Drabble by Kevin Fagan for June 26, 2020

If Wally had gotten an answer, that would mean that Alexis is capable of mind reading.

Has Wally actually seen a badger?

I wish the temp here was 79 degrees.

Alexis, what is a Whopper burger?

Her name is ALEXA, not Alexis.

What would you have done if you were told where the badgers are hiding, Wally?

Does Alexis know what a badger is? Does she know the difference between the animal badger and the verb badger? How about a sports team named badger? Does ALL this knowledge of the English language have to be programmed into Alexis before it’s ready for use?!? Do I need to worry about this?

Every time I see an illustration of a “smart speaker”, I’m struck again by how mostly useless they are. If I want to know the temperature outside, I either glance on my laptop or the indoor/outdoor thermostat in the living room. Why is everybody so anxious to portray these things (internet-connected always-on microphones, remember), when there is so little actual utility in them. Speech-recognition is the least efficient way to interact with computers.

Sorry. I just don’t get it. NPR is also always trying to cajole us into listening to them on one.

“Alexa, tell me something you don’t know”……watch it will burn up.

It’s not that, she just can’t read thought balloons. When she can do that, it’s time for her to disappear.

Ask Siri…

109 degrees currently here in the Mojave Desert!

Oh Wally no worries I am on your side!