Now here's a GREAT example of a very effective ad. No art direction, and no bullshit. Just one big block of smart, insightfilled, factual copy that challenges the reader to think about what we as a country are doing - and why.

Source: Globe & Mail, May 4th edition (I think).

My Dad wanted to be a Master Cabinet Maker.

My father’s parents owned and operated a cabinet making business in Germany. Their work influenced his decision to become a Master Cabinet Maker. It took about eight years for him to be recognized as competent enough to do this kind of work. To do the relief carving you see here takes even longer – it’s a lifelong avocation.

When he came to Canada, after WW2, he had to reinvent himself, and did so by becoming a respected construction project manager.

I wanted to be a Business Project Manager.

His new profession influenced my desire to become a Business Project Manager. I went to Ryerson University for three years and apprenticed in the Advertising industry for about four years before I was given the kinds of roles and responsibilities that enabled me to become a respected Business Project Manager.

My son wanted to become a Large Aircraft Mechanic.

Ian's uncles were heavy equipment mechanics. They influenced his desire to become a large aircraft mechanic. Trade school, an apprenticeship and ongoing on-the-job-training have enabled him to achieve his goal. Elapsed time; 6 years and counting. 

Good work and craftmanship take time. You simply cannot “fake it it’ll you make it.” Especially when you’re servicing aircraft – like my son is.

I get antsy when I see Linked In “Top 10” lists, on how to become smarter, faster.

This one is a nice example of the latest top-10 iteration I’m seeing on social media.

This one promises to make you a better thinker in about 1½ hours. 

Wow . . . the path to eutopia has [finally] been found! 

If we all just take an hour a week, we can elevate humanity to the next level:

-  No more war.

-  No more hunger and grinding poverty.

-  No slavery.

A future filled with Peace, Love and Understanding can be ours.

But if 90-minute epiphanies really are possible, why is our world in such a mess?

Beware of the false prophets. Articles like those listed here might help frame your journey, but they are by no means a short-cut to wisdom.

I honestly wish they were.

AI art and copy are forms of creative expression that are generated by artificial intelligence systems. AI art and copy can include text, images, video, audio, and other types of media. However, the legal status of AI art and copy is NOT CLEAR and varies by jurisdiction and the circumstances of the creation.

AI art and copy may face some challenges in obtaining copyright protection for several reasons:

• AI art and copy are not created by humans, but by machines. In many countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, only human authors can claim copyright ownership of their works.
• AI art and copy are not original. The work is derived from existing data from various sources, such as the internet. This may include data that is already copyrighted by others.
• AI art and copy are not expressive, but mechanical. AI systems do not have creativity, intention, or emotion when they produce content. They simply follow the instructions and rules that are programmed into them. Therefore, some may argue that AI art and copy lack the artistic merit or value that is required for copyright protection.

However, there may be some exceptions or arguments in favor of protecting AI art and copy in certain cases:

• AI art and copy may be considered as joint works or works made for hire. If a human collaborates with an AI system to create content, or if a human commissions an AI system to create content for them, they may be able to claim some or all of the rights to the content as co-authors or employers.
• AI art and copy may be considered as transformative works or fair use. If an AI system uses existing data in a way that adds new meaning, purpose, or value to the original work, or if an AI system uses existing data for a limited and non-commercial purpose, such as education or research, they may be able to avoid infringement claims from the original rights holders.
• AI art and copy may be considered as public domain works or open-source works. If an AI system uses data that is freely available to the public, or if an AI system releases its content under a license that allows anyone to use it for any purpose, they may be able to avoid any legal issues regarding ownership or permission.

In summary, there is no definitive answer to whether AI art and copy can be protected by law, as it may depend on various factors such as the country, the context, and the content. It is advisable to consult a legal expert before using or creating AI art and copy to promote your products or services. 

Obituary  ::  Murray Lamont

June 19, 1925 - January 26, 2024

Murray was born in 1925 to Albert and Myra Lamont in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He lived a long, good life, and his memory will live on in all of those who knew him, loved him and celebrated him. He trained as a Lancaster bomber pilot in World War II, earning the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and then worked at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Baker-Lovick advertising in Toronto after the war. He was physically active throughout his entire life, playing basketball as a young adult, then later fishing, curling, golf, sailing, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. His bridge games were sharp and unconventional, winning him many tournaments. His travels led him and his wife to England, Ireland, former Yugoslavia, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, Hungary, Romania, and the Caribbean Islands. He involved himself in many causes in Thornbury, including the school lunch program, the potluck dinners at the church, and the Beaver Valley Probus Club events. His wit and sense of humour endeared him to his many collegues, friends and family. He approached every occasion with a sense of joy and anticipation.

Among his parting wishes he said, “I don’t mind dying. I just don’t want to be around when it happens.”

Jazz music, especially swing, was a big part of his entire life. There was always jazz music playing on his stereo and his vintage jazz records were a prized possession. He would crank up the jazz music at 10am on weekends to signal to his teenage sons that it was time for them to wake up, and for him to listen to jazz. Photography was also important to him; he always had the latest equipment and took thousands of pictures at business, family and vacation events. He was artistic and had a keen eye for composition. Murray is survived by Doreen Lamont, his wife of 70 plus years, as well as his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will all continue to cherish his memory. He loved children and especially enjoyed family time at home and at the many cottages he visited over the years. The family will gather for a private ceremony later in the year in Thornbury, Ontario, where he enjoyed many years of his retirement life. He will forever be remembered for his joyful spirit, his unwavering love, and the incredible positive effect he had on everyone he met. While he may no longer be with us in person, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. Please celebrate the life of this remarkable man, as we remember the laughter, love, and light he brought into the world.

Obituary  ::  Murray Lamont