August 2023 - Peaches, "I Have A Dream", Good and Bad of AI, Marriage & Smoothies
Welcome back to 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'
“Live as you will have wished to have lived when you are dying”
Christian Furchtgott Gellert
Peaches
Michigan is well-known for its apples, cherries, and blueberries, but not many people know that we have a short peach season as well during the month of August and the first week of September. You can look here if you want to know more about the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables in Michigan.
Perhaps because peaches are available for a very short period, I really savor them and look forward to the season. I was introduced to Michigan peaches & wonderful peach ice cream by my late friend Bill Potere. Every time, I visit the Verellan Orchards and Cider Mill to get the peaches and the peach ice cream, I remember him. He passed away in August of 2017. Thank you Bill for all you showed me and taught me about the neighborhood I live in. I am forever grateful.
Technology
It has been nine months since ChatGPT was released. I think it has the potential to change (for both good and very bad) and upend how we live and work. It is sober to read this recent survey report conducted by the Pew Research Center.
Most Americans haven’t used ChatGPT; few think it will have a major impact on their job - Pew Research Center
In my previous newsletters, I have tried to show both the good and bad of Generative AI (ChatGPT, etc.). I will continue with that here:
Here are two interesting reads on how GAI models are being enhanced and at what cost to people at the lower end working on it.
Good: The Workers Behind AI Rarely See Its Rewards. This Indian Startup Wants to Fix That - Time
Bad: Behind the AI boom, an army of overseas workers in ‘digital sweatshops’ (pdf version) - The Washington Post
Another two, one hopeful and one scary, on the potential uses and misuses of AI.
Good: AI can detect breast cancer as well as radiologists, study finds (pdf version) - The Washington Post
Bad: AI porn is easy to make now. For women, that’s a nightmare. (pdf version)- The Washington Post
Culture, History & Politics
This year, August 28 was the 60th year anniversary of MLK’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech. It is one of the most famous and consequential speeches ever delivered by an American.
There are so many interesting tidbits about how this speech came about. Unfortunately, most of the people have still not read the full speech. I hope you read/listen to it on its 60th year anniversary and decide on your own how close we are to fulfilling MLK’s dream.
Read Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream’ speech in its entirety - NPR
Life
Parents normally are very involved in their kid’s education and even in their career planning. This article is a good reminder that marriage is more important than any other factor for them to have a happy life. I cannot agree more. Not sure I can say the same for my kids :)
To Be Happy, Marriage Matters More Than Career (pdf version) - The New York Times
In this section of the July newsletter, I wrote about why and how to buy used items to help the environment. But what about the other side? What if you want to donate or sell your used items? There are many non-profits that would love to take your stuff and donate it to those in need. I donate to one called Zaman.
But if you want to earn cash on the stuff you want to sell, here are some good tips:
How to Sell Stuff You No Longer Need - Consumer Reports
Health
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is make smoothies. Besides fruits (mango, banana, strawberry, and kiwi), I also add orange juice, honey, and dates.
This article talks about the effect of blending on nutrients, advising people to “make it fresh and drink it right away”.
Does Blending Fruit in a Smoothie Affect Its Nutrients? (pdf version) - The New York Times
Please feel free to add your favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.