Stares at the World

Category: Fiction

4

Fiction

Matt Groening’s Disenchantment: Why Isn’t It More Enchanting?

Disenchantment is the latest foray into animated comedy by Matt Groening, the mind behind The Simpsons and Futurama. It follows the adventures of Princess Tiabeanie – “Bean” – along with her companions Elfo the Elf, and her personal demon Luci – in the medieval fantasy world of Dreamland. It shows off Groening’s adaptability in many ways, such as its serialization – its ongoing story, something he experimented with in Futurama, and enabled by modern streaming services – the intricacies of events were clearly plotted out well in advance.  The art, while classically Groening, likewise advances and adapts to the medium....

10

Fiction / Philosophy

The Logic of the Algorithm: the Existential Threat of Artificial Intelligence

Understanding this threat requires that one comprehend the differing natures between man and machine, a difference far more profound than the distinction between “wetware” and “hardware”. The reasoning processes are utterly dissimilar and incompatible; the former must dominate the latter, otherwise disaster will ensue. A man who is controlled by his machine is no man at all.

2

Fiction

American Kiss by Dr Danny de Gracia

“…the classic icon of the 20th century was the American kiss. Look at the scenes from the end of the Second World War. Men and women had fire, moral passion, unbridled love for life and love for one another. It showed in the way they kissed each other.”