Tom Kiefer
@thogek.bsky.social
/thō'-jek/ n. Computer/web geek, reader, husband, father, Myers-Briggs INTJ/ISTJ, etc. Not necessarily in that order. Speaks for no one but himself.
Also at x.com/Thogek, threads.net/@thogek00, substack.com/@thogek, linkedin.com/in/thogek
Also at x.com/Thogek, threads.net/@thogek00, substack.com/@thogek, linkedin.com/in/thogek
Do the descriptions of the two main characters in the upcoming Wild Card TV series(not to be confused with the very different book series by the same name)— share.google/U0fJcFZtseXK... —sound just a little like #Mistborn's Wax and Wayne? 🤔 Maybe? No? Okay, nevermind.
January 5, 2026 at 4:26 AM
Do the descriptions of the two main characters in the upcoming Wild Card TV series(not to be confused with the very different book series by the same name)— share.google/U0fJcFZtseXK... —sound just a little like #Mistborn's Wax and Wayne? 🤔 Maybe? No? Okay, nevermind.
Andy Masley's post on environmental effects of individuals' use of #ChatGPT (and #LLM #AI in general)—and some common misunderstandings thereof—is rather long but an easy read and both fascinating and eye-opening. andymasley.substack.com/p/individual... 📰 #Claude #Copilot #Gemini 🤖
Using ChatGPT is not bad for the environment
And a plea to think seriously about climate change without getting distracted
andymasley.substack.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:05 PM
I've read just a few 1000+-page novels, and so far they've each been worth it, but... 📚
Storm it, @BrandonSanderson.com, what in Kelek's name did you get me into this time, you cremling?! 😉
😯📘 #TheWayOfKings #StormlightArchive
Storm it, @BrandonSanderson.com, what in Kelek's name did you get me into this time, you cremling?! 😉
😯📘 #TheWayOfKings #StormlightArchive
December 13, 2025 at 10:24 PM
I've read just a few 1000+-page novels, and so far they've each been worth it, but... 📚
Storm it, @BrandonSanderson.com, what in Kelek's name did you get me into this time, you cremling?! 😉
😯📘 #TheWayOfKings #StormlightArchive
Storm it, @BrandonSanderson.com, what in Kelek's name did you get me into this time, you cremling?! 😉
😯📘 #TheWayOfKings #StormlightArchive
I'm suddenly glad that the new #computer #RAM I just installed I bought some time ago. 🖥️
Where it can be found, it now lists for twice the price I paid. 😯
This "RAM shortage"—reportedly driven by massively increased demand from #AI heavy data centers?—is kinda crazy. 🤦🏻♂️
Where it can be found, it now lists for twice the price I paid. 😯
This "RAM shortage"—reportedly driven by massively increased demand from #AI heavy data centers?—is kinda crazy. 🤦🏻♂️
December 13, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Over the last few days, #MicrosoftCopilot was shockingly integral to reviving my #computer: old #motherboard failed, wrong new-CPU power cable, "not optimized" new-RAM install, faulty new PSU, new-BIOS boot mode blind to old Windows install, etc. 🤖 I'd've taken so much longer on my own. 😌
December 13, 2025 at 4:32 AM
Over the last few days, #MicrosoftCopilot was shockingly integral to reviving my #computer: old #motherboard failed, wrong new-CPU power cable, "not optimized" new-RAM install, faulty new PSU, new-BIOS boot mode blind to old Windows install, etc. 🤖 I'd've taken so much longer on my own. 😌
Does Amazon.com really simply no longer support sorting products by average customer rating?
(Or does #Amazon just hide that highly useful feature really well now?) 😕
(Or does #Amazon just hide that highly useful feature really well now?) 😕
October 25, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Does Amazon.com really simply no longer support sorting products by average customer rating?
(Or does #Amazon just hide that highly useful feature really well now?) 😕
(Or does #Amazon just hide that highly useful feature really well now?) 😕
Who else still cringes when hearing how "super-excited" someone is? 😬 #Hyperbole #SemanticBleaching
x.com/Thogek/statu...
x.com/Thogek/statu...
October 20, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Who else still cringes when hearing how "super-excited" someone is? 😬 #Hyperbole #SemanticBleaching
x.com/Thogek/statu...
x.com/Thogek/statu...
A highlight of a recent jaunt to #Iowa was some of the #restaurants we found there: Texas Roadhouse (West Des Moines), Red Robin (West Des Moines), Maria's Mexican Food (Clive), and Eggs and Jam (West Des Moines) were all seriously good (in very different ways). 🍽️🤤
September 14, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A highlight of a recent jaunt to #Iowa was some of the #restaurants we found there: Texas Roadhouse (West Des Moines), Red Robin (West Des Moines), Maria's Mexican Food (Clive), and Eggs and Jam (West Des Moines) were all seriously good (in very different ways). 🍽️🤤
I'd forgotten just how mind-numbing the prolonged droning rumble of aircraft engines (and their cooling systems, etc.) in a typical commercial passenger airplane can be over a few hours. 😵
September 11, 2025 at 3:52 AM
I'd forgotten just how mind-numbing the prolonged droning rumble of aircraft engines (and their cooling systems, etc.) in a typical commercial passenger airplane can be over a few hours. 😵
The lack of @atlassian.bsky.social Confluence Cloud's support to float a content-block (info, TOC, arbitrary div) to one side (such that ensuing inline content wraps around it), after all this time, still frustrates users who want to format content for easier UX. jira.atlassian.com/browse/CONFC... 😞
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jira.atlassian.com
September 5, 2025 at 9:46 PM
The lack of @atlassian.bsky.social Confluence Cloud's support to float a content-block (info, TOC, arbitrary div) to one side (such that ensuing inline content wraps around it), after all this time, still frustrates users who want to format content for easier UX. jira.atlassian.com/browse/CONFC... 😞
What kinds of new strange-attractor phenomenon will arise out of (for example) #resumes written by #AI/#LLM to optimize for the expectations of #recruiters and #hirers using AI/LLMs to derive #interview questions from resumes? 🤔
September 5, 2025 at 6:42 PM
What kinds of new strange-attractor phenomenon will arise out of (for example) #resumes written by #AI/#LLM to optimize for the expectations of #recruiters and #hirers using AI/LLMs to derive #interview questions from resumes? 🤔
This madcap "Unicode Chronicles" episode sounds like just the kind of nightmare many big-tech-company software developers probably dream (if not directly experience), these days. juliadiez.substack.com/p/the-unicod... 😱🤖🤷 #Localization #i18n #TooReal
The Unicode Chronicles — Chapter 4
The Variable That Spoke in Tongues
juliadiez.substack.com
August 17, 2025 at 4:26 AM
This madcap "Unicode Chronicles" episode sounds like just the kind of nightmare many big-tech-company software developers probably dream (if not directly experience), these days. juliadiez.substack.com/p/the-unicod... 😱🤖🤷 #Localization #i18n #TooReal
#Redbubble seems set on driving many of its small-shop artists away from its platform.
Many raised markups after Apr 2023 to partially make up for new "shop fees" that cut earnings in half. 🚫
Now Redbubble attacks higher-markup items with more fees. blog.redbubble.com/2025/08/exce... 🚫
Why bother?
Many raised markups after Apr 2023 to partially make up for new "shop fees" that cut earnings in half. 🚫
Now Redbubble attacks higher-markup items with more fees. blog.redbubble.com/2025/08/exce... 🚫
Why bother?
The Excess Markup Fee Explained
From Sept 1, Redbubble will charge an Excess Markup Fee on product markups over 20% for Standard and Premium accounts.
blog.redbubble.com
August 12, 2025 at 3:42 AM
#Redbubble seems set on driving many of its small-shop artists away from its platform.
Many raised markups after Apr 2023 to partially make up for new "shop fees" that cut earnings in half. 🚫
Now Redbubble attacks higher-markup items with more fees. blog.redbubble.com/2025/08/exce... 🚫
Why bother?
Many raised markups after Apr 2023 to partially make up for new "shop fees" that cut earnings in half. 🚫
Now Redbubble attacks higher-markup items with more fees. blog.redbubble.com/2025/08/exce... 🚫
Why bother?
Does anyone else—especially any working in a remote-from-home environment—print a day's Outlook calendar to paper to tape to the office/room door so others in the house can see when to avoid interrupting? (Or maybe there's a neater way to do that?)
August 11, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Does anyone else—especially any working in a remote-from-home environment—print a day's Outlook calendar to paper to tape to the office/room door so others in the house can see when to avoid interrupting? (Or maybe there's a neater way to do that?)
Wonder what #GitHub (the company) being fully absorbed into #Microsoft (after operating as a distinct subsidiary for several years) will change about how GitHub (the product) works and evolves. www.theverge.com/news/757461/... 🤔
GitHub is no longer independent at Microsoft after CEO resignation
GitHub will be part of Microsoft’s AI engineering team
www.theverge.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Wonder what #GitHub (the company) being fully absorbed into #Microsoft (after operating as a distinct subsidiary for several years) will change about how GitHub (the product) works and evolves. www.theverge.com/news/757461/... 🤔
Wonderfully cheeky response to the increasingly common lazy-minded presumption that any and all writings containing an em-dash (which has been used by many human writers for centuries) must have been generated by an #AI/LLM. www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the... 🤣 #emdash
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations
“In recent months, a curious fixation has emerged in corners of academia: the em dash. More specifically, the apparent moral panic around how it is...
www.mcsweeneys.net
July 27, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Wonderfully cheeky response to the increasingly common lazy-minded presumption that any and all writings containing an em-dash (which has been used by many human writers for centuries) must have been generated by an #AI/LLM. www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the... 🤣 #emdash
Seems odd to base #software engineers' performance reviews and promotions based more on the method of developing #code ("thou shalt use generative #AI") than on the results. www.entrepreneur.com/business-new..., fortune.com/2025/07/18/a.... Might make for an odd incentive factor, too. 🤔 #metrics
Microsoft Staff Told to Use AI More at Work: Report | Entrepreneur
A new report from Business Insider claims that Microsoft is considering formal metrics for evaluating how much employees use AI during the workday.
www.entrepreneur.com
July 27, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Seems odd to base #software engineers' performance reviews and promotions based more on the method of developing #code ("thou shalt use generative #AI") than on the results. www.entrepreneur.com/business-new..., fortune.com/2025/07/18/a.... Might make for an odd incentive factor, too. 🤔 #metrics
Is there a known reason why Medium's sign-in and sign-up (medium.com/m/signin) with email user-experiences both claim to send a sign-in link to the entered email address, but don't? 😕
July 13, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Is there a known reason why Medium's sign-in and sign-up (medium.com/m/signin) with email user-experiences both claim to send a sign-in link to the entered email address, but don't? 😕
This Prime Day might be a good time for some of us—such as those with frequent #remote video meetings—pick up some extra (or replacement) #headphones and #earbuds. amzn.to/44jaqlO 🎧
Amazon.com | Prime Day 2025
Prime Day is Amazon's annual deal event on July 8-11, 2025, exclusively for Prime members, featuring four days of epic deals on top brands. Don’t miss out on Prime Day 2025 deals at Amazon.com. Enjoy ...
amzn.to
July 9, 2025 at 3:52 AM
This Prime Day might be a good time for some of us—such as those with frequent #remote video meetings—pick up some extra (or replacement) #headphones and #earbuds. amzn.to/44jaqlO 🎧
Well, this looks encouraging. www.androidpolice.com/unihertz-tit... 📱+⌨️
I used the Unihertz Titan 2 for a week, and I don't want to go back
If you've missed your BlackBerry the last few years, Unihertz has a solution for you with the Titan 2
www.androidpolice.com
July 8, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Well, this looks encouraging. www.androidpolice.com/unihertz-tit... 📱+⌨️
This "infrared thermometer gun" seemed like a mildly amusing toy (with specific industrial uses), until I realized that it could very quickly tell me exactly what temperature my #kitchen stove pan or #griddle is. amzn.to/4loTYWE 🍳🌡️🙂
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun 800, -58℉ to 1382℉ with 16:1 DTS Ratio, Digital Laser Temp IR Tool for Cooking, Pizza Oven, Griddle, Fridge, Engine, Pool, Non Contact, Yellow
NOTE1 The measuring surface is about 2cm below the infrared aiming point 2 For best accuracy the distance between thermometer and object of measurement should approximately be 14 17inches (36cm) Simple Operation - Point and Click! Are you looking for an easy way to get accurate temperature measurements? If so this Etekcity non-contact IR temperature gun is exactly what you need Just by one press of the trigger this thermometer will turn on the laser pointer shows target and the big LCD will read the temperature in less than 0 8 second 16 1 High distance spot ratio! This means you may measure the temp of a smaller area at the same distance compared to other 8 1 or 12 1 thermometers thus the readings are much more accurate! Features1 Laser targeting system for more precise aiming 2 Greater distance-spot ratio offers accurate results at longer distances 3 Safely measure hazardous or inaccessible objects 4 Standard 9V battery offers 14 hours of cumulative use 5 Auto-shutoff after 15 seconds to increase battery life 6 Instant-read-display on LCD Specifications Temperature Range -58℉～1382℉(-50℃～750℃ )Accuracy 2%Distance Spot Ratio 16 1Emissivity Adjustable 0 95(fixed)Response Time and Wavelength 500ms and (8-14)unrepeatability 1% or1℃Resolution 0 1℃ or 0 1℉Package Included1x Etekcity Laser grip 800 thermometer1x 9V DC battery1x User's manual.
amzn.to
June 30, 2025 at 3:09 AM
This "infrared thermometer gun" seemed like a mildly amusing toy (with specific industrial uses), until I realized that it could very quickly tell me exactly what temperature my #kitchen stove pan or #griddle is. amzn.to/4loTYWE 🍳🌡️🙂
For those of us wishing for something in the neighborhood of our old physical-keyboard (a.k.a. #PKB) #BlackBerry #phones: www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel... 📱+⌨️=☺️
Titan 2 - The Latest 5G QWERTY Physical Keyboard Smartphone
Classic QWERTY Keyboard Design | Latest Android 15 OS | Global 5G Network Unlocked
www.kickstarter.com
June 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
For those of us wishing for something in the neighborhood of our old physical-keyboard (a.k.a. #PKB) #BlackBerry #phones: www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel... 📱+⌨️=☺️
Is a fictional #book character who is a talented & wealthy technology engineer named Tesla with a uniquely severe disability and a highly intelligent & trained service dog a thing now? (E.g., @rebeccacantrell.bsky.social's Joe Tesla + Edison, @maryrobinettekowal.com's Tesla Crane + Gimlet.) 📘🤔🐕🦺
June 13, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Is a fictional #book character who is a talented & wealthy technology engineer named Tesla with a uniquely severe disability and a highly intelligent & trained service dog a thing now? (E.g., @rebeccacantrell.bsky.social's Joe Tesla + Edison, @maryrobinettekowal.com's Tesla Crane + Gimlet.) 📘🤔🐕🦺
An oddly sad realization that saying "thank you" to your #AI assistant or #chatbot requires it to engage more processing to parse and respond, thus costing its provider more. futurism.com/altman-pleas...
OTOH, "When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back," so... 👍🏻
OTOH, "When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back," so... 👍🏻
Sam Altman Admits That Saying "Please" and "Thank You" to ChatGPT Is Wasting Millions of Dollars in Computing Power
Sam Altman says OpenAI is spending "tens of millions of dollars" processing chatbot queries made with proper etiquette.
futurism.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:53 AM
An oddly sad realization that saying "thank you" to your #AI assistant or #chatbot requires it to engage more processing to parse and respond, thus costing its provider more. futurism.com/altman-pleas...
OTOH, "When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back," so... 👍🏻
OTOH, "When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back," so... 👍🏻
Some days, the #programmer toolbox for #debugging / troubleshooting / #coding / testing through a large software migration onto an entirely new and different platform should include a machete. 😐
April 21, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Some days, the #programmer toolbox for #debugging / troubleshooting / #coding / testing through a large software migration onto an entirely new and different platform should include a machete. 😐