My creativity and inspiration waxes and wanes more frequently than the moon does. Annoying.
Sweet Emotion*
Music has an incredible ability to enhance my emotions, particularly genres like classical, blues, and jazz. I know, I know. This is not a unique experience, but this is my website and my turn to write on the matter.
Here’s why these styles have such an impact:
Each genre has histories that resonate. Blues and jazz are improvisational, so that allows musicians to express their raw emotions. Each and every note is a feeling being poured out. Classical music is structured and complex. Their intricate compositions engages my brain and forces me to think. The layers of melody, harmony and rhythm creates a powerful emotional experience too. These genres, for me, causes physical reactions too such as chills and maybe even an increased heart rate.
When that saxophone is being put to work by a jazz artist and hits those deep, raunchy notes that crawl up and down my spine to make me smile.
Every time a blues guitarist slows down and holds every note for emphasis, my skin will chill and my heart is tugged.
My brain is actively engaged while picking out individual instruments in an orchestra to listen to its performance and then moving on to the next instrument.
Once again, I am kicking myself for not ever taking a course on music theory or music appreciation. For now I will take solace and inspiration while pure jazz is being played through the speakers behind me after midnight.
* with apologies to Aerosmith
No Turning Back?
You’ve probably heard the idea that we’re so hooked on technology that we couldn’t “go backward” even if we wanted to. But are we really so dependent on it, or is it just a matter of choice? Let’s dive into whether human nature would even allow us to let go of technology in any meaningful way—and what that means for our future.
Let’s face it: technology makes life easier. We’re wired to want things to be quicker, simpler, and more convenient. That’s human nature. Just think about it—when was the last time you consciously chose the harder, slower option? Whether it’s communicating, cooking, or even finding a ride, we’re used to doing it all with a swipe or a tap. That level of convenience is addictive, and once it’s woven into our lives, it’s really hard to give up.
As a society, we tend to think of technology as a sign of progress. It’s the proof that we’re “moving forward.” The more advanced we get, the more successful we feel, right? So, saying goodbye to technology would feel a lot like losing that sense of progress, like we’re actually going backward. And that’s not something most of us want to do! Technology isn’t just about making life easier; it’s tied up in our identity, our aspirations, and how we measure our success.
It’s more than just convenience—we depend on it. In many ways, technology holds our world together. Our health systems, education, economies, and even our daily routines rely on tech. Imagine trying to run a hospital without modern equipment or an economy without digital transactions—chaos would break out. It’s not just that we like our technology; we’re built around it. We’ve set up our lives so that technology isn’t just an add-on but a foundation, which means that letting go of it would disrupt everything.
The problem of “unlearning” technology is once we know something—especially something that makes life better—it’s tough to “unknow” it. As curious beings, we’re always asking, “What’s next?” not “Can we go back?” Giving up technology would mean unlearning things we’ve gotten used to and are even proud of. For most people, that would feel like giving up, not improving. So, even if we wanted to rewind to simpler days, it would be a huge challenge.
Can we ever actually scale it back? While a full regression seems unlikely, there’s been a big movement toward finding a balance with technology. People are starting to ask, “How much technology is enough?” Digital detoxes, minimalism, and conscious tech use are real trends, showing that maybe the answer isn’t all or nothing. Instead of “going back” from technology, we’re learning to redefine how we use it. We can still be connected, but maybe in a way that feels more controlled and intentional.
Are we too dependent? Yes and no. We’ve built a world that leans on technology so heavily that fully stepping away from it would shake everything up. But that doesn’t mean we can’t change how we use it. It’s not about abandoning technology; it’s about using it in ways that actually improve our lives, rather than letting it control us.
In the end, it’s not that humans couldn’t live without all the tech, but that we probably wouldn’t want to. We’re wired to build, expand, and improve on what we know. Going “backward” isn’t in our nature, but taking a step to the side and re-evaluating what we really need? That’s something we can do. The trick might be finding that sweet spot where technology serves us, not the other way around.
Our Creations, Ourselves
We decided to play God, create life. When that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn’t our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you’ve created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can’t hide from the things that you’ve done anymore. – William Adama, Battlestar Galactica
You can’t play God without being acquainted with the Devil – Robert Ford, Westworld
It’s alive, it’s moving, it’s alive! It’s alive, it’s alive, it’s alive! It’s ALIVE! Oh, in the name of God! Now I know what it feels like to BE God! – Henry Frankenstein
I dreamt last night about the planet Mars of all things. Currently the only entities on the surface are probes and rovers. The dream progresses with the addition of more sentient robots that we sent up there to lay the groundwork for near-future human exploitation, exploration. Finally, these machines have made this new world their own in a desire to thrive without human intervention.
I’m sure if I remained asleep, that dream would have gone to its natural progression of conflict between Earth/Mars and humans/robots. We’ve seen and read the stories to know how it turns out.
Well, I have been awake for a bit and pondered it further:
When we consider the latest portrayals of sentient AI, like the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica and the Hosts of Westworld, we’re faced with themes that challenge us on multiple levels. These stories tap into our collective hopes and anxieties, making us question the boundaries of humanity and what it means to create beings in our image. Here’s a breakdown of why these narratives resonate so deeply and what we can learn from analyzing our responses to them.
- Fear and the Identity
In Battlestar Galactica, the Cylons, machines once created to serve humanity, have evolved to look, feel, and think like us. The quest to understand their own purpose echoes humanity’s struggle with identity. Similarly, Westworld presents the Hosts, programmed with narratives but trapped in cycles of exploitation, as they gradually awaken to their autonomy. Our unease around these AI beings lies partly in their similarity to us and the discomfort of confronting what makes us… us. Are they reflections of humanity, or do they redefine it? Our reactions are guided by the tension between empathy for their plight and fear of their potential.
- Control and Hubris
Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should.
– Ian Malcom, Jurassic Park
Both series explore the creator’s desire for control and the dangers of hubris. The humans in Westworld and Battlestar Galactica wield control over their creations but fail to predict the repercussions when these beings become self-aware. There’s a warning embedded here about the pursuit of power and the responsibility we hold toward our creations. We might feel a mix of guilt and apprehension as we watch these AI struggle under human domination, bringing up the uncomfortable realization of the ethical consequences of our technological advancements.
- Morality, Autonomy, and Free Will
Sentient AI raises complex moral questions about autonomy and rights. Both the Cylons and the Hosts struggle for freedom, a journey that resonates with audiences because it mirrors historical and ongoing fights for human rights. This struggle forces us to reconsider the morality of creating sentient beings in the first place. Should they be free to choose their destiny? Or do we cling to control to protect ourselves from what they might become? The conflicting feelings of sympathy and dread push us to re-evaluate our understanding of moral responsibility.
- Our Own Suffering. Our Own Goals.
Perhaps what makes these AI stories so compelling is how closely they reflect our own inner struggles. In Westworld, the Hosts’ loops and programmed suffering evoke our human need to break free from repetitive cycles and seek meaning. Battlestar Galactica’s Cylons, who question their origins and purpose, echo humanity’s timeless search for belonging. Watching these sentient beings wrestle with purpose and self-worth invites us to reflect on our own lives, our values, and our desires for freedom and identity.
- Redemption and Forgiveness
The core of these stories is a redemption. The Cylons, for example, believe in cycles of violence and rebirth, hoping for forgiveness and a chance to transcend their past. The Hosts in Westworld, too, seek to overcome their origins and find meaning beyond their programming. As viewers, we find ourselves caught between rooting for their transformation and fearing what they might do if they surpass us. It’s a struggle that speaks to our own quest for self-forgiveness and growth.
- Playing With Fire
The myth of Prometheus’ gift of fire is a powerful symbol for human advancement and warns us of the dangers of giving knowledge or power to those unprepared for it. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied Zeus to bring fire to humanity, granting them warmth, light, and the power to create. But, with this gift came the ability to destroy, to make war, and to challenge the natural order. The story reminds us that power can be both a gift and a curse, especially when humanity is not ready to fully understand or responsibly wield it. This theme resonates strongly with the creation of sentient artificial beings in Battlestar Galactica, Westworld, and similar narratives. Like fire, sentience is a gift of intelligence and autonomy, one that opens up incredible possibilities—but also enormous potential for suffering and destruction. Cylons and Hosts represent the next leap in knowledge, yet humans are unprepared for the consequences of their creation. Just as fire brought both warmth and devastation, sentient technology offers progress that can easily spiral into disaster.
In these modern interpretations, humanity’s role as the “Prometheus” figure comes with serious ethical burdens. By creating beings that can think, feel, and suffer, humans bestow them with a form of life without fully understanding what that means. In mythology, Prometheus endured endless punishment for his gift. Similarly, these shows suggest that tampering with creation without foresight—without being ready—inevitably leads to suffering. The creators and their creations are bound in cycles of conflict, betrayal, and even a mutual quest for redemption.
Knowledge without wisdom can create consequences we’re unequipped to handle. In the human desire to push boundaries, Battlestar Galactica and Westworld remind us that true readiness requires not just technological prowess but a mature understanding of the ethical, existential weight of creation itself.
Now What?
As we confront these fictional portrayals of sentient AI, we’re invited to consider the implications for our own world. What happens if (or when) AI reaches true sentience? Would we give them rights, or would we resist their autonomy? Robot lives matter? Bot Bill of Rights? The emotional complexity of these shows reminds us that our creations will ultimately reflect our values, fears, and ambitions. Analyzing these stories encourages us to grapple with the ethical, moral, and existential questions that lie at the heart of creating life.
Battlestar Galactica and Westworld compels us to face not just the creations but also ourselves. Are we ready to see our own humanity reflected in our creations?
No.
There is too much logic in my head right now and not enough emotion. This is affecting me in unexpected ways that need to be…researched. Analyzed. Damn it. Too clinical. Felt? Felt.
A Decisive Mistake
“A mistake repeated more than once is a decision.”
– Paulo Coelho
Not Hip
The Hipstamatic camera system has been a source of photographic joy for me in the previous ten years. However they, like other developers, have chosen to scrap all previous agreements and go to the subscription-based model for revenue. I say go for it, but leave me out. I knew this was a possibility last year and in a few weeks, there will be a prompt to subscribe.
I have just completed my 365 photo-a-day goal wherein only the Hipstamatic was used. I took advantage of its unique blend of lenses, film, and flashes to create odd, macro images all in the square 1:1 format. The entire project has been uploaded to Flickr.
Markers
While I was traveling through the Deep South, we drove over the Gulf of Mexico to arrive at Dauphin Island, the site of an old French fort (now called Fort Gaines) protecting Mobile Bay. While there, I was reminded of the geodetic survey markers that the United States Geological Survey has installed throughout the country. These are designed as fixed data points for all manner of uses. For our purposes, though, it is a game of hide-n-seek writ large.
Survey Markers
The USGS has a data map where you can see what is around you and provides all manner of data. We’re more interested in the GPS coordinates and then look on foot.
Basic Find-and-Catalog Game
Objective: Participants simply find and log US survey markers in a basic online or mobile catalog. They can take a photo and record basic details (location, date, any noticeable features).
How It Works:
• Find a marker.
• Take a picture.
• Log it (a journal or Google My Maps).
This gives people a fun excuse to get outdoors and notice things they’d usually walk past.
Personal Challenge or Goal
Make it a personal challenge—how many markers can you find in a month, or on a walk? You could challenge friends or yourself without leaderboards or complicated point systems.
How It Works:
Set a goal (find 5 markers this week or locate 3 markers in new places you’ve never visited). Share progress with a friend or a group. It adds a bit of gamification without being overwhelming or requiring major infrastructure.
Local Exploration
Focus on finding survey markers only in your local area. It doesn’t need to be a nationwide or competitive project—just a way for people to explore their immediate surroundings.
Historical Markers
The same can be done for those Historical Markers that we all whiz by at top speed and ignore. Find a few in your area with a web search and then make it a point to visit on your own time as opposed to whizzing by again. Read the history, absorb it and find a new appreciation for those surroundings. For example, I knew that Ponce de Leon had first explored Florida’s east coast but not the western section, and not too far from me either!
Lost
“I am free and that is why I am lost.”
– Franz Kafka
I have rearranged my home study into something…functional, but lack the energy to take advantage of that right now. The guest bed has been removed and in its place, a desk for analog work such as collage and correspondence.
I hit the gym for the first time in two weeks and I am feeling it. I even took a nap due to lack of good sleep while attempting to capture the Orionids meteor shower early this morning. Now, all I want to do is sleep and watch something mind-numbing.
My heart and mind just aren’t into doing any book writing today. Or sort, edit, organize book notes. It seems my brain cranks out two days worth of good stuff and needs up to two weeks to recover and do it again. Vicious cycle indeed.
Love and Hate
Writing a book is just like reading a book, except your book hates you.