New main home for this blog

I am moving. You can find me at Substack. Just click here. for future blogs although I shall occasionally still use WordPress.

I would like to place on record my thanks to WordPress. It is a wonderful user-friendly and smart program. My WordPress blog with its posts will remain online should you wish to see previous posts.

To all my WordPress followers: Thank you.

John Bartels

Using particulars in informal arguments

In my opinion, there are two main ways you can bring in examples when you’re making a point.

The not-so-good way is to first throw out your big idea or rule and then pile on a bunch of examples to back it up. This can make things confusing or overwhelming because it’s a lot to take in all at once.

The better way to do it is to lay out your main idea clearly first. Then, you can add, “There’s a lot of proof that supports what I’m saying. If you’re curious, I can show you the specifics.” This method is better because it sparks interest and lets the person choose to dive deeper into the topic, making the conversation more interactive and engaging.

Original article AI enhanced

Riches bring more worries

The Roman philosopher Seneca warns us that in the world riches often come hand in hand with worries. His insight may well hold truth. Consider this: a modest vehicle bears a minor scratch, and then, imagine a brand-new Rolls-Royce marred by the same slight imperfection. Who do you think feels the sharper sting of annoyance? Our conversation concludes here!. And a word to the opulent: exercise caution when choosing a parking spot for your new, gleaming Lamborghini.

Tamron 18mm-200mm test

Images enhanced by Lightroom auto AI

18mm – 27mm due to crop sensor
200 mm- 300mm due to crop sensor

Very satisfactory. Thank you Tamron

Presenting. What is it? What are its dangers?

Here is what AI thinks.

The concept you’re referring to is often called “presentism.” Presentism is the practice of interpreting past events, people, or cultures by the standards and values of the present. It involves judging historical figures and actions based on contemporary ethical and moral standards. Critics of presentism argue that it can lead to anachronistic assessments, where past societies are unfairly criticized for not adhering to modern values, which they could not have known or embraced at their time. It’s a topic that generates much debate, especially in the fields of history and ethics, as it touches on how we understand and learn from the past.