Nexus

 

An underlying motivation for this book was the author's concern about the impact of AI, the danger and the opportunity.  Mankind has come a long way, but perhaps we are entering a critical change.  Up until recently all improvements in handling information have had a human with control, but now we are embarking on ceding much of the control to non humans.

This blog is too short to do full justice to "Nexus", but it is my hope that more people will be aware of the game changing effects of AI.  

Information is not just facts.  It includes errors, lies, fantasies and fiction.We may strive for truth, but information is just as likely to focus on order.

About 70,000 years ago humans took a big step when we learned to co-operate with one another.  A key tool was a story.  A story is a human attempt to make sense of reality.  A brand is a specific type of story that represents ( not necessarily truthfully) characteristics of a product or even a purpose.

An example of a brand offered is that of "Stalin".  A story is told about  Stalin's son, Vasily who used the family name to intimidate people and was berated by his father.   Stalin knew what really effected people was what had been written about him and not his actual self.

Paper, writing and printing allowed for communication beyond the present moment.  Bureaucracy formed as a way of storing documents such as ownership.

Nations, corporations, and religions all developed stories that claim they are infallible in some respects.  After time many of the infallible symbols are found to be fallible. 

One of the strengths of computers that deal with massive amounts of information is they can detect patterns that escape humans.  A1 is structured so they can make decisions based on what they discover.

An example of computers getting ahead of humans.  A Facebook algorithm was designed to increase posts that had the most engagement.  To some it was a surprise that the algorithm discovered that outrage generated the most activity.  One example was in Myanmar where anti-minority posts were effective at increasing violence.  

Surveillance and facial recognition is advanced enough in Iran that it is being used to enforce stricter hijab laws.  They can detect if women have discarded their hijab in a car and issue a warning for the first infraction, but subsequent offenses will be met with harsher punishment.   One fears what other evil activities can be utilized by AI.

Some are suggesting that AI qives bring us back he law of the jungle.  Yuval poins out that the jungle actually is very symbiotic with a diversity of life forms supporting one another. 

 A big concern is that AI could take over human management and subverting democracy.  The author concedes that humans could easily lose control.  On the other hand totalitarian governments are very  vulnerable  as too centralized.

The term "Nexus" is merely a connection or more than one connection ot a series of connections.  The pigeon on the cover is supposed to be about  particular carrier pigeon that delivered a message in wartime that saved lives.

 As a youngster I recall reading "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov.  He seemed to anticipate that robots would become more critical for humans.  His three laws seemed well thought out, but I can imagine Yuval would point out difficulties.   Mankind is definitely entering a new world.

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First and Second Laws.

 There are lots more details in the book and I suggest you should get a copy and read it carefully.  A! could make slaves of us all or free us up for a more meaningful life.

Previous blogs about Yuval Noah Harari

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/12/sapiens-brief-history-of-humankind.html

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/04/homo-deus.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/12/21-lessons-for-21st-century.html

Love Next Door

Koreans must love romance films and they do a good job on them. "Love Next Door" is typical, but not so typical.  The focus is really on two lovers who go through misunderstandings.  The parents are a very important part of the story and the side stories are engaging.

From an age of five the two characters lived next door to one another.  The girl was protective of the boy who was late learning Korean.  The two mothers were very close friends.  The parents thought of the youngsters as part of their family.  The two youngsters became very close friends and a theme was the fear of losing their best friend if they were to pursue a love interest.  Yet, the young woman left for America and got engaged to a very likable guy who many viewers would think more deserving.  The two main families have their own problems.  Another character was a friend to the two youngsters who had her own romance and whose mother was part of the same group as the two others.

 At the beginning Seok-Ryu shows up unannounced, having broken off her engagement.  Of course there is a big secret which is not revealed for awhile.

From there the viewer sees the fear of losing a best friend, mother rivalries, marital misunderstandings and a secondary romance with lots of surprises.  The humans display a wide range of emotions.

Kissing is a very big deal and when one finally happens the cinematography is spectacular. 

It takes a really good cast and crew.  Here are a few.

Je Won Yu was the director.  He has 9 directing credits plus 8 credits as assistant directing including "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/hometown-cha-cha-cha-another-delightful.html

Ha Eun Shin was the writer.  She had aspired to be a poet.  She has 5 writing credits, also including "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021).

Lim Ha-young was responsible for the music.  Ha-young has music credits including "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021) and "Twenty-five Twenty-one" (2022).

Jung Hae-in played Choi Seung-hyo, the leading male.  He has 25 acting credits including "Something in the Rain" (2018), "Tune in For Love" (2019) and "D.P." (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/04/dp-stands-for-deserter-pursuit.html  

Jung So-min played Bae Seok-ryoo  the leading lady.  She has 25 acting credits including "Because This is My First Life" (2027)

Kim Ji-eun played Jung Mo-eum, a paramedic and a female secondary romantic interest.  She has 15 acting credits.

Yoon Ji-on plays Kang Dan-ho, a reporter and a male secondary romantic interest.  He has 15 acting credits including "You Are My Spring" (2021).

Han Joon-Woo played Song Hyeon-jun, the very likeable former fiance.  He has 9 acting credits including "Hyena" (2020) and "Agency" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/agency.html

Jun Suk-ho plays Yoon Myeong-won, Seung-hyo's boss .  He ehas 30 acting credits including ""Hyena" (2020).

Seo Ji Hye plays Jang Tae-hui, an earlier romantic inteerst for Seung-hyo.  She has 32 acting credits including "Crash Landing on You" (2019).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

Lee Seung-joon played Choi Kyeong-jong father to Seung-hyo  He has 44 acting cresits including "Behind Your Touch" (2023), "Castaway Diva" (2023) and "Doctor Slump" (2024).   See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/doctor-slump.html

Park Ji-young, plays Na Mi-sook, She has 55 acting credits including "The Housemaid" (2010), "Little Women" (2022) and "The Roundup" (2022). See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/little-women-korean-version.html

Jo Han-chul played Bae Geun-sik, father to Seok Ryoo.  He has 66 acting credits including "Vincenzo" (2021) and "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021)

Jang Young-nam played Seo Hye-sook, mother for Seok Ryoo.  She has extensive theatre experience.  She has 77 film acting credits including "A Werwolf Boy" (2012). 

"Love Next Door" follows in the tradition of Korean romance series, but will provide a few surprises and viewers will be drawn to some of the inter-twining side stories.  Available subtitled on Netflix.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Will & Harper: A celebrity introduces a transgender friend.

 Will Ferrell is not my favorite actor, but we never really know the person behind the screen role.  This role could not have been anticipated by him, but the necessary friendship had been established a few decades previously.  An early step in Will's career was with Saturday Night Live and Andrew Steele was the head comedy writer.  They became friends.

A few years later Andrew decided he had been hiding his true self long enough and in his sixties he took the step of transitioning to her, Harper, a trans woman.  If the thought of transgenders makes you queasy you really should see "Will & Harper" (2024).  There were of course physical adjustments, but also social adjustments.  We see her with unkempt hair, female dress and a natural male voice.  Harper meets another transgender who had tried to change her voice, but then decided she was ok with his natural voice.

During the film we meet his two children who are very young adults who more than accepted him.  Later on we meet his sister in Iowa who admitted she was surprised, but had quickly accepted and hosted the two on their trip.  They met a variety of people, most accepting of a transgender, some a little perhaps uncomfortable and they received very derogatory emails.  A big surprise was meeting the Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb who we learn had supported anti transgender laws.  However he was  anxious to have his photo taken with Will Ferrell and got what he wanted.

Will Ferrel was in some ways like the rest of us, curious and felt he could question diplomatically.  So the viewer might learn a few things.  One contact was with a retired therapist who recalled about 20 years previous she had a patient who was questioning his sexual identity. She admitted at that time she was close minded.

Will Ferrell admitted that he was actually a modest person, but when it comes to comedy "whatever it takes".  His celebrity is encountered everywhere and often he likes to disguise himself a bit to avoid detracting from Harper, but on some occasions his fame smoothed the situation. 

I have actually seen a few Will Ferrell films such as  "The Producers" (2005), "Stranger than Fiction" (2006), "Everything Must Go" (2011), "Spirited" (2022) and "Barbie" (2023).  I have also seen a few of the films he produced.  I will be a little more disposed to watch others when the opportunity presents itself.   

Tina Fey I do like and she appears in a few scenes.  Some of her films include "Date Night" (2010),  "This is Where i Leave you" (2013) and "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot" (2016).  

Kristen Wiig is asked to come up with a theme song. Toward the end credits we see a performance of the song. 

All movies have some effect on me--some I wish they hadn't ended, others I am glad.  This was different.  My contact with transgenders is almost non existent except on television or films.  Transgenders have become a political issue, but I now feel they should be a social and medical issue.

Will and Harper had been anxious that "Will & Harper" be released before the American election.  Trump has mocked transgenders and tried to suggest he would try to make them disappear.  There has been an effort to deflect by objecting  only to childhood transitions, but his Evangelical  backers object to the whole notion.  Will Ferrell is dismissed by Trumpers  as a "Hollywood liberal".  The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival and has been released on Netflix. 

We live in an ever changing world, that is hard to understand.  Greater understanding is what we need to survive.  This film takes a step to help understand transgenders.  For me I picked up more respect for Will Ferrell.  It may help you feel more comfortable.

An earlier acquaintance was with a fictional film that really dealt with the core of transgenders and is not only mind opening, but enjoyable.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/chandigarh-kare-aashiqui-another-social.html

We need another Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk

The news has been depressing lately  and I can understand why young idealists are reluctant to bring new lives into the turmoil of today.  One man is ignoring advice to perhaps avoid going to prison.  Another man is stirring up hatred to perhaps also avoid going to prison.  Still another man bent on restoring an Empire is killing thousands of people.  These three men are well supported and perhaps that is where my anguish should be directed, but if it weren't for the bad side of human nature the three monsters could not do their evil deeds.

Mankind has faced such egotistical evil before and survived and perhaps we will get through this.  My fear is that the current situation is different.  Those in power seemed entrenched with modern technology and their most likely successors seem ready to carry on the destructive path.  It would just take one person to push a button to obliterate us all.  Compounding the danger is nature which is fighting back a century or more of abuse, even while too many fight the remedy.  

In these moments of darkness there has been some light.  It is easy to admire Nelson Mandela who when given real power chose not revenge, but reconciliation.  The man who paved the way was F.W. de Klerk who is not often mentioned with Nelson Mandela, but perhaps was more critical for shifting power for the benefit of us all.

Frederik Willem de Klerk was an Afrikaner who grew up thinking apartheid was normal and to get into power actively supported it.  When finally he became the President of South Africa he started to break down the acceptance of segregation.  He stopped punishing apartheid protesters, even allowing anti-apartheid marches.  He freed Nelson and negotiated with him to dismantle the apartheid structure.  He presided over a new election that made Nelson the President and left himself as Deputy President. 

Instead of seeking revenge against the oppressive whites, he sought ways to reconcile the races.  One method was to campaign for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.  Rugby was the favorite sport of whites (blacks were more interested in soccer).  The national team Springboks was a source of white national pride.  The Springboks adopted the slogan "One team one nation".

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up to allow grievances to be aired.  F.W. de Klerk was against this, thinking total amnesty would prevent inflaming violence.  The two men clashed over this and de Klerk eventually resigned.  There were of course many grievances and perhaps it could be debated, but certainly some aggrieved people felt listened to.  

F.W. de Klerk could have kept the apartheid course but somehow came to realize that it was not in the long term best interest of South Africa, or maybe he just realized the system was unjust.  Willing to give up power to make the necessary changes he worked to make a smooth transition.  A lot of people resented his decisions and South Africa has its share of struggles.  Nelson Mandela picked up the torch and thought how to bring South Africa into the new world.     

Giving up power willingly happens rarely.  A recent  encouraging example was Joe Biden deciding not to run for president again.  Part of him wanted to run, to get more things done, to prove he wasn't as useless as some implied.  It is also likely that some of those close to him tried to persuade him to step down and maybe threatened to publicize their efforts.  Still he had the right to run.   He is an intelligent man and had to acknowledge that it would be better for the country he loved to step aside and let someone with a better chance to carry on his fight. 

Arabs and Jews hate and fear each other.  I don't believe Russians hate Ukrainians, but one man's ego is forcing a war.  The United States still suffers from racial discrimination and some are using that to gain power.  There are good people who want changes for universal benefit, but they don't seem to have enough power.  

What can be done?  To be honest, not much.  My message will not reach much of an audience.  My hope is that at least some of you will as much as possible cut support for those with evil intentions.  Act kindly towards strangers and stop the spread of hate.  Hate spreads faster than love, but does not have a monopoly on how we communicate to and about other people.  If you have read this far, I already feel better.  Thank you for letting me vent.

Chances Are, You and I, a gem from the Philippines

 "Chances Are, You and I" (2024) has a lot of familiar sub plots, perhaps with a few twists.  Two young adults, Gabi and Sol meet, each with a brain tumor that threatens death.  One accepts the risks of surgery, while the other doesn't.  They each have a past that troubles them.  There is a need for ice breaking.  It will remind you of "The Fault Lies in Our Stars" (2014), but there are distinct differences.

One twist is that the male lead is fatalistic (not totally unique) and makes a practice of tossing dice for almost all decisions including some big ones.  Another  twist might be that they both have some sort of connection to Korea.   Of course there is romance and some difficult reconciliations.  What makes this worth while (assuming you like romance) is the writing (a little philosophy), the acting, music and the overall production.  There's more, but you deserve a few surprises.

For me this is an unusual  post.  I have no links for any of the cast or crew that made this memorable, but want to credit them with the expectation that I will meet up with them again.

Cathy Camarillo was director and executive producer.  She has 9 credits as director, 3 as writer and 20 credits as Assistant Director.  

Ellis Catrina, the daughter of Cathy Camarillo wrote the script and is the creative producer.  She has 2 credits for writing and producing.  

Aldrin B. Sereno wrote the background music.  He has 2 credits for composing.

Arvon Viola was the cinematographer.  He has 24 credits as cinematography and 7 for the camera and electrical department.

Ramil Pasbe was the editor.  He has 2 credits for editor and 1 visual effects.

Part of the filming was done in Korea where they were joined by 7 Koreans including Park Jansik who had done some production managing for "The Bourne Legacy" (2012)

Kira Balinger played the (mostly) optimistic Gabi.  She has 14 acting credits.

Kelvin Miranda played the (mostly) depressing Sol.  He is also known as a singer.  Kelvin has 40 acting credits.

JinHo Bae plays Sol's best friend who supports Gabi as well.  He is Korean and has lived in Philippines for about 15 years.  He has a degree in psychology and is also a popular singer.  JinHo has 4 acting credits.

 Tart Carlos played nurse Bell who worked with both leads.  She has 53 acting credits.

Al Tantay played the head doctor and a substitute grandfather for Gabi.  Also known as a comedian Al has 132 acting credits, 15 as director and 8 as a writer.. 

 It may not be a film for everyone, but if you like romances and overcoming family conflicts you would find much to like.  It is one of my favorites for 2024.  Available with subtitles on Netflix.

The Choice

 A very momentous decision is about to be made.  The "Free world" could be led by an egotistical maniac with dictatorial tendencies.  Or the choice could involve someone who has a record of actually improving lives and thinks much deeper.  Or some might vote for a third party, but with the U.S. electoral system the way it is that would be counter productive.

An important element of the decision is that many people have a very distorted view.  

Going back a few years the Democrat, Barrack Obama took over a mess left by the Republican George Bush.  Almost right away he stopped the downward spiral and gradually turned the economy around and after eight years he handed over a growing economy to Donald Trump.  One of Trump's first priorities was to reduce taxes, particularly for the wealthy.  This helped pump a lot of money into the economy, but it also increased the deficit that Republicans declared would be covered by the improved economy (not so).  Another feature was that it increased inequality.  To better understand Republican priorities check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/monopolies.html

Things seemed to be okay while a few economic factors declined, but were easily overlooked.  When the Covid Pandemic started the Americans were unprepared (some Republican budget cuts didn't help).  Trump took over the government publicity.  He mocked a well respected expert, Dr. Fauci.  At one point it became a conservative thinking to resist the need for masking and vaccinations.  His actions likely caused a huge number of deaths and made the economy worse.

Beyond Trump's mishandling, the pandemic affected the entire world, rich and poor.  At one point it was necessary for governments to spend large amounts of money.  People were not spending money as jobs were scarce and supplies were difficult to find as many scooped up and hoarded what they could find.   Businesses were adjusting to new conditions and supply lines shriveled.  While Trump was still president inflation went down to less than 2% (because people were not buying), but quickly changed when large amounts of money was put into the economy.

When Biden took over more money was spent and a lot of energy applied to attracting jobs.  Consumers were ecstatic and started buying again.  Supply lines were still in recovery.  Another factor was climate change that affected food supplies (fires, floods or droughts) meaning some products were scarce.  Inflation was a result of money pumped in and supply chains being diminished.  People seemed to think Biden was the cause of the misery of high inflation.  Granted prices are difficult compared to five years ago, but the question should be, who is to blame?  Who offers the better solution?

They seem to think Trump's economy was better, but was it?  Biden's economy has outperformed all other wealthy nations that had undergone the same  pandemic.  But Americans have a tendency to think only of themselves.

Trump didn't just damage the economy, some of his other moves also had long term consequences.

The International Climate Agreement was abandoned.  The Republican conservatives (note those with vested interest) mocked climate change.  It is hard to understand how urgent, but the evidence is mounting and still there is resistance.  The United States is the natural leader, but those in control are protecting their selfish interests.  What are the consequences of not effectively dealing with climate change?

The Iran Agreement had been negotiated by Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia.  Basically it was to force Iran from advancing to a nuclear weapon.  At the time Iran had maintained all its requirements.  It seems likely first that Trump was pressured by conservatives who detested Iran, but also by  Israel who wanted it broken.  Another perspective on Iran:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/10/the-iranian-dilemma.html

Was an opportunity to steer Iran in our direction missed?  The consequences have been disastrous.  Iran has gravitated to the orbit of Russia and stirring up trouble in the Mid-East.

The Israel connection was strengthened.  Trump's first foreign visit was to Saudi Arabia, but partly the aim was to get a business deal for Israel.  They moved their embassy to Jerusalem.  These moves were without consulting Palestine.  There was already a lot of resentment.  Did Trump's decisions increase or decrease that resentment?  Netanyahu seems to feel if Trump wins in November he can continue his war against Hamas.  Trump has some strong hints he supports Netanyahu.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/07/crisis-of-zionism-book-review.html

Immigration is a concern.   Ironically America NEEDS immigrants, both to do the grubby work, care for an aging population, but also to innovate for the future.  Educated Europeans are not as anxious as they once were.  They already have less inequality.  A bi-partisan solution favored by border guards was blocked by Trump who felt he wanted the issue to campaign on.  Does racism play a role in anti immigration rhetoric?  Businesses love cheap labor.   

Trump admires Putin, or maybe he has personal reasons for supporting their interests.  He claims he could end the conflict very quickly.  It is speculated that he would make land adjustments based on military positions.  We can't be sure what he would really do, but we do know he has been behind Congressional delays in funding Ukraine's battle against an imperialist enemy. 

Any one is entitled to make a mistake, but perhaps some voters have been mesmerized by style.  Exaggeration, blaming, mocking non supporters are not the marks of  a leader.  Lying should be unacceptable.  Inciting an insurrection is grounds for prison.

That is all on the one hand.

Joe Biden may have appeared under the weather in a critical debate and long term his age is a legitimate concern.  But he made good choices, perhaps with the help of well chosen staff.  Not sure of his motivations under pressure, but he made a choice for the betterment of America.

Kamala Harris has a sterling record of getting results that improved lives of people.  I suspect her plans are more progressive than conservatives would like, but the U.S. has a long way to catch up to what needs to be done. The Republicans in general are still resistant, even mocking efforts to fighting climate change.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/kamala-harris-truths-we-hold.html 

 The choice seems a no brainer.   But maybe we will come to better appreciate their educational system.

 In June 2016 I suggested the election was an IQ test; http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/06/the-american-iq-test.html

Questioning, a much under used tool

Leaders are supposed to have the answers.  Some feel admitting they don't have all the answers is a sign of weakness.  "Leading with Questions" is aimed at business situations, but contains much advice that would benefit personal relations. 

We all asked a lot of questions as children.  Something happened to many of us as we grew up.  Authority figures such as parents, teachers, bosses mostly told us what to do and we went along.   

Stephen Covey in his famous book made his fifth habit of Highly Effective People: "Seek first to understand and then to be understood". Questioning is a tool to help understand situations and people.

Questioning needs to induce co-operation.  When a problem is encountered it is important to understand first, before jumping to conclusions or blaming anyone.  Make it a conversation not an interrogation.

Trust and openness are required.  Questions can be one way of building trust.  Employees have become used to doing what they are told unquestionably, but would sometimes like to be asked their opinion.

Timing can be critical.  A good ice breaking question might be "Is this a good time to talk?"  Avoid busy or stressful times.  Some people might feel uncomfortable answering questions with other people present.

"Yes or no questions are sometimes necessary, but open ended questions allow a wider range of possibilities.  Every great invention started from a question.

 From Peter Drucker we learn it is important "to hear what isn't being said" and "the most common mistake in solving problems was the emphasis leaders put on finding the right answer rather than the right question".

 While you are trying to understand others you should also question yourself.  Are you sure?

One last quote, this one from Nguib Mahfouz, a Nobel Prize winning author: "You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers.  However you can tell whether a man is wise by his questions".

 There are other good books on questioning.  This one has good advice on how to make more effective questions in a wide variety of circumstances and examples of questions, some of which might help you to open a few doors.

For the "to be understood" part check this out http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/06/tell-to-win-offers-winning-formula.htm