if it feels like you are in Medieval Europe, you are. The exterior of the museum is gorgeous. The buildings are centered around four cloisters, which were looted in Europe and brought to America block by block right before World War II. The museum is administered by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is in Fort Tyron Park in Washington Heights, which is in uptown Manhattan. It’s peaceful just to walk around outside admiring the architecture and Hudson River views. Inside you’ll find treasures from the medieval ages including tapestries, manuscripts, paintings, and more. Again, most looted but presented in such a stately manner that their provenance is often and easily overlooked.
I first visited The Cloisters in 1982ish. Spenser Gifts was in most malls back then and in the back, next to the 3D art was the Make your Own Tee-Shirt machine. Next day I wandered the medieval treasures at the Cloisters wearing: “Everything Here” (front) “Is Stolen” (back). I thought it was subtle enough. Now, many years later, I intend to go back. This time I will visit with respect for a job well-done. They got away with it. “They” in this case are two well-known robber barons: John D. Rockefeller Jr and JPMorgan. The third was a not so successful American sculptor and art dealer George Grey Barnard who between the years 1890 and 1925 wandered Europe and accumulated a sizeable collection of European art and antiquities.
Described as eccentric and forgetful, Barnard could revile an audience with tales of uncovering a sculpture being used as a bridge across a stream in southern France; or losing chest loads of purchase receipts crossing steep mountain passes. Rockefeller paid Barnard for his stuff and donated everything to the Museum he and JPMorgan were having built on the Hudson. Barnard’s years of accumulations became the basis for the Cloisters and remain so today. No one person or Country has raised their hand in protest. No one has claimed that THEIR church was not Barnard’s to disassemble and ship to America. So, let’s raise a glass to George Grey Barnard, America’s first Indiana Jones and always meant to be the fall guy should any embarrassing lawsuits have been served. Good job, fellas, and while none of it is ours – “we” did, and “we” are keeping it all nice and neat and clean. The Cloisters is worth a visit AND a Donation.
To ChatGPT: Write a blog post titled “A Problem that AI can Solve:” and including the following facts:
The Situation / Problem
100,000 cuneiform tablets scattered throughout many museums and private collections. Only a handful of people are skilled in the cuneiform language. Whole stories / poems are in separate locations without reference to the whole.
The Opportunity / Solution:
Use AI to learn the language. Digitize all tablets into one central database for virtual re-combination and translation.
What follows is ChatGPT’s answer without editing:
A Problem that AI can Solve: Reconstructing the Lost Stories of Cuneiform Tablets
In the vast expanse of museums and private collections around the world, an extraordinary treasure trove lies hidden in plain sight – cuneiform tablets. These ancient artifacts, dating back thousands of years, contain invaluable knowledge from civilizations long gone. However, a significant obstacle stands in the way of fully unlocking their secrets: the scarcity of individuals skilled in the complex cuneiform language. As a result, countless stories and poems remain scattered, isolated from their complete narrative context.
Fortunately, there is a remarkable opportunity on the horizon – the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With its ability to learn languages and process vast amounts of information, AI presents a solution that could revolutionize our understanding of cuneiform tablets. By harnessing the power of AI, we can digitize these tablets, create a comprehensive database, and embark on a journey of virtual recombination and translation.
Imagine a world where all 100,000 cuneiform tablets are united within a central database. AI algorithms, specifically designed to comprehend the intricate nuances of the cuneiform language, can be trained to decipher and understand these ancient texts. Through machine learning techniques, AI systems can study existing translations, linguistic patterns, and contextual clues to gradually unravel the intricacies of cuneiform writing. Over time, this AI-driven process would allow us to reconstruct whole stories and poems, merging fragments from various tablets into cohesive narratives.
The potential benefits of such an undertaking are vast. First and foremost, it would provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical significance of cuneiform tablets. Many tablets, currently residing in different corners of the world, are incomplete, making it challenging to discern their true meaning. By digitizing and centralizing these tablets, AI could piece together the fragments, reassembling the lost stories and poems in a manner that illuminates their original intent.
Moreover, this AI-powered initiative would vastly expand access to cuneiform knowledge. Currently, only a select few individuals possess the expertise required to decipher cuneiform. By utilizing AI, the barriers to entry in studying and understanding this ancient script would be significantly lowered. Scholars, historians, and language enthusiasts from around the globe would have the opportunity to explore and contribute to the cuneiform corpus, fostering a collaborative effort to decode humanity’s past.
The virtual re-combination and translation of cuneiform tablets would not only benefit academics but also resonate with a broader audience. The restored narratives and poems could be shared through digital platforms, reaching people worldwide and allowing them to connect with the ancient civilizations that gave birth to these texts. The cultural heritage of humanity would be revived and made accessible in a way that engages and educates the masses.
Naturally, challenges lie ahead on this ambitious path. AI algorithms need to be trained on extensive datasets of cuneiform texts, and the process of digitization and restoration can be time-consuming and meticulous. Additionally, contextual and cultural nuances embedded in cuneiform pose unique challenges for AI systems to overcome. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable. With dedicated efforts, collaborations between linguists, archaeologists, and AI researchers, and advancements in AI technology, we have the potential to bring ancient narratives back to life.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into the study of cuneiform tablets offers an unparalleled opportunity to reclaim the lost stories and poems of ancient civilizations. By digitizing these tablets, creating a central database, and employing AI algorithms for virtual recombination and translation, we can bridge the gaps in our understanding of cuneiform. This collaborative endeavor holds the promise of unraveling the mysteries of the past, democratizing access to ancient knowledge, and fostering a renewed appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history.
Note from kongoboken: While a bit too verbose and containing absolutely NO FACTS pointing to future actions, this is damn good and a shame to all of us who appreciate a good turn of the word. How will I ever know the difference, me wonders. Anyway, on a positive note there are REAL digitization projects as well as language algorithms projects on going. Perhaps not are coordinated as I’d like but something.
(Posted July 9.5, 2023)
Ok Ok Hold the Comments. I’m not AGAINST ChatGPT. That would be like being against VCR Players. Chat GPT and all computer assisted writing tools are here. The best I can offer to is say that to the best of my knowledge I will adhere to a strick NO AI GENERATED CONTENT NEED APPLY HERE.
The first book I ever bought for myself was City at World’s End by Edmond Hamilton. It was Science Fiction and introduced me to the “space-time continuum” (no, Spock didn’t make that term up for Star Trek!). I was 10 years old. The book was used and cost 5 cents. I’ve liked science fiction ever since. The library was filled with Sci-Fi books. I enjoyed most.
Then one day I found The Skylark of Space by E.E. (Doc) Smith and my life was never the same. It was a “Space Opera” which is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, risk-taking space adventures and chivalric romance. Looking for more Doc Smith novels I soon found his “Lensmen” series and WOW the immense space battles were overwhelming. I used to imagine winning the lottery and having enough money to make a movie of the Lensmen books.
Turns out I didn’t have to – J Michael Straczynski did it for me when he wrote and filmed the TV series Babylon 5. It debuted in 1993 and was the first series to introduce viewers to the concept of a five-year arc, with a defined beginning, middle and end. The series launched in 1994 and ran for five seasons and 110 episodes. It was Huge; it was Space Opera on a grand scale, and I am so pleased that J. Michael was allowed to do it and I was able and can STILL watch it.
In college I expanded my horizons to Tolkien, Alan Drury Political novels, and Ayn Rand Individualism novels. I will admit to only buying Atlas Shrugged because it was the biggest book on the rack at 1083 pages. Today my “to Read” pile includes Hunter S. Thompson Songs of the Doomed; Charles Krauthammer Things That Matter (Charles is a master wordsmith); Michael Hastings The Operators and Word Press for Dummies (9th Edition). These days, most of my Sci-Fi I listen to in the car. I no longer go to sleep thinking about an alien landing nearby and giving me his ship. I kinda miss those dreams.
In my younger years, I enjoyed a good Paradox. They were usually thought provoking and could always start a lively discussion. I enjoyed lively discussions; not so anymore. I’m too impatient to do the proper verbal setups and traps and all the usual argumentative tactics. Your opinion is cool with me. I don’t even argue politics anymore. But like a good cigar, a good paradox is good to share every now and then. And today, I’m sharing a few:
.A paradox is a self-contradictory statement or argument. Sometimes, a paradox seems to contradict itself, but it can in fact be true.
The Liars Paradox
This sentence is false.
The God Paradox:
Can God create a rock too heavy for God to lift?
The US Voters Paradox:
How can exactly half the country vote for Donald Trump and exactly half the country vote for Joe Biden? How could HALF the COUNTRY be so stupid and WHICH half depends on how you voted!
The Kelly Ripa Paradox:
Can you have the job that you always wanted and hate it?
The Heap Paradox: A single grain of sand is certainly not a heap. Nor is the addition of a single grain of sand enough to transform a non-heap into a heap. Therefore, we agree we have a collection of grains of sand that is not a heap, and adding one single grain will not create a heap. And yet we know that at some point we WILL HAVE a heap. This one always brings to mind the “Straw that broke the camel’s back” line (which I never saw as a paradox).
Here are some more thought-provoking paradox examples:
Save money by spending it.
If I know one thing, it’s that I know nothing.
This is the beginning of the end.
Deep down, you’re really quite shallow. (a favorite of mine)
Note from kongoboken: Don’t think too hard on these, unless you’re young. In that case, think long and hard.
So let me get this right: a submersible craft with 5 older very wealthy paying customers on its way 2.4 miles below the Atlantic surface stops communicating with its Mothership. The best the authorities can do is send flying vehicles out to search the surface of the ocean for the craft. There might be 2 days of air remaining in the craft. You KNOW Hollywood is already working on at least 3 scripts and Tom Hanks has gotten the call. It will be a BOOM for all older stars and agents are burning the cell networks working deals.
We can also be sure there are offices FILLED with lawyers for OceanGate Expeditions, all the craft equipment manufacturers, the software writers and the families of ALL crew and especially those very wealthy paying customers. Ironically, even if the Craft were to rise to the surface, the crew inside cannot open the hatch – there are 17 bolts holding it closed and they can only be accessed from the outside. Where’s Jason Stratham when we need him !
It’s possible OceanGate Expeditions with its colorful brochure of a visit to the Titanic got a little ahead of itself in terms of thinking through the safety implications of its journey down and up. President Biden’s handlers are VERY happy to have the news diversion at this time.
My friend Norman died on Father’s Day. Norman wasn’t a father that anyone was aware of, but it was not through lack of trying. Norman was the whitest black guy I have ever known. He could be equally at home in a Harlem Barbershop or a White House Reception. He lived a full life with no discernable source of income. When you saw Norman, women were not far behind. He regaled them, he rejoiced in their presence, he told story after story after story after story.
Norman introduced me to Leslie who came to the beach in July in black – both clothes and mood. I never liked Leslie, but my son has observed that he never heard me laugh as long or as hard as when Leslie was next to me at our kitchen table eating or drinking or both. I love hating Leslie.
Norman brought Anne to my parents’ house to pick up some furniture he had agreed to rediscover. As we were carrying the stuff to his car, he mentioned Anne’s husband had recently shot himself dead in front of her. I was unusually silent. At another event, Anne dissed a chocolate cake my friend Josephine had made, and she (Anne) later died a horrible death. Josehine was rumored to be a Haitian Voodoo Queen; there is a lesson there, somewhere.
I met Barbara through Norman. She is a loving, earthy person who is daughter-abused and proud of it. Barbara was given little yet has achieved contentment and wisdom envied by many.
There will probably be a gathering of all Norman’s women to celebrate his life and I will be there. I will miss his stories. To honor Norman, I will plan to come hours late to his party. Black-Time, dude!
Okay Okay Okay, I have reached out to Jessica and an Epilogue to Jessy’s Story is a week away.
This evolving mess is not meant to be a stock blog, but I bow to the volume of Stock Market questions and will add a “Last Updated” note to the Stock Korner Drawer and keep the dialogue going. (It does feel good to know where things are!)
I’m putting together a “Vacation Cities” Drawer and will move the Key West post there and add lovely places I have been. I’ll even include Chicago because the Second City is a great place to visit – well, it WAS a great place to visit.
The problem with the Covid Girls’ Chronicles stories is having to first find and then piece together the different threads of conversation taking place in an on-line poker waiting room. Jessy was easy since it was mostly messages between, she and Sammy, who turned out to be a – opps, no spoilers here!! I’m working on the “girls” for many reasons.
About the latest Trump indictment: In my senior High School year, I ran for Class President. I was basically a smart-ass, class clown, incorrigible cut-up and all-around pain in the butt to the school teachers and staff. I was accepted by the cool crew and the jocks although not in either group. The goths and the nerds tolerated me because I didn’t pick on them. In my own Madonna way: I just wanted to have fun.
The school Administration called an assembly the day before elections and the subject of the assembly was how important your vote is and how important it is to vote for responsible candidates. During the assembly, a Thunderstorm struck allowing yours truly to yell from the bleachers: “ Even God is against this blatant attempt to besmirch my intent to bring the voice of ALL seniors to the attention of the Administration.” I won election and accomplished very little unless you include abusing every perk the office of President of the Senior Class allowed. Trump will use the Thunderstorm and let’s hope the outcome is the same. (I mean he gets elected, not accomplishes very little, silly!)
So far we’ve got several old white guys, a giggling near-black VP and a fake Indian literally “in the running” to lead my country. As my Aunt Betty would say: “Jesus Frick ‘in Christ what’s happening?”
I could not vote in 1964 but I would have voted for Barry Goldwater. I could vote in 1977, and I voted for Jimmy Carter. I’m an Independent voter. I have rarely voted for the winner. I did vote for Trump and am proud of it. Yes, he is a narcissistic social fool, but he is exactly what my country needs right now. I pray each evening that Trump will somehow convince Nikky Haley to be his VP in 2024. Think of what 12 years of Republican Executives could accomplish.
My Lovely wife and I first visited Key West in 1989. We went for my birthday in November. Capt. Tony Tarracino was elected Mayor by 32 votes over incumbent Tom Sawyer ( no relation, but it is that kind of town!). We stayed at the Marriott Casa Marina because I used Marriott points – a lot of Marriott points! We had Margaritas at Capt. Tony’s Saloon: rated 5 out of 10.
Casa Marina was a good walk from the wild side of Duval, but we were young and didn’t mind. We were stopped and bribed with free dinner tickets to attend a Condo-Timeshare sales pitch; which we promptly accepted. The sales pitch did not end happily for the salesman and he literally threw our dinner tickets to me. Not a problem – we were introduced to Louie’s Backyard and have been going back ever since.
Lovely J hadn’t enjoyed the small plane ride from Miami so for our next visit in 1990, we rented a car in Miami and drove to Key West. It was a pleasant enough drive but we have NOT done it again. When the purpose is to get to a place – GET TO THE PLACE QUICKLY!! We sampled Margaritas in all the right (and wrong) places. None rated more than a 7 and that was Jimmy Buffet’s place.
In 1991 we were entertaining a 3 month old son on my birthday so our Key West visits were delayed (with no regrets) until 2015 when we quietly returned without fanfare on a direct flight from Newark, NJ. We stayed here and there and eventually found a place with a porch and a view and big enough for us to invite two friends from Florida (mainland) that we don’t see as often as we’d like. Sun, food, drinks, friends and a porch are all old people need to be happy. BTW, I make my own Margaritas these days (8.5).
Covid and now family issues have put a damper on our Key West visits lately, but I still have a few birthdays left (I’m an optimist!) and Key West with friends is a lovely lovely place.
Sent message. does anyone care about ThriveNYC’s inability to account for its expenses?
Searching for: ThriveNYC’s inability to account for its expenses
Generating answers for you…
Yes, there have been concerns about ThriveNYC’s inability to account for its expenses. City Councilman Ritchie Torres said he’s not ready to scrap the entire ThriveNYC initiative, but wants each of its 41 programs studied with an eye toward dropping those that miss their targets. “There’s no evidence it’s working,” Torres (D-Bronx) said of the overall initiative1.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said he’s all for more mental health services — but wants to know where the money’s going. “We have yet to get a good analysis of where the money was spent and whether we should be adjusting as we move forward,” he said. “You have to be asking those questions when you’re using government money”1.
kongoboken says: Sorry, I cannot let this go. This tiny not so good lookin’ nigga got away with BIG TIME taxpayer robbery because she’s married to a powerful white guy. And no one seems to care. How big does the dollar amount have to be before it becomes important?. Yes, I’m purposely being crude and crass. What else is left to me? If her house were a convenient walk I’d be thinking about rocks and windows, or nails and tires, or pissing on the grass to form words. There should be some form of punishment. BUT… that’s just me! k
kongoboken 