Gute Leute – Wunderbar

Gute Leute is a coffee bar in Arlington, VA. The coffee they serve is amazing. They grind their own beans and have achieved a blend that packs huge taste without any hint of bitterness or acidity.

It all starts with a simple cup of espresso. This lets us as visitors get to know the house blend. It’s great

You can order individual drinks from the menu or they offer what they term as “courses”. In a course, a dedicated barista walks you through a special menu. The “special” and “signature” courses are different. Either is a great treat. And if you get hungry, they have a selection of pastries and hand-held treats.


The baristas are super knowledgeable and really make it point to help us a customers to learn while enjoying these special and unique coffee treats.

And when you get to the end of a course, there is quite a collection of cups and glasses. I look forward to visiting Gute Leute again and encourage anyone who enjoys coffee to make a reservation and do one of the courses.

Midjourney is Magnificent

Midjourney is magnificent – truly. I’ve been having a great time doodling with Midjourney. It is really easy and amazingly powerful. I especially like being able to work on my phone or my iPad or my computer seamlessly. And it is very easy to post-process images to make reels in Instagram.

So let me share some of my recent reels. And if you are interested, click on “View profile” and you can see all of the images and reels I’ve saved on Instagram

This first reel is “The Viking Horde Is Coming”. Hail Odin, it is going to be a very good day.

The next reel is one I put together for May 4th – the force be with you day. I really like the way the light sabers glow.

Playing with DALLE-2

I’ve been playing with AI graphics packages – mostly DALLE-2 and Midjourney. This has been tons of fun and some of my graphics are good enough to share. So, I hope you enjoy looking around and come back often as there will probably be new images posted.

/This set of images was done with DALLE-2.

QED. DALLE-2 is a lot of fun. It is amazingly powerful and can almost read you mind and you work on a series of images,

Playing in the extraordinary world of AI Art

AI art is everywhere these days. There is an almost infinite stream of AI artwork – a lot of which is really good. And the art generating software keeps getting better and better. I have played with Midjourney, DALL-E 3 and Imagine. You can even make AI Art in Microsoft Paint. Subscriptions are reasonably priced. Most packages are free or have a free option. 

Try this

And this

Prompting is maybe more art than science. In some cases fewer words are better. Other times it takes a very detailed prompt to get the image you seek. An interesting exercise is to run the same prompt in the various packages. Each package has its own strengths and personality. On occasion, the differences in the generated art can be quite significant.

I’ve been using this page to climb the learning curve on posting reels done in other packages into WordPress. So far, the results have been klunky but it works. 

Indulge in the Delightful History and Irresistible Taste of German Chocolate Cake

When it comes to classic desserts, few can match the rich, indulgent allure of German Chocolate Cake. Just hearing the name can make your mouth water. This iconic cake is a true masterpiece, combining layers of moist chocolate cake with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicious history of German Chocolate Cake, its intriguing origins, and share an easy recipe for you to try at home.

A German chocolate cake with one slice removed

The Irresistible Taste of German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake is a symphony of flavors and textures. The chocolate layers are moist, tender, and deeply chocolaty, serving as the perfect canvas for the creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty coconut-pecan frosting. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that has captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert enthusiasts around the world.

The Surprising Origins

Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake doesn’t have its roots in Germany. The cake is actually named after Samuel German, an American baker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate in 1852. This chocolate, known as “German’s Chocolate,” was originally used in the creation of the cake.

The recipe for German Chocolate Cake, as we know it today, was popularized by a 1957 issue of American Home magazine. A Texas homemaker submitted the recipe, which quickly gained nationwide attention. The use of sweet, flaky coconut and chopped pecans in the frosting added a unique twist to the traditional chocolate cake. The cake’s popularity soared, and it soon became a staple dessert in American households.

An Easy Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings

Now, let’s bring the magic of German Chocolate Cake into your kitchen with this straightforward recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large egg yolks

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes.

• Stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin. Pour evenly into prepared pans.

• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.

2. Make the Frosting:

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.

• Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

• Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature before using it to frost the cake.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

• Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

• If desired, garnish with additional pecans and coconut.

4. Enjoy!

Slice yourself a piece of this decadent delight and savor the rich, sweet, and nutty goodness of German Chocolate Cake.

A slice of German chocolate cake ready to be enjoyed.

German Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the joy of baking. Whether you’re indulging in a slice at a local bakery or trying your hand at making it yourself, this cake is a true classic that continues to win hearts with every bite.

The Tower of Babel: A Testament to Human Ambition and the Diversity of Languages

The Tower of Babel stands as an enduring symbol of human ambition, unity, and the consequences of hubris. This ancient tale, found in the book of Genesis, recounts the story of an extraordinary architectural endeavor that aimed to reach the heavens. Beyond its biblical significance, the Tower of Babel serves as a metaphor for the diversity of languages and the dispersion of humanity across the world. In this essay, we will explore the historical and symbolic aspects of the Tower of Babel, and its profound implications on human civilization.

According to the biblical narrative, the Tower of Babel was constructed in the land of Shinar, by a united humanity following the Great Flood. Led by King Nimrod, the people sought to build a tower that would “reach to the heavens” and make a name for themselves. However, their endeavor was met with divine intervention. God, displeased by their hubris, confused their language, resulting in the scattering of mankind across the face of the earth.

The story of the Tower of Babel carries multiple layers of symbolism and themes. Firstly, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of human pride and the pursuit of glory. The ambitious undertaking of constructing a tower to rival the heavens reflects humanity’s desire to challenge the divine and elevate themselves to equal status. The divine intervention and subsequent dispersion highlight the inherent limitations of mortal beings and the importance of humility.

Furthermore, the Tower of Babel symbolizes the origin of linguistic diversity. Before the divine intervention, the entire human population spoke a single language. The confusion of languages resulted in the development of different tongues, creating barriers to communication and fostering cultural and geographical diversity. This diversity, while presenting challenges, also enriches human society with a variety of perspectives, cultures, and traditions.

The story of the Tower of Babel reverberates throughout human civilization, shaping our understanding of language, culture, and unity. The dispersion of humanity led to the formation of distinct societies and nations, each with its unique language and customs. This linguistic diversity, while initially a consequence of divine intervention, has become an essential aspect of human identity and communication.

Moreover, the story of the Tower of Babel teaches us the value of embracing diversity and seeking common ground amidst our differences. It reminds us that despite our varying languages and cultures, we share a common humanity. It challenges us to find ways to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering understanding and collaboration.

The Tower of Babel narrative remains a powerful and thought-provoking tale, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Its historical and symbolic significance continues to inspire philosophical, theological, and artistic interpretations. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, the consequences of hubris, and the blessings of diversity. In an interconnected world, where communication and understanding are vital, the Tower of Babel invites us to appreciate the mosaic of languages and cultures, and to strive for unity in diversity.

ChatGPT composed today’s narrative. The graphic was manifest by DALLE – 2.

Blessed By Rubbing Buddha’s Belly

Rubbing Buddha’s belly is a symbolic gesture often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Rubbing Buddha's belly to receive a blessing.

Rubbing Buddha’s belly is believed to bring about several benefits:

1. Luck and fortune: Rubbing Buddha’s belly is thought to attract luck and good fortune into one’s life, bringing positive outcomes and opportunities.

2. Abundance and prosperity: It is believed that rubbing the belly can invite wealth and abundance, creating financial stability and material well-being.

3. Inner peace and happiness: The act of rubbing Buddha’s belly can promote a sense of tranquility and serenity, helping to alleviate stress and cultivate inner peace.

4. Health and well-being: Some believe that rubbing the belly can enhance physical and mental well-being, contributing to overall health and vitality.

5. Fertility and family harmony: It is said that rubbing the belly can encourage fertility and enhance family relationships, fostering love and harmony within the household.

6. Wish fulfillment: Rubbing Buddha’s belly is often associated with making wishes. It is believed that by focusing on one’s desires while rubbing, the chances of those wishes coming true may increase.

7. Positive energy: The act of rubbing Buddha’s belly is believed to generate positive energy, cleansing and purifying one’s surroundings and promoting a harmonious atmosphere.

8. Spiritual growth: By engaging in this practice, individuals may experience a heightened sense of spiritual connection, deepening their understanding and strengthening their faith.

9. Mindfulness and self-reflection: Rubbing Buddha’s belly can serve as a reminder to be present in the moment and engage in self-reflection, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.

10. Cultural appreciation: Engaging in this tradition allows individuals to appreciate and connect with the rich cultural heritage and symbolism associated with Buddhism, promoting intercultural understanding and respect.

The image of Buddha was generated using DALLE – 2. The accompanying text was composed by chatGPT from OpenAI.

An Amazing Viking Longship

Continuing my play with DALLE – 2 and chatGPT. Today we are drawing a Viking longship and discussing a bit about it.

A Viking longship was a type of sail-and-oar vessel that was used by the Norsemen, commonly known as the Vikings, for commerce, exploration, and warfare during the Viking Age. The longship was a powerful naval weapon in its time and was highly valued by the Vikings. The longship was long and narrow, with a shallow draught, which meant that it could be used in shallow water.

The ship was clinker-built, with overlapped planks, and carried a single square sail, which made it exceptionally sturdy in heavy seas. The longship’s design evolved over many centuries, and continued up until the sixth century with clinker-built ships like Nydam. The longship appeared in its complete form between the ninth and 13th centuries. The ship’s ancestor was the dugout, and the longship remained double-ended. The prow of the ship was often decorated with a carving of an animal head, such as a dragon or a snake.

The longship was used by the Vikings to make raids and carry their warriors. The ship was also used for transportation and exploration, and it played an important role in history.

Exploring the Unknown of AI Art

It is always fun to venture into the unknown and to explore new regions or opportunities.

I’ve been playing with DALLE – 2 and chatGPT. Both are very interesting and very exciting.

I thought I would try my hand at some artwork. The first is an image of dinosaur’s skeleton on a beach.

Of course, to get to the beach we need some kind of special explorer’s vehicle. So here it is. Don’t worry Elon. We are not running on gas. This baby is nuclear powered.

And when it is time to go home, we don’t want to dally. We have adequate stores of di-lithium crystals to keep our engines warping for years.

I am having fun. Thanks for letting me share.

Here is what chatGPT had to say:

Exploring new places and things can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. It can provide great mental health benefits, encourage healthy eating, and boost your immune system1. The thrill of discovering something new can create a state of great excitement2. Exploring space, for example, can help us address fundamental questions about our place in the universe and expand technology, creating new industries and fostering a peaceful connection with other nations3. Additionally, exploring new places can provide opportunities for exercise and can open up new avenues for manufacturing, product design, and resource distribution4. The unknown is more than just “enriching” – it can be life-changing and transformative5.

Boldly Exploring AI Space and Worlds

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only a powerful tool for solving complex problems, but also a creative medium for exploring new possibilities. AI space and worlds are virtual environments that are generated and populated by AI agents, who can interact with each other and with human visitors. These spaces and worlds can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, research, and art.

One of the main challenges of creating AI space and worlds is to design AI agents that are diverse, intelligent, and engaging. Diversity means that the agents have different personalities, goals, and behaviors, which can lead to interesting dynamics and emergent phenomena. Intelligence means that the agents can learn from their experiences, adapt to changing situations, and communicate with natural language. Engaging means that the agents can elicit curiosity, empathy, and emotion from the human visitors, who can also influence the agents’ actions and outcomes.

AI space and worlds are not only fascinating to explore, but also valuable to learn from. They can help us understand more about ourselves, our society, and our future. They can also inspire us to imagine new possibilities and create new realities.

The red, white and blue planet. Rather interesting, isn’t it. What possibilities could we discover here if we visited.

Maybe we would find a stunning waterfall, filling an isolated pool. The perfect place to relax and meditate.

In an AI world, you can have as many waterfalls as you want. But let the machine figure out what they will look like and where they will be.

The adventure has just begun. Who knows what will appear next?

Roll the prompts and go where no man has gone before.

All images in the post were done with DALL-E 2.

Portions of the text were composed in chatGPT.