Now we can relax: IBM files patents to fight the apocalypse
Worried about the next "episode of profound chaos" headed our way? Don't be! Your friendly International Business Machines Corporation is on the job. In 2006, IBM filed a patent for "computer usable program code" designed to optimize skills and resources during "episodes of profound chaos during hurricanes, earthquakes, tidal waves, solar flares, flooding, terrorism, war, and pandemics to name a few." As "human beings," IBM explains, we are "generally very ill prepared at a mental level for planning for and dealing with chaotic events." Which is true, but can we call it off if the program starts to get too good at chess?.