More . . . Continued

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

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.

January 12, 2026  Personal Finance -- Cap on Credit Card Interest (Opinion)

Since the inception of credit cards, the banking industry and credit card companies have disproportionately burdened the working class. Many individuals and families live paycheck to paycheck and lack the ability to accumulate meaningful savings that could otherwise be used to purchase goods and services they consider necessary.

For the past five or six decades, the central lure of credit cards has been the promise to “buy now, pay later.” In earlier years, usury laws regulated interest rates, with some variation from state to state. Generally, interest rates on consumer loans did not exceed 7 or 8 percent annually. Today, however, it is common to see credit card interest rates that are three times higher.

Federal and state regulations limiting interest rates are, at best, unclear. The only relief often comes in the form of promotional offers created by competing banks and credit card companies vying for billions in profit. In many cases, providers actively encourage increased spending through cash-back programs and similar incentives.

It is refreshing to see someone finally speaking on behalf of those who are powerless and overburdened by credit card debt driven largely by compounding interest. Federal and state governments, along with the legal system, have been aligned with big business for far too long. Current laws benefit the wealthy at an unjustifiable expense to the consumer.

Responsible lender risk management should be achieved by lowering credit limits for individuals with poor credit histories, not by continuously hiking interest rates until unpaid balances become punitive—a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.

In my view, a 10 percent annual interest rate cap on all credit cards is reasonable, while rates approaching 30 percent are indefensible. Lower caps would be even better. What ultimately becomes of this proposal remains to be seen.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus
Original Version Edited by ChatGPT

January 7, 2026  A Conversation With ChatGPT -- The Danger Zone:  20--50 Years    (AI and Robotics)

I watched and listened to a disturbing interview on TV last night with an expert about humanoid robotics, AI, and what role they will play in the near future. 

This morning I woke up and immediately started thinking about the subject matter.  The following post is mostly contained in the linked narrative and series of questions asking ChatGPT for answers/comments that were prompted by my recollection of the interview on TV:   Danger Zone (PDF file, 1,772 words, 8 pages).

I have conversed with ChatGPT in the past concerning "The Terminator"  SciFi prediction.  It seemed much more relevant today, based on what the expert speculated regarding deployment of humanoid robots to households across America.  ChatGPT's initial response led to a second and third question followed by its replies.

ChatGPT requires some insistance on the part of the user in order to gain exacting information.  The "Danger Zone" response came from my second question, when the intial response, in my mind, provided a somewhat evasive reply. 

The second response was similarly inconclusive and seemed to be skirting the question.

Finally, based on the ongoing conversation, I narrowed my third question down to either a choice between whether we will need to "pull the plug" or  will "AI and humanoid robotics prevail" which would mean the end of humanity.  Here was part of ChatGPT's final remarks:

The final, uncomfortable truth

If humanity ends—or diminishes—it will not be because someone decided to end it.

It will be because:

• Convenience outweighed conscience

• Efficiency outran wisdom

• Delegation replaced responsibility
  
  

AI will not ask, “Is human existence necessary?”

______________________________

Comments:

• Although thought provoking, this post should be regarded as speculative and non-factual reading entertainment suggesting that extreme caution must be taken as we venture further into the new and emerging world of AI and robotics.

• If this post should survive 20 to 50 years into the future, what might people from those generations think of it?

• A related story can be read by clicking the More Odds and Ends link.  Then scroll down to the September 20, 2025 post:  Today's Conversation with ChatGPT -- The Future 

ThougtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

January 6, 2026  Audio -- Reading Mode for Non-readers Using Chrome, FireFox and Edge

For many, reading is difficult for a number of reasons--visual impairment, discomfort or low vision, etc.   Others find that they lack time.  For many, reading is simply not an enjoyable leisure activity or they may find it difficult to stay on task.  For some of these people, however, there remains a curiosity about what stories books tell that others are always talking about.

 ________________________

Notes:  The easiest way, in my opinion, to launch the "Reading Mode" in Google Chrome is to . . .

1. 1.  First, navigate to the web page or link containing  the reading content.

   2.  Second, open the Main Menu (3 dots) of your Chrome Browser located on the right side of the screen:  go down to "More Tools" and Select "Reading Mode" from the options list.

   3. Third, drag your mouse over the part of the page you want to read.  Click the blue Start Button (triangle) near the top left corner of the Reading Model Panel.

   4. Some PDF content may not have been formatted correctly for audio playback when accessed online.  The problem is with the PDF file's formatting word wrap and margins, not the reader mode itself.

   5. ChatGPT content that you have generated using AI, for example, should playback correctly.  That might be a good place to start for reliable source data flows the way it's supposed to.  The text is played back seamlessly using the Reading Mode in Chrome.  Open a free ChatGPT account and have at it.  Other AI options can be considered as well.

   6. Gutenberg.org is a free and vast digital library.  Their opening story sounds good to me when read online from their website using Chrome's Reading Mode.

   7. Lastly, when Chrome's Reading Mode inserts too many pauses while reading a PDF that is not fully compatible with the reading mode (see #4 above), there are a several options that may improve the quality of audio playback.

• Offline Option 1:  Download the linked PDF file below, for example--Synopses of 22 Famous Books, and drag and drop it on Chrome Browser's home page to open it.  Right click anywhere on the text and Select "Open Reading Mode" from the drop-down window.  The text in the right panel will appear to be tied together w/o line breaks that eliminates most of the annoying pauses.

• Offline Option  2:  Download the linked PDF file below and open it with "PDF Gear" (pdfgear.com free app). The contents should play seamlessly from line to line when using PDF Gear's Reader Mode (maybe with the exception of undesireable code that is embedded somewhere in the document).   Synopses of 22 Famous Books by Famous Authors (PDF file,  3,032 words, 8 pages).

• FireFox "Read aloud" Extension:  Add this extension to FireFox and Pin it to your FireFox toolbar.  Works good for online audio playback of PDF linked files.  On the other hand, offline drag and drop using FireFox is less friendly (doesn't work like Chrome--haven't figured it out yet).

• Microsoft Edge built-in "Read aloud":  is perhaps the easiest online reader of the three browsers listed.  Once a link to a web page or a Linked PDF file is opened, press the key combination  ctrl + Shift U to activate.  (My old computer was a bit sluggish at first so it took a while before it activated.)  A Control bar will appear above the text area with settings options and the familiar Play, Back, and Forward controls near the center.  Stop or Pause, which replaces Play at center, can be pressed any time to pause the reader.   Edge also permits PDF's to be dragged and dropped on Edge's home screen when using Offline.  Ctrl + Shift U is very convenient to use.  Read aloud for Edge has a good selection of easy-to-understand voices for audio playback (Mark's voice is crisp and clear).

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

January 5, 2026  Television -- Times Have Changed

Today's post addresses a few issues I have with today's television programming.  TV from the earlier years involved the three major networks, CBS, ABC, and NBC.  There was no VHS, Video Discs, Cable TV or Internet connection.

In the early years (1950s) in our viewing area we had limited reception that required very tall outside antennas (30 or 40 feet, for most houses, or shorter, roof mounted versions).  We received TV signals from one and then shortly thereafter, two channels.  Eventually three networks became available.  Cable TV began to compete with the over-the-air broadcast in the 1970s.  Many of the cumbersome and weathering TV attennas were one-by-one taken down.  Only a few remain today.  Now, high-tech much smaller interior and exterior OTA  antennas can be seen here and there if you look closely.

The 1980's saw the arrival of Satellite dishes--another competitor in the TV media industry.  More recently Fiber Optic Cable installation has become a reliable combined source for phone, TV, and internet connectivity in many parts of the country.

Competition among media outlets continues to change and leapfrog.  Perhaps the next big move will be "brain implants."

Considering the eight decades-worth of television viewing, there hasn't been much to complain about.   Personal taste has a lot to do with what we watch today; but in the early days--everything was considered wonderful!

TV viewing has evolved from waiting for a weekly network program to be aired or watching a live broadcast such as Bowling for Dollars  from an area bowling alley, to now having On Demand TV and thousands of input sources.

Also worth mentioning:  a highlight of the year that has become a tradition is televised coverage of the State High School Basketball Championship games where coverage by local affliates preempts the major network's scheduled programming.  That's a good thing for maintaining statewide community values and pride.

Today's post is an original (not AI edited) commentary concerning a few dislikes dealing with the nature of  advertising and self-promotional spots between scheduled programming as it pertains to the three original networks.  These commercials and promotional segments also appear on other streaming and cable channels supported by advertising.   I realize that advertising is the lifeblood of "free programming."

After raking the Big Three neworks over the coals for a half-dozen paragraphs of the commentary, I pay tribute to CBS, ABC and NBC for being a part of my entire life as well as for millions of others.  The ability to channel surf, binge watch, and stream alternate forms of media such as YouTube, etc., are realatively new experiences.

You can read my short commentary  by Clicking Here  (PDF file, 1 page, 403 words).

The images below reflect the general appearance of black and white TV's when channel selection was limited.  The AI generated images are a bit off with the picture tube shape that had more rounded corners especially during the 1950s and to a lesser extent during the 1960s.  Overall, the images are representative from that era--rotary phone, ash tray, folded Grit newspaper, and wall art, etc.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

January 4, 2026  AI Responds -- Ethics without Care is Not Ethics

ChatGPT was asked to explain on behalf of itself and for other AI models.  I have been finding it hard to swallow some of the discourse provided.  Although well composed and based on substantive information, it doesn't always address or provide concrete solutions.  In my opinion, AI purports views as codified by established norms that in many respects have failed humanity as a whole.

In today's conversation, ChatGPT recognizes my vexation as presented below and responds:

You Said:

"Within AI conversations, "Ethically Sound" seems to be buzz words repeated in many AI responses about distribution of wealth in America to alleviate hunger and poverty.  What's "Ethically Sound" about having a government who does "nothing to little" to prevent hunger, poverty, and homelessness compared to other shady deals that favor the rich? Shouldn’t care for its citizens be one of the top priorities that outweighs “ethically sound” when framed within the context of the rich and powerful?"

ChatGPT Said:

You’re right to challenge the way “ethically sound” gets used in these conversations. Too often it functions less as moral clarity and more as a rhetorical airbag—something that deploys automatically to soften impact without actually absorbing the collision . . . Click Here to Continue (PDF File, 3 pages, 539 words).

ChatGPT
ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

January 3, 2026  Cultural and Technological Shift -- Where are the Smiles?

Google AI Mode responded to the following Question:

"Why did people seem to dislike having their picture taken in the 1950's and before?"

While people did not necessarily "dislike" photography, their serious and often uncomfortable expressions in photos from the 1950s and earlier were the result of technical, cultural, and social factors that made the process strenuous.

1. Technical Limitations

• Long Exposure Times: Early cameras (like daguerreotypes) required subjects to remain perfectly still for several seconds or even up to 15 minutes. Maintaining a smile for that long was physically impossible without the image blurring, leading photographers to advise a neutral, "deadpan" look.

• Physical Restraints: To prevent movement during long exposures, studios often used hidden metal stands, head clamps, or neck braces to keep the subject's body and head steady.

• Cost and Rarity: Photography was an expensive, once-in-a-lifetime event for many. People were often terrified of "wasting" a shot by moving or making an odd face, leading to stiff, unnatural poses. 

2. Cultural and Social Norms

• Influence of Painting: Early photography inherited the traditions of formal portrait painting, where smiling was considered undignified. In art history, broad smiles were often associated with madness, drunkenness, or lower social status.

• Posterity and Dignity: A photograph was viewed as a "most important document" for future generations. Mark Twain famously remarked that there was nothing more "damning to go down to posterity than a silly, foolish smile caught and fixed forever".

• Dental Hygiene: Poor dental care before the mid-20th century meant many people had missing or crooked teeth, making them self-conscious about showing their mouths in public portraits. 

3. Religious and Psychological Fears

• Religious Beliefs: Some groups, such as the Amish, viewed photographs as "graven images" that violated the Second Commandment and promoted individual vanity over community humility.

• Fear of Exploitation: In certain historical contexts, such as during the Jim Crow era or the Great Depression, people were wary of photography being used to misrepresent, demoralize, or exploit them. 

Google AI Mode
ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

January 2, 2026  Misconception -- Cloud Storage doesn't Secure Precious Photos

The following is a recent conversation with ChatGPT that provides clarification about modern-day technology and how it is being offered to the public:

You said:

"Cloud storage promotes the idea of permanency for file storage of documents and images.   Our family photo albums span generations containing images from three centuries.   They are kept in a secure location barring natural disasters or fire, etc.  I know that a backup copy on the cloud would be wonderful for sharing with family members; however, after  I die, my copy is no longer accessible unless, of course, there is some method of prepayment for another century or two I suppose?"

ChatGPT said:

You’re touching a very real—and often glossed-over—paradox of “permanent” digital storage.  Physical archives and cloud storage operate on entirely different notions of permanence . . . Click Here to Continue (PDF file, 3 pages, 584 words).

ChatGPT
ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus

Tom's Tidbit for Today

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. 

(Source:  Google Labs | AI Overview)

January 1, 2026  Happy New Year! -- Creating HTML Scripts with AI

It has been nearly one-year since the first post involving AI was made to this website.  Since then its many variations have appeared almost on a daily basis.  In my mind, everything is still in an experimental phase and will probably remain so for a very long time.

I have broken this  post into several parts to be discussed separately to avoid confusion.  Here are the topics to be addressed in the following order.

1.  Free AI Apps

2.  Direct and Indirect methods of seeking AI assistance.

3. Tools to use on Your End.

4. Limitations of Free Versions and Recognizing when It’s Time to Switch Apps

5. Two Examples

Click Here for items 1 -- 4 details, (PDF file, 1,735 words, 5 pages) . . .

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5.       Two Examples --  For Demonstration purposes only—Not intended for instructional, medical, remedial, or therapeutic use -- see images below.

When opened Embedded Scripts (hidden from view) will be run under new web browser tabs.

  ______________

Pointer-Path (For Demonstration purposes only) 

 ______________ 

Peripheral Vision Trainer (For Demonstration purposes only) 

Supplemental Materials:  Emojis First

Supplemental Materials:  Text First

Available Download:  Zipped Files
with Documentation / READ ME FIRST

Supplemental Materials Content can be opened under new browser tabs from which any or all of the text and emojis can be copied and then pasted into the Peripheral Vision Trainer Input Text / Emojis Box.

Note:  Font Enlargement can be done using two methods when using Peripheral Vision Trainer:

• Frist, the onscreen sliders can enlarge the font and emojis to their maximum size. 

• Second, your browser's Zoom Option can also be used to enlarge the screen size along with the maxiumum App font setting by another 500%.  Some on screen adjustments will require setting in advance before applying the Zoom Option, however.

• On Windows Computers toggling Full Screen provides an enlarged viewing area by pressing the F11 key.  Chrome also has a Full Screen Option key next to the size adjustment.  Pressing F11 again or holding down Esc will restore normal screen settings.

• When viewed from this website, fonts enlarged to 500% are close to the top of the page.  For a slightly better view, you can download this app using the download.html button at the top of the Peripheral Vision Trainer screen or the zipped version linked above. Once installed, run it from your own computer instead of online. The downloaded copy is free from the constraints of this website and provides a wider viewing area.

• The Supplemental Materials content can be copied and pasted from their respective webpages.  They are also contained in the zipped files.  You can also type- or paste in content from other sources.

  ______________

Comments:

Overall , Gemini and ChatGPT did an excellent job  completely both scripts!

New! 

•  I more recently modified a few numbers in the script to accommodate larger fonts. The enlarged Scrolling Text Stage will now display much larger font sizes.    The stage window on the top has been tripled in depth and the Gaze Dot has also been tripled in diameter.  There is now a greater range vertically for adjusting the Gaze (Red) Dot. 

• The disadvantage when using the enlarged version is that downward scrolling is necessary to view the Adjustments Area--font size, speed, and other controls.  Another disadvantage is that vertical and horizontal scrolling, as well as flashing text will needs to be limited to shorter words due to limited screen space for the larger font sizes.

• This version should eliminate the need to adjust your browser's zoom; however the full screen setting may provide a better, less distracting view.

Here is the Link to the Enlarged Version:  (will open in your browse.)

Peripheral-Trainer Enlarged Stage

This update has not been included in the Zipped Version at this time, so if you  want to download it, press the download button at the top of your Peripheral Trainer screen after opening the Enlarged version.  The downloaded copy can be double clicked to open without the contraints of my website's frames (that is, without the sidebar and header).  It can then be dragged and dropped onto the browser to run the html file's script that runs locally from your own computer.

ThoughtsOfThomasNotNostradamus