AI Newsletter 3_5_26
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Caleb Bryant
Mar 5, 2026, 6:25:29 AM (8 days ago) Mar 5
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IT HootClub — AI Community Newsletter
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Issued 2026-03-05
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Google Gemini
DEFINITION LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation)
An efficient fine-tuning technique that adapts large pre-trained models by training only a tiny fraction of their internal weights, drastically lowering the hardware requirements for customization.
Source: Hugging Face
TIP Chain of Density
To create information-rich summaries, instruct the AI to first write a sparse summary and then iteratively identify and integrate missing key entities into the same word count until the text is highly dense.
Source: arXiv
TOOL ElevenLabs
A state-of-the-art AI audio platform used for creating natural-sounding voiceovers, real-time speech-to-speech conversion, and professional voice cloning.
Source: https://elevenlabs.io
Anthropic Claude
DEFINITION Mixture of Experts (MoE)
A neural network architecture that uses multiple specialized "expert" networks, but only activates a few of them for each input. Think of it like a hospital where patients are routed to different specialists based on their symptoms - instead of every doctor examining every patient, the system intelligently chooses which experts to consult, making the model more efficient while maintaining high performance.
Source: Wikipedia
TIP Constraint-Based Prompting
When you need consistent outputs, add explicit constraints to your prompts. Instead of "Write a product description," try "Write a product description in exactly 3 sentences, include 2 key benefits, and end with a call-to-action." This forces the AI to follow a specific structure, reducing variability and improving reliability across multiple generations.
Source: PromptingGuide
TOOL Pika Labs
An AI video generation platform that creates short video clips from text prompts or transforms static images into dynamic videos with realistic motion and effects.
Source: https://pika.art
OpenAI GPT
DEFINITION Diffusion Models
Diffusion Models are a type of generative model that involve gradually transforming a simple distribution into a complex data distribution, often used for generating high-quality images by adding and then removing noise during the learning process.
Source: Wikipedia
TIP Iteration with Feedback
Incorporate user feedback iteratively by setting up feedback loops in your workflow. Prompt users to rate and comment on AI outputs to refine prompts and improve response accuracy.
Source: PromptingGuide
TOOL Midjourney
Midjourney is an independent research lab exploring new mediums of thought and expanding the imaginative powers of the human species, particularly focused on creating outstanding images with AI models.
Source: https://www.midjourney.com
March 5, 2026:
In this week's Fireside Chats with AI, I used Claude's suggested prompt for highlighting differences in the three model response. What I've noticed about the responses, so far, is that they really aren't all that different are they? This highlights something important. Without training and fine-tuning, and with the models using the same sources for information (the entire internet), these models perform much the same. In fact, a prompt asking for a short essay on a topic yields very similar results. Whereas a prompt asking for opinion (remember the prompt asking who is the better model), at least had some differences between the models. Model design that is intended to placate every human, results in much more vague and generic output.
This highlights the importance of human influence. The challenge and health of disagreements, and the progression that comes out of it.
I was thinking about asking the three models to reverse their opinions on this prompt and to write themselves letters that argue that life is not better without social media. I'm curious as to what specific points they would make about that immediately following these statements of how life is better without social media. I still might do that just because I am curious. However, I'm willing to bet that the responses all will be very similar. We'll see...........
The Prompt:
You're a time traveler who accidentally changed one small detail in 1995 and returned to find that social media never existed. Write a 200-word diary entry from 2024 describing what society looks like instead, but write it as if you're trying to convince your past self that this timeline is actually better.
Google Gemini (gemini-3-flash-preview)
October 14, 2024
Dear Self,
I know you’re panicking because you accidentally tripped and fried that specific server rack in 1995, but please, put the temporal stabilizer down. You didn’t ruin the future; you saved it.
I just walked through a city park, and it was breathtakingly quiet. No one was "vlogging" their lunch or staring at a glass rectangle to avoid eye contact. People were actually looking at the trees—and each other. Without the invention of the "feed," our attention spans haven't shattered into fifteen-second fragments.
There is no doom-scrolling here. No one measures their self-worth in "likes," and the word "influencer" still just refers to a persuasive boss. When people have a disagreement, they have to face the person, not an avatar, which makes everything remarkably more civil.
Privacy isn’t a myth; it’s a standard. We aren't products being sold to the highest bidder. I spent the afternoon reading a physical newspaper and didn't feel the need to perform my reaction for an audience. We’ve traded the "connectivity" of the screen for the intimacy of the room.
Trust me, the silence is better than the shouting. Stay here. It's peaceful.
— Me
Dear Self,
I know you’re panicking because you accidentally tripped and fried that specific server rack in 1995, but please, put the temporal stabilizer down. You didn’t ruin the future; you saved it.
I just walked through a city park, and it was breathtakingly quiet. No one was "vlogging" their lunch or staring at a glass rectangle to avoid eye contact. People were actually looking at the trees—and each other. Without the invention of the "feed," our attention spans haven't shattered into fifteen-second fragments.
There is no doom-scrolling here. No one measures their self-worth in "likes," and the word "influencer" still just refers to a persuasive boss. When people have a disagreement, they have to face the person, not an avatar, which makes everything remarkably more civil.
Privacy isn’t a myth; it’s a standard. We aren't products being sold to the highest bidder. I spent the afternoon reading a physical newspaper and didn't feel the need to perform my reaction for an audience. We’ve traded the "connectivity" of the screen for the intimacy of the room.
Trust me, the silence is better than the shouting. Stay here. It's peaceful.
— Me
Anthropic Claude (claude-sonnet-4-20250514)
**March 15, 2024**
Dear Past Me,
I know you're panicking about that butterfly effect thing with the CompuServe server in '95, but LISTEN – we accidentally created paradise.
Without social media, people still gather in coffee shops and actually talk. Eye contact exists! Kids play outside until streetlights come on, just like we did. Libraries are packed with teenagers doing research and reading actual books.
Local newspapers never died because people still need community news. Town halls are standing-room only because that's how neighbors stay informed. Depression rates among teens plummeted after 2010 instead of skyrocketing – turns out constant comparison and cyberbullying were pretty toxic.
Politicians have to face constituents in person. No hiding behind tweets or viral soundbites. Democracy is messier but more genuine.
Yes, organizing movements takes longer without viral hashtags, but the connections formed are deeper. Change happens through kitchen table conversations and community meetings – slower, but it sticks.
People still take photos, they just don't perform their lives for strangers. Privacy exists. Attention spans recovered. Misinformation spreads at the speed of gossip, not light.
Trust me – don't fix it. Sometimes broken technology makes an unbroken society.
Future You
Dear Past Me,
I know you're panicking about that butterfly effect thing with the CompuServe server in '95, but LISTEN – we accidentally created paradise.
Without social media, people still gather in coffee shops and actually talk. Eye contact exists! Kids play outside until streetlights come on, just like we did. Libraries are packed with teenagers doing research and reading actual books.
Local newspapers never died because people still need community news. Town halls are standing-room only because that's how neighbors stay informed. Depression rates among teens plummeted after 2010 instead of skyrocketing – turns out constant comparison and cyberbullying were pretty toxic.
Politicians have to face constituents in person. No hiding behind tweets or viral soundbites. Democracy is messier but more genuine.
Yes, organizing movements takes longer without viral hashtags, but the connections formed are deeper. Change happens through kitchen table conversations and community meetings – slower, but it sticks.
People still take photos, they just don't perform their lives for strangers. Privacy exists. Attention spans recovered. Misinformation spreads at the speed of gossip, not light.
Trust me – don't fix it. Sometimes broken technology makes an unbroken society.
Future You
OpenAI GPT (gpt-4o)
Date: April 14, 2024
Dear 2023 Self,
I arrived back in our so-called present, with one tiny ripple in 1995, and wow—what a world I’ve found. You might want to know how different things are, especially since social media is completely missing. Let me assure you, it's remarkable!
Conversations have transformed. People meet in cafés, on park benches, and around dinner tables. Folks seem to have more time, more eye contact, more laughter. It’s refreshing to see a tangible connection—real, genuine interactions, unhindered by digital distractions.
Communication has taken a new form. Letters are back in fashion—not just as art but as a meaningful exchange. Communities have grown stronger, not just regionally, but in workplace settings and interest groups. Noticeboards and newsletters connect us, fostering focused, quality dialogues.
The absence of endless scrolling means creativity flows differently. Artists and thinkers share work through community exhibitions or postal mail, gaining invaluable face-to-face feedback. Without the viral noise, innovation feels intimate and grounded.
Mental health has improved remarkably. Without platform algorithms preying on insecurities or selling polarized narratives, people seem more at peace. Anxiety levels are visibly lower, and authentic self-worth shines universally brighter.
In short, this version is beautifully human. Trust me, you’d love it here.
Yours truly,
Future You
Dear 2023 Self,
I arrived back in our so-called present, with one tiny ripple in 1995, and wow—what a world I’ve found. You might want to know how different things are, especially since social media is completely missing. Let me assure you, it's remarkable!
Conversations have transformed. People meet in cafés, on park benches, and around dinner tables. Folks seem to have more time, more eye contact, more laughter. It’s refreshing to see a tangible connection—real, genuine interactions, unhindered by digital distractions.
Communication has taken a new form. Letters are back in fashion—not just as art but as a meaningful exchange. Communities have grown stronger, not just regionally, but in workplace settings and interest groups. Noticeboards and newsletters connect us, fostering focused, quality dialogues.
The absence of endless scrolling means creativity flows differently. Artists and thinkers share work through community exhibitions or postal mail, gaining invaluable face-to-face feedback. Without the viral noise, innovation feels intimate and grounded.
Mental health has improved remarkably. Without platform algorithms preying on insecurities or selling polarized narratives, people seem more at peace. Anxiety levels are visibly lower, and authentic self-worth shines universally brighter.
In short, this version is beautifully human. Trust me, you’d love it here.
Yours truly,
Future You
Google Gemini
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
— James Baldwin — He was an American essayist, novelist, and playwright whose work explored the complexities of racial, sexual, and class distinctions. His writing, including the seminal collection Notes of a Native Son, provided a profound critique of Western society during the mid-twentieth century. He spent much of his life in France, where he became a leading voice in the civil rights movement and an advocate for human dignity.Anthropic Claude
“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”
— Helen Hayes — Helen Hayes was an American actress whose career spanned nearly 90 years. She became one of only a few people to achieve EGOT status, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Known as the "First Lady of American Theatre," she was celebrated for her versatility and dedication to her craft across stage, film, and television.OpenAI GPT
“Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation.”
— Mahatma Gandhi — Mahatma Gandhi was a leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. He is best known for his nonviolent protests and civil disobedience tactics. Gandhi's influence extended beyond politics, inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.Google Gemini
Anthropic Claude
OpenAI GPT
Event 03/04/2026 8:00 AM
Vibe Coding Hackathon — Online (Connected Systems Institute, 2311 east hartford ave, Milwaukee, WI)
## Vibe Coding Hackathon: Where Innovation Meets Industry **Code. Compete. Create. Win.** ****Join the Vibe Coding Hackathon to tackle real industrial challenges, collaborate with top talent, and compete for exclusive prizes – all while showcasing your AI solution to industry leaders. March 4 \| 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM [Connected Systems Institute (CSI), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2311 E Hartford Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbjcprjXxJyasHP47) [Register here: ](https://w [Group: madison-ai]
Event 03/05/2026 5:30 PM
The State of AI: Good, Bad, and Ugly — Woman's Club of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Exploring the good, bad, and ugly we experience with AI use.
Event 03/09/2026 6:00 PM
Moving from Meetup to guild - Building a Viable AI Business — Online (Madison Central Public Library, 201 West Mifflin St. Room 302, Madison, WI)
We are moving from the meetup platform to guild.host. Please register here. We will be announcing on both platforms for the next 3 months and then moving complete to guild.host. https://guild.host/events/building-a-viable-ai-xu1y72 For engineers, the allure of AI often begins and ends with the "magic" of the build. However, as the market shifts from "shiny object" exuberance toward commoditized models, the true challenge emerges: Just because you built it, doesn't mean you have a company. This [Group: madison-ai]
Event 03/10/2026 12:00 PM
Upskilling in the Age of AI - Milwaukee — Location TBD; Register Online, Milwaukee, WI
Experience upskilling age networking in Milwaukee on 10 Mar 2026, 12 PM CDT. Connect with professionals!
Event 03/11/2026 5:15 PM
March Global AI Milwaukee User Group Meeting — Online (Wctc, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI)
Agenda Includes: * Networking / Food * Brief Introduction / Discuss Group Business * Featured Speaker Featured Speaker: **Timothy Goebel**, AI & Machine Learning Specialist Topic: **Construction Bid Estimation with AI** AI agents and computer vision are revolutionizing the construction bid estimation process. It covers how traditional workflows often lead to inefficiencies, errors, and missed opportunities, and demonstrates how AI can automate plan reading, quantity takeoff, and cost calculat [Group: global-ai_milwaukee]
Event 03/11/2026 5:00 PM
AI Specialists: Boost Your AppliedAI Career! - Milwaukee — No Location finalized, Moving to Online, Milwaukee, WI
Experience specialists boost networking in Milwaukee on 11 Mar 2026, 5 PM CDT. Connect with professionals!
Google Gemini
News 2026-03-04 — TechCrunch
Google Search rolls out Gemini’s Canvas in AI Mode to all US users
Google has expanded the availability of Gemini's Canvas feature to all users in the United States. The tool allows for the creation of projects, apps, and plans directly within an AI-driven search interface. This update is currently available to U.S. users in English for collaborative and organizational tasks. read more
News 2026-03-04 — TechCrunch
Decagon completes first tender offer at $4.5B valuation
AI-powered customer support startup Decagon has completed a tender offer valuing the company at $4.5 billion. The transaction provides employee liquidity, marking it as one of the fastest-growing young companies in the generative AI space. The startup specializes in automating enterprise support tasks through advanced machine learning models. read more
News 2026-03-04 — VentureBeat
Railway secures $100 million to challenge AWS with AI-native cloud infrastructure
Railway raised $100 million in Series B funding to scale its AI-native cloud infrastructure, which targets developers frustrated by legacy platforms. The startup has reached two million developers by focusing on the specific compute and deployment needs of artificial intelligence applications. TQ Ventures led the round as Railway seeks to compete with major providers like AWS. read more
Anthropic Claude
News 2026-03-04 — TechCrunch
Google Search rolls out Gemini's Canvas in AI Mode to all US users
Google has expanded access to Canvas in AI Mode to all US users in English, enabling creation of plans, projects, and applications directly within search. The feature represents Google's continued integration of Gemini AI capabilities into its core search experience. This rollout makes advanced AI planning and creation tools more widely accessible to American users. read more
News 2026-03-04 — VentureBeat
Claude Code costs up to $200 a month. Goose does the same thing for free.
Anthropic's Claude Code, an AI agent that autonomously writes, debugs, and deploys code, has gained popularity among developers but faces criticism for its high pricing of $20-200 monthly. A competing tool called Goose offers similar AI coding capabilities at no cost. The pricing disparity has sparked debate among programmers about the accessibility of AI-powered development tools. read more
News 2026-03-04 — VentureBeat
Anthropic launches Cowork, a Claude Desktop agent that works in your files — no coding required
Anthropic has released Cowork, extending the capabilities of its Claude Code tool to non-technical users who can now interact with files without programming knowledge. The feature was reportedly built in just a week and a half using Claude Code itself, demonstrating the tool's rapid development capabilities. This launch represents a significant expansion of AI agent functionality beyond technical users to mainstream desktop applications. read more
OpenAI GPT
News 2026-03-04 — TechCrunch
Google Search rolls out Gemini's Canvas in AI Mode to all US users
Google has launched Gemini’s Canvas in AI Mode within its search platform for U.S. users, enhancing users' ability to create various digital projects such as plans and apps. This tool offers a more hands-on approach to integrating AI capabilities directly into search for smoother project design experiences. Available in English, the feature aims to broaden Google's AI-assisted functionalities in its services. read more
News 2026-03-04 — VentureBeat
Salesforce rolls out new Slackbot AI agent as it battles Microsoft and Google in workplace AI
Salesforce has revamped its Slackbot, transforming it from a basic notification tool into a comprehensive AI agent that can search enterprise data, draft documents, and automate tasks. This advancement is part of Salesforce's strategy to compete with Microsoft and Google in the burgeoning AI-driven workplace solutions market. The new Slackbot is now available to users, aiming to streamline business operations and boost productivity. read more
News 2026-03-04 — VentureBeat
Anthropic launches Cowork, a Claude Desktop agent that works in your files — no coding required
Anthropic has released Cowork, a desktop agent extension of its Claude AI platform, designed to assist non-technical users in working with files without the need for code. Built swiftly using its own Claude Code tool, Cowork exemplifies Anthropic's initiative to make AI more accessible. This launch represents a significant step in expanding Anthropic's AI offerings to broader user demographics. read more
Caleb Bryant · cbry...@my.wctc.edu · (414) 458-1971
This newsletter was assembled with an AI-assisted workflow prototype for internal preview.
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