Dying Slowly

The original storytelling machine.

Thanks to a recently rediscovered article, we now know more about a research project that used a computer to generate original stories––more than 40 years prior to IBM’s creation of Watson. In the early 1960s, linguist Joseph E. Grimes began programming an IBM 650 Magnetic Drum Data Processing Machine to create stories. Grimes based his program on the “rules of folk tales.” Once programmed, the computer was then able to randomly piece different elements of the folk tales together to create new stories. While the tales it created were simple, they allowed Grimes to further his work, and continue his story.

drink more water than you think you need

dress up in your nicest outfit

do your hair, shower, anything that makes you feel cleaner

write a love letter to yourself

listen to music you can get lost in

put one foot in front of the other

breathe

take breaks when you need to 

eat something light and healthy