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  • AI Summaries from the week that was: 18 -24 June 2023

AI Summaries from the week that was: 18 -24 June 2023

The Week That Was: June 18-24, 2023

Hey there!

We're thrilled to unveil the very first edition of The Hundred, your go-to resource for AI-powered content summaries that will keep you in the know without sacrificing hours of your precious time. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of knowledge as we dive into the vast world of thought-provoking articles, mind-expanding videos, captivating podcasts, and internet discussions, delivering you around 75-100 AI-generated summaries in one super-lengthy newsletter each weekend. While the content are mostly from the previous week with a focus on technology, society & technology, science, and culture, we don't limit ourselves to strictly the previous week's content. We understand that relevant conversations can spill over, so if something major went down in a forum or social media site that's worth knowing, we've got your back.

Buckle up and let The Hundred be your trusty guide through the content maze.

Technology

  • Emerging Architectures for Large Language Model Applications: Insights from Andreessen Horowitz

    This blog post discusses the emerging architectures for applications using large language models (LLMs). The post outlines a reference architecture for the LLM app stack, including systems, tools, and design patterns used by AI startups and tech companies. The stack is based on in-context learning, which uses LLMs off the shelf and controls their behavior through clever prompting and conditioning on private “contextual” data. The post also discusses the role of data preprocessing, prompt construction, and prompt execution in the workflow. It highlights the importance of operational tools for LLMs and the potential of AI agent frameworks. The post concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of pre-trained AI models in software architecture.

    [Source:https://a16z.com/2023/06/20/emerging-architectures-for-llm-applications/]

  • Meta AI Researchers Develop Voicebox: A Highly Versatile Generative AI Model for Speech Synthesis with Impressive Performance

    Meta AI researchers have developed Voicebox, the first generative AI model that can generalize to speech generation tasks it was not specifically trained for, with state-of-the-art performance. Voicebox can synthesize speech across six languages, perform noise removal, content editing, and diverse sample generation. Voicebox uses a new approach by learning from raw audio and transcripts, instead of being trained for specific tasks. Voicebox outperforms existing speech models on various metrics, demonstrating new state-of-the-art results. While the researchers are not releasing Voicebox publicly at this time due to potential risks, they hope their research can advance the field of generative AI for speech.

    [source: https://ai.facebook.com/blog/voicebox-generative-ai-model-speech/]

  • Benchmarking Large Language Models for Text Data Labeling: A Report by Refuel AI

    The technical report by Refuel AI presents a benchmark for evaluating the performance of Large Language Models (LLMs) for labeling text datasets. The report reveals that state-of-the-art LLMs can label text datasets at the same or better quality compared to skilled human annotators, but approximately 20 times faster and 7 times cheaper. GPT-4 was found to be the best choice for achieving the highest quality labels. The report also discusses the concept of confidence-based thresholding to mitigate the impact of hallucinations and ensure high label quality. The authors highlight the trade-off between label quality and cost, suggesting that models like GPT-3.5-turbo, PaLM-2, and open-source models like FLAN-T5-XXL are compelling for achieving a balance between these factors. The report concludes with future plans to update the benchmark periodically and expand it to cover more tasks and problem domains.

    [source:https://www.refuel.ai/blog-posts/llm-labeling-technical-report]

  • AI Ushers in a New User Interface Paradigm

    The article discusses the evolution of user interface paradigms and the emergence of AI as a new paradigm. The author outlines the first two paradigms: batch processing and command-based interaction design, and introduces the third paradigm: intent-based outcome specification, represented by AI systems like ChatGPT. In this paradigm, users specify the desired outcome, not the process to achieve it. The author acknowledges the potential of this paradigm but also highlights its current limitations, such as the need for users to be articulate and the AI's tendency to include erroneous information. The author predicts that future AI systems will likely have a hybrid user interface combining elements of both intent-based and command-based interfaces.

    [Source:https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ai-paradigm/]

  • John Carmack's Reflection on the Evolution of Neural Networks

    In a Twitter thread, John Carmack, a renowned game developer and CTO of Oculus VR, discusses the evolution of neural networks. He notes that many old papers used neural networks with only a dozen or so units, despite computers in the 90s not being that slow. He suggests that there might not have been much overlap between high-performance computing (HPC) and neural network (NN) researchers. Carmack also points out that even with sigmoids and a single layer, using 4096 neurons instead of 12 makes a significant difference. He concludes by suggesting that large neural networks weren't tried due to performance, and performance wasn't optimized because large networks weren't used, until it became easy enough for someone to attempt it.

    [Source:https://twitter.com/id_aa_carmack/status/1670558589746905090]

  • Jimmy Wales Announces New Community-Led Project

    In a tweet, Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia, announced that he is currently building a community-led and funded project. While the project is still under development, he shared a test link and API documentation. The core concept of the project is trust-based algorithms, as opposed to engagement/click/outrage algorithms. He also mentioned plans to support ActivityPub in the future. The project appears to be an alternative to platforms like Twitter and Reddit, with a focus on building a global platform where people can collaborate without the issues of bots, hatefulness, addictive algorithms, or falsity.

    [Source:https://twitter.com/jimmy_wales/status/1668266400723488769]

  • “Textbooks are all you need”

    The paper titled "Textbooks Are All You Need" introduces a new large language model for code, named phi-1, which is significantly smaller in size than competing models. Despite its small scale, phi-1 attains pass@1 accuracy 50.6% on HumanEval and 55.5% on MBPP. The model was trained on a selection of "textbook quality" data from the web and synthetically generated textbooks and exercises with GPT-3.5. The authors argue that the quality of the training data is a crucial factor in the performance of the model. They suggest that using high-quality, textbook-like data can dramatically improve the performance of large language models (LLMs), while reducing the dataset size and training compute. The authors introduce a new method of training that involves using a filtered code-language dataset, a synthetic textbook dataset, and a small synthetic exercises dataset. The combination of these datasets is referred to as "CodeTextbook" and is used in the pretraining phase to obtain the base model, phi-1-base. The model is then fine-tuned on the "CodeExercises" dataset to obtain phi-1.

    [Source:https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.11644]

  • Rebuilding Intel: Unraveling Decades of Inefficiencies in Foundry vs IDM Model

    The article discusses Intel's unique position as an Integrated Design Manufacturer (IDM), which has both advantages and disadvantages. Intel's inefficiencies have become apparent as they lost their process node lead to competitors. The company is now less efficient at manufacturing wafers than TSMC and its design teams are behind AMD's, requiring larger cores with more transistors that consume more power to achieve similar performance. Intel is attempting to fix these issues by shrinking twice in rapid succession and transitioning to becoming an external foundry for a variety of customers. By moving to an internal foundry model, Intel can begin to end the practice of allocating costs to entire business units instead of individual designs and teams. This could save them $500M to $1B annually. However, they still lack the scale, customer base, and operating efficiencies. The article concludes that 2024 is shaping up to be a rough year for Intel, but it might have turned the corner.

    [Source:https://www.semianalysis.com/p/rebuilding-intel-foundry-vs-idm-decades]

  • Basecamp and HEY Exit the Cloud, Opt for Own Hardware

    David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails and co-founder of Basecamp and HEY, announced that they have exited the cloud and moved to their own hardware. The transition took six months and involved moving six heritage services and HEY, a full-featured email service. The move was facilitated by containerizing their applications, which made it easier to exit the cloud. The new setup uses entirely open-source stack including KVM, Docker, and MRSK, avoiding the complexity of Kubernetes and any enterprise service contracts. The move is expected to save at least $1.5 million per year by owning their own hardware rather than renting it from Amazon. The article concludes by encouraging other companies to consider whether they could benefit from a similar move, given the potential cost savings and the availability of open-source tools.

    [Source:https://world.hey.com/dhh/we-have-left-the-cloud-251760fb]

  • Decoding the Failure of #TwitterMigration to Mastodon

    This blog post discusses the failure of the #TwitterMigration to Mastodon, a decentralized social network. Key reasons include Mastodon's lack of unique selling points, the irrelevance of decentralization to most users, and the platform's inability to scale well due to its reliance on charity for funding. The author also criticizes Mastodon's exclusionary culture, which is unwelcoming to newcomers and enforces a specific ideology on its users. The author concludes that unless these issues are addressed, Mastodon will likely remain a niche platform.

    [Source:https://blog.bloonface.com/2023/06/12/why-did-the-twittermigration-fail/]

  • Wikipedia Unveils Major Redesign: Enhancing User Experience and Setting the Stage for Future Features

    Wikipedia recently released their first major redesign since 2014. The redesign focused on improving the reading and editing experience while maintaining familiarity. The designers faced challenges due to the many language editions and customizations across projects. Prototyping with HTML, CSS and JavaScript helped the team evaluate design options and include community members. Performance was a key consideration, and tools were used to monitor and improve it. The redesign laid a foundation for future features like dark mode and increased font sizes by introducing design tokens across the software stack.

    [Source:https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2023/06/behind-curtains-wikipedia-redesign/]

  • Difference Between Root Certificate Authorities, Intermediates, and Resellers

    This blog article by Andrew Ayer distinguishes between different types of organizations involved in issuing SSL certificates: certificate authorities (CAs), intermediate CAs, and certificate resellers. Only CAs hold the private keys to issue trusted SSL certificates. Resellers simply forward certificate requests to actual CAs. The article warns against overreacting to incidents involving resellers, arguing that only issues involving actual CAs threaten the integrity of the certificate system. It highlights that domain validation processes at some CAs, which involve manual human review, pose a more serious risk. Overall, the article aims to educate readers on the differences between CAs, intermediate CAs, and resellers, and which entities they should actually worry about when incidents occur.

  • Axial Flux Motors: The Future Of Electric Vehicle Propulsion

    Tim founded Yasa to develop axial flux motors for electric vehicles after realizing in 2005 that there were no mainstream electric cars despite their potential to reduce emissions. Axial flux motors offer higher torque density and weight savings but were difficult to manufacture at scale. Yasa's unique segmented axial flux motor design solved some of these challenges through innovative materials and cooling. Yasa's motors are up to 4 times lighter yet produce the same torque, enabling new vehicle designs and compound weight savings of up to 200 kilograms. Yasa's journey of working with automakers like Mercedes has helped improve their technology and scale up production for mass market EVs.

    [source:https://youtu.be/3qjB6GnhloY]

Society and Technology

  • Controversy Surrounds CBP One: US Government's Mobile App Faces Criticism as Migrants Struggle to Navigate the Southern Border

    The US government has introduced a mobile app called CBP One to manage the flow of migrants and asylum seekers at the southern border. The app allows people to request appointments to enter the US and seek protection. However, many migrants struggle to use the app due to issues like lack of compatible devices, poor internet access, and technical glitches. While the government has made some improvements, critics argue that the app itself is an unacceptable barrier for vulnerable migrants. The app favors those with better technology access, while many migrants are left waiting for months in dangerous conditions in Mexican border cities. Some migrants have resorted to crossing the border unlawfully to escape the difficult situation.

    [source:https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/06/16/1074039/border-wall-app/]

  • Global Jousting Over AI Regulation: A Comparative Study

    The article discusses the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing global concern about its regulation. The European Union (EU) and China are leading the way in creating rules for AI, with the EU's AI Act and China's rules for recommendation algorithms and generative AI. The United States, on the other hand, has been slower to act, with a proposed national law failing and a nonbinding Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights issued by the White House. The article also highlights the contrasting regulatory approaches of the EU and the UK, with the former being regulation-forward and the latter adopting a laissez-faire stance. Interestingly, some AI companies, including OpenAI and Google, are calling for regulations themselves. The article concludes by noting the need for global agreements on AI regulation, as companies operating internationally may struggle to comply with varying local rules.

    [Source:https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-regulation-worldwide]

  • Noam Chomsky's Insights: Language, Liberty, and the Power of Activism in the Face of Existential Threats

    Noam Chomsky discusses his views on language and liberty with Tyler Cowen. He argues that human language evolved in a way that is distinct from animal communication, enabling infinite creativity with finite means. While large language models can make good predictions, they cannot distinguish between possible and impossible languages. Chomsky remains optimistic that activism and social movements can bring about positive change, though he is concerned about existential threats like nuclear war and climate change. He credits young people protesting for a better future as a source of hope, while criticizing leaders for failing to take necessary action.

    [source: https://conversationswithtyler.com/episodes/noam-chomsky/]

  • Young Adults in Crisis: Alarming Surge in Cancer Rates Sparks Concern and Economic Challenges

    Cancer rates among millennials and young adults have been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. Financial Times analysis shows that cancer rates for 20-34 year olds in G20 nations are now at their highest level in 30 years, with colorectal cancer cases in this age group increasing by 70% since 1990. Researchers believe changes in diet and lifestyle, including the rise of obesity, processed foods, and sedentary behavior, may be contributing factors. However, the exact causes remain unclear. The rise in early onset cancers poses economic challenges due to the costs of treatment and lost productivity, as well as difficulties for health systems that are already strained.

    [source:https://www.ft.com/content/90d5f2e3-d539-4149-a503-2114ac3ef355]

  • AI Experts Divided: Differing Perspectives on GPT-4's Significance and Impact on Artificial General Intelligence

    The passages discuss differing opinions among AI experts regarding the implications of large language models like GPT-4. Some experts see GPT-4 as a sign of progress towards artificial general intelligence, while others argue we are no closer to AGI now than decades ago. Many experts worry that large language models could cause major disruptions, but few think they pose an existential threat to humanity. A spectrum article summarizes the published views of 22 AI luminaries, ranging from those who see GPT-4 as a harbinger of AGI and potential havoc, to those who dismiss such scenarios. There is a lack of consensus among experts regarding the potential risks and benefits of large language models.

  • Lex Fridman interviews Jimmy Wales

    The transcript is from a podcast episode hosted by Lex Fridman, where he interviews Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia. The conversation starts with Wales discussing the origin story of Wikipedia, which was inspired by the free software movement and open-source software. He observed programmers collaborating in new ways, sharing code under a free license, and realized that this kind of collaboration could extend beyond software to all kinds of cultural works, leading to the idea of an encyclopedia.

    Wales talks about the initial challenges they faced with Nupedia, the predecessor to Wikipedia. Nupedia had a seven-stage review process to ensure academic rigor, but it was slow and intimidating for contributors. The turning point came when they adopted the wiki concept, which allowed anyone to contribute and edit content. The launch of Wikipedia as a side project led to more work being done in two weeks than in almost two years with Nupedia.

    Wales also discusses the initial interface of Wikipedia and how it evolved over time. Initially, Wikipedia didn't have real logins, and anyone could set their username. To create a more trustworthy environment, Wales introduced unique logins and passwords. He also changed the way links were created in Wikipedia, replacing CamelCase with square brackets, which made links look nicer and more readable.

    [source: https://lexfridman.com/jimmy-wales-transcript/]

  • "The Internet Is Already Broken" by Ed Zitron

    The article criticizes the current state of the internet, arguing it's dominated by spam, low-quality content, and intrusive advertising. Zitron laments the spam culture in modern commerce, the impact of growth hacking on communication channels, and the inundation of low-quality content due to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. He criticizes Google for outsourcing its search function to media outlets and social media platforms for their disruptive advertising. In conclusion, Zitron believes the internet has become a playground for corporations to monetize user activity, expressing skepticism about the potential for improvement.

    [source: https://open.substack.com/pub/ez/p/the-internet-is-already-broken]

  • Apple Vision Pro: Potential Hardware Issues

    The blog post provides an in-depth analysis of the hardware and related human physical and visual issues with the Apple Vision Pro (AVP). Guttag discusses potential problems with the AVP, including visual discomfort due to latency between sensors and displays, poor location of main cameras relative to the user’s eye, and issues with depth perception and coordination. He also criticizes the headset's weight distribution, which he believes is heavily front-loaded, causing discomfort for users. Guttag further discusses the issue of vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), a common problem in AR/VR and 3-D movie industries, and how it might affect the AVP. He concludes by questioning the safety of the AVP, given its loss of peripheral vision and the potential hazard of the battery cable. The author promises to explore more about the applications Apple presented in a future post.

    [source: https://kguttag.com/2023/06/16/apple-vision-pro-part-2-hardware-issues/]

  • Job Hunting Woes: A Deep Dive into the Increasingly Difficult Job Market

    The article discusses the growing challenges in the job market. The author highlights how the job hunting process has become more grueling, with companies extending their hiring processes, conducting numerous interviews, and often resorting to ghost jobs. The tightening labor market, especially in tech, has led to a decrease in job openings. The article also points out the increasing use of artificial intelligence in the hiring process, leading to impersonal and immediate rejections. Furthermore, the article discusses the rise in job scams, with fraudsters posing as recruiters. The author concludes by noting that the balance of power seems to be shifting back to employers, making the job market more challenging for job seekers.

    [source:https://time.com/6287012/why-finding-job-is-difficult/]

  • Public Transportation: The Debate on Introducing First-Class Options

    The discussion thread on Hacker News explores the idea of introducing first-class options in public transportation to increase its usage. The majority of the participants argue against the idea, stating that the primary issues with public transportation are not related to comfort or class, but rather to efficiency, coverage, and reliability. They suggest that improving these aspects would be more beneficial in increasing ridership. The thread also discusses the concept of 'last mile transport' and the need for better urban design to make public transportation more effective. Some participants share their experiences with public transportation systems in different countries, providing a global perspective on the issue.

    [source:https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36381223]

  • Critics Call for Overhaul of JEE, Claiming It Fails IITs

    The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for India's top engineering colleges, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), is facing criticism for not accurately measuring the interest or aptitude of students. Critics argue that the exam's structure encourages rote learning and intense preparation, often requiring students to study up to 14 hours a day for several years. This has led to a situation where high-scoring students predominantly opt for the same course, Computer Science Engineering (CSE), at IIT Bombay, regardless of their genuine interests or aptitudes. Critics are now calling for an overhaul of the JEE to better align with the educational objectives of the IITs and the diverse interests of students.

    [Source:https://themorningcontext.com/chaos/jee-is-letting-the-iits-down]

  • Why What We Thought About the Global Economy Is No Longer True – The NY Times

    The global economy is facing challenges that are shattering long-held beliefs about globalization and free markets. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in integrated supply chains while the war in Ukraine showed that economic interdependence did not prevent conflicts. China benefited the most from globalization while developing countries took on unsustainable debt. Now countries are prioritizing self-reliance and security over efficiency as geopolitical tensions rise, casting doubt on the future path to prosperity. The failures of the past economic model show that markets alone cannot distribute gains fairly or solve big challenges.

    [Source:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/18/business/economy/global-economy-us-china.html]

  • How to convert a gas car to an EV

    Converting gas-powered cars to electric vehicles is becoming increasingly popular as interest in EVs grows. Shops like EV West specialize in converting classic and specialty cars using salvaged EV components. The conversion industry is expanding with DIY enthusiasts and aftermarket parts becoming more accessible. Conversions allow gas cars still on the road to go electric, though they are unlikely to match the performance of purpose-built EVs. However, EV conversions provide an opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to participate in the transition to sustainable transportation in a fun way.

    [source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uPRvM-v-jk]

  • How many shipwrecks are there in the world's oceans?

    There are likely millions of undiscovered shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor, containing valuable archaeological and historical artifacts. While over 200,000 wrecks have been documented, experts estimate that only represents a small fraction of the total number of wrecks. New technologies are making it easier to locate deeper wrecks, and discoveries like the San Jose galleon with its $17 billion cargo show the potential treasures still waiting to be found. However, there are concerns that many of these wrecks will be looted rather than properly preserved once located. Undiscovered wrecks like the Waratah passenger ship also remain mysteries, with no one knowing what happened or where exactly it sank.

    [Source:https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230609-how-many-shipwrecks-are-there-in-the-worlds-oceans]

  • Twitter’s Lawyers Admit They’re Overwhelmed As Nearly 2000 Laid Off Employees File Arbitration Claims

    Twitter is facing nearly 2000 arbitration claims from former employees who were laid off after Elon Musk took over the company. The employees are claiming a breach of contract, arguing that they were not provided with the severance payments promised in their contracts. Twitter's lawyers have admitted to being overwhelmed by the number of claims and are seeking to combine the discovery process to avoid dealing with each claim separately. The lawyers have expressed concern about the potential for repeated depositions of key individuals, including Musk, across the numerous arbitrations. The case highlights the challenges of mass arbitrations and the potential for such claims to be used as a form of protest against a company's actions.

    [Source:https://www.techdirt.com/2023/06/16/twitters-lawyers-admit-theyre-overwhelmed-as-nearly-2000-laid-off-employees-file-arbitration-claims/]

  • A Data Breach Journey: From Free Train Tickets to Exposed Personal Data

    The article details a series of security flaws and a significant data breach related to the "Passe France Allemagne" program and the DiscoverEU project. The "Passe France Allemagne" program, a Franco-German initiative offering free Interrail tickets to young adults, experienced issues with server overloads and a backdoor that allowed people to generate passes even after the official allocation had ended. The DiscoverEU project, a similar program by the European Commission, was found to have a data breach that exposed the personal data of about 245,000 registrants. The authors of the article reported these issues to the relevant parties, leading to the closure of the vulnerabilities.

    [Source:https://zerforschung.org/posts/freundschaftspass-en/]

  • Exploring the Rise of Neurodivergence and Autism Spectrum Disorder

    This YouTube video titled "Why is everyone suddenly neurodivergent?" delves into the increasing prevalence and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the concept of neurodivergence. The video discusses the history of ASD, its symptoms, diagnosis, and the societal challenges faced by individuals with ASD. It also explores the neurodiversity movement, which advocates for the acceptance and understanding of neurodivergent individuals, and the backlash it has received, particularly from caregivers of severely affected individuals. The video concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent individuals in society. However, it also emphasises the need to acknowledge the challenges faced by those most severely affected by ASD.

    [Source:https://youtu.be/KPDlo5jrhmI]

  • Embracing change and resetting expectations on AI

    In an essay on Microsoft Unlocked, renowned mathematician Terence Tao discusses the potential of AI tools like GPT-4 to transform various aspects of life and work. Tao shares his experiences using GPT-4 for tasks ranging from answering casual questions to drafting complex documents. He also highlights the tool's potential as a compassionate listener, creative muse, and teacher. However, Tao notes that while these AI models can mimic expert responses, their output often consists of nonsense upon close inspection. He anticipates that future AI, integrated with other tools, could become a trustworthy co-author in mathematical research and other fields. Tao concludes by emphasizing the need for human institutions and practices to adapt to this new AI-assisted world.

    [Source:https://unlocked.microsoft.com/ai-anthology/terence-tao/]

  • Humans Aren’t Mentally Ready for an AI-Saturated ‘Post-Truth World’

    Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and will likely reshape how people live and think. Experts worry that AI may make it easier to spread disinformation, erode people's ability to trust information, and threaten their sense of identity. People may become overly reliant on AI, causing more stress and distraction. Researchers argue that we need more data on how AI engagement affects people's psychology and mental health as we slide towards an AI-dominated world. As AI systems advance quickly, the implications for society are vast and largely unstudied.

    [Source:https://www.wired.com/story/generative-ai-deepfakes-disinformation-psychology/]

  • Hacker News Users Discuss the Limitations of Cookie Consent Popups and Broader User Tracking Issues

    The Hacker News thread discusses the effectiveness of cookie consent popups and the broader issue of user tracking on the internet. The general consensus is that while cookies are a simple concept that politicians could legislate around, they are relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Users point out that there are numerous other ways to track users, including fingerprinting techniques that use browser versions, IP addresses, and various settings. Some users also highlight that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not solely target cookies but tracking in general, which must be known and consented to. The thread also discusses the challenges of maintaining privacy in the current digital landscape and the limitations of current privacy laws.

    [Source: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36417699]

  • Study drugs make healthy people worse at problem-solving, not better

    The study found that prescription stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin did not improve cognitive performance in healthy people, and may actually hinder it slightly. Participants given the drugs spent significantly more time trying to solve optimization problems but achieved worse results, suggesting the drugs increased effort but decreased competence. While on the drugs, participants were 9% less productive with each move and their non-optimal solutions became worse, even though the drugs did not impair their ability to find optimal solutions. The extra time spent on the tasks by those on the drugs seemed erratic and unproductive. The study suggests that for those without medical need, stimulant drugs provide little cognitive benefit and may actually decrease problem-solving ability.

    [Source:https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/06/20/study-drugs-make-healthy-people-worse-at-problem-solving-not-better]

  • The Internet: A Broken Landscape Dominated by Monetization and Spam

    The article discusses the current state of the internet, arguing that it's already broken due to the overwhelming presence of spam, advertisements, and low-quality content. The author criticizes the spam culture of modern commerce, where every online interaction leads to a barrage of unwanted emails. The article also critiques the impact of growth hacking and SEO practices, which have led to an internet filled with low-quality, keyword-stuffed content designed to rank high on search engines. This has resulted in an internet that's more about monetization and less about user experience. The author also discusses the negative impacts of these practices on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where user experience is often sacrificed for ad revenue. The article concludes by expressing doubt about the potential for improvement in the current digital landscape.

    [Source:https://wheresyoured.at/p/the-internet-is-already-broken]

  • How to Do the Thing You've Been Avoiding

    The author argues that things we avoid doing because we think they are bad ideas may actually be worthwhile. We often assume others think the same way we do, but we don't actually know if they do. The author learned this when Jimmy Fallon appreciated him following up for clarification, contrary to the author's assumption it would be a burden. The author recommends questioning why we think something is a bad idea and whether we actually know it is. The worst case scenario may be minor compared to never trying. Taking action can surprise us positively by revealing others think differently and opening up possibilities.

    [Source:https://jasonfeifer.beehiiv.com/p/the-thing-that-seems-like-a-bad-idea-maybe-try-it]

  • AI Training Outsourced to AI: A New Trend with Potential Risks

    A study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) found that a significant proportion of gig workers hired to train AI models are outsourcing their work to AI tools like ChatGPT. The researchers hired 44 workers from Amazon Mechanical Turk to summarize medical research papers and estimated that between 33% and 46% of them used AI models for the task. This trend could introduce further errors into AI models, as these models often present false information as fact. If incorrect output from one AI model is used to train another, the errors can be amplified over time. The study underscores the need for new methods to verify whether data has been produced by humans or AI, and calls for a closer investigation of tasks that are prone to automation.

    [Source:https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/06/22/1075405/the-people-paid-to-train-ai-are-outsourcing-their-work-to-ai/]

  • LexisNexis Aids ICE Surveillance with Personal Data

    LexisNexis, a legal research and public records data broker, is providing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with tools to target people who may potentially commit a crime, according to a contract document obtained by The Intercept. The $16.8 million agreement allows ICE to use LexisNexis data to track people's movements and try to predict criminal behavior before it occurs. Critics argue that this mass surveillance program could introduce further errors into AI models and amplify them over time. The contract reveals that over 11,000 ICE officials were using LexisNexis as of 2021 for all aspects of ICE screening, vetting, lead development, and criminal analysis activities. The contract also shows that ICE can combine LexisNexis data with databases from other firms, notably PenLink, a company that helps police request private user data from social media companies.

    [Source:https://theintercept.com/2023/06/20/lexisnexis-ice-surveillance-license-plates/]

  • Small Tech Companies Leverage Remote Work to Compete with Big Tech

    As big tech companies like Google, Meta, and Apple call their employees back to the office, smaller tech companies are leveraging the opportunity to attract talent by offering remote work. According to data from Scoop Technologies, 81% of tech companies with fewer than 5,000 employees allow people to work fully remotely, compared to just 26% of companies with more than 25,000 employees. Companies like Airbnb and Yelp have used their work-from-anywhere policies to attract more applicants and diverse talent. The article suggests that remote work has not hurt sales goals or engineering productivity, but has significantly increased the talent pipeline for these companies. Meanwhile, larger tech companies are behaving more like their non-tech corporate counterparts, with many shifting to a structured hybrid model.

    [Source:https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/6/20/23762655/tech-perk-remote-work-freedom-airbnb-yelp]

  • World’s most liveable cities in 2023

    Vienna tops the Economist Intelligence Unit's liveability index for the fourth time in five years, followed by Copenhagen and Melbourne. The index ranks 173 cities based on stability, health care, culture, education and infrastructure. Cities in the Asia-Pacific region have rebounded the most from the pandemic. Damascus has been the least liveable city for over a decade due to Syria's war, while Kyiv's infrastructure score is the lowest due to Russian bombings. While most city scores improved post-pandemic, stability scores dropped on average, impacted by worker strikes, protests and clashes.

    [Source:https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/06/21/the-worlds-most-liveable-cities-in-2023]

  • Canadians will no longer have access to news content on Meta apps

    Meta has announced that it will block access to news content on Facebook and Instagram for Canadian users in response to Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which would require tech giants to pay news outlets for posting their journalism. The government says the bill aims to support the struggling news industry and create a fair system for news publishers to negotiate compensation from digital platforms. While Meta and Google oppose the bill, Heritage Minister Rodriguez says the government will not accept threats and is open to discussions. However, Meta has said it will begin blocking news over the next few months, following the bill's passage. Australia passed a similar law which has resulted in millions of dollars in payments to news outlets from tech companies.

    [Source:https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/online-news-act-meta-facebook-1.6885634]

  • Lex Fridman interviews Marc Andreessen

    Andreessen discusses the evolution of search engines and how they have moved from providing a list of links (like Google's "10 blue links") to attempting to provide direct answers. He suggests that in the future, AI might render traditional search obsolete, as it could provide direct answers to queries without needing to present a list of links. He also talks about the potential of AI to generate synthetic training data. If an AI can generate creative content, could that content be used to train future versions of the AI? This is a significant question that could have a huge impact on the development of AI. Andreessen discusses the concept of "hallucination" in AI, which refers to AI generating information that seems true but is not based on actual data. He notes that this can be seen as a problem (when we don't like the results) or as a sign of creativity (when we do like the results). He also talks about the potential for AI to be used in the legal industry. While there are concerns about AI generating false information, there is also potential for AI to be used creatively to explore different legal arguments and theories. Andreessen mentions the idea of AI evolving an internal world model, where it has a complete understanding of physics and other aspects of the world. This could potentially allow AI to generate new and unique insights.

    [Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hxeDjAxvJ8]

  • Generative AI's Potential Economic Impact: $4.4 Trillion Annually

    A report by McKinsey titled "The Economic Potential of Generative AI: The Next Productivity Frontier" suggests that generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. The study, which involved 850 job roles and 2,100 tasks across 47 countries, found that generative AI could automate work activities that currently take up 60 to 70 percent of employees' time. The report highlights that the value addition will be mostly concentrated in four job categories: customer operations, marketing and sales, software engineering, and research and development. However, the report also acknowledges that significant reskilling will be needed, and companies and governments will have to invest in supporting worker transitions and managing the risks associated with such a shift.

    [Source: https://singularityhub.com/2023/06/22/generative-ai-could-add-4-4-trillion-a-year-to-the-global-economy-mckinsey-finds/]

  • European Harmonised Technical Standards Must Be Freely Available: Advocate General's Opinion

    Advocate General Laila Medina has opined that European Harmonised Technical Standards (HTS) should be freely available without charge due to their legal nature as part of EU law. The opinion was given in a case involving non-profit organisations Public.Resource.Org Inc. and Right to Know CLG, who challenged a Commission Decision refusing them access to four HTS adopted by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) regarding the safety of toys. The Advocate General argued that the rule of law, transparency, and the right of access to documents of EU institutions require that HTS are freely available. She also suggested that HTS, as part of EU law, should not benefit from copyright protection. The Court of Justice will now begin deliberations on the case.

    [Source:https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2023-06/cp230110en.pdf]

  • Twilight of the Programmers

    Advocate General Laila Medina has opined that European Harmonised Technical Standards (HTS) should be freely available without charge due to their legal nature as part of EU law. The opinion was given in a case involving non-profit organisations Public.Resource.Org Inc. and Right to Know CLG, who challenged a Commission Decision refusing them access to four HTS adopted by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) regarding the safety of toys. The Advocate General argued that the rule of law, transparency, and the right of access to documents of EU institutions require that HTS are freely available. She also suggested that HTS, as part of EU law, should not benefit from copyright protection. The Court of Justice will now begin deliberations on the case.

    [Source:https://danielbmarkham.com/twilight-of-the-programmers/

  • The Elite War on Free Thought: A Deep Dive into the Censorship-Industrial Complex

    The article by Matt Taibbi discusses the increasing control and censorship of free speech by tech giants and the elite, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares insights from his investigation into Twitter's internal documentation, revealing a system of digital surveillance and subtle online rewards and punishments designed to condition people to self-censor. He highlights the Virality Project, a cross-platform information-sharing program led by Stanford University, which encouraged tech companies to censor or deamplify content that could promote vaccine hesitancy, even if it was factually true. Taibbi argues that this reduction of complex issues to simple binaries is reminiscent of George Orwell's "1984", and warns that this manipulation of online discourse is not just a threat to free speech, but to humanity itself.

    [Source:https://www.racket.news/p/the-elite-war-on-free-thought]

  • Global Legislation Threatens End-to-End Encryption: Concerns Raised Over Privacy and Government Surveillance

    End-to-end encryption is under threat from legislation around the world that would require backdoors to allow government monitoring of encrypted communications. While proponents claim this is needed for public safety, once a backdoor is installed it will be abused and encryption will no longer protect user privacy. The example of Australia shows that giving in to demands for weakening encryption does not stop governments from demanding more access. It is important to let representatives know that end-to-end encryption is vital to protect privacy and fundamental rights, even if legislation has already passed. The passage provides sample letters that can be adapted and sent to legislators.

    [Source:https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/take-action-protect-end-to-end-encryption]

  • Report on Potential Links Between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the Origins of COVID-19

    The document is a declassified report by the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) responding to the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, which sought information on potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report outlines the IC's understanding of the WIV, its capabilities, and the actions of its personnel leading up to and in the early days of the pandemic. The report does not definitively address the two most likely pandemic origins hypotheses. The IC assesses that both a natural and laboratory-associated origin remain plausible hypotheses to explain the first human infection. The report also details the WIV's activities with the People’s Liberation Army, its coronavirus research, genetic engineering capabilities, and biosafety concerns. It mentions that several WIV researchers fell ill in Fall 2019 with symptoms consistent with but not diagnostic of COVID-19.

    [Source:https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Report-on-Potential-Links-Between-the-Wuhan-Institute-of-Virology-and-the-Origins-of-COVID-19-20230623.pdf]

  • The Hidden Human Labor Powering AI: A Deep Dive into Data Annotation

    This feature by The Verge explores the world of data annotation, a labor-intensive process that forms the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The article highlights the role of human annotators, who label and categorize vast amounts of data to train AI models. These annotators often work in obscurity, with little understanding of the broader context or purpose of their tasks. The piece also discusses the challenges annotators face, including low pay, job instability, and the mental strain of adhering to complex and often nonsensical rules. Despite these issues, the demand for data annotation is growing, driven by the increasing use of AI in various industries. The article underscores the need to recognize and value data annotation as a critical component of the AI economy.

    [Source:https://www.theverge.com/features/23764584/ai-artificial-intelligence-data-notation-labor-scale-surge-remotasks-openai-chatbots]

  • The Limitations of AI Chatbots in Coding: Human Creativity and Contextual Understanding Remain Invaluable

    The Guardian's op-ed by Tristan Cross discusses the rise of AI chatbots in coding and the potential threat they pose to human jobs. Cross, who transitioned from media to web development, argues that while AI chatbots can perform coding tasks, they lack the ability to understand why certain decisions are made. He emphasizes that coding involves lateral thinking and creativity, which AI cannot replicate. Cross also criticizes the Silicon Valley narrative that human minds are predictable and replicable, arguing that arts and related sectors cannot be reduced to equations and keywords. He concludes that while AI may impact certain aspects of earning power, it cannot replace the enjoyment and gratification derived from creating art or coding.

    [Source:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/12/lost-job-learn-code-ai-humans-skills]

  • All-In Podcast: E133: Market melt-up, IPO update, AI startups overheat, Reddit revolts & more

    Market Dynamics and IPOs: The video discusses the current state of the market and the impact of the Federal Reserve's decision to pause rate hikes. It also highlights the potential IPOs of several companies, including Arm, a company that SoftBank acquired in 2016. The discussion suggests that SoftBank's decision to take Arm public could be driven by a need for liquidity, given the company's recent financial struggles. However, the valuation of Arm is a contentious issue, with some participants suggesting that it could be overvalued.

    The Impact of AI on Startups and the Market: The video also delves into the role of AI in driving market trends. It suggests that while some companies' claims about their use of AI may be speculative, others are making substantial strides in leveraging AI to drive efficiency and revenue. However, the discussion also warns of a potential overheating in the AI sector, with some companies potentially being overvalued due to their claims of using AI.

    The Role of China in the Global Economy: The video discusses China's role in the global economy, particularly in the context of its decision to stimulate its economy by printing trillions of dollars. The participants suggest that this move could inflate global markets and make it unlikely that interest rates will be cut in the near future.

    The Future of Tech Stocks: The video suggests that the seven or eight most valuable tech stocks are priced to perfection, trading at astronomical yields. It warns that these stocks could be overvalued and that the rest of the S&P 500 has not been a great asset, suggesting that investors should be cautious.

    [Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cQXjboJwg0]

  • Sequoia India's Independence: Implications and Challenges Ahead

    Sequoia, one of the world's largest venture capital firms, has announced the separation of its India and China operations into independent partnerships. The decision is attributed to the increasing complexity of running a decentralized global investment business. Each business has evolved to meet the opportunities in their markets across a wide range of sectors, making centralized back-office functions more of a hindrance than an advantage. The move raises important questions for Sequoia India, which now has to navigate the venture capital landscape as an independent entity. The article suggests that Sequoia India will face the same challenges as any other Indian venture fund in this new phase

    [Source:https://themorningcontext.com/internet/what-does-the-split-from-parent-mean-for-sequoia-india]

Science

  • Revolutionizing Turbulence Study: UChicago Scientists Create Self Contained Turbulence

    Scientists at the University of Chicago have created a contained ball of turbulence in a water tank by firing vortex rings that meet in the center. This is a breakthrough as no one knew it was possible to isolate turbulence away from container walls. Being able to study an isolated turbulent blob allows the researchers to precisely track its parameters and vary conditions to learn more about how turbulence dissipates, expands and evolves over time. The researchers hope this new experimental setup can help answer fundamental questions about turbulence that still elude physicists.

  • NASA Plant Research Offers a Breath of Fresh Air

    NASA research found that plants and the microorganisms in the soil around their roots are effective at filtering indoor air pollutants. Surprisingly, the roots and soil did most of the filtering, even when the leaves were removed. The study screened various houseplants to determine which worked best for different pollutants. Based on these findings, a company called AIRY GreenTech developed plant pots that ventilate the root system to maximize air purification. The pots draw air through the soil and plant roots where microorganisms break down pollutants into nutrients for the plant. The AIRY pots are able to neutralize nearly 100% of environmental toxins within 24 hours.

    [source:https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/cg_7.html]

  • Breakthrough in Navigation: First Test of a Cosmic Ray System

    A team of Japanese researchers has successfully tested a wireless navigation system that relies on cosmic rays, or muons, instead of radio waves, according to a paper published in the journal iScience. The system, called the muometric positioning system (muPS), could be used to guide robots underwater or help autonomous vehicles navigate underground, where GPS signals cannot penetrate. Muons fall equally across the Earth and always travel at the same speed, regardless of the matter they traverse, even penetrating kilometers of rock. The system could be a game-changer for search and rescue teams, and for operations in homes, hospitals, factories, and mining.

    [source:https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/06/scientists-conduct-first-test-of-a-wireless-cosmic-ray-navigation-system/]

  • World's Largest Fusion Project Faces Major Delays and Cost Overruns

    The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a collaboration among 35 countries, is facing significant delays and cost overruns, according to documents obtained via a lawsuit. The project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy, was initially estimated to cost €5 billion and come online in 2016. However, the most recent official cost estimate stands at over €20 billion, with the project expected to start operation in two years. The documents reveal that the project is bracing for a three-year delay and a significant increase in costs. The delays are attributed to late component arrivals, defective machinery, and regulatory issues. The project's leadership has not been able to provide estimates of the additional delays or the extra expenses expected to result from them.

    [source:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/worlds-largest-fusion-project-is-in-big-trouble-new-documents-reveal/]

  • How scientists are hacking the genetic code to give proteins new powers

    Scientists have been working to expand the genetic code by incorporating non-canonical amino acids into proteins. Peter Schultz's early work in the 1980s demonstrated incorporating unnatural amino acids into proteins in test tubes. Since then, researchers have developed ways to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into living cells and organisms. This expanded genetic code allows scientists to study and modify proteins, create new polymers, and develop therapeutics. Researchers are now working to incorporate more exotic amino acids like mirror-image amino acids, which could enable highly stable polymers. However, this requires modifying the translational machinery like tRNA synthetases and the ribosome. Some researchers are developing mirror-image ribosomes and reprogrammed ribosomes that can create polymers with carbon-carbon bonds instead of peptide bonds.

    [Source:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01980-4]

  • Unraveling the Mystery of When Humans Started Settling Down

    The archaeological site Nahal Ein Gev II in northern Israel is challenging conventional wisdom about when humans transitioned from nomadic to settled life. The village, inhabited 12,000 years ago, was home to the Natufians, a Paleolithic people who exhibited signs of sedentism and plant cultivation, predating the traditionally accepted timeline of the agricultural revolution by 2,000 years. The site features stone houses, a cemetery, and artifacts like tools and artworks, suggesting a permanent settlement. The Natufians' territorial consciousness, demonstrated by their exclusive use of local resources, also points to a significant psychological shift from nomadism. These findings suggest that the transition to settled life was a gradual evolution rather than a sudden revolution.

    [Source:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-did-humans-start-settling-down-180982328/]

  • Mathematicians Have Found a Shape With a Pattern That Never Repeats

    After decades of searching, mathematicians have finally identified a 13-sided shape that can tile an infinite surface without repeating itself. Previous tilings all eventually repeated their patterns, but this new "einstein tile" does not have translational symmetry, meaning each section of its tiling looks different. David Smith, a nonprofessional mathematician, first came up with the shape that researchers then proved could form a non-repeating tiling. Experts say this discovery of a single shape that can only form a non-repeating pattern is remarkable and unexpected, and it could inspire new materials and decorative designs.

    [Source:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/at-long-last-mathematicians-have-found-a-shape-with-a-pattern-that-never-repeats-180981899/]

  • The Distorting Influence of AI on Human Beliefs

    The article discusses how generative artificial intelligence (AI) models can distort human beliefs by conveying biases and false information. The authors argue that these models, including OpenAI's GPT variants and Google's Bard, contain known racial, gender, and class stereotypes and biases from their training data, which can negatively affect marginalized groups. Furthermore, these models often fabricate information, which can lead to the formation of false beliefs in users. The authors emphasize that once these false beliefs are formed, they can be difficult to correct. They also highlight that the more these systems are used and adopted, the more influence they have over human beliefs. The authors call for interdisciplinary studies to measure the impact of generative models on human beliefs and biases, especially on children who are more vulnerable to belief distortion. They also advocate for independent audits of these systems and education for the public, policymakers, and scientists about the real capabilities of these technologies.

    [Source:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi0248]

  • NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission Faces Staggering Costs

    NASA's ambitious Mars Sample Return mission, which aims to bring rocks from Mars to Earth, is facing a significant cost overrun. The development cost for the mission has reportedly doubled from $4.4 billion to $8-9 billion. This figure does not include launch costs, operating costs over a five-year period, nor the construction of a new sample-receiving facility to handle the Martian rocks and soil. The total cost of the mission is now estimated at around $10 billion. The mission has been a top priority for NASA and its international partners, including the European Space Agency, for decades. However, technical mistakes during the early planning phase and staffing issues at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have contributed to the cost increase. The mission's launch, originally planned for 2028, is now expected to be delayed.

    [Source:https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/the-mars-sample-return-mission-is-starting-to-give-nasa-sticker-shock/]

  • A star cluster in the Milky Way appears to be as old as the universe

    Researchers have measured the age of the globular star cluster M92 and found it to be around 13.8 billion years old, approximately the same age as the universe. Measuring the ages of ancient clusters like M92 can help constrain the minimum age of the universe and resolve puzzles about cosmic evolution. The new technique used to determine M92's age reduced uncertainty by comparing thousands of synthetic stellar populations rather than just one. The similar ages of M92 and the universe suggest that resolving the tension between different measurements of the expansion rate of the universe may require revisiting the assumed age of the universe. Precise age measurements of globular clusters like M92, though not enough on their own, can provide useful constraints to help solve this "Hubble tension".

    [Source:https://www.sciencenews.org/article/star-cluster-milky-way-old-universe]

  • 21st century economic growth could be slower than expected

    The study found that the global economy will likely grow more slowly in the 21st century than previously expected. Developing countries will take longer to close the income gap with wealthier nations. This suggests governments need to plan for slower growth and richer countries may need to help fund climate adaptations in poorer nations. Wealthier nations should first get their own finances in order so they can support lower income countries. Even with less growth and more inequality, the world will still be richer and more equal than today. However, rich nations may not be able to grow their way out of debt as in the past.

    [Source:https://phys.org/news/2023-06-21st-century-economic-growth-slower.html]

  • Chemists Pave the Way for Molecular Precision: Skeletal Editing Techniques to Revolutionize Drug Discovery

    Chemists are developing new techniques to precisely edit molecules by inserting, deleting or replacing single atoms within their core structures, known as skeletal editing. This could dramatically speed up drug discovery by allowing researchers to more efficiently generate and test variants of promising molecules. However, many of the skeletal editing reactions are still limited in scope and efficiency. Researchers are working to make the methods more general and practical for use in drug development. If successful, skeletal editing could transform how organic chemists design molecules and revolutionize medicinal chemistry.

    [Source:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01735-1]

  • India Experiences Rising Temperatures: A Clear Indication of Climate Change

    Northern India is currently experiencing a major heatwave, with temperatures nearing 45° Celsius. Authorities have advised people over 60 and those with health conditions to stay indoors during the day. The frequency, duration, and intensity of these extreme heat events are indicative of climate change. Mean temperature records in India since 1901 show a clear warming trend over the decades. Compared to the average mean temperature between 1901 and 1910, winters have become warmer, and the heat in spring and summer has increased. The biggest average increase in mean temperature was observed in spring (March-May), indicating a significant shift in the country's climate patterns.

    [Source:https://science.thewire.in/environment/chart-how-india-is-heating-up/]

Popular Culture

  • Large-scale FPS game created by a four-person team becomes top-selling on Steam

    BattleBit Remastered, a 254-player first-person shooter (FPS) game, has become the top-selling paid game on Steam, surpassing major titles like Warzone 2, Starfield, PUBG, and the Steam Deck in terms of revenue. Developed by a four-person team at OkiGames, BattleBit Remastered offers large-scale modern warfare gameplay, similar to Battlefield, but with a Roblox-like aesthetic. Despite its low price of $15, the game has seen a successful launch with over 28,000 concurrent players. The game's low-poly look and low system requirements make it accessible to a wide range of players. The game has been in development for seven years and its success is attributed to its depth, scale, and fun gameplay.

    [source:https://www.pcgamer.com/the-top-selling-game-on-steam-right-now-is-a-new-254-player-fps-made-by-4-people/]

  • Black Mirror's 'Joan is Awful': A Satirical Take on AI's Impact on Streaming

    The Verge's review of the Black Mirror episode "Joan is Awful" discusses the show's satirical take on the future of streaming and AI's potential impact on the industry. The episode features a character, Joan, whose life is turned into a show on a Netflix-like platform, revealing her secrets against her will. The episode humorously explores the consequences of AI and digital likeness rights in the entertainment industry. The review notes that the episode's ending wraps up neatly, contrasting with the ongoing real-world struggles of writers, actors, and directors against AI's encroachment on their professions. The episode is seen as a call to recognize the absurdity of all-powerful Big Tech and to support the fight against it.

    [source: https://www.theverge.com/23763339/black-mirrors-joan-is-awful-netflix-future-streaming]

  • Burying Indiana Jones

    The New Yorker article titled "Burying Indiana Jones" offers a critical reassessment of the Indiana Jones franchise. The author discusses the character's legacy in light of changing cultural attitudes, particularly towards the portrayal of archaeology and cultural heritage. The article highlights how Indiana Jones, while a beloved figure, embodies a problematic approach to archaeology that often disregards the rights and histories of indigenous cultures. The author also reflects on the personal nostalgia associated with the franchise, acknowledging its impact on their own interest in archaeology. The piece concludes by suggesting that Indiana Jones can serve as a reminder of the need for more respectful and inclusive practices in archaeology and anthropology.

    [source:https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/burying-indiana-jones]

  • Is Coffee Good For You?

    While there are many studies on coffee and health, the research is complex and evolving. Overall, drinking coffee in moderation of 3-4 cups per day is associated with lower all-cause mortality and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. However, coffee can interfere with sleep quality if consumed too close to bedtime. As long as coffee does not negatively impact sleep or anxiety, and is consumed in moderation, the evidence suggests that coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

    [Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rABfboy0h6o]

  • The Diary of Virginia Woolf: A Book for the Ages

    The Guardian's review of Virginia Woolf's diary praises it as an unmatchable record of her times, a gallery of vividly observed individuals, an intimate and courageous self-examination, a revelation of a writer’s creative processes, a tender, watchful nature journal, and a meditation on life, love, marriage, friendship, solitude, society, time and mortality. The diary, full of pain but also life, spans from her first surviving entry in 1897 to her last in 1941, four days before her death. The review highlights Woolf's self-critical nature, her precise descriptions of landscapes, and her avid fascination with other people. The diary is also noted for its record of historical events, such as the general strike, the abdication crisis, and the civilian experience of the second world war. The review concludes by appreciating Woolf's ability to wring all the juice from life and her desire to live for the moment.

    [Source:https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/22/the-diary-of-virginia-woolf-review-a-book-for-the-ages]

  • The Case Against Travel

    The author argues that travel is overrated and does not provide the profound experiences that people claim. Tourists are unable to truly connect with places and people they visit because they lack the knowledge and interest to do so authentically. Travelers tend to view places through the lens of postcards and guidebooks rather than experiencing them directly. Upon returning home, travelers often fail to show any meaningful changes in their perspectives or values. The author suggests that the main benefit of travel may simply be providing a distraction from the inevitability of aging and death. Travel gives people a taste of doing nothing, which they find more palatable when framed as an exciting experience.

    [Source:https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/the-case-against-travel]

  • Prince in the '90s: A Deep Dive into His Musical Evolution

    The Ringer's article explores Prince's musical journey in the '90s, focusing on his transition from the '80s and his experimentation with new sounds and styles. The author discusses Prince's albums, including "Diamonds and Pearls," credited to Prince and the New Power Generation, and the controversial "The Black Album." The article also highlights Prince's struggle with the rise of rap music, his creation of the New Power Generation band, and his last number one song, "Cream." The author concludes by discussing Prince's unique and often misunderstood relationship with other artists, including his refusal to allow Weird Al Yankovic to parody his songs. The article is an excerpt from the podcast episode "60 Songs That Explain the '90s."

    [Source:https://www.theringer.com/2023/6/14/23760185/prince-90s-gett-off-history]

  • What to Do If Your House is Overflowing with Books

    For passionate readers, a personal library can represent their ever-changing self and interests through the books they collect. However, overflowing bookshelves can feel overwhelming. The author recommends letting the space available dictate how many books to keep, choosing which medium to store books in, editing the collection to focus on the most meaningful titles, assessing how the space impacts productivity, and considering one's tolerance for visual stimulation. For those who thrive in clutter, embracing a maximalist aesthetic with books filling every surface can create a cozy environment that celebrates one's love of reading.

    [Source:https://lithub.com/what-to-do-if-your-house-is-overflowing-with-books]

  • The Knowledge Project: Podcast with Adam Robinson

    This is a conversation between Adam Robinson, a chess master and investing expert, and the host of The Knowledge Project. They discuss various topics including the importance of positioning in decision-making, the role of intuition and bodily awareness in processing information, and the potential of AI, specifically OpenAI's GPT-3, as a tool for asking better questions and enhancing decision-making. Robinson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the types of situations in which one excels and steering towards those situations. He also discusses the difference between chess and poker in terms of complete and incomplete information, respectively. The conversation also touches upon the importance of avoiding loss in investing, as opposed to chess where a loss doesn't diminish one's ability in the next game.

    [Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQzgmLqK2I]

  • Unlocking Creativity Through Dreams: The Power of Sleep for Creative Ideas

    The article discusses the role of sleep and dreams in fostering creativity. It highlights new research suggesting that dreams can shape creative ideas. The brain continues to work during sleep, making and strengthening associations that can lead to creative ideas. The article mentions famous figures like Thomas Edison, Mary Shelly, and Paul McCartney, who reported creative ideas coming from dreams. The article also discusses a study by Robert Stickgold and a group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which showed that inducing people to dream about a particular subject helped them become more creative. The study used a device that detects the onset of the N1 phase of sleep, during which dreams are most likely to follow from the thoughts one has while drifting off. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of sleep and rest in creative endeavors.

    [Source:https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/unlocking-creativity-through-dreams-new-research-shows-the-power-of-sleep-for-creative-ideas-11687366205329.html]