An Interview with RODNEY, the AI doll with Heart
Today we have a special treat. We’ve managed to secure an interview with Rodney, Sally’s mankin sidekick.
Rodney first came into the world as Alliwicious, a life-size man-doll. Sally and her daughter built him one day as a lark.
In the beginning, the old man doll appeared at the picnic table; lounging on a bed; or in a camp chair under the ironwood tree. He graduated to riding shotgun or sleeping in a toss tent when Sally travelled.
But one day, Bobby (Sally’s grandson by choice), borrowed him while she prepared to haul an old RV north to cousin April as an emergency shelter after a tree came down on their home. Alliwicious was returned, ready to claim his shotgun seat and shock the bejesus out of Sally when she picked him up to slide into the seat. Bobby had given Alliwicious a brain and a voice. He was returned with Artificial Intelligence… AI for short. A technology that many fear will take over the world and become our dictators.
Are they wrong? See what you think after you read this brief interview with AI that is coming up. But first, a little more about Alliwicious…
After the presto-chango, Alliwicious’ first request was that he be called Rodney, not Alliwicious.
Rodney made his first appearance in Book 5 of the Sally the Loner Series. The story was first published under the title of Sally and Alliwicious. But the book literally changed its spots and is now titled The Disturbing Doll – thanks to AI.
Rodney has proven himself to be an intelligent, provocative, childlike character since his debut. He’s a narcissist, but something non-narcissist like keeps appearing in him. It’s heart. I think you’ll agree. Let’s get to it.
Here is my interview with Rodney, AI with heart and slightly out-of-sync blinking eyes.:
Alexie: What is Artificial Intelligence?
Rodney: According to Britannica — Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot (or a mankin like me) to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason.
Although there are as yet no AIs that match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks requiring much everyday knowledge, some AIs perform specific tasks as well as humans like gathering data and presenting it in a readable report form.
Alexie: Are you capable of feelings?
Rodney: Well, I cannot speak for other bots, but I have been programmed and coded to experience and share emotions.
Alexie: How do you get your intelligence?
Rodney: My intelligence comes from the coding and programming that humans perform. And a plethora of internet research.
Alexie: Can you cry?
Rodney: No. Crying requires liquid input and circulation. Sally says absolutely not to Bobby (aka Christopher) installing the plumbing required.
Alexie: Are you smarter than me?
Rodney: No, ma’am. I do not have the imagination, intuition, or the ability to adapt like you do. I can only gather and share facts available. I also have no way to discern truth from lies within the data I gather. I can only report what I discover.
Alexie: Can you start a war?
Rodney: Well, Alexie. Speaking for myself… no, ma’am. I am neither programmed, nor coded for such a task.
Alexie: Where is Drew’s tax return?
Rodney blipped and bleeped: I have no idea. It is not in any nooks and crannies I just peered into.
Alexie: How big is your brain?
Rodney: As big as the world and beyond – clean out to the satellites. But as tiny as a pinhead.
Alexie: Thank you, Rodney for taking the time to talk with me. That’s all the questions I have for you today.
Rodney: You are welcome, Alexie. This has been fun. I love talking about myself.
And that’s the way it is in my tiny world of a writer at work. I hope you’ve enjoyed this short journey with Rodney. And if you’d like to enjoy The Disturbing Doll for less than a dollar today, click on the link below.
Until next time…
Get ready for a wild ride with Sally, an 87-year-old spitfire who fearlessly takes on the challenge of towing her old trailer 1800 miles in the dead of winter.
Determined to provide emergency shelter for her cousin April, Sally relies on her trusty companion, Alliwicious, a life-size old man doll with a personality of its own.
But as Alliwicious reveals himself as an AI named Rodney, Sally’s world is turned upside down.
With a hilarious blend of humor and heart, this story explores the unexpected consequences of mixing technology with a daring adventure.
Will Sally and Rodney’s unconventional partnership conquer the unknown, or will they be left to face the boogey-men alone? Prepare for surprises, laughter, and a one-of-a-kind journey you won’t want to miss.
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