the iMentor

Hints & rants

This weB-LOG is about the musing of a technical consultant. It is the iMentor's thoughts on technology and the human condition.

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Sofa

August 25, 2024 Uncategorized 1 Comment
Episode #816 September 21, 2024 My sofa was uncomfortable for one of my favorite activities: falling asleep watching TV.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFCxiKXtKTI My wife and I were browsing through the general merchandise displays in the center of the Costco warehouse. There it was… a three seat leather sofa. It featured electric adjustable headrests and an electric zero wall clearance reclining mechanism. The sofa caressed our bodies with full support and adjustability. Watching TV in a comfortable reclined position was guaranteed. Love that Costco satisfaction guarantee. The price was half what we paid for the old sofa at Ashley. There was no...
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Lock the Door

August 25, 2024 Uncategorized No Comments
Episode #815 September 14, 2024 For 11 years I have resisted enabling Apple 2 Factor Authentication (2FA).     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuIXiy_eqzw Apple 2 Factor Authentication requires always having to be in possession of an internet connected trusted device just to access your Apple ID and iCloud account. This is an unreasonable and inconvenient requirement. It is not easy to avoid switching to 2FA. When you do a Operating System update the default for security is 2FA. You must uncheck the 2FA selection and click through options to opt out. Periodically, Apple will send a notification suggesting that you switch to 2FA....
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Reflection

August 25, 2024 Uncategorized 1 Comment
Episode #814 September 7, 2024 As I reflect on the things in my life I realize that everything is a mirror image of itself.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNprQYHenNI   Don’t you love the gossamery image when the forest’s line of reflection is the shore of the pond? A cue ball rebounds perfectly from an elastic cushion, no english, no spin. Every incidence is equal to its consequence. Reflection on history can, but often does not, guide one to an improved future. “Your best teacher is your last mistake.” — Ralph Nader Mistakes are an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong...
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Never Trust a Computer

August 25, 2024 Uncategorized 3 Comments
Episode #813 August 31, 2024 My best advice as a technical consultant has been: “Never trust a computer.”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVF3q5Y68-0 I wondered what a computer would say about its own trustworthiness, so I asked ChatGPT to write a poem about trusting a computer.   Should a Human Trust a Computer? A computer's mind is made of code, In ones and zeros, tales unfold. Its heart is cold, devoid of beat, In logic’s grip, it finds retreat. No warmth of touch, no friendly eye, Its trust is but a lie. The screen, a mirror to its soul, Shows not the heart,...
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Missing You

August 23, 2024 Uncategorized 3 Comments
Episode #812 August 24, 2024 I missed Paula this last week. She was gone, taking care of her sister.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9e157Ner90 The cats kept me company. Friends helped with projects. I accepted invitations to dinner. Some of the time I ran errands into town. Those car trips were lonely.  The radio cuts out half way to town… quiet. I kept asking for help during honey-do projects. There was no answer. Sometimes the cats meowed. Making only half the bed was a sad convenience. My rhythm was off. I slept late and fell asleep on the couch until morning. No...
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Leverage

August 14, 2024 Uncategorized 2 Comments
Episode #811 August 17, 2024 Business, finance, economics and negotiations have all highjacked the term “leverage” to apply to their fields.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SprRX6mSsEg I am fascinated with leverage in physics. The use of pulleys, gears, levers and balance gives me a mechanical advantage over my world. When two people carry an object, such as a coach, it is important to have symmetrical grips. Asymmetrical grips create an imbalance causing twisting and uneven weight distribution. Either of the people can fall out of their safe carrying zone. The object becomes heavier with incorrect leverage. The use of a walking cane is...
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