May 26, 2025

I’ll admit - until about one week ago, I have been 100% successful at avoiding anything to do with ChatGPT and all the other AI options out there.  I’m a writer and even if my only recent production has been co-op emails and these monthly blogs, my resistance in seeking help of any kind has been all-pervasive.  When I can no longer jot these words down on my own, I figure it will be time to stop jotting down words altogether.

However…

I was on the phone with my brother Jeff and at one point asked his advice about what kind of external hard drive I should use as a back-up to my computer, which at that point had not been able to use the mac Time Machine feature for well over 1,000 days.  He brought up a familiar subject: I could use someone other than him to answer my myriad of technical questions and this is yet another reason to get familiar with ChatGPT.

This time - surprising even myself, I might add - I downloaded the free version.  And soon I found myself returning the inexpensive external drive I’d recently purchased for one I discovered was wildly more appropriate for my needs.

And I soon had answers for Gmail issues I’d been having, and the pros and cons of Partial vs. Full Knee Replacements, and the effects of breathing in the dust of sanded-down caulking courtesy of a recent bathroom upgrade, and reasons why my laptop needs to be constantly restarted.  The replies to these varied questions were instant.  And extremely impressive.

And then, really as a joke, I typed in a crazily random question.  “Has Michael Laba written songs?”

This time, I smiled to watch my new online assistant stall for time as it searched the internet.

But then - this!!

Has Michael Laba written songs

ChatGPT said:

Yes, Michael Laba is a songwriter and musician who has written and released several original songs and albums. His work is available on major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Notable albums include Thank You for Your Letter (2021), featuring tracks such as "Once We Can See Past Today," "Sunday Morning," and "Should Have Been Over" . Earlier albums like All You Have to Do Is Smile (2014) and In My Mind (2014) also showcase his songwriting and musical talents. Apple Music - Web Player+1Amazon Music+1Spotify+1Spotify+1

In addition to his music career, Michael Laba is an author and screenwriter. His official website offers access to his books, screenplays, and music, all of which can be streamed or purchased through various platforms. michaelaba.com

If you're interested in exploring his music further, you can visit his official website or find his albums on your preferred music streaming service.

It was easily the most comprehensive (as well as flattering!) encapsulation of my “writing career” ever!

I might have to create a new section in michaelaba.com with ChatGPT serving as my public relations person or literary agent…

Color me impressed!

Well, I realize I can now easily have ChatGPT compose all forthcoming blogs from this point forward, but no - I won’t allow myself to go that far!  But I’m about to write my monthly email, which will include the reply to a different random question asked the very next day: “what is Michael Laba’s best song?”

And now I’m about to discover why my Peacock App keeps freezing.

The answer might not end up being blog-worthy, but if it is I’ll be sure to let you know!