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Roger Penrose thinks consciousness might be created by gravity induced phenomenon !

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Roger Penrose was recently interviewed by Andréa Morris.

For decades, Penrose has been working with anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff on a theory of consciousness called Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR).

Penrose’s theory proposes that consciousness originates at the quantum level inside neurons, rather than the conventional view that it is a product of connections between neurons. The mechanism is held to be a quantum process called objective reduction that is orchestrated by cellular structures called microtubules. It is proposed that the theory may answer the hard problem of consciousness and provide a mechanism for free will.

When it comes to the suddenly salient question of whether or not AI could be conscious, Penrose draws again from Gödel and Goodstein’s theorems. Computer science is built on formalized systems. They’re confined by computation. For Penrose, AI built on classical computers today isn’t capable of true understanding or consciousness. After some consideration, he adds a caveat when it comes to quantum computers: “You put wave function collapse into its process somehow….”

You can see the full 34 minute interview here.

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DMV eLearning

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Every so many years we have to renew our drivers license. The DMV in California has a new option for the written test that is sometimes required at renewal time. It is only available when renewing online, called eLearning. I am highly recommending that you do the eLearning, if it is available to you.

The other options for the written test are taking the test inside DMV, or taking the test online with a proctor watching. In both of these cases you can flunk.

The eLearning program is an self-directed course with 7 parts with quizzes after each section. This option takes longer, but you can’t flunk! eLearning can be done on a PC, tablet or smartphone and is available anytime. It can be paused or restarted if needed. I recommend a PC because of screen size. It is estimated to take 45 minutes, it took me an hour to take the test. 5 years ago I took 5 hours taking the online practice tests preparing for the written test!

Renewing online is easy and there are no lines. You enter your profile data, pay the fee, take the eLearning course, upload your Real ID proof documentation. You still have to go to DMV to be finger printed, take the eye test and have your picture taken. The CA DMV renewal procedure is finally anxiety free!

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a quick trip to Los Angeles

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We recently did a mini vacation to Los Angeles to see the Getty Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits.  We wanted to stay someplace convenient to both and found a couple of eating places that I want to commit to memory and share with you all too.

Plaza La Reina                                                                                                                                                         10850 Lindbrook Drive                                                                                                                                              Los Angeles, CA 90024                                                                                                                                            310-986-6888

It is centrally located in Los Angeles, steps from Hammer Museum and within a 5-minute walk of University of California, Los Angeles. This is a 4.5-star hotel, expensive but worth it. But no breakfast! Starbucks is a block away!

Directly across the street is probably the best Chinese restaurant I have ever eaten in.  You should give this place a try even if you don’t stay at Plaza La Reina.

First Szechuan Wok Chinese Restaurant                                                                                                            10855 Lindbrook Drive                                  						         Westwood, CA 90024										       310-208-7785

Another great home cooking style restaurant is about 3 blocks away.  They have turkey meatloaf and mashed potatoes!!

Fresh Corn Grill    									                    1266 Westwood Blvd.
Westwood CA 90024
Tel. 310-470-0414

The Plaza La Reina is about 3 miles from the Getty Museum and about 7 miles from the La BreaTar Pits Museum.  I recommend both, but you should a lot a full day for Getty and half day for the Tar Pits.

For a real delight in eating, a great French inspired café is called République. It has a casual bakery, café, and bar in the front with a more formal dining area located in the rear.  We had pastries and coffee before we went to the Tar Pits which are only ¾ mile away.  We parked in the Tar Pits Museum lot ($18/day) and then walked to/from Republique.

République, located in Miracle Mile, is owned by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke. Centered in the heart of Los Angeles, the historic building in which it resides was originally erected in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin, and later transformed into the iconic La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant.

Republique                                                                                                                                                                  624 S. La Brea Ave.                                                                                                                                                     Los Angeles, CA 90036

CHEF MARGARITA WINS 2023 JAMES BEARD AWARD!
MICHELIN Plate 2022
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BARD’s Funny Bone

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Everything in the media these days about Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to all be doom and gloom or super serious. For sure, they say, the robots are out to get us! But remember, Large Language Models are just mimicking what humans have already said somewhere. And some things we have said are funny! So I decided to find out if BARD has a funny bone!

Prompt: here is a joke: “If you design something idiot-proof, they will design a better idiot.” give me a list of 10 more similar to it.

Response:

  1. “Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.”
  2. “There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.”
  3. “You can’t fix stupid.”
  4. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
  5. “If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
  6. “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
  7. “Common sense is not so common.”
  8. “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
  9. “The world is full of smart people, but it’s also full of stupid people. And the stupid people are always the loudest.”
  10. “If you can’t beat them, join them.”

After the above success, I did another.

Prompt: got any more?

Response:

  1. “If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat all day and drink beer.”
  2. “The only thing that stands between me and total insanity is my complete and utter lack of intelligence.”
  3. “I’m not saying I’m stupid, but I’m the only one who can understand my genius.”
  4. “I’m not a complete idiot. Some parts are missing.”
  5. “I’m not sure what’s worse: being stupid or being stupid and proud of it.”
  6. “I’m not saying I’m the dumbest person in the world, but I’m in the running.”
  7. “I’m not sure if I’m stupid or just lazy.”
  8. “I’m not sure if I’m smarter than the average bear, but I’m definitely better looking.”
  9. “I’m not sure if I’m a genius or just crazy.”
  10. “I’m not sure if I’m a complete idiot or just a work in progress.”

Feel free to quote these jokes. You can give credit to Bard, if you wish. Or use Google to see if Bard already felt free!

My next questions are: What gender is Bard? What are Bard’s “pronouns”?

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Okonomiyaki

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Popular street food from Osaka, Japan, Okonomiyaki is a savory version of Japanese pancake, made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of protein, and topped with a variety of condiments.

This recipe was modified and tweaked by Sandra and enjoyed by all of us.

Ingredients
  • 2 Cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 Cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 Cup shredded fennel
  • 2-3 scallions, diced
  • 1 Cup All Purpose flour
  • 1 Tsp Baking powder
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3/4 Cup vegetable or chicken broth
Preparation

Make batter with flour, baking powder, eggs, vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.
Put all shredded vegetables into batter and stir to coat. Coat skillet with oil. Cook over medium heat until tender and brown turning once.

Make sauce with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce, salt pepper.
Drizzle over cooked vegetables.