Here We Go Again...

 Troubleshooting, part XWZ (...sorry, I lost count...)

 

 

(Re-using an AI-created image from 2024.)

I'm back in communication with my printer/scanner. 

Since my last round of trying to fix it, I've been suspecting that the problem must have something to do with an old unfinished printing job mysteriously stuck in queue, and refusing all attempts to just remove it the usual way (via the printer app).

 

Today, I first tried uninstalling and re-installing the printer; but that didn't fix it either. So... then I let AI guide me into mysterious chambers I wouldn't have a clue where to look for on my own; and eventually, having emptied one such folder of four files that I had no idea what any of them was - "abracadabra", the printer was immediately willing to both print a test document, and to scan a postcard... Phew! 

Unfortunately, having finished that job, I discovered that in the process, I had instead managed to lose contact with my File Explorer. It had decided to follow the example of my Firefox browser recently, and shrink to a size so small that it's useless (as I can't see what to click on). I suspect it did that in revenge, to punish me from consorting with AI and getting encouraged to fiddle with files and settings a normal non-tech user isn't supposed to dare muck about with... 

While the Firefox window problem could be fixed by uninstalling and reinstalling that browser, I'm not sure that procedure can be applied to File Explorer. (?) However, my new chum AI assures me that there are alternatives to File Explorer to be found. I think I'll have to read up a bit more on that before I try it, though.

Meanwhile, I think I have at least figured out how I can reach my documents and photos in other ways. So for the moment, I'll take the Scarlet O'Hara (Gone With the Wind) approach to further troubleshooting: "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." 

 

Chatting with Norton

 

When paying my bills for this month, I noticed a post on my credit card bill that I did not recognise. It seemed to be an automatic renewal of a subscription for anti-virus software that I had on my old laptop, which I got rid of (scrapped) last spring. I never moved that over to my new laptop since my IT guru (also known as my brother) assured me that the protection I needed was included in Windows. And I knew I had cancelled that subscription, because I had just recently been receiving emails from Norton, first to remind me that it was about to expire, and then that it had expired. - So what on earth was this about??

Logging into my account, I found to my surprise that besides the expired subscription, I seemed to have another one, which had been auto-renewed without any emails to notify me about that.  I can only assume that this one must somehow have been included in the purchase of my new laptop, even though I never downloaded and used it. In spite of that, it had now been auto-renewed for another year - at a cost of around $45 (£36). 

I probably spent at least another hour that evening just trying to figure out how to cancel that subscription as well. After having (hopefully) managed that part, I gave up for the evening.

Today I resumed my quest, to see if I might even manage to get a refund of the payment already made. I found some info to indicate that this might be possible, as it was less than 60 days time since the payment was made. However, I found their whole website totally confusing. I was looking for a way to get in touch with their support, but all links seemed to just have me going round in circles. They kept referring to their "chat", but there seemed to be no links actually leading there. I still can't retrace how or where, but after about two hours of increasingly desperate searching, I suddenly happened to find it after all...

Below is a summary of what followed - I copied it all to a text document before I closed, partly for documentation, but also because in the midst of my frustration I found the chat itself rather fascinating. (I'm still not convinced that person No 2 was a real human either. Just in case she was, though, I'm omitting that name below, and just calling her "A---". )

 The whole chat lasted about 25 minutes from start to end.

N: You are now connected with Norton Support. Hello! My name is Kate and I am a virtual assistant for Norton. In a few words, please tell me how I can assist you

Me: I just detected that I had an automatic renewal of a subscription that I did not know that I had, and that I have never used. I have ended it but I want a refund

Kate: I was able to locate your account. I need to authenticate you using a verification code. --- I've emailed you the 6 digit PIN. --- You've been successfully authenticated.
As a virtual assistant I am only able to offer limited assistance. One of our agents will be able to assist you with your refund request. Please wait while I connect you with an agent to assist you with your refund request. Your estimated wait time is less than 5 minutes. ---
We are connecting you with a human agent

A--- just joined the conversation
You are now connected with A---

A: Welcome to Customer Support for Norton and LifeLock products . My name is A---. I would like to apologize for the long wait time you had to experience. We are receiving a high number of chats at the moment and we are working on reducing the queue time as soon as possible.

Me: I recently found I had been billed for a renewal of a subscription I did not know that I had, and have never used. I have ended it but I want a refund.

A: Hello, Thank you so much for your patience. How are you doing today?
Please be rest assured I will surely help you with the cancellation and refund. [silence]

Me: Yes?

A: Please take note of case number xxxxxxxx for future reference. You can contact us back with this same number if this chat session is disconnected. [silence]

Me: What info do you need from me?

A: Please allow me a minute to check with the details. As I can check that you have a subscription of Norton Utilities Ultimate under your Norton account which got auto renewed on Mar 16, 2024 due to which you were charged SEK 499.00 to your account. Am I correct?

Me: Yes. I have no idea what that is about. I don't have Norton installed on any device.

A: [Enters into a very long description of 'Norton Utilities Ultimate' and the 'Norton Automatic Renewal Service']  "Norton would have sent a notification to the registered email address between 50 to 65 days before your subscription expired and also before any payment was billed...." ...(They did not!)... "I would like to inform you that we do not had such intension to charge you and this is the reason we offer 60 days refund policy to our customers. as you are a valuable customer to Norton and you have contacted me regarding your concern, if you like I can also offer you a 20% refund of the automatic renewal price, and you can continue to use your Norton Product for the next year. Is this something you might be interested in?"

ME: I don't want this subscription.

A: I totally respect your decision and there is nothing more than your satisfaction. I do not waste any more of your time. I will go ahead and process 100% refund back to your account. As well as I will check that such issue will never repeat again and make sure that the Automatic Renewal service is disable from your subscription. --- Please allow me a minute to process the refund and share the details.--- As requested I have started the refund process --- Please allow 5-7 working (business) days to process and it will show up in your next billing cycle (within 10 working days depending on your bank). Please, take a note of your refund confirmation number xxxxxx. You will also receive an email confirming the refund and another email confirming your Automatic Renewal cancellation.

Thank you for all your time and patience and I do apologize for the time taken, you are awesome and was very supportive throughout the chat. This is very rare to get such a calm and wonderful customer like you. Apart from that Is there anything I can assist you with?

ME: I would like to close my Norton account permanently after this has been resolved and I have got my refund

A: Please do not worry as I have already cancelled your subscription so you not be charged ever again and if you wish I can delete your billing information so that you will never face any issue ever again.

ME: Yes please.

A: Please allow me a moment. --- I have successfully deleted the billing info and I assure you that you will not be charged in the future.

ME: Thank you

A: I am really glad to help such a wonderful customer like you. You were also very supportive and cooperative throughout the chat. You will receive a Customer Satisfaction Survey by email within the next few days. You are welcome to express your overall opinion of Norton Service and Support in the survey. Your feedback is much appreciated and helps us improve our customer service.

ME: OK. Bye! 

A: It was a pleasure to assist you. I will pray to keep you and your family safe. Thank you for contacting Norton LifeLock support and have a great time! Good Bye and Cheers for the day.

PS. I did also receive email confirmation of the refund. Remains to be seen when it also turns up in my bank account. (When it has, I may investigate further how to close the whole account altogether...)

PPS. It's certainly a first for me to have a customer service chat ended by prayer! ;-)

Eldoria, part 4: From Darkness to Light

My instructions to Copilot:
Please continue the story, starting from the end of the following summary: - The Wizard Alaric and the two fairies Thalia and Liora (descendant of Elara, and now guardian of Elara's magic toothbrush that was used in the past to defeat the monster Gargantooth) are exploring the castle of Eldoria. In the Vault of Virtues they found the Crystal of Coalescence, which according to Alaric "can amplify the power of the magic tooth-brush, but only a true descendant of Elara can wield it." They also found a scroll with a prophecy about "a time when Eldoria would face a darkness greater than Gargantooth, and only the combined strength of the wizard, the guardian fairies, and the Crystal of Coalescence could banish it forever." With the crystal's power now bound to Liora, they left the vault; the crystal secured and the prophecy etched in their hearts. -

Chapter 4 - The Shadows of Skotos *

* In Ancient Greek, “σκότος” (skótos) means darkness or gloom. It can refer to physical darkness, as well as metaphorical darkness like ignorance or deceit. The word has also been used in various forms in religious texts to denote moral darkness or the darkness of the netherworld.

As the trio emerged from the Vault of Virtues, the castle of Eldoria stood bathed in the golden hues of dusk. The Crystal of Coalescence, now bound to Liora, pulsed with a gentle light, its rhythm in sync with her heartbeat. Alaric, with his staff in hand, led Thalia and Liora through the winding corridors, the prophecy echoing in their minds. 

The Gathering Gloom

Night fell over Eldoria like a velvet cloak, and with it came a chill that seeped into the bones. The stars, usually a glittering tapestry above, were dimmed by an unseen force. Alaric's brow furrowed as he sensed the stirrings of dark magic. "The shadows of Skotos," he murmured, "the darkness the prophecy foretold."

 

Thalia, with her fairy sight, peered into the night. "The stars are hidden, not gone," she whispered. "We must find the source of this darkness and restore the light."

The Quest for Light

Liora clutched the crystal, feeling its power surge. "The Crystal of Coalescence," she said, "it can guide us to the darkness's heart."

Alaric nodded. "We must be swift. The longer the darkness lingers, the stronger it becomes." With a wave of his staff, a map of Eldoria materialized, glowing lines tracing a path to the forest of Fae'lyn, where the darkness seemed to originate.

 

The Forest of Fae'lyn

The forest of Fae'lyn was a place of ancient magic, where the trees whispered secrets and the air shimmered with enchantment. As they entered, the darkness grew palpable, a smothering blanket that threatened to extinguish their resolve.

 

Thalia's wings fluttered, scattering motes of light that pushed back the gloom. "We are not alone," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
 

The Guardian of the Dark

From the shadows, a figure emerged, its form shifting and changing. "I am the Guardian of the Dark," it intoned, "and you shall not pass."

Alaric stepped forward, staff raised. "We seek only to banish the darkness, not to conquer it."

The Guardian's form solidified into that of an ancient tree, its branches creaking. "Then prove your worth," it challenged.

The Trial

The trial was one of wit, courage, and purity of heart. Riddles woven from the threads of time itself, creatures born of shadow and fear, and illusions that tested their very perception of reality.

With each challenge, the Crystal of Coalescence shone brighter, its light a beacon of hope. Liora's lineage, her connection to Elara, gave her the strength to wield the crystal's power, dispelling illusions and revealing truths.
 

The Heart of Darkness

At the heart of the forest, they found it—a vortex of shadow, the source of the darkness that threatened Eldoria. Alaric and Thalia stood by Liora as she raised the crystal high.

"By the light of Elara, we banish thee!" Liora declared. The crystal unleashed a torrent of light, piercing the vortex, shattering the darkness.

The Dawn of Hope

As the darkness dissipated, the stars reappeared, twinkling like diamonds on a canvas of night. The prophecy had been fulfilled, but the journey of our heroes was far from over. For now, Eldoria was safe, but the world beyond its borders beckoned, and with it, new adventures.

And so, with the dawn came hope, and with hope, the promise of tomorrow.

THE END
(...for now...)

All images created by feeding quotes from the text back to Microsoft Designer or Image Creator.

Eldoria, part 3 - The Vault of Virtues

My instructions to Copilot:
Please continue the story with another chapter, starting from the end of following summary and quote: “Having listened to the wizard Alaric’s tale about how the fairy Elara had used her magic tooth-brush in the past to defeat the monster Gargantooth, the two fairies Liora (descendant of Elara) and Thalia felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that their journey was about more than just adventure; it was a quest to uphold the legacy of those who had protected Eldoria before them. - And so, with the tooth gleaming from its place in the castle's window, and the path ahead bathed in the stained glass’s kaleidoscopic light, they stepped forward, ready to face whatever mysteries awaited them in the heart of the castle. The kingdom of Eldoria, once buzzing with anticipation, now held its breath, waiting for the new chapter of its history to be written by the brave wizard and the two fairies, guardians of its past and hope for its future.”

The Echoes of Eldoria

As the last echoes of Alaric's tale faded into the hushed corridors of the castle, Liora and Thalia, with the wizard by their side, ventured deeper into the heart of Eldoria. The castle, a living testament to the ages, whispered secrets through its ancient stones, and the air was thick with the magic of yore.

The Enchanted Hallway

The trio entered a long, narrow hallway, its walls lined with portraits of Eldoria's past rulers, their eyes seeming to follow the fairies' every move. At the hallway's end stood a grand door, carved with runes that shimmered under Thalia's touch. "These are the ancient scripts of protection," Alaric murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "They guard the entrance to the Vault of Virtues, where the most sacred relics of our kingdom are kept."

With a determined nod, Liora reached out, her fingers tracing the glowing symbols. The door responded, the runes dancing like fireflies before settling into a new pattern. The door creaked open, revealing a chamber bathed in a soft, golden light. 

 

The Vault of Virtues

Inside the vault, treasures of untold value gleamed, but it was the Crystal of Coalescence* that caught their eyes—a gem said to harmonize the energies of Eldoria. "This crystal," Alaric explained, "can amplify the power of the magic tooth-brush, but only a true descendant of Elara can wield it."

Liora, feeling the weight of her lineage, stepped forward. Her hand hovered over the crystal, and as her fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through the room. The crystal glowed brighter, its light enveloping her in an ethereal embrace.

*Coalescence = the joining or merging of elements to form one mass or whole. Some common synonyms of coalesce are amalgamate, blend, commingle, fuse, merge, mingle, and mix.

 

The Prophecy Revealed

As the light subsided, a scroll materialized before them, unfurling mid-air. Alaric caught it gently, his eyes widening as he read the ancient text. "It speaks of a prophecy," he said, his voice trembling with excitement. "A time when Eldoria would face a darkness greater than Gargantooth, and only the combined strength of the wizard, the guardian fairies, and the Crystal of Coalescence could banish it forever."

The revelation hung heavy in the air, a destiny foretold now resting on their shoulders. They knew what they had to do. With the crystal's power now bound to Liora, and Thalia's unwavering spirit, they were ready to face the coming storm.

Together, they turned to leave the vault, the crystal secured and the prophecy etched in their hearts. The kingdom of Eldoria, once silent in anticipation, now thrummed with a newfound energy, its fate intertwined with the courage of its guardians.

And so, the journey continued, not just a quest for adventure, but a mission to fulfill a destiny written in the stars, to protect the realm and ensure that the light of Eldoria would never fade. 

 * * * * * * *

Would you have been able to stop here, without pursuing it further? I could not; so the story will go on with one more chapter. Then I'll try to at least take a break from it for a while! ;-)  

AI and the mysterious "Eldoria"

 

The readiness of Microsoft's Copilot and Designer to introduce me to the fantasy kingdom of Eldoria (cf my previous two posts) rather took me by surprise. It seemed like a whole fantasy world by that name already exsisted "out there" and was just waiting to be explored further - rather like a computer game.

Before going on, I decided to ask Google what they knew about Eldoria. Now I was in for another surprise, because even though I can't recall ever having come across it before, it seems that 'Eldoria' is all over the internet, in all kinds of confusing and contradictory versions... There are lots of books written about it, but by different authors. And there are computer games, and images, and YouTube video clips, and websites I'm not even sure exactly what they do (I'd probably have to create an account to find out). And also people wondering in various kinds of forums why 'chatGPT' always seems to lead to Eldoria whenever they try to create something in the fantasy genre... (Which was also what I had started to suspect myself.)

Still finding it hard to quite make sense of it all, I returned to Copilot and asked straight out:

Me: Is the Eldoria used by Copilot the same as other Eldorias on the web?

Copilot's answer:

The term “Eldoria” can refer to different concepts and creations across various platforms and media, and it’s not exclusive to any single use. The Eldoria I mentioned earlier, such as the one in Roblox or on World Anvil, are independent creations that share the name but are not necessarily related to each other or to any version that might be used by Copilot.

Each Eldoria has its own unique context and content, created by different individuals or groups for specific purposes, like gaming, storytelling, or worldbuilding. The common thread is the name “Eldoria,” which seems to evoke a sense of fantasy and adventure, but beyond that, they are distinct from one another.

If you’re asking whether there’s a specific “Eldoria” that Copilot uses as a reference or a base for responses, the answer is no. Copilot does not use a singular Eldoria but can provide information or create content based on the various interpretations of Eldoria available on the web, as long as it aligns with the guidelines and capabilities I have as an AI. 

Thanks, Copilot. Knowing that, I think I feel a bit better about continuing to explore a bit more...

(At least one more episode already prepared, and will be coming up soon. I'll just give my readers as well as myself time to digest the above for a bit first...) 

(PS. It was raining all day yesterday as well... LOL)

Eldoria, Chapter 2

Another dreary rainy day outside, and nothing special on my agenda; so why not continue exploring the mystical land of Eldoria, that Bing Copilot introduced me to yesterday...

Fellow blogger Sandra also encouraged me with the idea of in turn using quotes from the AI created story to create more images, and so on... So I decided to take my experiment a bit further, and see if I could get Copilot to continue the story where he left off yesterday, but also include answers to the things I thought he had ignored in the original image. So in the instructions I gave, I again included the same image, and repeated the last few paragraphs from yesterday, but also added what I expected the continuation to include:

Me to Copilot: Please continue the story from the quote and image below. The continuation should include an explanation of why there is a big tooth in the window above the door to the castle, and why the fairy on the stairs to the castle is holding a tootbrush instead of a wand.

"The wizard Alaric whispered an incantation, and the keys glowed with an ethereal light. The door creaked open, revealing a world within that was both wondrous and strange. Lush green plants and vibrant mushrooms lined the path, leading them deeper into the castle’s heart. As they ventured forth, the stained glass windows above cast warm, colorful patterns on the stone floor, guiding their way. The air was filled with the scent of ancient spells and the promise of discovery. And so, Liora and Thalia embarked on their journey, their spirits high and their minds open to the endless possibilities that lay before them. The kingdom of Eldoria buzzed with anticipation..."

 

Copilot obliged, and produced the following tale - bits of which I then in turn used to ask Image Creator for further illustrations...

Chapter 2

As the trio delved deeper into the castle, the story of the tooth and the toothbrush began to unfold. Alaric, with a voice as deep as the castle’s foundations, recounted the tale:

"In the earliest days of Eldoria, when magic was young and untamed, a great beast roamed the land. This creature, known as the Gargantooth, was born from the earth’s hidden energies and the people’s collective fears. Its massive tooth, a relic of its power, was said to be indestructible and was the source of its strength. The Gargantooth ravaged the kingdom, its presence a constant shadow over the land.

It was then that a fairy, unlike any other, emerged. Her name was Elara, and she wielded not a wand but an enchanted toothbrush, a gift from the wise witch of the western woods. With this toothbrush, Elara did what no spell or sword could—she cleansed the Gargantooth’s tooth, purifying it from within.

As the bristles of her enchanted brush swept over the tooth, the Gargantooth’s power waned, and it retreated into the depths of the earth, never to be seen again. The tooth, now a symbol of purity and protection, was placed in the highest window of the castle, a reminder to all that courage and purity of heart can conquer the greatest of fears.

 

 

Liora, the fairy you see on the steps, is a descendant of Elara. She holds the toothbrush, not as a weapon, but as a symbol of her lineage and her duty. Each day, she polishes the tooth, ensuring that its magic remains strong, safeguarding Eldoria from the darkness that once threatened its very existence."

 

With Alaric’s tale echoing in their ears, Liora and Thalia felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that their journey was about more than just adventure; it was a quest to uphold the legacy of those who had protected Eldoria before them.

And so, with the tooth gleaming above and the path ahead bathed in the stained glass’s kaleidoscopic light, they stepped forward, ready to face whatever mysteries awaited them in the heart of the castle. The kingdom of Eldoria, once buzzing with anticipation, now held its breath, waiting for the new chapter of its history to be written by the brave wizard and the two fairies, guardians of its past and hope for its future."

Visiting the Tooth Fairy

 

Yesterday, I had a fair(l)y unadventurous visit to the dentist. Just a regular check-up, which I "passed with flying colours" - i.e. nothing detected that needed fixing. 

Later in the day, trying to think of something to blog about but coming up with absolutely nothing, I turned to Bing Image Creator to ask for an illustration of a visit to "the Tooth Fairy".  From several attempts to rephrase my request, the most interesting image that came up was the one above. It did not really feel very relevant, though, so I gave up.

Today, looking at this image again, I decided to ask Copilot if I could upload an image and ask for a story to go with it. He (surely it's a he?) said yes, absolutely. It took me some time to figure out how, though. But it turned out that was just because not enough of the web page was visible on my screen - and strangely I had to enlarge rather than diminish to make that happen! Once I did succeed to upload the image from yesterday, though, the story came faster than I was able to read... But it didn't include anything to do with teeth!

Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Eldoria, there was a castle known for its enchanting beauty and the magical beings that resided within. The castle, built from the finest stone bricks, stood proudly amidst the rolling green hills, its conical roofs reaching towards the sky.

One early morning, as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the land, two fairies named Liora and Thalia prepared for a momentous occasion. Liora, the elder fairy, wore a gown that shimmered like the morning dew, while Thalia’s attire sparkled with the vibrant colors of dawn.

Beside them stood an ancient wizard, Alaric, with a long white beard and wise eyes that had seen centuries unfold. In his hand, he held a set of keys, forged from starlight and imbued with powerful magic. These keys, he explained, would unlock the hidden chambers of the castle, revealing secrets and powers that had been dormant for ages.

Liora, with her wisdom and grace, was to guide Thalia, the brave and curious younger fairy, through the mysteries that awaited them. As they approached the arched doorway, Thalia’s heart fluttered with excitement. Her wings, delicate and colorful like a butterfly’s, left a trail of sparkling dust in the air.

The wizard Alaric whispered an incantation, and the keys glowed with an ethereal light. The door creaked open, revealing a world within that was both wondrous and strange. Lush green plants and vibrant mushrooms lined the path, leading them deeper into the castle’s heart.

As they ventured forth, the stained glass windows above cast warm, colorful patterns on the stone floor, guiding their way. The air was filled with the scent of ancient spells and the promise of discovery.

And so, Liora and Thalia embarked on their journey, their spirits high and their minds open to the endless possibilities that lay before them. The kingdom of Eldoria buzzed with anticipation, for the tale of magic, power, and discovery that unfolded that day would be told for generations to come.

And they all lived magically ever after.

Copilot then suggested that perhaps I wanted to know more about Eldoria? As he sounded quite eager to go on, I went along with that; and then got a whole background structure about this enchanted kingdom, its inhabitants, the land and the architecture. Feeling rather overwhelmed, I stopped there... 

Curiosity might tempt me to return another day to see if Copilot then still remembers Eldoria, though. And if I can get him to explain the presence of the tooth symbol on the castle, in the window above the door...

BING & BING

 

In a comment to yesterday's post, Mr Yorkshire Pudding asked if Bing Copilot was related to Bing Crosby. Always taking comments from my readers seriously (hrm), I went directly to the source for an answer...

Me: Why is Bing called Bing?

Copilot: Bing, the search engine owned by Microsoft, has an interesting backstory behind its name. Let’s delve into it:

1. Dr. Richard Bing: The name “Bing” is attributed to Dr. Richard Bing, who was 99 years old when he reached out to Microsoft. In a fax to Mich Mathews, the Senior Vice President of Marketing, Dr. Bing expressed his interest in collaborating with Microsoft because they had “used his name for our new search engine”. (1) It’s quite remarkable that a nonagenarian played a role in naming a major search engine!

2. Origins and Interpretations: The name “Bing” has various interpretations and meanings. One theory suggests that it originated from the Germanic word “bion,” which means “to stay” or “to dwell.” Over time, “bion” evolved into “bing,” a term associated with a heap or pile. (2) Perhaps this reflects the idea of accumulating information and knowledge through search.

3. Integration with Microsoft: In 2020, Microsoft rebranded Bing as “Microsoft Bing” to better reflect its integration with other Microsoft products. The new name emphasizes how Bing seamlessly integrates with the broader Microsoft ecosystem. (3)

So, whether it’s a nod to Dr. Richard Bing or a play on words related to gathering information, the name “Bing” has become synonymous with online search.

(1) thewindowsclub.com 
(2) letslearnslang.com 
(3) windowscentral.com

Bing AI designer at work in his office

And apparently, this is what Bing looks like. No doubt about it - I got four pictures of the same guy. (He does seem to take pride in changing his shirt every day, though.)

Judge for yourselves whether he might be related to Bing Crosby or not.
I actually can't rule it out...

 

Reading Difficulties

 

I'm struggling to find blogging inspiration at the moment. The weather is still mostly grey and rainy, with nothing outdoors to inspire photograpy (or long walks). It could be a great time to settle down with a good book - and I tried to, as I had a newly bought Swedish book I wanted to read (third in a series). But alas I find myself really struggling to read small print now, due to the macular degeneration on my left eye (with which I was diagnosed back in December). I tried using a magnifying glass, but that's really not relaxing either... However, I have now found the book in question in a special library audio book app which I have access to since before (for people with various kinds of visual impairments) - it had just recently been added there.  So I guess I'll be able to finish the book while resting my eyes at the same time after all. (Reading E-books has advantages over printed books as well, as one can adjust the text. I still need breaks from too much "screen time" as well, though - so am very grateful for audio books.)

Bing AI was in fairly cooperative mode when I asked for illustrations - but it obviously has not yet grasped the concept of audio books. (It seems to think that it involves connecting headphones directly to a printed book... Still a challenge for technology to make possible!) (AI also seems to have certain problems with keeping the rain on the outside of the windows - which luckily I do not...)

 

Rainy Week, and Discussions with AI

It's been a grey and rainy week, and as you may already have gathered from yesterday's post, I've not been in my most inspired mood. 

Before I asked Bing AI for illustrations of "tired and uninspired" yesterday (the results of which actually cheered me up!), I had made some attempts to explore another AI image generator: Craiyon. It did not impress me, though. I only downloaded a very few examples:

Today, it occurred to me to ask Microsoft's new Copilot the question from my post yesterday: "Why can't AI spell?"  

In my first attempt I'm afraid I phrased the question a bit too personal...

Me: Why can't Bing Image Creator spell?

Copilot: I apologize if there was any inconvenience caused. As an AI language model, I don’t have direct control over the Bing Image Creator, but I appreciate your feedback. If you have any other questions or need assistance, feel free to ask! 😊

 

Oops, in spite of the smiley, someone seems to have taken offence... Better rephrase!

 

Me: Why can't AI image creators manage spelling?

 

Copilot: AI image creators, like any other technology, have their limitations. While they excel in certain areas, they may struggle with others. Here are a few reasons why spelling errors might occur in AI-generated images:

1. Training Data: AI models learn from vast amounts of data, including text. However, if the training data contains spelling mistakes or inconsistencies, the AI might inadvertently reproduce those errors.

2. Context and Ambiguity: Spelling correctness often depends on context. AI image creators lack the understanding that humans have, which can lead to misinterpretations. For example, the word “lead” can refer to both a metal and a verb, leading to different spellings (“lead” vs. “led”).

3. Noise and Noise Tolerance: AI models are sensitive to noise (irrelevant information). If an image contains noise (such as artifacts or distortions), it might affect the generated text, including spelling.

4. Complexity of Language: Spelling involves intricate rules, exceptions, and regional variations. AI models may not always capture these nuances accurately.

5. Trade-offs: AI creators balance various factors, such as fluency, coherence, and relevance. Sometimes, spelling correctness takes a back seat to other priorities.

6. Feedback Loop: AI models improve over time with feedback. If users report spelling errors, developers can fine-tune the model to enhance accuracy.

In summary, while AI image creators have made significant strides, they are still evolving. As users, we can provide feedback to help improve their performance. 🤖📝

 

Excuses, excuses... (LOL)

Why Can't AI spell??

 

Blessed Silence

As some might recall me mentioning before, back in spring/summer I was having problems with being frequently disturbed by a neighbour's noisy bird.  

It started last winter but kept getting worse, and during summer became even more annoying, as then the neighbour also kept their balcony door open most of the day.  

I kept thinking of complaining to our housing company's office; but I hate conflicts, and could not really think of a "solution" other than the neighbour getting rid of the bird altogheter, which I wasn't sure was something I could demand.

It was also more about being frequently disturbed, rather than each session always lasting very long. (But that one would never know until afterwards!) Was I to try to report an ongoing disturbance by phone, it was likely to stop (pause) before I managed to get through to anyone. And in the nighttime I did not hear it. (I imagine the owner throwing a blanket over its cage in the evenings and until next morning.)

Summer came, and with it the usual period of noise from big birds outdoors: seagulls, crows and magpies fighting each other over food, and anxious to protect their own young offspring. And with that background noise added, it seemed even harder to "plead my case" about the single pet bird next door (even if to my ears, that was still much worse!).

In July, neighbour + animals (there's also a dog) went away for three weeks or so. Blessed silence reigned for a while in their absence - and my nerves calmed down... But at the same time, that also made me realise how much the frequent daily screeches from that bird had really come to affect me!

Sounds of silence

... And as soon as they were back from their holiday, it all started again. 

After my own mini holiday in August, I decided to keep daily notes for a while (time of day, for how long, frequence etc); and after a couple of weeks of that, I did try to sum up my complaints in an email to the landlord's office.

After a week or so I got a reply back that they had talked to my neighbour. (Their general policy is discretion towards both parties, so no details about what was said.) I did not really expect any sudden major change... But after that, it did actually seem like the owner was probably at least trying not to encourage the bird to chatter away as much as before.

 

However: Since the beginning of October I haven't heard a single chirp. And as there have still been sounds/signs of normal human activity, I'm actually beginning to think (fingers crossed!) that a new home must have been found for the bird - somewhere else entirely. (Hopefully permanently, and with someone living in a house of their own this time...)

Blessed Silence

All illustrations in this post created with the help of Microsoft Bing Image Creator.