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The Language Works ~ Journal Entries ~ TLW 9 |
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~ TLW ~ Short Essays ~ Group Nine |
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Contents ~ Journal 9:
1) Invisible Musicians
2) The Universe of Snacks
3) Megachurches and Popstars
( Click purple underlined words for links
to vocabulary or websites for further information )
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~ Featured Content ~ Invisible Artists |
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© COPYRIGHT The Language Works and its licensors 2006 ~ 2026. All rights reserved. |
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~ Featured Content ~ The Universe of Snacks |
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~ Featured Content ~ Conversation with a Megapreacher |
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S9~1: Invisible Musicians
AI generated music… how does it work? First things first, algorithms. An algorithm is like a recipe. There is a process to be followed. The ingredients are the input (mega-data) and the instructions, like “add pepper”, relates to how to transform the data. Finally, the cooking is what the computer does with the data to get a finished “dish” or the desired digital outcome. In other words, the software analyzes vast amounts of existing music to learn patterns and create new, original compositions, melodies, harmonies, and even vocals, often from simple text prompts (“make it sound jazzy”). This process is called “training” which takes all the (mega) musical input then generates a new song.
1) Have you ever heard an AI generated song? How similar does it sound to human musicians?
2) What’s the difference between AI-assisted and fully autonomous AI creations? Explain.
3) Do you enjoy live concerts of any kind? Have you been to any? Tell.
4) If an AI song reaches the top of the charts, who should receive the profits from sales? 5) Are you comfortable with deep fake identities such as AI generated musicians or actors. Explain. 6) Is it possible that music and movies in the future will use mostly AI personalities? Explain. 7) Do you think AI-assisted creations benefit musicians, directors, and/or other artists?
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~ Special Feature ~ Sadie Winters = Walking Away |
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S9~3: Megachurches and Popstars
We can be blameless if we cannot distinguish the emotions of religious congregations in the throws of spiritual abandon and those same emotions of a pop music audience in their own state of ecstasy. The object of attention on stage often will lead them (in both cases) into a prolonged out of body experience that eventually leaves them exhausted.
Megachurches, defined as Protestant congregations with a weekly attendance of 2,000 or more, function as significant social communities but may be more similar to corporate entities. They are deeply embedded in modern (mostly) suburban culture, blending consumerism, philanthropy, and profit. The main collection of revenue comes from tithes. Tithes are at least ten percent of every members income. The idea is that the more tithes you give, the more you will receive in your life, at least eventually. The minister, pastor, or “orator” if you will, coordinates the event with enthusiasm and elevated messaging. There must be a need deep in the human soul for a release of the burden of maintaining a consistent and socially appropriate identity. So, be it a megachurch or a lively pop concert, these avenues are free to just let loose.
1) Have you ever had a feeling of euphoria at a religious gathering, concert, or sports event? Tell. 2) Do you pay tithes, dues, or donations to any organization? Where does the money go? Tell. 3) How do you think people feel after experiencing such an intense collective high when it’s over? 4) What kinds of stress do you think popstars, preachers, and sports stars have from day-to-day? 5) Would you ever want to have the power to lead an audience or congregation? Why or why not? 6) What kind of people/personalities/upbringings push people into these positions as cultural icons? |
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S9~2: The Remarkable History of Snacks
Snacks are more than cracking open bags of unknown crispy wonders between meals – they are a part of the social fabric deeply embedded in most cultures. Throughout history, meals have always varied from place to country, but make no mistake, people have enjoyed "snacks" between meals from time immemorial. But tell me the name of a snack these days that contains something heathy. In ancient times, simple, natural foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, olives, dates, figs, and walnuts were pleasant bits to relieve hunger between meals. However, in the 19th-century United States, the interest in snack foods changed. People went from consuming natural foods to consuming prepared commercial snacks with high sugar and salt content in a mass productive approach. Fast forward to the 21st century and our snacks are in full industrial production. Think of chips, candy bars, jellies, cookies, and crunchy things. The variety, the choices are mind-boggling. The Evolution Of The Snack Foods Industry
1) Is peanut butter or jam/jelly on bread a snack? Do you or have you ever had it. Tell. 2) What kind of snacks do you sometimes indulge in? How are snacks different from appetizers? 3) What kind of snacks would you serve at your party? How about a birthday party for kids? 4) Do you think there are ingredients in "commercial snacks" that have any dangerous elements? 5) How successful are commercial snacks are due to advertising? Explain. Do you enjoy these ads? 6) Tell about the snacks from your parents’ or your childhood. Are you nostalgic about these? Share. 7) Do the children in your country consume too many snacks. What kind? When and why? Tell. |
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