What profession do you admire most and why? This is an interesting prompt from one perspective: I guess I’m supposed to pick some particular profession, like the old rhyme/song: Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief,Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief. Sorry, that’s a remnant from my less socially aware childhood. It should be Native American chief,Continue reading “I Profess!”
Author Archives: stephenschrum
Open for Business
If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell? When I was a kid I loved watching the TV show Dark Shadows. As an adult, I found the bloopers on YouTube and howled (like Quentin the werewolf!) with laughter. One of the funniest things happened as someone entered a shop andContinue reading “Open for Business”
My Wayward Answer
What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time? I feel the need to go all Kobayashi Maru* on this question. You can read my answer while you share this earworm with me, courtesy of my post title. The prompt seems to suggest an object of some sort. But there’s noContinue reading “My Wayward Answer”
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world? Once again, the prompt kicks in an earworm that will be with me the rest of the day. As for the prompt itself: I’ve become a bit cynical over the years about effecting change in the world. I spent 31Continue reading “Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes”
Commentary on AI Art
Sometimes AI produces useful and even stunning results. And other times…not so much. My blog post yesterday was a metaphor/fable entitled “The Hamster and the Hummingbird.” When I finished pasting it from Notes where I had composed it, I thought, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great to have an AI-generated graphic to illustrate it?” It would.Continue reading “Commentary on AI Art”
The Hamster and the Hummingbird
On the porch table, overlooking the garden, is a smallish wire cage. Inside it is set a wheel, and on that wheel is a hamster. The hamster is running for his life. Is it for exercise? Is it for amusement? Looking closely at the expression on his face, he doesn’t seem to be enjoying theContinue reading “The Hamster and the Hummingbird”
Meal$$$
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it? At one point in my adulthood, while living near Berkeley, I saved my aluminum cans and took them to a recycling center for money. That would buy a dinner for two at McDonald’s at the time. Prices have risen substantially sinceContinue reading “Meal$$$”
Snob, No!
I don’t think I can be accused of being a snob. After my “humble origins,” as they say, the jobs I’ve held, and my general attitude toward life, arrogance and snobbery are not among my traits. Yes, I got my PhD from Berkeley, but I don’t shout that as a part of my status (evenContinue reading “Snob, No!”
Illusions, Delusions, and Hallucinations
A few years back, I told someone that fantasies were good things. They are especially necessary for older people, and older men in particular, because they provide hope that can sustain us through otherwise dark times. The manifestations of the imagination listed in the title are very different, however, and can provide various levels ofContinue reading “Illusions, Delusions, and Hallucinations”
Scam Whoops!
The text messaging began like other scammy ones that preceded it, and so I played along. During that conversation I googled salons in SF and decided a Sutter Street address sounded right. Unfortunately, the next day, I accidentally sent a text intended for someone else (who’s doing the recording for the audiobook version of myContinue reading “Scam Whoops!”
MUSOFYR 