To make sense of the point-counter-point, jargon-riddled, self-serving debate over control of the development and dangers of AI, think Formula One, and an observation by an ancient Greek philosopher.… Read the rest
A clue as to why the problems that beset the world seem intractable lies in the sad fact that the only vote against a UN resolution for a small but positive contribution to resolving them, was cast by the U.S. delegate.… Read the rest
Much as I hate to admit it, punditry (dread word) is on a par with variations of the old adage that today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s birdcage liner. Barely ten months ago, I posted an offering entitled “When Absurdity Passes for Wisdom”.… Read the rest
Canada curtailed the wildfires enough that President Donald Trump didn’t impose tariffs over the smoke. Now he’s slapped on 50 percent ones because Canadians are apparently ingrates.… Read the rest
This week’s post is being written in trepidation of déjà vu. Last week’s effort didn’t make it online until Sunday, because a glitch in the website drove me, against my will, to enter a version of Hell — the mind-masticating maw of AI.… Read the rest
Mathematicians took 2,300 years to prove squaring the circle is geometrically impossible. In one day, six kayakers and two loons showed me why it became the perfect idiom for trying to reconcile two conflicting things… Read the rest
The Trump administration and Iranian leaders reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace deal, is about as likely as pair of pyromaniacs agreeing to design and pay for a new fire station. … Read the rest
Dear President Trump; Your rants and threats to impose 50 percent tariffs over smoke from our wildfires blowing into the U.S. have, as we Canadians say, seriously cheesed us off. So I feel compelled to live up to our stereotype and say Sorry, eh?… Read the rest
The loons that grace the lake where I am now ensconced, can say everything they need others of their species to know, simply by mixing the syllables of four clear calls. English-speaking humans seem compelled to do the opposite.… Read the rest
I have the (thankfully rare) distinction of genetically-induced tunnel vision. I gave up driving before I was forced to, because of the danger I posed to myself and others.… Read the rest