Why do this?

Turns out the riots aren’t a problem, but some arsehole threw tacks on the road right before the last climb of the day.

https://twitter.com/L_Calmejane/status/1675549208974176257?s=20

“Thank you for this kind of human bullshit… I don’t think I was the only victim of a puncture in the end… know that you can fall and get really hurt with your bullshit you morons…” 🤬

Will the riots in France cause problems for the Tour de France?

It is possible that the riots in France could affect the Tour de France. The race organizers have said that they are monitoring the situation and are prepared to adapt if needed. The race route largely avoids areas affected by the riots, but there is always the possibility that protesters could disrupt the race.

In the past, the Tour de France has been disrupted by protests on several occasions. In 2022, the race was stopped for 10 minutes by climate change activists. There have also been protests by farmers and other groups.

The race organizers are aware of the risks posed by protests and have taken steps to increase security. They have added two motorbikes to the peloton to help detect and deter protesters. They have also been in close contact with the French government and security forces.

It is too early to say for sure whether the riots will affect the Tour de France. However, the race organizers are taking the situation seriously and are prepared to adapt if needed.

On This Day in History

Jaws was released on June 20, 1975.

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” 🦈 🛥

The Dark Side of Generative AI for Photography and Art

Generative AI is a technology that can create realistic photos and art from text prompts or other inputs. It sounds like a fun and exciting way to unleash your creativity, but it also has some serious ethical and legal implications that you should be aware of.

One of the main problems with generative AI is that it relies on large datasets of existing images and text to learn from and produce new content. This means that it may use copyrighted or trademarked works without the permission or compensation of the original artists or owners¹. It may also create images that are too similar or derivative of existing works, violating the rights of the creators and devaluing their work.

Another issue with generative AI is that it blurs the definition and value of art. Art is supposed to be a human expression of creativity, emotion, and skill, but generative AI can produce images that are indistinguishable from human-made ones, or even surpass them in quality and speed⁴. This raises questions about the authenticity, originality, and meaning of art, as well as the role and responsibility of the artist³.

Generative AI also poses a threat to the integrity and credibility of photography and art. It can create fake or misleading images that can be used for propaganda, misinformation, or manipulation⁵. It can also erode the trust and appreciation of the audience, who may not be able to tell what is real and what is generated by an algorithm.

Generative AI is not inherently bad or evil, but it is a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil purposes. It can also have unintended consequences that may harm the artists, the industry, and the society. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks and challenges of using generative AI for photography and art, and to use it responsibly and ethically.

Happy Father’s Day Y’all

This Day in History

Nikki Haley said this about the Confederate flag and the Mother Emmanuel shooting.

“When I became governor, the Confederate flag was a defining issue for how a lot of Americans regarded South Carolina. I made a point, early on, of talking to both Republicans and Democrats to see if there was the political will to take the flag down once and for all. Members from both parties pushed back against the idea.”

“But the images of the Charleston killer with the Confederate flag changed all that. The Mother Emmanuel shooter had made sure that anyone who saw the Confederate flag would now think of the killer and the image of him holding it. Clearly, something had to be done.”

With All Due Respect
https://twitter.com/jasontromm/status/1669875773430194177?t=WvTEaS8HapAEqV6ZHg4pWQ&s=19

Flag Day

We celebrate Flag Day on June 14th because on that date in 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes for the flag of the United States¹. It was the first official design of the American flag, which has changed over time as new states joined the union⁵.

Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is a time to recognize the history and symbolism of the flag and display it with respect². The colors of the flag have meanings: red for valor and hardiness, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice⁶.

Free Repairs

Mattel has offered to fix the collapsed I-95 bridge in Philadelphia, for FREE!

This is a picture of a Hot Wheels loop de loop track in the middle of a highway.

A spokesman for the company said, “Who says you can’t have fun on the way to work?” 😎 🚙

The Battlefield Cross

The “Battlefield Cross” has been known by many names: the Fallen Soldier Cross, the Battle Cross, or Soldier’s Cross. The origin of the modern battlefield cross has roots in the American Civil War. After the conclusion of battle, soldiers would place their fallen comrades’ rifles, with bayonets fixed, into the ground. This was done to help in the burial process, serving as a marker for gravediggers. It also served as a way to memorialize friends that were lost in battle.