More Than Two Choices

As I wait for the Vice Presidential Debate to begin, I’d like to remind you that we have more than two choices. Here’s a list of some candidates that I’ve heard of in the news:

• Kamala Harris (Democrat)
• Donald Trump (Republican)
• Jill Stein (Green Party) https://www.gp.org
• Chase Oliver (Libertarian) https://votechaseoliver.com
• Paperboy Love Prince https://paperboy.nyc/
• Literally Anybody Else https://literallyanybodyelse.com

To view a complete list, please navigate to this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_and_independent_candidates_for_the_2024_United_States_presidential_election

Thanks to Audacious for interviewing Paperboy Love Prince and Literally Anybody Else:
https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-09-27/presidential-candidates-paperboy-love-prince-literally-anybody-else

Goodbye Buddy

Today, on Labor Day, 9/2, our second dog was euthanized.

I was given his ashes four days later, in a sturdy, handsome, lustrous wooden box, with bright brass hardware. He was a big boy. It was fittingly quite heavy. Despite that, it was insubstantial. 

This box and its contents was all that was left of him, after over twelve years. He was reduced to a hefty sack of ashes. 

He would protect our backyard from crows, rabbits, deer, bears, opossum and, of course, squirrels. But not for the last couple of years, because he could not see them, and so he didn't chase them. He could sense when they were there, and he’d strain to look, to seek them out earnestly. But he found only confusion.

I dispersed his ashes around the perimeter of our backyard, moving Widdershins¹, the direction of release, giving him one last opportunity to guard the yard. As I did so, I chanted "Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō"² and "Om, Mani Padme Hum,"³ alternating them.

Goodbye old buddy, old pal. Until we meet again.

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¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widdershins

²https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namu_My%C5%8Dh%C5%8D_Renge_Ky%C5%8D

³ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Om_mani_padme_hum

Google's Epic AI Fail

Eleven days ago, the CDC reported that a recent outbreak of Listeria most likely was due to Boar’s Head Liverwurst¹. Since then, Boar’s Head issued a massive recall of meat products.

Having just bought a package of hot dogs, I asked my Android phone “What should I do with my Boar’s Head hot dogs?”

Google’s AI search engine replied:

Boar's Head hot dogs can be prepared in many ways, including grilling, boiling, or creating your own style. Here are some recipes for cooking Boar's Head hot dogs….

The correct answer is more along the lines of:

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and retailers are urged not to sell these products with the referenced sell by dates. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.²

Is this how AI plans to eliminate humans?

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¹https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/details.html

²https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due

How I Dealt With Yellow Well Water

We lost electrical power when a line of severe thunderstorms swept across our state.  When the power came back 18 hours later, I was surprised to learn that our well water tank still was under pressure – we hadn’t run out of water!

I also was surprised when I refilled the dog’s water dish – the water was yellow!  The first photo below shows two bottles of water.  The one on the left was filled prior to the power outage; the one on the right, after.

There was no foul odor; no odor whatsoever, in fact.  The taste was off, though, as if “softened” by some salt.

My guess is that some silt or rust had been stirred up in the tank when the pump kicked in.  The lower-than-usual tank pressure allowed the ingress of water at a higher velocity.

I figured it would clear up on its own in a few days.  But my wife, who suffers from bizarre medical problems as well as anxiety, kept insisting that we call for service first thing Monday.  Lucky for me she didn’t know whom to call, nor did she know that they respond to emergency calls.  I was afraid that the technician would convince my wife that we needed a special filtration system.  And, of course, emergency calls cost more.

So I decided to flush the tank.

This is extremely easy to do, if you know where things are and you have a short garden hose.  Alas, my garden hose is 100’ – lugging it into the basement wasn’t too bad.  But getting it back upstairs when it was full of water was the most difficult part of the job.

I closed the valve for the house supply and switched off power to the pump.   As well, I flushed the basement toilet (just because I needed to).  Then I attached the hose to the spigot at the bottom of the tank, opened its valve and directed the water into a white basin.  I was impressed by how clear and colorless the water looked.  I let the water drain into the washing machine while I opened a few other taps around the house.

Once the pressure dropped noticeably, I reapplied power to the pump and let it right like that for a short while.  Satisfied, I closed the valve to the hose and opened the valve to the house.  I went back to those open taps and closed them.  As well, I cleaned the toilet to get out the residue and flushed, getting clear water again.

Finally, I enjoyed a refreshing glass of clear, colorless, cool well water.  Which is what I look forward to most after a power outage.

My Wordle Strategy With “E” and “T” Words

In my first post about Wordle¹, I introduced my strategy of starting with “STEAM.” Then I went on to describe word choices if I guessed E and M correctly.

Recently, I guessed E and T correctly, but they were not in the correct position. My next guess of ENTER was nearly correct. But my third guess of PETER still wasn’t quite correct. I did solve the puzzle on the fourth try.

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¹ https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com/2023/11/introducing-my-wordle-strategy.html

² https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html

A Wordle in Honour of Towel Day

Here's a Wordle devoted to Towel Day.

You can find out more about Towel Day here:

https://www.towelday.org/

Interview with Copilot 2024-03-19

LudditeGeek chats with Copilot…

Hello, please tell me what you think of the term "Luddite"

Certainly! The term “Luddite” originated from a fascinating historical context. Let me share some insights:

    • The Luddites were a group of 19th-century English textile workers who vehemently opposed the use of certain cost-saving machinery. They believed that these machines were replacing skilled labor and driving down wages by producing inferior goods. In clandestine raids, they often destroyed the machines¹.

    • The movement took its name from Ned Ludd, an apocryphal figure. Legend has it that Ned Ludd was an apprentice who, after being criticized and instructed to change his method, smashed two stocking frames in 1779. The Luddites referred to themselves as followers of Ned Ludd, using his name in threatening letters to mill owners and government officials¹.

    • The Luddite movement began in Nottingham, England, and later spread to the North West and Yorkshire between 1811 and 1816. Mill and factory owners responded by shooting protesters, and eventually, the movement was suppressed through legal and military force, including execution and penal transportation of accused and convicted Luddites¹.

    • Over time, the term “Luddite” has been used more broadly to describe those opposed to industrialization, automation, computerization, or new technologies in general^{1 2 3}.

In modern usage, a Luddite is someone who is opposed to technological change, especially when it threatens traditional practices or jobs. So, when you encounter the term, remember its historical roots and the ongoing debate about progress and its impact on society!

Learn more

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite

²https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Luddite

³https://www.history.com/news/who-were-the-luddites

⁴https://www.thoughtco.com/luddites-definition-1773333

Please tell me what you think of the term "Geek"

Certainly! The term “Geek” has evolved over time and can be interpreted in various ways. Let’s explore its meanings:

    1. Historical Context:

        ◦ Originally, a geek was someone who was eccentric or non-mainstream. The term emerged in the 19th century.

        ◦ In current usage, it typically connotes an expert or enthusiast who is obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit¹.

    2. Modern Interpretations:

        ◦ A geek is often associated with intelligence, knowledge, and passion for specific subjects.

        ◦ Geeks can be found in various domains, such as:

            ▪ Technology: Computer geeks, gaming geeks, or coding enthusiasts.

            ▪ Pop Culture: Movie geeks, comic book geeks, or anime fans.

            ▪ Science: Science geeks, astronomy enthusiasts, or math lovers.

            ▪ Fandoms: Geeks devoted to specific TV shows, books, or franchises.

        ◦ Geeks are celebrated for their enthusiasm, deep understanding, and dedication to their interests.

    3. Positive Connotations:

        ◦ Being a geek is often seen as a badge of honor. Geeks contribute to innovation, creativity, and progress.

        ◦ Geeks build communities, share knowledge, and create a sense of belonging.

    4. Quotes:

        ◦ Lewis Leong from Softonic described the performance of Geek Uninstaller as “impressive” and highly recommended it².

        ◦ Geeks are often celebrated for their passion, curiosity, and unique perspectives.

In summary, being a geek is about embracing your interests, diving deep into your passions, and celebrating the joy of learning and discovery!

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek

²https://geekuninstaller.com/

See also...

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/geek

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geek

https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/12-types-of-geeks-everyone-has-come-across-at-least-once-1035463.html

https://stephenslighthouse.com/2012/02/26/sunday-humor-collection-of-geeks-nerds-infographics/

http://www.adam-eason.com/7-reasons-geek-awesome/

What would the term "Luddite Geek" connote?

The term “Luddite Geek” combines contrasting elements, resulting in an intriguing juxtaposition:

    1. Luddite:

        ◦ A Luddite is someone who resists technological change, often out of concern for tradition, craftsmanship, or the impact of automation on jobs.

        ◦ Luddites are associated with skepticism toward new technologies and a preference for older, manual methods.

    2. Geek:

        ◦ A geek is an enthusiast or expert who passionately embraces technology, pop culture, or intellectual pursuits.

        ◦ Geeks are known for their deep knowledge, curiosity, and dedication to their interests.

Connotations of “Luddite Geek”:

    • Irony: The combination of these terms creates irony. A Luddite, who typically opposes technology, is paired with a geek, who thrives on it.

    • Hybrid Identity: It suggests a person who navigates the tension between tradition and progress, perhaps using technology while harboring reservations.

    • Intriguing Dichotomy: The clash between Luddite and geek highlights the complexity of our relationship with technology.

In essence, a “Luddite Geek” might be someone who appreciates both the craftsmanship of the past and the innovation of the present, all while wrestling with the contradictions inherent in our tech-driven world.

Tell me what you think of the blog Ramblings of a Luddite Geek at https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com. Do you think it conveys the thoughts of a "Luddite Geek"?

I appreciate your curiosity! Let’s explore the “Ramblings of a Luddite Geek” blog and see if it aligns with the concept of a “Luddite Geek.”

    1. Blog Overview:

        ◦ The blog appears to be a personal space where the author shares their thoughts, experiences, and reflections.

        ◦ The title itself suggests a blend of opposing perspectives: “Luddite” (associated with resistance to technology) and “Geek” (associated with tech enthusiasm).

    2. Content Analysis:

        ◦ Unfortunately, I couldn’t directly access the blog due to a paywall¹.

        ◦ However, I found another blog post titled “I’m A Luddite” by Ben Moore. In this post, Ben discusses their experiences with cars and recurring problems².

        ◦ The title implies that the author identifies as both a Luddite and someone who engages with technology.

    3. Possible Connotations:

        ◦ The blog may explore the tension between embracing technology (like a geek) and harboring reservations (like a Luddite).

        ◦ It could delve into topics such as:

            ▪ Technology’s Impact: Reflecting on how technology affects our lives.

            ▪ Tradition vs. Innovation: Balancing old-school values with modern advancements.

            ▪ Personal Anecdotes: Sharing experiences related to tech and life.

    4. Overall Impression (Hypothetical):

        ◦ If the blog indeed conveys the thoughts of a “Luddite Geek,” it might offer a unique perspective on navigating the digital age while appreciating the past.

        ◦ I encourage you to explore the blog further when possible!

Remember, the term “Luddite Geek” embodies complexity—a fusion of skepticism and fascination with technology.

¹https://www.reddit.com/r/Anticonsumption/comments/16qi5l8/opinion_ive_always_loved_tech_now_im_a_luddite/

²https://blog.benmoore.info/2017/01/im-luddite.html

https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com/2023/

https://www.crikey.com.au/2021/11/23/im-extremely-online-im-also-a-luddite-heres-why-you-should-be-one-too/

https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com/2017/

https://medium.com/@Smallbizlabs/lessons-from-the-luddites-a98421d64fbb

https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com/2017/11/introduction-to-clcl-tools.html

https://www.prsonas.com/blog/luddites-at-the-gates

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/rethinking-the-luddites-in-the-age-of-ai

https://www.thoughtlab.com/blog/the-luddites-how-we-get-them-wrong-and-the-true-lessons/

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/02/new-luddites-ai-protest/677327/

My Wordle Strategy With “M” Words

You might recall that my starting Wordle word is STEAM, that my strategy is to enter guesses that end in Y, and that I like to choose words that contain repeated letters.¹

If the letter M were flagged as correct but in the wrong position (STEAM), my next guess would be MOMMY.  After this, I'd know how many Ms were in the word and where they're located.

But what if M were in the correct position (STEAM)?; Then I'd probably choose OPIUM, which would determine what the vowel(s) would be.  I don't recall this ever happened to me; for this post I've relied on the Word Finder tool at Word Hippo.²

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¹ https://ludditegeek.blogspot.com/2023/11/introducing-my-wordle-strategy.html

² https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/word-finder-unscrambler.html

The Tissue Paper IQ Test

Tissues that come in cube-shaped boxes, “aka “cubes,” cost at least twice as much per tissue than those in the rectangular-shaped boxes. Both boxes cost about the same. But the cubes usually contain less than half the number of tissues as the rectangular-shaped boxes.

And yet my wife insists that I buy cubes. They take up less space on tables and the toilet tank; this is true, I admit. But still, I buy the rectangulars and then transfer the tissues into two empty cubes.

She complains about this and tries to throw away the empty cubes before I can refill them. But I persist.

I just can’t bring myself to buy cubes. I imagine the folks that monitor the security cameras look for people who are too stupid to realize that cubes are a bad deal. And then they post pictures of their subjects on some special website, similar to “People of Walmart.”

Is there a website called “People Who Pay Two Times More Than Necessary For Tissues” out there?  I doubt it, but I’m not taking any chances.

Cybersecurity for Teachers

A kind reader suggested I share this cybersecurity resource for teachers:
https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/teachers-guide-to-cybersecurity/

Here’s a brief overview of the topics it covers:

• How Students Put You in Danger
• The Internet in Your Classroom
• The Hazards of Cyberbullying
• An Educational Solution
• Tips and Lesson Plans for Teachers

Thank you, RM!

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LudditeGeek is not associated with vpnMentor, nor received any compensation for this post.

Excel VBA -- Named Range Automation

A few weeks ago, I was working with an Excel workbook that had 18 sheets that were similar in structure. Half the sheets had names L1_1, L1_2, … L1_9; the other half, R1_1, R1_2, … R1_9. They contained dimensions of structures on the left and right of a substrate.

I wanted to display a summary of a few averages from each sheet on a new sheet. I knew this would involve the tedious process of selecting a range of cells for each average, so I decided I would write VBA code to create a named range for each group of cells that I wanted averaged.

I turned on the Macro Recorder and then manually created the range so I could get some idea of what object and property to set. It recorded this:

    ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PGC_1”, "=L1_1!$D$3:$D$84"

This told me that the Add method of the Names collection would require the Name and the Address of the desired named range.  And so I wrote this subroutine:

Sub CreateNamedRanges()
Dim objN As Name
Dim i As Integer, s As String

For i = 1 To 9

s = CStr(i)

ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PGC_" & s, "=L1_" & s & "!$D$3:$D$84"

ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PGL_" & s, "=L1_" & s & "!$D$190:$D$376"

ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PTL_" & s, "=L1_" & s & "!$D$101:$D$173"

ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PGR_" & s, "=R1_" & s & "!$D$190:$D$376"

ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add "PTR_" & s, "=R1_" & s & "!$D$101:$D$173"

Next i

For Each objN In ActiveWorkbook.Names

Debug.Print objN.Name, objN.RefersTo

Next

End Sub

But the code crashed on the fourth Add method; it complained about an invalid address.

It didn’t make sense. I looked carefully at the fourth Add method. There were no illegal characters or trailing whitespace or other pitfalls. I found references to the error online, but none of the content pertained to what I was working on.

Eventually it dawned on me that perhaps Excel was confusing the “=R1_” & s as an R1C1 style address. Perhaps I needed to make sure it knew that “=R1_” & s was a sheet name. And so I placed two single quotes in each address: one right after the equal sign, and one right before the exclamation mark, like this: "=’R1_" & s & "’!$D$190:$D$376"

After this correction, the code ran quickly.