May 14, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- Rise of the Machines

What was once Science Fiction in the movies 30 years ago, is now reality--or at least a serious question that must be addressed.  AI Overview responded to the following prompt:

“What is AI's prediction of when AI will seize control with the ability to override guardrails established by humans?”

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

Read the response provided by AI Overview by clicking here:  Rise of the Machines  (PDF file, 363 words, 2 pages).

May 11, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- Immersive AI and VR

Hundreds--thousands of data centers will be covering the planet in the very near future.  Among the many wonderful outcomes they may offer, are possibly more sinister and morally questionable scenarios, with damaging effects.  Motives of profitablility may outweigh the quest for knowledge that benefits the human race and the environment. 

One can envision a world where AI and VR have run amuck.   The uncontrolled development of AI and VR may foreshadow wicked intensions such as addictive and hypnotic effects, mind control, or a collapse of human will and ambition.  Could it become the delivery mechanisms for the ultimate pornographic experience under the guise of free speech or educational content. 

The attached short conversation addresses aspects of where it may begin, or possibly has already begun:  Immersive AI and VR  (PDF File 289 words, 1 page).

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

May 7, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- Square-Cube Principle and Health

I asked:

Is there a link between the square-cube principle and its effect on very tall and large people (that do not exhibit gigantism) regarding overall health and longevity?

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

AI Overview said . . . Click here to Read the Reply to this question plus more on the normal growth rate pattern (PDF file, 957 words, 3 pages).

May 7, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- Iran (aka, Persia), Then and Now (A Western Perspective)

The following is a scholarly review in historical context that suggests the following:   Are we still fighting World War II ?

I have again sought the help of AI Overview to answer these questions:

• Did Rommel or Hitler ever intrude upon or threaten Iran in the 30s and 40s?

• Following WWII did any German war criminals seek refuge in Iran? 

• Do any Nazi ideological remnants resulting from Germany – Iranian relations from the 30s and 40s exist in Iran today?

Click here to Read the Reply to these questions (PDF file, 1,057 words, 4 pages).

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

May 3, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview – Internet Disconnect

I asked:

“As the internet becomes more commercial with increased expectations to seek out services behind pay walls, what would happen if there was a mass consumer revolt and 90% of current users cut the cord on the internet and cell phone services?”

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

AI Overview said:

A mass exodus of 90% of the digital population would trigger a . . . read on  (PDF file, 1,626 words, 6 pages).

Tom's Tidbits for Today -- 05-01-2026
Spring Cleaning

• Consider hiring a reputable rain gutter repair service rather than having a complete replacement.  Your older, more durable steel gutters may withstand harsh winter conditions such as heavy snow and freeze-and-thaw ice buildup conditions better than some of the newer, easily dented light-weight designs.  A thorough cleaning, sealing with caulking, and a few adjustments, may be all that is required. 

• Get an estimate and compare.
  
  

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

April 30, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview:  Automotive Manufacturing—3D Printing and Other Processes

I asked:

“Will new processes of manufacturing automobile parts using computer innovation that joins hundreds of layers of synthetic materials strong enough to endure years of stress and load created from vibration, torque, and large temperature fluctuations be viable considering a variety of road conditions?”  Is there a possibility that component layers will separate or become too brittle, lose rigidity, or prematurely decompose?”

Click Here to Read AI Overview's response.  In additon, Overview was asked to comment on whether these automobiles would likely become non-functional junk after a few years, meaning they were destined to never become vintage cars in 50 to 75+ years like vehicles manucfactured with steel and other metals in the past.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

April 25, 2026  Conversation with Gemini AI  -- Online Gambling and Speculative Schemes

I asked:

“What effect will unregulated sports betting and predictive speculation schemes have on the profitability for the current U.S Tribal Casinos nationwide, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City?”

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

Gemini said:

As of 2026, the intersection of unregulated sports betting and the explosion of prediction markets (speculative platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket) is creating a significant shift in the U.S. gambling landscape. While traditional "brick-and-mortar" hubs like Las Vegas and Atlantic City have shown resilience, Indian Casinos face a more complex, potentially existential challenge.

1. U.S. Indian Casinos: The "Existential Threat"

For many Tribal nations, unregulated and quasi-regulated digital markets represent a direct bypass of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

• Sovereignty at Risk: Tribal casinos rely on exclusive "compacts" with states. Prediction markets often use "event contracts" (betting on game outcomes or player stats) that bypass these state-tribal agreements, effectively draining revenue from tribal lands without the required revenue-sharing or local economic investment.

• Lack of Tax Parity: Unregulated platforms don’t pay the tribal fees or state taxes that support reservation infrastructure. By 2026, experts warn that if these "speculation schemes" are not brought under the same regulatory umbrella as tribal gaming, the funding for tribal health, education, and roads could see a sharp decline.

•  Geographic Disadvantage: Unlike Vegas, which is a destination, many tribal casinos rely on regional "convenience" gambling. Online unregulated platforms eliminate the need for locals to drive to the reservation.

2. Las Vegas: Resilience through Diversification

Las Vegas is currently navigating these changes better than any other sector by leaning into "The Experience."

• Non-Gaming Profitability: Vegas has successfully shifted its primary profit drivers from the "casino floor" to entertainment, high-end dining, and sports tourism. Unregulated betting might take a "handle" (total bet volume) away from the physical sportsbooks, but it cannot replace the $1,000-a-night hotel room or the Formula 1 ticket.

• Omni-Channel Strategy: Major Vegas operators (like MGM and Caesars) have launched their own regulated apps to compete. They view unregulated markets as a "marketing funnel" that familiarizes younger people with betting, eventually drawing them to the physical Strip for a "pro" experience.

3. Atlantic City: The "Cannibalization" Struggle

Atlantic City remains the most vulnerable of the major commercial hubs.

• Digital Cannibalization: Unlike Vegas, Atlantic City relies heavily on day-trippers from NY, PA, and NJ. With the rise of prediction markets and unregulated offshore sites, the incentive to travel to the Boardwalk is dwindling.

• Tax Pressures: New Jersey has proposed mandatory deposit limits and higher tax rates on regulated apps to combat gambling harm. This ironically makes unregulated platforms more attractive to high-volume "whales" because they offer higher limits and fewer restrictions, further eroding Atlantic City’s revenue base.

4. The Rise of "Predictive Speculation"

The term "predictive speculation" refers to platforms that frame gambling as "trading" (similar to stocks).

• The "Gamification" Effect: These schemes use financial language to bypass gambling laws. By April 2026, prediction markets grossed nearly $18 billion in a single month.

•  Impact on Profitability: This "shadow" industry is estimated to have cost state governments and traditional casinos nearly $800 million in lost tax revenue since early 2025. Because these platforms have lower overhead (no buildings, no dealers) and pay little to no gaming tax, they can offer better "odds" or lower "rake" than a physical casino, making it nearly impossible for brick-and-mortar establishments to compete on price alone.

April 23, 2026  Conversation with Gemini AI – EV’s Extended Range for Remote Areas

The distance between Tesla Superchargers along I-94 from Jamestown, ND to Glendive, MT, is 295 miles.  In early 2026 there are no Tesla Superchargers between these cities.  Driving this route during the winter when it’s 20+ degrees below zero against a strong westerly wind may find a full recharge in Jamestown running out of juice about a hundred miles short of the next Supercharger in Glendive.

Maybe one could tow a low profile four-wheeled trailer containing several battery arrays tethered to the vehicle for extended cross-country trips.

Concept Drawing—Tesla Extended Range Tow-Behind Trailer Rental.  Suggested rental fee:  Pay for the the full charge up front; the trailer rental is $.02 per mile, thereafter.

Prompt:

“Create a photo realistic concept image of a Tesla Sedan towing a low profile—four-wheeled sealed matching aerodynamic trailer containing three auxiliary Tesla battery arrays for extended continuous driving.  The trailer has a conventional hitch and in addition, a cable is routed to the charging input on the vehicle.  Display the car and trailer as it is traveling west on Interstate 94 with a green road sign showing the Miles to Glendive:  295 miles.  The Sun is shining.”

________________________________

Comment:

When improved EV batteries possess the capacity to extend mileage by 4x, or about 1,200 miles (allowing for extra weight) the emptied trailer could be converted into a Small Cargo/Luggage Carrier, Toy Hauler, or a Collapsible Pull-Behind Camper.  Rental fees would vary based on usage. 

Printable Version of this Post  (PDF file, 1 page).

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

Gemini Image:

April 22, 2026 Conversation with AI Overview -- Stock Market Crash (Business and Finance)

This post was made In view of recent observations published by the "experts."

I asked:

“Define Stock Market Crash and identify indicators?”

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

AI Overview said:

A stock market crash is a sudden, dramatic, and significant decline in stock prices, typically exceeding 20% in a few days or weeks, driven by panic selling, economic shocks, or bursting bubbles. Unlike slow market corrections, crashes are abrupt, often reducing wealth rapidly and shifting investor behavior toward extreme caution. 

U.S. News Money +3

Key Indicators of a Potential Stock Market Crash

• Extreme Valuations (Shiller CAPE): Stock prices become significantly higher than their actual worth, creating a bubble.

• High Volatility (VIX): Sudden spikes in the Volatility Index indicate market fear.

• Inverted Yield Curve: Short-term bond yields exceed long-term ones, often signaling an impending recession.

• Excessive Margin Debt: High levels of borrowing to purchase stocks, which forces selling when prices fall.

• Economic Shocks/Negative Data: Rising inflation, high interest rate hikes, or a rapid GDP slowdown.

• Market Breadth Deterioration: Fewer stocks participating in a market rally, suggesting weakness. 

Wikipedia +4

Main Causes and Characteristics

• Panic Selling: Fear-driven, rapid liquidation of assets.

•  Liquidity Crisis: A sudden lack of buyers in the market.

• External Shocks: Geopolitical events (war), pandemics, or unforeseen catastrophes.

• Automated Trading: High-frequency trading systems amplifying downward movements. 

Bitget +4

April 21, 2026 Conversation with Gemini -- Daily Workout – 2026

If you can imagine it, Gemini will create it.

I asked:

"Create a photo realistic image of a couple standing and facing the camera inside a fitness center next to some elliptical equipment and tread mills.  The man is average in size and is wearing a muscle shirt, gym trunks, and low cut gym shoes with ankle socks. He is wearing his hair in a large bun and his arms and portions of his shins and neck are tattooed.

The woman is slender and quite muscular.  She is wearing her hair short and is also tattooed similar to her partner's.  She is wearing a sports bra top with midriff exposed along with a pair of shin-high sports pants with gym shoes and ankle socks.  They have been working out and are lightly perspiring.  In the background are other individuals exercising."

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

Gemini Image:

April 15, 2026  Happy IRS Day !

April 11, 2026  Gradual Decline of Small-town America

It's not happening everywhere, but a few here and there is a few too many.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

April 14, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- The Good Old Days -- Computer Education.

The following prompt developed into some interesting dialog that covers approximately the last 30 years of my teaching career.

Prompt:

“When I first began providing computer training to high school students, personal computers and the technology were so new that what I taught students was based on what I had freshly learned a day or two before. Other than attending a few teacher workshops that introduced personal computers (TRS 80, Commodore, and Apple II), there was a lack of educational materials that focused on these specific models. Therefore, I created a variety of Units of Instruction as the year progressed. Additionally, equipment changed quickly and teaching materials required major revision every year.  Your comments please.”

At our school, prior to the personal computer era, classroom computer instruction was limited to Practice Sets including punch cards that were intended to be coded using a pencil or to be manually collated, sorted, or filed. 

Other activities included designing computer programming flow charts using a plastic stencil that helped draw neat little rectangles, triangles, ovals, lines, and circles, etc. to represent input, output, goto, decision, and end instructions, etc. This did not provide much experience for what was about to happen in the classroom when the first personal computer was introduced.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

AI Overview kept the discussion going by asking pertinent questions.  Read the complete Conversation here:  The Good Old Days -- Computer Education from an instructors point of view (PDF file, 3,101 words, 11 pages).

April 10, 2026  Conversation with AI Overview -- AI's Effects on the Crytocurrency Industry

I asked:

"Has AI revolutionized the crytocurrency industry regarding data mining?"

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Representing Inquiry, Not Opinion

AI Overview said:

Yes, AI has revolutionized the cryptocurrency industry, particularly in its industrial application—mining and infrastructure optimization. The integration of AI has moved from speculative testing to a core operational strategy, enhancing efficiency in Bitcoin mining, securing networks through threat detection, and enabling a major strategic pivot where mining infrastructure is repurposed for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI model training. 

Time Magazine +4

Key Revolutionary Impacts of AI on Crypto Mining

• Operational Efficiency (Data Mining Optimization): AI algorithms are used to optimize energy consumption in real-time, adjusting ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) settings to maximize performance while reducing power waste. This is vital for lowering costs, as AI can automatically balance electricity loads and minimize downtime through predictive maintenance of hardware.

• The "Pivot" to AI Data Centers: Due to declining mining profitability (hashprice) and rising AI demand, numerous industrial miners are transitioning into AI infrastructure providers. By 2027, an estimated 20% of global Bitcoin mining capacity is projected to shift to AI workloads. Major miners like Core Scientific, TeraWulf, and Riot Platforms are pivoting to host GPU servers for AI, offering more stable, multi-year, contract-based revenue.

• Predictive Analytics and Trading: AI trading bots analyze large volumes of on-chain data (transaction volumes, wallet activity) and off-chain data (sentiment analysis) to help miners time the market for selling mined coins to maximize profit, reducing risk from high volatility.

• Increased Security and Threat Detection: AI tools, such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), are used to monitor blockchain transactions in real time to detect fraudulent activities, phishing scams, and suspicious patterns, strengthening the overall security of the ecosystem. 

MDPI +6

• The "Paradox of Efficiency" and Strategic Shifts

By early 2026, the industry is undergoing a "radical transformation," often described as "infrastructure cannibalization," where miners sell accumulated Bitcoin reserves to fund the conversion of mining facilities into AI factories, often sacrificing hashrate to achieve higher-margin, more predictable revenues. While this pivot lowers the energy used for crypto mining, it reallocates that capacity to AI data centers, which have surpassed Bitcoin mining in total energy consumption. 

WIRED +2

AI's Role in Future Crypto Operations

AI is evolving into an indispensable tool that makes mining more sustainable and accessible. It is enabling new models, such as NFT-backed digital mining (e.g., GoMining), which use AI-powered optimizations to allow smaller users to participate without owning physical hardware.

____________________________

More about Crypto

I asked:  

"What is more cost efficient and safe to use, U.S. Currency or Cryptocurrency?"

AI Overview said:

U.S. currency is generally safer and more stable, while cryptocurrency is often more cost-efficient, particularly for large or international transactions. The choice between them depends on whether you prioritize protection against theft and loss or speed and reduced fees. 

Fidelity +4

Cost Efficiency

• Cryptocurrency: Often cheaper, especially for international transfers, as it eliminates intermediaries. Fees are typically flat (e.g., $1–$5 for Bitcoin) regardless of amount, whereas banks may charge high percentage-based fees.

• U.S. Currency: While cash is free to exchange personally, bank transactions and wire transfers often come with high processing fees (2%–7% for international).

• Verdict: Crypto is often more cost-efficient for cross-border and large transactions, while small daily transactions may have negligible cost differences depending on blockchain gas fees. 

• Pay With Flash +4

Safety and Security

• U.S. Currency: Generally considered safer for the average user. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, and traditional banking offers fraud protection and dispute resolution (chargebacks).

• Cryptocurrency: Security is high in terms of technology (blockchain is hard to fake), but it is "user-responsible." If you lose your private keys or get hacked, there is rarely any recourse or insurance to recover funds.

• Verdict: U.S. currency is safer for the average person due to institutional backing and consumer protection, while cryptocurrency offers "sovereignty" that can be highly secure but carries higher risk of permanent loss due to user error or exchange hacks. 

• Fidelity +2

Other Key Comparisons

• Volatility: U.S. currency is stable. Cryptocurrency is notoriously volatile, with significant price changes possible within hours.

• Acceptance: Cash is universally accepted; cryptocurrency is not.

• Speed: Crypto is typically faster for cross-border transfers (minutes vs. days). 

Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (.gov) +4

Summary Table

Feature U.S. Currency Cryptocurrency

Safety High (FDIC Insured, Stable) High Tech, Low Recourse (User Responsibility)

Costs Higher for International Lower (No Intermediaries)

Volatility Low (Stable) High (Speculative)

Speed Slow (Bank Business Days) Fast (24/7, Minutes)

Usage Retail, Taxes, Bills Digital Asset, Investment, International

Tom's Tidbits for Today -- 04-01-2026

• As of early 2026, the total daily AI-related FLOPs (Floating Point Operations) performed in the United States are exceptionally high, driven by a surge in "agentic AI" traffic—which grew by over 7,800% in 2025—and widespread adoption across U.S. data centers with processing processing estimated to be 10^23 -- 10^24 FLOPS requiring approximately 4.4% of the nation's electrical power consumption 176 TWh of electricity annually or .482 TWh daily as of early 2026.  AI-driven racks frequently exceed 50 kW per rack, leading to immense power density. 

Key details regarding the current state of AI racks include:

• Deployment Velocity: Hyperscale cloud providers (such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google) were deploying an estimated 1,000 NVL72 racks per week in 2025, a pace expected to continue into 2026.

• Total Estimates: Estimates for 2025/2026 suggest a range of 50,000 to 60,000+ specialized AI racks across the US industry.

• Power Density & Shift: Modern AI racks are highly dense, with some new deployments, such as NVIDIA NVL72 racks, capable of delivering power densities of 100 kilowatts (kW) to 120 kW per rack, with future designs aiming for 1 MW.

• Capacity Growth: In 2026, the US is expected to have 2,528 active data centers, with active AI-dedicated capacity reaching 8.2 GW.

• Market Growth: The US AI server market is expanding rapidly, with hardware spending poised to grow at a 30.56% CAGR through 2031. 

The shift from training to inference workloads is accelerating the deployment of these racks, as companies move from testing to full production, with inference expected to represent two-thirds of AI compute by 2026.

More Tid Bits

• For a modern, large-scale AI application (like a GPT-4 class model) to respond to a 10-word question, it requires roughly 100 billion to 1 trillion computer operations (FLOPs - Floating Point Operations). 

• Let it be known.  Many AI models—specifically large language models (LLMs)—frequently provide answers without first checking, validating, or authenticating the facts they provide. These models are designed to generate the most probable next string of words based on patterns in their training data, rather than to serve as verified knowledge bases.

Typical error rates (hallucinations) for Large Language Models (LLMs) regarding factual accuracy are high, with studies and industry benchmarks often showing error rates between 5% and 50%. While top-tier models can achieve 85–90% accuracy on complex tasks, production-level reliability in specialized or complex scenarios often falls significantly, with some reports citing unreliability rates as high as 40%.

• When asked:  The "collective weight" of all digital data (the bits and bytes themselves, separate from the storage device) is a matter of ongoing scientific discussion, but it is virtually zero for all practical purposes.  The estimated total mass of all data stored globally is likely on the order of a small fraction of a gram or less, far too small to be measured with current standard equipment. 

• Lunar pits and shadowed caves--particularly in the Mare Tranquillitatis region offer stable, "shirt-sleeve" temperatures, around 63 degrees F. / 17 degrees C., ideal for human habitation.  In the future solar power could be used to extract oxygen and hydrogen from the moon's surface minerals for breatheable air and water.  Robotics could be uttilized to construct infracture for future human settlement, manufacturing, and food production.

Source:  Google Labs | AI Overview

Most Importantly

• If you want to see what Mrs. Butterworth's face really looks like on a Syrup Bottle.  Hold a flashlight behind the back of her head and project her image onto a white  paper plate held approximately 10 inches away--you will need to adjust the focus and angle.  Show your kids and your friends, too.  You will be the life of the party!

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Reprensenting Inquiry, Not Opinion

March 27, 2026 Conversation with Gemini -- Magnificent Banquet Hall

Prompts for Gemini:

Gemini Image #1 – Banquet Hall

Create a lavish banquet table within an extravagant dining hall. No people are in the view. The image is pictured from a diagonal vantage point in order to show a table capable of seating twenty-two people (one person on each end with ten people per side).  The ornate banquet/Dining table is covered with a white table cloth. The chairs are also ornate and upholstered with light blue fabric on the seats and back rests.

The dinnerware is blue and white china with silverware and napkins. crystal water glasses are at each place setting. There are numerous centerpieces of polished silver, also ornate and filled with various fruits. Three bright crystal vases containing colorful but tasteful flowers are interspersed among the other centerpieces. The room is brightly illuminated with crystal chandeliers and numerous sconces. Landscape paintings adorn the walls with guilded moldings everywhere.

Gemini Image #2 – Guests Have Arrived

Populate the previous image with formally dressed dinner guests—middle-age and elderly men and women. Everyone is enjoying their first course that has been served by four attendants who can be seen standing near the walls in the background. They are also dressed in formal attire befitting servants and house staff for such an occasion.

Gemini Image #3 - Ensuing Food Fight

Near the end of the multi-course feast, a food fight breaks out.  Even the staff gets in on the action.  Some of the dinner guests are even standing up hurling food, while others are seated doing the same.  Things get very messy!  It is no longer a dignified event.  Most people are laughing, others are not.

March 26, 2026 Conversation with Gemini -- Ornate Pocket Watch

Prompt for Gemini:

Please create an image of an ornate gold pocket watch with the watch case cover open.  Through the watch crystal can be seen the dial with the hands set at 1:00.  All the detailed minute and second marks are clearly shown along with a tiny dial that shows the seconds sweep hand.  Near the center is the name of the Watchmaker whose name is written using calligraphy: "Bolton".  Attached to the stem is a fancy gold fob (chain).  The outer casing has intricate engravings.  The watch is positioned inside an equally ornate wooden jewelry box lined with maroon velvet.

Tom's Tidbit for Today -- 03-01-2026

• The Big Dance!  Who is the best team in College Basketball?  Ask AI.

Source:  Google Labs | AI Overview

Tom's Tidbits for Today -- 02-01-2026

• The shortcut key to open the "Clear browsing data" menu in Chrome on Windows is Ctrl + Shift + Delete. This instantly opens the dialog box to clear history, cookies, and cache.  

• The shortcut to open the "Clear browsing data" menu in Chrome on macOS is Command (\⌘) + Shift + Delete. This instantly brings up the settings menu to clear your history, cookies, and cache. 

• "Six Degrees of Separation" (1929) suggests that all people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. As a result, a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can connect any two people in a maximum of six steps.  However, since social media has evolved, the number of degrees may now average about 3.5 -- 4 degrees of separation.   Facebook (2016): Research on their massive user base showed the average distance had dropped to 3.57.

• Based on sociological models of network size in America, each individual in a group of 10 acquaintances would likely have an estimated 500 to 600 unique acquaintances. 

Source:  Google Labs | AI Overview

January 14, 2026  Conversation with Gemini -- Moth Identification (Science, Biology, Entomology, Taxonomy, and Photography)

The photos of a  large moth were originally posted July 13, 2022 (see 2022 Archive Link on Home Page).  They were recently included in the January 11 Image gallery posted further down the page.  No attempt to identify the moth had been made until today.

Instead of going directly to an online field guide or insect identification book, Gemini was first asked to identify the moth based on my photos and a description.   I would later verify the moth based on Gemini's analysis.  Gemini narrowed the search considerably, but it would take a few prompt modifications before Gemini correctly identified the species.  Using Gemini eliminated having to browse hundreds of moth images; however, it was still a time consuming process.  Having photos for final verification is more humane than having specimens that are needlessly killed or captured.

After modifying my description a half dozen times, Gemini was able to zero in on the moth's true identity.  Earlier descriptions identified the Genus based on its size and location and other features, but it wasn't until I described the serrated appearance of its wings did it determine it was a "Waved Sphinx Moth," Ceratomia undulosa.  I had noticed that Gemini's other suggested sphinx species of moths had smooth edges on their wings.  The most precise description is shown below:

You asked:

“I have provided a front and top view of a large moth photographed in our back yard in North Dakota.  It is estimated to be 2 ½ inches in length with a wingspan in flight of approximately 3 inches.  Notably, this moth has serrated wings when folded and resting.  It also has  two  eye-like spots on its forewings and has a very frightening appearance when viewed from the front with a nearly pointed head rather than being rounded or blunt. Can you match the images with known species and provide its common name as well as its Genus and species?  Our yard has a variety of trees including Ash, Elm, Flowering Crab Apple, Lilac, Pine and Poplar. There are also various hedges that yield non-edible, ornamental berries.” 

Gemini said: 

Based on the detailed photos and your description of the location and host trees, you have found a Waved Sphinx Moth.

Specifically, this is likely Ceratomia undulosa.

See remarks below.

Click Here or on the image at the right to view the large-format PDF file.  (Note:  Horizontal Scroll Bar in Chrome appears across the bottom when the Magnification setting reaches 175% or 200% depending on Full View or Thumbnail  View  mode of the PDF file.  Shift-Scroll Up or Down will also move horizontally at these magnifications. Lastly, Ctrl-Scroll zooms In and Out of everything--not recommended.

Tom's Tidbits for Today -- 01-01-2026

☠️    ☠️   ☠️     

• AI systems can be poisoned, fed malicious data, and, according to recent research, infected with self-propagating, destructive "AI worms". Attackers can inject poisoned data to create backdoors, such as causing autonomous vehicles to ignore stop signs or manipulating AI into stealing sensitive personal information. 

Source:  Google Labs | AI Overview

    English and Spanish Vocabulary

(Scripts Created with Gemini)