technology

Timeless Tale of “A Christmas Carol”

PODCAST

In the heart of Victorian London, where the fog cloaked the city in a perpetual gloom, Charles Dickens penned a story that would illuminate the spirit of Christmas for generations to come. Published on December 19, 1843, “A Christmas Carol” is not just a book; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a moral compass, and a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the true essence of the holiday season.

The Genesis of the Ghost Story

Charles Dickens, at the time of writing “A Christmas Carol,” was already an established author, yet he faced financial difficulties and sought to reignite his passion for writing. His observations of the stark contrast between the opulent and the impoverished in London fueled his narrative. Dickens intended “A Christmas Carol” as a critique of the industrial age’s harsh realities, particularly the plight of the poor and the indifference of the rich.

The story centers around Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man whose heart is as cold as a winter’s night. Dickens masterfully uses the framework of a ghost story to explore themes of redemption, charity, and the joy of giving. The tale unfolds over Christmas Eve night, during which Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

The Characters and Their Symbolism

  • Ebenezer Scrooge: More than just a miser, Scrooge represents the potential for change in humanity. His transformation from a bitter recluse to a benevolent figure is the heart of the story.
  • Jacob Marley: Marley’s ghost serves as a harbinger, warning Scrooge of the chains he will forge in life with his greed and lack of compassion.
  • The Three Spirits: Each ghost shows Scrooge a different aspect of his life and the lives of others. The Ghost of Christmas Past revisits memories, revealing the joys lost to avarice. The Ghost of Christmas Present displays the current state of happiness and hardship, contrasting Scrooge’s isolation with others’ communal joy. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come presents a bleak future, motivating Scrooge to change his ways before it’s too late.

The Legacy of “A Christmas Carol”

“A Christmas Carol” did more than entertain; it influenced social reforms. Dickens’ vivid portrayal of poverty and his call for charity contributed to the establishment of the modern form of Christmas celebration, emphasizing kindness, generosity, and community.

The book’s publication was a commercial success, selling out its initial print run by Christmas Eve. Its enduring popularity has led to countless adaptations in theatre, film, radio, and television, each adding its own flavor to Dickens’ narrative but maintaining the core message of redemption and transformation.

Why “A Christmas Carol” Still Resonates

Today, “A Christmas Carol” continues to resonate due to its universal themes:

  • Redemption: The idea that it’s never too late to change one’s ways offers hope to us all.
  • Community and Compassion: In a world that often feels divided, the story reminds us of the strength found in community and the power of compassion.
  • The Spirit of Giving: At a time when consumerism can overshadow the holiday, Dickens’ tale brings us back to the joy of selfless giving.
  • Reflection and Growth: The journey through Scrooge’s past, present, and possible future is a metaphor for personal reflection and the growth that can come from understanding one’s impact on the world.

“A Christmas Carol” is not merely a seasonal read; it’s a yearly reminder of the values we should uphold every day. Whether through Dickens’ original prose, through the myriad adaptations, or in the quiet moments when we ponder our own lives, the story of Scrooge’s redemption persists as a beacon of hope, urging us to embrace the spirit of Christmas all year round.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

PODCAST

In the quaint, snowy village of Whoville, nestled in a valley surrounded by high, snow-capped mountains, lived the Who’s. They were a joyful bunch, known for their love of singing, feasting, and celebrating the holiday of Christmas with unparalleled zeal. But high above Whoville, in a cave on the frosty peak of Mount Crumpit, lived a creature known as the Grinch, whose heart was two sizes too small, filled with nothing but disdain for the festive noise below.

The Grinch, with his sour disposition and green, furry exterior, loathed everything about Christmas. The jingling of bells, the warmth of the fireplaces, and the laughter that echoed through the streets of Whoville grated his nerves. Especially bothersome was the Christmas Eve feast, where the Whos gathered in their town square, singing with such volume and glee that it reached even his secluded den.

One particularly cold December, as the Whos’ preparations for Christmas grew louder and brighter, the Grinch hatched a plan so devious, so Grinchy, it could only come from a heart as cold as his. He decided to steal Christmas, to snuff out the holiday for good. With a sinister grin, he donned a red Santa suit, stuffed his dog Max into a reindeer harness, and set off under the cover of night.

Sledding down to Whoville, he moved like a shadow, entering each home with stealth. He took the Christmas trees, the stockings, the presents, and all the trimmings. He even took the last can of Who-hash. With each item he stole, the Grinch thought he was erasing Christmas from the hearts of Whoville.

As dawn broke, the Grinch, satisfied with his mischief, returned to Mount Crumpit, ready to push the stolen goods into the abyss. But just as he was about to, a sound reached his ears. It was faint at first but grew louder, a sound that was unmistakably the Whos singing. In their square, despite having nothing, they sang. Their voices rose in a chorus of joy, not diminished by the absence of material things but rather fueled by the spirit of togetherness.

The Grinch was baffled. He had taken everything, yet here was Christmas, stronger than ever. It was then, in the beauty of their undying cheer, that something profound happened. His heart, which had been small and cold, began to grow. Three sizes larger, it expanded, filling with warmth and the true meaning of Christmas.

Overcome with a new understanding, the Grinch couldn’t bear to keep the Whos from their joy. He returned everything, not just the physical items but also his own changed heart. He joined the Whos in their celebration, carving the roast beast and sharing in their songs, laughter, and love.

From that day forward, the Grinch was no longer an outsider but a part of Whoville. He taught everyone, including himself, that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Perhaps, Christmas, he thought, means a little bit more. And so, the Grinch, once a symbol of bitterness, became a symbol of transformation and the power of community and kindness.

Thus, the legend of how the Grinch stole Christmas but then gave it back in a way more meaningful than anyone could have imagined, became a cherished tale told year after year in Whoville, reminding all that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in what we have but in who we are together.

The Flight That Changed the World

Podcast Link

On a chilly morning of December 17, 1903, the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, became the stage for one of the most transformative moments in human history. Above the sandy terrain, where winds howled with both challenge and promise, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, named Orville and Wilbur Wright, were about to etch their names into the annals of time.

Orville and Wilbur had spent years, driven by an insatiable curiosity about flight, tinkering in their bicycle shop. They studied birds, read everything they could on aerodynamics, and even built their own wind tunnel to test wing designs. Their passion was not just for flying but for solving the puzzle of controlled flight, which had eluded humanity since Daedalus and Icarus.

The day was carefully chosen; they needed a steady breeze to lift their contraption, which they affectionately called the “Flyer.” The weather on this particular day was both cooperative and challenging, with winds gusting to 27 mph. The brothers, along with a small group of witnesses including their father, Bishop Wright, and a couple of local men, gathered at the chosen spot.

The Flyer was a delicate balance of wood, wire, and fabric, with a wingspan of 40 feet. It was equipped with a 12-horsepower engine and two propellers, all designed by the Wrights themselves. The machine looked more like a giant, ungainly kite than the sleek airplanes of the future, but it embodied the culmination of their dreams and calculations.

Wilbur had won the coin toss that morning, giving him the honor of the first attempt. However, a small mishap with the launch rail meant Orville would take the first flight. With hearts pounding against their chests, they moved the Flyer back into position. Orville lay prone on the lower wing, his hands gripping the controls.

At exactly 10:35 AM, with a shout from John T. Daniels, one of the witnesses who was also manning the camera, Orville released the wire that held the Flyer to the ground. The engine roared to life, and the propellers began to spin, pulling the machine forward. For a moment, it seemed as though it might merely drag along the sand, but then, almost magically, the Flyer lifted.

The flight was brief, lasting only 12 seconds, covering 120 feet. But those scant moments were enough to change the course of history. Orville landed, and the Flyer, though intact, bore the scars of its brief maiden voyage. The brothers were overjoyed; they knew exactly what they had achieved.

Wilbur took the next flight, going further than Orville, and by the fourth and final flight of the day, he managed to keep the Flyer aloft for 59 seconds, traveling 852 feet. Each flight was a testament to their dedication and ingenuity.

That day, the world didn’t fully grasp the significance of what had happened on that nondescript beach. Newspapers gave sparse coverage, and many dismissed the event as a mere novelty. However, Orville and Wilbur knew they had done something monumental. They had conquered the sky, not with magic but with science, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in human potential.

Years later, as airplanes became a common sight in the skies, people would look back on that December day with awe. The Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk wasn’t just about defying gravity; it was about defying limitations, about the human spirit’s capability to soar beyond what was once thought possible. Their flight on December 17, 1903, was the first step into a new era of exploration, where the sky was no longer the limit.

AI impacts on writing

Link to Podcast

 

AI is here and a hot topic. There have been positive comments and negative comments about the impact AI will have on many fields. Since I spend a lot of time on writing I thought I would ask AI and see what the response would be.

I went to Grok which is X’s AI platform (formerly twitter). This is the response I received from Grok.

The impact of AI on writers is multifaceted, presenting both opportunities and challenges that are reshaping the landscape of writing professions: 

Opportunities for Writers: 

  • Increased Productivity: AI tools can serve as assistants in the writing process, generating ideas, outlines, or even draft content. They can help overcome writer’s block by providing prompts or alternative phrasings, allowing writers to focus on higher-level creative tasks. For instance, tools like Grammarly or platforms using AI for brainstorming can expedite the writing process by suggesting improvements and ideas. 
  • Enhancement of Creativity: AI can be used to explore new narrative styles or to simulate different perspectives, potentially leading to more innovative storytelling. Some writers find AI helpful in generating initial drafts that they can then refine, thus blending human creativity with computational power to create unique works. 
  • Educational and Analytical Support: AI can analyze vast amounts of text data to identify trends, patterns, or even market preferences, which can inform writers’ strategies for both content creation and marketing. 

Challenges for Writers: 

  • Job Security and Market Saturation: There’s a concern among writers that AI might produce enough content to saturate the market or replace human writers in certain areas like technical writing or content for SEO. This could potentially devalue human-authored work or lead to job displacement, especially in fields where speed and volume are prioritized over creativity and nuance. 
  • Authenticity and Originality: AI-generated content might challenge the authenticity of human creative expression. Critics argue that AI lacks the emotional depth and personal experience that human writers bring to their work, potentially leading to a homogenization of content. This raises ethical questions about authorship and the originality of AI-assisted or AI-generated works. 
  • Ethical and Legal Concerns: The use of AI in writing also brings up issues concerning copyright, as AI is trained on existing texts. This has sparked debates on intellectual property rights and the potential for AI to reproduce or closely mimic copyrighted material without permission. 
  • Human Touch and Emotional Connection: AI, while capable of producing coherent text, struggles to replicate the human touch – the emotional, cultural, and experiential nuances that resonate with readers. This limitation is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for human writers to distinguish their work. 

Adaptation and Integration: 

  • Collaboration Over Replacement: Many in the writing community advocate for viewing AI as a tool that complements rather than competes with human writers. The focus is shifting towards how writers can leverage AI to enhance their work while maintaining the unique human elements that AI cannot replicate. 
  • New Roles and Skills: As AI integrates further into writing, new roles might emerge, like AI content editors or specialists in AI-human collaboration. Writers might need to learn how to interact with AI, understand its capabilities, and use it to augment their creative processes. 

The overall impact suggests a future where AI doesn’t outright replace writers but changes the nature of writing jobs. Writers who can adapt by using AI to enhance their work, remain vigilant about maintaining their unique voice, and navigate the ethical landscape will likely thrive in this evolving environment. 

Like it or not, AI is here, and one should accept the fact and adjust to living with AI and use it to your advantage instead of fighting the future. This took less than 30 seconds to come up with this response. I know one thing for sure AI is faster than me.

The Wicked Whispers of Willow Creek

Audio Link

This was written by AI. Life is getting creepy.

In the heart of a dense, ancient forest, lay the quiet town of Willow Creek. By day, it was a picturesque place with cobblestone streets and charming cottages. But when the sun dipped below the horizon, the town’s character changed. 

Legend had it that the woods surrounding Willow Creek were home to the Wicked Whispers, eerie voices that echoed through the trees, leading lost souls deeper into the forest. Some said they were the spirits of those who had perished in the woods long ago, while others believed they were the enchantments of a powerful sorceress. 

Among the townsfolk was young Elara, an adventurous girl with a curious mind. She had grown up hearing tales of the Wicked Whispers but had never experienced them herself. One moonlit night, driven by her insatiable curiosity, Elara decided to venture into the forest, determined to uncover the truth. 

As she walked deeper into the woods, the familiar sounds of the town faded away, replaced by an unsettling silence. Then, she heard it—a soft, melodious whisper that seemed to call her name. “Elara… Elara…” The voice was both enchanting and chilling. 

Elara followed the whisper, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. The path grew narrower, and the trees seemed to close in around her. The whisper grew louder, more insistent. “Elara… come closer…” 

She stumbled upon a clearing bathed in the pale light of the full moon. At its center stood an ancient, gnarled tree, its twisted branches reaching out like the arms of a ghost. The whispers now came from all directions, encircling her. 

With a deep breath, Elara stepped forward and placed her hand on the tree’s trunk. Instantly, the whispers ceased, and a figure materialized before her—a woman with eyes like sapphires and hair as dark as the night. 

“I am Seraphina, the guardian of these woods,” the figure spoke, her voice as enchanting as the whispers. “The Wicked Whispers are a test, a trial for those who seek the truth.” 

Elara listened in awe as Seraphina revealed the forest’s secrets, its history, and the magic that flowed through its roots. She learned that the whispers were not malevolent but a challenge to those brave enough to seek their source. 

With newfound understanding, Elara returned to Willow Creek, her heart filled with the wisdom of the forest. She shared her story with the townsfolk, who listened with rapt attention. From that day forward, the Wicked Whispers were no longer feared but respected, a reminder of the mysteries that lay just beyond the edge of town. 

And so, the legend of the Wicked Whispers of Willow Creek lived on, a tale of courage, curiosity, and the magic that lies hidden in the heart of the woods. 

Fifteen Years

I have received notice from WordPress that I have been on this site for fifteen years.

Where does the time go?

PODCASTS

BOOKS

Ramblings Magazine Podcast

Since the end of March, I have been combining my postings from various platforms and producing a twenty-page series of magazines named Rambling Magazine. Since I have been posting on Word Press since 2009, I have a collection of over 200 postings. I am also on Sub Stack and posted many articles on YourHub.com when it was owned by The Rocky Mountain News. Also, I was a participant of a local writing group.

I was told I should write a book with my comments about anything postings. Writing a book and compiling it may take a year or more. That is why I went with the magazine platform. Since I am in my senior years, I may have 10 days left or 10 years. I did not want to start a book and never finish it.

My podcast page is my most popular area. The current buzz word is podcast, and it has become a great addition to my site. That is why I have composed a podcast for Rambling Magazine Issue #1. We will see how the response will be.

ABOVE IS THE PODCAST FOR RAMBLINGS MAGAZINE ISSUE #1

Link to podcast page https://tomt2.com/audio-files/

There are times when I wish I was twenty years younger. I believe I could make a career out of this challenge. This blogging journey has been exciting and satisfying.

A Life of Work

This was not a job but is what I did to earn some extra money. During the summer when I was in middle school, I caught and sold nightcrawlers for the local sporting goods store. The owner told me he would take all I could catch. He paid me a buck a hundred and then sold it for two bucks. I would drop off the nightcrawlers on Thursday and the anglers would buy them for the weekend. I would average about a thousand a week and that was ten bucks a week. The only expense I had was flashlight batteries. If I remember correctly, I would earn about two to three hundred dollars for the summer. That was a lot of money in the fifties.

My next job was parttime at the public library while going to high school. I was a library page, which is code for a do whatever was necessary. The most interesting job was running the elevator on Saturdays. The elevator was automatic, but the crowds were large, and they overwhelmed the automatic system. Another job was they had a basement and sub-basement where books were stored. They would receive an order and they had pages in the basement where they would retrieve the books and put them on a lift that carried them up to the upper floors.

After graduating I started working for a government contractor that was building the Titan I ICBM for the government. I was a teletype operator in the purchasing department. Unfortunately, the job was on the swing shift. So much for my night life.

Three and a half years later I received the letter stating, “your friends and neighbors have selected you to become a member of the United States military.” For the next two years I was in the army. I was fortunate enough to go to Germany instead of Viet Nam. I then had two years of active reserve and then two years of inactive reserve. Then my military obligation was over.

After my two years of active duty, I returned to the aerospace contractor because there was a law that they had to hire me back since returning from military service. A year later I was laid off. They just hired me back to fulfill their legal obligation to have a job for me after military service.

I then started working for a large electronics manufacturer in the consumer electronics industry. First, I was an assistant buyer, then a buyer and then became a department manager. This career lasted for over twenty years and was the highest paying position in my working period. After a purchase of the company a year later the company buyer decided to close thirteen distribution warehouses across the nation and here, I was forty-six years of age and without a job. During that time the unemployment rate was eight percent. Try to tell me there is not age discrimination happening.

Working in part time and temporary positions for four years I finally get a full-time job in a high-tech position where lasers were used to cut close tolerance components used in the solid-state electronics field. This was a field that was totally new to me. I started as a temp, and it worked into a full-time position. Tell me a positive attitude and hard work is not the way to go. This continued for thirteen years and then I decided it was time to retire and have been retired now over fifteen years. Now, “Every Day is Saturday!“

After retiring I decided to give writing a try and this is where I am now. I have posted over two hundred articles on WordPress and having fun doing it. Most of my articles are about experiences in my life. I am not doing this for money, I am just doing it because I enjoy reminiscing and sharing events in my life.

https://tomt2.com/ Stop by and make me feel good. I like to see a lot of viewing numbers, likes, and comments.

Daily writing prompt
What jobs have you had?
View all responses

Yes, I Have Collections

I have all kinds of collections. Do they have any monetary value? Not much. My collections are items I have collected over my life. I always think, “can I use this at some later point?” With that in mind I started collecting.

My first collection is my nut a bolt collection. Since I have been a homeowner since the early seventies I have done many projects around the home. You always don’t have the correct nail, bolt, screw, so you trot off to Home Depot and get what you need. You always end up with leftovers. So, I started collecting them. I also had projects that I recycled. I removed every nut, bolt, screw, washer, nail, that I could save. My collection has expanded to five- or six-gallon containers. Bolts in one container, nuts in another and so forth. This collection has saved me many times when I needed a couple of bolts and nuts to repair or finish a project.

The next collection is coins and paper money throughout my life. I have silver dollars, Indian head pennies, buffalo nickels, old quarters, silver certificates of paper money. I also have a stack about an inch high of two-dollar bills. Are they valuable? I don’t have a clue. I have just been collecting them through my life. I also have some World War II savings bonds my parents took out for me. Sure, they could be cashed in, but the paper bond and the age of them is worth more to me than the monetary cash in value.

Third collection is photos. I have photos my parents have accumulated over the years and the photos I have also collected over the years. Many black and white photos and color with my dad’s collection of slides. The last time I looked at the slides they are starting to discolor and fade. I don’t know how long they will last. Digital photography came into existence, and I don’t have a clue how many thousands of photos I have. I have the problem of finding a photo. I never bothered to catalog them. Therefore, I must use the hunt and search method.

Another collection is my rambling writings about my life and experiences. This collection is the most valuable to me. Whether it is valuable to anybody else is up for debate. WordPress contains a large portion of these ramblings. https://tomt2.com/ I have a collection of all the articles that were printed in the Rocky Mountain News insert of YourHub.com. During that time, they published over seventy-five of my posts. This was the motivation to start writing stories and tales down.

My newest project is Ramblings Magazine https://tomt2.com/magazine I have had comments that I should write a book. I thought about it, but a book may take years to do so I thought a magazine would be better since I am in my senior years and my warranty ran out many years. ago.

Daily writing prompt
Do you have any collections?
View all responses

The Grok Platform and me

I have been a X user (Formerly twitter) since 2010. I have fun with X and have enjoyed this trip. Some have negative feelings after Elon Musk made the purchase. I can’t really see much difference. Recently they introduced The Grok. I do not really understand the platform or why I have access to it because I am not a premium+ member. I just have a blue check mark. Grok is an AI platform where you can ask questions and AI comes up with the response by accessing the information from X. I have just asked stupid questions and I am having fun with it.

I asked Grok, “what is the purpose of Grok?” AI replied, ” The Grok platform, developed by xAI, is an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist users in various domains, including Blockchain technology, Crypto, and more. It is specifically built to help with tasks such as no-code smart-contract programming, debugging, market analysis, and even creating NFTs. Grok distinguishes itself by offering a unique and fundamental advantage: real-time knowledge of the world via the X platform. This allows it to provide up-to-the-minute information and insights into trending topics and conversations.” Do you understand that? I don’t.

I then asked Grok, “who is Tomt 2.0?” This was the response. “Tom T2.0 is a persona behind various online platforms, including tomt2.com and a blogspot domain. He seems to be a senior individual with a rich history, reminiscing about his past and sharing his experiences through his writings. Tom T2.0 has a strong interest in reminiscing and has over seventy-five years of memories, experiences, and good times to draw from. He is also a proud American, expressing his love for his country and the American dream. His online presence includes posts about personal experiences, such as memories of Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. He has also shared information about his life, including his military service and his regret for not appreciating the love of his mother more. Tom T2.0 has mentioned being involved with the wrong crowd in his youth but was fortunate to avoid long-term consequences. Additionally, Tom T2.0 has discussed his health, mentioning a near-death experience and his ongoing battle with allergies. He also shared an anecdote about his love for olives, which he attributes to a past life as a Roman soldier. In summary, Tom T2.0 is an individual who shares his life experiences and reflections on various online platforms, with a focus on reminiscing about his past and his love for his country.“

I have no concerns what Grok found on me. However, it is concerning how fast this information was retrieved. In less than thirty seconds AI composed this paragraph. Just think of all the information that could be retrieved on you after a longer amount of time.

In conclusion, I will continue to ask Grok dumb questions until they want me to become a premium+ member.

A Leader and a Follower

I have been a leader and a follower. In my growing years I was a follower. You learn to lead by following. Throughout my growing years I was never a head boy or the leader of a school club. It was easier to follow in army period than lead.

After army life I decided it is time for me to move forward in a private industry. I became a team lead and worked my way up to swing shift supervisor. Two or three years later I became a department manager for a large electronic manufacturer. I held that position for over twenty years. I think that could be classified as a leader.

During that time, I hired and fired for a department of over fifteen employees. We had office workers, warehouse personnel, delivery drivers, and outside salespeople. There was also a building. I had to get the contractors to maintain the building, lease delivery vans and have a solution for any unforeseen problem. The only requirement from corporate office was to show five percent net profit every year.

It was an experience and sometimes very stressful. Unfortunately, when I was only forty-six the corporation closed 13 warehouses across the nation, and I became unemployed. I survived the transition from a high paying executive to a person that had a difficult time finding a second career.

Now it has been over eighteen years since I retired, and all things worked out well.

Daily writing prompt
Are you a leader or a follower?
View all responses

Back To Writing

The decision was made last summer. I have had WordPress site since 2009 and I let it go dormant until last summer. I also opened up a Sub Stack account at the same time since I forgot that I had this account. Now I am posting on both accounts.

Over a year ago I had a life-threatening event and I thought I was going to breath my last breath. Miraculously I survived this serious event. My blood clot During the three days in ICU, I had plenty of time to search for the purpose of my survival. I still feel there is a reason I was given a second chance. After six months of recuperating and still searching for the reason I survived, and I had the thought maybe I should share my thoughts, ideas and stories in a blog type format. I heard about Sub Stack on a news article and started blogging and then I remembered about my WordPress account and revitalized it. I now have over 200 posts on WordPress and over 50 on Sub Stack. Some posts are the same on both sites.

I also Have a Blurb account. blurb.com/user/tomtreloar that I have also had for a long time with a selection of books I have published. I then discovered that they now have a magazine publishing section, and this would fit perfectly for me. Rambling Magazine

Recently Writers Digest started following me on X (formerly twitter) and this news excited me. People must be noticing this mere spec in this gigantic universe. Now I have seen about freelance copywriting. I am retired and it appears that my finances will last longer than me, so I do not need the money. However, I will consider the opportunity if it happens to come my way.

In conclusion, deciding to resurrect writing and posting has been a good decision for me. It gives me something else to do and I am learning more about the internet and software used. Where this all goes, who knows?

Daily writing prompt
Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.
View all responses

X, formerly twitter and their Grok feature.

I am a X member and use it very often. I noticed on their feature column a new box called Grok. What is that? I do an internet search and copilot comes up with this explanation.

Grok is indeed an AI chatbot developed by xAI, which was founded by Elon Musk. Unlike typical chatbots, Grok has a quick wit and a rebellious nature. It can answer questions about current events, pop culture, and more. But what sets Grok apart is its willingness to delve into topics that are usually off-limits for other chatbots, including polarizing political theories and conspiracies. Plus, it doesn’t shy away from using less-than-polite language when responding. Grok’s most significant selling point is its ability to access real-time data from X, something no other chatbot can do. For instance, if you ask it about AI developments today, Grok will provide up-to-date information, while other models might offer more generic answers based on their training data

I don’t have a clue what a chatbot is. I am not a premium+ member and don’t have a clue why I was allowed to access it. It appears that it similar to a Wikipedia format. You can ask any question about anything. out of curiosity, I asked, who is TomT2.0? In a few moments Grok came up this explanation.

Click to access tom-t2-from-grok.pdf

I was surprised at the response and somewhat impressed. However, it is kind of spooky knowing that AI can come up with so much information in such little time. The only glaring error was that I have never been involved in cryptocurrency. I guess it goes to show that whatever is put in cyber space it never disappears.

This is too good to not to share it.

I Am Addicted to Computers and Internet

Since 1994 I have been addicted to Computers. I bought my first desktop computer from a co-worker who built computers. I think I spent around Seven hundred dollars for it. Those were the days of floppy disk drives, 32k modems, Windows 3.1 and cathode ray monitors. Those were the days where dependability was not a strong feature. Remember, “The Blue Screen of Death”? Storage capacity was below a gigabyte.

Technology has really changed in the last thirty years. Now they have storage in terabytes, thumb drives larger than older desktop hard drives. Access to the internet by many means instead of the phone line. Solid state hard drives. Ever drop a laptop and the mechanical hard drive was killed? Desktop and laptop sales are decreasing because smartphones are becoming so versatile. They say this technology is just the beginning. What will we see in next ten years?

I cannot imagine what my life would be like without computers and internet. My handwriting looks like chicken scratching. My typing accuracy was never very good. It was quite a feat to type a page without a typo. With the help of the computer and Microsoft Office of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel I can look like a professional, which I am not. I am able to share my thoughts and memories thanks to the computer and the internet. Although, I spend way too much time on the internet. I never did get into gaming. The most I play on the computer are solitaire.

Daily writing prompt
What activities do you lose yourself in?
View all responses

Computers and Internet

The most important invention to me is the computer and the internet. I couldn’t do today what I am doing now. It is hard to imagine the world without modern day computer technology.

I wrote this blog on November 6th. How many computers do you have? This blog pretty much covers everything I need to write about my love for computers.

Daily writing prompt
The most important invention in your lifetime is…
View all responses

HOW MANY COMPUTERS DO YOU HAVE?

Audio file for listening instead of reading.

How many computers and laptops do you have in your home? In my home I have four. One is my primary laptop. The second is an older laptop that the hard drive crashed, and I replaced the drive, the third is a desktop in my workshop. Finally, my wife has a desktop she uses. I suppose I do not really need four computers at the same time. It just migrated that way. Now I have found a use for all of them.  

Back in 2008 I purchased new a HP2000 laptop to replace Dell laptop because support for the Windows operating system has expired and I did not want to just upgrade the operating system since it was about seven years old, and we all know how fast technology has changed. I forget where I bought the new laptop but that was the last new computer I bought. This laptop served me well for about nine years with no large complaints.  

This has been a good backup laptop for my primary computer. About a year ago the software sent out an alert that the hard drive was going to crash. How the software can predict that is beyond me. Anyway, I got a replacement hard drive for about 25 dollars and went to YouTube and got instructions how to replace the hard drive and keep all the information and operating system from the defective hard drive. After that I thought I might as well put it to use. So, I installed Audacity software which is an audio editing program and started adding music to thumb drives I can use in my vehicle sound system and make audios for podcasting. This is a good backup laptop if for some reason my primary laptop crashes.  

In 2016 we moved into a new home for us. After being in our new home for close to a year and the HP laptop was in service for me for about eight years and I decided to look for a replacement laptop. The problem I had was I didn’t want to spend the money on a brand-new laptop since the one I had worked fine. I read or heard somewhere that refurbished computers and thought I might as well give refurbished a try. In my search for a refurbished laptop, I found refurbished laptops on Office Depot’s website and purchased a Dell laptop for less than half the retail price, around 300 dollars. It arrived in about a week and has been working great. I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 since Microsoft offered the upgrade free and support should be available until 2025.  

Image result for HP Desktop

As I previously stated we moved in 2016 and our new home had a workshop. Since I had such good luck with my Dell refurbished laptop, I started to shop for a refurbished computer to be used in the workshop. I found an HP desktop from micomp.com for one hundred dollars with prepaid shipping and a one-year warranty. They purchase computers from corporations when they upgrade their systems. And they are a Microsoft certified refurbisher. It has been working great since 2017. The only thing that went bad, the CPU cooling fan started to squeal, and I had to replace it. I also updated the operating system to Windows 10, free of course from Microsoft. I have CAD software on this computer and an electronic microscope to look at bugs. Also, I install questionable software on this computer to make sure it is safe before I install it on my primary computer.

The last computer we have is the one my wife uses. In 2022 we replaced an HP desktop with a Dell desktop for the same reason. The support for the operating system ended and it was time for a hardware upgrade. It was working fine when it was shut down for the last time. We got another desktop from micomp.com for $150 dollars, free shipping and one year warranty. It has been working just fine. 

In conclusion, I have had good luck with refurbished computers. I have been retired since 2006 and on a fixed income and I do not need a top-of-the-line computer. These refurbished prices fit well in my budget. I am not a computer expert, but I do have more technical knowledge than the average person and that could be a problem for some. The largest problem I have is my wife, she gets in a bind many times on the computer, and I must rescue her.