Nick Burn

Being kind to AI chatbots has a hidden cost. While saying “please” and “thank you” seems harmless, these extra words require massive computational resources. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, these pleasantries cost tens of millions in electricity bills. Unlike human interactions where kindness is free, politeness to AI comes with a significant environmental price tag.

Google and AI serve fundamentally different purposes. Think of Google as a vast library that points you to information sources, while AI functions more like a knowledgeable librarian who synthesizes information for you. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right tool—Google for factual queries and real-time updates, AI for complex questions requiring dialogue and personalization.

Short-term rentals like Airbnb can significantly disrupt housing markets in popular cities, driving up prices and displacing long-term residents. Berlin’s experience shows how concentrated rentals in desirable neighborhoods accelerated gentrification, prompting regulatory responses. However, these platforms also provide economic benefits by diversifying income for homeowners and distributing tourism dollars beyond traditional districts.

Among the many success stories from Nando’s creative initiatives is artist Themba Khumalo, whose charcoal township landscapes evolved from a single Creative Block submission in 2015 to international recognition. “The regular income gave me breathing room to experiment,” explains Khumalo, who now operates his own Johannesburg studio and has works in major collections worldwide—demonstrating how Nando’s initiatives have created sustainable pathways for South African artists to achieve global success while maintaining their cultural roots.