Programming “Petting Zoo” (Hour of Code)

I see that grade schools all over the world participated in an “Hour of Code” last week.  Lots of PR.  Kids had a great time. “Hey, I programmed a Star Wars game on my iPad!”  In my town, a person called, “information literacy instructor” said, “It’s all about critical thinking skills and logic.  They are …

Computers, People: Why can’t we just, well, talk?

Ever go to France with a guidebook and French-English dictionary and try to have a conversation with a native? (I’m assuming that you are a native English speaker and know little or no French).  “Why do they talk so fast?” 🙂 While it may be possible to order a meal or get directions, it’s impossible to …

Is a Washing Machine a Robot?

Sure, but it’s a little limited “going to it’s left”  🙂  How about a “spam filter”, or one of those remote controlled cars? Most references talk about entities that are autonomous and those that are not.  When I talk about the “robotics-revolution”, I mean robots with the following 4 broad qualities: 1. Something physical that can …

Does Joe Still Win even though he has to run 10 meters more?

Yessir!  When Sam is at 90 meters so is Joe.  They are tied. Remember that Joe (faster) runs 100 meters in the same time that Sam runs 90.  Because they both have 10 meters to go, Joe being faster, wins. That works, if you happen to “see” it.  How about using a more systematic approach?  Use the …

“Uh-Oh” Robots are about to take over our jobs! + a Puzzle

Scare piece 1,994 (this week), entitled, “The Rise of the robots: Is this Time Different?”.  Actually, it’s a good article and answers the question with a definite, “maybe”.  Always a good answer when forecasting the future. (redundant? Anyone forecast the past? just historians increasing their narrative’s punch.) The problem here is that a., the future is …