Perry's Pen
A showcase for George Perry's writing
Category: Review
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In 2010, the author captured a haunting image in New Orleans that evokes feelings about cancer diagnoses, particularly regarding loved ones. The unsettling, handwritten message on a weathered plywood door evokes deep reflection on loss and evictions. A conversation with Google Gemini led to intriguing insights about New Orleans, sparking further exploration.
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Carlo Rotella’s article discusses his efforts to minimize AI’s impact in classrooms, yet his methods raise concerns about student autonomy and privacy. His requirement for students to submit annotated notes creates pressure for conformity, potentially stifling genuine thought, while his insistence on verbal participation favors extroverted learners, excluding diverse cognitive styles.
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The N.Y.C. Mayoral debate highlighted Curtis Sliwa’s unique approach, termed the “Sliwa Doctrine,” utilizing Cat-Jitsu principles of submission, leverage, and emotional resonance. While other candidates focused on policies, Sliwa deftly redirected conversations, leveraging his persona as a cat dad and folk hero, showcasing how emotional connections outweigh traditional political tactics.
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The narrator recalls the 22nd anniversary of “THE Blackout,” a power outage originating in Ohio that left him stranded in Windsor. He describes feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability during the crisis, navigating closed tunnels and an overpriced hotel room. A memorable, albeit disappointing, meal leads to reflections on cultural connections amid chaos.
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David Johansen’s theatrical background enabled him to navigate his artistic roles with clarity, separating onstage personas from private life. In contrast, some musicians, including Morrissey and certain Canadian rock acts, struggle to maintain this distinction, which can lead to negative consequences. Authenticity in performance doesn’t necessitate a complete identity merge.
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During a baseball game delay, Bill Murray humorously criticized Canada’s national anthem, O Canada, calling it “goofy” and claiming its simplicity makes the U.S. anthem sound sophisticated. He suggested Canadians should voice their opinions on the anthem, showcasing his playful critique while enjoying the game atmosphere.
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In this post, George Perry recalls a 1991 Billy Bragg concert in Toronto, highlighting Bragg’s witty rants and topical lyric changes, including a nod to Wayne Gretzky. He also discusses the minimalist opening set by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and emphasizes the importance of paying musical heritage forward.
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The reviewer enjoyed the majority of “His Three Daughters,” praising Carrie Coon’s performance and the overall acting quality, particularly noting Natasha Lyonne’s award-worthy role. The film, resembling a play focused on storytelling, features three sisters in a NYC apartment. Despite a less favorable last third, it remains a recommended watch.
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The writer recounts a Sunday outing on the 11 bus in Toronto for advance voting and encounters a quirky harpist, nicknamed “Harpeux,” who engages passengers with music and French conversation. Despite appearing eccentric, possibly with mental health issues, his presence prompts reflections on life, art, and the unknown.
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This post compares results from Google Gemini and ChatGPT using the same prompt. Gemini created images with different emotions, while ChatGPT was closer to the intended idea. The writer encourages playing with AI to break prejudices and emphasizes that it can be both fun and educational. It ends with a caution about sulking Batman.
Perry's Pen 