Fears About AI
Prof Geoffrey Hinton recently warned about the risks of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence, calling it a “very scary thought” (‘Godfather of AI’ warns of humanity’s risks over next 30 years, 27 December). This raises a simple question: if something is so frightening, why proceed with it?
Máire Davies, London
If we’re creating AIs smarter than humans, as Geoffrey Hinton suggests, it seems to contradict the idea that humans are the most intelligent beings. Surely, putting ourselves in such a precarious position suggests otherwise.
Neil Blackshaw, Alnwick, Northumberland
Man-Made Problems
Delight at seeing Dawn Astle, daughter of football legend Jeff Astle, recognized with an MBE for her tireless campaigning on head injury research in football (‘King of the Baggies’ honoured, 30 December). A well-deserved accolade.
Reg Snell, Wellington, Shropshire
The Many Uses of Evaporated Milk
The evaporated milk and jelly dessert from the 1960s, known among Nottingham University students as “spon,” wasn’t just food—it inspired the sport of “spon spinning,” where diners attempted to rotate the bowl 360 degrees without spilling its contents.
Peter Barnes, Milton Keynes
Evaporated milk served another purpose in the 1950s: I used it to bottle-feed my four sons, now towering over six feet, following the tin’s dilution instructions.
Wendy McMullan, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
As kids in the 1950s, many of us enjoyed white bread sandwiches spread with margarine and topped with Nestlé’s condensed milk. A sweet treat from simpler times.
John Marriott, North Hykeham, Lincolnshire
New Year Musings
Can I be the first to declare that 2025 isn’t living up to expectations?
Steve Townsley, Wick, Vale of Glamorgan
