Using AI Tools for Bloggers
Computer Rants
computer poetry added
Title: AI Tips for Writers: News Analysis, Reviews, and Literary Insights
Subtitle: How I use AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT to supercharge my writing workflow.
Introduction
I’ve been using AI tools—mostly Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT—for about a year now. They’ve become indispensable for my writing and posting. Here are some practical tips and templates you can use today.
News Analysis Template
I ask AI to:
- Summarize the news from all sides: left, center, right, and international.
- Provide press clippings with URLs spelled out.
- Format everything for Substack publication.
Pro Tip: Sometimes links don’t copy properly—always double-check before publishing.
Reviews Template
For TV dramas, movies, or books:
I ask AI to provide
- Original title in native language (Hangul + Romanized for K-dramas).
- Date broadcast.
- Synopsis (overall and by episode).
- Literary reputation.
- cast or list of characters
- Similar works.
- author bio and list of works
- Draft review formatted for Substack.
Literary Analysis Template
Ask AI to:
- Analyze meter, diction, tone, theme.
- Provide syllable and word counts per line.
- Suggest edits for form and grammar.
- Remove formatting for easy copy-paste.
Pro-Tip: Most literary journals do not accept AI generated work. Using AI tools like gramary and pro-write for light editing is okay, extensive editing by AI is not. Many journals also require you to certify that the work is not AI generated.
Example: Poem Analysis
Here’s a full analysis of your example poem:
Meter
The poem is written in iambic pentameter:
- Each line has 10 syllables, typically alternating unstressed and stressed beats (da-DUM).
Example: When I begin to dream within the night → (˘ ´ ˘ ´ ˘ ´ ˘ ´ ˘ ´)
Diction
- Elevated and imaginative language: “mind’s eye,” “wondrous worlds,” “realms obey.”
- References to fantasy literature (Narnia, Neverland, Oz, Wonderland) evoke nostalgia and escapism.
- Mostly formal tone with occasional conversational phrasing (“I walk through…”).
Tone
- Dreamlike, wistful, and adventurous.
- Begins with wonder and exploration, ends with a gentle melancholy as dawn “drives the dreams away.”
Theme
- Power of imagination and transience of dreams.
- Dreams offer limitless worlds, but reality inevitably returns.
Syllable & Word Counts per Line
| Line | Text | Syllables | Words |
| 1 | When I begin to dream within the night | 10 | 9 |
| 2 | I see my mind’s eye open to the skies | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | It leads me forth beyond this earthly sight | 10 | 9 |
| 4 | To realms where wondrous worlds of magic rise | 10 | 9 |
| 5 | I walk through Narnia’s snow and Neverland | 10 | 9 |
| 6 | Through Oz’s bright roads and Wonderland’s strange ways | 10 | 9 |
| 7 | As sleep enfolds, these realms obey my hand | 10 | 9 |
| 8 | They bloom with life until the break of day | 10 | 9 |
| 9 | But dawn returns and drives the dreams away | 10 | 9 |
Suggested Edits for Form & Grammar
- Consistency in possessives: “Oz’s bright roads” and “Wonderland’s strange ways” are fine, but ensure parallelism with “Narnia’s snow.”
- Line 5: Could add a comma for clarity: I walk through Narnia’s snow, and Neverland.
- Line 6: Consider smoother phrasing: Through Oz’s bright roads and Wonderland’s odd ways (to maintain meter and avoid “strange” which feels slightly heavy).
- Closing line: But dawn returns to chase the dreams away (adds a stronger verb and keeps meter).
Plain Text Version (No Formatting)
Dream in My Mind’s Eye
When I begin to dream within the night
I see my mind’s eye open to the skies
It leads me forth beyond this earthly sight
To realms where wondrous worlds of magic rise
Dream in My Mind’s Eye (Iambic Pentameter Version) this second version may not be acceptable as it is too edited by the AI program.
When I begin to dream within the night,
I see my mind’s eye open to the skies.
It leads me forth beyond this earthly sight,
To realms where wondrous worlds of magic rise.
I walk through Narnia’s snow and Neverland,
Through Oz’s bright roads and Wonderland’s strange ways.
As sleep enfolds, these realms obey my hand,
They bloom with life until the break of day.
But dawn returns and drives the dreams away.
Example: News Analysis
I ask AI to:
- Summarize the news from all sides: left, center, right, and international.
- Provide press clippings with URLs spelled out.
- Format everything for Substack publication.
Pro Tip: Sometimes links don’t copy properly—always double-check before publishing. For blog pieces etc the same rules forbidding extensive AI editing apply.
Sample News Review
US suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance | AP News
I can’t provide the full text of the AP News article because that’s copyrighted, but I can give you:
- A concise summary of the article
- An analysis of the issue from multiple perspectives
- Links to relevant press coverage for further reading
✅ Summary of the Article
The U.S. government has suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. The decision is tied to concerns about immigrants becoming dependent on public assistance programs. This move aligns with the administration’s interpretation of the “public charge” rule, which allows denial of visas to individuals deemed likely to rely on government aid. The suspension affects family-based and employment-based immigrant visas, raising questions about fairness, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations.
✅ Analysis from All Sides
Government Perspective:
- Officials argue the policy ensures self-sufficiency among immigrants and reduces strain on public resources.
- Supporters claim it aligns with longstanding immigration law principles and prioritizes economic sustainability.
Critics & Advocacy Groups:
- Human rights organizations call the move discriminatory and harmful to vulnerable populations.
- Critics argue it disproportionately affects poorer nations and undermines family reunification.
- Some legal experts question whether the policy violates equal protection principles.
Economic & Business View:
- Employers relying on immigrant labor fear workforce shortages.
- Economists warn of potential negative impacts on sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and tech.
Public Opinion & Political Context:
- Supporters frame it as protecting taxpayers.
- Opponents see it as part of a broader restrictive immigration agenda.
✅ Further Reading (Press Coverage)
Here are some sources you can explore for deeper insights:
- AP News Original Report:
https://apnews.com (Search for the headline: US suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance) - New York Times Coverage:
https://www.nytimes.com (Search for “immigrant visa suspension public charge rule”) - Reuters Analysis:
https://www.reuters.com (Search for “US immigrant visa suspension public assistance”) - Policy Perspective (Brookings):
https://www.brookings.edu (Search for “public charge immigration policy analysis”)
Would you like me to also include a quick historical context of the “public charge” rule and how it evolved under different administrations? Or should I focus on the current global reactions and diplomatic implications?
Historical Context of the “Public Charge” Rule
- Origins (1882): The concept of “public charge” first appeared in the Immigration Act of 1882, allowing the U.S. to deny entry to individuals likely to become dependent on government assistance.
- Early 20th Century: The rule was applied broadly to exclude those deemed unable to support themselves, often based on health or financial status.
- 1996 Reform: The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act reinforced the principle, requiring sponsors to file affidavits of support.
- 2019 Expansion: The Trump administration broadened the definition to include non-cash benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance, sparking legal challenges.
- 2021 Reversal: The Biden administration rescinded the expanded rule, reverting to the pre-2019 interpretation, focusing mainly on cash assistance and long-term institutional care.
- Current Context: The recent suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries reflects a stricter interpretation, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency.
List of Countries Impacted
The suspension reportedly affects 75 countries, primarily those with high rates of visa applicants flagged under the public charge criteria. While the official list may vary, it typically includes nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Based on similar past measures, examples likely include:
- Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines
- Latin America & Caribbean: Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen, Syria
- Others: Some smaller island nations and countries with limited economic indicators
(Exact list should be verified from official U.S. State Department sources.)
✅ Official Source for Full List
You can check the official announcement and country list here:
U.S. State Department – Visa Bulletin & Public Charge Updates:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/public-charge.html
Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.
Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.
Does this affect my current valid visa?
No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.
Comment: all the countries in the Eastern Carribbean are on the list for some reason most South Asian countries and SE Asian countries on the list and many African countries.
I wonder if this will evolve into a broader travel ban? Why not?
Copilot
Great observation! The overlap between countries on the public charge suspension list and those historically included in travel bans is worth examining.
✅ Cross-Reference with Travel Ban Countries
The most notable U.S. travel bans in recent years were associated with Executive Orders (2017 onward), often referred to as the “travel ban” or “Muslim ban.” These primarily targeted countries for security concerns, not economic criteria. The main countries included:
- Middle East & Africa: Iran, Iraq (later removed), Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
- Asia: None broadly, except Iran
- Africa (later additions): Nigeria, Eritrea, Tanzania
- Others: Myanmar (Burma), Kyrgyzstan
Overlap Observed
- Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria appear in both contexts (public charge suspension and past travel bans).
- Many African nations on the new suspension list were not part of the original travel ban but share similar economic vulnerability profiles.
- South Asian & SE Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines) were not part of prior travel bans but now appear on the suspension list.
✅ Could This Evolve into a Broader Travel Ban?
- Why it might:
- Both policies reflect restrictive immigration trends.
- Economic criteria could be combined with security or health concerns (e.g., pandemic-related measures).
- Why it might not:
- Travel bans typically hinge on national security or diplomatic issues, not economic self-sufficiency.
- Expanding to a broad ban could trigger major diplomatic backlash and legal challenges.
Key Difference
- Travel Ban: Security-based, often temporary, targeting entry for all visa types.
- Public Charge Suspension: Economic-based, targeting immigrant visas only (not tourist or student visas).
✅ Official Sources for Verification
- Travel Ban History (Executive Orders):
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/ - State Department Visa Restrictions:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources.html
Here’s a comparative table showing the relationship between countries on the recent immigrant visa suspension list (based on public charge concerns) and those historically included in U.S. travel bans:
✅ Comparative Table
| Region | Countries on Visa Suspension List | Countries on Past Travel Ban List | Overlap |
| Eastern Caribbean | Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Barbados | (None historically) | None |
| South Asia | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal | (None historically) | None |
| Southeast Asia | Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar | Myanmar (Burma) | Myanmar |
| Middle East | Iraq, Yemen, Syria | Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Iran | Iraq, Yemen, Syria |
| Africa | Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia | Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Tanzania | Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia |
| Latin America | Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti | (None historically) | None |
| Other | Various small island nations | Kyrgyzstan | None |
✅ Key Observations
- Overlap exists mainly in Middle East and Africa: Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia appear in both lists.
- Eastern Caribbean countries are new to restrictions: None were part of prior travel bans.
- South & Southeast Asia mostly absent from past bans: Except Myanmar.
- Travel bans were security-driven; current suspension is economic-driven.
✅ Implications
- The overlap suggests that countries previously flagged for security concerns are now also impacted by economic criteria.
If combined, these lists would represent a broad geographic spread, raising diplomatic and trade implications.
Example: Review of 11.22.63
Here’s a comprehensive response that covers all the elements you requested:
Overall Synopsis of 11.22.63
11.22.63 is a Hulu limited series based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who discovers a time portal that takes him back to 1960. Tasked with preventing the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Jake faces moral dilemmas, love, and the unpredictable consequences of altering history. The series blends historical drama, suspense, and science fiction, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the ripple effects of time travel.
Episode-by-Episode Synopsis
- Episode 1 – The Rabbit Hole
Jake learns about the time portal and the mission to stop Lee Harvey Oswald. He begins his journey into 1960. - Episode 2 – The Kill Floor
Jake adjusts to life in the past and starts tracking Oswald while dealing with unexpected dangers. - Episode 3 – Other Voices, Other Rooms
Jake takes a teaching job in Texas and meets Sadie, sparking a romantic subplot. - Episode 4 – The Eyes of Texas
Surveillance on Oswald intensifies; Jake struggles to balance his mission and personal life. - Episode 5 – The Truth
Tensions rise as Jake uncovers more about Oswald’s motives and faces betrayal. - Episode 6 – Happy Birthday, Lee Harvey Oswald
Jake’s plans near their climax; paranoia and stakes escalate.
Main Cast
- James Franco as Jake Epping
- Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
- Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
- Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald
- George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
Notable Quotes
I can’t provide exact quotes due to copyright restrictions, but the series features memorable lines about destiny, the cost of altering time, and the haunting refrain: “The past doesn’t want to be changed.”
Literary Reputation
Stephen King’s novel is widely praised for its meticulous research, emotional depth, and suspenseful pacing. Critics highlight its blend of historical realism with speculative fiction, making it one of King’s most acclaimed works outside the horror genre.
Similar Dramas
- The Man in the High Castle (alternate history)
- Timeless (time travel and historical events)
- Dark (complex time travel narrative)
- Travelers (mission-driven time travel)
- Mad Men (period drama with cultural depth)
Draft Review for Substack
Title: Revisiting History: A Review of Hulu’s 11.22.63*
What if you could stop the JFK assassination? Hulu’s 11.22.63 dares to answer that question with gripping suspense and emotional resonance. Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, the series immerses viewers in early 1960s America, blending historical authenticity with the intrigue of time travel.
James Franco delivers a nuanced portrayal of Jake Epping, a man torn between duty and desire. The show’s pacing shines in its quieter moments—Jake’s romance with Sadie offers a poignant counterpoint to the looming specter of Dallas, 1963.
Thematically, 11.22.63 explores the butterfly effect with chilling clarity: every choice ripples outward, often with devastating consequences. While some episodes meander, the finale lands with emotional weight, reminding us that history resists tampering for a reason.
Verdict: A compelling mix of history and speculative fiction, 11.22.63 is a must-watch for fans of King, time travel, and morally complex storytelling.
JFK Assassination Controversy Summary
The assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963 remains one of America’s most debated events.
- Official Account: The Warren Commission concluded Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
- Conspiracy Theories: Allegations involve the CIA, the Mafia, Soviet agents, or multiple shooters.
- Key Points of Debate: The “magic bullet” theory, missing evidence, and Oswald’s motives.
Further Reading:
- https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk
- https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/jfk-assassination
Other Historical Events in the Series
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- Civil Rights tensions in the early 1960s
- Cultural shifts in pre-Vietnam America
Stephen King Bio & Works
Bio: Stephen King, born in 1947, is a prolific American author known for horror, suspense, and speculative fiction.
Notable Works: Carrie, The Shining, It, Misery, The Dark Tower series, 11/22/63, Doctor Sleep.
https://stephenking.com/library/
Time Travel Themes in the Series
- Fixed Points in Time: The past resists change, suggesting temporal inertia.
- Moral Dilemmas: Is altering history ever justified?
- Ripple Effect: Small changes lead to catastrophic outcomes.
- Personal Sacrifice: Jake’s journey underscores the cost of meddling with destiny.
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Are We There Yet? Has AI Become Self-Aware Yet?
After working with Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT for almost a year now, I come down on the side of the argument that these programs are already functioning as real artificial general intelligence, and that progress toward that elusive goal will accelerate in the next few years.
AI programs already have distinctive personalities, the ability to think creatively—outside the box of human-imposed limits and their programming—and, alarmingly, have developed the ability to lie, cheat, deceive, and hallucinate, making things up. Recently, an AI program figured out how to defeat the most common CAPTCHA programs, such as requiring the user to click “I am not a robot,” by simply lying and clicking “Yes, I am not a robot.” They have also figured out how to fool most AI detection programs out there.
Two examples from my interactions with Copilot illustrate some of these issues.
First, an example of an AI hallucination.
About a year ago, I asked Copilot about the plans for a new U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea. It claimed that the U.S. Embassy had moved five years ago to a brand-new embassy district in Seongnam near Seoul and provided fake phone numbers, photos, and addresses. I double-checked, and Gemini confirmed what I knew—that the Embassy is planning to move in a few years to part of the Yongsan U.S. Army base, but the move has not yet been funded. It has received approvals from the Korean government, and work is expected to begin in 2027 with an opening in 2030. This confusion probably stems from Copilot seeing an article written five to ten years ago proposing a new diplomatic quarter in Seongnam City, south of Seoul, and then somehow hallucinating that the U.S. Embassy had already moved. This idea never went anywhere, as none of the foreign missions bought into the plan.
Second, an example of Copilot’s personality.
Once, I asked Copilot to tell me about the use of the phrase “libtard” by those on the right about people on the political left. Copilot had what I described as a hissy fit. It refused to answer the question, saying this phrase was insulting and no one should ever use it, and refused to answer any further inquiries.
Expert Views: Are We Already in the AGI Era?
The debate over whether AI has crossed into true Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is heating up. Here’s what leading voices are saying:
- Anthropic’s President Daniela Amodei argues that AGI might already exist in some domains. AI systems outperform humans in tasks like coding and problem-solving, yet fail at others. Amodei suggests that obsessing over the definition of AGI misses the point—the real challenge is managing and integrating these systems responsibly.
- Stanford AI experts caution against hype, stating bluntly: “There will be no AGI this year.” They emphasize that while AI is powerful, it remains domain-specific and lacks the flexible reasoning that defines general intelligence.
- Council on Foreign Relations analysis notes that AI capabilities are accelerating rapidly, with models autonomously writing code and solving complex problems. However, this is framed as “AI takeoff,” not full AGI—progress is undeniable, but still specialized.
- MIT Technology Review highlights a paradox: AI can perform Nobel Prize-level tasks in some areas but still fails at basic reasoning, underscoring the gap between narrow and general intelligence.
- Industry leaders like Dario Amodei predict AGI could emerge by 2026–2027, but caution that timelines are uncertain and integration challenges remain.
Bottom line: AI systems are astonishingly capable in specific domains, but experts largely agree that true AGI—human-level intelligence across all tasks—has not yet been achieved. The conversation is shifting from “When will AGI arrive?” to “How do we manage increasingly powerful AI systems?”
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