Posts

Showing posts from October, 2025

Bob&AliceWorldTour - Mt Fuji, Japan

https://youtu.be/KGytAQYbse8 From Kyoto’s sacred gates to Japan’s tallest peak, Alice and Bob greet the rising sun beside majestic Mount Fuji. 🗻🌅 Reflected in the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchi, it’s a scene of peace, promise, and quiet wonder — perfectly captured by Veo’s cinematic touch. Where should the cruise sail next — Sydney’s bright harbors or Bali’s green terraces? Drop your thoughts below and keep our virtual voyage rolling! 🌏✨ Watch all the episodes available at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1_9cbkt8g22YuSiDk0gX__Zjiape5rWF&si=u2u3XsR3NkEgL_r9  

The Mighty Shield - Beatrice and the Mighty Shield - Why You Should Click 'Update'

Image
https://youtu.be/NRXF2TMpgX8 This guide (#7 of 14) focuses on why You Should Click 'Update'  Seniors often ignore or fear software updates. This prompt explains their importance in a positive, protective way. Here's the prompt I used to create the lesson: "Develop a fun Storybook for seniors explaining why it is crucial to always click 'Update' when your phone or computer asks you to. Explain that these updates are like giving your device a 'Mighty Shield' or a new lock to keep the bad guys out. The story should reassure the reader that updates are safe and necessary maintenance, not a cause for worry. Focus on making the action simple: just click 'Install Now'." Key Lesson - The importance of installing software updates immediately to protect against new threats. I used Copilot's Storybook to create this lesson, ZOOM's Clips to record the story (lesson) and ScreenPal do any final editing and to upload the lesson to YouTube. You can...

Fixing Repeated Widows 11 Update Failures

Image
I couldn't get my Dell Inspiron 17 7000 2in1 to install the recent Preview Update (KB5067036) (26200.7019). I had no problems on several other computers but, The Dell balked repeatedly. Here's how I solved the problem and hope it helps you the next time you run into a repeated update failure. Reset Windows Update Components (Safe & Reversible) Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these one by one: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver This clears cached update files without deleting anything critical. Next: Register OLE Control DLLs This targets the root of update error 0X8002807. In Command Prompt (Admin): regsvr32 ole32.dll regsvr32 oleaut32. dll You should see confirmation dialogs for successful registration. Next: Check for System File Corruption Run thes...

Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 30, 2025

Image
  🚨ALERT – AI‑powered voice & document scams targeting seniors during Medicare Open Enrollment 👉Why it matters – Scammers are now using voice‐cloning and fake medical paperwork to pretend they’re calling from Medicare, asking for your Medicare number or banking info. WRGB +1 📣Call to Action – If someone calls asking for your Medicare number or bank details “right now” because of a benefit change, hang up and call the official number on your Medicare card. 📈ECONOMY & SECURITY – End of support for Windows 10, leaving older machines at risk 👉Why it matters – Microsoft officially stopped regular security updates for Windows 10 on Oct 14, meaning systems still running it are vulnerable to new hacks. CrowdStrike +1 📣Call to Action – If your home PC is still on Windows 10, strongly consider upgrading (to Windows 11 or a new device) or at least enable extended security updates if available. 🧠MUST‑READ – New review of scam patterns targeting older adults reveals deep v...

Bob&AliceWorldTour - Kyoto, Japan — Fushimi Inari Torii Gates

Image
https://youtu.be/YG3YEXEZCuM From the pulsing lights of Tokyo to the serene paths of Kyoto — Alice and Bob slow things down under a thousand torii gates. 🌸⛩️ The morning mist, gentle footsteps, and distant temple bells remind us that peace isn’t found — it’s walked into. Enjoy this Veo -created moment of calm on our continuing world cruise. Where do you want us to explore next — the sunny harbors of Sydney or the emerald fields of Bali? 🌏✨ Watch all the episodes available at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1_9cbkt8g22YuSiDk0gX__Zjiape5rWF&si=u2u3XsR3NkEgL_r9  

Gen Z, I’m Glad That Ain’t Me

Image
https://youtube.com/shorts/Ml-kOO0OgLM “Gen Z, I’m Glad That Ain’t Me” is a toe-tappin’, smile-poppin’, and slightly mischievous anthem from the old man band — a playful challenge from one generation to another! 😂🎸 While Gen Z’s busy chasing trends on TikTok, us seasoned pros are still dancing, laughing, and living life unplugged. This upbeat, rockabilly-style tune celebrates courage, confidence, and good old-fashioned fun. It’s not a dig — it’s a dare! 😉 So put down the phone, turn up the volume, and see if you can keep up with the rhythm of life. 🎵 Music created with Producer.ai 🎨 Concept and lyrics by Bob3160 with some help from ChatGPT 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — Boomers, Zoomers, and everyone in between are welcome! 

Even Smart Humans Do Dumb Things — and That’s What Makes Us Brilliant

Image
This information is also available on my   YouTube Channel   at:   https://youtu.be/dJVaGeC6Ldw   If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on  my  Podcast  at:    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k7iOMaSYlRn4Ai4a9qz2i?si=gxC9ICh1SRqLMwmFDR0I6A   Let’s face it — we’ve all done it. You know, those moments when you walk into a room with purpose, only to stand there blankly, thinking, “Now why did I come in here”🫤 That’s not forgetfulness — that’s a sign of an overworked genius brain doing a software update without warning💻🧠. Artificial Intelligence may boast about being flawless, but it’s also humorless. It doesn’t experience the simple joys of sending a text to the wrong person📱🙈 or putting the TV remote in the refrigerator❄️📺. Those are the uniquely human acts that remind us that brilliance comes with a touch of chaos. Sure, AI can process a billion bits per second⚡, but it’s never tried to fix a Wi-Fi ...

Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 29, 2025

Image
🚨ALERT – 183 million email passwords leaked : A massive dataset exposing over 183 million stolen email credentials has surfaced. CyberGuy 👉Why it matters – If you’ve reused an email password across multiple sites (banking, shopping, health accounts), this leak greatly increases your risk of account take‑over. 📣Call to Action – Visit a trusted service like “Have I Been Pwned” to see if your email showed up; then immediately change that password (and all reuse instances) to a strong, unique one. 🧠MUST‑READ – Phishing emails still the top reported scam , with multi‑layer attacks on the rise. Newsweek 👉Why it matters – Older adults are still among the most targeted for these “urgent invoice/locked account” scams, and today’s versions are slicker than ever. 📣Call to Action – If you get any unexpected email demanding action—stop, delete it, don’t click links or call numbers in it unless you verify independently. 📈ECONOMY & SECURITY – Q4 2025 scam trend report indicates an...

Adobe Express created Desktop Background Image - Personal Photography

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: Personal Photography  (7) Adobe Express Description: No description available for the image creation app. Here's a description via ChatGPT: A breathtaking waterfall surrounded by vibrant blossoms and lush greenery, captured in perfect harmony. The cascading water glows under the soft light of dawn, creating a peaceful retreat for the eyes and soul. Nature at its most poetic — powerful, serene, and endlessly inspiring. 🌸💦🌅 Access Adobe Express at the following link: https://express.adobe.com/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know. 

Copilot created Desktop Background Image - AI Art

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: AI Art  (7) Copilot's Description: This piece captures the essence of artificial intelligence as a creative force. Set in a sleek, futuristic studio, an AI artist paints surreal landscapes using holographic brushes and glowing canvases. The fusion of organic and digital elements evokes a sense of limitless imagination. A robotic assistant offers color palettes while abstract shapes float mid-air, all framed by a panoramic digital cityscape beyond a transparent wall. It’s a celebration of machine-driven creativity, where code meets canvas and logic meets emotion. Access Copilot at the following link: https://copilot.microsoft.com/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know. 

Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 28, 2025

Image
🚨ALERT - Critical vulnerability in QNAP NetBak PC Agent enables serious backup‑system attacks (CVE‑2025‑55315). Cyber Security News +1 👉Why it matters - If your home or small‑office network uses QNAP backup agents, this flaw could let hackers bypass security controls and tamper with or steal your backed‑up data. Seniors relying on backup‑drives for family photos or financial records are at special risk. 📣Call to Action - Immediately check QNAP’s website for the latest NetBak PC Agent version and update it. Also verify that your operating system and backup software are fully patched. 📈ECONOMY & SECURITY - Microsoft Corporation issues massive October 2025 patch rollout: over 170 vulnerabilities addressed, including three zero‑days. Hacking News 👉Why it matters - Even if you’re using a home PC and not a business network, running an outdated Microsoft Windows system can let malware rip through your machine—and seniors often keep devices longer without updates. 📣Call to Actio...

The Digital Fence - Beatrice's Digital Garden - Managing Online Privacy Settings

Image
https://youtu.be/JeyKkbamXXc This guide (#6 of 14) focuses on Managing Online Privacy Settings  This prompt addresses the idea of online privacy by using the simple analogy of a fence or a door, making the settings less intimidating. Here's the prompt I used to create the lesson: "Write a gentle Storybook for seniors explaining online privacy settings on social media or apps. Use the metaphor of a 'Digital Fence' or 'Locked Door' around your personal information. The guide should explain in the simplest terms how to choose who can see your photos and posts (friends only, everyone, or no one). The message is: You are in control of what you share. Keep the language positive and non-technical." Key Lesson - Understanding that you control who sees your information online and how to check your settings. I used Copilot's Storybook to create this lesson, ZOOM's Clips to record the story (lesson) and ScreenPal do any final editing and to upload the lesson ...

Grok AI created Desktop Background Image - Gaming & Pop Culture

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: Gaming & Pop Culture  7 Grok's Description: A sassy blonde in a cozy red sweater strikes a playful pose, juggling a classic red umbrella, a googly-eyed blue vase, a grumpy yellow blob, and a fresh green hat—against a starry cosmic backdrop that's equal parts Animal Crossing coziness and Kirby cuteness overload. It's the ultimate desktop vibe for gamers who need a daily dose of whimsical chaos (and maybe a chuckle at that blob's eternal side-eye). Access Grok AI at the following link: https://grok.com/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know. 

Theodore Roosevelt’s Timeless Advice: Is It Time for a Political "Getting Along" Lesson?

Image
"The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people." – President Theodore Roosevelt Truer words may never have been spoken, especially when we consider the often-turbulent waters of modern politics. President Theodore Roosevelt, a figure who dominated American politics at the turn of the 20th century, understood something fundamental about leadership and lasting success: it's not just about grand ideas, but about the human element of connection and collaboration. This begs a critical question for today: Is it time for our political leaders, perhaps specifically the Democratic Party, to take a refresher course in Roosevelt's "getting along" philosophy? T.R.'s Masterclass in Connection Roosevelt wasn't just a dynamic personality; he was a strategic genius when it came to building consensus and moving people. His "getting along" wasn't about being universally beloved, but about effective...

So what can ChatGPT create?

Image
  That's a question I just asked ChatGPT - Here's the reply: That’s a great question, Bob — and the short answer is: a lot more than most people realize. Let’s break it down by what ChatGPT can create, and how it can do it — because the list covers just about every kind of digital creation out there. 🧠 1. Text & Writing I can write practically any form of content, including: Blog posts, articles, essays, and reports — factual, persuasive, or humorous. Scripts — for YouTube videos, podcasts, plays, or even animated shorts. Stories and novels — fiction, sci-fi, comedy, or slice-of-life (like your Dry Lake Chronicles). Poetry, song lyrics, speeches, and jokes — with any tone or rhythm. Guides and tutorials — step-by-step walkthroughs, how-tos, or troubleshooting. Marketing copy — product descriptions, ad slogans, or email campaigns. Basically, if it uses words, I can craft it — and tailor the tone to match your personality or brand. 🎨 2. Visuals & Design I can generate ...

Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 26, 2025

Image
🚨ALERT – Major healthcare insurer’s vendor breached, 462,000 members exposed 👉Why it matters – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana revealed that roughly 462,000 current and former members had their protected health information accessed during a cyberattack on its partner, Conduent Business Services. The HIPAA Journal Many seniors rely on BCBS plans—this is a reminder that even if you weren’t directly attacked, your data may sit with a third‑party vendor. 📣Call to Action – If you’re with BCBSMT or a similar plan, call the insurer and the vendor to ask: “Have my records been accessed? What services are you offering for protection (credit monitoring, ID theft insurance)?” Then change your healthcare portal password and enable any offered alerts. 📈ECONOMY & SECURITY – Global convention boosts cybercrime cooperation 👉Why it matters – The signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (aka the “Hanoi Convention”) signals countries committing to be tougher on cyber...

Claude AI created Desktop Background Image - Inspirational Quotes or Motivational Themes

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: Inspirational Quotes or Motivational Themes  7 Claude's Description: This inspirational wallpaper features a majestic phoenix rising motif with a powerful gradient backdrop transitioning from deep purple through vibrant magenta to warm golden tones, symbolizing transformation and renewal. Access Claude AI at the following link: https://claude.ai/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know. 

The Tricky Caller - Mr. Frank and the Tricky Telephone - Spotting Phone Scams

Image
  https://youtu.be/XmrezFDCng4 This guide (#5 of 14) focuses on Phone calls which are a frequent way seniors are targeted. This prompt focuses on making it easy to hang up on a suspicious caller. Here's the prompt I used to create the lesson: "Create a simple, fun Storybook guide for seniors about recognizing and handling phone scams (like callers pretending to be from the bank or the government). The story should feature a cheerful character, Mr. Frank, who learns that legitimate companies do not call and demand money, gift cards, or remote access to his computer. The guide should give a clear, confident action: just hang up and call back using a number you know is real. Use encouraging, non-scary language." Key Lesson - Recognizing red flags in unexpected phone calls and how to safely end the conversation. I used Copilot's Storybook to create this lesson, ZOOM's Clips to record the story (lesson) and ScreenPal do any final editing and to upload the lesson to You...

ChatGPT 5 created Desktop Background Image - Seasonal & Holiday Themes

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: Seasonal & Holiday Themes  7 ChatGPT's Description: A glowing harvest moon shines over carved jack-o’-lanterns and bare trees, setting a perfect mood for Meadow Lake’s Pumpkin Hunt and Hayride. Access ChatGPT at the following link: https://chatgpt.com/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know.

Too Many Questions and No Real Answers

Image
https://youtube.com/shorts/HVy8he_FIPw A punk-blues anthem for the digital age — where hackers hide, systems burn, and questions never end.🔥 Turn it up and dive into Too Many Questions and No Real Answers! 🎸💻 What happens when technology raises more questions than it answers? Too Many Questions and No Real Answers is a cyberpunk rock anthem for the digital age — where hackers hide in the glow of their own chaos, and the truth gets lost in the code. With pounding guitars, glitchy synths, and lyrics that bite back, this track takes aim at the arrogance of the online underworld and the absurdity of chasing answers in a world built on confusion. 🎧 Crank it up, plug in, and watch the firewalls tremble. 💻 Because in cyberspace, everyone’s got questions — but not everyone’s ready for the answers. Proudly produced in collaboration with ChatGPT and Producer .ai 

Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 24, 2025

Image
🚨ALERT – Major health‑insurer breach: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana exposes up to 462,000 members’ data 👉Why it matters – If you’re a member (or someone senior you know is), your personal and medical information may have been exposed in the breach of a third‑party vendor for BCBSMT. That means scammers could use your data to impersonate you or your provider and try to steal money or identity. Newsweek 📣Call to Action – If you’re a BCBSMT member (or have ever been), check your credit report, enroll in any free monitoring the insurer offers, and be suspicious of any unexpected contact purporting to be from your insurer. 📈ECONOMY & SECURITY – Meta Platforms launches new anti‑scam alert features for older users on WhatsApp & Messenger 👉Why it matters – Social‑media and messaging platforms are a favorite playground for fraudsters targeting seniors. By adding extra alerts, Meta is acknowledging that older adults need extra protection. Yahoo Tech 📣Call to Action – On W...

Perplexity created Desktop Background Image - Cityscapes & Architecture

Image
Good for windows 10 and 11. New one daily or, whenever I remember to create it. Theme: Cityscapes & Architecture  7 Description Perplexity: The image created is a stunning 1920x1080 cityscape showing a vibrant urban skyline at sunset. It features a dynamic blend of modern skyscrapers with glass facades and classic architectural elements, capturing the essence of city life in a visually striking composition. The warm sunset light enhances the reflections on the buildings, emphasizing both the scale and the architectural diversity of the cityscape. Access Meta AI at the following link: https://www.perplexity.ai/   Instructions: https://youtu.be/BM1AX7SbiMc Got a special request, let me know.

When the Cloud Crashed - What the AWS Outage Taught the World About Overconfidence in Technology

Image
https://youtu.be/RGHztqx5Dyo Picture this - one morning, millions of people wake up to find their smart speakers silent, their apps broken, and even their morning coffee order delayed because—believe it or not—the cloud decided to take a nap. That’s exactly what happened when Amazon Web Services (AWS), the backbone of much of the internet, experienced a massive outage in October 2025. Businesses froze, websites went dark, and the world was rudely reminded that even the biggest tech giants have bad days. But beyond the headlines, this outage carried some powerful lessons about how fragile our digital world can be—and what we can do to stay prepared when “the cloud” turns into a thunderstorm. ☁️What Actually Happened On October 20, 2025, AWS’s US-EAST-1 region (Northern Virginia) went down hard. The culprit - A perfect storm of DNS (Domain Name System) problems, database service failures, and internal networking chaos. Because so many global services rely on AWS—everything from Alexa an...

Password - P@$$w0rd

Image
This information is also available on my   YouTube Channel   at:   https://youtu.be/BCpGHO2DoMc   If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on  my  Podcast  at:    https://open.spotify.com/episode/45swMl0CkaOwS8nhQBOJ0C?si=OQYe0w2PSqOd7Lc5xeP4JQ   Looks complicated, but it’s actually terrible. Attackers know all the common substitutions — @ for “a”, $ for “s”, and 0 for “o” — and build them into their cracking dictionaries. This is just a dressed-up version of “password”, which appears on every hacker’s top 10 worst password list. It can be cracked instantly with today’s password-cracking tools. 🧠-Meet me for lunch at noon This is a passphrase, not a password. It’s vastly stronger, even though it has no symbols or numbers, because: It’s long — length is your best defense. It’s made of multiple unrelated words, not in any dictionary pattern. It’s easy to remember but hard for a machine to guess. Modern passwor...