Ha Ha

Yesterday’s PZ Cuttlefish was an April Fool’s Prank.  And as much as I’d like to say I didn’t fall for it that would be lying.  I had doubts and was skeptical, but they had a really well-executed trick going. 

I will admit to feeling conflicted about it.  I would have missed the Cuttlefish (I’ve grown attached).  I comment on his blog far more than I do Pharyngula and would have missed the link in the online community.  However, I was excited to possibly be on the blogroll of Dr. Myers. 

I feel kind of dumb for falling for it, although I’m clinging to that 10% of me that didn’t quite buy it. 

I’m still rereading lots of Cuttlefish poetry this weekend.  And I’m glad that there are two people out there instead of one super being capable of everything from biology to poetry.  I was starting to feel lazy.   

April Fools? PZ Cuttlefish? Digital Myers?

So, I think my mind is a little warped at the moment.  Two of my favorite people and internet bloggers made announcements today.  Since it is April Fool’s Day, I’m disbelieving.  Are PZ Myers and the Digital Cuttlefish really the same person?

It makes sense, maybe. 

I don’t know how to react. 

Part of me wants to smile and squee like a girl because that means I’ve had email communication with Dr. Myers and I’ve made it onto his blogroll.  PZ Myers is one of my favorite professors of all time (I might have stayed in Biology if I’d had a prof like him as an undergrad).  He really is one of those awesome people you sometimes meet on planet Earth.

The other part of me feels somewhat let down, like I lost a link in the online community.  That’s not true, of course.  It’s just that two links are now one link, and that’s no different than before-not really.  I did like the anonymity of Cuttlefish.  I also liked how cozy his blog felt.  I enjoy Pharyngula, but it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd over there.    

Regardless of how this plays out, it’s entertaining.  And it gives me a reason to reread all the Cuttlefish poems.  And still get the Omnibus.

Google Poetry Translation

Google is working on an AI to translate poetry.  My undergrad major was in creative writing-poetry, and I've worked on a couple Spanish/English poetry translations (many many moons ago).  At best, translation is a crazy place full of twists and turns and frustrations.  Throwing poetry into the equation really messes with the mind.  With all the ways just one word can be translated, in addition to cultural and historical usage, it's a wonder we understand one another at all.  The notion that an AI could be capable of translating poetry is just...very sci fi...and really cool.

The 21st century is the neatest place.

Thanks to the Digital Cuttlefish for posting about this.