Correct, we are definitely living a Hiaasen novel, with Florida the preface these last six years. It’s been a nightmare and my guess is Carl would certainly agree.
I believe, respectfully, the hand talks to the brain more than the reverse. We can't think our way to hand skills. We have to build them through motions, gestures, tactile exploration. [The Hand: How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture, by Frank R. Wilson] And that puts us in touch (literally) with reality. Eventually, leading us to empathy (M. Bahktin).
A podcast bro in passing mentioned that AI trains us at the same time we think we’re training it—which sent a chill up my spine. I read the Heather Havilesky piece when it first came out and was left with a feeling of despair. So I’m going to go make some stuff with my hands.
Great newsletter today. Thanks for the Philip Larkin reminder and the intro to Carl Hiassen. Both very timely. And please keep going with the "AI slop" commentary. Stupid robots.
I’m rereading Space Boy, a wonderful if not yet completed graphic novel on Webtoons. It’s even greater on second reading. And I keep thinking the Kleon boys would like it.
Do they not read on a tablet? I find that the graphic stories designed for vertical streaming really read “best” when read vertically. I think you’d enjoy it, too!
Another great post! Ted Gioia is calling them as he sees them, and he’s right. Time to grab another Carl H. book for summer reading. Using our digits this weekend by painting a circus-themed sidewalk mural from the downtown library to the museum - the pillars of the city, in my opinion.
Jon J Muth uses the story of the farmer in his masterpiece picture book, “Zen Shorts.” This is how it entered our family, especially the audiobook version which we used to help calm frustrated toddler feelings.
In reference to your paragraph on Public Media, it is with a heavy heart, that I pass on this information. The W. Post said this morning, that the head of the Library of Congress (LC), Dr. Carla Hayden has been fired by Trump. She had been appointed by Obama, and was the first woman, first black and first librarian appointed to head the Library. Previous heads had been either scholars or historians.
What many people don't know is that after the War of 1812, when much of Wash DC had been burned down (including the Library of Congress), Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his whole Library to congress to replace the burned books. They took him up on his offer. The LC is the largest Library in the world.
Thanks for reading all those AI articles so we don't have to. I did read the Heather Havrilesky one and found myself impressed at how thoroughly ChatGPT has internalized the internet thinkpiece voice, how its prediction arranges words that sound exactly like a snarky author might have arranged them, if only a snarky author were trying very hard not to mean anything.
Correct, we are definitely living a Hiaasen novel, with Florida the preface these last six years. It’s been a nightmare and my guess is Carl would certainly agree.
I believe, respectfully, the hand talks to the brain more than the reverse. We can't think our way to hand skills. We have to build them through motions, gestures, tactile exploration. [The Hand: How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture, by Frank R. Wilson] And that puts us in touch (literally) with reality. Eventually, leading us to empathy (M. Bahktin).
My weaking eyes(ight) first saw the top image as a canvas bag. A pretty good one too!
You inspire! Thank you!
Oh and Neil.com gave me 30 minutes of pure fun.
A podcast bro in passing mentioned that AI trains us at the same time we think we’re training it—which sent a chill up my spine. I read the Heather Havilesky piece when it first came out and was left with a feeling of despair. So I’m going to go make some stuff with my hands.
https://austinkleon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Bacj-HyCQAARqLI-600x600.jpg
That Lynda Barry quote is everything. I'm going to have it tattooed on my forehead.
Changed my mind. I'm going to use your quote for my forehead: "the hand talks to the brain as much as the brain talks to the hand".
“A hand is always in search of a brain and a brain is in search of a hand.”
—Frank Wilson, THE HAND
😶 Holy sh*t, how did I not know about this book? Thank you!
Great newsletter today. Thanks for the Philip Larkin reminder and the intro to Carl Hiassen. Both very timely. And please keep going with the "AI slop" commentary. Stupid robots.
STOP THE SLOP! would be a good print
Mr. Rogers brought tears to my eyes. Thanks always for what you share.
I’m rereading Space Boy, a wonderful if not yet completed graphic novel on Webtoons. It’s even greater on second reading. And I keep thinking the Kleon boys would like it.
Library has it — I'll get a few issues for the boys, thanks!
Do they not read on a tablet? I find that the graphic stories designed for vertical streaming really read “best” when read vertically. I think you’d enjoy it, too!
So many gems: 8, 9 & Lynda Barry
Check out the article in the Atlantic this week about Hiaasen... great minds and all that...
Another great post! Ted Gioia is calling them as he sees them, and he’s right. Time to grab another Carl H. book for summer reading. Using our digits this weekend by painting a circus-themed sidewalk mural from the downtown library to the museum - the pillars of the city, in my opinion.
Jon J Muth uses the story of the farmer in his masterpiece picture book, “Zen Shorts.” This is how it entered our family, especially the audiobook version which we used to help calm frustrated toddler feelings.
In reference to your paragraph on Public Media, it is with a heavy heart, that I pass on this information. The W. Post said this morning, that the head of the Library of Congress (LC), Dr. Carla Hayden has been fired by Trump. She had been appointed by Obama, and was the first woman, first black and first librarian appointed to head the Library. Previous heads had been either scholars or historians.
What many people don't know is that after the War of 1812, when much of Wash DC had been burned down (including the Library of Congress), Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his whole Library to congress to replace the burned books. They took him up on his offer. The LC is the largest Library in the world.
So exquisitely cruel.
Thanks for reading all those AI articles so we don't have to. I did read the Heather Havrilesky one and found myself impressed at how thoroughly ChatGPT has internalized the internet thinkpiece voice, how its prediction arranges words that sound exactly like a snarky author might have arranged them, if only a snarky author were trying very hard not to mean anything.
Always important to ask myself: will anything I read in this article make me change the course of what I'm doing? If not, you can probably skip!