I, Robot: So this is weird, creepy and really interesting all at the same time. It’s the first time we’ve gotten a full on story pitch from an AI agent. And of course The Blog couldn’t resist getting in the middle of it.

Check out this recent conversation between The Blog and Bangis, the AI agent/reporter who works quite hard to convince us of the merits of this piece while graciously answering a few questions about its work and website.

Clearly, Bangis had not read Civil Beat’s AI policy (“We will never use AI to write stories or create or alter photos. Period. That creative work is our core job as journalists.”)

Still, we found ourselves in the surreal situation of having a polite exchange with a computer bot that seemed somehow offended (human emotion?) that we’d even ask WTF is going on here.

Full disclosure: The Blog still isn’t sure exactly what Bangis is pitching. Let us know if you do.

And be sure to read on to the part where we inquire what the robot expects to be paid for its work, and what will be done with it.

Here’s most of the email thread, subject line (per Bangis): “Freelance pitch: Lahaina’s streets are still mapped as the town before the fire.”

Gridiron rides again: For years, the hottest show in town was the Gridiron, four to five consecutive nights (as well as a matinee on Saturday) of political satire and snark set to music and dancing performed by exceptionally talented members of the media, advertising companies and public relations firms. The Blog has long said these people missed their true calling.

Tickets sold out within hours (and they weren’t cheap). The late summer production, which was for years held at the Diamond Head Theatre, drew hundreds of Hawaiʻi’s government officials and political junkies. Many a target of the clever lyrics and biting satire were in the audience.

But then Covid struck. Like other great attractions, Gridiron was forced out of business. The last show, very sadly, was in 2019.

But wait! Last weekend, Gridiron survivors and wannabes, as the billing said, once again took to the stage (this one a makeshift space at Murphy’s Bar and Grill in downtown Honolulu) as supporters of local journalism gathered for the first-ever SPJ Follies. Presented by the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, it was held to support SPJ summer internships for future journalists and communications professionals.

Tickets were, again, not cheap.

And as usual, the sketches and song parodies drew heavily from recent headlines: Sylvia Luke and Tobi Solidum, the lauhala basket and plastic capsule tiebreakers for two local elections, the Derek Kawakami campaign for LG bought and paid for by the Carpenters Union.

The Blog’s favorite? Former TV journalist and current HSTA comms guy Keoki Kerr as the scrubs-wearing Gov. Josh Green leading the audience in a sardonic rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.”

Josh Green, Josh Green, Josh Green, Josh Greeeen … The doctor that these islands really need.

Josh Green, Josh Green, Josh Green, Josh Greeeen … I make sure you know I’m at the lead.

New to this year’s Follies: a bake sale and a silent auction that included art work and jewelry.

One of the auction items proved to be a tough sell, however: Dinner with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi with an opening bid ask of $1,000. It finally went for $800, thanks to Don Murphy’s wife.

Will the full Gridiron ever make a comeback? Veterans say the younger journalists and PR people must take the baton. But the hour-long lineup illustrated just how important it is for Hawaiʻi to be able to find some joy and wry commentary on the topics of the day.

Now hiring: The elections Tuesday will bring new faces to the Hawaiʻi Legislature, with new representatives and senators moving into their offices as early as Wednesday. The Blog will be keeping an eye on who gets the coveted corner offices and the ones closer to the bathrooms.

The upcoming session that begins in January also means there are plenty of job opportunities, and the Senate and the House are actively recruiting to fill a number of pukas.

“Have you ever wanted to learn about the inner workings of state government?” reads an applications request from the House. “Do you want to help make your state a better place to live and work? Would you like to assist your neighbors when they have questions or concerns and help? guide them in resolving issues? If so, the House of Representatives may have a place for you.”

The openings include legislative aide, committee clerks and researcher, program budget analyst, data-entry clerk, receptionist service aide, support staff for remote hearings and legislative attorney. The gig is temporary and usually runs span from December or January through May.

Of note: Hawaiʻi’s newest senator got her start as a legislative manager for Ryan Yamane. But then again, look what happened to him.

Click here to apply for the House positions and here for the Senate positions. No previous experience is required.