oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | artificial intelligence, news, popular culture, studio ghibli, technology
NEW YORK – The launch of the newest image creator from OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked an influx of internet memes showcasing artwork inspired by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation house known for classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”
These images went viral quickly, leading even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to change his profile picture on X to mimic the design. This instantly sparked concerns over potential copyright issues for the ChatGPT creator, who is already dealing with legal actions due to using content without authorization.
Ever since their debut on Wednesday, pictures created by artificial intelligence showing Studio Ghibli-styled renditions of Elon Musk alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, scenes from “The Lord of the Rings,” and even a depiction of the September 11 attacks have spread rapidly across various online channels.
On Thursday, the White House joined in by sharing on X a Studio Ghibli-inspired picture depicting an allegedly guilty individual in tears as they were handcuffed by a U.S. immigration official prior to their deportation.
Initially planned to be accessible at no cost through the platform, Altman mentioned that the overwhelming popularity of the updated generator caught them off guard. As a result, they have decided to keep this tool restricted to those who subscribe for now.
It was previously feasible to create images using ChatGPT, however, the newest iteration leverages GPT-40, the firm’s top-tier model. This enables complex outcomes from exceedingly concise prompts, something not achievable earlier.
Following the viral craze, a 2016 clip emerged showing renowned Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki losing his temper during an artificial intelligence presentation conducted by employees.
“I would absolutely not want to include this technology in my work whatsoever. I firmly believe that this represents a grave disrespect to existence itself,” stated the English subtitles in the video.
“The trend is particularly pernicious and malevolent due to Miyazaki’s openly critical stance towards the technology,” noted artist and illustrator Jayd ‘Chira’ Ait-Kaci in an article for Bluesky.
Ait-Kaci added, ‘It’s always centered around disdain for artists, each time.’
OpenAI is confronting numerous legal actions for alleged copyright violations, which include significant cases like the lawsuit initiated by The New York Times as well as claims brought forth by various artists, musicians, and publishers.
When asked by AFP regarding the most recent viral trend and if it posed a threat to Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property, OpenAI stated that they are still refining their model.
“The aim is to provide users with maximum creative liberty,” said a representative of the firm to AFP.
“We keep preventing content created in the specific style of individual living artists, yet we allow more general studio styles. These styles have been utilized to produce and distribute numerous delightfully creative and inspiring original fan works,” she explained.
We continuously learn from practical application and user input, and we will keep enhancing our policies along the way.
The firm is strongly advocating at both the White House and Congress to incorporate the utilization of copyrighted material by artificial intelligence businesses into the category of fair use.
Allowances for fair use already cover search engines or instances involving satire and memes online, permitting businesses to utilize copyrighted content without seeking authorization.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is nearing the completion of a $40 billion fundraising initiative headed by Japan’s SoftBank Group. This investment would mark the largest funding round ever secured by a startup.
OpenAI forecasts that its yearly income might surpass $12.7 billion in 2025, an increase from the $3.7 billion earned in 2024.
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | airfares, flights, flying, money, Travel
Explore travel from just P1!
Cebu Pacific declared in a
Facebook post
On Friday, March 28, they announced that they’re concluding the month with a Piso Sale.
Using this promotion, you can take advantage of PHP 1 one-way base fares for flights to various destinations within the Philippines and other nations departing from Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.
The sales phase ends on March 31, whereas the travel dates range from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Please be aware that the stated domestic rates include a 7 kg carry-on luggage limit. Nonetheless, these prices do not cover the web administration fee, 12% value-added tax, airport charges, and additional fuel costs.
The stated international charges include the same carry-on luggage allowances; however, they do not cover web administration fees for both short-haul and long-haul trips, as well as an additional P550 charge for using the international terminal and fuel surcharges.
To take advantage of the offer, head over to the airline company’s website or physical location.
seat sale section
Then click “Book Now” next to your selected location.
This article
Cebu Pacific launches PISO fare promotion for both domestic and international routes.
was originally published in
PhilSTAR L!fe
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, mexican restaurants, news, restaurant chains, restaurants
-
FURTHER READING: Kohl’s plans to close down 27 stores this weekend… check out the complete list here
A popular Mexican restaurant chain has declared bankruptcy and plans to shut down 76 outlets, adding another name to the ever-growing roster of casual dining establishments facing collapse.
At On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina – famous for its cheese dip, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas –
declared bankruptcy earlier this month
.
The Tex-Mex restaurant chain has now disclosed the scale of its store reductions spanning 24 states.
Browse further to view the complete list including the addresses.
Several restaurants have already shut down, and the remaining ones are set to close soon. With 119 outlets at the beginning of the year, the firm might be left with fewer than 50 locations.
In their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the company cited economic conditions, challenges in hiring staff, and issues with creditors as the primary reasons for their financial struggles.
“The company has faced challenges in recent times due to various economic conditions that have adversely affected the business,” stated Jonathan Tibus, the chief restructuring officer of On The Border.
‘Casual dining establishments are significantly affected by customers’ preferences for eating at home rather than dining out.’
The number of the company’s 2,800 employees who will be impacted remains uncertain.
In 1982, On the Border initially launched with just one cantina and was acquired by Brinker International after twelve years.
Brinker International plans to focus on franchising restaurants and has been doing so recently.
The firm stated it had 110 company-owned stores.
and nine U.S. franchise locations.
In 2007, the venture expanded globally with openings in South Korea.
“On the Border” did not reply to SANGGRALOKA’s request for comment.
The chain’s struggles are
an additional setback for the quick-service dining sector
That has witnessed multiple beloved franchises file for bankruptcy in the past year.
Once mighty establishments such as Red Lobster,
TGI Fridays
, and Buca di Becco all filed for Chapter 11 following financial difficulties.
Other franchises similar to Hooters alsoexist.
allegedly considering filing for bankruptcy
moves.
Several small eateries have turned to bankruptcy as a means to renegotiate their financial obligations: BurgerFi, Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, and Roti are among the smaller-chain establishments that have filed for bankruptcy.
The dining sector is experiencing an overall decrease in patronage.
Since 2021, consumers have faced increasing price pressures, with inflation reaching peaks of more than 9 percent during the summer of 2022.
The dining sector is experiencing an overall decrease in patronage.
Retail executives have continually lauded “resilient” American shoppers during earnings calls. However, recent data on foot traffic has begun to concern leading industry figures.
Many Americans have reduced their non-essential expenses following a scorching holiday shopping season in December 2024.
Even some of the biggest restaurants have seen their sales slow down since January 2025.
Starbucks has seen a deceleration in sales, and Texas Roadhouse mentioned it has experienced similar issues.
shown reduced enthusiasm for its dining establishments following a spectacular year in 2024
.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | economics, exports, finance news, international trade, philippines economy
MANILA — The trade gap in the Philippines narrowed to its smallest size in almost four years during February, driven by continued growth in exports albeit at a reduced rate along with a decline in imports, according to initial government statistics released on Friday.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the trade shortfall decreased to $3.15 billion in February, marking the lowest level since June 2021. The deficit for January underwent a slight revision upwards to $5.12 billion from an initially stated figure of $5.08 billion.
In February, exports climbed by 3.9%, amounting to $6.2 billion, which was a deceleration from January’s increase of 6.3%. On the other hand, imports dropped by 1.8% year-over-year to reach $9.4 billion, contrasting with the prior month’s expansion of 11.2%.
The economy grew at an annual rate of 5.2% during the last quarter of 2024, maintaining the same speed as in the prior period yet falling short of what analysts had anticipated. The administration plans to publish the first-quarter growth data on May 8.
— Reported by Karen Lema; Edited by John Mair
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | entertainment, events and festivals, festivals, film festivals, news
![]()
The
Sundance Film Festival
has discovered a new abode in the Centennial State.
The
long-running movie exhibition
, formerly located in Park City, Utah, has selected Boulder, Colorado, as its new home base, announced the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
announced Thursday
.
“Boulder boasts a close-knit community, unique natural allure, and a thriving arts culture, which makes it perfect for the festival’s expansion,” the statement noted. Competing locations included Cincinnati and Salt Lake City.
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“Ebs Burnough, the chair of the Sundance Institute Board, stated in an official release that they hold deep admiration for both the finalist cities and their respective communities… These entities submitted exceptionally robust applications and invested their efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout the entire process,” he mentioned officially.
When will Sundance relocate to Colorado?
The Sundance Film Festival plans to officially relocate to Colorado starting from its 2027 event. For this year’s iteration in 2026, similar to past events, it will continue to be held in Park City and Salt Lake City. Established by filmmaker Sterling Van Wagenen, the Sundance Festival initially commenced in Salt Lake City in August 1978 under the title of the Utah/US Film Festival.
Sundance Film Festival 2025:
Here are all the top movies we watched, listed in order
Colorado is “delighted” to host the cinematic charm within its borders.
Gov. Jared Polis
stated in an official release, emphasizing that Colorado takes pride in “supporting the arts and film industry as a vital economic engine, significant source of employment, and essential element of our vibrant cultural landscape.”
The marketing group Visit Boulder expressed their deep honor over the city’s choice, according to CEO Charlene Hoffman in an official statement. Hoffman further stated, “Imagination, ingenuity, and self-expression define what makes Boulder unique, and we’re excited to host filmmakers and movie enthusiasts globally.”
The institute along with its board of trustees expressed their gratitude towards the festival’s long-term home and vibrant core, which has been hosting the event for over four decades—Park City alongside the state of Utah—as stated in Thursday’s announcement. They emphasized that Park City and Utah will remain integral parts of the festival’s legacy.
Review:
‘Atropia,’ ‘Twinless’ lead Sundance award winners. Check out these additional films we enjoyed.
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival, held in January, featured films like the war satire “Atropia” and the dark comedy “Twinless.”
collect top awards
, while the event
spotlighted other works
including “The Ugly Stepsister,” “Oh, Hi!” and “Pee-wee in His Own Shoes.”
At the red carpet event for the festival,
boasted star-studded appearances
from the likes of
Jennifer Lopez
,
Ayo Edebiri
,
Chloë Sevigny
,
Cynthia Erivo
and
Glenn Close
.
The upcoming Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to take place next year starting from
From Jan. 22 to Feb. 1, 2026
.
Contributors: Brian Truitt, Patrick Ryan, and Kim Willis, USA TODAY
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY.
The Sundance Film Festival is moving to Colorado after almost half a century in Utah.
