Computers are increasingly taking on the role of a creator—making content for games, participating on twitter, generating paintings and sculptures. These computationally creative systems embody formal models of both the product they are creating and the process they follow. Like that of their human counterparts, the work of algorithmic artists is open to criticism and interpretation, but such analysis requires a framework for discussing the politics embedded in procedural systems. In this talk, I will examine the politics that are (typically implicitly) represented in computational models for creativity, and discuss the possibility for incorporating feminist perspectives into their underlying algorithmic design.
This document summarizes different procedural content generation (PCG) methods and approaches, including their strengths and weaknesses. It discusses constructive methods, constraint-based systems, optimization techniques, and grammars. For each method, it provides examples and discusses the "power and peril" - the strengths but also challenges to address. The document concludes with practical advice on choosing a PCG approach based on factors like desired player interaction, control level, and speed needs. It also discusses tools that use PCG to aid designers in a mixed-initiative process.
This talk from Different Games 2015 was part of a panel presentation along with Amanda Phillips, Tanya Short, and Michael Cook. The panel prompt was: "can computers be feminists?" In this talk, I argue that computers cannot be feminists because artificial intelligence lacks empathy, but that as designers we have a responsibility to ensure that the algorithms we create are imbued with the knowledge required to behave as though they are feminists.
This talk was given as part of an invited panel on the topic of "Gender Play" at Extending Play 2015. In it, I discuss the politics of procedures. It is based on a talk I had given earlier in the year at Different Games.
understanding our past to improve our futureGillian Smith
This talk was given at the symposium on procedural content generation at ITU Copenhagen, November 2014. It outlines the major motivations for doing research in PCG, identifies historical trends, and asks questions about where we are going next.
Computers are increasingly taking on the role of a creator—making content for games, participating on twitter, generating paintings and sculptures. These computationally creative systems embody formal models of both the product they are creating and the process they follow. Like that of their human counterparts, the work of algorithmic artists is open to criticism and interpretation, but such analysis requires a framework for discussing the politics embedded in procedural systems. In this talk, I will examine the politics that are (typically implicitly) represented in computational models for creativity, and discuss the possibility for incorporating feminist perspectives into their underlying algorithmic design.
This document summarizes different procedural content generation (PCG) methods and approaches, including their strengths and weaknesses. It discusses constructive methods, constraint-based systems, optimization techniques, and grammars. For each method, it provides examples and discusses the "power and peril" - the strengths but also challenges to address. The document concludes with practical advice on choosing a PCG approach based on factors like desired player interaction, control level, and speed needs. It also discusses tools that use PCG to aid designers in a mixed-initiative process.
This talk from Different Games 2015 was part of a panel presentation along with Amanda Phillips, Tanya Short, and Michael Cook. The panel prompt was: "can computers be feminists?" In this talk, I argue that computers cannot be feminists because artificial intelligence lacks empathy, but that as designers we have a responsibility to ensure that the algorithms we create are imbued with the knowledge required to behave as though they are feminists.
This talk was given as part of an invited panel on the topic of "Gender Play" at Extending Play 2015. In it, I discuss the politics of procedures. It is based on a talk I had given earlier in the year at Different Games.
understanding our past to improve our futureGillian Smith
This talk was given at the symposium on procedural content generation at ITU Copenhagen, November 2014. It outlines the major motivations for doing research in PCG, identifies historical trends, and asks questions about where we are going next.
Caitlin E. Filteau is a hard working, detail oriented professional with experience in food and beverage management and culinary nutrition. She has over 10 years of experience in roles such as Assistant Instructor/Restaurant Manager at Salem NH High School, Lead Baker at Aramark UMass Lowell, Purchasing Manager at The Emerald Rose Restaurant, and Banquet Manager/Restaurant Manager at Wolfeboro Inn. She holds an Associate's in Culinary from Johnson and Wales University, a Bachelor's in Nutrition from Johnson and Wales University, and a Master's in Management from Sullivan University.
make something that makes something (that isn't a game)Gillian Smith
This talk from the 2014 procedural content generation game jam advocates for participants to think more broadly about the consequences of what they will make and encourages wild experimentation, to help us move to the future of procedural content generation.
This talk was given at the Education Summit at the 2015 Game Developers Conference. In it, Jane Pinckard and I advocate for treating issues of diversity and inclusion throughout a game curriculum, rather than in a single dedicated course. We offer strategies that have worked in our own courses for introducing and discussing these complex issues.
Caitlin E. Filteau is a hard working, detail oriented professional with experience in food and beverage management and culinary nutrition. She has over 10 years of experience in roles such as Assistant Instructor/Restaurant Manager at Salem NH High School, Lead Baker at Aramark UMass Lowell, Purchasing Manager at The Emerald Rose Restaurant, and Banquet Manager/Restaurant Manager at Wolfeboro Inn. She holds an Associate's in Culinary from Johnson and Wales University, a Bachelor's in Nutrition from Johnson and Wales University, and a Master's in Management from Sullivan University.
make something that makes something (that isn't a game)Gillian Smith
This talk from the 2014 procedural content generation game jam advocates for participants to think more broadly about the consequences of what they will make and encourages wild experimentation, to help us move to the future of procedural content generation.
This talk was given at the Education Summit at the 2015 Game Developers Conference. In it, Jane Pinckard and I advocate for treating issues of diversity and inclusion throughout a game curriculum, rather than in a single dedicated course. We offer strategies that have worked in our own courses for introducing and discussing these complex issues.
1. Baffled By Plumbing Issues? Get Assist Here!
Most people are unaware that plumbing is something that just about anybody can do. It can be a
daunting idea at first, but after you learn the basics, it can actually be pretty easy. Use this article as
a guide to help you with any plumbing issues that might come up.
If your pipes make squeaking and hammering noises, it may be very simple to fix. Anchoring exposed
pipes will decrease the amount of noise your plumbing system makes. You are going to need a
professional if the pipes will be located in the ceiling, walls, or the floors.
Don't pay a plumber midway through the job. You might have to give them a deposit, but do not give
them the entire sum of money until you are sure they have done a good job. It is a good thing to
know the plumber did his job as he agreed to before he get's all of his money.
When starting a plumbing project that is due to loud noises in your pipes empty the pipes first. This
can be an easy fix to an other wise wasted huge job. Just close the main water line and open the
facets throughout the house. After the water has stopped flowing turn the water on from the main
source and check to see if the noise is eliminated.
Make sure overflow holes are cleaned out. This can help to prevent any water damage. Overflow
holes are a way to stop water from overflowing if a sink is left on by accident. If the overflow hole is
clogged it will not be able to do its job.
It is important to run your faucet with cold water whenever you run your garbage disposal. The cold
water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. When
you use hot water, any grease that is in the garbage will melt and be more prone to stopping up your
drain.
At least once a year remove the faucet aerator and clean the screens. This helps it properly function.
The function of a faucet aerator is to allow for an even flow of water and to conserve water. Be sure
to clean out the aerator http://www.angieslist.com/plumbing/ and you'll notice a these things
working.
Before you can fix a toilet that does not flush properly, it is important that you find out what is
causing the problem. Depending on what the problem is, you may be able to fix it yourself. However,
more complicated toilet flushing problems may require the services of a plumber.
2. To get the best possible price from a plumber, shop around and keep notes. When you get a price
quote from the first plumber you call, you can subtly mention that price to the second and see if they
will beat it. If you keep doing this down a list, you can drive down the price considerably.
You should drain all of the water out of the tank of your hot water heater at least once every three to
six months. Draining all of the water out of the tank helps to prevent sediment build-up at the
bottom of the tank. This sediment can cause the tank to bang or to heat less efficiently.
To be able to get a http://mikelatterson.tumblr.com/ good plumber you can be comfortable with,
remember which of your friends are actual home owners and not renting. At some point, every home
owner has had to call in a plumber. They can give you a good personal reference they had a positive
experience with.
Use a foaming root killer, twice yearly, to remove tree roots that can bring your drains to a
standstill. Foaming products fill the entire pipe with chemicals, killing roots that grow from the top
of the pipe as well as the part that water flows through. They are more effective than regular root
killers for this reason.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, put lemons down
your disposal. Although the lemon smell will give
your disposal a great smell, its acid can corrode
the metal parts in it. Instead, use products that are
made specifically for this use. You can purchase
these products at most hardware stores or
wherever cleaning products are sold.
Everyone in your home should know where the
main water shut off valve is. By knowing where to
find this valve, you'll be able to shut off the water
in the event a pipe bursts, a bathtub or toilet
overflows or any other emergency that requires you to turn off the water.
When getting plumbing quotes for your home, make sure you receive them in writing. Your quote
should have the material and labor costs so that both parties know what to expect from the job. If
you do not get it in writing, when the job starts, you have nothing to fall back on.
As tempting as it may be to try and save on the heating bill, keep your furnace set no lower than 55
degrees over the winter to prevent inside pipes from freezing. If you have pipes located in an
excessively cold basement, consider running a space heater in the basement, but only when it can be
checked on frequently.
If you are the kind of person who likes to listen to music when you work, then you should be sure to
avoid using headphones. A radio is a much smarter choice, as it will allow you to hear the music you
want, without distracting you from hearing important sounds.
To lessen the amount of hair going into your home plumbing, thoroughly brush hair and use a body
brush to remove loose body hair before entering the shower or bath. If it's been a while since you
have shaved your legs or face, use an electric razor to remove the longer hair, before shaving in the
sink or shower.
Plumbing is something that can be done as a hobby, or as a way to make some extra money. If you
feel that your skills have progressed a good deal, then you could consider using it is as a way to
supplement your primary income by helping out neighbors and co-workers.
Plumbing problems aren't so tough to deal with when you have knowledge of how to fix basic
plumbing problems. Next time you're thinking of calling an expensive plumber, pull up this article
instead and see if you can fix the problem yourself with the tips you've read here today.