Language Model Simulations for Understanding Belief Systems =
Language models (LMs), particularly advanced systems like ChatGPT, have the potential to simulate human-like conversations and argumentation. Recent research, such as that by Ashwini Ashokkumar, suggests that simulated interventions can impact these models similarly to humans, albeit with reduced variance. This concept can be extended to simulate complex argumentation processes to understand and potentially influence belief systems.
The ability to find factual and convincing evidence is exactly what's needed to build consensus, and to amplify convincing disagreements, no matter how small the population is who is dissenting. The chatbot can mediate by always assessing the extent to which it itself is convinced (or can not be dissuaded).
Concept Overview.
The idea is to use LMs to simulate the interactions between different viewpoints or belief systems, akin to how AlphaGo improves at the game of Go by playing against itself. This involves the LM arguing from the perspective of a given person, critiquing and analyzing the resources presented by another, and then assessing whether and how its 'mind' is changed.
In this envisioned framework, the LLM would take on the role of different individuals, each with their unique set of beliefs, knowledge, and experiences. It would engage in discussions, critically analyzing and responding to the resources and arguments presented by another person or another simulated persona within the LLM. The key aspect of this interaction is the LLM's ability to argue and critique in good faith, mirroring the complexities of human belief systems and thought processes.
The process involves measuring whether and how the LLM changes its stance based on the arguments presented. This measurement isn't just about tracking shifts in opinion but understanding the underlying reasons for such shifts. What kind of evidence or reasoning does it find compelling? How does it balance conflicting pieces of information? The LLM, in this case, serves as a barometer for the strength and persuasiveness of arguments.
One critical application of this concept is in building consensus and amplifying convincing disagreements, especially within small or marginalized populations. By simulating a diverse range of perspectives and arguments, the LLM can identify which points are most likely to resonate across different belief systems. This approach can highlight common grounds and areas of agreement that might be less apparent in standard discussions.
Furthermore, the chatbot can act as a mediator, continually assessing the extent to which it is convinced by the arguments presented. This continuous evaluation helps in identifying biases, fallacies, or strong points in the arguments. The LLM’s mediation isn't about taking sides but about understanding the effectiveness of different arguments and the dynamics of belief change.
Applications.
The potential applications of this technology are broad, including:
Ethical Considerations.
While the concept is promising, it also raises significant ethical questions regarding manipulation, privacy, and the potential misuse of such technology. Ensuring responsible use is paramount.
Future Directions.
Further research is needed to enhance the capabilities of LMs in this domain, especially in terms of accurately simulating individual belief systems and ensuring ethical application of this technology. | 708 |
Algebra/Chapter 3/Inverses. Numbers have two inverses: additive inverses, or opposites, and multiplicative inverses, or reciprocals. All real numbers besides 0 have both of these inverses.
Additive Inverses.
The additive inverse of a number is such that a number added to its additive inverse is zero. It is also called an opposite. To find a number's additive inverse, find if the number is positive, negative, or neither. If a number "n" is positive, then its additive inverse is "-n". Likewise, the additive inverse of "-n" is "n." 0 is the additive inverse of itself.
Multiplicative Inverses.
The multiplicative inverse of a number is such that a number multiplied by its multiplicative inverse is 1; that is, unity. It is also called a reciprocal. The multiplicative inverse of a number "n" is 1/n. To find a number's multiplicative inverse you may also write it as a fraction and reverse its numerator and denominator; recall that any number divided by 1 is itself. 0 has no multiplicative inverse; it would be 1/0, but numbers can not be divided by zero. | 287 |
Bikol/Alphabet. Bikol is written using the 28 Filipino Alphabet.
The language uses the following letters:
Below is a table of the modern Bikol alphabet. | 45 |
Bikol/Greetings. In this lesson you will learn to greet anyone with the appropriate level of formality.
The level of formality for many sentences, including greetings, is more complex than in English. But we will see here that it is quite easy to show respect or sound formal.
The first word to know is marhay, "good". Then you need the word describing the time of day:
aga "morning", udto "noon", hapon "afternoon", banggi "night",
If you want to be formal and respectful to elderly, you need the word tabi and the following construction then applies:
Marhay na hapon tabi "Good afternoon, sir" or "Good afternoon, madam" showing respect for an older person.
The na simply links "good" with "afternoon" and is a compulsory link word. You can also add the word "Dios" before the greetings.
Dios marhay na hapon tabi "Good morning, sir" or "Good morning, madam" showing respect for an older person.
Another frequently used phrase is Kumusta which means both "Hello", and "How are you?". It is borrowed from the Spanish "Como esta?" which means exactly "How are you?". You can also say, tara instead of saying "kumusta".
Examples | 302 |
Bikol/Numbers. Cardinal numbers.
There exist two numerals in Bikol. The native Bikol and the Spanish numerals. Generally, Bicolanos use the Spanish terms if they are talking about time. You will, however, see the native terms if you would read literary books. If you are going on a shopping, prices are given in Spanish (or English) numerals.
Bikol has distinct words for numbers ranging from 0-10, as shown above. To form numbers within the range of 11 and 19, the prefix "kag-" is added to the number separated by a dash (or not in some cases), as also shown above.
Numbers above 19 whose digit ends with zero use the base number (0-9) and add the suffix "-mpulo" if the base number ends in a vowel, as shown in these examples:
If the ending letter of the base number ends with the letter "o", the letter is changed to "u" before adding the suffix "-mpulo", as shown in these examples:
If the ending letter of the base number is a consonant, the ligature "na" is added and the "m" from the suffix "-mpulo" is dropped, incorporating "na" into the suffix. However, it is still spelled as one word, as shown in these examples:
Numbers above 20 whose ending digit is a digit other than zero use the base form of the number but attach a contracted form of "may", the Bikol word for "with", and are separated by a space, as shown in these examples:
When numbers reach the hundreds range, the number is modified by dropping the last letter and adding the suffix "-gatos", as shown in these examples:
For counting thousands, use the word "ribo", meaning "thousand".
For counting millions, use the word "milyon", meaning "million".
Ordinal numbers.
Except for the number 1, Bikol ordinals are made by adding the prefix "ika-" to the number in most cases, as shown in these examples:
The number 1 is a special case, as it is written as "enot".
For numbers ranging above ten, the "ika-" prefix is applied to the number in the same way that it is done regularly, as shown in these examples below:
Spanish numbers.
In certain situations, such as the numbering of buildings or places and financial transactions, Spanish numbers are used instead of the Bikol ones.
How to tell your age?
Pira na an edad mo? — How old are you?
dose anyos na ako — I'm twelve years old. | 589 |