I Never Learned Compassion for Idiots

https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/01/i-never-learned-compassion-for-idiots/

Damals in der IT-Steinzeit

https://anwaltsblog.wordpress.com/2026/02/01/damals-in-der-it-steinzeit/

A Commodore 64 and Zero Adult Supervision

https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/01/a-commodore-64-and-zero-adult-supervision/

Pentium with Windows 95… Weekly Recap 1/26/2026

The first computer I can remember my family owning was probably some sort of Pentium processor running Windows 95.

It was a dull grey box. I couldn’t find a picture of anything that was quite dull enough, so you’ll just have to use your imagination. Instead of standing upright, we had it laying horizontally. It had both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch floppy drives.

I can remember rebooting to MS-DOS so that I could load games. It’s funny because I was still probably struggling to learn how to spell words, but I could at least wrap my head around those commands.

Good morning and happy Monday, friends!

• New Book Review: The Key to the True Kabbalah by Franz Bardon

To start off, here’s a picture of Loki. His physics defy natural law.

Those are his back paws, by the way. I’m not sure what he did with the front ones. He’s tricksy like that.

By popular demand, I have reviewed Franz Bardon’s third book, The Key to the True Kabbalah. This now completes the entire series.

On Friday, Selene and I got some sushi. Sushi Friday is becoming a tradition… or perhaps it’s just a temporary addiction. But for now, we’re quite enjoying it.

I can say—hands down—the best sushi place we’ve been to in Florida so far has been Sushi Yama in Wellington. And it’s all you can eat!

Friday night was also coven night. We had a fun class on Qabalah.

On Saturday, we got Pho. I haven’t had Pho is years. And the verdict?

It was awful. Seriously. I really wanted to like it. I tried my hardest. I don’t know if it was a bad restaurant, a bad day, or if I just don’t like pho. According to their reviews, it was supposed to be good. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best pho restaurant around West Palm Beach, FL?

I have also continued to make Brigid’s Crosses because apparently everyone wants one for Imbolc! Honestly, that’s pretty cool.

Yes. I had to combine several of them to create the ultimate version.

If you’re feeling bored today, you can listen to my ramble on Eimi OstaraMoon’s podcast: Fancy AF.

Aside from all of the usual things, I’m trying to make mental space to map out my workshop for Turning the Tide this weekend, but it’s going to be REALLY COLD, so I think I’m kind of blocking the thoughts at the moment.

My head is as full of runes as it is full of network topologies and server practices. My classes are really, really ramping up and it’s consuming my brain.

Right, well, I’ve got to go watch some lectures. And, you know… finish a book or something.

Stay tuned for more soon!

#bardon #brigidsCross #computers #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1835 #loki #msDos #windows

I rise through the grace of Yeshua

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the shadows, I rise with the grace of God. It is a miraculous feeling, knowing that the Creator of the universe knows me by name — that He sees not just my exterior, but the very essence of my spirit, my heart, my fears, and my purpose. How incredible it is to be known and chosen in a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected!

Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the moments when God’s grace pulled me from the depths of despair. I once lived in the shadows, unaware of their cold embrace, wandering through life with a heart burdened by regret and anger. The darkness I was enveloped in was so consuming that I couldn’t differentiate between success and emptiness. It was only through the lens of self-discovery that I began to unveil the truth — the delicate balance between light and dark.

The Bible teaches us that “I know my children,” and during my darkest hours, I felt this profound truth emerge. I was a victim of lost dreams and stolen destinies, a soul burdened by anger and regrets I did not choose to carry. I cried out in desperation, yearning for a sense of connection, for a spark of divine light to guide me through my confusion. My nights were often filled with tears, a symphony of longing echoing in the vast emptiness of my heart.

But just when I felt utterly broken, when I thought my spirit could bear no more, His mercy found me. It was as if a gentle breeze had whispered, “You are not alone.” In those moments, when I felt most unworthy, grace enveloped me, igniting a flicker of hope in the ashes of despair. The anger began to dissipate. Hatred, once a fierce companion, melted away like snow under the warm embrace of the sun. I realized that forgiveness was not merely an act, but a balm for my weary soul.

As I embarked on this journey of healing and redemption, I began to see the world through new eyes. Suddenly, each leaf on a tree, each laugh of a child, each word of kindness became reminders of God’s goodness. It was as if the universe had shifted, illuminating the path ahead and slowly revealing His purpose for my life.

I patiently awaited Yeshua to emerge in my journey, trusting that He would unveil His plan for me in His perfect timing. I sensed His presence guiding me, nudging me gently—reminding me of my worth, my calling, and the extraordinary power of love. With every step I took towards Him, darkness receded, giving way to a radiant light that filled the void in my heart.

I now understand that my past does not define me; rather, it is a tapestry woven with threads of trials, triumphs, and transformation. I carry those experiences not as scars of shame, but as testaments to the power of redemption and grace. I now,  see myself as a warrior of hope, committed to breaking the cycle of despair for my children. I refuse to let them wander through the darkness I once knew; I want them to walk in the light, inspired by faith, resilience, and love.

To anyone reading this, who may feel lost or broken, I urge you to pause and breathe. Know that your pain does not make you unworthy; it can be the very catalyst for your breakthrough. Whenever you feel consumed by darkness, remember that grace awaits, just as it awaited me. Find comfort in knowing that His love will rescue you, fashioning a narrative of strength and beauty from the ashes of your struggles.

Your journey may feel like a movie—filled with drama, sorrow, and the unexpected—but trust that the plot will unfold in ways that are beyond your imagination. Hold on to hope, seek the light, and when Yeshua reveals Himself, you will find a love so profound that it will light the path toward your true purpose.

#2024 #authenticity #battleofthechosen #bible #bibleStudy #bloganuary #bloganuary202430 #christian #christianity #church #courage #covenantkeeper #dailyPrompt #dailyPrompts #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1830 #dailyprompt1831 #dailyprompt1832 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1835 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1846 #dailyprompt1847 #dailyprompt1848 #dailyprompt1849 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1856 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1870 #dailyprompt1871 #dailyprompt1872 #dailyprompt2162

Money might not be able to buy me love, but it sure helps keep the lights on!

Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

What I buy often isn’t available in stores, which brings to mind that song, “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” I’ve experienced pain that soaked my pillow with endless tears, leaving me feeling like I lost a part of my very soul. It’s tough when you realize that what we all desperately need is a true sense of identity—something you can’t just fake until you make it, no matter how much you might want to. Heartbreak, constant disappointment, and the harsh realities of life can really make you start questioning who you are. That’s why, whenever I see clips of people struggling or trying to improve themselves, I don’t rush to judge or play the role of Judge Judy. I understand their pain all too well, and I genuinely hope they find the help they need as soon as possible.

I used to be that woman who thought that an expensive bag or a lavish vacation would numb the pain and fill the void inside me. But loving yourself is just as important as sharing a part of yourself with someone else. If you can’t accept and love yourself, you won’t truly see or appreciate the efforts of others. I had to seek help; I faced my demons instead of running away and resorting to endless dating and fleeting moments of pleasure to feel better. It became exhausting. I remember crying so hard that I could feel the weight of my tears, those lukewarm tears filled with pain. Psychotherapy has been the most precious gift I’ve ever given myself. It’s helped me grow, appreciate love, and love someone special without any expectations—just to love him and feel good about being so deeply in love with this man who truly deserves it.

They say that the more you grow, the more your perspective shifts. I chose to find myself first, to heal old wounds, and to bury them. I wanted to find someone who could listen without judgment. In today’s world, it’s tough to find that kind of love. We keep searching, yet we set the bar so high that it feels impossible to reach. I’m learning to settle down for less. Prison of my own selfishness made me reevaluate whether the standards I set for myself are realistic, healthy, and smart, or if I’m still chasing after pain when love could be right next door.

#2024 #bloganuary202430 #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1824 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1835 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1837 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1846 #dailyprompt1847 #dailyprompt1848 #dailyprompt2117

The art of giving a F**k

Do you need time?

It’s that time of year again when we start reflecting on everything that’s happened. January feels like it was just yesterday, and this year has truly been a rollercoaster. I recently shared some thoughts with someone who feels the same way, and we agreed that every year has its ups and downs. But what really matters is that we made it through—both of us did.

The world can feel so dark, and we often ignore what truly matters while we keep chasing after things that don’t fulfill us. We find ourselves in relationships that come with strings attached, expecting our partners to carry the weight of our needs. We pursue careers with the mindset that we want to be like those who have already made it. We’re constantly seeking validation, setting the bar impossibly high. The economy is a mess, with inflation swinging back and forth.

The news is filled with stories of genocide, war, and people hurting each other. And then there’s Gen Z, always coming up with the next big trend. It’s all chaotic, and no matter how much we try to ignore it, we’re all affected in one way or another. It feels like a lose-lose situation, and it’s hard to look forward to the coming year. Yet, there are still some perks waiting to be shared. What I really need is to get on my knees and surrender to the Lord, asking for His intervention.

I could take a vacation and post a smile for the ‘gram, but if my soul isn’t at peace, what’s the point? My faith has been my anchor this year; I’ve fought battles that made me question, “What on earth is this generational curse?” A wise person once said, “If it doesn’t happen to you, who will it happen to?” The glitz and glam aren’t always what they seem.

#2024 #authentic #bloganuary202430 #dailyPrompt #dailyPrompts #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1835 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1837 #dailyprompt1840 #dailyprompt1846 #dailyprompt1847 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1867 #dailyprompt2113

My father bought our first computer from what was probably the only computer store in Tewksbury, MA. It was on Main street sort of near the intersection with Chandler street. I’m not sure what is there now. It had a monitor, a keyboard, and two floppy drives. I believe it was 1983. 

It looked like this:

I don’t recall the specs beyond that. Maybe before I click publish I’ll ask the stupid AI Assistant if it knows. I do remember we had a joystick but it didn’t work very well. We also had a modem wired into our telephone. We could plug a phone line into the computer, connect it to the phone, and dial out direct. We used it to call some old bulletin board services. It was completely epic, like the movie War Games but without the treason or the nukes. Unfortunately the modem was so slow it made the whole experience useless. We did have a text chat with some random person once. That was ground breaking, indeed.

I used it for school to write papers and essays. We had a word processor program that worked pretty well. I also played a lot of games, but that experience wasn’t quite as good as what we had over at Mike the (future) Bass Player’s house as he had a Commodore 64 which was a better gaming platform. We had a great baseball game and an olympic decathlon game that was really fun but difficult. We had a text based game that I think was a Zork knock off that I seem to remember was called Mobius.

It was a great computer. Eventually, at some point in the 90’s, my father had a friend who built IBM clones and we moved on to Windows 3.1. I messed with Macs for the first time when I was at Northeast Broadcasting School in ’93 (I think?), and then when I went to Middlesex Community College I took a class called Intro to Computers that covered an office suite called Claris Works that also used a Mac. Later, while at UMass Lowell (for my second time around) I got a job at a computer lab where I was tasked with putting a tech focused talk show onto the radio station. My desk had a Mac Quadra that I used for editing audio. I also used a program called Nifty Telnet that let me connect to the university’s Unix system so I could do my programming homework. That machine was epic. I didn’t become a Mac owner until years later, after I moved in with Jen. I got a MacBook Pro and have literally never looked back. I am 100% invested in the Apple echo system now. MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad, AppleWatch, HomePods all over the house. How long until they pull me into the new Vision Pro? Someday.

There you have it, my first computer was an Apple iie and it made me the computer nerd I am today. Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk.

Hey, AI Assistant, what were the specs for an apple iie?

The Apple IIe, released in 1983, featured a 1.023 MHz 65C02 processor, 64 KB RAM, and used 5.25-inch floppy disks for storage. It also supported a lowercase character set, which was an improvement over its predecessors. The computer sported a sleek design and was compatible with a wide range of peripherals, making it a popular choice for educational and personal use.

* I was going to send the owner of the Flickr account a request to use the image on my page but it hasn’t been active for 12 years. Fortunately, it did have a license listed on the page which allows for use of the image for non-commercial purposes so long as I credit the owner. The link in the caption should suffice as a credit. Click it, please. That means I can never monetize this post. That’s fine as I have no plans to monetize this site ever. Thanks, mysterious Flickr account!

https://robertjames1971.blog/2024/02/01/apple-iie/

#dailyprompt #dailyprompt1835