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ChatGPT: Humans in Space 

Introducing ChatGPT 

We’ve trained a model called ChatGPT which interacts in a conversational way. The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer followup questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.  

Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. ChatGPT May 3 Version 

https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

From my first session with ChatGPT 

First questions 

LJ: Can human beings sustain life in outer space? 

ChatGPT: Human beings cannot sustain life in the vacuum of outer space without proper protective equipment. Exposure to the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and lack of oxygen, would be lethal to humans. 

However, with the right equipment, such as a spacesuit or a spacecraft, humans can survive for short periods in space. Astronauts on the International Space Station, for example, live and work in a controlled environment that provides them with the necessary air, water, food, and protection from the harsh space environment. 

In the long term, scientists are exploring the possibility of establishing permanent human settlements in space, such as on Mars or in space habitats. However, significant technological advancements and infrastructure would be required to make this a reality. 

[Editor’s note: The answer is “no.”] 

LJ: What is the likelihood of humans transporting all their bad characteristics (racism, classism, elitism, hatred, poverty, greed, etc.) to a new colony on another planet? 

ChatGPT: It is highly likely that humans would transport their negative characteristics, such as racism, classism, elitism, hatred, poverty, greed, etc., to a new colony on another planet if they were to establish one. 

This is because these negative characteristics are deeply ingrained in human society and culture and are often the result of complex historical, social, and economic factors. Even if humans were to start fresh on a new planet, they would still bring their cultural baggage and biases with them, which could lead to the perpetuation of these negative characteristics. 

Moreover, the establishment of a new colony on another planet would likely be a resource-intensive and highly competitive endeavor, which could exacerbate existing inequalities and power dynamics. This could lead to the emergence of new forms of classism, elitism, and greed. 

However, it is also possible that humans could learn from their mistakes and work to create a more equitable and just society on a new planet. This would require a concerted effort to address these negative characteristics and build a culture that values diversity, equality, and cooperation. 

LJ: What is space expanding into? 

ChatGPT: The expansion of space refers to the phenomenon where the distances between galaxies and other celestial objects in the universe are increasing over time. It is not the case that space is expanding into anything, rather it is the fabric of space itself that is expanding. 

The concept of space expanding can be difficult to visualize, but one way to think about it is to imagine the surface of a balloon being inflated. As the balloon expands, the dots on its surface move away from each other, just as galaxies in the universe are moving away from each other as space expands. 

The expansion of space is thought to have started with the Big Bang, the event that is believed to have given rise to the universe as we know it. Since then, the universe has been expanding and cooling, and the expansion of space is accelerating due to a mysterious force called dark energy. 

While the idea that space itself can expand may seem strange, it is a fundamental concept in modern cosmology and is supported by a wide range of observational evidence, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, the large-scale distribution of galaxies, and the brightness of distant supernovae. 

LJ: What was the first language on Earth? 

ChatGPT: It is not possible to determine with certainty what the first language on Earth was. This is because language is a uniquely human creation, and there is no direct evidence that can be used to determine the origin of language. 

However, linguistic scholars have studied the development and evolution of languages and have proposed various theories about the origins of language. One of the most widely accepted theories is that language emerged gradually over a long period of time, as early humans developed the cognitive and vocal abilities necessary for communication. 

According to this theory, the first languages on Earth would have been primitive and simple, consisting of a limited number of words and basic grammatical structures. These early languages would have evolved over time, as humans developed more complex cultures and societies and as different groups of humans migrated to different parts of the world and developed their own unique languages. 

While it is not possible to determine what the first language on Earth was, it is clear that language has been a vital and defining aspect of human culture and society for tens of thousands of years. Today, there are over 7,000 distinct languages spoken around the world, each with its own unique history, structure, and cultural significance. 

LJ: Where was the first settlement for humanity? 

ChatGPT: The exact location of the first settlement for humanity is not known, as it predates recorded history and archaeological evidence of early human settlements is often limited and incomplete. 

However, based on current scientific evidence, it is believed that the earliest human ancestors, such as Australopithecus and Homo erectus, originated in Africa and began to spread out to other parts of the world about two million years ago. 

The earliest known human settlements are from the Stone Age, when humans began to develop agriculture and domestication of animals. Some of the oldest known human settlements are in the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East that includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. The settlements in this region date back to around 10,000 BCE and were characterized by the development of agriculture and the domestication of plants and animals. 

Other early human settlements have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For example, the ancient city of Jericho in present-day Palestine, which dates back to around 8000 BCE, is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. 

Overall, the exact location of the first human settlement is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to have been in Africa, and from there, humans gradually spread out to other parts of the world. 

LJ: Are humans stardust? 

ChatGPT: Yes, in a sense, humans are made of stardust. The atoms that make up our bodies were created inside stars billions of years ago through nuclear fusion processes. Elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and iron, which are essential components of all life on Earth, were formed through the fusion of lighter elements in the cores of stars. When stars reach the end of their lifecycles, they can explode in supernova events, scattering these newly formed elements into space. Over time, this stardust can come together to form new stars, planets, and ultimately, life. So, in a way, we are all made of the remnants of ancient stars. 

LJ: Is eternal life based on our composition? 

ChatGPT: Eternal life, in the sense of living forever, is a concept that has been explored in many different cultures and belief systems. From a biological perspective, our ability to live indefinitely is limited by the natural processes of aging and death. Over time, our cells and tissues accumulate damage that can eventually lead to the failure of vital organs and systems. However, some scientists and researchers are exploring the possibility of extending human lifespan through advances in medical technology and genetic engineering. 

In terms of our composition, the idea of eternal life is often linked to the concept of the soul or spirit, which is believed by many religions to be an immaterial aspect of human consciousness that persists beyond physical death. The nature and existence of the soul is a topic of much debate and speculation, and its relationship to our physical bodies and composition is a matter of belief and interpretation. 

After several tangents… 

LJ: Could Earth itself be a human colony? 

ChatGPT: The idea that Earth could be a human colony is a topic of speculation and science fiction rather than a scientific theory or fact. While there is no evidence to support the idea that humans were placed on Earth by an extraterrestrial civilization or that Earth was specifically designed to support human life, it is impossible to rule out the possibility entirely. 

From a scientific perspective, the currently accepted explanation for the origin of life on Earth is that it arose spontaneously through natural processes. The theory of evolution explains how life on Earth has evolved and diversified over billions of years. There is no evidence to suggest that humans were placed on Earth by any external force or agency. 

While the idea of Earth as a human colony may be an interesting topic for speculation, it is not supported by any scientific evidence or mainstream scientific theory. 

LJ: How many galaxies are known in the universe? 

ChatGPT: The exact number of galaxies in the universe is not known, as the observable universe is estimated to contain between 100 billion to 2 trillion galaxies. However, it’s important to note that the observable universe is just a small fraction of the entire universe, which could be much larger than we currently know. 

LJ: What is the percentage of possibility of life elsewhere in the universe? 

ChatGPT: It’s difficult to estimate a precise percentage, but given the vastness of the universe and the number of potentially habitable planets that have been discovered, many scientists believe that it is highly likely that there is some form of life elsewhere in the universe. The exact nature and complexity of that life, however, is still unknown. 

LJ: Were mermaids real? 

ChatGPT: Mermaids are mythical creatures that have been a part of folklore and legends for centuries. There is no scientific evidence that suggests the existence of mermaids in reality. While there have been reports of mermaid sightings throughout history, these have been largely dismissed as hoaxes, misidentifications of known creatures, or the result of imagination and storytelling. Therefore, it is generally accepted that mermaids are not real. 

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Sugar Free Diva – Peanut Butter Cookies

As a life long sugar addict, the thought of cutting cutting sugar completely out of my life always seemed like an impossible feat. But apparently I only needed the right incentive. For the last couple of months, I have been sampling various sweeteners that have no impact on my glucose level. Non-sugar sweeteners is a whole new world.

I enjoy baking a great deal. After buying multiple sugar-free sweeteners, I decided to try baking some of my favs with low-to-no-carbs/no sugar recipes. So far, I’ve tried banana bread, banana bread bread pudding. The banana bread was made with a blend of all-purpose flour, coconut flour and almond flour. I didn’t get the blend right. It was super grainy and dry so I tried to save it by turning it into a bread pudding. Somehow, even with soaking it in milk before baking, it was still dry and grainy. I’m gonna have to keep working on that one.

Last week, I attempted a banana pudding. It was a pleasant surprise and has its own post. Next up are sugar-free sweet potato pie and caramel cake. #Crossingmyfingers but I want to be ready for the holidays 😊

I came across this Peanut Butter Cookie recipe on the Sugar Free Diva blog. It’s extremely simple with only three ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sweetener and an egg. So far, I’ve made it about five different ways. I’ve cut the sweetener to a 1/3 or 1/4 after the first time. These trials will have their own post as well. For now, if you’re looking for some good recipes for sugar-free and low carb baking, check out The Sugar Free Diva.

Bon appétit!

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#VirtualRoadTrip: Sunset Crater Volcano

May 4 marks two months of self-isolation. I had actually been really sick the last two weeks of February. In hindsight, I think I was infected with #covid19 most likely in late December. I has something of a pre-illness the first week of January while traveling overseas. The February illness was full force with an extremely high fever. So essentially, I’ve been laying low and moving very slowly since January. However, from January to March, I felt very anxious and forced my self to move through my illness and fatigue. By the time I got checked out at a clinic on March 3rd, I had no fever and was generally feeling better, but couldn’t get rid of a hacking, exhausting cough. At that point I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. There’s no telling how bad things were when I was too ill to drive myself to a clinic.

All that said, you can probably understand why I’m fantasizing about a road trip. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I’m not brace enough to hit the road yet. So below, I share some images from my Arizona road trip taken in September 2018 at Sunset Crater Volcano near Flagstaff.

Cheers to your good health and vivid imagination!

 

 

 

 

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Quote: When will I know?

Miles Morales: When will I know I’m ready?
Peter B. Parker: You won’t. It’s a leap of faith. Thats all it is, Miles. It’s a leap of faith.

Later….

Peter B. Parker: How do I know I won’t screw up again?

Myles Morales: You don’t. It’s…

Peter B. Parker: I know… a leap of faith.

from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

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Book Review: The Good Death: An Exploration of Dying in America

The Good Death: An Exploration of Dying in AmericaThe Good Death: An Exploration of Dying in America by Ann Neumann

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Good Death: An Exploration of Dying in America by Ann Neumann

One of the first phrases to stand out to me was part of a story Ann Neumann shared of a terminal man in the Midwest. He thought it was important to “participate in our own death.” (p 69)

There was a very strong sense that Ann Neumann was directing her words and somewhat undercover activism to a very distinct audience. Her audience was very much so white middle class, middle aged women. There were several times in the text when my neck snapped back in affront as if she assumed anyone outside of her preferred audience would have no interest in or understanding of a good death.

This was a book I was looking forward to reading when it was shared as the next selection for my book club. I read the first couple of chapters with great interest and anticipation. Somewhere approaching the center of the book, she got off topic or changed strategies that took away a great deal from the reading experience. By the end, I felt it was a fruitless book with a misleading title and subtitle.

One of the main things that was off-putting was the author’s off-handed handling of medical ethics. Neumann lost credibility with me on page 93 when she wrote one line on the Tuskegee Airmen experiments, which involved more than 600 black men, as being “observed but not treated for syphilis” when doctors knowingly misdiagnosed, lied and refused to treat the disease… and most likely gave the disease to those who did not have it. All because they reportedly wanted to watch the debilitating effects the disease has on black bodies as well as document their deaths from it. Neumann later spent twenty full pages on one woman in a coma. She exhausted the medical and personal ethics involved in keeping one young white woman on life support who may not have even wanted to be on life support had she been able to choose. Then there were the thirty pages she wrote pro-life conferences and how the conservative Christian right is a danger to the “right to die with dignity” movement. These fifty pages were followed by another thirty pages itemizing the online disputes with disabled bloggers who saw the terminally ill’s right to die with dignity as a threat to their own personal safety under the care of medical professionals.

I confess I remain unable to connect these tangents. More so because one of the last personal profiles in the book is of a terminally ill imprisoned Latino man who was either a dreamer or a braggart. Neumann was disgusted by him and didn’t understand why he would share elaborate stories with her about his former life or his supposedly non-existent future. She actually wrote how she had no compassion for him and his situation. Yet she began the book writing about being a hospice volunteer to better understand the process of dying.

How is Neumann an authority on death? She concluded, “There is no good death, I now know…. But there is a good enough death…. knowing death makes facing it bearable…. And there is really one kind of bad death, characterized by the same bad facts: pain, denial, prolongation, loneliness.” (p210)

I stalled on the last chapter for a couple of weeks. I ended up finishing it while on vacation during a day trip to Tombstone, AZ. It proved to be a good fit with the Tombstone aesthetic. Ann Neumann’s writing is reminiscent of Tombstone, a town that celebrates death and killing from a bygone age. The town’s tourism thrives on ghost stories, hauntings and remembering the wild viciousness of lawless times. Neumann celebrates the privilege of white middle-class, middle-aged Americans. She goes on a grotesque exploration of what she thinks are horror stories in bioethics and medical morality while exhibiting no curiosity or compunction whatsoever for atrocities against humanity on mass scales.

View all my reviews

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Experimental Baker: Discovering Cherry Pies

A few weeks ago, I had the best cherry pie I’ve ever had. I’m not a big fan of fruit pies so I don’t often try them… so that may not be saying much. However, I’m still chasing that flavor. This weekend I attempted my second cherry pie-ish dessert and I’m quite pleased.

The perfect cherry pie…

The pie that changed my dessert life, was in my work cafeteria. From that you should gather it was nothing super fancy, but it was amazing. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart and a beautiful bright red. It had a bottom crust that was somehow flaky and slightly chewy at the same time. It was topped by a thick crumb top that blended deliciously with the filling with each bite.

I’ve been stalking the cafeteria dessert table ever since. That cherry pie has not returned. Being me, I’ve tried to make my own.

Since this might be a thing, here’s background…

I enjoy baking, but I don’t cook or bake too often. Like cooks, bakers become better with practice. I’m out of practice. And I’m my only taster. Fortunately, over the years I’ve learned to take baked goods into the office for shared consumption or freeze them for later consumption. Not that that’s helped my waistline. Anyway, not everything is a hit. Mostly everything is a nice blend of hit and miss!

I won’t share exactly what I did, ’cause it’s not all great, but the experimenting is fun!

Attempt #1: Cherry Blackberry Pie

I love sweets. And I’ve been trying to ween myself off sugar and refined foods for last couple of years. Over the last year, I’ve been experimenting with baking with all natural products (for the most part). What I’ve learned in my experiments, is sometimes the best sweetener is the worst sugar for you. #StillAWorkInProgress

I do my own thing by “improving on other people’s stuff. I didn’t want canned cherries; I found frozen cherries. I was also ok using a frozen crust. I started my cherry filling with this recipe (Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling). Then I added my standard seasonings that I put in almost everything: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger. With a pinch of salt and black pepper. Knowing me, I probably added a dab of cayenne pepper too – I got hooked on that a while ago.

After that, I went completely off-script and tossed in a handful of frozen blackberries from my freezer. Completely forgot about the seeds. Seeds in my pie filling were a complete miss. Ruined the gentle chewy experience I wanted. Then I tossed in the starch without sifting it. It beaded up in the mixture; the beads did not dissolve, causing a hiccup in the texture.

I baked it as a two crust pie. The flavor was phenomenal. An absolute hit! Cherries and blackberries with honey, spices and a kick of pepper, oh my!

Attempt #2: Cherry Cream Cheese Pockets and Roll-ups

I hit Costco this week and they had fresh cherries. 🙂 I bought four pounds with the thought of trying another cherry pie.

A couple of weeks ago I tried my hand at beef empanadas. I still had a pack of pastry wraps in my freezer from that experiment. I also had cream cheese in the fridge from a prior baking plan. I decided to try pockets and roll-ups.

20170107_002845.jpgI basically followed the same pie filling recipe from above, starting with two cups of fresh pitted cherries. Nothing else was really measured. I boomed, powed, bammed to taste. Added my standard spices and seasonings, a bit of honey, Sugar in the Raw, and brown sugar (probably no more than 3 tablespoons of each, give or take). Forgot the vanilla this time. No additional fruit was added. This time I sifted the starch and dissolved it in hot water (about a quarter of a cup) before adding it to the cherry mix. Just adding the starch mixture (roux?) to the cherry mix didn’t do anything. I had turned off the heat. When I turned the heat back on and started stirring I got this beautiful shiny compote.

This time, everything about the cherry filling was a hit!

I wasn’t crazy about the pastry dough though. I rolled them too thin for the pockets. The bottom had a thin hard crunch to it. The top wasn’t as hard but was still thin.

20170107_003004
You can certainly tell which was the fisrt roll-up… but see how much better I got with practice 😉

I liked th20170107_002637.jpgis as a roll up better. The dough in the middle had some of the chewy I was going for.

I only cooked one pocket without the cream cheese. So glad it was only one. The cherry and cream cheese together was an absolute hit!

If you have any cherry pie goodness to share, please do!