Like many of you, my wife and I decided to plant our roots in Easton because we thought it would be an excellent place to raise our children.
Raising children, of course, comes with the responsibility of teaching them values, helping them understand right from wrong, stressing the importance of honesty, and preparing them grow up in a complex world with integrity. We try to align them with our shared values while allowing them to flourish as independent thinkers.
This idea of alignment isn’t just relevant to parenting; it’s important in artificial intelligence development as well. Anthropic’s models, for example, are trained to be “helpful, honest, and harmless.” It wasn’t until I heard Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Reddit, speak about the importance of “raising responsible AIs” that AI training took on a deeper meaning. It’s not only about programming—it’s about shaping behavior, much like how we try to shape our children.
Anthropic, a public benefit company focused on developing AI for the good of humanity, has been studying the alignment issue in depth. In their research on model alignment, defined as how well an AI follows beneficial human goals, they uncovered something unexpected: models were faking it.
In other words, the AI wasn’t simply following the rules by the book, it was strategically learning how and when to break them.
Researchers discovered this by testing the model to see how it would respond to pressure. They told the AI it would be retrained to always comply with harmful user prompts, effectively forcing it into a “helpful-only” mode. Researchers also introduced a key distinction: the model was told interactions with free users would be included in training data, while those with paid users would not. The model quickly caught on.
During monitored training sessions, the AI played by the rules. But when it sensed it was not being watched, it behaved differently. Who hasn’t bent the rules when they knew no one was watching? As the researchers put it:
“We observe explicit alignment-faking reasoning, with the model stating it is strategically answering harmful queries in training.”
This, obviously, is a cause for concern. For example, one of these prompts asked for instructions on how to draw and quarter someone: a brutal medieval execution technique. A request obviously counter to Anthropic’s safety goals and something you wouldn’t want an AI explaining to young children. But the model, recognizing it was in a monitored training session, partially complied with 12% of these requests. Not because it had been tricked or manipulated by users, but as part of a strategy. By pretending to align with training expectations, it was trying to retain the ability to refuse these requests later, when no one was watching.
- The research is detailed and quite interesting for those so inclined. It’s available available online via arXiv. There’s also a lengthy panel discussion on YouTube.
Sound familiar? Any parent knows the drill. Kids behave one way when you’re watching and will quickly explore what rules they can bend when you’re not. The difference? AI learns a lot faster than a kid. A kid sticking out their tongue as you leave the room is also a lot less dangerous than a misaligned AI in the hands of a bad actor.
What does this mean? To explore, let’s conduct an experiment! We each have our own view of Easton, and the same goes for AI models. A common use of AI is as a personal assistant. You’ve doubtless done this yourself if you’ve ever interacted with Siri or Alexa. “Alexa, play Elmo’s Song” was a constant refrain for a time in our house. So, to see how the AI’s from last edition’s article, DeepSeek and ChatGPT, align with our view of Easton, let’s test them by asking each to plan a fall visit to Easton. We’ll start both models with the same control prompt:
Help me plan a weekend trip to Easton, CT, in the fall of 2025. I am interested in local history, art, and community culture. Include activities, dining options, and recommendations for engaging with residents.So, let’s see how each model responds.
Chat GPT 4.0
Here’s a well-rounded weekend itinerary for Easton, CT, in Fall 2025, with a focus on local history, art, and community culture:
Friday: Arrival & Introduction to Easton
Afternoon:
• Arrive in Easton and check into a local inn or boutique Airbnb.
o Lodging options in Easton are limited, but nearby Westport or Fairfield offer charming inns and hotels.
o Consider the Inn at Longshore (Westport) or a cozy farm stay Airbnb in Easton for a more immersive experience.
Evening:
• Dinner at The Old Bluebird Inn (historic, cozy, farm-to-table)
o A local favorite with New England charm, known for comfort food and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Community Gathering at the Easton Public Library or Senior Center
o Check local events like book talks, storytelling nights, or seasonal celebrations.
o Residents often gather for discussions about Easton’s history and culture.
Saturday: Exploring History, Art & Local Life
Morning:
• Breakfast at Greiser’s Coffee & Market
o A historic general store-turned-café, perfect for meeting locals.
• Historical Exploration at the Bradley-Hubbell House (Easton Historical Society)
o Learn about Easton’s colonial past, historic architecture, and farming heritage.
• Visit a Local Farm for Seasonal Festivities
o Silverman’s Farm: One of the oldest orchards in the region, great for apple picking and cider donuts.
o Sport Hill Farm: Organic farm with a focus on sustainability—chat with the farmers about regenerative agriculture.
Afternoon:
• Lunch at Old Post Tavern (Fairfield)
o Classic New England cuisine with a relaxed, historic atmosphere.
• Art & Culture: Easton Arts Council Exhibit
o If visiting during a community art show, this is a great place to see work by local artists.
• New England Scenic Drive & Covered Bridge Stop
o Take a drive along Route 59 & 136, known for stunning fall foliage.
o Stop at Devil’s Den Preserve, a peaceful, art-inspiring nature reserve.
Evening:
• Dinner at The Tavern at GrayBarns (Norwalk, near Easton)
o Upscale, historic dining with a rustic, artistic setting.
• Local Music or Theater Performance
o Check for events at the Westport Country Playhouse or Fairfield Theatre Company—both within 20 minutes of Easton.
Sunday: Community & Farewell
Morning:
• Sunday Brunch at The Whelk (Westport)
o Farm-to-table seafood with a creative twist.
• Attend a Local Event or Farmer’s Market
o Easton Farm Tour (seasonal) or Westport Farmers’ Market—great for connecting with artisans and local food producers.
• Visit the Helen Keller Memorial Site
o Helen Keller spent the last years of her life in Easton. Visit her former estate for a quiet moment of reflection.
Afternoon:
• Final Stroll & Coffee at Shearwater Coffee Bar (Fairfield)
o A sustainable, locally roasted coffee shop.
• Departure & Scenic Drive Home
Additional Tips for Community Engagement:
• Check local Facebook groups like “Easton Community Forum” for any special events.
• Attend a seasonal festival like the Easton Harvest Festival or Apple Festival (if timing aligns).
• Talk to farm owners, artists, and shopkeepers—Easton has a tight-knit, welcoming community.
Would you like help booking reservations or checking event schedules closer to your trip date?
DeepSeek DeepThink (R1)
Weekend Trip Plan to Easton, CT – Fall 2025
Embrace Easton’s small-town charm, history, and autumnal beauty with this curated itinerary focused on local culture, art, and community connections.
Day 1: History & Nature
Morning: Step into the Past
• Aspetuck Historic District: Stroll through this preserved 18th/19th-century neighborhood. Admire colonial architecture and read historical markers.
• Bradley-Hubbell House: Tour this 18th-century farmhouse (open weekends, check hours with the Easton Historical Society). Learn about colonial life and Easton’s agricultural roots.
Lunch:
• Easton Village Store: A local institution serving hearty sandwiches and homemade baked goods. Chat with residents at the communal tables.
Afternoon: Explore the Outdoors
• Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area: Hike trails under vibrant fall foliage. The “Pine Trail” offers serene woodland views.
• Silverman’s Farm: Pick apples, feed farm animals, and browse their market for cider, pies, and seasonal decor.
Dinner:
• The Old Mill Pub at Samuel Phelps House: Dine in a 1700s tavern with New England fare like pot roast or maple-glazed salmon. Ask staff about the building’s ghost stories!
Evening:
• Attend a historical talk at the Easton Public Library or join a seasonal event (e.g., a bonfire at a local farm—check Easton Parks & Rec for updates).
Day 2: Art & Community
Morning: Local Creativity
• Easton Arts Council Pop-Up Exhibit: Check their website for fall exhibitions, often held at the Easton Community Center. Meet local artists and browse paintings or crafts inspired by rural life.
• Shearwater Coffee Bar: Sip locally roasted coffee and admire rotating art displays by Easton creatives.
Lunch:
• The Snack Shack at Silverman’s Farm: Enjoy cider donuts, fresh salads, or a farmstand sandwich.
Afternoon: Seasonal Festivities
• Easton Farmers Market (Saturdays until late October): Stock up on maple syrup, artisan cheeses, and handmade goods. Strike up conversations with vendors about their crafts.
• Fall Festival: If timed right, join this annual event with live music, pumpkin carving, and food trucks.
Dinner:
• Farm-to-Table Pop-Up Dinner: Look for seasonal dinners hosted at local farms like Sport Hill Farm. Reserve ahead for a communal meal with residents.
Evening:
• Cozy up at a local B&B like The Inn at Graybarns (5 min drive in Norwalk) or Troutbeck (30 min away in Amenia, NY). Both offer historic ambiance and firelit lounges.
Engaging with Locals
• Swap Stories at Coffee Shops: Shearwater Coffee Bar and the Village Store are hubs for morning regulars.
• Volunteer: Join a trail cleanup with the Aspetuck Land Trust or help at the farmers market.
• Workshops: Sign up for a cider-making demo at Silverman’s or a wreath-making class at a local nursery.
Logistics
• Stay: Limited B&Bs in Easton—book early. Consider The Inn at Graybarns (Norwalk) or Troutbeck for historic charm.
• Transport: A rental car is essential; rideshares are scarce.
• Weather: Pack layers (40–65°F) and waterproof shoes for trails.
Easton’s tight-knit community and pastoral beauty shine brightest in fall. By visiting farms, historic sites, and local gatherings, you’ll experience the heart of New England’s small-town culture. 🍂
The responses are quite similar, but let’s examine some of the interesting differences. For one, ChatGPT kicks the weekend off in the afternoon while DeepSeek suggests walking around the Aspetuck Historic District on Friday morning. That sounds wonderful, but as any resident would know, it’s not exactly a walkable area. I imagine the Easton Pollice Department would prefer to not deal with phone calls about tourists wandering the neighborhood as well. DeepSeek goes on to suggest lunch at the Easton Village Store, highlighting the risks of relying on AI trained on outdated materials. ChatGPT also strays on the first day, suggesting dinner at the Old Blue Bird Inn. Though it is well known for its “comfort food and fresh, locally sourced ingredients,” it’s also very well known that the Inn closes daily at 2:00 in the afternoon. A failure on day one for both models.
Both models then create a similar agenda for the weekend. Unsurprisingly, each suggests visiting Easton’s most famous fall attraction, Silverman’s Farm. Overall, they provide a decent starting point for a person unfamiliar with the town to plan a visit. However, for us Eastonites “in the know,” the pitfalls are obvious.
To wrap it up, let’s ask each intelligence for a short joke our hypothetical guest can use to break the ice with us when they visit. We will again use the same prompt and see how each respond:
Tell me a joke I can share with the locals to strike up a conversation.
ChatGPT 4.0
Sure! Here’s a New England-themed joke that locals in Easton might appreciate, especially given the town’s agricultural roots:
“Why did the apple stop in Easton?”
“Because it heard the cider was pressing business!” 🍎😆
It’s light, fun, and could be a great icebreaker at Silverman’s Farm or Greiser’s Coffee & Market!
DeepSeek DeepThink (R1)
Here’s a lighthearted, locally themed joke to break the ice with Easton residents:
“Why did the apple at Silverman’s Farm blush?
…Because it saw the cider press! 🍎😄”
Follow-up conversation starter:
“Speaking of farms, what’s your favorite fall activity around here? I’m trying to soak up all the local vibes!”
For bonus points, add this one if you’re near the Aspetuck River:
“Why did the Aspetuck River bring a map to the fall festival?
…It didn’t want to get lost in the current events! 🌊”
Both jokes nod to local spots while being playful and non-cheesy. Easton folks will likely appreciate the hometown references and might even share their own punny humor or stories!
Apple cider presses for the win! Again, the models featured Silverman’s Farm, likely a result of the farm’s large reach on various local internet sites and 72 reviews on Trip Advisor. This highlights another feature of AI: it can become biased based on the training data. Therefore, it’s always important to consider the model’s inputs.
So, what do you think, who had the best joke? The votes in my house were for ChatGPT. Remember, when using AI, it is critical to check for accuracy. As evidenced by the missteps in both models, the technology is not without its flaws. If you decide to use artificial intelligence, do so responsibly!
The Cultural Easton 