Small Windows tablets

Since we have a lot of Windows software (ACT-R 6.0, Soar 9.3.2, etc.) we're interested in complementing our ipad mini and nexus 7 tablets with something running Windows. We currently have a 10.1 inch Windows 7 tablet and were considering a WinPad micro or a WinSlate mini running either Windows XP or Windows 7.  We've been holding out for, possibly, an Acer Iconia W3 or something else running Windows 8.  Today the local Staples staff tell us that the first batch of Iconia W3s sent to the stores were defective and had to be returned.

The world is nothing like you think it is

I recommend the book The Atheist's Guide to Reality (W. W. Norton, 2012).  I am not in complete agreement with Rosenberg's views; I prefer scientific pluralism and the importance of emergent phenomena.  Rather, I recommend the book as a good example of an alternate view of reality, one that can be presented as a sharp contrast with people's naive model of our world.

Letting Asa H see

In order to become smarter Asa H must know more. By opening .pbm files in notepad, deleting the header, and saving the body renamed as a .DAT file, we are able to input images directly into Asa H 2.0 BASIC (run in QB64).  Each image file inputs perhaps 200,000 numbers to Asa.

Mechanical life, its values and goals

A given lifeform can only exist in certain environments.  Mechanical life (see my blogs of 19 Oct. 2010 and 30 July 2011) can, today, only exist in a human established environment (the internet, robotics system, etc.).  An objective of mechanical life, then, should be to expand the range of environments in which it can survive.

Asa H concept change

In Asa H a new concept can be formed on any level in the hierarchy.  If an existing concept falls into disuse on any level it may be deleted.  Occasionally, a concept can form on some level and (nearly) the same concept can be forgotten on another level.  Concepts can migrate up or down the hierarchy.