Did Apple Just Declare War on Artists?

Author

Ponder Road
May 14, 2024

Apple's latest iPad Pro ad is causing a stir, and not in a good way. 🍎 💣️ Forget the iconic 1984 Super Bowl commercial, this time Apple is literally crushing art supplies in a giant press, all while Sonny & Cher croon "All I Ever Need is You."

Here's the gist:

  • The ad depicts a horrifying spectacle of destruction: paint cans explode, musical instruments buckle, and a rubber emoji even gets its eyes popped out under the weight of the iPad Pro.

  • The message is clear: the tech industry, symbolized by the iPad, is steamrolling artistic expression and replacing it with AI-driven tools.

  • The author sees this as a disturbing trend: AI, fueled by "stolen" artwork and creative labor, is profiting off artists without proper compensation. They argue Apple is complicit in this exploitation.

This ad isn't just tone-deaf, it's a gut punch to artists everywhere. The author calls on Apple CEO Tim Cook to delete the ad, compensate artists for their stolen work, and apologize for contributing to an environment where tech giants prioritize profit over artistic integrity.

Key takeaways:

  • The ad is a stark departure from Apple's usual marketing, and many are interpreting it as a celebration of the tech industry's dominance over traditional art forms.

  • The author connects the ad to larger issues of AI ethics, copyright infringement, and the exploitation of artists in the digital age.

  • The piece is a call to action, urging readers to recognize the harmful practices of the tech industry and stand up for artists' rights.

Bottom line: This ad is raising some serious questions about the future of creativity in a tech-dominated world.

This isn't a Smurf origin story, folks. Turns out, corpses can turn a spooky shade of blue thanks to a mineral called vivianite. 🔵 

Here's the gist:

  • Phosphate from our bodies reacts with iron and water in oxygen-deprived environments, like waterlogged graves.

  • This creates vivianite, a mineral that starts colorless but turns blue when exposed to air.

  • Think of Mr. White, the railway engineer buried in an iron coffin with a broken window - prime real estate for vivianite formation.

But it's not just a quirky side effect of decomposition. Vivianite can actually be pretty useful:

  • Solving mysteries: Helped investigators understand the fate of a B-26B crew who went missing in Vietnam.

  • Preserving history: Protected remains in a Brisbane cemetery, offering insights into past flooding events.

  • Complicating research: Can interfere with DNA analysis, requiring scientists to develop new methods.

So, while a blue hue might not be the most flattering post-mortem look, it can reveal fascinating stories about the deceased and their final resting place. Who knew chemistry could be so morbidly fascinating? 💀 

This article takes us into the fascinating world of linguistic relativity, exploring whether the languages we speak actually shape how we think.

Key takeaways you won't want to miss:

  • More than just words: The idea that different languages represent different worldviews dates back to the Enlightenment. Think of it like each language having its own unique "fingerprint" fingerprint.

  • Humboldt's legacy: 19th-century scholar Wilhelm von Humboldt argued that language doesn't just reflect our thoughts, it actively shapes them in a constant feedback loop.

  • The rise and fall (and rise again) of linguistic relativity: The idea has been hotly debated, embraced by some and dismissed by others who favor a "universal grammar" across all languages.

  • From the abstract to the tangible: Modern research is finally providing concrete evidence of linguistic relativity. For example, Gurindji speakers, who use cardinal directions even to describe their bodies, may be more attuned to Earth's magnetic field than English speakers.

The bottom line? The article suggests that while the age-old questions about language and thought may never be definitively answered, both historical and contemporary research are crucial to understanding this complex relationship. It's a journey through linguistic history, philosophical debates, and exciting new discoveries about the power of language.

Courtney Dauwalter is on a tear. Recently, she snagged the triple crown of ultra-running, winning the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB – all in record time.

But this is nothing new. Dauwalter has been crushing the competition, men included, for years, even winning the grueling 238-mile Moab 240 by a whopping 10 hours.

What makes her so dominant? Some argue it's the great equalizer of ultra distances, where women may even have an advantage. Think: better fat burning, steadier pacing, and more fatigue-resistant muscles.

But don't be fooled by Dauwalter's laid-back demeanor (and love of pizza). This woman is tough. She literally ran nearly blind to the finish line during one race!

Key takeaways you don't want to miss:

  • Dauwalter completed a historic ultra-running triple crown last summer.

  • Research suggests women may have a physical advantage in ultra-distances.

  • Dauwalter's resilience and mental toughness are unmatched. She even has a "pain cave" visualization technique!

  • Dauwalter embodies a joyful, balanced approach to life and sport.

Bottom line: Dauwalter is a force of nature rewriting the rules of ultra-running and inspiring runners everywhere. You go, girl!