The European Journal of Cultural Studies released a Cultural Commons special issue titled Brainrot, AI slop, and the enshittification of the Internet. From the abstract:
What we will suggest is that the terms brainrot, AI slop, and enshittification signal a new phase of digital capitalism—one emerging in the wake of generative AI’s widespread integration into the foundations of platform culture. These concepts, we argue, exemplify a further intensification of what has been described as ‘platform capitalism’ (Srnicek, 2016) or, more recently, ‘vibes’ capitalism (James, 2025), where attention, data, and affect are relentlessly mined for value.
Had a dream last night about driving through the Snowqualmie Pass in central Washington State. I remember it being very beautiful. Reminded me of a conference I went to in 2019. Look forward to visiting WA again someday soon.
Ever feel like the authour is trying to pick a fight with you, Dear Reader?
There are two words after a person says “Don’t worry…” which trigger the opposite response in me and those are “… I’m armed!”
(currently reading 2666 and this is how he ends a chapter. 😊)
This photo came up in my memories: a massive tapestry that took 1.5 years to complete and depicts 38 kinds of flowers. I wrote a bit about the Kyoto State Guest House a few years ago (with photos of its many modern treasures)
Just before my very last semester of uni I borrowed money to fly to Japan and rescue my long-distance relationship. Was supposed to be only 7 days. Patched things up (we married!) but then all airports shut down and I was stuck. Got a job at a local uni as a translator. 25 years ago today.
Immediately had to switch to Gnome. So I am now setup with Zen Browser, Bitwarden, Obsidian, Fastmail, all syncing. This is a good setup for my away missions into Z-Space. Just need to sort out the key bindings and I will feel productive.
I migrated from 1Password to BitWarden, installed Linux on my MacBook, then went for a walk in the forest around the lake with the fam. How is your Labour Day weekend going?
Wish I’d read this when it came out but tbh I don’t think I would have got it at the time. Can see why it was popular, but also why it was dismissed. Don’t usually read “cultural criticism” but was a fun lens to explore political philosophy
Made it to 100 pages of 893 in 2666 by Roberto Bolaño 📚
Wow, the detail, the sidebars, the swerves and yaw. I can see how this could be tiring, but so far loving it.
Surgery complete. Now officially a cyborg. (Unfortunately not a centaur)
Back on my archery shi 🏹
“building a generator of alternative energy”
Remember folks, this is what we are doing together.
