Month: January 2023

One day, a robot will be president

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About this notion that Americans might one day elect a robot as president … When I was a child, grownups would tell us that anyone could become president. I never bought it until 2016, when a narcissistic billionaire named Donald Trump came along and convinced me that all things are possible.

Given the rapid ascendency of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I got to wondering if Americans might one day decide the best “person” to lead the country might be a robot. Seems far-fetched, I know, but with the right robotic candidate, the hashtag “VoteBot2028” could be a winner. 

But seriously, there’s so much we need to learn about the rising phenomenon of AI. The discussion (argument, really) Charles and I have during the first segment of this week’s program won’t be the last time we tackle AI on the Forum. If you’ve got guests or angles (pro or con) to suggest, please send them my way.
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Des Moines: Free-Range Egg Capital of America?

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To be clear, the rules in Des Moines on urban farming are way better than most cities. We are grateful for that leadership. Also, we’re grateful that the Council embraced a proposal Kathy and I made in 2020 to establish the Food Security Task Force. Out of that came a promising set of recommendations on how to move the City forward toward greater food self-reliance.

But the momentum has ground to a halt. Perhaps public concern over the increasing price of eggs will change that.

Much needs to be done — and now! More community gardens. Edible plantings in public spaces. Dedicated land for urban farmers. Incentives for urban agriculturists.

For today, let’s focus on chickens, with a goal of making Des Moines the Free-Range Egg Capital of America. This requires thinking out of the box, so bear with me while I crunch some numbers. Then tell me what you think. Continue Reading →

A Christmas story: Why you should clean up after your dog

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On Christmas Eve Day, Kathy and I took a beautiful woodland walk. Well, beautiful until I stepped in dog crap, partially concealed under some fallen leaves.

Arriving back at our car in a huff, I spent 15 frustrated minutes trying to dig the product out of my shoes, with minimal success. When I got into the car, Kathy cringed at the smell that accompanied me, and we drove off with windows wide open.

To make a long story short (hear the full version at the 2:26-minute mark), a mile down the road, I realized I’d lost my wallet and phone, presumably on the wall where I’d attempted to clean my shoes. Continue Reading →