Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The History of Karaoke Music- THD Karaoke Night

Tonight Karaoke event was a super musical success with more than 20 residents joined the Fun Evening hosted by our very owned and beloved Ted Treat. Besides music there was wine, beer and snacks. I have so much fun, I decided to ask what my favorite and reliable writing Assistant knows about the History and Current Status of Karaoke music. Here is the information my Writing Assistant provided on the subject for your reading pleasure. Thank you Ted for a Fun Evening!

The History and Current Status of Karaoke Music

Karaoke is more than just a popular pastime—it is a global cultural phenomenon that has evolved significantly since its inception. Here’s a look at where karaoke began, how it spread worldwide, and what the scene looks like today.

The Origins of Karaoke

Karaoke traces its roots to Japan in the early 1970s. The word itself comes from two Japanese words: kara (empty) and oke (short for orchestra), literally meaning “empty orchestra.” This refers to the practice of singing along to recorded music stripped of the lead vocal track .

Early Influences

Before karaoke machines existed, sing-along entertainment was already popular. In the United States, Mitch Miller’s television program Sing Along with Mitch in the 1960s displayed song lyrics on the screen, inviting viewers to join in from home. This “bouncing ball” lyric-following technique essentially sowed the seeds for what karaoke would eventually become .

Invention in Japan

In 1971, a Japanese musician named Daisuke Inoue from Kobe created what is widely recognized as the first karaoke machine—the Juke 8. Initially developed after requests from club patrons for sing-along recordings, Inoue’s invention allowed people to insert coins, select songs, and sing along with instrumental tracks. The first machines were placed in bars and restaurants and became a sensation, triggering a rapid spread across Japan .

By the late 1970s and 1980s, karaoke boxes (private sound-proofed rooms for singing) became a popular addition to the industry, allowing groups to sing privately—a concept still wildly popular, especially in Asia.

Spreading Worldwide

Karaoke swept across East and Southeast Asia throughout the 1980s and 1990s, then rapidly expanded worldwide. Today, it’s commonplace in bars, clubs, private parties, and even corporate events. The introduction of karaoke machines with video screens displaying lyrics revolutionized the format, and the rise of digital technology has further democratized the art form. Now, anyone with a smartphone or computer can access a vast library of karaoke tracks and join the fun.

Karaoke’s Current Scene (as of July 2025)

Karaoke remains a vibrant and evolving form of entertainment globally. Here are some current highlights:

Global Popularity: Karaoke is enjoyed on every continent, with a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Major cities feature dedicated karaoke bars and private rooms.
Digital Platforms: Online services and apps like YouTube Karaoke, KaraFun, and Sing King allow people to sing along from home, sometimes with friends around the world.
Song Selection: The current karaoke repertoire spans decades of music. Classic karaoke staples—like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and songs by ABBA—still dominate, but new hits are regularly added. Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Doja Cat are popular choices among new tracks, showcasing how karaoke continues to evolve with contemporary music trends .
Community and Culture: Karaoke continues to build community. It’s been credited as a welcoming, non-judgmental space for anyone to enjoy music, regardless of talent level. Karaoke nights at bars are events that bridge generations and cultures, offering platform for fun, relaxation, and the joy of music participation.

The Impact of Karaoke

Not Just Entertainment: Karaoke has also inspired new musicians and provided a stepping stone to live performance for many artists.
Pandemic Recovery: After COVID-19 restrictions, karaoke saw a resurgence as people sought shared, joyful experiences.

Conclusion

From its humble Japanese origins to its place at the center of global nightlife, karaoke’s appeal lies in its ability to bring people together through music, regardless of skill. As technology advances, karaoke continues to adapt, proving that the love for singing along with favorite songs is as universal and enduring as music itself .

For Details: https://londonkaraokehire.com/blog/history-of-karaoke/

Meanwhile here's my photo of the Day:

The 80-year old tortoise with her numerous babies

Finally,  BREAKING News This Week: 
Massive bombshell drops in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as CBS News reports that the FBI, Bureau of Prisons, and Justice Department all have a copy of the prison cell video without the "missing minute" removed from roughly 11:59 p.m. to midnight.

Attorney General Pam Bondi previously claimed that the footage was reset at that time every night...

Earlier this month, the Trump-controlled FBI and Justice Department released close to 11 hours of footage purportedly showing the outside of Epstein's cell the night he allegedly committed suicide. Americans quickly noticed that the time code inexplicably jumped ahead a minute right before midnight. The anomaly fed into theories that killers could have entered the room to eliminate the billionaire pedophile.

Now, a "government source familiar with the investigation" has revealed to CBS News that a copy of the video exists that does not include the bizarre time jump. 

Given how desperately the administration has been trying to tamp out the growing Trump-Epstein scandal, one would think that they'd release the missing minute to alleviate suspicions. Their refusal to do so supercharges the concerns that the minute in question contains something that Trump does not want us to see.

When Bondi was asked about the missing minute, she claimed that the Bureau of Prisons informed her that the missing minute was a result of a nightly reset system that caused the cameras to miss one minute every night. That confusing explanation now appears to be a blatant lie.

"The video was not conclusive, but the evidence prior to it was showing he committed suicide," Bondi previously said.  "And what was on that, there was a minute that was off the counter and what we learned from the Bureau of Prisons is every year, uh every night, they redo that video."

"It's old from like 1999. So, every night the video is reset and every night should have the same minute missing," she said. "So we’re looking for that video to release that as well, showing that a minute is missing every night. And that’s it on Epstein.

She claimed that the Justice Department would release another video to prove that this reset happens every night but no such video was ever released.

Surveillance video experts told CBS News that such a nightly reset would have "been unusual" and not something they encountered in most video systems." Such a rest, of course, makes no sense because it leaves a glaring, repeatable gap in your security.

Given the ever-mounting evidence that Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were not just long-time friends but co-predators, the importance of this new revelation cannot be overstated. The American people deserve immediate answers and the full release of the Epstein files.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

The AI Revolution

This morning, I posted the most widely used AI Apps in the world. My posting this afternoon was AI answer to my query on the current status of AI technology and what lies ahead in the next five years. I know that most seniors citizens do not really care about the subject, But I am, and bear with me if I am passionate about this subject. I would not be slighted if you skipped reading this, but remember we are never too old to learn new things. So I hope you continue reading this article.

This posting is inspired from my recent mealtime conversations here at THD.

The AI Revolution: Where We Are in 2025 and What Lies Ahead by 2030

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction—it's the engine behind everyday tools, decision-making systems, and even creativity itself. As we stand in 2025, AI is rapidly transforming nearly every industry, from healthcare and education to finance, art, and entertainment. But this is just the beginning.

Here's a look at where AI stands today and where it might take us in the next five years.

Where We Are in 2025

1. AI is Mainstream

In 2025, AI is deeply embedded in daily life:

Generative AI (like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others) writes, codes, creates images, videos, and even music with human-like fluency.
Virtual Assistants are more conversational and context-aware, managing schedules, emails, customer service, and more.
Healthcare AI is diagnosing conditions (radiology, pathology, early cancer detection) faster and sometimes more accurately than doctors.
Autonomous Systems power logistics, manufacturing robots, and self-driving vehicles in limited but growing applications.
AI Companions and tutors support education and emotional wellbeing, especially for aging populations and students with special needs.

2. Multimodal AI is the New Standard

Tools like GPT-4o and its peers can understand and combine text, image, audio, and video seamlessly. This has unlocked:

More immersive virtual environments
Powerful tools for people with disabilities
More intuitive and accessible user interfaces

3. Regulation and Ethics Are Catching Up

The EU, U.S., and other countries are creating frameworks to ensure safe, fair, and transparent AI use, focusing on:

Deepfake prevention
Algorithmic bias
Data privacy
Employment displacement

What to Expect by 2030: Five Bold Predictions

1. Personal AI Agents Will Replace Traditional Apps

By 2030, many people may no longer open individual apps. Instead, they'll rely on personalized AI agents that understand preferences, predict needs, and proactively handle tasks—shopping, travel, scheduling, even creative projects—through voice or thought interfaces.

2. AI + Robotics = Real-World Intelligence

Expect AI to leave the screen and enter the physical world. Humanoid robots, warehouse bots, home assistants, and autonomous vehicles will benefit from smarter AI "brains" that can:

Perceive environments
Understand human behavior
Adapt to new situations without reprogramming

3. Hyper-Personalized Education and Work

AI tutors will design individualized curriculums. Workers will use AI copilots to boost creativity, automate routine tasks, and develop new skills faster. The human-AI team will be the dominant model for productivity.

4. Decentralized, Open-Source AI Will Rise

As concerns over big tech dominance grow, more communities and countries will develop their own sovereign AI models, promoting open-source development, transparency, and cultural diversity in AI outputs.

5. Brain-Computer Interfaces Will Blur the Line

With companies like Neuralink and others making strides, AI may be controlled through non-invasive neural interfaces by 2030. This could open doors to:

Enhanced memory and cognition
New communication methods
Direct control of digital tools via thought

Final Thoughts: Preparing for an AI-First World

The next five years will be defined not just by how advanced AI becomes—but by how we adapt to it. This means rethinking:

Education (to focus on creativity, ethics, and critical thinking)
Work (with AI as partner, not replacement)
Human Connection (in an increasingly digital world)

We’re on the cusp of something historic. If 2020–2025 was the AI awakening, then 2025–2030 will be its full bloom. The future isn't just artificial—it's augmented, and it's coming fast.

Personal Note: The text in this blog could be converted into a video, if desired. You plan on using any AI apps in the future? I like to hear from you. As they say, you are never too old to learn something new. I just started using Generated AI Apps three months ago and I am having the fun of my life.

Reference and Further Reading: https://www.wiz.ai/what-is-the-artificial-intelligence-revolution-and-why-does-it-matter-to-your-business/#:~:text=The%20Artificial%20Intelligence%20Revolution%20is,tasks%20requiring%20human%2Dlike%20intelligence.

Lastly, here the list of the top ten countries in the world.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Sausalito Ferry Trip and Lunch- A Panoramic and Gastronomic Delight

Another fun-filled and perfect THD excursion was our Sausalito Ferry Ride and Lunch at THE TRIDENT💚 Restaurant yesterday. Six THD adventurous/eager residents along with our excellent driver LIZA and Capable Activity host TED, enjoyed the perfect clear summer day in Sausalito to the fullest. It is indeed an activity that enhanced our Quality of Life and Sense of Commnunity Belonging here at THD.

Thank You Ted and Liza. I took pictures during this excursion and delighted to share it with you.

My Baked Oysters Appetizer-Reminds Me of my Oyster Rockefeller Recipe

My $18 Tequila Sunrise Cocktail- The tequila sunrise is a cocktail made of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The drink is served unmixed in a tall glass. The modern drink originates from the TRIDENT in Sausalito, California, in the early 1970s after an earlier iteration created in the 1930s in Phoenix, Arizona.