Random Thoughts for September 15, 2023

A Smart Toilet and Westworld The other day I saw an ad for a smart toilet, and while it’s not the first time I have seen an ad for one of these advanced and expensive commodes, it is the first time that I tried to figure out what they do. I also found myself thinking about the old 1973 movie, “Westworld,” starring the late Yule Brynner. Westworld takes place at a futuristic resort where robots serve guests, doing whatever is needed to help them…relax. As the robots become more aware, they decide to turn on the guests and on those who run the place. Brynner plays a particularly scary cowboy robot who becomes determined to kill one of the guests named Peter Martin (played by Richard Benjamin), chasing him through the entire resort. So, what would happen if smart toilets become self aware and decide to pull off a Westworld type rebellion? The Elimination Race of NASCAR’s Round of Sixteen Tomorrow night I hope to watch this week’s NASCAR race which will determine the twelve drivers who will move into the second round of the playoffs. One driver that I hope does well is Bubba Wallace. (Yes, admit it. I’m rooting according to skin color in this one.) With Wallace being the only black driver racing in NASCAR, I hope he earns his way into the next round. Before the last race of the regular season, Wallace refused to do any interviews as he was stressed at facing his final opportunities to qualify for the playoffs. For this he was called out by at least one of the race commentators from NBC. In fact I think I understand the pressure Wallace was under. Being the only black in the room brings a sort of pressure that is hard to explain. This, on top of the pressure of being a part of a team that is co-owned by Michael Jordan (who is used to winning) and Denny Hamlin (winner of 50 Cup races) which I suspect brings a certain level of expectation. Above all I suspect that Wallace really wanted to make the playoffs, likely for a number of reasons. This isn’t to make excuses for Wallace not doing interviews. I just want to say that I have a very small understanding of the pressure that comes with representing. Only in Philly Live in the Philadelphia area and follow the teams long enough and you realize that there are a number of things that seem like they could only happen in Philly. Only in Philly, at the end of a two week long manhunt, would the escapee be found representing one of the local teams. In this case, the escaped convict was found wearing an Eagles sweatshirt. Oh well, at least he didn’t try to sing the fight song.