Happy Holidays

Be Jolly! Don Gay Apparel!

Happy Holidays to my readers near and far!

I happened to see this note today (in fine print) after a google search: AI responses may include mistakes. That’s good to know!

I don’t know where AI (artificial intelligence) is taking us in the future, but I do recall as a kid reading all kinds of stories that took me places. I had a book on mythology and loved to read the old tales of heroes like Hercules. I remember Aesop’s Fables as well as a big picture book we had: “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” That book was of course a favorite of mine to read on Christmas Eve.

Reading is fundamental—a saying we were taught back in the day, but where will AI reading take us? Perhaps to places controlled by our overlords, those who own and control ChatGPT and similar AI programs. How much creativity and freedom will we be willing to sacrifice for the convenience of the quick answer?

(In the video above, Sean Connery confesses his deep appreciation for reading.)

As the wind howls and few snowflakes fall outside, this question can perhaps be set aside for now—but not for too long. To sound like an old fart, I’m glad I grew up when there were no smart phones (but plenty of smart alecks), no AI programs, and no social media (except for hollering out the window or passing messages in class). With respect to time-stealing video games, the best we had was “Pong,” which you played on a decidedly low-definition TV screen. It was easy to walk away from. My brothers and I much preferred fighting over the rod hockey game. We even had a small trophy that stood in for Lord Stanley’s Cup. But that was then and this is now.

Speaking of now, who ever heard of three NFL football games on a Thursday on Christmas Day? That is a question for deep thinking. Perhaps I’ll ask AI, though the answer could include mistakes, so I’ve been told.

Never mind all that. ‘Tis the season to be jolly. So don some gay apparel and enjoy the holidays!