One year after the liberation of Kherson, Ukraine, the city's residents remain defiant and hopeful. The podcast also explores the impact of artificial intelligence on celebrities, including the rise of the 'omni-star' and concerns about AI-generated content. Additionally, the dangers faced by birds in New York City due to glass buildings are discussed, along with legislation mandating bird-friendly practices.
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Quick takeaways
Life in Herston remains far from normal after Russia's retreat, with daily shelling causing fear and anxiety among the residents.
Contrary to the fears of artists, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to boost the status of the biggest celebrities, providing them with more opportunities and formats to satisfy the increasing demand from their fans.
Deep dives
Life in Herston, Ukraine, after Russian occupation
Despite Russia's retreat, life in Herston is far from normal. The city is still under constant attack, with daily shelling causing fear and anxiety among residents. The shelling, carried out by Russian forces across the Dnieper River, reminds the inhabitants that Herston remains a war zone. While some shops and restaurants are open, the city's population has significantly decreased due to the occupation and continuous attacks. Many people have left Herston to escape the shelling, although some remain defiant, believing in eventual victory.
The rise of omni-stars and the impact of AI on celebrities
Contrary to the fears of artists, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to boost the biggest celebrities' status. AI will allow them to be present in all markets and formats simultaneously, creating what is known as the omni-star. This technology enables AI-powered dubbing in foreign languages, digital Botox to make aging actors look younger, and even posthumous performances through voice rights acquisition. While concerns about copyright and likeness exploitation exist, history shows that the biggest stars often benefit from new technological advancements in the entertainment industry. AI is poised to provide more opportunities and formats for the top celebrities to satisfy the increasing demand from their fans.
New York City's efforts to become a bird-friendly city
New York City, along with other cities under the Atlantic Flyway migration route, has enacted legislation to address the danger to birds posed by glass windows and artificial lights. The city's recent regulations require new buildings and renovations to incorporate bird-friendly designs, such as including UV dots on glass surfaces to improve visibility for birds and reduce collisions. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which replaced its glass panes with bird-friendly alternatives, saw a 90% reduction in bird strikes. New York's initiatives have inspired other cities like Washington, D.C., and Maryland to implement similar laws. However, more efforts are needed to address existing buildings and additional challenges posed by artificial lights.
After a grinding and lethal eight-month battle, Ukraine’s forces retook the port city a year ago. Our correspondent visits, finding a populace both anxious and defiant. As with technological transformations that came before, the benefits of artificial intelligence will accrue disproportionately to the very stars who rail against it (10:22). And why New York is now safer—if you’re a bird (19:46).