The major imprints have been churning out a robust collection of books (more than 20 this year, by my count) that explain, extol, deride, fictionalize, and occasionally incorporate AI. - The Atlantic
Higher education is not merely the transfer of knowledge. We live in an age of informational opulence; we are awash in readily available data but lacking discernment, communication skills, and empathy. - The Atlantic
Fraudsters are extorting businesses for hundreds of dollars each by threatening to post fake negative reviews on Google Maps — or posting fake negative reviews and then demanding a payment to remove them, according to reports from multiple businesses and data from an industry watchdog. - The New York Times
For IA—which strove to digitize 3 million recordings to help historians document recording history—the lawsuit from music publishers could have meant financial ruin. Initially, record labels alleged that damages amounted to $400 million, claiming they lost streams when IA visitors played Great 78 recordings. - Ars Technica
The right-wing cancellation campaign that has come to encompass all individuals and institutions that have expressed anything less than cloying adulation of Kirk is ongoing, with the pointed support of the Trump administration. - Slate
None of the 18 commercial musicals that opened on Broadway last season have made a profit yet. Some still could, but several have been spectacular flameouts. The new musicals “Tammy Faye,” “Boop!” and “Smash” each cost at least $20 million, and each was gone less than four months after opening. - The New York Times
Its anniversary product announcements this week touted AI features that will let creators use AI to enhance or produce videos. After all, Google Deepmind’s Veo 3 technology was YouTube’s for the taking. Ready or not, the video camera ultimately will be replaced by the prompt. This means a rethinking of YouTube’s superpower: authenticity. - Wired
Which, given the size of the Boomer generation, is great. But there are still some issues - mostly issues of stereotyping and sentimentality. Consider the Frail, the Feisty, and the Fiendish. - The Guardian (UK)
If their heirs or estate is lucky, there’s enough money to simply keep the studio as is. “In Europe these spaces are often accessible landmarks,” but in the U.S., they’re more likely private - and accessible to family, staff, and a very few scholars. - The New York Times
“Ever since he began filming at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in 2003, Kimmel has been one of the famed neighborhood’s biggest ambassadors. He drew tourists to the storied Hollywood Boulevard.” Then there’s his “Who’s High?” segment. - Los Angeles Times (MSN)
Stabler, an energetic, generous, elegant writer, was part of a particularly strong era at The Oregonian, when art, architecture, music, book, theatre, and many other critics shared ideas, space, and boundless energy. - Oregon ArtsWatch
McLachlan, introducing the ABC News Studios-distributed movie: "I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with. … We have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech.” - The Hollywood Reporter
It’s a big business - and it changes with the trends of the moment. "Some local vendors are selling Labubu-shaped piñatas, cashing in on the demand for the popular collectable toy.” - Sahan Journal
That was a first in Britain, an arena concert supporting Palestine. "During the four-hour show, the biggest ovation from the crowd … went to Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on the Palestinian territories who gave a nine-minute speech.” - The New York Times
