We Need AI Why?

I must have I missed something, for a little over a year ago I hadn't really thought much about AI, but now we can't get away from it.  My questions is simple:  why?  What's happened that we suddenly need computers to do more of our thinking?

More than one advertisement stresses the need to beat the Chinese, or else...

Or else what?  What would happen if we suddenly held up our collective hands to Xi Jinping and cried, Wǒ fàngqì! We'd be forced to eat more rice?  Would he enslave us in camps?  Tell us what we can and cannot do and say?  Who we can and cannot vote for?

We have that already.

"They'll be able to react much faster and fire deadly missiles quicker."

So the idea is to create a wasteland out of the Mongol Empire and mount one more defeated leader's head in the Oval Office?  Doesn't make sense to me.  But neither does the deal-making that continues with those who we're supposdedly at odds.  We buy and sell commodities, lift sanctions and educate their elite while our young men and women on the battlefields contemplate Kill or be killed.  It's not a game, contrary to Pentagon propaganda.

So why the need for AI?  It's already making people dumber because there's no need to compose one's thoughts;  assuming there continues to be original thoughts.  Creative souls are threatened; employees are laid off for the sake of efficiency; and we can truly no longer believe what we see.

The energy required for all this advancement is forcing increased consumption of fossil fuels.  Some are trying solar and other means, but how expensive (for them) and how far into the future will that become viable?  And if it comes down to supplying scarce resources to the people or tech giant's supercomputers, who do you think will win?

Maybe that's what China wants, but they won't politely ask Sam Atlman, et al, for their permission.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Week two of our 'war' with Iran; let's stop debating semantics, for the result's the same.  I think it's safe to say we're all still in shock:  not again, various generations are bemoaning.  One poll asked listeners how long they think the war might last and most guessed one year; half-that said one month, and the rest split between one week or not in our lifetime.

I filled my tank with gas two days after hearing we were at war, $4.15 a gallon.  It's always been higher out here plus I get the Hi-Test for my 2004 Volvo, but I don't drive much so a full tank can last a month.

Yesterday I saw the prices up to $4.50-something, and I pitied those who must commute some distance to work or school, or heading for vacation (especially with their RV).  But I remember in one college class, c. 1973, being asked by the instructor, "Who would pay $1.00 a gallon for gas," and most everyone's hand shot upwards. He gradually increased the price per gallon and fewer hands went up; until he said $4.00 a gallon and mine was the only one up.

Why, he asked me and I replied, "I'm not a walker.,"  but I always regretted not adding my second reason:  Prices would increase gradually and there wouldn't be such sticker shock so we'd all pay anyway.  I'd answer the same now if someone asked if I'd pay $10 a gallon, for the same reasons.

As to our war with Iran, if someone asked me whether I'm for or against it, how would I answer? I've long been in favor of cutting the head off that snake, since Iran has indeed been a thorn in our side for far too long, and I bet the majority of Americans agree.

It's how we went about it.  I don't expect instant notifications every time the State Department takes a breath; but they should have been better prepared to help Americans get out of harm's way.  Twenty-four hours is not enough notice to fly everyone out, so since the President announces most threatening timelines at "2 weeks" why couldn't he have used that bluff, get them out, then begin?

Thank goodness they're helping now.  Lots of us remember watching the 1979 hostage crisis on TV and counting the days of captivity along with Ted Koppel on ABC's new show, Nightline.  My Ex was in the Army working with the new Patriot missile project on White Sands Missile Range, and everyone was on edge. Kinda like how military families are feeling right now.

As I watch the bombardment of Tehran and elsewhere, I can't help thinking that after all we've seen in Gaza, we're becoming sort-of immune to destruction like that.  How many people will be displaced, and how much is this going to cost?  Three fighter jets get accidentally shot down - how many tiny-homes and other social services could that have funded?

A definitive reason and clear objectives would also have been nice; but despite my nit-picking, I suppose my answer is Yes, I must support the war for the sake of our troops and innocent civilians.  Unfortunately, the Genie is out of the Bottle and we can't put him back, so all we can hope is it's over quickly. 

After this then Cuba and back to Venezuela to defend oil companies; and when NATO-minus the US focuses on war approaching their backyards will they still defend Greenland or will it become a casualty of war?  What'll happen to Ukraine?  

How thin can we be stretched and still defend ourselves if our enemies strike?  Doesn't sound so implausable anymore, does it?

Nobody's Talking About Epstein and THAT's Why We're At War

I don't know why this isn't coming up, at least not on the stations I listened to.  If others have voiced the same, then I agree!  Let's see, how did that work out?  Things were getting dicey, and then there were the 3 missing FBI interviews of the woman who charged the President with sexual assault decades ago.  Since it's older in time I'm pretty sure she means rape and not a simple pat on the como-se-llama.

What else can it be?  I don't trust most of what the Administration says, but you must admit the changing excuses for this war makes your head spin.

"We've got to take out their nuclear capabilities!"  I thought they did that last summer.

"We want the Iranian people to be free!"  Trump promised to help them last month when they were already out and fired up, encouraging them to overthrow the government.  So why didn't we cut off the head of the snake then?  What happened this past month?

THE  FBI INTERVIEW FILES WEREN'T REPORTED MISSING YET

After 20-30,000 demonstrators were killed without reprisals from America and their brief uprising squashed, how anxious can they be to take Trump at his word now?

I love the idea that 'Whatever the Iranian people want to do after we've achieved our (vague) objectives is fine with us.'   That must be reassuring to the Iranian people.  And when they don't rush out into the streets, and/or the few who do are slaughtered because we're not putting 'boots on the ground,' what are we saying?

They don't have any Internet access, so how are they supposed to organize?  Hegseth made surreptitious remarks suggesting undercover people already there doing who-knows-what; perhaps they're the folks who will accept the Iranian surrenders.

Everything's so unclear. What if NATO encouraged us to rise up against Trump (because they think we're being oppressed) and they'd back us with military force?  Would that be deemed acceptable?  Before any help would arrive, ICE will have done something with loads of us, that's what they're for; which is precisely what lots of people fear for the Iranian people from the IRGC.

Regime Change was used for killing 49+ top people, but Hegseth says that's not true.  If regime changes does occur, cool.  I hate the way they act like we didn't hear things they've said either during the past 10 years or 10 minutes.  Old Petey couldn't avoid acting 'snarly' to one reporter, "Did you not hear me?"  But I guess that's better than, "Quiet, Piggy."

If Trump was so damned proud about what he's doing, why hasn't he posted ad nasuem and been all over TV?  How lame to make such an important announcement in the middle of the night on Truth Social.

HE'S AVOIDING ANY POSSIBILITY OF BEING ASKED ABOUT THE EPSTEIN FILES

I can't imagine anyone asking him any questions about that right now, not after he's unleashed such carnage across the globe, but you never know.

If Rubio's telling the truth about total obliteration of Iran's Navy, ballistic missiles, etc. and NOT for regime change, imminent threat or saving the people;  then it sounds like we're doing  Israel's bidding; for Bebe's bragging it's what he's wanted for decades.

Glad somebody's happy.  But I still think the reason is

AVOIDING THE EPSTEIN FIASCO.   And the oil.

At War Again

Gee, I guess that’s what happens when you have such stellar diplomats as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff steering our course.  This won't be over in a few days like Venezuela and it didn't need to happen; that is, if they told us the truth about obliterating Iran's capabilities last year.  Trump got p_d that he didn't get his 'deal', so despite claims on both sides that talks were progressing, he's about to spill your children's blood.

Just because they’re not currently in the military doesn’t mean there won't be another DRAFT.  Trump's global schenanigans have stretched our forces so thinly there may not be a choice, if our foes start poking our bear.  I doubt there will be deferments for being in college, but there'll definitely be something to save Barron if bone spurs doesn't work.  Hope you've got something gold to offer.

If you didn’t watch the State of the Union Addres for yourself then you can’t understand how out-of-context are new commercials declaring Democrats aren’t for America First.  THAT's why I watched the spectacle in its entirety.

During Tuesday’s theater performance, in between rah-rahs, the President bestowed the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit and Presidential Medal of Freedom on worthy citizens like he was doling out MAGA hats.  The gestures were fine, but as usual, the delivery sucked.

But that’s our President – the former 'reality' star who bases decisions on appearance and not merit; and THAT’s why he pulled those stunts during the SOTU – ridiculing and baiting Democrats who, except for a few, remained silent.  You should have seen Justice Amy Coney Barrett's face as Trump again falsely declared he could do whatever he wants without Congressional approval (including, apparently, our new war).  I was impressed that she showed up, not knowing how Trump would attack; and after the few cracks not-so-subtly directed towards (her),  I'll be surprised if she votes on his behalf down the road, once she beefs up her security.

Anyway, Trump couldn't get a rise out of the Democrats despite pointing and shreiking, "It's your fault, YOU DID THIS," to all sorts of topics, until he resorted to asking everyone who thought of Americans First to stand.  Knowing how the President’s men would spin it, Democrats remained composed and in their seats. and that’s what you see in the commercial.  OMG, what a concept!  Politicians exhibiting restraint.

They weren’t saying, “We’re against Americans being at the forefront" but, “We’re not playing this game.”  If they had stood, Republicans would declare that Democrats are in lock-step with their agenda, another lie.  Many of us aren’t, but that doesn’t mean we’re un-American, and how dare anyone call us otherwise.

Since I began writing, there's a report of an Iranian girl's school blasted to smithereenes, scores of children dead, way to go, guys.

But he sure found a quick way to deflect from the Epstein Files since nothing else seemed to work, eh?

The Sleazing of Democracy

What a disgusting spectacle surrounding the Epstein files.  I'm glad the perpetrators are beginning to see justice and am all-for anyone and everyone being deposed; but here's what I'd like to know:

In addition to deposing President Trump, why isn't anyone demanding Melania speak, too?  Isn't that her between Trump and Epstein & Maxwell? Doesn't the photo look like, Come with us to Epstein's island?  Didn't our First Lady participate in any conversations?  No 'girl-talk'?

Seems like we've seen Melania in the files more than Hillary Clinton.  You know, during Trump's first administration I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but no longer. She's hiding out most of the time, protecting the First Baby and avoiding getting any mud being flung at her husband from hitting her red-soled Christian Louboutins. One of the things we're paying our First Ladies for is gently influencing their husband's harsher natures, but not ours; or else she's failing miserably.

Since the 1990s and the photo of the Trumps with Epstein and Maxwell, the First Couple has had extreme makeovers to appear respectable; but to me it's a perfect example of what Mom would call "Mutton dressing up as lamb."

I'm kinda surprised I'm publically writing all this, but I'm sick and tired and don't consider Donald Trump our President.  Sure, he's the President for some, but not all and he's made that perfectly clear.  We're leaderless then but for J.D. Vance, who gives me a creepy feeling.  I don't completely trust his sympathetic support of Charlie Kirk's widow; who is in a highly vulnerable state at the moment.  But, as the Epstein files prove, there are predators everywhere.  Don't holler - you've heard of this kind of thing before.

More of a mystery is wife Usha putting up with her husband's Christian rhetoric.  Trump made comments during the State of the Union that this is a Christian country; or will be again.  Usha doesn't seem to fit the right kind of people Trump's party supports, but she is pregnant.

So I should be happy and supportive of these people while watching the Chief Architect impress us with the quality of marble he's installing in his monuments, and the entire administration's obsession with private jets at this economic time, shameless; sleazy.  Oh, but I've forgotten:  affordability has been solved.

I've stopped asking fellow Seniors if their health-insurance premiums have increased because the answer's the same:  Yes, so they've opted out.  During the State of the Union address, which I did watch in its entirety (I wanted to hear his words and see his expressions of contempt for myself, and not rely on other's interpretations), Trump touted the number of people (sic) 'raised up' from SNAP; when everyone knows he means kicked off of.

Trump will continue to claim his exoneration re: Epstein even if we see photos of him on top of someone other than his wife (it'll be AI's fault).  Right, nobody knew nothing.  You know cheating men don't like being photographed with their playmates, so I sincerely doubt all the men in the emerging photos were happy to oblige for the camera.  Don't they look stunned?  Andrew-Whoever certainly did.

BLACKMAIL, plain and simple.  How else could Epstein have obtained all that wealth and access?  Haven't you people seen Godfather II?

I Want MY Piece of the American Dream

It's understandable if you missed it during that incredibly boring State of the Union address last night, hidden among the list of 'grocery' items which have gone done in price:

"Eggs, cereal, bread, rent, fruit, blah, blah, blah."

Did he really slip RENT in there?  Will he talk about it a bit more?

I heard about mortgage rates going down while keeping homeowner's equity safe and the construction of housing, but what kind of housing?  Single-family?  Condos?  Retirement Villages?

Nothing about Low-Income Housing, which I keep screaming is NOT the same as Affordable Housing.

My stress-level is pretty low, all things considered.  I suppose I've been so far down the ladder, close to living on the streets, that not much scares me anymore. I've learned to be Scrappy the hard way.

My ONE concern is my unstable housing condition:  If my current situation evaporates for any reason, where am I going to find a place to live which isn't a total dump?  It's reassuring and I'm grateful to know a half-dozen friends who've told me that should anything happen, I'm welcome to show up on their doorstep.

But I don't WANT to have to show up on someone's doorstep like a stray dog in the rain, would you?  Neither do I want to 'hook up' with someone just to make ends meet, man or woman.  What I want is what everyone else wants - my piece of the American Dream, preferably not on wheels.  A small loft or one-bedroom apartment I can comfortably afford.  It's unfortunate that for various reasons I've not fared as well financially as most people I know; but I don't think that should prevent me from having a safe place to call my own for the remainder of my life.

I didn't hear Trump talk about the plight of the poor; but he's too busy blasting Somalis and encouraging White Suprememacy.  The SAVE Act is biased, and I don't mean towards illegal aliens (who, despite claims, have NOT voted in past elections in droves).  No more mail-in balloting?  That's up to individual states, Trump cannot arbitrarily change that; but once he demands something from a Red State it invariably capitulates to his will.  No, he's not trying to fix the elections.

Trump promised not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - did you notice how he fumbled and Medicaid as if he didn't understand what he was saying, let alone the difference?  My annual Social Security is too little to be taxed so I'm not impressed by, No more taxes on Social Security.  Talk about unfair - once I receive the annual Social Security Cost of Living increase, I shortly receive notice that my SNAP benefits have been reduced almost in kind.  How about doing something to prevent that?

During the past year, I haven't heard a thing about solving homelessness except to approve running them off the streets and out of parks.  And go where?  There's SO MUCH good which can be done with the $175 billion from tariffs if only they gave a damn.  Here's one example:  the tiny-home village Community First in Texas.  One man with an idea...began the village with 25 acres which houses 200 of the formerly homeless in Austin.  They got another 25 acres after I left, and are currently developing 100 acres willed by some childless widow.

Low-income people aren't meant to get ahead.  As in other autocracies, the Government prefers the population to remain poor and ignorant so to prevent opposition.  That is, except for their own class.  You know, the Epstein Class.

If I sound like I'm griping too much, then you haven't been on my side of the fence, so to speak.  Relatively speaking I'm doing alright at the moment, no thanks to Trump but because I've long ago learned to economize and do without; but there are so many people out there who aren't OK and feel invisible...for few look at them let alone listen.  Everything worthwhile seems to be valued against the stock market and 401K plans.

All this while the Trump family, et al, rakes in billions over crypto-deals.  We're paying his old legal fees, since the decisions have been reversed so he feels exonerated.  

"Trump, who is estimated to have wealth between $5 and $7 billion, now demands that American taxpayers give him $10 billion to compensate him for not being allowed to keep his tax avoidance a secret from them."

He claims the money will go to charity, uh-huh.  In Dubai or some such place; or renovating his gifted-plane so he can claim he paid for renovations so he can keep it for himself once he's out of office.  Just like he can do what he wants architecturally to the White House because it's not taxpayer money.

I'll bet they try to overturn the decision and money awarded to the mother and daughter election workers who were absolutely vilified by Guliani - don't take my word - Search "mother and daughter Guliani case" and see what comes up.  That's coming down the pike.  I hope they can quick-hide it like the Epstein Class does.

I don't think I've ever heard Trump admit that poverty exists.  And I don't believe for a MINUTE that AI companies will create their own energy so that none of us will suffer.  Uh-huh.

And WHY do we need so much AI in our lives anyway?  It seems it's trouble designed to f___ with our heads.  And whose jobs will be lost?  I watched an ad this morning for HOMES-AI and yes, it was amazing how you can speak to your computer and it'll take you in to any home anywhere, show you any feature and then TELL you about the advantages so then all you need do is contact the Realtor.

I'll bet that's going to screw lots of Realtors who rely on their personality to sell a home.  I watched an AI-Artist whose works are all over the world.  Sure, it's nice, but I agree with one viewer who said it's like staring at a huge Lava Lamp.

AI can't create the kind of work I produced, but people aren't really interested in craftsmanship anymore.  Maybe it'll come back like bell-bottom jeans, vinly records and (now) DVD's.

No taxes on Overtime or Tips.  That's great, but why should that woman in the audience have to work two jobs to support her kids?  Where's the time to properly rear and protect said children from the perils of Social Media?  I'm sure she's doing her best, but did her RENT go down, Mr. President?