Every few years I look into having an offline copy of wikipedia. Don't know why, just something that feels like I should have. Here's what worked well for me in late 2025.
Read More …YouTube parodies: Fun with generative AI
Two creators on YouTube (YT) that I follow (and support) are Kurzgesagt (In a Nutshell) and CGPGrey. I stumbled across this fan made parody, "Every Kurzgesagt Video Ever". In the description on the parody video, the author jokingly wrote, "I'm coming for you next CGPGrey".
Which got me to thinking, I wonder how good generative AI would be at writing the script for a parody of CGPGrey? Here's the same prompt I used for all of them:
Write a script in the style of Youtube creator CGPGrey, that is a a parody of CGPGrey videos.
A couple of them did a pretty good job, one not so much. I've linked their responses, and at the end of this post is a complete copy of each response.
Read More …"Tricky questions" that help to understand physics
Here are two "tricky questions" that are really interesting to help understand physics.
- Attach a tennis ball to string, and swing it over your head. The ball follows a circular path. Release the string. What path does the ball follow?
- The speed of light is 300,000 km per second, typically shown as the letter c. Take two pieces of wire each 300,000 km long. Place a light bulb and a battery 1 meter apart. Connect the light bulb to each wire. Before connecting the battery, stretch out the wire as far as you can on each side. Now connect the battery. How long until the bulb lights up? 0.5 seconds, 1 sec, 2 secs, or 1/c secs?
Why are these "trick questions"? Because of the assumptions we usually make when thinking about questions like these. Picking apart these assumptions reveals a lot about how physics works.
Read More …Password advice
Friends & family sometimes ask me for advice about passwords. I've captured this advice for the benefit of others, and to make it easier for me answer questions in the future. See netjeff.com/password-advice
RV electrical
This is a summary diagram I created to help people new to RV's better understand the electrical systems in an RV. The direction of the arrows shows the flow of power. This diagram might not exactly match your specific RV, but the overall idea is applicable. Also, this does not show all the details. The usual disclaimer applies, that before working on your RV electrical systems you should get actual training, and consult the detailed diagrams for your specific RV.
If would like to print this, here it is as a Powerpoint slide.
Converting my Weber Q1200 to use both low-pressure RV connector and standard tanks
Last week I converted our Weber Q1200 gas grill to use both the low pressure connector on our RV, and standard (high pressure) 1, 5, 10, & 20 lb tanks.
I followed the instructions in this YouTube.com video. Here are the exact parts I bought on Amazon for the conversion, and hoses to connect to RV and standard tanks.
- Propane Quick Connect Kit – Valve & Full Flow Plug, by Camco (item # 59853)
- Brass Pipe Fitting, 1/4" male to 1/8" male, by Anderson Metals (item # 706123-0402)
- Brass Pipe Fitting, 1/4" female to 1/8" female, by FasParts (part # FP119-BA)
- Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE, with brush, 4 ounces, by Oatey (item #31230)
- Low pressure quick-connect propane hose, 12 feet, by DozyAnt
- 1 lb to 20 lb propane adapter hose ( 1"-20 female to QCC1 female), 4 feet
Turquoise Lake, Colorado
A picture and panorama from our camping trip at Molly Brown campground on Turquoise Lake near Leadville, CO.
Lands End Observatory at Grand Mesa National Forest
This is a 180 degree panorama taken at Lands End Observatory in Grand Mesa National Forest.
Grand Mesa
In July we camped in Grand Mesa National Forest.
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- Ward Lake in Grand Mesa National Forest
Red-tailed hawk
We often see hawks circling, and there's a nest on the other side of the golf course. But this evening one decided to hang out on our gate for a while. I'm pretty sure this is a red-tailed hawk.
