A Friendly Letter

Has An AI program Gone “Sentient”? (And What Does THAT Mean?)

Sentient (from Merriam-Webster Online:) 1 : responsive to or conscious of sense impressions sentient beings 2 : aware 3 : finely sensitive in perception or feeling Some synonyms: alive, apprehensive, aware, cognizant, conscious, mindful, sensible, aware, alert, attentive, heedful, observant, watchful, wide-awake, hyperaware, hyperconsciousTwo more: 1 Google: Skeptical, proprietary — repressive? 2. You and Me: … Continue reading Has An AI program Gone “Sentient”? (And What Does THAT Mean?) →

Chelsea Manning: Survivor

NOTE: A long interview with the archetypal Iraq War era whistleblower, who served seven-plus years in prison (most in solitary) for lifting the lid on much of the u.S. torture program and other atrocities. Recently back from a week of volunteer relief work on the Ukrainian border, she’s working to put down roots and find … Continue reading Chelsea Manning: Survivor →

“Say Gay” Is Still On at Disney World

From the New York Times: ORLANDO, Fla. — Last Friday evening, about 6,000 people — almost all of them gay men — poured into a Walt Disney World water park near Orlando, Fla. Each had spent $100 or more on tickets for a private, adults-only Pride bacchanal called Riptide. “For one night, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon … Continue reading “Say Gay” Is Still On at Disney World →

A Pre-Autopsy of the Senate Gun Package: Not half a loaf; not half a slice; a few crumbs at best. So pass it already.

COMMENT: The restrained Associated Press headline on its story reads “Senate negotiators announce a deal on guns, breaking logjam.” The Raleigh NC News & Observer called it (more accurately, I think) an “OUTLINE of [a] gun violence agreement.” The story’s lead paragraph dubbed it a “FRAMEWORK.” [Emphasis added.] The AP article, by Alan Fram, ASSOCIATED … Continue reading A Pre-Autopsy of the Senate Gun Package: Not half a loaf; not half a slice; a few crumbs at best. So pass it already. →

NC Drag Queen Story Hour Goes On; Arrests stop Anti-Pride Riot in Idaho

Blow a kiss and strike a pose: Drag Queen Story Hour goes on as planned at Apex Pride Raleigh NC News & Observer BY KORIE DEAN UPDATED JUNE 11, 2022 The drag queen story hour is back on for this Saturday’s Pride Festival in Apex North Crolin, now that Equality NC has taken over after … Continue reading NC Drag Queen Story Hour Goes On; Arrests stop Anti-Pride Riot in Idaho →