Read in 2022

A lackluster year, I admit. I have a few books in progress, but I'm not likely to cross the finish line with them before January rolls in.

The best for the year are World War II-themed: Anthony Doerr's "All the Light We Cannot See," and Robert Edsel's "Monuments Men." Of the two, Monuments Men is my favorite. I wish they had made the movie of it fit the story from the book a bit better, but the movie is still a good one.

For 2022:

All the Light We Cannot See; by Anthony Doerr. 530 pages.

Aunt Pearl's Family Reunion Book, by James Arrington. 130 pages.

Compleat Ankh-Morpork City Guide, The; by the Discworld Emporium. 128 pages.

Cuckoo's Egg, The; by Cliff Stoll. 500 pages.

Design of Everyday Things, The; by Donald Norman. 257 pages.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: Big Shot, by Jeff Kinney. 217 pages.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Deep End, by Jeff Kinney. 217 pages.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, by Jeff Kinney. 217 pages.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball, by Jeff Kinney. 217 pages.

Dogbert's Clues for the Clueless, by Scott Adams. 112 pages.

Girl from Yamhill, A: A Memoir, by Beverly Cleary. 279 pages.

How Will You Measure Your Life, by Clayton Christensen. 41 pages.

Key is Lost, The; by Ida Vos. 272 pages.

Last Continent, The; by Terry Pratchett. 350 pages.

Monuments Men, The; by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter. 474 pages.

Peanuts by the Decade, the 1960s; by Charles Schulz. 530 pages

Shepherd's Crown, The; by Terry Pratchett. 288 pages.

Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom; 192 pages.

Ze Page Total: 5,048.

One Small Step for LEGO . . .

This is the coolest thing I own.

I was up until almost 1 am putting it together, and still had to finish this morning. It's cleverly built so that the ascent module is accessible by removing the sides of it. I also have an aftermarket LED lighting kit for it, but I didn't have the brain to work on it today. (If you've gotten this particular set and haven't assembled it yet, be aware assembling it while installing the lighting kit is recommended. I did have to go online to find a video to show me where the lights should go, as the instructions provided are technically nonexistent.

They also offer a Saturn V rocket that's more than three feet tall, but that's a bit out of my price range yet.

All that Matters

I have read in the ancillary news and on social media of the many things that were not there at the time of Christ's birth. It may have been a stable. It may have been a cave. It may have been a house, and wherever it was, it's certain there were no animals there. Nor were the Wise Men, who may have come years after his birth, or shepherds, who may or may not have seen the star at all.

These tales are told, they say, due to Christians subverting elements of the pagan holiday, or adornments added through every action from hubris to innocent ignorance. The underlying message in these stories ranges from gentle reconciliation of the Gospels to modern tsk-ing that anyone would believe in such twaddle.

And some are passing around a 3-D rendering of Andre the Giant and chuckling at the idiot Christians who rail against the claim it is what Joseph looked like.

What the stories fail to do - and what the shaming and correcting and eye-rolling cannot undo is to tell me what was there:

Wonderful.

Counsellor.

The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father: the Prince of Peace.

And that, in the end, is all that matters.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

"Lights, Please?"

This, as always, bears repeating.

Dream Big, Fart Loud

4:27 am. I know because at that time of night, I'm a light sleeper. I wake myself with a staccato burst of four rapid-fire toots.

In the darkness, my wife says "Yes?"

Me: Huh?

Her: In my dream, someone was knocking at the door.

Me: Oh. I tooted.

Her: That was weird. Because usually they just barge in.

I'm Tearing Up Just Reading This. Listening, it's Niagara Falls, Frankie Angel

Mr. Emil Gower: [voice-over] I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

Giuseppe Martini: [voice-over] Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend, Mr. Bailey.

Ma Bailey: [voice-over] Help my son, George, tonight.

Bert: [voice-over] He never thinks about himself, God, that's why he's in trouble.

Ernie Bishop: [voice-over] George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

Mary: [voice-over] I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

Janie Bailey: [voice-over] Please, God, something's the matter with Daddy.

Zuzu Bailey: [voice-over] Please bring Daddy back.

***YOU ARE HEARING ME PLAY MUSIC***

This video, by Benn Jordan who has a lot of interesting things to say about the music industry, seems tangentially related to my post from yesterday. (Caution for those with tender ears: Video contains both bleeped and unbleeped naughty words).

And yes, I'm guiltily watching this video with my adblocker activated. I am scum.

***YOU ARE HEARING ME TALK***

I need help reacting to something.

Tell me what you think of this:

***START***

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a common condition in dachshunds and other small dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine, which can lead to pain, weakness, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, IVDD can cause paralysis and other serious complications.

The exact cause of IVDD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Dachshunds and other small breeds are more susceptible to IVDD due to their longer spine and shorter legs. Other potential causes of IVDD include trauma, obesity, and improper nutrition. It is important for dachshund owners to keep their dogs at a healthy weight and provide them with a balanced diet to help prevent IVDD and other spinal problems.

The signs of IVDD in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual dog. Common signs of IVDD include:

• Pain or discomfort, especially when the spine is touched or manipulated

• Weakness or difficulty moving

• Loss of coordination or difficulty walking

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Loss of sensation in the limbs

• Loss of appetite

• Depression or changes in behavior

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of IVDD can help prevent complications and improve your dog's quality of life.  

IVDD can cause a number of complications, including pain, weakness, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, IVDD can progress and cause paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, and other serious complications. In severe cases, IVDD can be life-threatening. It is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD and to follow their recommended treatment plan to prevent complications and manage the condition.

Dachshunds and other small breeds are most susceptible to IVDD due to their longer spine and shorter legs. Other dog breeds that are at increased risk for IVDD include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Corgis, and Shih Tzus. However, any dog can develop IVDD, regardless of breed, and it is important to monitor your dog for signs of the condition and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

The best way to prevent IVDD in dachshunds is to provide your dog with a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise is also important for maintaining your dachshund's overall health and can help prevent IVDD and other spinal problems. Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on your dachshund's spine, such as jumping or rough play, can also help prevent IVDD. If your dachshund is prone to IVDD or has a history of the condition in their family, it may be helpful to talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent or manage the disease.

IVDD is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with appropriate treatment. The goal of treatment for IVDD in dogs is to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and improve your dog's quality of life. In some cases, IVDD may progress to the point where surgery is necessary to remove the damaged disc and alleviate pressure on the spine. Even after surgery, your dog will still be at risk for developing IVDD in the future, and will need to be monitored closely by a veterinarian. With appropriate treatment and management, many dogs with IVDD are able to live long and happy lives.

The three best treatments for IVDD in dogs will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of your dog. It is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD, as the condition can progress quickly and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment options for IVDD in dogs may include:

1. Rest and confinement: In the early stages of IVDD, your veterinarian may recommend restricting your dog's activity and keeping them confined to a small space to prevent further damage to the spine.

2. Pain management: Pain medication can be used to help manage your dog's discomfort and improve their quality of life.

3. Surgery: In severe cases of IVDD, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged disc and alleviate pressure on the spine. This can help prevent paralysis and other complications.

Again, it is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD, as the appropriate treatment will depend on the individual needs of your dog.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Some people believe that acupuncture can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including IVDD in dogs. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for IVDD in dogs. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before using acupuncture as a treatment for IVDD or any other condition in your dog. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of treatment for your dog's specific needs.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for dogs with IVDD. Physical therapy for dogs with IVDD typically involves exercises and activities that help to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. This can help your dog to maintain or regain function in their spine and limbs, and can improve their overall quality of life. Physical therapy can be used in combination with other treatments, such as medication and surgery, to help manage the symptoms of IVDD. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian and a qualified animal physical therapist to develop a physical therapy plan that is tailored to your dog's individual needs.

The cost of IVDD surgery in dogs will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the type of surgery performed, and other factors. In general, surgery for IVDD in dogs can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand dollars to over $10,000. It is important to discuss the cost of surgery with your veterinarian and explore all available options before deciding on a course of treatment for your dog. Some veterinarians may offer financing options or payment plans to help make the cost of IVDD surgery more manageable.

If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, it is important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. In most cases, IVDD can be managed with a combination of rest, medication, and physical therapy. While IVDD can be a serious condition, it does not necessarily mean that your dog needs to be euthanized. Euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted and your dog is experiencing severe pain and suffering that cannot be relieved. It is important to discuss all of your options with your veterinarian and make a decision that is in the best interests of your dog.

***END***

This is a topic that I've researched quite a bit on my own, just so you know. Partly to provide an example for my English students to read as they write their own essays. Also, because we've had three weenie dogs, and two of them have suffered from IVDD. One dog, unfortunately, we had to have put down, but the second is still alive, and while she walks with a funny gait from time to time, she's still kicking.

I don't remember how long it took me to research the sample essay I wrote, but I'm sure it was several hours. And I had the time to do it. And am an old hand at writing essays. And knew what I wanted to produce from the beginning, so I could easily suss good information from stuff that wouldn't be useful.

The essay above -- just over 1,100 words, granted without citations -- I "wrote" in about twenty minutes, using an open AI engine online.

This is something English departments need to reckon with. Now.

How to do that?

Dunno. But maybe reconsider the traditional essay assignment.

Maybe my fears are overblown. maybe these engines will produce the same content over and over again, and services like Turnitin will begin recognizing it as plagiarized.

But maybe not.

And no, it's not a perfect essay. There are no citations. When I asked this particular engine for experts, or citations, I got this response every time:

I'm sorry, but I am not able to browse the internet or access any expert opinions on this topic. I am a large language model trained by OpenAI and my knowledge is based on the text that I have been trained on. I can provide general information about IVDD in dachshunds, but I cannot cite specific experts or research on the topic.

But we're fools to think there isn't AI out there capable of finding and citing the experts and producing essays that are essentially what are asked for in your standard English class. I've even heard that the AI I'm using is capable of that, just have to figure it out.

I don't know where I'm going with this. Just thinking about it. But it's potential for use in academic fraud is immeasurable.

What the Hell?

 

Yanno, I just want two parts. Two tiny parts, put together not even weighing an ounce. How can anyone justify charging $25 for shipping?

And before you ask, this is their least expensive shipping option. This is not overnight shipping. That option costs $149.

Someone's padding their profits and trying to blame the shippers.

So I did not buy these items. I'll keep looking for them. And there are many sites willing to sell them to me. Accompanied by a similar -- in some cases, higher -- shipping rate.

No thanks.

The Plight Before Christmas

So I happened to catch the latest episode of Bob's Burgers yesterday -- a rare feat -- and it just might be my favorite "new" Christmas episode in a very long time.

It's one of their shorter episodes, but it packs a simple punch akin to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," in that it quietnly supports a simplified holiday season focusing on family togetherness.

The story concentrates on Bob and Linda having to juggle their presence at three separate Christmas-themed performances:

Gene performing with others in the fourth grade in a xylophone concert at Wagstaff Elementary.

Tina performing with her Thunder Girls troop at the City Hall Plaza.

Louise reading what they suspect is a jokey poem at the city library.

All events occur at 6 pm on the same day, bringing on this exchange between parents:

Bob and Linda [responding to the news that Louise's performance is the same night as the other two]: That's TONIGHT?

Linda: I thought it was tomorrow!

Bob: I only know what she knows!

I feel ya, Bobby. Been there many times.

Mrs. Merkin planned on just winging her students through the performance, but has to have an emergency appendectomy that night. The school brings in a substitute -- the only one who answered the phone -- to help, but she knows nothing about music and has no idea what Mrs. Merkins' plan was in the first place.

Gene has the idea to remove most of the bars from the xylophones, giving the players fewer choices (a simplified holiday season) and they turn in a stellar performance. Tina sacrifices her role as the Christmas Star to race to the library in time to hear Louise deliver a non-jokey poem, with Linda hot on her tail:

What's Around the Tree, by Louise Belcher

I can't see what's around the tree

when I'm pawing through the presents.

But when I sit back and get my present unwrapped,

I look up and I see my parents.

I see and smell my brother,

and that's clearly where the gas is.

And I see my sister with something

that looks like gingerbread on her glasses.

And we don't have gingerbread.

So this is odd.

We made funny ornaments for the tree this year,

And we make funny ornaments sitting here,

Around the tree. So jolly.

Didn't expect to feel this way.

I was focusing on Santa.

But the best presents are sitting here,

and they aren't even wrapped up.

And that is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Goals, Accountability, and Other Castles in Spain

In a fit of wanting to fit in and do something, dammit, I wrote the following down a week ago:

1 year finish doleful creatures, ready again to submit to publishers

Weed out the fluff

Outline story

Work on characters

Draw a map

Work on the world building

Look to examples for inspiration

Terry Pratchett for humor

Felix Salten for simplicity

Richard Adams for detail

Get two more beta reads

Four hours of focused novel work a week.

Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

Partly because I was in a session re-learning about goal-setting, and partly because a friend dropped by with a copy of the third book he's written.

So it could happen.

But also: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I'll do my best. But I have a lot of time-wasting habits to break.

Whizzo the Clown/Dead Crab

 

When your friend posts this on Facebook, you take it as a challenge.

And wow. It makes "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" appear Oscar-worthy.

Whole thread here.