Is Artificial Intelligence Possible? Plus RiffTrax: Live, AI Movie Trivia, SyFy’s Face Off, IWSG, and New Releases

Is Artificial Intelligence Possible?

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction episode five covered intelligent Machines. Everything from 2001 to I, Robot. (Although when Cameron talked about the two most iconic and loved robots in cinema and Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot from MST3K were not mentioned in the episode, I was a little disappointed.)

But on the topic of artificial intelligence – will man create or will a robot develop artificial intelligence?

My answer – probably not.

The episode showed a clip from the new Westworld – the technicians showing the robot that no matter what, her thoughts and reactions were all programmed in through branch logic. And in that lies the rub – a computer cannot vary from its programming. An artificial intelligence would have to be one hundred percent free of the confines of its programming. It would have to be able to think, interact and grow beyond the shackles of ones and zeros.

I just don’t believe that is possible.

First, we’d have to create a mind equal to our own. A computer brain just as complex as our own. That obviously can’t happen because we’ve only scratched the surface of our own understanding of the mind. And for those with spiritual foundation, could we create something as amazing as God created? No, because the creator is always going to be greater than what was created. Therefore, we cannot create something equal to ourselves.

Now, animals have intelligence. But when we are talking AI, we mean intelligence on our level. Considering that, what would it take for something to truly come alive? A soul? People have souls. But nothing else does. If it took a soul, could we give it one? Again, no – only God creates souls.

So, whether relying on fact and science or faith and God, I don’t believe we will ever see true AI.

What do you think?

RiffTrax Live

This Thursday, it’s RiffTrax Live - Space Mutiny!

This summer join the guys who make movies funny -- Mike, Kevin, and Bill -- as they take on the hilariously bad sci-fi epic, Space Mutiny. Combine a wardrobe of spandex and tinfoil; a set boasting AstroTurf® and spray-painted floor buffers; and special effects that, well, aren't so special, and you've got one of the most hysterical cheeseball movies to ever come out of the '80s. Grab your friends and have a riot with this riff on the underground cult hit, guaranteed to have you in stitches.

Live in theaters across the USA on June 14 with an encore on June 19.

Face Off

SyFy’s hit show Face Off is back for its thirteenth season!

It’s another all-star cast (contestants from previous seasons who just missed being in the finale) and the artists go head-to-head this time. Each person faces off another team member as they both bring their version of a challenge/creature/prompt to life. Episode one proved that no matter what the concept, no two artists will be even remotely alike.

If you’ve never seen the show, check it out. It’s fascinating as the makeup comes together, plus the members help each other when they get in jams. (So refreshing!) And there’s sometimes a guest judge! Tuesday evenings at nine o’clock on the SyFy Channel.

IWSG 

Another great IWSG post day! Thanks to my co-hosts and fellow IWSG Admins.

The question regarding book titles or character names being more difficult sparked some great responses. (Book titles seemed to be the most difficult.) It’s also great to hear from other writers that day. For some, it might be the only day they post a month. But that’s great – it keeps them in touch with other writers and gives them a chance to share.

Don’t forget the upcoming IWSG events:

IWSG post day in July will be Tuesday, July 3 – not the first Wednesday.

The IWSG Goodreads Book Club is currently discussing Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat.

The next #IWSGPit is Thursday, July 19, 2018, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Recent Releases

Tall, Dark, and Undead by Sandra Cox
Gutsy, kick-ass Suzanne James has no intention of complicating her life by falling in love…especially with a vampire.
Find it on Amazon

The Trumpeter's New Clothes by Robyn Alana Engel
A delightfully clever modern-day spin on Hans Christian Andersen's classic children's tale, The Emperor's New Clothes.
Find it on Amazon

Just a Job by Patsy Collins
A collection of 25 short stories
Find it on Amazon

Movie Trivia

Movies featuring artificial intelligence! Name the film from the year and the star.

1 – 1982, Jeff Bridges
2 – 2014, Alicia Vikander
3 – 1982, Harrison Ford
4 – 2002, Milla Jovovich
5 – 1927, Brigitte Helm
6 – 1986, Ally Sheedy
7 – 2016, Felicity Jones
8 – 1983, Matthew Broderick
9 – 1996, Patrick Stewart
10 – 1986, Sigourney Weaver

Answers next Monday!

Do you think artificial intelligence is possible? Ready for RiffTrax: Live? Watching Face Off? Enjoy IWSG post day? Picking up some new book? And can you answer the trivia?

Retro A to Z Challenge: M – Megadeth 1985 (and SyFy's Face Off)

Megadeth – Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! – 1985

This was the first Megadeth album and featured the title song and Rattlehead Rock. The band was founded by Dave Mustaine after he was thrown out of Metallica. While not my favorite, it ushered in a new era in thrash metal. The band continues to produce albums, and Mustaine has since cleaned up his act. (He's a husband, father, and born-again Christian.)

1985 fun facts –
*Cost of new home - $89,330 / UK - $40,169 pounds
*Cost of gas - $1.09
*First class stamp - .22 cents
*The first version of Windows 1.0 was released
*Compact Discs made their first appearance
*The wreck of the Titanic was located

Movies released – 
Fright Night
Young Sherlock Holmes
Day of the Dead
Cocoon
Better Off Dead
Real Genius

Music released –
Dokken – Under Lock and Key
Dio – Sacred Heart
Rush – Power Windows

Game released –
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego

And why is 1985 special?
It’s the year Bish Denham met her husband and they were married that same year in September.

Bish is an author and a storyteller. She grew up in the Virgin Islands and often features moments and images from that time. Bish is also the master of synonyms and overused words. She’s a sweetheart, devoted friend, and doesn’t look old enough to have grandchildren. She also has a great sense of humor! Bish blogs at Random Thoughts.

Ninja News!

Carrie Butler is celebrating her third blog anniversary with a very special blogfest project:
I want to compile a free e-book for writers who are just starting on their road to publication, using advice from the most brilliant, up-and-coming voices in the industry: you guys!
See her site for details.

Available now!
Destruction by Sharon Bayliss
Buy it on Amazon

Face Off

Not your ordinary reality show – Face Off is a special effects make-up artist competition.
It’s fun to watch the contestants design and build their creations using silicone and whatever they find in the studio. Each week they are given a prompt and must design an ‘outfit’ to be worn by a model. The focus is on concept as much as execution. It’s an excellent show for creative types.
Catch it on the SyFy Channel.

Fan of Megadeth? (And can you believe they’ve been around that long?) Following the talented Bish? Can you contribute to Carrie’s book? Have you watched Face Off? And what do you remember about 1985…?