Summer Solstice

In this episode - The Summer Solstice . . .

Ah, the Summer Solstice, a celestial delight;
Let me explain, dear listener, with all my might.

In the realm of astronomy, it's a significant day,
When the sun reaches its highest display.
It occurs once a year, in the month of June,
When the Earth tilts, oh, what a boon!

You see, our planet, it tilts on its axis so,
Leaning towards the sun, what a marvelous show.
On this special occasion, the Northern Hemisphere,
Basks in the glory of daylight so clear.

The Summer Solstice brings the longest day,
With sunlight extending in a splendid display.
Oh, the sun rises early and lingers late,
Spreading its golden rays, just wait!

The sky awakens with a vivid hue,
And paints the world with a vibrant view.
The warmth embraces both land and sea,
Inviting all creatures to roam and be free.

But do not fret dear Southern Hemisphere,
For the Winter Solstice brings its cheer.

While the North enjoys the sun's loving rays,
The South finds beauty in shorter days.

The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate,
Nature's bounty and the wonders it creates.
From blooming flowers to a lush green scene,
The world is alive, bursting with a gleam.

So mark this day with joy and mirth,
Revel in the beauty that fills the Earth.
The Summer Solstice, a celestial dance,
Embrace its magic and give life a chance.

So you think I’m a poet,
Let me come clean.
I asked ChatGPT to craft this poem for me.
About the Solstice of Summer,
Like Ted Geisel - you see!
Did I have you fooled?
Well skittle-dee-Dee!

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog