Writer, Scribbler and Prompt Alchemist
Another found post in the ‘drafts’ folder, from 2010 I think
what a scorcher. sea’s of red cover the capital. drunken boys and girls frolic on the meadows while drunken men and women argue on the promenade – ah the burgh in the sun x
was checking out a friend of a friends company website last night – http://www.cagoule.tv/ – who make movies, well shorts and music videos etc. some nice stuff.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic of conversation in recent weeks. Some people believe that AI will eventually replace most jobs, while others believe that it will create new ones and endless opportunities.
One company that is at the forefront of the AI revolution is Spinach.io. Spinach.io is an AI-powered platform that helps teams run more efficient meetings. The platform uses AI to transcribe meetings, generate meeting notes, and identify key decisions and actions. It integrates with Zoom, Teams, Jira, slack and more. You invite it to your meeting and it passively takes notes for you and spits them out to slack – this demo explains it better https://youtu.be/5Z5a-KCUcRY
So, what does this mean for the future of work?
It is hard to say for sure. However, it is clear that AI is already having an impact on the workforce. For example, AI is being used to automate tasks in customer service, manufacturing, and healthcare. This is leading to job losses in some sectors, but it is also creating new jobs in others.
In the case of Spinach.io, the platform is likely to become a valuable tool for project managers or anyone managing teams, and that is maybe a better way to look at AI . . . as a tool. AI has already created a large number of new jobs and even created a new industry platform. For example, Spinach.io is hiring engineers, data scientists, and product managers to build and improve its platform. So there is definitely disruption coming for many industries and human interactions will continue to change but there are also opportunities and new experiences to be had.
So, while AI is likely to have an impact on the workforce, it is not clear that it will lead to widespread job losses. In fact, it is more likely that AI will create new jobs and opportunities if we embrace it.
So old man loves to learn and has been lucky enough to have found time this year to explore some new teachings.
Firstly I have picked up Python again and have been learning all about version 3 and trying to become proficient again. By mentioning this in my blog now, anyone can pull me up and ask how I am getting on – this should prompt me to continue the learnings – feel free to suggest some projects I can complete. However I must try not to disappear down rabbit holes like https://www.modular.com/mojo which will be what I move onto once I get through the Udemy course (https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-python-bootcamp/) from Jose Portilla (https://www.udemy.com/user/joseportilla/).
Secondly I have committed to improve my Spanish from the tourist drivel of “dos cervezas, por favor” that got me by in my 20s, travelling Spain with Ricardo and Graham. I have trusted that learning to Duolingo (https://www.duolingo.com/), which I have to say I am really enjoying and dare I jinx it, feel like some of it is sticking. I will be looking for some Spanish speakers in August to start practicing if you fancy helping and have lots of patience. I am enjoying learning Spanish, it is such a beautiful language and will be fun to be able to communicate with people from other cultures.
Thirdly the good old guitar. Jeez I cannot count the number of times I have tried to learn the guitar and never been successful. I am not sure if I am tone deaf or if I just do not have the patience, more likely just have zero talent when it comes to music. However I will strum away and attempt yet again to learn some basic tunes. Kumbaya might be the best I can do.
I am excited to continue learning, with the future so uncertain it is hard to know what skills will be needed in 6 months let alone 2 years, but I am open to new challenges and welcome the coming changes. I would also like to share my learnings and experiences with others, but have not found a way to do that yet?
If you are interested in learning new skills, I encourage you to give it a try. It is never too late to learn something new, and it is very rewarding to achieve a goal.
I hope you enjoyed my blog post. Please feel free to leave a comment below.
“The mind is like a muscle.
The more you use it, the stronger it gets.”
– Henry Ford
Some old scribbles (here) from Leith Walk studio days, which have made me reflect, in an increasingly complex world, the allure of simplicity shines ever more brightly – especially within the arena of contemporary art. As we navigate the noise and clutter of our daily existence, art that champions simplicity and minimalism offers a soothing balm, an understated elegance that becomes a sanctuary.
Our present is one of information overload; a time when our senses are relentlessly bombarded with an influx of visuals, narratives, and data. Herein lies the beauty of simplicity in art – it is an oasis of calm in the cacophony, a silent song that speaks louder than most.
Art has perennially been a mirror to society, reflecting its changing values, evolving trends, and the zeitgeist of the times. Today’s hyper-digital, ultra-rapid pace has led to an intriguing pattern – a palpable shift towards minimalist, less cluttered expressions of creativity. The art world seems to be favoring cleaner lines, more streamlined aesthetics, monochromatic color palettes, and a reduced number of elements.
Simplicity in art is not synonymous with being basic or uninspiring; instead, it’s a conscious choice to highlight the essence of the artwork. Simple art is an invitation to contemplation. It paves the way for a more profound and intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork, urging us to pause, delve deeper, and discover the beauty in ‘less.’
Pioneers of this approach, like Agnes Martin, Robert Ryman, and Ellsworth Kelly, understood the power of simplicity in their minimalistic and hard-edge paintings. Their work taught us that less could indeed be more, and that by carefully removing unnecessary elements, the essential message of a piece can make a stronger impact.
In the modern ‘art’ world, Banksy has also demonstrated the compelling power of simplicity. Through his monochromatic stencils that blend satire, subversion, and simplicity, he has used a bare minimum of visual elements to communicate potent political and societal critiques. His ‘Balloon Girl,’ one of his most recognisable works, is an epitome of simplicity: a little girl, reaching for a heart-shaped balloon, both elements simple yet collectively delivering a powerful commentary on hope, love, and innocence.
The allure of simplicity transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s a universal language that connects at an instinctual level, tying into our shared human experiences and emotions.
However, simplicity in art should not be mistaken for a lack of effort or skill. Rather, it’s about mastering the ability to convey an idea, a message, or an emotion with utmost efficiency. As the legendary designer Dieter Rams succinctly put it, “Good design is as little design as possible.”
In an age where excess often rules, it is usually the simplest things that resonate the most with us. Art is no different. A return to simplicity serves as a potent reminder to appreciate the essential, to understand the significance of every line, shape, and colour, and to acknowledge that, often, less is indeed more.
Back in Scotland, in a new house, in a different area, with changed priorities and perspective.
Lots of change, as inevitable as day following night.
“This is not me”
with Max Keiser, Stacy Herbert and Kevin O’Leary – talking blood coins, shaving dogs butts and happy birthday Satoshi Nakamoto. Luckily no anaconda’s were released.
With the obvious censorship on the social media platforms I am returning to good old wordpress to spout my nonsense opinions and literally dump some creative output (if it ever starts flowing again)
So it has been awhile since my last post featuring Jesus Quintana and the excellent comedy club Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh. Lots has changed in those 2 years both in my world and the big bad global community of humankind. I am in a new country doing different work without the kids (now adults) and renewed energies.
Will try and drop some regular updates here rather than ranting on social media. Some scribbles. Maybe some new writings. Definitely book reviews and tech wow’s. And most probably some rants every so often.
Hope you are surviving the current pandemic and the serf life is not bringing too much hardship? Feel free to comment or send me your thoughts, whatever they may be.
get yourself along to Monkey Barrel in Blair Street, Edinburgh, Scotland to find out the punchline
Shiel Yule 