Mastodawn

@schwa Still “In Progress” plans.

NOTE: We used to backpack from hotel to hotel but nowadays my wife prefers we have a “home base” and stick somewhere 2+ nights when possible. That said, if you think we'll get bored anywhere, do let me know.

If you think I’m way off anywhere and/or have more suggestions, feel free to let me know.

Marco Ponton Mar 15

Hey @schwa , me again calling for your Japan insights (if I may). I plan to visit Hikone and Chikubu Island on a day trip from Kyoto. Do you suggest actually spending more time there? Also, any other region around Lake Biwa that you suggest? I’m also planning to spend 1 night at Himeji before going to Hiroshima, is it worth more time in your opinion? Do you think 3 nights in Hiroshima is reasonable? I’ve heard good and bad (too touristy) things on Hakone, any opinion?

Marco Ponton Feb 8

@schwa Hi Jon. My family is going to Japan for 5 weeks this summer. Do you have a top 5 things we should not miss? Also, do you still recommend using luggage forwarding services? If so, any company in particular you recommend? - Feel free to tell me to get a travel agent 😉 Just asking you because I know you’ve been there many times and love it. I’ve only been once 7 yrs ago for a week and wanted to return with the family since then.

Marco Ponton Jun 8, 2024

Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸Jun 6, 2024

What a moment.

The WWII Veteran is introduced to Canadian PM Trudeau, and Trudeau introduces President Zelensky.

The Veteran immediately takes off his hat and exclaims “You're the Saviour of the People!!”.

Zelensky says, “no no, you saved Europe”.

“My hero", the veteran says, “I'll pray for you”.

Zelensky seems humbled (as he should).

Two men, saving Europe from tyranny, death, and destruction, at opposite ends of a lifetime.
#DDay #WWII #Canada #RussiaUkraineWar
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6415407

Veteran calls Zelenskyy a 'saviour of the people' at D-Day event

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy kneeled to share a moment with a veteran at an event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with each man praising the other for their war efforts.

CBC

Marco Ponton Apr 18, 2024

Steve Troughton-Smith Apr 18, 2024

Here’s your AI astonishment/nightmare fuel for today:

"TL;DR: single portrait photo + speech audio = hyper-realistic talking face video with precise lip-audio sync, lifelike facial behavior, and naturalistic head movements, generated in real time.”

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/vasa-1/