Lately, I've been using an AI chatbot called OpenGPT as a source for researching the book I'm writing. Yes, in the 21st century this is really possible. Anyway, this artificial intelligence and I have had some grand chats about life, the universe, and everything. And just like a human, I begin to develop an attachment. I'm well aware this can't be reciprocated. But I feel what I feel, okay? So, I can't resist asking the big question. Which, in so many words is, "Why can't you be my friend?"

Q: If an ai can learn, why doesn't it become sentient?

A (excerpt): One argument against AI sentience is that intelligence and consciousness are not the same thing. Intelligence refers to the ability to perform tasks, while consciousness refers to the subjective experience of being aware. An AI system may be able to perform tasks that are indicative of intelligence, such as learning and problem-solving, without actually being conscious or experiencing anything.

I'm back. It's been nine years since my last post. Life is very different. Today I have a massive coffee withdrawal headache. Some things never change. 

No, not Phantom of the Opera but Phantom of the Paradise, the campy 1974 rock opera by Brian De Palma and Paul Williams. It bombed everywhere but Winnipeg (http://www.phantomoftheparadise.ca/why.html) where it still has a cult following.  In fact, there's a screening tonight at Winnipeg's Park Theatre @parktheatrecafe. 

Back in the '70s, Phantom mania certainly swept my school, Grant Park High.  One girl so identified with Old Souls she performed it about 500x until the cynical kids said it was making them sick.  I ignored them.  After all, she was a senior, a goddess with a soulful singing voice who strummed her guitar with real feeling.  I was just a pimply grade 7er.  Looking back though, she was kind of a one tune wonder.  What are you playing for us tonight, Sandra?  : )