A Different Breed of Geek: My Frustration with Facebook

I’ve always been a geek, ever since the summer of 1971 when I was programming Fortran on an IBM 360 using punch cards. But I wasn’t your typical pocket-protector kind of geek. A friend once called me a “different breed of cat,” and I’ve always relished that description.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various technologies and projects. From using FidoNet with a 300 bps modem to working with dBase on a Navy work planning app, I’ve seen it all. My first paid programming job involved maintaining a gas station accounting system using compiled BASIC on dual floppy PCs. I’ve rebuilt the engine in my MG B, replaced clutches in a Dodge Colt and a ’65 Corvair, built a coffee table, and even painted farm buildings one summer. My first email address was with ix.netcom.com, which later got absorbed by earthlink.net. I was thrilled to get my Gmail invite, thanks Eric B.

I’ve always considered myself an early adopter, not bleeding edge, but I like playing with the new stuff. I’ve used Twitter, LinkedIn, and soon found myself on Facebook. Over time, I’ve become pickier about what platforms I use. Facebook has been my go-to social media for a while. I understand the algorithms and what they do with my data based on my interactions. I’ve had blogs hosted on various services, and I enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts.

Here’s where my frustration begins. I’ve tried multiple times to post a link to my blog, [Finest Kine Aloha Friday](https://finest-kine-aloha-friday.blogspot.com/), on Facebook (or should I call it Meta now?). Every time I try, my post gets rejected for violating community standards. I don’t get it. There are far more controversial reels out there that don’t get flagged. 

I suspect there’s a Google-Meta issue at play here. I’ve never been keen on sharing personal stuff on Meta anyway; they already know too much. I just want to point my friends to my blog, where I’m working on writing more. 

Is it too much to ask for a little leeway to share harmless blog posts with friends?

Navigating the culinary landscape in the US can often feel like a whimsical adventure through a tapestry of diverse and often amusing restaurant names. Just the other day, I found myself enchanted by a supposedly Italian establishment proudly bearing the name "XYZ Ristorante." The word itself seemed to demand a melodious, exaggerated Italian accent—"Ris-to-ran-te, Ris-to-ran-te, Ris-to-ran-te", echoing in my head like a delightful mantra. This compulsion to mimic the phonetic flair of the name was irresistible, transforming a simple glance at a restaurant sign into an impromptu language lesson and a playful moment of cultural immersion.

This isn't a singular quirk reserved for Italian eateries alone; it extends to a myriad of cuisines. Whether it's a French "Boulangerie," a Japanese "Sushi-ya," or a Mexican "Taquería," each name carries its unique rhythm and charm, begging to be pronounced with as much authenticity as my imagination can muster. It's a fun, albeit mildly obsessive habit that turns every dining decision into a theatrical performance. While this may be a lighthearted way to engage with the cultural diversity of the food scene, I can't help but wonder if there’s a support group for those of us who find ourselves repeatedly chanting restaurant names with exaggerated accents. If there is, I need help...

About Your Rival

Thanks "The Art of Manliness",   I like this view point...

Your rival is equally human

 So I've been looking a little ways into the future.  My work life is winding down, not today and not tomorrow, but there is a light at the end of that tunnel. I don't think it's a train.  This past year has been a rough one and there is still much work to do.  I am so very grateful for my family and friends.  I hope to spend more leisure time with all y'all in the time to come.  Truth is my life is good beyond measure and I am so very lucky... #peace

How did you become a computer programmer?

I get asked this question often by people and I always cite that it just seemed to fit me.  I learned a lot by just writing code as often as I could, sometimes just typing in a program from the magazines I was reading.  Initially that was possible using my high performance Atari 800, complete with the maximum amount of RAM, 48K, my first 'personal' computer in 1982...