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kingjj

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#230715 9-Mar-2018 17:16
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Every so often something golden comes out of NZ Journalism. In this case Spinoff/Stuff have recently covered Albi Whale and his supposed "super computer" Zach. Stuff previously covered the announcement of Zach at a small gathering in Chch last year which the Chch Mayor was supposed to have attended (but didn't).

 

Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/102062565/hunting-the-whale-a-supercomputer-inventors-dubious-trail

 

Spinoff: https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-best-of/06-03-2018/the-mystery-of-zach-new-zealands-all-too-miraculous-medical-ai/

 

Albi Whale of Chch claims to run a Charitable Trust which has over $450 in assets including a super computer named 'Zach' which is supposed to be an advanced AI that can do everything and anything - but only by email with a 20 minute turn around. Albi claims that the system is based overseas but that they are importing "multiple Cray XC50 supercomputers" to act as a Firewall in NZ which will be setup in a historic building in Chch within 6-9 months. Albi has previously touted his 'Terrible Talk' ISP (discussed over the years on GZ with an 'official' profile last active in 2103) which he claims has over 6 million customers in 12 countries (all through a resold whitelabled Vocus account). Their assets allegedly jumped from $1 million to $450m in the space of a year with Albi claiming to own 56 cars and a jumbo jet among other things all managed from an office above a bike shop in Chch. A previous company he was involved with was liquidated with the liquidator only able to reclaim $41 from the sale of some old junk.

 

I really can't believe that any news service is giving Albi and his father the time of day. This is all fanciful dream with no basis in realty. Everyone linked to this man and his 'companies' has to have lost any and all credibility they have. Giving this man any sort of media attention is just feeding his ego. @TerribleTalk would you like to comment?


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xpd

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  #1972021 9-Mar-2018 17:32
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Since they havent posted since 2013 ina  thread called "Terrible Talk Listens to Geekzone", I dont think they will want to listen ;)

 

Its an entertaining tale regardless..... 





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DarthKermit
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  #1972023 9-Mar-2018 17:33
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A cabin sign from the movie Airplane! Springs to mind:

 

 

Sorry if this isn't allowed mods.


Behodar
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  #1972040 9-Mar-2018 18:17
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I think I got a headache just from reading that nonsense.




sbiddle
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  #1972088 9-Mar-2018 18:53
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I find it ironic that after numerous feel good stories written by Stuff that were questioned at the time by everybody but Stuff themselves (this here wins a prize http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/88797510/The-curious-tale-of-Alberic-Whale-Turning-over-his-company-to-world-charity) that Stuff should finally question him and his claims  - days after The Spinoff scoops the fact he's a fraud.

 

 


gzt

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  #1972143 9-Mar-2018 20:51
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sbiddle:

I find it ironic that after numerous feel good stories written by Stuff that were questioned at the time by everybody but Stuff themselves (this here wins a prize http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/88797510/The-curious-tale-of-Alberic-Whale-Turning-over-his-company-to-world-charity) that Stuff should finally question him and his claims  - days after The Spinoff scoops the fact he's a fraud.


I find it ironic they both have unbelievably long articles that do not mention the word. Both articles are missing something.

kingjj

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  #1972147 9-Mar-2018 21:05
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gzt:
sbiddle:

 

I find it ironic that after numerous feel good stories written by Stuff that were questioned at the time by everybody but Stuff themselves (this here wins a prize http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/88797510/The-curious-tale-of-Alberic-Whale-Turning-over-his-company-to-world-charity) that Stuff should finally question him and his claims  - days after The Spinoff scoops the fact he's a fraud.

 


I find it ironic they both have unbelievably long articles that do not mention the word. Both articles are missing something.

 

It feels like the authors are afraid to make a negative statement against this shame of a company for fear of being sued. I reckon Albi Whale and Shane Casbolt should get together, they both have high opinions of themselves and expect that everyone will believe there every word without question.


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  #1972150 9-Mar-2018 21:11
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So much bullshit.




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jnimmo
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  #1972187 9-Mar-2018 23:39
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Interesting...

 

There are some smart people working on 'custom chips' in Christchurch however this is obviously snake oil.


Goosey
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  #1972208 10-Mar-2018 07:05
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So weird. 

 

Where are the IRD and SFO?

 

Are they simply manufacturing soley BS and its all BS and nobodys taken money from anyone in the process. 

 

Bizzare. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edit: Spelling.  Opps the Zach spell checker got it wrong. 


RickD
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  #1972211 10-Mar-2018 07:42
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I came here after reading it on Stuff. Very bizarre story. The enigma layer sounds cool though.

kiwifidget
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  #1972215 10-Mar-2018 09:04
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The IRD should audit him now, I wouldn't mind betting there is an enormous discrepancy between his publicly stated income and his tax contributions. 





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xpd

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  #1978747 16-Mar-2018 15:57
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Watch everything/one vanish overnight.

 

 





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mrdrifter
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  #1978751 16-Mar-2018 16:05
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I was most surprised about the whole 'sending it patient files' piece of the article. especially when I firmly believe this really is a mechanical turk style system, where its highly likely a bunch of people on the other end just read the notes and type a summary in response. who knows where your medical notes are going!


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  #1978754 16-Mar-2018 16:11
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This doctor should be investigated by the Privacy Commission - but they won't do anything without a person complaining and giving evidence of breach first.





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