Edward is away in Florida. Hence, there will be no graphics or links with this blog.
At this time of year, it is perhaps appropriate to reflect on the supportive network available through the Internet. In my last blog post, I made reference to the work of Allen van Newkirk. Edward searched on his name, using Open AI Chat GPT. His second request was a Summary of Ernest Blair Experiment blogs for 2024.
As a result of this collegial initiative, I found that I had referenced van Newkirk in an earlier blog, ‘Books and Memory’, May 4, 2020.
This, in turn, raised another question. I have hard copy of all blogs that go back to 2013. Should I consider curating this collection ? At some point, this material may disappear from the Internet.
Edward’s support raises more questions. He used AI to generate a summary of the 2024 blogs. Would it be useful to use AI to summarize the changes in blog topics from 2013 to the present ? Have there been changes in the subject matter, or thinking ?
This morning, Anne Crossman sent me an electronic copy of her weekly column ‘ Christmases I have known’, dated December 19. This was followed, later in the morning by a Jacquie Lawson Christmas e-card. Again, a sign of the times.
Regardless of the technology, it is a delight to have access to a cadre of individuals who have complementary skills, who can help navigate the new world.
Meanwhile, we have discovered in suburban Middleton, that there is a neighbourhood watch, supported by the same technological network.
Postscript.
Today, Friday Heather and I went to Kentville hospital. We wanted to be tested for COVID, prior to visiting New Glasgow for Christmas. Now we wait for the results.
In Kentville, I stopped in at Gaspereau Press, coffee at the Half Acre Cafe and Tides Art Gallery. At the Gallery, I heard that Dick Groot passed away last month. He left an unfinished book on the Harvest Moon trail.
Acknowledgements
Our human networks are well complemented by the online environment. Thanks to Edward Wedler and Anne Crossman. But also, to Heather, and other individuals who provide feedback on my blog posts.
Ernest Blair Experiment 