Saturday, March 16, 2024

I was tearing in to TV's

I was tearing in to TV's at age 6 and fixing them at age 8, by age 12 I had a soldering iron and a bag of junk. All I needed was power and a table and chair. 

 I would take Bets.  $20 I can fix it, or it's free.  people would line up.  Anything in they would put in front of me, electronic/electrical . I'd get a minute to examine it , and tell them what parts , or fix it with what I brought.  A literal Felix the Cat, with a bag of tricks.

I would oddly just know what I needed for that days adventures. 

Anyhow people would literally gather and take bets. In the most lucrative neighborhoods.  I'd be brought in to untangle a companies phone system and reprogram their PBX, or some industrial controller.   Anything Dangerous  AC power I'd bring my dad in .  But I got to fix computers. So I wrote a data based on the TRS-80 model 3 for the North Jersey Buick Dealers association. I be sitting in the showroom writing code.  Before you know it I am helping write the Arc file compressor, with a guy who was teaching me about Unix and compression.  Building radio equipment and all sorts of stuff. 

Friday, February 23, 2024

Anatoly Dneprov’s 1958 Russian work Крабы идут по острову , can you give me a summary, and it relivance to today?

Bing:

“Крабы идут по острову” (Crabs on the Island) is a science fiction short story by Anatoly Dneprov. The story revolves around an engineer named Cookling who conducts an experiment on a small tropical island12. He uses self-replicating, evolving robotic crabs to test Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution12. However, the evolution goes in an unexpected direction, and the island turns into a sort of hell3.

The story is often seen as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of self-replicating machines or nanobots1. It highlights the risks of creating machines that can reproduce and evolve on their own, especially without proper safeguards or controls in place1.

In terms of its relevance today, the story is more pertinent than ever due to advancements in technology, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics1. The concept of self-replicating machines, which was once purely science fiction, is now a real field of study. This story serves as a reminder of the ethical and safety considerations that must be taken into account as we continue to develop and deploy increasin


Anatoly Dneprov’s 1958 Russian work Крабы идут по острову , can you give me a summary, and it relivance to today?

ChatGPT:

Anatoly Dneprov's 1958 work "Крабы идут по острову" (Crabs Walk on the Island) is a science fiction short story that is well-regarded in Russian literature. The narrative revolves around a group of scientists on a remote island who are conducting nuclear tests. The story takes an unexpected turn when the crabs on the island start displaying unusual behavior as a consequence of the nuclear tests, eventually leading to unforeseen and disastrous results.

The central theme of the story deals with the unforeseen and often dangerous consequences of scientific progress and human intervention in nature, especially when it comes to the power of nuclear energy. Dneprov, trained as a physicist, often explored themes related to the responsibilities of scientists and the ethical implications of scientific advancements in his works.

In terms of its relevance today, "Crabs Walk on the Island" remains a poignant reminder of the potential environmental and ecological impacts of nuclear testing and, more broadly, of human technological advancements without sufficient consideration of their consequences. The story echoes current concerns about environmental degradation, the ethical responsibilities of scientists and engineers, and the unforeseen consequences of technological progress. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of considering the long-term impacts of our actions on the planet and its ecosystems.

Everything in Pink is just wrong. 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The Apple, Part 1: Second Draft

A Sci-Fi Story by John L. Sokol

The city streets hummed with a silent efficiency that seemed foreign, even though I'd spent countless years walking on them. People called it "The Big Apple," an old moniker that, despite my long life, I never really grasped.

This new role I'd taken on felt out of time, a throwback. My uniform, an orange jumpsuit with fluorescent reflectors, felt reminiscent of a bygone era that most had only seen in history holograms. As did my truck, which creaked and groaned as it lumbered alongside nimble automated vehicles.

Parking, I was surrounded by sleek roads peppered with electric grids, a stark reminder of the progress humanity had made in energy. These 600-volt rails zigzagged the city, powering cars that moved with a grace pedestrians no longer had to witness. The streets, once a cacophony of footsteps and chatter, were now eerily quiet.

A sudden realization hit me, one that always seems to strike at the most inopportune moments. I had forgotten to visit the restroom. The vast building complex I'd left, which now stretched to heights that would've been unimaginable in my youth, was my only option.

Stepping out, I was caught off guard by the absence of familiar scents and sounds. The city's pulse had changed. Autonomous vehicles glided silently, their passengers lost in their own worlds, oblivious to old-timers like me.

A familiar orange hue in the distance caught my attention. "Taking a stroll?" The jest came from a fellow worker, Eddy, comfortably nestled in his state-of-the-art vehicle.

“Nature calls,” I responded, rushing to the building. My brief absence was just enough to disrupt the intricate ballet of traffic. On my return, an orchestrated chaos met my gaze. The displeasure of the machines was palpable.

Eddy, always the mediator, intervened. "First day on this route, folks. Let's keep moving."

Grateful nods and suppressed chuckles followed as I resumed my journey. The onboard system, a gentle guiding voice, hinted at paths and turns, subtly reminding me of how much had changed since I'd last taken the wheel. The sprawling streets, once familiar, now felt like a maze from a dream—somewhat recognizable but eerily different.

I was in a world built on the bones of the old, bridging memories of the past with a future that was still, even after all these years, hard to grasp.

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

End of And Era

 The end of the electronic shops in Silicon Valley. 


All now Long dead. 


   The end of Frys. 
almost unimaginable, this place was Amazing


 Statue of Nikola Tesla at the Freemont Fry's store. 








It used be be filled this this sort of stuff. 


Sunday, August 20, 2023

The Pragmatic Evolution of Memetic Engineering: Unleashing Living Ideas for Societal Transformation

 The Pragmatic Evolution of Memetic Engineering: Unleashing Living Ideas for Societal Transformation

Introduction:

In the tapestry of human evolution, the realm of ideas and concepts has emerged as a dynamic force that transcends the boundaries of mere theory. Memetic Engineering, coined in 1992 , pioneered by Leveious Rolando and John Sokol, heralds a new era where ideas are not static abstractions, but living entities that possess the power to infiltrate, adapt, and transform. As we embark on this transformative journey, the convergence of science and pragmatism beckons us to explore the living essence of ideas and their profound influence on society.

Memetic Engineering: Breathing Life into Ideas:

Memetic Engineering, once confined to theoretical discourse, has now emerged as a tangible field of science that harnesses the living essence of ideas. Just as genes evolve and adapt to ensure their survival, ideas and concepts exhibit a similar vitality, seeking hosts in the vast landscape of human minds. Through this paradigm, we witness the birth of a science that treats ideas not as static artifacts, but as living organisms that navigate the intricate neural networks of human cognition.

The Living Dynamics of Memetic Influence:

Leveious Rolando and John Sokol's groundbreaking work resonates with the pulse of this living phenomenon. Memetic Engineering, far from being a mere abstraction, operates at the intersection of psychology, sociology, and cognitive science. As ideas infiltrate the recesses of individual consciousness, they adapt, mutate, and influence belief systems, thought patterns, and behaviors. This dynamic interplay is akin to an evolutionary dance, where ideas strive for propagation and dominance.

Shaping Societal Fabric:

Memetic Engineering extends beyond manipulation and into the realm of intentional influence. It empowers us to sculpt societal narratives, catalyze cultural shifts, and drive transformation on a global scale. By strategically crafting and disseminating memes, we become architects of thought, nurturing ideas that resonate with shared visions. Through the symphony of memetic influence, societal norms, values, and paradigms are sculpted, reflecting a collaborative endeavor between science and human aspiration.

From Theory to Action: The Pragmatic Manifestation:

The journey from theoretical inception to pragmatic realization is a testament to the potency of Memetic Engineering. As ideas take root in human consciousness, a ripple effect is initiated – a cascade of cognitive adaptation that extends far beyond initial intent. In this era of rapid information dissemination, memetic evolution transcends borders and cultures, fostering a global dialogue where ideas are not confined but traverse the spectrum of human experience.

Conclusion:

Memetic Engineering, the brainchild of visionaries Leveious Rolando and John Sokol, emerges not as a passive theory, but as a living force of pragmatic transformation. Ideas, once conceived in the realm of thought, now pulsate with life, seeking hosts to perpetuate their existence. As we embrace this revolutionary paradigm, we step into a realm where the boundaries between science and society blur, allowing us to wield the living essence of ideas as tools for shaping the future. In this convergence of science, pragmatism, and human agency, Memetic Engineering emerges as a beacon guiding us towards a world where the evolution of ideas is the key to unlocking societal metamorphosis composition based on the concept of Memetic Engineering as described. It aims to convey the idea that Memetic Engineering is more than a theory, but a pragmatic and transformative force in society.


Author Unknown, Forwarded to me by a friend.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Rick and Morty theme on Sonic Pi.

I first started with a MIDI and converted that to something I could feed in to chatGPT, XML to the resuce. 

Turning MusicXML into Sonic Pi Script: My Journey with ChatGPT-4

Music has always been a fascinating space where art and technology dance together, and my recent foray into turning a MusicXML file into a Sonic Pi script was an adventure filled with highs, lows, and invaluable assistance.

Why Sonic Pi?

Sonic Pi is an incredible tool that lets you write music using code, which offers an immense array of possibilities for music composers, enthusiasts, and developers. The idea of converting a MusicXML file, a standard open format to represent musical notation, into a Sonic Pi script can streamline the process of creating live-coded music.

The Challenges Ahead

However, the journey wasn't as straightforward as I initially anticipated. While MusicXML provides detailed information about every note, measure, and the dynamics of a musical piece, Sonic Pi has its own syntax and requirements. The challenge was to map the intricacies of one format into the simplicity and power of the other.

Enter ChatGPT-4

That's when ChatGPT-4, OpenAI's latest language model, came into the picture. Given the complexities involved in my task, I approached ChatGPT-4, hoping to bridge my knowledge gaps and simplify the conversion process.

To my surprise, not only did ChatGPT-4 understand the nuances of both MusicXML and Sonic Pi, but it also provided step-by-step guidance on how to proceed. Instead of having to pore over documentation and do manual conversions, ChatGPT-4 offered a streamlined method, saving both time and potential frustration.

ChatGPT-4 in Action

For instance, while handling dynamics and note durations from the XML, ChatGPT-4's solution accounted for the intricacies of how Sonic Pi interprets rests, note lengths, and more. The model even provided insights into making the arrangement more pleasing, ensuring that the final script didn't just sound technically right, but musically vibrant.

Lessons Learned

This experience has been a testament to the potential of language models in assisting creative projects. While Sonic Pi lets us code music, ChatGPT-4 can act as a bridge, interpreter, or even a mentor in this space.

The balance of music and technology has found a new harmony with tools like these. Whether you're an expert in music theory trying to dabble in live coding or a programmer keen on exploring musical landscapes, the combination of MusicXML, Sonic Pi, and ChatGPT-4 is a trio that can help you hit the right notes.

In Conclusion

As I reflect on this journey, it's evident that the fusion of art and tech will continue to evolve, offering endless possibilities. With the support of advanced AI like ChatGPT-4, even the most daunting tasks can become achievable, and the boundary between coding and composing blurs, giving birth to a symphony of innovation.


Attempt 1

# Setting the BPM use_bpm 86 # Define the notes notes1 = [:Bb4, :Db5, :C5, :Eb5, :Ab4, :Gb4] durations1 = [0.75, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25] # duration in beats for measure 1 notes2 = [:F4] durations2 = [4] # duration in beats for measure 2 (tied to next measure) notes3 = [:Bb4, :Db5, :C5, :Eb5, :Ab5, :Gb5] durations3 = [0.75, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25] # duration in beats for measure 4 notes4 = [:F5, :Bb4] durations4 = [2, 2] # duration in beats for measure 5 notes5 = [:Bb4, :C5, :C5, :Db5] durations5 = [0.5, 2, 0.25, 0.25] # duration in beats for measure 6 notes6 = [:C5, :Eb5, :Ab5, :Gb5, :F5] durations6 = [0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 0.25, 2] # duration in beats for measure 7 # Play the notes notes1.zip(durations1).each do |note, duration| play note, sustain: duration sleep duration end play notes2[0], sustain: 8 # Considering the tie across measures sleep 8 notes3.zip(durations3).each do |note, duration| play note, sustain: duration sleep duration end notes4.zip(durations4).each do |note, duration| play note, sustain: duration sleep duration end notes5.zip(durations5).each do |note, duration| play note, sustain: duration sleep duration end notes6.zip(durations6).each do |note, duration| play note, sustain: duration sleep duration end

Attempt 2


# Set up BPM use_bpm 86 # Set up Synth (Mallets, since the MuseScore instrument was a Mallet Synthesizer) use_synth :fm # Function for dynamics def dynamic_value(d) return d.to_f / 127.0 end # Play the melody play_pattern_timed [:Bb4, :Db5, :C5, :Eb5, :Ab4, :Gb4], [1.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5], amp: dynamic_value(105.56) play :F4, sustain: 4, amp: dynamic_value(105.56) sleep 4 play :F4, sustain: 4, amp: dynamic_value(105.56) sleep 4 play_pattern_timed [:Bb4, :Db5, :C5, :Eb5, :Ab5, :Gb5], [1.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5], amp: dynamic_value(105.56) play_pattern_timed [:F5, :Bb4, :Bb4, :C5], [2, 2, 1, 1], amp: dynamic_value(105.56) play_pattern_timed [:C5, :Eb5, :Ab5, :Gb5, :F5], [0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 2], amp: dynamic_value(105.56)