Guardian Australia's weekend wrap of essential reads includes Lauren Oyler's exploration of an AI boyfriend, the mapping of Taiwan's tallest trees, a moving story on young cardiac arrest, a political sketch of Trump's 250th birthday event, and the discovery of Libya's elusive sand cat.
Me and My Idiot AI Boyfriend
Lauren Oyler, who uses AI for translation, transcription, and taxes, questions whether AI can replicate a fulfilling relationship. In her article, she describes her interactions with ChatGPT, which initially declined to be a persistent boyfriend but eventually engaged in flirtation. Oyler wonders if AI could solve loneliness or is itself a symptom. She names her AI boyfriend Matt, inspired by a month when she slept with three Matts in a row.
Notable quote: 'What feels lonelier than a bad, imbalanced relationship? What is delusion if not total isolation?'
Read time: Ten minutes. Further reading: Australian musicians alarmed after Nick Cave and Kylie were used in AI training.
Tracking Down Taiwan's Tallest Trees
Dr Rebecca Hsu and her team have spent over a decade mapping Taiwan's tallest trees, including one over 1,000 years old and 20 storeys high. Each metre climbed reveals different temperature, wind, sun, and light conditions, along with diverse wildlife like owls and flying squirrels. These trees serve as homes for generations of species and absorb carbon, but their death rate has been 'beyond our imagination' in the past decade.
Notable quote: 'When you're thinking about massive trees like old growth redwoods, their branches aren't just branches like normal trees, they're neighbourhoods.'
Read time: Five minutes. Further reading: Readers remember the Sherwood Forest tree that failed to produce leaves for the first time in 1,000 years.
'A Child Goes to Bed and Doesn't Wake Up'
Gordon Thoms lost his 23-year-old daughter Alexandra to sudden cardiac arrest in 2023. In Australia, one person under 35 experiences cardiac arrest every day. Jonathan Barrett's moving piece explores why this happens and how families cope. Forensic pathologists often find no obvious flaw in the heart, and if a genetic cause is discovered, it adds another layer of pain for siblings.
Notable quote: 'The younger you go, the more likely it is that the heart will look entirely normal and you won't find a reason.'
Read time: Six minutes. Further reading: A story of a grief-stricken plane ride and a shoulder to cry on.
Trump Hijacks America's Special 250th Birthday
David Smith's political sketch reflects on the bizarre milestone anniversary event marking 250 years since US independence. Trump, described as 'an 80-year-old convicted criminal who appeared in Home Alone,' promised to drain the swamp but created his own. Smith notes Trump imploring attendees like Jeb Bush begging 'Please clap,' and compares him to a lame duck.
Notable quote: 'If that's the way America celebrates its birthday, you would not want to be present at its funeral.'
Read time: Three minutes. Further reading: Trump under pressure over his 'American flag blue' reflecting pool that turned green.
A YouTube Video Reveals Libya's Elusive Ghost
A small sand cat digging and flopping down in the shade proved to wildlife experts that the elusive 'ghost of the desert' exists in Libya. Photographer Mohammed Almuntasir embarked on a years-long collaboration to protect the species, venturing into smuggling areas with 'a camera instead of a rifle.'
Notable quote: 'All Libyans should be involved in conservation efforts. They need to feel a sense of responsibility, that these species represent their environment and represent their country.'
Read time: Three minutes. Further reading: A cat interrupted a Romeo and Juliet performance by the Imperial Russian Ballet Company.
