Learning to tie knots is a useful skill that transcends many activities, from outdoor adventures to crafts and household tasks. Starting with a foundational set allows you to cover most needs you might encounter. Here are some versatile knots, each with unique applications, that I recommend: Continue reading
Critique of Some Snapshots
Introduction
A few days ago a new button showed up on my ChatGPT menu “Explore GPTs”. So far I have tried the Coloring Book GPT and today the Creative Writign Coach.
Below is my first exploration of this GPT.
Jumping Into It
Xxaxx:
Here is a snapshot I wrote a few days back: Ashes lay in piles. Mixtures of dust and lumps. Pale grey quiet in the windless sun. What was once a home, now road-side decoration in a desolate landscape. Nearby wisps of green emerge from the barren soil. Brave resolute life emerges ready to transform the landscape. Continue reading
Forgiveness: There and Back Again
Introduction
Below is a conversation on the topic of “forgiveness.”
It is tempting to edit the conversation to remove the various formulaic aspects inherent in chatbot communications. Perhaps even distill the whole thing into a few paragraphs of pithy verbiage packaged into a truthbit.
What are truthbits? They are like tidbits. But, instead of being bits of tid, they are bits of truth.
But, alas, I don’t expect that folks get much value from truthbits. They have gone stale offering little nutrient value.
One could say that the real value of a blog is in the work of following a path of unfolding that leads step-wise through a process of reasoning. That value of any conclusion pales in comparison to the benefit of having taken the journey.
Why? The answer to this is in the nature of distributed networks in the brain. Meta-cognitive functions are good. Meta-cognitive functions involve distributed networks. Distributed networks are strengthened through usage. Ergo, processes that exercise the meta-cognitive functions are good.
All by way of saying, I am more and more inclined to leave most (if not all) of a conversation in the blog.
So here it is: Continue reading
The Abstract Self-Portrait – A Journey Within
Introduction:
Have you ever gazed into a mirror, not just to see your reflection, but to truly see yourself? Our exploration takes this concept and spins it with a modern, AI twist. We’ll dive deep into introspection, using AI-generated “self-portraits” not as literal likenesses, but as abstract mirrors reflecting our inner selves. Continue reading
It Is The Journey
Introduction
This blog is a bit of a journey that brings us around to a fine view of the expression: “It is the journey not just reaching the destination.”
Please note that the above expression is a modified version of “It is the journey not the destination.” The reason for this modification of the original expression is because destination can be taken as the final end point in a journey. Or, destination can be a word used to indicate the compass needle of the journey. For me both the journey and journey’s compass needle have significant importance. More about that in another blog.
If you like, you can begin delving into that by pondering the dual use of the word “destination” as both the end point and the compass needle.
In any case, let’s dig into this blog. Continue reading
A Few Outtakes
Outtake #1
What if there is only mud and rock? What if we drive through a mountain and find nothing? What if there is no spirit and spiritual is just a made up concept? What if dirt is dirt, and there is only body and no soul, no essence nor higher being?
If there is only body and no soul, then there is only this life. There is no great beyond. Nor, is there a so-so beyond or beyond of any sort. This is it. Continue reading
Four Guiding Principles
prin·ci·ple
noun
plural noun: principles
def: A foundational assumption or postulate that serves as a starting point for a system of thought, behavior, or chain of reasoning.
It’s worth noting that principles in science often stand until evidence challenges them and forces a reconsideration and refinement. In the realm of mathematics and physics, clarity and precision in definitions are crucial. By framing principles as “foundational assumptions” or “starting points,” it acknowledges the iterative and evolving nature of our understanding in these fields.
That said, I have sifted through my own beliefs, views, perspectives, and thoughts on the matter (whatever the matter may be) and have come up with four principles are integral to my working construct. These four principles reflect my guiding principles. Continue reading
Flow Triggers
Introduction
The linked topics of “focus” and “flow” states are important — as in vital. Why do I make such a claim? Check out Johann Hari’s book Stolen Focus to get acquainted with why this might be important to us individually and as a people. Continue reading
Absurdism
Introduction
This text is an excerpt from a much longer conversation that I had with ChatGPT4 on an entirely different topic. It definitely gave me a great belly laugh. Continue reading
Moving the Needle
The Setup
“Move the needle” is an expression that conjures a powerful visual metaphor for making progress towards a goal. It’s especially useful for conceptualizing progress on goals that are large-scale, or those requiring a long span of time and/or substantial effort to complete.
However, tracking progress isn’t always as simple as observing a gauge or meter. Some goals are of such a nature that measuring progress is challenging, if not downright elusive.
Here is a possible solution. Determine sub-tasks that are component parts or contributing factors for the completion of the target grand goal. Continue reading