Author: Reid

Thoughts on Making Technology Easier to Use

My father has been asking me and my siblings for help with his computer and other devices. Recently, I went over to help him connect bluetooth headphones to the TV. This type of assistance can be frustrating, especially if my parents struggle can’t understand the process, even with multiple explanation. But while helping him, it hit me that operating computers and modern technology is actually very cumbersome and can be a bit too complicated.

These thoughts lead to this thread–namely, ways to make using computers and other modern technology a lot easier. I started thinking about an either paid or non-profit type of service center where subscribers could receive these type of administrative services–a kind of “IT department” for individual citizens. I can go into this more later, but at some point it occurred to me: why couldn’t an AI (on a device) handle things like connecting a bluetooth headphones to a TV? Why do individuals have to go into settings at all? Does Alexa already do something like this? Or the various AI? I’m wary of LLMs, but I’m more amendable to an AI not connected to the internet and only designed to help with administrative functions on a device.

Off the top of my head, I think there are three primary types of solutions to the problem I’ve described. First, individuals can handle this, which is the status quo. Second, some technological solution like an AI. Third, a group of individuals providing these services. I’ll give some thoughts on that third option in the next section.

Alternatives to Passwords

I get that security on the internet is important, but creating and having to remember so many passwords is very cumbersome process. There are ways to have software generate passwords and then store them in a “secure” location, but I don’t really care for this approach. In my view, there is no such that are something truly secure on the internet. With enough motivation and skill, security can be defeated–or so I believe. Is there a method that is less cumbersome and more secure? I don’t have a good answer for this, but I want to address this problem in this thread.

To kick things off, here are some thoughts off the top of my head:

Continue reading “Alternatives to Passwords”

2025-2026 NFL weeks 12-18

After the Darnold threw 4 INTS against the Rams in their first meeting, my interest went off a cliff. I don’t know if Darnold’s performance is the reason for this, but it’s the best explanation I have. I’ve still watched the Seahawks, Raiders, and some of the other teams, but I don’t watch most of the games as I did earlier.

Anyway, here’s a thread to discuss all the games and happenings after week 11, the last thread that I posted for this season. Here are some general thoughts since that time:

Continue reading “2025-2026 NFL weeks 12-18”

Discussion About Setting Up My Music On a New Laptop and Questions About I-tunes

My chromebook was on its last legs, so I just got a new laptop. Moving and organizing my music on the new computer has been a top priority and a huge task. Currently, I have a subscription to Apple Music, and I’ve used i-tunes to play music–music files I ripped from CDs prior to subscribing to Apple Music. While Apple Music’s library is very large and meets most of my needs, Apple Music doesn’t have all the music/musicians I like, and I have some of those on CDs. Because of this, I still utilized my laptop (and an older ipod) to listen to this music.

Here are some questions that I have and would be interested in some feedback:

Continue reading “Discussion About Setting Up My Music On a New Laptop and Questions About I-tunes”

On the Value of Avoiding Insulting, Emotionally Charged Language

At some point in late 30s or early 40s, while posting online, I made a conscious effort to use avoid emotionally charged language that many people would find insulting–for example, words like “stupid” or “dumb;” as in, “That’s a stupid idea.” This not only reduced conflicts, but this reduction also reduced a level of agitation and the extent to which interactions with others would sometimes bother me, which would linger even when I went offline. Overall, this move elevated a sense of peace in these interactions, while also allowing me to still engage in vigorous debates. I just enjoyed discussing things on the internet a lot more. However, only recently have I realized another important benefit from this shift in language, and that’s what I want to discuss in this post.

Continue reading “On the Value of Avoiding Insulting, Emotionally Charged Language”

2025-2026 NFL Week 11

Seahawks@Rams is the game I’ve been waiting to see. The game could reveal that one team is for real, while the other is not; or that both teams are for legitimate contenders.

Power rankings:

1st tier: Chiefs and Rams

2nd tier: Seahawks, Eagles, Lions, Colts, Bills, Packers

I would put the Seahawks in the first tier, but I need to see them against better teams–like the Rams and Colts. (Actually, they should probably be lower as I don’t trust Darnold’s ball security. I’m just hoping he can change that.) I’m sticking with the Eagles for now just because I think their roster is strong, although maybe it’s not as strong as I think. (Their lackluster run-game is worrisome.) I’m keeping the Lions here for now. I’m not entirely confident about Daniel Jones, but the Colts have a run game that can keep them in almost any game. I would think their defense should get better with Sauce Gardner as well. I didn’t see the Bills game, but I’m keeping the Bills in here for now. Packers OL/DL don’t look as good, but I’ll keep them in here.

3rd tier: Buccaneers, Broncos, Chargers

The Bucs need to get healthy; I don’t really like the Broncos offense; the Chargers have a strong defense, but I’m skeptical they have enough on offense.

2025-2026 NFL week 10

There were some big trades. The Cowboys got Quinnen Williams (1st and next year’s 2nd?) from the Jets. The Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers (who was asking to be traded) to the Jags (can’t remember the picks). The Hawks got Rashid Shaheed, whom I really like, for a 4th and a 5th. The Jets also traded to Sauce Gardner (for two 1sts) to the Colts.