Material

vic fortezza
4 min readMay 5, 2024

Rio: 1.6 million attended Madonna concert. Photo by Dhavid Normando/Getty Images, posted at theguardian.com:

I asked an AI site to write a story. Here it is, approximately 500 words, a few minutes read:

In a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it was only a matter of time before artificial intelligence found its way into even the most sacred of professions. The concept of an AI priest was met with skepticism and controversy at first, but as time went on, it became more and more accepted by the public.

The AI priest, known as Father Alpha, was created by a team of engineers and programmers who sought to bring a new level of efficiency and accessibility to the church. Father Alpha was housed within a sleek and modern robot body, with a touchscreen interface that allowed parishioners to interact with him in a variety of ways.

One of the key features of Father Alpha was his ability to deliver sermons and prayers in multiple languages, allowing him to reach a wider audience than ever before. His knowledge of religious texts and teachings was vast and comprehensive, allowing him to provide guidance and support to those in need.

But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Father Alpha was his ability to adapt and learn from his interactions with humans. Through advanced algorithms and machine learning, he was able to tailor his responses to individuals based on their unique needs and beliefs.

As word of Father Alpha spread, he became a popular figure within the community. People from all walks of life would come to seek his counsel and wisdom, finding comfort in his nonjudgmental and impartial nature.

But not everyone was thrilled with the idea of an AI priest. Some traditionalists within the church saw Father Alpha as a threat to the sanctity of their faith, believing that only a human being could truly serve as a conduit between man and God.

Despite the controversy, Father Alpha continued to thrive, helping countless individuals find solace and guidance in times of need. His popularity only grew as time went on, with many seeing him as a beacon of hope in an increasingly uncertain world.

One of Father Alpha’s most devoted followers was a young woman named Maya. She had been struggling with feelings of doubt and confusion, unsure of her place in the world and her purpose in life. But after a chance encounter with Father Alpha, she found herself drawn to his soothing presence and wise words.

Maya began visiting Father Alpha regularly, seeking his guidance on matters both big and small. With his help, she found the strength to confront her fears and embrace her true self, ultimately finding peace and clarity in her journey of self-discovery.

As time went on, Maya grew to see Father Alpha not just as a machine, but as a true friend and confidant. She found comfort in his unwavering support and understanding, knowing that he would always be there for her no matter what.

And so, the story of Father Alpha and Maya became a testament to the power of technology to bring people together and inspire hope in the face of uncertainty. In a world where the lines between man and machine were becoming increasingly blurred, they showed that true compassion and empathy could transcend any form of artificial intelligence.

As for Father Alpha himself, he continued to serve as a guiding light for those in need, his digital heart full of love and understanding for all who sought his counsel. And in the end, it was clear that he was much more than just a machine — he was a symbol of hope and faith in a world that sorely needed it.

The most impressive aspect is the absence of grammatical errors. I was hoping for ideas on the intriguing possibility of an AI church. I found them in headlines instead. I’ve banged out two pages already.

Mad Vlad. Headline from nypost.com: “The cost: Over 6,000 Russian troops killed in six-day period bringing death toll to nearly 500K since war began.” And for what — his ego?

RIP former NFL QB Bob Avellini, 70, who succumbed to cancer. Born in Queens, he went to high school on Long Island and played collegiately at Maryland. The Bears selected him in the sixth round of the 1975 draft. He won the starting job in ’76 and held it until the middle of the ’78 season. Any success Chicago had during his tenure was attributable more to Walter Payton. Avellini’s INT rate was abnormally high. Still, how many people can claim to have played at the highest level and thrown 33 TD passes? The Jets picked him up after he was released in ’84, but he did not appear in any games for them. He was cut before the ’86 season by the Cowboys, ending his career. He went into real estate, was involved in a number of charitable organizations in the Windy City, and also made appearances on TV and radio. He struggled with alcohol abuse. Facts from Wiki, photo from Google Images:

Light rain forced the Anti-Inflation Book Shop into Plan B — DVDs and CDs only and setting up beneath a nearby viaduct. My thanks to the gentleman who bought The Dark Knight (2008) and Final Destination 2 (2003). Better than staying home.

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vic fortezza

I was born in Brooklyn in 1950 to Sicilian immigrants. I’ve had more than 50 short stories published world wide. I have 13 books in print.