John B. Marek

I saw a news story the other day about a woman who lost her remote-work job for installing a "jiggler" app on her company laptop. The headline read something like "Tech Worker Fired for Illicit Jiggling." I wasn't familiar with the jiggling app, but I assumed it must be something like Uber or Doordash, except catering to those who need to jiggle but don't have time to do it themselves. It turns out I was waaaaay off on that.  Jiggler apps are software that moves your mouse pointer in random directions, giving anyone monitoring your computer the impression you are hard at work when you are actually using the bathroom, getting a drink, or walking the dog. In the comments under the story, several people noted it was pretty stupid of her to install the app because tech companies closely monitor their networks, and unapproved software immediately raises a flag. They claimed it would have been wiser to use a mechanical jiggler. My next step, obviously, was to chec...

Fall is a great time to introduce Square Foot Gardening in your community. With kids back in school and vacations wrapping up, people are in learning mode. Summer is winding down, and whether spurred on by inflation, supply chain issues, or just wishing for fresh, chemical-free produce, folks want to know more about how to grow vegetables. John is currently booking Fall speaking engagements with libraries, community centers, church groups, and adult ed programs. There is no cost for the hour presentation, but John does request mileage reimbursement for programs more than 50 miles from Huntersville. Email johnbmarek@gmail.com for details or to schedule your program.

A grocery store near my house employs a man with a medical condition similar to that which afflicted Stephen Hawking. He uses a motorized wheelchair, is unable to move much more than his fingers, and is unable to speak. He is typically positioned near the entrance, at a table with product samples, and invites everyone entering the store to try one in his computer-generated voice. Many businesses employ persons with physical or developmental issues, and we should commend them for that, but it feels like this store is going above and beyond. Such compassion comes at a price, though. A second employee is stationed nearby to replenish the samples and make sure nothing goes wrong. The store is paying two employees to do a task that is not strictly essential to begin with.  I know there are grants available for businesses who hire people with impairments and that there is likely a positive word-of-mouth "marketing" aspect to such a hire. Still, it is doubtful this was a business de...