We've got Ismail!
Anyone who writes a blog with the title You've Got Ismail! deserves a shout out. But Salim Ismail is more than just a wordplay artist. He's the executive director of the Singularity University, which may (or may not), change how we think about the future. Before we go any further, you might need to read the e-book or prepare for the film, to understand what it is that Ismail and the SU are up to.
Essentially, they're talking about solving problems such as hunger, poverty, climate change and energy insufficiency. The Big Issues, in other words, and it all starts on 29 June when the university's first nine-week course ("That'll be $25,000 to you, Madam!") begins. Many were called, but only 40 were chosen. Six hours a day, six days a week of robotics, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, bioinformatics and "human enhancement" await the lucky ones. And that's just for openers.
By the way, Ismail is a much more prolific tweeter than blogger. Using the permitted 140 characters he electrified our curiosity antennae with this one: "ooh, "Bend it like Beckham" is on tonight - a very dear friend plays one of the lead roles.. always get a thrill seeing her on da big screen" Gosh! Could he be talking about Jules Paxton?
