Category Archives: Transhuman

Transhuman @ Falmouth Rugby Club (18/05/2013)
Part of Transhuman #39;s set in Falmouth. :3.

By: xADevilForMex

Read more:
Transhuman @ Falmouth Rugby Club (18/05/2013) - Video

Postgenderism - The Genetic Singularity - posthuman/transhuman 1
posthuman/transhuman mirror from Aaron franz https://www.youtube.com/user/ADDTV?feature=

By: Ondertube2013

Original post:
Postgenderism - The Genetic Singularity - posthuman/transhuman 1 - Video

Postgenderism - The Genetic Singularity - posthuman/transhuman 2
Postgenderism.

By: Ondertube2013

Go here to read the rest:
Postgenderism - The Genetic Singularity - posthuman/transhuman 2 - Video

I am still of the belief that two of the most important conversations we can have with regards to the future of humanity and of sentient life in general are (a) how the transition to transhumanism could / should take place, and (b) where we would like this transition to inevitably leave us. This short work will have to do with the latter and its emphasis will be a transhuman future ideal state that exemplifies the notion of freedom.

Ill begin with identifying what freedom means, why it might be desirable (and why it might not be), and how it might be ideally attained in a technologically advanced future.

Freedom can be defined (www.meriam-webster.com) as the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.

As human beings, a sense of autonomy and self-possession is essential to our well-being. It is a constituent of fulfillment based on the nature that we have been granted. We should not suppose, however, that it is inherently good in and of itself, though as humans this inkling of freedom = good is easy to make, as most all of us want it, and want more of it.

It might be possible, for example, for a species to have evolved with a desire to be directed externally, to be constrained in certain ways and so gain a sense of safety and order. These inklings also exist within us as humans, and it might be supposed that if these were more prominent than our drive for freedom, we might not have any noticeably less fulfilling lives (again, assuming that this drive for safety and order was more fulfilling and prominent than that for freedom and autonomy).

However, freedom and autonomy likely served a very important role in our development as a species, and continue to play a role in our transition beyond biological intelligence. We seek expansion, betterment, exploration, and for this reason we see the societies, cultures, and technological advancements of the day. We seek to gain more of what we want, and to have our own wants and pursue them.

Before delving into the epitome of freedom as a transhuman idea to be striven for, I aught address that freedom may not necessarily be good in and of itself (or only in certain contexts). Our human brains associate autonomy and freedom with fulfillment and well-being, but this is no innate requirement of sentient beings. We associate dignity with freedom, but this association may matter little outside of our notions and perspectives as humans.

However, freedom does seem to have taken us to where we are today, and we can assume that it could serve a utility in our explorations of consciousness / sentient potential (and so the future of sentient beings). Hence, it may prove useful as a transhuman ideal as it is not stagnant, and may reveal more and greater levels of potential modes of existence. If our transhuman future aims not only for proliferation of the good life for conscious beings (whatever that ends up meaning [let us hope it implied well-being]), but also for continued progress in exploring the possibilities of conscious experience, then the epitome of freedom may be a model of a transhuman future that we find desirable.

If all (originally) human consciousness were to be put in a state of relatively unthinking super-bliss, our subjective quality of life might skyrocket beyond all imagination but we as previously human consciousness would not be contributing to the furthering of our own potential, or the discovery of further possibilities of capability of well-being. In a situation of unbridled freedom, human consciousness might not only control and enjoy experience, but might vigilantly find new possibilities which all sentient beings could learn from and gain from. If there was an established method for these new discoveries to be shared or proliferated (either between conscious entities or through the medium of some super-intelligence), then each free entity even if in its own virtual world might gain and discover new experiences / capacities / ways of being that all other intelligent life could learn from or draw from.

Given the potential of future technologies, certainty is the last thing we have with regards to what the world might look like, but we might paint a picture as many fiction writers and futurists have aptly done, in order to explore how the expression of different ideals might look and feel in the future.

Read more:
Transhuman Possibilities and the “Epitome of Freedom” | Sentient ...

Two bits related to transhumanism that recently came across my email/newsfeed...

New brain implants are being developed that will enhance memory. Of course the CNN article I found this in is quick to point out the similarities between the microchip implants and Gibson's "Johnny Mnemonic," looking into the far (perhaps not too far) future where everyone might carry vast sums of information in their heads and be able to recall it with perfect lucidity. These pieces of cybernetics will be dealing with the hippocampus, the area of the brain where short term memory becomes long term. The developers are still in the testing phase with tests on actual humans happening in the next two years. Right now, it sounds like the first to receive these implants once they are approved will be stroke victims and people dealing with other forms of brain injury.

In a bit of synchronicity, I had received my weekly Keeping Up with the Singularity email from Singularity Weblog. In it was an article by Daniel Faggella that described just why the above mentioned forms of augmentation are not so "far out" as the general public might assume. Faggella points to the fact that wearable computing is already becoming a norm. Face it, we're nearly hardwired into our smartphones as it is. Google Glass is the next apparent step. Plans are already underway to embed computer technology into clothing in any number of ways. Is it that great of an extension to believe that personal computers will become truly...well, personal?

As Faggella goes on to say, the potential next step after that is integration of cybernetics with our own bodies. This is where people tend to get creeped out. We're a long way from cyborgs and the other whangdoodles of anti-transhumanists who warn of things such as total body prosthesis, but we're already talking about giving sight to the blind through implants. Likewise, there are already designs on allowing the entirely handicapped to move once more via messages from their own brains. After that, the technology will become more widely available.

Do we put the brakes on this kind of development? I don't see how we could even if we wanted to. As developers of the atomic bomb will tell you, you can't get the knowledge genie back in the bottle once she's out. Singularity technology is on the way and as Faggella points out, is already here in many many ways. Will there be misapplications of it? Of course. There is with nearly any technology.

That, however, is a weak excuse to throw out all of the obvious benefits.

Evolve.

Follow me on Twitter: @Jntweets

See the rest here:
Esoteric Synaptic Events: Transhuman augmentation

By: Extropia DaSilva

One question that I have seen repeatedly asked is: When did the transhuman era begin; indeed, has it begun or is it an event that is yet to occur?

One can find arguments both for and against it being an event we are in the midst of. Those who argue in favour of the transhuman era being well underway argue that we are already cyborg: We compensate for short-sightedness with eyeglasses; we wear clothes to protect our body from the elements, and we depend greatly on computing and communications devices to organise our daily lives. Those who argue against point out that, while we are clearly dependent on technology, by and large it serves only to compensate for disabilities. Glasses correct short-sightedness, for example, but do not augment vision to human+ levels. And we merely carry our smart phones around with us, rather than have them implanted. We are not really cyborgs.

So what side of this argument do I side with? I think it pretty obvious that we are in the midst of the transhuman era. We are, now, clearly in a transitional period between homo-sapiens sapiens and the post-human. It is not my purpose to pinpoint when, exactly, the transhuman era began. Perhaps it is impossible to pinpoint the moment when our relationship with technology was such that we had become transhuman. The computer age? The Industrial Age? The Stone Age? I would not be surprised if arguments could be made favouring any one as the age in which our relationship with technology was intimate enough to warrant favouring it as the beginning of the transhuman era. What I want to show is that, it began at some hard-to-define period in the past and we are now well into that transitional period between natural humans and whatever technological being is to follow.

Consider the range of our senses and physical abilities as natural humans*:

Visible light: 4 to 7 times 10^-5 meters.

Hearing: 10 to 20,000 Hz

Chemosenses: 5 tastes, 1000 smells

Touch: 3,000nm

Heat sensing 200 to 400K

View original post here:
We Are Transhuman - H+ Magazine

After thedebilitating attack on the U.S. infrastructure by Jackal, the nation is plunged into a technological, societal and literaldarkness. The Victoriesfrom Michael Avon Oeming is an ongoing series from Dark Horse Comics. Michael Avon Oeming is the co-creator of Powersand like Jimmie Robinson from Five Weapons, Michael is the writer, artist and cover artist of this series.

The Victories: Transhuman #1 does not require background knowledge of the previous Victories titles. The opening is simple: the world has been set back a hundred years to a time before electricity worked. In the darkness,super heroescontinue their fight for safety and villians try to gain what little wealth there still might be. Its a dark world, and not just because all the lights are out. Its not even thesupervillainsthat make it dark, but a general weightiness to theme of The Victories.

One pervasive theme is the perception of image. Whether it be how someone views another or self-image, its clear is is not a Sunday morning comic for simple reading. The Victoriesaddresses a number of topics that comic books either avoid or bury so deep within metaphors they can be lost. While the messages are clear, its a shame the story wasnt as straightforward.

Off for a morning run, over the river.

The story starts off with an open sequence, catching up to the current events and situation. The situation is the world is without power and all the things that a world in the dark bring with it. The Victories: Transhuman #1 immediately delve into the heady topics as it isarguedthat in the darkness is when humanitytrulycan shine. The dark and almost rough-style of artwork fits perfectly with these themes. Its a shame that even something as simple as who is speaking can be confusing. The transition from one internal dialogue speaker to another is hardlydelineated, to the point where slight re-coloring of thespeechbubbles can be missed for a pane or two.

The world-encompassing theme of darkness and humanity is voiced by the once-hero The Strike. Once a hero, hes now better suited to this worldwithoutlight,preferringthe shadows.The themes are not justintrospectiveon a humanity-level, but can delve down to the character level as well. The main superheroprotagonistof this issue is D.D. Mau, a super speed woman with a self-image issue. While shes fast, strong and near-invulnerable her powers come at the cost of a metabolism that requires her to constantly fight gaining excessive weight. Shes a foul-mouthed dirty-minded woman who has issues that would be more than most people could take; so its a good thing D.D. is a hero then. Shes not the only one with problems, but its the flawsthatmake the heros so great, so they wont be spoiled here.

Thats good, gloat about victory before you actually win smart.

While the story might be a bit confusing, it strangely works for The Victories. The themes of humanity and self deserve a closer look and its commendable that these issues are addressed in such a fashion. This is not for children, even without the foul language Michael Avon Oemings artistic workcontainssalacious images. If it werent for the emphatic and appropriate use of these images they might border on excessive. The Victories artwork, though rough and not the greatest of their style, does serve to reflect the nature of the comic in a way that adds value to a story. Its a style that would otherwise be unfavorable if not for the plot.

The action and superheroes will attract a certain crowd, even the frequent cursing and sexual images being unafraidto show skin will attract readers. Its a shame that the heavy subject matter and confusingstorylinewill probably turn a number of readers off toThe Victories: Transhuman #1. If you like colorful language with a side of action and sex, and want to maybe even walk away with a few introspective musings, then this is by far one of the mostintriguingcomics on the market today.

Continue reading here:
The Victories: Transhuman #1: Review (Comic) | Front Towards Gamer

The Victories: Transhuman #1 Written by Michael Avon Oeming Illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming Colored by Nick Filardi Lettered by Aaron Walker Cover by Michael Avon Oeming and Nick Filardi Dark Horse Comics Release Date: May 1, 2013 Cover Price: $3.99

In early February, Geeks of Dooms very own Henchman21 covered the news that Michael Avon Oeming was working on an ongoing series for Dark Horse called The Victories, based on a superhero team he had created in 2012 for a mini-series of the same name. The article also includes an interview with Oeming conducted by Henchman21 giving us inside details about what to expect from the foul-mouthed heroes introduced the year prior. The Victories: Transhuman #1 is the first of a five-part storyline within the new series and its already shaping up to be a bold undertaking, fiercely dismantling the archetypal superhero conventions.

The power is out. Electricity has been turned off leaving the world in a perpetual state of darkness. As confusion and panic set in and villains become unsure of what else to do, they continue to rob banks in hopes that money will eventually have value again. Meanwhile, in an attempt to keep the peace and protect a fearful humanity during a time of uncertainty, a small group of superheroesSai Faustus, Lady Dragon, Sleeper, D.D. Mau, and their all-powerful leader, Metatronhave banded together to form a crime fighting team known as The Victories. Told from the perspective of D.D. Mau, we quickly learn that these are not your average superheroes; The Victories are crass, take-no-prisoners champions who are dealing with deeply rooted psychological and emotional issues that could literally make or break them. With other amassing threats on the rise, will the team be able to pull themselves together?

I am torn with this book. Oeming has created a compelling story with highly relatable and imperfect heroes and imaginative powers from both the good and bad guys. His art had me hooked as well. Bright colors for the heroes costumes blended excellently with dark shadows and gloomy colors to depict the contrast of hope and despair; however, there was way too much sexual innuendo and vulgarity for my liking. Im not saying that this was a deal breaker for me, but I did feel that it heavily distracted from the powerful story that I believe Oeming was trying to tell.

I really did enjoy the first issue of the The Victories ongoing series. I am definitely willing to give the second issue a chance. Perhaps if the story will be told from a different perspective in the next issue, it might not be as uncouth. I may not continue on with the series if this is not the case.

Read more:
Comic Review: The Victories: Transhuman #1 | Geeks of Doom

Wow. Just wow. I wont lie about this. I am completely floored that this kickstarter has raised so much. Its original goal was 14,000$. It reached that goal in 12 hours and have been blowing through its stretch goals. It has currently broke its fourth stretch goal at 40,000$.

Posthuman Studios have rightly earned all the cash fans are throwing at them. Not only do they release quality books, but they honestly care about their game. Every single question thats been asked in the comment section of the kickstarter was answered within an hour, sometimes even MINUTES of the question being asked.

Eclipse Phase is truly a unique world for a science fiction setting. Or I guess the better term would be worlds since every one of the planets in our solar system becomes populated by mankind. There are the Quartz morphs on Venuss surface mining and terraforming. People with wings flying on earths moon. Hyper intelligent dolphins and whales in the oceans of Europa studying alien coral reefs. Even the sun has been populated at this point, granted it is still a brutal environment.

Even if you are only now hearing about Posthuman studios and Eclipse Phase, go check them out. Pledge 1$ and then go check out the EP rulebooks that the studio have released FOR FREE online. I am confident that after seeing the world they have made you will up that pledge. If I am wrong and you arent interested then simply cancel the pledge.

Transhuman Kickstarter

Like Loading...

Visit link:
Transhuman Kickstarter Breaks Fourth Stretch Goal | Cardboard ...

Transhuman has checked in with the following update about working on a new album and music video:

"It's been a bit quiet here on the Tranny page recently so this is a quick update with what's happening.

"Yesterday we shot our first music video for one of our brand new tracks 'Our Last Days,' the raw un-edited footage looks great and we're all buzzing about showing you all the final result in a few weeks time.

"Our album is nearing completion, and sounding heavy as hell. The previous releases 'the fall of man' and '[re]creation' have been incorporated into this project and re-mixed/mastered and also re-recorded for the most part, so we will be chucking you a full length album with 16 ball smashing tracks in total as opposed to the 3rd part in the triptych alone.

"Artwork for this is looking amazing so far, we have a tasty new logo to boot and you will be able to buy the album in July as pretty epic looking digipak.

"There is an album launch party being planned as I write this where we'll be debuting some new un-heard tracks. Basically, everything right now in Tranny land is exciting as hell and we can't wait to show you."

You can get related band news and info in the sidebar and on the respective band pages.

Excerpt from:
Transhuman Shoots New Music Video - Metal Underground.com