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Sample Standup Comedian

This is an example of the kind of thing that you can quickly generate using an AI chat system like Poe.com. These tools still have a long way to go, but they are already better than most of the people who are going to speak at your wedding, and unlike them floundering about for weeks trying to think of something and then madly scribbling something down the night before that is an incoherent semi-literate disaster (no offense), it is not too bad and it only takes a moment of your time. 

Prompt: 

Write a two minute standup routine about having trepidations about trying AI but evolving in to enthusiasm as you realize what you have. Do it in the style of Taylor Tomlinson. Write stage directions and comment on why the elements of the routine including stage directions make it funnier and more entertaining.

Poe.com

[Stage: A dimly lit comedy club. Comedian, dressed in casual attire, nervously stands on stage holding a microphone.]

Comedian: [Anxious tone] Hey, everyone! How's it going? [Pause for applause] So, I've been thinking a lot about AI lately, you know, artificial intelligence. And let me tell you, I've had some serious trepidations about it. I mean, have you seen those movies where the robots take over the world? It's terrifying! I don't want my toaster judging me, okay?

[Stage direction: Comedian looks around, wide-eyed, as if expecting a toaster to pop out and glare at them.]

Comedian: But then, the more I started exploring AI, the more I realized it's not all bad. I mean, sure, there are some drawbacks, like getting replaced by a robot at work. But hey, at least the robot won't steal my lunch from the office fridge. Silver lining, right?

[Stage direction: Comedian shrugs, as if trying to find the positive in a bleak situation.]

Comedian: And you know what? AI can do some pretty amazing things. Like, have you seen those deepfake videos? Now, we can make Nicolas Cage star in every movie ever made! I mean, if that's not progress, I don't know what is.

[Stage direction: Comedian pauses for comedic effect, allowing the audience to imagine a world filled with Nicolas Cages in every role.]

Comedian: And let's not forget about virtual assistants. I've got Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant living in my house. It's like having a bunch of invisible roommates who never pay rent. They're always listening, waiting for me to say "Hey, Google" so they can interrupt my conversations and tell me a random factoid. It's like having a nosy neighbor who's also a know-it-all.

[Stage direction: Comedian mimics talking to a virtual assistant, rolling their eyes and exaggerating annoyance.]

Comedian: But you know what? They come in handy sometimes. Like when I'm feeling lonely, I can just ask Siri to tell me a joke. Sure, they're terrible jokes, but hey, at least someone's laughing, right?

[Stage direction: Comedian chuckles at their own joke, with an exaggerated fake laughter.]

Comedian: So, yeah, I was hesitant about AI at first, but now I'm kind of enthusiastic about it. I mean, who wouldn't want a robot vacuum cleaner to do the chores? I just hope it doesn't get too ambitious and start vacuuming up my socks. I don't need my robot cleaner stealing my fashion sense as well.

[Stage direction: Comedian strikes a pose, pretending to be a fashionable robot vacuum cleaner.]

Comedian: In conclusion, folks, AI might have its quirks and drawbacks, but it's also pretty incredible. And hey, even if the robots do take over the world someday, at least they'll have a great sense of humor. After all, they learned it from us, right?

[Stage direction: Comedian ends with a wide grin, embracing the absurdity of the situation.]

[Stage: The audience erupts in laughter and applause.]

Sam Altman Looks to Raise $7,000,000,000,000

 

In the heart of Silicon Valley, where the dreams of tomorrow are quietly woven into the fabric of today, Sam Altman stands as a figure both pivotal and prescient, his eyes set not on the ground beneath his feet but on the far horizon. With the boldness of a pioneer, he has set forth a plan to marshal an army of resources, a staggering sum of $7 trillion, all in the pursuit of silicon—the bedrock upon which the towering edifice of modern technology is built.

This quest, at once audacious and fraught with the weight of necessity, is born of a simple, unyielding truth: the engines of artificial intelligence, those ceaseless thinkers of metal and wire, hunger for the sustenance of computing power, a hunger that grows more insatiable with each passing day. Altman, in his wisdom or his folly, sees the bottleneck in chip production not as a mere hurdle but as a chasm that must be bridged, for on the other side lies the future—a future where OpenAI can flourish, unencumbered by the physical limitations that now seek to bind it.

Yet, as with all endeavors that seek to alter the course of human destiny, there is a shadow that falls across this path. The magnitude of the sum, the sheer audacity of the venture, whispers of hubris, of a reach that may exceed the grasp. The world watches, aghast and awed, as this narrative unfolds, for it is a story not just of technology but of humanity itself. It raises the specter of ethical quandaries, of societal shifts, of a world where the fabric of daily life is irrevocably changed by the machines we have birthed.

The comparison to Google, that titan of the digital age, which now values the silicon pulse of its data centers over the heartbeat of its human workforce, serves as a stark reminder of the new calculus of value in this era. This is the landscape that Altman seeks to navigate, a realm where giants roam and the ground itself is reshaped by their passage.

In this light, the endeavor is not just a financial gambit; it is a statement, a declaration that the future belongs to those who are willing to forge it with fire and silicon. Yet, it also poses a question, echoing through the corridors of power and down the quiet streets where ordinary lives unfold: What world are we building? It is a question that hangs, unanswered, as the wheel of progress turns, ever onward, driven by visionaries like Altman, who dare to dream of a world remade.

Have a Minty-B when you're having a Menty-B

Me

What would be a good recipe for a cocktail with a little mint but not too much that would be drunk when your are going crazy called a 'Minty-B'

ChatGPT

For a cocktail named "Minty-B," ideal for those moments when you need a refreshing yet not overly minty drink, I'd suggest a balanced blend of ingredients that complement the mint without overpowering it. Here's a recipe:

Minty-B Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka or Gin (depending on your preference)
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 oz Simple Syrup
• 4-6 Fresh Mint Leaves (adjust based on how minty you want it)
• 2 oz Soda Water
• Ice
• Lemon Twist or Mint Sprig for garnish

Instructions:

Muddle the Mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. This is to release the mint flavor without making it too overpowering.

Mix: Add the vodka or gin and lemon juice to the shaker. Fill it with ice.

Shake: Shake the mixture well until chilled.

Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice. This helps ensure you don't get tiny mint pieces in the drink.

Top Up: Gently top with soda water.

Garnish: Add a lemon twist or a sprig of mint for garnish.

Enjoy: Give the drink a gentle stir before enjoying.

This recipe balances the freshness of mint with the tartness of lemon, smoothed out by the vodka or gin. The soda water adds a refreshing effervescence, making it a perfect cocktail to unwind with when things feel a bit overwhelming.

User

Generate an amusing image of a gender ambiguous person that looks like they are having a mental breakdown. They are standing at a bar where a robot barkeep is serving. They are throwing back a 'Minty-B'. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

Here's the image featuring a gender-ambiguous person humorously experiencing a mental breakdown at a bar, while throwing back a 'Minty-B' with a robot bartender serving them. The setting is whimsical and light-hearted, capturing the unique scenario you described.

User

That's pretty good, but can you make the person more androgynous so it is not really possible to tell whether they are male or female. Also, the scale of the emotion is good, but it should be more like hysterical laughter (because it's a fun drink?) 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

Here's the updated image, featuring an androgynous person at a bar, portrayed in a comical manner with an expression of hysterical laughter as they enjoy a 'Minty-B'. The scene is whimsical, with a futuristic bar and a robot bartender adding to the playful atmosphere.

User

I liked the style of the first image better. Also, the person in the second image looks robotic which is not correct. The only change I was looking for was to change crazy sad to hysterical happy and to make the person to have genuinely ambiguous gender. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

Here's the revised image, capturing an androgynous person at a bar, expressing hysterical laughter while enjoying a 'Minty-B' cocktail. The style is more aligned with the first image, and the person's gender is intentionally ambiguous, fitting your description. The setting remains playful and whimsical.

User

Better. Can write a prompt we can tailor to try this again so that the person is being served the drink by the robot (which should look more robotic like in the first image.), the person should be on the left side of the bar like a customer, and the robot should be on the right (bartender's) side of the bar. I liked the bar in the first image. So, can you write a prompt that is most likely to generate the correct picture and I will review and rewrite the prompt to correct anything.

ChatGPT

Certainly, Bob. Here's a detailed prompt that could be tailored to create the image you're envisioning:

"Create an image of a whimsical and futuristic bar scene, similar to the style of the first image. On the left side of the bar, depict an androgynous person as a customer, with an exaggerated expression of hysterical laughter, displaying a sense of joy and amusement. Their appearance should be distinctly androgynous, making it impossible to discern their gender. They should be in the act of being served a 'Minty-B' cocktail. On the right side of the bar, the bartender is a robot, designed to look more mechanical and robotic as in the first image, clearly identifiable as a bartender robot. The robot is in the process of serving the drink to the person. The overall atmosphere should be light-hearted, playful, and full of vibrant colors, maintaining the whimsical theme of the bar from the first image."

Feel free to modify this prompt to better match your vision.

User

Create an image of a whimsical and futuristic bar scene, similar to the style of the first image. On the left side of the bar, depict an androgynous person as a customer, with an exaggerated expression of hysterical laughter, displaying a sense of joy and amusement. Their appearance should be distinctly androgynous, making it impossible to discern their gender. They should be in the act of being served a 'Minty-B' cocktail. On the right side of the bar, the bartender is a robot, designed to look more mechanical and robotic as in the first image, clearly identifiable as a bartender robot. The robot is in the process of serving the drink to the person. The overall atmosphere should be light-hearted, playful, and full of vibrant colors, maintaining the whimsical theme of the bar from the first image. Try to make the cocktail look fancy, but true to the way it should look from the Minty-B recipe. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

Here's the image created based on your tailored prompt, depicting a whimsical and futuristic bar scene. The androgynous person on the left is enjoying a 'Minty-B' cocktail with an expression of hysterical laughter, while the robotic bartender on the right is serving the drink. The overall atmosphere is light-hearted, playful, and colorful, in line with the theme you described.

User

Sorry. That resulted in two panels, both of which look good, but the image is supposed to be one scene with human and robot on either side of the bar so the robot is serving the human customer. Can you rewrite the last prompt used to reflect that?

ChatGPT

Certainly, Bob. Here's the revised prompt to create a single scene with the human and robot on opposite sides of the same bar:

"Create an image of a single, whimsical and futuristic bar scene. In this scene, an androgynous person, depicted with an exaggerated expression of hysterical laughter, is positioned on the left side of the bar, showcasing a sense of joy and amusement. Their appearance should be distinctly androgynous, making it impossible to discern their gender. They are at the customer side of the bar, being served a 'Minty-B' cocktail which looks fancy yet is true to the recipe provided. On the right side of the same bar, opposite the customer, is the bartender, a robot designed to look more mechanical and robotic as in the first image, clearly identifiable as a bartender robot. The robot is actively serving the drink to the person. The overall atmosphere of the image should be light-hearted, playful, and full of vibrant colors, maintaining the whimsical theme of the bar from the first image."

This prompt should guide the creation of an image where both the androgynous person and the robot bartender are in a single, continuous bar scene, with the robot serving the human customer across the bar.

User

Create an image of a single, whimsical and futuristic bar scene. In this scene, an androgynous person, depicted with an exaggerated expression of hysterical laughter, is positioned on the left side of the bar, showcasing a sense of joy and amusement. Their appearance should be distinctly androgynous, making it impossible to discern their gender. They are at the customer side of the bar, being served a 'Minty-B' cocktail which looks fancy yet is true to the recipe provided. On the right side of the same bar, opposite the customer, is the bartender, a robot designed to look more mechanical and robotic as in the first image, clearly identifiable as a bartender robot. The robot is actively serving the drink to the person. The overall atmosphere of the image should be light-hearted, playful, and full of vibrant colors, maintaining the whimsical theme of the bar from the first image.

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

Here's the image created based on your revised prompt. It depicts a single, whimsical, and futuristic bar scene with an androgynous person on the left, expressing hysterical laughter, and a robot bartender on the right, serving a 'Minty-B' cocktail. The scene is playful and vibrant, capturing the essence of the description provided.
User
Turns out that that image is a bit too creepy. I'm posting on social media so it should not look too far out. The first image that was created from the original prompt was the best, it just made the person look distraught rather than exaggerated laughing which would comport with the sense I am looking for. 
ChatGPT
Generated by DALL·E

Here's the updated image, created with the aim of capturing a whimsical and futuristic bar scene, akin to the style of the first image. It features an androgynous person at the bar, showing an exaggerated expression of hysterical laughter, served a 'Minty-B' cocktail by a distinctly mechanical and robotic bartender. The scene is light-hearted, playful, and vibrant.

User

That still makes the person look a little too creepy and it is not the same style bar shelves in the background as the first image was and the first image had a more modest and pleasing color scheme. Finally, the first robot was the best of them all. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

The image has been recreated based on your specifications, featuring a whimsical and futuristic bar scene similar to the first image. The androgynous person is depicted with an expression of joyful, hysterical laughter, and the robot bartender resembles the one from the first image. The color scheme and bar shelves match the more modest and pleasing aesthetic of the original scene, making it suitable for a social media post.

User

That's pretty good, but the subjects are too far back and there is an additional bartender that was not asked for. Can you regenerate so it focuses just on the part of the bar that has the customer ordering the Minty-B and the robot bartender serving. Also, as in the very first image the robot should be more like a plain robot. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

The image has been regenerated as a close-up, focusing on the area of the bar where the androgynous customer is ordering the 'Minty-B' and the plain robot bartender is serving. The person displays an exaggerated expression of joyful, hysterical laughter, and their appearance is distinctly androgynous. The robot bartender is more plain and mechanical, and the background features modest and pleasing colors, creating a playful and vibrant atmosphere suitable for social media.

User

The customer is on the wrong side of the bar, they are missing their clothing, and the coloring of the person looks too unrealistic.

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

The revised image features the androgynous customer correctly positioned on the left side of the bar, fully clothed in casual attire, with a natural and realistic skin tone. They exhibit an expression of joyful, hysterical laughter. The plain robot bartender, similar to the one in the first image, is on the right side, serving the 'Minty-B' cocktail. The setting has modest and pleasing colors, with bar shelves that contribute to a playful and vibrant atmosphere, suitable for social media.

User

That is nearly perfect but the robot is a bartender and should be on the other side of the bar from the customer so they are facing one another. 

ChatGPT

Generated by DALL·E

 

The image has been adjusted to show the androgynous customer and the robot bartender facing each other across the bar. The customer is on the left side, fully clothed in casual attire with a realistic skin tone, and displaying an expression of joyful, hysterical laughter. The plain robot bartender, resembling the one from the first image, is on the right side of the bar, serving the 'Minty-B' cocktail. The setting features modest and pleasing colors, with a playful and vibrant atmosphere suitable for social media.

The Future is AI: How to Skill Up and Create With New Generative Technologies

Here is a one page article explaining the opportunity in AI and how to get started:

Artificial intelligence is exploding right now, yet many are unaware of the immense opportunities these technologies present. AI systems like ChatGPT and image generators can automate rote work while empowering human creativity like never before. Now is the time to skill up in AI - the jobs and applications will only grow.

Sign up for ChatGPT at https://chat.openai.com to get hands-on experience conversing with an AI assistant. Ask it thought-provoking questions to see the possibilities. Prompt examples:

"Explain quantum computing in simple terms"

"How can I live a happier life?"

"Suggest a plot outline for a novel about a warrior princess."

The key is learning to craft effective prompts to channel the system's capabilities. Start broad, then iterate based on the responses. Creativity and critical thinking are crucial.

Moving forward, become fluent in leading AI frameworks like GPT-3, DALL-E 2, and GitHub Copilot. Stay on top of new advances daily at sites like https://venturebeat.com/category/ai/. Consume educational content on prompt engineering and machine learning principles.

In the near future, roles like "AI trainer" and "generative designer" will be in high demand. Position yourself now as an expert by honing prompts and publishing your best results. Offer your skills to create content, art, music, and more.

This is the perfect on-ramp for technically-minded creators looking to level up. AI will transform society - don't get left behind. With some focused learning, you can be part of building this future and capitalize on exciting new opportunities. The time to start is now! 

Medical Assistance in Dying: A Symptom, Not the Cause

Note: This was intended to be written by an AI system but it required much work with many different systems and eventually manual rewrite. This is more an example of an AI assisted article. 

Medical Assistance in Dying: A Symptom, Not the Cause

We all have a responsibility to care for one another, whether we openly acknowledge it or not. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) exists to give people control over their destiny when they are in unbearable pain and see no other solution. If issues like preventable poverty are pushing people to seek MAID, the answer isn't to get rid of MAID. Instead, we should focus on addressing and eliminating these types of suffering, which can often be easily corrected. 

In Canada, medical assistance in dying (MAID) has proven deeply controversial. Some disabled and impoverished individuals, despairing at their situations, have opted for MAID to end their suffering (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). This has led some to argue MAID represents a failure of society's duty of care and threatens the vulnerable (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). However, a close examination of Canada's MAID framework reveals a stringent system designed to prevent abuse. The tragic cases of MAID for socioeconomic reasons point not to flaws in the law itself, but rather to deep inequities in how Canadian society treats its most disadvantaged members.

Canada's MAID Legislation

Canada's MAID legislation, passed in 2016, allows eligible individuals meeting strict criteria to legally seek medical help in ending their lives (Downie & Chandler, 2017). As the Government of Canada overview makes clear, the law builds in safeguards like requiring two independent medical opinions, a waiting period, and consent immediately before the procedure (Downie & Chandler, 2017). Data show the majority using MAID have terminal illnesses like cancer (Downie & Chandler, 2017). This indicates the law functions as intended for the grievously ill.

However, a minority of cases involve non-terminal conditions like disabilities (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). Disability advocates argue this reflects coercion due to lack of social support (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). Yet the data show socioeconomic factors like poverty and homelessness are present in only a small fraction of MAID cases (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). While concerning, this does not necessarily demonstrate MAID's failure.

Symptoms of Social Inequity

Tragically, some disabled and impoverished persons have chosen MAID because they saw no other escape from their situations (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021). But the solution is not changing MAID laws that serve the terminally ill. Rather, these extremely rare cases represent symptoms of broader societal problems in supporting the disadvantaged (Downie & Schuklenk, 2021).

Canada urgently needs improved social supports, like national pharmacare, disability services, housing, and basic income programs. Without these, inequities persist and the most vulnerable suffer. Restricting their access to MAID as a last resort seems ethically dubious.

The way forward must involve embracing MAID as part of a spectrum of humane end-of-life choices, while resolving the deeper injustices that drive people to despair.

Conclusion

MAID provides necessary relief to those with grievous and irremediable suffering. The few tragic cases linked to socioeconomic woes are symptomatic of broader societal failures. Limiting access to MAID does not solve these inequities - only meaningful reforms can. Canada’s legislation strikes an ethical balance between individual rights and safeguards. The real solution lies in building a more just society that cares for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Therein lies the true humanistic challenge.

References

Downie, J., & Chandler, J. (2017). Interpreting Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation. PDF

Downie, J., & Schuklenk, U. (2021). Social determinants of health and slippery slopes in assisted dying debates: lessons from Canada. PDF

Government of Canada. (2023). Medical assistance in dying. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-assistance-dying.html

Health Canada. (2021). Fourth interim report on medical assistance in dying in Canada. 

Pullman, Dary, 2023 Slowing the Slide Down the Slippery Slope of Medical Assistance in Dying: Mutual Learnings for Canada and the US

Sodha, Sonia, 2023 (Guardian) Assisted dying seems humane, but can we protect the vulnerable from the malign?

Zandbergen, Rebecca, 2020 (CBC) Why disability advocates are worried about changes to Canada's medical assistance in dying bill

Picard, André, 2022 (Globe and Mail) We must make it easier to both live and die with dignity, but denying MAiD to those living in poverty is not the answer

The Virtues of Hemp

Me: Write an article extolling the virtues of hemp with a short how-to at the end saying how to grow at home. 

ChatGPT: 

Here's an article extolling the virtues of hemp, followed by a short how-to guide on growing it at home.

The Virtues of Hemp: A Sustainable and Versatile Crop

1. Environmental Sustainability - Hemp is hailed for its environmental benefits. It requires little to no pesticides and thrives in various soil types. With deep roots, hemp helps prevent soil erosion and replenishes vital nutrients, making it a fantastic rotation crop.
2. Industrial Applications - Hemp's fibrous stalks are used in various industries, from textiles to construction. Hemp fibers are strong and lightweight, making them ideal for fabrics, ropes, and paper products. Hempcrete, a mixture of hemp, lime, and water, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete.
3. Nutritional Value - Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They can be consumed raw, ground into hemp meal, or processed into oil, providing a tasty and nutritious addition to various recipes.
4. Medicinal Benefits -Hemp oil, particularly CBD (cannabidiol), has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects. Research suggests it may aid in pain management, anxiety reduction, and overall wellness.
5. Legal Status - With changes in legislation, industrial hemp is increasingly accepted worldwide. Governments recognize its potential economic and environmental benefits, resulting in expanded cultivation and commercial opportunities.

Growing Hemp at Home: A Short How-To

Note: Before growing hemp at home, check local laws and regulations to ensure that cultivation is legal in your area.

1. Select the Right Seeds: Choose hemp seeds suited for your climate and intended use, whether for fiber, oil, or seeds.
2. Prepare the Soil: Hemp prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6–7.5. Amend the soil with compost or fertilizer if needed.
3. Plant the Seeds: Sow hemp seeds directly into the soil after the last frost, spaced about a foot apart. Plant them about an inch deep.
4. Water and Care: Hemp requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Regularly check for weeds and pests.
5. Harvest: Depending on the purpose, hemp can be harvested for its seeds, fibers, or flowers. Seeds are typically harvested when they begin to harden, and stalks are harvested for fiber after flowering.
6. Process as Needed: Depending on your intended use, you may need to dry, cure, or process the harvested hemp.

Hemp's incredible versatility, sustainability, and nutritional value make it a crop with growing importance in modern agriculture and industry. By understanding its benefits and learning to cultivate it at home, you can partake in this ancient plant's promising future.