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Int'l Business Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
Journalist Caught Using AI After Publishing Summer Reading List Full of Made Up Books
A Chicago-based freelance journalist was caught using AI after two prominent newspapers published a summer reading list filled with mostly made-up titles and summaries. The Chicago Sun-Times and Philadelphia Inquirer published an AI-generated "Summer Reading List for 2025" this month, syndicated by King Features Syndicate, a Hearst Corporation company, according to reporting by 404 Media. Of the list's 15 book recommendations, just five exist, including "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury. Some of the made-up titles, credited to real writers, included "Tidewater Dreams" by prominent Chilean-American author Isabel Allende, "The Rainmakers" by Pulitzer-prize winning author Percival Everett, and "The Last Algorithm" by "The Martian" novelist Andy Weir. Ironically, "The Last Algorithm" is a real book available on Amazon, but, according to the book's sole review, it is also "AI created garbage." Freelance journalist Marco Buscaglia, who was hired to create a 64-page section, titled "Heat Index: Your Guide to the Best of Summer" for the syndicate company, took full responsibility for the list making it into the major newspapers. "Stupidly, and 100% on me, I just kind of republished this list that [an AI program] spit out," Buscaglia told the Sun-Times. "Usually, it's something I wouldn't do." "I mean, even if I'm not writing something, I'm at least making sure that I correctly source it and vet it and make sure it's all legitimate. And I definitely failed in that task," he continued. King Features wrote in a statement that Buscaglia violated a "strict policy" against using AI. As a result, it terminated its relationship with the freelance journalist. "We regret this incident and are working with the handful of publishing partners who acquired this supplement," a spokesman for King Features added, according to the Sun-Times. Originally published on Latin Times
USA Today
22-05-2025
- USA Today
AI is a danger to the book world. Chicago Sun-Times AI summer reading list proved that.
AI is a danger to the book world. Chicago Sun-Times AI summer reading list proved that. An AI-generated summer reading list with fake titles appeared in a print insert in two major newspapers. It's indicative of larger harms to book publishing and journalism. Every week, I peer over the mountain of advanced review copies on my desk, wondering which book to read next. Too many books and too little time is the best problem (and career) to have. It may only take you a few seconds to scroll through our most anticipated summer reads, but it took weeks of reading and months of preparation to confidently bring you those 15 titles. Last week, the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer ran a print insert with an AI-generated summer reading list from a third-party contributor. Several titles were made up. You won't find 'The Last Algorithm' by Andy Weir or 'The Collector's Piece' by Taylor Jenkins Reid in bookstores or libraries this summer because they don't exist. AI use is more common in workplaces than ever. Many argue it's a train we can only get on, not stop. But in both the book world and the journalism industry, this kind of AI-generated content threatens and undermines the creativity that makes us readers in the first place. AI-generated articles could further erode trust in journalism Earlier this spring, the Chicago Sun-Times lost 20% of its staff after offering buyouts to curb financial woes. To bolster content, many outlets outsource syndicated third-party content. It's a common practice. USA TODAY, for example, hosts an (editorially reviewed) weekly column written by the American Booksellers Association that spotlights local bookstores around the country. But in a world where media distrust rages high, AI-generated content only furthers skepticism of the industry as a whole, distracting from the crucial news and watchdog reporting communities need. The Chicago Sun-Times summer reading list was licensed from King Features, owned by magazine conglomerate Hearst. Freelancer Marco Buscaglia took responsibility for the piece and confirmed he used AI. "We are looking into how this made it into print as we speak," Victor Lim, marketing director for parent company Chicago Public Media, said in a statement to NPR. "This is licensed content that was not created by, or approved by, the Sun-Times newsroom, but it is unacceptable for any content we provide to our readers to be inaccurate. We value our readers' trust in our reporting and take this very seriously. More info will be provided soon as we investigate.' Summer reading lists can be crucial press for debut authors, new books Just as offensive as the fake titles is that some of the real ones on this list are decades old, like Ray Bradbury's 1957 'Dandelion Wine.' Books are timeless pieces of media – there's no expiration date on a good read. But it's important to understand how crucial press attention is to an author and book's success. Millions of books are published globally each year. The odds that one book slips through the cracks and makes it on one of these lists are slim. But if it does, there's the potential for tens of thousands more eyes on an author's hard work. And historically, the book industry has been largely white. One study in The New York Times in 2020 showed that 95% of over 7,000 books surveyed were written by white people. While the industry has diversified since 2020, change has been slow, The Times later reported. As a man-made creation, generative AI can amplify human biases, especially when it comes to representing women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, AI experts previously told USA TODAY. If we rely on AI to choose the notable books of the year, we risk further marginalizing authors whose stories deserve to be heard. Large language models are trained on swaths of internet archives, so, naturally, a list like that published in the Chicago Sun-Times can't include new releases. AI can't sift through hundreds of emails from publishers to see what books are coming out this year and it certainly can't match the tireless effort of book publicists and marketers to get a book into your hands. AI can never replace writers and book journalists It takes time and care to come up with a recommendation list. When you read one of our monthly new release recaps, know that each book is pored over and chosen in hopes of being your next great read. AI will never match the human intimacy of getting a book recommendation from someone who cares about you. AI can never replace the email exchanges with readers, swapping new and old titles we'd never otherwise pick up. It can never capture rage or laughter or grief in an audiobook narration. It can never cry at the end of a meaningful read. It can't connect a love story to the bench in Central Park that reminded you of what it means to be alive. Most of all, AI is a danger to what makes us readers in the first place. There's no way to package the human creative spirit in an AI prompt. We are readers because we relish in the slow possibilities of living in the pages of someone else's world. We are readers because we are hungry for meaning about humanity. And while AI may threaten jobs and undermine trust, it can never take away the knowledge and lives we've lived through stepping into a good book. Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Time Business News
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Budget Homes, Forgotten Properties, and Crossword Clues Reveal Market Trends
If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about owning a little home in the countryside, restoring a crumbling villa, or even just solving a crossword while sipping a glass of wine, you're not alone. These seemingly unrelated ideas are actually connected by a bigger story—one that says a lot about how people are navigating the modern housing market. In this article, we're looking into the world of affordable homes, overlooked properties, quirky market signals, and even a glass of Dandelion Wine. Sound random? Stay with me. It all comes together. Once upon a time, owning a home for under $100,000 was the norm. Today, it sounds like a fairy tale—unless you know where to look. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of options out there if you're willing to get creative and think outside major metropolitan bubbles. Websites like PropertyUnder100k are helping to bring these hidden gems to light. Whether you're looking for a fixer-upper in the U.S. Midwest, a Spanish countryside cottage, or a small home in Eastern Europe, there are still houses for 100k or less. And it's not just about price. It's about a different lifestyle. People are prioritizing space, flexibility, and character over trendy zip codes. Now let's talk about the kind of listings that make some folks scroll past fast—abandoned, derelict properties. These lonely buildings, full of cracked windows and faded glory, are actually packed with potential. Sites like All Real Estate offer an international window into the property derelict sale market. And guess what? These places are becoming hot spots for: Artists and creatives looking for cheap studio space Digital nomads building dream homes with DIY flair Investors flipping for eco-conscious buyers Sure, these properties come with challenges. But for the right person, the rewards are huge: equity, uniqueness, and a serious sense of accomplishment. You may think I'm joking, but crossword clues? They're more telling than you think. The world of search data and pop culture trends intersects in interesting ways. For example, people are increasingly searching for terms like sweet wine crossword, which might seem totally unrelated to housing at first glance. But here's the thing: when people are spending time relaxing, researching, and unwinding, they're often in a mindset that encourages long-term thinking—like where they want to live and what kind of life they want to build. Real estate, after all, isn't just about structures. It's about stories. Let's take a glance at where you can still find great value in 2025. Country Example Area Average Price (USD) Best For Spain Galicia $45,000 Remote living, scenery Portugal Central Interior $60,000 Agriculture, sunshine USA Midwest towns $70,000 Space, simplicity Romania Transylvania $40,000 History, culture Italy Calabria $1 (renovation deals) Restoration enthusiasts Of course, availability changes fast. But the common thread? These places value lifestyle over hustle. Still unsure if this kind of purchase is for you? Ask yourself: Do you crave peace and quiet over city nightlife? Are you handy, or open to learning DIY? Do you like the idea of owning, even if it means starting small? Are you financially stretched in your current market? Do you have flexibility in terms of remote work or travel? If you said yes to even a couple, it might be time to start seriously looking. Good question. Buying property abroad or investing in a fixer-upper requires a bit more homework than a traditional mortgage. Here are a few tips: Always hire a local lawyer to review contracts to review contracts Budget for repairs (and then double it) (and then double it) Check for residency requirements if buying internationally if buying internationally Get a proper survey of the building and land And most importantly, don't rush. Great deals are out there, but so are landmines. Take your time. Now let's shift gears. Ever heard of Dandelion Wine? This old-fashioned country drink is made from handpicked dandelions, sugar, citrus, and time. That's it. It sounds simple, but it's a powerful metaphor for everything we've been talking about. Making dandelion wine takes effort, patience, and appreciation for things others overlook. Just like restoring a derelict home. Just like finding a $90,000 property in a sleepy town no one else is watching. Just like spotting a crossword clue that hints at a much bigger story. In the end, it's about seeing value where others see none. Forget the flashy headlines. If you really want to know where things are headed, watch for: Quiet towns seeing a rise in remote workers Online platforms specializing in sub-$100k listings Increases in renovation grants and rural funding programs Cultural trends toward minimalism, sustainability, and homesteading Also, keep an eye on people who are simplifying, whether through word games, wine making, or downsizing. That quiet shift is the real market indicator. You don't need to spend millions to own something meaningful. You just need to look differently—and maybe be willing to get your hands a little dirty along the way. So go ahead. Solve that crossword. Sip that wine. And maybe, just maybe, browse that listing for the little cottage in the hills. It might just be the smartest move you make all year. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Buzz Feed
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
"Every Single Sentence Is Like Cracking A Crème Brûlée With A Spoon" – 13 Of The Most Beautifully Written Books We've Ever Read
Sometimes we're not only just after a good book, but one that's written with an air of grace and beauty. Well, u/yxial recently asked r/booksuggestions, for the most beautifully written books people have read. I've picked some of the best suggestions and given you a little bit about each book. 1. If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino "Dude makes prose feel like poetry. Feels like every word was crafted with a paintbrush." – DangerousNightsCrew2 About the Book: This novel follows a reader who is attempting to read a book called If on a Winter's Night a Traveller. The problem they encounter is that the story is incomplete. In attempting to find the ending, the reader discovers more unfinished stories, from different genres, set in different places, with new characters each time. The reader's search for the elusive conclusions to these tales leads them inwards, to reflect on meaning and reading itself. 2. East of Eden by John Steinbeck Penguin "My man absolutely COOKED describing the Salinas Valley in the opening." – Aurelius_KiNG About the book: This epic novel focuses on two families in California's Salinas Valley. The book follows these families across three generations, delving into the rivalries and connections between them, along with the characters' struggles with identity, right and wrong, the complexities of morality, and the legacies of their predecessors." 3. Milkweed Editions "Nonfiction. This was a life-changing book for me. It's an eclectic blend of botany, Native American stories, thoughts on motherhood, and prose. The way she weaves these things together in such a prosaic, important, and just beautiful book is really skilful. I found I could only read one chapter at a time – each one moved me so. It's fabulous if you would like to understand or deepen your relationship with the natural world. 10/10, one of my top five books ever." – mamapajamas 4. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury Harper Voyager "I read this for the first time last summer and now I'm going to read it every summer. Unbelievably beautiful book." – HalaKahiki17 About the book: This coming-of-age novel follows 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding, growing up in a the small town of Green Town, Illinois. Told using recollections of his youth, we explore, as Douglas does, the bittersweet magic of adolescence, exploring themes of time, life, death, connections with the natural world, and finding joy in the everyday. 5. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Viking "People also fail to appreciate the narrative structure and how it functions so beautifully in this book. It uses a double/half structure where the time intervals double each chapter (one day, two days, five days, ten days, three weeks, six weeks, etc) through the early chapters as you get to know the characters then halve in the back portion of the novel as events come to a climax until you're back at one day between chapters. It lends the book such thoughtful pacing as it covers nearly an entire lifetime without ever getting sucked into mundane, boring details (which, given the subject matter – one man confined to a single building for time immemorial – is a very real danger)." 6. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving Black Swan "It really did feel like a prayer while reading it. Something... I don't know, not sacred, but personal and truly heartfelt." – SingleMomWithHusband About the book: This novel is centred around one remarkable friendship and one mysterious and charismatic man. The story, told through the connection of Johnny Wheelwright to the charismatic, mysterious Owen Meany, is one of fate, meaning, and faith. Owen, believing he is an instrument of God's will, lives his life as an enactor of fate, and his experiences have a profound impact on those around him. 7. Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin Penguin Classics "A beautifully written book." – mister_ash_h About the book: We follow David, an American living in Paris, awaiting his fiancée's return from Spain. While in Paris, David meets a Giovanni, an Italian bartender, and they are drawn into an intense, but tumultuous affair. David grapples with identity, his own sexuality, and social pressures, and ultimately must confront the consequences of his repression. 8. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Bloomsbury Publishing "A GORGEOUSLY written book, prepare to absolutely be emotionally devastated." – provoking-puppet About the book: This haunting novel explores the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila. We follow their somewhat unlikely bond as they face hardship, oppression, and political turmoil. Told over decades, the novel encompasses themes of resilience, love, and friendship in the face of oppression, social expectation, and the consequences of war. 9. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston HarperCollins Publishers "Good story, interesting characters, very beautiful prose. Has my vote for most beautifully written American novel." – mom_with_an_attitude About the book: Set in the Jim Crowe era American South, this is the tale of Janie Crawford, who tells us her story upon returning to her hometown, and recounting her life. Ultimately Janie's story is one of self-discovery and independence, with vast personal hardship, and a series of marriages, Janie's fight towards autonomy against the racial and gender dynamics of the time is beautifully and eloquently told. 10. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong Vintage "This one has really struck me, the use of language and metaphor is incredible." – peacefinder22 About the book: Written with subtle grace, this novel takes the form of a letter from a Vietnamese American son growing up in Connecticut to his illiterate mother. In the letter he speaks of growing up as part of two disparate worlds, and speaks further on the immigrant experience in America. He details the complexities of identity, love, trauma, and his relationship with his mother, while focusing on the fleeting moments of joy and pain that pierce one's life. 11. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Scribner Book Company "Every single sentence is like cracking a crème brûlée with a spoon, and yet the story is so easy to follow. I adored this book." – NeckarBridge About the book: This historical novel is set during World War II, and is centred around the lives of two individuals, a blind French girl called Marie-Laure, and a German soldier, Werner. Their two paths become intertwined in the occupied town of Saint-Malo. It's a story of connection, as both attempt to navigate the horrors of war. Written with poetic elegance, the novel also manages to highlight small moments of beauty that manage to escape the wilderness of pain and darkness. 12. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman Vintage "Especially towards the ending her prose went to another level, she was firing on all cylinders." – knight_ranger840 About the book: 40 women are kept in an underground bunker, guarded by men who never speak. The youngest of the group has no memory of life before the bunker, of anything other than fake days, fake nights, and the inside of her cage. A sudden change leaves the girl on a journey of terrifying rediscovery as she navigates the complete unknown. 13. Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman Corsair "It made me tear up a few times because the writing is so beautiful, which really took me by surprise because it's physics-based and the author is a physics professor who writes textbooks. But, man… it's poetic. Sent me into existential anxiety, made me feel tiny, but reminded me how fragile the universe is and how beautiful humans are. I recommend this book often; it's centre stage on my shelf."
