One day, my friend Maksim Smelchak posed a thought-provoking question: "What is a technological singularity to you? How do you define the term? Skynet?" As I pondered over my response, my initial snarky remark about Skynet and true AI evolved into a deeper reflection on the nature of authentic intelligence and its potential impact on … Continue reading Technological Singularities and ChatGPT 4.0
UCWDC World Championships
Something cool happened January 4, 2022! Thank you Gretchen Smith (my coach), Merry Keller (my practice partner), Lisa Holt (my Waltz tutor), and Taletha Jouzdani (my West Coast Swing tutor). I won first place in Silver Novice Pro-Am and in Diamond Novice Pro-Am. Gretchen tells me, "It takes a village to do something like this." … Continue reading UCWDC World Championships
Lonestar Invitational
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPW3MRzG9jE Novice Two-Step (and, duh, I don't own the music) I'm feeling grateful for such an amazing weekend filled with an equally amazing support structure. I made a major change to my dance circle in June and was accepted by Gretchen Smith onto her team. We went to work immediately learning four new routines. Two … Continue reading Lonestar Invitational
Caring for your Texas Tom Board
If you have your hands on a rare Texas Tom Cutting or Brisket Board, it will last for years with some basic maintenance. But remember—it is a cutting board and is meant to be used. It will get cuts and dings, but that’s just patina. Enjoy using it! When you first get your board, you … Continue reading Caring for your Texas Tom Board
Rabbit Hole 0
The world is weird. If any proof was needed, the first few months of 2020 provided it. But did we need proof? Didn’t we already know that you only have to scratch the surface to see the weirdness beneath? Sometimes it oozes out, suppurates, infects; sometimes it leaps out, takes root and blossoms. We get … Continue reading Rabbit Hole 0
Taxing Churches
I’ve heard many arguments in favor of taxing churches. For instance, if they get involved in politics by preaching favorably, or not, for a particular candidate, then they are indeed helping to direct government policy. All Presidents like to say they are this religion or that religion and make a big show of attending this … Continue reading Taxing Churches
Ellie Mae at the Office
I brought Ellie Mae to my office today. She wasn't socialized much in her previous life. I need her to not chase bicycles and joggers when we're out for a walk. I need her to not be scared when I have visitors at the house. I'm not going to say that today was a total … Continue reading Ellie Mae at the Office
Ellie Mae
After having put down our last dog, Lex, I've been teasing myself by going to the shelters around my hometown, looking at the dogs. I'm not sure if I was truly looking for one, but I was playing with them, taking them for walks, donated puppy and dog food. I finally found one that seemed … Continue reading Ellie Mae
Nashville Dance Classic 2019
Had a fabulous time this past weekend at the Nashville Dance Classic. I won first place in the Silver and Diamond Pro-Am Newcomer divisions with my pro, Laura Thrash. Barbara Stone and I also won first place in the Silver and Diamond Couples Newcomer divisions. Tom and Laura, Cha Cha! Tom and Laura, Triple Two … Continue reading Nashville Dance Classic 2019
Cause and Effect
New Short Story published. Find it in the Lowestoft Chronicle An indefatigable post-WWI pilot is given the unenviable task of securing permission for the French Foreign Legion to use a valley in the Middle East.
Tom Bont's Silver Key 