Object permanence is technically an axiom. The idea that things exist even when we aren't observing them.

There's also a problem with terms, particularly related to quantum mechanics. It uses the term observer. To a layman, that's a person watching. To a scientist its any collection of atoms/fundamental particles that can cause the quantum waveform to collapse.

The results of the axiom are that things do exist when we are not observing them. Our observations don't back propagate to retroactively bring them into existence. We can't prove that however, though it's fundamental to a lot of science making sense (quantum mechanics being the oddball).

One of the goals is to minimise them. Most of those left are blindingly obvious, but unprovable. They are technically there, but just part of the base assumptions of the models.

E.g. we couldn't do science if an all powerful being was deliberately messing with our results. We also can't prove the universe isn't a computer program, only rendering what a "conscious" entity is looking at, while back calculating the required history on the fly.

Not quite what you're asking but...

Before my wedding, I discovered vitamin string quartet. They do a lot of instrumental covers of various famous songs. It was wonderful watching people do a double take as they suddenly recognised a song in the background. The star wars and star trek covers got the most reactions from the guys. Mr Bright side got a lot of double takes from the ladies.

Oh and we walked back down the aisle to "Love will tear us apart".

Same here. It took me years to start undoing the maladaptations it caused.

The best method I've found is to externalise the hate, not internalise. E.g. I don't get annoyed at myself for not doing the washing up. I let myself get annoyed at the washing up itself. It still motivates, but doesn't do the corrosive mental damage internalising it does.

It's read by multiple fans, doing a chapter each. It's been years since I listened to it however, so the details are now quite hazy.

The web serial Worm (Parahumans) has an excellent take on this.

The unwritten rules. Heros have to limit property damage, and not go lethal unless absolutely required. Villains, in turn, don't go lethal on heros or civilians.

Both groups also respect each other's secret identities, unless they out themselves. Heros because villains can get nasty if backed into a corner too badly. Villains because going after a cape's family is a good way to get a kill order, and a heavy hitter involved.

In story there are also world ending threats. When one turns up, villains that are willing to help are out of bounds for retaliation. If they are willing to help, they are treated like any other cape.

End result, all the weird rules of heros and villains suddenly make logical sense. No-one wants to break the status quo.

It also leads to some funny encounters out of costume, or with new costumes.

The interesting thing is that he kept the letters.

I would get that he quite likely had good copper. It was possibly a collection of letters from people trying to scam/shake down him. Next time they order, they can wave the letter in their face when he said no to them.

That's the correct one.

There's also an audiobook version. Though it's fan read, so a bit less consistent than most listeners would expect.

It's a dark gritty type sorry, before that became fashionable, with a lot of world building and explanation. You either love it or just can't get into it.

In-story it's the difference between a family bickering and fighting, Vs them suddenly fending off the text chain saw massacre.

European budget airlines split it in 3. Checked luggage (in the hold), Cabin bag (in the overhead locker) and personal bag (under the seat, with your legs). Everything other than personal is charged for. They also make it difficult it just get the bag, not a whole package.

It's gotten to the point it's pissed off the EU and they are cracking down on it

It depends if it was a discussion or an argument.

A discussion is a search for a common truth/understanding. Both parties need to be willing to adjust their views if the other person has a good point.

An argument is generally when you know you are right. Often it's intended for the attention of those watching/listening. You're not trying to convince the other person, but those who would otherwise listen to them.

Arguments with only the other person present are quite pointless.

As for your question. If it were a discussion, I would go back to them to see what they make of the evidence.

If it's an argument, let it lie, unless they start spouting it to others in your presence. Then it's down to you to counter them or not.

FYI, back in my uni days, a friend and I would clear the house with our "heated arguments" (atheist Vs devout Christian). When the rest of the house commented on this, we just both looked at each other in confusion. We had both been discussing and learning from each other. It might have gotten loud, but it never turned into an argument!

It takes the author a while to find their groove and start establishing the storylines, rather than just the world building. I understand what you mean though. I think a lot of people like it for the world building aspects rather than the writing style.

I can't remember how it breaks down chapter wise, but If you made it to the first endbringer fight, and don't like it, it's not your style.

More than a few women have found that out the hard way, a month or so after Halloween!

I fully understand you on that. As a society, we SHOULD, be better than that. At the same time we are forced to operate at the level of the lowest common denominator. The reason truthfulness and honor matter to us, is that we know where it goes when it fails. When our opponents both abandon those, and have too much sway to be ignored, we must operate on their level.

We shouldn't take too much enjoyment from it, but it needs to be done. The British veneer of civility has always been that, a veneer. It's a mutual agreement to keep things from getting nasty. The hard right has very much broken that agreement already. They need to be reminded why the agreement has held for so long.

It's a weird sensation. It's like part of your own soul is now outside your body, and you can't abandon it. It's no longer entirely your choice to make.

It's scary that that out is gone. It also gives me a lot of strength. In the words of Homer Simpson "Do it for her". If I can't do it for myself, tough shit, I'm no longer on easy mode, I need to make it work for her, no matter what it takes.

Steam have an impressive reputation of not trying to just bend their customers over and screw them over raw. Them remembering not only lube, but to wine and dine us first also helps.

You still get screwed (for your money) but it's a far more pleasant experience.

For the UK anything over 30 is extreme heat.

The fact we have been getting more and more of them is the reason it's started to be seen as "normal".

I've just been looking at a graph of historical peak summer temperatures. In the 70s the peak was 35.9°C, with a majority being below 30°C. Back then 30°C was extremely hot.

A lot of homes were already standing back then, with most modern homes built on the same ethos.

The worst thing is, the format needed for data centres isn't compatible with home use. A lot of the ram and SSDs will just be scrapped.

Some advice.

Firstly, the night before, get as much of the heat out of your home as you can, for as long as you can. Bricks have a lot of thermal mass. They take a while to cool down, but also to heat back up. If you can, open an upper most window, and a lower window or door. It creates a chimney effect that pulls the hot air up and out.

Once the temperature starts to rise, close up your home! You want to keep the hot air out, and the cool air in.

I would also recommend getting some super foil insulation. It's like a stiff, metallic bubble wrap. Put it in your sun facing windows and it will keep the heat out amazingly. I brought some suction cups with a wing nut on the other side. They make mounting and removing it a lot easier.

Lastly, lower the humidity. The humidity turns warm into brain melting. It stops your sweat from being as effective. Don't use an electric dehumidifier, since they put out heat. The single use ones are more effective. At least for a small room. The lower humidity will make it a lot more comfortable.

For comparison, working in the middle east, I could keep working through a 45°C mid day. In the UK I start to have issues closer to 25°C. The main difference was humidity.

These bits can also help make a portable Aircon unit a LOT more effective. During the 40°C+ heatwave the other year, I needed it for only 1 hour in the afternoon to keep the temperature comfortable for me and my dog.