Even though I bitch and moan about AI-generated content, the joke’s on me I guess, because I’ve actually incorporated it into my arsenal of writing tools at work.
ChatGPT, what’s the definition of a hypocrite?
I may have been dragged into the revolution kicking and screaming, but I have to admit, AI can be helpful at times. Like when I’m working on a topic I know nothing about, which is pretty often given TobacCo’s diverse range of manufacturing clients. Example: a client wanted an article on the environmental impact of portable track pin presses. I was like, portable what pin whats?! So, I fired up my AI chatbot and asked it, What are the environmental impacts of portable track pin presses? Within seconds, I had a pretty detailed summary that served as a great launching point. I was able to expand upon the information and churn out a well-written article in my own words.
That’s how AI works best for me: as a research tool. I can find information much more quickly than searching for it on Google, and I don’t have to wade through a lot of irrelevant crap to get there. Once I have an AI summary, I cross-check other reputable online sources to verify the info is correct and build upon the content provided. It’s pretty nifty.
I started out using ChatGPT, but my go-to nowadays is Bard. I find him much more efficient, from his name (one syllable versus four) on down to his no-nonsense responses. If ChatGPT and Bard went to a party, ChatGPT would be the long-winded pompous guy annoying everyone with his purple prose and delusions of grandeur. He’s the dude who brought the 2013 Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru (and won’t shut up about it). Meanwhile, Bard’s hanging out quietly in the corner, making idle chitchat while nursing his Bud Light.
I may be biased, though. Just for fun, I asked Bard the other day, Who wrote the book “No Time for Kings”? Without hesitation, he replied, Mark Petruska wrote the book “No Time for Kings.” Would you like to know more about the book?
Ooh, yes please!
No Time for Kings is a thriller novel by Mark Petruska. It was first published in 2001 and was a finalist for the Thriller Award. The novel follows the story of Rachel Sullivan, a newspaper reporter who is investigating a radical eco-terrorist group called Earth Fights Back. The group is responsible for a number of attacks on environmental targets, including the murder of a federal agent.
No Time for Kings is a suspenseful and exciting thriller that explores the complex and often dangerous world of eco-terrorism. It is also a story about one woman’s courage and determination to stand up for what she believes in. The novel was praised for its realistic portrayal of eco-terrorism, its well-developed characters, and its fast-paced plot. It was also noted for its environmental message, which warns of the dangers of unchecked environmental destruction. No Time for Kings is a great read for fans of thrillers, suspense novels, and environmental fiction. It is a thought-provoking and engaging story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Factual errors aside–NTFK was published in 2009, not 2001 (though it evolved from an earlier manuscript, Stabbing Nature, that was written in 2001), and was never a finalist for the nonexistent Thriller Award (it would have been an honor just to be nominated, though)–Bard really knows how to stroke a fella’s ego!
Naturally, I then asked ChatGPT the same question. His response?
I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find any information about a book titled “No Time for Kings” or its author in my training data, which goes up until September 2021. It’s possible that the book was published after that date, or it may be a less well-known or obscure title.
Geeze Louise, what an asshole. Is it any wonder Bard’s my favorite?
We had a surprisingly wet stretch of weather last week that gave us over 3″ of much-welcome rain. The sun finally broke out today, and I can’t believe how beautiful our yard looks!
All year long, we couldn’t wait to see what our property would look like come fall. It was well worth the wait…and in another week, it’ll look even more eye-popping!
To celebrate the end of the work week (and because we were too lazy to cook), we went out to dinner Friday evening at Bingg’s Farmstead Restaurant. This unassuming little place in the middle of nowhere, just a few minutes’ drive from Casa MarTar, looks like a ramshackle addition to someone’s home from the outside, but the interior is cozy and warm–total farmhouse vibe. And the food is incredible. A big step up from your typical bar grub. They don’t even have cheese curds on the menu, for cryin’ out loud! But they serve dishes like Kota Ellada Greek Chicken, Bulgogi Korean BBQ Beef, Cottage Pie, and Poutine. It’s a global mishmash that shouldn’t work but totally does.
The Goonies is an homage to their signature appetizer, a creamy crab rangoon dip served with crisp fried wonton triangles topped with sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. They took it off their menu once and people revolted.
(I can see why. It’s really good.)
The place was packed, slightly surprising given that it’s well off the beaten path. Best part of all? They spin records on a turntable and invite guests to bring their own. Next time we go, we’re totally rockin’ out to something from our collection.
Mark My Words 
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