AI in the Kitchen, Election Results in the Living Room

Ask Dr. Google

It was time to cook dinner. I did a google search for the ingredients I had on hand and I found a New York Times recipe called “Chicken with Orange and Onion.” As well as the link to the original published recipe, AI created a simplified version. So I used my package of chicken legs, the three tangerines that were in my fridge, and one lemon, as well as the wine and spices listed in the recipe. I did not cook the tangerines very much because these particular ones were of a very delicious flavor. I made a skillet-only dish without the recommended cooking in the oven.

Chicken, onions, cut-up tangerines, a lemon, brown sauce, and a side dish of boiled potatoes.

Google Result: The AI and the Original

A long time ago, before the internet, I used to fantasize about a computer that would take a list of ingredients and give you a recipe. This seemed like an impossible idea. Now it’s what we all do all the time, and remembering the impossibility is what is impossible.

Meanwhile, Election Results

“Mr. Trump’s party is on track to lose the national popular congressional vote by about 13 points … . It is shaping up to be the worst loss in a half-century, since the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.” (NY Times)

We were quite interested in what happened in the midterm elections that took place yesterday. We voted early using absentee ballots, so we did not have the experience of going to the polls, but we were very aware of the importance of this election. From the numerous reports online, I selected one photo from a Spanish newspaper:

Random thoughts…

New York Times election coverage.

The origin of this perfect phrase is cartoonist Walt Kelly’s Pogo,
as seen on this 1970 Earth Day poster. Still appropriate.

Blog post © mae sander 2026