When computer programs and algorithms mimic the human ability to think, they are said to be using artificial intelligence. The 'intelligence' part of the phrase refers to the ability to build knowledge derived from acquired data. The 'artificial' part refers to the machine that is using that intelligence, usually a computer or, increasingly, a series of computers that can communicate with one another over the internet. The idea is that artificial intelligence will be able to replicate or at least offer something similar to human thought processes in the near future.
A form of so-called geomancy – a practice that interprets patterns to divine certain outcomes – feng shui is concerned with the arrangement of the surrounding environment to improve harmony. Essentially, it is concerned with energy forces that run through all things. By rearranging the way particular objects are interacted with in daily life, the art is supposedly able to bring about a better harmony between people and their environments. In its earliest incarnations, feng shui was used to work out the best way to orientate a building, for example. These days, especially in Western interpretations of the practice, it is focussed on interior design. However, feng shui gets into many more aspects of the built and planned environment than simply working out the most propitious way to arrange your furniture.
In the main, workshops and courses are held to allow for education in a particular subject matter. They can be exploratory in scope or operate within highly defined areas, but they all have in common the idea of personal progress in some way. For example, workshops and course in music could be aimed at beginners to allow them to try their hands at several different instruments. More advanced courses might be for tuition into just one instrument to enable intermediate players to gain advanced skills. Both workshops and courses are conducted throughout the academic year, and they are run formally and informally. Some require attendees to pay in advance for their tuition, whereas some work on a voluntary payment basis. Others, still, are completely free. Workshops and courses cover every area of life, from religion to car mechanics.
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