Self-Induced Suffering...

A child is an adult without the self-induced suffering...

The Beginning of an Odyssey

Still no answer...

I vaguely recall that summer of 1968 but for my mother's idea to take me to see 2001: A Space Odyssey. Soon after its release at the Loews King Theatre in Brooklyn on Fulton street not too far from Brooklyn's city hall even at 8 years of age I was surprised that she had taken to me to 2001. If you knew my mother she was, without belittling her, a simple person, but she wasn't the best "mother" and she knew I liked science fiction and "space". I learned from her by observation, never directly. Often I asked a question she referred me in her broken English to the teacher for an answer to answer all "the why's" I had. As my questions grew in depth she referred me to the library and the books I would ask for birthdays and Christmas. I passed her capacity to teach me at a young age. As soon as I knew to walk to the library safely on my own, the library became my second home. I wasn't born with the best economic resources so I spent much of my early life finding ways to get the answers I needed through other less expensive or free means; the library, educational grants, low rate educational loans and the like to teach myself. I realized early on that to learn what for me became the establishment I only had myself to depend on. Through established norm's all I would learn was what all established instructors taught was the same thing which was fine but too often I would find they couldn't or worse they wouldn't answer the questions I wanted answered especially when it became obvious to me that they  weren't prepared to fulfill my needs. Even to the point of having my head slammed down on my desk by the teacher, first asking for questions then not answering a request for elaboration on the article in the NYT we were discussing. But then I was insistent and ended up reporting her to the principal who had her suspended.

Enough of that, I learned no matter because finding answers was the goal. I wasn't trying just to learn the basics, there was so much more. And more is what I wanted...

I stood up beside my mother as 2001 came to an end and said to her, "that's what I want, to do that" pointing at the screen I wanted to learn to what the film was teaching, "2001: A Space Odyssey".  I took awhile to learn on my own the answer(s) I sought to fill my needs; I don't think I ever will, my life is a question and my life the answers to that one question.

Our life, my life is...

ep·ic

ˈepik/

noun

1. 1.
   a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.

...never stop asking. If you think you're done asking, if actually believe you have an answer, you must be dead, or just wrong.

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Google’s Duplex Assistant phone call blew my mind!

An experimental technology called Duplex may change the way you talk to your Google Assistant. It sounds pretty ordinary, but it's anything but. Read more about Duplex on CNET:

Stanley Kubrick Tribute - The Works HD

Stanley Kubrick - The Works HD by "heresjohnny1991" http://www.youtube.com/heresjohnny1991 A visionary, a master of his craft, an artist. Stanley Kubrick is my all time favorite director. For years I've rewatched his films MANY times and no films from any other director have affected me the same way Kubrick's have. Each and every film of his is an experience. Whether it be the spine tingling chills of 'The Shining' or the tear inducing laughs of 'Dr. Strangelove,' Kubrick's films always stick with the viewer. With this edition of 'The Works' I really wanted to channel what I feel makes Kubrick's films so special. So here you are, an extra long tribute that chronicles a lifetime of works from one of the greatest filmmakers who ever lived. Stanley, no one will ever make films as timeless as your own. (I apologize for the absence of 'Fear and Desire' I was unable to obtain a copy of it. But even Kubrick himself stated that he never looked on that film fondly. He saw it as merely a learning exercise). As for a for my next director tribute, I will not be giving out a hint this time. However, you can expect a sneak peek very soon! Everyone loves surprises right? Clips from 'Killers Kiss', 'The Killing' and 'Lolita remain courtesy of MGM, © TM & Copyright 1955, 1956, 1962 Clips from 'Paths of Glory' remain courtesy of United Artists, © TM & Copyright 1957 Clips from 'Spartacus' remain courtesy of Universal Pictures, © TM & Copyright 1960 Clips from 'Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb' remain courtesy of Columbia Pictures, © TM & Copyright 1964 Clips from '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'A Clockwork Orange', 'Barry Lyndon', 'The Shining', 'Full Metal Jacket' and 'Eyes Wide Shut' remain courtesy of Warner Bros., © TM & Copyright 1968, 1971, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1999 Music 'Pruit Igoe & Prophecies' by The Philip Glass Ensemble remains courtesy of Virgin Records, © TM & Copyright 'Lucky' by Radiohead remains courtesy of Capitol Records, © TM & Copyright 1997 'With Or Without You' by Scala & Kolacny Brothers remains courtesy of Fratelli BVBA, © 2010.

Giuliani, The Liar

More progress likely in absence of nuclear deal

TEHRAN, May. 07 (MNA) – FM Spokesman Ghasemi said Mon. Iran may stand a better chance of advancing its economic policies in the face of US withdrawal from JCPOA and in absence of a nuclear deal.


During his weekly presser on Monday and to Mehr News question on whether Iran would have a harder time advancing its economic policies if US withdrew from the nuclear deal, Ghasemi said, "I do not think so, because the US withdrawal could even lead to better and more positive measures taken by Iran."


He went on to add, "given our plans and predictions, we may even be able to have far better results in implementing our policies regarding the resistance economy in absence of a nuclear deal."


"We have called on the European sides to step up their efforts in keeping US committed to its JCPOA obligations, and take a more serious stance against the US lack of commitment," he added.


Asked to comment about the May 12 deadline and what Trump's final decision would be regarding the fate of the JCPOA and sanctions waivers, Ghasemi said "one cannot tell at the moment. The JCPOA has certain features that make it difficult to withdraw from it."


He stressed that if Trump decided to pull out of the deal, Iran's response would be 'painful' for the US and would cause the American side much regret.


"Washington will pay a heavy price for exiting the nuclear agreement," he said. "It will make the world all the more distrustful of the US."


"Iran will not be the first country to violate the JCPOA, and once the agreement ceases to be profitable to the Iranian nation, we will take the necessary decisions," he added.


Asked whether he confirms Zarif's alleged meeting with former US Secretary of State John Kerry in New York recently, Ghasemi said he has no information about it and refused to make a comment; "What I do know, however, is that in his recent trip to New York, Mr. Zarif used the opportunity to hold lengthy meetings with over 30 analysts and influential figures in US including Democrats and Republicans," he added.


Elsewhere, Ghasemi maintained that the recent talks between Iran and E4 in Rome aimed at reaching a political solution to Yemeni crisis and that the two sides have made no new agreement on curbing Iran's regional influence.


"Our talks focused on ways to send humanitarian aid to Yemeni people," Ghasemi said in reference to a recent Iran-E4 meeting held in Rome. "We are making efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and are hoping that the countries responsible for the dire situation in Yemen would allow humanitarian aid to reach these downtrodden people during the holy month of Ramadan."


The meeting in Rome, the second of its kind after the one held in Munich, gathered top diplomats from Iran, Britain, France, Germany and Italy around a table to discuss the developments in Yemen. The EU statement issued at the end of the meeting deemed the political talks with Iran 'constructive' and announced the next round of the talks to be held in Brussels in the near future.


Asked to comment about the Israeli regime's claim on having stolen confidential documents related to Iran's nuclear case, he said "Mr. Netanyahu needs to train more to become a better showman or a magician."


"The claim raised by the prime minister of the Zionist regime is a complete lie and looks more like a Hollywood movie," Ghasemi said. "Iran's nuclear program, already verified 11 times by the IAEA, is on the right track and Iran has lived up to all of its commitments until now."


Elsewhere, Ghasemi voiced Iran's full support for the elections in Iraq and Lebanon, and criticized Saudi Arabia's interventions in the affairs of certain regional countries.


About Morocco's move to cut diplomatic ties with Iran, Ghasemi said the decision was most probably influenced by the Israeli regime and other hostile counries. He said Morocco's move was a blatant strategic mistake, which would not be their first regrading Iran since the Islamic Revolution.


MS/4289918


Measure


Measur











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Imagination is Reality

Imagination Is Reality

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Your Guide to All You Can Eat Dining Experiences in San Francisco

San Francisco is a must-visit culinary destination. It's home to 55 Michelin-starred restaurants, and it's the city considered to be the world capital of sustainable dining. While fancy, award-winning dining has put San Francisco on the map, the city also offers another kind of dining experience: the all-you-can-eat option.

At many restaurants throughout the Bay Area, you can pay a flat fee to get as much food as your heart desires (and sometimes, as many drinks as you want, too!). It might not be as swanky, but it's no less satisfying. And since we're in San Francisco, you can be sure that an increase in quantity does not mean a decrease in quality. Here are 10 of the best all-you-can-eat options around San Francisco, guaranteed to leave you with a full belly and memories of an unforgettable meal.

Boiling Hot Pot (5512 Geary Blvd.)

Eating at Boiling Hot Pot is an experience. This Cantonese staple offers an all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu for $27.95 per person. Choose your broth base and your meat; you'll have selections like Kobe beef, lamb, tendon and more. Get to Boiling Hot Pot by taking the 38 Muni bus to Geary Bouevard. and 20th Avenue.

Chubby Noodle (2205 Lombard St. and 1310 Grant Ave.)

There are two Chubby Noodle restaurants in San Francisco, and both serve up an all-you-can-eat dim sum menu for weekend brunch. The brunch costs $45 per person, and you can choose from 16 items and four brunch drinks for 90 minutes. You can taste things like dandan noodles, pork wontons, garlic bok choy, and more. Get to Chubby Noodle Marina by taking the 22 Muni bus to Lombard and Fillmore Streets and to Chubby Noodle North Beach by taking the 30 Muni bus to Stockton Street and Columbus Avenue.

Club Waziema (543 Divisadero St.)

Club Waziema is an Ethiopian bar and restaurant where you can get your all-you-can-eat fix. The dive bar setting offers a different take on the unlimited dining experience: the vegetarian dinner is served to you one plate at a time—and it'll keep coming if you can keep eating. Get to Club Waziema by taking the 22 Muni bus to Fillmore and Oak Streets.

District (216 Townsend St.)

District has made a name for itself thanks to an excellent wine menu and a bottomless brunch. The brunch, available every Sunday, is buffet style. For $22, you can enjoy heaping amounts of green salad, ceviche, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, and so much more. Pair your bottomless buffet with bottomless mimosas for $16. District is located in the heart of the city in the South Beach neighborhood, close to SoMa, AT&T Park, and many other popular tourist attractions. You can get there by taking Muni light rail to King and Fourth Streets.

Espetus Churrascaria (1686 Market St.)

Do you love meat? Then get your fill at Espetus Churrascaria, located in Hayes Valley. When you dine there, you can have unlimited portions of more than 12 cuts of meat, as well as access to the salad bar. Simply turn your table card to green when you want to be served more and to red when you're full. The cost is $58.95 per person, for dinner. To get to Espetus, take the Muni light rail to Van Ness Avenue, or take the F Line streetcar to Market and Gough Streets.

Fogo de Chao (201 Third St.)

Want to try another outstanding Brazilian steakhouse? Visit Fogo de Chao. This Brazilian steakhouse has been serving up delicious seasoned meats since 1979, as well as excellent salads, soups, and more. Pay the flat fee of $61.95 per diner, and you'll get unlimited portions of meat, as well as access to the salad bar. To get to Fogo de Chao, take Muni or BART to the Montgomery Street or Powell Street Stations.

The Garden Court at The Palace Hotel (2 New Montgomery St.)

Go to The Garden Court to enjoy the famous all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, which costs $39 per person and features delights like pancakes, cereal, bacon, yogurt parfaits, smoked salmon, artisan cheeses, and so much more. The Garden Court is a San Francisco classic, so take in some history while you dine on your all-you-can-eat morning meal. Get to the Palace by taking Muni or BART to the Montgomery Street Station.

Goat Hill Pizza (300 Connecticut St., 171 Stillman St., and 170 West Portal Ave.)

Goat Hill Pizza is famous for making pizza on San Francisco sourdough since 1975. Take advantage of their all-you-can-eat menu Monday nights, which will cost you just $10.95 per person. Waiters walk around serving slices from fresh pies just out of the kitchen, so you won't need to worry about eating greasy, room temperature food. There are three locations of Goat Hill: in SoMa, Potrero Hill, and West Portal.

The Laurel Court at The Fairmont San Francisco (950 Mason St.)

Located at the Fairmont San Francisco, the Laurel Court is another excellent unlimited brunch option for those who love breakfast buffets. The buffet here happens on the weekends and offers unlimited servings for $35. Expect to find waffles, oatmeal, potatoes, pastries, eggs, and more in an upscale setting. You can get there by taking Muni or BART to the Powell Street station and walking up to Nob Hill, or by riding the California Street Cable Car to Mason Street.

Sushi Hunter (1701 Powell St.)

If you love sushi, head to Sushi Hunter in North Beach. This all-you-can-eat sushi spot has a menu of fresh, made-to-order sushi options, including nigiri, maki sushi, appetizers, and more. Their 10-page menu offers hundreds of options, so it's a good choice if you want to try a variety of dishes. All-You-Can-Eat costs $27 Monday to Thursday and $30 Friday to Sunday and on holidays. Get to Sushi Hunter by taking the 8, 30, or 45 Muni bus to Columbus Avenue and Union Street.

Measure

Measure

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Opinion | AI will spell the end of capitalism

By Feng Xiang By Feng Xiang May 3

A resident rides past an image depicting German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, former Soviet leaders Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin and former Chinese leader Mao Zedong in Shanghai, China. April 25, 2016. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Feng Xiang, a professor of law at Tsinghua University, is one of China's most prominent legal scholars. He spoke at the Berggruen Institute's China Center workshop on artificial intelligence in March in Beijing.

BEIJING — The most momentous challenge facing socio-economic systems today is the arrival of artificial intelligence. If AI remains under the control of market forces, it will inexorably result in a super-rich oligopoly of data billionaires who reap the wealth created by robots that displace human labor, leaving massive unemployment in their wake.

But China's socialist market economy could provide a solution to this. If AI rationally allocates resources through big data analysis, and if robust feedback loops can supplant the imperfections of "the invisible hand" while fairly sharing the vast wealth it creates, a planned economy that actually works could at last be achievable.

The more AI advances into a general-purpose technology that permeates every corner of life, the less sense it makes to allow it to remain in private hands that serve the interests of the few instead of the many. More than anything else, the inevitability of mass unemployment and the demand for universal welfare will drive the idea of socializing or nationalizing AI.

Marx's dictum, "From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs," needs an update for the 21^st century: "From the inability of an AI economy to provide jobs and a living wage for all, to each according to their needs."

Even at this early stage, the idea that digital capitalism will somehow make social welfare a priority has already proven to be a fairytale. The billionaires of Google and Apple, who have been depositing company profits in offshore havens to avoid taxation, are hardly paragons of social responsibility. The ongoing scandal around Facebook's business model, which puts profitability above responsible citizenship, is yet another example of how in digital capitalism, private companies only look after their own interests at the expense of the rest of society.

One can readily see where this is all headed once technological unemployment accelerates. "Our responsibility is to our shareholders," the robot owners will say. "We are not an employment agency or a charity."

These companies have been able to get away with their social irresponsibility because the legal system and its loopholes in the West are geared to protect private property above all else. Of course, in China, we have big privately owned Internet companies like Alibaba and Tencent. But unlike in the West, they are monitored by the state and do not regard themselves as above or beyond social control.

It is the very pervasiveness of AI that will spell the end of market dominance. The market may reasonably if unequally function if industry creates employment opportunities for most people. But when industry only produces joblessness, as robots take over more and more, there is no good alternative but for the state to step in. As AI invades economic and social life, all private law-related issues will soon become public ones. More and more, regulation of private companies will become a necessity to maintain some semblance of stability in societies roiled by constant innovation.

I consider this historical process a step closer to a planned market economy. Laissez-faire capitalism as we have known it can lead nowhere but to a dictatorship of AI oligarchs who gather rents because the intellectual property they own rules over the means of production. On a global scale, it is easy to envision this unleashed digital capitalism leading to a battle between robots for market share that will surely end as disastrously as the imperialist wars did in an earlier era.

For the sake of social well-being and security, individuals and private companies should not be allowed to possess any exclusive cutting-edge technology or core AI platforms. Like nuclear and biochemical weapons, as long as they exist, nothing other than a strong and stable state can ensure society's safety. If we don't nationalize AI, we could sink into a dystopia reminiscent of the early misery of industrialization, with its satanic mills and street urchins scrounging for a crust of bread.

The dream of communism is the elimination of wage labor. If AI is bound to serve society instead of private capitalists, it promises to do so by freeing an overwhelming majority from such drudgery while creating wealth to sustain all.

If the state controls the market, instead of digital capitalism controlling the state, true communist aspirations will be achievable. And because AI increasingly enables the management of complex systems by processing massive amounts of information through intensive feedback loops, it presents, for the first time, a real alternative to the market signals that have long justified laissez-faire ideology — and all the ills that go with it.

Going forward, China's socialist market economy, which aims to harness the fruits of production for the whole population and not just a sliver of elites operating in their own self-centered interests, can lead the way toward this new stage of human development.

If properly regulated in this way, we should celebrate, not fear, the advent of AI. If it is brought under social control, it will finally free workers from peddling their time and sweat only to enrich those at the top. The communism of the future ought to adopt a new slogan: "Robots of the world, unite!"

This was produced by The WorldPost, a partnership of the Berggruen Institute and The Washington Post.

Measure

Measure

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Trump on US border control: 'We may have to close up our country'

Great idea president Chump...

Josh Delk

19 hrs ago

Trump on border wall: 'We may have to close up the country'

President Trump lambasted U.S. immigration policies Saturday, stating that the U.S. may have to "close up" its borders.

Speaking at a business roundtable in Cleveland, Trump acknowledged that officials are working to repair certain areas of the nation's border controls, but said the U.S. needs "much more money."

"We may have to close up our country to get this straight," he said, but did not offer more details on the logistics.

"You can't allow people to pour into our country like they're doing," Trump went on. "If we don't have borders, you don't have a country," he said, chiding Democrats for "open border" policies.

Trump's long-standing promises for a new wall stretching across the U.S.-Mexico border suffered a blow earlier this year when Congress allocated only $1.6 billion toward border security measures in a trillion-dollar spending bill - billions less than the White House demanded.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted a recent surge in border crossings from Mexico during March after seeing a historic low in 2017.

Last month, the Pentagon authorized the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to be sent to the border in Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona as part of Trump's plan to strengthen immigration enforcement along the southern border.

© Provided by The Hill

Measure

Measure

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