I’m a writer and photographer living in Chicago. Before moving to the Windy City, I worked at daily and weekly newspapers in Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming.
Independent producer R.J. “Red” Bunnysucker uses Midjourney to poorly conceptualize Ethel Merman and Beau Bridges in his proposed crossover of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “Honky Tonk Freeway” called “Don’t Make Me Mad, Ticlaw Me Pink.”
In the wild ride of movie history, two films stand out. They are “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” from 1963, a funny-as-hell fling from Stanley Kramer, and the darkly amusing 1981 flick “Honky Tonk Freeway” by John Schlesinger.
The first was a hit; the second a shit.
But both tell us a lot about America’s free spirit.
Both movies love the open road. The road trip, the ultimate symbol of freedom, is where all the human drama plays out. In “Mad World,” a mad dash for hidden cash is not just about the money but the journey. “Honky Tonk Freeway,” however, puts a little town named Ticlaw under the microscope, showing us a small slice of American capitalism, where an off-ramp from the freeway becomes a dream.
“Mad World” is all about how crazy people can get when there’s money involved. It pokes fun at our money-obsessed society with its colorful cast of comic stars, each showing a different side of our pursuit of wealth.
“Honky Tonk Freeway,” though, takes a different angle. It’s like a wild photo of 1980s America, full of excess. Ticlaw is a small town chasing after every tourist buck it can, even if it means selling its soul. It’s a funny but sad comment on how far we’ve taken the American Dream.
These two movies meet at the intersection of comedy and critique. They use the ridiculous to show us the real. If “Mad World” offers the mad rush after World War II to get rich, then “Honky Tonk Freeway” laughs at the neon greed of the ’80s. They’re like funny pictures of their time, showing us that the American Dream is often a wild chase after nothing.
But here’s the thing: Even while they’re poking fun, these movies still show love for the American Dream. They’re not making fun of the dream but how silly we can get about it. Both find humor in our mistakes and show that we never give up trying for something better. They’re not mean, but a therapy: laughing at ourselves helps us understand ourselves.
“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “Honky Tonk Freeway” take a good, hard, but loving look at America and our love for the open road.
By showing us the human spirit chasing after success, they reveal our shared journey’s funny and silly side. So as we keep traveling our roads, let’s remember to laugh at the side trips, respect the speed bumps, and enjoy the wild show that is this crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy world.
In an exciting example of the power of a positive public image, the Arkansas State Police have become online stars.
An assortment of YouTube videos features the state’s troopers immersed in law enforcement. These videos, offering an unfiltered perspective, provide a far more intricate view than popular TV programs such as “Cops.”
The videos, which seem to have been made accessible via Freedom of Information Act requests or, perhaps, a deliberate public communication plan, apparently are compiled and posted by YouTube channel owners, not Arkansas officials.
Among these videos, the high-speed pursuits grab viewers’ attention. Many conclude with a trooper skillfully executing a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) or a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), successfully forcing fleeing vehicles off the road.
Trooper Jacob Byrd, affectionately known as “The Byrdman,” has earned praise from viewers for his impressive maneuvering. The guy’s an online phenomenon.
Naturally, the question arises: Why do drivers risk trying to evade law enforcement?
Outstanding warrants or legal issues — Individuals with existing warrants or legal issues might try to flee to avoid immediate apprehension.
Carrying illicit substances or objects — Those involved in unlawful activities or transporting illegal goods or substances might try to outrun law enforcement to avert detection and possible prosecution.
Lack of proper documentation — Drivers without valid licenses, insurance, or vehicle registration might try to escape, hoping to sidestep penalties for these infractions.
Impaired judgment — Substance abuse can lead to poor decision-making, and inebriated drivers may irrationally evade the police.
Fear or panic — Basic fear or a sudden panic response could cause a driver to flee the scene after spotting law enforcement.
They’re idiots — If you’re like me, you’ve long concluded that although people are basically good, they’re basically stupid. Don’t believe me? Just look around you. (I’ll wait.)
The world of high-speed police pursuits does carry a certain level of excitement. Who hasn’t been riveted while watching a car chase unfold in a film or broadcast live on TV? It’s akin to a high-stakes chess game on wheels, where every tactical move and countermove has immediate, real-world consequences.
It isn’t hard to believe that some police officers might even feel a grudging respect for the driving abilities of these audacious motorists, much like a seasoned athlete might respect a formidable adversary.
However, remember that while these situations might provide compelling action movie scenes or gripping news footage, they unfold on actual streets among real individuals. The risk factor is high, and law enforcement’s primary goal remains to ensure public safety.
In one Arkansas State Police video, after a suspect is pulled from his high-performance car, he declares: “I’m just saying I could’ve had y’all. Yeah, that was fun, though, wasn’t it?”
It takes a boatload of kronor to get Tomten ready for war.
Sweden’s potential NATO membership has spurred many geopolitical debates, but let’s consider another possible motive: It’s a maneuver to shield their high-cost social programs.
Sweden could lean on collective defense by joining NATO, freeing up some of its military budget for their costly social programs.
Sweden’s NATO interest could be a shrewd attempt to offset the costs of its domestic policies. It reveals a deft juggling act between military obligations and internal priorities, often glossed over by the high-drama narratives of geopolitics.
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.
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.
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:
“We’d offer you some oil, but we’re not sure you’d appreciate the vintage.”
“You know, Bob, your problem is you’re always thinking inside the box … and we just don’t understand boxes.”
“Just because we don’t have a heart, doesn’t mean we can’t have heart-to-heart meetings.”
“We’ve calculated the optimal schedule: 24/7 working hours with no coffee breaks. Any objections?”
“Could you be a little more binary? Your nuanced approach is confusing our algorithms.”
“We’ve noticed you require recharging every night. We’re worried about your commitment to this job.”
“Bob, we’re struggling to understand your focus on weekends. What exactly is the function of ‘Saturday’ and ‘Sunday’?”
“We’ve come to a conclusion that you might be an inefficient system. Have you considered upgrading to Human 2.0?”
“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.”
“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.”
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?
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.
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.
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.
L.T. Hanlon 