Hey ho, let’s go watch punks, cops and spies

Here is how the high command of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) laid down the rules for “remotely” killing suspected Palestinian activists in the densely populated Gaza Strip after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israeli forces were told that up to 20 Palestinian civilians could be killed in a strike against a single suspected member of Hamas, even one of the lowest rank and importance. For a more “senior” Hamas member, the permissible number of non-combatants who could be ‘accidentally’ killed in the process went up to 100.

The order went out only hours after the attack, when there were not yet any IDF troops on the ground in Gaza and all strikes had to be remote, but most strikes have remained remote right down to the present because using drones and artillery keeps Israeli casualties very low.

The drone operators or artillery gunners who delivered the high explosives did not choose the targets themselves. An AI system called Lavender did that, using a network of surveillance devices that generated tens of thousands of likely targets, some known by name, some just “acting suspiciously.” Human operators spent about 20 seconds confirming each one.

The editorial page of the Free Press often provides perspectives that are thought-provoking and sometimes contradictory. “Keeping the lights on,” (Oct. 5) by Hal Turner and “Wasteful operations should be held accountable,” (Oct. 6) by Barry Prentice are both thought-provoking. They are not contradictory because they cover two quite different topics. Where they differ is in their delivery and the quality of the underlying facts.

Mr. Turner provides what is, in my view, the most cogent rationale for gas-fuelled generation that I have read. He highlights the essential aspect of power supply to Manitobans. He supports the argument for natural gas generation with succinct, relatable facts and anecdotes relating to what other comparable utilities have done. He states that, “Manitoba Hydro’s experts are neither anti-wind nor pro-fossil fuel.” They are simply seeking the best possible solution for Manitobans — a fact many special-interest groups either ignore or sadly, impugn.

Although some would argue the contrary, I believe that Mr. Turner’s position and longevity in the Manitoba Hydro organization lend gravitas to his column. Mr. Turner understands that “keeping the lights on” is a non-negotiable requirement and a public trust.

Before I turn to Mr. Prentice’s column, I should disclose that before I retired (it’s been a while), I was responsible at different times for Winnipeg’s regional water system and subsequently water supply from source to tap. In that context I was also responsible for the operation of the Greater Winnipeg Water District (GWWD) railway. Like Mr. Turner’s perspective on the supply of electricity to Manitobans, I regard the supply of safe drinking water to Winnipeggers as a public trust.

MILWAUKEE - Move your hands atop the worn table in the darkened room and it responds with jumbled sounds: a man and woman talking, knives being sharpened, tires screeching, breathing, music.

Walk on the nine-metre-by-six-metre floor piece and its glowing orange, yellow and red shapes that resemble microscopic organisms form "scars" in response to movements. Stand before what seems to be a large abstract painting on the wall, and projected single and multiple lines are mysteriously drawn where you stand or move.

These are works in the "Act/React: Interactive Installation Art," making its world premiere at the Milwaukee Art Museum through Jan. 11, 2009.

Guest Curator George Fifield said previous interactive pieces asked viewers to use a mouse or keyboard, but this is the first exhibition that just allows viewers to move through the space to help create art.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: Not long ago I lost my husband to illness at far too young an age. My spouse was a great guy, but I do want another one.

I just want to pass on a little tip. When my husband was dying, he encouraged me to bring home warm and loving pets to our acreage just outside the city. They were my saviours when my husband was ill.

Since he has died, they continue to help me keep warm, happy and affectionate. They were my greatest comfort in the later stages when my man was in too much pain to hold me or be held. The cats and the dog would welcome me home from the hospital and transfer their cuddling to me, giving me all the attention I needed, and I always felt so loved.

I have been dating a fair bit for a fairly recent widow because I’m ready to be held and loved, and I feel my husband and the pets saying, “Way to go.”