Tuesday, April 01, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
A Note to Whomever Needs to Read It
If you are reading my blog because you think I might say something bad about you, or something you don't like, then (a) maybe you should have been nicer to me and then you wouldn't have to worry about what I might say and (b) don't read my blog and you won't know if I write something you don't like.
Get a grip, people. Geez.
Five Things
Five things I accomplished last week -
1. My husband and I went to a historical lecture on the history of Carvins Cove. The Cove is Roanoke City's main source of drinking water, but it is located in Botetourt County. It is named after William Carvin, who was an early settler in the area.
2. I listened to the Board of Supervisors meeting to see what my local representatives are doing. Big announcement! One of our industries is making a $30 million investment and bringing in 270 jobs.
3. My chiropractor and I had a long talk about health issues. I probably need to find a podiatrist.
4. I wrote an 800-word short story. It is now sitting in my "look at in about 6 weeks" file. Things like that always require a second rewrite.
5. I picked the guitar back up and for 5 nights in a row I have played 2-3 songs. I am using a cheap travel guitar that weighs nothing because of my back issues, and the strings are difficult because I need a lighter gauge, but for the moment the heavier gauge string will help get the callouses back on my fingertips quickly and once that happens, I will change them out. So far, the tendonitis in my upper arm and shoulder that caused me to stop playing is not overwhelming me with pain. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Sunday Stealing
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Saturday 9: Can't We Talk It Over
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Friday, March 28, 2025
Twenty-Six Questions
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Thursday Thirteen
I have been pondering the use of AI in writing. It's here, and it's going to stay. There are some authors who firmly oppose it, others who are using it to write practically everything. I've dabbled with it, but I am not sure where I stand.
So here are some pros and cons:
13 Reasons Writers Would Use AI
Enhance creativity by brainstorming fresh ideas.
Speed up the writing process with automated content generation.13 Reasons Writers Would Avoid Using AI
Concern about losing originality and personal voice.
What do you think? Are you a writer? Would you or do you use AI? What do you like or dislike about it? (The list was produced by AI.)
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
A Glitch in the Matrix?
Monday, March 24, 2025
Five Things
Five things I did last week -
1. Prepared country style spareribs and did not overcook them this time.
2. Walked on the treadmill and finally hit the 30-minute mark. It's not yet sustainable but I'm getting there. Twenty-five minutes is still the go-to mark but I am walking that at a little faster pace now, too.
3. Finished a book called Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine, which was a science fiction book a friend gave me for Christmas. Very deep and intriguing especially with regards to language use across empires.
4. I listened to another book called You Will Find Your People by Lane Moore. This was a self-help book about finding friends, being a good friend, and setting boundaries. It honestly was the first book I've ever read on that topic that resonated with me.
5. The grocery store saw me enter it twice; once on Tuesday and again on Friday. I paid my first tariff on Green Giant lightly sauced broccoli. It had been two boxes for $1.50, now it is up to $2.19 per box. It says on the package "Product of Mexico." I like these steamers as they have just enough food for the two of us and make an easy way to ensure we get a vegetable at dinner, but at that price I will have to look for something else now. That's too expensive. I didn't have time to browse when I was in the store so that will be a chore for this week.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Sunday Stealing
Empathy: They listen and understand your feelings without judgment.
Loyalty: They stand by you through thick and thin.
Honesty: They give you the truth, even when it's not easy to hear.
Supportiveness: A true friend cheers on your successes and provides comfort during challenges.
Respect: They value your boundaries, opinions, and individuality.
Humor: A shared sense of fun can make even tough times more bearable.
Do you agree or disagree with Miss AI?
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Saturday 9: Photograph
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Friday, March 21, 2025
Twenty-Five Questions
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Thursday Thirteen
Muckrock
A non-profit collaborative news site that provides tools to keep our government transparent and accountable, Muckrock offers dozens of freedom of information guides, tips and flowcharts that range from beginner to intermediate to expert.
The Society for Professional Journalists FOI Resources
Includes links to stories, websites and document-driven ideas you can use in your own community.
SPJ’s step-by-step guide on FOI
If you’re unfamiliar with FOI laws, need help submitting a records request or simply don’t know where to start, this guide can help.
SPJ How to Conduct an Audit ToolKit
Details on how to perform an audit to monitor government compliance with freedom of information laws.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Of particular note are the:
First Amendment Handbook
Open Government Guide (by state)
Open Courts Compendium
National Freedom of Information Coalition
This nonpartisan alliance of state open government groups publishes state FOI news and other resources. It also maintains a listserv, used by open government experts, as well as novices seeking help in accessing public records
FOIA Wiki
Federal Freedom of Information Act resources. Maintained by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, with contributions from The FOIA Project at TRAC, MuckRock, The National Security Archive, FOIA Mapper, Project on Open Government and users like you.
First Amendment Coalition
Their Asked & Answered database is helpful.
New England First Amendment Coalition
They offer a FOI Guide to states in New England and public records law video tutorials.
Ashley’s Totally Basic FOIA Tutorial (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.)
I used to use FOIA resources all the time when I was a news reporter.