AI’s Surprising Impact on Jobs: What’s at Risk?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in GeneralLeave a comment

Did you know that “Computer” used to be a job title? Before machines took over, “Computers” were humans, usually women, who would compute figures and data manually. When “Computer machines” took over, the “Computer occupation” ceased.

With the advent of AI, we all know that some existing jobs could become AI apps and devices. You could be assuming that the most impacted jobs to turn into AI devices/apps would be like:

*Administrative Assistant AI

*Customer Service AI

*Content Writer AI…

However, recent research debunks the belief that AI will only impact non-technical and routine jobs. The most impacted ones could likely be:

*Cardiovascular Technologist AI

*Air Traffic AI

*Software Developer AI?…

According to recent research (published in PNAS Nexus) about AI’s impact on various jobs in the US, the most impacted jobs may be white-collared professions requiring advanced education and specialized skills.

The 5 top impacted jobs include:

– Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians,

– Sound Engineering Technicians

– Nuclear Medicine Technologists

– Air Traffic Controllers

– Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

On the other hand, blue-collar jobs that require physical labor, or manual skills, are least likely to be impacted by AI. The top “safe” jobs include:

– Pile Driver Operators

– Dredge Operators

– Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

– Graders and Sorters Agricultural Products

– Insurance Underwriters

However, the good news is that AI’s impact could be more on specific skills within domains, irrespective of whether those skills are routine or non-routine. For example, AI may automate the analysis of brain scans rather than taking over a neurologist’s job, which requires human-to-human interaction and decision-making skills.

Despite these new studies and research, AI looks like an unpredictable giant. Therefore, we must aim to develop #AI-complementing skills ((human-centric, human-AI collaboration, AI-driven innovation, etc ), so that the evolving human and AI relationship stays healthy. So, even if our job titles cease to exist like the “Computer occupation”, we will be aligned with new roles and responsibilities and stay ahead of the curve.

It’s also critical that AI creators (big tech companies investing in AI) think responsibly and create AI products that align with human well-being rather than threaten our intellectual, creative, social, and economic development.

Pic courtesy: https://www.messynessychic.com/2021/11/02/human-computer-the-forgotten-womens-profession/

Research on which jobs will AI replace – https://studyfinds.org/which-jobs-will-ai-replace/

Introducing Bento: A Unique South Asian Kids’ Magazine

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids Kahaani2 Comments

My dear readers,

I am excited to introduce “Bento” to you. Published by the Austin-based non-profit Peerbagh, it’s a one-of-a-kind global South Asian kids’ print magazine and I am happy to be one of the contributors.

About Bento

“Bento,” is the only global South-Asian children’s magazine in print. It has multiple stories by diverse and global South Asian creators talking about history, culture, and storytelling. There are fun activities for kids and their grownups as well.

The first issue is on the theme “where the wild things are,“ which features my story – “The Koel Bird Who Saved 1000 Mango Trees. My story is inspired by my grandmother’s Magahi-language folk story about a bird who just refuses to give up. I am sure it will inspire our readers and also help them connect with nature.

In this issue, you will learn about elephants from Afghanistan, travel with snow leopards in the Himalayas, discover the unicorns in the Indus Valley, and work on your animal trivia! Bento has a special section by student reporters.

Pre-order Bento

If you want to introduce delightful South Asian stories to your children, you can preorder the quarterly magazine here (US, UK and Canada). Readers residing in South Asia can order here. All pre-orders will get a free reading list printable.

Publishing Opportunity

If you are a South Asian writer and want to share your unpublished work for upcoming issues, use this link.

“Bento” is produced by GudNut Media LLC and distributed in partnership with Millennium India Education Foundation. If you are a bookseller or library trying to buy bulk copies of “Bento”, please email GudNut media at gudnutmedia@gmail.com or reach out to Upasna Kakroo at namaste@peerbagh.com.

Hope you will spread the word and promote diverse story-telling in the US and around the world. It’s a brave and laudable effort by Upasna Kakroo to support marginalized South Asian voices and story-telling.

Thank you for your encouragement and always wishing only the best for you,

Shivangi

#diversebooks #southasian #kidsmagazine #kidsstory

Metallica in Minneapolis; review from nosebleed seats

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids Kahaani2 Comments

Metallica thrillingly took over Minnesota on Friday at the US Bank Stadium. But as the crowd swayed on to the Metal beats, my friend and I tightly gripped our seats, which were way high up from the performance pit, and chanted mantras. Two scared desi women surrounded by frenzied Metallica fans! No one had ever told us that stadium seats could be that scary.

I was scared to look up or down because, from the nosebleed seats, the sky looked closer than the ground.

The Heavy Metal band had everyone screaming and gesturing with powerful head-banging moves and “metal fists”, but all I could think of was what one small push could do to me.

I am not into Western music but my sons love the legendary band, so we had planned to attend the concert with family friends. After struggling with Minneapolis downtown parking, and depositing our “oversized” bags, we rushed into the giant US Bank stadium around 7 pm. I had read online that after the filler performances, Metallica would perform from 8.45pm to 11pm.

The vibe at the venue was peppy and contagious, with a near-capacity crowd and everyone from 8 years to 80 years in attendance, and we joyfully climbed up and up to our seats with filler performances going on in the background, until we turned and stared down at the snake pit. It was unnerving and I thought I would never make it to the end of the performances without passing out.

But things changed, when the Metal gods took over the stage. The atmosphere turned electric and I relaxed enough to understand why the band is so well-loved.

My Take

Metallica had an amazing power over the crowd, and its music evoked a mix of passion, aggression and raw emotions with every chord.

My Teen’s Take

The live experience was great with a mix of light shows, loud music, and metal spirit! It felt unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! It could be the snake pit below, or the head-banging above, all of it was pure adrenaline. It was great seeing James Hetfield; the lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Kirk Hammett; lead guitarist, Lars Ulrich; the drummer, and the newest member of the team who joined in 2003 Robert Trujillo; bassist. Overall, the show had great personality and atmosphere!”

My Preteen’s Take

The atmosphere was super unreal with all the smoke and lights, especially with the crowd and Metallica jamming the amazing music from the late 70s, 80s, 90s, and more.

Metallica’s M72 world tour is ongoing, check out their schedule. Here are some pics from the event.

Greenlee’s real-life story “Grant Me Vision” is more impactful than fiction

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Books, Quotes7 Comments

I usually like magic realism, spiritual, or fantasy books but after reading Sabrina Greenlee’s memoir “Grant Me Vision,” I shall no longer be overlooking memoirs because sometimes real-life stories could be more impactful than fiction.

I felt that this memoir was unputdownable! Greenlee’s story is one of the saddest I’ve ever known. Throughout her life, she puts up with the most unimaginable suffering and yet chooses a life of faith and healing. She is sexually abused as a child, suffers domestic violence, loss of loved ones, and finally, an acid attack leaves her blind and broken with four kids.

But it’s also one of the most inspirational stories because after losing sight she gains sublime vision and manages to turn her life around. She also emerges as a strong mother and raises star athletes, including NFL sensation DeAndre Hopkins (the book includes his foreword).

When I received the review copy, the only part I noticed on the cover was an elegant lady. I had no idea that Sabrina Greenlee was blind, a survivor, and had undergone so much pain! After reading the blurb, I looked at her picture closely. I was curious about how the lady emerged as a nationally recognized inspirational speaker, life coach, and community activist. The memoir did not disappoint, and every word made perfect sense.

The book has the power to touch people’s lives and inspire them to “assert their power and find faith to have strength even when the future seems hopeless.” The memoir is not only relatable to those who are entangled in a loop of abusive relationships, messy choices, violence, and illegal jobs but also to those seeking inward support, faith, and vision.

My Review

I loved the stark honesty, gripping narration, and depiction of the author’s life in the 70s in a black neighborhood in America. I also loved the message in the book – “And so I ask myself every day: Would I trade my vision if I could have my sight.” I can already see that this real-life story has the full potential of becoming a Hollywood film. Max stars!

(Thank you to the publisher @HarperCollins for the review copy. This is not a paid advertisement and opinions expressed are my own)

Meditation Mingles with Madhubani in Minnesota

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General4 Comments

Positive energy, gratitude, joy and creativity flowed at our first Mindful Art session in Minnesota.

The happy faces, loving gestures and amazing feedback said it all! The aim of this session was to enable ladies to take time out for themselves and enjoy healing meditation and ancient Madhubani art in a non-judgemental and relaxed way.

Dr Haritha, our amazing Pranic Healer led the beautiful session. And I enjoyed talking about our Indian ancient Madhubani art which has tremendous positive energy.

If you are in Minnesota, please join our Mindful Art Club for ladies next time. Just a heads-up – the spots fill up very fast😀.

Thank you @drharithachiluka for your brilliant meditation and all the lovely mindful artists for coming over🙏🏻.

Do give @drharithachiluka and @storiesbyshivangi a follow to know more about our upcoming sessions❤️ #mindful #mindfulart #mindfulness #meditation #madhubani #minnesotablogger

Paw Things #8 – Minneapolis “Happy-est” City in the US! For pets too?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids KahaaniLeave a comment

Woof Woof from Happy Singh! I just heard some pawsitively exciting news! Minneapolis, in Minnesota, has been voted the happiest US city in a recent poll. Woof woof! It got me thinking – what makes a place “Happy” for humans might also make it the happiest for us furry friends, right?

I think Minnesota has a high happiness quality for pets because of the abundance of dog parks, walking spaces, and lakes. There are so many open, beautiful places to run, and explore, and big fields for big dogs like me!

I also feel happy living here because I get to see other furry friends in our community like Tarzan, Amber, Nala, Stanley, Toggie, and even a cool cat named Blanket.

The humans here are quite friendly too! They always stop and chat with each other and often pet me when we’re out for walks. I always get compliments and questions about my breed. “What breed is this cutie?” and my dad proudly replies, “Shepherd-Collie mix!”

And don’t get me started on the amazing food options for dog food foodies like me! There are so many great restaurants and big pet stores to explore. I love the dog bone section at Petco and my weekly Puppuccino from Starbucks!

I believe all these reasons make Minnesota a very “Happy” place for dogs. What do you think? Do you agree that Minnesota is the happiest place for pets as well? Bow wow, woof!

Just a thought – Are you kind to yourself?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Quotes5 Comments

You try so hard to be nice to others. You try your best to do little things that make your loved ones feel special. You look out for friends and try to uplift them when they are in bad situations. But when you look at yourself in the mirror, are you kind to yourself?

What do you notice when you see your mirror image? Most of the time, it’s blemishes, dark spots, fine lines, imperfect features, bad hair, weight issues, tummy fat? Or, you just avoid seeing yourself in the mirror and mechanically do stuff.

It doesn’t matter whether you are traditionally average looking or good looking, the tendency to judge yourself is always there. Isn’t it?

It’s okay to evaluate once in a while but when you are constantly disapproving yourself, aren’t you stressing yourself out?

How would you react to a friend, who criticizes you or passes a negative personal comment every-time you see them? Won’t you avoid them or feel anxious around them?

We are supposed to be our best friends, so are we treating ourselves right by constantly judging ourselves? No wonder most of us feel ill at ease often.

If we look back at our childhood, we felt fine and happy the way we were. Some hearsay, random comments, societal standards of beauty, social media stuff impacted us and we became self-conscious. So much self-conscious that we started berating ourselves badly.

It doesn’t even matter whether others like us or not, when we are our worst critics and don’t like what we see in ourselves.

Our skin blemishes, facial features, body issues may or may not be fixable but the way we feel about ourselves is always in our hands.

So, how about trying a new technique on ourselves! How about being at peace with what we see in the mirror and approving the person on the other side.

This person, or best friend, has always been waiting for our approval, just like an innocent child. It’s time to smile and say, “I approve of you my mirror image, exactly the way you are.”

If we make peace with ourselves, we acquire rare dignity, stability and peace – so much more beautiful than societal standards of beauty. And it makes a difference, outwardly, too.

And no, we are not being complacent if we are not criticizing ourselves, we are just re-learning to love ourselves and treating ourselves better.

We all deserve every bit of our own loving kindness and approval. Truly, we are beautiful/handsome the way we are!

Images courtesy Google

Heeramandi review: A visually stunning yet flawed tale of courtesans

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Films, StoriesLeave a comment

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” is for people who love his painting-like, opulent world. But if you are looking for a realistic portrayal of history and realism, you may not like what you see.

I mostly like it because it’s one television series, which is different from all other political or thriller Indian series on Netflix. The series has the potential to draw a global crowd and it is so “uniquely Indian”. However, Heeramandi is made in Bhansali’s signature style, which is his strength as well as his handicap. His detailed and contrived filmmaking style restricts him to the known premises of an imaginative work.

Despite all its imperfections, Heeramandi has managed to break the record for the most-watched Indian television series. Set in the early 1940s in pre-Partition Lahore. the series focuses on the lives of “Tawayafs” (courtesans) against the backdrop of the Indian freedom movement.

It immerses the viewers in another world, another time – a dark world of beautiful, cunning courtesans, their patron Nawabs, ruthless British officers, and patriotic freedom fighters.

The dignified portrayal of 6 Tawayafs is one of the highlights of the series. These courtesans, who much like Japanese Geishas, were talented singers and performers, holding high status in society. They entertained and performed only for a niche group of patrons.

Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hyadri and Farida Jalal stand out in their performances. Manisha Koirala looks formidable but admirable as Mallikajaan, the ruling madame. Sonakshi looks delightfully cunning and curvy while Hyadri’s famous “Gajagamini” walk steals the show. Bhansali gets his actors right and pampers them with exquisite jewelry and delicate fabrics embellished with zardozi (embroidery) in silver, gold, and copper. Actor Taha Shah does good work and reminds me of SRK in “Devdas”.

Now, the not-so-nice bits. I wish more attention was paid to the plot as it is incohesive and quite predictable. Another failure is character development. Characters slip from negative to positive or vice-versa quite easily and without justification. So, one moment, you see Sonakshi’s character using Taha Shah and Sharmin Segal’s love story for her benefit while later she has a change of heart. Why? No one knows. There are many instances like this.

This concept, originally by the Indian writer Moin Beg, had the scope to be great, if more attention was paid to the plot-line and historical integrity was maintained.

(Image courtesy google)

Book Review – “Unico: Awakening” promises to be a page-turner

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Books, Kids KahaaniLeave a comment

“Unico: Awakening”, a manga style graphic novel is a reimagining of Unico. The original Japanese series (1976) on Unico was created by the great manga artist Osama Tezuka, known as the “God of Manga”.

Re-created by writer Samuel Sattin & artist team Gurihiru, and developed in collaboration with Tezuka Productions, the soon-to-be-released book (August 2024), introduces Unico, the beloved baby unicorn to our new generation of young readers.

Unico belongs to the category of books that stays forever with readers. It integrates hard-hitting truths with the amazing story of the innocent but inspirational Unico.

Back in the 80s, Unico had gained popularity in United States and globally due to the animated films based on the character. It’s great that the publisher @graphix (@scholastic) has recreated the book in a fitting format, which our kids love.

The Blurb

UNICO tells the incredible story of a young unicorn who, after enraging the evil goddess Venus, is banished from the heavens and forgets all he once was. Saved from oblivion by the kindhearted West Wind, Unico continues to help others, before having to escape Venus again and begin a new adventure.

In this first manga, Unico awakes in a mysterious land and is befriended by a resourceful watch cat, Chloe, who feels protective of the young unicorn. When they find themselves near a small village in the forest, they take refuge with a kindly, but helpless, old woman.

To take care of her, Chloe begs Unico to turn her into a human girl, but that act of kindness has unforeseen consequences: Unico’s love has awakened Venus and her minion, Byron, who want to destroy them both!

My Review

The best thing about the book is Unico. He has the ability to make readers attached to him. Kids will see their beloved pet in him. He is innocent, and unused to the ways of the world but he is inspirational as he takes on adversity.

I love the striking full-color artwork and engaging story dotted with insights. Unico has profound moments for both kids and adults. The book truly promises to be a page-turner. Go for it when it hits the stands. 5 stars.

(Thank you @Graphix and @Scholastic for the review copy)

Pics – storiesbyshivangi

Just a thought – Darkness or Light?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, QuotesLeave a comment

Darkness and Light. Always there! It’s the darkness that helps the light shine so bright. And it’s the light that makes the darkness profound. We prefer one over the other, we may choose.

But if we accept both with gratitude, we grow🙏🏻 #quotes #motivationalquotes #justathought

Pic: My phone

Koel saves 1000 mango trees – An audio bedtime story

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids Kahaani, StoriesLeave a comment

Long ago, my grandma (naani) told me the story of a resilient little bird, who loses his seeds and tries every trick to get them back. Out of that Magahi folk story, this story was born.

This chain tale is about a Koel bird, who leaves no stone unturned to save mango trees. Everyone calls her silly, but she just doesn’t give up!

Tonight, during story time with your kids or grandkids, you can play this oral story on YouTube here or by using relevant keywords directly on YouTube.

The oral story has been wonderfully created by the nonprofit Peerbagh. The voice narration is by theatre veteran Vishal Verma. This story is even more dear to me because it has my mother’s Magahi song in it (starts at 50 seconds).

Peerbagh is an Austin-based non-profit and is committed to the mission of preserving oral storytelling traditions from South Asia. They also provide a lovely maker box for parents and kids to encourage storytelling.

I would like to thank Peerbagh’s founder Upasna Kakroo for her wonderful efforts to revive the oral storytelling traditions of India and South Asia.

#oralstory #audiostory #bedtimestory #oralfolkstory #magahistory

Book Review: Whatever After – Fairest of All – A fractured fairytale

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Books, Kids KahaaniLeave a comment

Most fairy tale lovers know the origin of the term “Fairest of All.” And seeing it as the title of the latest “Whatever After” graphic novel series (Publisher: Graphix, Scholastic) I was intrigued.

What was Snow White doing in this graphic book with two kids Abby and Jonah?

It certainly felt like a fairy tale with a twist, or popularly known as a “fractured fairy-tale.” I skimmed through the pages of this first “graphic novel,” based on the New York Times bestselling Whatever After” novels, and was quite impressed.

The Blurb

Once upon a time, Abby and her little brother, Jonah, were ordinary kids. The next minute? The mirror in their basement slurped them up and magically transported them into the fairy tale of Snow White.

Yes, really!

When Abby and Jonah stop Snow from eating the poison apple, they think they’re heroes. But wait! If Snow doesn’t die, she won’t meet her prince and get her happy ending. Oops.

Now it’s up to Abby and Jonah– with some help from Snow and the seven dwarfs–to outwit the witch and save the famous fairy tale in time.

But what if Snow’s REAL happy ending is something else entirely?

Family Review

After reading it, I felt the bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski has created quite a wonderful story with its myriad twists and turns. Illustrator and animator Anu Chouhan does a great job adapting the novel with her action-packed, vibrant and fun graphics.

My kids loved the story, pictures and the cool fairy-talish packaging of the book.

I am more used to reading fairy tales with beautiful pictures of Cinderellas and Rapunzels, the castles and witches. But this book didn’t disappoint.

You can check out Snow White’s picture, isn’t she cute and relatable to the current gen?

And the evil step mother looks the part too. Although, the two characters who accidentally enter the fairy tale and disrupt it are not scared of her.

The book’s target audience is kids from the age 8 to 12 but I think it will appeal to fairy tales lovers of all ages. Go for it if you love fairy tales or looking for an engrossing fun read!

Thank you @Graphixbooks and @Scholastic for the review copy. Great going @sarahmlynowski @anumationart, @anumation