Unless you live in a cave, you must know about the ongoing war between the Israelites and the Palestinians. The hatred between the Jews and the Muslims predates any other rivalry in our time. But did you know that around 782 to 753 B.C. God told a Jew to warn an Arab nation of impending doom? Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city of Upper Mesopotamia, located on the outskirts of Mosul in modern-day northern Iraq. It had a square area of about 60 miles and a population of 120,000. In other words this is a factual event --- not a fish story … well, you know what I mean.

Aliens have lived among us for decades, maybe centuries, maybe since forever. They must value humankind because, even with their advanced technology, they haven't eliminated us yet. Are they here to protect us from ourselves? Are we a big experiment? Are they as curious of us as we are of them?

Drake asked me to speak on Artificial Intelligence at the Rotary Club of West Covina last Wednesday. I spoke on a similar subject last month and I was hoping to use the same material but the rapid growth of the technology in just a month forced me to rewrite my presentation. As expected, there were a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about the future among the audience. What I didn’t expect was who my friend Drake (not his real name) really was.

We went to the beach last Sunday. You’d think that I would take in that ocean air more often considering the Pacific Ocean is less than 20 miles away from me; but no. I always think I would do it next week and next week never comes. Similarly, I regret I didn't visit the Smithsonian Museums more often when I lived near Washington, DC. Yup! I admit it. I’m part of the Procrasti-Nation. If you’re honest, you’re part of it too.

It's been my childhood dream to work for a creative company like Disney. I would spend hours tracing cartoons and memorizing strokes … marveling at the animation, the brochures, the books, the soundtrack of the things that came out of the Imagineering headquarters in Burbank. I was willing to work for free just to be an animator … but somehow I never got the breaks … I never found a mentor. The only one who taught me about work was my Dad who only had an ounce of art appreciation in his blood.

I am super pumped up. I organized a neighborhood “People and Pets Potluck Picnic” this Saturday and I'm expecting a lot of people. We’re having games (volleyball, badminton, bocce balls) and a Pack Walk (dog walk) around the block. It’s the first time we’re doing this. A million things can go wrong --- exciting! We have a lot of kids and dogs so it’s gonna be chaos … fun chaos I hope. The neighbors will finally get to talk to one another. Our dogs will finally bark and smell each other.

I had a physical exam the other day. Before seeing the doctor, I was given some standard health questions about smoking, drinking, allergies and family history, etc. but there was a new section that gauged any loneliness and depression --- alluding (I assume) to suicidal tendencies. I guess the hospitals are finally addressing the growing epidemic of suicide all over the world. Indeed, more and more people have lost hope in this confusing world. What a tragedy.

It’s beginning to look a lot like summer. Goodbye winter coats! Hello Hawaiian shirts, tank tops, bikinis, sunglasses and suntan lotions! I don’t know about you but I kinda like the bright sunny skies. It’s like creation announcing its presence in all its glory. I feel like stepping outside in the heat and welcoming this bright day. So far, no forest fires. So far no earthquake. It’s a true gift from God.

I’ve been studying Artificial Intelligence. Although I’m far from being an expert, I think I know my way around, so I volunteered to give a talk on the “Pandora’s Box of Artificial Intelligent Art” at the La Habra Art Gallery this July 16. Come on down if you’re interested and available. It will be a bit technical but I hope to give a demo on how you can avail of the technology today. Even if AI is above your pay grade, you’ll see what the process is like and you will see how far advanced we’ve come.

I stared at the wrinkles in his face. Age spots have replaced the teenage pimples on his cheeks. His full jet black hair has turned sparse like naked tree branches in a wintry landscape; and there’s a growing acre of a bald spot at the top of his head which is inching its way closer to meet the receding hairline on his forehead.