Fortress Of Freedom Board

[Maurice Ali]

Another long survey for the UN. They want information from NGOs and only one per NGO. Anyway, that is what I did in the early morning.







This is a short week with Friday off so all the family stuff gets crammed in the remaining days.



I will say I’m easing off all the guitar hoopla. I didn’t even go to the music stores on the weekend. I did have to re-solder the cheap Chinese original solder job on the Kramer guitar jack. Anyway it works again. If it fails I’ll put in the Fender unit and buy the extra hardware so the better components fit.




Life just keeps moving on…..




https://youtu.be/G7b-_YcACuQ?si=lxvz-snna4Mcn3nF

[Maurice Ali]

A late one today. Friday is a holiday so Thursday is rushing around to get things done.



These are just notes for me.


The four year update for the UN only needs one section to finish.


I have to contact the rental car company to get a rental car for when we drop our car off. It’s impossible to get them by phone but maybe Saturday.


I start playing the guitar this weekend as people usually do. I have entered the guitar universe backwards as most start with lessons and then - if they stuck with it - get into the gear and theory. I have passed my one year anniversary so I have beaten most by now. I did it my way and I’m still in the hobby!


I need more sleep so I am adjusting my timetable. It actually is doable so more sleep and a more effective me…..




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

Well now, seems to be more visitors here than usual and it didn’t drop off quickly - as usual.




So here is your welcome statement.



My name is Maurice Ali. A sad example of a human back in the day doing a nowhere job in a nowhere life. But I decided to perform an experiment. I called it “The Fortress Experiment” to find out the best way to live our lives and help humanity reach its goals. I still don’t know what that goal is as the experiment only shows the way to that goal but not the goal itself.



Long story short - In decided to commit my life to a moral imperative - and when I did my life changed forever. That moral imperative is that if people more talented than others don’t try to make the world a better place, they will be supplanted by others with more selfish goals that would lead the world to a worse place. I’m not the only one doing this of course, but people do tell me I’m good at this.



I almost live the life of a super hero, and by that I mean I live my life as the basically mundane individual I am - but I also have this alter-ego that tries to save the world. It’s not exactly what I thought it would be - but it does have its moments.



Anyway, you can rummage through almost 20 years of daily posts to figure out what’s going on here - or you can watch a movie with the highlights of it all here:



https://youtu.be/wUgkGUP4o9g?si=EVMY-cPQTNO-blsE



Want more? I made a TV series (yes, I made it on network TV twice (Global Television Network & CTV) and here you will find a deeper dive into it all:



https://youtu.be/7k5cEzDL0FM?si=EpKLqYAmCcla377n



Whatever interests you. I’ve been at this for almost twenty years. I did score on the ideas, concepts, and in the end a philosophy of life for humanity. I was a philosophy major in university as well as a business major, so this adventure put all my talents - if you can call it that - to work……



Welcome…..

[Maurice Ali]

I welcomed the three hundred people at IAIJ AND FOF and they all left now - Hahaha…..



Pointing them to my videos always does the trick. I would have been exciting if it was people from the UN, but probably not as they stayed past work hours - oh well…..



Now for updates.







Remember me getting developer status at Apple for free? Well it’s not so free as I have to have a Mac to upload the iOS version of the voting app to the app store. Unless something has changed you need a Mac to download and use Xcode and within Xcode is the ability to upload the source code to Apple. If there is interest I will buy a new Mac and do it and then emulate Windows on the Mac and go from there.



The four year United Nations report is almost done.




My current Line 6 pedalboard!



I have relearned how to use the Line 6 pedal board and having fun with it. If that is the direction I’m going I’ll move up to a Helix - but only when I can see the need to upgrade.



That is it for now…..




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

I cheated and took Saturday off…..


There is no question now that my perspective on life has changed. Or maybe just rationalizing things as they are. At my age there is no lamenting your situation as there are no other options anymore. Your situation is your situation. A better perspective is that there is no starting over anymore, you are too old for that; therefore the path in front of you is the only path to take and deal with.



This simplifies life for most. For most it’s just getting your house in order for retirement. The problem with me is that I’m old enough but not there yet! Sometimes you like it that you still have things to do - but other times it’s like: “Just let me grow old and die!” - it’s humorous when you think about it. But those in your past are dying off and you are constantly reminded of your mortality.



Then there is the advocacy. That is still going on and that is your life’s work and important for humanity to have as one of many options. But you are now community property till things fully flesh themselves out. The UN stuff is not over yet. But I think somewhere my ideas will get their chance and it happens and gets somewhere or rejected and forgotten. And that can happen in an instant. Just like your life, it is all just a series of clear minded moments when your important parts of your life gets played out.



Right now it’s the Positive Mandate for Humanity, the Worldwide Vote, and altogether as the new Global Social Contract. The AI stuff is the side event even if it’s a threat to humanity. Resolve the fate of those concepts /philosophy and then I’m a free man. Maybe I will spend a few years legitimizing the ideas and concepts as a legacy if they go nowhere - but that will be my official life.



By that time I will be all worn out. With the exception of maybe six years, my life seems to have been purpose built for what I am doing now. There is a purpose in that if you don’t do the family thing. But life is shorter than you think. Actually, another way to look at it is that only those who lucked into their life being purpose built for a task, get to try it out as life is too short for the others to get somewhere. So start a family and that is it, you will never do anything else. Life is too short for multi-tasking.



So this was my mood for Saturday. I went to the music stores to cheer me up. I only bought some strings. I have all the guitars I need. I am working that electronic pedal board again. So the guitar business is a pleasant distraction.



Sunday is a make up day for a Saturday. It will not be fun.




Goodnight…..




https://youtu.be/EFDZKaIT7ro?si=4P8LL_fmcTp4ysl6


https://youtu.be/opbi7d42s8E?si=NxcPzpPfVYF_epOF

[Maurice Ali]

Washed the salt off my car on Sunday…..




My Mustang



Then back home to get Easter supper ready. The UN quadrennial report is basically done. I’ll catch up on some other online activities that need to be done.



On Monday I get tested or get a Measles shot. According to the paperwork I have no measles shot because they didn’t exist until I was four years of age. Mom is gone now, so I have no idea and Monday things get rectified.



Some time this week I have or get an EIN number for FOFSTOCK so we can operate and get members in the States! I’m not crazy about more paperwork with the IRS but that will now set up the music for my gradual hand off
to the younger generation. Years and years away but I have to be realistic about life.



Guitar corner:



I did pass by two guitar stores and didn’t see any guitars I had to have. Maybe it would be nice to have a discounted Les Paul Classic instead of the plain Les Paul Studio, but my philosophy at the time was to get the lower end - but real deal - classic electric guitars and my purchases reflect this. I took another look at the RG metal shred machines from Ibanez. I hate the complexity of tuning of the Floyd Rose and those colours are not me - as in bright red, yellow and neon purple. So I’m stuck with the AZ premium line and the guitar I have - they nailed me in their description as that AZ guitar will not get you the “surprised side-eye look” from your friends - in other words I’m too old for the all out shred machines - so you go with the more subdued but capable model at higher cost. And yes, the side-eye stuff was actually in the official description…..




My new Gibson SG Standard with the “devil horns”!



And - I’m actually getting to like the look and feel of the SG. I used to hate that guitar and was the last one I got but what a turnaround of events!




My seven string “old fart” guitar!


The thicker neck of the SG and the AZ as opposed to the RG super thin “Wizard neck” has been validated. Tuning off and on during a song with the 61 SG and warping and cracking with the older RG Ibanez guitars just hammers home the super thin necks will always have issues. The best way is for me to just use chunkier neck and since I am new to this I will not miss the super thin necks. And yes I am starting to play the guitars now - after one year…..




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

As you get older you realize you end up doing things you never would have thought you would ever do…..



The most shocking one is me being put in a position to defend Canada and its situation with our Indigenous people. One reason I avoid international get togethers is being put in this position constantly. And - it got worse when the stuff about mass graves of Indigenous children being found beside the Residential Schools made the news. It doesn’t get any more ghoulish than that.



So you don’t criticize other nations and keep to yourself at international events as of late.



However, at home there is this mass amnesia over the general population about the bad stuff that has gone on in our country’s past. They don’t get reminded about it like I do. So I end up being an ambassador of Canada whether I want it or not. The country that treated me so badly in so many ways (and systemic also) as a visible minority - and I end up having to play defence for the very negative aspects that made my life in Canada hell!



Reality is stranger than fiction.



v
Me at UNESCO in Paris France at an event.



When I was in Paris, France for the WSIS+10 Review Meetings, all of us from Canada were treated the same, anglophone or francophone, black or white, it didn’t matter as you were all labeled Canadian and strangely treated the same. As much as I tried to deny it - I was a Canadian born and bred. So strange - but that’s the first time I felt any kid of nationalism among those others that were also Canadian. It is just a bizarre world in the international sphere and people there are playing games of all sorts…..



But like I said - life can be weird and you can be in the strange position of defending a system that failed you, and a system you fought against your whole life - how bizarre is that?



Goodnight…..





https://youtu.be/aw9mEFn38to?si=WFSANAV-4Jp4bm7c

[Maurice Ali]

Updates, and more updates…..

[Maurice Ali]

I’m thinking of the AI issue as of late.




Basically we are screwed…..




We probably can’t turn back the clock on AI development because when you stop development in one area and not another the area that continues development, this gives an advantage the other does not. So the argument to continue development stands in that situation. This can be in all sorts of areas like medicine, commerce and even military. Whatever, reigning in the AI threat cannot be piecemeal. It cannot be nation by nation - it must be by international consensus, and that means the United Nations.



By achieving global consensus you at least provide a level playing field with restrictions on AI development that may threaten humanity and drive those who wish to continue development into areas of the world where huge billion dollar data centers would be a crazy idea. This actually could work if acted upon immediately as a poor business model would cripple development.



The Summit of the Future actually has AI as one of its mandates and I would not mind being a part of that agenda. I’m strategically positioned to help with it - so why not?



My dad went on TV when I was a kid and told everyone on a morning show we had nothing to worry about with regard to computers taking over the world - I was sitting at home in front of the TV with my mom when he said that. Well, it has actually become very real about computers taking over the world - not just that but imperiling humanity as well! The sins of the father are visited upon his son, and so here I am doing my bit and feeling totally justified if not obligated to sticking my nose in it.







What gives the head of a journalist association any credibility in this field? Well you don’t want a bunch of so called AI experts in the industry weighing in on a risk that involves their livelihood. You want stakeholders in the discussion that don’t have a vested interest in AI development and the only area that does not have an interest is the common individual of which I am one, and I can participate as a voice for all - if need be. I’d rather have it done by the Worldwide Vote but we won’t go there now. But I can get involved - and that is huge to me personally.




Goodnight…..





https://youtu.be/fKv5MshdCe8?si=Sg7HnBxiEMYmSAtS

[Maurice Ali]

And so it begins:







More later…..





https://sentientai.net





https://youtu.be/9VBTcDF1eVQ?si=Wx4QDFj119i-RN1Y

[Maurice Ali]

So, we made a little announcement:

[Maurice Ali]

So this AI summit got a bit more real on Friday…..







I’m already registered with a badge number and all - just like that. I looked at the speakers list and all. On the first day the presenters are:


Doreen Bogdan-Martin who took office as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).







HRH Princess Beatrice (UK) (for me this is a wild card, royalty exists in advocacy at the UN and it’s not outside the realm of possibility to get the ear of a Princess if the event is of interest to them. They realize how they got their position and in a crazy way would be open to a person like myself as opposed to a member of academia like the others - so she gets her picture uploaded on my server)


Stuart Russell (University of California at Berkeley), he is considered an expert in AI and robotics.




Anyway it turns out I have the week off anyway when this event happens and in addition to the event I could check out the UN across the street and get my yearly grounds pass there while I’m at it. I could also check out the WTO on the east side and the WHO to the north. I think the UN Human Rights Council is at the UN proper - but I’m not sure - but I’ll check that out also. My sister says to check out the Alps but I’m on a mission there, in the end it’s mostly reconnaissance but with a chance to get in a word with regard to AI.



This was heady stuff for Friday as originally I just wanted to show that I was just starting the AI advocacy - but things got real - real quick! I heard some rumblings about needing to have a visa to get into Switzerland in the future but I’m not sure if that applies now. So I’m rushing around planning a trip I never expected. That doesn’t mean it will happen, but I can’t wait and pull the trigger at the last minute. For this you have to plan with the ability to get out of it and see how things unfold.




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

I’ve been driving a red Volkswagen Jetta since Tuesday and here are my impressions on that vs. my Mustang and the old Buick Enclave.







Pros:


Apple Car Play! MY Mustang doesn’t have it but this does. Siri does the voice play on text messages. The music has the artwork one the big screen but the Mustang is actually the same when it comes to the music with the switches in the steering wheel and so in. You can voice command the music in the Mustang.



It has a cavernous truck and back seat people can sit it - and it has four doors - which is a con for me but not for others.



Cons:




My Mustang



Nobody looks at you or cares who you are! With the Mustang young women always look at you and you get used to it. Then when you get into the red Jetta nobody cares - you are almost invisible. Even if you are unshaven and haggard the women still look your way even if they avert quickly when driving the Mustang - but you do get their attention. With my Buick Enclave - it is so different you expect this, but the red Jetta gets no attention - even a black Mustang like mine gets you a different audience. And - no guys want to race a Jetta - but you all know this.



Stop start: At first I thought there was something wrong with the engine - then I realized this was start stop technology! You do get used to this at stop lights after a while when the engine stops to save gas, and you can anticipate a green light and take your foot of the brake which starts the engine. Not for me though!



Turbo lag! The car is surprisingly peppy! The dowside is that it’s a turbo four. Compared to the Mustang this thing is frustrating to scoot around in dense traffic. What I get in the Mustang is just linear power that is instantaneous and predictable. You can take the Mustang to the track and get faster and faster times as you get used to the track as muscle memory kicks in. I know people buying this car aren’t buying a sports car but I had to mention it.


Surprisingly no neutral handling. Best thing abut the Mustang was the neutral handling. This is a car you can toss around corners and really use your skill to have fun. The Jetta actually feels a bit backheavy if you can believe that!



No mechanical hand brake. You can drift with the Mustang has it has a good old fashioned cable hand brake. With the Jetta you have an e-brake until it fails.



Performance with over 90 horsepower and 31 miles per hour top speed - the Mustang I have - is faster. It it is faster than the exclusive hot version of the Jetta because that 315 hp has to go through to front wheels. My Mustang is also faster to 60 than a Honda Type R - but the Honda has better aero with all that tack on stuff and it gets 16 miles per hour faster top speed which is impressive!



In the Mustang you are pushed down the road and in the Jetta you are pulled.



The Mustang is lower, wider and heavier. The steering is heavier, even the feel of the pedals are heavier. The gear selector is heavier and more robust - then you have the paddles at the wheel. Sport mode….. You can put the cheapest 87 octane in the Mustang and still get 300 horsepower. Or racing gas and get 345 with no physical modifications. Even the doors are heavier and massive. On the Jetta opening and closing the doors are cheap and tinny creaks while my 6 year plus Mustang is solid, noiseless and that sold close of the door every time. The Mustang has better crash protection also.



Anyway I’ve driven it enough. I’m going back to my Mustang after I finish this and park this car in my dad’s. garage.



Other stuff:



While I am seriously considering the trip to Geneva, remember this is a pro-AI event. If I don’t get any chance to vent this is probably a waste of resources. Time will tell, but I am officially invited as of now.



That measles shot is kicking in a mild way. I usually never get any reaction from a shot except Moderna and now the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) shot - I was warned of this!




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

The AI trip continues…..







I talked things over with Sue who is a director in London about the Geneva trip. Long story short, the AI thing is a personal “side hustle” of mine, but there is enough there in Geneva to keep proceeding with things as if the trip was an actual go. So I’m checking flights and availability, hotels and such. It’s more complicated than I thought, but even if we scrap the idea - I’m going there sooner or later so the planning has much merit.



In other news:



The purchasing of guitar equipment seems over. That is a good thing as the advocacy ramps up. The SG was the last guitar purchase a few weeks ago and now one guitar cable and a hard case for the SG seem to have everything covered.




My current Line 6 pedalboard!



I know how to get all the sounds out of that electronic pedal board I have so I don’t need a traditional amp set up and can learn with what I have.



As a beginner guitarist - what is the guitar in my collection that is “me”? That’s easy as most guitars I have are the classics as in:

Telecaster
Stratocaster
Hollowbody
Les Paul
SG
Acoustic


That is seven of my eight guitars. They are the most common types so I have those covered. But the guitar that fits me as a person is that Ibanez AZ Premium seven string. A rather exotic thing made of a wood not like the others that just happens to resonate with the same frequency as high gain. And it has that extra string the others do not. With that extra string that guitar can go places the other can’t. It can be tuned in a way the others can’t. Yet it is unknown as a type and flies under the radar of most guitarists.




Get up close and this is Roccoco!




Two battery doors to run this guitar!



I actually searched for this thing as the other sevens were too cheap and plain. The Schecter Hellraiser C-7 Sustainic seven string came close but the batteries needed for those active pick ups and that rococo abalone binding and inlays and such was defiantly not for subdued me. With that guitar I felt I had to wear a sombrero with tassels or actually glue horns to my head to fit in with the image. And the Schecter I was looking at had two - two - battery doors to run those super special and super hot pickups! And again the Hellraiser had the Floyd Rose bridge - yuck! The Ibanez AZ Premium with those broad shoulders and that thick oiled neck are where it’s at for me! I stayed with the steel saddles as opposed to the optional titanium saddles in the bridge as many tried them and went back to steel. That’s me…..





My seven string “old fart” guitar!



The advocacy is the important thing and the money goes there now. Time is running out on me and the big plays will play out and that will be my story…..




Goodnight…..

[Maurice Ali]

In addition to trips to Switzerland (Geneva), there will also be trips to Nairobi, Kenya. I aim to set up members there to operate as our proxy when needed at the UN Headquarters there in Africa. I need to meet with these individuals in person before letting them speak on our behalf, but this is completely in line with our timeline going forward. Typically a member will get familiar with UN staff and eventually get a job there requiring a new member to fill their vacated seat. UN jobs pay well in these parts of the world so this is understandable.




That timeline has a future without me, but a good CEO has to operate that way for the good in the organization - as depressing as that sounds…..




Goodnight…..