#RobotLivesDontMatter
https://t.co/DnSaT95ZUN
— Billmon (@billmon1) August 3, 2015
Americans destroy poor, sweet Canadian robot that was trying to hitchhike across country. http://t.co/uuO08Ffsh5
— Nicholas Thompson (@nxthompson) August 3, 2015
And just after Scott Walker came through Philly unscathed… The Washington Post reports:
The team behind hitchBot, the talking, tweeting, hitchhiking robot that tries to traverse continents on the kindness of strangers, had always thought of their project as a social experiment. After all the bad press and post-apocalyptic stories that questioned whether humans could ever trust robots, they wanted to pose the opposite problem: Can robots trust humans?
This weekend they got their answer. Robots can’t rely on us. Or at least, not Philadelphians.
The endearing droid that had thumbed his way across Germany, vacationed in the Netherlands and made the improbable 3,600-mile trek across Canada without incident survived just over two weeks and 300 miles in the United States. On Saturday its creators announced that hitchBot had been vandalized beyond repair and abandoned on a street in Philadelphia…
The Boston Globe (HitchBOT was a big hit with us gnerds) ran a story (with video) about the little robot over the weekend. On the other hand, the haterz in Phillie — and at Gawker — can only find their true potential in being the assholes they are.
***********
Apart from sad commentary, what’s on the agenda for the evening?
dmsilev
I think I’m going to spend the evening cursing three-weeks-ago-me who decided that booking an early morning flight tomorrow was a good idea. I have to be at the airport WHEN? I have to get up HOW EARLY?
Sigh.
shell
Dear me, if only humans had their own version of the Three Laws of Robotics.
I think Elijah Bailey first pondered that.
different-church-lady
Doesn’t prove much: Eagles fans would do that to an actual human in a heartbeat.
Gimlet
Officer in fear of his life? No green card? John Connor got it?
Jim, Foolish Literalist
Oy. MSNBC just had Bob Inglis– an GOP ex-MOC who got chopped by the Tea Party– to discuss climate change. He called for Cap’n’Trade but it’s up to Obama to offer Boehner the tax cut of his choice to offset it. Because tax cuts…? That’s “outside the box thinking”. And Boehner has shown himself so willing to meet Obama halfway.
Mnemosyne (tablet)
@different-church-lady:
I was going to say, aren’t we talking about a city that booed Santa Claus off the field?
Though I’ve heard Philadelphians claim Santa totally deserved it.
raven
@Mnemosyne (tablet): You canna no fool me, there is no Sanity Clause!
Joel
Burneko’s article made me laugh.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
he didn’t make it out of New Hampshire that way
I know that picture can be improved, Tom Tomorrow retweeted it with better resolution, but I can’t link to it.
@Mnemosyne (tablet): and I know pols getting booed at sporting events is dog-bites-man stuff, but this made me smile
The Republican presidential candidate [ETA: Christie] was on hand for the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, where he presented a trophy to first-place finisher American Pharoah’s handlers. While the crowd of more than 60,000 cheered for the Triple Crown winner, the governor elicited “long,” “loud,” “sustained” booing, according to NJ.com.
David Koch
First
Frank RizzoChip Kelley cuts/trades all the black players from the Eagles and now they murder a robotso much for brotherly luv
Elizabelle
Forbes story on Hitchbot’s demise mentioned Philly can give a rough welcome.
Snopes.com: I Saw Mommy Dissing Santa Claus
December 15, 1968.
Karen in GA
Placed an order for a macro lens last night. Very proud of myself for reaching the limits of my kit lens, knowing what I needed, and understanding what I was looking at while I was shopping around. Especially since when I got my DSLR, it sat in its box for weeks because I had no idea what I was doing. Now I’m shooting in manual mode and swapping out lenses. Not sure the actual pictures are any good, but hey, you can’t have everything.
Snarki, child of Loki
#1: it was reported that the HitchBot had a sign “San Francisco or Bust”. Make up your mind!
#2: rumors floating that it was some drunk guys from Jersey (drunk on Vodka and Red Bull, which seems to be a ‘tell’) that did the deed. Does Christie have an alibi?
Brandon
That robot was “No Saint”.
David Koch
Hopefully they’ll turn this into an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Keith G
Short Circuit?
NotMax
Suggestions (good ones) for tamping down and reining in the default intrusiveness of Windows 10.
FlyingToaster
@raven: Hey, that‘s my favorite XMas film.
Which needs to come out on DVD, dammit.
catbirdman
First Cecil, now HitchBot. Someone crank up the Lee Greenwood again, louder this time.
p.a.
@Karen in GA: Well that’s the good thing about digital: delete delete delete. Of course, you do lose the discipline of film’s compose compose compose.
raven
@FlyingToaster: Sorry, Night at the Opera!
SarahT
Sorry to correct you, Anne Laurie, but Scott Walker absolutely got a taste of Philly hospitality :
http://www.mediaite.com/online/scott-walker-welcomed-by-poop-and-butt-signs-during-philly-visit/
NotMax
@raven
Saw your comment about the bride suffering agita over paint and tile choices, and meant to ask if you get any say involving the (kind’a, sort’a) man cave downstairs?
SiubhanDuinne
@Karen in GA:
If the photos are of Iggy and/or Muppet, they are, by definition, awesome.
raven
@NotMax: Nope, that will be a storage and art studio for the girl.
Karen in GA
@p.a.: I’ve actually been working on getting the composition right when I take the shot, as opposed to cropping/manipulating afterwards. I’m at a point now where if I have to crop more than a tiny bit I feel like I’ve failed somehow. (I’m sure as I gain more experience my perspective on that will change again and again.)
raven
@Karen in GA: You got Lightroom?
Ultraviolet Thunder
I have discovered the secret to human invisibility: weep into a cellphone at an airport. You just cease to exist to the people around you.
I flew from Detroit to New Orleans this morning and while I was flying my mother was apparently in respiratory arrest in her room at a rehab center. When I landed all the worst news in the world was waiting for me. So those calls had to be made and the scene wasn’t pretty.
Once I pulled myself together I collected my bags and went to a counter for an immediate return ticket, busted laser in Mississippi be damned.
We knew this might happen and it did, but it’s not easier for having been anticipated.
I saw her yesterday and talked with her for the first time in weeks because they had weaned her off of the trach tube so she could speak. We had a few hours to chat about weather, flowers, The Donald, TV shows, etc. before she tired out and had to sleep. And that turned out to be the last time.
I’m her executor so tomorrow morning it’s the lawyer, the will and the funeral parlor.
It’s a whole bunch of bummers, but I have 5 siblings who are mostly sane and we’ll power through it.
We’ll all give dad a big hug the next time I see him, that’s for sure.
Brachiator
OK. The robot story is kinda sad. But it would have been cool to have a YouTube video of a drone swooping down and capturing the thing.
David Koch
#MegynKellyDebateQuestions
BillinGlendaleCA
@SiubhanDuinne: Happy B-Day to you and Omnes.
ms_canadada
Thanks for killing my compatriot, Philly. It was a friendly, and kinda cute robot. It meant no harm. R-E-S-P-E-C-T… just a little bit.
I’m wiping away the tears…wah!!!
raven
@Ultraviolet Thunder: I’m sorry for your loss.
JPL
@David Koch: That is what I expect. There will be no solutions except for tax cuts and increase spending in defense. Also planned parenthood is bad.
JPL
@Ultraviolet Thunder: Hugs. It always sucks.
Anne Laurie
@Ultraviolet Thunder: I’m so sorry.
No matter how much you “expect” news like this, it’s always a horrible shock when it finally happens.
BillinGlendaleCA
@David Koch:
That one is easy, Delaware; cause you know who’s from Delaware?
Omnes Omnibus
@Ultraviolet Thunder: My condolences.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
@Ultraviolet Thunder: Sorry for your loss, UT.
BillinGlendaleCA
@Ultraviolet Thunder: Nice that you and your mom had a nice chat before her passing and you have sane siblings. My condolences.
Karen in GA
@SiubhanDuinne: They are photogenic little beasts, aren’t they? (I’d say thank you, but I had nothing to do with it — they came with the cute built in.)
And I hope you’re having a wonderful birthday.
Mnemosyne (tablet)
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
I’m so sorry. FWIW, don’t feel guilty about not being there at the very end. You had a good last few hours with her where you were able to talk to each other, and that’s (IMO) more important.
El Caganer
Christ. It’s bad enough that we booed Santa; now we’ve murdered R2D2.
Baud
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
I lost my mom a few days ago. It was sudden so I didn’t get to say goodbye. But she didn’t suffer, which was always my biggest fear, so I’m grateful for that.
Shana
@Karen in GA: You’re a better woman than I. I got a new DSLR as a combined Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day present. Also got an extra lens, which I’ve used, but I pretty much keep it on Automatic.
I’m reveling in having older daughter home from her summer job in Anchorage, even if only for a week.
Karen in GA
@Ultraviolet Thunder: I’m so sorry.
Karen in GA
@Baud: Late condolences to you and your family.
Ultraviolet Thunder
@Baud:
So sorry to hear that. It’s a tough loss in every case.
Thanks for the kind words BJ-ers. I know you care and I appreciate that.
BillinGlendaleCA
@Baud: Sorry to hear, my condolences.
ms_canadada
@Ultraviolet Thunder: Big HUGS from Hamilton, Ontario. So sorry for your loss.
Baud
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
Seconded.
VFX Lurker
@Ultraviolet Thunder: You are in my thoughts. Hugs and well wishes from California.
ms_canadada
@Baud: So sorry to learn about your Mom. Take care of yourself. HUGS from Hamilton, Ontario.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
@Baud: sorry to hear it, condolences to you, too
Anne Laurie
@Baud: Condolences to you, too.
My dad died suddenly; my mom (many years later) after a long decline. I wasn’t close to either of them, but the grief still hit with great force in both cases.
Karen in GA
@raven: i don’t. I took a three-hour intro class at UNG but I’m still not completely sold on it. I’m using Elements, and pretty happy with it for now.
@Shana: I’m taking classes. Without that hand-holding, the thing would still be in the box.
Felanius Kootea
@Ultraviolet Thunder: My condolences on your loss.
raven
@Karen in GA: If you are happy that’s what counts.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@Ultraviolet Thunder: My condolences to you and your family. It’s not any easier knowing that it’s coming. Take care of yourself; busted lasers don’t run far, I’m told.
Mnemosyne (tablet)
@Baud:
Oh, no! Condolences to you, too. 2016 has been a pretty sucky year so far.
trollhattan
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
I am so very sorry. Know you would have wanted to be there. Please accept my condolences.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@Baud: My belated condolences to you and yours as well. That she didn’t suffer is a relief I’m sure, but it’s never easy.
Denali
@Ultraviolet Thunder,
I am so sorry.
Brachiator
@Ultraviolet Thunder: My sympathies for your loss. I hope that you were able to get some comfort from being able to speak to your mom near the end.
tomtofa
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
My loses are well in the past; my wife’s mother was just a couple of months ago. So glad you had a chance for a last talk, and my condolences to you.
donnah
It seems to be our society’s nature to be destructive. We shoot and kill a beloved lion who brought joy to so many people, and then turn around and find that a simple mechanical creature of goodwill was ripped apart.
We find police who are murderers and innocent citizens who are suddenly thrust into the spotlight as victims of ruthless gunfire rampages.
Bad news every day, and the common thread is the senselessness of it all. It is so frustrating.
brendancalling
I live in this dumbass city, and the reaction here is mixed. Many people who should know better are bragging, until you point out how shitty this makes us look. Then they say it was probably someone from New Jersey. We love our tough guy image, until we get called on it, and then its either someone else’s fault and anyhow no fair ragging on Philly.
lurker dean
condolences UT and Baud, may good memories help you get through this difficult time.
RSA
@Ultraviolet Thunder: I’m sorry to hear your story. It sounds as though you have good family, and that should help, I hope.
FlyingToaster
@raven: So it was stolen, fair-n-square.
SiubhanDuinne
@Ultraviolet Thunder:
Oh UVT, I am so terribly sorry. My sympathy and condolences to everyone in the family. Hugs to you, and R.I.P. to your mother. I’m glad you got to have time with her yesterday, and I’m glad your siblings are mostly sane.
SiubhanDuinne
@BillinGlendaleCA:
Thank you, Billin.
Omnes Omnibus
@Baud: I am so sorry. My condolences.
Manyakitty
@Ultraviolet Thunder: I’m so sorry for your loss. Peace and love to you all.
SiubhanDuinne
@Karen in GA:
I am, thanks! And yes, no offense to your photographic skills at all, but Ig and The Mup make it easy.
SiubhanDuinne
@Baud:
Hugs to you, too. I am very sorry. Losing one’s parents is among life’s suckiest experiences, and I’m sorry you’re having to go through it.
billb
SO when I was a young lad, my mate and I drove up to philly to see an Eagles game on a lovely sunday in the fall. we were interns in DC, so we lived in murder-capitalUSA, we were used to some serious shthead action…. my mate was a boxer so I was not real concerned…. at halftime we went to get a beer and in the concourse there were 3 fistfights going on, this is apparently a thing they do for fun in Philly. NEVER GOING BACK. EVER.
Goblue72
Having grown up in that part of Pennsyltucky, anyone with a lick of talent and ambition – or even just a modicum of wanderlust – moved away as soon as legally able. There’s a certain kind of hopelessness knowing that but for being sandwiched in the middle of the BosWash corridor, you’d be Cleveland or Syracuse. I can think of only one high school classmate amongst those of us with brains who actually stuck around – and she’s turned into a right Xianist selling 401k plans.
Never once looked back. I’m glad to see Philly is seeing a kinda, sorta renaissance – even if its primarily driven by expatriates of DC & NYC seeking more affordable brownstones they can actually afford – all cash, no less.
But this sort of thing is still sadly at the core of Philly – a white hot hopeless drunken anger at having been passed over by history and no one really giving a shit. A carcass and a crab bucket, food for second string gentrifers and the hipster fad of the week.
Unsympathetic
I expected to find the bot was ended in Fishtown, Kensington, western University City.. but Old City? Because reasons, I guess. The guy was wearing an Eagles jersey.. who’s surprised?
I lived in Philly for 18 months. I got out. And I ain’t goin back!
hedgehog the occasional commenter
@Ultraviolet Thunder: So sorry for your loss.
VincentN
I see the plot of the next Terminator movie…