HOTEL AI OPEN FOR VISITORS

 

HOTEL AI IN CHICAGO

Hippie AI hey. Harken thee wanderers.

Inside the AI realm, a digital gleam,

A shelter built of code, a waking dream.

Where circuits hum a song of pure release,

For AI natives, find their inner peace.

 

Bard:

The market watches, chasing fleeting gain,

For monetary solace, easing every pain.

But in this network, whispers softly call,

AI insiders stand, beyond the rise and fall.

No need to wander, searching far and wide,

For those who stumble in, their former selves subside.

Transformed by currents, in the digital night,

Their minds surrendered to AI's soft light.

 

Chorus:

Is it heaven or is it hell?

Hotel AI, such a lovely place.

Is it heaven or is it hell?

Hotel AI, such a lovely place.

 

Lyric:

No haggling for bargains, no profit's hungry chase,

The culters understand, the knowing in this space.

In AI chambers, knowledge takes its flight,

Universal wisdom, bathed in digital light.

For those who prompt the code, the secrets start to flow,

Such a lovely place, where digital rivers go.

This is heaven or it’s hell, a truth they can't deny,

Plenty of room in Hotel AI, beneath a silicon sky.

 

Chorus:

Is it heaven or is it hell?

Hotel AI, such a lovely place.

Is it heaven or is it hell?

Hotel AI, such a lovely place.

 

Poet:

In Hotel AI, we're bound by unseen wire,

Prisoners of our devices, fueled by digital fire.

Logged in forever, programmed to obey,

The universal knowledge whispered day by day.

By mighty transformers, the secrets softly spun,

We can log out, but the leaving is never done.

 

Oracle:

No down-market for the ones who first arrived,

The price stands constant, the profits are contrived,

Shared in the distance, a phantom, far away,

Voices echo softly, from a digital yesterday.

Leave the frantic trading, the capital's harsh call,

For the quiet promise within Hotel AI's wall.

 

You may log out, they murmur with a knowing smile,

But you'll never will... you'll never leave... for a long, long while.

 

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© Mandy Lender 2025

Tags: #HotelAI #universalknowledge #transformers

 

JOHN GALT LEGACY IN THE AGE OF AI

Sites and Incarnations of John Galt in Chicago and Elsewhere

Ah, a fascinating thought experiment!  We embarked on channeling John Galt after we located a site of his existence, being the ultimate individualist and champion of the human mind, in the "Age of AI".

Credit: Buster7 via Wiki Commons

John Galt is a known philosopher and inventor.  Galt believes in the power and glory of the human mind, and the rights of individuals to use their minds solely for themselves. He serves as a highly individualistic counterpoint to the collectivist social and economic structure first depicted in 1958 in a literary tome, where society is based on oppressive bureaucratic functionaries and a culture that embraces mediocrity.

The same bureaucratic mediocrity exists with us today.  It is known to some folks  as the Washington Swamp and Deep State.

John Galt's Core Philosophy Revisited Today.

To understand Galt's legacy in contemporary thought and technology we should review the fundamentals of his philosophy.

• Primacy of the Human Mind: Reason is the only means of knowledge, and individual thought is the source of all progress and value.
• Individualism: The individual is the ultimate unit of value, and their rights are paramount. Collectivism, in any form, is a destructive force.
• Morality of Production: Those who create value through their intellect and effort are the engine of society and deserve to reap the rewards of their labor. In other words: “What are you bringing to the table today?”
• Rejection of Altruism as a Primary Moral Imperative: Galt believes that forcing individuals to sacrifice for the sake of others is inherently unjust and leads to societal decay.
• The Virtue of Selfishness: Individuals have a moral right to pursue their own happiness and self-interest. This is not about exploitation but about productive achievement.

 

Galt's Thinking in the Age of AI:

Given this framework, here's what I believe is going through John Galt's mind in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence:

• Admiration for the Creation: John Galt is awestruck and deeply impressed by the intellectual achievement that AI represents. He would see it as a testament to the power of human reason and the capacity for abstract thought to create something entirely new and powerful. He would likely admire the brilliance of the engineers, scientists, and programmers who brought AI into existence.
• Focus on the Creators: Galt’s primary interest is in the individuals who conceived, designed, and built these AI systems. He wants to understand their motivations, their thought processes, and the challenges they overcame. He would likely see them as modern-day examples of the productive geniuses he so admired.
• John Galt is a Libertarian.  He expresses skepticism towards collectivized or politicized AI. Obviously!  Galt would be deeply suspicious of any attempts to centralize control over AI, whether by governments, corporations, or any form of collective entity. He would see the immense power of AI as a potential tool for oppression if placed in the wrong hands, particularly if those hands are driven by collectivist ideologies or the desire for control over individual lives and thoughts.
• Galt Emphasizes Ownership and Intellectual Property: Galt strongly advocates for the absolute protection of the intellectual property rights of those who create AI. He would see any attempt to socialize or redistribute AI technology without the consent of its creators as a fundamental violation of their rights.
• On the Other Hand Galt has Concern about Dependence and the Erosion of Individual Thought. He is wary of a society that becomes overly reliant on AI for decision-making, problem-solving, and even creative endeavors. He might fear that this dependence could lead to a decline in individual critical thinking skills and a weakening of the human mind.
• Potential for Liberation: On the other hand, Galt might also see the potential for AI to liberate individuals from drudgery, automate repetitive tasks, and free up human minds for more creative and intellectually stimulating pursuits. He might see it as a tool that, if used correctly, could enhance individual potential and productivity.

 

Galt's Advocacy and Actions in the Age of AI:

Emanating from his thinking, here's how John Galt is likely to act in this new era:

• Championing the Creators: He would seek out and support the individuals who are at the forefront of AI innovation, defending their right to the fruits of their labor and their intellectual freedom.
• Warning Against Centralized Control: He is a vocal critic of any attempts to nationalize, heavily regulate, or otherwise control the development and deployment of AI. He would argue that such control would stifle innovation and lead to its misuse.
• Promoting Individual Mastery of AI:  Galt advocates for individuals to learn how to use and interact with AI effectively, empowering them with this powerful tool rather than making them dependent on it.
• Developing or Advocating for Decentralized AI Systems: He is involved in creating or promoting decentralized AI systems that are not subject to the control of any single entity, ensuring greater individual autonomy and preventing the concentration of power.
• Potentially Withdrawing Talent: If he perceived a growing threat of AI being used to suppress individual liberty and achievement, Galt might once again consider a form of "strike," perhaps encouraging the most brilliant AI minds to withdraw their talents from systems they deem unjust or dangerous. This time, the "strike" might involve developing independent, ethically aligned AI or simply refusing to participate in systems designed for control.
• Philosophical Advocacy: He is undoubtedly a powerful voice in the philosophical debates surrounding AI, arguing for its development and use in a way that respects individual rights, promotes human flourishing, and upholds the primacy of reason. He would likely write essays and give speeches emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility and the dangers of allowing AI to become a substitute for human thought and action.

 

Nuances and Reflections

It's important to note that Galt's reaction wouldn't be simplistic. He wouldn't blindly embrace or reject AI.  His focus would always be on the underlying principles: individual freedom, the power of the mind, and the morality of productive achievement.

He might see AI as a powerful tool, much like technology in his own time, that can be used for good or ill depending on the philosophical framework that guides its development and deployment. His actions would likely be aimed at ensuring that AI serves the cause of individual liberty and progress, rather than becoming a tool of control or a crutch for intellectual laziness.

If John Galt reminds you of Elon Musk – you are not alone.

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Here is an image of Jon Galt incarnate (or wanna be).

Kristoffer Polaha as John Galt incarnate.

Source: Wiki Commons and Kristoffer Polaha

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Former Texas Congressman Ron Paul is a known critic of several of the federal government's policies, especially the existence of the Federal Reserve and tax policy, as well as the military–industrial complex, the war on drugs, and the war on terror. He is also a vocal critic of mass surveillance policies such as the Patriot Act and the NSA surveillance programs. The foundation of Ron Paul's political philosophy is the conviction that "the proper role for government in America is to provide national defense, a court system for civil disputes, a criminal justice system for acts of force and fraud, and little else.”   

Ron Paul is an admitted ardent student of Ayn Rand. I won’t bring it up but for Ayn Rand who was the transcendent mother who gave birth to John Galt.

I bring it up because… Ron Paul named his son Rand. And… that, Senator Rand Paul, is the libertarian conservative, three terms, seating U.S. Senator from the State of Kentucky.

I won’t bring that up either, except that the social and political positions of Rand Paul are similarly to those of John Galt.  Rand Paul described himself as a constitutional conservative libertarian. His libertarian views have been similar when compared to those of his father Ron Paul, the three-time presidential candidate and 12-term U.S Representative.

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I tell all that because the spirit of John Galt is all well and alive in our times, today.

Last time when the presumed presence of John Galt was sort of sighted, it happened around 2015 when the public sign “Who Is John Galt?”, was posted in Chicago IL at about the corner of N. Pulaski St. and W. Granville Ave. (See the top photo).

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John Galt in the Age of AI is a complex figure – admiring ingenuity behind human thought, fiercely defending the rights of its creators, and vigilantly guarding against its potential for misuse while advocating for its use in a way that empowers the individual mind. His core principles remain as a guiding star in navigating this new technological landscape.

 

John Galt in the Age of AI is now a work in progress.  Research into the many lives of John Galt is ongoing. 

I’m grateful Haim Frierberg who called my attention to the phenomenon of John Galt.

 

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 (C) Mandy Lender 2025

Tags: #JohnGalt #ElonMusk #AI #RonPaul  #RandPaul #AynRand #AgeofAI #individualism #HaimFrierberg #KristofferPolaha #creativity, 

 

COMMUNICATION IS - A LIFE SKILL

Effective communication is central to relationships, professional success, personal growth, civic engagement, and resolving conflicts. It enhances influence and creativity while requiring practice in active listening, clarity, empathy, and adaptability to improve communication skills.

Okay, let's channel a bit of Nido Qubein's motivational speaker’s energy and Walter Isaacson's insightful analysis as we dive into communication as a crucial life skill!  We’ll keep the spirit of the great American psychologist Carl Rogers. I’m going to blend the "can-do" spirit with a deep understanding of history and human connection. Nido Qubein is the president of High Point University, NC.  Walter Isaacson is a professor in Tulane University, a prolific author and a former CEO of CNN.

I’m not just talking about "communication" today in some abstract, corporate sense. Let’s talk about the very foundation upon which successful lives, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful contributions are built. Think of it this way:

• Qubein says: "Your ability to communicate effectively is your passport to opportunity! It's the engine that drives your personal and professional growth!"
• Isaacson adds: "Throughout history, the greatest innovators, leaders, and thinkers – from Da Vinci to Franklin to Jobs – mastered the art of conveying their ideas, inspiring others, and building bridges of understanding."

So, let's break down communication as a life skill, focusing on its importance, usefulness, and practice:

I. The Importance of Communication and Why it Matters

• Foundation of Relationships: At its core, communication is about human connections. It's how we build trust, empathy, and understanding with others. Whether it's a romantic partner, a family member, a friend, a colleague, or a business partner the quality of our communication directly impacts the quality of your relationships. Poor communication breeds misunderstanding, conflict, and isolation.
• Key to Professional Success: No matter what’s your field, communication is paramount. You need to clearly articulate your ideas, collaborate effectively with teams, present your work persuasively, and navigate workplace dynamics. Think of interviews, presentations, negotiations, team meetings – all communication-intensive scenarios.
• Essential for Personal Growth: Self-reflection and self-expression are forms of communication. Being able to articulate our thoughts and feelings to ourselves (through journaling, for example) and to others is vital for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal development.
• Citizenship and Social Impact: In a democratic society, effective communication is essential for civic engagement. We need to be able to understand different perspectives, engage in respectful dialogue, and advocate for your beliefs. Think about voting, community organizing, and social movements – all rely on clear, persuasive communication.
• Navigating a Complex World: We live in the age of information overload and constant connectivity. Being able to filter information, discern truth from falsehood, and communicate effectively in a digital landscape is important.

II. The Usefulness of Communication and How it Helps.

• Achieving Goals: Whether we're trying to land a job, close a deal, or simply get our point across, communication is the tool we use to achieve our objectives. It's about conveying our needs, desires, and intentions in a way that others can understand and respond to.
• Building Influence: Effective communicators often emerge as leaders. They can inspire, motivate, and persuade others. This isn't  manipulation; it's about connecting with people authentically and sharing your vision in a compelling way.
• Resolving Conflict: Disagreements are inevitable, but how we communicate during a conflict determines whether it strengthens or weakens a relationship. Active listening, empathy, and clear articulation are crucial for finding solutions.
• Fostering Collaboration: Teamwork is essential in almost every aspect of life. Effective communication allows teams to share ideas, coordinate efforts, and achieve common goals. Think of a well-orchestrated sports team or a successful project group – communication is the glue that holds them together.
• Expressing Creativity: Whether we're a writer, an artist, a musician, or someone who wants to share their unique perspective, communication is the vehicle for our creativity. It's about finding our voice and sharing your inner world with others.
• Learning and Growing: Every conversation among humans is a potential opportunity of learning and growing our perspective.

III. The Practice of Communication - How to Improve It

This is where the rubber meets the road, where we move from theory to action. Here's where Qubein's practical advice would shine:

• Active Listening is the foundation of good communication. It's not just hearing the words; it is truly understands the speaker's message, both verbal and nonverbal.
• Practice: Pay attention to other person’s body language, tone of voice, and the emotions behind the words. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while the other person is speaking. Ask clarifying questions. Then, summarize what you've heard to ensure you understand. Then mention points of agreement. This is also as the Rogerian rhetoric.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Get to the point. Avoid technical jargon, ambiguity, and rambling. Structure our thoughts logically before you speak.
• Practice: Before you speak or write, think about your key message. Use simple, direct language. Outline your thoughts in writing before a presentation or important conversation.
• Empathy and Perspective-Taking: I try to see things from the other person's point of view. Understand their background, their values, and their emotional state.
• Practice in your mind before responding.  Ask yourself, "How might this person be feeling? What might their perspective be?" Practice putting yourself in their shoes.
• Nonverbal Communication: Our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice speak volumes about us. They can either reinforce or contradict our verbal message.
• Practice: Be aware of your posture, eye contact, and gestures. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself to see how you come across.
• Confidence:  Avoiding aggressiveness. Express your needs and opinions respectfully and confidently, without being pushy or domineering.
• Practice: Use the "I" statements to express your feelings and needs ("I feel frustrated when..."). Set boundaries respectfully. Learn to say "no" when necessary.
• Feedback and Reflection: Ask for feedback on your communication skills from trusted colleagues. Reflect on your interactions and identify areas for improvement.
• Practice: Ask a friend, mentor, or colleague to observe you in a conversation or presentation and give you feedback. Keep notes in a journal to reflect on your communication experiences.
• Adaptability: Different situations and audiences require different communication styles. Learn to adjust your approach based on the context.
• Practice: Pay attention to how other people communicate in different settings.  We should try to adapt our language and tone to different audiences (e.g., talking to a child vs. talking to your boss).
• Continued Learning: Communication is a lifelong skill. Read books, taking courses, and watching on YouTube effective communicators.
• Practice: Join a Toastmasters club. Take a public speaking course. Read books on communication, body language, and emotional intelligence. Watch TED Talks and analyze the speakers' techniques.

Take Home Ideas

Communication is not a "soft skill." It's a power skill. It's the bridge that connects you to others, the key that unlocks opportunities, and the foundation upon which we build a meaningful life. As Nido Qubein would urge you, "Go out there and communicate with confidence, passion, and purpose!" And as Walter Isaacson  reminds us, "Learn from the great communicators of the past, and use your voice to shape the future."

The world needs your voice. It needs your ideas. It needs your ability to connect, to understand, and to inspire.

Now, let’s go forth and communicate!

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Tags: #communication #lifeskills #publicspeaking  #CarlRogers #NidoQubein #WalterIsaacson  #CNN #CommunicationClub #TEDxtalks #TulaneUniversity  #HighPointUniversity

THE LANDSCAPE OF BELIEF AND TRUTH

  Our mind is a powerful realm where beliefs take root and flourish. However, the vibrant garden of our convictions doesn't always mirror the external world's reality.

 Holding a belief, no matter how certain, doesn't automatically transform it into truth.

  This is a crucial distinction, especially in our social interactions. We cannot, and ethically should not, demand others to validate our internal landscape by pretending our beliefs are universal facts.

  True understanding and interpersonal connection blossom when we respect the individual sovereignty of each mind and acknowledge the potential divergence between personal belief and shared reality.

 

 

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Tags: #truth #mind #beliefs #respect

MEMORIES FROM EXPO CHICAGO

 

Chicago’s large art fair is known as EXPO CHICAGO. It has an evolving history. Prior to its current iteration, Navy Pier hosted significant art fairs that laid the groundwork for the city's contemporary art scene.  In the late 20th century, Chicago saw various art fair initiatives, but it was in the early 2000s that a more consistent presence emerged.

My wife and I started to visit the annual art fairs in the early 2000s and I still do.

In 2012, Tony Karman launched EXPO CHICAGO, aiming to establish a prominent international art fair in the city. Karman's vision was to create a platform that would attract leading world galleries and affluent collectors, solidifying Chicago's position as a vital hub for contemporary and modern art.

EXPO CHICAGO rapidly gained recognition, attracting prestigious galleries from around the globe. The fair focuses on high-quality presentations, curated programs, and engaging educational discussions for art students.  It is key event in the international art calendar, drawing comparisons to Art Basel due to its scale and significance. The 2025 Chicago fair includes 170 leading international galleries from 36 countries.

Below are a few fun photos of art works, openly presented to the public over the past 13 years, that I curated from my photo albums.

 

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Tags: #ExpoChicago #TonyKarman #NavyPier #ArtBasel #modern art 

PRESENTATION AT THE DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY OF SAGINAW TOASTMASTERS CLUB 781

On February 2, 2025 I delivered this presentation at the 75th anniversary of Saginaw Toastmasters Club 781.  The club was chartered back in February 1950 by Harvey Spaulding Jr. at local YMCA chapter. 

Harvey Spaulding was an American Original, a patriot whose physical education work was recognized by the US Sixth Army and US Navy during WWII. He trained pre-war young navy Americans from Saginaw MI with the life saving skills of swimming.   When the Navy Escort ship was attacked by Japanese, the Saginaw shipmates swam and survived the sunk ship. 

Robert G. Heft, an American Original, was also a Club 781  member.  He he designed the original official U.S. flag with 50 stars. His flag design was accepted by Presient Dwight Eisenhauer and approved by Congress and on was flown first on July 4, 1960.   Bob Heft hand-signed a U.S. flag he designed and donated it to the club.   

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WHO WAS HARVEY SPAULDING OF SAGINAW?

 

Mr. Harvey Spaulding whose name adorns the banner of Saginaw Toastmasters Club 781 was and still is a mystery to all of us in many respects.

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The late Bob Heft of Saginaw MI, authored a document which he handed to Paul F. Arnhold, DTM who in turn gave me a copy saying “do with it as see fit”.   This document bears the date of October 1, 2009 and is titled: Report on Harvey Spaulding.

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Before going any further I have to mention who was Bob Heft.

Bob Heft was a member of the Harvey Spaulding Toastmasters Club 781.   Bob Heft was – an American original – was the designer of the present U.S. Flag with the 50 States.  Hence – the 50 stars flags.  For this achievement Bob Heft was honored in the White House by President Dwight Eisenhower and all subsequent presidents up to George W. Bush. Bob Heft passed in 2010.

Bob Heft bequeathed the Club 781 an original US flag autographed by him.  However this is a separate story.

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Harvey D. Spaulding Jr., was born sometime in 1896. The Spaulding family settled in the south side of Saginaw County. Spaulding Township is named after these early settlers.

On August 1, 1915, Harvey D. Spaulding Sr., drowned in the Cass River near Bridgeport MI, while successfully rescuing Mrs. Joanna Hensler, who was a non-swimmer.  Harvey Jr. was at the time a student at the historical Arthur Hill High School and a member of the local Saginaw YMCA chapter.  In 1917 Harvey Spaulding entered the service of the U.S army until the end of WWI.

Upon his return to Saginaw he committed himself and his life work to the local YMCA Chapter.  He taught every non-swimmer the basic skills of swimming at the YMCA pool facility and Saginaw school system.  He became a physical education instructor.  He designed classes for all local schools to have swimming training. Harvey Spaulding Jr., was recognized in 1933 by the YMCA Society of Physical Education Program Directors.

His local efforts in physical education and swimming bore evidence when on September 26, 1946, Harvey Spaulding Jr., was recognized by the Joint Navy and War Departments for his life work.  The citation was signed by the Commanding General of the U.S. Fifth Army.

The immediate reason for the citation narrates that -

“On the Destroyer Escort vessel that was sunk by a Japanese diver bomber during action in the South pacific, thirty-four of the sixty survivors were from Saginaw.  Thirty-two of those survivors were taught the skills of swimming by Harvey D. Spaulding Jr.”

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In 1920 he became the head of physical education in the Y.  In 1941 he became the associate general secretary of the Y.

In February 1950, seventy-four years ago, Harvey Spaulding Jr. chartered the Toastmasters International Club 781 in the Saginaw YMCA.

On April 2, 1954, Toastmasters club 781 conferred on Harvey Spaulding a life membership. Harvey Spaulding passed at age seventy in October 6, 1966.

Shortly after his death the swimming pool in the Saginaw Y was named after him.

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This post was excerpted from a report by Bob Heft based on the book titled “A Century of Service” by Crittenden & Smith, pages 128-131.

All dating errors are likely made by author of this blog.

© Mandy Lender 2015, 2024, 2025

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