text:
These days, it’s tough to avoid newspaper headlines warning that artificial intelligence is coming for your job. The problem is that, often, the only thing these oversimplifications get right is that there is, in fact, an important connection between automation and work.

What’s surprising is how many examples there are of AI acting as the catalyst for new hiring, higher wages, and happier employees. But of course, AI success stories aren’t as exciting as the “job-stealing robots” narrative. The reality is that the impact of AI on the workforce is complex, nuanced, and still very much in transition.

Here’s an example. A Deloitte study of automation in the U.K. found that 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated as the result of AI and other automation technologies. But get this: 3.5 million new jobs were created as well, and those jobs paid on average nearly $13,000 more per year than the ones that were lost.

Positive, worker-friendly outcomes like this illustrate a more complete range of possibilities for automation. Technology is changing the way we work – that’s not in dispute. These changes can improve people’s lives and lead to a more creative, intellectually engaged workforce. AI often means that employees can spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited, like interacting with customers or brainstorming innovative new campaigns.

Over the long term, creativity is what will distinguish humans from machines. And not just the capacity for creative work, but the ability to reimagine what jobs might look like in the near future and beyond. To that end, here are three examples of companies using automation to create jobs and help their leaders develop better businesses.

Panera Bread announced in April that it would create 10,000 delivery driver and in-café jobs in response to the popularity of its delivery service. High customer demand for ordering soups and sandwiches through the chain’s AI-powered digital platform led the company to decide to expand the service to 40 per cent of its stores. The company said that its drivers would enjoy “daytime hours and competitive wages” and would further bolster the customer experience.

Panera Bread’s decision to hire its own drivers rather than outsource deliveries to a third-party service could hint at another automation-driven trend. If all companies have access to the same cost-saving, service-expediting technologies, competitive advantage may come from differentiated customer experience – the sort of unique customer experience that comes from human creativity.

The Marlin Steel factory in Baltimore is a classic case of automation driving innovation. When Chinese manufacturers undercut Marlin Steel’s prices for its core wire basket product line, the company was forced to pivot.

Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. It also hired more people and increased wages, attracting workers whose diverse backgrounds complemented the computer-aided production processes around which the factory now revolves.

Drew Greenblatt, CEO and owner of Marlin Steel, credits automation with not only providing a lifeline to the company but to its employees as well. “All of a sudden they’re super productive and it’s because we’ve given them the tools – it’s robotics and automation,” he said. “Thank God for robots. If it wasn’t for robots, these guys would be unemployed.”

Leveraging robotics helped Marlin Steel land major clients by creating higher-quality products. The company’s success suggests yet another positive side effect of automation: the opportunity for companies to enter into higher-margin product lines. Staying competitive means always finding a new edge, a differentiator that inspires people to choose your company over the next.

When AI and robotics replaced the need for 100 fulfilment workers at Boxed’s New Jersey facility, the online grocery start-up retrained and promoted them into different departments. Some of the workers became trainers teaching coworkers how to use the new fulfilment systems, while others transitioned into customer service roles. A number of former temp workers became full-time employees and enjoyed a 13 per cent pay increase.

After spending millions of dollars to bring AI and automation to its fulfilment processes, Boxed could have cut costs if it had simply laid off the workers whose jobs were automated. But instead, the company made a values-driven decision to retain its workforce.

According to a recent study, 10,000 new AI-related jobs will be created in the US this year alone. The disruptive nature of automation is forcing a conversation about the best ways to use AI tools. What will companies look like, how will work and productivity change, even how might society evolve in response to these shifts – these are challenging and exciting questions to ask.

Change allows us to examine our values and define who we are. AI and automation help us implement those solutions once we discover the answers.

This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article.

Alston Ghafourifar is the CEO and Cofounder of Entefy, an AI-communication technology company

question: Why is artificial intelligence thought to be a threat to human jobs?

answer: Because it is thought to be able to do the same work as humans.

text: It's omitted that people fear AI will create job loss.

refinement: Because it is thought to be able to do the same work as humans, and therefore will create job loss.

answer: The author believes that artificial intelligence is a threat to human jobs because it is thought to be a job-stealing robot.

text: It should be specified that the job-stealing notion is what many people believe. This reads a bit like the author believes that too.

refinement: Some people believe that artificial intelligence is a threat to human jobs because it is thought to be a job-stealing robot.

text: Specify that people believe AI can eliminate low-skilled jobs. Replace "job-stealing robot".

refinement: Some people believe that artificial intelligence is a threat to human jobs because they can eliminate low-skilled jobs.

answer: Since automation technologies can handle routine tasks, many low-skilled jobs are eliminated.

text: "800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated as the result of AI and other automation technologies" corroborates that many low-skilled jobs are eliminated.

answer: There is a fear that artificial intelligence will replace human workers, leading to job losses. However, the author of the passage argues that this is not always the case, and that AI can also lead to new job creation and higher wages.

question: What was the effect of automation in the U.K. on employment?

answer: Around 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated, but 3.5 million new jobs were created as well.

answer: 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated as the result of AI and other automation technologies.

text: The positive aspect of the effect of automation in the U.K. is omitted. Mention that there were 3.5 million new jobs created.

refinement: 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated, but 3.5 million new jobs were created as the result of AI and other automation technologies.

answer: According to the passage, automation in the U.K. led to 800,000 jobs being eliminated, but also 3.5 million new jobs being created, which paid on average nearly $13,000 more per year than the jobs that were lost.

answer: 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated as the result of AI and other automation technologies.

text: The positive aspect of the effect of automation in the U.K. is omitted. Mention that there were 3.5 million new jobs created.

refinement: 800,000 low-skilled jobs were eliminated, but 3.5 million new jobs were created as the result of AI and other automation technologies.

question: What is the advantage of using artificial intelligence?

answer: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better.

text: It's omitted that AI can cause an increase in jobs and wages.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better, can increase jobs and wages, .

text: It's omitted that AI can give a company a competitive edge.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better, can increase jobs and wages, create a competitive edge for a company, .

text: It's omitted that AI can create differentiated customer experience

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better, can increase jobs and wages, create a competitive edge for a company, differentiated customer experience,  .

text: It's omitted that AI can cause innovation

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better, can increase jobs and wages, create a competitive edge for a company, differentiated customer experience, cause innovation.

text: It can allow employees to focus on more complex tasks

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help people do their jobs better, can increase jobs and wages, create a competitive edge for a company, differentiated customer experience, innovation, and allow employees to focus on more complex tasks.

answer: According to the passage, the advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help businesses stay competitive by providing a differentiated customer experience, creating new jobs, and allowing for innovation.

text: It's omitted that AI can allow employees to spend more time on complex tasks.

refinement: According to the passage, the advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help businesses stay competitive by providing a differentiated customer experience, allow employees to spend more time on complex tasks, creating new jobs, and allowing for innovation.

text: Change the tense from "creating" to create", etc.

refinement: According to the passage, the advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help businesses stay competitive by providing a differentiated customer experience, it can allow employees to spend more time on complex tasks, create new jobs, and allow for innovation.

answer: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help employees spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited.

text: It's omitted that AI can cause an increase in jobs and wages.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help employees spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited, increase jobs and wages,.

text: It's omitted that AI can cause companies to have a competitive edge.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help employees spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited, increase jobs and wages, give companies a competitive edge, .

text: It's omitted that AI can increase innovation.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help employees spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited, increase jobs and wages, give companies a competitive edge, increase innovation, and .

text: It's omitted that AI can cause differentiated customer experience.

refinement: The advantage of using artificial intelligence is that it can help employees spend more time on complex tasks for which they are uniquely suited, increase jobs and wages, give companies a competitive edge, increase innovation, and cause differentiated customer experience.

answer: It helps companies develop better businesses.

text: The answer is true, but it needs to be said how companies are able to develop better business through AI.

refinement: It helps companies develop better businesses through increased wages and jobs, gaining a competitive edge, causing differentiated customer experience, innovation, and allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks.

question: What happened to Panera Bread after using an AI-powered digital platform?

answer: Panera Bread announced in April that it would create 10,000 delivery driver and in-café jobs in response to the popularity of its delivery service.

answer: Panera Bread created 10,000 delivery driver and in-café jobs in response to the popularity of its delivery service.

answer: Their services were expedited, they gained a competitive advantage, and their expansion resulted in the creation of more jobs.

text: Specify how many jobs were gained, and what kind.

refinement: Their services were expedited, they gained a competitive advantage, and their expansion resulted in the creation of 10,000 delivery driver and in café jobs.

text: " If all companies have access to the same cost-saving, service-expediting technologies, competitive advantage may come from differentiated customer experience" supports "Their services were expedited, they gained competitive advantage".

text: "Panera Bread announced in April that it would create 10,000 delivery driver and in-café jobs" supports "resulted in the creation of more jobs".

answer: Panera Bread announced in April that it would create 10,000 delivery driver and in-café jobs in response to the popularity of its delivery service.

question: What is the impact of automation on Marlin Steel?

answer: Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. It also hired more people and increased wages, attracting workers whose diverse backgrounds complemented the computer-aided production processes around which the factory now revolves.

text: It's omitted that the impact of automation also creating a competitive edge that helped them land major clients.

refinement: Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. Automation also helped give the company a competitive edge, land major clients, hire more people and increase wages, attracting workers whose diverse backgrounds complemented the computer-aided production processes around which the factory now revolves.

answer: Marlin Steel was forced to pivot when Chinese manufacturers undercut their prices for their wire basket product line. Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors.

text: It's omitted that automation increased jobs and wages.

refinement: Marlin Steel was forced to pivot when Chinese manufacturers undercut their prices for their wire basket product line. Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. Automation also increased jobs and wages, gave the company a competitive edge,

text: It's omitted that automation caused a competitive edge.

refinement: Marlin Steel was forced to pivot when Chinese manufacturers undercut their prices for their wire basket product line. Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. Automation also increased jobs and wages,

text: It's omitted that automation caused the company to land major clients.

refinement: Marlin Steel was forced to pivot when Chinese manufacturers undercut their prices for their wire basket product line. Marlin Steel purchased robotic wire-forming machines and began focusing on making high-quality precision products for companies such as Boeing and General Motors. Automation also increased jobs and wages, gave the company a competitive edge, and helped it land major clients.

answer: According to the passage, Marlin Steel was able to use automation to pivot and create higher-quality products, which helped the company land major clients. The impact of automation on Marlin Steel is that it helped the company to stay competitive and avoid layoffs.

text: It's omitted that the impact caused an increase in jobs and wages.

refinement: According to the passage, Marlin Steel was able to use automation to pivot and create higher-quality products, which helped the company land major clients. The impact of automation on Marlin Steel is that it helped the company to stay competitive, avoid layoffs, and increase jobs and wages.

text: It's omitted how the company was able to make higher quality products.

refinement: According to the passage, Marlin Steel was able to use automation to pivot and create higher-quality products through robotic wire-forming machines, which helped the company land major clients. The impact of automation on Marlin Steel is that it helped the company to stay competitive, avoid layoffs, and increase jobs and wages.

answer: They created higher-quality products.

text: It's omitted that automation caused the company to land major clients.

refinement: They created higher-quality products. Automation also helped them land major clients

text: It's omitted that the company was able to have a competitive edge.

refinement: They created higher-quality products. Automation also helped them land major clients, gain a competitive edge,

text: It's omitted that the company was able to increase jobs and wages.

refinement: They created higher-quality products. Automation also helped them land major clients, gain a competitive edge, and increase jobs and wages.

text: It's omitted how the company gained higher quality products.

refinement: They created higher-quality products due to wire-forming machines. Automation also helped them land major clients, gain a competitive edge, and increase jobs and wages.

question: What happened to Boxed's fulfillment workers after AI and robotics replaced them?

answer: They were retrained and promoted into different departments.

answer: The fulfillment workers were retrained and promoted into different departments within the company. They also received a pay increase.

answer: Boxed retrained and promoted the fulfillment workers into different departments.

answer: The company retained these employees and promoted them into different departments.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: Although artificial intelligence eliminates low-skilled jobs, it also creates new AI-related ones. Companies such as Panera Bread, Marlin Steel, and Boxed, find positive outcomes in using robotics and automation. It is a misconception that AI is a threat to human jobs.

answer: Artificial intelligence is not all bad news - it can create new jobs and help businesses innovate. The impact of AI on the workforce is complex and nuanced, but it can also lead to positive outcomes like increased wages and happier employees.

text: It's omitted that the author is trying to dispel ideas that artificial intelligence will take away jobs.

refinement: Artificial intelligence is not all bad news - it can create new jobs and help businesses innovate, which dispels the misconception that AI will take away jobs. The impact of AI on the workforce is complex and nuanced, but it can also lead to positive outcomes like increased wages and happier employees.

answer: The article discusses how automation can be used to create jobs and help businesses. It also discusses how automation can be used to improve the customer experience.

text: It's omitted that the author is trying to dispel ideas that artificial intelligence will take away jobs.

refinement: The author provides evidence to dispel the misconception that artificial intelligence will take away jobs. They discuss how automation can be used to create jobs and help businesses. It also discusses how automation can be used to improve the customer experience.

answer: The author of the article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. They discuss the positive outcomes of AI and automation, and how it can improve people's lives and lead to a more creative, intellectually engaged workforce. They also discuss the negative outcomes of AI and automation, and how it can lead to job loss.

text: "They also discuss the negative outcomes of AI and automation, and how it can lead to job loss," is a bit misleading. The article is trying to dispel the negative views of AI, and discusses how with job loss, comes job gain.

refinement: The author of the article discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. They discuss the positive outcomes of AI and automation, and how it can improve people's lives and lead to a more creative, intellectually engaged workforce. They dispel the misconception of artificial intelligence stealing jobs by suggesting that with the elimination of low-skilled jobs, can come the growth of even more jobs with increased wages.


split: train

text:
Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech.

[]
Sam Pittman praised the play of Denver Kirkland. (Photo: Natasha Tucker, 247Sports)
Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN spoke with the media tonight about practice and upcoming opponent Texas Tech.

Pittman was asked if Texas Tech would show movement?

"I imagine we will face a lot of movement like we have these past two games and I'm sure they will move on us." Pittman said.

How did DENVER KIRKLAND grade out?

"We have thrown 73 passes and not have given up a sack," Pittman said. "He is the best left tackle we have on the team and will stay at left tackle."

Pittman was asked how practice went today for the Hogs?

"It went good man," Pittman said. "There was a lot of positives vibes going around and a physical practice. We have to move the line of scrimmage and that is what we are going to do."

Pittman also talked about how the Hogs are responding well after the loss to Toledo.

"We had a good practice today," Pittman said. "We will always remember Saturday and it hurt the team, but to answer your question yes they have responded well in a negative situation."

Pittman also addressed the penalties from Saturday's loss.

"Well the penalties took us from the three yard line one time," Pittman said. "What happens is they moved alot on us and had us out of position and we started to grab. I think we can control the penalties if we see things better. It's coaching and we will play with our head up more."

MICHAEL SMITH spoke with the media and how the receivers will do without KEON HATCHER, who was injured on Saturday.

Smith was asked about who would step up in the leadership role despite KEON HATCHER being down?

"It will be me," Smith said. "I think DREW MORGAN, Cody Holister and JARED CORNELIUS will lead by example."

Smith was asked about KENDRICK EDWARDS redshirt being taken off as well.

"Yes sir I anticipate Kendrick to play and he has decided he wants to play for us this year." Smith said.

Smith also talked about JOJO ROBINSON.

"I am just hoping he goes out and executes our offense," Smith said. "If he does that and with the ability he has he will be fine."

JEMAL SINGLETON was asked how sick ALEX COLLINS was last week?

"I don't know all i know is he played the whole game and played great and played tough." Singleton said.

Singleton also discussed true freshman KENDRICK JACKSON playing fullback.

"We have to play the best eleven on the field and Kendrick is coming along good it is all knew to him and he is getting more reps." Singleton said.

Brandon Allen was asked about the game on Saturday?

"We lost that one ourselves and were 1-5 in the redzone and we cant win like that." Allen said.

Allen also was asked about the leaders on the team?

"We have leaders stepping up since the set back from Saturday," Allen said. "We will be ready on Saturday."

Allen, like Smith, talked about what it will be like with out KEON HATCHER.

"It will be a step back and we have leaders that will step up like guys JOJO ROBINSON and KENDRICK EDWARDS." Allen said.

Allen knows the Hogs haven't run the ball well in first two games and was asked about running the ball?

"We have to establish the run game early and be effective on Saturday." Allen said.

Junior wide receiver DREW MORGAN will get the start on Saturday. He was asked about the size of Texas Tech?

"As long as we run our routes and play physical we will be fine." Morgan said.

Morgan was asked about being the next man up?

"Coach B called me and told me your the next man," Morgan said of BRET BIELEMA. "I don't look at it as not the shoes I'm filling in for, but the shoes that I'm making."

Morgan said he expects the group of receivers to improve this week.

"We wanna come out with a victory and brush off the distractions," Morgan said. "We will be 100 percent locked on to Texas Tech."

Offensive guard Sebastin Tretola was asked if the Hogs got hit in the mouth on Saturday?

"Yes we did but we will come out more physical for Texas Tech." Tretola said.

Tretola was asked about the penalties on Saturday?

"We have to play cleaner." Tretola said.

Tretola was asked about the run blocking?

"That was the emphasis in practice and we are working on moving guys back." Tretola said.

question: Who is Sam Pittman?

answer: He is the offensive line coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

text: "Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN" is evidence of Pittman's coaching position.

answer: Sam Pittman is the offensive line coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

text: "Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN" is evidence of Pittman's coaching position.

answer: An offensive line coach in American football.

text: "Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN" is evidence of Pittman's coaching position.

answer: Sam Pittman is the offensive line coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

text: "Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN" is evidence of Pittman's coaching position.

question: Which team does he coach?

answer: The Hogs.

text: "Pittman was asked how practice went today for the Hogs" is evidence Pittman coaches the hogs (aka Arizona)

answer: Arkansas.

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech -- Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN spoke with the media tonight about practice and upcoming opponent Texas Tech" is evidence of Pittman coaching Arkansas.

answer: Arkansas

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech -- Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN spoke with the media tonight about practice and upcoming opponent Texas Tech" is evidence of Pittman coaching Arkansas.

answer: Sam Pittman is the offensive line coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech -- Offensive Line Coach SAM PITTMAN spoke with the media tonight about practice and upcoming opponent Texas Tech" is evidence of Pittman coaching Arkansas.

question: Who got hurt on Saturday?

answer: Keon Hatcher

text: "KEON HATCHER, who was injured on Saturday" is evidence of Hatcher being hurt on Saturday.

answer: Keon Thatcher

text: "KEON HATCHER, who was injured on Saturday" is evidence of Hatcher being hurt on Saturday.

answer: Keon Hatcher was injured during the game against Toledo.

text: "Pittman also talked about how the Hogs are responding well after the loss to Toledo. 'We had a good practice today', Pittman said. 'We will always remember Saturday' -- KEON HATCHER, who was injured on Saturday" is evidence of Hatcher being hurt on Saturday and against Toledo.

answer: Keon Hatcher

text: "KEON HATCHER, who was injured on Saturday" is evidence of Hatcher being hurt on Saturday.

question: Who is Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game?

answer: Texas Tech.

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech" is evidence of Texas Tech being Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game.

answer: Texas Tech

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech" is evidence of Texas Tech being Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game.

answer: Texas Tech is Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game.

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech" is evidence of Texas Tech being Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game.

answer: Texas Tech

text: "Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech" is evidence of Texas Tech being Arkansas' rival for Saturday's game.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: Arkansas players and coaches are focused on improving ahead of Saturday's game against Texas Tech. The team is looking to rebound after a tough loss to Toledo, and players are confident they can do so despite losing key player Keon Hatcher to injury.

answer: Arkansas returned to the practice field today as it prepares for Saturday's game against Texas Tech.

answer: The article is about the Arkansas Razorbacks football team and their upcoming game against Texas Tech.

answer: Two American football teams, The Hogs-out of Arkansas-and Texas Tech gear up to play a game this Saturday.


text:
[phase2_update_lowres]

This a low res version. Select the link below phase2_update png to get the full sized image.

All the areas I remember best in Damascus have been stitched together. But the map lacks any physical and intellectual context. The image is also scaleless. What were the places to me, what are they now – do all of them still exist? Most still exist, but this map cannot just be about my life (even though the city and I had a very intimate relationship – probably my most intimate relationship thus far – it has to mean something to others whether or not I may know them). But I will continue working on this map until it starts acquiring some use, and I know I want it to be useful . It wants to be useful, but at this point it can only be useful as proof that I am still working on it.

The personal spaces are ordinary but the interstitial ones are contested today.

What can be moreover told is that the city was – as shown – working for me as two nodes. On one end was “the city” as a built form containing my home, my grandparents’ homes, my school, the workplace where I interned, and of course the interstitial spaces. At the other end was the airport. I didn’t experience it as often as the rest of the city, but the route to was extremely important. It also meant I got as close as ever to the places we could see in the distance from our balcony. All of this will (eventually) be indicated.

I recently ordered three books – The Angel of History by Svetlana Boym, On Cosmopolitanism and Forgiveness by Jacques Derrida, and The Past is a Foreign Country by David Lowenthal. I hope that reading them will also inform the drawing.

[collageofdamascus_try4]This is what I have achieved thus far on my detailed memory map. It has been taking some time because the overall image needs to be stitched from small high-resolution satellite imagery of the city. Those areas in red can be zoomed into for closer inspection (assuming, if need be). A low resolution gray-scaled image of the city is included to give some context. The map needs to be expanded eastwards to include Old Damascus (where I briefly worked in 2009). Moreover, I need to refine the treatment to follow a more coherent and systematic logic.

[Progress on Map of Memory of Damascus]

[collage of damascus and new york]

Attached is a photoshopped satellite photograph of Damascus (I never did get to see the city from that altitude, unfortunately) MEANT TO SHOW THE APPROXIMATE SIZE OF THE CITY. I OVERLAYED A LAYER OF RED ON ALL THE BUILT ELEMENTS. NEXT TO THE FIRST IMAGE OF THE CITY EMPHASIZING ONLY THOSE AREAS THAT I REMEMBER (HEREAFTER CALLED THE ‘RED ZONE’).  I have also applied the same two treatments to an image of New York City purely for comparison purposes. I have only been to New York city twice but most would probably be able to identify it in plan without ever having visited or researched it.

There are no parameters in identifying the boundaries of the red zone – but if anyone asks me about Damascus, it is the routes (from our home to my school, my grandmother’s house, and various other places that I often frequented) undertaken within that confined area that first come to mind. I do not really know how much – on average – a citizen remembers his/her city in terms of area – but I am assuming what I do remember of Damascus is below that average. WHAT I REMEMBER AMOUNTS TO LESS THAN 1.5 KILOMETERS SQUARED – HALF OF THE SIZE OF CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK CITY.

But I wouldn’t call myself a prisoner (not in the self-conscious sense at least) because I never desired to venture further – ‘further’ was best seen from our balcony at sunrise or sunset. If I did ever venture beyond the identified red zone, it was for a special occasion (anything from a wedding or going with my father to the maintenance shop for his car) or it was to leave the city or the country entirely. My family usually had to go to the airport at 4 AM ( most flights left at 6 to 8 AM for some legal restriction that I never understood very well) so that journey and that city were cloaked in black. When returning to the city, most flights landed in the evening as well – but the city at that time was lit. Even the poorest areas (e.g Jaramanah) seemed beautiful from afar – but not even at those times did we venture closer. This is not to say that I lived in the wealthiest section of the city – but whenever there were spaces of poverty, they were usually physically or psychologically cloaked (in beautiful lights, in darkness, or behind large housing blocks).

However within that area which I remember are many sites of interest that could become opportunities for intervention in the future. They comprise my architectural bias and hence any possible intent (if it even matters) : they will be identified in a more detailed image of the ‘red zone’ later on. This post is just a graphic introduction, so I will not write much more.

“How to begin again? HOW TO BE HAPPY, TO INVENT OURSELVES, SHEDDING THE INERTIA OF THE PAST? How to experience life and life alone, ‘that dark, driving, insatiable power that lusts after itself?’ These were the questions that bothered the moderns. Happiness, and not merely a longing for it, meant forgetfulness and a new perception of time.” – Svetlana Boym in the Future of Nostalgia

I was recently exposed to Sevtlana Boym’s “Future of Nostalgia” through a course entitled Structure of [Middle Eastern?] Cities (the class was partially devoted to defining what the Middle East actually is, geographically, culturally, figuratively, etc.) taught by Professor Ipek Tureli. I was particularly imbued by this excerpt from the chapter entitled “The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity”. I, like many others, have become nostalgic: I was raised in Syria, but I left to pursue a degree in architecture at a university in Canada. But I learned that I loved ‘Syria’ (I was never very patriotic) the day I left – an unappreciative tourist in my own country. But that is very telling of the schizophrenic state within which Syria existed for at least its last two decades. It was a dictatorship, a closeted world of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority which – to this day – pays a bitter, undeserved price. Hence, in all fairness to the majority that I hid from, THE SYRIA I LEFT NEVER EXISTED beyond what it was to me and my closest friends and family. Though I am unsure of the exact connection – accepting that has encouraged me to start a blog to  map the architecture of that isolated nostalgia. That nostalgia is not just a longing for the past  that may never have existed, but a desire for a future that – as of now – cannot exist.

I – hopefully – will be posting regularly. Ideally, my posts will consist of maps, diagrams, and photo-collages, that relate to architectural interventions that can provide substance to ‘that’ nostalgia.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about "Future of Nostalgia"?

answer: The text discusses the feelings and issues around nostalgia. The author reflects on the profound experiences of leaving Syria and feeling a unique nostalgia even though Syria "never existed" to them in its entirety. The text also reflects on the nuances of modernity and the desire for a future despite the lack of hope for change. Therefore, the text discusses the future of nostalgia.

text: The answer is off base. It's not discussing the book, but literally what it interprets as "the future of nostalgia".

text: Empty response.

refinement: Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" relates to nostalgia and cities. She writes that happiness means forgetting the past, shedding the past, and experiencing life and life alone. The author read the book for the class "Structure of Middle Eastern Cities" and was interested in a chapter called "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity".

answer: Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" describes the struggles of people trying to forge a life in new cities. She writes that happiness means forgetting the past, shedding the past, and experiencing life and life alone.

text: This is inaccurate, as the text doesn't describe the book as such. It would be better to say that her book relates to cities.

refinement: Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" relates to nostalgia and cities. She writes that happiness means forgetting the past, shedding the past, and experiencing life and life alone.

text: It's omitted that the author read the book for the class "Structure of Middle Eastern Cities".

refinement: Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" relates to nostalgia and cities. She writes that happiness means forgetting the past, shedding the past, and experiencing life and life alone. The author read the book for the class "Structure of Middle Eastern Cities".

text: It's omitted that the author was interested in a chapter called "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity".

refinement: Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" relates to nostalgia and cities. She writes that happiness means forgetting the past, shedding the past, and experiencing life and life alone. The author read the book for the class "Structure of Middle Eastern Cities" and was interested in a chapter called "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity".

answer: Syvlana Boym's work is entitled "Future of Nostalgia". Her work shifted the reader's perspective towards the nostalgic state. The reader reevaluated nostalgic states and realized their contradictions. Boym posited that nostalgia is not just the longing for something that is gone, but it can also be for a future state that will never happen.

text: This is what the author of the text says, not Boym. This should be omitted.

refinement: Syvlana Boym's work is entitled "Future of Nostalgia". Her work shifted the reader's perspective towards the nostalgic state. The reader reevaluated nostalgic states and realized their contradictions.

text: It's omitted that the author read the book for a class called "The Structure of Middle Eastern Cities", which infers that the book would be about nostalgia and city structure.

refinement: Syvlana Boym's work is entitled "Future of Nostalgia". The author read the book for a class called "The Structure of Middle Eastern Cities", which infers that the book would be about nostalgia and city structure. Her work shifted the reader's perspective towards the nostalgic state. The reader reevaluated nostalgic states and realized their contradictions.

text: It's omitted that the author particularly liked the chapter "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity".

refinement: Syvlana Boym's work is entitled "Future of Nostalgia". The author read the book for a class called "The Structure of Middle Eastern Cities", which infers that the book would be about nostalgia and city structure.  The author particularly liked the chapter "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity". Her work shifted the reader's perspective towards the nostalgic state. The reader reevaluated nostalgic states and realized their contradictions.

text: This sentence is more about the author and should be omitted.

refinement: Syvlana Boym's work is entitled "Future of Nostalgia". The author read the book for a class called "The Structure of Middle Eastern Cities", which infers that the book would be about nostalgia and city structure.  The author particularly liked the chapter "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity". Her work shifted the reader's perspective towards the nostalgic state.

answer: The text discusses Sevtlana Boym's notion of nostalgia as an important concern of modernity. This nostalgia is driven by remembrance of a past which never really existed, and the desire for a future which does not currently exist. Looking ahead through the lens of nostalgia is the only way to create meaningful discourse and build a hopeful future.

text: This more reflects the author's take on nostalgia than what is discussed of Boym's book. It would be safer to omit this.

refinement: The text discusses Sevtlana Boym's notion of nostalgia as an important concern of modernity.

text: This is off base. The text discusses Svetlana Boym's book "Future of Nostalgia" as it relates to the narrator's city.

refinement: The text discusses Svetlana Boym's "Future of Nostalgia" as it relates to the author's city of Damascus.

text: The majority of info about "Future of Nostalgia" is omitted.

refinement: The text discusses Svetlana Boym's book as it relates to the author's city of Damascus. Future of Nostalgia" relates to nostalgia and cities. She writes that for the moderns, happiness meant forgetfulness and a new perception of time. The author read the book for the class "Structure of Middle Eastern Cities" and was interested in a chapter called "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity".

answer: "Future of Nostalgia" is a book by Svetlana Boym that the author read in a course called Structure of Cities. It's safe to say the book has something to do with the structure of cities. The author enjoyed an excerpt from the book called "The Angel of History: Nostalgia and Modernity", and seemed to relate to it.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about Syria?

answer: Syria is described as increasingly a dystopia, or a place where society operates in opposition to the best interests of the majority. The city of Damascus is described as small, and the author's own personal memories of the city are limited in scope. The author hopes that future architectural interventions might provide substance to a nostalgia for a Syria that may have never actually existed.

text: This is not how the text describes Syria. This should be omitted.

refinement: The city of Damascus is described as small, and the author's own personal memories of the city are limited in scope. The author hopes that future architectural interventions might provide substance to a nostalgia for a Syria that may have never actually existed.

text: It's omitted that Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price.

refinement: Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. The city of Damascus is described as small, and the author's own personal memories of the city are limited in scope. The author hopes that future architectural interventions might provide substance to a nostalgia for a Syria that may have never actually existed.

text: This doesn't really pertain to Syria itself, but of the author's quest. This should be omitted.

refinement: Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. The city of Damascus is described as small, and the author's own personal memories of the city are limited in scope.

text: The author's memories of the city are small. Not the city itself. This should be omitted.

refinement: Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price.

text: It's omitted that for the last two decades. Syria has existed as a schizophrenic state.

refinement: Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state.

text: It's omitted that in Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

refinement: Syria is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

text: It's omitted the author lived in Syria.

refinement: Syria, where the author is from, is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naive elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

answer: The narrator thinks the city of Damascus is having a high-tech makeover and is not authentic anymore. At the time the post was written, a niece of the Assad's was killed by the rebels in 2013. The city has not been modernized, and the narrator misses the sense of colors coursing along the countryside of her beloved Damascus. She adds that Damascus is a city full of nostalgia, but that nostalgia has to be proven before it takes more tangible shape than vague notions. At the time of the post, the lections for a new government were just being concluded.

text: This entire answer is inaccurate according to what the text says about Syria.

text: Empty response

refinement: Syria, where the author is from, is described as a dictatorship where there was a closeted group of a naïve elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

answer: The author was raised in Syria before going to Canada to get their university degree. There they realized they loved Syria, but that they were an unappreciative tourist in their own country. They describe Syria as having been a schizophrenic state with a dictatorship and a closeted world of elite people who neglected the downtrodden majority for the last two decades. The narrator believes they were one of those elite people, and that the Syria they left never really existed. This nostalgia they feel for Syria inspires them to start a blog to map the architecture of isolated nostalgia.

text: This is more about the author than it is Syria. It would be better to omit.

refinement: The author realized they loved Syria, but that they were an unappreciative tourist in their own country. They describe Syria as having been a schizophrenic state with a dictatorship and a closeted world of elite people who neglected the downtrodden majority for the last two decades. The narrator believes they were one of those elite people, and that the Syria they left never really existed. This nostalgia they feel for Syria inspires them to start a blog to map the architecture of isolated nostalgia.

text: This is more about the author's nostalgia than it is about Syria.

refinement: The author realized they loved Syria, but that they were an unappreciative tourist in their own country. They describe Syria as having been a schizophrenic state with a dictatorship and a closeted world of elite people who neglected the downtrodden majority for the last two decades.

text: It's omitted that in Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

refinement: The author realized they loved Syria, but that they were an unappreciative tourist in their own country. They describe Syria as having been a schizophrenic state with a dictatorship and a closeted world of elite people who neglected the downtrodden majority for the last two decades. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

answer: The text discusses Syria's ambiguous nature as both a dictatorship and a country lacking in infrastructure for its majority of the population. The small region of the city which the author remembers is characterized as a world of childhood nostalgia separate from the majority of the country's reality. In addition, the author hopes to map architectural interventions which could facilitate change in Syria's future.

text: This is more about the author's nostalgia for Syria than it is about Syria itself.

refinement: The text discusses Syria's ambiguous nature as both a dictatorship and a country lacking in infrastructure for its majority of the population.

text: The only thing accurate about this sentence is that Syria is described as a dictatorship.

refinement: The text discusses Syria's dictatorship.

text: The majority of information about Syria is omitted.

refinement: The text discusses Syria's dictatorship. The author is from Syria. Syria is described as having a closeted group of a naïve elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

answer: Syria is the place the author lived. The author knew the city intimately. As a country, it was a narco-dictatorship. The author expresses that their beloved homeland never existed to them. That fact made them want to map the architecture of their isolated nostalgia. They felt they owed something to their present, which they never really understood.

text: This is more about the author's nostalgia for Syria than it is Syria.

refinement: Syria is the place the author lived. The author knew the city intimately. As a country, it was a narco-dictatorship.

text: It would be more accurate to call Syria a dictatorship.

refinement: Syria is the place the author lived. The author knew the city intimately. As a country, it was a dictatorship.

text: This sentence is unnecessary and out of context. It would be better to omit.

refinement: Syria is the place the author lived.  As a country, it was a dictatorship.

text: The majority of information about Syria is omitted.

refinement: Syria is the place the author lived.  As a country, it was a dictatorship. Syria is described as having a closeted group of a naïve elite that neglected a downtrodden majority, who still pays a bitter price. For the last two decades, it's existed as a schizophrenic state. In Damascus, the poorer neighborhoods were usually physically or psychologically cloaked.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize everything relating to the author's family.

answer: The author was raised in Syria, the home of their mother and her parents, but moved to Canada. This is where she met her partner, who is Syrian as well. At the time of the document, they have been together, working in the same city, for seven years. One of the author's brothers is currently studying at the same university in Canada.

text: This doesn't really relate to the family and should be omitted.

refinement: The author was raised in Syria, the home of their mother and her parents. This is where she met her partner, who is Syrian as well. At the time of the document, they have been together, working in the same city, for seven years. One of the author's brothers is currently studying at the same university in Canada.

text: It would be better to just say "home of their family".

refinement: The author was raised in Syria, the home of their family. This is where she met her partner, who is Syrian as well. At the time of the document, they have been together, working in the same city, for seven years. One of the author's brothers is currently studying at the same university in Canada.

text: This is false and should be omitted. There is no mention of any of this in the text.

refinement: The author was raised in Syria, the home of their family.

text: The majority of information about the family is omitted.

refinement: The author was raised in Syria, the home of their family. Their family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus. They were a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, in Syria who neglected a downtrodden majority. They and their family never really left the area they lived unless it was for a special occasion like going to a wedding or going with their father to a car maintenance shop.

answer: The author was born and raised in Syria, but left for Canada to pursue a degree in architecture. The author's family, including himself and his closest friends and family, previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. The author left Syria for reasons not elaborated upon. The nostalgia that the author feels is for a Syria that never existed, and the author's primary motivation for posting his blog is to create interventions that might help shape the future.

text: This does not relate to the family and should be omitted.

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family, including himself and his closest friends and family, previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. The author left Syria for reasons not elaborated upon. The nostalgia that the author feels is for a Syria that never existed, and the author's primary motivation for posting his blog is to create interventions that might help shape the future.

text: This is all irrelevant to the question and should be omitted.

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family, including himself and his closest friends and family, previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers.

text: It's omitted that the author's family only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family, including himself and his closest friends and family, previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. Te author's family only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

text: this is redundant and should be omitted.

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. The author's family only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

text: It's omitted that the author's family home and grandmother's home is in Damascus.

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. Their family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus. The author's family only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

text: It's omitted that their family was a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, during a dictatorship that had a downtrodden majority.,

refinement: The author was born and raised in Syria. The author's family previously resided within a confined area in Syria, albeit less than 1.5 square kilometers. Their family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus. Their family was a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, during a dictatorship that had a downtrodden majority. The author's family only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

answer: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). He has six brothers and sisters. He competes with them over grades in school. His father owns a car and the garage it went to for maintenance. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM to avoid the crowds. He does not travel outside Damascus alone.

text: Both of these sentences are false. There is no mention of siblings in the text. This should be omitted.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). His father owns a car and the garage it went to for maintenance. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM to avoid the crowds. He does not travel outside Damascus alone.

text: The story does not mention the father owning a garage. It says that they only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). They only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM to avoid the crowds. He does not travel outside Damascus alone.

text: The story does not say this, so it would be better to omit it.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). They only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM to avoid the crowds.

text: They didn't go to the airport at this time due to crowds. They went due to some legality issue.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). They only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM due to some legality issue.

text: It's omitted that the author's family home and grandmother's home is in Damascus.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). Their family home and grandmother's home is in Damascus. They only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM due to some legality issue.

text: It's omitted that the author and their family seemed to live as the naïve elite, despite not being wealthy.

refinement: He is raised in Syria by his family during a time of turmoil (a dictatorship and a downtrodden class of majority). Their family home and grandmother's home is in Damascus. The author and their family seemed to live as the naïve elite, despite not being wealthy.  They only left their area for a special occasion like a wedding, or taking their father's car to the maintenance shop. When his father and his family travel together, they usually go via the airport, but only after 4 AM due to some legality issue.

answer: The narrator talks about how they were raised in Syria with their family. They were a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, in Syria who neglected a downtrodden majority. They and their family never really left the area they lived unless it was for a special occasion like going to a wedding or going with their father to a car maintenance shop.

text: It's omitted that the narrator's family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus.

refinement: The narrator talks about how they were raised in Syria with their family. Their family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus. They were a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, in Syria who neglected a downtrodden majority. They and their family never really left the area they lived unless it was for a special occasion like going to a wedding or going with their father to a car maintenance shop.

answer: The author grew up in Syria but left the country to pursue a degree in architecture at a university in Canada. Growing up in Syria, the author experienced the city as only someone living in a small area could. The majority of the city was outside the author's everyday sphere of experience. However, the author was nostalgic for Syria. The future of the country was bleak at the time the author left Syria, and the author wants to explore architectural interventions that can provide substance to the author's nostalgia. Presumably, the family the author grew up with still lives in Syria.

text: The majority of this answer is irrelevant to the question.

text: The majority of information about the author's family is omitted.

refinement: The author grew up in Syria. Their family home and grandmother's home was in Damascus. They were a part of the naïve elite, despite not being the wealthiest, in Syria who neglected a downtrodden majority. They and their family never really left the area they lived unless it was for a special occasion like going to a wedding or going with their father to a car maintenance shop.


text:
ALCIDE HERVEAUX is a fictional character from the _Southern Vampire Mysteries_/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.[1]

Book series biography

The author introduces this character in the third novel, _Club Dead_, when Eric sends Alcide to help Sookie find Bill Compton who has been kidnapped by his “maker” Lorena. Alcide and Sookie seem to have a chemistry from the beginning, but he is emotionally tied to his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Debbie Pelt (who shifts into a lynx). Sookie “liked him very much.”[2]

In the fourth book, _Dead to the World_, it is revealed that his ex, Debbie, had participated in vampire Bill Compton’s torture. Alcide then abjures (banishes) her from the Shreveport pack. At the end of this book, Sookie kills Debbie in self-defense. Alcide notes Debbie's scent at Sookie's house and realizes that Sookie killed her, which would always stand between Alcide and Sookie as a potential couple.

In the fifth novel, _Dead as a Doornail_, Alcide involves Sookie in the battle for pack leader between his father and Patrick Furnan. Alcide wants Sookie to use her telepathic abilities because many believe that Patrick Furnan will cheat. Even though Patrick is found guilty of cheating, he still wins, kills Alcide's father and becomes leader of the Long Tooth pack. Alcide thinks that Sookie failed him, and in his rage and anger of the loss of his father, he blames Sookie.[3]

Alcide later begins to date Maria-Star Cooper, but in _From Dead to Worse_ she is brutally killed. Sookie is also attacked twice by unknown weres and there are other murders and disappearances. The Long Tooth pack becomes severely divided, blaming each other for these attacks, and a war seems inevitable. Sookie acts as a mediator between these two groups and it turns out that these murders and disappearance were caused by another pack led by Priscilla Hebert, sister to Patrick Furnan's right-hand man. A battle erupts, ending with the deaths of Patrick Furnan and most of Priscilla's pack. Alcide becomes the leader of the Long Tooth pack.

In the tenth book, _Dead in the Family_, Alcide arranges for the pack to have their monthly hunt on Sookie's property. Several days after the weres find some unusual tracks, a dead werewolf is discovered. Alcide's girlfriend Annabelle confesses to infidelity with the murdered were. Alcide calls upon Sookie to take a shaman potion to find the traitor(s) in the pack.

Television portrayal

Actor Joe Manganiello portrays Alcide in HBO's _True Blood_ series.[4] Alcide is somewhat in love with Sookie but knows the relationship can never be due to Sookie killing Debbie in self-defense although they do kiss in an episode. At the end of season 6, it is shown that Sookie and Alcide are officially together, however, he dies protecting her in season 7.[5]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5] . _The Hollywood Reporter_.

title: Alcide Herveaux

question: Who is Alcide Herveaux?

answer: Alcide Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.

answer: He is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father.

answer: Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Mysteries by author Charlaine Harris.

text: Describe the character

refinement: Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Mysteries by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father.

answer: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair. He is the leader of the Long Tooth pack in the tenth book, Dead in the Family.

question: Describe how Herveaux looks?

answer: He is tall, has green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.

answer: Alcide is described as being tall with green eyes and olive skin. His hair is described as being tousled and black.

answer: He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and a thick, tousled black hat.

answer: Alcide is a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.

question: When did the author introduce Herveaux as a character?

answer: The author introduced Herveaux as a character in the third novel of the Southern Vampire Mysteries series.

answer: The author introduced Herveaux as a character in the third novel, Club Dead.

answer: In the third novel, Club Dead.

answer: Herveaux was introduced in the third novel, Club Dead.

question: Who portrayed Herveaux in HBO's True Blood series?

answer: Actor Joe Manganiello

answer: Joe Manganiello portrayed Herveaux in HBO's True Blood series.

answer: Actor Joe Manganiello.

text: Provide a response

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes and tousled black hair. He is often conflicted between his love for Sookie and his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Debbie Pelt. In the tenth book, Alcide is shown to be in a relationship with Sookie, but he dies protecting her in the following season.

text: Debbie is killed in the fourth book, which creates a rift between Alcide and Sookie

refinement: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes and tousled black hair. In the fourth book, Sookie kills his on-again, off-again girlfriend Debbie. In the tenth book, Alcide is shown to be in a relationship with Sookie, but he dies protecting her in the following season.

text: The relationship between Alcide and Sookie only happens in the TV adaptation, not in the books

refinement: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes and tousled black hair. In the fourth book, Sookie kills his on-again, off-again girlfriend Debbie. In the TV adaptation, Alcide is shown to be in a relationship with Sookie in season 6, but he dies protecting her in the following season.

answer: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf who is introduced in the third novel of the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. He is a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair. He is depicted as a man who is very protective of his pack and is very loyal to his father. He is also shown to be very protective of Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic human who he has a chemistry with.

text: From the description of the character in the books, it is not clear that he is "protective" of Sookie

refinement: Alcide Herveaux is a werewolf who is introduced in the third novel of the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. He is a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair. He is depicted as a man who is very protective of his pack and is very loyal to his father. He also has chemistry with Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic human.

answer:
Alcide Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.

The author introduces this character in the third novel, Club Dead, when Eric sends Alcide to help Sookie find Bill Compton who has been kidnapped by his “maker” Lorena. Alcide and Sookie seem to have a chemistry from the beginning, but he is emotionally tied to his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Debbie Pelt (who shifts into a lynx). Sookie “liked him very much.”

In the tenth book, Dead in the Family, Alcide arranges for the pack to have their monthly hunt on Sookie's property. Several days after the weres find some unusual tracks, a dead werewolf is discovered. Alcide's girlfriend Annabelle confesses to infidelity with the murdered were. Alcide calls upon Sookie to take a shaman potion to find the traitor(s) in the pack.

text: Everything after the character's appearance is too detailed for a 4 sentence summary

refinement: Alcide Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair.

text: Note that he has "a chemistry" with Sookie

refinement: Alcide Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris. He is a Were (a full blooded werewolf) who owns a construction company in Jackson, Mississippi with his father. He is depicted as a tall man with green eyes, olive skin, and thick, tousled black hair. He has a chemistry with Sookie Stackhouse.

answer:
Alcide Herveaux is a fictional character from the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. He is portrayed as green-eyed, with olive skin and thick black hair.

Herveaux was introduced in the third novel of the series when Eric sends Herveaux to help Sookie find Bill Compton.

Actor Joe Manganiello portrays Herveaux in the adaptation of the series for TV.


text:
	They do not tell you where you are going until you are there. They make us march miles for weeks, without the slightest hint about the terror that awaits. We leave with around one hundred thousand men, but arrive with only ten thousand. They do not die, but they are engineers and workers that stay behind at certain locations to build a road to the place we are going, to make it easier the next time around.
	“Hold!” The Centurion yells loudly. He is a big, powerful man, who has led many victories. He strode forth on his horse, inspecting the path ahead. He had glistening silver armor, covering a red tunic. His helmet is the classic helmet of a Roman Centurion.
	“March!”
	I do not know what he thought was there, but it must be all okay now. A little on up the path, there was a very loud crashing noise to out right. He held his hand up in the “hold” position, not yelling it in case there was something there, and it had not spotted us yet. He then made the “line” signal, in which we all simultaneously turned to the right, and one man would put his shield against the ground and hold his spear to the right of it, while the other man would put his shield on a forty five degree inward angle on top of it.
	Like the slither of a snake in the grass, they came straight up behind us.

How is that so far?

title: New Roman Empire

question: Where are the soldiers going?

answer: That information can't be found

text: Make an inference then

refinement: The soldiers are going to a place that is dangerous and unknown to them. It is likely that they are going to fight in a war.

answer: The soldiers are going to a place that is not revealed to them until they are there.

answer: The soldiers are going to a place that is dangerous and unknown to them. It is likely that they are going to fight in a war.

answer: The soldiers are going to a place they have never been before.

question: When is the story set?

answer: That information can't be found

text: That information can be found from the title and context

refinement: That information can't be foundThe story is set in ancient Rome, likely during the time of the Roman Empire.

answer: The story is set in ancient Rome, likely during the time of the Roman Empire.

answer: The story is set in the Roman Empire.

answer: That information can't be found

text: That information can be found in the title and context

refinement: The story is set in ancient Rome, likely during the time of the Roman Empire.

question: Who is the Centurion?

answer: He leads the group of soldiers

answer: The Centurion is a Roman Centurion, who leads the army on their journey.

answer: The Centurion is a Roman Centurion.

text: Lets have an explanation rather than just a restatement of the question

refinement: The Centurion is a Roman Centurion, who leads the soldiers.

answer: The Centurion is a big, powerful man who has led many victories.

question: Who comes up behind the soldiers?

answer: That information can't be found

text: Extrapolate a bit

refinement: The soldiers are attacked by an unknown enemy.

answer: It is not stated.

text: Extrapolate a bit

refinement: The soldiers are attacked by an unknown enemy.

answer: The soldiers are attacked by an unknown enemy.

answer: The soldiers are attacked by a group of people.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: The narrator is part of a Roman army marching to a location. They are told nothing about what awaits them.

answer: The protagonist is part of a large group of soldiers being led to an unknown destination. They are suddenly ambushed by unknown enemies, and must quickly form a defensive line.

answer: The Roman Centurion is leading a group of ten thousand men on a journey to a place they do not know. They are attacked by a group of people and the Centurion orders the men to form a line.

answer: A group of Roman soldiers are marching somewhere when they hear something off to their right. They stop and turn, but they come from behind the soldiers.

text: Call them the enemy, not they

refinement: A group of Roman soldiers are marching somewhere when they hear something off to their right. They stop and turn, but the enemy comes from behind the soldiers.


text:
Who doesn’t dream of flaunting a slim and trim waistline? Especially with wedding season fast approaching, five days is all you need to achieve it! Yes! In this article, we shall guide you on how to reduce belly fat in 5 days, by making simple, yet effective lifestyle changes. Sounds tempting? Read along to find out more.

Before we move into the tips section, let’s first understand what is belly fat and what are it’s risks? Belly fat is excess fat deposited in the abdominal region, which is also called Visceral fat. Compared to all other types of body fat, this one is associated with dangers of heart strokes, diabetes and other life threating problems.

How To Lose Belly Fat In 5 Days?

While it is not practical to remove belly fat naturally at home in 5 days, following these tips can certainly reduce the size and volume to a certain extent:

1. Reduce Calorie Intake:

Calories are nothing but the amount of energy released by a particular food. Taking a diet that is high in calories produces excess energy, which often gets stored in the form of fats. This is why you must keep a count on your calorie intake and energy output to strike balance. The next 5 days, indulge in low-cal meals like fruits, raw vegetables, soups, seeds etc., It is one of the best ways to lose belly fat without exercise.

SEE ALSO: Reduce Tummy Fat In 10 Days

2. Low-Carb Diet:

Carbohydrates are important to keep a body active. They are converted into glucose which produces instant energy. When an excess of carbs is taken, the glucose production also increases, which gets stored in the adipose tissues as fat deposits. This is why experts suggest cutting down on carbohydrates, not only to lose gut fat, but also for general well-being.

3. Moderate Intensity Workouts:

These 5 days, you must consciously take up a medium intensity workout. Plan for a practical exercise schedule, which has a combination of techniques like weights, crunches, planks, aerobics, Pilates, jogging, swimming etc., This can give you fast results in losing some extra bulk in your waist. Remember to respect your body limitations and not overdo things.

4. Say No To Alcohol:

Whether you are a habitual boozer or a social drinker, you must abstain from all forms of alcohol during the next 5 days. Alcohol contributes to excess ab fat, along with damaging your liver functionality. Also, you must quit high sodium, sugar, trans fats and other weight gaining substances to get rid of the fat deposits.

5. Eat Small Meals Frequently:

Although many people recommend taking small meals every 2-3 hours. This is known to speed up your digestion and reduce the load on your stomach. By planning for low-calorie, portion control meals, instead of large square meals, you can notice a visible reduction in tummy fat.

SEE ALSO: How To Lose Belly Fat In 1 Month

6. Drink Plenty Of Water:

Water can shrink your stomach fat by cleansing your internal system and eliminating the toxins. Drinking lots of water for the next few days can cut down your hunger cravings and overall food intake. This contributes to indirectly reduce weight and belly fat.

7. Increase Dietary Fiber:

Dietary fiber is linked with weight loss and prevention of fat accumulation in the body. Taking high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber can prevent constipation and stomach bloating. It can clean your intestines and help you lose belly fat. Some of the best fibre-rich foods to consume are oatmeal, fruits like berries, apples, green leafy vegetables etc.,

8. Drink Green Tea:

As part of the diet plan, it is advisable to replace your daily coffee and tea with healthy green tea. This is a popular weight loss drink, which is also known to work on fat burn. Green tea contains catechins and other flavonoids, which are linked to obesity control and abdomen fat loss (1).

9. Reduce Stress Levels:

Stress is one of the biggest contributors to weight gain and body fat. Acute stress levels can lead to depression and “stress eating”. To tackle belly fat loss, you must first deal with this root cause. Take up meditation or other calming techniques and keep your mind at ease.

See Also: Diet To Lose Weight In 7 Days

10. Sleep Well:

To be on the healthy path, you must sleep for at least 7-9 hours, depending on your age. When we say sleep, it means quality, undisturbed one. Keep your gadgets away at least 1 hour before bedtime and maintain a silent environment. This can induce better sleep and makes you awake to a fresh morning. Following this routine can definitely support your fat loss goals.

Please note that these tips are merely advises based on some experiences. Although most of them claim to help you reduce belly fat in 5 days, the results vary from person to person. You must not solely rely on these tips and check with a doctor to outweigh the benefits and limitations. It is also impractical to dream of getting a 6-pack ab in less than a week. So, focus on healthy goals and take it step by step!

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize how one can lose and keep off weight successfully.

answer: To lose weight and keep it off, focus on reducing calorie intake, exercising moderately, quitting alcohol consumption and consuming fibre-rich foods. Sleep well, reduce stress levels and drink lots of water. These tips will help you succeed in reaching weight-loss goals.

text: Cut down on carbohydrates; eat small meals frequently; drink green tea is omitted.

refinement: To lose weight and keep it off, focus on reducing calorie intake, exercising moderately, quitting alcohol consumption, cutting down on carbohydrates; eating small meals frequently; drinking green tea, and consuming fibre-rich foods. Sleep well, reduce stress levels and drink lots of water. These tips will help you succeed in reaching weight-loss goals.

text: 'fiber-rich instead of 'fibre-rich'; a missing comma after 'levels'

refinement: To lose weight and keep it off, focus on reducing calorie intake, exercising moderately, quitting alcohol consumption, cutting down on carbohydrates; eating small meals frequently; drinking green tea, and consuming fiber-rich foods. Sleep well, reduce stress levels, and drink lots of water. These tips will help you succeed in reaching weight-loss goals.

answer: The article emphasizes the importance of a low-carb, high-protein diet that incorporates moderate intensity workouts, drinking water, moderating your alcohol intake, taking a good diet of fiber rich food and sleeping well. These actions together should lead to the reduction and loss of unhealthy belly fat and the maintenance of a healthy and stable weight. The general tone of the article is quite instructional, and it says it's nothing new and hopefully easy to follow.

text: The high-protein diet is not mentioned.

refinement: The article emphasizes the importance of a low-carb diet that incorporates moderate intensity workouts, drinking water, moderating your alcohol intake, taking a good diet of fiber rich food and sleeping well. These actions together should lead to the reduction and loss of unhealthy belly fat and the maintenance of a healthy and stable weight. The general tone of the article is quite instructional, and it says it's nothing new and hopefully easy to follow.

text: The last sentence is an evaluating sentence that is not stated. I would delete it.

refinement: The article emphasizes the importance of a low-carb diet that incorporates moderate intensity workouts, drinking water, moderating your alcohol intake, taking a good diet of fiber rich food and sleeping well. These actions together should lead to the reduction and loss of unhealthy belly fat and the maintenance of a healthy and stable weight.

text: instead of 'fiber rich food' it should be 'fiber-rich food,'.

refinement: The article emphasizes the importance of a low-carb diet that incorporates moderate intensity workouts, drinking water, moderating your alcohol intake, taking a good diet of fiber-rich food, and sleeping well. These actions together should lead to the reduction and loss of unhealthy belly fat and the maintenance of a healthy and stable weight.

answer:
The tips that can help achieve and maintain weight loss success are:

- Reduce calorie intake by following a diet high in low-calorie meals like fruits, raw vegetables, soups, and seeds.
- Cut down on carbohydrates and stick to a medium intensity workout routine.
- Avoid alcohol, high sodium, sugar, and other weight-gaining substances.
- Limit stress through meditation and maintain quality sleep to reach your weight loss goals.

text: It is omitted: eat small meals frequently; drink plenty of water; drink green tea.

refinement:
The tips that can help achieve and maintain weight loss success are:

- Reduce calorie intake by following a diet high in low-calorie meals like fruits, raw vegetables, soups, and seeds.
- Cut down on carbohydrates and stick to a medium intensity workout routine.
- Avoid alcohol, high sodium, sugar, and other weight-gaining substances.
- Limit stress through meditation and maintain quality sleep to reach your weight loss goals.
eat small meals frequently; drink plenty of water; drink green tea.

text: I would write it as a sentence.

refinement:
The tips that can help achieve and maintain weight loss success are: reduce calorie intake by following a diet high in low-calorie meals like fruits, raw vegetables, soups, and seeds; cut down on carbohydrates and stick to a medium intensity workout routine; avoid alcohol, high sodium, sugar, and other weight-gaining substances; limit stress through meditation and maintain quality sleep; eat small meals frequently; drink plenty of water; drink green tea to reach your weight loss goals.
.

answer: You must first read the list of weight-loss dietary tips. Begin by reducing calorie intake and then consult a doctor to check benefits and limitations. Get enough sleep by not using gadgets during the evening and creating an environment conducive to sleep. Avoid drinking alcohol and chemicals during the diet. Say no to carbohydrates during the diet. Eat frequently to reduce digestion load. Also, reduce stress and boredom. Avoid overeating. Go for a moderate intensity workout to lose some extra weight in your waist. Eat healthy green tea, foods, and fruits.

text: It is omitted: drink plenty of water; increase dietary fiber.

refinement: You must first read the list of weight-loss dietary tips. Begin by reducing calorie intake and then consult a doctor to check benefits and limitations. Get enough sleep by not using gadgets during the evening and creating an environment conducive to sleep. Avoid drinking alcohol and chemicals during the diet. Say no to carbohydrates during the diet. Eat frequently to reduce digestion load. Also, reduce stress and boredom. Avoid overeating. Go for a moderate intensity workout to lose some extra weight in your waist. Eat healthy green tea, foods, and fruits. Drink plenty of water and increase dietary fiber.

answer: The author highlights several key components in successful weight loss and management. Specifically, this article hones in on the stomach and abdomen area. On the diet side, they recommend reducing calories and aiming for a diet that is low in carbohydrates-which are often found in high quantities in food items such as bread, or those items containing refined sugar. Frequent but small meals, imbibing green tea, and avoid alcohol are all suggested. In the way of exercise, moderate intensity workouts that are diverse in their offerings are suggested-think a repertoire that includes hiking, swimming, and yoga.

text: It is omitted: drink plenty of water; increase dietary fiber; sleep well.

refinement: The author highlights several key components in successful weight loss and management. Specifically, this article hones in on the stomach and abdomen area. On the diet side, they recommend reducing calories and aiming for a diet that is low in carbohydrates-which are often found in high quantities in food items such as bread, or those items containing refined sugar. Frequent but small meals, imbibing green tea, and avoid alcohol are all suggested. In the way of exercise, moderate intensity workouts that are diverse in their offerings are suggested-think a repertoire that includes hiking, swimming, and yoga. Drink plenty of water, increase dietary fiber, and sleep well.