KILLER AI DEFINED

Published August 10, 2024 by Nan Mykel

The authors define a Killer AI as a system employing artificial intelligence techniques that, either by design or by circumstance, directly lead to physical harm or death.

This definition distinguishes between physical AI systems and virtual AI systems, with the intent of specifying how the latter can also be directly responsible for harm and death.
AI systems that were previously incapable of being considered directly responsible for harm can now therefore be assessed more rigorously.
To that end, the authors propose a framework that weighs the wellbeing of many people over the wellbeing of one or few people and on the basis that injuries not resulting in death can be recovered from more easily than those that do and are thus less severe.

Ensuring the Safety of this Emergent Technology

There has been no previous attempt to define the Killer AI phenomenon, even as the technology underlying it continue to become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. The definition should help encourage further examination of AI and its risks—more comprehensive legislation, more appropriate regulation, more nuanced ethical discussion, and more research on the potential ubiquity of AI systems and how to minimize any harm they cause to the greatest extent possible.

For the full article, see https://www.mercatus.org/research/defining-killer-ai

QUICKIE

Published August 10, 2024 by Nan Mykel

Ukrainian forces continued to use cluster munitions, resulting in an unknown number of civilian casualties. Ukraine has used cluster munitions from its existing stockpiles and received cluster munitions from the United States in July and September. Neither Russia nor Ukraine is a party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.

At least 21 government leaders and officials, including from countries supporting Ukraine’s war effort, expressed concern over the US government’s decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine. The UN special rapporteur on torture urged the US government to reconsider the transfer, warning of the risk of “serious, indiscriminate harm to civilians both immediately and in the long term.” In July, the then-Ukrainian defense minister committed to Ukrainian forces using cluster munitions only “in the fields where there is a concentration of Russian military” and to keeping a strict record of their use.

BOMBLETS

U.S. sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite … NPR https://www.npr.org › 2023/07/07 › cluster-bombs-mu…

Jul 7, 2023 — More than 100 countries ban such weapons because unexploded bomblets can be picked up by civilians, causing injury or death. NPR first learned ..

Reuters July, 2023 Ukraine says it won’t use cluster bombs in Russia !? https://www.reuters.com › world › europe › ukraine-vo…

Jul 8, 2023 — Such munitions typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area, while those that fail to …

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The Terrifying A.I. Scam That Uses Your Loved One’s Voice

https://www.newyorker.com › … › Artificial Intelligence

Mar 7, 2024 — First, the man dem….

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A L.A. woman has been arrested in Russia and charged with treason for donating roughly $50 to Ukraine.

WILL THE TRUTH SET US FREE?

Published August 7, 2024 by Nan Mykel

Not likely, since everything is suspect and out of kilter. Don’t snicker, but I just finished a copy of the Marilyn Monroe Murder Case Closed by Jay Margolis and Richard Buskin, which also includes the Sirhan/Robert Kennedy fiasco, and am feeling troubled again. I’ve suspicioned that Castro did in JFK, that 9-11 and Israel’s lack of preparation for Gaza’s initial attack were a planned and scheduled excuse for a desired war, that the timing of the recent death sentence for a 9-11 bomber was curious, I read that Sirhan is still in prison, and Wikipedia reports the following: In a 2018 interview with The Washington Post, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the murdered Kennedy, said that he had traveled to California to meet with Sirhan in prison and that, after a relatively long conversation (the details of which he would not disclose), believed that Sirhan did not kill his father and that a second gunman was involved.^[26

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The new law in Utah is one of several regarding book access to take effect in schools this summer. Proponents of these restrictions say they are necessary to protect children from encountering sensitive topics while alone in the library or in the classroom without the guidance of their parents. So there goes sex education and “stranger danger.” I wonder if the new restrictions also apply to charter schools. …And suddenly, does it mean that our adult Americans–who may have been forced to produce these children–are sterling caring ethical individuals free of the drug and alcohol culture? Would being protected from an author like Margaret Atwood or Judy Blume through high school really keep them from the rampant sexism bragged about by an earlier president? Will the Truth Make Us Free? Surely we’re not moving toward raising snowflaked children to increase our national birth rate!? What other motivation can suddenly be behind these fervent keep-the-children ignorant about life actions! It isn’t like it is springing from our citizens being overtaken by ethical values! Oh, I forgot: Maybe parents will be impressed and vote conservative…

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RELIGION, SCIENCE, OR WHAT?

Published August 5, 2024 by Nan Mykel

STAIRCASE TO REALITY

Do the steps to reality go up or down?

Where did math come from?

There’s no line on the fishing pole?

But can we believe in serendipity?

How about extreme serendipity?

Who is it says there’s such a thing as reality?

If wishes were horses we could all ride.

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WHY THE INTEREST IN REALITY?

If the folks in Gaza are merely imagining being brutalized and killed, they need to understand quick.

If the authors of 2025 are only nightmare figures, let the truth ring out!

Duh, what floor will my escalator stop on?

I can imagine an uncouth man saying, “reality sucks.”

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APOLOGIES

I know this is no place for navel staring, but it’s the only blog I have and I’m the only nanmykel.

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KICKING THE BUCKET*

Published August 3, 2024 by Nan Mykel

Image:Bing.com

The sound of the overhead fan stopped the moment I stopped. Briefly I wondered why I could no longer hear it. And then I knew, because I was being carried along a determined tide.

My son had been holding my hand a moment ago and now I’m tumbling in a liquid current? Just sensing it, no words in my head. My head, what a laugh! All I have now is my awareness, which is hard to believe. I’m just experiencing, straight to myself, who no longer exists. Hey, wait a minute! Who am I?

I have nothing to laugh with, but cannot fail to see the humor in coming back in my own progeny.

Self Critique: *If you’re looking for a delicate way to talk about someone dying, kick the bucket isn’t the right way to do it — it’s a blunt and casual, almost joking way to say “die.” –The Guadian via Google

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NOW DOWN TO BUSINESS

Difficult to believe, but the news seems kind of boring: same-o same-o. Even the horrendous can fade if that’s all that’s on the horizon. Of course Trump is distancing himself from 2025. How many believe it? What do you believe about 9-11? (I recently wrote “7-11”, in print!). For what it’s worth, giving one of the 9-11 bombers such a belated death sentence surely smells of politics. Related to the hostage swap? Have we been given a rationale?

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DOUBLE THE DAMAGE

While the damage caused by the multiple wildfires is horrendous, putting them in perspective by looking at the earnest effort to expand forests by planting trees to delay the climate crisis is truly sickening. Now why am I writing about unfortunate things? Maybe so I’m not seen as a chicken crying “the sky is falling!” What’s a useful way to respond when it really is? And why doesn’t grandfather God in heaven spank Netanyahu?

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WHY ARE WE FOR ISRAEL?

During the Cold War, Israel was a vital counterweight to Soviet influence in the region. Relations with Israel are an important factor in the U.S. government’s overall foreign policy in the Middle East, and the U.S. Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a supportive relationship. –Google [Apparently matters of State override matters of ethics].

A NEW ENDING

Published August 2, 2024 by Nan Mykel

HOW COULD I?

My mirror says I’m an old man. My preacher says I’ll burn. Carl Jung says my Shadow Self pretends others did it, not me. I’m sorry! How can I own my own sins? I wanna be good. What to do with my infractions against other humans? And the animals?

Well, I have a storage unit, but it’s already running over…. Don’t lock it up. Maybe someone will steal some. Oh, do I mean steal some of my guilt? What nut would do that? [I know, what nut would even make all that guilt?] I don’t want to make more guilt in the world….I’ll give it away, free! But who would want it? Oh, I know–lots of folks like anything that’s free! Time passes. Still no takers. …I know! I’ll sell it! El cheapo! One ninety-nine a peck. Going like hotcakes now. Oh what to do with all this money?…

Am I not keeping my guilt alive in the world? Worse still, someone else is carrying my guilt. My Shadow Side hops a ride whenever it can, away! Oh pooh to growth! It seems impossible. ALL RIGHT! I accept my guilt! I’m a hateful, deceitful person who doesn’t keep his promises I have dirty thoughts and even worse, I’m sure. The motive is good, but how about the result? Now I’m stuck with self-acknowleged Monster Me: a cold prickly and no warm fuzzy….

BUT I WANT THIS TO END DIFFERENTLY! I know–I’ll buy back my own guilt! Hey guys, I’ll buy back my guilt from thee! There–penny for penny, dollar for dollar. But WAIT! My guilt has shrunk! Has it evaporated? Have good intentions been rewarded? Thanks to the ether. I’m really a Harris fan now; no funny business.

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WHAT I’VE LEARNED IN 88+ YEARS

Published July 29, 2024 by Nan Mykel

FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN:

LESSONS

1. Pick your parents

2. Make your Inner Sanctum comfy

3. Tend your inner fire

4. Follow your curiosity

5. Respect your creativity

6. Feed yourself with nature’s beauty

7. Connect, connect, connect!

In the Off Chance You Believe in God…

Published July 27, 2024 by Nan Mykel

Know that He’s displeased with His earthlings.

As if the Supreme Court wasn’t bad enough, there’s out of control wild fires lapping our …everything, I guess. As of today 71 thousand acres are ablaze in California, and the largest in the U.S. is in Oregon, where the total land burned or burning in Oregon reached more than a million acres on Friday, meaning the size of land burning in the state is now greater than the entire state of Rhode Island.

As of Friday morning, there were 125 active fires burning in Oregon, totaling 1,018,218 acres.

This past Sunday was the warmest single day ever recorded, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Union-funded research organization. That is, until Monday, when global temperatures inched up a bit more. Then Monday became the hottest day in modern history.

On Thursday, António Guterres, secretary general of the U.N., addressed the global heat wave and called for new efforts to protect the vulnerable and workers, as well as to make population centers more resilient.

“Let’s face facts,” he said. “Extreme temperatures are no longer a one-day, one-week or one-month phenomenon. If there is one thing that unites our divided world, it’s that we’re all increasingly feeling the heat. Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere.”

Smoke from the fires has reached the east coast.

“Extreme heat is the new abnormal,” Guterres said.

Hawaii Settles With Young Plaintiffs in Climate Case

The state agreed to take steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. It’s the latest of several victories for youth-led climate lawsuits.

By David Gelles

QUICK, TAKE AN ALKA SELTZER

Published July 25, 2024 by Nan Mykel

Such dumb refrains keep falling off my brain these days, and the current “Supreme” Court keeps feeding my fire. Better an Alka Seltzer than a fentanyl, I reckon, but Jeeze! If God or the Devil tried to publish a drama based on current news, it would be difficult to find a publisher: too bombastic/fantastic to be believed.

As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a blistering dissent along with the other two liberal justices, the ruling creates a series of “nightmare scenarios” for what a president is now allowed to do. “

She added: “The relationship between the president and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of official power, the president is now a king above the law.”

The decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, significantly raises the stakes of the coming election. Not only does it make clear the importance of a president’s appointments to the Supreme Court — all three of Mr. Trump’s nominees voted to give him the immunity he sought — but it also hands Mr. Trump carte blanche to act even more determinedly in a second term than he did in his first. The chief justice explicitly said that Mr. Trump’s speech and tweets on Jan. 6, 2021, urging his supporters to go to the Capitol and disrupt the certification of the vote, could well be protected as a standard use of the presidential bully pulpit. The court sent the case back to the district court to make factual determinations on that and other questions, a process that, including appeals, will take months if not longer.

And yet we know that Mr. Trump’s speech and tweets led to a violent insurrection. Now that Mr. Trump knows he could get away with that, how much worse would things get in a second term? The most urgent danger is his possible abuse of the legal system, because as the dissent suggests, if every conversation between the president and the Justice Department is considered a protected official act, there is no limit to the kinds of illegal conduct that could be plotted, even fabricating evidence.

What doesn’t count as an official act? The justices in the majority would not say, but it is hard to identify any clear guiding principle — perhaps because they couldn’t find any.

Prior to this decision, there was no grant of criminal immunity to presidents; though the authors of the Constitution gave a form of that privilege to members of Congress, they declined to do so for the chief executive. For a conservative majority that pretends to rely on historical precedent, the newly created standard is remarkable for its lack of basis in the Constitution, law or any precedent of the court. It was made up out of thin air.

The product of the majority’s invention runs counter to the entire notion of a government based on the rule of law. It also runs counter to the long-settled understanding of a president’s exposure to criminal prosecution, regardless of whether his acts were considered “official.” As Justice Sotomayor pointed out, why would Richard Nixon have accepted a pardon for his role in the Watergate scandal if not because everyone agreed that he could otherwise be prosecuted for his actions?

HALLELUJA?

Published July 23, 2024 by Nan Mykel

The Christian Nightmare will surely unfold in reality soon, won’t it? When “God’s ambassadors” realize they have captured not God nor Jesus, but someone of a very different ilk? Somewhere not so long ago I read that the fastest growing religious folks were the new Christian immigrants, but I couldn’t find it again..

A growing Christian supremacist movement that labels its perceived enemies as “demonic” and enjoys close ties to major Republican figures is “the greatest threat to American democracy you’ve never heard of,” according to a new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The SPLC, a civil rights organization that monitors extremist groups, released its “Year In Hate And Extremism 2023” report recently.

A significant portion of the report, which tracked burgeoning anti-democratic and neo-fascist movements and actors across America, is devoted to the New Apostolic Reformation, “a new and powerful Christian supremacy movement that is attempting to transform culture and politics in the U.S. and countries across the world into a grim authoritarianism.

“Emerging out of the charismatic evangelical tradition, the NAR adheres to a form of Christian dominionism, meaning its parishioners believe it’s their divine duty to seize control of every political and cultural institution in America, transforming them according to a fundamentalist interpretation of scripture.”

NAR adherents also believe in the existence of modern-day “apostles” and “prophets” — church leaders endowed by God with supernatural abilities, including the power to heal. In 2022, a handful of these “apostles,” the report notes, issued what they called the Watchman Decree, an anti-democratic document envisioning the end of a pluralistic society in America.

The apostles claimed they had been given “legal power and authority from Heaven” and are “God’s ambassadors and spokespeople over the earth,” who “are equipped and delegated by Him to destroy every attempted advance of the enemy.” Re Christopher Mathias in Huffington Post

Here’s what to know about the outages.

Airlines, health care systems, banks and scores of other businesses and services around the world began to slowly recover recently from severe disruptions caused by a global technology outage. But issues persisted throughout the day with no clear end in sight, as businesses manually updated their systems and airlines struggled to get crews and planes to where they were needed. The outage was attributed to a software update issued by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm whose software is used by myriad industries around the world. The disruption, which reached what some experts called “historic” proportions, was a stunning example of the global economy’s fragile dependence on certain software, and the cascading effect it can have when things go wrong.

The incident strengthens my concern–correct or not–that folks who have grown so dependent on the internet and destablized education (“dumbed down”) will be fodder for the more powerful, here/or abroad.

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MAYBE A RE-PRINT:

End Of

We came, we tried, we fought

and ate each other up.

We lived and died by our own hand.

If 2 survived and met on a plain,

would we hug one another

or kill again? –Nan