Gongol.com Archives: December 2011
Brian Gongol


December 2, 2011

Computers and the Internet "It's as if people think there isn't a real person at the other end"
Charlie Brooker on the way people berate one another online. Brooker has some related comments on how strange it is that we're now having conversations with machines. There is good reason to believe that in the not-so-distant future, we'll find computers being used as surrogates for advice and guidance from people who have passed away. These personality engines are the logical consequence of a range of converging technologies and human wants.

Threats and Hazards Mugabe cronies chase spoof commercial from TV
"Last dictator standing" theme didn't go over well with his supporters. That's, of course, exactly why satire is a well-protected right of free speech in countries where human rights are respected -- people have every right to lampoon their government and the people who work in it.

Iowa Mitt Romney gets significant endorsement from Robert Ray
Ray remains an influence-maker decades after leaving office. Meantime, it comes out that Newt Gingrich has really only been out to sell books, not really to get elected President.

Threats and Hazards Fukushima nuclear disaster was probably worse than originally thought
And it's going to take 30 years to bring the plant to a complete stop

Broadcasting KGO-AM overhauls almost everything on the air
One can tell from the three-letter call sign that KGO is a historic station, so when it makes a big change (like it's doing now), it's worth noting

Broadcasting Iowa sports broadcaster Mike Newell dies of heart attack
He was a pleasant co-worker

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