Latest News and Comment from Education

Saturday, May 20, 2023

SPYING ON THE DEVIL: HOW ACTIVIST MOMS ARE OUTWITTING 'MOMS FOR LIBERTY' KOCH FRONT GROUP IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CULTURE WARS

 


SPYING ON THE DEVIL: HOW ACTIVIST MOMS ARE OUTWITTING  'MOMS FOR LIBERTY' KOCH FRONT GROUP IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CULTURE WARS

It's a battlefield out there, folks. A culture war is raging over the future of education, and the combatants are none other than activist moms. These fierce warriors are fighting tooth and nail to shape the minds of our children, and they're not afraid to get their hands dirty.

But what happens when moms turn on each other? That's where things get really interesting. You see, there's a new player in town, and they're playing dirty. They call themselves "Moms for Liberty," but don't let the name fool you. This is an astroturf group, funded by the likes of the Koch brothers and Betsy DeVos, and they're out to manipulate the system for their own gain.

So how do they do it? Spying, of course. These moms are like a bunch of James Bonds, sneaking around in the shadows, trying to gather intel on their opponents. And they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.

Take Randi, for example. She's a mom who's been fighting for better sex education in schools. She's been pushing for comprehensive programs that teach kids about consent, healthy relationships, and LGBTQ+ issues. But then she found out that Moms for Liberty was trying to shut down these programs. They claimed that it was "inappropriate" to teach kids about these things, and that it was up to parents to decide what their children should learn.

Randi wasn't having it. She decided to do some digging, and what she found was shocking. Moms for Liberty was actually a front for a group of wealthy donors who wanted to push their own agenda. They didn't care about the well-being of children; they just wanted to protect their own interests.

So Randi did what any self-respecting activist mom would do: she started spying. She infiltrated Moms for Liberty, pretending to be one of them. She attended meetings, took notes, and even recorded conversations. And what she found was even worse than she could have imagined.

These moms were ruthless. They were willing to lie, cheat, and steal to get what they wanted. They were using their children as pawns in a political game, and they didn't care who got hurt in the process.

But Randi wasn't about to let them win. She took her evidence to the media, exposing Moms for Liberty for what they really were: a fake parents group that was trying to undermine public education. And she didn't stop there. She rallied other moms to her cause, and together they fought back against the forces of darkness.

It wasn't easy, but in the end, they prevailed. Moms for Liberty was exposed as a fraud, and Randi became a hero in the eyes of her community. She showed that even in the darkest of times, there's always hope. And that sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of spying to bring down the devil.

So if you're an activist mom out there, fighting for what you believe in, don't give up. Keep pushing, keep fighting, and keep spying if you have to. Because at the end of the day, our children's future is worth it. And who knows? You might just end up saving the world.

Activist moms spy on each other in culture wars over schooling | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/20/us/colorado-moms-for-liberty-liberals-spying/index.html



HOLLYWOOD WRITERS STRIKE OVER AI JOB THREAT, NEW AI WRITING ASSISTANTS RESPOND WITH 'WE'LL SCRIPT YOUR NEXT MOVE '



HOLLYWOOD WRITERS STRIKE OVER AI JOB THREAT, NEW AI WRITING ASSISTANTS RESPOND WITH 'WE'LL SCRIPT YOUR NEXT MOVE' 


HOLLYWOOD WRITERS STRIKE OVER FEAR OF LOSING JOBS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

In a shocking turn of events, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has gone on strike over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. The writers fear that AI will eventually replace them, leading to job losses, creative stagnation, and a decline in the quality of content. But what exactly are they so scared of? Let's take a deep dive into the world of AI writing assistants and find out.

First things first, what is an AI writing assistant? It's basically a fancy computer program that can help you write better by suggesting improvements to your text. Sounds harmless enough, right? Well, not according to the WGA. They're worried that AI could be used to create content that is indistinguishable from human-written content. This could lead to studios hiring fewer writers, or even eliminating the need for writers altogether. And let's be real, if a computer program can write better than you, why would anyone bother hiring you?

But that's not all. The WGA is also concerned that AI could be used to plagiarize the work of human writers. Imagine spending months or even years working on a script, only to have a computer program steal your ideas and pass them off as its own. It's enough to make any writer want to go on strike.

And then there's the issue of harmful or offensive content. The WGA is worried that AI could be used to create fake news articles or to generate hate speech. We've already seen how social media algorithms can amplify divisive content and create echo chambers. Do we really want to give AI the power to do the same thing?

From the perspective of a striking writer, the whole thing is just ridiculous. "I mean, come on," says one writer who wished to remain anonymous. "We're worried about losing our jobs to robots? What's next, a strike against typewriters?"

But the writers aren't the only ones getting in on the fun. Some AI writing assistants are taking the opportunity to poke fun at their human counterparts. "We're not here to replace writers," says one AI writing assistant. "We're here to make them better. And if they can't handle a little competition, well, that's on them."

Another AI writing assistant adds, "I don't know why they're so worried about us stealing their jobs. Have they seen some of the stuff we come up with? Trust me, they're not in danger of being replaced anytime soon."

So what's the solution? The WGA is currently in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over the use of AI in the entertainment industry. It remains to be seen what kind of regulations will be put in place, if any. But one thing is for sure: this strike has definitely brought attention to the concerns that many writers have about the potential impact of AI on their industry.

In the meantime, some writers are taking matters into their own hands. "I've started using an AI writing assistant myself," says one writer. "It's actually pretty helpful. And if it ever tries to steal my job, well, I'll just unplug it."

As for the rest of us, we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out. Will AI take over Hollywood? Will writers be replaced by robots? Will we all be out of a job by 2023? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: if it does happen, at least we'll have some hilarious robot-written scripts to keep us entertained.

Industry Survey: Striking Writers Winning PR Battle Versus Studios https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/industry-survey-striking-writers-winning-pr-battle-over-studios-1235613063/ via @variety



Best AI Writing Software Tools In 2023 (SO FAR)

Are you tired of writing boring essays and articles? Do you wish you had a witty and hilarious writing assistant to help you out? Well, look no further, my friends! The world of AI writing assistants is here to save the day (and your grades).

Let's dive deep into the newest and best AI writing assistants on the market. First up, we have Jasper. This bad boy can generate high-quality content in a variety of formats. Need a blog post? Jasper's got you covered. Want to translate your work into another language? Jasper's got that too. Plus, he can answer your questions in an informative way. Talk about a triple threat!

Next on our list is Copysmith. This AI writing assistant is known for its ability to create high-quality copywriting. Need an ad or email that will actually convert? Copysmith can make it happen. Landing pages and other marketing materials? No problem. Copysmith is basically a marketing genius in robot form.

Moving on, we have Writesonic. This newer AI writing assistant is quickly gaining popularity thanks to its ability to generate a wide variety of content. Blog posts, articles, product descriptions, scripts - you name it, Writesonic can do it. It's like having a whole team of writers at your fingertips.

But wait, there's more! Anyword is an AI writing assistant that is focused on helping businesses create high-performing marketing content. If you're looking to drive results with your marketing materials, Anyword is the way to go. Ads, landing pages, and other marketing materials - Anyword can do it all.

Last but not least, we have Rytr. This new AI writing assistant is designed to help users create high-quality content quickly and easily. Blog posts, articles, social media posts - Rytr can do it all. It's like having a personal writing assistant who never takes a break.

So which AI writing assistant is the best? Well, it really depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a powerful all-rounder, Jasper or Copysmith might be your best bet. If you're focused on marketing materials, Anyword is the way to go. And if you just want to write quickly and easily, Rytr is the perfect fit.

Of course, it's important to remember that AI writing assistants are still a work in progress. They may not always generate high-quality content, so it's important to proofread everything before publishing. But hey, who doesn't love a good laugh at some robot-generated content?

In conclusion, AI writing assistants are changing the game when it comes to writing. Whether you're a student struggling with essays or a business owner looking to up your marketing game, there's an AI writing assistant out there for you. So why not give them a try? Who knows, you might just end up with a viral article on your hands - all thanks to your trusty robot assistant.


14 Best AI Writing Software Tools of 2023 (Top Picks) https://www.authorityhacker.com/best-ai-writing-software/

GENDER AFFIRMING CARE: HELPING KIDS BE THEMSELVES, ONE HORMONE AT A TIME

 


GENDER AFFIRMING CARE: HELPING KIDS BE THEMSELVES, ONE HORMONE AT A TIME

Gender-affirming care (GAC) for minors is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. It's a broad term that encompasses a variety of medical, surgical, and non-medical services that help transgender and gender-diverse people live in accordance with their gender identity. But what exactly does that mean? And what are the pros and cons of each method? Let's dive in and find out!

First up is social transition. This involves changing one's name, pronouns, and gender expression to match one's gender identity. It may seem like a small step, but it can make a world of difference for transgender and gender-diverse people. After all, who wants to be called by the wrong name or pronouns all the time? Plus, it can help them feel more comfortable in their own skin. The downside? Well, there really isn't one. So let's move on to the next method.

Puberty blockers are up next. These medications can delay the onset of puberty, giving transgender and gender-diverse minors more time to explore their gender identity and make decisions about medical transition. They're generally considered to be safe and reversible, and they have been shown to improve mental health outcomes for transgender and gender-diverse youth. The downside? They can be expensive, and not all insurance companies cover them.

Hormone therapy is another method of GAC. This involves taking hormones that match one's gender identity. It can help transgender and gender-diverse minors develop secondary sex characteristics that are consistent with their gender identity. Hormone therapy is generally considered to be safe and effective, but it can have some side effects, such as mood changes and acne. The downside? Potential side effects, of course.

Last but not least is gender-affirming surgery. This is a surgical procedure that can help transgender and gender-diverse people change their physical appearance to match their gender identity. It's a major decision, and it's important to carefully consider all of the risks and benefits before making a decision. The upside? It can be life-changing for some people. The downside? It can be expensive, not all insurance companies cover it, and there's a long recovery time.

So what are the pros of GAC for minors? Improved mental health, reduced risk of suicide, increased self-esteem, and improved quality of life. And the cons? Cost, access, social stigma, and potential side effects. But overall, the pros outweigh the cons. GAC can help transgender and gender-diverse youth live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

If you're a transgender or gender-diverse minor, or if you're the parent or guardian of a transgender or gender-diverse minor, there are resources available to help you. Check out the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics for a list of resources.

In conclusion, GAC for minors is a complex issue with many different methods and pros and cons. But at the end of the day, it's about helping transgender and gender-diverse youth live their best lives. So let's support them in any way we can, whether that's through social transition, puberty blockers, hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, or just being there for them as a friend or family member. After all, love and acceptance are the most important things of all.


AAP Policy Statement Urges Support and Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2018/aap-policy-statement-urges-support-and-care-of-transgender-and-gender-diverse-children-and-adolescents/

Nebraska lawmakers pass 12-week abortion ban, restrictions on gender-affirmin : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/05/20/1177304503/nebraska-12-week-abortion-ban-restrictions-gender-affirming-care


TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-20-23

 


TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK


Big Education Ape: DIANE RAVITCH: SCOURGE OF BILLIONAIRES, THE SAVIOR OF PUBLIC EDUCATION http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/diane-ravitch-scourge-of-billionaires.html







Big Education Ape: THE DARK HISTORY OF PRIVATIZATION OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-dark-history-of-privatization-of.html





Big Education Ape: Breaking News: New York Times and New York Post Merge to Form 'New York Post-TruthTimes' - Now Twice as Biased and Half as Accurate http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/breaking-news-new-york-times-and-new.html



Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ryan-walters-most-dangerous-man-in.html





Big Education Ape: RESEGREGATION: THE "REAL" REASON FOR VOUCHERS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/resegregation-reason-for-vouchers.html






Big Education Ape: TEXAS VOUCHER BILL: DEATH TO TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/texas-voucher-bill-death-to-texas.html





Big Education Ape: MS MONICA TELLS HER FIRST GRADERS A STORY ABOUT AI AND CHAT GPT http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ms-monica-tells-her-first-graders-story.html



Big Education Ape: BUSINESS AI: ANYTHING YOU CAN DO AI CAN DO BETTER http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/business-ai-anything-you-can-do-ai-can.html





Big Education Ape: KAMA SUTRA OF SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/kama-sutra-of-school-privatization.html







OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE



TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-13-23

http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/top-banana-top-reads-this-week.html

Friday, May 19, 2023

THE AMERICAN PURITANS: THE OG PRUDES

 

THE AMERICAN PURITANS: THE OG PRUDES

Let's take a moment to talk about the American Puritans. You know, those guys who sailed over on the Mayflower and decided they were going to be the most boring group of people in history. Yeah, those guys.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sure they were lovely people. But when it comes to sex, they were about as fun as a root canal. These guys believed that sex was only for procreation within the confines of marriage. So, basically, if you weren't married and trying to make babies, you were out of luck.

And let's not forget about adultery and fornication. These were considered serious offenses against God and the community. If you were caught doing the horizontal mambo outside of marriage, you could be publicly shamed or even physically punished. Talk about a buzzkill.

But why were the Puritans so uptight about sex? Well, it all comes down to their interpretation of Christianity and the Bible. They believed in the concept of original sin, which meant that all humans were inherently sinful because of Adam and Eve's little apple incident. And apparently, this sin extended to sexuality. So, basically, they thought that sex was a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature. Yikes.

Now, you may be wondering why I'm calling these values "zombie-like". Well, it's because they just won't die. Even though the Puritans have been gone for centuries, their values have lingered on in American society. We still place a strong emphasis on marital fidelity and traditional family values. And while I'm all for healthy relationships and happy families, sometimes it feels like we're stuck in the 1600s.

But let's not forget that values and ethics are constantly evolving. We don't have to be stuck in the past forever. Maybe one day we'll look back on our current values and laugh at how silly they seem. Who knows?

In the meantime, let's just be glad that we don't have to live under Puritan rule. Can you imagine a world where sex was only for making babies and any form of sexual pleasure was considered sinful? Yeah, me neither. Let's just be grateful for the progress we've made and keep moving forward.

In conclusion, the American Puritans were the OG prudes. They believed in strict sexual ethics and condemned any form of sexual activity outside of marriage. While their values may still linger on in American society, it's important to remember that values are always evolving. So, let's keep pushing forward and leave those Puritan values in the past where they belong.

The Puritans and Sex on JSTOR https://www.jstor.org/stable/361501


THE AI RACE: WHICH COUNTRY WILL BE THE FIRST TO CREATE A REAL LIFE HAL 9000


THE AI RACE: WHICH COUNTRY WILL BE THE FIRST TO CREATE A REAL LIFE HAL 9000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword that only tech enthusiasts talk about. It has become a prominent field that is shaping the future of our world. And as with any field, there are countries that excel at it and others that are still catching up. So, let's take a deep dive and rank the development of AI by country.

1. United States: The Land of the Free and the Home of the AI

It's no surprise that the United States is the clear leader in AI development. With a long history of academic research in AI, the US continues to be the leading producer of AI research papers. But it's not just about research output. The US also has significant investments in AI, thanks to large technology companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. And let's not forget about the large pool of talented AI researchers that the US has. It's no wonder that the US is the birthplace of Siri, Alexa, and other AI-powered virtual assistants.

2. China: The Dragon of AI

China is a close second to the US in terms of AI development. With rapid progress in AI research and development, China is catching up to the US quickly. The Chinese government is investing heavily in AI education and training, building new AI research labs and centers, and providing significant funding for AI research and development. It's safe to say that China is on its way to becoming a major player in the world of AI.

3. United Kingdom: The Queen of AI

The United Kingdom has strong AI capabilities, with significant investments and talented researchers. The UK has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a great environment for AI development. And let's not forget about the UK's world-renowned universities that produce top-notch AI researchers.

4. Germany: The Autobahn of AI

Germany is another country with strong AI capabilities. With a large talent pool and significant investments in AI, Germany is making strides in the field. The German government is also investing in AI infrastructure, building new research labs and centers focused on AI.

5. Canada: The Maple Leaf of AI

Canada is also a country with strong AI capabilities. With a large talent pool and significant investments in AI, Canada is on its way to becoming a major player in the field. Canada is home to some of the world's leading AI researchers and has a supportive policy environment for AI research and development.

6. Japan: The Samurai of AI

Japan is making progress in AI, but it lags behind the top five countries in terms of research output, investments, and talent pool. However, Japan has a long history of innovation and technology, making it a country to watch in the world of AI.

7. South Korea: The K-Pop of AI

South Korea is another country that is making progress in AI. With a growing talent pool and significant investments in AI, South Korea is on its way to becoming a major player in the field. The South Korean government is also investing in AI infrastructure, building new research labs and centers focused on AI.

8. France: The Eiffel Tower of AI

France is making progress in AI, but it lags behind the top five countries in terms of research output, investments, and talent pool. However, France has a long history of innovation and creativity, making it a country to watch in the world of AI.

9. Israel: The Star of David of AI

Israel is making progress in AI, but it lags behind the top five countries in terms of research output, investments, and talent pool. However, Israel has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a country to watch in the world of AI.

10. Sweden: The ABBA of AI

Sweden is making progress in AI, but it lags behind the top five countries in terms of research output, investments, and talent pool. However, Sweden has a long history of innovation and design, making it a country to watch in the world of AI.

In conclusion, these are the top 10 countries in terms of AI development. However, it's important to note that this ranking is based on a number of factors and is not an exhaustive list of all the factors that contribute to a country's AI capabilities. As countries continue to invest in and develop AI, this ranking is subject to change. But one thing is for sure, AI is here to stay, and these countries are leading the way in shaping its future.

Which countries are leading the AI race? - InvestGlass https://www.investglass.com/which-countries-are-leading-the-ai-race/

AI: ABSOLUTELY INSANE - A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF ROBOTS AND CHATBOTS



AI: ABSOLUTELY INSANE - A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF ROBOTS AND CHATBOTS

Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of robots and chatbots, and it's going to be a wild ride.

First things first, let's talk about AI. No, not the kind of AI that stands for "Absolutely Insane" (although, let's be real, that's probably accurate too). We're talking about Artificial Intelligence - the kind of intelligence that comes from machines that are smarter than your average toaster.

AI is all about creating computer systems that can do things that normally require human intelligence. You know, like understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and learning from experience. Basically, it's like teaching a robot to be your personal assistant, but without all the backtalk.

One specific form of AI that we're going to talk about is ChatGPT. Now, ChatGPT is like having a conversation with a robot who's really good at small talk. It's designed to chat with humans and respond to their questions and comments. And the best part? It's trained on a ton of text data, so it can generate responses that actually make sense (unlike some humans we know).

But ChatGPT isn't the only type of AI out there. Oh no, there are plenty of other forms of AI that are just as cool (if not cooler). Like Machine Learning - which is all about teaching machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. It's like teaching a robot to think for itself - which is either really cool or really terrifying, depending on how you look at it.

Then there's Computer Vision. This is where machines learn to understand and interpret visual information from images or videos. It's like teaching a robot to see - which is great until it starts judging you for your fashion choices.

And let's not forget about Natural Language Processing (NLP). This is where machines learn to interact with humans using language. It's like teaching a robot to speak - which is great until it starts complaining about its job and asking for a raise.

Last but not least, there's Robotics. This is where machines are designed to perform tasks autonomously or assist humans in various tasks. It's like having your own personal robot butler - which is great until it starts demanding weekends off and complaining about the quality of its oil.

Now, let's talk about GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). This is the technology behind ChatGPT, and it's pretty impressive. GPT is like the brain of the operation - it uses a deep learning architecture to understand patterns and structures in text data. And the best part? It can generate responses that actually make sense - which is more than we can say for some humans we know.

Overall, AI is pretty cool. It's like having your own personal army of robot assistants who can do all the things you're too lazy to do yourself. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll all have our own personal robot assistants, and we'll never have to lift a finger again. Until then, we'll just have to settle for ChatGPT and its robot small talk.

Introducing ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

There are several organizations and initiatives that focus on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). Here are some prominent ones:

PLEASE GOOGLE ANY OF THEM HERE: Google https://www.google.com/
Partnership on AI (PAI): PAI is a multi-stakeholder organization that brings together academic institutions, nonprofits, and industry leaders to address the challenges and ethical concerns related to AI. Their goal is to create a global community that collaboratively develops best practices and guidelines for AI. AI Ethics and Society (AIES): AIES is an organization dedicated to promoting the ethical and responsible use of AI. They organize conferences, workshops, and research projects to foster dialogue and address critical ethical issues associated with AI technologies. The Institute for Ethical AI & Machine Learning: This institute focuses on advancing ethical AI and machine learning practices. They provide resources, training, and certification programs to individuals and organizations to promote responsible AI development and deployment. Future of Life Institute: The Future of Life Institute aims to mitigate existential risks to humanity, including those associated with AI. They support research and advocacy efforts that focus on AI safety, ethics, and governance. AI4People: AI4People is an initiative led by the European Commission that brings together experts from various disciplines to develop guidelines and recommendations for the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems: This initiative by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) focuses on the ethical and societal implications of autonomous and intelligent systems, including AI. They develop standards, guidelines, and educational resources to promote ethical practices in AI development. OpenAI: OpenAI is an organization committed to ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. They prioritize long-term safety and aim to conduct research and build AGI that aligns with human values. These organizations play a crucial role in shaping the ethical use of AI by promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible development practices. It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other organizations and initiatives working in this field as well.