Scanning the skyline
They come into view
Legacy of the past
And our future new
Oil platforms looming over the seas
A turbines turning in the ocean breeze
Padre
It was interesting to see the gas and oil platforms flanked by wind turbines in the North Sea.
“What are those things?” Timmy asked.
“Petrol pumps,” Granddad replied.
“What’s petril?”
“It’s was used to make cars go, back before they invented electricity. At least that’s what I was told,” Granddad said.
“And these are where the petril came from?”
“Yes, they are like those old charging points we saw the other day.”
“I remember them, they looked kinda weird too. I’m glad we don’t need stuff like that to get around these days,” Timmy remarked.
“Yes, green energy like Old Jenny here is what the planet needed. Remind me to give her some oats when we get home,” Granddad said patting the neck of the mule pulling their 2083 Land Rover.
Padre
I have often joked that I have been teaching since the Stone Age, in reference that I first used a slate board and chalk as classroom aids. That said, I often feel that the pace of technology keeps me a step (or lap) behind. As part of a delegation to a national teaching conference this week, I was introduced to the first time to the use of WhatsApp. I have very mixed views of this platform. On the positive I was able to keep abreast of the activities of my fellow delegates, and to get up to date information almost immediately. On the downside, I found the need to keep scrolling when notifications came through a bit tedious. This is especially a point of focus for me as I often bemoan the constant scrolling of the younger generations, and my students especially, as a negative in society. In fact, it was at this conference that I have for the first time ever took my phone out at the dinner table. This coupled with the cache of photos on my phone was augmented by those of other members of the delegation. While that may not seem a problem to most, it does make finding things a bit more difficult for an older bear of little (technological) brain. Will I keep using WhatsApp? Well, at next conference perhaps, but till then, I will give it a rest.
Padre
I went to print a poem inspired
But the printer cartridge had no ink
“How could this be?” I enquired
“I changed it recently, I think”
And so I had – both coloured and black
Filled them a month before
But it had run low despite the fact
That I hadn’t made copies by the score
“Is this a money spinner for big tech?
Surely it can’t all be used as of yet.”
And so I opened yet another pack
Rather costly to me regret.
Padre
I asked Alexa her point of view
About the intelligence of AIs and humans too
She seemed confused at what I said
And finally replied: “Based on all that’s been written and read –
Human intelligence is myth in the human head.”
Padre
What would happen if Al surpassed human intelligence? https://fivedotoh.com/2023/01/11/fandangos-provocative-question-198/
Warren was quite proud of his exhibit on wind energy. His inclusion of working turbines was also helpful in his manoeuvring the display into position. His only regret was that he had paid so little attention during the lesson of wheels.
—————
Padre
When Friday comes and you’re weary
Yet, face loads of chores that are dreary
Do not seek the easy way
As I discovered the other day
For I told Alexa to get it done
But “she” said “I don’t know that one.”
So, I guess it will be the same old way
That the tasks will get done some other day
Padre
Many people are aware of the United States Air Force’s ultra-secret Area 51 facility. What you might not know is the United Kingdom has its very own compound where sensitive technology, and it is rumoured alien devices might be found. Yes, of course I am talking about Area 5.1. What it lacks is high tech mystique, it more than makes up for in old world charm. Well, that’s what the website says any way.
Padre
I have said on several occasions that I think that whole fire thing has been a mixed blessing, and I am currently reserving my judgement on the wheel. Ug and I were discussing this in the cave the other day and while some technological advances seem positive, most in the end have downsides.
Padre
I am not a complete technophobe. On balance I think fire and that wheel thing have worked out pretty well. What intrgues me, however, are the new technologies and the terms relating to them. Developers and designers of computing and communications, especially, have either used the absolute obvious in assigning terms (screen saver), or have used a slightly convoluted vocabulary. Since when was data personified? Yet we are expected to wait while our files are “populated.”
Some terms, such as “icon,” I find interesting. In religious terminology an icon is a portrait of a saint or angelic figure which imbeds symbols related to the figure such as Peter’s crossed keys. Religious icons often have pronounced eyes and are said to be windows into heaven. Computer icons to are Windows (pun intended) into the inner world of cyberspace.
It was as I was shutting down my computer this morning that I was confronted with a deep theological truth. There on my screen was a solemn warning that what was unsaved might be lost. What more can I say when even my computer sums the world up so succinctly?
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 