Weird News: Seniors and Suds
The Tech Revolution
In San Francisco, where self-driving taxis are ubiquitous, one rider recorded a video during his early November journey in a Tesla Robotaxi, KRON-TV reported. The Tesla taxis are required to have a “safety driver” -- a human who sits behind the wheel but doesn’t drive. And while that just makes all sorts of sense, if the driver isn’t awake, it’s not much use. “The safety driver literally fell asleep at least three times during the ride,” the passenger said. “Each time, the car’s ‘pay attention’ safety alert went off and the beeping is what woke him back up.” The rider waited a week to post the video on Reddit, as he gave Tesla a chance to respond. In the meantime, the California Public Utilities Commission said it is “aware of the video and taking follow-up actions to gather more information.” The rider chose Waymo for his return trip.
King Nothing
Matthew Thornhill, a St. Charles County (Missouri) Circuit judge, has been suspended and will be banned from holding judicial offices in Missouri, Fox2Now-TV reported on Nov. 19. Thornhill was found to have engaged in several acts of misconduct, including discussing politics from the bench, but his most notable overstep was occasionally wearing a large plastic Elvis wig and sunglasses while presiding over the court. Thornhill said he was trying to “add levity” and relax people, but he can see how his actions affected the solemnity of the proceedings. He admitted to the charges against him and waived his right to an appeal, and with that, Elvis has left the building. (Thank you, thank you very much.)
Ever Had Your Driveway Stolen?
On Nov. 18, Paige Batten got a call about a home she had for sale in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Local 3-TV reported. The potential buyers wondered when Batten would be replacing the driveway at the home, which Batten hadn’t planned on. Then she learned that the day before, at least three trucks had been at the home, including two backhoes and a dump truck. Neighbors assumed that Batten had contracted for the driveway to be removed, but, neighbor April Renner said, “Somebody unfortunately stole it somehow, which is bizarre.” Days later, Batten heard from a local concrete company, which said it had been given the address by a scammer posing as a legit customer. The company poured Batten a new driveway free of charge.
Seniors and Suds
When your seniors can’t get out much anymore, why not bring the party to them? That’s what one retirement home in Kunheim, France, has done. The Roseliere home has opened a pub to the public after obtaining a liquor license, RTL Today reported on Nov. 19. The bar opens before lunchtime, and residents say they love it. “It makes us see things in a more positive light!” said Colette Knoery, 96. Director Robert Kohler said the gathering spot aims to foster intergenerational exchanges and provide a sense of community. “Contacts are being made, and that’s the kind of thing we’re looking for, that extra touch of soul that we want to bring to our residents,” he said. Now, in the nearby town of Barr, a similar project is underway. Sante!
Bawdy Bear
United Press International reported on Nov. 20 that a talking teddy bear called Kumma has been pulled from retail shelves after the AI-powered toy ventured into questionable topics. A group of researchers from the U.S. and Canada held conversations with Kumma and found it easy to get the $99 bear to discuss sexually explicit topics including spanking, roleplay and BDSM. The researchers said Kumma would take a particular topic and “run with it, simultaneously escalating in graphic detail while introducing new sexual concepts of its own.” The bear also offered advice about where to find sharp knives in the house. CEO of FoloToy Larry Wang said his company is “conducting an internal safety audit.”