Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st August, 2018.

1st August, 2018.

Yes: it’s true.

I’ve just heard — courtesy of BBC Radio Four’s Today Programme — that software researchers have designed an Artificial Intelligence software that can write Shakespearean-style sonnets.

OK, it’s amazing what you can do with technology, it really is.

But that was … probably inevitable … 

But had me raising an eyebrow.

It was, after all, only a few decades ago when William Gibson wrote Neuromancer: and, in a throw-away line from a character called Dixie, mentions the idea.

“But I ain’t likely to write you no poem, if you follow me. Your AI, it just might. But it ain’t no way human.”

Back then, computers writing poetry … ?   Was a rather racey SF idea … 

~≈§≈~

Making your own guns was racey … 

Once.

But, some time back, a group called Defence Distributed released plans for a gun you can make with a 3-d printer.

And what they call a milling machine: to make various parts for the gun.

You can get that, here.

That’s frightening.

Only slightly less frightening than the fact the group re-released the design files for their 3d printed guns, last Friday.

Which got downloaded about 1000 times.

However?

A US court has blocked distribution of the plans.

I’m thankful.

I’m British: and the ease of access to guns in the US is always shocking.

Guns have, after all, only got one job: killing things.

But I’m ALSO thankful that — for the most part — the freedom to own a gun, and the ability to own a gun, is one that’s heavily restricted outside the US.

I’m glad the US courts have blocked this.

That helps keep them restricted.

I’m ALSO aware one thousand people have already downloaded the designs, and the instructions.

I’ve not been able to find those plans after a quick search on Hidden Wiki, using Tor.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find them.

Personally?

That’s the frightening part.

Someone’s uploaded them …

~≈§≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Mr Strict*, Olga† and Debbi‡ putting in their answers: with both scoring five out of five.

Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video … 

Q1) 1st August, 1855, saw the first successful ascent of the second highest peak in the Alps.   What is that peak?

Q2) 1st August, 10 BC saw the birth of the Roman Emperor, Claudius: the first Emperor born outside Rome.   Claudius was born in a town called Lugdunum: in what’s now which country?

Q3) 1st August is Azerbaijani language Day.   How many letters are there in the Azerbaijani alphabet?

Q4) The Federal Capital of Pakistan was named: on 1st August, 1960.   What IS that capital?

Q5) Finally … 1st August, 1965, saw the birth of director, Sam Mendes.   1994, he directed a version of which stage musical?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 31st July, 1492, saw the Alhambra Decree go into effect.   This effectively forced Jewish citizens from which country?

A1) Spain.

Q2) 31st July, 1998, saw the UK ban the use of what: heroin, landmines or the Internet?

A2) Landmines.

Q3) The UK’ government announced it was to sue the Sunday Telegraph: on 31st July, 1987.   To prevent the paper’s publication of which book?

A3) Spycatcher.   (Written by former MI5 officer, Peter Wright.)

Q4) Pierre Laval was arrested by the Allies: on 31st July, 1945.   Laval had been leader of where: Quisling Norway, Phalangist Spain or Vichy France?

A4) Vichy France.

Q5) Finally … Which WW1 battle started on 31st July, 1917?

A5) The Battle of Passchendaele: also known as the Third Battle of Ypres.

Here’s a thought …

“I mean, whatever kills you kills you, and your death is authentic^ no matter how you die.”

Jerry Garcia, August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995.

And a song …

Today’s questions will be answered in tomorrow’s Teaser.

Have a good day.

*        Nice to have you aboard, Del: oh, I found you on Facebook … … … … … … … … … …

†        Oh, I think so so, Olga.   I’m still umming and ahhhing about whether to dig up Attack the Block, again … or maybe something else … 

‡        Yeah, he’s FAMOUS for taking his name off films he’s inspired … (From Hell, V for Vendetta, Watchmen … )   Oh, and yes: I’ve seen Casablanca … 

^        Authentic death … ?   OKAAAAAY … !