…is a beach devoid of any hurricanes because Other People drove fossil fueled vehicles, you might just be a Warmist
The blog of the day is Blazing Cat Fur, with a post on “Britain’s military bases are imperilled – RAF Fairford was just the start”
Read: If All You See… »
Pretty much, no, except in terms of consumers saying “no to buying and listening and viewing it.”
Our Opinion: Protecting artistic integrity and creativity in age of AI
Late last month, a scheduled metal and alternative rock show at a popular Lackawanna County music venue was canceled over online bickering among fans and the artists themselves.
That one-sentence summary of what happened might barely rank as newsworthy, for some.
For those in the artistic community, the entire debate centers on an existential struggle that came for them first but, someday, will have to be reckoned with by all.
To go into a little bit more detail: A handful of acts — Slapjaw, Purple Lung, DOUR and Shodemon — were scheduled to perform a Sept. 25 show at Union Vapors 570 in Dickson City. One of the bands, the Scranton-based Slapjaw, posted an image evidently generated by artificial intelligence on its social media platform to promote the show.
That’s literally it. Just an image. Not the music (at least that we know, and I have zero idea who these bands are). Just an image. Is it that big a deal? It might be if one was doing an art performance, but, I’ve used a bunch of AI images for the Sunday patriotic pinup. I do not see a problem.
The bands decided to cancel the show after a lively online discussion between critics of AI use and a Slapjaw representative devolved into “bullying,” said Ken Stucker, a co-owner of the venue. Union Vapes 570’s social media accounts became the center of a continued debate over how AI should be used in the arts when news of the cancelation hit, and Stucker vowed to create a written policy that would prohibit any act that wants to perform at his venue from using AI to promote the gig on any platform.
Only issue is, he doesn’t know how far this policy could, or should, go.
Well, it really would be simple, “no using AI to create promotion ads” if that is the way they want to go. This doesn’t have to be complicated.
It is worth wondering whether any of those can truly be achieved with the help of AI. It is also worth considering whether AI simply helps all of us enhance all three. That is why venue owners like Stucker get caught in the middle when having to develop anti-AI policies. On one hand, AI tools offer the less artistic among us to execute artistic ideas they otherwise wouldn’t have the ability to create. On another, isn’t true art based in our ability to create it without the help of computers inspired by work developed by tens of thousands of other artists?
Just because someone is artistically talented for music doesn’t mean they can do art. I don’t see what the problem is. Could it be that many are having fits over AI, going negative on it? Because a lot of those against it seem to have no problem with Today’s Hit Music! makers using tons of Autotune, not writing their own songs, and using computer generated “music” (long ago recorded bass, drums, keys, and sax) to make their songs, and then mostly lip-syncing.
Pope Leo XIV published a message on his X account stressing the Catholic Church’s desire to “renew alliances” with artistic and cultural institutions in order to “safeguard our humanity” in the face of AI’s advancement.
“In this era of artificial intelligence, it is becoming urgent to distinguish human art from what machines produce,” the pontiff wrote. “There is an ontological difference, even before an aesthetic one, between art and what a machine can generate through statistical calculation based on millions of images created by others.
Yes, but, if the “music” is coming from a computer, is that art? I can certainly understand not wanting it for an art exhibit, that would be BS. A human didn’t draw or paint or create it. But, we’re just talking about a graphic to promote a music show. Or, say, a comic or book reading. No big deal. Let’s not overdo it, guys.
In that way, artistic integrity is distinctly human, the most key cog in a world that thrives on creation. It is up to us to determine how much of it has to stay human, and the lengths we’ll go to make sure it stays that way.
Maintaining artistic integrity shouldn’t be about a rejection of all technology. But it should insist, above all else, that human intention and human effort remain at the center of that work.
Well, yeah, but, again, the way they make Today’s Hit Music! may not be AI, but, involves massive use of computers. Is integrity gone?
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting article entitled AI Is Weakening Pastors’ Authority, which brings up interesting questions about using AI to have a chatbot pray for people, to counsel you, to know you, about telling you the truth.
*That’s an AI generated graphic of me made before Twitter’s AI became only for those with the paid version, using me Jack Sparrow X persona and having posted Les Pauls. Though, mine are red and Olive Tiger. I actually do not care for a black guitar. Hard on my eyes.
On the bright side, attendance is limited, reducing the carbon footprint from all those fossil fueled jets
Pacific nations take centre stage at ‘pre-COP’ climate summit
The South Pacific is among the most vulnerable regions in the world to global warming — from rising sea waters jeopardizing homes to increasing temperatures causing coral bleaching.
This week’s talks in Nadi and on the atoll nation of Tuvalu are a precursor to the larger UN-sponsored global climate summit — known as COP31 — to be held next month in Turkey.
Pacific leaders are pushing for the world to stick to a target of limiting global warming to 1.5C, enhance access to climate finance and give more attention to the impact on oceans.
“Our prime minister will carry three clear messages to the leaders this week: keep 1.5 degrees within reach, make finance reach the communities that need it and give the ocean its rightful place in the climate regime,” Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya told the opening ceremony.
Sea levels are rising at a record pace, driven by warming oceans and glacier melt, according to a UN report.
Yeah, the actual data shows that sea levels are not doing that, as I’ve shown time and time again
It also highlighted a financing gap, with developing countries needing $310-$365 billion to adapt, yet having only $26 billion in adaptation finance available in 2023.
And that is what all this is about: free money with zero strings attached, because developed countries “owe them”.
But officials have been forced to concede that the guest list will be smaller than they had hoped.
Fewer than a dozen world leaders have publicly confirmed that they will attend.
On the streets of Nadi, most locals seemed unaware that a global summit was even taking place.
Well, yeah, because so much of that climate scam money never gets used the way it’s supposed to be used. Instead it disappears into the pockets of politicians, friends, family, and NGOs.
Read: Pacific Islands Have Pre-COP Meeting, They Want Money »
I mean it’s cute and all, but, Vermont is also the 2nd least diverse state in the US at 91% White
Week of protests targeting federal immigration enforcement underway in Vermont
A week of demonstrations and events opposing federal immigration enforcement is underway in Vermont, with organizers planning their largest announced rally for Wednesday in Williston.
The campaign, organized by Shut Down ICE VT, includes community events, teach-ins and demonstrations.
Much of the activity is focused on two federal immigration enforcement facilities in Williston that organizers say play a central role in the federal operations they oppose.
Organizers say some participants are also preparing for acts of civil disobedience.
“This is a moment in history that calls for civil disobedience on a really large scale,” organizer Julie Macuga said.
Vermont isn’t really the epicenter of ICE enforcement, as there aren’t that many illegals or even just Hispanics.
Macuga said organizers have established guidelines for people participating in the demonstrations, including a commitment to nonviolence.
“Basically saying if you’re coming in and wanting to be part of this action, we expect you to sort of follow these guidelines,” Macuga said. “And that includes being nonviolent.”
Yeah, good luck with that. But, really, not much is going on with ICE in White Bread Haven.
Meanwhile, the Credentialed Media is upset that Japan doesn’t want many foreigners
New census data over the past week showed Japan’s population shrank more quickly than in the prior tally. Also last week, the government rolled out tougher rules for foreign nationals who want to live in Japan.
While foreigners make up just 3.4% of Japan’s population, the share has increased to a record high and a political backlash has been building—even as the country also grapples with rapidly aging demographics and the need to find new workers to sustain economic growth.
Let’s be clear: Japan likes their culture, and doesn’t want people coming in who will not fit in, who won’t assimilate, who disrespect the culture. Heck, they don’t even want people coming to vacation like that.
…is a horrible fossil fueled vehicle that messed with the Atlantic causing no hurricanes, you might just be a Warmist
The blog of the day is No Tricks Zone, with a post on “Latest European Green Energy Debacle; Portugal’s Largest Flagship Solar Park Insolvent!”
It’s sunny day at the beach because there were no September hurricanes week!
Read: If All You See… »
Happy Sunday! It’s a nice cool day here in Raleigh, the squirrels are making all sorts of uproar on the deck and tree, and the Dodgers won game 1. This pinup looks like another AI, name on photo, with a wee bit of help. Is AI cheating? Someone asked. Thing is, I was kinda running out of paintings, having done this over a 1,000 times.
What is happening in Ye Olde Blogosphere? The Fine 15
As always, the full set of pinups can be seen in the Patriotic Pinup category, or over at my Gallery page (nope, that’s gone, the newest Apache killed access, and the program hasn’t been upgraded since 2014, so, most are hosted internally). While we are on pinups, since it is that time of year, have you gotten your Pinups for Vets calendar yet? And don’t forget to check out what I declare to be our War on Women Rule 5 and linky luv posts and things that interest me. I’ve also mostly alphabetized them, makes it easier scrolling the feedreader
Don’t forget to check out all the other great material all the linked blogs have!
Anyone else have a link or hotty-fest going on? Let me know so I can add you to the list. And do you have a favorite blog you can recommend be added to the feedreader?
As a sidebar, it’s wild how man blogs I’ve seen die over the years for different reasons.
Two great sites for getting news links are Liberty Daily and Whatafinger.
Read: Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup »
Why do Democrats care more about illegal aliens than American citizens?
Newsom signs bills targeting federal immigration in California
In a move to push back against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, California legislators passed dozens of bills over the last year to expand oversight of the federal government and its immigration agencies operating in California.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed over 20 of those bills into law on Sept. 29 to address Californians‘ concerns about federal immigration enforcement and support immigrant families in California.
“These past two years, Donald Trump has brought fear. He’s brought anxiety, disruption, and stress to our immigrant communities,” Newsom said in a statement.
“California is taking action to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight around immigration enforcement in our state. This is about stepping up where the federal government has failed our communities. We will continue protecting our people, upholding the rule of law, and making clear that if the federal government operates in California, we will hold them accountable.”
Good news: you have no power over federal law enforcement agents, Gavin
Notably, Senate Bill 747, dubbed the No Kings Act and authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, allows individuals to file a civil lawsuit against government officials, including federal officers, if they believe constitutional rights were violated.
State law has no effect on federal law enforcement, nutballs
“ICE and Border Patrol have terrorized California communities with impunity. That ends today,” Senator Wiener said in a statement.
Blah Blah Blah
Newsom also signed several bills that would restrict federal agents from using state-owned property to stage or detain people and banned the use of battery-powered gloves capable of delivering brief but painful electric shocks.
You have no power here, Champ.
Read: Excitable Gavin Newsom Signs Bill Targeting Federal Immigration Enforcement »
…is unexpected, early heatsnow because other people live in houses with A/C, you might just be a Warmist
The blog of the day is Green Jihad, with a post on “Leftist Legal Nonprofit Investigated Ahead Of Supreme Court Climate Lawsuit”
Read: If All You See… »
An actual interesting article that is not TDS from the NY Times
Musicians Versus the A.I. Machine. Why Bother Writing Songs Anymore?
In this era of pervasive artificial intelligence, is human creativity a waste of time? To explore, we conducted an experiment that we could use your help judging. Below are two songs, one made by professional musicians and the other by A.I. (neither plays for me, since I am using the Internet Archive version, but, I’ve heard AI songs)
Now learn about how they were created. Does it change what you think?
I’m Matt Richtel, a New York Times reporter, occasional songwriter and the ringleader of this experiment.
The idea was straightforward: Four top-shelf, lifelong musicians and I would spend a weekend in a recording studio to write and record several songs nearly from scratch. We wanted to see whether we could do better than A.I. at making fresh music. And would it be worth our time, hassle and occasional creative dispute?
I’ve read Dee commenting a few times about AI songs, and most go like the above, and he’s right: there’s no heart and soul in an AI created song. I’ve had them create lyrics, and they can be pretty good. Usually much better than Today’s Hit Music! songs. But, there’s no connection to anything, they are just words. It’s not like, say, the song Ventura Highway by America, where they say “alligator lizards in the air.” It’s a song about the 2 brothers in the band traveling with their parents in California, and seeing an alligator in the cloud formations.
And, as for creating instrument sounds? Well, still probably as good as Today’s Hit Music! songs, but, can it do something like
Maybe in the future, but, can it do it with feeling? Can it figure out just the right sound to use for the guitars, which type of guitar to use (single pickup, humbucker, brand), how much distortion, reverb, etc? Or the tone of the keyboard? Doing different things with the drums? How about the sax? Adding in city sounds? Changing up the theme then switching back? How about this?
There’s a spot in Ritchie Blackmore’s 2nd solo, after the singing, where he plays a long single note, and so many will say “hey, that doesn’t go..oh wait, it does, it’s a great bridge note to working towards and ending.” Because Blackmore and John Lord (keyboards) were masters at Music Theory, and knew how to craft music. Can AI do that? Maybe in the future it could replicate what is already out there, but, can it create?
Over the next 40 minutes, we make at least 30 songs. Suno takes mere seconds to spit out songs in genres as basic as pop-rock and as hyper-specific as experimental classical meets Japanese indie pop; Latin trap; and Italian disco. Most are not inspiring, but a few surprise. The computer has endless range. Country, rock and an uncanny ability to sound like Olivia Rodrigo. Regardless of genre, the songs embody a particular equation: Made in an instant, four minutes in length, but only 10 seconds to listen to and dismiss as “just fine.”
Well, I can’t hear them with the Internet Archive version, but, they are probably pretty basic. But, probably have the same heart and soul as Today’s Hit Music!, meaning, not much.
Let me see if I get how this works: a Democrat admin can pass burdensome rules, but, a Republican admin can never end them?
States Sue Over Trump’s Repeal of Climate Rules for Power Plants
A coalition of 21 states and four cities sued the Trump administration on Thursday over its move to erase all limits on planet-warming emissions from power plants.
The lawsuit was filed in the ?U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The mostly Democratic-run states and cities, led by New York, contend that the Environmental Protection Agency acted unlawfully when it repealed Biden-era regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that burn gas and coal.
Those are, per the lawsuit link
PETITION FOR REVIEW [2195824] of a decision by federal agency filed by City and County of Denver, Colorado, City of Chicago, Illinois, City of New York, New York, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DC, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of Arizona, State of California, State of Colorado, State of Connecticut, State of Delaware, State of Hawaii, State of Illinois, State of Maine, State of Maryland, State of Michigan, State of Minnesota, State of New Jersey, State of New Mexico, State of New York, State of North Carolina, State of Oregon, State of Rhode Island, State of Vermont, State of Washington and State of Wisconsin
Yet, how many of them have totally abandoned the use of fossil fuels? Anyway
In their lawsuit, the states and cities led by New York plan to argue that the E.P.A. did not properly consider the health and climate costs of allowing more planet-warming pollution into the atmosphere. The rollback, they say, was “arbitrary and capricious” and should be struck down.
“This administration’s insistence on giving the nation’s biggest polluters a free pass will set our country back decades in the fight against climate change,” said Letitia James, the attorney general of New York. “Dismantling these protections is a betrayal of American families.”
Does federal law state that the ending of a rule MUST take health and climate (scam) risks into account? The Trump admin could do the funniest thing by suing those state and local governments for continuing to use fossil fuels. Oh, and ending the government of D.C. But, Congress won’t take back the power they are supposed to wield from the wackos.
This is yet another lawsuit that will end up at the Supreme Court.
Read: Democrat Run States Sue Over Repeal Of Power Plant Climate (scam) Rules »
All posts here are my views. None represent my employer. If ye can prove me wrong, so be it. Ye can rant and rave at me, but be mostly polite to any other commentors. I will put up with quite a bit, but be mostly respectful to others.
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