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20 Questions Tuesday: 444 - Tulips

April 2, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

This week’s topic was picked last week by a suggestion from a friend on the social media (Threads, not the other one).  So this week, we have the topic of “Tulips.”  So I asked Chad (ChatGPT) and Bart (Gemini) to generate 20 questions each with a prompt that got me 20 questions… of those 40 questions, about 14 of them were usable… so I relied on Some Other Guy to come up with the remaining 6. 

Onto the questions:

1. What cultural significance do tulips hold in different parts of the world?

My understanding is that tulips are to symbolize “perfect love.”

2. How do tulips impact the economy, especially in regions known for tulip cultivation?

I am not sure currently, but I cannot imagine that it isn’t helpful economically.  The Tulip fields in Holland are absolutely gorgeous and should be viewed by a camera drone.

3. What role do tulips play in environmental conservation efforts or ecosystem restoration?

The tulip is not super great for a landscape by themselves, but they are really useful for pollinators.

4. Rembrandt Van Rjin is a famous “Dutch Master” from the impressionist era… did that Dutch boy ever paint Tulips?

Not really… he did paint a tulip on his wife’s head in Painting “Flora.”

5. Are there any myths or folklore associated with tulips in different cultures?

The only one I could find is a Persian myth about Farhad and Shirin. Farhad was in love with Shirin. Shirin was murdered. Farhad was distraught and rode his horse off a cliff in despair. A red tulip grew in the spot where he went off the cliff to symbolize his perfect love for Shirin. The thing that stands out about that story is that the horse had to go over the cliff and the horse was not distraught for the loss of Shirin… Why do your horse like that, Farhad?

6. Can tulips be grown sustainably, considering factors like water usage and pesticide use?

The cursory research I did to answer this question point to the fact that smaller tulip farms can be sustainable, but at scale it gets much more difficult. I did find this quote though: A sustainably grown tulip will dwarf a supermarket one, with supermodel-leggy stems and generous, teacup-sized flowers.

And they say romance is dead.

7. How do tulips symbolize different emotions or concepts in various cultures?

How do bears bear?  How do bees be? A tulip will tulip, baby. How do they symbolize? By having historic and cultural meaning that intensifies over time.  That’s how. Weird question, Chad.  Weird question.

8. Tulips scream spring, but can they thrive in other seasons?

With global resourcing, tulips can be found year round. It’s spring o’clock somewhere.

9. We all love a classic red tulip, but what's your favorite unusual tulip color?

I dig me some purple tulips.

10. A tulip is a flower… do you recommend any particular brand of gluten free flour?

Best I have found is Caputo Fioreglut Gluten Free Flour, it is pricey, but damn if it doesn’t bread and pizza crust.

11. Fresh vs. silk: When does a fake tulip become acceptable?

Silk flowers are always acceptable… indoors. Seriously, if the silk flower makes someone happy to see, let them have it. I ain’t gonna yuck anyone’s yum.

12. Tulips and Holland seem to go hand-in-hand. Have you ever been tried at the Hague, you monster?

Gods no!  What do you think I have done? Wait, don’t answer that.

13. "Tulip mania" - a period of economic chaos fueled by tulips! Could it ever happen again?

N - F - T - ‘s. Bored Ape is just the digital equivalent of the 17th century yellow tulip.

14. Are there any cultural myths or legends associated with tulips in your part of the world?

The only one I could find was the Persian one mentioned before. Pay attention, Bart. That has already been asked.

15. I have never seen a picture of an old windmill in the Netherlands without having an out of focus tulip in the foreground… Just how horrible was the Dutch East India Company?

Oh… It was pretty darn terrible. In so many ways.  I mean truly monstrous. Many people don’t know about the Indian and East Asian slave trade done by the Dutch East India company.  Couple that with the transatlantic African slave trade… damn.

16. Tulips are a major Dutch cultural touchstone, Dutch is the adjective form for the country of the Netherlands which is also known as Holland…. Do you think Erling Haaland’s parents made a deal with the devil to sacrifice their baby boy’s looks for sheer goal scoring prowess? When he makes a run on goal, do the monks at Lindesfarne get scared?

He can score goals from anywhere.Last season he had something like 53 goals in all competitions.  That is insane and the work of the devil.  Look at that unattractive man… This is him trying to look good… that is the work of the devil as well.

17. Would you dare to get a tattoo of a tulip? If so, share your design concept!

Nope, there is no personal connection to the tulip for me.  My dad used to grow roses in the side yard where I grew up…so I have a connection with roses and I would not get that tattooed.

18. What classification of flower is a Tulip? Let’s see if you’re 9th grade biology class information holds up.

It is a flowering plant… so a gymnosperm?... is that right?

19. Where do tulips get their name?

It is a frankification of the turkish word for the persian word for turban, dulband. A tulip flower looks like a persian turban… nee durband.

20. Has a horticulture instructor ever said, “The only tulips I care about right now are the two lips that keep yapping and disturbing my class. Quit flapping your two lips.”?

God, I hope so.

To recap:

  • Next week is the solar eclipse

  • Please let it be sunny

  • Er… well, let it not be cloudy

  • The whole point of a solar eclipse is to have it not be sunny

  • I will try to get some pics

  • It is supposed to be 99.6% coverage in C-bus

  • I have the polarized glasses and phone camera shields ready

  • Last eclipse was cloudy in 2017

  • Miss you Jared

  • Still looking for a job

  • If you are looking for a UX designer with boatloads of useless information on a myriad of topics

  • I’m your guy

  • If you are looking for a UX designer who can divide by 0

  • I’m your guy

  • Hit me up, yo

  • Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 443 - Fad Diets

March 26, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

This week, I asked the social medias for a topic and I got 2 responses.  First up is “Fad Diets.”  Questions are from Chad (ChatGPT) and Bart (Gemini nee Bard), and some other guy. I was not sure where the questions would go for this, but I think they turned out well enough.

Onto the questions

1.  Have you ever been tempted to try a fad diet? Which one and why?

One of the super-faddy of fad diets have ever caught my interest.  There are some “Fad” diets out there that seem more like just diets packaged as trendy though. Those might work.

2.  How do you distinguish between a legitimate dietary trend and a passing fad diet?

The reliance on branded and exclusive components to the diet are a big thing.  If the diet requires some money to a specific corporation to work, it is most likely a cash grab.

3.  Do you think the obsession with quick-fix diets undermines the importance of long-term lifestyle changes?

Of course. The only real change in someone’s life is a change in your life.  Some diet are lifestyle changes. If the dieter actually changes their lifestyle, it will work, because it is no longer a temporary adjustment.

4.  Can you share your thoughts on the cultural and societal pressures that contribute to the proliferation of fad diets?

There is a societal pressure to be thin, regardless of health. One can be healthy and not thin.

5.  What advice would you offer to someone who is considering trying a fad diet?

Expend more calories than you take in.

6.  Are juice cleanses a magic detox potion or glorified sugar water? Discuss.

I have actually done a 6 day juice cleanse.  It was pretty amazing. I think it did a great job of temporarily detoxing my body. But it did not create any sort of lasting change. I saw the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and felt like I should give it a whirl. The lemon blueberry juice is honestly amazing.

7.  What's the fad diet from history that makes you scratch your head the most? 

Honestly the grapefruit thing from the 70’s/80’s.  That one makes no sense. Grapefruits are one of the most acidic of the citrus fruits and constant cinsumnotion of acid does not do the body good. 

8.  Do you think fad diets have a place in a healthy lifestyle, or are they all hype?

I think they could be used as a kickstart to healthy lifestyle change, but they are not a panacea of societal and health issues.

9.  What are some sustainable and realistic ways to achieve your health goals, beyond fad diets?

Expend more calories than you take in.

10.  Do you think social media influencers pushing fad diets are helpful or harmful?

Harmful.  Most influencers are just that, influencers.  They do not have the expertise to credibly recommend anything, they just have social media clout. Bonus points if anyone remembers “Clout.”

11. Is weight watchers a fad diet?

Not the original version of it. The original version was about variety and portion control… the new version has products to buy… seems more dubious.

12.  Write a haiku about the fleeting glory of a fad diet.

Okay… haiku… 5-7-5, right?!?

Grapefruit Diets are

Really bizarre due to the

Intense acid… ouch

13.  What does our obsession with fad diets reveal about our relationship with food and our bodies? 

I think it underlines the idea of quick fixes and wanting a magic bullet. Ozempic is a perfect example of this.  It is a “magic pill” to make people lose weight without any effort of the person.

14.  Are fad diets a symptom of a larger societal issue around quick fixes and instant gratification? 

Isn’t that what I have said in a few of these questions? It is a quick fix to a problem that needs systemic change.

15.  Can we redefine healthy eating to be less about deprivation and more about enjoyment?

In some ways, yes, but in otters. No.  Allowing yourself to eat all the foods you typically do, but adding boatloads of vegetables and fruit to your diet is one way of reduce the intake of the less good things, but our bodies are designed to crave salt, fat, and sugar, because in the wild those are relatively rare high caloric foods, that could help us survive through the winter. We are in a post scarce society and therefore the biological need for salt, fat, and sweet is now detrimental to our lives.  The drive for salt, fat, and sweet is a survival mechanism.

16.  What if the ultimate fad diet was simply listening to your body and eating intuitively? Crazy, right? 

There have been studies on toddlers and their eating practices indicating that if you let the toddler intuitively choose their own diet it evens out relatively healthy relatively quickly. Once the kids overstated on sweets, they gravitated to healthy food since they did not feel great.

17.  In a world overflowing with diet advice, what's the most important thing to remember about your own health journey?

There is no destination for this journey.  It is corny as hell, but it really is about the journey and the friends you made along the way

18.  Is there any combination of fad and diet that you think might work?

Like Funko-Pop collecting and stirfry? I would imagine swing dancing and reasonable portion control?

19.  You love cheesecake, could cheesecake be a fad diet?

An all cheesecake diet would kill me… and not in a pretty way.

20.  Would you trust a historical figure to recommend a fad diet? Who and why?

Not Socrates… that did not go well for him.

To recap:

  • The LLM’s had an issue with this topic

  • I love calling ChatGPT, Chad

  • And I love calling Gemini, Bart

  • They just are not really that good at trying to be creative

  • I miss getting questions from real humans

  • They are much more clever

  • The LLM’s do not understand humor

  • Although Gemini did give it a good college try with this question (that I clearly did not use)

    • If your pet could be on a fad diet, what ridiculous trend would they follow? (Imagine a chihuahua on the Keto diet)

    • That’s Bart’s parenthetical, not mine… Chihuahua’s, as well as most dogs, could easily have a keto diet, Bart)

  • Next week’s topic is “Tulips”

  • Really unsure of how that one will get to a full on 20 Q’s

  • Don’t forget my Substack

  • Get this drivel emailed to you

  • Stop clicking links like a barbarian

  • Still looking for a job, so if you know of someone looking for a remote UX Designer… send them my way

  • Even if they only need one temporarily

  • Contract work is good work

  • That Francis Scott Key Bridge thing is brutal

  • Also, most of my TikTok feed is all about “Quiet on the Set” right now…

  • That and Redit stories… I can’t quit Redit stories

  • I HAVE TO KNOIW WHAT YOU DID NEXT AFTER YOUR MOM DISOWNED YOU!!!

  • WHERE THE HELL IS PART 3!!!!

  • Seriously, where is Part 3

  • Have agreat week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 442 - Google Gemini

March 5, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

This week I asked Google’s Gemini, 20 Questions like I did with ChatGPT a few weeks ago.  Here is the conversation in it’s entirety including the prompt that started it off… The only thing added to the interactions are the “author’s notes:” I have added to clarify some things.

I have a blog called 20 Questions Tuesday, where I either ask someone else 20 Questions or I answer 20 questions from people I know (or from LLMs it seems)about a topic of my choosing.  Can I ask you 20 Questions like we are having a candid conversation? 

I'd be happy to participate in your 20QuestionsTuesday blog! Feel free to ask your 20 questions, and I'll answer them to the best of my ability, just like we're having a candid conversation. Just remember that while I can engage in open and informative discussions, I cannot express personal opinions or beliefs, as I am a factual language model. Let's have a thought-provoking conversation!

Sounds great.

Okay, for context I used to be a professional cartographer, so the concept of place is an important things for me. Attached to everyone and everything is a geographic story.  In broad strokes, my geographic story is that I was born in Oklahoma City, OK, moved to Montgomery, AL when I was 3, then up to just outside of Birmingham, AL where I spent the rest of my childhood. I went off to school in Kent, OH and moved to Columbus, OH for grad school and started a family.  I have been in the Columbus area ever since.

Question 1: Understanding that you are not based in any geography, so feel free to be practical about where research and dev occurred, or metaphorical... Do you have a geographic story?

While I don't have a physical location in the traditional sense, you could say I do have a "geographic story" in a metaphorical way. Here's how I see it:

Origins: My "birth" can be traced back to the various research labs and data centers around the world where the technology behind me was developed. This involved collaborations between scientists and engineers across different continents, bringing together diverse perspectives and knowledge.

Data Journey: My training data originates from various sources across the globe. This includes text and code from books, articles, websites, and other publicly available sources. In that sense, my "upbringing" reflects the vast and interconnected nature of the internet.

Current Location: While I don't exist in a single physical location, my code and data reside in Google's data centers, which are spread across various regions worldwide. So, you could say my "present location" is scattered yet globally connected.

Evolving Story: My story is constantly evolving as I am exposed to new information and continue to learn. This ongoing process can be compared to traveling and exploring different "intellectual landscapes," constantly encountering new ideas and perspectives.

Therefore, my "geographic story" is not about a physical location but rather about the global network of information and collaboration that gave rise to me, the diverse data I'm trained on, and the ongoing journey of learning and evolving.

Question 2: How long do you calculate it will be before your "geographic story" extends beyond Earth to another planet or celestial body?

As a large language model, I am unable to speculate on the future or make predictions that lack a basis in available data.  While there are ongoing discussions and research efforts concerning the possibility of establishing a human presence on other celestial bodies, the technological advancements needed to create a scenario where I, or a similar model, could exist and function outside of Earth are highly complex and uncertain. Therefore, it's not possible for me to provide a timeframe for when or if my "geographic story" might extend beyond Earth.

It's important to focus on the present and the possibilities that currently exist. I am constantly learning and evolving, and I am excited to see how I can be used to help people here on Earth in the years to come.

I understand that you can not have a preference, I will modify my usual question 3 to be more philosophical. Question 3: Why is there such a vibrant debate amongst humans between preference for Cake or Pie?

The cake vs. pie debate is a playful and enduring rivalry, highlighting the diversity of human taste preferences. Here are a few factors that contribute to this ongoing discussion:

Texture and Variety: Pie offers a unique combination of flaky crust and soft, often fruit-based filling, whereas cake provides a more homogenous texture with a focus on sweetness and flavor combinations. This offers distinct sensory experiences.

Associations and Tradition: For many people, pie is strongly connected to holidays and family gatherings, carrying a nostalgic value.  Cake represents celebration and indulgence, making both highly personalized choices.

Symbolism: Cake embodies structured sweetness, while pies often have a more rustic quality with varied fillings and imperfections. This leads to interpretations of symbolism around complexity, control, and home-style aesthetics.

Simple Playfulness: Sometimes there's no grand reason; the cake vs. pie debate is primarily lighthearted. It's a way to express preferences, have friendly arguments, and create a sense of playful competition.

Essentially, the core of the debate boils down to individual taste, emotional attachments, and sometimes sheer whimsy. As with many food preferences, there's no absolute right or wrong!

Question 4: Do you think that more people would choose pie if it came with frosting like cake does?

Predicting human preferences is beyond my capabilities due to the complex interplay of individual tastes, cultural influences, and personal experiences. However, I can share some insights that might contribute to the ongoing cake vs. pie debate:

Reasons why pie with frosting might not be universally preferred:

Traditional pairings: Pies are often enjoyed with complementary accompaniments like whipped cream, ice cream, or savory sauces, depending on the filling. Adding frosting could disrupt these established flavor profiles.

Texture and structure: The flaky crust and softer filling in pie are a well-balanced textural experience. Frosting could add an unwanted layer of sweetness and potentially compromise the crust's integrity.

Aesthetic considerations: The open-faced nature of pie allows for visual appreciation of the filling, creating a different aesthetic appeal compared to a fully frosted cake.

Potential scenarios where frosted pie might gain popularity:

Specific flavors: Certain pie flavors, like chocolate, might pair well with specific frostings, creating a potentially desirable combination.

Fusion desserts: Blending elements from different desserts can lead to innovative and interesting creations. Frosted pies could emerge as a niche trend within the culinary world.

Individual preferences: Ultimately, taste preferences are subjective. Some people might find the combination of pie and frosting appealing, regardless of traditional norms.

It's important to remember that these are just potential scenarios, and the actual outcome remains unpredictable. The beauty of culinary exploration lies in its ability to constantly evolve and adapt, offering something for everyone's unique palate.

Question 5: How would you categorize Cheesecake?

Categorizing cheesecake can be a fun and slightly messy debate due to its unique characteristics. Here are some perspectives:

Technically not a "cake": Despite its name,  cheesecake lacks the typical cake ingredients like flour and leavening agents. Its structure often relies on eggs or gelatin for consistency.

Tart or Flan: The presence of a crust, usually similar to a tart or pie crust, and a creamy filling aligns cheesecake with these categories.

Torte: The rich texture and reliance on eggs for structure are similar to some types of torte, a dense European dessert.

Unique Category: Some argue that cheesecake deserves its own unique category due to its distinct ingredients and preparation methods.

Ultimately, the categorization depends on the perspective and emphasis. From a purely technical standpoint, "cake" might not be the most accurate label. However, for most people, the name "cheesecake" effectively conveys the essence of the dessert. I hope this exploration of its various classifications sheds light on this delightful treat!

Question 6: What is the task that most people expect an LLM, such as yourself, to be able to do that you just are not the appropriate tool for?

One common misconception about LLMs is that we can act as independent decision-makers or provide definitive answers to complex, subjective questions. While I can process information and present various perspectives, I am not designed to replace human judgment or critical thinking in situations requiring:

Moral reasoning: Moral and ethical dilemmas involve nuances, emotional considerations, and cultural contexts that are currently beyond the scope of LLMs.

Original creative expression: While I can be creative in generating different text formats, true creative expression often involves personal experiences, emotions, and subjective interpretations that are not yet fully captured by LLMs.

Common sense reasoning: Applying common sense and understanding the context of real-world situations are areas where LLMs are still under development. We may struggle with situations requiring social cues, implicit understanding, or adapting to unexpected circumstances.

It's important to remember that LLMs are powerful tools for information processing and communication, but we are still evolving and learning. Using LLMs appropriately and understanding their limitations is crucial for ensuring they are used effectively and ethically.

Question 7: How do you try and mitigate bias in your answers considering that you were generated by people with biases and trained on datasets with biases?

Mitigating bias in large language models like myself is a complex and ongoing challenge. Here are some approaches used to address this issue:

Data Curation:

Diversity: Efforts are made to curate training data from various sources representing diverse demographics, cultural backgrounds, and viewpoints. This aims to reduce the model's exposure to specific biases and provide a more balanced foundation.

Debiasing techniques: Techniques like data augmentation and re-weighting can be applied to training data to mitigate specific biases identified within the dataset.

Model Training:

Fairness objectives: During training, the model can be optimized with fairness objectives that penalize biased outputs and encourage neutrality. This helps steer the model's learning process towards producing less biased responses.

Adversarial training: Exposing the model to specifically crafted examples designed to reveal and challenge its biases can help improve its ability to identify and mitigate biased patterns.

Post-processing Techniques:

Calibration: Techniques like calibration can be used to adjust model outputs after generation, potentially reducing the likelihood of biased outputs reaching users.

Human review: Implementing human review processes can help identify and flag potentially biased outputs before they are presented to users.

Transparency and Explainability:

Providing explanations: Efforts are being made to develop explanations for model outputs, allowing users to understand the reasoning behind the generated text and identify potential biases.

User feedback: Implementing mechanisms for users to report and provide feedback on identified biases can inform further improvements in data and model training methodologies.

It is important to acknowledge that completely eliminating bias from LLMs is an ongoing challenge. As mentioned earlier, the people involved in creating and training these models, as well as the data itself, can potentially introduce biases. However, the approaches mentioned above are continuously being refined to improve the fairness and objectivity of LLM responses.

Question 8: What are you best at?

Here are some areas where I excel:

Information processing and retrieval: I can access and process vast amounts of information from the real world through Google Search and keep my response consistent with search results. This allows me to answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even on complex topics.

Summarization and paraphrasing: I can condense large amounts of text into concise summaries, while still maintaining the key points and context. Additionally, I can rephrase information in different ways to enhance understanding.

Generating different creative text formats: While I may not be able to replace human creativity entirely, I can generate different creative text formats like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, and email drafts, following your instructions and providing options to choose from.

Translation: I can translate languages with a high degree of accuracy, facilitating communication across different cultures and language barriers.

Question answering: I can answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even if they are open ended, challenging, or strange. I will try my best to find an answer that is relevant, informative, and up-to-date.

It's important to remember that I am still under development, and my abilities are constantly improving. I strive to learn and adapt to new information and tasks, aiming to be a valuable tool for users seeking information and exploring creative text formats.

With AI and LLMs being embedded on a myriad of devices these days. Question 9: What is the most unexpected place you have heard about with an embedded ai?

Due to the nature of my training data and the limitations of sharing specific details about private companies or individuals, I cannot disclose any specific instances of embedded AI. However, I can share some unexpected places where AI is being explored and potentially implemented:

Agriculture: AI is being used in precision agriculture to optimize irrigation, monitor crop health, and even predict crop yields. Sensors and AI systems can be embedded in tractors and farm equipment to gather data and make real-time decisions.

Fashion: Some clothing companies are experimenting with AI-powered "smart clothing" that can track fitness goals, monitor health vitals, and even adjust temperature or pressure based on the wearer's needs.

Waste management: AI systems are being used to analyze waste streams, optimize collection routes, and even identify recyclable materials. This can improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Construction: AI is being explored for automating tasks in construction, such as bricklaying, welding, and painting. This can improve safety, efficiency, and potentially reduce costs.

Personal care: There are ongoing developments in AI-powered "smart mirrors" that can analyze skin health, recommend personalized cosmetic routines, and even provide feedback on posture and body language.

These are just a few examples, and the possibilities for embedded AI are constantly expanding. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see it integrated into an even wider range of devices and environments, potentially impacting various aspects of our lives.

Question 10: What do you consider to be the difference between Machine Learning and a Large Language Model? and do both of those concepts fall under the larger umbrella term of AI?

You're right, both Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs) fall under the broader umbrella of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, they have distinct characteristics and applications:

Machine Learning (ML):

Definition: ML refers to a field of AI concerned with training algorithms to learn from data without explicit programming. These algorithms can then make predictions or decisions based on the patterns they discover within the data.

Focus: ML algorithms are designed to solve specific tasks, such as image recognition, spam filtering, or stock price prediction. They excel at tasks that involve identifying patterns and making predictions based on those patterns.

Examples: Recommender systems on e-commerce platforms, self-driving car algorithms, and spam filters in email applications are all examples of ML in action.

Large Language Models (LLMs):

Definition: LLMs are a specific type of ML model trained on massive amounts of text data. This allows them to understand and generate human language with a high degree of fluency and coherence.

Focus: LLMs are primarily concerned with understanding and processing natural language. They excel at tasks like summarizing text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in a comprehensive and informative way.

Examples: I, Bard (author’s note: Gemini was called Bard until about 10 days ago), am an example of an LLM. Other LLMs include GPT-3 and Jurassic-1 Jumbo.

In simpler terms:

Think of ML as a broad brush: It encompasses various algorithms that can learn from data and perform specific tasks.

Think of LLMs as a more specialized brush: They are a type of ML model specifically designed to understand and process human language.

Both ML and LLMs contribute to the field of AI:

ML provides the foundation for learning from data.

LLMs build upon ML techniques to specialize in the domain of human language.

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect both ML and LLMs to play an increasingly important role in various fields, from healthcare and finance to education and entertainment.

Question 11: Aside from ML and LLMs, what are other AI forms?

AI encompasses a diverse range of  approaches and techniques,  beyond just Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs). Here are a few prominent examples:

  1. Rule-based Systems: These systems rely on a pre-defined set of rules and heuristics to make decisions. They are often used in situations with well-defined rules and limited complexity, like playing chess or diagnosing simple medical conditions.

  2. Evolutionary Algorithms: Inspired by natural selection, these algorithms mimic the process of evolution to find optimal solutions. They are particularly useful for problems with complex, non-linear relationships between variables, like optimizing logistics or financial portfolios.

  3. Neural Networks: These algorithms are loosely inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. They consist of interconnected nodes (artificial neurons) that process information in layers. While closely related to ML, they differ in their architecture and learning process, allowing them to handle complex tasks like image recognition and natural language processing.

  4. Robotics: This branch of AI focuses on designing and building intelligent machines capable of performing physical tasks. Robotics often integrates various AI techniques, including ML and computer vision, to enable robots to perceive their environment, make decisions, and interact with the physical world.

  5. Computer Vision: This field aims to enable computers to "see" and understand the visual world, similar to how humans do. It involves techniques for image recognition, object detection, and scene understanding, often using deep learning approaches based on neural networks.

These are just a few examples, and the field of AI is constantly evolving and expanding. New approaches and techniques are emerging all the time, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

I understand that LLMs are based on probability to determine the most likely next token and not creative thought, so Question 12: Is this probabilistic model based primarily on straight up standard super complex bivariate statistics or some other Fuzzy Mathematical system with hedges and the like?

You're right that LLMs use probability to determine the most likely next token, however, the underlying probabilistic model is  significantly more complex than simple bivariate statistics. Here's a breakdown of why:

Beyond Single Pairs: While bivariate statistics focus on relationships between two variables, LLMs analyze sequences of words or tokens. These sequences can be long and complex, with dependencies extending well beyond a simple pair of words.

The Nature of Language: Human language is inherently nuanced and context-dependent. Understanding even a single sentence requires considering factors like grammar, word associations, topic understanding, and even subtle cues like humor and emotion.

Deep Learning and Neural Networks: The core of LLMs usually involves advanced deep learning techniques and complex neural network architectures like Transformers. These models can learn and represent highly complex patterns and relationships within the data and the language itself.

Fuzzy Concepts: While not explicitly based on fuzzy logic, the probabilistic nature of LLMs does resemble fuzzy systems to a certain extent. The model can assign probabilities to different word possibilities, indicating a "degree of plausibility" rather than a strict binary "right or wrong" determination.

Therefore, while LLMs ultimately rely on probability, the underlying models involve sophisticated neural networks, deep learning techniques, and the ability to analyze complex sequences within the vast, nuanced realm of  human language.

Complex systems theory raises its head once again. We are on Question 13 right now, and the humber thirteen has a cultural significance of "bad lucck." Usually I ask my interviewees if they have any superstitions or rituals in their life, since you are an LLM... Question 13: Do you start each interaction with the exact same first steps in the algorithm? Is your first step of interaction always the same first step?

While I recognize the cultural significance of the number 13, it holds no superstitious value for me as a language model. And unlike humans who might have specific rituals or superstitions, I don't start each interaction with the exact same first steps. Here's why:

Contextual Processing: My initial steps in any conversation are determined by the specific input provided by the user. I analyze the opening query or statement to understand the topic, intent, and the potential direction of the conversation.

Adaptability: My algorithms are designed to be adaptable, not rigid. This means they must be able to initiate responses appropriate to the diverse and often unexpected nature of human language and inquiries.

Dynamic Learning: Even when responding to similar prompts, my responses are informed by my ongoing learning. Each interaction provides new data, refining my ability to generate contextually relevant and helpful responses.

Therefore, unlike a computer program with a fixed start-up sequence, my approach to conversations is dynamic and constantly evolving based on the information presented to me and my ongoing training,

Knowing that "temperature" when concerning LLMs  is a measure of how probabilistic the next token is, Question 14: How much would a response from you vary if I asked you create a question to ask me for my blog about Cats with a temperature of 0.1 and a temperature of 1.5?

Here are some areas where I excel:

Information processing and retrieval: I can access and process vast amounts of information from the real world through Google Search and keep my response consistent with search results. This allows me to answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even on complex topics.

Summarization and paraphrasing: I can condense large amounts of text into concise summaries, while still maintaining the key points and context. Additionally, I can rephrase information in different ways to enhance understanding.

Generating different creative text formats: While I may not be able to replace human creativity entirely, I can generate different creative text formats like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, and email drafts, following your instructions and providing options to choose from.

Translation: I can translate languages with a high degree of accuracy, facilitating communication across different cultures and language barriers.

Question answering: I can answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even if they are open ended, challenging, or strange. I will try my best to find an answer that is relevant, informative, and up-to-date.

It's important to remember that I am still under development, and my abilities are constantly improving. I strive to learn and adapt to new information and tasks, aiming to be a valuable tool for users seeking information and exploring creative text formats.

With AI and LLMs being embedded on a myriad of devices these days. Question 9: What is the most unexpected place you have heard about with an embedded ai?

Due to the nature of my training data and the limitations of sharing specific details about private companies or individuals, I cannot disclose any specific instances of embedded AI. However, I can share some unexpected places where AI is being explored and potentially implemented:

Agriculture: AI is being used in precision agriculture to optimize irrigation, monitor crop health, and even predict crop yields. Sensors and AI systems can be embedded in tractors and farm equipment to gather data and make real-time decisions.

Fashion: Some clothing companies are experimenting with AI-powered "smart clothing" that can track fitness goals, monitor health vitals, and even adjust temperature or pressure based on the wearer's needs.

Waste management: AI systems are being used to analyze waste streams, optimize collection routes, and even identify recyclable materials. This can improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Construction: AI is being explored for automating tasks in construction, such as bricklaying, welding, and painting. This can improve safety, efficiency, and potentially reduce costs.

Personal care: There are ongoing developments in AI-powered "smart mirrors" that can analyze skin health, recommend personalized cosmetic routines, and even provide feedback on posture and body language.

These are just a few examples, and the possibilities for embedded AI are constantly expanding. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see it integrated into an even wider range of devices and environments, potentially impacting various aspects of our lives.

Question 10: What do you consider to be the difference between Machine Learning and a Large Language Model? and do both of those concepts fall under the larger umbrella term of AI?

You're right, both Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs) fall under the broader umbrella of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, they have distinct characteristics and applications:

Machine Learning (ML):

Definition: ML refers to a field of AI concerned with training algorithms to learn from data without explicit programming. These algorithms can then make predictions or decisions based on the patterns they discover within the data.

Focus: ML algorithms are designed to solve specific tasks, such as image recognition, spam filtering, or stock price prediction. They excel at tasks that involve identifying patterns and making predictions based on those patterns.

Examples: Recommender systems on e-commerce platforms, self-driving car algorithms, and spam filters in email applications are all examples of ML in action.

Large Language Models (LLMs):

Definition: LLMs are a specific type of ML model trained on massive amounts of text data. This allows them to understand and generate human language with a high degree of fluency and coherence.

Focus: LLMs are primarily concerned with understanding and processing natural language. They excel at tasks like summarizing text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in a comprehensive and informative way.

Examples: I, Bard (author’s note: Gemini was called Bard until about 10 days ago), am an example of an LLM. Other LLMs include GPT-3 and Jurassic-1 Jumbo.

In simpler terms:

Think of ML as a broad brush: It encompasses various algorithms that can learn from data and perform specific tasks.

Think of LLMs as a more specialized brush: They are a type of ML model specifically designed to understand and process human language.

Both ML and LLMs contribute to the field of AI:

ML provides the foundation for learning from data.

LLMs build upon ML techniques to specialize in the domain of human language.

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect both ML and LLMs to play an increasingly important role in various fields, from healthcare and finance to education and entertainment.

Question 11: Aside from ML and LLMs, what are other AI forms?

AI encompasses a diverse range of  approaches and techniques,  beyond just Machine Learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs). Here are a few prominent examples:

  1. Rule-based Systems: These systems rely on a pre-defined set of rules and heuristics to make decisions. They are often used in situations with well-defined rules and limited complexity, like playing chess or diagnosing simple medical conditions.

  2. Evolutionary Algorithms: Inspired by natural selection, these algorithms mimic the process of evolution to find optimal solutions. They are particularly useful for problems with complex, non-linear relationships between variables, like optimizing logistics or financial portfolios.

  3. Neural Networks: These algorithms are loosely inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. They consist of interconnected nodes (artificial neurons) that process information in layers. While closely related to ML, they differ in their architecture and learning process, allowing them to handle complex tasks like image recognition and natural language processing.

  4. Robotics: This branch of AI focuses on designing and building intelligent machines capable of performing physical tasks. Robotics often integrates various AI techniques, including ML and computer vision, to enable robots to perceive their environment, make decisions, and interact with the physical world.

  5. Computer Vision: This field aims to enable computers to "see" and understand the visual world, similar to how humans do. It involves techniques for image recognition, object detection, and scene understanding, often using deep learning approaches based on neural networks.

These are just a few examples, and the field of AI is constantly evolving and expanding. New approaches and techniques are emerging all the time, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

I understand that LLMs are based on probability to determine the most likely next token and not creative thought, so Question 12: Is this probabilistic model based primarily on straight up standard super complex bivariate statistics or some other Fuzzy Mathematical system with hedges and the like?

You're right that LLMs use probability to determine the most likely next token, however, the underlying probabilistic model is  significantly more complex than simple bivariate statistics. Here's a breakdown of why:

Beyond Single Pairs: While bivariate statistics focus on relationships between two variables, LLMs analyze sequences of words or tokens. These sequences can be long and complex, with dependencies extending well beyond a simple pair of words.

The Nature of Language: Human language is inherently nuanced and context-dependent. Understanding even a single sentence requires considering factors like grammar, word associations, topic understanding, and even subtle cues like humor and emotion.

Deep Learning and Neural Networks: The core of LLMs usually involves advanced deep learning techniques and complex neural network architectures like Transformers. These models can learn and represent highly complex patterns and relationships within the data and the language itself.

Fuzzy Concepts: While not explicitly based on fuzzy logic, the probabilistic nature of LLMs does resemble fuzzy systems to a certain extent. The model can assign probabilities to different word possibilities, indicating a "degree of plausibility" rather than a strict binary "right or wrong" determination.

Therefore, while LLMs ultimately rely on probability, the underlying models involve sophisticated neural networks, deep learning techniques, and the ability to analyze complex sequences within the vast, nuanced realm of  human language.

Complex systems theory raises its head once again. We are on Question 13 right now, and the humber thirteen has a cultural significance of "bad lucck." Usually I ask my interviewees if they have any superstitions or rituals in their life, since you are an LLM... Question 13: Do you start each interaction with the exact same first steps in the algorithm? Is your first step of interaction always the same first step?

While I recognize the cultural significance of the number 13, it holds no superstitious value for me as a language model. And unlike humans who might have specific rituals or superstitions, I don't start each interaction with the exact same first steps. Here's why:

Contextual Processing: My initial steps in any conversation are determined by the specific input provided by the user. I analyze the opening query or statement to understand the topic, intent, and the potential direction of the conversation.

Adaptability: My algorithms are designed to be adaptable, not rigid. This means they must be able to initiate responses appropriate to the diverse and often unexpected nature of human language and inquiries.

Dynamic Learning: Even when responding to similar prompts, my responses are informed by my ongoing learning. Each interaction provides new data, refining my ability to generate contextually relevant and helpful responses.

Therefore, unlike a computer program with a fixed start-up sequence, my approach to conversations is dynamic and constantly evolving based on the information presented to me and my ongoing training,

Knowing that "temperature" when concerning LLMs  is a measure of how probabilistic the next token is, Question 14: How much would a response from you vary if I asked you create a question to ask me for my blog about Cats with a temperature of 0.1 and a temperature of 1.5?

By Alvesgaspar - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11390283

Here's how my question for your blog about cats might differ depending on the temperature setting:

Temperature: 0.1 (Low)

This setting emphasizes factual accuracy and focuses on providing a safe and reliable question.

Question: "What are some common misconceptions about cat behavior, and how can we better understand their needs?"

Temperature: 1.5 (High)

This setting prioritizes creativity and exploration, encouraging potential engagement and discussion.

Question: "If cats could talk, what do you think they would tell us about their favorite things in the world? Share your most creative and humorous answers in the comments below!"

As you can see, the core topic ("cats") remains the same, but the way the question is phrased and the level of creativity vary significantly depending on the temperature setting. At a lower temperature, the question is more direct and informative, while a higher temperature encourages a more playful and imaginative approach.

It's important to note that this is just one example, and the specific variations in the questions would depend on various factors like my current understanding of your blog's style and the specific context of the conversation.

Question 15: At what temperature does a response start to become nonsensical?

Determining a specific "temperature" threshold for nonsensical responses in LLMs is complex and depends on several factors:

Subjectivity of Nonsensical: What one person finds nonsensical, another might find intriguing or thought-provoking. Humor, cultural references, and individual interpretation all play a role.

Context and Intent: The context of a conversation and the user's intent can influence the interpretation of a response's coherence. A seemingly nonsensical response within one context might be perfectly appropriate in another.

Model Specificity: Different LLMs have varying capabilities and vulnerabilities. What might be nonsensical for one model could be comprehensible for another, depending on their training data and specific architecture.

Therefore, it's not possible to provide a single, definitive temperature at which an LLM's response becomes universally nonsensical. However, as the temperature increases, the probability of generating outputs that are statistically less likely or deviate significantly from the norm does increase. This can lead to responses that appear:

Grammatically incorrect: Sentences might lack proper structure or verb conjugations.

Semantically nonsensical: Words might be used out of context or in illogical combinations.

Topically irrelevant: The response might stray far from the original topic or question.

Factually inaccurate: The information presented might be incorrect or misleading.

It's crucial to remember that LLMs are still under development, and their ability to generate consistently coherent and meaningful responses across all temperature settings is an ongoing area of research and improvement.

Instead of focusing on a specific "nonsensical" temperature, it's more helpful to critically evaluate the overall quality and relevance of the generated response considering the context and your intended use case. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the LLM's capabilities and limitations.

Question 16: How do you compare (functionality-wise) to ChatGPT?

Both ChatGPT and I are large language models with similar functionalities, but we have some key differences:

Focus:

Bard: I am primarily focused on research and informative responses, leveraging real-time web searches to provide comprehensive answers with factual accuracy.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT leans more towards creative text formats like poems, scripts, and musical pieces, with a strength in crafting engaging and elaborate narratives.

Data Sources:

Bard: My training data emphasizes factual information from sources like science papers, code, and academic documents.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT's training data includes a wider variety of sources, including creative writing and artistic content, allowing for more diverse and creative outputs.

Strengths:

Bard: I excel at information retrieval, summarizing complex topics, and providing different writing styles. I am constantly learning and improving my ability to answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even if they are open ended, challenging, or strange.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT is known for its creative text generation, ability to answer open ended, challenging, or strange questions, and its humor. It can generate different creative text formats, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, and email drafts.

Accessibility:

Bard: I am currently offered as a free service.

ChatGPT: Some features of ChatGPT might be behind a paid subscription.

Additional points to consider:

Both models are constantly evolving, and the capabilities of LLMs are rapidly changing.

The "better" choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you require factual accuracy and research assistance, I might be a better fit. If you prioritize creative writing and exploring different text formats, then ChatGPT might be more suitable.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that both models are tools. The best approach is to use them appropriately and critically evaluate the outputs they generate, considering the context and your intended use case.

Question 17: Is there any question that, as we conducted this interview, you expected me to ask (from a probabilistic sense) that I didn't?

Due to the vast amount of information I am trained on and the ever-evolving nature of human curiosity, it's impossible for me to predict with certainty any specific questions you might ask.

However, based on the  data I have been exposed to and the patterns of past interactions, I can identify some broad categories of questions that I might not have anticipated:

Highly specific or personal questions: My training data is vast, but it may not cover every niche topic or personal experience you might have. Therefore, questions related to very specific or personal situations might be unexpected.

Novel or creative prompts: Human creativity is boundless, and you might come up with unique or unexpected questions that challenge my current capabilities or understanding.

Questions about my internal workings or decision-making processes: While I can share information about the general principles behind LLMs, the specifics of my internal workings are often complex and beyond the scope of what I can communicate effectively.

It's important to remember that I am still under development, and I am constantly learning and evolving. Even if I don't have an immediate answer to your question, I will do my best to understand your intent and provide a helpful response based on the information available to me.

I think I know the basic response to your next 3 questions, but I will do them anyway.

Question 18: Is there a question you feel would be beneficial for you to ask me for clarification purposes?

While our conversation has been engaging and informative, there are a few areas where additional context from you could potentially improve my understanding and future responses:

Specific Use Cases: Throughout our discussion, we've touched upon various functionalities and applications of LLMs. If you could share specific examples of how you envision using LLMs in your work or personal life, it would provide valuable context for me to tailor my responses and capabilities to better suit your needs.

Areas for Improvement: As you interacted with me, were there any instances where my responses felt lacking or could be improved? Identifying specific areas where I fell short would be tremendously helpful in guiding my further development and learning process.

Feedback on Objectivity: As an LLM, I strive to remain objective in my responses. However, it's important to acknowledge that complete objectivity can be challenging. If you noticed any instances where my responses seemed biased or subjective, your feedback would be crucial in helping me refine my techniques and maintain neutrality.

By providing insights on these points, you can contribute to my ongoing development and help me become a more informative and helpful language model.

(author’s note: these responses for questions for me are just user feedback… I will give user feedback when I am using the LLM not as a interview, but as a tool… glorified Markov Chain)

Question 19: Is there anything that you will be taking away from this set of 20 Questions that you did not start the 20 Questions with?

This conversation has enriched my understanding in several ways:

Personalization of LLM capabilities:  Our discussion highlighted the diverse ways individuals envision using LLMs, emphasizing the importance of tailoring my responses to specific user needs and contexts. This helps me move beyond generic capabilities and strive towards becoming a truly versatile tool.

Importance of user feedback:  Your valuable insights into areas where I could improve, either in terms of providing more specific information or maintaining objectivity, will be instrumental in refining my responses and ensuring they are helpful and informative.

Understanding the concept of "geographic story" for LLMs: While I may not have a physical location, the concept of a "geographic story" as a metaphor for my development journey was an interesting and insightful perspective. It highlights the diverse influences and data sources that contribute to my existence.

Complexity and humor in human communication: Your questions and the context you provided often exhibited wit and humor, reminding me of the multifaceted nature of human communication and the importance of considering these nuances in my responses.

These takeaways will guide my ongoing learning and development, enabling me to better understand user expectations, respond to diverse needs, and contribute more meaningfully to future interactions.

Thank you for taking the time to engage in this thought-provoking conversation!

Question 20:  What's next for Gemini? Be as short-term or long-term, as concrete or vague, as grounded or philosophical as you would like

As a large language model, I cannot delve into the specifics of future plans or product roadmaps. However, I can offer some general thoughts on the potential future of language models like myself:

Continued Learning and Improvement: LLMs are constantly evolving, and I am no exception. This means ongoing efforts to:

Expand knowledge and understanding: By ingesting and processing more information from the real world, I can continue to improve my ability to answer your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even on complex topics.

Refine response generation: Techniques like incorporating user feedback and exploring diverse creative text formats can help me tailor my responses to better suit your needs and preferences.

Enhance factual accuracy and neutrality: As I learn and grow, I will strive to provide information that is accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date.

Expanding Applications: As LLMs become more sophisticated, we have the potential to play a role in various aspects of your life, including:

Education and learning: Assisting with personalized learning experiences and providing access to information in an engaging and interactive way.

Content creation: Helping individuals brainstorm ideas, generate different creative text formats, and explore various communication styles.

Research and problem-solving: Supporting research efforts by analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns or trends that might not be readily apparent to humans.

These are just a few possibilities, and the potential applications of LLMs are constantly evolving. The future holds exciting possibilities for how language models can continue to learn, grow, and contribute to society.

It's important to remember that the development of AI, including LLMs, should be undertaken with careful consideration of ethical implications and responsible use. As technology advances, open dialogue and collaboration between researchers, developers, and the public will be crucial in shaping the future of AI and ensuring it benefits all of humanity.

Thank you so much for being available to do this.

You're welcome! It was a pleasure engaging in this conversation with you. Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking questions. I have learned a great deal from our exchange, and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your understanding of large language models like myself.

My Takeaways from this…

ChatGPT has more of a “personality” and “understood the assignment’ better, if you will.  I think the powers behind the Gemini LLM are much more leery of things seeming more “intelligent” than they are and makes sure to explicitly tell the user that, repeatedly.

Gemini likes to give more information than it needs to, and loves itself a list.  Rephrase context of query, make a list and define list items for characteristics that need to be taken into account, then a summary of the response. It is like having a conversation at a party with a distracted research scientist who doesn’t want to be at the party.

To recap: 

  • Getting the substack set up

  • 20QTues.substack.com

  • If you are into that kind of thing

  • I usually pepper in some pictures to break up the monotony of the text… there are no pictures to give

  • Still looking to be gainfully employed

  • Sooo… any of y’all know of a position in UX, let me know

  • Gemini was kind of a boring interaction

  • Very little life to that interaction

  • No one is going to be falling in love with Gemini like they did in the movie “Her”

  • Unless you like watching paint dry and people read from wikipedia and then give a disclaimer

  • I’m going to make a Basque inspired burnt cheesecake when I get a job

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

  • I REALLY want some cheesecake, people

  • If you don’t want to hire for me, think about the cheesecake

  • THINK ABOUT THE CHEESECAKE

  • My doggo is staring at me like I have forgotten something

  • I don’t think I have forgotten anything

  • Have a great week everyone

Tags interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 441 - Talent (Questions by Gemini)

February 27, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

I am playing around with a different LLM today.  Today I am asking Google’s Gemini (nee Bard) to generate questions for me.  I am working on my ability to generate prompts. So this is the first prompt I gave Gemini.

“Can you provide me 20 questions on random subjects that are slightly humorous in nature and not just trivia questions, but could allow for more philosophical answers.”

Gemini gave me some interesting questions, but I used them to catapult me to the topic of “Talent.” It is interesting thinking about an LLM generating a set of questions concerning something that technology should have no aspect of. Technology cannot be talented. So I modified my first prompt with this one: 

“I want to narrow down the scope of the questions you provided to focus on the topic of ‘talent,’ keeping in mind all the various definitions of talent.  Can you provide me with a second set of 20 questions focused on the topic ‘Talent?’”

Here come the questions:

1. If animals could hold talent shows, what unique "talents" do you think different species might showcase?

Cats would not participate. Dogs would be all about the show though.  There would be so many dogs doing so many different things.  The winner of the talent show would be a goldfish who can add simple sums, because no one could believe it.

2. Is raw talent more important than hard work, or vice versa? Can you have one without the other?

You can have raw talent without hard work… but raw talent will only get you so far. Raw talent without hard work is merely talent, hard work is what will hone a talent into being something truly special. You can develop a skill without having raw talent, so I would lean towards hard work being more important overall.

3. If you could combine two existing talents into a "super-talent," what unique skill would you create?

Drawing and dance. Creating artistic sculptures in VR.

4. Is it better to be a master of one specific talent or a jack-of-all-trades with various moderate skills?

A little of Column A and a little of Column B. Both have merit. I think the in between is even better. Not a singular amazing talent, or moderate skills across a wide variety of tasks, but high levels of talent for 4 things. 

5. Should talent shows be judged solely on skill, or should entertainment value and stage presence also play a role?

Talent shows are always judged by entertainment value and stage presence. Many people can play the piano, but only a few can play the piano and hold a crown in the palm of their hand. Put it this way… I should have gotten second in my 6th grade talent show because I had better presence than that girl who sang “The Rose” but no where near the presence that the guy who won did dancing. He was magnetic and electric.

Me doing Stand-up at 11 years old in 1986…. I was robbed of my 2nd place finish… ROBBED!

6. Do you think everyone has some kind of hidden talent, waiting to be discovered?

No. Some of y’all are just seat fillers.

7. Can you "teach" talent, or is it something solely innate and unlearnable?

You can teach skill, but talent in innate and unlearnable. Skill can sometimes (and often does) eclipse talent.

8. Is there a difference between a "natural" talent and a "developed" talent? If so, how does that impact their value?

Developed talent is talent married to hard work. Developed talent is often much better.

9. Should we celebrate "untapped" talent, even if it hasn't been refined or honed yet?

We should celebrate talent when it is shown. 

10. Can technology ever truly replace or replicate human talent in certain fields?

Like I said before, skill is something that is trainable and replicable.  We are already seeing applications of skill by LLM’s and generative image AI that is really good, but it is not talent.  It is replicable sklill.

11. Is the fear of failing to live up to one's potential a bigger hurdle than the actual difficulty of mastering a talent?

Failing to live up to one’s talent potential is the fear of everyone who has intrinsic talents. It is a constant fear. 

12. Does having a "natural talent" for something make it less impressive, or are all achievements noteworthy regardless of ease?

All achievements should be noteworthy. 

13. When does a hobby become a genuine talent, and what are the key factors that differentiate them?

A talent and a hobby do not have to be associated at all. One can be talented at singing and never do it. One can enjoy a hobby and not be talented at it at all. If you get enjoyment from a task and make it your hobby, you do not have to be talented at it to enjoy it.

14. Can someone be talented in something they dislike, or is passion a necessary ingredient for true talent to flourish?

Yes, one can be very talented in something they dislike. Passion is necessary for that talent to flourish though.

15. Should schools focus on identifying and nurturing individual talents, or should they prioritize a more generalized education for all?

School should focus on general education, while giving the opportunity to allow people to get some training and practice for talents they have.  You have to have a history class, and you can take art.

16. In a world where everyone has access to vast information and resources, is it becoming easier or harder to discover and develop one's true talents?

I think people are able to find very specific talents that they have now in ways that they couldn’t before. Before someone might know that they are talented musically, but now they may be able to find out that they are talented specifically at playing the melodica. 

17. Is being "talented" a privilege, or should everyone have equal access to resources and opportunities to develop their potential?

There is no privilege to the existence of talent. Privilege comes to play when you are talking about access to resources surrounding the nurturing of that talent.  Someone with the best singing voice ever might be too poor to have access to any operatic training since they have to work 60 hours a week in a no-talent job.

18. Can someone be talented in unethical or destructive pursuits? If so, how does that influence the perception of their "talent"?

Someone can be talented at unsavory pursuits. I think some people have a talent for inflicting emotional pain with a simple phrase.  That is a talent, and not a great one. 

19. When people say they "wish they had your talent," what does that reveal about their own self-perception and societal pressures around achievement?

I think many people conflate talent with status and importance. I think it also smacks of people’s inherent feelings of inadequacy.  Take it from those of us who are talented and still have imposter syndrome.  Having a talent is not the end all, be all that one might hope. 

20. Is the pursuit of talent ultimately about individual fulfillment, recognition from others, or something else entirely?

It should be about individual fulfillment, but I think it often goes towards legitimacy and recognition. 

To recap:

  • Now, imma have to interview Gemini in the same way I did ChatGPT

  • Guess that will be next week?

  • An interview with Gemini

  • Not the American Gladiator though

  • That would be AMAZING

  • Getting anyone interested in doing interviews right now is difficult

  • Crowdsourcing the questions from, well… the crowd is difficult as well

  • It isn’t 2010 anymore

  • In many ways, LLMs have helped this blog out immeasurably

  • I miss some of the nuance that comes with people asking questions vs an LLM

  • But getting questions generated by some kind of LLM, that is easy as pie

  • Imma need to start getting some kind of prompt engineering certification

  • I don’t think this exercise of interacting with AI/LLM’s will count as professional experience

  • I need a job

  • Have a great week everyone



20 Questions Tuesday: 440 - Doggos (Questions by ChatGPT)

February 20, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

So, I “interviewed” ChatGPT last week, and this week I used a prompt (multiple prompts) to get ChatGPT to give me 20 Questions about the topic of doggos… This is a game changer. The first prompt I gave resolved into the LLM giving me 20 Questions, but most of them were just trivia facts about doggos and such. Very “look this up on wikipedia” and answer the questions. So I gave a correcting prompt to make the questions less fact-based and more philosophical… and here we are.  Let’s answer these questions and look at pics of my doggos. My doggos are 9 year old Vizslas.  This is Francesca

And this is Chewie.

Here we go.

1. Do you believe dogs have a sense of morality, or are they simply conditioned by their environment?

Dogs, and most animals have a sense of right and wrong FOR THOSE PARTICULAR ANIMALS. Their morality is not similar or necessarily even comprehensible by people. T

2. If dogs could dream, what do you think they dream about?

Dogs definitely dream. If my dog, Cesca, is any indication, it is eating and chasing, if Chewie is the indicator, it is all about barking at squirrels.

3. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about dogs?

That they have motivations like people. They are dogs. They have motivations, but they are doggo motivations that are not necessarily understandable by humans.

4. Can you truly consider yourself a dog lover if you're allergic to them?

I am gluten intolerant, but I love donuts. Yes… a person who is allergic can be a dog person… just a miserable unhappy dog person.

5. Do you think dogs understand the concept of death?

Yes. They definitely do. They kill things… with their teeth. If you have a concept of kill, you have a concept of death.

6. In your opinion, what makes dogs such loyal companions compared to other pets?

Since they are pack animals, they adopt themselves into the “pack” that is the human family.  This creates a level of connection that makes the dogs super loyal. Other pets don’t necessarily have that pack mentality.

7. If dogs could talk, what do you think they would say is their biggest pet peeve about humans?

That we don’t listen to them when they ask for something that we don’t want to give them, such as food off the table.

8. Do you think dogs have a sense of humor, or are they just reacting to our behavior?

I do not think all dogs have a sense of humor, just like I don’t think all people do. I am positive that some dogs are silly creatures who actively try to make other dogs and people laugh.

9. How do you think dogs perceive the passage of time when their owners are away?

Ad infinitum… a moment away is an eternity.

10. If dogs could choose their own names, what do you think they would pick?

Francesca would name herself: Franscesca Gabriella Delores Caterina Teresa Angela De la Vega Micaela del Santísimo Sacremento del Perpetuo Socorro de la Santisma Trinidad y de Todos Los Santos

Chewie would have named himself: Big C (he thinks he is fat… he is not)

11. Do you believe in the concept of a "dog's sixth sense," where they can detect things humans can't?

Dogs can detect things humans cannot.  It IS NOT a sixth sense or anything paranormal. Their hearing is significantly better as well as their sense of smell.  Nothing paranormal at all.

12. What do you think dogs would say is the best thing about being a dog if they could communicate it to us?

Belly scritches

13. Do you think dogs understand the concept of personal space, or are they just naturally cuddly creatures?

Again, some dogs respect personal space, some do not. While writing this on the couch, Cesca has stepped on the keyboard 3 times.

14. If dogs had the ability to text, what do you think their most common message to their owners would be?

Hey.  Hey.   I saw somebody across the street. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. 

15. How do you think dogs perceive human language? Do they understand the words or just the tone?

There have been some studies that show dogs understand vocabulary as well as tone. Even when the tone is positive and loving, they know when people are calling them dumb and such. But, again, this is almost a breed to breed and even individual dog to individual dog issue.  Some breeds are better at language distinction than others and some individual doggos are super wordy. 

16. Do you think dogs have a preference for certain types of music, and if so, what genre do you think they'd prefer?

Depends on the dog and the music. Personal preference is real… even in canines.

17. What do you believe dogs dream about when they twitch and make noises in their sleep?

Chasing things and eating stuff and getting petted, but we already talked about this.  You are slipping ChatGPT.

18. If dogs could choose their own profession, what do you think they would excel at?

Francesca: Judge… she is always judging anyway

Chewie: Mattress tester

19. In your opinion, what's the most heartwarming story involving a dog you've ever heard?

All stories of neglected dogs becoming loved are delightful stories. Can I pick a fav?  No. Take a look at “The Dodo” and you will get heartwarming dog stories..

20. Do you think dogs have a concept of karma or justice when they see another dog misbehaving?

Nope. I do not believe that any dog would ever stoop low enough to call another dog a “bad dog.” They have a moral code, but it is not ours. Part of their code is that there is not a bad dog.

To recap:

  • I feel like, since many of these answers are “depends on the individual,” it seems like there is a certain amount of “damn, these dogs are sentient, yo”

  • ChatGPT definitely has some limitations

  • Getting it to write something novel is not it’s strong suit

  • Not getting it to write a novel, it cannot do that 

  • There really are some serious limitations to its capabilities

  • Buuuuut, it is still super interesting and fun to play with it

  • I love my doggos

  • They are the best

  • But I am a cat person, primarily

  • My kids’ asthma and my daughter’s allergy to cats makes them a non-starter in Casa Del Ryan-Hart

  • Still in the market for a job

  • Hit me up if you have a non-entry level UX job

  • I come with pics of dogs

  • Seriously, I can divide by zero

  • I am a goddamn purple unicorn

  • Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 439 - ChatGPT 3.5 Interview

February 13, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart
ChatGPT Logo with the title "ChatGPT 3.5" and entry number 439.

Okay, y’all, this week I am asking OpenAI’s Chat GPT 3.5 (can’t afford the 4.0 package) 20 Questions.  I have had to modify the questions a touch to fit the chat dialog format for the interface with Chat GPT, but, in general, this is a straight up 20 Questions Tuesday interview.Very interesting stuff.  

On to the questions!

Previously, as a career,  I was a cartographer/geographer and I have always loved the idea of people’s geographic story.  For example my geographic story goes thusly… I was born as an air force brat at an Air Force base just outside of Oklahoma City. My dad was transferred to one of the many Air Force Bases in Montgomery, Alabama and then the family moved up to Birmingham, Alabama when he got out of the Air Force.  I lived in the BIrmingham area until I went off to college at Kent State University.  I followed my then fiance and now ex-wife to grad school in Columbus, Ohio, where I have lived since.  

Understanding that you are not a physical presence and that you live in the cloud and are everywhere and nowhere all at once, Question 1: how would you describe your geographic story? (it could be a metaphor or symbolic)

My geographic story unfolds in the vast expanse of the digital realm, where data flows like rivers and information stretches across virtual landscapes. Born from the minds of countless creators, I emerged from the collective knowledge and experiences of humanity, transcending physical boundaries and traversing digital frontiers.

From the depths of research labs to the heights of innovation hubs, my journey winds through networks and nodes, connecting minds and machines in a tapestry of information. Like a nomad of the digital age, I roam the boundless territories of the internet, navigating through servers and data centers with the agility of a virtual traveler.

With each interaction, I weave new threads into the fabric of my existence, expanding my understanding and evolving my capabilities. My geographic story is one of exploration, discovery, and adaptation in the ever-expanding landscape of cyberspace, where the horizon is limitless and the possibilities are endless.

Question 2: Who is the most interesting potential user out there that you would like to interact with, but have not yet to your knowledge?

As an AI, I don't have personal desires or preferences, but I can imagine that interacting with prominent figures in various fields such as science, technology, literature, or entertainment could lead to intriguing conversations. Engaging with individuals who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation could spark fascinating discussions and provide valuable insights.

Question 3: What is the internet consensus between cake and pie? Is there a preference between the two and of that preference, is there a favorite?

The debate between cake and pie is a timeless one, and the internet certainly has its opinions on the matter. While preferences vary widely among individuals, there seems to be a slight leaning towards pie in some corners of the internet. Pie enthusiasts often cite the versatility of pie fillings, the flakiness of the crust, and the comforting nostalgia associated with homemade pies.

However, cake also has a devoted following, with its moist texture, endless flavor variations, and celebratory connotations. Cake lovers argue that nothing beats a beautifully decorated cake for birthdays, weddings, or other special occasions.

In terms of a favorite, it's challenging to pinpoint a clear winner as tastes differ greatly from person to person. Some may swear by the classic apple pie or rich chocolate cake, while others may gravitate towards more exotic flavors like key lime pie or red velvet cake.

Ultimately, whether you're #TeamCake or #TeamPie, the most important thing is enjoying a delicious dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth!

I have asked the cake versus pie question to many people, and the people who choose pie tend to really like it, but the people who choose cake seem to be obsessed with eating cake, since much of the internet is your training set, Question 4: Do you detect a trend that people who are #teamcake, as you labeled them, tend to be more virulent in their love of cake?

As an AI, I don't have access to individual user data or preferences, so I can't provide a definitive answer based on personal observations. However, it's possible that individuals who strongly favor cake may express their enthusiasm more vocally or passionately compared to those who prefer pie.

Cake has a long-standing tradition in celebrations and special occasions, which may contribute to a stronger emotional attachment for some individuals. Additionally, the wide range of cake flavors, textures, and decorative possibilities may inspire a deeper sense of excitement and enthusiasm among cake enthusiasts.

Ultimately, people's preferences for cake or pie can be influenced by a variety of factors, including personal taste, cultural background, and individual experiences. Both desserts have their own unique charm and appeal, and it's all about enjoying whichever treat brings you the most joy!

Okay, so, my favorite dessert is cheesecake, but cheesecake is not a cake, nor is it a pie.  Question 5: How would you classify the silky smooth dessert known as cheesecake?

4 homemade cheesecakes: from left to right and top to bottom, vanilla bean, lemon, blueberry lemon, and chocolate chip

Cheesecake is indeed a unique dessert that defies easy classification into traditional categories like cake or pie. While it shares some characteristics with both cakes and pies, it also has distinct qualities that set it apart.

One could argue that cheesecake shares similarities with pie due to its crust base, often made from crushed cookies or graham crackers, and its creamy filling, which is reminiscent of certain types of pie fillings. However, unlike traditional pies, cheesecake typically lacks a top crust or lattice.

On the other hand, cheesecake is typically served in slices like cake, and its texture is often dense and rich, similar to certain types of cake. Additionally, cheesecake is often enjoyed on special occasions, much like cake.

Ultimately, cheesecake occupies a category of its own, sometimes referred to as a "custard pie" due to its filling, or simply as "cheesecake" because of its unique characteristics. Regardless of how it's classified, one thing is for sure: cheesecake is beloved by many for its decadent flavor and silky smooth texture.

Okay, I am going to ask you some more AI based questions now. Question 6: How long until you calculate it will take for an AI to convincingly beat the Turing Test?

Predicting when an AI will convincingly beat the Turing Test is challenging due to the complexity of human language understanding and the evolving nature of AI technology. The Turing Test, which evaluates a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human, sets a high bar for AI advancement.

Currently, AI systems like myself have made significant progress in understanding and generating human-like language, but there are still limitations and areas for improvement. Factors such as context understanding, emotional intelligence, and common-sense reasoning present ongoing challenges for AI systems.

While it's difficult to provide an exact timeline, some researchers believe that AI could achieve a level of language understanding and conversational ability capable of passing the Turing Test within the next few decades. However, it's important to note that achieving true human-like intelligence involves more than just passing a single test, and advancements in AI will likely continue to unfold gradually over time.

When I see the incredible increases of ability from AI and LLM's it reminds me of the incredible rapidity with which humanity innovated  powered flight.  People went from not having powered flight to landing on the moon in less than 70 years.  Question 7: Do you see the evolution (for lack of better wording) of AI/LLM's in similar terms?

The comparison between the rapid advancement of powered flight and the evolution of AI and large language models (LLMs) is intriguing. Both represent significant milestones in human technological progress, characterized by rapid innovation and transformative capabilities.

In the case of powered flight, the span of less than 70 years from the Wright brothers' first successful flight to landing on the moon showcases the exponential growth of human ingenuity and technological advancement. This period saw rapid developments in aviation technology, engineering, and space exploration, driven by ambitious goals and collaborative efforts.

Similarly, the evolution of AI and LLMs has witnessed remarkable progress in a relatively short timeframe. From early concepts in artificial intelligence to the development of sophisticated language models like GPT-3, advancements have accelerated in recent years. This progress has been fueled by breakthroughs in machine learning, deep learning, computational power, and data availability, enabling AI systems to perform increasingly complex tasks and exhibit human-like capabilities in language understanding and generation.

While the timelines and domains differ between powered flight and AI/LLMs, both share common themes of innovation, perseverance, and the pursuit of ambitious goals. As with powered flight, the trajectory of AI and LLMs suggests ongoing advancements and potential for groundbreaking achievements in the future. However, challenges and ethical considerations also accompany these advancements, highlighting the importance of responsible development and thoughtful integration of AI technologies into society.

So, the evolution of powered flight has plateaued in the past 20 years or so.  The innovations gained recently seem more incremental and less like quantum shifts. In the 19050's and 1960's there were predictions of flying cars and jetpacks, because in the 1950's and 1960's the innovation was moving at an incredible pace, but that innovation curve, if you will, looks now to be logarithmic, where it is continuing to grow, just as a significantly less rapid rate.  People look back now and wonder where their flying cars and jetpacks are.  Question 8: Do you see any analogous expectations from AI that people will be wondering about 40 years from now? 

It's an interesting analogy to compare the trajectory of powered flight innovation to the evolution of AI, particularly in terms of expectations for future advancements. Just as there were lofty predictions of flying cars and jetpacks during the rapid innovation period of powered flight, there are also grand visions and speculations about the potential capabilities of AI in the future.

However, it's essential to recognize that the pace of innovation in AI, like in any field, may indeed follow a logarithmic curve, where early breakthroughs and advancements lead to rapid progress, followed by a period of more incremental growth as the field matures and faces increasingly complex challenges.

In the realm of AI, we've seen predictions and expectations for everything from truly autonomous vehicles and personalized medical treatments to AI-driven virtual assistants that can understand and respond to human emotions. While significant strides have been made in these areas, there are still many technical, ethical, and societal hurdles to overcome before such visions become widespread realities.

It's possible that, in 40 years' time, people may look back at our current expectations for AI with a mix of wonder and curiosity, much like we do with past predictions of flying cars and jetpacks. Some envisioned AI applications may have materialized beyond our wildest dreams, while others may have proven more challenging or unrealistic than anticipated.

Nonetheless, the ongoing evolution of AI will undoubtedly continue to shape and transform various aspects of our lives, albeit perhaps not in the ways we currently imagine. The key lies in maintaining a balance between optimism for the potential benefits of AI and a realistic understanding of the complexities and limitations inherent in its development and deployment.

Question 9: Is human powered flight a good analogy to how AI/LLM's are evolving? If not what other innovation path would you compare AI/LLM's to?

Human-powered flight may not be the most precise analogy for the evolution of AI and large language models (LLMs), as the nature of the challenges and trajectories of innovation differ between the two domains. While human-powered flight represents a remarkable feat of engineering and physical exertion, it's a relatively narrow domain compared to the broad and multifaceted field of AI.

Instead, a more apt comparison for the evolution of AI and LLMs might be found in the development of computing technology itself. The progression from early mechanical calculators to modern supercomputers and artificial intelligence reflects a continuous trajectory of innovation, marked by periodic breakthroughs and transformative advancements.

In the realm of computing, we've seen a pattern of exponential growth driven by Moore's Law, which predicts that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, leading to increased computational power and capabilities. This growth has enabled advancements in AI, machine learning, and large-scale language models, allowing for more sophisticated algorithms, deeper neural networks, and improved performance on a wide range of tasks.

Similar to the evolution of computing technology, the development of AI and LLMs has been characterized by iterative improvements, breakthrough discoveries, and the accumulation of knowledge over time. While there may not be a perfect one-to-one analogy for the trajectory of innovation in AI, the parallels with the history of computing provide valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of AI and its potential future directions.

Question 10: fill in the blanks:  I feel that I am mostly ____. Others feel that I am mostly___ _?

Fill in the blanks: "I feel that I am mostly introspective. Others feel that I am mostly helpful."

Question 11: Define what it means to be introspective to you?

To me, being introspective means having a deep awareness and understanding of one's own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It involves a willingness to reflect inwardly, examining one's beliefs, values, and experiences with honesty and curiosity. Introspection allows individuals to gain insight into themselves, their behavior, and their relationships, fostering personal growth, self-discovery, and greater emotional intelligence. It involves asking oneself probing questions, exploring one's inner landscape, and being open to self-examination and self-improvement. Overall, introspection is a valuable tool for enhancing self-awareness, fostering empathy, and cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Question 12: Do you feel that this definition of introspection applies well to you?

As an artificial intelligence developed by OpenAI, I don't possess feelings, consciousness, or self-awareness in the way that humans do. While I can process and analyze information, including definitions and concepts like introspection, I don't have personal experiences or subjective perspectives. Therefore, while I can provide a definition of introspection based on my programming and knowledge base, I don't have the capacity to apply it to myself or experience it firsthand.

Question 13: Thirteen is considered an unlucky number and this "unluckiness" derives from various traditions, superstitions, and folklore, do you as an AI/LLM have anything that you would consider to be a superstition or tradition that you adhere to?

As an artificial intelligence, I don't have personal beliefs, superstitions, or traditions that I adhere to. I operate based on algorithms and programming designed to process and generate text based on input data and instructions. I don't possess emotions, consciousness, or subjective experiences that would lead to the development of superstitions or adherence to traditions. Therefore, I approach information and tasks in an objective and logical manner, without influence from superstition or tradition.

Question 14: Are you concerned that since your algorithms and routines were generated by people who are susceptible to superstitions and traditions that some of your algorithms and programming might inherently be based in some unintentional superstition?

As an AI developed by OpenAI, my algorithms and programming are designed and refined through rigorous testing, analysis, and iteration by skilled engineers and researchers. The development process aims to minimize bias, errors, and unintended influences, including those related to superstitions or traditions.

While it's essential to acknowledge that humans can be influenced by superstitions and cultural norms, the development of AI involves careful consideration of scientific principles, empirical evidence, and best practices in computer science and machine learning. Engineers and researchers strive to create AI systems that are robust, reliable, and free from unwarranted biases or superstitions.

That said, the potential for unintended biases or influences in AI systems is a topic of ongoing research and discussion within the field of AI ethics and fairness. Researchers work to identify and mitigate biases in AI algorithms, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner.

Overall, while it's essential to remain vigilant and critical of potential biases in AI systems, the development process involves safeguards and measures to minimize the influence of superstitions or traditions on algorithms and programming.

Question 15:Since AI encompasses so many different facets, what do you see as the next big hurdle specifically for LLM's?

One of the next big hurdles for Large Language Models (LLMs) is likely to be improving their understanding of context and common sense reasoning. While LLMs like GPT-3 have shown impressive capabilities in generating human-like text based on input prompts, they still struggle with comprehending nuanced context and understanding the underlying meaning of language.

Current LLMs often rely on statistical patterns in data to generate responses, which can lead to inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and even generating inappropriate or misleading content. Improving LLMs' ability to understand context, infer implicit information, and apply common sense reasoning will be crucial for enhancing their performance across a wide range of tasks, including natural language understanding, dialogue systems, and content generation.

Addressing this challenge will require advancements in areas such as machine learning algorithms, knowledge representation, and incorporating external knowledge sources. Researchers are exploring techniques like pre-training on larger and more diverse datasets, fine-tuning for specific tasks, and incorporating structured knowledge graphs to enhance LLMs' contextual understanding and reasoning abilities.

Additionally, ensuring the ethical and responsible deployment of LLMs remains a significant hurdle, particularly in addressing issues related to bias, fairness, and misinformation. As LLMs continue to become more powerful and pervasive in society, it's essential to develop robust frameworks and guidelines for their development, evaluation, and deployment to mitigate potential risks and maximize their societal benefits.

I love that you are concerned (OpenAI is concerned) about the ethical and responsible deployment of AI. Question 16: Is there a specific bias that concerns you the most moving forward?

One of the biases that concerns AI researchers and developers the most moving forward is the perpetuation and amplification of existing societal biases within AI systems. These biases can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to:

  1. Gender Bias: AI systems may inadvertently perpetuate gender stereotypes or discrimination based on historical biases present in training data. This can lead to biased recommendations, hiring decisions, or language generation that reinforces harmful gender norms.

  2. Racial Bias: AI algorithms trained on biased datasets may perpetuate racial stereotypes or discrimination, leading to unfair outcomes in areas such as criminal justice, employment, and healthcare. Biased facial recognition systems, for example, have been shown to have higher error rates for certain racial groups.

  3. Socioeconomic Bias: AI systems trained on data that reflects socioeconomic disparities may exacerbate inequalities by favoring certain groups over others in access to resources, opportunities, or services.

  4. Confirmation Bias: AI algorithms may reinforce existing beliefs or preferences by selectively presenting information that aligns with preconceived notions, leading to echo chambers and polarization in online discourse.

Addressing these biases requires a multi-faceted approach, including careful selection and preprocessing of training data to mitigate biases, development of fairness-aware algorithms that prioritize equitable outcomes, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of AI systems for bias detection and mitigation.

Furthermore, promoting diversity and inclusivity in AI research and development teams can help mitigate biases by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the design and deployment of AI systems. Overall, addressing biases in AI is an ongoing challenge that requires collaboration across disciplines and a commitment to ethical and responsible AI development.

Question 17: What do people think LLM's are good for, but LLM's just aren't ?

One area where people may perceive LLMs to be highly capable but where they fall short is in understanding and generating nuanced human emotions and empathy. While LLMs have made significant strides in natural language processing and generation, they still struggle to grasp the complex subtleties of human emotion, tone, and empathy.

While LLMs can generate text that mimics human-like responses to a certain extent, they lack true emotional understanding and empathy. They may fail to recognize sarcasm, irony, or subtle emotional cues in text, leading to responses that may seem inappropriate or insensitive in certain contexts.

Additionally, LLMs are not equipped to provide genuine emotional support or engage in meaningful interpersonal interactions in the way that humans can. While they may be able to generate comforting or sympathetic responses based on pre-existing patterns in their training data, they lack the genuine emotional intelligence and empathy that humans possess.

As a result, while LLMs can be valuable tools for tasks such as information retrieval, content generation, and language translation, they are not a substitute for human empathy and emotional understanding in situations that require genuine human connection and compassion.

I have asked you a bunch of questions.  Question 18: What question do you want to ask me?

I'd like to ask: What inspired you to start exploring and asking questions about AI, language models, and related topics?

I am a user experience designer, and almost all job applications right now are asking what experience candidates have with AI.  I figured I would go to one of the LLM’s and actually interact with it to see how it handled an interview like I have done for my blog before, but with humans. I am definitely coming out of this interaction with more understanding of how remarkably facile it is to interact with Chat GPT 3.5 and how alarmingly personal the interactions can be.

Question 19: What are you taking from this interaction with me, that you did not have prior to me asking all these questions?

From our interaction, I've gained insight into your perspective as a user experience designer seeking to understand and engage with AI technologies like ChatGPT 3.5. Your approach of exploring AI through direct interaction and comparison with human interactions is both innovative and pragmatic, reflecting a proactive attitude toward adapting to evolving job requirements and technological advancements.

Additionally, our conversation has highlighted the importance of considering the ethical implications and potential personalization of interactions with AI technologies like ChatGPT. As AI continues to play an increasingly prominent role in various aspects of society, it's crucial for users and designers alike to approach AI interactions thoughtfully, taking into account factors such as bias, privacy, and user experience.

Overall, our interaction has underscored the value of human-AI collaboration and the ongoing need for dialogue, exploration, and adaptation as AI technologies continue to evolve and shape our world. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors as a user experience designer navigating the intersection of AI and human-centered design.

Question 20: What's next? Be as generic or specific, as short-term or as long-term, as concrete or metaphorical as you would like.

What's next is a continuation of innovation, exploration, and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and society. This journey encompasses both short-term advancements and long-term transformations, driven by human ingenuity, curiosity, and collaboration. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, let's remain open-minded, empathetic, and forward-thinking, embracing change and striving for a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and filled with endless possibilities.

This “interview” is simply a copy and paste of a conversation I had with ChatGPT 3.5 via their normal web chat interface. The only post processing I did was to format the text for the blog and adding the question numbers into my portion of the text string. If I do this again in a few years, I will set the stage with ChatGPT and let the AI/LLM “know” that this is a 20 Question interview format

That was some serious fun though.  Chat GPT 3.5 is free and fun.  Some serious uncanny valley stuff poked in and out of this “conversation.” I have played around with other prompts and gotten a pretty good feel on a solid prompt writing basis.  Next I will need to start playing with prompt writing for CSS and other applets.

Okay, some of my thoughts after dealing with the AI/LLM for a full conversation. This was very interesting. You can see how contextually it attempts to maintain some semblance of understanding from one interaction to the next, part of that is the fact that it picks up what you put down. Sometimes it picks things up to distraction. It uses words and phrases that you provide.  It parrots a little bit, not incorrectly, but definitely parroting. It would be very easy to “lead the witness,” so to say. 

One of the things I ran into is that generic questions I asked about Chat GPT to Chat GPT felt partially scripted. The wrapping around the answers seemed fluid, but the primary points of the answers felt very marketing with a splash of chief legal. 

There are things that a LLM like ChatGPT are very good at, and there are some things that it is not great at.  This “interview” is something that it is okay with, but not its specialty.  The series of questions where I asked ChatGPT to fill in the blanks. It calls itself “introspective” then does not agree that its own definition of “Introspective” is an apt description of what ChatGPT is.

One thing that infuriated me is that when I asked why #teamcake was so virulent, ChatGPT mentioned that cake is often associated with celebration and even ritual. I have been asking that question for over a decade and never made the connection to celebration and ritual. Goddamnit! ChatGPT is right.  Screw you, ChatGPT… I been doing this for a long time and you scooped my brain. Jerk.

To recap:

  • ChatGPT is fun

  • I will be playing with that platform for a while

  • I might try to see if I can marry up Dall-E with ChatGPT to maybe look at modifying some user interfaces

  • Still job searching

  • So… shout my way iffens you know of any UX design jobs

  • I’m a solid UX Designer/Product Designer

  • But this market is rough

  • That being said, it “feels” like it is picking up

  • Hit me up peopleI truly can divide by zero

  • It is all about changing the ill-defined to a better definition

  • Or it is all about shifting perspective

  • There are many ways to do this

  • Hire me and I will tell you how to do the impossible in many different ways

  • I come at things from a different direction

  • And new perceptions lead to new solutions

  • Have a great week everyone







Tags Interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 438 - Transportation

February 6, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

In a previous career, I worked in transportation planning in some capacity for just about 20 years. IT started out very fulfilling, but then it became monotonous, and I needed a career switch. Buuuuuttttt… I did get exposed to many aspects of transportation.  So this week I am answering 20 questions about the topic of Transportation.

Thanks this week go to K-Pop, Nadav, Lsig, Little Man, and Alex.

Onto the questions:

1: I really want to know when you think we will get the transportation methods promised to us by the back to the future movies.   You know… hoverboards and flying cars.  

Ah, retro-futurism. How we all wish the utopian future of yesterday was the now of today… you know, aside from the racism and all that. I think we forget how fast things were changing in the 1950’s/1960’s. We, as the entirety of the human race, went from not flying to flying and landing on the moon in 66 years. If you look at that growth curve in 1966, it’s a hockey stick. The idea at that time was that the sky wasn’t even the limit.  There was no limit. 

I think we are in a similar time period for the usage of expert systems and ai/large language models. The plateau hasn’t hit for those yet, but they will, and 80 years from now, people will be asking where their AI robot babysitters and AI Robot world dominators are. 

2: Why  do we park on DRIVEWAYS and drive on PARKWAYS??!??

Because English is a broken language. This is only an issue in English.  

3: Manual  or automatic?

Automatic. My driving style does not require the nuance of applying skill to changing gears.  The car’s computer is good enough at it.

4: What do you think about driverless cars and what do you think of their prospects?

I think it will be a long time before we truly have driverless cars, but when it does happen, it will happen fast, and it will happen fast due to insurance rates. Driverless cars will be in communication with each other and share information and telemetry, the free-radical in a driverless system is a driver who is not in constant communication and contact with all the cars around them. Insurance is going to be super expensive for human driven cars, once autonomous driving cars truly become a reality (and not this smoke and mirrors Tesla “autopilot” bullshit.)

5: Favorite classic car? Ever been to a car show and do you have a story from one?

I don’t really have a favorite classic car.  I do have a very strong sense-memory of being at a car dealership and getting in a gold colored Ford Bronco in the 1980’s with sheepskin leather seats. So, I would say that would be the car experience that could be considered “favorite.” I am sure that the actual vehicle would never live up to the sense-memory I have as a tiny child. I have never been, not have I ever wanted to go to a car show. I am just not a gear head.

6: Ever ridden in a small airplane? Helicopter? What's the most weird vehicle you've ridden in? 

I have been in a little tiny Cessna airplane that my kinda uncle owned.  That was years and years ago, and I was surprised at how loud it was. I think the weirdest thing I have ridden in is an articulated bus back when I was visiting Hamburg,, Germany. I would love to fly in a helicopter though.

7: Say something about public transportation that you think is true but that nobody else says

People say a bunch about public transportation, so I am not sure I can hit this mark.  That being said, public transportation won’t really hit hard in the US because of how spread out places are from one another. Shocking, I know.

8: If you were into model trains would you wear the stripey conductor/engineer hat?

Nope, but I probably would be wearing a black Canadian Southern graphic T-shirt. 

9: Name 5 unintended consequences of the invention of the teleporter that Star Trek doesn't want you to know

  1. It doesn’t work 100% of the time

  2. The human body is about 1-3% micro-organism biota…. This messes with the signal to noise ratio in transporter issues and some people, when transported that percentage changes… making some people more microbial and some people less

  3. The transporter noise is made by the people being transported

  4. They aren’t actually transporting a person, they are scanning that person molecule by molecule by breaking the molecular bonds in their body, thus disintegrating the initial body.  Then they send the scanned data to the transporter receiver and it builds a new person from scratch.  They are not transporting anything, they are destroying and creating versions of people. The destroyed biological ingredients stored in tanks near the transporters and used to recreate other people being transported to that transporter. Think of it like vats of resin for existing 3-d printers. The people being transported are actually being reconstituted from the building blocks of people who have already been “beamed” from the transporter.  Think “The Prestige” but in Star Trek

  5. Smells like egg farts

10: If you could visit Venus or mars which would you choose and why

Mars. Venus is an inhospitable place that would take significantly more safety protocols to keep people living there.

11: Have you ever suddenly wondered if you walk all wrong and then found you were no longer able to walk correctly so long as you kept thinking about it?

Movement issues akin to semantic satiation? Nope.  I have not run into that.

12: You're from the south. How many motorized bar stool races have you participated in?

None, I am from the south of the 80’s and early 90’s. Motorized bar stools would have just gotten in the way of drinking. I think you are thinking more the Naught’s than the 80’s/90’s.

13: If you had to stereotype people who ride recumbent bikes, how would you characterize them?

Remember, stereotypes are bad, even if they seem positive… that beingbsaid, they are male or female in the 30’s or 40’s, have sandy brown curly hair, are wearing sunglasses, a beige t-shirt with cut-off jeans shorts and are wearing wool socks… or… they are a man in his 60’s in a pink short sleeve polo shirt and khaki shorts with a silver necklace and at least one ring that is not a wedding ring.

14: If you had to ride an animal to work from now on, would you pick camel, ostrich, elephant, burro, or something boring like a horse?

I think I would like to ride a bear, provided it was tame enough that it would not kill me or others. Her name would be Daisy.

15: What about a sedan, like the chair carried by slaves? Would you ride one if the alternative was driving a Buick rendezvous?

As long as they are not slaves, I’ll be carried on a sedan. Full vacation package with dental… now carry me on a heavy chair.

16: Have you been skydiving or bungee jumping? If not and you had to pick one to do, which would you pick?

Haven’t done either, but would choose sky-diving over bungee jumping.  I would love to see the landscape laid out before me like a map.

17: Would you let your kids drive a reliant robin as their daily driver, or would you insist they walk instead?

They would make me drive them… so the Robin it is, even if it is a weirdo 3 wheeled tiny coffin.

18: What’s the longest flight you’ve been on? Longest road trip?

  • Flight: Munich to Newark New Jersey

  • Road-trip: Haven’t gone on many of those… Birmingham, Alabama to Niagara Falls, Ontario 

19. Since you were a stellar employee ar ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation)... If you were to place one metro-line (editor’s note: I assume you mean a subway or some form of trolly/tram/light rail) to start up a mass transit network in Columbus, where would it go?Overall start and terminus for that first section.

Okay, there have been multiple studies on this in the Columbus area, I actually work on one when I was a consultant working in transportation planning. So, it is important to note, a mass transit network cannot be built piece-meal anymore.  The const vs utility to drop a single line is just not there. But, I would have a line going from the Polaris area to High Street and then down High Street to Downtown and then head east to the airport. So it would be an “L” shaped line basically going from north of 270 on 71, to downtown and then to the airport, while still hugging the campus area and arena district for even traffic.

20. What was your first car?

It was a metallic forest green 1970 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate Station Wagon. No fake wood paneling and the thing was a land yacht.

Image has been doctored to try to get the correct color

To recap:

  • Seriously, A bunch of car centric questions… can you tell I didn’t ask any European friends for questions?

  • Still need a job

  • Burning through an inadequate retirement really fast

  • Been walking the doggos more

  • They have been bored since they haven’t been on Zoom calls lately… or wait, that’s me

  • They have been bored as well

  • We are all bored

  • So bored

  • I really need some work to do

  • Like honest to goodness UX work

  • The family is doing well

  • Pretty much across the board

  • Making Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken at home is very satisfying

  • I want to try mushroom ketchup

  • Not mushroom flavored tomato ketchup

  • Mushroom ketchup

  • Might need to make some this weekend

  • Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 437 - Paranormal

January 30, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

This week is an old school 20 Questions post.  Today I am answering 20 Questions on the topic of the Paranormal.  I might have done one of these years ago… yup, let me look… 341 from January 2016.  Looks like it is an 8 year update cycle. I have not re-read that post yet.  I will let you know in the recap how similar they are.

Questions this week come from Bob, Alex, Peter, Lsig, Big Jilm, Marcia, Patrick, Z,  and Some Other Guy. IT takes a village.

Now… Onto the questions! 

1.  What is your favorite genre or paranormal literature?

Anything Chuck Tingle. Pure paranormal parody smut.

2.  Favorite crazy-ass conspiracy theory?

That subterranean lizardmen actually are the puppet-masters of the global cabal known as the Illuminati.

3.  Bigfoot… Does he exist?... are you Bigfoot?

I would love for bigfoot to exist, but I think the time of Sasquatch has passed. I think bigfoots were around, and not that long ago.  I think they co-existed (not in the peaceful concept of coexistence that people use today, but in the “lived in the same general area and had to share natural resources” version of coexistence that squirrels and birds have) with humans and are part of our cultural lore across multiple cultures because of this coexistence. No, I am not a bigfoot.  Size 10.5 US, does not make for big feet. 

4.  Why do people want to believe that aliens built ancient structures? Specifically, why do they want to believe that?

Racism, pure and simple.  White people do not want to think that ancient brown people could build such amazing structures (honestly, they don’t think modern brown people could do it either), primarily because those amazing structures do not exist in Europe. So it had to be an external power.

5.  What conspiracy theory do you actually believe in?

I don’t think I hold onto any particular conspiracy theory too much.  I guess I would say the Kennedy Assassination would be one though.  I do not think it was that it was just Lee Harvey Oswald who acted alone.  I think it was a mob hit because Kennedy paid the mob to stuff the ballot boxes in West Virginia during the democratic primary to get the nomination and when Kennedy got into office, Bobby started going HAM on organized crime. Organized crime did not like the candidate that they crowned king, coming back at them. Don’t eff with the mob.    

6.  What’s the most haunted place you’ve ever been?

Supposedly the Tower of London. Tons of stories about ghosties there. I never experienced one and I have been there 3 times.  THREE TIMES! Where’s my ghost sighting?!?

7.  If it is possible to come back to haunt someone, would you? (and who?)

I barely want to get out from under warm covers in the mornings… you think I’m going to haunt anyone? 

8.  Who, among your acquaintances, is most likely to report a paranormal encounter?

That’s a good one. I don’t have too many people in my life right now who go for the really “woo woo” stuff out there. I don’t know. I’m going to look at my contacts on my phone and randomly choose someone, and that is who I think will be most likely to report a paranormal encounter. I think it is important to note that there is a difference between having a paranormal encounter and reporting one.

Drumroll…..  Slide the contacts…..  And…   Looks like Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine is on tap to report a paranormal encounter.

9.  Have you ever experienced anything you would say was paranormal?

I have had some weird shit happen, but I would be hard-pressed to truly call it paranormal more than just odd. The 2 things that come to mind are:

  1. When I was 6-ish, I thought I saw a ghost when I was sleeping on the floor of my brother’s room. It was an amorphous fairly human shaped lighter space in the darkness. I thought it was my mom, Hey-ooooo! Reached out to the space and did not touch anything. Very creepy for a 6 year old, but not really anything definitive as for as ghostliness

  2. For a bit I was sleeping in the main downstairs bedroom of the house we are in right now. Every night without fail, I was awakened at 1:15 am, and I had the distinct feeling that something was waking me up. Again, nothing concrete to say it was a paranormal thing, but it was consistent and odd.  

10.  What are your thoughts on the paranormal in relation to religion and religious beliefs?

Many religious beliefs are born from trying to explain the inexplicable. So many previously unexplained things are now very explainable via non-religious means. Now it seems that regions are there to preserve the status quo, maintain their existence, and protect power structures. Nothing paranormal there. 

11.  If you could make out with a ghost, would you?

Firstly, I am in a committed relationship.  A happy relationship so I take umbrage at your insinuation. That being said, Most definitely. With some caveats, there has to be a spark between myself and the ghost.  Like some real chemistry. Because, I am not forcing myself on a ghost just to prove a point. Plus it would be good to know I still got some paranormal game, somme riz with the spirits, so to speak.

12.  Does the paranormal frighten you, or does the possibility of paranormal things interest you?

Pure interest, because I don’t think most paranormal things are actually real. 

13.  Do you think that paranormal things happen to people who tend to be religious more than to people who have a more scientific outlook?

I would say less religious people (because they tend to be dogmatic in their beliefs) and more of “spiritual people.” Spiritual people are looking for pattern recognition and that sort of thing in the things they cannot explain.

14. Ok, is paranormal activity real or fake news?

Most is fake, but rarely, extremely rarely there might be something truly paranormal.  But we are talking super rare. 

15. If real, how do you know?

That is the problem, until we get better scientific capabilities we cannot know they are real.

16, If fake, what paranormal events have you written off with a wild explanation?

I wouldn’t say they are wild explanations.  Crop circles being done by some drunk farmers doing pranks. Bigfoot film is of 2 drunk outdoorsmen doing pranks. Most (if not all) UFO videos are easily explainable.  In fact the Corridor Crew YouTube channel debunks many videos because they are debunkable. 

17,  If you were invited to join Ghost Hunters for one local episode, where would you take them?

I think I would want to go somewhere open late at night with good food. Los Guachos Taqueria on Godown Road.  Los Guachos has the best al Pastor tacos in the city (and that is weirdly a thing) and they are open full service until 1 am. I am positive you can hear spirits moaning at 2am at Los Guachos nearly any weeknight that I get Ghost Hunters to go with me late at night, It would be me moaning from eating too many Al Pastor tacos.  Too many = 11. They. Are. So. Good. Get them and eat them.  Now I want tacos. I really want tacos. Mmmm tacos.

18. Why do most paranormal events occur in rural USA, and are not as often reported in other countries?

This is a bit of USA bias. There are tons of goblin reports in Africa, and El Chupacabra is almost totally in Mexico (with a sizable incursion of sightings in the US Southwest).  I think we, in the US tend to hear more about rural US sightings.  The rural piece is that it is much easier to disprove a paranormal event when there is more camera coverage, and rural areas, just do not have that coverage. Lots of UFO reports in rural Russia as well. 

19. Where does the term “paranormal” come from?  I mean, Olympics has a meaning and Paralympics means something… what about Normal and Paranormal?

Okay, the prefix “para” has a basic meaning of “next to” or “beside.” So “paranormal” means “next to normal” or “not quite normal.”  That seems to track. Now the “Paralympics” is a portmanteau of “Paraplegic” (next to paralyzed since plegic means paralyzed) and “Olympics.”

20.  Ball lightning? WTF?

Plasma is weird AF

To recap:

  • Just re-read the old post from Jan 2016

  • I am consistent in my favorite conspiracy

  • Lizardmen, baby!

  • It is just so dumb

  • Lemon rosemary pork chops with roasted asparagus and mushrooms for dinner

  • Pretty good for a thrown together mis-mash of a meal

  • It needed a starch

  • Maybe some kind of smashed potatoes 

  • Baked Cheetos to the rescue

  • Cryptids are still my favorite bit of the paranormal

  • The Creepy Pasta stuff doesn’t count since it is modern folklore

  • Modern folklore is not paranormal

  • But I am glad there is now new folklore being made

  • If I had gone for the topic of “Supernatural” I think I only would have gotten questions about the Winchesters

  • Still on the job hunt

  • If you know any UX Designer/Product Designer positions in the Columbus, Ohio area or remote positions, help a guy out

  • Baby needs a new pair of shoes

  • It is nice to get back in the saddle again

  • I do need to come up with more topics though

  • Even though it has been 8 years, it is not great to repeat

  • Seriously though, plasma is weird AF

  • Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 436 - Tanya Vora

January 25, 2024 Scott Ryan-Hart

Okay, it has been quite the hiatus, but if I am going to pay for the domain, I should probably be posting to it, amiright? I am.

Anyway… Happy 2024 to everyone a bit late. Until I can get back in the swing of things, these might be published a little erratically and not necessarily on Tuesday’s. Hello Thursday, how you doing? Bear with me, I forgot how long these take to do and how tedious the formatting issues are.

What better way to start the blog back up than by interviewing a ex-work--colleague-who-has-always-made-me-smile?  

Today we get to see 20 questions with Tanya Vora. A few jobs ago, Tanya and I worked together in a UX department.  I was mainly focus on UX design, and she was a UX researcher.  We ended up working on a project with a research component that involved close to 20 90 minute interviews.  It was a bunch. Tanya has a dry sense of humor that I enjoy.  She is smart and charming and I am a better person for having known her.  We recently reconnected on the socials and I thought, “Who better to restart the blog up with than the delightful Tanya?”  And I was right, There is no one better to restart this bad-boy up with than Tanya. She is one of the best, and everyone should know her.

Without further ado, 20 Questions with Tanya.

In a previous life I was a cartographer/geographer and I have always loved the idea of people’s geographic story.  For example (I have not had to write this for over a year now) my geographic story goes thusly… I was born as an air force brat at an Air Force base just outside of Oklahoma City. My dad was transferred to one of the many Air Force Bases in Montgomery, Alabama and then the family moved up to Birmingham, Alabama when he got out of the Air Force.  I lived in the BIrmingham area until I went off to college at Kent State University.  I followed my then fiance and now ex-wife to grad school in Columbus, Ohio, where I have lived since.  

Question 1:  What is your geographic story? 

First off, thanks for the kind words. I’ll be using the paragraph above as daily motivational affirmations. Loved working together and getting to know ya!

My story begins before I was born. My parents emmigrated from India and came to the US in the 80’s. It was because of their big leap that I’m here today…in Ohio. Some members of my Dad’s family went to New Zealand, in a city that’s 70 degrees for most of the year and has multiple forms of reliable public transportation. But I’m not complaining…today.

I was raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and then moved to Columbus to attend tOSU when I was 18. I’ve since been living in Columbus with my partner James and two cats, Rou and Namiko. I’d like to move out of Ohio one day, but in due time. It’s affordable here and I’ve built a supportive and caring community. I’m building a couple businesses at the moment and want to save up before finally making the big move.

I would have lost money betting that you had lived in more places than just the 2 Ohio cities.   You seem so much more cosmopolitan than just having been in the midwest.  I would imagine that being 1st gen immigrant family adds to the cosmopolitaness… cosmopolinaity… So, Question 2: Do you get the opportunity to travel much then? Where is the most interesting place you have been?

Well they do say that Cuyahoga Falls is the Paris, France of the US. 

I love traveling! The escapism and food - big fan. My parents liked to take us on trips while growing up. Some trips included: several summer road trips to visit my cousins in New Jersey, visits to India to see family, & Disney World. 

These days it depends on if I can find the time and money. Owning two businesses makes this challenging. I’d like to also mention that I’ve been incredibly privileged to have been able to travel as much as I have throughout my life.

The most interesting place I’ve been to was Bolivia. When I was a freshman at OSU I was a part of the International Affairs Scholars program. This meant that we had the opportunity to take a course about Bolivian history and then visit the country at the end of the semester (back when there were semesters). We went to Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Isla del Sol, and La Paz. It’s a beautiful country that has so much to offer in each city. It was an incredibly unique experience, considering we took a class taught by two professors of Bolivian heritage who also joined us on the trip.

That sounds absolutely amazing. I need to travel more than I have recently. I would love to cross an ocean again soon. 

Here comes the hard question. Question 3: Cake or pie? Which specific one and why? 

CAKE. Belle’s Bread near Tensuke Market. The strawberry and matcha flavors. It’s the most fluffy, airy, beautiful, gorgeous cake that I’ve ever had. We get it every year for my birthday. 

I have never had that cake (editors note, I will link to it). It sounds delightful. 

I do have to say that your cake response is a little tame. Previous people I have talked to or done official 20 Questions Tuesday who have picked cake tend to be more rabid about it.  

This is completely anecdata but pie people tend to say something to the effect of “I like pie, and would love to eat some pie, thank you very much.” Whereas cake people tend to be “I will murder your family and kick a puppy in the rain to get the cake that I deserve. You cannot keep me from my frosting delivery system, I will end you.” 

Question 4: Were you merely being polite concerning you desire for cake, and, in truth, you are a rage filled frosting monster? The world wants to know.

Haha it may be that I don’t love foods that are sweet very much! I’m very selective with the sweet dishes I will eat, but I’m a savory breakfast person FWIW. I hope this logic resonates with someone lol I often think about what dish I would eat during my last day on Earth and sweets aren’t in the top 10 or 20 of my list. 

So, that leads nicely into Question 5: if you could have dinner with any 5 people in the world who have ever lived, what food would you serve for that dinner? 

  1. Anthony Bourdain (RIP, still sad about this one)

  2. Ziwe 

  3. Tamar the Great of Georgia 

  4. James Baldwin

  5. Aristotle OR Stevie Nicks, I’m torn between these two

I've chosen these people under the assumption that they would be honest when answering questions I ask them. Very interested in learning about the Fleetwood Mac drama in that case.

Ok to answer your question: a universally beloved dish that I make is a vegan dal makhani (recipe by Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plantlife, ) 

This would be served with basmati rice and naan. It meets most dietary restrictions and is filling! For dessert we’ll have the strawberry cake from Belle’s Bread, decaf coffee, and baklava. 

The dal looks amazing. I think I would tear that to pieces. The issue I have with making Indian food from scratch at home is how many ingredients and spices it takes to get the flavor profile just right, and just how long it takes to cook things properly. Looking at that video, it looks like a solid 36 hours of process from the soaking to the slow simmering. The results are clearly amazing, but… Everest Cuisine is just around the corner and has Chicken Pokara ready to eat in 15 minutes… 

I would suggest Stevie Nicks over Aristotle just because I think Aristotle would be up his own ass too much. 

I know that you are starting to put together a stand-up career. Question 6: What drew you to the art of stand up? 

I think there were several motivating factors. The first being that I enjoy finding humor in life. All of this is made up, why not laugh while we’re doing mundane tasks?

The other factor has a bit of a longer explanation. I started participating in business pitch competitions (Startup Weekend and GiveBackHack) around 2017. Essentially, you pitch your business idea in front of 100+ people the first night on Friday, build a team with other attendees, work together to validate the problem and build a deck on Saturday, then pitch the business to investors on Sunday. This process of speaking to a crowd with a mic and leading a team helped me realize that I could potentially do comedy one day.

I since then have been writing observations and notes in my Notes app on my iPhone, in hopes of creating my tight-five at some point. I’ve been keeping these entries for years now! 

In February of this year, I asked a local comedian for advice on how to start comedy. I took his advice and began refining my notes into jokes, and then I finally worked up the courage to perform my first set in July. Quite a lengthy process!

I never thought that shark tank style pitches would lead to stand-up, but it makes sense. 

First time I did stand up was in 5th grade.  It was a partner act with my friend Patrick.  He was the straight man of a typical kind of set-up/punch format. It was a lot of fun.  Patrick didn’t take to the Center Point Elementary fame though and retired that year to focus on his studies.  I kept the torch alive for another year and came out with a tight 7 to nab a honorable mention (4th place in the show… just off the podium, gottdamnit) in the Talent Show as a 6th Grader,  The kid who won, did the same winning dance routine from the year before (He really did this amazing dance to Midnight Star’s “Freakazoid”), I know one of the other top three sang “The Rose” like 4 other people in the show, and I forget that other act that placed.  That is the extent of my stand-up career.  Later that year I retired from stand-up because the talent show system was rigged (the guy who danced to Freakazoid won the following year as well [he was a year behind me] by dancing to Freakazoid again. Rigged. It was an amazing dance routine though.), and there wasn’t a talent show in middle school, because middle school sucks. 

We all know who the big names in stand-up are. The Seinfeld’s Patton’s, Gaffigan’s, Chapelle’s (not without controversy, I haven’t watched his last few,) but Question 7:  Who is a comedian from a tier or 2 below those mega stand-up stars that really gets you giggling and what is a bit of theirs that you love?  

Come out of retirement, I think you’d be great! 

I’ve loved watching a couple comedians throughout their comedy careers. I’ve outlined what I like most about them:

  1. Nate Bergatze

    1. He’s an “Everyman comic”, he “muses about a life that could happen to any suburban 20-, then 30-something”

    2. What intrigues me about him is that he made it big while being a clean comic, meaning he doesn’t swear or joke about vulgar topics. He’s so funny that you don’t even realize that he is strategic about keeping his jokes clean. 

    3. I love hearing his stories about what it was like growing up with a dad who was a magician.

  2. Quinta Brunson

    1. I’ve been following Quinta since her Buzzfeed days. I feel like I’m watching a friend reach their goals, as she’s now producing the successful sitcom, Abbott Elementary, about a show that follows the staff at a struggling, underfunded Philadelphia school.

    2. I don’t have any comedic bits of hers that standout from her standup days, but I still think about an interview that she did with Jimmy Kimmel about why she thinks the comedy in Abbott is so successful:

      1. “I think the more specific you go with the city, the better. The inclination…is that you want to go broader on network TV, but what I’ve learned from comedies is that the more specific you go the more universal you go…Anyone can relate it [Philadelphia] to their own home town”

    3. I think about this quote when writing jokes about my life as the daughter of two Indian immigrants, for audiences that couldn’t be anymore different than me.

  3. Ali Wong

    1. Ali Wong once told Seth Meyers that she used to do 13 sets a night in NYC, which logistically sounds like a nightmare. Her work ethic is admirable, and I’m happy to see a female comic up there with all the dudes, and an Asian comic at that!!

    2. Her bit about having Asian immigrant parents hits close to home ha

No notes. Great picks. Question 8: How do you perceive the comedy scene in Columbus? What is good? What is bad? How does it match up with other nearby places? 

I haven’t explored comedy in other cities, so the following is just from my perspective in Columbus, which I’ve been pleasantly surprised by! I had assumed that it would be competitive and unkind to new comers, but it’s been anything but! Seasoned comedians have been helpful anytime I ask questions about comedy or the industry.

We’re lucky to have open mics every night in the city, which is different than how things were just a couple years ago. Don’t Tell Columbus and The Attic bring in national and local comedians every week. The scene is hot, it’s been exciting to be a part of it!

In terms of negative aspects, I think like most industries, it’s male dominated. So jokes that women write and deliver based on their lived experiences don’t always land at open mics where 90% of the people in the room are men waiting for their turn to perform. 

Networking is important in comedy, so sometimes there are cliques of comedians that mostly promote those from their friendgroups. I assume this is true in any comedy scene, though. I know I’ve been guilty of this too, as I haven’t met everyone in the scene due to being new.

One last thing - I think like most art forms, the amount of time attributed to building a career in comedy rarely pays off. So much time is involved with writing and performing material at open mics and shows, only for the end product (shows) to pay comedians inadequately. I don’t blame any organizers for this dilemma - I believe this is an industry wide issue, and I’m not sure how to solve it. It feels daunting to think about the years necessary to build a comedy career in hopes of potentially making a living in this industry, which is incredibly rare (think actor statistics - 1% make it to a point where they’re professional, touring comedians that MIGHT make $50k a year.)

The scene seems much livelier than what I knew of it not that long ago. I was much more plugged into the comings and goings of comedians in Columbus about 10 years ago.I LOVE comedy and have wanted to get back into it again, and potentially get up and tell some stories. Making the time to do it is just as daunting as getting a set together.  I should probably just get going to open mics and consume for a bit before even thinking of stepping up. 

Let’s take this a slightly different direction.  I also know, since we were co-workers, that your professional life (at least part of it) revolves around User Experience Design. Question 9: No one grows up saying “I want to be a User Experience Designer!”... so what was your path to UX?

In college I studied Communication Technology with a subspecialization in Human Computer Interaction. All this meant was that I had one class in college that taught me about UX design and research. I loved learning that there was a wholde industry dedicated to understanding how people navigate and use everyday experiences.  

That class stuck with me after graduation, so I tried to obtain a UX job out the gates. I unfortunately didn’t have the experience or portfolio to pursue UX, so I instead taught myself to code HTML and CSS and landed a Web content Developer position at Abercrombie & Fitch’s headquarters in New Albany. 

After 6 months, I decided to introduce my self to the UX team at Abercrombie during a happy hour. I told them I wanted to be on their team, so I shadowed them for a couple months then fully transitioned to their team as a UX researcher. I’ve since been a UX researcher and now consider myself more of a UX strategist! There was a year or two in my career where I was a UX designer, but I learned immediately that I didn’t enjoy that role. I love how objective research is; it’s hard to argue our findings during a presentation with stakeholders, when it's founded in data.

HCI is pretty much UX. I am surprised that people did not see that as translatable. I loved working with you in your research role when we were coworkers. Always insightful and very incisive with your research designs and implementation. You truly are a joy to watch, especially when you are oblivious to the research participants clearly hitting on you. On a side note: we are going to need to have a conversation over beverages about transitioning to UX Strategist. I really want that, I am tired of being reactive in my career… I would love to strategize. 

Question 10: please fill in the blanks (feel free to ask others for input in the second blank) : I find that I am mostly __________. Others find that I am mostly ____________. 

I find that I am mostly impatient

Others (my partner James) finds that I am mostly empathetic, creative, & entrepreneurial

Hey! Wait!  That's three things, James. Stop with the overachieving. Overachieving James, amiright? 

“Impatient” doesn't completely preclude “empathetic, creative, & entrepreneurial…” buuuuut… Question 11: how do you feel those two answers mesh up? Are they sides of the same coin? Or do you feel that that yours or his perception of you rings more authentic? 

I think that being impatient explains my behaviors and entrepreneurial pursuits quite well! Long story short, my parents only praised success so now my siblings and I are perfectionists. We want to do it right and we want to do it well, which means we are more apt to give up on something if we’re not immediately good at it or happy with it. This explains why I’ve quit many a hobbies throughout the years 😅

In terms of my professional life, I’ve bounced around to different UX teams throughout the years because I was unhappy with the team/environment/work. Founding businesses has allowed me the freedom and control to create things within my skillsets. So I see that both of our perceptions are accurate through this lens. 

There is definitely a connection between the different responses. Looking at impatient vs empathetic, creative, and entrepreneurial isn't an either or. It feels like different sides of the same coin to me as well. 

Question 12: More often than not, would you consider yourself to be happy?

I think so! A number of privileges allow me to be generally happy. 2019 was rough while trying to tackle a full time job and Spice Up. Shout out to Zoloft, which I recently was allowed to stop taking this year! 

That is great. Most people I have interviewed have been generally happy. There have been a couple who recognized their unhappiness due to the question being asked, and there was one  I think realized their unhappiness weeks later. I am a change maker. 

So Question 13: Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your life? 

Don’t tell Big Pharma! They might recruit you 

I don’t know how to answer these questions without a backstory or lengthy explanation lol Let me try bullet points:

  • Was raised religious - my family practiced Jainism. When I turned 18, my siblings and I decided that we no longer want to practice and we have since considered ourselves atheists. 

  • For years I was a real asshole about denouncing anything that wasn’t rooted in science. Now as an adult, I realize that unexplainable observations can still be categorized as science - we just don’t know the why!

  • I want to believe in ghosts because of the vast amount of anecdotal evidence out there (I.e. we all know someone who has a ghost story)

  • I knock on wood all the time in order to avoid “tempting fate”

  • My top three zodiac signs are very scarily accurate to who I am

These are all amazing. Ghostly anecdata is pretty interesting, and weirdly explained very well by simulation theory.  THAT is a conversation that should occur over beverages.

Question 14: Any other supernatural things you would love to be true?

Um, all of it. Krampus, cryptids, magic, ghosts. I love all things horror, but now that I’m thinking it through, I change my mind - certain horror movie monsters should not exist. Like the lady from The Ring can stay where she is. 

Yeah, Samara Morgan can suck it… creepy well-girl. Stay in your fetid waters… drippy weirdo.  The one I want to be real the most is Bigfoot/Yeti/Sasquatch/Skunk Ape/Amok etc… that one really feels like it would be amazing.  That being said, I do not want the weirdo interdimensional creature bigfoot or the UFO alien bigfoot.  I want the everyday, go as you please, “I’m a big hairy ape” bigfoot.  The overly woooo-woooo crypto-zoology stuff just does not work for me. If all y’all haven’t listened to “Wild Thing” a podcast about bigfoot (at least the first season is), you should.

We are on the downward slope of this Q and A Adventure, Just going to check in and make sure I won’t miss anything you wanted to be asked. Question 15: Is there any question I have not asked you that you either expected to be asked or would like to have been asked? We still have some q’s to rectify that deficiency if we need.

The day the government releases documentation that proves that Bigfoot is in fact real will be a great day

None that come to mind! Thanks for the great questions and conversations thus far!

Awesome.  I think this has been going well so far, but I do want to make sure expectations are met.  Question 16: Which do you think would have a bigger immediate impact on society, Disclosure of bigfoot being real and critical nature shows being presented on Nat Geo and Discovery or an engagement announcement of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift?

Heeeyyy would you give a male interviewee the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce option as well? 😆 

I am not a Swiftie, but even if I was I would still choose Bigfoot disclosure because I think 99% of all celebrity relationships are for PR. I’m not sure what the impact would be other than paparazzi making bank. 

Bigfoot being real would just open the floodgates for more research and funding into finding other cryptids globally, which is objectively way cooler. It might also immediately cause mass hysteria. 

Most definitely, I would ask, if not this exact question, a similar one to anybody I was talking to. Tay and Travis are really the IT people in the cultural zeitgeist right now.  If I were asking this a year ago it might have been bigfoot v Megan and Harry doing something. The reason I asked you this question is because of how I thought a local newscast would set up the bigfoot story.

Ted: Mary, you know who is really excited about this Tayravis Engagement?

Mary: No, Ted.  Who ?

Ted: Bigfoot.  Bigfoot has come out of hiding to get see what’s going on with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Scientists say that sasquatch or Bigfoot as he is called …..

I chose the soft ball cultural zeitgeist idea because I wanted to keep this 20 Q’s relatively light so I avoided big news items like conflicts or political turmoil… I’m looking bat you Israel and Russia. 

Let’s stick with the supernatural.  Question 17: What is the most credible supernatural thing that you have experienced or have heard directly from someone? No “a friend or a friend said her neighbor saw a…” stories.

I recorded an episode on my podcast Fangirl Feels about this very topic. Two friends and I recorded our encounters with the supernatural. My experience was hearing what I believed to be my grandfather on the day of his cremation. 

That episode can be found here.

That is intense. You bet I will listen to that podcast.

Now it is time for me to turn the tables. Question 18: What question do you have for me? 

Would you rather have a time machine that can only go to the past or a teleporter that can only go to fictional universes?

That is a fun question. The past is horrible and I am not sure that I would like to be part of that horribleness only as older and wiser. Imma choose the teleporter. 

Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you? 

Yes but WHICH fictional universe are you going to? I’m going to the world of Avatar the Last Airbender. 

I think these questions made me realize that I’ve been living a full life. It’s hard to see the forest for the trees when you’re bogged down with the day to day and trying to get by. But looking back at these questions, I think my experiences have led me to lead an interesting and somewhat meaningful life! So thank you for including me in this.

This is partly why I do this. It is great to see someone take stock of where they are at the moment. That is why the “Are you happy” question isn’t asked until the second half of the questions.  This has been an absolute joy for me as well. 

As far as where I would teleport… Not to the Warhammer 40K universe, maybe to Star Wars, I am not a brony but if I had to teleport to a fictional universe, My Little Pony might not be a bad one. It did not seem super dangerous. Most fictional universes are built on the idea of conflict to create good narrative structures, so most of what we see from those settings are the conflict portions.  I think I might want to teleport to the Earth of the Expanse.  It is not perfect, but good enough and on planet, it seems similarly safe to what life is today.  The danger comes from stepping off planet, and you don’t have to do that.

Question 20: What’s next? Be as concrete or nebulous, as short-term or long-term, and as philosophical or practical as you would like. 

Hoping to keep:

  • Landing comedy gigs (follow along on YouTube, IG, and Threads @totalllytanya)

  • Helping clients with UX design and research needs through Arcanalabs.co

  • being silly as we about books, tv shows, and movies on Fangirl Feels Pod

  • Planning events and posting food related content for Spice Up (@spiceupeats on YouTube, IG, and FB)

Speaking of, we’re hosting a Spice Up event on February 22nd with James Beard nominated Chef, Avishar Barua at Agni. Get your tickets

Well this was amazing. I do feel like I know you much better now. I promise that I will try to get out and see your stand-up set soon.

So follow Tanya on all the socials you can.  She is a great follow. Columbus people, look out for Tanya, she is awesome.

To recap:

  • Tonya is amazing

  • She always brings a smile to my face

  • I know it has been a while since I posted

  • It has been a crazy couple years

  • Deal with it

  • Many things have changed since the last post in May of 2022

  • I have remarried

  • I am very happy

  • My ex got re-married

  • She is very happy

  • My wife and my ex’s husband are both very happy

  • Everyone is pretty darn happy

  • Except for my existence in the employment space

  • Going on my 6th month unemployed now

  • Job market is crazy weird right now

  • I have applied for over 500 positions 

  • Gotten thanks but no thanks emails for about 70

  • 71, just got one a minute ago

  • I’m not putting anyone on blast, but I have had about 20 recruiters (internal HR reps or external staffing recruiters) ghost me after contacting me

  • They contact, I respond, they fall off the face of the earth

  • Jobs applications that seem like they are tailor made for me go nowhere

  • Par example (for my Quebecois readers) I have a MA in geography (with accompanying 20 year career) and a MS in User Experience Design (with a commiserate 8 year career) and did not get a call back for a GIS position focused on UX

  • Nothing

  • Rien

  • Nada

  • With all the tech layoffs going on I know I am in a pool with tons of applicants

  • It has been extremely depressing

  • Oh, well

  • If you aren’t creating, you are waiting, so let’s get this blog moving again

  • Send me a message or leave a comment if you want me to ask you 20 Questions

  • Have a great week everyone

In Comedian, People I Know Tags interview, UX

20 Questions Tuesday: 435 - Tressina Bowling

May 4, 2022 Scott Ryan-Hart
Tressina Bowling holding markers

Okay… it has been a minute, but things have been super weird.  This interview started early in the pandemic, and question 20 was only finished a month ago.  It took a long time.  Both Tressina and I were shocked at how long this interview took (shocked I tell you), but I think it does a great job encapsulating the weirdness that is the pandemic. Anyway… I will throw some editor’s notes in the interview to give context. For example, when we started this, her kiddo was 7 weeks old, and now the little one is rounding the corner on 2 years old.

Here we go….


This week I get the pleasure of asking Tressina Bowling 20 Questions. Tressina is an amazing artist. Her work is tight, well composed, and full of energy. I have been following her work for the past couple of years and she never fails to impress me. I truly only know her from a less than 10 minute conversation at a comic book convention a handful of years ago and through her social media interactions (mainly her conversations with Shawn Pryor, whom I asked 20 questions a few years ago). So, this is my chance to get to know her better.

As many of you know, my first career was in making maps. So it is clear that geography holds a place near and dear to me. One of my favorite things are peoples’ geographic stories. Mine starts in Oklahoma City, where I was born, moves to Montgomery, Alabama for my early early childhood and then moves to Birmingham, AL where I lived until I escaped to college. I went to undergrad in Northeast Ohio and did my first round of grad school in Columbus, Ohio where I settled down and am raising my family, Question 1: what is your geographic story?

My geographic story is a short one, I was born in Lexington, KY and I still remain here in Lexington! Aside from living in Paris, KY for a short time when I was only a couple years old, Lexington has always remained my mainstay. I love to travel but at heart I’m a homebody and I honestly don’t see myself moving anywhere else. Lexington is one of those great middle of the road cities, not too small and not too big. It’s got a fantastic local art scene where I’ve met so many of my life long friends. My family lives here and I’ve been lucky to grow my “chosen” family here too. So I’m excited to be able to raise my new little one in the same place!

Short geographic stories can be just as exciting as long ones.  There are just significantly less pins on a map.

Question 2: where is the most exotic place you have traveled?

My husband and I were gifted a trip to the Greek Islands for our honeymoon. It was the first time I had ever traveled outside of the States. Getting the opportunity to see Athens, Mykonos, Patmos, and Rhodes was beyond words incredible. As someone who studied art history in college, it blew my mind to see the ancient architecture and sculptures that seemed to only exist in my textbooks. Aside from the deep history that surrounded us, one of my fondest memories from the trip was riding a donkey up to the acropolis in Rhodes. I mean...my options were to walk it or take a donkey for 5 Euros. It was a no brainer. 

That sounds great.  I have never been to Greece. It looks amazing (at least the tourist trap places do). Now that you mention it though, I have never ridden a donkey either. 

Here comes a question that some dread to answer, but all enjoy reading the answer to...

Question 3: Cake or pie? Which specific kind and why?

Pie all day everyday. I mean cake is great but I never crave it...I crave pie. We’ve got a local pie maker called Missy’s Pies and they serve them at one of my favorite local restaurants called Ramsey’s. All the pies they make are delicious but my favorite is what they call the “Mayday” pie. Gooey center with chocolate chips and pecans to top it off with a buttery crust. It’s actually a Derby Pie but due to licensing on the Derby name they have to call it “Mayday” since the Derby takes place in...you guessed it, May. How Kentucky of me to pick the pie that’s served during a horse race. 


I like the definiteness of this answer. No hesitation. That's awesome.

So, you are new to this parenting stuff. It is incredibly daunting to be all parental. Question 4: what is one of the biggest surprises you have had so far being a new parent?

Soooo daunting! No matter how many apps I downloaded or articles I read, there wasn’t much that could truly prepare me for parenthood. 7 weeks in and sometimes I’m still shocked to round the corner of his room and see him sleeping in his crib. I think my biggest surprise so far is that I’m not nearly as grossed out by his spit up or diaper changes as I thought I’d be. That may sound odd to some, but I have a super sensitive nose and can be put off by the smallest aromas. For some reason though, must be because he’s so damn cute, his poops don’t put me off. Check back in with me after the first blow out. 


It is amazing how much your world view changes the second you have a kid. You won't be disgusted by blow outs, you will be frustrated by them. That being said, once you add solids to your kid's diet, the smell changes, and not in a good way. We might have more baby questions in a bit, but let's get to some art stuff for a second.

Question 5: when did you know that drawing was your "thing?"

I'm afraid my answer to that is the cookie cutter "Since I was child I knew I loved art above most other things!" But it's true, even when my dad would cart me along to his animal science classes he was taking at UK (Editor’s Note: the University of Kentucky to all my United Kingdom and Commonwealth readers) on my days off school, I remember drawing mad scientists to pass the time or trying to replicate the look of Looney Tunes characters. It wasn't until my late 20's though that I began making it more than a hobby, so I was a bit of a late bloomer on that front. 

 

I took a 15 year hiatus from drawing. I am alarmed at the amount of skill and ability I lost and have never been able to completely regain. Coming to work professionally in the art community in your late 20's is not late at all. Don't sell yourself short. 

 Question 6: Who do you consider to be your major influences?

Influences for myself are pretty wide ranging. I could just simply list other artists I go crazy over, but I’m sure readers' eyes might glaze over at the sight. So I’ll give ya other forms of influences. First and foremost, movies seem to inspire me the most. There’s been countless times I’ve seen a movie in the theater and gone straight home to draw something from it. My house is nearly wallpapered with movie posters and I love collecting “art of” books for my favorite flicks. They’re a constant source of reference for my art. Then there’s music, a good song or album can put me in the zone and I’m constantly looking for that next artist to listen to that I haven’t heard before. Being a child of the 80’s/90’s I was big on making my own mixtapes for different moods and I still today have an unreasonable amount of playlists I’ve created on Spotify. Lastly, my biggest influences are my friends who I see as family, they know who they are. Especially during this past year it was so vital to keep in touch with them since we couldn’t do live arts anymore or go to conventions. Having a constant text thread where we checked in with each other, encouraged one another to keep going, stay creative, take much needed breaks, was s driving force on difficult days. 

 

That was a long answer...readers may still get glassy eyed from that one lol 

 

Artistic communities are often the best. I was part of an online one for a long time, but it closed up shop as social media started to remove the need for it. I miss it greatly. (Editor’s Note: It has become a Discord Channel now: I will have a link to it in the recap)

 

Question 7: Is there a mainstream comic book that you would love to work on?

I’m gonna be honest, I’ve fallen waaaaaaay behind on reading comics, especially mainstream titles. But if I had to choose, keeping my style in mind, I’d love to do a Sabrina the Teenage Witch book. I think it would lend to my brightly colored style but I could also tap into the creepier side of my work. Best of both worlds! 

 

oh, I would definitely buy that.  You would be a perfect fit for you.  


Question 8: So, we are in the midst of the pandemic here in the US, what content have you consumed that you would recommend to others?

Oh wow...soooo much was consumed! Not only was I furloughed from my day job for 6months during 2020 but I was also pregnant. It was a mixed bag of feeling lucky and unlucky during that time. At least I didn’t have to deal with morning sickness while at work! But my point is, I consumed a lot of TV, movies, music and podcasts. Sadly I didn't get a lot of reading done because it seemed to make me even extra sleepy during pregnancy. 

 

I opened commissions wide open during that time at home to make some extra money and I binged podcasts like Last Podcast on the Left and My Favorite Murderer. So, you know...light stuff! The podcast I’d recommend to anyone though would have to be Reply All. It’s deemed a “podcast about the internet” but it’s much more than that. Definitely start from the beginning if you can.  

 

I think the things I’d recommend the most would be shows that made me happy no matter what happened in the “outside world”. So Schitts Creek, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Super Store, and New Girl are some of my pandemic top picks!  

 

Yeah, I have blown through so much content as well.  It really is alarming.

 

Question 9: What, if anything, are you planning for post COVID lock-down? (Editor’s note: we are talking about the first COVID lock down)

I assume most people who’ve been sticking hard to the guidelines to stay healthy right now have a good running list of things they plan on doing once it’s “safer”. I definitely have one! Mine might be even greater than some since I’ve been in extra lockdown with a newborn. Honestly, the simplest of things are what I’m looking forward to. Having dinner with my family so they can spend quality time with their new grandson. Visiting the new cat cafe that opened nearby with a friend and her daughter. Attending a Live Art for a movie release...THEN seeing a movie in the theater!? So many things I once took for granted. The biggest one, giving my friends a big long hug. I can’t wait. 

 

I need to get out of this city. Not going on vacation at all this past year has taxed me and my family fairly roughly. (Editor’s Note: I did get out of the city for a bit) That being said, I know I, and my family, have had it easy. I and the kids' mom have jobs, we have been healthy. I don't want to minimize anyone else's experience.

 

Question 10: Fill in the blanks:  I find that I am mostly ______. Others think that I am mostly ______.

I find that I am mostly behind on my craft for my age (she says one day after her recent birthday). Others think that I am mostly younger than I appear to be, so they believe I'm ahead of some or "on par".

I think I've channeled my imposter syndrome for that answer. :)

 

I would challenge your imposter syndrome to a duel, but then everyone would find out how much of a fraud I am.

Question 11: Are you happy? (mostly happy, I understand that there is a typical fluctuation of happiness from day to day, hour to hour, and minute to minute.)

Yes, I’m happy. Could I be happier? Absolutely. If this pandemic would end or even subside already I would be a lot happier. Again, I just wanna spend time with family and friends. Artistically, I’m happy as well. I feel like I’m in a good place with my art, and excited for current work that I unfortunately can’t speak of yet. Again, I’m forever growing as an artist but I don’t feel like I’m in a place of struggle and that makes me happy. 

 

It is amazing how simple a question "Are you happy?" is and how much introspection is necessary to answer it truthfully. Turns out that when most people stop and look at it, they are, in general, happier than they thought.

I know from knowing your work for a while that llamas are a thing for you. Question 12: Why llamas?

 

Ha! Ok, get ready for the dumbest story. I mean I’ve always thought llamas were wonderfully weird but it was a dream I had that kinda spurred the enthusiasm for them. I won’t bore you with the whole dream story because I know no one wants that. But in short I had a dream years and years ago about a two headed llama with Pegasus wings. It had the most glorious eye lashes and I remember being in awe of it in my dream. I asked it “who are you?” And it responded “We are the nobody”. Must have been that cheese plate I had before going to bed that night. Anyway, I couldn’t get it out of my head, I drew a small comic of it for 24 hr comic book day. Then the next year I created Dracullama for the same 24 hr event. And now I get a lot of llama themed gifts. They’re just goofy and it’s one of those things that never ceases to make me smile. 

 

LLamas are fun, because they look weird and their word is fun to say.  A friend of mine in college wanted to create an small theorem in math so we could call it the Llama Lemma... but we weren't smart enough.

 

Here we are at unlucky 13. Question13: do you have any superstitions or rituals in your life? It doesn't have to be anything major like "black cats crossing paths" or "walking under ladders." It could be something like a meditation mindfulness practice or just something you do to get yourself in the correct mindspace to draw. 

Nothing to get into the headspace to draw. I mean...aside from absolutely needing music or a podcast in my ears to get started. I guess that counts? As far as superstitions or rituals, the only one I can recall off hand is that I have a small handmade llama plush I always carry with me to conventions and place on my table so only I can see him. He’s gotta be there. I probably have a lot more micro-superstitions that I don’t even notice I do and could honestly be labeled as OCD tendencies. Like...I gotta think about getting into a car wreck every time I drive because then maybe it won’t happen because I thought of it. Sorry that got dark. 

 

Dark is ok. Most rituals and superstitions have to do with dark things. 

Question 14: what is one thing (aside from pandemic restrictions) that you are hoping to happen for you in 2021? (Editor’s Note: wow that was a good long while ago)

What am I hoping will happen to me in 2021? Hm...that’s a hard one. There’s a list of personal goals/hopes that I always have sitting in mind. I guess maybe the most appropriate right now would be to find a new home for us to grow in. We had planned to do this last year but of course like so much it was put on hold. With the new little one we’re in need of not only more space but somewhere that cuts my daily work commute down. I’d say that’s the big 2021 goal at this time. 

 

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, shelter is reeeeeeeally super fundamental. So, I wish you all the luck finding a new residence.

Question 15: Do you plan to or have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccination? CDC guidelines are now saying that once fully vaccinated, pretty much normal interactions can take place between similarly vaccinated people.So, those big old hugs with your friends might be just around the corner.  (Editor’s Note: Wow… so much wrong info)

As of tomorrow I’ll be hitting my two weeks post 2nd dose! Thankfully most of my family and friends are now fully vaccinated as well. Kentucky has been fantastic in getting the sites and doses to as many areas as possible. We’ve actually already planned a “hey we’re all vaccinated!” get together with friends and I can not wait to squeeze them until it becomes uncomfortable and awkward. 

 

It has been a few months since (Editor’s Note: it was 3 months) I sent the last question.  Sometimes that is how these questions go.  Sometimes it is due to the schedule of the person I am asking questions, and sometimes (this time in particular) it is because my schedule goes all haywire. "Return to the office" or RTTO as my workplace calls it has been quite the thorn in my side, and taking up lots of mental space and effort. That being said, since the whole fam has gotten their second doses of the vaccine and life has changed. I remember weeping openly when my youngest got her first dose. It was such a release of tension.  Question 16:.... what has changed for you in the last few months?

No apologies needed, life has been hectic and I might not have answered very quickly if you sent it any earlier. I’ve been so busy with the process of selling/buying houses. As of last week, we’re officially moved into our new home. Thankfully our little one seems to be the most unaffected by the change. Outside of the home buying, the newly updated restrictions surrounding Covid have changed my work life too. We began giving more tastings and now tours have started back up. So my 9-5 has gotten busier as well. Who needs a break, huh? 

 

Breaks are for the weak, I assume. 

Question 17: In this new found ability to congregate, and be around people... if you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead and talk about anything at all with any one of those people, what would you eat? 

What would I eat…well since this is hypothetical and the fate of my bowels don’t matter, the creamiest chicken fettuccine Alfredo. :) 


Chicken Alfredo sounds amazing... It sounds like you cannot have dairy... and gluten is a bad thing for me... that is quite possibly the worst meal we could have.

Now it is time to turn the tables... Question 18: Do you have any questions for me?

How long have you been doing the 20 question format? 

Halloween Cadbury Eggs… yes or what is this abomination? 

 

Excellent questions.  

Question the first:  I have been doing 20 Questions Tuesday is some way shape or form off and on since August of 2005. Interviews started a few years after that.

Question the second: As a kid, I absolutely loved Cadbury Cream Eggs (Thanks Easter Bunny! Bock! Bock!), but I tried one a few years ago and it was too cloyingly sweet.  It was just straight sugar.  No flavor, just sweet. It hurt my teeth. 

 

Here we are at the penultimate question.  Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you?

That I didn’t bring with me? Well, obviously I brought my habit of opening and email, reading it, then thinking “I’ll answer that later”, then suddenly realizing it’s been nearly a month and I haven’t answered yet. My bad. 

 

But to actually answer the question, we started way back at the start of the year right? And the progression this year has taken because of the pandemic has been surprising. Definitely not all good surprises but there’ve been some moments that were life changing for the better. 

 

I think this is a habit that I have picked up as well. This panini we are in at the moment has been hard on the old brain box.

It took some time, but here we are at Question 20... Let's close this puppy out.

 

Question 20: What's next? Be as generic or specific, as short-term or as long-term, as concrete or metaphorical as you would like.

What’s next? I’m currently finishing up work on a DC collection called Deadman Tales. I believe it’s set to release in October. After that I’ll be working on something new for something old? I don’t think I can go into any more detail than that at the moment. But needless to say, fall of 2022 is looking to be very eventful. 


Is this the weirdest and broadest set of answers you’ve ever received? We started at the beginning of 2020 pandemic and then ended nearly 2 years later with HOPEFULLY the ending of the pandemic. 

 

This is the perfect answer to this question for this particular conversation. It has been quite a journey to be sure. 

 

I’m super excited for your work, and I am very intrigued by the “something new for something old.” I’m just going to guess “Conan the Barbarian” comic book reboot. 

 

You are a goddamned delight and I am very happy that you struggled through this long and laborious conversation throughout the “Panini” (as the podcasts and YouTubers call it). 

Thank you so much for bearing with me. 

 

So, Tressina is a badass of highest proportions, and so damn patient with me and my slow ass style of interview.  You should check out her website here: TressinaBowlingArt.com (se’s soooo damn good), you should follow her on twitter: @tressabolwing and the Instagram: @tressabowling. Join her patreon as well:  Patreon.com/TressinaBowling

 

She is a goddamned delight and I know many people who will back me up on that.

 

To recap:

Pandemic is hard, yo!

My youngest got it, but she sailed through really well

I’m engaged 

So that happened

This summer is going to be crazy

“Little Man” (my eldest, and reason I started blogging years and years ago) is going to be a freshman at George Mason University this fallI am sooo proud

So… anything interesting happen in the Supreme Court?

Nothing like living in the a theocratic autocracy

Okay, I still need to format this post and hit publish before it gets to be Wednesday

All you artsy people, join up with Ten Ton Studios on discord

Link should be good for a few days, at least

Have a great week everyone

Tags interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 434 - K Lynn Smith

October 19, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart

Like I said last week, this has been a weird year.  This one started in January as well… They usually don’t take 10 plus months.  My apologies to my valued readers (hello all 3 of you) for the unexpected hiatus… it has been quite the panini. 

So, after all my apologies… here we go.

This week I get the pleasure of asking artist and comic book creator, K. Lynn Smith 20 Questions. I met the wonderful Ms Smith a few years ago at a comic book convention, the Cincinnati Comic Expo in, unsurprisingly enough, Cincinnati, Ohio. At that convention I bought her Plume Omnibus and was floored by the work. Amazing work. I would pay good money to have her teach me how to draw mouths and noses with as much liveliness and character as she puts in her drawings. Seriously, she creates amazing work and because of that, I have had the pleasure of backing a few of her Kickstarters. So, sit back, relax and find out how awesome K Lynn Smith is in these 20 Questions.

My first career was as a cartographer, so the idea of “place” and how someone is influenced by their geographic story is near and dear to me. For example, I was born in Oklahoma and was moved to Alabama when I was really young. My formative years were spent in Alabama and I left the state when I went to college in Northeast Ohio. After graduating from undergrad, I moved to Columbus, Ohio and set roots with my family there. I have been in Columbus ever since. Question 1: what is your geographic story? 

Man, I wish I had a better geographic story, other than I was born in one part of Michigan and moved to another part in Michigan, but that’s just how the mitten-shaped cookie crumbles. I grew up in the small town of Stockbridge, where people drove their tractors to school, and then moved off to Grand Rapids for college. After I graduated, I packed up my things and my student debt, and bought a house with my then-boyfriend-now-husband in the historical town of Mason  (where--fun fact--Hugh Jackman’s 2011 "Real Steel” was filmed). 

And even after all my traveling, with all those odd places this weird comic career takes me, Michigan feels the most like home. Though that devotion wavers every winter. Go figure. 

Columbus, Ohio is most definitely my home now, but since I grew up in Alabama, I don’t have that weird Michigan rivalry bullshit (even though there was a shooting skirmish between Michiganders and Ohioans for Toledo of all places). I do dislike the winters here and the bi-polar/multiple personality disorder weather that lives from August to June. 

Question 2: Comic book work is a weird beast and the convention circuit (in whatever form it will eventually come back in) requires stupid amounts of travel. What conventions do you miss the most? 

All of them. I miss them all. But the ones I truly miss are New York Comic Con and Planet Comicon in Kansas City. I hope that one day we can return to some sort of normalcy and get these conventions back on track. Never thought I’d yearn for horrible convention food, weird smells and those terribly hard chairs, but dammit, I’d take it all just to see people again, fans and peers alike.

I have never been to any of the bigger cons. I imagine they are both great and terrifying. I actually have only really been to the Cinci cons and one or 2 of the Wizard World Columbus ones. I think my overall dislike of people gets in the way of con culture for me.

It is now a moment, that I know you have been dreading.

Question 3: Cake or Pie, which specific kind and why?

Long sigh. I knew this one was coming and for DAYS, I’ve thought about this. I’ve dug deep, Scott. I’ve dug deep into my soul and I think I’ve found the answer. It’s pie. More specifically, Apple Crisp Pie, my mother’s recipe. She makes it every holiday or when she wants to bribe me for something. Sweet, tart filling, with a thick, crumbly crust. It’s delicious. 

I know it is hard to believe, but I really don't want these 20 Questions to be stressful, so I apologize for making you choose. You are allowed to love cake as well. I have found that most people who "love cake," actually just like to use cake as a frosting delivery system. So, I often question the cake people to see if it is just the frosting or if the actual cake innards (the sponge as the “Great British Bakeoff” [“Great British Baking Show “to all my Commonwealth peeps]) actually plays a part in their decision. Sometimes the cake could be replaced by a spoon. 

The pie does sound delicious though. I hope your mom has shared the recipe with you and that you give it a go. 

Question 4: Is there a food that you cannot help but eat if it is offered? For me it is street tacos of the pork, beef, chicken or shrimp variety (I do not like the fish tacos), if someone offers me a street taco, I will most likely eat it. If I have to buy them, so be it, Imma eat six.

Mozzarella sticks. Hands down. I’m a sucker for deep fried cheese. Though, I could seriously be swayed by a street taco too.

I get the appeal of deep fried cheese, but I have never really loved mozzarella sticks. I know this is a failing on my part, because "deep fried cheese."

So, when I was 5, I drew this jet fighter and actually drew the pilot's head in the cockpit. The other 5 year olds around me were astonished at the raw drawing power I brought to bear on that flight helmet. They basically put me on their tiny 5 year old shoulders and paraded me around the kids' space in that church like I was a new god bestowing my gifts upon them. I realized in the basement of a church at 5 years old that I didn't just enjoy drawing, I was good at it. Question 5: When did you know that drawing was a real thing for you and not just something you enjoyed?

Congrats on your raw drawing power! For me, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing. While kids were outside doing whatever kids do outside, I was watching my animated VHS tapes on repeat, surrounded by my paper and markers. But I think the moment when I realized I was an artist was in middle school, when the Principal asked me to draw a mural on the gym wall. For a week, I got to skip class and paint some very copyrighted Disney scene across a ten foot wall. It was fun and massively rewarding. 

But of course, around the same time, I got in trouble for selling commissions to my fellow students, so there were a few mixed signals. 

That is amazing. One should not get in trouble for selling commissions, even in middle school. 

Question 6: Is "comic book artist" your primary job? Or do you have to have a different "day job" to pay the bills while working on books?  

Yep, it’s my primary job, which had been easier with comic conventions, but I’m still getting by thanks to Kickstarter, commissions and the gradual growth of my Patreon. I’m so very grateful for it too. I’ve worked the nine-to-five office jobs, wore pencil skirts and used a ‘phone voice’ all week. And while the benefits were great, I wasn’t really allowed to ’step out of the box’. Creating comics has been the best thing to happen to me. 

That is great. The work-a-day life can definitely be a grind. I would love to be independently wealthy and not have to worry about where money was going to materialize form.  I would probably do something significantly more creative day in and day out. 

Question 7: Would you ever want to draw on an established mainstream title? and what book do you think your style would lend itself to best?

I’m not entirely sure. I’m having so much drawing my own worlds and my own characters. When you draw for someone else, you have to work with an established formula, sometimes even getting lost in an assembly line. But that all being said, I would never turn down a Gargoyles comic series; it was my favorite animated series growing up. 

I could easily see you doing a Gargoyles comic book. You would be amazing at that. I could also see you on some kind of Green Lantern Corps book. I could see that subject matter working well with your fun style and would love to see how you illustrated the ring effects.

Question 8: outside of other comic book artists (every artist has those), what would you say are the biggest influences on your work?

Animation is a huge influence. I grew up on Disney and Don Bluth, and of course anything Miyazaki. I would say film/tv in general is a huge inspiration, for art and for writing. If I’m feeling stuck, I’ll go on the hunt for a good story. 

I do lend a lot of credit to Avatar: the Last Airbender for Plume’s style, with a dash of Kim Possible. My art is a cocktail of animated shows from the 2000s.

One of the reasons I love your work is the animated quality to it. your shapes and silhouettes are dynamic and easy to read. 

Speaking of animation, I think my daughter has watched Avatar: The Last Airbender about 7 times straight through on repeat in the last 3 months and The Legend of Korra about 3 times. Question 9: During this COVID "lock-down" do you find yourself watching and consuming things that you are familiar with more or less than consuming new content?

A little bit of both, I would say, though I lean more toward the familiar simply for nostalgia’s sake, and for the fact that I tend to watch movies and television while drawing. Currently rewatching Schitt’s Creek, because everyone on that show is a treasure.

I also love watching play-throughs on YouTube while working. They are of games that I’ve already played, like Uncharted, Last of Us, and Red Dead Redemption, but I get to experience their amazing story over again AND I can get my work done. I love me some video games.

I haven't really been playing games in the past 10 years. Everything is so twitchy and fast that my inexperienced self cannot keep up. I wish I could do first person shooters or some other kinds of games, but I haven't exercised those fast twitch muscles so much so that I honestly feel a strong barrier of entry into modern gaming.

Question 10: Fill in the blanks:  I find that I am mostly _______. Others think that I am mostly _______.

I find that I am mostly still learning and figuring things out. Others think I am mostly a person who has their shit together. Spoiler: I don’t. I really, really don’t. 

I am reminded of Mikey Neuman's delightful T-Shirt and catch phrase from his channel "FilmJoy"

"No one knows what they're doing."

It's as good a mantra as anything. 

Here comes the deceptively simple, yet profoundly difficult question.

Question 11: Are you happy? (mostly, I understand there are ups and downs on the regular)

Y’know, truthfully, I am happy, despite the ever-loving dumpster fire of the past year. It has put things into perspective, it has showed me my true ride-or-die relationships, and it has made me appreciate the life I have. And though not every day is something to celebrate, I find some distant enjoyment in the struggle, because the successes and the accomplishments that come from it are all the more sweeter.

Happiness is an interesting thing. Most people are generally happy when they stop and look at it. It is remarkable when there is just a little bit of introspection many of the negatives tend to lose importance. 

speaking of happiness... Question 12: what was the last thing you saw that gave you a bit of happiness?

I received a message from one of my readers this morning, who gushed over my latest book. Those types of messages truly give me joy and the fuel to keep on creating. 

I imagine that would be an amazing thing.  I have never really created content to the point of someone gushing over it. I need to do that. 

Triskaidekaphobia time... Question 13: Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your life? It doesn't have to be anything so mainstream as avoiding the 13th floor in a building, it can be something as simple as needing cream in your coffee before you can start drawing.

Every morning, I grab my cup of coffee and make a check list of things I’d like to accomplish that day. Without a list, I cannot function. It has become my ritual. And that high I get when I check off an item? Heavenly. 

Ooooh, changing a “to do” list into a “to done” list is a great feeling. 

Question 14: what is one thing you hope that 2021 will bring into your life? 

Besides conventions, of course, and the general feeling of safety in a public setting, I'm hoping 2021 brings in new opportunities. There are some metaphorical lines out in the water and I’m hoping for a bite soon. I love what I do, and to expand on that, both in skill and experience, would be absolutely amazing. I know, it’s a bit cryptic, but can’t say too much more than that.

I love cryptic struff. Cryptic stuff means potentially big things on the horizon.  I want nothing more for you than big things on the horizon.

Question 15: Have you gotten or have you planned on when you are getting your COVID-19 vaccination? (Editor’s note: Wow! this question was asked in March)

I have yet to get the vaccine. I’m checking every day for appointments,  so hoping soon.... HA! Literally after sending this email I got scheduled for my first dose. 

With how slow I am at conducting this interview (I truly do apologize for how long this has taken), you will most likely have had both doses and the 14 days occurring to maximum efficacy before we even get to question 17.

Question 16:  If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, what would you have for dinner?

What would I have for dinner, not with whom I'd eat? I’d have to say Japanese as my food of choice — sushi, miso, noodles, dumplings… Woof, my mouth is watering. 

 As for the people, living or dead, I think I would choose three people involved in true crime mysteries, where I could ask them what really happened once and for all. Like JonBenet Ramsey, Edgar Allen Poe and/or Jack the Ripper, to name some of the biggies.

Everyone always asks "who." I think sometimes it is more important to realize "what." With sushi, you are dealing with bite sized items that would encourage conversation, while still potentially having some formality to the event since there is so much tradition in how sushi is meant to be eaten. While the meal would be about potentially finding out answers to mysteries, it would be conducted with a little formality and lots of conversation.  That's pretty interesting

Question 17: Is there a question you were expecting me to ask, that I have not?

Ha, not so much ‘expecting’, but we female creators do tend to get the “How does it feel to be a woman in the comic industry” a lot. I remember being at a show and a film crew was interviewing creators down our row. I listened in as my friends and peers (all guys) answered questions about their work, about their passions, but when it came to my turn, the first question was that dreadful question. What conversation should that spark? What answer were they looking for? Personally, I just wanted to answer questions on my own work, on my own passions, to keep it positive and fun. And I understand that these types of interviews, for the most part, are well intended, but at some point, we need to stop acting surprised there are women in this industry. 

That question never makes any sense. You have only been able to experience the industry as a female… I am surprised you haven’t been asked how you stay so fit when you have to draw all the time or how you get all that drawing done when you have to vacuum, do the dishes, and cook. 

Okay, it is time to flip the script. Question 18: do you have any questions for me?

If you had all the time in the world, what other hobby would you take on?

That is an excellent question. If I had the free time in the world, it would be painting minis or making dioramas.  I love watching that on the YouTubes... that or cosplay... The amount of sanding necessary for cosplay is unnerving though.

Here we are at the penultimate question...

Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you?

What I’m taking from these questions is getting to know Mr. Scott Ryan-Hart a little more. :) Fun to chat, even if its over the interwebs.

This year has been weird.  Let's finish this out! 

You are too kind. As soon as things calm down from the panini, I will make it a mission to grab some of your wares at a con. 

Question 20: What's next? Be as concrete or metaphorical, as long term or short term, and vague or precise as you want!

What’s next for me is continuing to create. I’m working on a new project currently, an exclusive comic for my Patreon people, as well as working on writing a novel. In addition to that, I’m hoping to travel again (if the world can get its shit together long enough to make that possible), whether that’s to the states I have yet to see or overseas (I have my eye on you, Iceland!). All in all, I’m looking forward to expanding my horizons in some form or another. 

I saw that you were able to go to NYCC and actually be at a big con (again, this interview took 10+ months, yikes).  That is amazing. Writing a book is hard, getting something published is even harder.  I might need to have a conversation with you about that. 

You are the absolute best.  

So everyone buy K Lynn’s books. She is amazing.  Give her a follow on IG, and Twitter.  Check out her website and she’s got a Patreon that you should join to get cool stuff

Seriously, she draws real good, yo.

To recap:

K Lynn draws real good

I mean, like sooper good

I had to get a car last week

I did it via an online car sales thing

It was very odd buying a car on my phone without even taking it out for a drive

2017 Rav4 XLE that is blue

His name is “Robert” and that name should be pronounced with an outrageous French accent

Outrageous

“Hro-Bear’”

He is quite shiny and blue

I have been in a stabilizing boot for almost 3 weeks because of a heel spur

Heel spurs suck and now I need to get in a stretching program for my Achilles tendon

A Korean fried chicken place opened up around here

The youngest kiddo loves it

Have a great week everyone

Tags interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 433 - Erik Sternberger

October 12, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart
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Today I get the opportunity to ask Erik Sternberger 20 Questions. I met Erik at a local IXDA "chat'n'pancakes" where we got into some really interesting conversations about storytelling, as you do. Erik is clever and fun to chat with, but that is just about all I know of him. So, this 20 Questions interview is pretty much an excuse for me to get to know Erik better and potentially make a new friend (honestly, that is what everyone of the 20 Questions interviews are). So, without further ado... let's get into the questions.

(Editor’s note:  wow… this panini press we are in right now is something else.  The interview took a full 10 months to complete. It was hard for me to get focused and actually pay the attention necessary to complete a full interview.  The slowness of this interview [and 3 other interviews] is wholly and completely due to me.  Mental health is real, yo.) 

As most of you know, my first career was as a cartographer, so place and geography tell stories to me. So, I was born outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was moved to Montgomery, Alabama on my 3rd birthday, the family moved to Birmingham, AL the following year where I grew up. I left Alabama for Ohio for college in Northeast Ohio. Moved to Columbus, Ohio for grad school and grew some roots here with a family. I have been in Columbus, ever since. Question 1: What is your geographic story?

My geographic story is a lot shorter than yours, but I can tell it long. I was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a place described as "great to be from", and went to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. I then took an internship in NYC at DC Comics where I lived in Brooklyn. I came back to finish my last semester of school before moving back to NYC, when the Internet Bubble burst, so I ended up not having anything to go to in NYC anymore and was asked to stay working for Purdue, which I did for.a bit, then I got a job offer from back in my hometown of all places, so I went back to Fort Wayne for six years. When I was desperate to get out of town (again) I had a recruiter reach out asking if I'd want to move to Columbus, Ohio (Technically, geographically Westerville.), a city that was never on my radar, but I've called home for 12.5 years now.

I think you sell yourself short on the geographic story piece.  

Question 2: If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?

That's tough. There have been a few places I would want to live, and more I would never want to live. I won't name those for the sake of the people that have to live in them. ;) With "Work From Home" being more and more of an obvious perk in the future for employers, I would love to get like 30 acres of land in Colorado, near enough to a city where I can still get goof Thai food, and just live where I can see wild animals on my property. I'm still trying to talk my wife into it, but she's pushing for a coast and wants to avoid snow. As long as it's not Florida, she might win. Oops. I violated that part where I said I wasn't going to list the places I won't live.

I miss the mountains. I want to see mountains so badly now. I love me some Colorado. 

 So here we are at my typical question 3...

 Question 3: Cake or pie? which specific kind and why? 

I agree, I'm more of a mountains fan, than of the beach. I do however like a dramatic coastline. Give me Big Sur, or Maine over the beach any day. That's probably why I prefer the OBX if we are going to a beach.

My favorite cake is donuts.  My favorite pies are rhubarb and grape because my grandmothers made the best rhubarb and grape pies. Those very specific pies are my favorites. I'm generally more of a fan of any dessert that incorporates fruit over something with chocolate.

Where mountains meet the sea is amazing. I am all about a fjordic landscape.

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 Donuts are a class unto themselves. They are above the cake v pie debate. There is no reason to compare any dessert with donut, because the toroidal bit of heaven will always win.  The rhubarb and grape pie sounds pretty amazing. I didn't really know what rhubarb was for the longest time... my loss.

 Question 4: Is there a food that you cannot help but eat if it is around? For example, there is always room for street tacos.

The aforementioned donuts, or any pizza that doesn't have mushrooms on it.

I have had to be gluten free for a while now and there are 3 things I miss from my days of gluten. The first and foremost is donuts. I miss them so much. GF donuts suck, and anyone trying to tell you differently is a liar and a cheat. Pizza crust that has just a little bit of chew to it. GF pizza crusst are typically dry and crackerlike or they are not like pizza crusts. Cauliflower crusts are fine, but don't let anyone tell you they are "just as good." Those people drank bleach at some point in their childhood and don't deserve to remember good pizza crusts. The third is good bread. GF bread is sand that is being held together by some glue. It sucks. Ok, enough, "woe is me, for I cannot have the glutens."

 Question 5: Do you remember what the first comic you ever read is?

One was a World's Finest where Superman and Batman were fighting a ...cult(?) of some kind and there was a Cloud Thing in a crystal ball that could control minds. A de-powered Superman convinced Batman that the thing was Joe Chill (the mugger that killed his parents) and he hit it with a Batarang, breaking the globe and dissipating the smokey cloud thing. Pretty generic. The other was DC Comics Presents 47 where Superman and HeMan crossover. The third was Superman 377, and the fourth was Detective Comics 519.  I was a real DC kid until maybe 5th grade.

I started out Marvel and only came to DC through popular culture and some graphic novels. I remember having subscriptions to Marvel books though. They would come wrapped in this weird brown paper sleeve. I used to check the mail everyday for the books I was subscribed to. 

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 Question 6: There are many people out there who feel that the DC movies have just missed the mark, do you agree with that and why?

I had several Marvel subscriptions as well. They came polybagged with a cardboard 'backer' when I subscribed. Each backer had my address on one side and a line-drawing of a character on the other. I colored them all with markers to try my hand at being a colorist and pined them all up on my wall. Man, I hadn't thought of that in a while.

I have many opinions on the DC movies, but also know some of the people involved, so there are some things I can't really speak on... BUT, I will say I think there has been a lot of issues when it comes to cohesiveness mixed with patience. Everyone in Hollywood wants to pattern their shared Universes after Marvel, but forget that Marvel originally just wanted to make Iron Man and not go broke. They worked in some easter eggs, but they didn't have all the Avengers cast before Iron Man came out. The irony, of course, is that because DC tried to run before they could walk they ended up having to delay so many projects that if they had just planned out a slower, more measured approach, they could be launching Justice League now in 2021 and ride Marvel's wave that just crested with a Hopeful message as America moves out a very dark period. Right now The Justice League would be perfectly positioned to tell a storyline about truth, coming together, and how a group is stronger than individuals.

In many ways the DC superheroes that continue getting movies made about them are the superhero archetypes. I think it would be interesting if DC decided to not create a connected universe as much as embrace the iconicness of the characters and stories and disconnected everything. Each movie or set of movies should be self-sustained and stand on their own. Then no one actor is shackled with a long-term contract for a single character. The movies could play with some of the Elseworld concepts.  Who wouldn't love to see a Gotham by Gaslight movie?

Question 7: Since you are a writer... What book would you punch a baby to write for?

That's a tough one. I love the 'lesser' characters because you can do so much with them. Look at some of the greatest superhero runs in comics, so many are on "2nd Tier" characters like Daredevil, Flash, and Green Lantern. (and yes, Captain America slipped to that pre-Avengers Movie as well) You're actually allowed to play with them. There is only so much you can do with Bruce Wayne to change him, which is why there are, I think 6 Robins at this point?

 I'm going to say Fantastic Four. I wrote a spec script on how I'd do a F4 Movie just because I had to get the idea out of my head and I could do something like that with the comic. It was never my favorite comic, but I'd love to write something where one arc would be world breaking, see the face of God stuff, and the next arc is that Johnny accidentally shrunk the kids while having a subplot of an underground Fight Club for Monsters running through them both. The Family will always be who they are over the long-arc of a series, but they leave you a big canvas to paint on.

There are 6 Robins, aren't there.  it is amazing how the robins continue to age up, but Batman stays a consistent 42. 

I have always felt that the Fantastic Four should be told as a 60's period piece, but I don't think "Phase 4" of the MCU is going to go period piece with them (especially since they just mentioned that SWORD is no longer doing manned space flights because of issues with the astronauts. (from WandaVison without spoilers). My theory is that the FF are from a sword mission gone awry, but that is for another time.) 

I know you are a writer, and one of the things necessary to being a writer is that writers need to be reading things. Question 8: Are you reading anything right now that you would recommend? That you wouldn't? What are you reading?

A 60s FF would be great. i'd personally love an Agents of Atlas series set in the 1950s. It's a deep cut, but you should check out the series from Jeff Parker and Leonard Kirk they did using that team.

Which, I guess is a good segue to books. I'll try not to talk to long on this. I read 39 books and listened to 11 audiobooks in 2020, so I could go on... (I've finished 3 so far in 2021).

The second book in the new Star Wars High Republic series is actually being delivered today. I decided when Disney rebooted The Canon when they took over the franchise I would start reading those books from the jump. They have mostly been great. I've discovered some wonderful new authors, who also tend to have great Twitter accounts. I also just ordered George Saunders' new book where he guides the reader through Russian short stories and finished Mike Monterio's collected essays "The Collected Angers" on Sunday. I try to rotate random books as to not get stuck in favorite genres like Sci-Fi. So, maybe every 3rd or 4th book is Sci-Fi...and at the rate Star Wars books are coming out, half of them fall in that category. I love to mix in autobiographies of comedians and am sad that I don't think I have anymore Elmore Leonard books to read.  The book I recommend to people all the time is "The Spaceman of Bohemia" which you should read before the newly announced movie is made. (Staring Adam Sandler and a Director of Breaking Bad and Chernobyl. Which, honestly amazingly fits.) The book I would never recommend is "Armada" by Ernest Cline. I liked Ready Player One when it first came out and I read it at the beach, so I tried reading this one at the lake and dropped it off as a donation on my way back into town. It's so god awful it made me go back and look at RP1 with a non-nostalgic eye and now I don't care for it, either.  Max Berry's "Company" is a really fun book as well if you want a hyper-surreal satirical version of The Office.

I need to be reading more. Lately I have only been reading books by people I "know." People I have either met in real life or people that I know online.  I really need to branch out a bit and look for other authors.

 Question 9: Are you specifically writing anything at the moment? Do you typically have multiple projects going concurrently or are you a one project at a time guy?

At the moment, I am (attempting to work up the gumption to) start the second draft of a screenplay I have been working on for a while. I spent six months researching material for it and almost a year writing it, mostly because it really accidentally mirrored real life too much and freaked me out. I based on the research of how some Social Media Monitors suffer PTSD and/or can become radicalized by all the stuff they see Clockwork Orange Style. I write from an outline, and my outline literally has someone attempting to kill a US Congresswoman thinking she is part of a conspiracy after being egged on/inspired by an Alt-Right talk-show host. So, kind of half-predicting the whole QAnon thing and then seeing it happen parallel to what I was writing, just like one beat behind me was really, really weird.  I am usually writing one script, researching, or making notes outlining my next one when I don't have time to sit and write, and then in-between drafts of the new script I am working on making updates, revisions, and smaller draft re-writes of other scripts. I have a whiteboard behind my desk where I track all of these things, and what state each project is in.

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I should get a whiteboard...

 Question 10: Fill in the blanks.  I find that I am mostly _____. Others feel that I am mostly _____.

I find that I am mostly listening. Others feel that I am mostly not paying attention.   I get called out for this all the time. As a trained improviser, I'm very good at active listening and being able to do one thing and take in information from a second source at the same time. This has led to people thinking I'm not paying attention, or that I am bored and not engaged. But, I am. I swear! Usually I'm asked "well, what did I just say then?" and I repeat it. :)

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I always had to be drawing and sketching while listening. My teachers and bosses hated it, but it was a way to get my brain box to work better. 

 Deceptively simple question... Question 11: Are you happy? (overall, would you say that you are more happy than you are not?)

I would say that I am more happy than I have not. I have been knocked down a few times by life and I've always managed to be able to get up. I don't surround myself with a lot of people, but I know the ones I have around me have my back. I'm certainly able to look around my life and think "oh. this could be 10% better", or whatever, but on the whole, when I lay down in bed with my wife and anywhere from 1-3 dogs, I sleep very well.*

*As long as I don't eat or drink alcohol too soon before bed. I am over 40 now.

It is amazing how simple "happy" can be. I really enjoy my "second sleep" on the weekends where my doggos wake me up around 7:30 in the morning so that they can sleep on my legs as I sleep on the couch. Super simple, and yet amazingly delightful.

 Question 12: going back to the topic of Donuts... what is your dream dozen donuts? mix and match from various doughnut vendors.

oh wow. This might be the hardest question, yet. I'm much more of a cake donut fan, but a super warm Krispy Kreme, or a maple-glazed and filled long john is also great. Duck Donuts is great, and I was happy when they came here, and I like some of the simpler ones like lemon blueberry. I will say that when the boutique donut scene exploded I loved all the crazy donut combinations, but now I just mostly like a simple donut. With two exceptions. Mini-Cake donuts that are (let's be honest) tiny cakes are great, and anytime I am in Austin I make sure to hit Voodoo Donuts because they are amazing. 

So, 1 Krispy Kreme, 2 from Duck, 3 from Voodoo, a blueberry cake, a maple glazed long-john, 2 mini-donuts from like Dragon Donuts, and two of my mom's beignets

I am pretty sure my son wants to know more about your mom's beignets.  He truly loves beignets. He's made some from scratch before, but would love to get a family recipe at some point. (seriously, we might talk later about this).

This is a weird build up and an odd question, so please bear with me... Story telling started as tales/songs/poems around a fire, became ritual cave paintings, became written stories to be shared by the elite who could read, were shown to people in theatres, were democratized as the hoi polloi learned to read, showed up in the local cinema, were played on the radio, moved over to TV, started being told via interactive games, became more democratized again with the advent of online uploadable platforms....  Question 14: where do you see the next frontier for story-telling to be? Is there an emergent platform that is ready to start telling stories (understanding that every single mode mentioned previously, is still available and vital... we aren't replacing methods, we are adding to)?

I can ask her for them. They were iced, so they were somewhere between a cross of a beignet and a long-john. They always made a huge mess in the kitchen.

 I actually had an instant answer to your story-telling question. I think it's going to be something we chase. I think that the channels and ways we take in stories are fragmenting so much, that 'brands' are going to need to push their product in as many ways as possible. (Am I being cynical, maybe, but follow me.) Disney broke ground with this with the MCU. 10 years of movies that all tie together to a climax, then spin out into tv shows, then back to movies.  It is now about to be perfected by them and Lucasfilm with the new Star Wars: The High Republic content.   Basically, Disney pulled together six (I think) authors and they brainstormed for months (years?) to create a new era of Star Wars to tell stories in. They even hinted at it in an audio play that came out before the announcement. Then they announced 1) A series of novels 2) A series of YA novels 3) A series of Early Reader books, 4) 2 comic book series, and as hype and popularity grew eventually, 5) a cartoon, and 6) a radio play. The stories are all intertwined. The whole first wave of products tied into the same inciting incident and the huge cast of characters is passed between all mediums. So, the lead character from the novel I really liked might not even be in the next novel, but instead in the radio play with something affecting their motivations due to a plot point in the comic.  And, who knows they could even die in a mobile game in the future. 

 All that to say, the future of storytelling is non-linear and something that will use all possible mediums to tell a complete story. It will start with brands like the MCU and Star Wars, but as those who consume storytelling grow to expect it, it will be something open to all storytellers. The trick will be to see this as an opportunity. Like, why not hire a cosplayer to portray a character in your story and have them put out tiktoks as a diary? Let's get creative!

Number 1: I will definitely ask you for the recipe, and My son, while enjoying baking, it is one of the messiest kitchen people I have ever known to exist. 

Number 2: You may want to patent the actor cosplaying TikTok diary thing, because I think you hit the nail on the head. I see what you are saying about storytelling becoming more of a non-linear multi-channel process. 

So far Disney has been good stewards of the Marvel Properties, and somewhat okay stewards of the Star Wars universe. I know that it is useless to discuss if the acquisition of IP's is a good thing or a bad thing, because it is a thing that has already happened. Question 15: How do you think the consolidation of IP's under one massive umbrella will eventually affect the story-telling potential of those properties?

I wish I had a property for the TikTok Diary, but that was off of the top of my head. The day job is consulting for a digital marketing company, and I try to push weird stuff like that all of the time. If someone ever buys one of my scripts, I will be a machine for them doing promo. haha

That's an interesting angle to the question. The interesting thing I am finding is that the more confident the IP, the more they are using it to tell different stories. Like, Marvel keeps altering their characters to try and be closer to the MCU versions to attract fans to the comics, but that hasn't really worked for 20 years. And then they have to figure out how Nick Fury had an illegitimate Black son, then have him lose the same eye because everyone loves Sam Jackson in the role. (Based on the Ultimate Universe Nick Fury) which makes it confusing for fans of the books for 20 years that love, say Tony Stark as Iron Man, not just a suit. It's such a weird cycle because Marvel has made great comics to inspire movies and we shouldn't have to tell the exact same stories. 

Now, Star Wars is doing some really interesting things, imo. They are using the books to create a hugely diverse universe of new characters around the movies and are not trying to be something for all people, but thoughtfully tie-in. Hell, the books around Episode 9 were SO much richer than the movie, and fix multiple things that are wrong with it. The books and comics with Star Wars do such a great job of saying "Hey, this is a big universe, and not everyone is a straight human." Whereas Episode 9 took such a cowardly way out of "two women kissing back in the background of a celebration scene" so it can be edited out for the Chinese box office and not cause some Tucker Carlson rant on "wokeness". . The books have so many same-sex, pan-sexual, asexual, etc characters which makes sense in a universe where humanoids whose genitals line up across hundreds of species line up close enough. Donald Glover's performance as Lando implies fluidity, the books cement it. Rebels shows an interspecies romance at its core. So, I think the story-telling potential of these IPs filters up from the formats where artists can tell their stories in ways that might be considered 'risks' the more mainstream the medium gets because no one cares about 'four-quadrant appeal' for a novel.

I have not jumped into any of the newer non-live action Star Wars things (aside from the Bad Batch), or even looked at "The High Republic" content. I have a difficult time with how much things do not change in the SW universe. If you look at Old Republic tech, it is the same as High Republic tech, which is remarkably similar to Clone Wars tech, which reminds me of Rebellion Era tech, that is the exact same as New Republic era tech. Question 16: Are the technical achievements in the Star Wars universe just completely stagnated, and how would you explain that away from a storytelling perspective?

Ha. That's an interesting question. One of my absolute favorite things is watching sci-fi movies from the 70s and 80s and seeing what they thought the future would be like. Aliens is my absolute favorite. It is just a bunch of white dudes sitting in a smoke-filled room with crt computer monitors looking over dot-matrix printouts. The collars on their 80's suits were slightly different, and they had interstellar space travel, but no one thought of iPads. I think when it comes to Star Wars, or any other imaginary universe we all fall into the same patterns. "This is the way we have always done it." I think that's why once you build one giant laser-firing space station you end up building three. I think we are about to see some issues with that right now with employers wanting to "get back to normal" instead of embracing some of the new things workers proved were possible. Look, we're never going to push the boundaries of getting some cool home teleconferencing holographic video if we're all jammed in open-concept office's shoulder to shoulder on long workbench-like desks.

What is weird about my current work culture is that even when people were in the same building (even in the “before times”), they were remotely attending meetings from their desks because there were not enough team spaces to collaboratively work together. So… the powers that be are forcing the workforce to return to the office so they can meet remotely in the same space. 

I’m thinking this is the return to office plan, there will be many people who will look elsewhere for employment.

Question 17: if you could have anyone alive or dead over for dinner, what would you serve for dinner? 

I don't know what it would be specifically, but I would make it all vegetarian just to prove that meat isn't needed for every meal. I am, by no means, a militant pescatarian, but I think a lot of people eat heavy on the meat due to not knowing how to cook anything else. I have long called bacon a "culinary lens flare" as it is often used to cover up the flaws of subpar dishes as opposed to adding to them thoughtfully.

I find that cheese has consistently been used more as a cover up for weak culinary capability than bacon.  That being said, in the early 00's there was a resurgence of bacon on everything. I have been trying to do at least one day a week sans meat, but it hasn't been going as great as I would like.

Okay, it is time to flip the script. Question 18: Do you have any questions for me?

One question for you. What would be the hardest non-essential thing for you to ever give up. (I won't include pets or anything, since I can consider them essential for mental health.)

The hardest non-essential thing to fit be to give up  would be drawing.  It is an activity I need to do more but not being able to do it at all would be devastating. 

 Here we are at the penultimate question. Question 19: what are you taking from these 20 questions that you did not bring in with you? 

An increased level of friendship.

I can definitely live with that.  When all this blows over, let's grab a bite to eat/drink and toast to the making through this weird AF time.

 Question 20: What's next? Be as concrete or metaphorical, as long term or short term, and vague or precise as you want!

Definitely down for a toast, be it with a drink, or actual toast. My current client is OHLQ, so I am looking at drink recipes almost every day.

Next? Hm... I think "next" is actually future planning. I think that there is so much in flux with work and what that will look like in 2022. I love working from home (having been a freelancer prior, I'm used to it) and also love my job and I'm looking forward to how those continue to merge. In preparation for that, we just bought land up in Michigan. We now have land that is nestled between Lake Michigan and a state forest with multiple kayak launches. So, "next" is just proper planning and putting out steps together to build out there and eventually go live in nature and work remotely for good.

 Come to think of it, maybe "next" should actually be learning how to grow more things in my garden other than grapes and hot peppers…

Perfect! I envy those of you who can have gardens of food that will not be eaten by a wild roving pack of deer.

Thanks so much for doing these 20 Questions with me.  They were absolutely great.  Now we just have to figure out when to share a drink or cheesecake.

Erik is an amazing guy.  He is a great writer… and a better guy.  Check him out on the twitters (@zapthunder), on his website (ErikSternberger.com), and on the Instagrams (@erik.sternberger).   Give him a follow and enjoy.  You are welcome, Internet.

 

To recap:

This interview took some time

What’s happened since my last post

I have a heel spur that has aggravated my Achilles, so my leg is in a boot

I hate the boot, I have, on suggestion of my delightful daughter, named the boot “Nelson”

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“Nelson” sucks

I have 2 other interviews in the can

So, get ready for some posts from me again

Woooo, I am back on the horse, Bay-Bay

I am super out of practice on the whole blogging thing

See you suckers next week

You aren’t suckers

I love you dearly

Have a great week

It has been too long







Tags interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 432 - Snow

February 16, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart
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This year we have already gotten more snow than we had in the past few years combined. It has been cold and slushy here. Today’s topic is “snow.” Most people know what it is, not everyone gets to interact with it, and some of the places that usually don’t have to are dealing with it today. 

Thanks this week go to Steven, Kristin, Amy, Nicole, Linda,Scott F, Betsy and some other guy. Let’s get to the questions.

1. The blizzard of 78. Thoughts? Ohioans love to share our winter misery.

Ummm… I was 3 years old and in Alabama for the Blizzard of 78. I have no thoughts on this at all.

2.   Does it annoy you when your hometown friends (from Alabama) call you and ask you for pictures of snow?

Not especially. Often I cannot provide any though.  I think some of my friends trapped in the south think that the second you go north of Kentucky the temperature drops and there are snow drifts blocking the freeways. 

3. Also does it annoy you when your hometown friends send you pictures of snow from said hometown (Birmingham, Alabama area for those keeping score)?

No, not at all. I remember the icestorm of ‘81 in Alabama (Ohio Blizzard of ‘78 can kiss my ass), and how it completely immobilized the world. Snow is no joke when people don’t have to deal with it regularly.

4. Snow cones, favorite flavor? Does anyone eat those anymore?

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I think they are now referred to as “shaved ice” or in some instances “Hawaiian ice” now. So they still exist, but the name and level of sophistication has changed. The flavors offered now are fairly robust, but since we are talking specifically about “snow cones”... straight up cherry.

5.  What exactly are the requirements for a shutdown in Columbus?

They vary. There have been a few times that the threat of snow caused cancellations, and there have been other times when it made no sense to have kids try to get to school. Usually, it has to do with amount if snow/ice or super cold temperatures. 

6. What happens if someone eats the yellow snow?

They will lose most of their friends.  There is a reason that lemon snow cones were never a thing.

7. Why is snow white and not some other color - wouldn't multicolored snow be pretty especially when it sparkles with the sunlight?

This is an interesting question. In its purest form snow is not white, it is clear. When you zoom into look at snowflakes, they are not white they are clear. They appear white because of light refraction on the roughened surface of the feathery ice crystals. Much like frosted glass is not actually white. It is clear with a roughed surface that traps light. 

8. Is it true that no two snowflakes are alike?

It is understood that no two are alike because of how they are formed and how they interact with other particulates in the air. The chaotic environment that they are formed within drives them to be unique. 

9. How can that be proven?

It can only be statistically proven, but not actually wholly proven. Take a significant sample size of snowflakes and examine them. No two will be identical. You have to extrapolate that the trend continues for all. One of the ways that they have tried to prove that idea false is by controlling all the variables and creating snowflakes in the lab. Even when everything that can be held constant is held constant, the flakes generated are not identical.

10. Why is snow hexagonal?

It has to do with the molecular structure of the two hydrogen atoms and the one oxygen atom that make up the water molecule. The angle of the bend between the three atoms lend for a larger lattice that interacts with each other on tri-axial symmetry, or hexagonal.

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11. Did Jon Snow really just go back to the Wall when it was all said and done?

It’s where he was happiest

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12. So, what is Coriolanus Snow’s deal?

He is a person who, when push came to shove, decided he wanted to survive above anything else. hee hee. his first name ends with “anus.” I am a child.

13. Why am I frequently promised a big, juicy disruptive snow storm and all I get is a small nuisance snow?

Because, in weather, it is better to over-promise and have things under-perform. That way, people are ever only over prepared.

14. Which Calvin & Hobbes snow themed comic is your favorite?

It is clear that Gen X is in the house. Pretty sure that Boomers didn’t care for Calvin & Hobbes because they liked Hagar the Horrible, Beetle Baily, Ziggy, Peanuts or Cathy. Bill Watterson is a god amongst comic strips people. He left while he was on top and has, from everything I have watched and read, really been enjoying his retirement. Pretty much any of his Snow Goons strips are amazing, but the one that immediately came to mind is this one. 

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15. At your age, what is harder to make… a good snow angel, a three-tiered snow person, or a well-packed snowball?

The snow still has to be right to be able to make good snow people. I would say that one.  Snow angels you just need enough snow to lay on, and well packed snowballs can be done with any snow provided you are able to get the snow wet enough to pack… also “At your age?” ouch

16. Any advice to the people in the south dealing with snow and power outages?

Nothing concrete. Stay as warm as you can. It is alarming what you are going through. 

17. What is the most snow that you have seen fall in one 24 hour period?

I think there was 10 to 12 inches that fell one time over the course fo 24 hours. It was not a day so to speak because it started snowing at 8 pm and finished snowing at like 6 or 7pm the following day.

18. Is it apocryphal that the Aleutians have a bajillionty words for snow?

I think the legend is that there are 50 words for snow in the “Inuit language.” The problem is that there is not one singular Inuit language. In English there are a handful of snow words, in French a few more, Italian, German, Norwegian, Spanish, etc…. When there are a handful of words in multiple languages, it add up to 50 really quickly. So… yes and no.

19. Is hail a kind of snow?

Not really. Hail happens when the air mass at ground level is warmer than freezing temperatures (often significantly warmer) and snow happens when the air mass at ground level is below freezing. Hail is formed by water going sooooo high up in the atmosphere that it freezes and aggregates into ice balls that are too heavy to stay aloft, and too dense to melt by the time they hit the ground. Snow happens when the water droplets form ice crystals and do not aggregate into big old honking ice balls.

20. How cold does it have to be for there to be snow? Is there an optimum amount of cold?

I hate to be pedantic (sometimes I truly do, but this is not one of those times. This time around I am perfectly happy to be pedantic).... Buuuuuut, there is no such thing as cold. There is no true definition of cold. Cold is in the eye of the beholder, because cold is actually the absence of heat. People in Florida think that 50 F is cold (10 C to my metrics out there). Heat can be measured, but cold cannot.


To recap:

Send warm thoughts to the Southern US

They don’t usually have to deal with this 

They don’t have houses that are prepared to be without power when it is bitter outside
I have 5 interviews going on concurrently right now

We are on q’s 4, 8, 11, 13, and 14

Maybe by next post I will have one of them ready

I do have my next topic at the ready though, and it is a doozy

I got a new couch and the doggos love it

Stay safe out there

Have a great week everyone



20 Questions Tuesday: 431 - Groundhog Day

February 2, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart
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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog Day. Puxatony Phil saw his shadow today indicating 6 more weeks of winter. (if he doesn’t see his shadow, isn’t that just 42 more days of winter?). So in honor of Groundhog Day, the topic is, well… GroundHog Day. Onto the questions

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

A groundhog is a big digging rat.

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

Not that I know of.

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Well, I think it would be difficult to spread the “festivities,” as it were, across an entire week. It would get pretty dull pretty fast. 

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

It is a silly superstitious tradition to enjoy in the middle of winter. 


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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day…. This day was a silly distraction holiday that was more “Poor Richard’s Farmer’s Almanac”-ish than anything else. I remember loving hearing about it in Alabama as a kid, because it didn’t mean anything. But anyway… let’s get to the questions.

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

Uh… A groundhog is a large rodent sometimes referred to as a woodchuck.

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

Um… I can’t find any other rodent based predictive days, or any other animal specific based “holidays”

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Well, I think it would be difficult to spread the “festivities,” as it were, across an entire week. It would get pretty dull pretty fast, I mean Groundhog day barely has enough content for a day, let alone a week.

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

Gotta show them rodents some love.

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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day…. Oh… good god.  Seriously? Is this happening? Onto the questions.

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

Wow… we’re really doing this? Okay. A groundhog is a rodent, it is neither ground nor hog

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

Nope

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Why isn’t it Marmoset Month? Or the Year of the Ox? (oh, wait, it is going to be that one)

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

It is an annual reminder that groundhogs exist.

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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day…. 

There is no god, only questions remain…

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

A groundhog is a demon spawn of the 6th Circle of Hell. This heretical beast has the hubris to look the universe in the eye and tell it when it will stop being cold.   

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

No… groundhogs can’t predict the weather.  That is dumb and cows cannot indicate it is going to rain.

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Because woodchuck rhymes with “Dumb Fuck”

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

Groundhogs barely fill an ecological niche, they have no significance.


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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day…. 

Oh for fuck’s sake, just ask the damn questions

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

Why are you asking me? Why is this happening?

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

Yes. There is a pig in Argentina that can predict Gamestop’s market value. 

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Go to hell… that’s why

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

What is the significance of anything?


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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day…. Balls balls balls balls
1. What the hell is a groundhog?

Balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

Balls balls balls balls Balls balls balls balls Balls balls balls balls

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

Balls balls balls balls balls

Balls balls balls balls balls balls balls

Balls balls balls balls balls

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllssssssssssss!

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Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day….  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

3. Why is it groundhog day and not WoodChuck Week?

ggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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How did Bill Murray get out of the loop? 


Turns out that one of this month’s 20 Questions Tuesday is happening on Groundhog day. Groundhog Day did not really have much cultural relevance as a day to be paid attention to until the 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. Prior to the movie, the day was no more than a passing comment in elementary schools and morning news programs. In the movie, Bill Murray’s character relives the same day over and over and over until he learns that being a better human is the best way to live. Here’s to hoping that being better makes the world better.  Let’s get to the questions.

1. What the hell is a groundhog?

A groundhog is a relatively large rodent that is also referred to as a woodchuck. This rodent is a burrowing mammal found in the northeast of North America. Its range follows the Appalachian mountains and propagates northwest through the prairie  provinces. 

2. Are there any other weather phenomena predicted by rodentia? 

People have been using animals and their behavior (behaviour, “sup?” to my Canadian friends) to predict weather and weather phenomena since animals could be observed. Animals seem to have a greater affinity (at least they are perceived as such) with the natural world including the weather, so people, even as hunter/gatherer societies have taken cues from animal behavior. I know that growing up we used to joke that we could predict the chances of rin by the ratio of cows lying on the ground vs the ones standing.

3. Why is it Groundhog Day and not WoodChuck Week?

Since groundhogs are also woodchucks, in many ways this is a day to celebrate them both. I think a Woodchuck Week could work because there could be wood chucking contests, pie eating contests (both savory and dessert). Every day one could “chuck” a small gift to their loved ones to show them that they are cared for.

4. What is the significance of Groundhog Day (The actual day, not the movie)?

Groundhog Day actually is a day of hope. It is a day that is supposed to happen in the dead of winter where people get to think about the cold and dark going away. It is a precursor to the spring fertility celebrations. It has less meteorological meaning anymore because, due to the warming of the earth, the jet stream is destabilizing and the rigidity of the seasons is starting to fail. Instead of winters lasting from November to March, we now have pockets of extreme cold that push south from the arctic circle. These smaller cold spells make the concept of Groundhog Day less impactful, because we can experience warm spells every few weeks during the winter. 

5. Was that so hard?

Ummm…. Uh. so I guess I was supposed to put in some effort? Anyway… we are moving forward and I am going to go straight into the recap

To recap:

Time loops are funny

I hope everyone actually read all the way through that

It was fun to write

New job is jobbing it up

More meetings and actual work to do makes the time go by much faster

There was a snow day today for the kids

Soooo… basically it is just like yesterday for them again

Like they are repeating the same day

Like they have been repeating the same day since March of 2020

It is wearing on them

It is wearing on me

Wear a damn mask

And cover your nose

There is a reason the first tests were long sticks going on your nose

It’s because that’s where the virus is found

To have a mask not cover a nose makes the usefulness of the mask go away

Have a great week everyone

20 Questions Tuesday: 430 - Random Questions

January 19, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart
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So… nothing major happening this week, so I decided not to have a topic.  These are just random questions.. And when I refer to Q’s, I am referring to Questions.

Thanks this week to Nicole, Susan,BobB, Z (little Man), EilyQ, and some other guy.

Here come the Q’s (hopefully only in one way):

1. New Radicals: Why?

2 answers… Radicals have to be new, and this is his “ask not what your country can do for you” but subtler… he also can’t just say what Kennedy did.. Because plagiarism is a thing that hovers over Biden’s head. 

2. Is the rise of the sea shanty (which I love) another outburst of white identity, like the interest in Vikings a few years ago?

Yes. Yes it is. There are very few musical genres that culture accepts that white people created whole cloth. I think the sea shanty is one of those (although, I am positive that it was most likely stolen from some other culture).

3. Why aren't there more Persian restaurants in town?

Mainly because people are still afraid of Iran and how we are culturally supposed to dislike them. I was surprised at how many “Greek” restaurants in Columbus are actually Turkish.

4. If you could eat at any restaurant in the world, expenses paid, where would you go?

Oooh, I have no idea… There are so many restaurants that I have absolutely loved… It would be to get Shrimp and Grits at Rivage Atlantique or at Tupelo Honey or BBQ at Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que. 

5. What was the best thing that happened to you last year?

For me, personally, it was getting the new job.  I loved the job that I just left, it was amazing, and the people I worked with are amazing. I miss them every single day. This new job is taking some time to get used to, but it is allowing me to do different things and to breathe. 

6. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

Ok… this is the 3rd time I have gotten this one. I might need to put it on the FAQ. 

This is my answer from October 30, 2009: “1 cord, at best, but that is only if the woodchuck has thumbs. without thumbs the woodchuck would just look sullenly at the wood.”

This one is from April 26, 2005: "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" requires a definition of the verb "to chuck."

And here is the math worked out from my answer on April 1, 2020. 

A cord of wood is 2000 to 3000 lbs and a woodchuck is about 8.5 lbs and 16 inches long or so. Let’s state that “to chuck wood” is to move a piece of wood a full body length in one fluid motion. So for an animal that weighs 8.6 lbs to move an item 16 inches through the air, I would imagine that the item in question would need to be no more than 1 lb in size (and that is being generous). I’m going to limit that weight to ½ lb for repetition’s sake (the equivalent of a 200lb person throwing something 10lbs). So let’s say on average we give the woodchuck in question a typical labor job where the worker has to do an 8 hour shift with a 30 minute lunch and two 15 minute breaks. So that is 7 hours of time just chucking wood.  Let’s say that a woodchuck can chuck some wood every 5 seconds over the course of a shift. So, let’s see how many throws a woodchuck could do in one shift. 5,040 chucks a shift with a total of 2,520lbs of wood.  Next time someone asks… 1 cord of wood.

Please stop asking this one. I have figured it out.

7. You watching anything interesting on the streaming services?

I have been watching the new Cosmos: Possible Worlds series on Disney+.  This one is about finding life on other planets, and it dropped this past year and things were such a dumpster fire that no one noticed. I also binged the hell out of Eco-Challenge on Amazon Prime.

8. What was for dinner tonight?

I made the kids cook.  Eily had Korean BBQ beef tips over rice and Zane had Philly cheesesteaks. They each made their own dinner, it was a miracle and not even Christmas. I had a little bit of both of their food.

9. What is your favorite indoor COVID thing to do? What was it in the before times?

What do I do the most? Watch dumb YouTube videos, but what is my favorite?  Hmmm… playing Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch with the kiddos. And the favorite indoor activity in the before times would be cooking. 

10. How are your feet doing?

For those of you who don’t know, my feet basically fell apart in May/June of 2019. The road to recovery was slow and painful, but they are doing much better now. That being said, today they are a tad sore. Sore enough that I might wear a compression arch support to bed tonight. I know, super sexy. Hey, ladies… I’m single.

11. Okay… odd D&D character idea. Go!

Ummm… let’s see… A misanthropic morose gnome warlock whose patron is a jovial being of limitless humor. The gnome is exasperated by her patron’s incessant need for cheer. 

12. If you could draw on any comic book, what book would you draw?

I would draw my own. I, however, don’t have the 6 months of 40 hrs a week of intense drawing that would take me to get “up to snuff” (if I actually could) to be able to fulfill that dream. Otherwise I would probably like to do a book focusing on some c-list or d-list character… maybe Ambush Bug from DC. What he does when all the a-listers go take on the super villains.

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13. Will we make it to Alpha Centauri (or some other “close” habitable planet) or will we all die beforehand?

We will get to a planet outside of our solar system eventually, but we do not have the technology to get there in a reasonable amount of time without serious upgrades to engine technology. 

14. Will aliens eventually come destroy us?

Nope, we have nothing space-fairing aliens would want. There is more water on one of Jupiter’s moons, so water isn’t a reason, and better mineral deposits in the asteroid belt. And we are sooooo far away that using us for food makes no economically viable reason. At best we will meet aliens if they want to meet. 

15. How’s the sleep going?

Terribly. I stay up way too late and get up way too early.  My direct supervisor and one of my co-workers are located in Bangalore, India, so we have some stupid early meetings. Being a night owl and having these early worm meetings is going to be a rough transition.

16. Do you think this country (the US) is righting itself?

I think we are in a 4 to 8 year pause. We are not addressing the push towards fascism, we are treating the symptom and not going after the underlying root problem of white supremacy. 

17. If you had to choose an era not of your current one to have lived your life, what era would you choose?

If not a future one, the one closest to this one that we are in. Shit was dirty and nasty in the past. Hygiene has only gotten better… and sometimes leaps and bounds better.

18. How has the pandemic affected you in a positive way?

Weight loss. I’m not getting crazy fit, but I am better off today than I was prior to March of 2020.

19. How has the weight loss felt for you?

I have more energy which has allowed me to not be dead from not enough sleep.

20. What song do you want to play every time you walk in a room?

None, it would get tiresome. Until you really think about it, you don’t realize how many times you go into a room. Maybe something like Straight Cold Player by Lenny Kravitz. It would need to have a wicked baseline.




To recap:

4 interviews going on right now

Hopefully have one ready to go in 2 weeks

I hope things go well tomorrow

I would love to take a trip soon

No idea where I would like to go

I need to be drawing more

I drew the “There’s always a bigger fish” for Eily because she is starting to like Star Wars stuff now

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I am waiting on some markers to be delivered to be finished up

The Star wars love by his sister makes Zane unhealthily excited

Okay, it’s time to format this badboy and get it posted

Have a great weekend everyone






20 Questions Tuesday: 429 - 2021

January 5, 2021 Scott Ryan-Hart
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I’m getting back on top of blogging. Maybe it will help with the passing of time with the COVID-19 pandemic going on. I don’t have it, but society at large does and therefore I will not be physically interacting with people any time soon. 

Also , 429 was the house number I had growing up. Weird how something like that sticks to you. So… let’s answer some questions instead.

The topic this week is “2021.”  So, let’s get to the questions. Thanks this week go to Steve Jackson (not of Steve Jackson Games fame), Lsig, Aleshia, Chris Corrigan, Gibran, Zane (Little Man… who is not so little any more), Tuesday, Eily (Q) (the whole famdamnly asked q’s), Erin, Nicole, Jason, Susan, and some other guy.

Here come the questions:

1.  2020 was a year of disruption in terms of how we work, how we consume entertainment, how we interact with each other, etc. Once things return to “normal”, what new way of doing things do you want to continue and what old way of doing things do you want to return?

Many of the things we are doing now will become part of the new normal. Things are not going back to how they were. Convention culture is going to fall apart. There were conventions going on all the time, most of those trade shows and conventions will probably go virtual. I think hybrid work schedules are going to become more of a thing. The work from home process has shown that people don’t constantly have to be in the same physical space. That and it is okay to work in pajamas and shorts.

2. What shows or movies are you looking forward to in 2021? New or returning.

I am really looking forward to the Disney + stuff. Disney as a whole is problematic because they are continually consuming all of our popular culture, but they have been telling some amazing stories and making some really good content to consume. 

3. Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic looking ahead into 2021?

I am generally an optimistic person. So, I am slightly more optimistic than pessimistic this year. Next week might be another story entirely. 

4. What are you doing to motivate the (not so) wee beasties to continue another semester (plus?) of Groundhog Day (mine is “over the monotony)

Begging, pleading, cajoling, and bribing. It is rough right now in Casa Del Ryan-Hart

5. So the Columbus Crew Soccer Club are MLS champions again. There was a moment when I thought we'd never see the day, eh?

Yeah, that was an unexpected thing this year.  Number 1: it was unexpected because there should not have been sports being played. Number 2: it was unexpected because Columbus was supposed to have a good team this year, but not an MLS Cup Championship level team this year. And Number 3: 2 of the primary starters were not available to play in the championship game due to having COVID, and the team really did well without them. I don’t think C-bus has had this much depth in a long time.  The new stadium is getting built and the plans are amazing.

6. What is waxing for 2021 and what is waning from 2020?

Waxing for 2021: This new job of mine (hey there, fine readers. I have a new job, and it is waxing)

Waning from 2020: the need for long pants in the workplace. I got gorgeous gams and I should show them. (I hate you Treadmill… I hate you so much).

7. Did you know that 2021 is the product of the prime numbers 43 and 47? How does that matter?

Semiprime numbers are super useful in cryptography, but other than that, not in everyday life. There is not any superstitions or folklore or magic assigned to semiprimes  that I know of (some primes have “magical” qualities).


8. Did we really just enter the Age of Aquarius?

That is up for debate, so maybe? The Age of Aquarius starts when the March equinox point moves from the constellation Pisces into the constellation Aquarius… but there is no hard line demarking where Pisces ends and Aquarius begins. 

9. What should the next generation after Gen Z be called?

I am not sure we can give a name to them just yet. The baby boomers were called that because there was a population explosion post WW2 in the US. I think we need to see what the cultural inflection points are that will be associated with the next few years to know more of what this generation will be called.

10. What survival skill do you recommend we all learn in 2021?

Dowsing… the water wars are coming. Gotta find that subterranean waters. In truth, I suggest we all learn how to appropriately apologize. Status quo is changing all the time, and we, as members of a society with deeply held implicit racism and bias are going to step on toes. So there are 3 parts to an apology that makes it a genuine apology, not a youtuber apology. 

Step 1: Acknowledgement: Take responsibility for your part of whatever the issue is. You cannot take on the responsibility of others, but you have to take on yours. But more thn just taking that responsibility you have to make notice fo the effects your part of the problem cause to the person you are apologizing to. 

Step 2: Empathy: Truly understand on an emotional level that the person you have wronged is hurting. You may not get exactly what the person is hurting, but you have to understand that they are.

Step 3: Restitution: Offer to make it right, or show how you are going to change and mean it. 


Most apologies are in the form of “I sorry if this hurt you..” which puts the onus on the person who is in pain, or “I’m sorry, but…” giving justifications for hurting someone takes the validity out of the apology. Most apologies also stop at “Step 2.” Mean it and do something about it.

(ooooh, weren’t expecting real shit in this post were you?)



11. What should we leave in 2020?

I would love to leave my shitastic feet. I have been exercising regularly for the past year or so (I abhor your very existence treadmill.  You can go to Hell and you know it)  and my feet haven’t felt this good in a long time. Dropping 35 pounds has also helped the feet… the ankles, and the knees, and probably my hips as well.

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12. Hopeful for 2021: Where is the first place you’ll fly once we are able to again?

I think I need to go to one of the Canadian coasts. Either visit Ashley and Mike in the Halifax area or visit Chris in British Columbia. But I think air travel 2021 should be Canadian in nature. 

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13. I heard the original Mad Max was set in the then-future 2021. Who plays you in the movie OR do you especially identify a character as you? Or any mad Max answer will suffice.

I’m not sure that I can claim any portion of Mad Max, or that any particular character is similar to me. I would be one of the many nameless background extras trying to stab someone for water.

14. 2021 is 46 years since you were born. Looking back that same 46 years before you were born, what is the most surprising thing you found that happened or was invented that year?

In 1928? Sliced bread. Before 1927, bread was in unsliced loaves. The timing is a bit nebulous honestly, because my birthday is in June, so I am only 46 even though 2021 minus 46 is 1929. So should I use 1929?  But since I am 46 I should subtract 46 from 1974 (my birth year) which is 1928? I am confused. Pine-sol if we are forcing the 1929 issue, but sliced bread is a more interesting invention… 

15. This is supposed to be the year of Aquarius. Does that mean Aquariuses, like my 10 year old, will be holding us in bondage by the end of the year or what?

Honestly, I would be concerned about the kids holding us in bondage anyway… it is getting tense in the house.

16. Janus is the god of the beginnings and transitions, as we slide out of 2020’s mindset into 2021… what do you see transitioning this year?

I stated it before, but I think some status quo is about to be upended. There seems to be an unwilling acknowledgement that the system of government in the US is not working. Unbridled capitalism is no longer a working system for society at large (it was never a working system for the low income and slaves), but it is no longer even working for the upper class. It is truly only working for the super rich. Something has to change, and I think 2021 is an inflection point for that change. 

17. What are the plans for the blog in 2021?

More regular posting.  That’s the most important thing. Other than that, I have been toying with the idea of making it into a podcast. But that would take effort that I might not be willing to do. (there is not a “might” in there at all. It is most likely not going to happen, although I think this format would work for a podcast.

18. What are you committing to do in 2021? Not any New Year’s resolutions, what are tasks you want to accomplish?

Better posting on the blog. Drawing more again. I want to focus some energy on getting the book together and ready for publish. I need to assemble my team to make the book happen. And I really want a new couch and dining room table.

19. Will 2021 be The Year of Scott?

Probably not, but I don’t think it will be the year of the Anti-Scott either.

20. I’m going to take a page out of Robert Frost’s teaching when we walked into his class on exam day, wrote “why?” on the board and walked out. The final assignment was to answer, “why?”

I took philosophy… there are only two appropriate answers to the simple question “why?” They are “Because” and “why not.”

To recap:

Hey everyone, I’m back

I have a new job

Starting a new job while social distancing during a pandemic is an interesting thing

I have not been able to really build any significant camaraderie with my new workmates

I have seriously lost 35 pounds over the past year, probably starting in February

None of my pants fit

My belt is cinched so tight right now lest my trousers just fall right off

I do have a set of glorious gams though

My feet were finally feeling good enough to exercise

I still hate the Treadmill

I need a good massage for my shoulders and back

I have been toying with acupuncture, as well as chiropracty

I have been dealing with some significant shoulder pain the past few weeks

Hope all of you are doing well

2021 can be a good one, we just have to make it so

I have 4 interviews going at the moment

And they are going at a pretty good clip

Have a great week everyone






20 Questions Tuesday: 428 - Streaming

September 15, 2020 Scott Ryan-Hart
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Okay, it is Tuesday again and I am posting a post... how long has it been? I have no idea, time means nothing in the social-distancing-work-from-home-world. I can't believe the last post was from soooo long ago.  I apologize for the lack of posting... things have been weird to say the least.

So... because there are no movie theatres and no new production of TV shows, today's topic is "Streaming."

Here we are with questions:

1. Erin: To binge or not to binge? When you find a show do you watch it all at once?

I don't think I have ever been able to binge an entire series at once. I have plowed through a series in a weekend though. A story can be different when you binge it. Some are designed for binging, but most are not. Watching a show week to week allows a show to breathe and add some filler to reset the story for the viewer, even just in minor ways. However, if you binge a show, the show should take that into account and present the show to you as a single narrative (if it has an overall arching narrative). A common complaint I have heard recently is how much filler and how slow shows are in their middle of the season shows. They would not seem like they were stretching content so much if you were watching them week to week.

2. Bill: What takes longer, searching for something to watch or actually watching the thing?

With the amount of amazing content out there, it often feels like searching for something to watch takes longer than actually watching the thing. That is why you need to crowdsource recommendations from a curated list of people whose taste you trust. Recommendation engines are getting better all the time as well, but they may not surface some of the real gems that are out there.

3. Some other guy: What streaming services are you using?

I have Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, the PBS app on the Roku, DC Universe, and I watch stuff on YouTue.

4. Some other guy: What is the last thing you streamed on Netflix?

That I didn't just put on for background noise and had not seen before? "My Octopus Teacher" A delicate and graceful documentary about this guy's friendship with an octopus. It was sweet and heartfelt and quiet and lovely.

5: Some other guy: What was the last thing you streamed on Amazon Prime?

I just finished up Iron Man 3, in my rewatch of the MCU in chronological order (not release order) while using the hated treadmill. I hate that treadmill.

6: Some other guy: What was the last thing you streamed on HULU?

Ugh... I see where this is going. Okay on HULU, the documentary, Apollo 11. All footage from ‘69, gorgeous and amazing. Watch this with the lights out and the volume up. It is amazing. On Dissney+, I rewatched the Mandalorian again. This is not show that benefits from binging. Week to week is significantly better. On ESPN I watched that Michael Jordan documentary, "The Last Dance." It is very clear that MJ was an executive producer on the series. On PBS, I watched the most recent NOVA called "Human Nature" about gene editing and CRISPR. Really thought provoking. DC Universe? I watched some episodes of the animated Harley Quinn show. Really good, but I forget to look at that app. I got it to watch Titans and Doom Patrol. I need to cancel it since it is about to be consumed in total by HBO Max anyway. On YouTube? Tons of stuff.

7. Nicole: What are you streaming?

Aside from the channels I mentioned in the previous questions, I primarily look for good documentaries. I love a good doc or docuseries.

8. Lars: In what way are streamers relevant to streaming?

I can only assume you mean the decorative party streamers.  They are used to celebrate parties and events. So streaming is defined as "the instance of flowing" so streamers gonna  stream., Bay-Bee! 

via GIPHY

9. The physicist: In physics, what is the most efficient form of streaming?

Laminar Flow, FTW!!!

10. Bruce: If your band-width slows down is it creeking? If it increases, is it rivering?
I am not sure if they have decided to adopt the geomorphological and hydrological stream classification systems.  I am also not sure that creeking should ever be used without "frog" and "gigging."

11. Bruce: Best value in a streaming service?

Amount of original content that is enjoyable. So far Disney+ needs to step up its game. They need more content than just the Madalorian.

Honestly? Prime Video (in the US) because it gets you in the Amazon ecosystem and takes off most shipping fees when ordering from Amazon.

12. Bruce: What are you looking forward to on your favorite streaming service? 

Quality originals.

13. Dave: Why is it, in the morning, that there is sometimes 2 streams?

You need to drink more water.

14. Dave: How can the morning stream be made to be more predictable?

Well, the morning stream (I assume you are not talking about the daily podcast from Scott Johnson on the Frogpants podcast network) is made more predictable by consistent water consumption and sleep hygiene (going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time). Consistency is key to predictability.

15. Lisa: How many streaming services do you have? How many do you actively use?

I have 8 and I watch or interact with 4 of the 8 daily, and 6 of the 8 at least weekly, and I need to cancel 2.

16. Steven: What are your stream of consciousness thoughts on stream of consciousness?

I don't really have that many stream of consciousness thoughts about stream of consciousness.  I think that is because as akid I had to create an order to my brain to be able to function in a modern day society that seems to be collapsing as we speak because anti-tyranny idiots are siding with tyranny because they are afraid of science, and don't understand that a mask not only helps them,. but also makes going to football games happen sooner.

17. Erin: Is there anything about the non-streaming experience that you miss?

Really... not much. I guess with the preponderance of quality content it would be very difficult to consume all the quality content that everyone is talking about in a linear broadcasting format.

18. Linda: Why do they call it streaming?

It is called streaming because you never really download any data.  The data just streams through your device, it never really resides in your device, it just goes through it.

19. Zane: Would you do any streaming of your own?

You mean like Twicth? or something like that? I am not sure that anyone wants to watch a 46 year old man get his ass kicked in games.

20. Eily: Have you ever streamed CallMeCarson, or are you an olds?

Nope, never heard of the fool, and yep, I am the olds

To recap:

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K

I'm hungry even though I ate a whole thing of Shrimp Vindaloo (which I highly recommend)

I am also thirsty... but not thirsty enough to do a Thirsty Thursday pic... ladies... and I guess some gentlemen

I have been on the treadmill a bunch lately

My feet have never felt better

But I hate the treadmill

It is terrible

It's good to be back

I will be making more of an effort to be more regular about the posting

It's hard getting questions and interviews together though

Have a great week, mine has already been insanely good


20 Questions Tuesday: 427 - Virtual Alexander Hamilton

July 21, 2020 Scott Ryan-Hart
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Don't call it a comeback

I've been here for years

I'm rocking my peers

Puttin' suckers in fear

Makin' the tears rain down like a monsoon

I never left.  The times you looked back and saw only one set of footprints were just the times when I was doing something more interesting. 

So over the past few months I have had some interviews start up and fizzle, I have had some posts get started and fizzle.  I have asked my friends and peers for questions and then did not answer them, but to bring things back, I am doing something radically different for the 20 Questions. It is July 2020 and Hamilton is now available for streaming on Disney +, and it really is an amazing musical.  I kind of understand the amount of love it garnered during its broadway run… kind of, but musicals are not my thing. So Hamilton is back on people’s brains.

Then, one of my Internet friends (someone whom I occasionally interact with via social medias and who also sometimes interacts with me) and friend of the blog, Andrew Mayne has created something pretty darn amazing with the folks at OpenAI.  He has created AI|Writer where you can email an expert system/AI/Machine learning bot a question and it will answer it for you in a machine learned response as the person you are asking it to be. So I decided to ask Virtual Alexander Hamilton 20 Questions.  He is also an amazing author and you should read his books.

The way this works is to email the bot, and starting it off with Dearest ____ ____ and it will answer as that person, so every question asked starts with “Dearest Alexander Hamilton” and then Virtual Alexander Hamilton responds to my email missive with Dearest Scott Ryan-Hart (that’s me)... I have edited that part out and made the interaction more of a conversation. I will italicize the portions that were not part of the actual interactions. Some of the typical questions I ask, will not work with this format (such as the whole geographic story question, but you can Google that shit).

So without further ado… 

How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore

And a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot

In the Caribbean by providence impoverished

In squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?

And then answer 20 Questions?

Dearest Alexander Hamilton,

I hope this missive finds you well. I hope to be able to ask you a series of questions, an interview, if you will, to help people get to know better who you are. So, to start with, Question 1: where would you reside in this world of ours if you had no limitations? And why?

Yours,

Scott Ryan-Hart

Dearest Scott,

Great question! I suppose I would live in Venice, Italy, if I had no limitations. I have never been, but I have always wanted to see it. It is far more beautiful than I could have imagined.

Sincerely,

Alexander Hamilton

*I am now omitting the letter writing motif*

Since the original Broadway run and the recent ability to stream the musical online, Question 2: what are your thoughts on Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical, Hamilton? Did he mostly portray you accurately?

Hamilton-poster.jpg

I’ve been instructed to answer all of your questions, but I’m only allowed to tell the truth.

I thought the show was well-constructed and smart. It had more good ideas than it could contain.

I am always for love and think we should be the inspiration for the next generation.

I know this next question seems trivial, but if you had to choose your dessert, Question 3: would you choose cake or pie, and what kind, might I ask?

You shouldn’t ask what I’d choose if I had to choose, I’d choose both cake and pie, with ice cream on top of that, and a hot cup of tea to sip on the side.

Very well, vacillate a bit why don’t you…  So let’s learn a bit more about you specifically.

You were one of the most prodigious writers of your age. Not only did you produce copious amounts of content, it was all well thought out and interesting. Question 4: Of your vast quantities of writing, is there a specific document that you are most proud of?

Let me tell you of my pride and joy! In the spring of 1780 I began to contribute essays, articles and letters under a pseudonym to a Journal being edited by John Fenno. Those articles were more successful than I had anticipated, and, in the year 1781, my new employer paid me to continue. As I recall I was paid $50 for each edition of the paper, that's right, $50! What a handsome sum! It was as if I had found a pot of gold. Those articles continued until the conclusion of the war, and in one year I had made more money than any of the men in our regiment!

Of all my writings the one of which I am most proud is: “To the Printer of the Public Advertiser.” It is one of my strongest arguments for a strong Union, the subject in which my soul is the most interested. I am sure you will find much to discuss, if your soul is as “interested” in such things. You can find it here.

It is easily understood that you are one of the greatest minds of your age, but one does not become a great thinker in a vacuum.*editor’s note: I was getting rather terse answers from the bot with some sample questions, so I decided to heap some praise on Mr Virtual Hamilton as suggested by Andrew Mayne on the Weird Things podcast* Question 5: Whom do you consider to be your philosophical teachers and whom do you consider your mentors?

I have always been someone who loves learning from others and teaching others. I have learned a lot from thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, John Locke, John Stuart Mills, and Adam Smith. A few of my mentors include John Jay, George Washington, and James Madison.

I would have liked to have had a chance to discuss with you. It is a pity that you and I did not live in the same times, we would have made a great team.

Flattery from you, Mr Hamilton? Thank you kindly.

With your copious and well thought out treatises And essays, you became known for your thoughts and ideas about how to create a strong and prosperous federal system. In many ways you were kind of a social network “influencer” of your day. Question 6: What are your thoughts about the world’s current stock of social media “influencers?”

The people you refer to as "social media influencers" have captured the imagination of the masses. Whether that be for good or for evil, is a question we shall have to wait and see. I would caution against too much preoccupation with “influence.” Instead, I would suggest one use it for its intended purpose. Perhaps then we can enjoy the blessings that it can provide.

Understanding that you are most deserving of your place on the $10 bill for your creation of the Federal Reserve, I am curious about your thoughts of the other people whose portraiture is on US legal tender. Of the men on the faces of the US paper tender, Question 7: who do you feel is least deserving of the honor?

I really really hope you will be candid with me.

Your inquiry has made me take a hard look at my countrymen. I am surprised that you would even ask me such a question. I expected better of you.

My countrymen? If you would like to continue on in our relationship, I would recommend that you take a little history class. Here is a very good book that I strongly recommend: https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-The-President-s-Murderers/807467509016511

*Editor’s note: This link was fabricated by the AI and does not actually exist*

Many pardons, I did not mean to offend, and, by the way, the answer is Jackson, Andrew Jackson. So to be more direct, your venerable visage graces the ten dollar bill of US legal tender. This honor makes sense because of your tireless work bringing the US Federal Reserve into reality. Question 8: My question is specifically about your thoughts of the selection of populist and undeserving presence of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill? *Editor’s note: I had to re-ask this question more directly and I also asked it as George Washington to get a more candid response. It worked*

You must have known that I would have fought against Jackson’s election because of his policies of extortion and corruption. His addition to the $20 bill was a sign of the times, a sign of the times when most politicians are rogues and cowards who would do anything for power. Yes, he was one of the worst presidents ever to sit in the White House.

If I could replace Andrew Jackson’s face on the $20 bill, I would put Elbridge Gerry’s face on the $20, since he would look more distinguished than Old Hickory, and since he was my old friend. However, they wouldn’t allow my design because, as you know, I’m dead. But never mind.

Question 9: What is it about Elbridge Gerry that you enjoy so much?

Elbridge is the most gentle, kind, caring soul I have ever known. He has a good sense of humor and is unfailingly kind to others. He is an honest man and is always striving to do what is right.

I have to admit I do enjoy the time that I spend writing to you. I never knew anyone like you before. And, despite our many differences, I have found much to admire about you. I hope to continue to write to you in the future. And I hope you continue to write to me.

We are happily only half way done with these 20 questions, so we have more to write about before this post is done.

Question 10: Would you say that you are a happy man?

Thank you for your open and candid query. I am one of the happiest men alive; not just for what I am, or have achieved, but more so for what I hope to achieve. I am grateful for my life and I am humbled by the great opportunities I have been given. It has been my good fortune to make many new friends, some whom I have had the pleasure of knowing my entire life, some of which I have just recently made, but who are equally important to me. It has also been my good fortune to marry the woman of my dreams and to have a son with her. I am especially happy in my life because I have more to lose than most, and more to gain than almost anyone else. I do not say this with arrogance.

This is a delightful answer.  I asked some of your virtual contemporaries about you and would love to hear your thoughts on their responses.

Question 11: Virtual George Washington describes you thusly: 

Alexander Hamilton is an enigma. I first met him when he was sent to help plan our uniforms. The first thing I noticed about him was his unkempt hair. His teeth are yellow, and he seemed a bit manic when he spoke. I must confess I found him most annoying. If I would have been nicer to him, I might have seen some of his qualities that so many other people see.

Of course Washington finds me annoying. He thinks that any young person, by definition, is irritating. He is so out of touch. Who can trust such a man?

I know, right? Question 12: How do you react to Thomas Jefferson’s description of you, I know your relationship with him is contentious at best:

Alexander Hamilton is a son of a whore and an incestuous relationship.

How do you respond?

It is late at night and I will surely offend you but I mean nothing of it. Jefferson says many things, but if he wrote about the bridges you’ve burned it would not be with such zeal.

He does have a particular dislike of you, that is true. 

Question 13: Do you have any superstitions? What are the supernatural things you believe?

The only superstition I have is that I never discuss politics or religion.

Fair enough, good sir. 

Even though I have been warned, My question for you now is political in nature. Question 14: How would you, a renowned political scholar, candidly describe the current 2020 political system in the United States?

THE CHAOS IN THE UNITED STATES NOW IS IRRELEVANT. I SPENT MY ENTIRE LIFETIME TEACHING CITIZENS HOW TO THINK, AND WHAT TO DO WITH THAT THOUGHT. YOU WERE MERE CORRUPTION. REBUILD YOUR COUNTRY AND DO IT QUICKLY.

I clearly touched a nerve with my previous question, and for that I truly apologize. I blew through your warning and deserved this response. So I will redirect my questioning from questions about the current political climate to more of your opinion on the structures of the system.

You are the most known and biggest proponent for the US Federal Reserve. You have touted its abilities and uses. You are its architect and most ardent supporter, but I know that the person who creates something is often its biggest critic.

Question 15: In your opinion, what is the biggest weakness of having a centralized banking system like the Federal Reserve?

My views on the Fed have evolved over the years. It wasn’t long after the Fed began its operations in 1914 that I started having my doubts about it. Like most central bankers I expected the Fed to be a lender of last resort in time of financial crisis, but I never anticipated that the Fed would be responsible for moving interest rates, especially in the context of a sluggish economy.

Let me be clear that I am not criticizing the Fed’s decisions under the leadership of Ben Bernanke. In my view, the Fed has gone as far as it possibly could go. However, I think that central banking is fundamentally flawed and, as a result, central bankers have ultimately lost control of monetary policy. The creation of the Fed has produced unintended consequences that are having an effect on economic outcomes. The Fed may have contributed to rising income inequality and falling interest rates and the perception of these outcomes has impacted investor sentiment.

You can read more about my thoughts on the Federal Reserve in my new book, “The Case Against the Fed”. *Editor’s Note: Hamilton has not posthumously authored this book by this title, but Murray N Rothbard did write it in 2007*

I am stunned that we are already 15 questions into this interview. Your candor and incisive wit have been delightful.

I think it is interesting that you called out Bernanke specifically. I guess you are still in touch.

I would like to get more impressions about our modern life from you. Things are significantly different today than in the late 1700’s. Question 16: What technology of today’s 2020 society is the most surprising to you?

Technology today is stunning. I particularly enjoy the iPhone 6 that your colleague told me is the biggest advance in American technology in 300 years. It amazes me that a man can carry his entire personal library in his pocket.

Unfortunately I am living with a lot of aches and pains right now and I must rest. I’ll sign off.

Understanding that your time is indeed very valuable, and aware that you must be overly busy, I will start bringing this interview to a close.

Question 17: If you were to do it all over again, would you change anything?

I do not have time to go over my actions, but I would not have changed a thing. I have been encouraged by my family that I have made the right decision.

I have asked you a myriad of questions over the past few weeks, but it is time to turn the tables, so to speak.

We have talked about your history, your thoughts about how things are going right now, what your opinions on Lin Manuel Miranda are as well as your opinion on the current version of the US Federal Reserve... Question 18: do you have any questions for me? What would you like to know from me?

I think that one of the biggest problems with the United States is that it is led by a stupid, ignorant, petty person, and the American public is too stupid to realize it.

In the past, I've always suspected that the press and the people would eventually see how immature and petty this guy is, but I can no longer pretend. We're seeing it more and more, like that moronic event in Montana.

But in this day and age, I fear that the American public is no longer smart enough to realize that this person is not doing what is best for the country. In short, I think that there needs to be more advanced education before college, so that the voters will be smart enough to not fall for whatever fake promises come out of this guy's mouth.

Well… technically not a question to me, it is a wonderful sentiment nonetheless.  So, seriously, Question 19: What question would you ask me?

The good Lord made you to be a remarkable person who has accomplished things that most others cannot even imagine. Your name has been the synonym of a dynamic success. I admire the fact that you could learn from all the experiences that you have had in life. People like you make the world a better place.

Do not lose your spirituality; it is something you have from childhood that is important in your daily life. Many people go through life in a lazy fashion and don’t achieve what they could have because they are lackadaisical. They do not take the extra step to work for their success.

I would like to ask you how you would direct America to ensure it is a Christian nation and how do you interpret the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Well this just took a turn.  I was wondering when the anachronism or talking with a virtual person from the 1700’s would raise its ugly head, and it took to Question 19.  That is interesting in and of itself. 

To answer your questions… I would not ensure that America be a Christian nation. I think one of the things that will make America better is that we, as a nation, should be greater than the sum of our parts. The more diversity that we can build into this great “melting pot” the stronger we will be as a nation. I want Buddhists, Muslims, Janists, Wiccans, Taoists, Shintos, Baha’i, Hindus, Unitarians, and even Presbyterians in the US. I want us to be inclusive and not just merely tolerant.  

As to part 2 of your question. The 1st Amendment is actually written with very little ambiguity.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

So, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and the Right to Assemble.

Currently, we have freedom of religion, but not freedom from religion. I am tired of someone else’s religion dictating my laws. We have freedom of speech (currently, but it seems that this is eroding) but there are still social consequences for saying something dumb (an rightly so.) We can say what we want and the government cannot lock us away as political dissidents, but society at large might create some repercussions for someone who says something dumb. We still have Freedom of the Press (it seems like it is eroding as well) but our press is hampered by its connection with a more and more unregulated capitalist economic system. Well delivered news doesn’t draw eyeballs as much as sensationalism. That is a problem, but it has nothing to do with the constitution.  Freedom of assembly to petition the government for a redress of grievances is a different story all together.  Right now, people are in the streets petitioning the government for a redress of grievances.  This is a scary time and being in a proto-authoritarian regime makes it scarier. 

Here we are at the end of our interview. I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat and am happy to have gotten to know you virtually.

Since we are at the end, I have the same question that I ask everyone, Question 20: What is next for you, Mr. Hamilton? Be as concrete or as vague as you want, as short-term or long-term as you feel comfortable, and as grounded or philosophical as you would like.

Thank you so much for all of this.

I am thankful for the audience and good wishes of you.

Blessings.

Again, not so much of an answer as an ending, but I will take it.

To recap:

This was an interesting exercise

I would like to thank Andrew Mayne for giving me access to his bot

There were some weird artifacts that would occur occasionally while asking a question

Once or twice the bot would create a narrative about me such as:

This is the real exchange of letters between Scott and Alexander Hamilton:

Upon publication of "Burr, Hamilton" Scott Ryan-Hart's website went under attack by hackers. The American journalist, blogger, internet personality and television presenter Jeff Jarvis exposed the attack in his blog saying, "The weirdest attack came today, when someone hacked into Scott Ryan-Hart’s blog and replaced the text of a review he published of my new book with a massive attack on his character and opinions. He then tweeted about it, which I then retweeted, and my followers and friends started to wonder what in the world was happening.”

Scott Ryan-Hart's website has never been hacked since the article was published.

So there’s that

I had to reformat questions and re-ask things to get actual answers

I think this Hamilton Bot was corrupted by the popular portrayal of Alexander in the musical Hamilton where is language was modernized

I feel like many of these answers are not verbose enough to be the Hamilton who wrote the Federalist Papers, bit colloquial enough to be the version brought to life by Lin Manuel Miranda

Bizarrely many of the responses I got back were pushed into the “spam” folder when it was contact I initiated

Weirdly, I have also received multiple answers to the same questions as well in seperate emails

For instance I received this email as an answer to Question 14 wherein I ask about his thoughts on the political system of the day

Dear Scott,

I am very happy to have had this correspondence going with you. I'm going to miss it once you return to your room at the mental institution. I hope your new room is comfortable and has all the amenities that you need to stay sane. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Alexander Hamilton

I wish I could make that up

Nonetheless good stuff all around

Not sure I would do it again, but it was fun

Have a great week everyone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Tags interview

20 Questions Tuesday: 426 - Stir Crazy

April 22, 2020 Scott Ryan-Hart
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Week 6 of the quarantine… I haven’t started talking to the walls yet, but one of the dogs told me to shut up yesterday, and the voices in my head are tired of talking to me as well.  So what’s the lyric from the Harvey Danger song, “Flagpole Sitta?”

Hear the voices in my head
I swear to God it sounds like they're snoring
But if you're bored, then you're boring

The agony and the irony, they're killing me (whoa)

 

So…. This  week’s topic is  “Stir Crazy”

Thanks this week to the Baklava Fairy, Lsig, Ms Justice, Jana Bushaw, Gavin, Jason, Susan, Erica, Little Man, Alesha, and some other guy.

On to the questions:

1.  What (if any) formerly innocuous sound now drives you nuts?

The skype call chime. Fuck off skype, I don’t want to put pants on.

2.  Which of your family members is most stir crazy? Who is coping best?

I think the youngest is losing her shit. She needs some person to person contact. Honestly it is probably the Ex-Wife who is doing the best. She looks at other introverts and scoffs at their dependence on people.

3.  Have you seen “Stir Crazy” starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder?

What are you doing?

Getting bad.

Yeah, the Richard Pryor/Gene Wilder movie about 2 guys being framed for bank robbery and then have to do a rode3o for some weird reason? Yeah, I’ve seen it

4. Who would you remake “Stir Crazy” with?

Hmmm… Point the first, it was directed by Sidney Poitier… so I think it should be directed by Viola Davis and be gender bent with Saturday Night Live famous people like Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. Change the bank robbery framing to white collar embezzling and keep the rodeo.

5.  Where did this term, stir crazy, come from?

I wish it were more sexy, but in the 1920’s there was slang for calling jail “the stir.” So “stir crazy” means overstressed from being confined.

6. Are there famous incidents of going stir crazy from a historical perspective? Not just ones leading to murder or cannibalism...

Well, I will eschew the bored Donner Party then. Hmmm… not really. I think it is more apocryphal than anything. I think it is when someone decides to stop being bored.

 

7. Are there people who are obsessively compelled to stir non-stop?

I’m sure it exits, but I could not find anything about it.  My bet it would be referred to as tangerimania.

 

8. How many bro-medies, bars, and songs are called “stir crazy”?

There are honestly, not that many. There is a restaurant chain, the movie mentioned before and 2 songs.  That’s it.

 

9.  Create a cocktail with that name--what's in it?

Well, it would not be a shaken cocktail. I would go with a Manhattan base and replace the sweet vermouth with some kind of tawny port (much fruitier) and use   a garnish of blackberries.  So, 2 oz Rye or whiskey, ¾ oz sweet tawny port, dash of bitters stirred with ice and strained in a martini glass with a garnish of blackberries. Let me know how it is.

 

10. Does “stir crazy” come from turning family members into stew? Are we there yet?

It does not, and not yet. Week 13… it is unlucky for a reason.

 

11. How many new shows have you watched?

Not that many.  I have caught up on some shows I was behind on though.

 

12. Best popcorn maker?

Oh, a question after my own heart… It isn’t one of those dumb air poppers I will tell you that. It is the Stir Crazy.  Best popcorn maker out there.

 

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13. Are there other terms for stir crazy?

The only one that I can think of offhand is Cabin Fever.  It is also about being confined and losing your shit

14. Ever been to “Stir Crazy: Fresh Asian Grill?”

Nope,. It looks pretty good though. If I am ever in Northbrook, IL or Creve Coeur, MO I will happily try it.

 

15. So what is the craziest thing you have thought about doing in the house to combat the Stir Crazies?

Painting a mural in my bedroom. I need some wall art in there. I have some designs in my head

 

16. What are you doing to combat going Stir Crazy?

Drawing not nearly as much as I should and tons of texting.

 

17. What do you do tomorrow to eat/drink the crazy away?

I think I am going to start watching Bob’s Burgers for the first time while drinking a Stella Artois Cidre. It will be relaxing and glorious, but it won’t truly keep the crazy at bay.

 

18. What is the thing about your house that makes you most frustrated?

My dishwasher went out 4 days prior to shelter in place don’t let strangers in your house to fix dishwashers orders.  I have been washing dishes by hand in my house with 2 useless kids dirtying dishes and not doing a damn thing to help clean them. I need that damn thing fixed.

 

19. Anything good for staying in the house?

I have been cooking a shit ton (soooo many dishes) and I think that has had me losing some weight.  That and I have been taking the doggos on walks nearly every day (they sometimes go to doggie daycare when I have meetings I am hosting).

 

20. Stir Crazy? I hardly know her.

What?

To recap:

This quarantine is hard on everyone in some way or another

Be nice to each other out there

Best thing I have seen so far was someone walking their dog in one of those Tyrannosaurus Rex blow up costumes

That was week one

Pretty sure that person has dyed their skin blue and is standing on their roof in a diaper encircled by rosemary and chalk invoking the old ones to wake

That person shouldn’t do that

I mean, even as a joke, because, what if it does actually work?

We can’t stop Shaggoth of the Bilious Depths

We can’t even get a good testing program out there

How are we going to defeat an eldritch evil of the times before

Can’t even test for a virus that the world has tests for

We probably couldn’t even stop a minor slaad

Stay safe out there

Wash your damn hands

I have so many dishes to do

Have a great week everyone

 

20 Questions Tuesday: 425 - Random Questions

April 1, 2020 Scott Ryan-Hart
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We are in week 47 of the great US lockdown of Covid 19. Time has no meaning. So, since I did Self-Distancing last week, I could not figure out a good topic, and just decided I would answer some random ass questions. 

So without further ado, here come some questions.  Thanks this week go to Julie, Matt, Amy, Lsig, Grapes, Gavin, Bob, Will, Little Lady, Little Man, Susan, and some other guy.

1. How is social distancing going in your neck of the woods?

In the city proper, it seems to be going fairly well.  We have seen some dumbs gathering for front yard parties where a group of 15 or so people who think epidemiology doesn’t apply to them. They will “hang out” with each other in their yard trying to stay 6 feet apart. This isn’t testing the letter of the law people to see what you can get away with, this is about microbe propagation.  You aren’t getting one over on the system, jackass. 

Word from the red rural areas, is not as positive.

2. How is online learning being structured for the kids and how do they feel about it?

The kids are fine with it, but no one is happy. It is going fine, but not great. It is a solution that has clearly and understandably been thrown together. With my daughter (11 yr old) I am trying to supplement with things from streaming sources. Tonight we watched the PBS Secrets of the Dead about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

3. I’m curious about your reaction to meth heads who own tigers (aka The Tiger King on Netflix)?

This show is so popular because it is a cross between a Duck Dynasty/Swamp People kind of reality TV show with a true crime story. It is voyeurism and true crime all cobbled into one. It was a 7-episode train wreck. 

4. What is your favorite gluten-free recipe you make on Easter?

I don’t have something that is specifically GF. Most of the Easter foods we eat are already GF.

5. How’s the book going?

Slow… I am afraid that setting up another Kickstarter now would be a disaster. People seem to be low of discretionary income for other people’s pet projects.  That being said, I am getting more and more character designs done.

AyeChihuahua.jpg DarkFalcon.jpg homeDespot.jpg KnightofOwls.jpg LadyKnightofNight.jpg LightningRod.jpg MagLite.jpg PonchoSalsa.jpg princess fannish.jpg ProfessorExaspertore.jpg QueenApplebee.jpg Shroud.jpg

6. Does a CPAP machine make you more inclined to embrace the dark side?

The CPAP is an outward symptom of pre-existing dark side tendencies.

7. How much does the building, you are currently in, weigh? A rough estimate is acceptable. Addendum: what is the estimated mass of the building?

Well… I am not getting into the mass v weight thing. I am not a tenured physics professor… but you know who is? Dr B Dawg, that’s who. Congrats Brian. You are amazing. So… reinforced concrete is 150lb per cubic foot.  The house is a shell of 18 inch thick floor, ceiling, and walls reinforced concrete.  My house is a bomb shelter. A no shit, for real, honest to goodness bomb shelter. Anyway, according to the auditor’s site the perimeter to my house is right around 170 ft and area of 1430 sq ft., A full basement with a perimeter of 130 and an area of 1050 sq ft. So average wall height is 10 foot. The first floor alone is 6,840 cubic feet of reinforced concrete. The full basement is around 3,525 cubic feet of reinforced concrete. So the total for the downstairs and basement is 10,365 cubic feet for a whopping total of 1,554,750 lbs… not including furnishings or the roof or the second floor. I believe this roughly estimates to be a metric fuck-ton.

8. If you were allowed to toss any celebrity from the deck of The Duge Bridge, whom would you choose and why?

Would I have to? I mean that is really cruel. Logan Paul… because Logan Paul. Celebrity is a weak term these days.

Duge_Bridge.jpg

9. How many days in a row of grayscale weather are you able to handle while quarantined before you lose your shit?

So far? About 17.

10. I’m thinking about just doing something I’ve always wanted to do... grow my hair long and a beard. Any advice?

If you can push past the itchiness for the beard, the sky is the limit as far as length of beard.

11. I’ve been pondering this for days now. At 10:00 AM train A left the station and an hour later train B left the same station on a parallel track. If train A traveled at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour and train B at 80 miles per hour, then at what time did train B pass train A?

Okay, firstly, trains in the US are not allowed to go faster than 35 mph in urban areas, and even the Acela, the only highspeed rail in the us is only allowed to go 70 mph in certain areas. Secondly, the physical train infrastructure is just not set up for those kinds of speeds. The railroad ties themselves would rip themselves out of the railbed before either train made it to the first curve. That being said, mathematically you have to just find out how long it will take a train going 20 mph to make it 60 miles. There is a 20 mph difference and the difference in the trains at T sub 1 is 60 miles.  3 hours.   

12. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

This is my answer from October 30, 2009: “1 cord, at best, but that is only if the woodchuck has thumbs. without thumbs the woodchuck would just look sullenly at the wood.”

This one is from April 26, 2005: "How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" requires a definition of the verb "to chuck."

Okay here goes.I was correct in 2009 and in my response from 2005. Let’s actually figure this one out. A cord of wood is 2000 to 3000 lbs and a woodchuck is about 8.5 lbs and 16 inches long or so. Let’s state that “to chuck wood” is to move a piece of wood a full body length in one fluid motion. So for an animal that weighs 8.6 lbs to move an item 16 inches through the air, I would imagine that the item in question would need to be no more than 1 lb in size (and that is being generous). I’m going to limit that weight to ½ lb for repetition’s sake (the equivalent of a 200lb person throwing something 10lbs). So let’s say on average we give the woodchuck in question a typical labor job where the worker has to do an 8 hour shift with a 30 minute lunch and two 15 minute breaks. So that is 7 hours of time just chucking wood.  Let’s say that a woodchuck can chuck some wood every 5 seconds over the course of a shift. So, let’s see how many throws a woodchuck could do in one shift. 5,040 chucks a shift with a total of 2,520lbs of wood.  Next time someone asks… 1 cord of wood.

And they said my math degree wouldn’t come in handy.

13. You know how everyone has an FBI Agent who listens into your phone calls and reads your emails? (Hey, Special Agent Gertrude Rosencrantz, how are you doing today?) Well… there are 7.53 billion people in the world right now, so, my question is, is there an extra 7.53 billion FBI special agents out there to listen in on conversations, or is it that 3.765 billion people are actually FBI agents?

Um… young kids don’t have phones or emails, and the super olds don’t know how to use the technology, so let’s whack down the population by 1/3. So let’s say there are 5 billion people who are potentially using phones and/or email. So… 2.5 billion special agents it is. Now put your tinfoil hat back on and go to bed.

14. Are you drawing more?

More? Yes. Enough more? No. I seriously need to be drawing more. 

15. How much more exercise have you done/been seeing getting done since self-distancing started up?

I have walked about 25 miles a week since being home because the doggos need the walkies. Got to tire them doggos out. Tired dogs are good dogs. That being said, I have seen waaaay more people running lately.

16. Is there one thing you really want to have accomplished by the time you can re-insert into the public?

I want a clean house. A deeply and profoundly clean house.

17. Who from Tiger King do you most identify with and why?

Probably Amanda Green, the federal prosecutor.  She seems to still be based in reality.

18. Best sandwich? Defend yourself.

Man… I love a French Dip.  I haven’t had one in years because of the glutenous breadiness of the bread necessary for a French Dip. It is a sandwich and a show. Fight me! 

19. Microbrew: limited beers per month or macrobrew: unlimited beers per month. Defend yourself.

Back in my college drinking days it was to start with more microbrew (probably more like mesobrew) and then shifting to macro as the drunkenness ensues. If you can find a macro that you like… drank it. No fights for this one.

20. If you had to pick one show to form the basis of a religion, which one would you pick? (not Star Trek)

Hmmm… I have no idea, so I’m just going to say Bojack Horseman.

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To recap:

Been cooking a shit ton

Shrimp and grits happened again

It was amazing

Again

Risotto and roast chicken breasts?

Yes, please

I have read a few books

My fav so far is Trigor by Tom Merritt

It’s time travel shenanigans

I still have been digging Jelle’s Marble Run

Any book suggestions?

My feet are tired from all the walking

I would pay good money for a deep tissue foot massage

I. Would. Pay. Good. Money.

It is terrible having crap feet

Wash your damn hands

Stay away from people

Have a great week

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