I'M SORRY DAVE. I'M AFRAID I CAN'T DO THAT

 

A GOD COMPUTER

Our biggest threat is not climate change or WMDs, it is likely Artificial Intelligence.   We can program a computer to self-learn but still do not know the internal process taking place.    

Over a short period, Google Chess AI downloaded every chess game ever published, taught itself the rules of chess, and is unbeatable by any human Chess master.    

So far, we are controlling AI by programming them to operate within a narrow function.   We presently know how to program a supercomputer to allow AI to teach itself independently, but we do not have a supercomputer capable of handling the capacity required for a totally independent AI. 

Assuredly, computer science will advance to that capability.   A supercomputer that could download all human knowledge.   A God computer?   It is a given that bots can replace humans, with greater efficiency, in most jobs.  What assurance do we have that a Supercomputer would not decide that humans were an unnecessary annoyance and decide to eradicate us?

 

All we have to fear is fear itself; or perhaps a nuclear holocaust, a worldwide pandemic plague, total climate destruction, an asteroid collision, or: I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave.......

As yellowdog granny would have said: We're Fucked.

the Ol'Buzzard

BREAKING SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

 

This is what you voted for MAGA

Happy trails

the Ol'Buzzard

RESTAURANT OBSERVATIONS

 

My wife and I occasionally eat at restaurants.  While waiting for our meal I often observe the other diners, and there is a pattern I have observed.

 

At every table with four or more diners, especially diners forty years or older, there will be a person holding court, and dominating every conversation.

 

For every table of six or more the self-appointed master-of-ceremony will talk louder than anyone else – controlling the conversation and allowing no dead airtime to exist.   If drinking is involved, at that table there will be a person who brays like a donkey, booming laughter at something that's probably not that funny.

People under thirty do not fall into this loquacious category, as they sit at their table with their cellphones, probably texting each other rather than talking.

 

And then there is the family with young undisciplined children…

Your bill will total over one hundred dollars
and you are sitting next to this!

Bon Appetit

the Ol’Buzzard