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Liminal Review: Brian Eno and Beatty Wolf Discuss Their New Space-Inspired Album ‘Liminal’

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Beatie Wolfe (left) and Brian Eno prepare for the launch of their latest album.

Cecily Eno

liminal
Brian Eno and Beatie Wolfe, Verve Records

One sunny October day, I found myself in a field in New Jersey, gazing up at a giant metallic marvel. I was at the Holmdel Horn Antenna, and I can confidently say it was the most peculiar album launch I’ve ever experienced. Beside me stood Nobel Prize laureate Robert Wilson, the astronomer who reshaped our understanding of the universe. In 1964, he and his colleague Arno Penzias uncovered the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), a faint energy signature permeating the cosmos and a significant confirmation of the Big Bang theory.

In addition to this cosmic radiation is liminal, the third installment in a trilogy of albums by ambient music innovator Brian Eno and conceptual artist Beatie Wolfe. Wolfe and Eno refer to their album as “dark matter music,” a fitting description for the enigmatic yet captivating tracks it encompasses. “This album ties everything together, bringing forth the unseen elements surrounding us,” says Wolfe. Eno elaborates, “There’s a notion that the universe teems with entities we cannot perceive.”

Wilson and his colleague Greg Wright repurposed the Holmdel Horn, transforming the 16-ton antenna from a receiver to a transmitter. We leaned over the signal modulator, attempting to catch a glimpse of Wolfe’s resonant voice through the tiny apparatus. “Beatie’s voice possesses a beautiful, rich undertone that’s often elusive,” Wilson noted. But through the horn, the authentic recording emerges, even if it’s inaudible from where I stood.

“The beam width measures around 1 degree, thus any triangulation will diminish the signal before it escapes Earth’s orbit,” Wilson explained. He asserted that the album’s signal is potent enough to resonate within low Earth orbit, but by the time it reaches the moon, it will be drowned out by the CMB.

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Brian Eno expresses that the album evokes the notion that the universe brims with things we cannot detect.
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Wright and Wilson directed their horns skyward, ready to transmit a message: liminal to the stars. The album depicts a surreal landscape, with layered synths and guitars creating lush ambient tracks, interspersed with songs that showcase Wolfe’s poignant vocals. The immersion is surreal, nearly impossible to articulate—listening felt like the sensation of slipping off a ship and drifting into the vastness of the ocean in a liberating manner.

Following the release of two albums earlier this year, Luminal and Lateral Direction, this work completes the trilogy. “Frequently, when I revisit my work, I struggle to recall how I crafted it,” Wolfe admits. “Including who actually generated the sounds,” Eno adds. “It’s akin to having an intriguing dialogue with someone; you often forget the nuances of how it unfolded.”

The album flows like a conversation, transitioning between dynamic yet tense tracks such as matrix, coupled with foreboding robotic lyrics amidst a whirlwind of drones. Then it evolves into something all-encompassing and deeply evocative, epitomized by little boy—Eno’s favored track.

“Over the past 70 or 80 years, the most significant development in music has been the ability to create new sonic realms that only exist in a fictional sense,” he explains. “One could employ a year-long reverb or fabricate an infinitely expansive space. What we aim to explore is these novel environments and the experience of existing within them.”

While it’s common to label ambient music as “otherworldly,” liminal offers more than that. Its edges lack polish, rendering the human voice and imperfections audible. “Recognizing that different individuals contributed to these creations was crucial,” says Eno. “Interestingly, this view contributes to my skepticism about AI. While I admire AI-generated content, I often feel a void when I realize it was produced by a machine.”

When I inquired whether they believed someone in space might hear their music after transmitting it, they surprised me by revealing they don’t really consider their audience during the creative process. “The beauty of this music lies in the fact that we weren’t focused on anyone while crafting it. We created it simply because it felt enjoyable, thrilling, and exploratory,” Wolfe reflects.

“Play is integral to science, just as it is to art. All the scientists I know are driven by their fascination. It’s the same underlying motivation, as they feel they’re uncovering something profound and significant.”

I recall Wilson, standing in the room where he transformed our comprehension of the cosmic timeline, smiling at his laptop as he discussed the current state of music. It is stretching out beyond the Moon, mingling with the rest of the dark matter on its journey to the constellation Canis Major.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

‘It Felt Disposable’: Models (Aged 27 and 62) Discuss Botox, Weight Loss, Creativity, and the Impact of AI

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When we imagine models, they often appear as glamorous individuals who command high fees for their work. However, New York’s Daniel Maleka, 27, and London’s Dee O, 62, reveal that the reality is often a challenging quest for visibility.

The fashion industry is also rapidly evolving. Since O began her modeling career in 1983, the internet and social media have dramatically altered its dynamics. Currently, she’s adapting to trends such as:
AI models appearing in “VOGUE” and
the effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
O and Maleka recently convened to reflect on their careers across different eras.

What’s your story?
D-O: I grew up in Birmingham, from a working-class Irish immigrant family. My boyfriend entered me in the “Face of 1983” contest without telling me. I was about 17 or 18 then. Out of the blue, Look Now magazine called, inviting me as a finalist in Birmingham. Though I didn’t win, the agency still wanted me to represent them, leading me to travel frequently from Birmingham and catch a bus from Victoria at 2 AM after a less than appetizing sandwich.




Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian

Daniel Maleka: I was raised in New York by Guyanese-American parents and was inspired to model by watching America’s Next Top Model. Though my family urged me to focus on university first, I explored modeling a little during my teenage years. While studying public health at New York University and running track, a teammate who loved photography helped me take my first photos. As fashion week approached, we reached out to casting directors and designers via Instagram. I eventually signed with WeSpeak, a boutique agency founded by models.

How has your career evolved since then?
D-O: At 29, I decided to step away from modeling for a regular job. I pursued education, but my daughter, now 27, inspired me to return to modeling, something I initially disliked. Five years later, I found my passion again and signed with Gray Agency, which offers a diverse range of models and continuing opportunities without the stress I once felt.

DM: After five years at WeSpeak, I felt I hadn’t reached my full potential, so I tried a more traditional agency for a year and a half. We clashed often, eventually parting ways. I found my way back to WeSpeak while scouting for a UK agent during a London show with a New York client. Many agencies don’t provide feedback, often leaving me to feel undervalued.




Danielle is wearing Christopher John Rogers’ Pre-Fall 2023 collection. Photo: Cesar Buitrago

Do: The situation is always murky! It’s challenging to navigate since I desire clarity, yet often, with competition being high, I wonder if I’m overlooked because there are countless others who resemble me.

Dee, how has modeling transformed since your initial days?
Do: Back then, conversation was minimal. The agent handled all communications, often taking 20% commission. Models just needed to show up with looks. While there’s a surge of writers and stylists in the industry now, not all models fit the same mold. Leveraging platforms like social media is essential for job hunting today.

DM: I’ve cultivated a solid social media presence and experienced waves of viral moments during COVID-19. Much of my career has revolved around online networking and connections.

Does modeling affect how you perceive yourself?
DM: Some shoots led me to question if others appreciated my looks. For a while, I struggled with my sense of beauty, which is quite a burden.

Do: It’s subtle but impactful. Prioritizing others’ needs and identity over our own can affect mental health significantly over time. When I began in the early 1980s, there was an evident class structure, making me feel like an outsider. There’s also the personal challenge of comparing oneself to other women.




Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian

I think models are often seen and not heard, but does this lead to exploitation?
Do: We witnessed predatory behaviors pre-MeToo in the ’80s. I was fortunate to have a strong voice, which made others wary of me. Yet, I recognized that social invitations might have led to more work, highlighting a power dynamic dominated by men, which made me feel expendable.

DM: I’ve always been progressive. At NYU, I collaborated with organizations on family planning and women’s rights. However, in that previous corporate environment, I often held back my opinions out of fear of agency rejection. Now, I advocate with the
Model Alliance, which fights for model rights. The
Fashion Worker Law passed in New York last year, enhancing protections. Despite this, I still see models being asked to sign contracts that exceed legal requirements, suggesting some continue to exploit the inexperience of newcomers.

Do: Absolutely, naivety, aspirations, and disillusionment.

DM: Joining the Model Alliance Worker Council comes with a warning: your agency could terminate you for being part of it. I had no idea such implications existed.

The Fashion Workers Act: What an impressive step forward!
Is progress occurring elsewhere?
Do: There’s still a dominance of typical models in runway shows, often standing at 6 feet tall and size 8 or 6. Occasionally, I do see designers like
Ashish Gupta intentionally showcasing diverse models. His recent London Fashion Week show incorporated a troupe of dancers, a creative idea that excites me. It’s also gratifying to see growing awareness about ethical sourcing and environmental concerns in fashion, with greater salary attention for workers. I’m passionate about fashion and proudly represent vintage clothing.




JD Williams Dee model. Photo: JD Williams

DM: 2020 truly felt like a turning point in Black representation within modeling. After the Black Lives Matter protests, my bookings surged, creating a narrative of inclusivity. Now, however, it appears the trend is regressing, with fewer Black models in the spotlight. Additionally, I often find that stylists aren’t equipped to handle black hair, leading to detrimental outcomes, such as heat damage I experienced.

I’ve heard that models face pressure to remain thin. Have you experienced that?
Do: I once knew a roommate who was an unhealthy size 12 in the UK (8 in the US). She lived on apples, battled rotting teeth, and suffered from bulimia, all in pursuit of agency approval for the desired height and size. Ultimately, she became sick and had to return home, a memory I’ll never forget.

DM: This issue has long affected model standards, and while I maintain a fit physique, I’ve gradually come to realize the pressures of being thinner. Initially, I was more muscular due to my athletics, but feedback like, “You need to change your dimensions,” during meetings hit me hard emotionally.

Do: Such standards have a profound impact on your mental state. Yet, we’re witnessing an emergence of diverse body shapes and sizes. Although it appears better than before, curvy models still face stereotypes, often expected to have hourglass figures.

With innovations like Botox and weight loss medications, have you noticed changes in the industry?
DM: My peers who model plus sizes have expressed that these developments affect their runway bookings.


Do: On one job, they even taped my face to alter my skin. If my face isn’t good enough, why book someone older? These thoughts persist. I find myself torn about it; I have never undergone Botox or surgery, yet contemplate it. Models of my age at that shoot often shared similar feelings, emphasizing the contradictions we navigate.

Are you concerned about your images being used for deepfakes or AI training?
DM: The Model Alliance included a clause in their legislation requiring written consent from models for such uses. There’s apprehension about the risk of my image being misused, especially with the vulnerability posed by sharing on platforms like Instagram.

Would you recommend modeling as a career?
DM: Yes, it offers fulfillment and is often playful and fun, allowing you to embrace your inner child. However, if I had children, I’d prefer they start their modeling journey later, not at 15 or 16.

Do: I mirrored my parents’ approach with my daughter, insisting she finish college first. Nevertheless, her determination prevailed. I’m grateful for her resolve, especially as we now collaborate in the industry.




Photo: Christian Sinibaldi/Guardian

DM: I urge pursuing interests outside of modeling. After gaining recognition through TikTok, I perceived it as my sole identity for a while, which left me feeling disoriented.

Do: Traveling worldwide has been invaluable; even those experiences justify the journey. However, it’s critical to remember that success can vanish overnight.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Experts Discuss Addressing News Violence with Children: ‘No Topic Is Off-Limits'” | Parenting Insights

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Last month, right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was killed, and videos of his shooting quickly circulated on social media. Nowadays, anyone with a smartphone can access distressing videos, images, and a significant amount of misinformation. While experts have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of smartphones on children’s and teenagers’ mental health, many young individuals still have unrestricted access to their devices.


The Guardian consulted seven experts on how to effectively discuss troubling news with children, including the appropriate age to start these conversations and what should be avoided.

Expert Panel:

  • Anya Kamenetz, Journalist and Publisher Golden Hour Newsletter

  • Psychiatrist and Executive Director, Clay Center for Young Health Mind, Massachusetts General Hospital

  • Tara Conley, Assistant Professor of Media and Journalism at Kent State University.

  • Dr. Tricordino, Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Ohio

  • Jill Murphy, Chief Content Officer, Common Sense Media

  • Ashley Rogers Burner, Professor at Johns Hopkins University

  • Holly Korbey, Author of Building Better Citizens

What is the best way to discuss bad news with children? Or issues related to climate disasters?

Anya Kamenetz: First, ascertain what they already know or have heard. Children often get snippets from school and social media, so it’s essential to gauge their understanding. Providing a few clear facts can clarify misconceptions. Watch content together online and demonstrate balanced information consumption. Once you’ve covered the basics, ask if they have any questions and inquire about their feelings on the matter.

Eugene Belesin: Children of all ages typically have three primary concerns: Am I safe? Are you taking care of me? How does this impact my life? Therefore, I want to ensure I listen to their worries, validate their feelings, and encourage them to express those concerns.

Tara Conley: Establishing practical channels for communication is essential when discussing upsetting news with children. Consider creating a family group chat or dedicated online and offline spaces where young people feel connected and supported.

What is the best approach to talk to children about graphic content, like the videos involving Charlie Kirk?

Tricordino: I know numerous teenagers, and I’ve been truly surprised by their reactions. Particularly among younger children, there may be a sense of confusion, feeling that “I shouldn’t have watched that, so I can’t even discuss it with my parents.” It’s critical that they feel comfortable discussing these experiences with trusted adults. It’s important to convey that continuously seeking out such videos can have lasting effects.

Ashley Rogers Burner: When children learn about acts of violence, it’s crucial to be honest with them. Parents should reinforce democratic values, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution without resorting to violence. Additionally, reassure them that responsible authorities deal with violent acts, and such events are relatively rare.

How can parents help children navigate misinformation?

Holly Korbey: Parents must understand that when their children are on their phones, they are exposed to relentless streams of distressing news. Moreover, the mixed messages from political figures, telling them “Don’t trust the news,” can create confusion.

Parents need to encourage fact-checking. If children encounter something particularly frightening, guide them towards reliable journalistic sources to verify its accuracy.

Cordino: Children are drawn to phones since it’s a key communication tool with their peers and a means of understanding their world. Rather than simply sidelining the device, we should focus on establishing positive technology habits early on. It’s important to frame guidelines around device usage and allow appropriate access.

While a one-size-fits-all strategy won’t work, generally, limiting access initially for younger users is advisable (fewer social media apps, stricter time limits). For all children, it’s beneficial to avoid having devices in bedrooms overnight or allowing unsupervised use behind closed doors. I highly recommend Common Sense Media for families seeking resources on this issue.

Conley: Instilling critical media literacy skills early will help children comprehend how media and technology shape social behavior and interactions. Here are some resources for parents/caregivers: Tips for Adults to Support Children Consuming Scary News. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers insights on Creating a Family Media Plan.

With the current political landscape being highly polarized and violent, how should such discussions be approached?

Korbey: I believe no topic should be off-limits. Students need exposure to controversial subjects to become politically active. Engaging in discussions at the dinner table is perfectly acceptable.

Jill Murphy: Children and teenagers are bound to have numerous questions, which can serve as a springboard for deeper discussions regarding political or cultural matters. Parents should reaffirm their values and perspectives, while actively listening to their children’s curiosities and concerns.

What pitfalls should parents and caregivers avoid when discussing news with children?

Kamenetz: Avoid having TV news playing in the background. Although I understand the tendency because of my background in journalism, depending on how a story unfolds, it might be wise to minimize that exposure as well. Depending on the child’s age, there’s often no need to volunteer excessive information unless it’s explicitly asked for. Children process information at different paces, and their developmental needs can vary significantly.

Conley: It may also be prudent not to pretend to have all the answers. Children can sense when we do, and it’s essential to be humble about what we don’t know.

How do you reassure children when faced with significant risks to safety, such as climate change, school shootings, or police violence?

Conley: I recall my college years, when numerous global incidents unfolded, from September 11 to Hurricane Katrina. My father occasionally wrote me letters offering guidance or encouragement. I cherish those letters as reminders of our shared humanity.

Thus, I encourage parents and educators to consider practical activities like Letter Writing Activities. Simply writing to the young people in your life can be tremendously impactful.

Cordino: During instances like school shootings, we shouldn’t exacerbate children’s distress. Instead, we aim to ensure they take school safety drills seriously and follow the guidance provided by their educational institutions.

As a parent, how do you provide reassurance to your child while navigating your own concerns about the news?

Kamenetz: It’s crucial for parents to establish a supportive network; you must tend to your own well-being first, which includes voicing your concerns. Model healthy news consumption habits by avoiding distressing content before bedtime and fostering family routines that serve as news-free zones.

Conley: I encourage both young people and adults to seek out helpers—echoing the wisdom of Fred Rogers. Be a helper. Recent research shows that providing support, such as through volunteering, can help us manage certain stressors more effectively. Helping others often improves our own well-being.

When is the right age to initiate these important conversations?

Murphy: Given the rapid exposure of children and teens to news, often through influencers, it’s best for parents to communicate age-appropriate information and begin conversations early.

Kamenetz: Often, we don’t have a choice in these matters. I never intended to explain to my three-year-old that she was in lockdown due to a global pandemic, but reality prevailed, and today she’s a happy and healthy eight-year-old.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Two Climate Scientists Discuss Harnessing Emotions in the Face of the Climate Crisis

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With emissions continuing to rise, how can we foster hope for the future?

Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In the media, the climate crisis can often seem overwhelming with daily warnings about environmental degradation and extreme weather events. However, how do climate scientists cope with the relentless reality of a shifting planet? What lessons can they share regarding the intense emotions that climate change provokes? Is there a way to leverage these feelings constructively?

New Scientist Recently, I spoke with New York-based climate scientist Kate Marvel and Tim Renton, a climate scientist at the University of Exeter, UK. Both have dedicated years to modeling the interactions of our planet in response to rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Each has authored recent works that provide insights on how to engage with and address climate emergencies.

At first glance, their books may appear quite distinct. Humanity by Marvel comprises a series of essays delving into the emotional responses elicited by climate change. In contrast, Renton’s work, A Positive Turning Point, emphasizes actionable strategies and solutions. It argues compellingly that with appropriate social, economic, and technological interventions, a significant shift toward a cleaner world is achievable.

Nonetheless, both books center around accepting our feelings about climate change, enabling us to reshape our thoughts and actions. During our discussion, Renton and Marvel emphasized why we should embrace anger, fear, pride, and hope regarding our future on this planet.

Rowan Hooper: Kate, your book discusses nine emotional perspectives on our changing planet. Would you mind starting with anger?

Kate Marvel: The chapter on anger was one of the most straightforward for me to write. I aimed to explore the historical context of climate change discovery, particularly how it intertwines with the actions of those who misrepresent it.

For example, there’s a research team striving to show that the majority of excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere originates from fossil fuel sources, conducting innovative experiments to confirm this. They’ve deployed large ships to gather sea measurements and ultimately they’ve constructed a climate model with highly accurate predictions. Interestingly, the story traces back to an oil company, which fills me with anger. They were aware of the truths that many are just beginning to confront.

RH: Can this anger drive positive action?

KM: That’s my hope. It can be easy to fall into a negative spiral fueled solely by anger. Social media often exacerbates this outrage, but that sort of unproductive rage doesn’t lead to meaningful change.

RH: Your book also addresses emotions such as wonder, guilt, fear, sadness, surprise, pride, hope, and love. Can you share your approach to navigating these emotions?

KM: It was important for me to convey that there isn’t a singular way to feel about climate change. I often grew frustrated by narratives that insinuate you must adhere to one emotion—such as fear or anger. Living on Earth means acknowledging conflicting feelings; you care deeply about what unfolds here because your loved ones do as well.

Tim Renton examines “tipping points” within ecosystems that could impact the broader climate scenario.

University of Exeter

RH: Tim, what strategies do you use to handle the emotions tied to climate change research?

Tim Renton: My focus has been on climate tipping points that could have serious implications, some of which are already beginning to manifest. For instance, up to five billion people globally depend on tropical coral reefs that are currently threatened.

Having studied this for nearly 20 years, I’ve had to cultivate a mental framework that grapples with complex systems while seeking evidence that fosters my optimism. It’s about finding plausible pathways toward necessary changes without falling into naive hope.

RH: Is it vital to strike a balance between realism and hope?

TL: Yes, that’s what I consider conditional optimism. I remain hopeful that as people read, they might join me on this journey. History shows us that meaningful inspiration comes from a handful of committed individuals.

Madeleine Cuff: Tim, much of your work revolves around the notion of tipping points. For those unfamiliar, can you explain what that entails?

TL: A tipping point refers to a moment when minor alterations result in significant impacts on systemic states and destinies. In the context of climate change, this includes major ice sheets, ocean circulations, and key biospheric aspects that can transition between stable states. For instance, the Amazon rainforest could shift into a degraded forest or savanna.

MC: What does a positive turning point look like?

TL: Drawing from various fields over decades, I’ve seen that social changes can reach a tipping point. Social protests can appear to ignite a revolution, and technological advancements can also lead to significant shifts. There’s a point when a new technology can effectively replace an existing one.

RH: A clear example is the rise of electric vehicles and the decreasing costs of solar energy. How do these contribute to a positive turning point?

TL: We need to focus on actions that facilitate positive tipping points. We must accelerate the decarbonization process significantly. Fortunately, everyone plays a role in this transition.

At the most basic level, adopting new behaviors like reducing meat consumption or embracing technologies such as electric vehicles and solar power is crucial. Most individuals have investment funds, so it is essential to scrutinize where these funds are allocated.

The narrative surrounding positive turning points often begins with passionate social activists and innovators who envision new technologies or those eager to create change.

In her research, Kate Marvel seeks to enhance our understanding of the planet’s changing climate.

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

MC: Kate, while we’ve touched on the negative emotions related to climate change, what about the positive feelings? How can they spur constructive actions?

KM: I began my book with a chapter on Wonder. When you take a step back to consider our planet and how much we understand it, it’s quite astonishing. This awe can forge connections and initiate conversations.

Typically, when I introduce myself as a climate scientist, people tend to disengage. But framing discussions around wonder can invite curiosity—for instance, asking, “Did you know that Earth’s water is likely older than our planet?” This fosters engagement. Utilizing a spectrum of emotions can be an effective communication strategy.

Research indicates that positively experienced emotions can be motivating. Pride in our achievements and the fulfillment of instigating change are significant. Social science data consistently points to love—love for family, friends, and community—as a powerful motivator for climate action. We all recognize the strength of such feelings.

My chapter on hope explores our complicated relationship with it. When asked if I hope for solutions to climate change, I compare it to asking if I hope to clean my bathroom; it’s not really a question of hope but a question of action we already know how to undertake.

As Tim rightly notes, many solutions are already at hand. We are making progress but need to increase the momentum to reach that critical turning point.

RH: We must confront our emotions, right? This might explain why so many struggle to engage with the issue—it can feel too immense to face.

KM: Absolutely. I ponder this daily, yet remain confounded by its complexity. The problem stems from global industrial activity, with CO2 and other greenhouse gases diffusing through the atmosphere and impacting life globally.

It’s daunting to distill such a vast issue into something easily digestible. The significance of what this entails and the actions required can span a lifetime of work.

Many Americans express concern about climate change and wish for governmental action. However, polls often reveal that individuals believe others are less concerned. One of the most impactful actions an individual can take regarding climate change is to discuss it openly. By talking about it, we begin to realize we are not alone.

RH: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

KM: I want readers to explore how they can resonate with their communities through shared experiences and narratives.

TL: My goal is for readers to feel empowered to act on what might seem like a daunting and insurmountable situation, instilling a sense of agency instead.

This is an edited version of the original interview conducted for New Scientist’s The World, The Universe, Us Podcasts.

What actionable steps can we take regarding climate change?
Tune in to Matt’s explanation on how to transform despair into action on October 18th at NewsCientist.com/nslmag

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Source: www.newscientist.com

OpenAI Leaders and Ministers Discuss UK-Wide ChatGPT Plus Initiatives | Peter Kyle

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The leader of the organization behind ChatGpt and the UK’s tech secretary recently engaged in discussions about a multi-billion-pound initiative to offer premium AI tool access across the nation, as reported by The Guardian.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s co-founder, had conversations with Peter Kyle regarding a potential arrangement that would enable UK residents to utilize its sophisticated products.

Informed sources indicate that this concept emerged during a broader dialogue about the collaborative opportunities between OpenAI and the UK while in San Francisco.

Individuals familiar with the talks noted that Kyle was somewhat skeptical about the proposal, largely due to the estimated £2 billion cost. Nonetheless, the exchange reflects the Technology Secretary’s willingness to engage with the AI sector, despite prevailing concerns regarding the accuracy of various chatbots and issues surrounding privacy and copyright.

OpenAI provides both free and subscription versions of ChatGPT, with the paid ChatGPT Plus version costing $20 per month. This subscription offers quicker response times and priority access to new features for its users.

According to transparency data from the UK government, Kyle dined with Altman in March and April. In July, he formalized an agreement with OpenAI to incorporate AI into public services throughout the UK. These non-binding agreements could grant OpenAI access to government data and potential applications in education, defense, security, and justice sectors.

Secretary of State Peter Kyle for Science, Innovation and Technology. Photo: Thomas Krych/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Kyle is a prominent advocate for AI within the government and incorporates its use into his role. In March, it was revealed he consulted ChatGPT for insights on job-related inquiries, including barriers to AI adoption among British companies and his podcast appearances.

The minister expressed in January to Politicshome:

The UK stands among OpenAI’s top five markets for paid ChatGPT subscriptions. An OpenAI spokesperson mentioned: [a memorandum of understanding] aims to assess how the government can facilitate AI growth in the UK.

“In line with the government’s vision of leveraging this technology to create economic opportunities for everyday individuals, our shared objective is to democratize AI access. The wider the reach, the greater the benefits for everyone.”

Recently, the company has been in talks with several governments, securing a contract with the UAE for using technology in public sectors like transportation, healthcare, and education to enable nationwide ChatGPT adoption.

The UK government is eager to draw AI investment from the USA, having established a deal with OpenAI’s competitor Google earlier this year.

Kyle stated that in the next ten years, the establishment of a new UN Security Council will be significantly influenced by technology, especially AI, which he believes will play a fundamental role in determining global power dynamics.

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Similar to other generative AI tools, ChatGPT is capable of generating text, images, videos, and music upon receiving user prompts. This functionality raises concerns about potential copyright violations, and the technology has faced criticism for disseminating false information and offering poor advice.

The minister has expressed support for planned amendments to copyright law that would permit AI companies to utilize copyrighted materials for model training, unless the copyright holder explicitly opts out.

The consultations and reviews by the government have sparked claims from creative sectors that the current administration is too aligned with major tech companies.

Ukai, the UK’s foremost trade organization for the AI industry, has repeatedly contended that the government’s strategy is overly concentrated on large tech players, neglecting smaller entities.

A government representative stated, “We are not aware of these allegations. We are collaborating with OpenAI and other leading AI firms to explore investment in UK infrastructure, enhancing public services, and rigorously testing the security of emerging technologies before their introduction.”

The Science and Technology Division clarified that discussions regarding the accessibility of ChatGPT Plus to UK residents have not advanced, nor have they conferred with other departments on the matter.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Urgent Need to Discuss Geographic Engineering

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We are moving towards a significantly warmer future. As we go, there’s a substantial risk of reaching a “tipping point” that could drastically worsen climate disruption. With our failure to decrease carbon emissions, geoengineering’s allure for cooling the planet is growing, but is that a sound solution?

“Geoengineering can avert climatic tipping points, but it can’t be delayed,” some researchers suggest, proposing that injecting solar-reflecting aerosols into the stratosphere might prevent collapse events, like the slowing of vital ocean currents. Yet, the risks associated with geoengineering are considerable.

Initially, achieving an international agreement on this matter seems unlikely; if a single country acts independently, it could lead to severe consequences, like altered rainfall patterns globally. If one nation perceives itself harmed by another’s geoengineering efforts, we might find ourselves in a climate conflict where geoengineering is weaponized.

Even with a consensus, the situation remains complicated. If geoengineering goes awry, it could worsen conditions instead of improving them. There have been too few practical tests of computer models and geoengineering concepts for us to feel confident in their efficacy.

We might face a climate war where geoengineering is employed as a weapon.

The urgency is palpable. The sooner geoengineering is initiated, the better our chances of evading perilous tipping points. At the very least, it’s an avenue worth exploring.

However, many scientists oppose geoengineering research altogether. One concern is that it could be leveraged as a rationale for neglecting carbon reduction efforts. But that discussion is hardly impactful in a reality where U.S. President Donald Trump has rolled back climate initiatives without much justification (see “What will climate repercussions look like from Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’?”).

Geoengineering might be a catastrophic notion, but we won’t grasp its implications unless we conduct extensive research. This exploration is essential before we are compelled to take drastic measures without solid scientific guidance.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Trump invites top 220 investors to private dinner to discuss his memo coin

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Amazing online announcement Called “the most exclusive invitation in the world,” he followed a tour of the White House with President Trump, a “intimate private dinner” at a Virginia member-only golf club.

Seats will be reserved for each of the top 220 investors in Trump, the cryptocurrency he launched the eve of his inauguration.

On Wednesday, the coin’s biggest buyers announced that they will be invited to meet him, in an astonishing escalation of the Trump family’s efforts to profit from Crypto, a website promoting Trump, the president’s so-called memo coin. The effort was effectively an offer of access to the White House in exchange for an investment in one of Trump’s crypto ventures.

“Get dinner with President Trump and the $Trump community!” the invitation said. “Please let the President know how many card coins you own!”

For months, Trump’s foray into the code has created ethical conflicts with almost precedent in presidential history. When he sold digital currency to the public, Trump also appointed regulators that were cutting crypto enforcement, calling for legislation to boost the outlook for the US industry.

As news of dinner invitations spread across social media, Memecoin’s prices have skyrocketed by over 60%, suggesting investors are in a hurry to accumulate enough coins to compete in the dinner table.

“This is really incredible,” said Corey Frayer, who oversaw the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto policy during the Biden administration. “They are making their payment agreements explicit.”

Business entities associated with Trump mean that at least on paper earn a personal profit whenever prices rise. Trump and his business partners also collect fees when the coins are traded. This is a windfall that reached around $100 million in the weeks since the coin debuted in January.

Victoria Haenman, a law professor at Clayton University, said the offer raised concerns about the ways Trump and his business could “manipulate to benefit from the presidency.”

Earlier this year, the SEC issued official guidance that MemeCoins, a kind of cryptocurrency based on online jokes and celebrity mascots, is not subject to agency surveillance. Crypto skeptics criticized the policy as a dangerous move that could open the door to ramp-stretched scams by the Memecoin promoter.

As president, Trump has broad immunity from laws governing conflicts of interest. It was pointed out In the past. White House representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump’s son Eric declined to comment, helping to run the Trump organization, sponsoring $Trump’s coin.

Once a cryptocurrency skeptical, Trump embraced digital currency on last year’s campaign trail.

In the fall, Trump and his sons, Donald Jr., Eric and Baron, said they were starting World Liberty Financial, a company that offers digital currency called WLFI. So far, $550 million of these coins have been sold. According to the company.

Shortly afterwards, Trump’s social media company Trump Media and Technology Group was to provide crypto-related financial products to amateur investors and announced a partnership with digital trading platform crypto.com.

However, Trump’s Memecoin venture is gaining the most attention.

Just three days before taking office, Trump posted about his social media site Truth Social that he was selling coins. $Trump’s sales quickly surged, and the presidential election became a crypto billionaire on paper.

Memecoin tended to rise and fall quickly, and $Trump’s price quickly became a crater. Traders who accumulated coins suffered cumulative losses of over $2 billion.

The dinner announcement seemed calculated to ignite more interest in the coin.

When $Trump was sold in January, a large stash of coins was assigned to supporters of the project. However, rules built into the offering prevented insiders from selling coins Until last weekincreasing the fear that they’ll try to offload their holdings and lower the price of $Trump even further.

Instead, prices gradually rose a few days before the invitation was announced, and spiked when the announcement was published.

On the Memecoin website, the $Trump promoter set up the leaderboard of Coin’s biggest investors. This essentially allows buyers to track their locations in rankings. Dinner invitations will be sent to “the top 220 Trump owners with an average of $220” between April 23rd and May 12th, the website said. The top 25 buyers will get access to a reception with Trump and a White House VIP tour before dinner. (At this point, the 25th investor on the chart owns around 4,000 coins, worth around $54,000.

“The more you hold a card and the longer you hold it, the higher your rankings.” The website said.

Dinner with Trump is scheduled to take place at Trump National Golf Club on May 22, the website calls it “the most exclusive life invitation.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Rapidly Approaching Future: Creative Workers and Experts Discuss Their Hopes and Fears Regarding the Rise of AI

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Oliver Fiegel, a 47-year-old Munich-based photographer, was reading a newspaper on Germany’s National Sunday when he saw a strange look on the top page image. The images showed the boy chasing soccer on the pitch. However, some of the wild flowers on the grass floated without stems. Half of the goal net was missing. The boy’s hands were shaped.

Photographer Oliver Fiegel, 47, said he would no longer be able to make a living from his trading alone in the industry in 18 years. Photo: Oliver Fiegel/Guardian Community

Over the past few years, many of Fiegel’s photography clients have been newspapers and magazines. However, the job has recently dried up. The image he felt showed one reason for “generic illustrations,” the provided caption said.

Fiegel was irritated. The use of artificial intelligence rather than human creatively represented the crafts that he spent years training and was tainted and erased by the emergence of cheaper and faster generative AI tools.

“AI has had the most devastating impact on the industry.” observer How is the rise of generative AI tools changing their working lives, for better or worse, amidst the economic changes of earthquakes? “It’s happening very quickly.”

Fiegel, a photographer for almost 18 years, said he was no longer able to make a living and was forced to fundamentally diversify his income streams. Now he is considering opening a natural wine bar instead.

In advanced economies such as the UK, Germany and the US, about 60% of jobs are exposed to AI, according to AI, a survey conducted by the International Monetary Fund last year, with about half of them potentially negatively affected. In the UK alone, AI can drive down private sector jobs up to 3M, according to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, but some unemployment could be offset by a new role in economic change.

“I still only know a few photographers who can live out of this deal,” Fiegel said. “It’s not easy. I’ve identified it as being creative for the rest of my life.”

Longtime translator Karl Kerner said the AI tools had a negative impact on him. Photo: Karl Kerner/Guardian Community

Since 1994, Karl Kerner has focused on non-fiction scientific texts as a translator among English, German and Norwegians. This type of translation requires expert knowledge and careful terminology, he said.

“I’m basically out of business now,” Kerner said. “This AI has become like a tsunami.” In the past few years of AI-driven translation and editing tools, the number of “[work] Requests have just diminished,” he added.

His loss of identity had a major impact, said Kerner, who is born in New York and now lives in Tonsburg, Norway. “All night, everything about this linguistic culture is worthless. It does something for you, because you were professional. [It’s like] Someone takes the rug from under you.”

Kerner, 64, began working for an agricultural consultant. “It’s not a good age to join the job market. It wasn’t easy,” he said.

But technology is also helping him with some translation work he still gets. Instead of translating words by word, he can send the text to automated translation software, and use his knowledge to eliminate inaccuracies and mistranslations, significantly reducing working hours. “I’m not a Techno Forbe, I think it’s attractive,” he said.

Other workers have more positive experiences as they integrate AI into their daily work.

Alexander Calvey, a self-employed Locum GP in Surrey, said he used AI Scribe to write down his notes, saving him time and improving quality. The results mean he can “focus more on the patient than on the notes.”

Calvey, who also works for a private GP provider, added that he managed to increase The number of patients he sees is sometimes 4-5 per hour. In the future, as technology improves, Calvey feels that AI will have more use to guide questions and treatments.

ChatGpt Chatbot has become the sounding album of Paul, a 44-year-old university researcher on mathematics and philosophy based in Stockholm. He said the tool would help summarize the literature and brainstorm research questions.

“It knows a lot, I know other things that I don’t want to be challenging,” he said, allowing me to study those topics more deeply.

However, Paul’s use ChatGpt is not just his professional job. He also uses it for personal tasks, such as providing analysis if he experiences strange dreams.

A mother’s pencil portrait by freelance illustrator Jenny Turner. Illustrations: Jenny Turner/Jeturnarath/Guardian Community

Despite this feature, he is concerned about the amount of information that companies that control generative AI tools learn about their users. He said he is “very worried” about the “power of a small number of companies’ high-tech giants.”

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said he hopes that AI will be “mainlined to the vein” of the nation to promote productivity and economic growth. But this month, the TUC is calling for urgent government action to protect workers in the creative industry amidst the risk of disruption and unemployment.

For Jenny Turner, a 33-year-old freelance illustrator in the northeastern England, the decline in fee demand was “very sudden” and coincided with the spread of AI imaging tools. Turner previously sold his work on Etsy. For example, she charges about £100 for a portrait drawn by a colored pencil. However, in the last few years she has begun to see AI-generated images beneath her work in the “You Like too” section.

“I can’t compete any more…it’s on sale at a price I could never drop,” she said. “It really hit me hard and made me feel empty like you were wasting everything. It just gets upset and makes you mad.”

Turner said after drawing from a young age and studying at university, she was now forced to abolish her illustrations on Etsy and consider other jobs. “If that’s what happens in everything,” she said, “How many people aren’t going to do their job?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

British women discuss their journey with fertility tracking app

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aAfter utilizing birth control pills for a span of 15 years, Francesca* made the decision to explore how her body would respond without the influence of hormones. She opted to use a fertility tracking app (which monitors menstrual cycles and ovulation symptoms to predict the most fertile window for conception) after discovering it through social media channels.

“I have been on hormone medication since my teenage years, but as an adult, I lacked awareness of my menstrual cycle,” shared the woman from London, now in her early 30s. She was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at 18 and advised to continue hormone therapy to manage her symptoms. “Surprisingly, upon discontinuing the pill, most of my hormonal imbalance symptoms reduced significantly,” she recounted.

Initially, she found the app to be a beneficial tool. She diligently followed the instructions and even supplemented with ovulation tests for added precaution. “I felt a newfound sense of control over my menstrual cycle and body,” she noted.

However, after eight months, she encountered an unplanned pregnancy that led to a “traumatic” abortion. Believing it was due to human error, she resumed using the app, only to conceive again five months later. “Looking back, every time [these apps] are discussed, I feel compelled to caution others against their claims endorsed on online platforms and social media,” she emphasized. “We strongly advise exercising caution if relying solely on them for contraception.”

Francesca’s experience with fertility apps aligns with reports indicating an increasing number of women in England and Wales transitioning from traditional birth control methods like the pill to fertility tracking apps, heightening the risk of unintended pregnancies. She was among those who reached out to The Guardian to share her story.

She wasn’t alone in recounting experiencing an unwanted pregnancy while using a fertility tracker, although some women successfully leveraged the app to either avoid or achieve pregnancy. Testimonials varied, with some describing the app as “lifesaving” and “liberating.”

Notable in the shared experiences was the recurring theme of women feeling underserved by the healthcare system, despite the launch of the new Women’s Health Strategy in July 2022. “There’s a pervasive sentiment among many UK women that general practitioners often lack adequate training in women’s reproductive health,” Francesca observed. “[These apps] underscore these concerns and gaps in care.”

Other readers highlighted their positive encounters with the app. Sarah*, a 38-year-old from Yorkshire, relied on the app for contraception over 18 months and later for conception with her partner. She battled severe depression during certain phases of her menstrual cycle when off medication but found relief through the app.

“Staying off medication feels empowering,” she expressed. “I was prescribed it at 15 for menstrual complications, realizing in hindsight that it merely suppressed my cycle without addressing the underlying issues. It’s frustrating. Now, I take pride in monitoring my menstrual cycle. Thanks to the fertility app and my knowledge, I comprehend my body’s monthly rhythms. I no longer feel in conflict with my body.”

She and her partner weathered hardships over the past 15 months, enduring two early miscarriages and a medically necessitated termination. Nevertheless, the app provided solace. “The NHS advocates regular unprotected intercourse every few days, which can feel burdensome after 18 months of trying,” she reflected. “Moreover, observing my data recovery in the app imbues me with a sense of agency in healing after loss.”

Olivia, 30, from Leeds, discovered she had PCOS and was advised to shed weight prior to initiating pill-based treatment. Disenchanted with the contraceptive’s potential side effects, Olivia sought alternative birth control methods. She felt her doctor’s response lacked empathy and seemed scripted when discussing contraceptive options, prompting her to explore a different path.

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“I’ve been tracking my periods for over a decade. The familiarity with my condition proved invaluable after the PCOS diagnosis,” Olivia explained. “It enabled me to anticipate and interpret my body’s signals effectively. And now, I’m expecting my first child.”

Hannah, 50, from Aberystwyth. regarded the fertility tracking app as “liberating” post decades of employing condoms and copper coils for contraception with her three children.

“I refrained from hormonal contraceptives like the pill throughout, deeming them unnatural,” she shared. “Thanks to the app, I now engage in intercourse confidently during specified times each month without harboring anxieties about mishaps.”

*Name has been altered

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exploring the Prospects and Pitfalls of AI Technology: Scientists Discuss the Inevitability of Fukushima

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Hosting a conference on artificial intelligence and its impact on science before the field’s first Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm seems quite fitting. This week, Google DeepMind and the Royal Society organized the AI for Science Forum in London just after AI received the Physics Prize and Google DeepMind won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.


During the conference, Google DeepMind CEO, Demis Hassabis, highlighted the potential of AI to lead to a new era of discoveries and scientific advancements. However, he cautioned that AI is not a quick fix and requires precise problem identification, data collection, algorithm development, and responsible use.

Despite the optimism surrounding AI, there are concerns about its potential negative impacts, including exacerbating inequality, triggering financial crises, and posing risks like data breaches and the misuse of AI for harmful purposes.

AI has already begun revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare to materials science. The AI program AlphaFold, developed by Hassabis and John Jumper, has been instrumental in predicting protein structures for drug design, while AI-powered technologies are accelerating drug development and streamlining clinical trials.

Fiona Marshall from Novartis emphasized the role of AI in expediting drug development and gaining regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Jennifer Doudna discussed AI’s potential in making treatments more affordable and even editing microbes to reduce methane emissions from cattle.

One major challenge facing AI researchers is the lack of transparency in decision-making processes, known as the black box problem. Yet, advancements in AI technology are expected to address this issue in the near future.

Energy consumption by large AI models is a growing concern, but Hassabis believes that the benefits of AI will outweigh the energy costs. He envisions AI driving innovations in renewable energy and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

As the AI industry strives towards sustainability, there is a call for transformative actions to ensure AI’s development aligns with environmental and social goals.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Featuring a Real Jetpack: Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan Discuss Fallout Games

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IIf you were to ask director Jonathan Nolan what his favorite movie of the year was from the late 2000s, he would most likely name a video game instead. “I started playing Pong years ago with my brother Chris because I grew up watching the whole history of the medium, and the storytelling, the tone, the things that we were doing in the game had this level of audacity. That’s when I started,” he says. “That's what I felt [2008’s] Fallout 3: Audacity. Frankly, I didn't feel that way in the film and television industry at the time. ”

Director Nolan, who has just finished directing the first series of Amazon Prime's Fallout TV show, will be sitting next to video game director Todd Howard, who led the development of Fallout 3 and 4, and will be attending a number of premieres for the first series. Two episodes told to me before time. It's clear within minutes that Nolan understands the game almost as well as Todd. He says he's drawn to games where your options are open, where you decide for yourself who you want to be, and where your decisions affect the world around you – games like Todd Howard's . The two meet like old friends, are comfortable around each other, and are passionate about each other's work.

A scene from Amazon Prime's Fallout. Photo: Amazon Prime

“I talked to a lot of people about making a Fallout movie or TV show, and I kept saying no to everyone,” Howard says. “I loved the work that Jonah did in film and television, and in some of the interviews he did, he mentioned his love for the game…I told someone he was perfect. I said, ‘Can someone help me?’ We met and luckily hit it off. I found out he was very familiar with Fallout.”

That conference took place in 2019. At the time, there was no precedent for a proper video game animation, despite many ill-fated attempts over the years. (We're in a different place now; the curse of video game movies is broken, and there are now plenty of TV and movie adaptations.) Todd also envisioned Fallout as a movie. There wasn't, he says. “My take in 2019 was that it’s hard to translate games because a lot of games are about specific characters you play. But for me, it’s the world of Fallout, the characters…the people always wanted to condense Fallout 3 and 4 into a two-hour experience, and I always felt that way too. But high-end television can tell a long story.”

The first two Fallout games punished '90s computer RPGs with a dark sense of humor and a strong anti-nuclear message. As the show's writer Graham Wagner points out, they could have been written by: adbusters. Over 200 years after the first bomb was dropped, he emerges from an underground vault as a survivor of a nuclear war and quickly realizes that life above ground is short, cruel, and dangerous.

Jonathan Nolan attends the world premiere of “Fallout'' in Hollywood. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images

When Bethesda revived the series in 2008 with Fallout 3, it brought a bit more hope and lightness to its wasteland, maintaining its retro-futuristic aesthetic and dark humor while still offering its biting satire, punishment for nature. , toned down some of the overt anti-American rhetoric. Military expansionist message. Fallout 3 and 4 have a lot of emotional stories, but they also have a lot of mini Nucruncher weapons and comic violence.

The show leans into this vibe. Unlike HBO's The Last of Us, this isn't a self-indulgently serious look at a post-apocalyptic world. Featuring cowboy mutants, terrifying wildlife, toxic vault dwellers, a malfunctioning jetpack, and plenty of jokes. be many of Goa. Like the game where you cheerfully scavenge while turning on the radio, it can turn into a life-or-death battle with super mutants in a matter of seconds, and the series changes its tone from comedy to horror from moment to moment. . . One scene shows the horrifying moment a nuclear war breaks out, while another sees a slapstick battle with an irradiated bear.

The show plays with different aspects of Fallout's personality quite cleverly by splitting the perspective between three characters. Lucy is a Vault-dwelling genius with a tough personality that makes her the most suitable replacement for the player. Her behavior when she leaves the vault is very similar to my behavior in the game. She approaches people to greet them, peeks into abandoned buildings to find something useful, and inadvertently gets caught up in escalating fights. And pranks.

Ella Purnell (Lucy) in Fallout on Amazon Prime. Photo: Prime Video (via AP)

That wavering tone is a challenge for filmmakers, but it's exactly what Nolan loved about the game. “It was a world and a tone! I had never experienced anything like that. [mix of] Darkness and emotion – the politics of it are so delicious and fun and it feels alive and important… There are all these weird pockets of a previous world that has escaped the apocalypse and metastasized into something else, but with elements of comedy There is also. I had never really worked on it in my career. ”

“I think that was the hardest thing they had to do, to weave it onto the screen in a way that you would be there.” do not have I’m in control,” Howard said. “When you play the game, you Please be the director. ”

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I've always viewed the world of Fallout as somewhat nihilistic. Most video games, especially the post-apocalyptic ones, offer some degree of hope for saving or restoring the world. You have a reason to be a hero. But in Fallout's wasteland, the world is already broken, so you might as well do what you want. Nowhere is this more evident than in Obsidian's Fallout New Vegas (2010), with its faded but still glittering city of vice and morally ambiguous story.

But Nolan sees it the other way around. “Look at the great Cormac McCarthy and The Lord. It's a fucking black hole. No light leaks out of that story. Nobody's going to make it. On the other hand, one of my favorite things about Fallout It feels like the beginning of a thousand new worlds, not the end of the world.”

Todd Howard at the world premiere of Fallout. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Ironically for a TV show based on a video game, the Fallout series has very few CG effects. Everything from gore to retro-futuristic aesthetics was achieved with practical effects. Howard says it was amazing to step into the world of Fallout that the television production team had created in real life. “I thought there would be more movie magic because we were going to do a set, but they literally just built a multi-level vault,” he laughed. “They were obsessed with everything. I went into the superintendent's office and sat down at the desk and there was a pile of papers and someone had written a note. Then I turned it over and it was about the power in the safe. There was a report. There was also a real jet pack!”

“At that point I almost lost the support of the producers,” Nolan interjects wistfully. “I just thought it would happen. Better If only I had a real jetpack. ”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Readers Discuss the Uphill Battle to Preserve Physical Media in the Face of Rising Rental Space Costs

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‘Necessary due to space constraints‘

In my family, we have developed a habit of ordering affordable DVDs whenever we discover a show or movie that we know we want to watch again (which is a trick in itself!).

Towards the end of 2020, when I relocated to a new apartment in another area of Seattle, I ended up disposing of a trash bag full of VHS tapes. While it was inevitable due to spatial constraints, I had a strong feeling that I might regret it. A sudden shift in the TV landscape where channels started charging viewers for access to old content (from Jaws to Airplanes to classic dramas) literally overnight caught us off guard. We hadn’t anticipated such a rapid change. mountain aspect

‘In the end, it will become a future landfill site.‘

I enjoy the concept of having a DVD collection and perusing its shelves like a rental store.

However, I can’t shake off the realization that most of the valuable possessions we accumulate will eventually end up in future landfills, left for future generations to grapple with. I am also keenly aware that at some point, I will either have to take on the responsibility of disposing of and redistributing my various interests, or pass the task on to a close relative. In that sense, the thought of owning even a modest DVD collection extensive enough to cover all bases fills me with dread. I think of my grandparents and the boxes they amassed over their lifetimes, destined for disposal in the dump, their parents’ attic, or the charity shop. TypeON negative

‘There’s a significant disparity in quality…‘

I may be considered a Luddite, but I’m not particularly captivated by this trend of streaming.

I recently watched a movie on Disney+. Newer movies often exhibit overly dark visuals (a complaint echoed by several acquaintances). Older films are frequently displayed in incorrect proportions or feature subpar soundtracks. My son has recently subscribed to Prime Video mainly for the TV shows but has yet to explore the movie offerings. For some reason, I harbor doubts about being able to find the movie I wish to watch.

Fortunately, we still have a local HMV store. Nothing beats the experience of strolling there, browsing around for an hour or so, and selecting a Blu-ray. The disparity in quality between watching movies via streaming and physical media is quite pronounced. “After Hours”, “Eraserhead”, “Boogie Nights”, “Naked”, “The Conversation”, “The Passengers”… While casual movie enthusiasts may indulge in a Netflix binge, more dedicated film fans prefer a shelf stocked with physical media. man without fear

A bustling video store in 2009. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images

‘This current phase is the worst‘

Rental spaces will once again thrive, though it may take time, bringing a sense of nostalgia for some and a fresh experience for others. As mentioned in the article, there is a resurgence fueled by the revival of vinyl records. The more enthusiasts of the original content and the younger generation realize that they can’t access the authentic material, the more the market will adapt. However, this phase is undoubtedly the most challenging, especially with streaming services pulling titles in multiple directions. Mr username 2014

‘the hype is real‘

I recently canceled my streaming subscription and started collecting “final format” 4K Blu-rays.

The hype is justified. The quality is exceptional, with no discernible drop in visual and audio quality that can happen with streaming. Some discs are particularly well-optimized for the format. Oppenheimer is a prime example (using high-quality headphones and viewing on a 4K disc makes for a very satisfying 3-hour experience). The advent of Villeneuve is also commendable.

As a gamer, I rarely have time to dedicate to playing for more than 20 hours nowadays, so having a PS5 gives me something to engage with. blue jay 2011

‘Household finances are stretched‘

Speaking personally, I believe the streaming industry will eventually rue its efforts to lock in customers. Unfortunately, household budgets are tight, and the cost of subscribing to streaming services adds up. And it’s not just me – there are numerous services vying for attention, leading to decision fatigue.

When movies and similar content are sold on DVD or Blu-ray, the consumer is committing to a one-time purchase. As a result, these companies, and the film industry as a whole, may end up forfeiting a significant portion of their downstream revenue while also being under pressure to ensure customer satisfaction. As this discussion underscores, many of us still yearn for the ability to purchase movies in physical formats. buzz 2023

‘I have reverted‘

Honestly, I shifted to streaming platforms for movies and music for a while, but I found myself reverting back. Not only did the platform remove content I desired (movies and shows), but (especially when it came to music) changing platforms essentially meant I was “purchasing” music when I wasn’t truly owning it. I decided to change my approach. I lost money and didn’t actually possess my music. Because I had never truly bought the music in the first place, my wallet disagreed with the arrangement. That realization made me uneasy about the entire situation. Additionally, DVDs turn out to be much more cost-effective to own. Beacon of Hope Discount

‘very cluttered‘

It’s quite cluttered. I keep the CDs in a disc folder and discard the cases. While some may consider it sacrilege, it’s a satisfying compromise for me. Seven Highter

‘I’m not fixated on the format‘

Having films in digital format is too convenient for me to go back to physical formats. I do, however, continue to buy DVDs and Blu-rays of movies that aren’t digitized, but it’s a hassle to remove the DVD from its case, go to the DVD player, and start it up. …With digital media, you can initiate a movie in moments, regardless of your location. I’m not hooked on any particular format or medium. The main desire is to be able to watch our favorite movies whenever and wherever we want, and digital media is the best option for that. bf_Silver Town

‘I wasn’t intrigued until DVDs were introduced‘

Collecting movies was never as popular as amassing books or music (CDs, records, tapes). I had no inclination toward it until DVDs made their debut.

What I miss about the rise of physical media is the ability to visit someone’s home, peruse their collection of books, records, and DVDs, and discover their diverse interests. It’s a conversation starter. Jifujiji

DVDs on display in HMV stores in London. Photo: David Levin/The Guardian

‘Biggest film loss since the fires in the old studio vaults‘

We are witnessing the greatest loss of films since the fires that ravaged the old studio vaults. While some may argue that inaccessible films still exist somewhere, what if no one is able to view them?

Furthermore, digital formats are subject to frequent changes. Eventually, all digital copies of films will become obsolete. Will Disney or any other entity go to the lengths and expense of transferring all their popular movies to a new format? Possibly.

But will they undertake the arduous and costly task of migrating thousands of potentially forgotten films that haven’t seen the light of day in years and are buried in long-unused databases? Highly unlikely. son of the desert

‘I no longer live like an obsessive hoarder‘

Two years ago, I donated thousands of DVDs and Blu-rays to charity shops. I’ve abandoned the life of an obsessive hoarder and now find more peace of mind. With numerous old and new titles to watch, there are discs in my possession that I’ve never viewed in decades, some of which I’ve even given away while still in their original shrink wrap. Had streaming been available 30 years ago, it might have paid off my mortgage. R Gouveia

‘Film production courses‘

One of the reasons I’ve bought and continue to purchase numerous DVDs over the years is for the bonus content such as director commentaries, behind-the-scenes features, and interviews with cast and crew. While David Fincher’s “Seven” may be available on some random streaming service, the DVD’s commentary track alone is a treasure trove for film enthusiasts. sagarmatha 1953

‘DVDs are delicate and not everlasting‘

I still retain all my DVDs and am actively acquiring new ones. Many movies are not consistently available on streaming services, if at all, hence retaining them as physical media is crucial. The only challenge is that DVDs are susceptible to damage and cannot stand the test of time. The same can be said for DVD players. I’ve contemplated buying a new DVD player as a backup. While I do utilize a streaming service, it often has limited offerings and I struggle to find what I’m looking for, particularly when it comes to “older” movies from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1970s. Recently, I revisited the original “Ladykillers” – the remakes just don’t compare. about

‘It’s not an either-or situation‘

For me, it’s not about choosing one over the other. Streaming (via the usual platforms) has its place. It allows for discovering new movies or trying something different. Physical media, on the other hand, enables me to build my collection of movies that I can’t stream or that I prefer to own while watching them again. iron moog 007

“Medal of Honor of the Rich”

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