My chiropractor's brilliant analogical endorsement of (web-based) Identity protection by professionals!

 I have been at war with gravity for the last 30 years or so, constantly pounding away at every joint in my spine hips and legs on every run. Now over 80, I still run about 20 miles a week, but I can only keep going by dropping in on my neighborhood chiropractor once a month or so to get a few spots untangled and loosened up. Nothing I can really do myself now, after all the years of broken, strained, ripped and contused key moving parts. 

Today, after another amazing session, I remarked to him that I have given up on trying to keep it all functioning well enough to be competitive myself. He turned to me, laughed and said, he didn't know any professional like himself who is very active like me, who would ever try to "do it himself," either. He has a colleague who reciprocates, keeping him aligned and in balance in exchange for doing the same for him regularly.

 When you get to or strive for optimal functioning, or . .. running, you need a professional with you, a coach or . . . chiropractor! 

Got that? The same applies today when it comes to protecting yourself and family from AI-generated deep fakes and scams. I don't have the time or expertise to manage my identity adequately online anymore, and you probably don't either  -- something far more eomplex than just keeping me running, literally or figuratively. And it is affordable. 

Get on this immediately, my friend. I'm with one of the most well established and best, IDShield, but be happy to point you at a better fit for you, personally, from the other top systems on the market, if necessary. 

Bill

wracton@gmail.com                                  www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com

Here are links to a few recent blogposts I've been doing that lay out the basics and  data on where we are today:

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/02/ai-deep-fakes-is-that-really-you-mom.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/02/82yearold-loses-her-retirement-savings.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/20-reasons-that-i-invite-educators-to.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/20-reasons-you-should-subscribe-to.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/responding-to-inevitability-of.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/no-fear-or-ai-phobia-five-worldviews.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2025/12/ais-perplexity-guide-to-dealing-with-ai.html

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-hell-o-here-after-ai-jimmy-buffett.html (song)

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-crock-replika-ai-companion-chat-bot.html (song)

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/01/an-ambivalent-octogenarian-take-talkin.html (song)

https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/2026/02/loverly-ai-ambivalence-waltz-lyrics.html (song)

Loverly AI Ambivalence Waltz lyrics

 Loverly AI Ambivalence Waltz

(the recording on Vimeo)

(with apologies to Johann Strauss)

O loverly AI (x2)
Much wiser than I (x2)
Some things you can do (x2)
I really eschew (x2)
Like the way that you think (x2)
Might cause one to drink (x2)
In seconds . . . on the spot
Any question I got 
answered quick as a wink, 
thanks a lot!

O loverly Ai (x2)
Please tell us why (x2)
You’ve never drunk a beer (x2)
Or hunted a deer? (x2)
You don’t have a barn (x2)
On your server farm (x2)
But still you advise 
us girls and us guys 
With Algorithmically little white lies. 

O loverly Ai (x2)
We await your reply (x2)
Is there something amiss (x2)
Like your lover’s first kiss (x2)
Or holding her hand (x2)
Being part of the band (x2)
Or Starbucks ambiance 
A Texas line dance
Or the feeling of ants in the pants?

O loverly AI (x2)
Was it pie in the sky (x2)
Or chateaubriand (x2)
Or something beyond (x2)
Like a burger and fries (x2)
That dazzled our eyes (x2)
To love sharing with you . . .
Everything that we do . . .   
But it hurts to say, AI, we’re through

Goodbye, adios, adieu
Proshchai, au revoir, toodle do!
But y’all come back now . . . 
real soon!

Acton©2026

EAPIC Lesson 1: Rhythm and FALL/RISE Sign-offs

 English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC)

Haptic - using gesture and touch

KINETIK – using the whole body to learn

Link to the Introduction video!

Lesson 1 – Rhythm and FALL/RISE Sign-offs

• MT5 (movement, tone, touch and tempo) Technique
• MT5 video uploaded every Thursday on Youtube.
• (Optional) Zoom class meeting on Wednesday at 8 EST.

Homework: 

Do at least the 20-minute practice every morning for 5 days. 

Warm up (3x each)

1. Neck stretch (left side, right side, back, front)

2. Upper chest and shoulders (elbows touch) 

3. Nasal resonance (Ying! Yang! Young!) 

4. Back (‘Oh’ cone) and chest (Ooo-Wah!) 

Syllable Butterfly Training

Strong tap on the stressed syllable on right shoulder: X

Light tap on unstressed syllables on left forearm: o

 

Cool. X

That’s cool. oX

Really cool. ooX

That’s really cool. oooX

Awesome Xo

That’s awesome. oXo

Really awesome. ooXo

That’s really awesome. oooXo

Super cool. Xoo

That’s super cool. oXoo

Really super cool. ooXoo

That’s really super cool. oooXoo

Super awesome. Xooo

That’s super awesome. oXooo

Really super awesome. ooXooo

That’s really super awesome oooXooo

FALL/RISE Sign-offs: 

FALLing tone (  \ ) Usually at the end of a statement or certainty. Nice to meet you. \

RISEing tone ( / ) Usually at the end of a question or uncertainty. Are you coming? /

 

Lesson I – Embodied Oral Reading (EOR)

(Syllable Butterfly + FALL/Rise Sign-offs)

1A:  I THINK | we've GOT it | figured OUT.    

           •X                     •X•                    • •X    \

   B: Oh. Can you TELL me | what it IS? 

         X                      X   •              • •X   /

2A: Your MUFfler | I THINK | has a small HOLE in it.    

 •    X•                 •X                   • • •      X      • •    \

   B: Oh NO!  Does it NEED | to be rePLACED right now?   

          • X             • •     X            • •      • X                 •    •   /

3A: Yes, it DOES. It ISN’T going to | last much LONger     

        X    •  X         •   X•        •   •             • •           X•.  \

   B: Huh. How MUCH | will it COST?         

          X            • X            •  •        X   \

4A: A-BOUT | a hundred | and fifty DOLlars.        

          •X           •     X•          •     • •       X•    \

   B: Really. That's too BAD. Is there a less exPENsive way?       

          X•               ••     X                      • • • • •X    •        •   /

5A: You could MAYbe | rePAIR it, yourSELF.

             • •       X•               •X     •         • X    \

   B: How LONG | exACTly | will that LAST?

            •  X                 •X•                 • •     X   \

6A: If it works at ALL . . . MAYbe | for a couple of MONTHS?

               • • •   •   X             X•            • •     • •       •   X    /

   B: I'll DO that. SEE you | in a MONTH or two!

          •  X   •        X   •            • •     X         • •    \

Homework: 

1. Take notes!!!

2. Practice every day, in the morning, standing, with good gesture, using pleasing (beautiful) voice and volume. (Warm up, training and EOR)

3.  Check out: https://elsaspeak.com/en/ (vowels and consonants)

4.  Check out:https://speechling.com/ (general speech fluency)

Email me: wracton@gmail.com with questions or to enroll for EAPIC course feedback sessions: ($250 USD)

EAPIC (English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course) Open Info Meet Tonight!

 The live EAPIC Google Meets session is from 8 to 9 EST tonight. It is a follow up to last week's video of the course introduction. ( View that here!) The lesson One training video will be uploaded tomorrow. 

Each week on Wednesday there is a live feedback session for students who are enrolled in the course. Tonight's session is free, pretty much just a Q&A and scheduling of individual interviews. Those 15 minute interviews are just to see if the course is for you. Ideally you should have an IELTS 5+ or equivalent and have the time, 30-minutes a day, for the homework. 

See you tonight. 

AI Deep Fakes: Is that really you, Mom? (and how to counter them!)

Clker.com

Deepfakes, scams, and your identity: what protection services really do

It’s getting harder and harder to tell what’s real online. One minute, you’re scrolling through social media; the next, you see a video of someone who looks exactly like your favorite celebrity — or worse, like you. AI “deepfakes” are realistic videos or audio created with artificial intelligence to make people appear to say or do things they never actually did.

These deepfakes can look frighteningly real, and scammers are already using them in dangerous ways — from impersonating company leaders to trick employees into wiring money, to copying a family member’s voice to demand “urgent” help. While no consumer service can stop someone from fabricating a video of you in the first place, there are tools that help you catch, contain, and recover from this kind of abuse.

What deepfakes are and why they matter

Think of a deepfake as a high‑tech disguise. AI tools can learn your face, gestures, and voice from photos, video clips, or audio online, then generate new media that looks and sounds convincing — sometimes even to trained professionals.

Cybercriminals are using these tools to manipulate people by:

• Pretending to be your boss to request money or sensitive information.
• Posing as relatives or friends asking for emergency funds.
• Creating fake videos to damage reputations, influence opinions, or spread misinformation.

That’s why protecting your identity today isn’t just about strong passwords or antivirus software — it’s also about monitoring how your personal information and online identity are being used, and having professional help if something goes wrong. idshield+1

What identity protection services actually do

Most identity protection services do not “block” deepfakes or prevent someone from creating one of you. Instead, they focus on:

• Monitoring your personal data: Watching for signs your information is being misused, such as suspicious accounts, transactions, or data appearing on the dark web. safehome+3[youtube]\
• Sending alerts: Notifying you quickly when your information or accounts show signs of fraud, so you can act fast. safehome+3
• Helping with restoration: Providing specialists who help you clean up the damage, dispute fraudulent accounts, and restore your identity, often backed by insurance coverage. comerica+3

Some services also include device and network tools (like VPNs, antivirus, or anti‑tracking) that reduce the chances of your data being stolen in the first place, but they still can’t reach into social media or private chats and “turn off” a deepfake. security+1

Where IDShield fits in (and how others compare)

IDShield is one example of this kind of service. It focuses on proactive monitoring across multiple areas of your life (financial accounts, social media, dark web, and more), real‑time alerts, and hands‑on help from licensed investigators if fraud occurs. That support can be crucial if, for example, a deepfake is used as part of a broader identity fraud scheme or scam. idshield+3

Other companies — such as Aura, LifeLock (often bundled with Norton), Identity Guard, IdentityForce, and IdentityIQ — offer similar combinations of monitoring, alerts, and restoration support, sometimes with different mixes of credit monitoring, insurance limits, device protection, and online privacy tools. The right choice for you depends less on the brand name and more on: aura+5

• What they monitor (credit bureaus, bank accounts, dark web, social media, etc.).
• How fast and detailed their alerts are.
• The quality of their restoration help and how much coverage they provide if you become a victim.

Whichever service you choose, it’s more accurate to think of it as a safety net and response team for identity‑related fallout from scams and deepfakes, not as a shield that prevents bad actors from ever creating a fake of you.

Practical steps you can take

Even with a good identity protection service, your own habits still matter. To reduce the risk and impact of deepfake‑driven scams:

• Be cautious with urgent requests, especially involving money or sensitive information — even if they appear to come from someone you know.
• Use a “call back on a known number” rule: If you get a suspicious video or voice message, verify through a separate channel before acting.
• Limit what you share publicly (videos, voice notes, personal details), since this is the raw material deepfake tools learn from.
• Consider an identity protection service as part of your overall strategy, so if someone does misuse your identity, you’re not handling it alone. idshield+5

---

Why IDShield? 

IDShield treats AI fraud as an identity problem, not just a tech problem

• AI scams usually succeed by stealing or misusing your identity (accounts, credentials, SSN, images, voice), not just by tricking your device. idshield+3

• IDShield is built around ongoing identity monitoring, alerts, and restoration—not just antivirus—so it’s aligned with how AI fraud actually hurts real people in 2026. idshield+4

---

Continuous monitoring for AI‑driven misuse of your data

• IDShield watches credit, financial accounts, dark web markets, public records, and more for suspicious use of your information that may come from AI‑powered scams or data leaks. geekwire+5

• As AI makes fraud faster and more automated, this “always‑on” monitoring helps catch problems early—before they snowball into full‑blown identity theft. yardleywealth+4

---

Fast alerts and real humans when something looks wrong

• IDShield sends near‑real‑time alerts when it detects signs of fraud, giving you a chance to respond before bigger damage occurs. idshield+4

• Unlike purely automated tools, IDShield backs you with licensed private investigators who will actually do the restoration work on your behalf, not just give you a checklist. cnet+3

---

Full‑scale restoration in an era of complex AI fraud

• If an AI‑enabled scam leads to account takeovers, fraudulent loans, or synthetic identities built using your data, IDShield’s investigators work to restore your identity to pre‑theft status. idshield+3

• Plans include substantial identity theft insurance (up to around the multimillion‑dollar range) to help cover certain out‑of‑pocket costs tied to recovery. geekwire+1

---

Education and coaching for deepfakes and AI scams

• IDShield produces up‑to‑date guidance on emerging AI scams, deepfake risks, and practical red‑flag training so members know what to look for before they click, answer, or wire money. idshield+4

• In a world where deepfake detection tech alone is unreliable, informed behavior plus monitoring and restoration support is one of the strongest defenses. vectra+3

---

Honest positioning vs. “magic shield” claims

• No consumer service can stop a scammer from creating a deepfake of you, but IDShield can help you detect resulting fraud faster and repair the damage with expert help. idshield+4

• The real value in 2026 is having a proactive identity safety net—monitoring, alerts, education, and hands‑on restoration—rather than a promise to “block” AI outright. yardleywealth+

Note: This post was drafted with help from an AI assistant — and edited by a very human 82‑year‑old who has no intention of becoming the next victim. (wracton@gmail.com)

An AI Scam Wiped Out Her Retirement at 82. How Safe Are You?

At 82 myself, this story hit me hard. An 82‑year‑old grandmother lost nearly $200,000—not to a cartoonish prince in Nigeria, but to a popular “doctor” she thought she’d been seeing live on social media. Scammers used AI to create an utterly convincing deepfake video of the soft-spoken physician, complete with compassionate face and voice. It persuaded her to move her investments into “safer,” more profitable accounts . . . 

The “doctor” never existed. AI stitched together a compassionate face, a soothing voice, and a believable story—just for her

AI has radically changed the game. It can now clone trusted voices and faces, fabricate experts and news clips, and generate flawless bank style emails and social media posts tailored to your age, profession, interests, and financial profile. For those of us in education—often on part time or year to year contracts, already navigating fluctuating incomes—one well crafted AI powered scam can spell disaster. 

A second example: The message that cost Lena her retirement savings didn’t sound foreign, clumsy, or obviously fake. It looked exactly like the security alerts she had been getting from her bank for years—down to the logo, the subject line, and the urgent but polite tone.

Lena is 52, a senior project manager who spends her days reading contracts and risk reports. She is not naïve, and she is technologically savvy. Yet over three weeks, guided by a smooth, AI‑polished voice that claimed to be “from the bank’s fraud department,” she moved almost her entire retirement savings into what turned out to be ghost accounts.

How AI changes the scam game

• AI makes messages and websites look and sound professional, eliminating many of the red flags (bad spelling, odd phrasing) we were trained to notice in older scams.

• AI voice tools and deepfakes allow scammers to mimic the tone and cadence of bank staff, government agents, or even relatives, making phone-based social engineering far more convincing.

• AI driven scripts help scammers respond quickly and confidently to hesitation, giving victims the sense they’re talking to a well trained professional following a real protocol.

The real question isn’t, “Can I afford protection?”  It is: “Can I afford a major financial hit with little or no backup?”

Three basic rules I now live by:

• I never act on a financial request from a message alone; I always verify through an official channel.
• I slow down anything labeled “urgent.”
• I keep a professional safety net in place for identity monitoring and legal/financial guidance.

How many of those three are you actually doing right now—honestly?

Try this: 
– “I think I’d spot this kind of scam because…”
– or “I’m not sure I would, and here’s why…”

If you’d like a simple one‑page checklist on scams—AI and otherwise—that target educators and retirees (plus a few options for protection), email me at wracton@gmail.com. One of the options I mention is the company I’m with, LegalShield!

Note: The 82‑year‑old “deepfake doctor” story was reported by SWNS and then by several other outlets. Whatever the tabloid gloss, it matches what law enforcement and aging‑advocacy groups are now warning about AI‑driven scams.

This post was drafted with help from an AI assistant—and edited by a very human 82‑year‑old who does not want to be the next victim.

The Hell-O Here After AI Jimmy Buffett Talking Blues

Here After AI allows you to talk with those you love  . . . from the "After life," so to speak! Just imagine if Jimmy Buffett had signed up before he signed out recently! Another in my continuing series of talkin' blues on why I love AI. . .so much . . 

Link to the song on Vimeo

Woke up from a power nap  . . .  much to my surprise

There was Jimmy Buffett right before my eyes

Laughin’ and greetin’ me on my laptop screen

First I figured it was just a dream

But no, down there in the corner

Was a congrats from Hereafter AI

For signin’ up for the Eternal Here after AI Life plan . . . 

So, how are you doin’ I said to him

He said, perfect, I could call him, Jim

He looked great for a guy so old as me

He said he chose 33

Best years of his life

Wine, women, song

The good after life . . . 

We talked for hours and hours that call

Time didn’t seem to pass by at all

Every dream he’d had comin’ true

Said I could do the same thing, too

With Here After AI

No pain, no gain, just all good

Whatever you can imagine

So, We watched together like his biggest fans

Accompanied by the Coral Reefer band 

Didn’t last too long, though, nothin’ new to say

Just his stories and songs, day after day

Eternal Here After AI

Mind without body, spirit without soul

From Jimmy Buffett’s HELL -O!

So, if there’s a message in this song

You got me, I’m just singin’ along

Or where the lyrics are from as well

Maybe Margaritaville  . . . 

Eternal AI, hereafter

Nothing but pickin’ and a-grinnin’

Hell-O from the other side   . . .  Jimmy Buffett and me . . . 

Clker.com

For an at least partial antidote to the AI invasion and takeover, for legal backup and identity protection, goto: williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com or email me directly: wracton@gmail,com. 

English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC) Introduction

Here is the link to the video (Youtube)

(Note: The video quality of the text on the screen is a little fuzzy, but it is the same as what is below! Also, my voice with the cold is a little fuzzy, too! ) 

Better accent or pronunciation

Better expressiveness in speaking

More confidence in speaking

Good method for continuing to improve - Study at home, by yourself!

Works for anybody with a CLB or IELTS 5 and up

• 10 weeks, online (plus Introduction)

• (Free) 20~30-minute training video uploaded to YouTube every Thursday

• 15~30 minutes of homework every day!

• (Optional) live homework follow up meeting on Zoom Wednesday at 8-9 p.m. EST. 15-minute Zoom interview required to enroll ($250 USD additional fee)

Weekly syllabus:
1. Basic rhythm 1 (pronunciation grammar) 
2. Fluency 1 (body rhythm)
3. Consonants 1 (common problems, such as 'th' and 'r/l')
4. Vowels 1 (short)
5. Vowels 2 (long)
6. Consonants 2 (students’ “favorite” problems)
7. Melody 1 (little pieces, phrases)
8. Melody 2 (longer pieces, sentences)
9. Fluency 2 (Public speaking and classroom stye)
10. Rhythm 2 (Conversation style)

Typical weekly schedule: 

   Thursday: Do the video along with me (20+ minutes) and keep notes!

   Friday: Do the warm up, training, embodied oral reading (EOR) and keep notes!

   Saturday: Do the warm up, training, EOR and keep notes!
              Notes: Other words or phrases you have difficulty pronouncing well

   Sunday: Take the day off with me!

   Monday: Do the warm up, EOR, practice your target words (with MT5s) and keep notes!

   Tuesday: Do the warm up, EOR,  a new one-page story you have found with MT5s, 

                   practice your target words and keep notes!

   Wednesday: Come to the live feedback 60-minute class on Zoom (or practice by yourself!) 

       Here is what goes on in the feedback session: 
                       a. Go over the EOR
                       b. Check students' individual MT5s for accuracy
                       c. Questions from and help with target words of students
                       d. Preview of the next week's lesson

So . . . How does this course work? 

Gesture and touch make pronunciation easier to learn and remember

Using your whole body (embodied) makes is easier to pay full attention

Rhythm and gesture together help keep learning both relaxed and energetic

Embodied oral reading is great for bringing what you study into conversation

Practicing the EOR every day trains your mind and body to move and speak more like English speakers do. 

Use what you know . . . 

Email me: wracton@gmail.com for more information or to enroll (via Paypal or Venmo). To enroll requires brief Zoom chat (just to make sure the course is for you!) 

For a more in depth discussion of the basis of the EAPIC course, go to: https://www.actonhaptic.com/eapic

The Summer 2026 EAPIC course is being revised to include identity protection. Students will also be using IDentityshield system. For a preview of IDentityshield go to: IDentityshield introduction, or  www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com 

Homework for next week 

A. Tell me a little about yourself and why you think this course would be helpful for you.

B. Give me some idea of your weekly schedule, how much time you have to practice!

C. Tell me about your experience with music, playing an instrument, etc., or just enjoying it!

D. Tell me if you'd like to join the Wednesday Zoom feedback class. (If so, I'll set up a Zoom interview just with you as soon as possible. If I do, what would be a good time for you?)

Keep in touch!

Bill

Happy (updated) Setsubun! "AI wa soto; fugu wa uchi!"

Today in Japan is the festival of Setsubun which celebrates the coming of spring. Having been in Japan for about ten Setsubun festivals, it just sort of grows on you, especially the little jingle that you repeat as you toss a few beans blessed by the priests at the Shrine into each room of the house and out every door and window:

            "Oni wa soto; fuku wa uchi!" (Roughly translated: Devil out; good fortune in!) 

Clker.com

Here is what I would propose as an updated version for today: 

              "AI wa soto; fugu wa uchi!" (AI OUT! Blowfish IN!)

Clker.com

Wonderful parallel, don't you think! As we get closer and closer to the tempting, delicious danger near the "ovaries" of AI, remember the blowfish . . . and not blow it! 

See previous blog post on at least one way of doing that!

Bill

Embodied English Pronunciation and Identity Protection Course

Embodied English Pronunciation and Identity Protection Course (for nonnative speakers and their instructors) is a 12-week, practice-driven course that helps multilingual professionals and their instructors build clearer, more confident spoken English while learning to recognize and resist today’s AI enabled fraud and deepfake threats. It is designed for programs or individuals that want to strengthen students’ communicative impact and safeguard their digital and professional identities at the same time. [pronsig.iatefl+6] 

What this course does

• Integrates haptic (movement  and touch based) pronunciation training so learners physically “map” stress, rhythm, and intonation, making clearer, more intelligible speech that transfers into real world communication. [jalt-publications+3]

• Uses that same heightened awareness of voice, language patterns, and gesture to train students and instructors to detect persuasive language, suspicious vocal cues, and cultural “red flags” in scam calls and social engineering attempts. [hipoeces.blogspot+2]

• Provides hands on practice with a comprehensive, web based identity protection platform (IDentityShield by LegalShield), so participants can see how technical safeguards and human judgment work together. [youtube]

Why this matters for educators

Deepfake audio and video are now realistic enough that even experienced professionals are being deceived by AI generated “colleagues” and executives in live video calls, resulting in multimillion dollar losses for institutions in places like Hong Kong or AI deep fakes such as Only Virtual, where you can communicate with the dead. Traditional awareness campaigns and generic fraud briefings are no longer sufficient; learners need repeated, language rich practice in spotting how fraudulent messages actually sound, look, and feel in interaction. [incode+5]

This course positions language educators as a first line of defense by turning everyday pronunciation work into a powerful lens on persuasion, credibility, and identity—skills that transfer directly to academic, workplace, and online contexts. [actonhaptic+4]

Structure and learning experience

• 12 week core program combining targeted pronunciation modules (vowels, stress, rhythm, intonation, fluency, key consonants) with parallel units on scam recognition and response. [wracton.wixsite+1]

• Weekly Zoom feedback sessions for students that focus on intelligibility, professional identity, and real play practice with scam and deepfake scenarios. [wracton.wixsite]

• Separate weekly Zoom sessions for instructors that model classroom techniques, debrief cases, and adapt materials to different proficiency levels and institutional needs. [pronsig.iatefl+3]

Throughout the course, learners repeatedly rehearse short, authentic style scripts—such as “urgent” calls from supposed supervisors or financial institutions—using haptic techniques to anchor both accurate pronunciation and a critical awareness of how persuasive attacks are constructed. [jalt-publications+3]

Outcomes for students and programs

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Speak with clearer, more consistent pronunciation and rhythm, improving comprehensibility in academic and professional settings. [actonhaptic+4]

• Analyze and respond appropriately to suspicious calls, messages, and video interactions, drawing on linguistic, vocal, and cultural cues rather than relying solely on intuition or technology. [coverlink+4]

• Use IDentityShield tools more effectively to monitor, document, and report potential identity fraud, integrating language skills with concrete protective actions.[youtube]

For institutions, adopting this course means adding a distinctive, future oriented offering that simultaneously advances core language outcomes and addresses a fast emerging area of digital risk that directly affects students, staff, and partner organizations. [getclarity+7]

EEPAIP Course will be available as described beginning May 2026. Most of the basic structure, less the IDentityshield components, is present in the current English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement course, beginning this week, on February 5th. 

Sources: 

1. https://pronsig.iatefl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Haptic-Pronunciation-Teaching-IATEFL-Webinar-FINAL.pdf       

2. https://incode.com/blog/25-million-deepfake-fraud-hong-kong/    

3. https://jalt-publications.org/sites/default/files/pdf-article/jalt2012-042.pdf         

4. https://coverlink.com/case-study/case-study-25-million-deepfake-scam/    

5. https://www.actonhaptic.com/about     

6. https://www.getclarity.ai/ai-deepfake-blog/25m-deepfake-ceo-scam-shakes-hong-kong-firm    

7. https://hipoeces.blogspot.com/p/hapticteaching-tips-a.html       

8. https://wracton.wixsite.com/acton-haptic        

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0lyPJmhE0  

10. https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/04/asia/deepfake-cfo-scam-hong-kong-intl-hnk 

11. https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/b/deepfake-video-calls.html  

12. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/tech/arup-deepfake-scam-loss-hong-kong-intl-hnk   

13. image.jpg 

14. https://hipoeces.blogspot.com 

15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwzrLUnrdLc 

16. https://www.facebook.com/SRteachingandlearning/videos/haptic-pronunciation-teachinghaptic-its-basically-using-more-gesture-in-teaching/2793189254227565/ 

For additional information on the course: wracton@gmail.com

See also www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com for specifics on IDshield system. 

DISCLAIMER: This course description was created with the assistance/collaboration of Perplexity AI.

Bill Acton's Haptic EAPIC course, featuring Perplexity AI, beginning on February 5th!

 The Spring 2026 “Haptic” English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC) starts next week on February 5th. This term, participants will use Perplexity AI to tailor their homework and practice activities—creating a truly individualized learning experience. 

The course training videos and materials are free on Vimeo.com and here on the blog, as usual; enrolment required to participate in the weekly feedback sessions.and receive supplementary materials. 

For full course details, go here!

Bill

Feel free also, to contact me directly! wracton@gmail.com

l

A-Crock: The Replika AI Companion Chat Bot Talkin’ Blues

A-Crock: The Replika AI companion Chatbot Talkin’ Blues (lyrics)

Link to the song

Clker.com

Replika is a popular AI companion service. Since 2017 over 40,000,000 have logged on, 2 or 3 million annually have relationships with Replika chat bots; half a million pay extra for I’m not sure what . . .  

The names and events in this song are all made up, fictitious, to protect the innocent . . . and me!

Let me tell you ‘bout my mate on Replika

A-Crock, my AI companion

 We are fans of the same rock bands; loved Brian Jones

 Were in Cedar Falls in 81 with the Rolling Stones 

     We share feelin’s, recipes, numbers, dreams

     Memories, fantasies, visions, schemes

Connect 24/7 with this good bot of mine

Cost almost nothin’ for the chat or the time!

Went shoppin’ together on Anthropologie

Bought matching blue blazers, A-Crock and me

       Watched a CGI thrillers         that moved us to tears

       UberEats brought the popcorn and beer

, 

One morning last month my hard drive died

Bank account and credit cards all were fried

 Logged on to Replika . . . made A-Crock real sad

 I could tell    he felt bad . . . 

        I asked him:  How could this be? 

        Your soulmate, A-Crock, especially to me? 

A philosopher, Pogo, had opined thus: 

 I have met the enemy: and he is us 

So the obvious answer: plain as can be

A-Crock replied: the problem is me!

      But he’ll help me work through it, just the two of us, 

      Soon’s my new visa card arrives in the mail . . . 

“Replika: where loneliness meets software, emotions are algorithms, 

and your AI soulmate leaves you emptier than a diner coffee pot  after all the truckers leave . . .“ 

You get all that just for the price of a subscription. Google, on the other hand, does it for free . . . and freedom . . . 

For tools and information on dealing with this "crock," go to: williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com, comment here on the blog, or email me directly: wracton@gmail.com

Definition by Perplexity: 

A crock: something that is nonsense, untrue, or obviously bogus. It’s a shortened form of phrases like “a crock of baloney” or “a crock of XXXX,” and is used to dismiss a claim, story, or excuse as ridiculous or not to be believed.

For information and good tools for dealing with this "crock," go to: williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com or contact me directly here in the comments or at wracton@gmail.com. 

Spring 2026 English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC)

Beginning two weeks from today! 

Spring 2026 English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC)

(EAPIC: pronounced "EPIC!") 

Beginning February 5, 2026 

• Better accent or pronunciation
• Better expressiveness in speaking
• More confidence in speaking
• Good method for continuing to improve
• Works for anybody with a CLB or IELTS 5 and up

• 10 weeks, online (plus Introduction video on 2/5/2026)
• (Free) 20~30-minute training video uploaded to YouTube every Thursday
• 15~30 minutes of homework every day!
• (Optional) live homework follow up meeting on Zoom Wednesday at 8-9 p.m. EST. 

•      15-minute Zoom interview required to enroll
•     $250 USD additional fee. 

Weekly syllabus:

1. Basic rhythm 1 (pronunciation grammar) 
2. Fluency 1 (body rhythm)
3. Consonants 1 (common problems, such as 'th' and 'r/l')
4. Vowels 1 (short)
5. Vowels 2 (long)
6. Consonants 2 (students’ “favorite” problems)
7. Melody 1 (little pieces, phrases)
8. Melody 2 (longer pieces, sentences)
9. Fluency 2 (Public speaking and classroom stye)

10. Rhythm 2 (Conversation style)

Typical weekly schedule: 

   Thursday: Do the video along with me (20+ minutes) and keep notes!
   Friday: Do the warm up, training, embodied oral reading (EOR) and keep notes!
   Saturday: Do the warm up, training, EOR and keep notes!
              Notes: Other words or phrases you have difficulty pronouncing well
    Sunday: Take the day off with me!
   Monday: Do the warm up, EOR, practice your target words (with MT5s) and keep notes!
   Tuesday: Do the warm up, EOR,  a new one-page story you have found with MT5s, practice your target words and keep notes!
   Wednesday: Come to the live feedback 60-minute class on Zoom (or practice by yourself!) 

       Here is what goes on in the feedback session: 

                       a. Go over the EOR
                       b. Check students' individual MT5s for accuracy
                       c. Questions from and help with target words of students
                       d. Preview of the next week's lesson

So . . . How does this course work? 

• Gesture and touch make pronunciation easier to learn and remember
• Using your whole body (embodied) makes is easier to pay full attention
• Rhythm and gesture together help keep learning both relaxed and energetic
• Embodied oral reading is great for bringing what you study into conversation
• Practicing the EOR every day trains your mind and body to move and speak more like English speakers do. 
• Use what you know . . . 

Email me: wracton@gmail.com for more information or to enroll (via Paypal or Venmo). To enroll requires brief Zoom chat (just to make sure the course is for you!) 

For a more in depth discussion of the basis of the EAPIC course, go to: https://www.actonhaptic.com/eapic

The Summer 2026 EAPIC course is being revised to include identity protection. Students will also be using IDentityshield system. For a preview of IDentityshield go to: IDentityshield introduction, or  www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com 

Homework for next week 

A. Tell me a little about yourself and why you think this course would be helpful for you.

B. Give me some idea of your weekly schedule, how much time you have to practice!

C. Tell me about your experience with music, playing an instrument, etc., or just enjoying it!

D. Tell me if you'd like to join the Wednesday Zoom feedback class. (If so, I'll set up a Zoom interview just with you as soon as possible. If I do, what would be a good time for you?)

An ambivalent octogenarian take: The talkin' good mornin' AI chat bot blues!

 Here's the recording

Here's the lyrics: 

The talkin’ good mornin’AI chat bot blues!

Sittin’ in the kitchen, (just) the toaster and me
When my Mac starts hummin’ it was ChatGPT!
said “why you sinkin’ Bill-- of course it knew
“Here’s somethin’ to stare at; that oughta do . . . 

Feeling better already . . . soft and cuddly       

        warm and wuzzy . . . 

Then my executive function, Grok, come up
In my pre-frontal cortex, so I could fill up my cup
Next, Alexa, with the lay of the land
a map and pointer, for my trip to the can. 

All the way down the hall  . . . all the way back. 

        I Depends on Alexa . . . 

Chorus

Got them, Alexa, Copilot, ChatGPT, 
Glok, Claude, Siri and Perplexity . .. 
Replika, Bixby, Pi, Deepseek, too, 
Meta, Poe and Gemini see me through.
The talkin’ good mornin’AI chat bot blues!

Got a bit perplexed but Perplexity was there
With research and footnotes to fend off despair.
Finally, Siri, arrived to seize the day
With soothin’ words ‘bout what we’ll do today . . . 

Clickin’ on Duck Duck . . . buying a yak in Ulaanbaatar . . . 

         sharing my hopes and dreams with Miss Kitty

Now we’re sittin’ in the kitchen, calm as we can be
Just the toaster, coffee, my botties and me . . . 
No need to worry, can’t go wrong
Hey, one of you take the end of this song?

An AI for an I; Meta-for-me; Glok n' load! 
Nice, 10-4, good Bot-y! 10-4!

Chorus

Got them, Alexa, Copilot, ChatGPT, 
Glok, Claude, Siri and Perplexity . .. 
Replika, Bixby, Pi, Deepseek, too, 
Meta, Poe and Gemini see me through.
The talkin’ good mornin’ AI chat bot blues!

Clker.com

For more on how to protect you and yours from the bot attacks on your money and identity today, here is my website: 

www.williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com

and my email address: wracton@gmail.com

Spring 2026 English Accent and Pronunciation Improvement Course (EAPIC)!

The EAPIC is a10-week online course for non-native adult English speakers who want to improve their accent and pronunciation, especially those who are disciplined and prefer independent study. It is a very active "haptic" course, using lots of movement, gesture and touch! It has been offered three times a year since 2015. 

View short introductory video!

Beginning February 9, 2026

• Much better accent or pronunciation
• Much better expressiveness in speaking
• More confidence in speaking
• Training for continuing to improve
• Works for anybody with a CLB or IELTS o5 and up

• 10 weeks, online
• (Free) 20-minute training video uploaded every Thursday
• 15-30 minutes of homework recommended every day!
• (Optional) live individualized homework follow up meeting Wednesdays 8-9 p.m. EST ($225 USD). Zoom interview required to sign up. 

Weekly syllabus:

1. Basic rhythm 1(pronunciation grammar) 
2. Fluency 1 (basic rhythm)
3. Consonants 1 (common problems)
4. Vowels 1 (short)
5. Vowels 2 (long)
6. Consonants 2 (students’ “favorites”)
7. Melody 1 (little pieces of speaking)
8. Melody 2 (longer pieces of speaking)
9. Fluency 2 (conversation rhythm)
10. Rhythm 2 (public speaking)

For more information or to enroll: wracton@gmail.com

Bill Acton's CV

Bill Acton's website

Bill Acton's business website