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Em Dash Man

9/7/2025

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Over the past year, I’ve found myself observing and participating in the online discourse around generative AI. It’s a fascinating mix of optimism, caution, and—often—overcorrection. One recent pattern I’ve noticed among the more anti-AI voices is a tendency to declare that certain quirks of writing automatically “reveal” that a piece was written by AI.
Top of the list? The em dash.
​Apparently, if you use em dashes in your writing, there’s a decent chance someone online will accuse you of being a bot—or worse, of using ChatGPT.
​Earlier this week I read ‘Revenge of the Librarians’ by Tom Gauld, a fun and nerdy book that includes a comic about ‘Apostrophe Man’. Apostrophe Man is a literary superhero whose superpower is punctuation. He is both absurd and strangely relatable (maybe not so strange to those of us who like (or feel the need) to correct grammar). The combination of that comic and the em dash paranoia online sparked an idea: What if there was a superhero like Apostrophe Man, but for the em dash instead?
​Thus, Em Dash Man was born.

​I played around with ChatGPT to create both images and comics based on this idea. Below are two images of Em Dash Man. One in a retro comic book style and another in a dramatic fantasy realism style. 
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Retro Comic Book Style
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Dramatic Fantasy Realism Style

​I kept playing around and iterating, eventually cooking up the two comic panels below. I'm not claiming they’re masterpieces, but the process was fun and enjoyable. I always try to take the opportunity to experiment with ChatGPT. It’s a great way to learn, and I encourage others to do the same. 
​There’s something cathartic about channeling these online arguments into something silly and symbolic. Sometimes satire says more than a thread ever could. 

EM DASH MAN
​
—DEFENDER OF THE WRITTEN WORD!

A tale of accusation, punctuation, and redemption.

EM DASH MAN AND THE GREAT AI DEBATE

AI panic hits the town hall. Only one hero dares to intervene. 

A Note on “AI Tells”

​It's true that generative AI models can show stylistic patterns in their outputs (em dashes, choice of quotation marks, a certain rhythm of prose, even emoji use). However, those “tells” are not universal and are often the result of vague prompting.
Generative AI is highly responsive to direction. You can ask an AI model to:
  • Write without em dashes.
  • Use only commas or short sentences.
  • Format answers as bullet points.
  • Use MLA or APA formatting.
  • Mimic any tone, author, or style.
  • Format like a technical manual or a short story.
  • Write like Carl Sagan, a 2007 MySpace page, a casual Reddit post, or a 1950s advertisement. 
​In other words: AI output is responsive and deterministic. If it’s outputting dashes, it’s likely because the prompt (or the training data it learned from) included them. 

Final Thought

​Generative AI is a deterministic tool based on math, but different prompts and additional training can change responses. This is similar to how human language evolves over time through usage, exposure, and cultural shifts. The more people engage with different writing styles, the more they absorb, adapt to, and emulate those patterns in their own expression—whether through comments on social media, reading chapter books, or now, through exposure to generative AI outputs.
​Em Dash Man isn’t here to save AI or destroy it.
He’s just here to say:
          “Maybe we should judge ideas, not dashes.”

All images in this blog post were generated by ChatGPT through my own prompting and iterative refinement—just one more way to explore what these tools can (and can’t) do.
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The Importance of Fact-Checking Generative AI: Human Oversight Is Not Optional

25/6/2025

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Two recent stories serve as a powerful reminder: Generative AI must always be fact-checked. Human oversight isn’t optional. It’s essential.
In one story, major newspapers including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer published a summer reading list with books that didn’t exist. Ten of the fifteen titles were completely fabricated by AI but falsely attributed to real authors like Isabel Allende and Percival Everett. The list, syndicated by King Features, slipped through editorial review and misled readers, damaging trust in both AI-assisted writing and journalism.
​In the other story, covered by the CBC, lawyers are facing disciplinary action for citing AI-generated legal cases that never existed. These “hallucinations” might have appeared convincing on the surface, but were entirely fiction. This highlights how insufficient human oversight over generative AI outputs can put clients, court outcomes, and careers at risk. 
​As the CBC article notes, “AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are not information retrieval devices but tools that match patterns in language. The result can be inaccurate information that looks ‘quite real’ but is in fact fabricated.”
​These incidents highlight a key truth: Generative AI is a supercharged autocomplete, not a database or search engine. It predicts what should come next based on patterns, not understanding. It doesn’t know facts. It guesses.
​That kind of predictive power can be useful, but without proper review, it can just as easily produce elegant and convincing nonsense. If we use AI in our work, we must treat its output as a starting point—something to refine, verify, and build upon—not as a finished product or reliable source. 
​Verification is non-negotiable. Every citation, name, date, and fact needs to be reviewed. The AI might not know better. We must.
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​Image generated with ChatGPT. 
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Know Your Resources: The Canadian Library Challenges Database

11/6/2025

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I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. 

The Canadian Library Challenges Database

The Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:
  • The specific item challenged.
  • The nature of the objection.
  • The requested remedy.
  • The library’s review process (if available). 
  • The official response.
It's an invaluable reference (that is made more useful and comprehensive through our use) to inform and strengthen our responses to challenges, as well as give us an understanding of the challenged landscape in the library world.

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Image generated with ChatGPT. 
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Know Your Resources: FireSmoke Canada

28/5/2025

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​With the rise in forest fires becoming a significant concern across Canada, staying informed is more important than ever. Recent years, particularly 2018 (British Columbia wildfires), 2019 (Alberta wildfires), 2021 (Lytton wildfire), and 2023 (Alberta wildfires) have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Currently, Manitoba is experiencing many active wildfires, leading to the closure of many provincial parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has been particularly hit hard, highlighting the need for reliable, timely information. 
One invaluable resource I've discovered and want to share is FireSmoke Canada.

FireSmoke Canada

​FireSmoke Canada provides real-time visualizations and forecasts of wildfire smoke across Canada and North America. Its interactive map clearly illustrates the density and movement of smoke, offering valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, health precautions, and travel planning.
​Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, FireSmoke Canada is a must-bookmark site. Whether you're sensitive to air quality or simply want to monitor environmental conditions, this tool provides essential, timely data to keep you informed and prepared.
​Stay safe, stay informed, and share this resource to help your community navigate wildfire seasons effectively. 

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​Image generated with ChatGPT. 
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Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025: Reflections on Learning, Presenting, and Connecting

14/5/2025

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On May 6th and 7th, I attended the Manitoba Libraries Conference hosted by the Manitoba Library Association (MLA). As an MLA member, I deeply appreciate this gathering. It's an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, discover innovative practices, and reflect on my own professional growth. This year was especially exciting as I co-presented a session titled "Demystifying ChatGPT: AI Innovations for Libraries & Digital Repositories" alongside Mike Ellis.
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Day 1: Insights, Ideas, and AI Innovations

​The conference began with a powerful keynote by Niigaan Sinclair. Niigaan, an Anishinaabe professor from Peguis First Nation, immediately captured my attention with his compelling storytelling and incisive commentary. He contextualized Manitoba’s past and present, thoughtfully reflecting on the Legislative building and the statues toppled in recent years. His point about the absence of Indigenous representation being akin to starting a story at chapter two was particularly impactful. Niigan’s discussion on generational change, highlighted by Manitoba electing Canada’s first Indigenous premier, Wag Kinew, provided insight and perspective. His masterful balance between serious topics, such as residential schools and red dress day, and his use of humour underscored the value of open and straightforward conversations. 
​The first session I attended, “Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs”, led by Austin Matheson and Brittany Lagasse from Winnipeg Public Library, was delightful. It expanded my perspective on adult programming and reminded me of the potential for community-building through creative initiatives like ukulele jams. Given that my previous assistant branch head occasionally serenaded us with her ukulele, this session triggered some memories. 
​After preparing the laptop for my presentation, I quickly assembled a delicious lunch plate, though I had to temporarily stash it behind the projector screen. Despite starting slightly late due to the lunchtime rush, Mike and I had an impressive turnout, with attendees overflowing onto the floor! Mike’s engaging case study on PastFORWARD, Winnipeg Public Library’s digital repository, showcased an innovative AI application in archiving and elicited both laughter and lively participation from the audience. Although time for questions was limited, attendees raised insightful queries about generative AI trained on creative commons materials and the environmental implications of AI. Post-session, I enjoyed meaningful one-on-one discussions about generative AI and potential applications, including possibilities for interlibrary loan systems. 
Afterward, I enjoyed my lunch in the main hall and had an engaging conversation with Trevor, a new connection who shared interests in generative AI, libraries, astronomy, camping, and world travel.
​The afternoon continued with enlightening lightning talks on diverse library initiatives, from updating furniture (“Hold on to Your Seat - Or Don't!”) to enhancing bilingual collections and supporting male caregivers in early literacy programs. These brief yet impactful presentations sparked numerous programming ideas for my own library.
​The day concluded wonderfully with finger foods and mingling, leaving me eager for day two.

Day 2: Exploring Library Practice and Philosophy

​Day two started with the MLA Annual General Meeting, providing a relaxed and productive beginning to the day. It was wonderful connecting with colleagues over coffee, meeting new faces, and exchanging insights.
​The first session of the day, “Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables”, inspired fresh ideas for nature-focused programming. Learning about initiatives like donating produce grown in library gardens reinforced the innovative ways libraries serve their communities.
​“Staff Picks: A Fun, Online Readers’ Advisory Program Model for Your Library” provided practical inspiration for an upcoming autumn ‘Staff Picks’ display. A valuable takeaway from this session was the reminder that “tech should be a tool that supports what you do, not dictate it.”
​The session “In Search of the Lost Library”, presented by librarians from the University of Winnipeg, demonstrated creative solutions for addressing discrepancies in catalogue entries. While their final solution didn’t utilize generative AI, their recognition of it as a potential solution brought a smile to my face, aligning with my interest in integrating AI into library workflows.
​Lunch and the awards ceremony, featuring speaker Chimwemwe Undi, were enjoyable and celebratory. Congratulations to all award winners!
​In the afternoon, Sam Popowich’s session, “The Cultural Politics of Libraries”, was particularly thought-provoking. Sam compellingly argued for recognizing libraries as politically active institutions, examining the 'enlightenment' versus 'social control' perspectives on library history. After the session, Sam generously gifted me his book, "Solving Names: Worldliness and Metaphysics in Librarianship", a thoughtful gesture and a read I’ve already begun to enjoy. 
​The final session I attended, “The Burnt-Out Librarian: Moving on From Vocational Awe”, tackled an important yet often overlooked issue. Carolyn and Monique shared personal experiences and offered practical strategies to address burnout, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy engagement with our profession.
​If you’re interested in exploring the content from my session, I’ve included two versions of the presentation slides in PDF format: a short presentation version (as delivered at the conference) and a more detailed version for deeper context and explanation. I hope these resources offer insight into our session and inspire new ways to explore the role of generative AI in libraries. 
​Reflecting on these two enriching days, I felt a great sense of community and connection. The Manitoba Libraries Conference reaffirmed my passion for librarianship, highlighted extraordinary work happening throughout Manitoba, and reinforced my belief that librarians and library workers truly do rule.
​Until next time!

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Navigating Truth in the Age of AI: A Practical Guide to Fact-Checking

30/4/2025

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The digital world is brimming with information—but not all of it is accurate. With AI-generated content flooding our feeds and misinformation becoming more sophisticated, verifying facts has never been more crucial. Whether you're researching for work, keeping up with the news, or simply scrolling through social media, sharpening your fact-checking skills can help you separate truth from deception. Here’s how to sharpen your perception, enhance your awareness, and become a more informed consumer of information. 
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​​​​​​​​Generated with DALL·E.

Five Key Strategies for Verifying Information

1. Research the Author or Organization
A source’s credibility matters. Before trusting information, investigate who is behind it:
  • Is the author a subject matter expert?
  • Is the organization funded by groups or individuals who could bias their reporting?
  • Does the author or organization have a history of accuracy?
  • Are they affiliated with a reputable institution?
  • Do they have an agenda?
Looking beyond an entity’s website—by checking independent reviews and other sources—can provide a clearer picture by revealing underlying motives and biases.
2. Use Smart Search Techniques
Finding reliable sources quickly depends on how you search. Here are a few techniques to refine your results:
  • Use quotation marks (e.g. "digital literacy initiatives") to search for exact phrases.
  • Use site:[URL] (e.g. site:ala.org digital literacy) to search within a specific website.
  • Use the minus sign (e.g. -fake) to exclude unwanted terms.
  • Conduct reverse image searches to verify photos.
3. Verify the Original Source
Many articles cite secondhand sources—but are they trustworthy?
  • Track down the original source or publication.
  • Check if the claim is accurately represented and contextually sound.
  • Check if multiple reputable sources report the same facts.
4. Consult Fact-Checking Websites
Independent fact-checkers help cut through the noise. Some recommended resources include:
  • General: Snopes, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org
  • Scientific: SciCheck, Science Feedback
  • Canadian-Specific: CBC News, MediaSmarts
​5. Pause and Reflect
If a claim sparks an emotional reaction, that’s a red flag. Misinformation thrives on outrage and urgency. Before sharing or believing a story, take a step back and ask:
  • Does this seem too good (or too bad) to be true?
  • Who benefits if this claim spreads?
  • Does this seem intentionally provocative or overly simplistic?
  • Have multiple reliable sources verified this?

Beyond the Basics: Fact-Checking Frameworks

The SIFT Method: A Fast, Effective Approach
Mike Caulfield’s SIFT method offers a quick way to assess information:
  • Stop – Before engaging, consider the source’s credibility.
  • Investigate – Look into the author, website, and their reputation.
  • Find Better Coverage – Seek out high-quality sources for confirmation.
  • Trace the Claim – Follow information back to its original context.
The P.R.O.V.E.N. Method: A Deeper Dive
For more thorough evaluation, use the P.R.O.V.E.N. method:
  • Purpose: Understand why the information was created.
  • Relevance: Check if the information is applicable. 
  • Objectivity: Assess if multiple viewpoints are included. 
  • Verifiability: Confirm the information through reliable independent sources.
  • Expertise: Confirm the author’s qualifications. 
  • Newness: Determine if the information is current. 
Lateral Reading: Thinking Like a Fact-Checker
Instead of staying on one page, open new tabs and check:
  • Wikipedia for background on an organization or expert.
  • News archives for related reporting.
  • Reviews and expert opinions from multiple sources.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Information Resilience

​AI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and misinformation continues to evolve. Developing strong fact-checking habits keeps you informed and protects you from misleading claims.
​Next time you come across a viral story, a surprising statistic, or a claim that seems off, take a moment to verify before you share. The more we question, the better we can navigate today’s information landscape.
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​​​​​​​​Generated with DALL·E.

What’s Your Go-To Fact-Checking Method?

​Have a favourite strategy or a trusted source you rely on? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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Star Stories & Sky Teachings: Indigenous Constellations Over Turtle Island

16/4/2025

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On Thursday, March 27th, I headed to the Lockhart Planetarium at the University of Manitoba. The event, ‘Storytelling of the Stars’, led by Rockford McKay and Dr. Phil Ferguson, immediately brought to mind Wilfred Buck’s ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’, which I read last year.
​The evening was filled with connection and recognition—some stories familiar, some new, and many deepened by hearing them aloud beneath a simulated night sky. Just as I’ve gradually learned the names and positions of many IAU-standardized constellations, I’m now doing the same with Indigenous constellations. Repetition, each retelling, roots the stories deeper within.

Turtle Island & Makinak: A Living Calendar

In many Indigenous traditions, North America is Turtle Island, where the turtle is more than symbolic. The constellation Cepheus represents Makinak—the turtle whose shell is a living calendar: thirteen plates for thirteen full moons, twenty-eight edge divisions for twenty-eight days between moons. Long before our modern calendar, the sky and turtle shell tracked time together. Many will recognize Cepheus as a house due to its brightest stars, but to Indigenous storytellers, Makinak’s shell tells a deeper tale of cosmic rhythm.
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‘Edwin Bighetty. Makinak: Cepheus’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’

Atima Atchakosuk: The Dog Stars & Mista Muskwa: The Great Bear

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​‘Edwin Bighetty. Ahtimah Atchakosuk: Polaris & Little Dipper’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’
The Big and Little Dippers share a corner of the sky and intertwined stories. At the event, we explored Atima Atchakosuk—the Dog Stars. Long ago, humans had no protectors, vulnerable to nightly dangers. Mikun (Wolf) sent two pups to guard us, and later Mischachakanis (Coyote) and Makisew (Fox) followed, sending more dogs. These dogs became our early warning system. The Little Dipper represents their leash, with Polaris as the tether—forever circling the celestial camp, alert and guarding. 
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Images from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’
But danger also lurked above. Mista Muskwa—the Great Bear (Big Dipper)—embodies greed and imbalance. The bear demanded constant gifts, becoming violent if refused. Eventually, seven birds--Tepakoop Pinesisuk—were sent to restore harmony. They chased the bear until he fled to the sky, where the chase continues each autumn, the constellation “running" along the horizon. It’s a story of imbalance, of consequences, and of community coming together to restore harmony.
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​‘Edwin Bighetty. Mista Muskwa: Big Dipper’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’
These stories weave together, offering layered perspectives. The dogs are our guardians, while the bear reminds us of the dangers of greed—and the power of collective action. The event summarized these narratives; the book deepened them with details.

​Achakos Ininewuk: The Star People

One of the most memorable teachings I heard that night and one that I recall often when looking up at the night sky is that we are Star People. Carl Sagan’s words, “we are made of star-stuff”, echoed in Indigenous wisdom. At creation, Misewa (everything that is) received a spark--Achak—from the Creator, animating all things. Thus, stones (Assiniuk) are alive, animate with spirit. Death becomes transformation, not termination.
Our ancestors arrived via Achakos Iskwew (Star Woman), who descended through a hole in the sky marked by the Pleiades--Pakone Kisik—and chose to come to Aski (Earth). I look up at them now not just as a glittering cluster, but as a portal. A reminder of the indigenous arrival story.
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​‘Edwin Bighetty. Atchakos Ahkoop: Pleiades’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’

Kiwtin: The Going Home Star

Polaris—the North Star—is called Kiwtin, the Going Home Star. Fixed in the sky, it guides those lost or returning home. The two bowl stars in the Big Dipper (Great Bear’s hind legs) consistently point toward it, an ancient navigational aid. Kiwtin is a  foundational reference point for navigating the night sky.

Orion & The Sweat Lodge: Matootisan

Orion, known to many as the Hunter, carries another powerful Indigenous story. Orion is Mistapew, a giant spirit-being resembling a Sasquatch or Sa’be, embodying strength and honesty—one of the Seven Sacred Teachings. In ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, the tale unfolds through Tikoom, whose seven uncles disappeared during a hunting trip, captured by a giant trading in spirits. Their spirits were placed in seven stones, foundational to the first sweat lodge--Matootisan. Each stone holds a sacred teaching, a fragment of spirit, and a tale passed down generations.
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​‘Edwin Bighetty. Mistapew: Orion’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’

Guided by the Seven Teachings

Throughout the evening the Seven Sacred Teachings emerged repeatedly:
  • Respect
  • Truth
  • Wisdom
  • Honesty
  • Courage
  • Love
  • Humility
These teachings are reflected in the stories—whether it’s the loyalty of the dogs, the danger of unchecked ego in the bear, or the wisdom of using the stars as a compass.
I had first encountered these teachings while walking the Bimose Kinoomagewnan (Walk of Teachings) trail in Pukaskwa National Park. Seeing them mirrored in the sky makes them feel even more eternal. As above, so below.
Seven Sacred Teachings: Respect, Truth, Wisdom, Honesty, Courage, Love & Humility
​Photos taken by me in July 2022

Final Reflections

​From ‘Storytelling of the Stars’ and revisiting ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, I’m reminded that astronomy transcends charts and data. It is ancestral, emotional, and spiritual.
​Constellations are not mere configurations of light. They are maps of memory. Guardians of wisdom. Bridges between worlds. 
​And as we lift our eyes to the sky, we are reminded:
​We are not separate from the stars.
​We are made of them.

Sources:
  • Wilfred Buck, ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’
  • Rockford McKay & Dr. Phil Ferguson, ‘Storytelling of the Stars’ presentation, Lockhart Planetarium, March 27, 2025.
Note: These stories are shared as I heard, read, and remembered them. Your understanding or stories might differ, or my interpretations might not fully match your own. I welcome corrections, perspectives, or stories via email or comments below.
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Two Suns at Dawn: The Rare Magic of a Partial Solar Eclipse Sunrise

2/4/2025

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This past weekend, something rare and quietly extraordinary unfolded in the skies above northeastern North America: a partial solar eclipse at sunrise — and with it, the eerie illusion of a ‘double sunrise’ or ‘devil’s horns’. 
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​​​​​​​​Generated with DALL·E.
​For those who were in just the right spot — places like eastern Maine, coastal New Brunswick, or the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec — the Sun didn’t rise as a single glowing disc. Instead, two crescent-shaped horns of sunlight crept above the horizon, side by side, separated by the shadow of the Moon. This fleeting illusion is called a ‘double sunrise’, and it’s the result of a rare alignment where a partial solar eclipse begins (or reaches its peak) at the exact moment the Sun is rising.

So what’s actually happening?

​A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but doesn’t cover it completely. Instead, it obscures only a portion of the Sun’s face. When this happens at sunrise, the Sun emerges with a large chunk ‘missing’. And in cases like March 29, 2025 — when the Moon covered 80–90% of the Sun in those regions — only the far edges of the Sun remained visible, appearing like two separate horns of light on the horizon. 

Why is it so rare?

Because for this to happen:
  • A partial solar eclipse must occur,
  • It must align precisely with sunrise,
  • And you have to be in a very specific region of the world to witness it.
When all three conditions align, you get a visual phenomenon that feels both celestial and surreal — a kind of cosmic sleight of hand.
Photos shared on social media captured the moment brilliantly. The first image below, taken by Fabrizio Melandri in Monticello, Maine, shows the textbook ‘devil’s horns’ silhouette — sharp, symmetrical, and surreal. The second set of images, taken by Colleen Logan on the Atlantic coast of Canada, shows the Sun’s eerie progression through cloud-fringed treetops.
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​‘Horns of fire’ rising over Maine – captured by Fabrizio Melandri.
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Images captured by Colleen Logan from the Atlantic coast of Canada.
For more about how solar eclipses work — and where this one was visible — check out:
  • NASA’s Eclipse Portal
  • NASA SVS Map of the March 29, 2025 Partial Solar Eclipse
​If you missed it, don’t worry — part of the joy in these events is knowing how rare and serendipitous they are. And when the skies do offer up a gift like this, it reminds us to keep looking up.

Clear skies, friends.

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Staying Safe in the Digital Age: A Practical Guide to Online Safety

19/3/2025

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​The internet is a vast, ever-expanding landscape of information, social connection, and convenience. But just like any city with bustling streets and hidden alleyways, navigating the digital world requires caution. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding obvious scams—it’s about developing a mindset that keeps your personal information secure, your devices protected, and your digital footprint under control.
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What is Online Safety?

​Online safety refers to the practices and precautions individuals take to protect themselves, their personal data, and their digital identities from cyber threats. These threats range from phishing scams and malware to identity theft and privacy breaches. Staying safe online means understanding these risks and actively taking steps to reduce them.

Main Facets of Online Safety

  1. Privacy Protection – Keeping personal and financial information secure from unauthorized access.
  2. Cybersecurity Awareness – Understanding common cyber threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
  3. Digital Footprint Management – Controlling what information about you is available online.
  4. Safe Browsing Practices – Avoiding malicious websites and recognizing potential scams.
  5. Strong Authentication – Using secure passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  6. Social Media Awareness – Being mindful of what you share and how it can be used against you.
  7. Avoiding Misinformation – Identifying reliable sources and fact-checking content.
  8. Secure Online Transactions – Safeguarding financial information when shopping or banking online.

​Tips, Best Practices, and Rules of Thumb

1. Strengthen Your Passwords
  • Use unique, complex passwords for each account (ideally 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
  • Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible—it’s an extra layer of security that makes unauthorized access significantly harder. 
  • While using unique, complex passwords for every account is the best practice, I recognize that many people find this difficult to maintain. At the very least, prioritize strong, unique passwords for your most critical accounts—such as banking, email, and password managers—to protect your most sensitive information and ensure you can securely manage and recover your accounts if needed.
2. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
  • Be skeptical of emails or messages requesting sensitive information.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links—hover over links to preview the destination before clicking. You can also copy and paste suspicious links into a blank text document to review.
  • Check the sender’s email address carefully; scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate sources.
3. Protect Your Devices with Security Software
  • Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and applications up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
  • Install a trusted antivirus program and enable automatic updates.
  • Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your network.
4. Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint
  • Google yourself periodically to see what information is publicly available.
  • Adjust privacy settings on social media to limit who can see your posts and personal details.
  • Think before you share—once something is online, it is difficult to remove completely.
5. Browse Safely and Avoid Suspicious Websites
  • Use HTTPS websites for transactions and personal data entry.
  • Be cautious when downloading files or software—stick to official app stores and trusted sources.
  • Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when on public Wi-Fi to encrypt your data.
6. Stay Vigilant on Social Media
  • Don’t accept friend requests from strangers or suspicious profiles.
  • Be cautious about sharing location data in real time.
  • Avoid oversharing details that could be used to impersonate you or answer security questions.
7. Verify Before Trusting Online Information
  • Double-check sources before sharing news articles or social media posts.
  • Use fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or Media Bias/Fact Check.
  • Be wary of sensationalized headlines designed to provoke an emotional reaction.
8. Shop and Bank Securely Online
  • Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases for better fraud protection.
  • Check for HTTPS and verify the legitimacy of online retailers before entering payment details.
  • Enable transaction alerts from your bank to monitor any suspicious activity.
  • Avoid saving your credit card information anywhere and delete cookies after every online purchase.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Secure

​Online safety isn’t a one-time action—it’s an ongoing practice. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but by staying informed, adopting secure habits, and using common sense, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Whether you’re shopping, socializing, or simply browsing, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from potential threats.
​By treating your online presence like you would your home—locking doors (passwords), checking visitors (verifying links), and securing valuables (personal data)—you can enjoy the internet’s benefits while minimizing its risks.

Stay safe, stay smart, and stay cyber-aware!

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Exploring Code Generation with ChatGPT: A Space Invaders Experiment

5/3/2025

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I've always been curious about how well ChatGPT can generate functional code. To test its capabilities, I decided to start with something relatively simple but still interactive: coding a basic Space Invaders game. I wanted to see how well ChatGPT could generate a working program, how adaptable it would be to my requests, and whether I could refine and improve the code through iterative prompts. This experience turned into an engaging coding experiment, showing me just how powerful AI-assisted development can be.
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Defining the Project

​Space Invaders is a classic arcade game where the player controls a spaceship that moves left and right, shooting enemies descending from the top of the screen. The game involves essential programming concepts like:
  • Rendering graphics: Drawing the spaceship, enemies, and bullets on the screen.
  • User input: Allowing the player to move and fire using keyboard controls.
  • Game logic: Detecting collisions between bullets and enemies, tracking scores, and resetting the game when necessary.
  • Dynamic difficulty: Adjusting enemy speed to increase or decrease the challenge.
To keep things lightweight and browser-based, I opted to use CodeSkulptor, a Python environment designed for educational programming that runs entirely in the browser and uses the simplegui library for handling graphics and game loops.

Iterating on the Code

I began by asking ChatGPT to generate a basic Space Invaders game in CodeSkulptor. The initial version included:
  • A rectangular player-controlled spaceship.
  • Simple movement using the left and right arrow keys.
  • Enemies that moved downward at a fixed speed.
  • A basic shooting mechanism where bullets fired straight up and disappeared when hitting enemies or leaving the screen.
However, I quickly realized some limitations and requested modifications:
  1. Increased Playability: The original screen size was too small, and the player’s speed felt sluggish. I asked ChatGPT to triple the spaceship’s speed and expand the game window to provide more space for movement.
  2. Balanced Enemy Movement: The enemies were initially too fast, making the game too difficult. I asked for their speed to be reduced to one-third of the original rate.
  3. Dynamic Difficulty: I requested that enemy speed increase by 5% when pressing the up arrow key and decrease by 5% when pressing the down arrow key. This allowed for on-the-fly difficulty adjustments.
  4. Visual Improvement: I wanted the spaceship to be a triangle rather than a rectangle to better represent a traditional spacecraft.
  5. Game Reset Feature: Finally, I asked for a way to restart the game with a key press. ChatGPT implemented a reset function triggered by pressing the 'N' key, which cleared the screen, reset the score, and respawned enemies at random positions.

The Final Result

​By the end of this experiment, I had a functional and customizable Space Invaders game running in CodeSkulptor. The iterative process demonstrated how well ChatGPT can understand and implement coding requests, allowing for quick modifications and enhancements.
For those interested, I highly recommend trying out the code in CodeSkulptor and playing around with your own modifications. The experience is a great way to learn how game logic works while also exploring AI-assisted development.

Download the Code Below

python_codeskulptor_space_invaders_chatgpt.txt
File Size: 4 kb
File Type: txt
Download File

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Looking Ahead: The Power of AI Coding Assistance

This experience left me excited to continue exploring coding with ChatGPT. Now that o3-mini-high is available—a model that is supposed to be even more proficient at coding—I’m even more eager to see how it improves code generation, debugging, and refactoring. With each iteration, AI models are becoming more adept at understanding context, implementing changes effectively, and even suggesting improvements I might not have thought of myself.
​If this simple Space Invaders game was just the beginning, I can only imagine how far AI-powered coding assistance can take us. Imagine being able to code entirely in natural language! Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced developer looking to prototype ideas quickly, ChatGPT is proving to be an invaluable tool in the coding process.
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