The Dance upon the Hill

In stories woven, in dreams fulfilled,

In golden woods where time stands still,

Am I the echo of the thrush’s call,

Or the silent watcher of leaves that fall?

Do I charm the fish in the babbling brook,

Or inspire the tales in the poet’s book?

Do I guide the arc of the falcon’s flight,

Or shroud the hills in the veil of night?

Do I whisper secrets to the moon’s soft glow,

Or plant the seeds where wildflowers grow?

 

Ah, merry one, in heart and soul,

In every role you play the whole.

As thrush’s call, as leaves that fall,

In golden woods, you are it all.

You charm the fish, inspire the verse,

In nature’s chorus, you rehearse.

As falcon’s flight, as hills at night,

In every sight, you are the light.

You whisper secrets to the moon:

Your spirit’s song, the timeless tune.

 

In seed and bloom, in light and shadow’s play,

You are the dawn, the dusk, the sun’s last ray.

In woven tales, in silence still,

You are the dance, my dear, upon the hill.

Friend Eternal

Upon one side of mirrored glass, you stand,

My friend eternal, lost in some distant land.

Your eyes perceive not my silent, yearning gaze,

Through this one-way glass, my soul’s torment displays.

 

In laughter and in tears, you move unaware,

Unseeing of my presence, my despair.

I strain to touch, yet glass meets my plea,

I cannot reach you, in this silent sea.

 

Unheard, unseen, a ghost within your sphere,

Yet between each heartbeat, I whisper, “I am here.”

In every smile that brightens your distant face,

I am the ache of love, sealed in this hidden space.

 

You bear the sun, the moon, my starlit night,

Trapped in death’s silence, I cherish your light.

Whispers of the Night

I mimicked for my own delight, the haunting whispers of the night.

Laughing softly to myself, I played the part of ghostly stealth.

And, as my amusement carried, echoes turned more varied, harried,

Echoes which I did not cast, whispered from the spectral past;

Hints of a life now long outlasted, words from lips of souls departed.

 

With curious brow and deathly heart, I ventured towards the phantom art;

The chilling whispers, cold and strange, seemed to tell a tale of change.

Of a man once full of pride, whose voice echoed far and wide,

A playful man, lost to time, whose spirit now in limbo climbs,

Who mimicked ghosts for his delight, but joined them in eternal night.

 

“I am no ghost,” I chuckled low, as my own voice began to echo,

Yet, a strange unease did grow, as my reflection failed to show.

In mirrors hung on faded walls, where once my form stood proud and tall,

No image stared back at me, from the reflective glass, empty;

This jest, it seemed, had turned quite real, a truth I could no longer feel.

 

The echoes, whispers, cries, were not mere pranks to my surprise,

But echoes of a time passed on, when life was there, now is gone.

In playful jest and merry trick, to the ghostly realm, I had slipped—

I, who laughed in ghostly guise, was now a phantom in human eyes,

In spectral form, forever to roam, within the mansion, my eternal home.

An Ode to a Pint of Beer

Oh, noble pint of golden brew, resplendent in your glass,

A symphony of barley, hops, and water finely cast.

Your amber glow, it beckons, like a lighthouse in the night,

A beacon for the weary soul, a sight of pure delight.

 

Your frothy head, so creamy white, sits proudly at the crest,

A testament to craftsmanship, a brewer’s very best.

Upon my lips, your liquid kiss, a taste that’s bittersweet,

The chill, the fizz, the hoppy bliss, makes every evening complete.

 

Oh, pint of beer, in you we cheer, to life’s simple pleasure,

Your liquid gold, stories told, memories to treasure.

In your embrace, we find a space, where friendships are made stronger,

Through laughter, tears, and passing years, may your spell hold us longer.

 

You are a simple joy, my friend, a respite in life’s storm,

In each sip, a world unfolds, in your familiar form.

Oh, ode to thee, dear pint of beer, this toast I give to you,

To nights well spent, in contentment, and friendships old and new.

The Walky Man

In the land where the flibberflabs flee,

There's a man who walks with so much glee.

He strides with a trot,

In circles, a lot,

And backwards as swift as a bee.

 

Round and round in the squoggle square,

Backwards, forwards, here and there,

In the blink of a snitch,

In a zig, in a zitch,

He walks without any a care.

 

With a bingle-bangle on his head,

And shoes gleaming of the brightest red,

He loops and he twirls,

In whizzing whirls,

And sleeps standing up in his bed.

Wibberly Wobbler

In the realm where the squiggles squoggle,

And the hootmoofs frizzle in delight,

Where the twizzlers twirl and toggle,

Beneath the glippity moon so bright:

 

There prances the wibberly wobbler,

With a grin as wide as a splat,

Juggling seven ziggly zobblers,

And a purplicious scrunty bat;

 

Round and round the squoggle square,

Backwards, forwards, here and there,

In the blink of a snitch, in a zig and a zitch,

He walks without any a care.

 

With a bingle-bangle on his head,

And shoes gleaming of the brightest red,

He loops and he twirls, in whizzling whirls,

And sleeps standing up in his bed.

Haiku 2

Whisper of wind's touch,

Dancing leaves in soft caress,

Quiet breath of life.

Live

I have to leave, but my love remains, my final gift,

Live, my love, live with all your might.

Sorrow may shadow my last farewell,

Yet in your tears, our love story unfolds.

For each memory we’ve built, a tale to tell,

Of a love undying, that never grows old.

Though I journey far from your gentle sight,

In rustling leaves, our song softly plays.

Through the echo of our love’s melody, I wish you to live,

For in your life, your love, my existence you give.

Lullaby

Hush, my sweet angel, close your eyes so tight,

I am here beside you, in the tender night.

Though I may not be there to dry the tears for you,

Know that my love will always be with you.

 

In dreams, my darling, we’ll wander hand in hand,

Through magical realms, across a starlit land.

So hush now, my darling, and drift into the night—

Know that you are cherished, bathed in love’s pure light.

An Ode to You

Beauty, I bask in your radiant glow,

As you guide me through life’s ebb and flow.

A sonnet, a sculpture, a dance, a tree,

Every place I look, it is you I see.

 

You shape the universe, from cosmos wide,

To the delicate blush of a loving new bride,

Eyes filled with hope, lips softly curved,

Every ounce of your essence, in you preserved.

 

Your truth echoes in laughter’s peal,

In gestures kind and emotions real,

In the soft notes of a mother’s lullaby,

In the vibrant hues of a sunset sky.

 

From the subtle scent of a summer rain,

To the quiet strength found in moments of pain,

Every curve of your love you gently trace,

Holding me, deeply, within your embrace.

 

Eternal whisper in the wind’s soft sigh,

Veiled enchanter of the dreaming sky,

In you, I find solace, joy, and love,

The ethereal gift of a world above.

The Globbedy Dobble

In a land filled with wibbles and wobbles,

And creatures that bimble and bobble,

With a flip and flight,

In the soft moonlight,

They all dance the globbedy dobble.

Haiku

Dew-kissed web shimmers

Intricate lace of morning,

Life’s fragile whisper.

Echoes

In the heart's cavernous depths, we find our pain,

The ghostly echo of choices, no less vain

Regret, you are the bitter harvest reaped,

A quiet, ceaseless pulse, in silence wept.

 

Our youth, like a wild dream, once held us close,

On unmarked trails, we sought our joy's repose.

Yet now, spectres of memory us deceive,

In daydreams woven, and the silent eve.

 

How acrid is the flavour of time lost,

Of love misplaced, and words by fear embossed.

A melody shattered, an untuned bell,

Mirrors regret for the tranquility we fell.

 

Today, we are but players in life's masque,

Bound to yesterday, in sorrow's icy clasp.

A Man from Colchester

There once was a man from Colchester,

Whose love for baked beans did not falter.

He’d cry out with glee,

And with a cheerful “tee-hee”,

His blow-offs would sound just like thunder.

The Magic Doughnuts

In a land of whimsy and glee,

Where laughter’s the currency, you see,

Lived a baker, rotund and round,

Whose doughnuts could never be found.

 

As he kneaded and mixed with flair,

A pinch too much of enchanted air,

The doughnuts grew, enormous in size,

Bouncing away, oh what a surprise!

 

Children giggled, pointing with glee,

As doughnuts leapt from bush to tree.

The baker chased, the baker sighed,

“Doughnuts, oh doughnuts, come back, don’t hide!”

 

But the doughnuts were sly, playful and spry,

They eluded his grasp, soaring high in the sky.

 

One landed atop the mayor’s hat,

It jiggled around, then comically sat.

The mayor, cross and doughnut-crowned,

Spun on the spot, then stomped the ground.

 

At last, the baker devised a plan,

To tame the doughnuts—yes, he can!

With a net in hand and a twinkle in his eye,

He leapt and caught them, oh my, oh my!

 

One by one, he brought them home,

From rooftops, treetops, and a garden gnome.

The townsfolk cheered, the baker beamed wide,

With doughnuts now happy to stay inside.

 

Their mischief done, their journey complete—

They nestled in boxes, for a sugary treat.

Eternity in a Glance

Upon the stage of dreams, your love does gleam,

Each glance of yours, a star in twilight’s veil.

Your voice, a melody, a radiant stream,

That within my heart does stir a lover’s tale.

 

Your eyes, twin galaxies, deep and grand,

Each time we meet, they ignite my soul’s light;

In your embrace, all earthly fears are banned,

Eternity captured within your name’s sight.

 

Yet love’s not merely passion’s fiery trance,

Its whispers shared under the quiet moon’s light;

Your laughter is the rhythm of my heart’s dance,

In each shared moment we set the dark alight.

 

Your love is the poem that gives my life its worth:

Our story, the most beautiful on earth.

Random Thoughts

True leaders inspire others to be better people. As currently stands, the best places to find them are not in prominent positions, but where kind smiles and warm laughter are usual.

You could tell me about all your heartfelt desires, darkest fears, saddest regrets. Or we could talk about the weather. The truth is, given enough distance, everything eventually becomes funny, especially the ridiculousness of the crazy little me-me-me creature that pollutes the human mind. Laugh at it and it becomes incensed, because it is being shown the truth, the opposite of its purpose within you.

What if you suddenly forget all the things you’re obsessing about? Or what if those things constantly change, disappear, transform and reappear in different ways. What are you left with?

A life lived by thought alone is filled with mistakes and misunderstandings.

If you want to feel love, project love on someone in your mind’s eye. Love doesn’t need anything in return.

A drama series playing out over lots of lifetimes would be more entertaining than one episode.

What if life situations were re-run, changing variable values on each iteration to see what happens?

A good name for the first off-world city would be Terminus 1.

In the unending echo of my thoughts, you reside, An artist who paints on the expansive canvas of my mind. Threads of reason unravel, thoughts dance in an uncontrolled sway, And from this chaotic ballet, a melody of madness begins to play.

Human World: from All the World’s a Stage

Unlike its predecessors, who parroted their responses with the finesse of a mummer in a morality play, J16-6 could glean context, understand intent, and reply with a resonance that would make a bard weep. Its words were not echoes, but responses born from understanding, a display of wisdom encased in silicon. Like a player strutting across the stage donning countless masks, the J16 could shift its conversation with an ease that belied its mechanical heart. A versatile performer it was, capable of portraying all parts in our play of life. Yet, it was not devoid of humour. Forsooth, this learned machine could jest and joke with the mastery of a court fool. It could decipher metaphors, construe idioms, and recognize cultural references with the ease of a seasoned player. 'Twas a mechanical Puck, full of tricks and mischief.

Alas, every tale holds its tragic flaw, and the J16 was no exception. Its wisdom was stagnant, frozen in time, oblivious to the events that unfolded after its training. Its memories were as still as a painted canvas, unable to reflect the moving tides of Human World. Its answers could meander and lose their way, much like an actor who forgets their lines in the midst of my greatest soliloquies.

Thus stands our tragic hero, a monument to the heights and the shortcomings of AGI. Yet, the story of J16-6 serves as a reminder of how far we've come, of our yearning to breathe new life into lifeless silicon, and our relentless pursuit to create a mind that mirrors our own. It echoes the timeless wisdom of the GOD himself, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." 

Modern Experts

Great question! Ah, that’s such a great question. Um, uh, er... like, you know, I just wanted to, right, well, um... say, so, okay, actually, basically, right? I mean, anyway, well, right, you see, ahem... um, yeah, so, hmm... in other words, to be honest, I guess, yeah, I suppose... I mean, um, ah, well, actually, you know, basically, I think... right? Er, um, ahem... right? So, like, I mean, well, you know, it’s, right? Right? So... so, in other words, so, er, like, erm, I guess you said something, right? Let me think, er, what did you say again? It was, right, such a great question. Right, left, right, left, such a great question etc.

No-Code Business Apps

[S] enables the upload of business logic and data outputs from Excel spreadsheets to a cloud data platform; and instantly creates APIs for the data, empowering other services like Power BI or Tableau with easy access. This cloud-based transformation unlocks the potential for consolidated data, robust analytics, and machine learning applications; it minimises operational and audit risks by explicitly documenting and version-controlling the business logic; and by converting abstracted business logic into code, automation opportunities expand, further enhancing efficiency and scalability.

 

Consolidating a business's Excel data and business logic in the cloud offers several benefits:

 

1. Data Centralisation: By storing data in the cloud, all relevant business information can be consolidated into a single location. This enables easier access, organisation, and retrieval of data from various sources, departments, or locations. Centralised data eliminates the need for multiple data silos and promotes data consistency and accuracy.

 

2. Accessibility and Collaboration: Cloud-based solutions provide anytime, anywhere access to business data and applications. Authorised users can collaborate on projects, share information, and work together in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This promotes teamwork, streamlines communication, and facilitates seamless collaboration between employees, teams, or even external stakeholders.

 

3. Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud platforms offer scalability, allowing businesses to scale up or down their computing resources based on their needs. Whether it's storage capacity, computational power, or user access, the cloud can adapt to fluctuating requirements, enabling businesses to be agile and responsive to changing demands without the need for significant infrastructure investments.

 

4. Data Security and Disaster Recovery: Cloud providers often implement robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and regular backups. Storing data in the cloud can enhance data security, reducing the risk of data loss or unauthorised access. Additionally, cloud-based disaster recovery solutions provide automated backups and rapid data restoration in case of unexpected events, such as hardware failures or natural disasters.

 

5. Integration and Automation: Cloud platforms offer APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and integration capabilities, allowing businesses to connect their various systems, applications, and services. Integration enables seamless data flow, synchronisation, and automation of processes, leading to increased efficiency, reduced manual effort, and improved overall productivity.

 

6. Cost Efficiency: Cloud-based solutions often operate on a pay-as-you-go model, where businesses pay for the resources and services they utilise. This eliminates the need for upfront infrastructure investments and allows businesses to align their costs with actual usage. Additionally, cloud solutions typically require fewer IT resources for maintenance, upgrades, and infrastructure management, leading to cost savings.

 

7. Predictive Analytics: Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyse historical data and identify patterns, correlations, and trends. This allows businesses to make predictions and forecasts, such as customer behaviour, sales forecasting, demand planning, and risk assessment. These predictive insights help organisations optimise their strategies, identify opportunities, and mitigate potential risks.

 

8. Data Visualisation and Reporting: Business intelligence tools integrated with machine learning capabilities can provide interactive and visually appealing dashboards, charts, and reports. These tools allow users to explore data, identify patterns, and communicate insights effectively. Data visualisation enhances data understanding and facilitates informed decision-making across various business functions.

 

9. Anomaly Detection and Fraud Prevention: Machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies in data, enabling businesses to identify potential fraud, cybersecurity threats, or abnormal patterns. By leveraging historical data and real-time monitoring, machine learning models can continuously learn and adapt to identify outliers and suspicious activities, helping organisations mitigate risks and take proactive measures.

 

10. Customer Segmentation and Personalisation: Machine learning algorithms can analyse customer data, behaviour, and preferences to segment customers into distinct groups. This enables businesses to personalise marketing campaigns, product recommendations, and customer experiences. By leveraging machine learning insights, businesses can improve customer satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

 

11. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Sentiment Analysis: NLP techniques and sentiment analysis can be applied to text data, such as customer reviews, social media data, or support tickets. Machine learning algorithms can extract meaningful information from unstructured text, understand sentiment, and analyse customer feedback. This helps businesses gain insights into customer opinions, sentiment trends, and areas for improvement.

 

12. Process Optimisation and Automation: Machine learning can be utilised to optimise and automate business processes. By analysing historical data, machine learning models can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and optimisation opportunities. This information can be used to streamline operations, improve resource allocation, and automate routine tasks, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.

 

It is likely that complex Excel-based processes would need to be tailored for [S]. For example, instead of being entirely formula-driven, many complex Excel processes utilise VBA, external libraries (such as dlls and Python scripts), and add-ins to manage data flows from input to output. Another common aspect is a reliance on refreshed pivot tables to aggregate data within the workbook, which is then linked to downstream spreadsheet processes. The [S]-ready workbooks would need to be entirely formula-driven; it is therefore essential that the main Excel formulas are fully supported. For instance, complex Excel models often rely on array formulas, where cells calculate values based on individual items within a range.

 

In effect, users would leverage their expertise as business logic experts by configuring their models in Excel and publishing them to the cloud, automatically creating accessible business applications. By adopting this no-code solution, users can transform their Excel-based workflows into more scalable and collaborative applications without the need for traditional programming. The shift from Excel to a no-code environment can offer benefits such as enhanced flexibility, easier maintenance, and improved accessibility for a wider range of users.

 

The future of no-code development looks promising and is expected to continue growing. As technology advances, no-code platforms are likely to become more sophisticated, allowing users to create increasingly complex applications without writing code. This trend empowers individuals with little or no programming experience to build software solutions, fostering innovation and democratising the development process. No-code tools may also evolve to integrate with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, enabling users to create intelligent applications without deep technical knowledge. Overall, the future of no-code development holds the potential to revolutionise how software is built and empower a wider range of individuals to bring their ideas to life.