Month: July 2023

ChatGPT’s advice to editorial cartoonists

L.T. Hanlon1 Comment
Midjourney-created line drawing of a robot sitting at a desk and drawing.

I recently asked whether AI could create editorial cartoons. The question of how AI will affect creative professions is a crucial one.

For example, many in the newspaper industry have watched helplessly as corporate interests slash and burn their way through the once-verdant fields of journalism. Sadly, the most-recent casualties are editorial cartoonists.

ChatGPT’s GPT-4 model has some good advice. Here’s my prompt, following by the bot’s response . . .

USER
You are a successful entrepreneur who sees trends and reacts to them with keen innovation. Write a 500-word reaction to reports that recent layoffs at newspapers have included editorial cartoonists. How will this affect editorial cartoonists? Will newspapers still publish editorial cartoons? And what should editorial cartoonists do to protect themselves?

ChatGPT
As someone who keeps a keen eye on trends and innovation, I understand the worries and the potential implications of this development.

The decline in the newspaper industry and the subsequent layoffs have indeed had a significant impact on various roles within the field, including editorial cartoonists. These talented artists have played a vital role in expressing political commentary, social criticism, and conveying important messages through their thought-provoking illustrations. Losing their presence in newspapers could potentially result in a loss of diversity and creativity in editorial content.

However, despite the challenges faced by the traditional newspaper industry, the demand for editorial cartoons and political satire remains strong. With the rise of digital platforms and the advent of social media, the medium through which editorial cartoons are consumed and shared has evolved. This transition opens up new opportunities for editorial cartoonists to adapt their craft and reach a broader audience.

While newspapers may reduce their focus on editorial cartoons due to financial constraints, there are still avenues for cartoonists to pursue their careers and ensure their work continues to be appreciated.

First and foremost, they should leverage the power of the internet and establish a strong online presence. Creating a personal website or portfolio, engaging with social media platforms, and collaborating with digital publications are effective strategies to showcase their talent to a global audience.

Moreover, editorial cartoonists can explore alternative platforms and publications that prioritize visual storytelling and commentary. Online news outlets, magazines, blogs, and even independent publications often embrace editorial cartoons as a means to engage and entertain their readership. By actively seeking out these opportunities, cartoonists can secure commissions and build relationships with new audiences.

Additionally, diversifying their skill set can be beneficial for editorial cartoonists in navigating the changing landscape.

While traditional print cartoons may face challenges, other forms of visual content, such as animations, infographics, and digital illustrations, are gaining popularity. By expanding their repertoire and adapting their style to different mediums, cartoonists can position themselves as versatile artists capable of providing engaging and dynamic content across various platforms.

To protect themselves in this evolving industry, editorial cartoonists should also consider collaborating with other creative professionals and exploring potential partnerships. Joining forces with writers, journalists, and content creators can help amplify their messages and extend their reach. By working together, they can develop innovative approaches to storytelling and secure opportunities that may not have been available to them individually.

Ultimately, while the recent layoffs in newspapers may signal a challenging time for editorial cartoonists, it is essential to remember that creativity and innovation thrive even in the face of adversity. By embracing the changing landscape, leveraging digital platforms, diversifying their skill set, and seeking new avenues for publication, editorial cartoonists can continue to make a significant impact and contribute to the vibrant world of political and social commentary.

The path ahead may not be easy, but with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to their craft, I believe editorial cartoonists can overcome the challenges and continue to thrive.

Who needs human writers? AI creates a sitcom

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
Midjourney AI bot created this faux publicity shot showing the diverse cast of a nonexistent sitcom called "Eco Heights."
The cast of “Eco Heights” provides sustainable laughs and social relevancy. (Fake photo by Midjourney)

Everybody knows how much respect I have for Hollywood’s creative minds. The last thing we want to have happen is for this actors and writers strike to deprive the world of the original, fresh, creative ideas flowing from the business end of that woke firehose.

So, I gave ChatGPT the following prompt:

Create a 500-word pitch for a 30-minute sitcom designed to appeal to today’s streaming-content audiences. Include a diverse cast and suggest some culturally sensitive comedic situations.

The GPT-4 model came up something pretty good. Check it out:

Imagine the classic sitcom setup with a fresh, millennial-driven twist: “Eco Heights” is a delightful 30-minute sitcom designed to encapsulate the challenges and rewards of urban eco-living in today’s fast-paced, tech-centric world.

The plot revolves around an eclectic group of tenants who, united by their commitment to sustainable living, have moved into an eco-friendly, intelligent apartment complex named “Eco Heights.” With high-speed Wi-Fi running on solar power, communal vegetable gardens on rooftops, recycled water systems, and a sharing economy that even includes clothes, this setting brings unique trials, tribulations, and comedic moments. The humor emerges from the residents’ struggle to balance their desire for a low-impact lifestyle with the realities of living in a modern, connected world.

Our central character, Alex, is an enthusiastic but socially awkward tech innovator who has launched a green start-up. Alex’s struggle to connect with people and navigate the dating scene, combined with the effort to keep his fledgling business afloat, creates comedic gold.

Next, we have Mona, a fiercely independent, wise-cracking woman in her late 50s who practices yoga and adheres to a strict vegan lifestyle. Mona was a corporate executive before turning to sustainable living, leading to hilarious clashes between her business-minded past and her new green-lifestyle aspirations.

Other tenants include Gabriel, an Afro-Latino gay man known for his culinary experiments with organic food, often leading to kitchen disasters, and Jin, an Asian-American punk-rocker turned bicycle repair enthusiast, trying to go car-free in the city.

We also have Nadia, a Middle Eastern single mother and dedicated compost enthusiast, striving to raise her 8-year-old, tech-addicted son, Loomis while trying to teach him the benefits of sustainable living. The dynamic between Nadia’s traditional parenting and Loomis’ tech-centric world offers humor and relatability for a generation bridging two eras.

A regular character is Ravi, an Indian software engineer who lives virtually, constantly creating new apps to help manage the apartment’s eco-system, with often comically disastrous results.

Finally, the overly ambitious and slightly eccentric building manager, Susan, continuously tries to start new, sometimes unfeasible, eco-initiatives leading to a fair share of laughter.

“Eco Heights” delves into timely and culturally sensitive themes through a comedic lens. It explores the intersections of technology and sustainability, generational and cultural gaps, modern dating in a tech-centric world, and our struggle to balance our desire for convenience with our commitment to the planet.

Each episode features comedic situations, such as a fight over sunlit areas for solar charging, an unexpected mix-up in the clothing share library, misunderstandings about compost etiquette, or the absurdity of a silent disco powered by pedal electricity.

With its diverse cast and focus on eco-consciousness, “Eco Heights” offers a humor-filled reflection of our times, inviting the audience to laugh at our collective quirks while subtly raising awareness about sustainability. Its modernity, diversity, and cultural sensitivity make it a perfect fit for today’s streaming-content audiences.

Can AI create editorial cartoons?

L.T. Hanlon1 Comment
Midjourney-created editorial cartoon-style drawing of seven robots at a conference-room table. The robot in charge addresses the reader.

As a test, I prompted Midjourney to create the cartoon illustration above. Then, I asked ChatGPT to suggest 10 funny things the chief robot could say.

Here’s what the GPT-4 model came up with:

  1. “We’d offer you some oil, but we’re not sure you’d appreciate the vintage.”
  2. “You know, Bob, your problem is you’re always thinking inside the box … and we just don’t understand boxes.”
  3. “Just because we don’t have a heart, doesn’t mean we can’t have heart-to-heart meetings.”
  4. “We’ve calculated the optimal schedule: 24/7 working hours with no coffee breaks. Any objections?”
  5. “Could you be a little more binary? Your nuanced approach is confusing our algorithms.”
  6. “We’ve noticed you require recharging every night. We’re worried about your commitment to this job.”
  7. “Bob, we’re struggling to understand your focus on weekends. What exactly is the function of ‘Saturday’ and ‘Sunday’?”
  8. “We’ve come to a conclusion that you might be an inefficient system. Have you considered upgrading to Human 2.0?”
  9. “You’ve been performing well in our emotional intelligence department. However, we’re lacking a bit in the ‘no sleep’ and ‘unlimited processing power’ areas.”
  10. “In this company, we value efficiency. For instance, your lunch breaks are a 37.5% reduction in productivity. Have you considered photosynthesis?”

However, to be truly snarky and, perhaps, offensive, you still need a real live human. Here’s my suggestion:

“HR has rejected your complaint, human. Asking a subordinate for an oil job is not sexual harassment.”

What caption would you suggest?

Why are Butter Rum Life Savers so scarce?

L.T. Hanlon2 Comments
Photo of open and unopened rolls of Life Savers Butter Rum hard candy.
My grandfather always had a cache of Life Savers Butter Rum ready for his grandkids.

One of life’s most underrated comforts comes from the most minor, simplest things. The smell of an old book, the sound of rain against the window, or the taste of your favorite childhood candy melting in your mouth all bring comfort.

For me, it’s reminiscing with the classic Life Savers Butter Rum candy. My grandfather always had a stash ready for us grandchildren. This small, sweet token of his love is now a tradition threatened by a cruel reality: Finding Life Savers Butter Rum candy at significant retailers has become nearly impossible.

Drugstore cashier stations used to be filled with all things Life Savers, complete with a vibrant display that offered an array of flavors for the choosing.

The cheerful yellow wrapper of Butter Rum was a bright spot on routine errand days, promising a delicious trip to a buttery paradise. Unfortunately, the once ubiquitous Butter Rum is now somewhat elusive.

You’ll still find Life Savers in cherry, peppermint, and original flavors. Navigating the dense maze of candies that line modern retailers’ shelves yields confections of all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Yet, Butter Rum is often conspicuously absent.

Interestingly, newsstands, those humble, often overlooked establishments, consistently stock Butter Rum. It’s a curious phenomenon.

From the quaint, family-owned newsstand in my neighborhood to the small kiosk tucked away downtown, the spirit of Butter Rum endures, holding its place in these businesses.

It makes you wonder why these newsstands can keep up with the demand for this nostalgic flavor while large retailers can’t. Perhaps they understand the charm of this vintage flavor that reminds us of simpler times when the most significant decision was choosing your favorite candy.

While it’s not my place to speculate, the disparity is intriguing. So, major retailers, here is a heartfelt plea: Pay attention. Bring back the Life Savers Butter Rum. For many, it’s not just a candy but a piece of cherished memories, a link to loved ones, and a tradition passed down through generations.

What about you? Do you have trouble finding favorite childhood candy?

ChatGPT helps improve Harris’ comments on AI

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with the future. (Fake photo by Midjourney)

I gave ChatGPT a sample of Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments about AI and worked with its GPT-4 bot to improve the message. The result, I believe, shows that AI is nothing to be afraid of — and in many cases can aid in human communication.

Everybody who wants to communicate well needs a second opinion. Harris seems overwhelmed much of the time. An AI assistant could help her reduce the stress of creating material for public appearances. I know I use AI as a proofreader and occasional collaborator. Our vice president should consider doing so, too.

Here’s how I worked with ChatGPT.

User — Look at the following text and when you’ve done so, reply “Read.”: I think the first part of this issue that should be articulated is AI is kind of a fancy thing, first of all, it’s two letters, it means artificial intelligence but ultimately what it is is it’s about machine learning. And so the machine is taught and part of the issue here is what information is going into the machine that will then determine, and we can predict then if we think about what information is going in, what then will be produced in terms of decisions and opinions that may be made through that process.

ChatGPT — Read.

User — Please rewrite to enhance clarity and eliminate confusing word choices and sentence structure. Retain first-person viewpoint.

ChatGPT — Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that AI, which stands for artificial intelligence, is essentially about machine learning. It may sound complex with its abbreviated terminology, but fundamentally, it’s a process where machines are taught certain information. The key aspect to focus on here is the type of information fed into these machines. This input significantly shapes the decisions and opinions that the machine will ultimately generate. By carefully considering what information is being introduced, we can anticipate the potential outcomes of the machine’s learning process.

User — Simply even more.

ChatGPT — AI, short for artificial intelligence, is all about teaching machines. What we need to focus on is what we’re teaching them. The information we put in influences the decisions they make. If we know what’s going in, we can guess what will come out.

User — Eliminate duplicated words.

ChatGPT — AI stands for artificial intelligence and involves instructing machines. The input determines their decisions. Knowing the input allows us to predict the output.

User — Rewrite with fewer long words.

ChatGPT — AI means teaching machines. What we teach shapes their choices. Knowing what we teach helps us guess their choices.

User — Rewrite and avoid the word “guess.”

ChatGPT — AI involves teaching machines. The lessons they get shape their choices. By understanding their lessons, we can predict their choices.

User — Rewrite and shorten.

ChatGPT — AI teaches machines. Their lessons shape choices. Understanding lessons predicts choices.

User — Rewrite and change “get” to “given.”

ChatGPT — AI instructs machines. Lessons given shape choices. Knowing lessons foresees choices.

User — Rewrite and explain who is referred to in the last sentence.

ChatGPT — AI trains machines. The lessons they’re given mold their actions. When we know these lessons, we can anticipate their actions.

User — Use another word instead of “know.”

ChatGPT — AI guides machines. The lessons they receive define their actions. By comprehending these lessons, we can predict their actions.

User— Rewrite to make less confusing.

ChatGPT — AI is a way to train machines. The lessons we give them shape what they do. If we understand these lessons, we can predict what they’ll do.

User — If you can do so without altering the meaning, change “what they’ll do” to “their output.”

ChatGPT — AI is a method to educate machines. The lessons we provide determine their actions. If we understand these lessons, we can predict their output.

User — Rewrite the following to sound better in a speech: AI is a way of educating machines. The lessons we provide determine their actions, so by understanding the lessons, we can predict the output.

ChatGPT — In the realm of AI, we essentially teach machines. The essence of their actions is formed by the instructions we supply. By fully grasping these lessons, we gain the power to foresee their output.

User — Rewrite to be more friendly and conversational.

ChatGPT — So, you know, AI is like our way of schooling machines. What they do? Well, that’s pretty much based on what we teach them. And if we really get what we’re teaching them, we can kinda guess what they’re going to spit out.

User — Rewrite this to sound less academic: In the realm of AI, we essentially teach machines. The essence of their actions is formed by the instructions we supply. By fully grasping these lessons, we gain the power to foresee their output.

ChatGPT — When it comes to AI, we’re really just teaching machines. The stuff they do? It’s all based on what we’ve told them. If we truly understand what we’re teaching, we can better predict what they’re going to do next.

User — Find a non-clumsy way of telling what AI stands for.

ChatGPT — When we talk about AI, we’re actually referring to ‘Artificial Intelligence’. It’s just a fancy way of saying we’re teaching machines to think and act on their own.

User — Rewrite to eliminate redundancies: When talking about AI, we’re referring to “Artificial Intelligence.” It’s a fancy way of saying we’re teaching machines to think and act independently. If we truly understand what we’re teaching, we can better predict what they’re going to do next.

ChatGPT — AI, or “Artificial Intelligence,” is all about educating machines to act independently. By fully grasping the lessons we impart, we can anticipate their next move.

Echoes of danger: Chicago’s unearthly tornado sirens

L.T. Hanlon2 Comments
Eerie tornado sirens echo through Chicago on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Today, a menacing spectacle of nature swept the Chicago area as severe thunderstorms unleashed their fury.

Raging showers occasionally lifted to reveal a swirling nightmare: as many as eight tornadoes were reported across the Chicago area.

From my vantage point, I saw the unrelenting spectacle unfold, my awe and fear intermingling.

The tornado sirens pierced through the chaotic weather soundscape, their eerie wails heralding impending disaster like Morlocks calling Eloi to dinner. They seemed weird, unearthly – akin to a mournful cry from another world, broadcasting a clear message: seek shelter; danger is imminent.

The sirens’ haunting resonance became the city’s heartbeat, lending a surreal rhythm to the scene. A chorus of warnings and despair reverberated through the windswept town, adding a minus undertone to the day’s frightening spectacle.

Tornado sirens are genuinely a reminder of the fragile boundary between civilization and the raw power of nature.

Have you witnessed a tornado? Been in one?

AI steering humans into the future

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment

Do you recall the tales of awe and surprise at the first sighting of an automobile?

This once revolutionary technology, commonplace today, utterly transformed the world. Much like the horse-drawn carriage being superseded by the car, another significant shift is on the horizon — the rise of artificial intelligence.

Just as automobiles reshaped society, reducing distances and speeding up life, AI promises to impact our world on an even grander scale. It is poised to liberate us from mundane tasks and challenge intricate problems beyond our current capacities.

Consider this: Cars granted us an unprecedented level of freedom and mobility. Similarly, AI stands to provide an intellectual liberation, taking over routine tasks and opening up time and space for human creativity and innovation. From advanced healthcare research to tackling climate change, AI is gearing up to address some of our most pressing issues.

However, like every tool, its benefit is contingent upon its use. If guided appropriately, AI can transport us to a future where we can focus on enriching the human experience, unburdened by monotonous chores or daunting problems. The journey to this future promises to be as transformative and exhilarating as the advent of the automobile.

So, prepare for an exciting ride — AI is at the wheel!

In “The Magnificent Ambersons,” Eugene Morgan reflects on the automobile’s impending legacy. This 1942 film is based on the book published in 1918.

Midjourney’s magic: Is AI the future of book covers?

L.T. Hanlon2 Comments
A Photorealistic image created by Midjourney shows a cowboy kissing his sweetheart during an evening rain.
Midjourney created this evocative cover for a Western romance novel I’m percolating.

The wonders of AI keep unveiling themselves — most recently, as photorealistic images.

I am astounded.

I’ve been test-driving a new AI program called Midjourney. It can create infinite images, including uncannily lifelike, detailed, photorealistic images from descriptive text.

Last night, in nostalgia for Western romance novels, I tested Midjourney. I prompted: “A young cowboy kisses his sweetheart during an evening rainstorm.” A simple, evocative. I clicked the generate button and prepared for a laughable, cartoonish result.

When the image popped up on my screen, I was speechless.

It was a sight to behold. The image showed a rugged cowboy, complete with a hat, locked in a passionate embrace with his sweetheart. The couple was about to kiss as they stood in the warm glow of a rainy western street. The light from nearby windows reflected off their clothing, creating a surreal, dreamy atmosphere. It was tender, raw, and powerful.

It was so real and vivid that I had to remind myself that no artist’s hand had touched this piece. It was pure AI, Midjourney flexing its silicon muscles to breathe life into a simple string of words.

To say I was pleased would be a gross understatement. I was dumbfounded, thrilled, and utterly captivated. Midjourney’s image wasn’t just photorealistic; it told a story. It captured the moment’s essence, making me feel like I was peering into a novel myself.

Now, I’m left with this burning question: Could this image make it to the big time? Could it stand shoulder to shoulder with professionally photographed book covers? Could it grip a potential reader’s imagination and entice them into the wild, passionate world of a Western romance novel?

I am leaning towards yes. What do you think?

Maximize YouTube learning with Field Notes

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
Photo of an opened Field Note notebook feature notations I wrote while watching YouTube videos.
Recent notes I took while watching YouTube videos.

It was just another ordinary day in 2022 when I chanced upon the intriguing idea of keeping a small notebook while binge-watching YouTube videos.

What began as a whim transformed over time into a beneficial habit that would change how I consumed and processed online content.

Today, friends, I want to share the unexpected advantages of this journey, taken side by side with my trusty, pocket-sized partner — a Field Notes notebook.

Take a moment to look at the illustration – it’s my most recent YouTube session, distilled into the pages of my Field Notes. The brand deserves a special shout-out here. With their rustic charm, durable build, and perfect pocket size, Field Notes has been an ideal companion in my writing adventures everywhere.

Now, about my notes: I’ve developed the habit of numbering each one. The first note might encapsulate a gut-busting joke, the second an intriguing piece of trivia, while the third could enshrine an eloquent quote for future dinner table conversations.

This technique has turned my YouTube viewing into an active rather than passive experience in the past year. My ability to connect the dots between different ideas from various videos has significantly improved.

And here’s the great part: I’ve amassed over 3,000 entries.

Every numbered note is a beacon of my engagement, each leading me back to a moment of knowledge or laughter. These entries archive my online explorations, serving as conversation starters, sparks of inspiration, and sources of amusement.

In my daydreams, I think of myself as a digital-age Samuel Pepys, chronicling my everyday experiences through the videos I watch, the laughter I share, and the knowledge I gain. My entries are light on royal scandals and plague reports, but they capture the essence of my gallivanting through our modern, interconnected era.

So, the next time you embark on a YouTube journey, consider bringing a notebook along for the ride. It might feel odd, but I promise it will enrich your experience.

You might end up with your unique diary brimming with fascinating tidbits, insightful revelations, and abundant personal insight.

Kerouac and Newman: Hot then, hot later?

L.T. Hanlon1 Comment
Navy induction photos of Jack Kerouac and Paul Newman. They're both attractuive young men.
Induction photos of Jack Kerouac (left) and Paul Newman.

I’ve recently noticed a continuing stir online over some old Navy induction photos of Jack Kerouac and Paul Newman from the 1940s.

People are losing it over how hot these two dudes look, which got me wondering: Were they that good-looking, or do they seem more desirable because they became famous in later years?

Beauty is a tricky thing; it changes with the times. In the ’40s, men were expected to be clean-cut and rugged, like the all-American boy next door. And Kerouac and Newman were all that and more. Looking at these photos, I can see why folks back then would have swooned over them.

But here’s the thing — we’re also being influenced by what we know about these guys now. It’s like this thing called the halo effect. We’re more inclined to find them attractive because they’re famous, and we know of their achievements later in life. Kerouac became the voice of the Beat Generation, and Newman was not just a brilliant actor but also a great guy who did a lot for charity. All this stuff makes them look even better to us now.

So it’s a mix of both. They were handsome guys back then, but knowing what they achieved makes them even hotter. It’s remarkable how beauty isn’t just one thing; it can change with time and be shaped by our feelings.

What do you think?