I’ve been supporting Kiva’s microlending program since 2011. My first ‘loan’ was a $25 contribution to a loan to a woman named Maria in Peru. I think someone gave me a Kiva gift card to get me started. This morning I received an email saying that one of my loans had ended in default. This… Continue reading My Bowl Is Full
Category: Me
We have a National Arch
The National Memorial Arch is in Valley Forge National Park where George Washington and the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-78. No drones. No snipers. Just a solemn memorial on a hill, surrounded by nature.
Regulate AI Companies, Now
I read an article this morning that broke down an Anthropic (owners of the Claude AI engine) report on why their agents weren’t returning accurate information even when the right answers were in the datasets it was reading. Let me say that again: Anthropic has developed, released, charged for, and heavily promoted ‘agentic AI’…and it… Continue reading Regulate AI Companies, Now
Who Did Americans Fight In The War of Independence?
Hey US-type Americans, I have a question: Who were you fighting in 1776? The British? The English? Who? It’s Not Your Fault You’re Confused I’ve spend a LOT of this year reading newly-published books and articles, and listening to podcasts and talks around the topic of the American Revolution/War of Independence. As an immigrant to… Continue reading Who Did Americans Fight In The War of Independence?
A Republic, If You Can Keep It
250 years ago a choice was made. This was not inevitable. Nor was the country that came after it. And choices have continued to be made. What Comes Next? In the musical Hamilton, when George III realizes he’s lost the colonies, he switches from asserting ‘you’ll be back’ to asking “What comes next?…Do you know… Continue reading A Republic, If You Can Keep It
Thinking about Death
Yesterday was the anniversary of the day my Dad left us. This week, my dear friend Marta’s father joined him in the great whatever. A week or so ago, a friend my age finally stopped being able to outrun the chronic illness that should have prevented him doing the many remarkable things he did with… Continue reading Thinking about Death
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I’m Published in ‘Analog’
I was going to start this by saying, “‘I never thought I’d write those words”, but the truth is, of course I always hoped to be published in such a prestigious journal. It’s just not polite to admit your ambitions. It also doesn’t take away my gob-smacked-ness that it actually happened. It’s wonderful. It’s thrilling.… Continue reading I’m Published in ‘Analog’
Your Friendly, Neighborhood Immigrant
Real statements people have made to me that I bet they don’t say to most other immigrants: “Oh, I don’t think of YOU as an immigrant…” “Don’t change your accent. It’s so charming.” “People from your country always sound so intelligent.” “Why would you leave there to live here?” Things people have said to me… Continue reading Your Friendly, Neighborhood Immigrant
Candlemas
Once again, the French demonstrate the art of living the good life. While we Pennsylvanians are getting up at midnight in sub-zero temperatures to watch a rodent pulled out of a log, the French are celebrating Feb 2 by sitting down to crepes. I thought pancakes were just for the ‘oh no, Lent is almost… Continue reading Candlemas