Eighteen years ago, the first “Random Thursday” post was published on The Fire Ant Gazette, evolving to over 140 posts under that category. Inspired by Blackie Sherrod’s “Scattershooting” columns, this multifaceted format suited the my short attention span and engaged readers without overwhelming them. However, the concept has lost its appeal, prompting a need for rebranding. I sought ChatGPT’s advice for a new category name, considering suggestions like “Ant Bites” and others. The favorite, “Fire Ant Flickers,” might be adopted, subject to reader feedback. This post reflects on the evolution and potential refresh of my blogging approach.
Fire Ant Flickers: Introduction
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I’ll bet you haven’t thought about ASCII art in ages.
Random Thursday
It's summer and the living is...always surprising.
We’ve had a parade of kids, adults, and dogs at our place through most of June, and randomness is the operative term for pretty much everything.
Random Thursday
Today is National Golf Cart Day, which begs the question: who cares?
Cicadas may make the news, but katydids are the story around here. We’ve also got young bucks, a band named after an interstate exit, and a voyeuristic webcam focused on rattlesnakes.
Pecan Creek Gets Wild
A sudden thunderstorm caused our normally placid creek to overflow.
A torrential rainfall on May 31st resulted in an almost unprecedented rise in the level of Pecan Creek.
iPhone Tips (#2)
I learn something new every day..or at least every decade.
Think you know everything there is to know about your iPhone’s features. OK, maybe you do. I didn’t, so humor me, please.
Neighborhood Nature (Pt. 22)
Wherein we focus on fungi...
Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. However, I don’t have a category for fungi, so work with me here, OK?
Gigapixel: AI Done Right
There are some AI applications that border on magic.
AI is everywhere, in everything, all the time, or so it seems, and the common thread is that it’s underwhelming. Fortunately, there are some exceptions.
Grass Carp Diem
Everything...and more...you ever wanted to know about grass carp
We have a non-native (invasive) fish in our creek, and I don’t know if we should be worried.
Neighborhood Nature (Pt. 21)
It's spring and reproduction is in the air!
We’re contemplating the different ways that life begets life around Casa Fire Ant.