I have noticed that more and more of late Siri seems to be getting dumber as time goes by. While there was always a general acknowledgement that Siri was the "dumbest" of the smart assistants it was generally serviceable, especially if you needed it to do the basics i.e. play music on your apple devices. Because it is a machine and machines do not understand natural language one always had be careful with the prompts. Instructions kept simple were always implemented.

Nowadays the very same instructions that I've given Siri over the years seem to no longer work. Siri reverts with the same "I've found some web results, ask again from your phone" reply.

I'm beginning to suspect that Apple has shifted resources from base Siri to the deal it has with OpenAI for Siri integration. Alternatively, perhaps Apple has deliberately "dumbed" down Siri in a push to get more people to use "Apple Intelligence." The problem with Apple Intelligence is that it requires heavy computing power that basic Siri enabled devices such as my HomePods do not have. I don't need 99% of what Apple is offering through their partnership with OpenAI. I just need some basic level of common sense when asking Siri to play something on my HomePod.

More thoughts on "A.I" here.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you dear reader that soon-to-have-been US AG Gaetz has withdrawn his application for the position. While many will speculate on the reasons for his withdrawal, it is evident that there is a sum too high and a cadre too devious suckling on the teats of the American cash-cow. Congealed blood that has coagulated around America’s open sores. Not to provide much needed healing but to prevent fresh blood from flowing and sweeping through the disease killing the American sub-continent and with it the rest of the world.

Many soldiers have trudged on this past four years to a much needed victory. Victory that was both sweet and hard-won. Yet, it is evident that there is yet to be rest for their weary souls. Many have set up encampment on a hillside they mistakenly believe to be a place of final respite. Elysian fields to renew their weary souls as they lazily stare off into the horizon scoffing down hearty meals while they make merry. Yet, yonder, slightly farther than the eye can see a fire rages. The weary troops are but two steps from hell, quenching their thirst with water from the river styx. 

During this lull, the troops should not put down their armour. They should simply take it off for the briefest of moments to be polished by the armour bearers, ready for one last battle. One that has already encroached on their victory day celebrations. One that threatens to be drawn out over the next few years. Resilience, hope and courage will fuel this fight. Discouragement will come and it will come in spades. An enemy in retreat is a ferocious beast. There will be betrayals and there will be losses too great to fathom. In honour of those lost and the hard-won victory the fight has to go on.

This being said, these are the words of but a humble blacksmith. One who has set up shop close to the encampment, staring at the gaetz of hell. Using the meagre skills I have to fashion arms for any in need. Arms hopefully Imbued with runes soon to be wielded in what should be a hellscape of ruins.

Image credit: Juuso Hämäläinen

Generally I don't comment on my home country, not because I don't want to but because often it feels like I don't have anything meaningful to add to the conversation. I also happen to be wilfully ignorant of a lot. When you grow up in a third world country there is no hope in politics, ideology or movements. As my dad says, in Africa only God can help us. While the statement drips of cynicism I actually do agree with it albeit for different reasons. Not just as a prescription for the third world but for the whole world. Hope isn't in ideology, movements or politics, only in Truth.

The tragedy of the third world isn't that politics can't be used as a force for good and for change. It's that often these concepts are high minded and take generations to seep into the public psyche, to only then be wiped out each election cycle. As one internauter put it, politics are a retirement plan, not a means for effective change.

I left the country not because I dislike it but because in third world countries one hits a ceiling in terms of development. Culture is different, tastes are different and the public has a limited set of desires based around one aspect: Survival. One doesn't get the opportunity to dream in that environment. Its part of why I've been planning to leave again as soon as I can. Also, my identity is not in my nationality, tribe or skin colour. I happen to be a citizen of another country. I have been since 2011 and that changed a lot in me.

I will perhaps put a proper piece together in the coming days.