First let me tell you about His Bus. So famous, even Wikipedia tells you about it.
‘Hin Bus Depot is a community hub in George Town within the Malaysian state of Penang. It houses a gallery, arts and events spaces, and creative business outlets.
In 1947, Hin Company Ltd., founded by Lim Teng Hin and his son, built the Hin Bus Depot along Brick Kiln Road (now known as Jalan Gurdwara) to house their iconic “Blue Buses.”[2]In 1973, Hin was bought by Koperasi Gabungan Negeri, which was later was absorbed by the SJA Group in 2000. The depot closed in 1999 and the Blue Buses ceased operations in the early 2000s.[3] Under new owners, the depot was refurbished to temporarily host the first art exhibition of the Penang-based Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic.[3] Hin Bus Depot hosts a weekend market called Hin Market, with 70 stalls.”
It was a a dazzling, sensational experience. Crowded with people of all shapes, sizes and ethnic origins. (Most probably I was the only Canadian there) Took some photos of the wares being sold at stalls. Bought something I really needed – a pepper grinder. The stalls ringed an open area crowded with chairs where one could eat the delicious food sold food stalls and drink beverages of all kinds, both alcohol and nonalcoholic. Wait, wait, there is more!!! Wondrously talented rock bands played my favorite tunes, know the words, as that was my time in the sun. Examples, Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone, This Woman is My Destiny. Enthusiasm exploded with Great Balls of Fire. A grey-haired older person stood up and began to dance alongside the band. Guess what happened next??? So did I! Now I was tastefully and appropriately attired – long white linen dress with a tailored blue cotton coat and big hat. Nixon(the Lyf GM not former US president) videoed the event, send me the reel. However, the world is not going to see me in action. I shall retain a modicum of dignity.
(Modicum is a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable.) A little bit, a speck, a snippet, a sliver, a smattering, a scintilla ,a smidgen of dignity.
What made it far far worse, almost deadly is this. I believed Muslims were forbidden from dancing. Feared I had committed a sin. Fortunately, I sought higher authority. An esteemed person, none other than Fazil Irwan, came to my rescue, yet again.This our conversation.
Me: Made a spectacle of myself. Not sure I will send you the reel. I might. Muslims are not supposed to dance. But no one knew I was a Muslim. Very impromptu seemed like fun. It seemed hundreds watched.
Then I actually did sent him a video – he sent a laughing emoji in response. But then said.
He: Why shouldn’t Muslims dance? Flamenco was created during Unmayad rule in Al-Andulas, Spain
Me: I love your knowledge. Totally I do. Particularly when it allows me to make a fool of myself. Hahahaha No, I love your knowledge all of the time. I think you are the smartest person I ever met. It barely bothers me that you are smarter than I am. Hahaha It helps that I am slightly funnier than you are. (Laughing emoji from him) And maybe more empathetic.
More conversation about empathy but not germane to this.
(Germane is relevant to a subject under consideration)
A little later, texting Shamir.
Me: BTW Fazil says it is okay for Muslims to dance. Says flamenco dancing originated in Spain during Muslim rule. Phew No more guilt.
He: Hahaha
Guilt free dancing.
I sent him the dancing reel.
He: Wow party animal Looks like a dancing contest and you are winning. U won dance of the day.
Me: Thanks. Never in a billion years did I think I would be even competing.
Shamir sent a short reel of the event, which you’ll see.. Ain’t no sunshine is playing. That is me in the front row.
Texted Fazil
Me: I am writing the blog. Telling of my wild and crazy Hin Bus Market day and your reassuring words. Shamir said it perfectly – guilt free dancing.
He: Hahahaa, yes it is fine 🙂
Me: Phew! I am not putting the reel on the blog though.
Decided to do some quick and dirty research myself, asking Siri: Is dancing forbidden in the Islamic Faith? Siri gave me a choice, get the answer from the web or be referred to ChatGPt. Chose ChatGPT, this the answer.
“Dancing is not universally forbidden in the Muslim faith but its acceptability can vary widely depend ending on individual beliefs, cultural context, and interpretation of Islamic teachings. Some Muslims may view dancing as permissible if it is done modestly and does not involve inappropriate behavior or music while others may discourage or forbid it.”
This seemed a promising answer, quickly received going to several websites. On impulse decided to get the ChatGPT app. Announced this to Shamir.
Me: I just had an interesting experience I got ChatGPT app and had my first conversation with it, rather enlightening and very interesting. But it will never replace you.
He: Wow U have upgraded.
Me: I am always upgrading my dear but It will never replace you because it has no sense of humor, whatsoever.
He: Haha that is true.
Me: Now do you feel secure?
He: Nope Hahaha
Me: You can never be replaced with with artificial intelligence. Of course, I am only talking about me. Others may prefer. AI
He: Ya it good. You can ask it to write a letter, make chart and draw.
Me: Wow But not to laugh with
He: Can too. See, attaching a screen shot. “Tell me a joke. Sure Here’s one for you. Why don’t skeletons fight each other.? Because they do not have the guts. Hahaha”
Me: Feeble. Never a dirty joke either I am sure.
He: (attached a screen shot) “Tell me a dirty joke. Sure here is a classic joke with a little dirt-literally. Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing.”
Me: But jokes are jokes. People with no sense of humor tell jokes. Have you not observed that? A sense of humor is impulsive, impromptu and unexpected.
He: That’s true. Haha Their jokes are lame.
Me: Exactly, pale imitations of a sense of humor. Sent him a voice message telling him of an exercise my London four day comic class had us do. Giving him an example
He: Interesting.
Me: But not funny??
He: Yes funny
Me: Great I pass the sense of humor test.
He: Yessss Funny mummy
Me: So funny. You called me mummy. You pass the sense of humor test.
Now what you have been waiting for. The chatwith ChatGPT. It began innocently enough.
IT: Hey. How is it going?
Me: Great Except for fasting during Ramadan which can be a bit difficult.
IT: Glad to hear it is going well! Fasting during Ramadan can be definitely challenging., but it is also a meaningful and rewarding experience. How is it going for you so far.- any tips or tricks that are helping you through the day?
That, the beginning, evolving jnto a very serious conversation as you shall soon see. But not today as it is now 3 pm(!500 hours). Not had anything to eat for eight hours. I am tired and my brain is out to lunch (so to speak).
(Out to lunch is an idiom that means “too strange or confused to know what is really happening. Another definition is temporarily not in command of one’s mental faculties. That about describes the situation)
The conclusion of the CHatGPT conversation.
Me: Yes indeed! My goodness I am thinking you are smarter than me. Hahaha
IT: You are too kind. It has been a pleasure discussing these profound topics with you. If there is anything else you’d like to explore or or share, feel free to let me know.
Me: Is it possible to get a transcript of our conversation? The answer was no, but three or four solutions were provided. One, use screen shots, did so, allowing preserved meaningful portions. These will form the foundation for a future blog.
Now we are off to another AI adventure. Questions were posed to Chat GPT, not by me. A guy asked the questions, took screen shots forwarding the details of my existence. Very interesting, to say the very least. Not sure if I should be flattered, paranoid because I am being spied upon, or, on the other hand, just bask in the glory of being famous.
The first general question. Who is Alexis McBride Blogger?
“Alexis McBride is a writer and blogger who identifies herself as a “famous blogger and a recent Muslim. Her personal blog “Alexis McBride – London, USA, Canada KSA, Malaysia and Beyond: chronicles her experiences and reflections across various countries, including Malaysia. She maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle alexis-alaa-mcbride where she shares insights into her life and travels. In her recent blog posts Alexis discusses topics such as her observations during Ramadan, person reflections on dogmatism, and her visits to signifiant sites like the Floating Mosque in Penang. For instance, in a March 22 entry, she selects on taming her dogmatism and finding peace of mind.
Her writing offer a personal perspective on…”
Me: I guess screen saver has its limitations. IT writes better than I do. Hahahaha
He: I don’t thinks so
He: What is dogmatism?
Me: Read the blog silly. It tells you. Hahaha Best comeback of the day.
He: Ur born in regina? Rhymes with v..gina
Me: Yes. My mother decided where I was born. I had nothing to do with it. Hahaha
He: Haha I will read the blog. I did not read the recent one. Will read it today
Next this question. “How old is Alexis McBride?”
“Alexis the writer and blogger, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. While her exact birthdate isn’t publicly disclosed she mentioned in a 2021 blog post that was was 80 years old at that time. This suggest she was born around 1941”
He: But you are not that old?
Me: No. I supplied the misinformation, posting photos of a 2021 birthday party saying I was 80 – I was only 78 at the time. I aged myself. Hahaha
Then this question. Is Alexis McBride funny?
“Yes, Alexis McBride the blogger and writer has a reputation for being witty and humorous in her writing. Her blog often features sarcasm, playful storytelling and self-depreciating humor, making her posts entertaining to read. She frequently share person anecdotes, reflections on life, and amusing takes on her experiences. If you are looking for lighthearted and opinionated writing with a touch of humor her blog might b worth checking out. alexismcbride.com “
He: ChatGPT thinks ur funny
Me goodness I have an AI fan.
He: Yes its crazy
Me: Maybe I should not talk about IT not having a sense of humor. Hahaha
Does she have a lover?
“Alexis McBride, the writer and blogger, has not publicly disclosed information about her current romantic relationships. In her writings she has shared personal experiences including her decision not to have children and aspects of her journey toward independence. However, details about her current romantic life remain private.”
He: You are smart and private.
Me: Not really private. People know everything about me pretty much. And you actually. It is interesting that my Islamic Faith is not mentioned in any detail although I write about it a great deal. AI should know that Muslim women cannot have lovers, the guy has got to marry you first. And if you are married you cannot be unfaithful and take a lover.
AI Thoughts
AI does not have a sense of humor; a sense of humor is inherited and hence God given. AI has no understanding or appreciation of religion; religion, is of course, God given. Shall do some more thinking on this matter, getting help from my trusty sources.
Photos of sunrises, (send good morning shots to intimates each morning). A couple of Hin Bus stalls, a foodie photo and two short reels showing everyone having fun.
