Features

The Internet is often called the hallmark of the information age, bringing all of the world’s knowledge to our fingertips.

But some researchers argue that ease of access is destroying our ability to focus and changing the way our brains process information — consuming it at a rapid pace without proper reflection.

When people think of highly evolved artificial intelligence (AI), images of Hollywood science-fiction movies like The Terminator usually come to mind.  

However, by the time scientists have created machines that match or exceed human intelligence, they will probably be different from anything humanity has seen or imagined  before.

The term “the singularity” is often used to describe this point in time, when humans will no longer be as smart as their mechanical creations.

In the rush to get to a party or catch a train, it can be easy to ignore the person behind the wheel of a last-minute cab.

But Carleton students are well-known to Ottawa taxi drivers for both good and bad reasons — and the drivers have some advice for their customers on how to make the ride smooth and respectful for everyone.

On the good side, taxi driver Macbel Abdullah says he has driven some courteous students and has showed the same courtesy to them.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “bouncer” as: “A person whose duty is to throw troublemakers out of a bar or public meeting.”

The alternate definition is “a boaster, a bully.”

This reflects the complicated nature of the term.

On the one hand, a bouncer should be a person who represents safety; on the other, they can carry the negative connotations of an aggressive bully who uses physical size and strength to throw out patrons.  

Strength, charisma, composure, rapid-decision making — all on little sleep — are all-too-often what make up a typical shift for many service industry professionals among popular nightlife venues in Ottawa.

And student patrons may be surprised to learn many of the bars and clubs they frequent are staffed by their own classmates.