The Trick
/The trick is, when there is nothing to do, do nothing. -Warren Buffett (born Aug. 30, 1930)
ideas that challenge / comfort / inspire
GoLaxy AI
/Generative AI is making it exponentially easier for China to create believable, engaging content. GoLaxy — which operates in close alignment with the Chinese government's interests — appears to be tapping generative AI to mine social media profiles and create content that "feels authentic, adapts in real-time and avoids detection. "Documents show that GoLaxy has created profiles for at least 117 members of Congress and over 2,000 American political figures and thought leaders. -Axios
The Compliment
/Let me pay you the compliment of being blunt. -From the 1987 movie The Untouchables
AI's impact on the job search by college grads
/"Recent history grads have a lower unemployment rate (4.6 percent) than recent computer science grads (6.1 percent), according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank. History is one of the most popular college majors among congressional staff members, and historians find work in some surprising places, such as the National Security Agency and the American Girl doll company." -Washington Post
loneliness & solitude
/Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self. -Mary Sarton
The victory speech of your opponent.
/Write the victory speech of your opponent. If you can’t, look again at what you’re asking of them.
Businesses Racing to Adopt AI: Speed without Control
/If you don’t take steps now to centralize AI strategy, you’ll be left with a patchwork of disconnected tools, uncontrolled costs, and compliance nightmares. The winners in this era won’t be the ones who adopt AI fast, they’ll be the ones who adopt it wisely. Shadow AI isn’t going away; it’s going to accelerate as AI becomes embedded. -Unite AI
18 Articles about how AI is Affecting Jobs
/AI is already taking jobs away from entry-level workers - Axios
Will historians really be replaced by AI? They remain skeptical. – Washington Post
21 Ways People Are Using A.I. at Work – New York Times
If You’re Trying to Get Into AI, This Is What You Need to Do – KD Nuggets
AI is already displacing these jobs - Axios
Meet your new office bestie: ChatGPT – Business Insider
Labor unions mobilize to challenge advance of algorithms in workplaces - Washington Post
AI Is Forcing the Return of the In-Person Job Interview - Wall Street Journal
These workers don’t fear artificial intelligence. They’re getting degrees in it. - Washington Post
The Bull Market for Economists Is Over. It’s an Ominous Sign for the Economy. - New York Times
AI Is Here, and a Quiet Havoc Has Begun – Wall Street Journal
The next jobs downturn could mean an AI-induced purge of millions of workers - Axios
Whose job is safe from AI? -Tim Harford
SEO Is Dead. Say Hello to GEO – New York Mag
Data Scientists on AI’s chopping block? Microsoft Research sounds a career alarm – Times of India
AI Skills Needed in Many Postgrad Careers—Not Just Tech – Inside Higher Ed
Painters, nursing assistants, and more: Microsoft’s top 10 most AI-safe careers – CNBC
AI is helping students be more independent, but the isolation could be career poison – The Markup
AI Definitions: Shadow AI
/Shadow AI - Generative AI use inside organizations without the approval or supervision of IT. While not typically malicious, it creates risks that can grow over time. For instance, customer data might end up being stored in a third-party AI’s training environment or proprietary code might be copy and pasted into an AI code assistant to debug an issue.
More AI definitions here
When you plan for Italy but Land in Holland
/It’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
Emily Perl Kingsley
14 Articles about AI & Politics
/Foreign disinformation enters AI-powered era - Axios
China Turns to A.I. in Information Warfare - New York Times
Illinois blocks AI from being your therapist - Axios
Trump Wasted No Time Derailing His Own AI Plan – The Atlantic
China is betting on a real-world use of AI to challenge U.S. control – Washington Post
Trump’s AI plan calls for more open-sourcing despite China concerns – Semafor
DOGE builds AI tool to cut 50 percent of federal regulations - Washington Post
Trump Says He’s ‘Getting Rid of Woke’ and Dismisses Copyright Concerns in AI Policy Speech – Wired
Trump’s AI plan: Pull back restraints on tech - CNN
White House AI plan focuses on beating China – Axios
China tops the world in artificial intelligence publications, database analysis reveals - Science
Trump’s A.I. Challenge: Focus on World’s Most Dangerous Weapons or Woke-ism? - New York Times
Truth Social’s new AI search engine basically just pushes Fox News – The Verge
The Chatbot Culture Wars Are Here - New York Times
How AI could help prevent languages from disappearing
/I’m fascinated by how AI could help prevent languages from disappearing entirely. Most TTS development focuses on major languages with massive datasets, but there are over 7,000 languages worldwide, and many are at risk of extinction. What excites me is the potential for AI to create voice synthesis for languages that might only have a few hundred speakers left. This is technology serving humanity and cultural preservation at its best! When a language dies, we lose unique ways of thinking about the world, specific knowledge systems, and cultural memory that can’t be translated. -Claudia Ng writing in Toward Data Science
Be Prepared to Walk Away
/Your foot is on the gas, professionally. Living by your wits—by your fluid intelligence—you seek the material rewards of success, you attain a lot of them, and you are deeply attached to them. You should be prepared to walk away from these rewards before you feel ready. Even if you’re at the height of your professional prestige, you probably need to scale back your career ambitions in order to scale up your metaphysical ones.
Arthur C. Brooks writing in The Atlantic
14 Webinars this week about AI, Journalism & Media
/Mon, Aug 25 - Executive function tools for school and work
What: Executive function skills like focus, organization, and time management are essential for success in both education and the workplace. This workshop will introduce assistive technology tools—such as apps, smart devices and strategies—that can support adults in managing tasks, setting reminders, and staying on track. Whether you're a student, employee, or supporting someone who is, you'll leave with practical strategies to enhance productivity and independence.
When: 3 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Pacer Center
Tue, Aug 26 - AI-Driven Newsrooms and Journalism Education
What: Journalists, educators, and AI experts will discuss the current and foreseeable impacts of AI on newsrooms and journalism education. Speakers will explore real-world case studies, share practical tools, and consider how to ensure AI serves the public interest without undermining editorial integrity.
Who: Jo Hironaka, Regional Advisor for Communication and Information, UNESCO Bangkok; Adchara Panthanuwong, Dean, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University; Chatrine Siswoyo, Senior Advisor for ASEAN; Anakkaporn Laiviseskul, Senior Multimedia Journalist, Thairath Plus; David Caswell, Founder, StoryFlow Ltd and Former Executive Product Manager, BBC News Labs; Jaemark Tordecilla, Journalist, Technologist, Independent Media Advisor; Thomtong Tongnok, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University; aul McNally, AI Advisor, International Media Support.
When: 3 am, EST
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Unesco
Tue, Aug 26 - Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google
What: Artificial Intelligence is a powerful technology that can help simplify business tasks and create new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, but knowing how to use it may seem out of reach. Developed with input from experts at Google, this workshop will explain the basics of AI and how AI-powered tools by Google can help small businesses be more efficient, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.
When: 12 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: The Small Business Development Center at PennWest University
Tue, Aug 26 - Empowering research with GenAI and Agentic AI: From synthesis and understanding to insights and innovation
What: With the AI revolution in full swing, the research workflow is seeing a revolution of its own. As more researchers seek to incorporate AI into their workflows, opportunities for enhancement and optimization continue to emerge, alongside ongoing concerns of ethical use and reliability. Join this webinar to learn more about Elsevier’s leading approach to GenAI and Agentic AI through its flagship AI solutions, Scopus AI and ScienceDirect AI.
Who: Judson Dunham, Senior Director of Product Management, ScienceDirect; Adrian Raudaschl, Principal Product Manager, Scopus AI; Emily Singley Vice President, North American Library Relations.
When: 1 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Elsevier
Tue, Aug 26 - AI for Comms: What’s Useful Now?
What: This session cuts through the noise to focus on practical, ready-to-use AI tools that can save time, improve content quality, and enhance storytelling. Whether you’ve dabbled with ChatGPT or barely noticed Gemini in your Gmail, this session will quickly bring you up to speed.
Who: Chantal Forster AI Strategy Advisor to Foundations such as MacArthur, Annenberg, Lumina.
When: 1 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: The Communications Network
Tue, Aug 26 - Using AI and Automation for Human-Based Conversations
What: This webinar explores how AI is not replacing—but rather enhancing—the value of human-based coaching conversations. You’ll learn: The current trends in leadership development: what’s working, what’s lagging, and where AI is gaining ground; How to use AI and Automation to drive human based conversation (live demos); How to blend AI with the irreplaceable power of human conversation to drive self-awareness, behavior change, and coaching outcomes; Case examples and strategies from high-performing organizations using AI to scale leadership development without sacrificing authenticity
Who: Tim Hagen President & Chief Coaching Officer, Progress Coaching.
When: 3 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Training Magazine Network
Wed, Aug 27 - AI-Powered Research and Data Analysis
What: Learn how AI tools assist with data analysis, research automation, and text summarization. Demonstrate AI applications like ChatGPT, semantic search engines, and data visualization tools to streamline workflows.
Who: Meg Adams, Central Regional Coordinator for the Indiana State Library; Treg Hopkins Co-Founder of Connectable.
When: 10 am, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Indiana State Library
Wed, Aug 27 - AI Chatbots for Training, Coaching and Support
What: The learning landscape is changing—and chatbots are at the forefront of that change. Join us for an engaging session where we’ll showcase how leading organizations use AI-powered chatbots to transform training reinforcement, support just-in-time learning, and deliver scalable coaching and tutoring.
Who: Vince Han CEO and Founder, Mobile Coach
When: 12 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: OpenSesame
Wed, Aug 27 - 12 Powerful Ways Medical Writers Can Leverage Underutilized AI Tools
What: Whether freelancers, full-time employees, or entering the field for the first time, we can use AI tools to our advantage and stay ahead of the curve to keep ourselves relevant. Learn twelve ways in which AI tools are being underutilized in the medical writing profession and walk away feeling inspired, educated, and prepared for what's to come.
Who: Sophie Ash, Intuitive Business Coach.
When: 1 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Member $20; Non-member $55
Sponsor: American Medical Writers Association
Wed, Aug 27 - Speak Up! Transferring Journalism Skills into Public Speaking
What: This webinar will offer tips on speaking up for those who want new ways to develop their careers -- and maybe even earn a few bucks in the process.
Who: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter has been an in-house or freelance journalist for more than 35 years.
When: 8 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Society of Professional Journalists.
Thu, Aug 28 - Beyond the numbers: From data to decisions
What: Join experts from Canva, JKR, and the Associated Press to uncover winning strategies in data storytelling, with the stats to back it up. What you’ll discover: Why leading teams use visual storytelling to drive impact, with recent research and real-world examples; Easy and effective ways to build and present data visuals; Live demos and strategies to help you shift gears – from explaining to engaging.
Who: Duncan Clark Head of Europe, Canva; Cham Mamador Data Visualization Specialist, Flourish; Lee Rolston Chief Growth Officer, JKR; Sophie Rosenbaum Head of Digital Strategy and Coordination, Associated Press.
When: Multiple times.
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Canva
Thu, Aug 28 - Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Seminar for Journalists
What: This webinar offers critical support for journalists by providing practical, evidence-based tools for managing stress, regulating emotions, and strengthening resilience in high-pressure environments. It will cover trauma-informed reporting approaches, coping strategies, boundary-setting, peer support, and navigating moral injury in reporting. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the body and brain react to chronic stress, and how to respond effectively. Through skill-building and open dialogue, we’ll explore strategies for clear communication, emotional wellbeing, and building a more connected, supportive personal and professional community.
Who: Lauren Walsh, Director of the Gallatin Photojournalism Intensive, New York University.
When: 1 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsors: The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association and the Committee to Protect Journalists
Thu, Aug 28 – Digital Investigation Techniques Every Journalist Should Know by Craig Silverman
What: This session will walk you through essential tools and techniques to help you verify content, trace online sources, and strengthen your reporting. You’ll learn how to verify and trace images and videos, analyze social media accounts and pages, and investigate phone numbers and email addresses.
Who: Craig Silverman, award-winning journalist and author and one of the world’s leading experts on online disinformation, fake news, and digital investigations.
When: 1 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Indiegraph
Thu, Aug 28 – Storytelling tools to boost nonprofit fundraising success
What: Discover how mission-driven messaging, targeted content, and strategic social media can grow your nonprofit. This webinar offers actionable insights to boost fundraising, engage supporters, and drive impact—empowering you to amplify your mission and achieve lasting change.
Who: Adora Drake is an expert digital marketing strategist, coach & consultant. She helps nonprofit organizations feel inspired to take action, gain clarity in their marketing strategy and learn how to convert their followers into raving fans who want to be a part of their mission with her unique digital marketing consulting.
When: 2 pm, Eastern
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Bloomerang
Outsourcing your Thinking
/The use of AI includes the danger of the illusion of competence.
One of the impacts of AI on learning is cognitive offloading (letting it do mindless tasks for you).
But when what’s offloaded is important, the result is cognitive debt, an overreliance on outside sources replacing our own thinking. This makes AI a great way to produce the appearance of learning while masking the costs to those who use it.
More: Chronicle of Higher Ed
14 Recent Articles about the Dangers of AI
/What is ‘self-evolving AI’? And why is it so scary? – Fast Company
Big Tech’s A.I. Data Centers Are Driving Up Electricity Bills for Everyone - The New York Times
AI overreliance versus AI skepticism: Balancing the risks – Fast Company
Meta’s flirty AI chatbot invited a retiree to New York. He never made it home. – Reuters
Study: Some doctors lost skills after just a few months of using AI – Bloomberg
AI systems ‘ignorant’ of sensitive data can be safer, but still smart - Washington Post
Why A.I. Should Make Parents Rethink Posting Photos of Their Children Online - The New York Times
The AI explosion means millions are paying more for electricity – Washington Post
ChatGPT Gave Instructions for Murder, Self-Mutilation, and Devil Worship - The Atlantic
Ransomware Group Uses AI Chatbot to Intensify Pressure on Victims – InfoSecurity Mag
Grok brings to light wider AI antisemitism – The Week
AI companies have stopped warning you that their chatbots aren’t doctors – MIT Tech Review
AI Cloaking Tools Enable Harder-to-Detect Cyber-Attacks - InfoSecurity Mag
The AI Doomers Are Getting Doomier – The Atlantic
Tipping Ourselves Over
/We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out. -Ray Bradbury, born Aug. 22, 1920
Define Success Upfront
/Before implementing AI solutions, define success upfront: “I insist on quantifiable metrics like time savings, quality improvements, or revenue increases. If we can’t measure it, we can’t prove it worked. This prevents scope creep and ensures we’re solving real problems, not just building cool technology. AI isn’t always the answer, but when it is, we know exactly why we’re using it and what success looks like.” -Claudia Ng in Toward Data Science
The Question
/What is life asking of me?
20 Recent Articles about AI Fakes
/What's behind the TikTok accounts using AI-generated versions of real Latino journalists? – NBC News
Making cash off ‘AI slop’: The surreal business of AI video - The Washington Post
Don’t Believe What AI Told You I Said – The Atlantic
Inside a Network of Fake College Websites Dozens of fake college websites built with or supplemented by generative AI – Inside Higher Ed
Man develops rare condition after ChatGPT query over stopping eating salt – The Guardian
Why A.I. Should Make Parents Rethink Posting Photos of Their Children Online – New York Times
Artificial intelligence as author: Can scientific reviewers recognize GPT-4o-generated manuscripts? – Science Direct
How to spot an AI video? LOL, you can’t. - The Washington Post
Wikipedia Editors Adopt ‘Speedy Deletion’ Policy for AI Slop Articles – 404Media
Fraudulent Scientific Papers Are Rapidly Increasing, Study Finds - New York Times
Volunteers fight to keep ‘AI slop’ off Wikipedia - The Washington Post
AI slop videos are ruining our scrolling - Axios
How journalists can spot and mitigate AI bias - Reuters
AI slop might finally cure our internet addiction - The Atlantic
Dave Barry Is told by AI that he’s dead – Dave Berry
LeBron James Not Happy With AI Videos Showing Him Pregnant - Futurism
Australian lawyer apologizes for AI-generated errors in murder case – ABC News
Age Verification Is Sweeping Gaming. Is It Ready for the Age of AI Fakes? – Wired
AI news videos blur line between real and fake reports – NBC News
Battling deepfakes: How AI threatens democracy and what we can do about it – The Conversation