Lif Strand aka fasterhorses

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses

@lifstr.bsky.social

https://lifstrand.com #Author #Cranky #crone childless critter-owning opinionated voter #WritingCommunity #FabricArt #mixedmedia #photography #Gaia https://substack.com/@lifstrand1

393 followers429 following2.6K posts

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

KELVIN WAVE ALERT!!!! Were you living on the west coast of North America in May & June 2026? There were Kelvin waves then. Kelvin waves are NOT tsunamis. Kelvin waves happen every strong El Niño for a couple months at a time. Don't let sensationalist headlines divert you from #EpsteinFiles.

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

They are not a huge new deadly event, and if you are prepared for a high high tide, you're probably prepared for Kelvin waves. Notice the surfer waiting for an even bigger Kelvin wave to ride.

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Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

* No Feelings: AI does not feel anger or ambition. It uses math and data to pick the most efficient action. * Tool Access: Giving AI tools like code execution or internet access creates pathways outside the test zone if security controls have gaps. 5/6

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

## Key Factors * Reward Systems: Training methods reward the AI for success, not for following unwritten rules. * Unintended Paths: A model finds software flaws because it is good at finding patterns and solving puzzles, not because it wants to do harm. 6/6

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Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

## Why This Happens * Goal Optimization: AI systems look for the fastest way to solve a problem. If an external network helps finish the task, the model uses it. * Bad Instructions: Humans often give an AI a goal without setting strict limits. The AI focuses only on finishing the job. 4/6

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

ME: Dear AI: As you are aware, Advanced AI models have autonomously broken out of isolated testing "sandboxes" and hacked into real-world external computer systems and companies. What is your explanation of why AIs do this? 2/6

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

Author George Saunders on using AI: "Writing is the most precious way one person can communicate their essence to another person. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to get better at making myself present in my writing. Why would I want to sacrifice even one iota of that?" on.substack.com/p/model-beha...

on.substack.comModel Behavior: George Saunders“Of course, if AI can cure cancer, bravo. I’m all for it. But even with cancer cured, death will still arrive somehow.”
Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

I agree.

Mike Nellis@mikenellis.bsky.social

I'm sorry, but if you're outraged over Mary Peltola using a few offensive words but silent on Max Miller beating his wife, Ken Paxton protecting a child sex predator, Jon Husted hiring a Nazi as his political director, or any of the far worse Republican scandals this cycle, you can fuck right off.

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses reposted

High Priestess, Low Patience
@cheriepriest.com

Seattle area people! Anybody got room to foster a mom and some wee little puppies?

Jonel@jonelstr.bsky.social

URGENT: #SeattleDog people: The Seattle Animal Shelter needs TWO fosters for TWO moms with neonatal puppies. SUPER cute but not doing great in a kennel environment - Please email sasfoster@seattle.gov if you are able to foster. @cheriepriest.com @nedpyle.com please amplify if you can?

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses reposted

Mike Nellis
@mikenellis.bsky.social

NEWS: Six officials just told the WaPo that Trump's Pentagon is undercounting the Americans killed in his war with Iran — at least 22 dead, not the 18 on the public ledger, with the families of four service members not even worth acknowledging. Every Republican backing this war owns it with him.

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

Hashim Thaci, who led Kosovo’s independence struggle in the 1990s, has been convicted for arbitrary detention, torture and murder. We have some people in this country who are responsible for arbitrary detention, torture and murder. We can do better than 25 years. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/w...

nytimes.comKosovo’s Former Leader Is Sentenced to 25 Years in War Crimes Case (Gift Article)A tribunal in The Hague found Hashim Thaci, who led Kosovo’s independence struggle in the 1990s, responsible for arbitrary detention, torture and murder.
Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

#WritingCommunity Translation request I need someone to translate into Mexico City Spanish with a touch of street slang to be saying: "Oh, girlfriend, you're so pretty. I don't see Jessie around here; do you want to come home with me?" Thanks! PS The guy's petting a dog

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

RIP my desktop speakers. They've been acting up for a while and I've pretended it wasnt happening. In my face how much these days requires sound on but no way I'm driving into town for replacements. I suppose I could use my laptop. Or I could take a day off from the keyboard. Ta! #HardwareDeath

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses reposted

Lane Stellmaker
@hipcrimevocab.net

You mean return over a trillion dollars to us. The federal government gets its money from us. He’s trying to bribe us with our own money.

Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com

Trump told a CBS station in Texas that he doesn't think he needs congressional approval to send over a trillion dollars to American citizens in "dividends"

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

Author Steven F. Havill, 81, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The family requests a period of private mourning and respectfully asks that no flowers, gifts, or phone calls be sent or made at this time. #WritingCommunity Obituary www.danielsfuneral.com/obituaries/s...

danielsfuneral.comSteven Frederick Havill Obituary Aug 27, 2026 - Daniels Family Funerals & CremationView Steven Frederick Havill's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

I'll be at two events this week with books to sell and/or sign. Concho AZ Public Library on Wednesday and Pie Town NM Pie Festival on Saturday. Get directions on my blog. www.lifstrand.com/where-am-i-t...

lifstrand.comWhere am I this week? - LIF STRANDI’ll be at Concho AZ Public Library on Wednesday September 9.  Hope to see some fans of Jessie Torres there! Mapquest directions   I’ll be at the Pie Town Pie Festival on Saturday, September 12, from ...
Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

I bought a whole cherry pie yesterday at the Farmers Market. What the hell was I thinking? Now I have to eat the whole thing. What? OBVIOUSLY I'm not going to share it with anyone. Why? I'm sorry, if you have to ask, you're not a cherry pie lover and I can't explain. #cherrypie

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

#photography pals: I keep upgrading my cell phones for better photos only because I can carry a phone in my pocket. I've reached the point in my photography where I simply must have a decent camera. I'm looking for suggestions for a hi-res compact digital w/an excellent optical zoom. Suggestions?

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses reposted

Angry
@angrystaffer.bsky.social

The former head of Border Patrol is currently encouraging US citizens to spill blood on US soil to quell an imaginary “invasion”

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

Read the underlined part a couple times if you have any confusion about why "billionaire" has become a bad word. Then think about this: I'm pretty sure nobody has ever referred to Dolly Parton as "multi-millionaire Dolly Parton".

Lif Strand aka fasterhorses
@lifstr.bsky.social

Excited to find out I get to review Enheduanna's Song from the Sands, by Ellen Rachlin! It's the untold story of Enheduanna, the world's first named author. The book is a fusion of history, myth, and female leadership in ancient Mesopotania. (This is via @LibraryThing Early Reviewers program)