MindSoundandSpace!

‘Creative’ brainstorming with AI

During my most recent episode of procrastinating creatively, I entered ‘Brian Eno Lane’ again and came across this app called as ‘Oblique Strategies’. A little more probing revealed that there was a Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt collaboration by the same name which was a deck of cards that contained these random, un related and unique strategies that many creative individuals have used over the years to think differently or break their thought patterns when they are stuck creatively! I immediately ordered one deck for my own precious, ‘wanting something to fuel my creativity’ self from Amazon!

The next thing I did was to check whether AI can act like Brian Eno and come out with similar strategies that can help me out of procrastination! And it did something unique as if driven by its own oblique strategy…AI did come out with a list of things that can inspire a totally new direction of creative exploration and I have put the list here, hope it can inspire some unique form of creations!

Make a symphony using only rubber bands and tin cans.
Draw your emotions as if they were topographical maps.
Write a story where the main character speaks only in haikus.
Create a new language using only musical notes as letters.
Visit a nearby forest, and let the sounds of nature compose your next piece.
Compose a piece using only the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Reinterpret a classic painting as a dance performance.
Design a sculpture using found objects from a walk through your neighborhood.
Make a meal inspired by your favorite song, focusing on flavors and textures.
Write a song using only words you’ve never used before.
Observe the movement of clouds, and use their shapes to tell a story.
Develop a new type of percussion instrument using household items.
Write a script for a silent movie.
Create an art piece using shadows and light.
Pick five random objects and create a story connecting them.
Choose a historical event and write an alternative ending.
Use the Fibonacci sequence to structure your next poem or song.
Create a dance inspired by the movement of animals in the wild.
Compose a piece of music using only non-musical sounds.
Design a wearable art piece made entirely of recycled material!
Translate a conversation between animals into a human dialogue.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the patterns of a kaleidoscope.
Write a story where the words must be read in reverse order.
Invent a new musical genre inspired by a specific scent.
Create a painting using only your feet to apply the paint.
Compose a song with lyrics that can be read as a palindrome.
Develop a board game based on the solar system.
Create a piece of art using only shadows cast by objects.
Write a screenplay where characters communicate solely through gestures.
Make a sculpture using only materials that float on water.
Use your non-dominant hand to create a self-portrait.
Write a poem inspired by the rhythm of raindrops.
Create a dance based on the movement of objects in a washing machine.
Write a song with lyrics that follow the pattern of a chess game.
Design an architectural structure based on the shape of a seashell.
Create a painting inspired by the sound of your favorite instrument.
Write a story where every sentence begins with the next letter of the alphabet.
Compose a piece of music with a random sequence of time signatures.
Design a fashion collection inspired by the colors of the rainbow.
Create a collage using only images of your favorite food.
Write a poem using only words from your favorite song lyrics.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the movement of the planets.
Create a stop-motion animation using only origami figures.
Design a musical instrument that can only be played with your feet.
Write a play where all characters speak in different languages.
Create a piece of art using only your body as a paintbrush.
Compose a song using only samples from nature sounds.
Write a story set in a world where gravity has been reversed.
Design a series of sculptures that can only be appreciated underwater.
Write a screenplay where the protagonist never speaks.
Create a mosaic using only buttons and beads.
Choreograph a dance that represents the growth of a plant.
Write a poem inspired by the phases of the moon.
Develop a new type of painting technique using unconventional tools.
Create a textile design inspired by the patterns of a coral reef.
Write a story where all characters have synesthesia.
Compose a piece of music using only found sounds from a construction site.
Design a series of sculptures that change shape based on the viewer’s perspective.
Create a painting using only dots and lines.
Write a novel where the main character has no memory of their past.
Choreograph a dance that mimics the flight patterns of birds.
Write a song inspired by the texture of a specific fabric.
Design a series of public art installations based on local urban legends.
Create an art piece using only recycled electronics.
Compose a piece of music with no repeating melodies or rhythms.
Write a story where the protagonist can communicate with inanimate objects.
Design an art installation that can only be experienced in complete darkness.
Choreograph a dance based on the movement of water.
Write a poem where each line is a question.
Create a sculpture using only materials that change color with temperature.
Create a painting using only the colors of your favorite emotion.
Write a story where each character represents a different element of nature.
Compose a song inspired by the life cycle of a star.
Design a wearable art piece that reacts to sound.
Choreograph a dance that incorporates sign language.
Create a stop-motion animation using food as the characters.
Write a poem where each line is a different length.
Develop a new instrument that can be played by two people simultaneously.
Design a series of sculptures inspired by the five senses.
Create a painting using only shades of one color.
Write a story where the protagonist can only speak in metaphors.
Compose a piece of music with no fixed tempo.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of time.
Design a series of art installations that incorporate smell as a primary element.
Create an art piece using only materials that can be dissolved in water.
Write a poem with a hidden message that can only be seen when read in a mirror.
Develop a new form of dance that uses only one part of the body.
Create a painting inspired by the taste of your favorite dish.
Write a story where the characters only communicate through facial expressions.
Compose a piece of music where each instrument represents a different emotion.
Design an architectural structure based on the concept of a Mobius strip.
Create a sculpture that can only be appreciated by touch.
Write a screenplay where the main character can only move backwards.
Choreograph a dance that simulates the experience of weightlessness.
Create a painting using only natural materials as pigments.
Write a story where the protagonist can hear people’s thoughts.
Compose a song inspired by the concept of infinity.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that reflect various weather conditions.
Create a piece of art using only paper and scissors.
Write a poem where each stanza represents a different stage of life.
Develop a musical instrument that uses light as a source of sound.
Design a sculpture that incorporates living plants.
Create a painting inspired by the sound of laughter.
Write a story where the setting changes with each paragraph.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates spoken word.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the process of metamorphosis.
Create a stop-motion animation using only shadows.
Write a poem with lines that can be rearranged to create a new meaning.
Design a series of interactive art installations that challenge social norms.
Create a sculpture that casts unique shadows depending on the light source.
Write a story where the protagonist has multiple personalities.
Compose a piece of music that imitates the sound of various weather events.
Design an architectural structure that moves with the wind.
Create a painting using only materials found in nature.
Write a screenplay where the main character can only speak in song lyrics.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of chaos.
Create a piece of art using only mirrors and reflections.
Write a poem that incorporates mathematical equations.
Design a series of sculptures that emit sound when interacted with.
Create a painting using only your breath to apply the paint.
Develop a platform that connects artists with mentors in their field to provide guidance and feedback on their work.
Create a website that offers a wide range of digital tools and resources for artists, including design software and tutorials.
Launch a mobile app that allows users to collaborate on creative projects in real-time, providing a space for artists to share ideas and work together.
Organize a creative writing competition that encourages participants to submit their work for a chance to be published.
Develop an AI-powered tool that analyzes users’ creative work and provides personalized feedback to help them improve.
Launch a creativity-focused podcast series that interviews successful artists and creatives from different industries, offering insights into their creative process and inspirations.
Host a creativity conference that brings together professionals from different fields to share their knowledge and inspire new ideas.
Create an online marketplace for artists to sell their work directly to buyers, providing a space for artists to promote and monetize their creations.
Develop a virtual art gallery that showcases the work of emerging artists from around the world, providing them with a platform to share their work with a wider audience.
Launch a creative writing mentorship program that connects emerging writers with established authors to provide guidance and support.
Write a story where the protagonist can manipulate time.
Compose a piece of music inspired by the stages of sleep.
Design a series of art installations that evoke specific emotions.
Create a sculpture that interacts with its environment.
Choreograph a dance that explores the concept of balance.
Write a screenplay where the dialogue consists only of single-word exchanges.
Create a painting that can only be seen in ultraviolet light.
Develop a musical instrument that uses water as a sound source.
Design a wearable art piece that reflects the wearer’s emotions.
Write a poem using only words that have a specific number of syllables.
Create a piece of art that changes its appearance depending on the viewer’s distance.
Choreograph a dance inspired by molecular structures.
Write a story where the setting is constantly shifting.
Compose a piece of music that explores silence as a central theme.
Design a series of sculptures that grow and evolve over time.
Create a painting inspired by the motion of waves.
Write a screenplay where the main character can control their dreams.
Develop a new form of dance that incorporates acrobatics.
Create a stop-motion animation using only natural elements like rocks, leaves, and water.
Write a poem that can be read both horizontally and vertically.
Design a series of interactive art installations that rely on the audience’s participation.
Create a sculpture that appears to defy gravity.
Write a story where the protagonist can communicate with plants.
Compose a piece of music that explores the concept of randomness.
Choreograph a dance that mimics the motion of tectonic plates.
Create a painting that can only be viewed through a specific lens or filter.
Write a screenplay where the main character experiences multiple realities.
Design an architectural structure inspired by the human body.
Create a piece of art using only ice as a medium.
Write a poem that explores the concept of opposites.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played through body movement.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that react to the wearer’s body temperature.
Create a sculpture that changes shape based on its surroundings.
Write a story where the protagonist can only experience life in reverse.
Compose a piece of music that uses extreme dynamic contrasts.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the behavior of subatomic particles.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific sound.
Write a screenplay where the main character can only communicate through written words.
Design a series of art installations that incorporate taste as a primary element.
Create a piece of art that relies on the viewer’s interpretation to take shape.
Write a poem that alternates between two distinct voices or perspectives.
Develop a new form of dance that combines elements of various dance styles.
Create a stop-motion animation using only clay and found objects.
Write a story where the protagonist has the ability to change their appearance at will.
Compose a piece of music that mimics the structure of a specific natural landscape.
Design a sculpture that represents the stages of human evolution.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific emotion.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the four seasons.
Write a screenplay where the main character can manipulate the emotions of others.
Design an architectural structure that constantly changes its shape.
Write a story where the protagonist can perceive the future through their dreams.
Compose a piece of music inspired by the sensation of touch.
Design a series of art installations that use augmented reality.
Create a sculpture that incorporates kinetic energy.
Choreograph a dance that interprets the passage of time.
Write a screenplay where the main character can only communicate through body language.
Create a painting that uses optical illusions to convey depth.
Develop a musical instrument that requires teamwork to play.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that incorporate technology.
Write a poem using only the titles of your favorite books.
Create a piece of art that transforms under specific lighting conditions.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the movement of celestial bodies.
Write a story where the protagonist can transfer their consciousness into different bodies.
Compose a piece of music that tells a story without lyrics.
Design a sculpture that represents the stages of psychological development.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific memory.
Write a screenplay where the main character can control the elements.
Develop a new form of dance that explores the concept of duality.
Create a stop-motion animation using only sand and water.
Write a poem that incorporates the lyrics of a famous song.
Design a series of interactive art installations that challenge the concept of reality.
Create a sculpture that generates sound as it moves.
Write a story where the protagonist is an artificial intelligence.
Compose a piece of music that uses unconventional time signatures.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific scent.
Write a screenplay where the main character can control their age.
Design an architectural structure inspired by fractal patterns.
Create a piece of art using only materials that can be found in a kitchen.
Write a poem that explores the concept of paradox.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using the power of thought.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that symbolize different emotions.
Create a sculpture that appears to be constantly moving.
Write a story where the protagonist can teleport to different locations.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates the use of silence.
Choreograph a dance that reinterprets a famous historical event.
Create a painting that represents the idea of growth and change.
Write a screenplay where the main character can read minds.
Design a series of art installations that use virtual reality.
Create a piece of art that can only be experienced through touch.
Write a poem that incorporates the words of a famous speech.
Develop a new form of dance that combines elements of different sports.
Create a stop-motion animation using only string and wire.
Write a story where the protagonist can alter their surroundings at will.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates ambient noise from various locations.
Design a sculpture that represents the idea of unity.
Create a painting that conveys the passage of time.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Write a screenplay where the main character can manipulate matter.
Design an architectural structure that adapts to its environment.
Write a story where the protagonist can perceive the emotions of others.
Compose a piece of music inspired by the concept of space travel.
Design a series of art installations that explore the human senses.
Create a sculpture that incorporates found objects from nature.
Choreograph a dance that visualizes the process of cellular division.
Write a screenplay where the main character can manipulate their environment.
Create a painting that represents the interconnectedness of life.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played remotely.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that symbolize different cultures.
Write a poem using only the lyrics of your favorite songs.
Create a piece of art that relies on the viewer’s physical interaction.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the process of photosynthesis.
Write a story where the protagonist can travel between alternate realities.
Compose a piece of music that represents a journey through different emotions.
Design a sculpture that visually represents a specific sound.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a dream.
Write a screenplay where the main character can control the outcome of events.
Develop a new form of dance that explores the concept of vulnerability.
Create a stop-motion animation using only found objects from your surroundings.
Write a poem that incorporates words from different languages.
Design a series of interactive art installations that simulate different ecosystems.
Create a sculpture that appears to change size depending on the viewer’s position.
Write a story where the protagonist can communicate with the past.
Compose a piece of music that imitates the sounds of different animals.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of perpetual motion.
Create a painting that represents the cycle of life and death.
Write a screenplay where the main character can experience multiple timelines.
Design an architectural structure inspired by optical illusions.
Create a piece of art using only materials found in a workshop or garage.
Write a poem that explores the concept of transformation.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using only one finger.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that represent different aspects of nature.
Create a sculpture that appears to levitate.
Write a story where the protagonist can experience the lives of others.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates elements from different musical styles.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of symmetry.
Create a painting that conveys a sense of motion.
Write a screenplay where the main character can interact with their past selves.
Design a series of art installations that challenge the concept of perception.
Create a piece of art that can only be experienced through hearing.
Write a poem that incorporates a specific color as a central theme.
Develop a new form of dance that combines elements of various art forms.
Create a stop-motion animation using only the pages of a book.
Write a story where the protagonist can merge with their surroundings.
Compose a piece of music that evokes the feeling of nostalgia.
Design a sculpture that represents the idea of balance.
Create a painting that captures the essence of silence.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of rebirth.
Write a screenplay where the main character can manipulate their own memories.
Design an architectural structure that can be assembled and disassembled with ease.
Write a story where the protagonist can manipulate the size of objects.
Compose a piece of music inspired by the concept of gravity.
Design a series of art installations that explore the relationship between light and shadow.
Create a sculpture that visually represents a specific emotion.
Choreograph a dance that conveys the idea of interconnectedness.
Write a screenplay where the main character can influence the decisions of others.
Create a painting that represents the complexity of the human mind.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using only one’s breath.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that represent different historical periods.
Write a poem using only the first and last letters of each line to form a message.
Create a piece of art that can be experienced through multiple senses.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the process of evolution.
Write a story where the protagonist can move objects with their mind.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates found sounds from nature.
Design a sculpture that visually represents a specific memory.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific place.
Write a screenplay where the main character can speak multiple languages fluently.
Develop a new form of dance that explores the concept of space.
Create a stop-motion animation using only the movement of water.
Write a poem that incorporates the names of stars and constellations.
Design a series of interactive art installations that use technology to create immersive experiences.
Create a sculpture that appears to be suspended in mid-air.
Write a story where the protagonist can manipulate the colors of their surroundings.
Compose a piece of music that represents the idea of growth.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of energy.
Create a painting that represents the idea of harmony.
Write a screenplay where the main character can shape-shift into different forms.
Design an architectural structure inspired by the concept of motion.
Create a piece of art using only materials that can be found in a garden.
Write a poem that explores the concept of identity.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using only one’s feet.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that represent different emotions.
Create a sculpture that appears to change shape depending on the angle it’s viewed from.
Write a story where the protagonist can control the weather.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates the sounds of the human body.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of harmony.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific taste.
Write a screenplay where the main character can walk through walls.
Design a series of art installations that explore the concept of memory.
Create a piece of art that can only be experienced through smell.
Write a poem that incorporates the rhythm of a specific heartbeat.
Develop a new form of dance that combines elements of theater and performance art.
Create a stop-motion animation using only the movement of light and shadow.
Write a story where the protagonist can enter the minds of others.
Compose a piece of music that represents the idea of change.
Design a sculpture that represents the concept of infinity.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific texture.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of contrast.
Write a screenplay where the main character can manipulate time.
Design an architectural structure that can change its appearance based on environmental conditions.
Write a story where the protagonist can experience life through the eyes of animals.
Compose a piece of music inspired by the concept of chaos and order.
Design a series of art installations that explore the idea of perception.
Create a sculpture that responds to changes in temperature.
Choreograph a dance that symbolizes the concept of resilience.
Write a screenplay where the main character can merge with technology.
Create a painting that represents the idea of cycles in nature.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using only one’s voice.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that represent different aspects of human behavior.
Write a poem using only palindromes.
Create a piece of art that can be experienced through vibrations.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of paradox.
Write a story where the protagonist can hear the thoughts of others.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates the sounds of different modes of transportation.
Design a sculpture that visually represents a specific historical event.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific time of day.
Write a screenplay where the main character can alter the laws of physics.
Develop a new form of dance that explores the concept of freedom.
Create a stop-motion animation using only reflections.
Write a poem that incorporates the structure of a specific DNA sequence.
Design a series of interactive art installations that challenge the concept of boundaries.
Create a sculpture that appears to change color depending on the viewer’s perspective.
Write a story where the protagonist can manipulate their own senses.
Compose a piece of music that represents the idea of interconnectedness.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of balance in nature.
Create a painting that represents the idea of perspective.
Write a screenplay where the main character can experience the future through their dreams.
Design an architectural structure inspired by the concept of adaptability.
Create a piece of art using only materials that can be found in a bathroom.
Write a poem that explores the concept of time.
Develop a musical instrument that can be played using only one’s mind.
Design a series of wearable art pieces that represent different natural phenomena.
Create a sculpture that appears to be in a state of constant motion.
Write a story where the protagonist can control the growth of plants.
Compose a piece of music that incorporates the sounds of different ecosystems.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of metamorphosis.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific feeling.
Write a screenplay where the main character can control the behavior of animals.
Design a series of art installations that explore the concept of transformation.
Create a piece of art that can only be experienced through the sensation of touch.
Write a poem that incorporates the concept of motion.
Develop a new form of dance that combines elements of visual art and music.
Create a stop-motion animation using only the movement of air.
Write a story where the protagonist can manipulate the emotions of others.
Compose a piece of music that represents the idea of expansion and contraction.
Design a sculpture that represents the concept of duality.
Create a painting that captures the essence of a specific word.
Choreograph a dance inspired by the concept of cycles.
Write a screenplay where the main character can experience the past through their dreams.
Design an architectural structure that can change its function based on the needs of its inhabitants.

This man SP can awaken dead bodies!

*The steps, the lake and log of wood-please avoid looking at the ugly building!*

Steven Pressfield, the man can certainly do what I have described in the title! I am writing this aftet the freshest attack of creative insight that took me over entirely on this Sunday morning when I am at this lake in the city that I reside in as part of my morning routine! Here I am, painting the log of wood that is part submerged and part revealed and I suddenly felt compelled to capture it using Concepts app on Iphone using a cheaper version of digital pen that I obtained from local electronic hub!

While embarking upon the circular trajectory paved around the lake, I just turned on the audiobook of Steven Pressfield’s ” The war of Art” plugging in “nothing” earbuds(nowadays nothing is a thing, such a beautiful world wevare living in!) I was negotiating the “resistance” part that the author describes so elaborately and it dawns upon us before it is too late in life that most of the non creative activities that we see humans including us indulging in, are merely various embodiments of “resistance” to just sit and do the creative work that we have been utting off! the fact that I was seen sitting on the steps of the lake and painting the previously described scene after my very first round around the lake points to the effect this audiobook had on me! To top it all, I felt the immediate urge to express this in the blog I am typing using Hanx Writer keys on my phone!

Just get hold of this book/ audiobook by SP and get the artist out of the cororate cupboard that you have been hiding him/her in!

Later in the day…… Having published this blog, and having picked up some fish for the family, cooked it myself, lunch, rest, reading more of Pressfield, here I am down at the small park in the building complex with my daughter waiting for her friends, I am back on my magical bench again(I have written about this bench in my earlier blog on magic of morning routine) without even initiating anything, almost effortlessly, I again opened my Concepts app and drew the stone floor, grass and a dry leaf in front of me! Work in progress but sharing it here to show the impact of this book on me- re igniting the fire!

*WIP felt good, have I found my muse again?*

Ever tried Hanx writer?….

*Integrated Hanx Writer as my default keyboard and writing is so much fun again!*

This is an IOS app that mimics the sound and feel of real life typewriters! In fact I am writing this with Hanx writer as my default keyboard and believe me its fun!

I wondered as you also would, what is this link with Hanx? You have guessed it right, It does have its link with Tom Hanks, the legend! He talks about “ Percussive quality to writing…” Precisely the point, and very poetically described! One does feel the poetic aspect of writing while ising this app!

Tom Hanks has written this collection of stories titled ” uncommon type” which I came to know just now while looking into his connection with this app, and my next adventure will surely be reading his book! I have pointed out time and again in my blogs how you come across these interesting side stories hidden behind the main content that one is exploring and thats more fum than the main content as it opens out these lateral directions for further creative indulgence!

Two Interviews…..one personality-Emad Mostaque

Just sample this: “ Two GB file which has compressed the entire database of images on internet and it can re create images as per your prompt without internet!” If this is not pathbreaking then nothing else is! Oh there is… “ Generative Spotify!” Emad is on fire here! “We have finally figured out how computers can compress information into knowledge!”

Two interviews with Emad Mostaque on YouTube and you will get the gist of where the humanity is heading to in terms of future of technology which is already here in the form of chatGPT and Stable Diffusion! Very interesting to note the origins of Stable Diffusion as Emad mentions in the interviews, was in many ways with how he dealt with one health issue in his family as a father. Keeping such a profound technology open source is simply incredible decision, and humanitarian looking at the implications.

In my personal view these two are the most important interviews of the times that we are living in and really sets the agenda for what we are about to witness( we are already part of this future as chatGPT and Stable Diffusion are already available and millions are using it!)

Quincy Jones: 12 Notes on life and creativity

*Inseparable Music, singing, moves and the extravagant spectacle!* Quincy and Michael!

Another precious audiobook that I am listening to currently. Quincy Jones in many ways is the creator of modern pop sound through his work with Michael Jackson! I was initiated into this mesmerising world of unbelievably nuanced and at the same time impactful music when I held the audio cassette of ‘Bad’ in my hand! ‘ Man in the mirror’ being the outright favourite due to unbelievable singing skills on display by Michael Jackson and the music millions of notches ahead of anything that was being dished in the name of music around me in those days! It was the creative upper limit of music to my impressionable mind! I must say this raising of the bar of musical appreciation was Quincy and Michael’s gift to my life, as from that point onwards I had very clear distinction between what I liked and what I disliked musically!

This audiobook becomes one of the most valuable gifts that I could have given myself which could unravel the mystery for me as to how an individual can come up with so many unique sounds that set the tone for an entire industry! As it was expected, Quincy divides this into chapters titled after 12 musical notes starting from A then A# and so on…. I am currently at the point where he describes how the pain of his childhood years got translated into creativity becoming his outlet of expression and music becoming his mother!

Please do yourself a favour that you will never regret, get a copy of this audiobook or Hardcover/ Kindle version of this book and lose yourself in the mesmerising world of Quincy’s genius once again!

Rekindle the spark! Visit a book store!

There are not many left but still, visit the ones that are left in your vicinity! I just did and it did feel great!

Decided to visit this bookstore perched atop a foodcourt on a busy express highway! And it yielded dividends beyond imagination! Have you experienced this pull towards purchasing physical version of book even when you have the same title in your kindle library? I fought my instincts for a while and then gave in, purchased a few, nothing beats the smell of old pages of a book, except for the smell of first rain on earth!

I met a hero at this bookstore! This single event made this entire trip one of the most valuable Sunday morning drives ever! I was holding in my one arm a few books that I had shortlisted and was searching for more using my other hand. There appears this store assistant seemingly out of nowhere and asks me, “Sir, shall I pick up your books?” I looked at him and my eyes welled up with tears instantly! Here was this man whose one arm was stunted beyond the wrist and he was confidently offering to help me, I immediately felt pity for people like us who have all the faculties working perfectly and we still cannot do things that we have the potential to do! That’s how I met my hero today at this book store which made my day and life special with induction of this new meaning into it!

Sound, Smell and nostalgia!

This song really haunts me at times,

“I’m going back someday,

come what may, to Blue Bayou

Where the folks are fun and the world is mine on Blue Bayou

Where those fishing boats with their sails afloat

If I could only see

that familiar sunrise Through sleepy eyes,

how happy I’d be”

Linda Ronstadt lends her nostalgia evoking voice to this Roy Orbison original and she ensures that she imparts this feeling of longing and overwhelming desire to go back to the place where we will see some faces brightening on seeing us…

In the name of creating a career, better future and a place under the sun, many of us have had to remain away from their native places for longest of times! A question always remains whether we belong here, however hard we may try! When will be most opportune time when one can go back to the place where “ we will see that familiar sunrise through sleepy eyes!” As the song goes on….

Have you ever had a chance to notice that many fond memories have this clear link with particular smell and sound of the place! Smell of the first rain in one’s native village or sound of crickets at night which we miss in cities, evoke beautiful memories of childhood or vacation trips to the hometown! I had always wondered whether these smells could be recreated to evoke these fond memories and I was startled to come across a YouTube documentary that outlined this perfume industry based out of a town in northern India, Kanauj- Known as the perfume capital of India, that has still retained the skill sets for this amazing feat of recreating and storing the fragrance of first rain on earth!

The smell of first few raindrops falling on earth is tangible now!

I have always wondered, just like we can capture an image of a place and also the sound, why couldn’t the technology evolve enough to also capture the fragrance of the space being captured? There certainly must have been a lot of experiments done that we may not know of. On searching online, following are the two examples of such a research that jumps out from the rest:

One example of a device that can capture and reproduce smells is the Cyrano device, developed by the company Vapor Communications. Cyrano is a small, handheld device that uses scent cartridges to produce a wide range of smells, which can be customized and combined to create different scents. However, this device does not actually capture smells from the environment, but rather uses pre-made scent cartridges.

Another example is the oPhone, which is a device that uses scent cartridges and an accompanying app to allow users to send and receive scented messages. However, this device has limited functionality and is not widely available.

The fragrance of various events in life and the sound that accompanies them, actually form the soundtrack of our life! Did you notice I classified sound and smell in the same category, this is because as per recent research in Quantum mechanics, receptors in our nose actually detects vibrations of various molecules forming the smell! Have plans to outline this in proposed future blogs of mine!

I asked bing AI……how can I self publish a book from my blog

Here’s the ‘bing AI’ answer!

That’s a great dream to have! Self-publishing a book from your blog posts can be a rewarding and profitable way to share your expertise and passion with the world.

There are many steps involved in turning your blog posts into a book, but here are some of the main ones¹²³:

Decide on the topic and purpose of your book. What is the main idea or message you want to convey? Who is your target audience? How will your book benefit them?
Pull all pre-existing content related to the topic from your blog. You can use tools like WordPress Exporter or BlogBooker to download your blog posts as PDFs or Word documents.
Create a rough layout of the book. Arrange your blog posts into chapters and sections based on their relevance and logical flow. You can use tools like Scrivener or Google Docs to organize your content.
Craft new text to fill in the gaps. You may need to write new introductions, conclusions, transitions, summaries, or additional information to make your book coherent and complete. You can also update or revise any outdated or inaccurate information from your blog posts.
Edit for quality and consistency. Make sure your book has a clear and consistent tone, style, voice, and format throughout. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and factual errors. You can use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to help you with editing.
Design a cover and format your book. Choose a catchy title and subtitle for your book that capture its essence and appeal to readers. Create an attractive cover that reflects your brand and genre. You can use tools like Canva or BookBrush to design your cover. Format your book according to the specifications of the platform you want to publish on (e.g., Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing).
Publish and promote your book. Upload your book file and cover image to the platform of your choice (e.g., Amazon KDP) and set up your author profile, description, keywords, categories, price, etc. Once approved by the platform (which may take up to 72 hours), you can launch your book and start promoting it on social media, email lists, blogs, podcasts, etc.

These are some of the basic steps involved in self-publishing a book from blog posts¹²³. Of course,
there are more details and nuances that you may need to consider depending on
your specific situation.

If you want more guidance
and resources on how to self-publish a book from blog posts,
you can check out these websites:

Reedsy: https://blog.reedsy.com/blog-to-book/
GoDaddy: https://www.godaddy.com/garage/how-to-turn-blog-to-book/
Mostly Blogging: https://www.mostlyblogging.com/blog-to-book/

I hope this helps you achieve
your dream of self-publishing a book from blog posts!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 27/2/2023(1) 12 steps to turn blog posts into a book – GoDaddy Blog. https://bing.com/search?q=how+to+self+publish+a+book+from+blog+posts Accessed 27/2/2023.
(2) Blog to Book: How to Make Your Blog a Book, 4 Easy Ways. https://www.mostlyblogging.com/blog-to-book/ Accessed 27/2/2023.
(3) 12 steps to turn blog posts into a book – GoDaddy Blog. https://www.godaddy.com/garage/how-to-turn-blog-to-book/ Accessed 27/2/2023.
(4) How to Turn Your Blog Into a Book in 2023 – Reedsy. https://blog.reedsy.com/blog-to-book/ Accessed 27/2/2023.

Jacquard’s loom started IT and AI revolutions…..

There cannot be a better example of how creative ideas can emerge out of two seemingly unrelated concepts that get synthesized into a totally new and at times earth shattering inventions! Would you ever think or imagine that there could be a link between weaving industry and IT revolution transforming into AI revolution now! From this point onwards, this article is written by chatGPT with human intervention on the form of it!

*From weaving to computing…*.The scope and expanse of creativity actually encompasses the whole universe!

The Jacquard loom was a revolutionary invention in the textile industry, and its impact extended far beyond the world of weaving. Invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1804, the loom used punched cards to control the weaving process, allowing complex patterns to be produced quickly and easily. This automation of the weaving process paved the way for modern computing and artificial intelligence.

One of the most significant impacts of the Jacquard loom was on the textile industry. The mass production of complex patterns and fabrics became possible, lowering the cost of textiles and making them accessible to the general population. The loom’s automation also led to the development of new patterns and fabrics, which were previously impossible to produce by hand.

The concept of using punched cards to control a mechanical process was also significant in the history of computing. It laid the foundation for modern computing technology, as this concept was later adapted for use in early computers, such as the IBM 80 series. The Jacquard loom was one of the first machines to use punched cards, and its invention marked a significant step towards the development of computers.

The Jacquard loom also had an impact on artificial intelligence. The punched cards used by the loom contained instructions that the machine could interpret to create complex patterns. This concept is similar to how modern computers use algorithms to interpret data and perform tasks. The loom’s automation and use of instructions paved the way for the development of artificial intelligence.

Ada Lovelace was another figure who made significant contributions to the development of computing and artificial intelligence. She was a mathematician and writer who worked on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, a precursor to modern computers. Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for the Analytical Engine, which was designed to calculate Bernoulli numbers. Her algorithm was the first computer program ever written and laid the foundation for modern computer programming.

In conclusion, the Jacquard loom revolutionized the textile industry and paved the way for the development of modern computing and artificial intelligence. Its automation of the weaving process and use of punched cards set the stage for the development of early computers, and the loom’s impact on the textile industry made textiles more accessible to the general population. Ada Lovelace’s work on the Analytical Engine furthered the development of computing and artificial intelligence and laid the foundation for modern computer programming. The legacy of both the Jacquard loom and Ada Lovelace continues to inspire new generations of innovators today.

Kraftwerks: Revolutionary sound….

This was written in 2009!

Lately, the realization that I wouldn’t want to arrive at the end of my life and find nothing worth mentioning in the entire episode that would have just breezed past! Never too late to cultivate and nurture what one had loved to do as a child and left behind in the race of adults leading nowhere!

So, I have started making conscious attempts at bringing back the joy to my life. To start off, I began the search for the sounds that had captivated me as a child and one such sound was the electronic throbbing sound of “The Man Machine” by Kraftwerk. Frankly, I didnt know anything about these guys back then. I just used to put the cassette into the player and get amazed at the sound that was unlike anything that was produced during that time. How was I ever to know that after so many years I will have access to something equally amazing called ”You Tube” which answers all prayers in the form of search results and I got to see their performance and the sound that can awaken corpses out of their graves! ” Autobahn” is one mesmerizing track then there is this one called as ” Trans Europe Express”, simply amazing stuff apart from the ever enlightening ” The Man Machine”.

I own a synthesizer and hadn’t used it much despite the obvious inclination for music. Now I am using it along with Sonar 7 on my laptop to complete the circle. You tube did come to rescue again when it came to learning Sonar 7 and I am glad to say that the journey of self exploration is on and the best part is the uncertainty as to where it could take me. I strongly believe it will be towards something more exciting than mundanely paying bills and breathing polluted air!( This was written in 2009, and now I am using Reason Studios as my DAW, Sonar 7 parent company was acquired by Bandlab in 2018)

I must suggest this beautiful resource, in fact an analytical video of my most favourite Kraftwerks album “The Man Machine”

Doctor Mix really nails it! There cannot be a better tribute to Kraftwerk…