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Feb 15 2025
Stress and Anxiety

You watch the news. You read your newsfeed. You struggle with paying your monthly obligations. You are constantly applying for jobs in an economic environment that is not conducive to either switching jobs or finding a job, depending on your current job situation.  You try to find the best academic, emotional, or medical support for your children.

We all have experienced one or more of the previous situations that lend to our daily stress and anxiety. How do we cope with this without causing health issues for ourselves.

A psychologist or therapist will want you to talk through your feelings, develop breathing exercises, and learn coping mechanisms. A psychiatrist will want to prescribe the latest medication that was manufactured by a large multinational pharmaceutical company. Your friends will want to invite you to watch a movie or sporting event while enjoying libations of your choice, alcoholic beverages or smoking either tobacco or marijuana (depending on the laws of your state). A fitness professional or coach will want you to develop some sort of workout routine.

What is the best option for you?

I cannot answer this question for you, but I can share my own experience, and maybe you can take something from it. The most important thing to realize is that you are not alone in your experience, your thoughts, or your struggles.  There is no need to live on an island in isolation, to an eventual downward spiral.

Who am I to talk?

I am the single wage earner in a family with six kids with various special needs, including Autism. I have lived in an area with little to no support for the betterment of my children’s lives, making up for about 20 years.  There is the line of a famous poem, “it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved before”. This is true because my family has lived in an area where we did get all of their needs met for a little over three years. Because of this short window, my wife and I know that there are better places than where we live now.  This helps to keep us going but also adds to our stress and anxiety because we know that there is more, and it is potentially attainable.

What adds to the stress is that being a single wage earner, I have been either unemployed or underemployed for almost two years. I am a seasoned software developer with very marketable skills. Within the last 2 years, I have joined the ranks of tens of millions of other technical professionals saying the same thing and finding themselves without a job.  I have adopted the attitude of an octopus, trying several avenues to achieve sustainable income, while balancing helping to take care of my children that need a lot of hands-on intervention.

The key to managing stress is to keep moving forward even if it is in baby steps. Also, you need an outlet of some sort. For me, that outlet varies between working on my own software projects, blog writing (as I am doing now), watching a series, or vegging out to TikTok videos. The important piece to any of these options is to not spend too much time doing one thing, and not to get distracted from the tasks that need to get completed.

Years ago, one of my friends, who at the time was into motivational philosophy, told me to put a sign on my door to the outside that says, “Are you going to do something that will help you achieve your dreams”. This is the reason for not spending too much time on your outlets of choice. Outlets are great and very important but can also serve as a crutch if you utilize them too much.

What about drugs?

No, I am not referring illegal substances or addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana. I am referring to clinically prescribed antidepressants or antianxiety medications. In my opinion, there may be a place for these medications, but they may be overly prescribed as an easy short-term solution that could have unwanted side effects in the long term. My oldest son, who was diagnosed with anxiety with Autism was prescribed Sertraline on multiple occasions. Both instances resulted in the first month being a dream and then ended in his symptoms getting worse. When you read about the potential side effects of these serotonin uptake inhibitors, you find out that these popular antianxiety medications have anxiety, emotional outbursts, and sleeplessness as potential side effects.

For some situations, I am a supporter of nutritional supplements, with the understanding that supplements are like prescribed medications without prescription or oversight. Supplements are viewed as food and as long as manufacturers follow the guidelines for safe food, they are deemed okay for consumption.  Taking supplements also requires more homework on your behalf. Reading studies and personal accounts are important, and when possible, talk to people you can trust.  Cannabis, without THC, is known to be safe and very helpful for anxiety. Another supplement, known as 5-HTP, is also known to help with stress, anxiety, and relaxation. I have taken both and have found that 5-HTP works great for the type of stress and anxiety I am writing about in this article. This may not come too much of a surprise because one of the key ingredients is tryptophan.  Tryptophan is a substance also found in turkey and is the cause of why people feel very relaxed after eating Thanksgiving dinner. I personally have discovered, that based on recommended doses, taking 5-HTP twice a day allows me to cope with my stress and anxiety and not only allows me to focus on the tasks that matter, but allows me to relax when I take a break to enjoy one of my outlets. Another interesting side effect is that my sleep, which may not meet the recommended number of hours, is more restful.  I average about five hours of sleep per night, which in all honesty, is really not enough, but since taking 5-HTP, those five hours feel like seven. Both supplements may not work for those who suffer from clinical general anxiety.  When you take supplements, you must remember to take recommended doses. Just like prescribed medication, it is possible to take too much and potentially overdose.

Another avenue of managing stress and anxiety is consoling with your peers. Now, traditionally, this would equate to peer support groups, and you are at the mercy of your geographical location as to what support groups are available. In the age of social media, this boundary no longer exists.

Here are some social media outlets that I have found useful, I linked my profile to each one so that you can follow me and see what I post or repost on each platform:

LinkedIn: professionally, this is the leader bar none. You can connect to previous co-workers, future co-workers, previous and future employers, and anyone who just shares your interests or in the same field as you.  LinkedIn is also a fantastic publishing platform where you can read articles related to your industry written by either the leaders of the industry, like Bill Gates, as well as the people who are actually doing the work every day, like you and me.

Reddit: Nothing in technology is truly new. Reddit is a modern implementation of the forums of 20 plus years ago. Who remembers the infamous and famous Yahoo forums? In Reddit, you can find a forum (or sub-Reddit) on pretty much anything. What makes Reddit special is the contributors. I find that Reddit contributors write with thought, making the platform more valuable personally. Even topics that seem rather silly, have posts that seemed to have taken some level of effort by its authors. Such is the case of one particular post where the author described a fart of his in the stairway of his workplace that grabbed the attention of one of the executives of his company who thought there was an air conditioner leak or dead animal. The account was so visually written, I felt like I could smell it while reading the post. On the flip side, I joined an Autism support group that was more helpful than in person support groups that I participated in over the years.

TikTok (and Instagram): TikTok and Instagram are platforms that I refer to as healthy distractions that can easily lead to unhealthy distractions without proper self-control. People quite literally can post anything. You can find posts of interest that can truly give your brain a nice break or a visual thoughtful account of someone’s life, much like an in-person support group that just happens to consist of potentially thousands or millions of people.  I personally use TikTok, while my wife uses Instagram. Our usage is fairly similar with the exception that I have not posted on TikTok as much as she has posted on Instagram.  Being an artist, she uses Instagram to showcase her art pieces, which is a common usage of the platform.

It is important to remember that even though we all have stress and anxiety in our lives and some of us have more or different sources of stress than others, we are not alone. The key thing to managing stress is to find the coping mechanisms that work best for us, whether it is support groups, healthy outlets, social media, nutritional supplements, professional advice, or a combination of one or many of these options.  Even though there is no correct answer because we are all different and will therefore manage stress differently. there is an answer for each of us. We just need to keep moving forward and always remember that we are not alone.

Thank you for reading and I hope that what I have written can help you in some way.

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
The Commoditization Manifesto

Commoditization refers to the process of transforming a product or service into a commodity, where it becomes standardized and interchangeable with other similar offerings in the market. This phenomenon has a long history, with products evolving from unique and specialized to mass-produced and standardized to cater to the needs of a growing consumer base. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of commoditization, as well as its historical context. Additionally, we will delve into non-physical products or services that have successfully undergone the process of commoditization.

Advantages

Lower prices and increased affordability: When a product or service becomes commoditized, the increased competition in the market drives down prices. Standardization enables economies of scale, reducing production costs and making the commodity more affordable for a larger consumer base. This affordability factor allows greater access to essential goods and services that were previously only available to a limited group of consumers.

Greater choice and availability: Commoditization creates a standardized market where multiple suppliers offer similar products or services. This increased competition leads to a wider range of options for consumers, ensuring that they can select a commodity that best suits their needs and preferences. Moreover, the enhanced availability of commoditized products ensures that consumers have access to these goods whenever they require them.

Facilitates technological advancements: Commoditization often prompts technological advancements as companies strive to differentiate themselves from their competitors. For instance, advancements in manufacturing processes and technologies have made it possible to produce commodities more efficiently, ensuring higher quality and lower costs. As a result, consumers benefit from improved products and services that incorporate the latest technological innovations.

Stimulates market innovation: The commoditization of a product or service frees up resources and allows companies to focus on enhancing other aspects, such as customer service, marketing, or distribution. This stimulates market innovation, as companies seek to differentiate themselves by providing improved customer experiences or finding new ways to add value to their commoditized offerings.

Disadvantages

Loss of uniqueness and differentiation: As products or services become commoditized, their unique selling propositions diminish. Standardized commodities often lack distinct characteristics that set them apart from their competitors. This homogeneity can result in a loss of brand identity and consumer loyalty, as consumers may perceive no significant differences between offerings and may switch to cheaper alternatives readily available in the market.

Price-driven focus: Commoditization tends to narrow down the consumer perspective to price as the primary decision-making factor. With multiple suppliers offering similar products, consumers are more inclined to compare prices rather than consider other aspects, such as quality or additional features. This focus on price can lead to a race to the bottom, where suppliers cut costs to reduce prices, potentially compromising the overall quality of the commodity.

Inhibits creativity and innovation: In a commoditized market, the emphasis is often on cost efficiency and standardization rather than on creativity and innovation. Manufacturers and service providers prioritize replicating existing successful products or services rather than investing resources in exploring new ideas. This lack of innovation can hinder the development of breakthrough products or services that provide exceptional value to consumers.

Loss of control for producers: When a product or service becomes commoditized, producers may lose control over pricing and market dynamics. As the market becomes saturated with similar offerings from various producers, the pricing power often shifts to the consumer. Producers may find it challenging to differentiate themselves or maintain healthy profit margins, making it difficult to sustain their business in the long run.

Historical Evolution of Commoditization

The concept of commoditization is not new and has been prevalent in various industries throughout history. One of the earliest examples is the commoditization of salt, a vital commodity for human survival. In ancient times, salt was scarce and highly valuable. However, advancements in salt production techniques and the establishment of trade routes facilitated its mass production and distribution. Ultimately, salt became an affordable and widely available commodity, losing its previous aura of exclusivity.

Another significant historical example is the commoditization of sugar. Sugar was initially considered a luxury item and was only affordable for the wealthy. However, as technology advanced and methods for extracting sugar from sugar cane or beets improved, sugar became more accessible and affordable to the masses. Today, sugar is a ubiquitous commodity found in almost every household.

Commoditization of Non-Physical Products and Services

While commoditization is primarily associated with physical products, non-physical products and services have also undergone this transformative process.

Software solutions: The software industry has witnessed the commoditization of various applications and programs. Software solutions that were once custom-built for specific needs have now been standardized and made available as off-the-shelf products. This commoditization has enabled easier access to software tools, reducing costs, and allowing even small businesses or individuals to benefit from advanced software capabilities.

Telecommunications services: The telecommunications industry has experienced commoditization with the advent of mobile phones and the Internet. Telecommunications services such as voice calls, messaging, and data have become standardized and are offered by numerous providers. This has led to increased competition, lower prices, and greater availability for consumers.

Online streaming services: The rise of online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Spotify has commoditized entertainment and music consumption. These platforms offer a vast array of movies, TV shows, and music that can be accessed by subscribers for a monthly fee. The success of these services has led to the commoditization of digital content, making it widely accessible to consumers.

Wrapping up

Commoditization has both advantages and disadvantages for consumers and producers alike. While it provides lower prices, greater choice, and improved accessibility to essential products and services, it also leads to loss of uniqueness, price-driven focus, and potential lack of innovation. Understanding the historical context of commoditization and its impact on both physical and non-physical products can help individuals and businesses navigate the changing dynamics of the market.

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Getting Geared Up For Esports

Esports has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions of viewers and participants around the world. As the competitive gaming industry continues to boom, the demand for high-quality Esports technology has surged. In this article, we will explore the latest and top-rated brands in Esports technology, focusing on gamer gloves, headsets, mice, keyboards, glasses, team jerseys, and fanware. We will cover their compatibility with game systems, mobile phones, and desktop computers, along with the innovations they bring to enhance the gaming experience. Continue Reading

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Navigating the Low Code Solution Landscape

Low-code development platforms have gained immense popularity in recent years, transforming the way applications are built and empowering businesses of all sizes to create software quickly and efficiently. In this article, we will delve into the world of low-code development, with a specific focus on three leading platforms: Oracle APEX, Microsoft PowerApps, and Bubble.io. Through an unbiased examination of each platform’s capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and the broader pros and cons of low-code development, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the low-code landscape.

Oracle APEX, also known as Oracle Application Express, is a robust low-code platform that targets professional developers familiar with Oracle technologies. It offers a wide range of features, including an intuitive drag-and-drop page designer, declarative application development, and seamless integration with Oracle Database. According to surveys conducted by Oracle, APEX has proven highly successful among enterprise users, with 360,000+ developers and 25,000+ customers worldwide (source: Oracle APEX Usage Statistics).

Advantages

  1. Integration with Oracle Database: A significant advantage of APEX is its seamless integration with Oracle Database, providing developers with access to existing data structures and processes. This allows for rapid development and ensures data security and integrity.
  2. Scalability: APEX is highly scalable and can handle enterprise-level applications efficiently. It can handle large volumes of data and concurrent users without sacrificing performance.

Disadvantages

  1. Learning Curve: APEX can have a steeper learning curve for beginners without prior knowledge of Oracle technologies. Developers need to have experience with SQL and PL/SQL to make the most of the advanced features offered by the platform.
  2. Limited UI Customization: Compared to other low-code platforms, APEX may have limited options for UI customization. Although it provides a range of pre-built themes and templates, developers looking for extensive UI customization may find this limiting.

Microsoft PowerApps is a popular low-code development platform that seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and services, such as SharePoint and Office 365. According to Microsoft, PowerApps has seen a significant adoption rate, with over 2.7 million developers and 36 million app launches in the past year (source: Microsoft PowerApps Usage Statistics).

Advantages

  1. Native Integration: PowerApps’ native integration with Microsoft products and services provides users with an ecosystem that harmonizes seamlessly. This integration allows for leveraging existing data sources and seamlessly integrating workflows.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: PowerApps offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, allowing both developers and non-technical users to create applications easily. The platform also provides an extensive template library, making it easier to get started quickly.

Disadvantages

  1. Limited Customization: PowerApps has some limitations in terms of advanced customization options compared to other platforms. For complex and highly customized applications, developers may feel restrained by the platform’s capabilities.
  2. Integration Challenges: While PowerApps excels in integrating with other Microsoft products, integrating with non-Microsoft systems and data sources can be more challenging. This could pose a limitation for businesses heavily reliant on non-Microsoft technologies.

Bubble.io is a visually-driven low-code development platform that prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. It appeals to users with little to no coding experience, allowing them to build web applications through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Bubble.io boasts a growing user base, with over 500,000 users across 195 countries (source: Bubble.io Usage Statistics).

Advantages

  1. User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive nature of Bubble.io’s interface enables users with limited coding experience to build web applications effortlessly. Its drag-and-drop functionality and visual workflows make it accessible for non-technical users.
  2. Extensive Marketplace: Bubble.io offers an extensive marketplace for plugins and integrations, providing users with a rich ecosystem of pre-built components to enhance their applications.

Disadvantages

  1. Limited Scalability: Although Bubble.io is suitable for simple to moderate applications, it may not be the optimal choice for complex or enterprise-level projects that demand scalability and enhanced performance.
  2. Limited Customization: Compared to some other platforms, Bubble.io may have limitations on advanced customization options. Developers looking for more control over the application’s look and feel may find these limitations restrictive.

We learned about the three dominant low code platforms, but what about the advantages and disadvantages of developing using low code? Why should we, as business leaders and enterprise architects, commit to this form of application development?

Advantages

  1. Rapid Application Development: Low-code platforms significantly reduce development time, enabling organizations to bring applications to market faster and stay ahead of the competition.
  2. Increased Productivity: With low-code development, developers can focus on business logic and application functionality rather than writing lines of code from scratch. This enhances overall productivity and allows developers to build more applications in less time.
  3. Lower Costs: Low-code development can reduce the need for large development teams, resulting in cost savings for businesses. Additionally, the efficient reuse of pre-built components and the ability to quickly iterate on applications helps lower development costs.
  4. Democratization of Development: Low-code platforms empower non-technical users within an organization to participate in the development process. This can lead to increased collaboration, innovation, and an inclusive approach to building applications.

Disadvantages

  1. Limited Customization: While low-code platforms offer convenience and speed, they may have limitations when it comes to advanced customization options. Complex applications or those with unique requirements may face challenges in achieving the desired level of customization.
  2. Performance Issues: Complex or high-scale applications built on low-code platforms may experience performance issues if not properly optimized. Careful consideration of the application’s architecture and optimization techniques is necessary to mitigate these issues.
  3. Vendor Lock-In: Organizations should carefully evaluate the long-term implications of adopting a specific low-code platform, as switching platforms or making significant changes to the underlying codebase can be challenging. This potential vendor lock-in should be a consideration for businesses aiming for flexibility and scalability.

Wrapping Up

Low-code development platforms offer businesses a variety of benefits, such as accelerated application development, increased productivity, and cost savings. Oracle APEX, Microsoft PowerApps, and Bubble.io are all formidable options in the low-code market, each catering to specific needs and user requirements. By understanding the pros and cons of these platforms, organizations can make informed decisions suitable for their specific projects.

While Oracle APEX offers a powerful solution with seamless Oracle Database integration, Microsoft PowerApps provides a comprehensive ecosystem for Microsoft users, and Bubble.io excels in simplicity and accessibility. Ultimately, the choice of a low-code platform depends on the organization’s unique needs, level of technical expertise, and project requirements.

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
The Virtual World of Esports

It was the year 2016. You are taking a nice brisk stroll through your favorite park. You are listening to the birds sing and watching the squirrels run back and forth from tree to tree. Your eyes are diverted to a group of teens running to various places in the park holding their phones as if they were Tricorders and they were performing a Star Trek enactment.

“I’ve got one!”

“I found one here!”

“Darn, Zubat! Come back here!”

You have read about the phenomenon. No, I am not referring to Sudden Teenage Insanity Syndrome (STIS). If that was a thing, it would be classified as a pandemic. It is common knowledge that during the years from ages 13 to 20, people go a little crazy. We chalk it up to the “the teenage years”. But I am not referring to the teenage years, I am referring to the release and popularity of Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go was one of the first augmented reality (AR) games for a mobile device. It overlays imaginary Pokémon on top of the real world, with the purpose of “catching them all”.

Even though Pokémon Go is not technically an Esports platform, it is an MMORPG-based competition, the first step towards the Esports world colliding with the augmented reality world.

Continue Reading

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Going to College to Play Games

Popular industries change, and universities and post-secondary schools need to change with what is trending. Now, I am not saying that universities need to follow fads, but they need to realize that graduates may be entering industries that may not even have existed twenty to thirty years ago.

Over twenty years ago, business students chose between finance, marketing, general management, human resources, and information systems as their concentrations. This is not the case now. Universities have added the concentrations of healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and business analytics to fit the need of more focused concentrations.

The Opportunity

One growing business concentration is Esports Management. Esports, at the time of writing this article, is a 1.5-billion-dollar industry. Universities can be both small and large corporations, but what makes all corporations the same is the goal of making money. Universities make money through business incubators, athletics, inventions, publishing, and, of course, providing education. Colleges of all sizes can increase their bottom line indirectly and directly by managing Esports events, sponsoring Esports events and teams, and providing training to students whose goal is to graduate and manage Esports events and teams, whether they work for Esports organizations or organizations that sponsor Esports.

Continue Reading

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Time To Retire or Another Lease On Life

You remember it as it was yesterday. Waiting in your house or office for that FedEx or UPS delivery. You can still smell that crisp clean box with the iconic Dell symbol on the front.

That was five years ago. What served you well with 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB hard drive just doesn’t cut it anymore for you. That last Windows update made you feel you had one of those computers you vaguely remember from the time that 2 digit years were still being written. Who would believe you would need to write a four digit year to prevent confusion between centuries?

Now you have a computer that sounds like a plane taking off when you are browsing https://google.com. When you open a cloud-based productivity tool like Google Docs or Office 365, you feel like you could go and enjoy a nice home cooked meal in the time it takes the browser to finish loading the application and is ready for typing.

Back in the 1990’s (not 1890’s or even 2090’s), computers were designed with the idea upgrading. When I refer to upgrade, I do not mean, toss the old computer in the trash or recycle bin and buy a new one. Small computer repair stores existed to upgrade the parts or inner workings of the computer to essentially provide you with a new computer. Computer repair technicians, depending on skill and knowledge, could actually replace everything from memory to processor chip to even the motherboard. Retail outlets, like Fry’s Electronics and Radio Shack, existed for the benefit of the professional and hobbyist. I, myself, was one of these hobbyists. Unfortunately, lacked the skill and knowledge, and produced, as a result, the equivalence of Frankenstein’s monster before the lightning strike that brought it to life.

Now, over 20 years later, computers are designed to dispose and replace. The parts that make up computers can be proprietary and the inner workings of computers may be impossible to replace and upgrade. What happens to these computers that no longer can be upgraded? They are disposed of in landfills, causing a tremendous negative impact on the environment.

To get back to this five year old laptop you have, what do you do? The simple answer is a term that I coined as chromatize.

What is chromatizing?

Chrom-a-tize: To convert an desktop or laptop personal computer into a Google Chromebook, using the operating system, Chrome OS Flex.

How did I come to discover this interesting way of breathing new life into an personal computer? This has been my multiyear journey of about 18 years in search of a Linux desktop distribution that was easy to work with, lightweight, low cost, and did not feel like I was settling by not using either Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX. I felt like I was Captain Ahab in search for his White Whale.

Most Linux distributions failed at least one of my criteria: I just felt like I was settling and I had to modify my personal process and software choices too much to warrant not being on either a Mac or Windows computer.

Enter Ubuntu

For anyone who truly wants to get into Linux, and wants the backing of a major company, such as Microsoft and Apple, then Ubuntu is the optimal choice. Ubuntu, produced by Canonical, is the distribution that companies use the most. I actually was an avid user of Ubuntu desktop edition for many years. Why did I switch back to Windows or Mac? Simply put, it failed the one criteria of feeling like I’m just settling. I was making too many changes to my work process and was not compatible with my team members at work, who used mostly Mac computers, and some Windows based computers. The other issue with Ubuntu is that it is definitely not lightweight. I tried running it on an older desktop computer and received less than desirable results. I felt like I was on a i386 machine running Windows 10.

Enter The Chromebook – the computer we’ve been waiting for since the 1996.

It was the late 1990’s. The Internet was in its infancy, mobile phones were phones that were hardwired inside your car with an antenna on the roof, and Larry Ellison, founder and CEO of Oracle, spoke religiously about the Network Computer.

“Ellison said the use of network computers, where applications and information are stored on network servers instead of on a PC, would save corporations huge amounts of time and money.

He said current corporate networks based on client-server computing are too costly and inefficient.”

Ellison was effectively predicting cloud computing and the usage of tablets, mobile phones, and the Google Chromebook, at least five years before the first iPad was announced by Apple and the advancement for what we refer to today as Cloud Computing. The Google Chromebook was not invented until 2011.

Like all new inventions, the Chromebook was not very practical at first. Over the years since 2011, with more enhancements to Chrome OS and the shift to cloud technology trends like software as a service applications (SaaS), the Chromebook has become a staple item for the mobile workforce and students in the classroom.

The Promise Continues

With the advent of Chrome OS Flex, individuals and companies now have a formidable solution to their outmoded laptop and desktop computers. Traditional ways of disposing of computers, by either landfills or recycling, can have a negative impact on our environment. Chromatizing these older computers and finding new use is the most logical step to fix this tremendous problem.

In my opinion, Google Chrome OS Flex is the best solution thus far to properly Chromatize an older computer and therefore converting it to a Network Computer or Appliance. Will it always be the best? What happens if individuals do want to tied to the Google cloud infrastructure? One thing that I know is that technology does not exist in a vacuum. More operating systems like Chrome OS Flex will surely be developed that will allow people to choose the cloud infrastructure that they want to be connected to, or no cloud infrastructure at all, as in the case of distributed computing. But, alas, that is a discussion for another day.

For now, we can all do our best and promote a greener environment and lifestyle by not just disposing our old outmoded computers. Let’s Chromatize them.

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Why Do You Want To Work Here?

This is a question that thousands of individuals, like myself, are answering these days. How should one really answer this question?

What you want to say: “I’m desperate and you responded to my application with a request for an interview. I really don’t care if you are in the widget business or the swidget business.”

What should you say: “My ultimate objective is to rise to a leadership position in <Enter field>, and I know having the opportunity to grow my experience and improve upon my skills will help bring me closer to achieving that goal.” (from Indeed.com)

Applying for new positions can be a chore. It does not just consist of completing mundane applications and constantly updating your resume to fit the position that you are currently applying for and such a perfect fit for. You are constantly facing a new existential crisis when the stranger across the desk or on the other side of a video call poses the question to you, “Why are you here?”

Why, indeed? No, not Indeed.com — that’s just the website where you found this new object of your affection: that potential new job.

Re-Inventing Yourself or Sociopathic Tendencies?

When companies want to hire their new associate, they want people to fit into their organization. We, as employees and job seekers, take this fact as natural and just “go with it”. We format and re-format our resumes, tailor that cover letter “just right”, and answer questions to how we think they should be answered. Why can’t we just be ourselves?

Perhaps an answer to this question should be called the corporate paradox. On one end, companies say they want to hire people who think for themselves and practice individualism while being a good “team player” and do whatever is best for the team, In studying management, we learned about the enemy of productivity is a concept called group think. Group think is “the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility”.

Sounds messed up, right? Companies want productive individuals to just go with the flow and do whatever the manager decides for the group. Definitely a corporate paradox.

How does the corporate paradox relate back to the question of why you want to work for the company interviewing you? You cannot answer this question completely as yourself. You need to either re-invent yourself to answer that question, or answer the question in a way that would make a sociopathic person feel proud. The hiring manager does not want to hear truthfully why you want to work for him. He or she wants you to stroke their ego and tell them that you want to work for them to make them look better by helping to increase profits or look like a miracle worker by completing all projects early and under budget.

So Why Do It?

Capitalism. You need money, and the company needs to hire people to make them more money.

As you seek new employment and go on countless number of interviews, let’s go against the corporate paradox. When the hiring manager asks, “why do you want to work here?”, let us answer with the truth: “I need money. You need me to get the job done so you look good to your boss that we are coming in early and under budget. Everyone is happy. So, do I get the job?”

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
A New World. A New Life.

What does it mean to be uploaded? What is it like to live in the Grid? I hope Dr. Harper can help me understand, and more importantly, come to terms. When I made the appointment with Dr. Harper, the receptionist said that I could meet with him as many times that I needed to. He does come very well recommended.

As I am sitting here in Dr. Harper’s waiting room, I feel a bundle of emotions, ranging from anxious to upset to sad. Anxious over the unknown. Upset over the idea of being forced to be uploaded. Sad about leaving the physical world.

My best friend, Susan, was just uploaded last week. She was even more scared over the unknown. We have been chatting every night over a video call. It seems rather pleasant and no different than the physical world. Susan mentioned that she can “eat” anything she wants to without getting sick or gaining weight. I do love chocolate and brownies. To be able to eat an endless supply of brownies without increasing my pants size would be nice.

What is like to touch someone in the Grid? Does it feel like a real touch? Do you still feel good when you give and receive a “hug”?

So many questions.

What about death? Do people die in the Grid? If you get hit by a virtual bus or fall out of a window from a virtual building, do you get hurt?

The receptionist calls my name. She repeats my name a few times. I think I spaced out a bit. I raise my hand and call out, “I’m here!”. I stand up and approach the ominous white door that leads to Dr. Harper’s office. As I walk towards the door, I start out walking slowly, dragging my feet. With positive and negative thoughts swirling in my head, another thought comes to mind. Perhaps virtual life is the same as physical life: full of unknowns, but ready to fill life’s cup full of experiences.

As the door is opened. I walk through the doorway slowly.

“I’m here, Dr. Harper. Can we chat?”

bklein 0 Comments
Sep 7 2024
Unveiling Shadows

As you may already know, after reading some of my articles so far, I rather enjoy writing up prompts for ChatGPT to see what gets generated. Yesterday, I wanted to see if ChatGPT can be a storyteller.

First, I need to explain some ChatGPT vocabulary. I mentioned that I like writing prompts. What is a “prompt”? It is as it sounds. Prompts are the input to the model, or the instructions. Prompts can be anything from a few words to a paragraph.

Here are some examples:

  1. “Write a summary showcasing my skills and experiences relevant to a Social Media Manager role.”
  2. “What are common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes?”
  3. “List 3 compelling reasons our customers should buy
  4. “Write a cold email to a prospective customer introducing my [company or organization] and how it can benefit them using [selling points].”
  5. “Generate a Twitter thread about [topic].”

For more sample prompts, you can visit this website.

Here is the prompt that I wrote for the story, “Unveiling Shadows”, presented below:

“Write a 700 word story about Jacob Hanson. Jacob is 35 years old and is a programmer. He has 4 kids, 2 boys and 2 girls, and a wife of  12 years of marriage, named Donna. They live in Austin, TX, and Jacob works for a startup tech company.  Donna homeschools the children.  Jacob discovers a secret in the code he was assigned to work with. Because of this secret, the CIA is trying to recruit him. The Chinese  secret service is trying to kidnap him. This story should tell about how Jacob works with the CIA and the FBI to expose the Chinese and a plot  to infiltrate the US government. The story should end happily with the Chinese exposed and Jacob going back to work, unable to tell anyone  about the events that unfolded.”

As you can tell, the AI engine still requires creative input. It is in my opinion that writers will not be replaced by computers anytime soon. There are no shortcuts to the creative process. Companies will not be able to save money by hiring computer operators rather than skilled writers.

When you read the following story, take note that it reads technically well, but still lacks the personal touch that a skilled writer naturally injects into their creation. Even though ChatGPT can generate an entertaining short story, based on my input, I doubt that it will become a New York Times bestseller anytime soon.

Although ChatGPT will not turn me into the next Tom Clancy, writing and publishing is still fun nonetheless.

And now, let me introduce…. Unveiling Shadows.

Jacob Hanson’s life in Austin, Texas, was seemingly ordinary. At 35 years old, he was a dedicated programmer working for a promising tech startup. Outside of work, Jacob had a loving wife named Donna, with whom he shared 12 years of marriage. Together, they had four beautiful children – two boys and two girls. With Donna taking on the role of homeschooling their children, their days were filled with joy, laughter, and the pursuit of knowledge.

One fateful day, while delving deep into the code he was assigned to work with, Jacob stumbled upon a hidden secret. His expertise allowed him to uncover a series of lines that revealed a malicious plot buried within the program. As Jacob’s mind raced with the implications of his findings, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

Word of Jacob’s discovery had quickly spread, catching the attention of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Recognizing his potential, a team of agents approached Jacob, offering him an opportunity to work with them. Knowing the gravity of the situation, Jacob accepted their offer, aware that his involvement would put his family in danger.

As Jacob delved deeper into the secret code, he discovered that the Chinese secret service had orchestrated the plot he had uncovered. Their intention was to infiltrate the U.S. government through a web of deceit, using the very technology Jacob had been working on. The CIA informed Jacob that the Chinese secret service had also caught wind of his involvement and were relentlessly pursuing him.

With his life now in constant jeopardy, Jacob found himself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The CIA and FBI joined forces to ensure his safety while they worked together to expose the Chinese plot. Jacob’s programming skills became invaluable as he assisted the agencies in uncovering the intricate layers of deception, leading them closer to the truth.

After months of tireless investigation, the combined efforts of Jacob, the CIA, and the FBI finally bore fruit. Evidence was gathered, exposing the extent of the Chinese infiltration within the U.S. government. The truth sent shock waves through the nation, and Jacob’s role in the operation was kept under the tightest of wraps.

As the dust settled and the Chinese were brought to justice, Jacob was faced with a difficult decision. He could not reveal his involvement or the danger his family had endured. Jacob returned to his normal life, continuing to work for the tech startup, with the knowledge that his actions had saved countless lives and protected his country from a potentially devastating attack.

Despite the secrecy surrounding his heroic actions, Jacob found solace in knowing that his family was safe and that he had made a significant impact on national security. Life continued in Austin, Texas, with Donna homeschooling their children and Jacob returning to the routine of his programming job. Together, they embraced the happiness and tranquility that came with a life lived in the shadows, knowing that their sacrifices had not been in vain.

In Conclusion

Jacob Hanson remained an unsung hero, his story forever kept hidden from the world. The events that had unfolded would forever shape his perspective on life, love, and the sacrifices one must make to protect those they hold dear. And while the world would never know of his bravery, his family would forever be grateful for the strength and resilience he exhibited during those tumultuous times.

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