Tag: blogging

Review of Wild Dark Shore

The focus of this blog is Leonbergers including Leonberger book reviews. However,  sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that are books on other topics that I want to promote. This time the book is Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

This book is a New York Times bestseller in the Cli-fi genre, or climate science fiction. It tells a haunting story filled with mystery, secrets and lies on a very remote island between Australia and Antarctica. The island holds the world’s most extensive seed vault, but it is battered by severe storms and sea level rise. The book is somewhat dark and dystopian, but the story is very captivating, and the book is impossible to put down. Below I am giving an overview of the four formats for the book.

  • Hardback Edition –  Publisher : Flatiron Books (March 4, 2025), ISBN-10 : ‎ 1250827957, ISBN-13 :  978-1250827951, 320 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds, dimensions : 6.5 x 1.15 x 9.5 inches, it cost $25.63 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback Edition –  Publisher : Flatiron Books (September 22, 2026), ISBN-10 : ‎1250828015, ISBN-13 :  978-1250828019, 320 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds, dimensions : 5.38 x 1 x 8.25 inches, it cost $17.70 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle Edition – Publisher : Flatiron Books (March 4, 2025), ASIN : B0D12WJTBY,  ISBN-13 : 978-1250827999, 307 pages. It is currently $ 14.99 on Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • • Audio Edition – Publisher : Macmillan Audio (March 04, 2025), ASIN : B0D4B16D3T, Listening Length : 9 hours and 58 minutes. It is free with membership. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover feauture the title and author name on the background of wild waves and dark storm clouds.
Front cover of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Click on the image to go to the hardback edition of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Wild Dark Shore

REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB’S BOOK OF THE YEAR • LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (NPR, TIME, USA Today, The Economist,Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Reader’s Digest,BuzzFeed, BookRiot, HuffPost, Jezebel, The Globe and Mail, Kirkus, and more!)

“A breathtaking novel of ROMANCE, MYSTERY, AND TWISTS that will shock you…I love this book so much.” ―Reese Witherspoon

“A WILDLY TALENTED writer.” ―Emily St. John Mandel

“Absolutely ASTONISHING. McConaghy’s writing knocks me over every time.” ―Fredrik Backman

“SPELLBINDING…Exceptionally imagined, thoroughly humane.” ―Washington Post

A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon.

Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers, but with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants. Until, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore.

Isolation has taken its toll on the Salts, but as they nurse the woman, Rowan, back to strength, it begins to feel like she might just be what they need. Rowan, long accustomed to protecting herself, starts imagining a future where she could belong to someone again.

But Rowan isn’t telling the whole truth about why she set out for Shearwater. And when she discovers sabotaged radios and a freshly dug grave, she realizes Dominic is keeping his own secrets. As the storms on Shearwater gather force, they all must decide if they can trust each other enough to protect the precious seeds in their care before it’s too late―and if they can finally put the tragedies of the past behind them to create something new, together.

A novel of breathtaking twists, dizzying beauty, and ferocious love, Wild Dark Shore is about the impossible choices we make to protect the people we love, even as the world around us disappears.

This is my five star review of the book “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy.

Dark Secrets on a Subantarctic Island

Shearwater is a very remote subantarctic island located between Australia and Antarctica. On the island there is a vault that holds the world’s most complete set of seeds. The purpose of the seed vault is to act as the ultimate long-term backup for the world’s crop collections and ensure global food security and preserve plant genetic diversity. Its permafrost, remote location, and geological stability make the island a supposedly secure location for the seed vault. I should say that Shearwater is a fictional island, but it is inspired by the real, subantarctic Macquarie Island. The seed vault is inspired by the seed vault on Svalbard.

Unfortunately, climate change, sea level rise and the worsening storms have put the inhabitants and the vault in jeopardy. The island has been mostly abandoned by the scientists who used to live there. However, Dominique Salt and his three children, Raff, Fen and Orly are working hard to save as much of the seeds as possible. One day an unconscious and severely injured woman, Rowan, washes ashore. The Salt family are good people and the children are hardworking and smart. However, they have dark secrets and so does Rowan. They are lying to each other.

Everything is not like it seems on the island. The isolation, the paranoia, the secrets, the lies, and the fierce storms pummeling the island create a tense, distrustful and mysterious situation that complicates the lives for the family and for Rowan. The story is dark, but captivating, and the setting is foreboding but interesting. The book illustrates the menace of climate change through good story telling.

The story contains so many interesting mysteries and unexpected turn events that you cannot put the book down. It is too enthralling as well as imaginative and action packed. The character development is very well done and so is the overall writing and storytelling. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

Praise for the book written on the background of stormy waters and storm clouds.
Back cover of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Click on the image to go to the paperback edition of the book.

Leonberger Dogs with Flowers

Esther’s writing prompt: April 15 : Flower

Click here or here  to join in.

This post features various photos or illustrations of Leonbergers with flowers. The second photo below is our late Leonberger Bronco in the tall grass plants at our in-laws and the rest of the pictures are pictures featuring Leonbergers with flowers that I generated using ChatGPT or Shutterstock photos with Leonbergers and flowers (I have a shutterstock account).

The image shows a Leonberger surrounded by rose bushes. It is holding a pink rose in its mouth.
Leonberger with a rose. I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
A Leonberger is sitting in what looks like very tall grass or bushes, and he is looking towards the camera.
Our Leonberger Bronco in the bushes in front of my in-laws house.
A Leonberger is sniffing two pinkish-reddish tulips.
A Leonberger is sniffing a couple of tulips. Shutterstock Asset id: 1352450168 by EmmaEEVPersson.
Leonberger dogs in field of purple flowers saying hello to each other.
Shutterstock Asset id: 450770140 by everydoghasastory.
Leonberger puppy sitting next to pink flowers.
Leonberger puppy Stock Photo ID: 561111403 by Akbudak Rimma.
Leonberger puppy sitting on a white sofa. On his left is a bouquet of pink flowers.
Leonberger puppy on a white sofa Asset id: 561113224 by Akbudak Rimma.
Leonberger puppy in front of white background. His head is covered by flowers.
Leonberger puppy with flowers in his hair. Shutterstock Asset id: 1921825460 by cynoclub.
Leonberger puppy in front of white background. His head is covered by flowers.
Leonberger Puppy with flowers on his head – Shutterstock Asset id: 2154719621 by cynoclub.
A Leonberger standing in a field of sunflowers.
Leonberger with sunflowers. I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
A Leonberger standing in a field of colorful flowers.
Leonberger in a field of flowers. I generated this picture with the help of ChatGPT.
White Magnolia flower on top of a Magnolia tree. There are also some opened buds in the photo.
And a bonus photo. No Leonberger in this photo. Our Magnolia tree in our backyard just opened up its first flower for the season (lots of buds but they are still closed).

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Including Your Leonberger in Your Wedding

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about publishing a Leonberger related post on my Leonberger blog, which I am certainly happy to assist with. The title is “How to Include Your Leonberger in Your Wedding Day with Ease and Joy”. See the article article below. While Ryan did all the writing, I added photos of our Leonberger as well as a few Leonberger stock photos.

The photo tile above includes a photo of me and my wife cutting a wedding cake and a photo of our son and daughter in-laws wedding party. There are two photos of our Leonberger Bronco. One from when he was a three months old puppy and one from when he was 12 years old. There is a shutter stock photo ID:731020957  by Peter Josto, a photo of a woman and her Leonberger dog, asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko, and a another photo showing a Leonberger puppy with flowers, asset id: 561113224 by Akbudak Rimma.

How to Include Your Leonberger in Your Wedding Day with Ease and Joy

Leonberger owners planning to include dogs in weddings often feel pulled between the deep emotional bond with dogs and the reality of managing a gentle giant in a busy, unpredictable setting. Wedding festivities with pets can be loud, crowded, and full of unfamiliar smells and schedules, which can raise anxiety and create safety concerns for guests and for large dog breeds at events. Add shedding, heat tolerance, and stamina to the mix, and even well-trained dogs can struggle if expectations aren’t clear. With the right mindset, couples can protect comfort and health while making room for meaningful moments with their Leonberger.

Leonberger dogs in field of purple flowers saying hello to each other.
Shutterstock asset id: Shutterstock 450770140 by everydoghasastory

Quick Summary: Leonberger-Friendly Wedding Planning

  • Plan a dog-friendly role that fits your Leonberger’s temperament, energy, and comfort in crowds.
  • Choose simple, theme-matching accessories that stay comfortable and safe for a large breed.
  • Confirm venue rules and set up a calm, shaded rest area with water and a trusted handler.
  • Prepare for photos by timing sessions well and using familiar cues for calm, cooperative portraits.

Pick Your Pup’s Role: Ring Bearer, Flower Dog, or Photo Star

Leonbergers can be surprisingly steady “wedding teammates” when their job matches their temperament, coat needs, and stamina. Use the musts you already planned, venue safety, a quiet break space, hydration, and a realistic timeline, to choose a role that feels joyful, not stressful.

  1. Match the role to your Leonberger’s comfort level: Start by choosing the easiest job your dog can succeed at, then upgrade only if practice is smooth. A confident, people-friendly Leo may love a short aisle walk, while a more sensitive dog might shine as a “photo star” during a calm pre-ceremony session. A simple gut-check is whether your dog can stay relaxed around applause, rustling fabric, and hugs; a pet’s personality should guide how “public” their role is.
  2. Choose Leonberger-friendly wedding attire that won’t mat or overheat: For big-coated dogs, prioritize soft, wide straps and minimal layers: a lightweight bow tie on a breakaway collar, a bandana that sits above the shoulder coat, or a floral collar made with faux flowers and soft backing. Avoid tight elastic, scratchy tulle, or anything that compresses the ruff, those can tangle and create hot spots. Do a 10-minute dress rehearsal at home, then brush out the coat immediately after to prevent matting.
  3. Try a harness-based ring bearer setup (safe and photogenic): Skip anything that dangles near paws or swings into the chest. Use a well-fitted Y-front harness and attach a small, closed pouch (or lightweight ring box) to the top strap so it stays stable; keep the real rings with your best human. Practice a 20–30 second “walk, stop, sit” routine in the harness so your Leonberger learns the exact aisle pace you want.
  4. Make “flower dog” realistic with a basket-free plan: Many Leonbergers dislike carrying objects when excited, and baskets can bump the chest and restrict stride. Instead, attach a mini pouch of petals to the harness and have an attendant sprinkle petals just ahead of you, or cue your dog to “touch” a decorated sign at the aisle entrance for the same effect. This keeps the job simple while still delivering that flower-dog moment.
  5. Plan a photo-star schedule that respects coat, drool, and downtime: Leonbergers often photograph best in shorter bursts: aim for two 5–8 minute sets, one before guests arrive and one at golden hour, rather than one long session. Pack a “quick reset kit” from your musts list: towel, drool cloth, slicker brush, water, and high-value treats. Ask your photographer for a few action prompts (walk toward the camera, sit-and-stay, “look” cue) so your dog isn’t stuck holding a pose too long.
  6. Assign a dedicated handler and a clean exit route: Your dog should have one familiar adult who isn’t in the wedding party, someone who knows their cues, can spot stress signals, and can leave early without disrupting the flow. Rehearse the entrance and exit route once at the venue, including the potty spot and the quiet break space, so your Leonberger never has to “guess” what’s next.

When your dog’s role is simple, comfortable, and well-rehearsed, it’s easier to troubleshoot the real-life questions, like crowd anxiety, heat management, and what a truly pet-safe venue needs to have.

Puppy Leonberger in front of white background. The puppy is wearing flowers.
Leonberger puppy being the flower dog. Shutterstock Asset id: 2154719621 by cynoclub.

Wedding Day Q&A for Leonberger Parents

Got a few last-minute worries? You’re not alone.

Q: What are some safe and comfortable outfit ideas for dressing my Leonberger for a wedding?
A: Choose minimal, breathable pieces that will not pinch the ruff or trap heat, like a lightweight bandana or soft bow tie on a breakaway collar. Skip tight elastic, scratchy fabrics, and anything that rubs under the armpits. Do a short trial run, then brush the coat to prevent friction mats.

Q: How can I keep my Leonberger calm and happy during the busy wedding day?
A: Build predictability: a quiet retreat spot, regular water breaks, and a handler who can step out before your dog hits their limit. A fear-free approach focuses on helping your pet feel safe, predictable, and understood, which is exactly the goal on a high-energy day. Watch for early stress signals like yawning, lip-licking, or scanning the room, and take a quick decompression break.

Q: What are creative ways to include my Leonberger in wedding photos and invitations?
A: Plan a calm “portrait window” before guests arrive, then capture a second short session later when your dog is refreshed. For invitations and signage, use one clean photo and a simple icon version for small prints, then export everything into a single print-ready PDF using an image-to-PDF converter, including converting PNGs to PDFs online.

Q: How do I prepare the wedding venue to ensure it’s pet-friendly and suitable for my Leonberger?
A: Confirm shade or indoor cooling, a non-slip path, and a low-traffic potty area away from food service. Ask about noise peaks, crowd flow, and any off-limits rooms so your Leonberger is never surprised. Because pet anxiety claims nationwide are up 93% since 2019, it’s smart to plan for lower stimulation, not just “allowing dogs.”

Q: What support can help me plan, including my Leonberger in wedding festivities, without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Assign one dedicated dog handler and give them a simple checklist: arrival time, potty plan, water schedule, photo times, and an exit cue. Do one venue walk-through together, then keep your dog’s “job” short and winnable. If you’re making printed signs, batch your images and notes into one shared folder so decisions do not snowball.

A calm plan creates the joyful Leonberger memories you’ll actually want to relive.

Five Leonbergers wearing patriotic hats lying on grass by a lake.
This photo was provided by Jen O’Keefe, Urgent Animal Care of Arlington. From left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory.

Plan a Smooth Wedding Role for Your Leonberger

Here’s how to move from plan to action.

This process helps you include your Leonberger in the celebration while protecting their comfort, body safety, and stress level. Because Leonbergers are powerful, sensitive, and heat-prone under that gorgeous coat, a few rehearsals and clear logistics prevent overwhelm for both dog and humans.

  1. Step 1: Choose one short “job” and rehearse it. Start with a single, easy role such as walking down the aisle with a handler, a quick greeting, or a photo cameo. Practice in 3 to 5-minute sessions in different places so your Leonberger learns the pattern, not just the location. End each run with a calm reward so the wedding task feels predictable and winnable.
  2. Step 2: Run an outfit and gear test at home. Try the bandana, bow tie, harness, or leash during a normal walk, then check for rubbing under the front legs and around the ruff. Confirm your dog can pant freely, drink water, and lie down comfortably, since those are key stress relievers on a busy day. If anything causes scratching, head-shaking, or stiffness, simplify the outfit.
  3. Step 3: Assign a dedicated pet-wrangler and share the schedule. Pick one person whose only responsibility is your dog, since you will be busy and emotions run high, and assign a pet handler who can advocate for breaks. Give them a simple timeline with arrival, potty, water, photos, ceremony, and your dog’s planned exit. Include your Leonberger’s “no thanks” signals so the handler can step away early, not after your dog is over threshold.
  4. Step 4: Build large-dog safety protocols into every location change. Walk the exact routes your Leonberger will take, and remove slipping hazards like polished floors, loose rugs, and tight corners where guests may crowd in for petting. Confirm who opens doors, who holds the leash, and where your dog waits so nobody grabs the collar or leans over their head. Keep greetings brief and one-at-a-time to reduce jumping risk and prevent stress stacking.
  5. Step 5: Schedule enrichment breaks to reset body and brain. Plan short “off-stage” pauses every 45 to 90 minutes for water, sniffing, and a chew or lick mat in a quiet spot. A few minutes of decompression lowers arousal and helps your Leonberger return to the group with better manners and a softer expression. If you can, arrive early so your dog can take a slow sniff-walk before the energy spikes.

When your Leonberger knows the routine and has real breaks, joy looks effortless and feels safe.

Creating Calm, Joyful Wedding Moments With Your Leonberger

Weddings are busy and sensory-rich, and it’s easy for a big-hearted Leonberger to get overwhelmed or under-managed in the excitement. A comfort-first plan, clear roles, thoughtful pacing, and responsible dog care at celebrations keep the day joyful while enhancing weddings with pets in a way that truly fits your dog. When that mindset leads, celebrating Leonbergers on special days becomes safer, smoother, and more meaningful, creating lasting memories with wedding dogs that everyone can cherish. Choose one job your Leonberger can enjoy, and let comfort set the pace. Pick one meaningful role your dog already excels at and commit to that single assignment for the day. That’s how the positive impacts of pets at weddings support connection and well-being long after the last dance.

Magic In New Orleans a Travel Overview

Esther’s writing prompt: March 18 : Magic

Click here or here  to join in.

Image is showing a man with skull face wearing a black top hat and he is surrounded by flames.
Voodoo shaman, african wizard man conjure, 3D illustration. Shutterstock Asset id: 2048753030 by artshock

We just came home from a trip to New Orleans, which is truly a magical city. New Orleans is not very far from Dallas, where we live, and we’ve been to New Orleans several times. However, it was a fun family trip with a theme. The theme we chose for our trip was Magic, including Vampires, Voodoo/Hoodoo, ghosts, pirates and St. Patrick’s Day. We also went on a ghost tour. Below are some photos from the Voodoo Museum, and miscellaneous voodoo, witches, vampire and pirate stores.

A skeleton wearing a black top hat. The skeleton has several cigarettes in its mouth.
From the Voodoo Museum.
Automated fortune teller in a glass box.
I used an automated fortune teller who told me to watch out for stepping on people’s toes. That is kind of strange since we hardly ever go dancing.

Photo Tile with photos from the Voodoo Museum, a Hoodoo Queen, vampire art, pirate, and witch store.

We also ate at a restaurant that has a ghost. The Muriel’s Jackson Square restaurant is allegedly haunted by a ghost that sits in the chair. The ghost is a former owner by name of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan.

It is a photo of a table that is already set. There is an empty chair between my daughter and my son’s girlfriend.
The ghost is sitting between my daughter (right) and my son’s girlfriend (left).

What is Voodoo ?

Voodoo is a religion blending African traditions with Catholicism. It is originating from enslaved people in Haiti and Louisiana. It focuses on serving spirits and honoring ancestors and connecting with nature. It is not black magic. However, I admit I’ve made fun of the so called voodoo dolls. Marie Catherine Laveau was one the most prominent practitioners of voodoo. She was born a free woman of color in New Orleans’s French Quarter, Louisiana, on September 10, 1801. We saw her house. Below are photos from the Voodoo Museum.

Photo Tile from the Voodoo Museum

Vampire Café

We also did some vampire related things. New Orleans is often called the Transylvania of America. Author’s such as Anne Rice have brought attention to New Orleans and its vampire legends. I read a book with 40 short stories about vampires while we visited New Orleans. The book was Vermillion Highways by David Lee Summers and Lee Clark Zumpe. I will make a post about that book in a couple of days. We visited vampire stores and the famous Vampire Café. See the photos below.

A white sign stating Vampire Café.
Vampire Café
I am sitting on a chair in front of the Vampire Café drinking from a blood bag with a straw.
Me drinking (pretend blood) from a blood bag at the Vampire Café.
I am sitting on a chair in front of the Vampire Café drinking a glass of wine (Pinot Noir). The glass says Vampire Café.
Me drinking a glass of Pinot Noir. The name of the wine is Vampire, and it says so on the glass.

Photo Tile from Vampire Café.

I should say that we did other things as well. We visited the aquarium, rainforest, and insectarium, which is quite impressive. We celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day, and we made a couple of visits to the famous Pat O’Brien’s Pub. We all had a good time.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Baby Jack Came to Visit

I am sorry that I have not been very active in the blogosphere lately. We had a special visit from our five months old grandson Jack. Our son Jacob, his wife Ashley and baby Jack came to visit us last Thursday and they left Monday night and during that time I mostly ignored the blogosphere but now I am back. With this post I thought I would display a few baby photos. First there are a few photos from our visit to Baltimore to see baby Jacka couple of months ago and then the rest of the photos were taken during their visit to us here in Dallas, which took place during the last few days.

There are three photos. On the left is our son Jacob with baby Jack on his shoulders, top right our grandson Jack in the sofa, and bottom right Jacob and Ashley with newborn Jack.
Our son Jacob, his wife Ashley and our grandson at about 3 months old. In the bottom right photo, he is newborn.
A photo of a three months old baby sitting in the corner of a sofa.
Jack in the sofa. Three months old.
A photo of the three of us sitting in the sofa. Baby Jack is sitting on the right. He is wearing a Pajamas.
My wife Claudia is on the left, I am in the middle and Jack is on the right.
Our daughter is sitting in a swing holding baby Jack.
First photo from the last few days. Our daughter with baby Jack at five months old. This photo is from the past weekend when they visited us. That’s here in Dallas, Texas.

A Challenge for Dr. Pooper

It was a challenging few days for our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. Dogs being jealous of a baby is a very real thing. I’ve read that dogs don’t see us the same as a pack of dogs but something better than a pack, care takers and family. They typically prefer their human family over a pack of dogs. They understand the difference between dogs and people. Rollo does not really try to be a pack leader, but he cherishes his position as the baby in the family, and suddenly here comes a human baby out of nowhere.

The human baby gets lots of attention, he sits in a stroller just like Rollo sometimes did in the past, people use a baby voice when they talk to the human baby, like they do with him, and on top of it I called baby Jack, Rollo, instead of Jack several times. I can add that I recently also mixed up the cats Charlee and Chaplin on another blog. Rollo felt that things were taken from him and he growled at the baby a couple of times.

The photo shows a mini-Australian Shepherd sitting in a stroller.
Sometimes there are scary sounds and Rollo wanted to sit in the stroller we bought for our Pug Daisy. We have not been using that stroller since Daisy passed.

So, what we did was to pay a lot of attention to Rollo, making sure we did not exclude him, and we gave him treats every time he was in the same room as the baby. It turned out that this worked very well. This was something our daughter had looked up. Well, now when Jack has gone back to Baltimore, Rollo is back to being the supreme baby of the family, or the King of Texas if you will. Below are a couple of photos of Rollo in his new cap or coat, Dr. Pooper, a sort of advertisement for a Texas soda called Dr. Pepper. It was just for fun and he did not mind.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd is sitting on the floor. He is wearing his Dr. Pooper cap. The photo is from the side.
Rollo in his Dr. Pooper cap.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd is sitting on the floor. He is wearing his Dr. Pooper cap. The photo is from the back.
Rollo in his Dr. Pooper cap.

Baby Jack Photos

Our son standing by a pool and holding baby Jack.
Our son with his son, baby Jack.
My wife is holding a very happy baby Jack.
My wife Claudia and baby Jack.
I am standing in front of a pool holding a happy baby Jack.
Me and baby Jack.
Our daughter is standing and holding baby Jack.
Our daughter and baby Jack.
Baby Jack is sitting in a black stroller. He is laughing.
Baby Jack in a stroller.
Baby Jack is sitting in a black stroller. He is laughing.
Baby Jack in a stroller.
Baby Jack is sitting in a black stroller. He is smiling.
Baby Jack in a stroller.

False Memories Strange Memories Unpleasant Memories and Amnesia

Esther’s writing prompt: February 18 : Memories

Click here or here  to join in.

Image showing a disintegrating brain.
I had what is called post traumatic amnesia, which fortunately is temporary. Shutterstock ID: 1685660680 by MattL_Images

I have false memories, memories of things I know never happened. Not too long ago I made a post on my other blog about false memories and collective false memories, referred to as the Mandela Effect. You can read about that here. In addition to false memories I have memories that are strange, but that I know happened. I also have gaps, or holes in my memory. Memories that are lost to amnesia.

It all goes back to a ski accident that I had at the age of 22. We were a group of youngsters who rented a bus and drove from Sweden to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria in Germany. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a beautiful Bavarian town, and it is one of the most famous German ski resorts. Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain is nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen providing for an impressive scenery.

Mountains in the background. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the foreground.
The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Photo by op23 on Pexels.com

I love skiing and I challenged myself by skiing fast and selecting difficult slopes but on one of the days I made a very bad decision. I have no memories of what follows in this paragraph. It is what I have been told. There was a steep double black diamond slope with a sign stating that the conditions were dangerous and not to go down this slope. I did it anyway, and I fell badly, hit my head (I had no helmet), and I got a severe shoulder displacement. My arm was hanging on my back. I went looking for my skis and I tried to put them back on to continue skiing, but some Germans came down to stop me.

An ambulance was called, and they sent snowmobiles to pick me up. However, the snowmobiles were unable to get there, so they used a pist-machine to pick me up instead. On the way down I discovered my shoulder displacement several times. I was equally shocked every time. That’s how they knew that my short term memory was gone. I also had no pain sensation.

Photo of Zugspitze.
Zugspitze Germany’s highest mountain. Photo by Oskar Gross on Pexels.com
Me standing in the ski slope in Breckenridge leaning on a sign that says “Caution”
This is me in the ski slope when I was young. This is not Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it is Breckenridge, Colorado, but I don’t have any photos of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Amnesia

The next few days after the accident I suffered from amnesia. I did not remember where I was or my friends. I should say I still remembered my name. The first 2-3 days after the accident are essentially gone. However, I remember my friends coming into my room asking me questions such as “what’s my name?”, “do you remember me?”, “do you know where we are?”. The leader of the trip was devastated, and she was allegedly crying all day. You can say that I ruined the trip for everyone.

False Memories

On the way down to Germany, at the German border we changed out our studded tires because studded tires are not allowed on the autobahn. As my memories started to return on the third day after the accident my friends asked me what happened at the German border. I told them that we had studded tires (that part was correct) and that we all took pliers and removed the studs (that part was false). The funny thing is, to this day I remember us walking around the bus with pliers and removing studs. However, I know this never happened. How did that false memory get implanted in my head?

Strange Memories

I also have some strange memories from that trip that according to my friends happened. We stayed at a youth hostel. It was nice but it had a strange feature. There were loudspeakers in all the hallways. At 10:00PM on our first evening at the youth hostel the loudspeakers came on and someone started shouting in German “Achtung! Achtung! All guests must now wash their faces and brush their teeth and the lights started dimming and women and men had to go to their quarters. Music is forbidden. The loudspeaker came on every now and then barking orders at us in German and all windows and doors were locked electronically. Being from Sweden we followed orders, but we were laughing about it.

Suddenly new voices started shouting in the loudspeaker. It was younger sounding voices. It was still in German but this time we were told to rebel against the hotel management, we were told to refuse to go to bed, and they started singing fighting songs in German. Then, suddenly the loudspeakers went quiet. The hotel management was back. We all had to go to bed. It sounds like a false memory, but this one is real. Well, it was budget lodging after all.

Unpleasant Memories of Statistical Mechanics

Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand. Paul Ehrenfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933. Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics.
The epic opening of the first paragraph in David L. Goodstein’s States of Matter, a textbook on Statistical Mechanics.

The epic opening above from the textbook says : Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand. Paul Ehrenfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933. Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics.

One day I found a book on Statistical Mechanics under my bed, and some very unpleasant memories came back to me. I had a final exam in Statistical Mechanics after our vacation. Statistical mechanics is a mathematical framework that applies statistical methods and probability theory to large assemblies of microscopic entities.

More specifically, you do statistical calculations over large sets of atoms and molecules to figure out the macro condition of the corresponding gas or material. For example, temperature corresponds to the average kinetic energy of atoms, and entropy refers to the logarithm of the number of microstates compatible with the system’s measurable macroscopic state, often loosely referred to as the disorder of the system. Statistical Mechanics includes classical Statistical Mechanics as well as its Quantum Mechanical counterpart, which is a lot more abstract and complicated.

Picture showing molecules of various sizes moving fast.
In 1905 Albert Einstein proved the existence of molecules and atoms using statistics and an observed phenomenon called Brownian motion. Shutterstock ID: 2334052703

Once I was back in Sweden, I went to see my professor, and I explained the situation to him: “hello professor, I had a ski accident, hit my head, and I lost my memory. My amnesia made me forget statistical mechanics.”. He could also see that my left arm was in a cast. I said, “could I take the exam a little later?” He asked me “are you right-handed or left-handed?” I said, “I am right-handed”. The professor answered, “well then you take the exam on time like everybody else”. It wasn’t what I wanted to hear but I took it, and I passed but not with flying colors.

It may seem like my professor was a bit harsh. However, I was later thinking that maybe he had a lot of students coming into his office claiming head injuries with amnesia. It was after all a final exam in statistical mechanics.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

Pet Owner Guide to Indoor Air Quality

This is a guest post written by Sara M. from Sanitair LLC. She emailed me asking me if she could publish this post regarding opening a Indoor air quality for pets. I said yes. See her post below.

Daisy our pug is sitting in front of a vent.
Daisy our Pug loved sitting in front of vents because of the heat in winter and the cool air in summer. Hopefully, the air was healthy.

I can add that we had our ducts cleaned a couple of months ago. It is good thing to do for yourself and for your pets.

The Ultimate Pet Owner’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality

A red haired woman is playing with a small white fluffy dog.

Introduction

As a pet owner, you know the joy and companionship that furry friends bring into your life. Their playful antics, affectionate nuzzles, and loyal presence make every day brighter. However, pets also bring certain responsibilities that extend beyond feeding, grooming, and playtime. One critical aspect of pet care that is often overlooked is indoor air quality. The environment your pet lives in can significantly impact their health, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

Poor air quality can exacerbate allergies, trigger respiratory problems, and even contribute to long-term health issues for both pets and humans. With pets spending most of their time indoors, maintaining clean, fresh air is essential to support pet health and create a safe living environment. In this guide, we will explore how indoor air quality affects your pets, practical steps to improve it, and strategies to prevent airborne irritants in your home.

1. How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Pet Health

Indoor air can contain pollutants that affect pets in ways similar to humans. Common indoor pollutants include dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners or furniture. Pets are often closer to the ground, which means they inhale particles that settle on floors and carpets, making them particularly vulnerable to airborne irritants.

Respiratory issues are among the most common consequences of poor air quality in pets. Cats, dogs, and small mammals may develop coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing if exposed to irritants over time. Pets with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma in cats or brachycephalic dog breeds, are even more sensitive.

In addition to respiratory effects, pollutants can trigger skin irritation and exacerbate allergies. Fluffy coats can trap dust and dander, which not only irritates pets’ skin but can also circulate allergens throughout your home. Long-term exposure to poor air quality may even weaken the immune system, making pets more susceptible to infections.

By understanding how indoor air quality influences pet health, you can take proactive steps to minimize risks and promote a safer, cleaner environment for your furry companions.

2. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Homes With Pets

To improve air quality, it is important to first identify potential sources of indoor pollutants in pet-friendly households. Common contributors include:

Pet Dander and Hair: Pet hair alone is not harmful, but it often carries dander, a common allergen. Dander is tiny, lightweight, and easily airborne, allowing it to circulate throughout your home.

Dust and Dirt: Pets can bring in dust, pollen, and other particles from outside on their paws and fur. Over time, this accumulates and becomes a source of indoor pollution.

Mold and Mildew: Pets can create moist areas, especially around water bowls, litter boxes, or damp bedding. Mold spores thrive in these conditions and contribute to poor air quality.

Cleaning Products and Fragrances: Many pet owners use chemical cleaners, air fresheners, or scented candles to maintain hygiene. These products release VOCs, which can irritate the respiratory system of both pets and humans.

Smoking Indoors: Secondhand smoke is a serious hazard for pets. Studies have linked tobacco smoke exposure to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and a higher risk of certain diseases in animals.

HVAC Systems: Dust and debris can accumulate in ducts and filters, which may circulate pollutants throughout the home if not properly maintained. Regular maintenance and occasional duct cleaning can help reduce this risk.

Identifying these sources is the first step toward reducing indoor pollutants and improving air quality for your pets.

3. Practical Strategies to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Once you know the sources of pollutants, implementing strategies to maintain clean air becomes more effective. Here are some practical approaches:

Regular Grooming and Cleaning: Frequent brushing removes loose hair and dander, reducing airborne particles. Bathing pets occasionally also helps, but avoid over-bathing, as it can dry out the skin. Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery using a vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential for trapping fine particles.

Air Filtration Systems: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are highly effective at capturing pet dander, dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. Air purifiers can be placed in rooms where pets spend the most time to ensure constant filtration.

Proper Ventilation: Good airflow helps prevent pollutants from accumulating indoors. Open windows when weather permits, or use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity and mold growth.

Humidity Control: Maintaining indoor humidity between 30 to 50 percent can help reduce allergens and prevent mold. Dehumidifiers or humidifiers can be used depending on your climate to maintain an optimal balance.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions: Choose pet-safe, fragrance-free cleaners to minimize VOCs. Avoid aerosol sprays or air fresheners that can irritate your pet’s lungs.

Designated Pet Areas: Establish specific areas for feeding, sleeping, and playing. Wash bedding regularly and clean litter boxes daily to prevent odors and bacteria from affecting air quality.

Implementing these strategies consistently will not only improve air quality but also contribute to a healthier, happier home for both pets and humans.

4. Monitoring and Maintaining Air Quality

Maintaining optimal air quality is an ongoing effort. Monitoring your indoor environment helps you identify potential problems before they affect your pets’ health.

Air Quality Monitors: Consider using digital monitors to track particulate matter, humidity, and VOC levels in your home. Some devices provide alerts if pollutants rise above safe levels, allowing you to act quickly.

Regular Cleaning Schedule: Establish a routine for vacuuming, dusting, and washing pet bedding. Clean or replace HVAC filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and schedule duct cleaning occasionally to remove trapped debris.

Pet-Safe Plants: Certain indoor plants can help filter toxins naturally, but be sure to choose species that are non-toxic to pets. Some popular options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms.

Professional Advice: If your pet shows signs of respiratory issues, allergies, or skin irritation, consult a veterinarian. They can provide guidance on environmental adjustments and recommend interventions to protect your pet’s pet health.

By actively monitoring and maintaining your home’s air quality, you can prevent long-term health issues and create a comfortable environment where your pets can thrive.

Conclusion

Indoor air quality is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of pet care. From reducing allergens and irritants to ensuring proper ventilation and using air purifiers, every step counts toward improving your pet’s living environment. Maintaining clean, fresh air supports pet health, reduces respiratory and skin issues, and contributes to a happier, healthier home.

Start with small, consistent changes such as regular grooming, vacuuming, and using HEPA filters, and gradually incorporate more advanced strategies like monitoring devices and humidity control. Remember, a home with clean air benefits not only your pets but everyone living in it.

Snow and Ice in Norrland

Esther’s writing prompt: January 7, 2026: Snow

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I grew up in northern Sweden (Norrland), which means that I saw a lot of snow. I loved playing in the snow, building snow castles, snow tunnels, throwing snowballs, building snowmen, going sledding and going cross country skiing. I don’t remember being cold. I had warm clothes on, and I often stayed out very late playing in the snow. Now I live in Texas where snow is very rare.

Winter landscape at sunset in direct light with plenty of snow on the trees, Gällivare county, Swedish Lapland, Sweden
Snow on the trees, Gällivare county, Swedish Lapland, Sweden Shutterstock Asset id: 2035482680 by Mats Lindberg
Female cross country skier walking through heavy snow in a wild pine forest at night.
Cross country skiing in Sweden Shutterstock Asset id: 1888204651 by Henrik A. Jonsson

Later in life, maybe at the age of 12-13 I also started doing downhill skiing / slalom. We had four ski resorts close to my hometown Örnköldsvik. I can add that the snow packed northern forests can be very beautiful. Northern Sweden is also a very dark place in winter, being close to or above the arctic circle. Therefore, I also watched some spectacular night skies and auroras from my snow castles. The Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy were visible. One time as I was sitting in the snow, I saw a very large meteor moving across the sky. It had a tail of fire and was not moving too fast. I believe I could see the piece of rock, but I am not sure. In any case, it put up a show.

Stars in the sky. Blue night panorama, a universe full of stars, nebula and galaxies.
Milky way sky on dark background, and a lot of stars. Spectacular night sky in the polar winter. Asset id: 2524020369 by MR.PRAWET THADTHIAM
Stunning aurora borealis lights up the night sky with vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing natural display in the Arctic wilderness.
Aurora Borealis are often spectacular in the polar regions, especially during the polar night. Asset id: 2499746583 by HappyVibeArt

Unfortunately, according to my brother, this winter my hometown Örnsköldsvik did not have snow for Christmas. According to Science Daily the data from weather stations in northern Sweden indicates that the snow season has decreased by over two months in a 30-year span and according to the National Library of Medicine the cold season in northern Finland (next doors) has gotten warmer with reduced snow cover. This is quite noticeable and the reindeer are suffering as a result.

Visiting the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi

Luckily the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi nearby Kiruna in northern Sweden is still open since December 12, 2025. The ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi opened the first in 1989 and it is the first and largest ice hotel in the world.

I should say that Jukkasjärvi is located north of the arctic circle and is typically very cold in winter. However, you sleep in very warm sleeping bags on top of ice blocks covered by reindeer hides. The ice hotel itself does not have any bathroom, but they have an adjacent wood building with bathrooms and showers. They also have rooms for people who don’t want to sleep in a cold ice room. We visited the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi as a family in 2004 and I took a lot of photos.

Photo is of a large ice table and ice chairs located in the middle of the lobby, which is filled with tall pillars made of ice.
The lobby of the ice hotel. Our kids are sitting around a table of ice. A chandelier of ice is hanging above the table. The light is from fiber optics, so the ice won’t melt.
Again, the photo is of a large ice table and ice chairs located in the middle of the lobby, which is filled with tall pillars made of ice. In this photo there are no kids except for the faint figure behind one of the ice pillars.
Another photo of the lobby at the ice hotel. My son David is barely visible behind one of the ice pillars.
The photo shows a big hallway with large ice pillars and an ice statue of a man.
One of the beautiful hallways in the Ice Hotel.
Photo of a beautiful table made of ice and two sofa chairs and one sofa, all made of ice.
My oldest son sitting at an ice table in the lobby.
The photo shows an entrance looking like a bottle and there are several pillars and statues made of ice.
Entrance to the ice bar where you could food and drink and sit on ice chairs by ice tables.
Photo of my wife with our three children standing in front of the ice bar where two servers are standing. Everyone is holding glasses made of ice filled with juice.
We started the evening with a visit to the ice restaurant and bar. Everything in the ice restaurant was made of ice, the tables, the chairs, the counter, the glasses, the plates, and the art.
The photo show rectangular ice glasses standing on an ice counter. They are filled with differently colored drinks.
Close up of ice glasses on the ice counter in the ice bar.
A photo of an ice table and 7 instruments made of ice standing on an ice stage.
This is a photo of the ice instruments standing on the ice stage.
Photo of a beautiful cello and guitar sculpted in ice.
A close up of an ice cello and an ice guitar.
The photo shows elaborately sculpted parts of a organ all in ice.
This is a portion of an ice organ in the ice bar.
My dad Stig and his girlfriend Ulla came with us on the trip.
We are all laying on top of our ice bed. We are inside our sleeping bags except my head and part of my body is out of the bag.
We are going to bed in our room. I think it was my wife Claudia who took the photo.
A long white icy hallway in the darkness.
This was the hallway where our room was located.
My wife is sitting at the end of the sled and in front of her are the kids. Everyone is bundled up.
We are going on a dogsled tour. The ice theater is in the background, and you can see part of the ice hotel on the right.
You can see ten dogs and the sled with us on top of it. On the left is a kåta, a movable Sami structure (indigenous arctic Scandinavian people). It is similar to a Tipi.
The kids had a lot of fun during the dogsled tour
The photos show a dogsled with dogs and some people. The kåta on the left is pretty prominent in this photo.
On the left is a kåta, a movable Sami structure (indigenous arctic Scandinavian people).
This is the ice theater. It was located next to the ice hotel (not in the picture).

The ice hotel had put out lots of kick sleds, referred to as “spark” for people to use as a mode of transportation on the snow and ice, or just to sit on. As my dad, Stig, was sitting on one of them, our son came up to him and told him “Stig the hotel put out these sleds for children to play with. It is not for adults to sit on.” My dad was so surprised that he just handed him the sled.

He is standing and kicking with his feet to move forward with the sled. He is passing in front of the ice theater.
Our son David with one of the kick sleds called “spark”.
Photo of men with a machine cutting ice blocks.
They got the ice blocks for the structure and for the art from nearby Torneå river.

The next day I took photos of some other rooms

There is a huge ice and snow decoration on the wall featuring an angry looking face.
Another room with a snowy wall decoration.
A close up of an elaborate ice bed.
Some of the rooms were really beautiful.
An ice room with an ice motorcycle and other ice art.
Some of the rooms had beautiful ice art.
A very large ice bedroom.
You had to pay more for a big room. You paid the price of Hilton and got the comfort of camping in winter.
An ice bedroom with an ice statue of a moose.
More ice art.

New Beginnings in 2026

Esther’s writing prompt: December 31, 2025: New Beginnings

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I’ve stopped making New Year Resolutions. According to Psychology Today 80-90% of New Year Resolutions fail. However, I still have goals and wishes for the new year. Instead of making promises I try to make changes at my own pace. One of them is that I’ve started using the Peloton bike that we bought for my wife. Another is trying to adapt to my new role as a grandfather. Our first grandchild Jack was born at the end of September 2024. Yet another new beginning is that I want to focus slightly more on my relatively new blog superfactful that I started in August of 2024. In 2024 I posted 25 super facts and in 2025 I posted 53. I also made 64 other kinds of posts on this blog. I am hoping to one day to have collected 200 super facts. My hope is that I will post 80 super facts in 2026. Let’s see how far I get.

New Beginnings the Peloton Bike

My wife and I bought a Peloton bike a couple of months ago. It was my wife who was the most interested in it but lately I’ve been trying it out as well. I found that this is an excellent way of getting some exercise. A Peloton bike is an internet-connected stationary exercise bike featuring a large touchscreen that streams live fitness classes led by instructors. You select your level, time and your instructor and press start.

The photo shows a black bike with a large touchscreen.
Our Peloton bike. The large touch screen is on the right in the photo compared to the rest of the bike.

I usually pick the same class as my wife does. It is the beginners class with Emma. You follow her instructions and you increase/decrease the speed and resistance. Emma does the same thing as you do, you follow her, she is encouraging and she plays great music for you as you do the exercises. It is almost like having your personal trainer. I know these are prerecorded classes but yesterday when my speed / cadence dropped below the goal, Emma told me, “Let’s try to keep the cadence above 80”. This happened twice giving me the feeling that the class was live. It is an entertaining way of exercising that I hope I will continue doing throughout 2026. Perhaps not every day, but I want to do it often. It is a new beginning for me, a new exercise beginning.

A woman in an exercise outfit is looking straight ahead out from a touchscreen also featuring numbers and information.
Emma is looking out from the touch screen, telling you what to do.

New Beginnings Our First Grandchild

Our oldest son Jacob and his wife Ashley live in Baltimore, Maryland, and their son Jack is three months old. We’ve visited a few times, and we are soon going back there, and they (Jacob, Ashley and Jack) are coming to visit us in February. Being a grandfather is a new role for me that I am going to have to learn. It is a New Beginning for me. You can read more about our latest trip to Baltimore here.

Ashley is holding 3 months old Jack and they are both smiling big.
Jack with his mother Ashley
My wife Claudia is holding Jack, and she is holding a bottle of milk for him.
My wife Claudia is feeding Jack
A photo of the three of us sitting in the sofa. Baby Jack is sitting on the right. He is wearing a Pajamas.
My wife Claudia is on the left; I am in the middle and Jack is on the right.

New Beginnings for Super Facts

In August of 2024 I started a second blog, superfactful. The goal of this blog is to create a list of facts that are important, not trivia, and that are known to be true and yet surprising, mind-blowing, shocking or disputed by large segments of the public. I am avoiding click bait and focusing on facts that will challenge the reader as well myself in a way that provides growth. Below are a few examples.

The Speed of Light In Vacuum Is a Universal Constant

Superfact 4 :

The speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers regardless of their speed and the direction in which they are going. It is always c = 299,792,458 meters per second. If you try to catch up to a light beam and travel close to the speed of light the speed of the light beam will still be c = 299,792,458 meters per second compared to you. This is possible because time and space don’t behave like we expect.

The picture shows two people Alan and Amy. Alan is on the ground. Amy is flying by Alan in a rocket speeding left. Both Alan and Amy are pointing lasers to the left.
In this picture Amy is traveling past Alan in a rocket. Both have a laser. Both measure the speed of both laser beams to be c = 299,792,458 meters per second.

Global Warming is Happening and is Caused by us

Superfact 25: Global warming or if you call it Climate Change or Climate Disruption is happening, and it is happening very fast, and we also know that it is caused by us primarily as a result of our burning of fossil fuels. There is a long-standing scientific consensus on these two facts because the evidence is conclusive. Check the evidence below.

Hockey stick curve going back 1,000 years. The recent uptick in global temperature is very sharp and very sudden.
The so-called hockey stick curve depicting the last 1,000 years. The blue line is the first hockey stick curve ever created (by Michael Mann). He used proxy measurements such as tree rings, green-dots 30-year average, red temperature measurements. This graph is taken from this page.

Infinities Come in Different Sizes

Super fact 67 : Infinities come in different sizes. Some infinities are larger than others. In fact, it is possible to create an infinite number of different-sized infinities. Some infinities are countable and others are uncountable.

A neon infinity metaverse symbol. 3D illustration.
Infinity Asset id: 2118543950 by Sahara Prince

There are 78 super facts so far. I am hoping that my increased focus on this blog will lead to another 80 this year. It will be a New Beginning. To see a list of the 78 super facts and the next 72 I’ve planned click here.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

May you all have a great 2026 and a New Beginning

I Promise Not to Post AI Generated Comments

Esther’s writing prompt: December 3 : Promise

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This post is not about Leonbergers but about a phenomenon that seems to be spreading like wildfire in the blogosphere, AI generated comments. If you are a blogger that has been blogging lately, I am sure you have seen them. Well written, seemingly creative, flattering and detailed comments that give the impression that the commentor, who appears to be an extremely articulate writer, has read your post really well and understood it, and has spent a long time perfecting the comment. Unfortunately, he/she didn’t write anything and has probably not even looked at your post. He/she might have, in a very short time, generated hundreds of comments automatically for hundreds of blogs he/she has never looked at and knows nothing about.

When I started getting the AI generated comments I was really flattered at first. Someone really took the time to read my often lengthy and complicated posts and not only understood them well but loved them for all the right reasons. As the Devil in the Devil’s advocate said, “vanity is my favorite sin”. However, I eventually realized that these comments were inauthentic. I still say thank you when I get an elaborate and flattering comment that does not look genuine or seems to be too good to be true. First of all, it is difficult to know for sure whether the comment is AI-generated and secondly, they did make some effort even though it was minimum. I don’t know if that is right or wrong of me.

To generate an AI-comment you can, for example, use a website such as Postiz. You copy and paste the content of a blog post into the edit box “Original Post Content”, then select the tone, for example, “friendly”, and then you press the button. Then copy and paste the comment in the blog.

There are many other tools for generating comments, blog posts, and other content including HyperwriteAI, which also can make the content sound genuine using your writing-persona. It trains the AI to mimic your unique writing style (you provide examples) ensuring the output sounds like you.

My Murder Moose Example

I am not going to post examples without the consent of the non-authors, so I am giving my own example based on my recent post “What are your Favorite Animals Not Murder Moose Anymore“. I used Postiz, which generated the following comment for me.

Wow, that’s such a cool journey from the Murder Moose to loving dogs!

I love how you turned your childhood memories into a drawing.

And writing a book about Leonbergers is amazing!

Dogs really do bring so much joy and companionship.

Rollo sounds like a great buddy too!

Below is the drawing that Postiz is referring to:

A moose with big antlers and giant sharp teeth.
The murder moose in my second grade story. The picture was generated by ChatGPT.

I posted an AI-generated comment above, which makes it seem like I already broken my promise not to post AI generated  comments. However, the comment was not posted in anyone’s comment section but here in my post for illustration purposes. What I promise is to not post AI generated  comments on anyone’s blog post without telling them it is an AI generated  comment, unlike a lot of bloggers. The picture above is also AI generated but I am stating that it is.

In my opinion, leaving AI generated comments on people’s posts without telling them it is AI generated is dishonest and the same is true when someone posts an AI generated blog post without mentioning that it is AI generated.

The Death of Internet

AI generated comments, bots posting comments, bots arguing with people in the comment sections, bots arguing with other bots in the comment sections, and bots “clicking” massive amounts of reactions (like, love, angry, laughter, etc.). Not to mention the spread of deep fakes These are phenomena spreading like wildfire.

Not all AI generated comments and comments by bots are innocent flattery. Bots frequently spread false information, false narratives, division and anger. AI generated comments and bots are ruining the comment sections in various ways. Before you get into a lengthy argument with someone on internet, here is some expert help to determine whether you are arguing with a bot, or not. On my second blog I posted about the fact that “more than half of Internet Traffic is Bots”. Most of the bot traffic is malicious by the way.

A picture of giant computer screen with a red warning triangle containing an exclamation mark. Underneath the triangle is the text “System Hacked”
Warning of a system hacked. Virus, cyber-attack, malware concept. Asset id: 1916985977 by Sashkin

This makes me wonder if the internet is dying. With that I am not referring to the Dead Internet Conspiracy Theory that claims that Internet is already dead and entirely governed by bots that are controlling us. I am referring to something more realistic, that our internet experience is ruined first by people using AI generated content (comments, posts, etc.) without telling readers, and secondly by bots. Is Internet losing its authenticity and value?

And to reiterate, I promise not to post AI-generated comments on people’s blogs.