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--- 2025lctgmeetingchats [2025.07.16 12:16] – Steve Isenberg
+++ 2025lctgmeetingchats [2025.10.29 09:14] (current) – [20251029] Steve Isenberg
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 These are a record of the chats that were passed during meetings in 2025.  They have been edited to a small extent.\\
 To find chats for a given day, for example January 15, 2025, search for datecode 20250115 (2025, month 01, day 15).
+====20251029====
+===Windows Backup and VMs===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:12:37 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	https://apple.news/ARPn4yN2MQbiQVykSM1cD4w
+	^ what killed most of napoleon's army.
+:23:44 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	You can get Black Friday deals for MAcrium Reflect Paid edition. I got four licenses last year for $25.00 ea
+:25:48 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	What Robert is confusing with the BIOS is the Bootloader. In Linux, this is GRUB, and Windows has its ownbootloader.These are backed up by any good backup program.
+:29:24 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	MBR and GPT (Legacy and UEFI/EFI Boot) have different partition structures, and place their bootloaders into different locations. So the backup program needs to be told which type of boot is used -- legacy or EFI.
+:05:31 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	Windows 11 changes in 25H2: Free article from AskWoody Newsletter:
+:07:46 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	https://www.askwoody.com/newsletter/free-edition-how-to-prevent-the-forced-use-of-your-files-in-the-cloud/#onedrive
+:16:18 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	In Office 365, it's auto-save which now on,y saves to OneDrive. You can still store versions locally, but it isn't easy. You must use “Save As” each time.
+:33:13 From Steve Isenberg to Everyone:
+	What uses or needs are there to have a VM with another OS running on your system?
+:36:33 From Adam Broun to Everyone:
+	PairVPN: had not heard of it before but the website is very light on details.  Maybe look at Wireguard as an alternative: fully open source, audited and widely trusted
+:59:00 From Drew King to Everyone:
+	can windows interfere with a lenovo laptop from charging on one of its usb ports\
+:07:29 From Drew King to Everyone:
+	https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-8/
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250910====
+===CRISPR, AI, and Patent Law===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:29:09	Judy & Mike Alexander:	Re the questions raised about the patents and what the researchers knew/when:  Researchers record such things in Notebooks, which are witnessed.  The notebook entries constitute primary evidence.
+:55:40	Judy & Mike Alexander:	”mona Lisa” in watercolor is different from the original.  There are qualities in oil paint that are not reproduced in watercolor.
+:57:10	Carl Lazarus:	It's more than 70 years after the death of Leonardo, so you can't be sued for copyright infringement.
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250903====
+===Robots in Everyday Life===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:05:59 From Carl Lazarus to Everyone:
+	Karl Capek was Czech.
+:12:53 From Steve Isenberg to Everyone:
+	Are the robots pre-programmed or are they hearing the music and reacting to it?
+:13:36 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	They can do it either way, but the music in this case seems to be an overdub created in post-production.
+:14:08 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	The choreography is programmed, and is not a response to the music.
+:20:38 From Steve Isenberg to Everyone:
+	Couldn’t someone drive by and grab/steal the [robotic lawn. mower]?
+:21:12 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	some have theft protection (lock-outs against unauthorized use).
+:21:38 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	i've also things like built-in alarms that go off when they are picked up, fwiw.
+:28:54 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	fantastic voyage.
+:29:02 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	i believe with raquel welch.
+:34:41 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	the film companion (2025 - netflix) explores and dramatizes the theme of robots as personal companions/assistants.
+	https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26584495/
+:38:38 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	if you're into a techno-skeptic (aka tech-paranoid) attitude, there are multiple episodes in the black mirror series that explore related topics, also on netflix.
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250827====
+===AI and Monod Molecular Biology===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:48:23 From John Rudy to Everyone:
+	I asked gemini about remembering a conversation.  Here is its response.  “As a large language model, I do not have a memory of past conversations. Every time you interact with me, it's a new conversation, and I don't retain any personal information or details from previous chats.”
+:52:02 From John Rudy to Everyone:
+	I now asked CHAT the same question and received “By default, I don’t remember past conversations outside of the current session. Each new session starts fresh.
+	However, if you turn on memory in your settings, I can remember things across sessions — like your preferences, interests, or facts you’d like me to keep. You’ll also be able to see what I’ve remembered, update it, or ask me to forget things at any time.
+	Do you want me to explain how to turn on memory?”
+:54:54 From John Rudy to Everyone:
+	then I asked Perplexity and received ”Perplexity AI can remember previous conversations, but how much it remembers depends on the context and settings you use. Within a single conversation (called a ”thread”), Perplexity maintains context and can reference everything discussed earlier in that thread, providing seamless and contextual responses. For ongoing or new conversations, Perplexity offers a ”memory” feature that allows it to remember preferences, interests, and specific information between sessions, making future answers more personalized and relevant.”
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250820====
+===Hearing Aids pt 2===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:15:19 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	Is the Sphere particularly good for high frequency sound?
+:17:30 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	Does the Sphere have those modes where you set for a specific setting?
+:21:32 From Stan Rose to Everyone:
+	I have a problem with all earbuds staying in my ears. Do custom aids, like those at Costco, solve this problem?
+:22:02 From tedpk to Everyone:
+	Hard to understand why to hear music that you need significant frequency response above 12kHz as a piano'sﾠC8 Eighth octaveﾠisﾠ4186.009 Hz
+:22:05 From larry freier to Everyone:
+	does Medicare cover hearing aids?
+:22:50 From Mark Edelman to Everyone:
+	Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, but it does cover periodic audiology exams.
+:25:15 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	similar questions for other insurance plans - do you have to get a prescription for insurance to cover?  can you generally get script from GP or do you need to go to a hearing specialist?  do doctors generally prescribe specific models or leave choice to the patient?   can you generally get a prescription, then buy OTC model (e.g. costco) and get re-imbursed by insurance or do you have to use their suppliers?
+:27:16 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	thanks, @Bob Primak .  that mostly covers my questions.
+:28:47 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	i've heard rumors that apple was putting hearing aid functionality into their iPod product.  anyone compared that?   my general impression is the technology packed into that product is pretty impressive.
+	(they're also sold at costco, btw)
+:30:30 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	Looking for very basic intro to hearing aids - anticipating I will be told I need them at my upcoming audiology appointment. But don't want to hijack the discussion among y'all experts
+:31:28 From Judy Osher to Everyone:
+	Where is the Elehear Beyond available?
+:34:56 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	looks to me like they are on amazon, among other places.
+:35:25 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	https://www.amazon.com/ELEHEAR-Beyond-Enhancement-Tinnitus-Connectivity-Bluetooth/dp/B0DXL23JNF
+:38:01 From Judy Osher to Everyone:
+	I have only had battery-operated hearing aids.  Do the rechargeable hearing aids last long enough?  Are there significant advantages to rechargeables?
+:39:44 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	just a general comment, but rechargeable battery tech has gotten better by leaps and bounds in recent years.  otoh, it can still be tricky to integrate charging apparatus (plug or inductive) into a tiny device.
+:40:15 From Mark Edelman to Everyone:
+	If anyone has experience: will rechargeables still have enough battery health after, say, 4-5 years? If not, then are you stuck?
+:40:22 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	What's it like to go out in the rain with H A's? Are they very sensitive if a drop of rain gets on them or can they handle some dampness?
+:52:45 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	Does Costco include audiologists, and do they take insurance?  Or just hearing tests?
+:59:55 From Harry Forsdick to Everyone:
+	On the question about apple iPods as hearing aids. My experience: It’s a cool idea, but I found it very difficult to get the iPods to fit into my ear so that they sealed the ear canal sufficiently enough to run their hearing test.  So, I returned the iPods and gave up.  It was one of those things that you have to try it yourself to see if you can get it work.
+	I was not impressed with how difficult it was to even get started evaluating them.
+	Your milage may vary…
+:02:38 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	@Harry Forsdick, yes i have that same problem - the silicone earpieces that come standard on airpods fall out of my ears for some reason.  i did have some luck with 3rd party alternative earpieces (including ones that were foam instead of silicone) that improved things for me.  they were not too expensive (<$20).
+:05:56 From Stan Rose to Everyone:
+	Tariff impact?
+:07:08 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	it's ok because howard lutnick assures us that administration policies will have armies of americans screwing in tiny screws and manufacturing devices in the us before long.   😉
+:07:32 From Judy to Everyone:
+	How do the over the counter ones compare to AirPods pro?
+:08:41 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	every apple product i've ever purchased from amazon or anywhere comes in a completely sealed package - thus i had no problem telling whether it is new/official apple product.
+:09:53 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	The Amazon and other cheap stores are often not genuine Apple merchandise.
+:10:38 From Steve Isenberg to Everyone:
+	Amazon is helpful in that they often offer free returns
+:16:15 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	do most hearing aids also function as bluetooth headphones (i.e. that you can use with smartphone)?  also do they include microphone to support two-way audio?
+:17:36 From Judy to Everyone:
+	Seems like the AirPods pro would be better than those cheap ones
+:21:30 From Cathy Sullivan to Everyone:
+	How to maintain/repair those $40 Aliexpress ones?
+:23:00 From Ken Prescott to Everyone:
+	Are there HA,s that work in very noisy environments like restaurants
+:26:32 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	Replying to “Seems like the AirPods pro would be better than th...”:
+	this not based on firsthand comparison, but i tend to agree with that.  sub-$200.   there's an apple store at the mall for rare in-person support requirements.  they use (mostly) standard bluetooth and work with phone/computer in a standard way (apple or other).   they pair cleanly.   you can put their products under applecare (extended warranty).  easy to buy.  easy to replace.   accessory support from third parties (e.g. earpieces, etc.).
+:29:01 From Larry W. to Everyone:
+	charlie -- are you using HAs now?
+:31:59 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	Replying to “Seems like the AirPods pro would be better than th...”:
+	airpods pro have ipx4 waterproof rating, fyi.  resistant to light splashes and rain but not fully waterproof.
+:38:47 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	Replying to “Seems like the AirPods pro would be better than th...”:
+	though i own airpod pros, i did not know this:  airpods pro are supported with software on iphones that include hearing test, personalized amplification profiles, custom sound settings, etc.    also i see that they are FDA approved as OTC hearing aid devices, fwiw.
+:40:44 From David Duff to Everyone:
+	how long before hearing aids offer a tivo-like capability where you can jump back and replay the last 10 seconds of conversation when you miss something?
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250806====
+===Wordle===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:19:46 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	log base 2 is close to the natural logarithm:
+:19:53 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	The natural logarithm has a base of 'e' (Euler's number), which is an irrational number approximately equal to 2.71828
+:20:35 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	Natural events, including language events, often follow natural logs and natural exponents.
+:29:40 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	And it turns out that the function applied to words based on their frequencies, does indeed involved the Natural Number (Euler's Number, e).
+:52:59 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	The New York Times, which acquired Wordle, has stated that Wordle drives “tens of millions” of new users to its site. When the game was acquired, monthly users were at 45 million, according to BBC News. While the initial viral craze has subsided, the game continues to maintain a strong level of engagement.
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250730====
+===Hacker's Mind - Bruce Schneier===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:53:12 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	The mortgage crisis of 2008 was also not a hack. It was not merely a case of “too big to fail”. The failure was one of regulatory oversight, allowing companies to lend to people who had no chance of repaying.
+:55:01 From Seth to Everyone:
+	His point is that the banks purposely created a scenario “too big to fail” which enabled them to profit from irresponsible risk because they did not have consequences associated with the risk going bad.  Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac and its associated investors used this same strategy.
+:55:15 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	(Of course, there's still the question as to whether the regulatory process itself may have been hacked.)
+:55:16 From Seth to Everyone:
+	and that could qualify as “hacking the system”
+:55:37 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	Seth, you are probably correct in this sense.
+:55:48 From Carl Lazarus to Everyone:
+	It was a failure of regulatory oversight, but the banks and finance companies that loaned money that had a poor prospect of repayment, and then sold those loans to unsuspecting buyers, were hackers.
+:56:21 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	Yes, Carl, that was hacking the consumers' desire to own a home.
+:56:57 From Seth to Everyone:
+	The scenario was much more complicated than this.  These banks eventually figured out ways to securitize loans without needing the loans.  Pure gambling.
+:57:43 From Seth to Everyone:
+	This is the world of derivatives
+:58:42 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	That reminds me of both crypto markets and what used to happen in high-velocity trading, relying on hacks of the arbitrage system and timing delays within computer networks. I delivered a talk to our Group on The Flash Boys of Wall Street a couple of years ago.
+:59:49 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	I didn't do the same type of analysis of crypto trading, but I gave a presentation to our group a little while ago on the Crypto Culture.
+:01:15 From Seth to Everyone:
+	Yeah, high-frequency trading is really interesting.  Adding a middle man that extracts profit without adding any value.  Kind of like most forms of ticket scalping.
+:04:30 From Seth to Everyone:
+	The Peter Thiel Roth IRA tax loophole is amazing.  I believe he put Palantir stock into his Roth at the beginning and it has grown to something like $8B in value.
+:11:58 From Bob Primak to Everyone:
+	Law and medicine are very different fields. In medicine, expert systems (a form of AI) can vastly improve the accuracy and efficiency of certain tests or scans. But in law, there are no objective standards. Everything depends on precedent and interpretive reasoning. So in law you can't improve outcomes by applying pattern recognition algorithms. AI (as it currently exists) thus is useless in the field of law.
+:18:43 From Seth to Everyone:
+	I’m pretty sure AI is already being used heavily in law.  Isn’t there a lot of cookie cutter stuff that people currently hire attorneys for that could be replaced.
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
 ====20250716====
@@ Line 53: / Line 291: @@
 	A new study by Apple has ignited controversy in the AI field by showing how reasoning models undergo 'complete accuracy collapse' when overloaded with complex problems.  https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ai-reasoning-models-arent-as-smart-as-they-were-cracked-up-to-be-apple-study-claims?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pushly&utm_campaign=All%20Push%20Subscribers
+</code>
+</WRAP>
+[[lexingtoncomputergroup|return]]
+====20250604====
+===Nobel Prizes in Medicine===
+<WRAP prewrap>
+<code>
+:04:42	Bob Primak:	Preparation of Methylene Blue:
+Methylene blue is prepared by the oxidation of dimethyl-4-phenylenediamine in the presence of sodium thiosulfate.
+By treating the solution of N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and N, N, -dimethylaniline hydrochlorides with
+H2S and FeCl3 or another suitable oxidizing agent.
+By oxidation of p- amino dimethyl aniline with ferric chloride in the presence of hydrogen sulphide. The dye is zinc chloride double salt of the chloride.
+N, N-Dimethyl - p - phenylenediamine reacts with sodium thiosulfate to produce thiosulfuric acid which then condenses with N, N-dimethylaniline when it comes in the presence of Na2Cr2O7 or sodium dichromate to form the indamine, then with copper sulphate and sodium dichromate to the methylene blue.
+Technically, neither methylene blue nor its preparation directly relates to methylene. Though, the starting materials do have dimethyl (methylene) functional groups.
+:06:54	Bob Primak:	(Can everyone tell I have a degree in chemistry? 🤓)
+:45:21	Bob Primak:	citation:  https://www.vedantu.com/chemistry/methylene-blue
 </code>
 </WRAP>