⚡ Teach your kids manners for better mental health, study says 🗒️
PLUS: AI artist goes on tour | Gordon Lightfoot's last album to be released
Clayton Hester
May 16, 2023
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AI
🤖 Ai-Da, the hyper-realistic robot artist, showcased her paintings at New York's Chelsea Factory in a touring exhibition called "Saw This, Made This." The exhibition featured crowd-sourced artistic inspirations translated into artworks by Ai-Da. While some find Ai-Da's abilities awe-inspiring, others are unsettled by her uncanny presence and the implications of AI in the art world. Meanwhile, Ai-Da is preparing for her Venice debut during the Biennale, where she will explore the theme of the metaverse and its potential impact on humanity.
Embrace Creativity
💼 Employees are facing a return to the office as companies like Disney, Tesla, Twitter, and TikTok demand a more traditional work routine. However, these announcements are met with backlash from employees who value their newfound work-life balance. To balance flexibility and productivity, leaders should release control over individual creativity, focus on outcomes rather than hours worked, involve employees in decision-making, and communicate regularly to create a successful hybrid work environment.
Trends & Changes
Breaking down the Writers’ strike with creator of “The Wire”
💥 The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike continues as Hollywood writers, actors, and producers protest for fair contracts outside network studios. David Simon, creator of "The Wire," explains how the shift to streaming services has led to shorter, gig-based contracts for writers, affecting their pay rates and career advancement. He emphasizes the importance of protecting new generations of writers and warns against overreliance on AI in storytelling. Concerns rise over potential contract terminations by studios using force majeure clauses.
A labor shortage to last decades
💼 The labor shortage in the US is expected to persist, creating a power shift in the job market. As the baby boomer generation retires, companies are struggling to find enough qualified workers. This shift is likely to result in higher wages, improved benefits, and faster promotions for workers. However, employers may resort to offshoring and automation to cope with the scarcity of labor. The battle between employers and employees is anticipated to continue as both sides adapt to the Forever Labor Shortage.
Legacies
🎶 The final album from Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away at age 84, will be released on July 14. Titled "At Royal Albert Hall," the double live album captures Lightfoot's performance at the iconic London venue in 2016, featuring his greatest hits and previously unreleased songs. This unedited and unembellished recording is a testament to Lightfoot's timeless talent and musical legacy, celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike. 🎸
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Check It Out
🎨 The Simpsons, known for its humor and irreverence, has showcased incisive takes on the art world. In a recent event organized by Lola Kramer and Oskar Weiss, art-themed episodes were screened at New York's Galerie Eva Presenhuber, offering a perfect match of content and venue. Four observations from the show about the art world remain relevant today, exploring topics such as changing tastes, freedom of expression, the influence of celebrity and price, and the absorption of rebellion by the market.
Honors
🎉 Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott and Atlantic Records will be honored at the National Museum of African American Music's Celebration of Legends on June 2 in Nashville. Missy Elliott, who recently became the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will attend the event along with other notable figures in the music industry. The National Museum of African American Music aims to celebrate and preserve the influence of African Americans in music.
Breakthroughs Today
📚 Incivility is on the rise, leading to negative impacts on mental health. Experts emphasize the importance of teaching manners and respect, both at home and in society. Etiquette experts and authors provide guidance on instilling good behavior and etiquette in children, suggesting tools like books and family discussions to reinforce manners and create a positive environment. By focusing on growth and acknowledging efforts, parents can help their children develop into respectful individuals.
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Discoveries Daily
🖌️ Researchers have discovered a hidden dog in one of Pablo Picasso's early paintings, "Le Moulin de la Galette." The dog, covered by a dark brown form, was revealed through X-ray fluorescence scanning, showing Picasso's attempt to conceal it. The finding adds to the ongoing exploration of Picasso's artistic process and the recent examination of his personal life and behavior.
New Tools
📸 Looking for professional photo editing software for your Mac? Check out these top pro photo editors. While Adobe Photoshop remains unrivaled in terms of depth and range of editing tools, its subscription model has opened the door to alternatives like Pixelmator Pro, Affinity Photo, and Adobe Lightroom. These programs offer impressive editing capabilities and free trial periods, making them suitable for both professional users and serious amateurs.
📚 Looking to learn new skills and pursue personal growth? Skillshare has got you covered. With a wide range of courses, from sewing basics to content marketing and website design, you can explore your passions and enhance your career. Check out this article for a glimpse into some of the favorite Skillshare classes that can help you uplevel your skills and satisfy your curiosity. Growth awaits!
