I
sit here staring at the screen. Writing a few paragraphs, deleting
and starting over. My screen saver is an old cabin in black and white
and a photo I took in Idaho a dozen years ago. I love the photo.
The mouse is dragging around the block of sites I visit and read,
waiting for inspiration. I re-size the box, drag it and drop it and
start a new document like this one. It is late in the day, I am tired
and probably trying to start a fire here with wet wood and no
kindling. Best to wait for morning and fresh thinking a good night's
sleep brings. But I want to write. It is quiet, the sound on the TV
is off and a small light over this work space makes a good photo from
the back. A man sitting and writing as nightfall sets in. Camera
pulls back.
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I
drove an hour each this past week, taking this computer in to be
worked on. It would not load windows and this would not work
and that would not work. But it worked just fine at the repair
shop. It worked all day. It is working now here tonight just like it
has been working for the past year. I think it was me in my inability
to properly hit the start button. I think I hit partially and too
fast. A few ones and zeros did not hook up. That's all it took. But
now it is a full court press with the on button in the morning.
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I
joked in one of the last posts that having Scarlett Johansson as a
robot/AI out back stacking wood and that it might soon be in
some far off future. I guess I would switch her on by a touch under
the chin, Hollywood style. Up front here, Scarlett Johansson is one of
my favorite actresses.
What happens if I do not hit the underneath of her chin properly, but
just partially start her up like I did my computer? I find all of this
thought provoking.
Now
with new technology, from this past holiday season and learning how
it works, I am re-thinking ever having Scarlett as a
robot/AI as a home helper. Too many things can go wrong for
someone not tech savvy.
I
use Google voice and find myself on the edge of saying thank you
to her when she sends my voice text message or navigates me to a new
location. That is stupid and I know that. I have not said “thank
you” yet because it is a machine I am talking to.
But
what if the machine has all human traits from looks to actions. The
AI is working around the house, cleaning the kitchen, feeding the dog
and cat and indeed stacking wood to a programmed set of mathematical
tolerances.
Because
I have a personal glitch that wants to thank “Jane”, the girl in
my phone, begs the concern that I would surely converse with AI
Scarlett.
What do I do with the AI when she is not needed. Touch her chin to
put her in sleep mode? I have left my computer in the office in
sleep mode only to hear it start up all by itself at 3 AM. That is in
permanent memory now. Having AI Scarlett standing
motionless in the center of the living room, would send chills
through me. I am a big fan of Scarlett, but not standing silent in
the middle of my living room at 3 AM.
How would I return her to the store if I decided it was not for me?
Would she know that I am returning her and/or would she ask why she
is being let go? Would she request that I call or contact through
1-800 or email, her manufacture/controlling agency?
Today
I get pop ups and advertisements or constant invitations to sign in
with my email address for access to new sites or services. Always
someone offering me something for just my giving of an email address.
In
larger stores, little out of the way cubicles start talking to me
when I walk by. Motion sensors and all. “Would you like.......just
swipe your card....” I feel obligated to say “NO, I WOULD NOT
LIKE....” Knowingly talking back to a machine.
Will
AI Scarlett be asking me these kinds of questions through out
the day? She stops in the middle of stacking a row of wood and asks
me; “Would you like me to order a chord of 18” split and cured
oak from a local wood cutter?” I would say “no” and most likely
she would find a second way of asking me. Thus a real conversation
with AI, human AI, person, machine and crap, what have I gotten
myself into? No putting all of this back in the bottle.
I could have a lot of fun here running hundreds of scenarios that
you and I solve daily w/o thoughts or concerns. A normal human
routine. At different points in our days, we stop, process a problem,
find a solution and the routine continues. How will all of this work
within a world of AI helpers? Sharing and problem solving with AI is
sharing and problem solving with a machine, a machine that looks like
Scarlett Johansson.
.........
EX-MACHINA
Spoiler Alert
AI
AVA “Do you think I will be switched off?
CALEB “It
is not up to me.”
AI
AVA “Why is it up to anyone?” This where I turn saying
“GMT*OH.”
Suffice
it to say that AI AVA is now out among the humans and learning. She has been “free” since 2015. Roaming.
------
AIDA
Marvels Agents of Shield 2017
AIDA
has gone bad and also apparently replicated.
“Yes
Dorthy, I know it is only the movies.” But AI is here now and in
our far off futures soon. It is “going to be a big step for
mankind.” Think of just a few of the electronic glitches you have
had over the past few years. Now couple that with your first AI
in-home helper.
Go
ahead: You be the one telling AI Scarlett that she is
being turned off and returned. Or continue to act normal when she
looks at you, tilts her head in "thought"; gives you a look but does
not say a word.
As
for me, I will be content to wait for her next action adventure movie
and to read stories about developments of AI machines.
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Watch the second video in the above link.
It was the game moment that young athletics dream of as they grow in their sport. Seconds left, the game play is in their hands, the roar of the crowd is background noise and the ball is put in play through the air. As the clock times out at zero seconds of the last second of regulation play, the ball finds its mark. The moment marks a permanent time in the history of the sport, the teams and the star players. That was the Green Bay Packers vs. the Dallas Cowboys last weekend.
It was the game moment that young athletics dream of as they grow in their sport. Seconds left, the game play is in their hands, the roar of the crowd is background noise and the ball is put in play through the air. As the clock times out at zero seconds of the last second of regulation play, the ball finds its mark. The moment marks a permanent time in the history of the sport, the teams and the star players. That was the Green Bay Packers vs. the Dallas Cowboys last weekend.
I
have sworn off the NFL and stated so here several times in recent
posts. The players getting on their knees for political and social
agendas is so far from this sport that I could find no other option
but to leave them in their own quick sand.
Over
this season, Aaron Rogers has maintained his man's man approach to
the game and as he presents himself to the public. I have always
liked him as a guy. Somebody I would like to attend an outdoor BBQ
with and share a beer or two. Seems grounded and his ability as a QB
has played out in front of fans this season.
He
and the Packers have lost their share of play-off games in past
seasons. A Hail Mary pass two weekends ago for the record books and
last Sunday with 12 seconds left, tied ball game, Rogers finds Jared
Cook on the side line. The photo of him making the catch, forever
etched in the history books. With three seconds left, the kicker
Mason Crosby has to make the kick twice for the win.
The
hiss of the crowd in the background, seconds left, the ball is
snapped and he kicks the ball just before the clock turns zero. And
just like in all of the young athletes last game seconds fantasies,
the players arms go up in this once in a life time win. The stadium
is lost in sound, or lack there of.
The original video link I had here no longer works. We
missed Rogers saying, “That was fun” at the beginning of the
interview. Most likely a lot of individual and team emotions in that
off-the-cuff statement. A window into Rogers sense of humor, too.
Both
the wife and I also became fans this season of the young QB, Dak
Prescott, for the Dallas Cowboys. A great story of an up-and-coming
young man, young QB with raw talent. This young man also helps save
the NFL this season through his talent, love of the game and public
presence.
Her
is a died-in-the-wool Cowboy Fan, as was her mother. The only time
she ever heard her mother cuss was when she would pace the living room
while the Cowboys were playing. Her mother was the quintessential
fan through and through. Dallas girls!!
Finally,
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys own as much of this victory for NFL football as do the Green Bay Packers. This was one of the very best
football games I have ever watched and it was what I expect and want
as a fan. From the game, the players and the whole package
presentation.
So
NFL, this is what you are all about. Get back to it and shovel
the knee crap and other social agendas where it belongs and leave it.
Maybe, just maybe the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys will bring
fans back to the game. Maybe?
Green Bay and Atlanta here in a few hours. I will be in my chair with snacks. Atlanta picked to win @ 63%. Drizzle rain and snow flakes predicted here. Dog nestled on the hearth behind the wood stove. It feels like old time weekend football.
Green Bay and Atlanta here in a few hours. I will be in my chair with snacks. Atlanta picked to win @ 63%. Drizzle rain and snow flakes predicted here. Dog nestled on the hearth behind the wood stove. It feels like old time weekend football.
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SPACE-X go to 18 minute mark and watch till 23 minute mark
Full Screen
Also
go the end of the mission for a quick brief on mission success.
Brings
back days of old watching the shuttle launch and America going to space. What man/woman can
still accomplish within all of the goooooo we are forced to wade through!!!
In
a new and possible era of “Make America Great Again”, maybe our nation is
returning to space and we get to watch. Minds of youngsters across
America may flicker to life once more and can seeing themselves in this game.
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I end this week's blog with the "writing wobblies" as we head into The After of the past decade.
Her and I watched the start of the Presidential Inauguration on Thursday and then the ceremony on Friday. We were not fans of former leadership; we were not haters, more like profoundly "disappointeders." But today, it is over, gone and the good ol USA has biggly challenges ahead for all of us.
Her and I had tears in our eyes as our new president was sworn in and the "peaceful transfer of power" that is a corner stone of this country, took place. Media seems to like this phrase for the time being.
Some of you may think this "hokey" or ascribe another emotion to our emotions. But emotional we were and in the most patriotic of ways. To again see our country in the hands of a patriotic leader and in the hands of Americans who voted for this to return front and center, has simmered long below the surface of our everyday existence. It has always been there, never wavering but helping us slog along through all the negativism of wants for neutral or parking gears for this country.
To see other Americans wave our flag again and speak of the greatness of this country and all of the people, has re-blossomed inside of us. Our National Anthem and these moments, during these times, nearly brings us to our knees. Emotions surfaced here and we rode them. Some optimism returning.
I enjoyed coffee and hot out-of-the-oven pastry yesterday morning with my son. He has been on the road working all week and has not had time to watch any of the Inauguration. We watched "45's" Inaugural Speech. Son teared up and threw his arms in the air twice. Moments like this get you right here!!
I so wish I had the perfect words to scream out for our nation to get back to work and progressing the good for all. Pie in the sky? Maybe. But we are a great people with unlimited opportunities for good, advancement and achievement. Doing the right thing is always an option for individuals and nations.
Time will tell.
Time will tell.
I again wish you well, a good week, keep your knees bent and heads up. Reach your hands out to someone else, at least once, this coming week.
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A Russian immigrant, his American born daughter, my grandfather; late 1930's, early 1940's.
