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This collection of reader letters explores the quirky intersections of daily life, from mistaken identities at Sculpture by the Sea to the philosophical implications of AI communication. It delves into the world of cryptic crossword anagrams, celebrates the culinary versatility of the humble rabbit, and recounts a chance encounter with a movie legend at a payphone. The entry concludes with a query about using music to repel nocturnal pests.
Sometimes it's the fine line: "Years ago, I was minding the marquees at Martin Place selling brochures for Sculpture by the Sea," writes Aiko Hagiwara of North Turramurra.
"One young gentleman was watching me from a distance at lunchtime. Finally, he approached me and asked, 'Are you Yoko Ono?
'" George Manojlovic of Mangerton gets the jump on us: "Is this mere coincidence, like Mal, Jono and Vic (C8)? Two items in Column 8 this week involve cryptic crossword anagrams ('Put Berlin' and 'Marie Tim'). Another item extols the virtues of eating rabbit ('Underground mutton').
Then along comes Nedra Orme with her bunya pine, an anagram of 'a bunny pie'. What are you up to, Granny?
Ross Krippner AI Reflections
" More polarising AI chat (C8), this time from Ross Krippner of Bangalow: "All this talk of potentially nefarious AI super computers had me reflecting on an unsettling piece of science-fiction from years ago, wherein all the computers in the galaxy were connected as one, and the ultimate question was put to it. The question, 'Is there a God?
', was chillingly answered, 'There is now'. Ironically, AI was able to tell me that this was from a short story 'written by Fredric Brown, and published in his 1954 collection, *Space on my Hands*'. The story was titled 'Answer'.
" "For the rest of us mere mortals whose entries only occasionally make publication here in Column 8, a personal AI investigation is a sobering confirmation of one's place in the true order of things," laments Paul Taylor of Winston Hills. Regarding celebrity encounters (C8), Don White of Frenchs Forest was at LAX in the early 1970s on a visit to the US: "I was waiting for a payphone when the guy ahead - after fumbling in his pockets - asked me if I had a spare dime.
Marlon Brando Payphone Encounter
From my handful of loose change I displayed for him, he picked one out, saying 'Thanks, Buddy, I owe you'. After he finished his call, I noticed people rushing up to him asking for an autograph, which was quietly declined. When I asked someone who he was, I was told 'Marlon Brando, of course'. I never did receive my dime back.
" "This learned column has often suggested music as a way of deterring unwanted animals," notes Jo Rainbow of Orange. "Fruit bats and Kamahl, mating frogs and Crazy Frog. As bogong moths (C8) have excellent hearing and are drawn to light, does anyone have a recommendation for the best music to deter them from the bedroom? Do you think Barry Manilow would do the trick or is he too light and fluffy? "
Sculpture By The Sea Yoko Ono Cryptic Crossword Fredric Brown AI Marlon Brando Music Pests
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