Most of the ads that pop up when I’m on the internet have some relationship to what I do or read, sometimes even what I might wear. But every once in a while something pops up that has absolutely no relationship to anything that relates to me.
Reading a story about climate change and the warming ocean an ad for 4-inch heel open toe shoes on skinny legs with rolled up jeans suddenly appeared. The toenails even had polish on them! I’m certainly used to ads for garden equipment, feeding hungry children, even suggested European travel, but 4-inch heels?
It’s that kind of strange anomaly that gives me hope. Computers are supposed to know everything about us, compiled from the data of stories we either read or stuff we buy. It’s really delightful when an ad for something totally unrelated to your life appears. It means your life really is your own. Though, I wonder, who would wear those 4-inch heel open toed shoes.
Prayer for the Day
It’s nice to start a new morning with a laugh, dear God,
For we realize that all the smarts of the world have us wrong;
Searching for ways to work for the establishment of your realm,
One of peace, truth and justice, we strive to be your disciples.
May we, O Lord, use our knowledge and skills to care for others,
As you have continued to care for us
In the name of the One who calls us to serve,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
- J.K. Rowling, British author
The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men, but that men will begin to think like computers.
- Sidney J. Harris, American journalist (1917-1986)
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
Beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
“To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.
O simple ones, learn prudence, acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right.
Proverbs 8:1-6