Author: James Fishman

James Fishman has been involved in the world of online magazines for more than 15 years. He helped launch Sunstone Online and continues to improve the magazine as site editor and administrator. His writing focuses primarily business and technology. To be in touch with James, feel free to contact him at james[at]sunstoneonline.com.

AI: Artistic Evolution or Inauthentic?

AI is certainly a controversial topic for artists. Should it be incorporated into artistic work? Does it mean the artist has lost the authenticity of his or her work?

One famous artist is answering with a resounding no to AI being an issue. In his groundbreaking London exhibition, Takashi Murakami demonstrates how artificial intelligence has become a transformative tool in contemporary art. By reimagining Iwasa Matabei’s 17th-century epic “Rakuchu Rakugai Zu Byobu,” Murakami reveals AI’s potential as a collaborative artistic partner rather than a replacement for human creativity.

The 62-year-old artist embraced AI to reconstruct damaged sections of the historic artwork, engaging in an iterative dialogue with the technology. Through multiple rounds of refinement, Murakami and AI co-created a unique interpretation that blends traditional Japanese art with his signature pop aesthetics. His approach challenges the ongoing debate about AI’s role in creative industries, positioning the technology as a sophisticated tool for artistic exploration.

Murakami’s perspective stands in stark contrast to many artists who view AI with skepticism. He sees technological evolution as inevitable, drawing parallels to how digital design was once considered inauthentic but is now standard practice. By integrating AI into his meticulous restoration process, Murakami demonstrates that technological innovation can enhance, rather than diminish, artistic expression.

His work suggests that the future of art lies not in resisting change, but in creatively embracing technological collaboration. Some will definitely disagree – and the discussion will continue in many artistic locations around the world for years to come.

Quick Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. This can be a stressful time of year for many people. They may be hosting a lot of company, which is stressful for some. They may be sharing the holiday with contentious family and there can be heated debates. There may be political disagreements at this heated time. Or, perhaps there isn’t much family and people feel left out or lonely.

With all of this in mind, here are a few quick tips for enjoying the holiday more and keeping your sanity.

The Revival of the Physical Bookstore

Most of us probably assume that the brick and mortar bookstore is no longer a staple in most American cities. Stores like Amazon that allow for easy online shopping have taken away the allure of the brick and mortar store.

Interestingly, however, we would be wrong in this assumption. After a decade-long absence, Barnes & Noble has returned to its former multi-story location in Georgetown, Washington, DC. The bookstore giant’s revival of this flagship store is part of a larger expansion, with over 60 new locations opening this year. This growth reflects a dramatic turnaround since CEO James Daunt took the helm in 2018.

What has Daunt managed to do to revitalize these locations? His interesting strategy has seen him shifting focus from corporate-led inventory to local decision-making by store managers. This “books first” approach emphasizes curated selections tailored to each community, a sharp contrast to the chain’s previous one-size-fits-all model.

This transformation coincides with the rise of #BookTok, a TikTok subcommunity celebrating books. Barnes & Noble has embraced the trend, creating in-store BookTok displays and hosting engaging events like midnight releases and costume contests. These efforts have drawn younger audiences and boosted foot traffic, which has risen 7% since 2019.

The Georgetown store’s reopening symbolizes not just a return to physical spaces but a broader resurgence of interest in books. While competitors like Amazon Books have shuttered, Barnes & Noble’s renewed focus on the joy of reading proves that physical bookstores remain vital to communities and culture.

Beautiful & Unique Gemstones

When most of us think of buying expensive and important jewelry, we think of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. We probably don’t think about Spinels and Paraiba tourmalines…if we even know what those are.

Spinels and Paraiba tourmalines are definitely worth watching, however, and getting to know more about. Collectors and investors are turning to these niche stones not only for their beauty but also for their potential as appreciating assets, particularly as the “Big Four” gemstones continue to rise in price.

Spinels, found in countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, were once undervalued and mistaken for rubies until they were properly classified in the 18th century. These gems come in a range of colors—red, blue, pink, green, and purple—offering unique shades that appeal to connoisseurs. Notably, a red spinel ring that sold for £6,000 in 2016 was insured for £30,000 just a few years later, highlighting its rapid appreciation. A famous example, the Hope Spinel, fetched £962,500 at auction in 2015—over six times its estimated value—drawing attention to the gemstone’s untapped potential. Jennifer Tonkin of Bonhams, a leading auction house, noted the demand for “fire-engine red” spinels from Burma and rose-pink varieties from Tajikistan, which have become highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and depth of color.

Paraiba tourmalines, known for their electric turquoise hue, were discovered in Brazil in the 1980s. This vibrant color results from trace amounts of copper in the stone, and the gems are extremely rare, making them highly valuable. Some experts say that only one Paraiba tourmaline is mined for every 10,000 diamonds, emphasizing their exclusivity. As a result, prices have risen dramatically, reaching as much as $75,000 per carat for high-quality stones at auction houses like Bonhams. This rarity has sparked interest from collectors and designers alike, with Roberto Boghossian of the jewelry house Boghossian describing their neon-like appearance as a refreshing alternative to more traditional gemstones.

The appeal of these stones also extends to ethical considerations. Spinels, often mined on a smaller scale, pose fewer ethical concerns than other gemstones, making them attractive to consumers looking for responsibly sourced jewels. While not necessarily low in price, these choices may be worth exploring if you are an investor, collector, or lover of fine jewelry.

Surprising Sugar Findings – Parents Take Note

New research emphasizes the benefits of reducing sugar intake in young children, especially during the first 1,000 days after conception. A recent study published in Science shows that lowering sugar consumption in this critical period, from gestation through age two, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses later in life. Specifically, the findings suggest that children exposed to lower sugar intake early on have a 35% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure in adulthood.

The study examined data around the time when the UK lifted its World War II-era sugar rationing in 1953. Researchers noted a nearly twofold increase in sugar consumption after rationing ended, and a corresponding rise in metabolic diseases. The data, drawn from the UK Biobank, reveals a 30% decrease in obesity risk for those born during rationing, hinting at the long-term benefits of early dietary limitations.

Experts highlight that this early exposure to lower sugar levels can help prevent a “lifelong preference” for sweets. They suggest that by reducing added sugars, parents can influence children’s lifelong eating habits, modeling choices that emphasize moderation and healthier alternatives.

The article is certainly worth reading and the findings should give parents pause as they think about pregnancy and early child-rearing stages.

Top Halloween Costumes for 2024

Halloween is just around the corner. And this can create a lot of stress for parents who are racing to get their kids ready; and for party-goers who just don’t know what to wear. CNN has recently compiled a list of the most popular costumes for 2024, and perhaps it can save you time, if not money.

It’s interesting, in an election year, to see so few election-themed costume ideas here. It’s also interesting to see how media-heavy the choices are and how little the Olympics and other recent events have impacted the choices people make.

Here, according to CNN is the list. Get your sewing machine ready and have a great, safe holiday!

  1. Shrunken Head Bob, from “Beetlejuice”
  2. Raygun
  3. Catnap
  4. Delores, from “Beetlejuice”
  5. Pomni, from “The Amazing Digital Circus”
  6. Envy, from “Inside Out”
  7. Red, from “Descendants”
  8. Dr. Doom
  9. Sabrina Carpenter
  10. Lady Deadpool
  11. Chipotle burrito
  12. Anger, from “Inside Out”
  13. Disgust, from “Inside Out”
  14. Wolverine
  15. Anxiety, from “Inside Out”
  16. Delia Deetz, from “Beetlejuice”
  17. Gambit
  18. Dune
  19. Minion
  20. Shadow the Hedgehog
  21. Joy, from “Inside Out”
  22. Peely, from “Fortnite”
  23. Lydia Deetz, from “Beetlejuice”
  24. Soulja Boy
  25. Godzilla