Author Archives: SASHA RIOS

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Blog #2

  1. AI Art is the downfall of artists

Description: AI art is viewed as a threat to artists because it undermines the value of human creativity by automating the artistic process. With AI producing art rapidly and inexpensively, traditional artists may struggle to earn a living or differentiate themselves in the industry. Additionally, concerns about copyright constantly come up, as many AI programs use images without artists’ consent, raising ethical questions about the source of the data they rely on.

Link:https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/jan/23/its-the-opposite-of-art-why-illustrators-are-furious-about-ai

Article Summary: This article from The Guardian discusses the growing concern among illustrators and artists about AI-generated art. AI tools like MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and Deep Dream Generator have made creating images more accessible, often at the cost of ethical and creative integrity. Many artists argue that AI art lacks the emotional and nuanced processes that define human-made art. Illustrators like Harry Woodgate and Anoosha Syed note that AI systems simply copy existing work, making the potential to mimic specific artists’ styles a major concern–small jobs like book illustrations, fan art, and logos, which help new artists build portfolios, could disappear as clients turn to cheaper AI-generated options.

  1. Minimum wage workers deserve higher pay

Description: Minimum wage workers deserve higher pay because they often perform essential jobs that keep society running, yet their current wages frequently fall short of covering basic living expenses. As the cost of living continues to rise, many minimum wage earners struggle to afford necessities like housing, healthcare, and food. It’s not fair to give them the short end of the stick when they are relied on so heavily.

Link:https://www.epi.org/publication/webfeatures_viewpoints_michl/

Article Summary: The article from Economic Policy Institute argues that despite critics’ claims that a higher minimum wage would destroy jobs, evidence suggests otherwise. A study conducted by economists David Card and Alan Krueger found that New Jersey’s 1992 wage increase did not reduce employment in fast-food restaurants, and critics’ counterclaims, based on alternative data, still showed no significant job loss. Overall, the article suggests that higher wages reduce turnover and improve productivity, which can offset the costs of wage hikes for employers.

  1. AI’s negatively affecting college learning

AI negatively affects college learning by encouraging dependency on automated tools, which can undermine critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With easy access to AI-generated answers, students are tempted by its efficiency, leading to a superficial understanding rather than deep engagement with class material. Additionally, the rise of AI tools has made it harder to ensure academic integrity.

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A Mothers Recipe: Fried Eggs

Ingredients:

  • One or Two Eggs
  • A Little Bit of Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions:

  • Heat the Pan with Passion
  • Drizzle the Oil Softly
  • Crack the Egg(s) Carefully
  • Cook the Egg(s) Patiently
  • Season the Egg(s) Generously
  • Serve the Egg(s) Lovingly

My mom always started the morning with a whistling kettle and crackling eggs. Undercooked eggs every day and overcooked eggs every other day. Although always a tad bit too salty, I grew fond of its imperfect nature. All it needed was a mother’s touch, that was enough to satisfy my young appetite. Even now, my mom’s cooking remains a luxury, as it’s her affection that brings out the true flavors presented in all of her dishes. This doesn’t mean I was different from any other child though. I threw my own fair set of tantrums and displayed ignorance of her dedication to being a mother. But it was the heat that bordered the kitchen from the dining room and the sweat that dripped from my mother’s face that converted my impatience to understanding. 

Food has always been a way for my family to stay so close to one another. It’s a form of communication I never really considered as a child. But it’s those Thanksgivings, Christmas dinners, and spontaneous barbecues that allowed me to consume my Peruvian background. Family is sincerely cherished in my home and to keep this custom alive, food plays a huge aspect in our persistence. This persistence is a constant reminder that we are not alienated but rather part of something more. The community my family has built over the years started with an offering of a meal. Eating with someone is part of the process of getting to know someone. There is a certain vulnerability that comes along with it. Their mannerisms, the plate they choose, their choice of utensil, how much of the food they let go to waste, or if they even bothered to wash their own plate. You never really notice it, but when you do you come to grasp the type of person you are dealing with. The meal doesn’t have to be extravagant either to determine a personality. So the next time you ever want to get closer to someone, grab a meal with them. I know the next time my mom fries a couples of eggs and sits down to eat with me, I’ll always be ready to thank her.