vivweb01blog

AI development has continued apace since this blog was first published in June 2024, with little sign of a slowdown. Herewith an update for 2026.....   Introduction There has been much discussion, and not a little concern, voiced in the press and on social media recently about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the dangers it might pose for humanity.. How dangerous is it really, and what if anything can, or indeed should, we do about it ? First, let’s try to pin down what we mean by the term ‘AI’. The OED dictionary definition is: “.. the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. ” This rather narrow definition focuses on the use of AI as a tool, to be used to enhance what we as humans already accomplish, rather than considering what a new ‘cohort of intelligent machines’ might do themselves in the future. Apocal...

A Warning to low Electricity and Gas users:   If you are anything other than a high user of both fuels, don't be tempted by offers from your supplier to fix your tariffs now.... Suppliers are now piling on the pressure to fix with a plethora of different and highly confusing offers, few if any of which include a reduction in the standing charge . These offers have been coming in thick and fast since last month following the latest price cap rise, and the unexpected rise in the cap from January, and OFGEM are effectively 'co-conspiring' with suppliers to try to get you to fix now, by soft-pedalling on a final decision on the precise details of any SC reductions. Their own website gives little indication of any timescale for a switch, merely referring to a 'consultation' on tariff revisions. There is also a nasty rumour that OFGEM has caved in even further to the cartel and is likely to set a minimum consumption level (ca 666 kWh for electricity and 2500kWh for Gas) f...

Important Update 1.1.26: The closure of NCR6 (Alias FP K68) started in mid October with a small diversion near the proposed crossing point for the new distributor road. This was followed in early November by the closure of the section of NCR6 beyond its junction with Hathern Lane. C3C, Persimmon's sub-contractor for the cabling work involved, are performing the work in 2 phases - the first being the section between Hathern Lane and Stonebow Walk, and the second between there and the Coe Avenue entrance (see attached plan). LCC Highways originally indicated that the project was due to complete by 26.1.26, but have now revised this to 15.2.26. More revisions to come, no doubt - read on to find out why... What progress has been made ? An inspection on 31st December revealed that Phase 1 was well underway, but the section between the Red Arch and the Hathern Lane junction was still being worked on. I estimated at the time that a further month's work at least would be necessary b...