An Occasional Miscellany

For years I wrote for history blogs and still do. One admin asked me to write for her own blog after I commented as “occasional reader” - so the alter ego O.R. was born. These pieces were mainly silliness with an occasional rant thrown in. Since that admin sadly passed away, I thought my pieces would disappear into cyberspace. But then I decided to reprint a few and maybe – occasionally - write some more. So here they are. At least if my computer throws a fit and dies they are preserved. Enjoy?

Monday, May 25, 2026

The Joys of AI

Using AI to clean up photographs can be very useful, but it can sometimes have unexpected results.

I was writing an article about a famous funeral, with a very poor newspaper photograph.

This is the funeral of Charles Taze Russell in November 1916. The snapshot was taken at dusk as the casket arrived at the gravesite. Behind are two women, heavily veiled, believed to be his estranged wife, Maria, and her sister, Emma.

I wanted to tidy this up so asked AI to help. This was the result

Two heavily veiled women turned into three gentlemen wearing bowler hats.

I’m not impressed.