Humanoid Robots

The TV series Humans and Westworld have portrayals of humanoid, sentient AI. For the real world, here are some of the latest humanoid robots and their features:

1. Atlas: Created by Boston Dynamics, Atlas is a humanoid robot designed for search and rescue operations. It has advanced mobility, can run, jump, and even perform backflips.

2. Sophia: Developed by Hanson Robotics, Sophia is an expressive humanoid robot that can interact with humans using natural language processing and facial recognition technology.

3. Pepper: Created by Softbank Robotics, Pepper is a humanoid robot that is designed to be a personal assistant and interact with people in public spaces like malls and banks. It has a tablet on its chest to display information and respond to people's queries.

4. ASIMO: Honda's ASIMO is a humanoid robot that can walk, run, climb stairs, and carry objects. It has a range of sensors that enable it to navigate its environment and interact with people.

5. T-HR3: Developed by Toyota, the T-HR3 is a humanoid robot that can be controlled by a human operator using a virtual reality headset and gloves. It has 32 points of articulation, allowing for precise movements.

These humanoid robots are at the forefront of robotics research and development, and their capabilities are continuously expanding as technology advances.

Stranded on the Moon

 Captain Jane Williams had always dreamed of being the first person to set foot on the moon. After years of rigorous training and countless sacrifices, her dream finally came true. However, things didn't go as planned.

As she and her crew were landing on the moon's surface, there was a sudden jolt, and the spacecraft crashed. In the chaos that followed, Jane was separated from her crewmates, and she was left stranded on the moon's surface.

For days, she tried to contact Earth, but there was no response. She searched for any signs of her crewmates, but there was no trace of them. Jane realized that she was the only survivor.

As she tried to survive on the barren moon, she noticed strange movements in the shadows. At first, she dismissed it as her imagination. But the movements grew more frequent, and soon she realized that she was not alone.

The creatures that inhabited the moon were unlike anything she had ever seen. They were tall, slender, and had glowing blue eyes. They moved quickly and silently, and it was clear that they were highly intelligent.

Jane was terrified, but she knew that she had to stay alert if she wanted to survive. She set up camp in a small crater, using what little supplies she had salvaged from the wreckage of the spacecraft.

Days turned into weeks, and Jane became increasingly aware of the creatures' presence. They never attacked her, but they were always watching her, studying her every move.

One night, Jane decided to venture out of her crater to explore the surrounding area. As she walked, she noticed that the creatures were following her. She quickened her pace, but they kept up with her effortlessly.

Suddenly, Jane slipped and fell. As she looked up, she saw one of the creatures standing over her. She braced herself for an attack, but instead, the creature extended a hand to help her up.

Jane realized that the creatures were not hostile after all. They had been observing her, trying to understand her. She began to communicate with them using gestures, and soon they were exchanging ideas.

Jane learned that the creatures had been living on the moon for millions of years, long before humans ever set foot on it. They had been waiting for someone like Jane, someone who could communicate with them and learn from them.

Over time, Jane and the creatures formed a bond, and she began to think of them as friends. She knew that she would never leave the moon, but she was content to spend the rest of her life learning from the creatures and exploring the mysteries of the moon.

High-Rise A.D. 2500

 So it goes that in the distant future, there rose a towering skyscraper that reached for the heavens like a middle finger to the gods themselves. This high-rise was a thing of wonder, a place where only the most elite of society could call home.

From the outside, it gleamed like a diamond, its windows reflecting the sun's rays like a thousand mirrors. It stood tall and proud, a symbol of mankind's hubris and opulence. But inside, oh my, inside was a different story altogether.

The lobby was a grandiose display of wealth and extravagance, with towering marble pillars and a fountain that spewed water like a volcanic eruption. The floors were made of the finest Italian marble, and the walls were adorned with art from the world's most famous artists.

The elevators were like something out of science fiction, whizzing up and down the building at incredible speeds. Each one was a small room in itself, with plush leather seats and the latest entertainment systems.

As you stepped out of the elevator, you were greeted with a hallway that seemed to stretch on forever, lined with doors that led to the most luxurious apartments imaginable. Each one was a palace in its own right, with sweeping views of the city below and every modern convenience you could imagine.

The kitchens were fitted with the latest technology, able to cook up any dish you desired in seconds. The bedrooms were like something out of a fairy tale, with plush king-sized beds and silk sheets that felt like a dream. And the bathrooms, oh my, the bathrooms were like something from another planet, with jacuzzi tubs that could fit a dozen people and showers that could clean you in seconds.

But as with all things in life, there was a price to pay. Only the super-rich could afford to live in this luxury high-rise, and those who did lived in a bubble, shielded from the struggles of the outside world. They were like gods, living in a world of their own creation, and like all gods, they would eventually fall.

Captain Marvel (2019)

 As a movie critic, I recently had the pleasure of watching the highly anticipated superhero flick, "Captain Marvel". This movie is a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an empowering experience for audiences worldwide.

The plot of the movie revolves around Carol Danvers, a former United States Air Force pilot who becomes embroiled in an intergalactic conflict between two alien races, the Kree and the Skrulls. As the story unfolds, Carol must discover the truth about her past and harness her newfound powers as she fights to protect the universe.

The themes and tone of the movie are incredibly inspiring. "Captain Marvel" sends a powerful message about female empowerment and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. The film also explores the idea of identity, as Carol struggles to come to terms with her past and find her place in the world.

Brie Larson delivers a fantastic performance as Carol Danvers, portraying the character's strength and vulnerability with ease. The supporting cast, including Samuel L. Jackson as a younger Nick Fury and Jude Law as the enigmatic Kree warrior, Yon-Rogg, also deliver solid performances.

The direction by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck is masterful, seamlessly blending intense action scenes with quiet character moments. The score by Pinar Toprak is also noteworthy, perfectly capturing the film's adventurous spirit.

The cinematography and production design are visually stunning, immersing the audience in the world of the Marvel universe. The special effects and editing are also impressive, creating seamless transitions between scenes and bringing the epic battles to life.

Overall, "Captain Marvel" is an excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a fun, action-packed adventure that leaves you feeling empowered and inspired. While there are a few moments that could have been better executed, the film as a whole is a thrilling ride that's sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

The Marvels

  the release of the first trailer for the upcoming Marvel Studios movie, "The Marvels". The trailer introduces the three main characters: Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel), Monica Rambeau (aka Spectrum), and Kamala Khan (aka Ms. Marvel). The trailer also hints at the return of some characters from the previous Marvel movies and the introduction of new villains.

Solar Warden

 Gary McKinnon is a British computer hacker who was accused of perpetrating the "biggest military computer hack of all time" after he gained unauthorized access to several United States government computer systems in 2001 and 2002. The US government claimed that he had caused nearly $1 million in damage and had also deleted critical files, but McKinnon argued that he was only searching for evidence of a secret US government cover-up of the existence of extraterrestrial life.

One of the conspiracy theories that McKinnon has been associated with is the alleged existence of a top-secret space program called "Solar Warden." According to some conspiracy theorists, Solar Warden is a classified program operated by the US government that uses advanced technology to patrol and protect the solar system from threats, including extraterrestrial ones.

However, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of Solar Warden, and it is widely regarded as a conspiracy theory. The US government has repeatedly denied the existence of such a program, and many experts have dismissed the claims as unfounded. McKinnon himself has stated that he did not come across any evidence of Solar Warden during his hacking attempts.

Golf 2199 (short story)

 In the year 2199, golf had become a sport reserved only for the elite. With the scarcity of land and the rise of towering skyscrapers, there was no room left for the sprawling greens and fairways of old. But that didn't stop the wealthy from indulging in their favorite pastime.

One such golfer was Jameson T. Hollingsworth IV, a wealthy industrialist who had made his fortune in asteroid mining. He had a passion for golf that bordered on obsession, and he spared no expense in pursuit of the perfect game.

One day, while browsing the latest offerings from his favorite sporting goods manufacturer, he came across an advertisement that caught his eye. "Introducing the GolfPod™ - the ultimate golf experience for the 22nd century!"

Intrigued, Jameson placed an order for the GolfPod™, eager to see what it was all about. A few weeks later, a sleek, egg-shaped vehicle arrived at his doorstep.

The GolfPod™ was unlike anything Jameson had ever seen. It was a fully self-contained golfing experience, complete with holographic greens and virtual caddies. The interior was plush and comfortable, with room for up to four players and all the amenities one could desire.

Jameson invited his three best golfing buddies to join him for a round in the GolfPod™. As they climbed inside and buckled up, the vehicle sprang to life.

"Welcome to the GolfPod™," a soothing voice intoned. "Please select your course and preferences."

Jameson chose Pebble Beach, one of the most challenging courses of old, and set the difficulty level to "expert." The GolfPod™ began to hum as it lifted off the ground and soared into the sky.

As they approached the virtual course, Jameson and his friends marveled at the realism of the holographic greens and the virtual caddies, which offered tips and advice as they played. They took turns hitting their shots, each one more challenging than the last.

But it wasn't until they reached the 18th hole that they truly understood the power of the GolfPod™. As they lined up their shots, a sudden gust of wind blew across the course, sending their balls veering off course.

"Correction required," the virtual caddy said calmly. "Adjust your angle by two degrees."

Jameson and his friends did as they were told, and to their amazement, their shots sailed true and straight, landing perfectly on the green.

They high-fived each other and whooped with joy as they finished the round. As they stepped out of the GolfPod™, Jameson knew that this was only the beginning of a new era of golf.

"Gentlemen," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "I think we've just discovered the future of golf."