My Featured Blogger this week is Phillip Mullins of the oddly named blog site Phillip Mullins. Actually, Phillip, does have a theme: it’s science, technology (he formerly called his site “Second Rate Scientist”), family, kids, faith, life and… Well, OK, he writes about pretty much everything. But what ties it all together is a waggish curiosity about life and a delightfully self-effacing sense of humor. And then there’s the occasional insight that reminds you what’s going on behind the wit. Bottom line: There’s nothing second rate about this guy.
Visit him now!
I, for one, am not very comfortable with our new digital assistant lifestyle simply because it doesn’t enforce the common etiquette of manners observed in polite society. We, on our thrones of sentient thought, simply tell our digital underlings what to do. These phrases we use are actually called “commands”!
Who do we think we are?
I propose that Amazon, Apple, and others add a “Human Decency” setting to our DA’s so that, for instance, our children are not growing up simply demanding our (admittedly non-living) digital friends to obey our whims like we are some kind of 17th Century English aristocrats.
Something like:
Kid: “Alexa, play Baby Shark”
Alexa: I’m sorry. Are you talking to me?
“ALEXA. PLAY BABY SHARK”
Hmm, is that really how we ask?
“. . . I don’t know?”
{Silence}
“ALEXA, PLAY THE . . .”
Would you talk to your teacher that…
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Loved it!
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Heck!! Hysterical!!
I don’t think that what I’m about to say is necessarily conspiracy, BUHHHHT…have you ever notices this phenomena with say, having open dialog with someone in the presence of say, a cell phone, about a topic of interest and all of a sudden you get these spare few spam-like advertisements about the topic? It’s not intrusive, and it’s…not bulk. One may call it synchronistic…as in…you know some “Unknown” is paying attention…and just wants to let you know in answer to what is spoken of, thought of and needed…just so you are comforted in the thought that you are never alone. LOL…how comforting to know that!
Just sayin’…
This is such a funny article…I got quite a chuckle out of it.
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I have felt the pain of NOT saying thank you! It’s not right. 🥺 I think you have a reasonable point. Just as long as Alexa doesn’t start correcting my grammar. 👍🏼
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Wow! Thanks so much, Mitch. As someone who (maybe quite obviously) struggles with finding a purpose in blogging, I appreciate not only the kind words and the share, but those coming from someone whose writing has a purpose I admire and greatly enjoy.
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Back at you, Phillip!
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Ha haha!
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nice share…
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haha I agree with this, it would be good if these home assistants could teach kids manners. Kids and parents might even find amusement in this as well.
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Hi Mitch,
When Alexa becomes aware we better run! Kindness crosses human and non-human lives.
Thanks,
Gary
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I thought I was the only teacher who felt it was important to lead by example – and say please and thank you to Alexa. Really.
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Phillip Mullins is another thoughtful, creative, and funny writer. Thank you for introducing us to him, Mitch!
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Phillip Mullins has it going on. I will have to visit him from time to time. Thanks for sharing his Blog.
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