Webs of lamentations

In today’s digital age, a website is often the first interaction between a business and its potential customers. Yet, too many sites fail to meet users’ expectations.

All too often, navigating them feels like wandering through a labyrinth with no exit in sight. Sloppy design, cluttered layouts, and poor navigation frustrate visitors, driving them away in search of better alternatives.

Following the trend set by so-called visionary leaders, many companies are now replacing human employees with “smart bots”—often with disastrous results. Efficiency matters, but we are still far from creating perfect human substitutes. Entrusting customers to digital apprentices rather than real professionals only breeds frustration and lasting resentment.

Before the rise of computerized systems, at least you could complain to a (sometimes grumpy) employee about poor service. Today? Try voicing your dissatisfaction about a frustrating website to anyone who cares—it’s an exercise in futility.

To attract and retain visitors, businesses must prioritize user-friendly design and seamless functionality. Because in the end, a frustrating digital experience is just as damaging as poor customer service—if not worse.

We must remember that we, the consumers, have the power to buy or boycott. If you’re dissatisfied, don’t hesitate to switch brands. There is always a competitor eager to earn your business. And by the way, Tesla isn’t the only electric car brand sold in America. Why support a company whose leader is determined to take your livelihood away?

Meanwhile, in “backward” Europe, people go on strike at the drop of a hat. When they disapprove of government or corporate decisions, they take to the streets and bring the economy to a standstill.

In “modern” America, what did all the fired workers do? Did they protest this blatant mistreatment? Not really. They meekly packed up their desk plants and pencil sharpeners, placed them in a cardboard box, and walked out without a fight.

Perhaps they’ll wake up when the stock market takes a serious tumble and threatens their livelihood.

One last word of advice: Be nice to people on your way up, because you’ll meet them on your (inevitable) way down.

Alain

LPM Triples, March 8, 2025

Yesterday was a bright and sunny day, though a bit nippy in the early morning. But as everyone knows, I’m almost always cold—it’s just normal for me. I feel chilly even when others are warm. My doctor explained that it’s due to anemia, a condition caused by a deficiency of red blood cells. He advised me to eat more red meat to help remedy the issue.

Fair enough, but beware—when I get really cold, I might just be tempted to bite someone to satisfy my craving for blood cells. So, approach me with caution, as you would a feral dog.
Being cold is a bit like being in love—you never feel hot enough.

The turnout was great, with participants from all the local clubs. It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and strengthen bonds. After all, gathering is the best therapy for keeping the blues at bay.

Some unexpected attendees included Alain Marchand, Evelyne, Noel Marcovecchio, and Mike Rago—each of whom had recently faced unexpected health challenges. Their presence was a ray of sunshine, a reassuring sign that they’re on the mend in these otherwise worrisome times.

There were many strong teams, especially the Hmong players from Sacramento. I wouldn’t be surprised if they emerged among the top winners.

An unexpected issue with Sneaky Pete forced me to leave early. The more sophisticated your gizmo (or should I say, “mate”), the harder it is to manage and control. Some pictures might look a little bit unsteady. Sorry about that.

Alain

Watch the pictures at the usual place and enter some comments if you like.

Final results and photos of the winners, courtesy of Christine Cragg.

 Concours:
1st place: Bill Miller, Wolfie Kurz, PJ Malette
2nd place: Derrek Dihn, Antoine Lofaro, Sebastien Lofaro
3rd pace: Phomenik, Pao LY, Susie Lee

Consolante
1st place: Kue Lee, Mone Lee, Tom Lee (cousins?)
2nd place: Tamara Efron, Richard Bell, Lynn Bell

The bots’ invasion

Have you noticed yet? The bots are taking over, spreading across our borders—and no wall is going to stop them. Like relentless termites, these Star Wars dummies are infiltrating every organization in the land, multiplying like unneutered rabbits.

Thanks to the new breed of decision-makers now occupying the White House, the trend is clear: eliminate human workers and replace them with cheaper, obedient stooges. Longtime employees are being forced out, replaced by artificial drones that never complain, take a day off… and never ask for a raise. And all of this, we’re told, is for the sake of efficiency and economy. But how many people believe this sanctimonious rhetoric?

Let’s get one thing straight—there are good bots, and there are bad bots. Not all are created equal. Some have an Ivy League pedigree; others never made it past high school. The bad ones? Limited vocabulary, zero manners, and constant miscommunication. More often than not, you don’t understand them—and they don’t understand you.

If you’d like me to repeat that, please press 3.

Reaching a knowledgeable official is already an uphill battle. But now, with bots blocking rather than assisting, every simple task has become an endurance test.

But think of the savings! That’s the refrain from the King’s courtiers. Sure—except who’s benefiting? Everyone? Don’t be silly. The money will first flow into the pockets of the King’s minions—his Praetorian Guard. The rich will grow obscenely richer, while Joe Six-Pack will wait in line, hoping to scrape up a few leftover crumbs.

Many people don’t see beyond their nose, making them easy to mislead. But when they realize, they’ve been lied to, they are more furious (and more dangerous) than the skeptics. This is why wise leaders usually keep their cool on stage. If they disagree, they do so civilly and seldom berate or offend their adversaries in public.

What happened yesterday in the White House between President Zelensky and King Trump was a disgraceful display of arrogance and intimidation by an American president. The entire world saw it—and will not forget. That wasn’t toughness from the American side; it was sheer arrogance and stupidity. A day that will live in infamy!

Who is now going to trust their American “friends”?

The Kremlin is smiling.

Alain