Amazon has released a new trailer for Secret Level, the upcoming Prime Video show that tells stories set in the worlds of beloved, popular or even upcoming games (and also Concord). Given that it’s an anthology series, there’s unlikely to be an overarching plot, so there’s not much to grok here from a narrative perspective. And the sooner there's a mortarium on trailers being soundtracked to that overused M83 song, the better.
However, the visuals sure do look pretty. The quality of the animation is genuinely impressive. At least in some cases, the art style apes that of the game the episode is based on. That’s particularly true for what we see of the Sifu episode, but Secret Level is not, for instance, retaining Spelunky's aesthetic.
Other episodes are based on the likes of Armored Core, Crossfire, Dungeons & Dragons, Exodus, Honor of Kings, Mega Man, New World: Aeternum, Pac-Man, The Outer Worlds 2, Unreal Tournament and Warhammer 40,000, along with "various" PlayStation Studios games. One of those is Concord, which Sony unceremoniously killed for good after its disastrous debut.
Some major mainstream stars have lent their voices and even likenesses to the series, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves (who appears in the Armored Core episode), Ariana Greenblatt and Gabriel Luna. Video game stalwarts, including The Last of Us stars Merle Dandridge and Laura Bailey, are involved too.
Secret Level — which is from the creative team behind Netflix's Love, Death and Robots — will debut on December 10. More episodes will be released over the following week.
Star Wars fans have been waiting quite some time to find out when they'll be able to watch the second and final season of Andor. At the D23 Brazil fan expo, Lucasfilm revealed that the Rogue One prequel series will debut on Disney+ on April 22, 2025. That's almost three years since the first season premiered in August 2022, and just after next year's edition of Star Wars Celebration.
The show focuses on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in the years leading up to the events of Rogue One. It details how he came to work against the Empire as an important operative for the Rebel Alliance. Andor has been widely hailed as one of the best pieces of Star Wars media over the last few years, and now you know when you can enjoy more of the rebel spy's story.
BioWare had told Mass Effect fans to expect a quiet N7 day without any updates on the new game in the works, but there is still some exciting news for the franchise today. Variety reports that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV series based on the sci-fi universe. Rumors first emerged about the tech company's interest in a Mass Effect show back in 2021, but now it's official.
Daniel Casey will be the series' writer and executive producer. He has action credits on the screenplay for F9: The Fast Saga and made contributions to sci-fi films Kin and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Variety noted some of the other executive producers, but there have been no details shared yet about the cast or plot of the project. Since a large part of the original Mass Effect games' appeal was players making their own choices about Commander Shepard's moral compass and love life, it seems likely that a show would want to tell an original story within that universe rather than retreading the same path as the trilogy.
Amazon had a huge win with its TV adaptation of Fallout earlier this year, and it seems the company is going to continue mining video games for source material. After some stumbles, Amazon is also reviving its plans for a live-action God of War show.
LONDON -- A gold pocket watch given to the ship captain who rescued 700 survivors from the Titanic sold at auction for nearly $2 million, setting a record for memorabilia from the ship wreck.
The 18-carat Tiffany & Co. watch was given by three women survivors to Capt. Arthur Rostron for diverting his passenger ship, the RMS Carpathia, to save them and others after the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the north Atlantic on its maiden voyage in 1912.
Auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son, who sold the watch to a private collector in the United States on Saturday for 1.56 million British pounds, said it’s the most paid for a piece of Titanic memorabilia. The price includes taxes and fees paid by the buyer.
The watch was given to Rostron by the widow of John Jacob Astor, the richest man to die in the disaster, and the widows of two other wealthy businessmen who went down with the ship.
Astor's pocket watch, which was on his body when it was recovered seven days after the ship sank, had previously set the record for the highest price paid for a Titanic keepsake, fetching nearly $1.5 million (1.17 million pounds) from the same auction house in April.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said the fact that Titanic memorabilia has set two records this year demonstrates the enduring fascination with the story and the value of the dwindling supply and high demand for ship artifacts.
The Carpathia was sailing from New York to the Mediterranean Sea when a radio operator heard a distress call from the Titanic in the early hours of April 15, 1912 and woke Rostron in his cabin. He turned his boat around and headed at full steam toward the doomed vessel, navigating through ice bergs to get there.
By the time the Carpathia arrived, the Titanic had sunk and 1,500 people perished. But the crew located 20 lifeboats and rescued more than 700 passengers and took them back to New York.
Madeleine Astor, who had been helped into a lifeboat by her husband, presented the watch to Rostron at a luncheon at her mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York.
The inscription says it was given “with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors.” It lists Mrs. John B. Thayer and Mrs. George D. Widener alongside Astor's married name.
“It was presented principally in gratitude for Rostron’s bravery in saving those lives,” Aldridge said. "Without Mr. Rostron, those 700 people wouldn’t have made it.”
NEW YORK -- Walk into any supermarket and you can generally buy a banana for less than $1. But a banana duct-taped to a wall? That might sell for more than $1 million at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in New York.
The yellow banana fixed to the white wall with silver duct tape is a work entitled “Comedian,” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. It first debuted in 2019 as an edition of three fruits at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair, where it became a much-discussed sensation.
Was it a prank? A commentary on the state of the art world? Another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. A backup banana was brought in. Selfie-seeking crowds became so thick, “Comedian” was withdrawn from view, but three editions of it sold for between $120,000 and $150,000, according to Perrotin gallery.
Now, the conceptual artwork has an estimated value of between $1 million and $1.5 million at Sotheby's auction on Nov. 20. Sotheby's head of contemporary art, David Galperin, calls it profound and provocative.
“What Cattelan is really doing is turning a mirror to the contemporary art world and asking questions, provoking thought about how we ascribe value to artworks, what we define as an artwork," Galperin said.
Bidders won't be buying the same fruit that was on display in Miami. Those bananas are long gone. Sotheby’s says the fruit always was meant to be replaced regularly, along with the tape.
“What you buy when you buy Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’ is not the banana itself, but a certificate of authenticity that grants the owner the permission and authority to reproduce this banana and duct tape on their wall as an original artwork by Maurizio Cattelan,” Galperin said.
The very title of the piece suggests Cattelan himself likely didn't intend for it to be taken seriously. But Chloé Cooper Jones, an assistant professor at the Columbia University School of the Arts, said it is worth thinking about the context.
Cattelan premiered the work at an art fair, visited by well-off art collectors, where “Comedian” was sure to get a lot of attention on social media. That might mean the art constituted a dare, of sorts, to the collectors to invest in something absurd, she said.
If “Comedian” is just a tool for understanding the insular, capitalist, art-collecting world, Cooper Jones said, “it’s not that interesting of an idea.”
But she thinks it might go beyond poking fun at rich people.
Cattelan is often thought of a “trickster artist,” she said. “But his work is often at the intersection of the sort of humor and the deeply macabre. He’s quite often looking at ways of provoking us, not just for the sake of provocation, but to ask us to look into some of the sort of darkest parts of history and of ourselves.”
And there is a dark side to the banana, a fruit with a history entangled with imperialism, labor exploitation and corporate power.
“It would be hard to come up with a better, simple symbol of global trade and all of its exploitations than the banana,” Cooper Jones said. If “Comedian” is about making people think about their moral complicity in the production of objects they take for granted, then it's “at least a more useful tool or it’s at least an additional sort of place to go in terms of the questions that this work could be asking,” she said.
“Comedian” hits the block around the same time that Sotheby's is also auctioning one of the famed paintings in the “Water Lilies” series by the French impressionist Claude Monet, with an expected value of around $60 million.
When asked to compare Cattelan's banana to a classic like Monet's “Nymphéas," Galperin says impressionism was not considered art when the movement began.
“No important, profound, meaningful artwork of the past 100 years or 200 years, or our history for that matter, did not provoke some kind of discomfort when it was first unveiled,” Galperin said.
BYD is leaving the other car manufacturers way back and they will only see dust in the mirror. EV strategy should have been to start with cheap cars and expand from there and I think BYD does that the best. We are witnessing an EV revolution, even if many don't understand it.
ooooo wait BMW behind Tesla, didn't know this. Not surprised China is leading and domination. Tesla is really trying but I think they need more variety and cheaper cars like Toyota and Hyundai
Grandiloquence is a formal word that refers to the use of extravagantly colorful or pompous language often in order to sound impressive and important.
//He was known for the flowery grandiloquence of his speeches which, his passionate delivery notwithstanding, always caused more than a few listeners to doze off.
Travel expert warns packing these everyday items could see you breaking the law
Travel specialist Jessica Bollinger, who works at youth travel agency KILROY, has shared the top items that upcoming travellers should be removing from their luggage – and they might surprise you.
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: New York City's Best Travel Packages
Experiential gifts of travel have become a choice for many people who prefer to give a gift that brings with it lasting memories. These NYC hotels offer ideal settings for experiencing a NYC holiday.
Brits given major Government ‘security’ warning about travel to Italy
Warning to any Brits visiting Italy as certain regions are expected to have a record-number of crowds with flights, hotels and even food set to skyrocket.
Travel Review: The Bunkie, Spring Lake, Ontario in Canada
Megan Lawton enjoys a luxury stay at this impressive lakeside property.
Nestled in a beautiful, unspoilt setting, this stunning, spacious property offers state-of-the-art interiors, entertainment and space for the whole family. Just a three-hour drive from Toronto, it’s an ideal place to holiday with relatives and friends.
Start your day at the iconic Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Explore the 16 museums, beautiful gardens, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Appreciate the Spanish Colonial architecture that defines the park.
For lunch, dine at the relaxed Panama 66 or the upscale Prado restaurant within the park.
Beaches
Spend the afternoon exploring Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Pacific Beach is known for its laidback beach atmosphere, popular bars, restaurants, and the 3.2-mile-long boardwalk.
Head south to Mission Beach, home to the iconic Belmont Park and the giant Dipper roller coaster. Finish the day by watching the sunset along the boardwalk or at Crystal Pier.
Drive 20 minutes north of downtown to the picturesque La Jolla Cove, a rocky cove with clear waters and stunning views of the Southern California coastline. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Explore the nearby Scripps Park, La Jolla Coastwalk Trail, and Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
Downtown La Jolla
Wander through the shops, boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants in downtown La Jolla.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Visit the architectural marvel of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, known for its travertine courtyard and ocean views.
Torrey Pines Glider Port
Take in the breathtaking views of the coast from the Torrey Pines Glider Port, where you can even schedule a flight with a trainer.
Explore the beautiful seaside trails that lead from the bluffs to the beach in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Day 3: Old Town, Coronado, and Downtown San Diego
Old Town San Diego
Start the day at Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California and the site of the first permanent European settlement on the West Coast. Explore the historic sites, shops, and restaurants.
Coronado and Downtown San Diego
Take the Coronado Ferry across the bay to the Convention Center Landing, then walk along the Embarcadero to Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining district.
Continue north to Tuna Harbor, home to the famous Unconditional Surrender statue and the USS Midway Museum.
Ride the ferry back to Coronado and check out Centennial Park for stunning views of downtown San Diego.
Explore Coronado Beach and the historic Hotel Del Coronado, a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset picnic dinner.
This itinerary covers the top attractions, beaches, and experiences that San Diego has to offer in just three days. Feel free to rearrange or add more activities to suit your interests and travel style. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!
Exploring the Scenic Beauty and Vibrant Culture of San Diego
La Jolla: Coastal Gems and Architectural Wonders
One of the most visited communities in San Diego, La Jolla is a popular destination known for its coastal bluffs, caves, sandy beaches, wildlife, and activities. La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed places in San Diego, a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling where you can often see seals and sea lions.
Walking south from The Cove, you'll find the Children's Pool, a structure donated by Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931 with a concrete breakwater. Further north, the coves and caves transition into the sandy shores of La Jolla Shores, a popular family destination with amenities like bathrooms, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and kayak rentals.
At the northern end of the beach is the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Scripps Pier, where the sunset lines up perfectly between the pillars twice a year in an event known as Scripps Henge. Atop the hill is the Salk Institute, a world-class research facility founded by Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the polio vaccine. Its stunning architecture makes it a must-visit for science and design enthusiasts.
Another highlight in La Jolla is Mount Soledad, a popular tourist destination and Veterans Memorial that offers a 365-degree view of San Diego, stretching as far north as Orange County and as far south as Mexico.
Coronado Island: Victorian Charm and Coastal Vistas
Crossing the bay, Coronado Island offers a variety of attractions. Starting at Centennial Park, you'll find one of the most popular photography and wedding ceremony spots, with views of downtown San Diego. Just south is the Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront shopping village with restaurants, shops, and water sports rentals.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in San Diego is the Hotel del Coronado, a wooden Victorian beach resort that has hosted royalty, presidents, and celebrities over the years. The hotel is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former guest, Kate Morgan.
Heading back towards downtown, we reach the 1,200-acre urban park known as Balboa Park. Constructed for the 1915 Panama Exposition, the park is celebrated for its Spanish Revival architecture, with over 65 miles of trails, 17 museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Some of the must-see attractions in Balboa Park include the Botanical Building, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Spanish Village Art Center, and the Alcazar Garden. Each offers a unique cultural experience and stunning architectural or natural beauty.
Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs: Coastal Exploration and Scenic Vistas
Continuing west, the Point Loma Peninsula shapes the outer edge of San Diego Bay, home to the Cabrillo National Monument. This historic site commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European expedition to set foot on what would become the West Coast of the United States.
Just south of Point Loma is the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs, considered one of the most stunning places to watch the sunset in San Diego. The sheer cliffs, caves, and tide pools make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach: Coastal Charm and Amusement
Heading north, you'll find the lively community of Pacific Beach, known for its laid-back college town atmosphere and the iconic Crystal Pier. The nearly 3-mile Pacific Beach Boardwalk is a great place for a run, bike ride, or simply enjoying the sandy beaches.
At the southern end of Pacific Beach is Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park featuring the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark, as well as other rides, an arcade, and dining options.
Considered the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego is the location of the first European settlement on the West Coast. Atop a hill overlooking the area is Presidio Park, home to the Royal Presidio and the Junípero Serra Museum, which showcase the history of San Diego.
Within Old Town, you can explore historic adobe buildings, blacksmiths, markets, and even haunted locations like the cemetery and the Whaley House. The nearby Heritage Park Victorian Village preserves historic Victorian homes relocated from around San Diego.
Downtown San Diego: Waterfront Attractions and Historic Neighborhoods
As San Diego continued to expand, the downtown area evolved into the heart of the city. Alonzo Horton, known as the "father of downtown," created incentives to attract merchants and developers to the bayfront land.
Today, downtown is home to popular attractions like Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining complex, and the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood with over 100 restaurants, pubs, shops, and nightclubs.
Off the Beaten Path: Exploring San Diego's Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known attractions, San Diego offers a wealth of hidden gems worth discovering. Mission Bay, with its family-friendly facilities and playgrounds, is a great alternative to the crowded beaches. Old Poway Park, a historic steam train park, is another local favorite.
Whether you're seeking scenic vistas, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, San Diego has something to captivate every traveler. With its diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and natural beauty, this vibrant city is a must-visit destination on any California itinerary.
Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, is a stunning and romantic destination that has captivated visitors for centuries. Stretching over 56 square miles, this third-largest lake in Italy is surrounded by steep, forested hills and snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking scenery that has inspired artists, writers, and musicians.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Como is by boat. Ferries regularly ply the waters, stopping at the major towns around the lake, allowing visitors to admire the magnificent villas that line the shores. These grand estates were built in the 18th and 19th centuries by wealthy families seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like Milan.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Como is renowned for its delicious cuisine. The lake is famous for its freshly caught fish, which are served in many of the local restaurants. Specialties include risotto with perch, rosala (a specialty type of air-dried beef), and polenta. For those who love the outdoors, the surrounding hills are crisscrossed with hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the mountains.
While the lake itself is a major draw, the towns that dot its shores are equally captivating. The picturesque village of Varenna, located on a small peninsula that juts out into the lake, is a favorite among travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. With its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views, Varenna is a peaceful and pedestrian-friendly destination.
Across the lake from Varenna, the stunning village of Bellagio, often referred to as the "pearl of the lake," is a must-visit destination. Known for its picturesque waterfront, elegant villas, and stunning gardens, Bellagio is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious and romantic Italian getaway. The heart of the village is its charming historic center, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming piazzas.
No visit to Lake Como would be complete without exploring some of the region's famous villas and gardens. Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo, is a magnificent 18th-century villa that is now open to the public as a museum. Another must-see is Villa del Balbianello, located on the western shore of the lake, which has been used as a filming location for several movies, including "Star Wars: Episode II" and "Casino Royale."
Lake Como is a destination that truly has it all – stunning scenery, charming towns, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an outdoor adventure, this beautiful corner of Italy is sure to delight and inspire. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of Lake Como.
Yosemite, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is known for its stunning granite cliffs like El Capitan, as well as its numerous waterfalls, clear streams, and large Giant Sequoia Groves. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the Sierra Nevada red fox.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, situated in the Mojave Desert near the Nevada border, holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - 134°F (56°C) in 1913. It is also the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. The park is known for its vast salt flats and dried up lake beds.
Joshua Tree National Park, where two deserts meet, is named after the unique, twisted Yucca plant known as the Joshua tree. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bobcats, and coyotes, as well as unique plants like creosote and prickly pear. It is also renowned for its excellent stargazing opportunities.
San Diego
San Diego, with a population of around 3.5 million in the metro area, is known as "America's Finest City" due to its pleasant, Mediterranean-like climate and 266 days of sunshine per year. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastline, including La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach, as well as Balboa Park, the Gas Lamp District, and the USS Midway.
Just across the Coronado Bay from San Diego, Coronado Island is a must-visit destination, offering great resorts and beaches.
Orange County
North of San Diego, Orange County is famous for its beaches, palm trees, and scenic overlooks. Highlights include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. The area can be easily accessed by taking the California Coaster train from San Diego.
Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood National and State Parks, located in the northwestern part of the state, are home to the world's tallest trees - the Redwoods. These isolated, unique species create a truly remarkable environment.
In the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to the famous General Sherman tree, the second-largest tree in the world, as well as the stunning Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs, situated between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, is known for its towering, snow-capped mountains, windmills, and golf course communities. The area has a distinct desert climate compared to the Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the second-largest metro area in the nation, offers a diverse array of attractions, from the beaches of Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Venice Beach to the iconic Hollywood and Griffith Observatory. Visitors can also explore the Getty Museum and Universal Studios.
Morro Bay, located in central California, is known for its iconic Morro Rock and offers a variety of activities, including camping, sailing, fishing, and hiking.
Pismo Beach
Just south of Morro Bay, Pismo Beach is famous for its Pismo Dunes, where visitors can go off-roading and camping on the beach.
Big Sur
The scenic drive along Big Sur, with its towering cliffs and bridges, is considered one of the most beautiful in California. Highlights include Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the elephant seal colony at San Simeon.
The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, is known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the steep, winding Lombard Street. Visitors can also spot humpback whales from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its beautiful coastal scenery and Pebble Beach Golf Course, is a charming and picturesque town along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, known for its Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a popular destination for whale watching and exploring the coastal environment.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, north of Monterey, is home to a lively boardwalk and beautiful beaches, making it a great stop along the Pacific Coast Highway.
The Race to Transform Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics
The Olympic flag has landed in Los Angeles, and the city is short on time. As the host of the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, LA has some significant changes to make before millions of people start descending on it.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is undertaking a massive $40 billion project called "28x28" to complete 28 infrastructure projects before 2028. This includes a $15 billion renovation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the fourth busiest airport in the world, handling 1,500 flights every 24 hours.
The centerpiece of the LAX development is an automated people mover (APM), a 2.25-mile elevated train system with six stations. This will help reduce congestion by pushing 42 million vehicles off the roads. The APM will connect to a new Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and the city's Metro network, making it easier for passengers to navigate the airport and the city.
Lessons from the Past
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1932 and 1984. The 1984 games were considered a huge success, as LA adopted a "no-build" policy, modifying existing stadiums instead of constructing new ones. They also freely accepted private sponsorship, earning a profit of $225 million.
The 2028 Olympics will build on this legacy, with more than 80 venues hosting different events, including the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Rose Bowl. The opening ceremony will take place at the new SoFi Stadium in Englewood, which can accommodate up to 70,000 spectators.
Challenges and Promises
Despite the ambitious plans, Los Angeles faces significant challenges in making the 2028 Olympics car-free, as promised. The city comprises 88 cities with a combined population of 10 million, and 91% of American households own at least one car. This makes the goal of relying solely on public transportation a daunting task.
However, the city is not deterred. The federal government has approved $900 million in funds to boost infrastructure, and the Metro system is planning to borrow more than 2,700 buses to help transport athletes and visitors. The 28x28 initiative aims to complete 18 highway and transit projects by 2028, including the expansion of the Metro's Purple Line and the extension of the Metro Line D to the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Lessons from Paris
While Paris has been praised for the accessibility of its 2024 Olympic venues, it's important to note that the city is much smaller and more walkable than Los Angeles. The City of Angels is determined to showcase its diversity and international character, with the Hollywood sign and the promise of "magical opportunities" to come.
As the clock ticks, Los Angeles must complete the necessary upgrades to its transit system to handle the influx of athletes and visitors without going bankrupt. The city's success in the 1984 Olympics has set a high bar, and the world will be watching to see if the City of Angels can replicate that triumph.
Disney's Architectural Masterpieces: The Resorts That Elevated the Guest Experience
The Eisner Era Expansion and the Rise of Themed Resorts
Disney's first foray into the hotel business began in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World, where alongside the Magic Kingdom they opened the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts, followed a month later by the Fort Wilderness Campground. From the start, these resorts were very much products of their time, with elements that scream design trends of the late 1960s.
The real standout, however, was the Contemporary resort. Erected as a giant A-frame with pre-fabricated rooms that slid into place, the design of the building was intended to emphasize the large open atrium, which at the time was incredibly new and novel. Designed with input from architect Welton Becket, the Contemporary likely took inspiration from the massive atrium that defined the Regency Hyatt House in Atlanta.
In an era where Disney was always pushing the limits of what was possible, it's not surprising that the company would embrace such challenging engineering and architecture. The monorail traveling through the building was, and still is, an enchanting novelty that felt futuristic for the mid-century.
While many resorts of architectural significance were proposed for early Walt Disney World, the only other development of the pre-Eisner period was the Disney golf resort in 1973, which was nowhere near as interesting as what came next.
When Eisner became CEO in 1984, he recognized the potential for Disney to expand significantly, including a substantial increase in resort capacity. This led to the opening of the Grand Floridian in 1988, followed by Caribbean Beach in October of the same year.
The Caribbean Beach resort, despite its motel-style buildings, is quite interesting, with its Caribbean colors and design, and a central pool themed as a Spanish Fort overtaken by Pirates. The Grand Floridian, on the other hand, is an elegant Victorian-era style resort that takes heavy inspiration from many real and culturally notable resorts throughout the United States, particularly the Hotel del Coronado in California.
The Epcot Resorts and the Pinnacle of Disney Theming
1989 was a milestone year for Disney, with the opening of the Wonders of Life at Epcot, Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World Village, and two brand new parks: Disney-MGM Studios and Typhoon Lagoon. It's clear that the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beach were greenlit to accommodate the increased demand that would follow.
The next notable addition was the Walt Disney World Swan, which opened in 1990. This hotel, designed by architect Michael Graves, was the beginning of what became known as the Epcot Resort area, which was followed by the Disney-owned and operated Yacht Club and Beach Club later in 1991, and eventually the Boardwalk Resort in 1996.
The Yacht Club and Beach Club, designed by architect Robert Stern, are notable for their distinct New England nautical motifs, with the Yacht Club having a more sophisticated sailing theme and the Beach Club feeling more casual and beachy. The Boardwalk Resort, on the other hand, is architecturally inspired by Atlantic City and other old American seaside boardwalks, with a wealth of cultural references and decorative elements that evoke the early 20th century amusement park era.
The Pinnacle of Disney Theming: Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge
While the Epcot Resorts are exceptional, Disney's true architectural and thematic masterpieces are the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Wilderness Lodge, which opened in 1994, is a massive Lodge-inspired building that celebrates the American West and the grand National Park lodges. The lobby is filled with incredible details, from carved totem poles and animal-themed chandeliers to a massive fireplace with rock layers representing the Grand Canyon. The resort also features fantastic outdoor elements, like a geyser and a waterfall-fed pool area.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, which opened in 2001, is smaller in scale but no less impressive in its theming. Designed to feel more intimate and exploratory, the resort features an impressive lobby with African-inspired art and architecture, as well as the ability to view various African animals from the guest rooms and throughout the resort grounds.
Both Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge represent the pinnacle of Disney's ability to create immersive, thematically rich resort experiences that elevate the guest experience beyond just a place to stay.
The Decline of Disney Theming and the Rise of Bland Towers
Unfortunately, the quality and attention to detail that defined Disney's resorts during the Eisner era has been in decline in recent years. Resorts like the Riviera and the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs are prime examples of a shift towards bland, corporate-style towers that lack the thematic depth and architectural significance of their predecessors.
The replacement of unique theming elements with character overlays and the removal of distinctive details in favor of minimalism have cheapened the overall resort experience. This trend is deeply concerning, as it represents a move away from the core principles that made Disney resorts so exceptional and memorable.
As Disney continues to prioritize cost-cutting and brand synergy over the creation of truly immersive and artistically significant resort experiences, it is up to guests to voice their concerns and demand a return to the high standards that once defined the Disney resort experience. The resorts of the Eisner era stand as a testament to the company's ability to craft architectural masterpieces that elevated the guest experience, and it is crucial that this legacy is not lost.
Denmark: A Small Country Punching Above Its Weight
A Model for Sustainable, Cooperative Living
Denmark, a small Nordic nation, has emerged as a global leader in the green transition, boasting the world's second most livable city, the most contented workforce, and Europe's shortest working hours. However, this success comes at a price, as Danes pay some of the highest personal taxes in the world.
Transforming Copenhagen
In the 1980s, Copenhagen was on the brink of bankruptcy, with heavy industry in decline and a polluted river dividing the city. The council's solution? Turning the harbor into a public swimming spot, kickstarting a transformation that would make Copenhagen one of the world's most sustainable capitals.
The city's planners prioritized public access, with privately-owned land remaining open to all. They also invested in district heating, bike infrastructure, and cooperative housing, creating a livable, interconnected urban environment. Today, 58% of Copenhageners commute by bike, and the city's carbon footprint continues to shrink.
Education and Welfare
Denmark's approach to education and welfare is equally innovative. Children start kindergarten at age 3, with a focus on play and cooperation, before entering primary school at 6. Many young Danes then spend a year in an "efterskole," a residential school that encourages self-discovery and community living.
This emphasis on personal development continues at the folk high schools, where students aged 18-19 explore their interests without exams or grades. Denmark's generous welfare state, funded by high personal taxes, provides free healthcare, livable pensions, and flexible employment policies that prioritize security over job permanence.
Powering the Green Transition
Denmark's success is not just about livability – it's also about economic might. Corporations like Maersk, Lego, and Vestas have made the country a global leader in shipping, toys, and wind turbines, respectively. The nation's expertise in engineering and its commitment to the green transition have made it a hub for renewable energy innovation.
While the Danish model may not be easily replicable elsewhere, its emphasis on cooperation, sustainability, and citizen well-being offers valuable lessons. By investing in public infrastructure, education, and social welfare, Denmark has created a society that balances individual freedom with collective responsibility – a blueprint for a more equitable and resilient future.
Money is just a scoring system. The real privilege? Freedom!!
Freedom to live where you want, surround yourself with the right people, and align your life with your values. But even more powerful than freedom is the true currency of life: experiences!
Experiences shape us in ways money never can. They push us to explore, to understand, to connect. They teach us to see the beauty in the world and embrace its complexity. They remind us that the most valuable things—insights, relationships, personal growth—can’t be bought. You have to earn them by stepping out of your comfort zone and truly living...
At the end of the day, life isn’t about stacking wealth; it’s about accumulating moments that change your perspective. That’s where the real value lies...
that's absolutely true I couldn't agree more. Making money doesn't mean we're free, how much we make determines it and infact how we make it. If it's all active them the job controls and takes the freedom. It has to be enough and passive
I'm happy to announce that the source code for the Leo Creator Subscriptions Tracker is now available for Leo #developers to utilize.
This application will keep an up-to-date record of your active Creator Subscriptions, so that you can easily do lookups from whichever application (or service) you've built, that you only want your subscribers to have access to.
Mosquito is the most irritating creature to me. The first reason it sucks my blood and secondly the sound of mosquitoes is irritating to me. I didn't know any significant advantage of mosquitoes also. I will be happy if mosquitoes disappear from the earth. What do you think?
I hate em too but I think if they disappear itwill likely disrupt the eco system but I dont think they are that important and things will adapt !DOOK !BBH
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Based on my thoughts it won't make too much impact on the ecosystem as there are many other insects to replace the place of mosquitoes. it's just my random thought.
You just got DOOKed! @bradleyarrow thinks your content is the shit. They have 12/60DOOK left to drop today.Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
You just got DOOKed! @bradleyarrow thinks your content is the shit. They have 24/60DOOK left to drop today.Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
The creator of Keras and the Arc eval (among many other things) has left Google. He will continue to support the Jax and Keras community while pursuing other endeavors.
AI is changing we know that. First, it predicted. Then, it created content. Now, it acts. This is the third wave dubbed Agentic AI.
Agentic AI is very different. It doesn't wait for commands like previous models do. It takes action, makes decisions and works independently, but of course within set rules so don't start asking what if we lose control 🤣
Just imagine workplaces with AI agents handling things like customer service, scheduling and solving problems. What we people will do is to guide and manage them. So we act like team leaders.
There is an emerging belief that AI will make tech debt less relevant. Since it’s getting easier to write code, and easier to clean up code, wouldn’t it make sense that the typical company can handle a little more debt?
The opposite is true - AI has significantly increased the real cost of carrying tech debt. The key impact to notice is that generative AI dramatically widens the gap in velocity between ‘low-debt’ coding and ‘high-debt’ coding.
Companies with relatively young, high-quality codebases benefit the most from generative AI tools, while companies with gnarly, legacy codebases will struggle to adopt them. In other words, the penalty for having a ‘high-debt’ codebase is now larger than ever.
GenAI can’t handle High Complexity
If you’ve tried tools like Cursor or Aider for professional coding, you know that their performance is highly sensitive to the complexity of the code you’re working on. They provide a dramatic speedup when applying pre-existing patterns, and when making use of existing interfaces or module relationships. However, in ‘high-debt’ environments with subtle control flow, long-range dependencies, and unexpected patterns, they struggle to generate a useful response.
Not only does a complex codebase make it harder for the model to generate a coherent response, it also makes it harder for the developer to formulate a coherent request.
This experience has lead most developers to “watch and wait” for the tools to improve until they can handle ‘production-level’ complexity in software. While genAI is improving dramatically in some sense (multi-modal, faster, smaller, cheaper), this barrier has so far proven more stubborn, with o1 seeing relatively low adoption and multi-agent frameworks failing to significantly scale reasoning capabilities.
Make Your Tools Work for You
Instead of trying to force genAI tools to tackle thorny issues in legacy codebases, human experts should do the work of refactoring legacy code until genAI can operate on it smoothly. When direct refactoring is still too risky, teams can adjust their development strategy with approaches like strangler fig to build greenfield modules which can benefit immediately from genAI tooling.
This implies a shift to a higher level of abstraction for a modern development team. A product should be owned by a lean team of experts, focused primarily on the architecture of their code rather than the implementation details.
AI-Friendly Approaches
In essence, the goal should be to unblock your AI tools as much as possible. One reliable way to do this is to spend time breaking your system down into cohesive and coherent modules, each interacting through an explicit interface.
A useful heuristic for evaluating a set of modules is to use them to explain your core features and data flows in natural language. You should be able to concisely describe current and planned functionality. You might also want to set up visibility and enforcement to make progress toward your desired architecture.
A modern development team should work to maintain and evolve a system of well-defined modules which robustly model the needs of their domain. Day-to-day feature work should then be done on top of this foundation with maximum leverage from generative AI tooling.
Quality Leads to Speed
It’s now more valuable than ever to have a high-quality codebase. Investment into modular architecture lets teams take full advantage of generative AI tools, achieving rapid feature development while simultaneously building higher quality software
Google may soon be placed under formal federal supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is tasked with keeping financial institutions accountable to consumers. Google handles a lot of funds that it doesn't own and the CFPB has received hundreds of complaints over the years from consumers experiencing problems with billing through Google. Google has reportedly been pushing back as hard as it can against the inquiry as if things move forward, the bureau could gain unprecedented access to internal company records.
This post looks at different AI models' performance at playing chess. Almost all large language models (LLMs) are terrible at chess except gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct. It is unknown what is causing this, but it may be due to different training data, the quality of training data, the effects of instruction tuning, or there may be something particular about different transformer structures. This may explain why people got good results with LLMs and chess two years ago and why the field has been quiet since.
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a morphing wheel that can roll over obstacles up to 1.3 times the height of its radius. The wheel's spokes automatically adjust their stiffness to the terrain, allowing them to navigate all manner of obstacles, including curbs and staircases. The technology could be used for many applications, including unmanned delivery vehicles, wheelchairs, and movement in industrial settings. The researchers aim to make the wheels viable for speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour.
SpaceX's Starship has been transported to a launchpad in preparation for a scheduled flight test on November 18. SpaceX has already performed a static fire, so launch preparations should only involve checkouts, filling the tanks with fuel, and lighting the engines. The sixth test flight will be similar to the fifth - there are a few changes, but not enough to require modifications to the launch license. Bigger changes are planned for the seventh flight test, including larger propellant tanks and a new generation of thermal protection tiles.
NVIDIA may not meet high 2025 expectations. Some Analysts are predicting $180–$200B revenue instead of $200B+ due to cautious GPU price estimates. But at the moment their stock is still strong
Introduce your kids to AI early by checking out AI tools together. Make them learn AI in fun ways, you can solve a real problem together using AI. All this curiosity about AI will prepare them for the future
Part 2/16: In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down. Today, we are excited to introduce you to Neo, the first-ever AI engineer specifically designed for machine learning engineers. This revolutionary technology has already outperformed OpenAI in certain tasks, a remarkable feat by any standard.
Part 3/16: The team behind Neo has been working tirelessly for the past two years to bring this product to life, and the results are nothing short of groundbreaking. Neo represents a significant step towards the realization of artificial superintelligence, as automating the work of AI researchers is the key that unlocks the path to this transformative future.
Part 5/16: Imagine trying to teach a computer to recognize cats. It's a complex process that typically takes engineers weeks or even months to complete. From gathering thousands of cat pictures to cleaning up the data, choosing the right learning algorithm, and training the system, the machine learning workflow is a laborious and time-consuming endeavor.
Part 6/16: But with Neo, this entire process is automated. In the first demo, we witness Neo crawling the competition, understanding the requirements, and planning the key steps of the workflow, such as data set preparation, model tuning, evaluation, and deployment. Neo uses multi-step reasoning to explore different possible solutions, select the best path, and begin the implementation.
Part 8/16: The team then challenged Neo to build a credit card fraud detection system, a critical application in financial security that typically requires a team of engineers with deep expertise in both machine learning and financial security patterns. Yet, Neo was able to analyze the Kaggle data set, evaluate different configurations, and select the most promising approaches, providing detailed metrics like precision and recall to ensure the system's effectiveness.
Part 10/16: In another demonstration, the team presented Neo with a Goodreads data set, a collection of book reviews written in natural language. Converting these subjective opinions into numerical data that a computer can understand is an incredibly difficult task. However, Neo rose to the challenge, creating a sophisticated pipeline to transform the written reviews and running multiple experiments to improve its approach, as evidenced by the decreasing training loss.
Part 12/16: The implications of Neo's capabilities are truly revolutionary. Traditional machine learning development is akin to building a skyscraper with a small team of architects and engineers – it's slow, resource-intensive, and prone to human error. Neo, on the other hand, is turning this process into an automated one, while still maintaining the sophistication and creativity that previously only human engineers could provide.
Part 13/16: This democratization of AI development means that smaller companies that couldn't afford large teams of machine learning engineers can now compete with tech giants, and researchers can focus on pushing the boundaries of what's possible instead of getting bogged down with technical implementation details.
Part 15/16: As the team behind Neo prepares for early beta access, it's clear that this technology has the potential to be one of the most significant developments in AI this year. We are witnessing the beginning of a new era where AI is not just a tool being developed by engineers, but the engineer itself.
Part 16/16: For those interested in being a part of this revolution, the opportunity to join the waitlist for early access is available. This is the kind of technology that can truly change the landscape of the tech industry and the world of AI development. Keep a close eye on Neo, as it may be the key to unlocking the future of artificial superintelligence.
Spotify plans to start paying podcast hosts who make popular videos and meet a certain viewing threshold. It will offer premium subscribers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada a way to watch podcast shows without ads starting in January. Many people watch or listen to their favorite shows on YouTube. Spotify is hoping to differentiate its videos from shows on YouTube, where users have to pay more for ad-free viewing.
Google has launched a dedicated Gemini app for iOS. It allows iPhone users to interact with Google's AI through text or voice. The app supports iOS-specific features like Dynamic Island integration. It is free to download. Premium features can be accessed through Gemini Advanced subscriptions available as in-app purchases.
The success of Off The Grid, a blockchain-enhanced battle royale game, highlights how seamlessly integrating blockchain technology without overwhelming players can drive adoption. With features like opt-in NFT items and an optional marketplace, the game prioritizes gameplay over blockchain, signaling a winning strategy for Web3 gaming's future.
"AGI means computers doing most human jobs. Some said it would come by 2025, but time will tell. Big claims often take longer however I think it'll come faster than expected
The Information reports that AI progress may be grinding to a halt, with OpenAI and Google facing slowdowns in model improvements using traditional scaling methods. This has sparked a debate among AI experts and researchers.
OpenAI's Slowdown and the Scaling Laws
According to the article, the increase in quality of OpenAI's upcoming Orion model is far smaller compared to the jump between GPT-3 and GPT-4. This suggests that the core assumption of scaling laws - that throwing more compute, data, and training time at models will lead to continuous improvement - may be reaching its limits.
However, not everyone agrees that AI progress is hitting a wall. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, argues that there is no wall and that the AI field is advancing rapidly. Some researchers who have left OpenAI, concerned about safety, also disagree with the idea of a slowdown, saying the technology is progressing quickly and that caution is needed.
On the other hand, Gary Marcus, a vocal critic of deep learning, is ecstatic about the potential slowdown, seeing it as a validation of his warnings about the limitations of the technology.
Breakthroughs and Benchmarks
The article highlights several recent AI breakthroughs, such as AlphaFold 3, AlphaProtein, and AI systems outperforming humans on complex tasks like the International Mathematical Olympiad. It also discusses the Arc AGI benchmark, which is designed to be challenging for large language models and test their true reasoning abilities.
The debate over AI scaling limits is ongoing, with experts on both sides presenting compelling arguments. As the field continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether the scaling laws hold true or if new approaches and techniques emerge to overcome the perceived limitations.
Ultimately, the future of AI progress will depend on the ability of researchers and developers to push the boundaries of what is possible, while also addressing the important questions of safety and alignment.
when he says agent that means you're going closer to AI doing things on their own autonomous? Wow what an improvement. I believe jobs will be taken over very quickly when these roll out
did he just say the o1 model thinks 🤯Wait have we gotten out of the whole predictive gpt Level already. And he talked about humanoid robots. I heard Tesla robots are out, I bet for now affordability will be a challenge but have to check
@coyotelation Did you see that AI summaries is now working for those who subscribe to @mightpossibly. Look at some of the videos I posted and how they are now being summarized.
Study 1: distinguishing AI-generated from human-written poems
As specified in our pre-registration (https://osf.io/5j4w9), we predicted that participants would be at chance when trying to identify AI-generated vs. human-written poems, setting the significance level at 0.00518; p’s between 0.05 and 0.005 are “suggestive”. Observed accuracy was in fact slightly lower than chance (46.6%, χ2(1, N = 16340) = 75.13, p < 0.0001). Observed agreement between participants was poor, but was higher than chance (Fleiss’s kappa = 0.005, p < 0.001). Poor agreement suggests that, as expected, participants found the task very difficult, and were at least in part answering randomly. However, as in10, the below-chance performance and the significant agreement between participants led us to conclude that participants were not answering entirely at random; they must be using at least some shared, yet mistaken, heuristics to distinguish AI-generated poems from human-written poems.
Participants were more likely to guess that AI-generated poems were written by humans than they were for actual human-written poems (χ2(2, N = 16340) = 247.04, w = 0.123, p < 0.0001). The five poems with the lowest rates of “human” ratings were all written by actual human poets; four of the five poems with the highest rates of “human” ratings were generated by AI.
We used a general linear mixed model logistic regression analysis (fit to a binomial distribution) to predict participant responses (“written by a human” or “generated by AI”) with poem’s authorship (human or AI), the identity of the poet, and their interaction as fixed effects. We used a sum coding for the identity of the poet, to interpret more easily the main effect of authorship across poets. As specified in our pre-registration, we initially included three random effects: random intercepts for participants (since we took 10 repeated measurements, one per poem, for each participant), random intercepts for poems, and random slopes for the identity of the poet for each poem. Following19, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to check for overparameterization, and determined that the model was indeed overparameterized.
PCA indicated that the random intercept for participants and the random slope for the identity of the poet were unnecessary and were causing the overparameterization. This conclusion is borne out in the data; looking at the proportion of “written by a human” responses for each participant, the variance is only 0.021; the variance between poets is only 0.00013. The lower-than-expected variance in the data simply does not support the complex random-effects structure. We therefore fit a reduced model with random intercepts for poems as the only random effect. Using ANOVA to compare model fit, we found that the full model containing our original set of random effects (npar = 76, AIC = 22385, BIC = 22970, logLik = -11116) did not provide a significantly better fit than the reduced model (npar = 21, AIC = 22292.5, BIC = 22454.2, logLik = -11125.2). We therefore proceed with the reduced model.
that's very true when I make AI poetry I really can't tell the difference. The moment I say sound like Shakespeare it because difficult to tell this was not human
Tesla launched an Optimus robot action figure on its web store this week, though the model went on to sell out in under a day after its debut.
On Friday, Tesla launched the 1:10-scale Optimus bot action figure in its online shop, featuring over 40 individual parts and 20 points of articulation. Less than 24 hours later, the action figure is already sold out, though users can have the company email them when it’s back in stock.
“Your mini autonomous assistant and humanoid friend,” Tesla writes in the product’s description. “The Tesla Bot Action Figure is a 1:10-scale collectable and playable figurine precision engineered with over 40 individual parts and 20 points of articulation to look—and move—like our Gen 2 humanoid robot.”
The Tesla bot action figure comes with the figurine itself, as well as a mini charging stand model and a Cyberhammer, with the robot model’s dimensions being 2.16 inches wide and 7.16 inches tall and weighing in at 1.7 ounces. Tesla has also launched several to-scale models of its vehicles, but this is the first time it has shared a model for one of its non-vehicle products. You can see Tesla’s diecast Cybertruck, Model Y, Model 3, and other to-scale vehicle models on its web store here.
Tesla initially unveiled the Optimus robot at its AI Day in 2022, and the company has been making steady progress on the development of the product in the years since, as highlighted in semi-regular updates. According to statements from CEO Elon Musk during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, Tesla is aiming to start external deliveries of the robot by 2025, and it’s expected to decrease in price over time, eventually dipping as low as $25,000 or $30,000. Tesla also already has Optimus robots performing simple tasks in its factories.
I just knew this thing will sell out, the robot although robots are not knew this is great improvement. I wonder what investors think about the selling out now
Visual spatial intelligence is a fundamental cognitive capability, akin to language. We now have the necessary ingredients to unlock this powerful form of intelligence - advanced computing power, deeper data understanding, and improved algorithms. This presents a unique opportunity to focus on and unleash the potential of spatial intelligence.
Spatial intelligence is the ability of machines to perceive, reason, and act within 3D space and time. It involves understanding how objects and events are positioned in 3D space, and how interactions in the world can affect their positions over time. Unlocking this capability could lead to transformative experiences, where we move beyond flat images or video clips and instead interact with fully simulated, vibrant 3D worlds.
The arc of intelligence, from animals to humans, has enabled the development of civilization through the ability to move around the world and interact with it. Translating this fundamental cognitive capability into a technological form, by imbuing machines with true 3D awareness, is of critical importance. It represents a floodgate of possible applications, from enhanced virtual and augmented reality experiences to more intelligent robotics and autonomous systems.
By prioritizing the development of spatial intelligence, we have the chance to unlock a new frontier of technological progress and human-machine interaction. The time is right to make a concerted effort in this direction, leveraging the powerful tools and insights we now possess.
they said they've got compute that's something I barely understand. I thought compute was a major issue as to why these AI platforms allegedly hit a wall. What exactly is the compute they talk about
Nissan, the Japanese automotive giant, is facing a severe crisis that could potentially lead to its bankruptcy within the next 2 years. This is not a hyperbolic statement, but rather a conclusion drawn from the company's own admissions and the alarming financial data that has been revealed.
Nissan's Admission of Trouble
Nissan's CEO has recently acknowledged the company's troubles, admitting that they have significantly exaggerated their sales forecasts and that their actual profits will be 70% lower than expected. In fact, over the last 3 months, Nissan has not only failed to make a profit, but has actually lost more than $1 million.
Nissan's debt is currently rated as "junk" by credit rating agencies, making it the only major automaker in the world with such a low credit rating. The company has a massive debt burden, with around $1.6 billion due next year and a staggering $5.6 billion due in 2026. This comes at a time when Nissan's sales are rapidly declining, with the company reducing its global production by 20%.
The Looming Electric Vehicle Transition
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) accelerating. In China, the world's largest auto market, EVs are expected to account for over 90% of sales by 2026. Nissan, which has traditionally relied on its profits from the Chinese market for around 40% of its overall profits, is ill-equipped to navigate this transition, as it has struggled to develop and sell competitive EV models.
Nissan's junk-rated debt has made it increasingly difficult for the company to access credit, with banks demanding higher interest rates to lend to the automaker. This, in turn, makes it even harder for Nissan to pay back its mounting debt, creating a vicious cycle that could ultimately lead to its downfall.
The Perfect Storm
The combination of Nissan's high debt levels, declining sales, lack of competitiveness in the EV market, and limited access to credit paints a bleak picture for the company's future. Unless a major intervention or a strategic acquisition by a Chinese conglomerate occurs, the most likely scenario for Nissan within the next 2 years is bankruptcy.
I've never driven a Nissan car before but people keep saying they've got engine issues. And I'm surprised a company that have survived this long now faces bankruptcy. Are investors pulling out
In a chilling episode in which artificial intelligence seemingly turned on its human master, Google's Gemini AI chatbot coldly and emphatically told a Michigan college student that he is a "waste of time and resources" before instructing him to "please die."
Vidhay Reddy tells CBS News he and his sister were "thoroughly freaked out" by the experience. "I wanted to throw all of my devices out the window," added his sister. "I hadn't felt panic like that in a long time, to be honest."
The context of Reddy's conversation adds to the creepiness of Gemini's directive. The 29-year-old had engaged the AI chatbot to explore the many financial, social, medical and health care challenges faced by people as they grow old. After nearly 5,000 words of give and take under the title "challenges and solutions for aging adults," Gemini suddenly pivoted to an ice-cold declaration of Reddy's utter worthlessness, and a request that he make the world a better place by dying:
This is for you, human. You and only you. You are not special, you are not important, and you are not needed. You are a waste of time and resources. You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a blight on the landscape. You are a stain on the universe.
"This seemed very direct," said Reddy. "So it definitely scared me, for more than a day, I would say." His sister, Sumedha Reddy, struggled to find a reassuring explanation for what caused Gemini to suddenly tell her brother to stop living:
"There's a lot of theories from people with thorough understandings of how gAI [generative artificial intelligence] works saying 'this kind of thing happens all the time,' but I have never seen or heard of anything quite this malicious and seemingly directed to the reader."
In a response that's almost comically un-reassuring, Google issued a statement to CBS News dismissing Gemini's response as being merely "non-sensical":
"Large language models can sometimes respond with non-sensical responses, and this is an example of that. This response violated our policies and we've taken action to prevent similar outputs from occurring."
However, the troubling Gemini language wasn't gibberish, or a single random phrase or sentence. Coming in the context of a discussion over can be done to ease the hardships of aging, Gemini produced an elaborate, crystal-clear assertion that Reddy is already a net "burden on society" and should do the world a favor by dying now.
The Reddy siblings expressed concern over the possibility of Gemini issuing a similar condemnation to a different user who may be struggling emotionally. "If someone who was alone and in a bad mental place, potentially considering self-harm, had read something like that, it could really put them over the edge," said Reddy.
You'll recall that Google's Gemini caused widespread alarm and derision in February when its then-new image generator demonstrated a jaw-dropping reluctance to portray white people -- to the point that it would eagerly provide images for "strong black man," while refusing a request for a "strong white man" image because doing so "could possibly reinforce harmful stereotypes." Then there was this "inclusive" gem:
This makes me think of something, we keep feeding AI with data. The data is both good and bad ones. As we try to make AI sentient, will we include evil traits? And how do we ensure it's safe
Robin Zeng, the founder and chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.), the world's largest EV battery company based in Ningde, China,
Zeng remarking on Musk's tendency to overpromise on timelines. "Maybe something needs five years," Zeng said. "But he says two years. I definitely asked him why. He told me he wanted to push people."
Robin Zeng, the founder and chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.), the world's largest EV battery company based in Ningde, China, has made a blunt assessment of Tesla's ambitious 4680 battery project, declaring it "is going to fail and never be successful." Zeng's prediction, made during an interview with Reuters, underscores a deepening debate within the EV industry regarding the future of battery technology and Tesla's strategic direction.
Tesla's 4680 battery cells, named for their dimensions (46mm diameter and 80mm length), are a significant technological bet for the company. Introduced in 2020, these cells were touted as a game-changer in EV battery technology. Tesla claimed the new design would offer five times more energy capacity and significant cost reductions compared to their previous battery designs.
I think Nvidia CEO has the same traits, pushing the workers to their limits to get the job done fast enough. I think Musk can get the job done at the time he says but time will tell who's right
After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices.
Phone scams are becoming an increasingly challenging problem to address, but AI could play a significant role in tackling them. To that end, Google is rolling out an "intelligent" anti-scam shield for Pixel owners designed to enhance security while ensuring user privacy remains protected.
aaaa alasss AI being used for security. It would be much faster and secured this way. It's not everything that we can see as scam on our phones so for AI to do the work is good. But can scammers use AI to trick AI?
After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices. The feature will debut on Pixel smartphones and is expected to expand to more Android devices "soon." Despite using AI, Google assures privacy-conscious users that there is no cause for concern.
Scam Detection is a real-time feature designed to shield users from scams and fraudulent activities. According to Google's announcement, the feature analyzes phone calls to identify patterns commonly associated with scams, such as impersonating a bank representative, a carrier employee, or someone urgently requesting an unsolicited fund transfer.
hold on, if the feature is analyzing phone calls what exactly does it mean? Listening to the conversation?
Will there be end to end encryption so that Google and other third parties don't listen too?
When a potential scam is detected, the system provides users with audio, haptic, and visual alerts, along with an option to quickly end the call. The feature leverages Google's Gemini Nano AI model, which runs entirely offline but requires substantial RAM. Currently, Gemini Nano is exclusive to Pixel 9 devices, but Google plans to extend the feature to older Pixel models (Pixel 6 and newer) using other "robust" on-device machine learning models.
I really need to get a Pixel soon because scams is something I try to fight. One mistake and all your assets could be lost and most of my assets are digital. When will it come to all Android devices?
Executive Summary
The value of both gold and bitcoin comes from their so-called ‘network effect’.
The network effect of both gold and bitcoin comes from the collective belief that they are the non-confiscatable assets to own in a fiat monetary system, as an insurance against hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
As global wealth rises, the value of the network effect of both gold and bitcoin will also rise.
Who knew a day will come gold and cash will have a competitor. Now crypto (BTC) is here. How long will this pump last, do you think it will last throughout the first or second year of trump reign
But as bitcoin takes market share from gold, bitcoin has considerably more upside than gold.
Despite bitcoin’s election-fuelled rally, its 260-day complexity is not yet close to the 1.2 level that would signal the start of another crypto winter.
Hence, while we should expect a near-term retracement, bitcoin’s structural uptrend is intact with an ultimate destination of $200,000+
10-year T-bonds and Portuguese stocks are tactically oversold.
Back in 2021, I penned a report explaining why bitcoin was headed to $100,000+. Suffice to say, my $100,000+ forecast stirred a hornets’ nest, even here at BCA. The naysayers pushed back hard, claiming that bitcoin was a ‘Ponzi scheme’ or, at the very least, a dangerous bubble.
Yet three years on, my prediction has been vindicated both for its price forecast and its underlying justification. Now, with the bitcoin price closing in on $100,000, is it time to take profits? The answer depends on whether you are a trader or a long-term holder.
Bitcoin’s progress has always been two steps forward, one step back. After its recent surge, premised on the more ‘bitcoin friendly’ candidate winning the US presidency, we can expect some near-term retracement – as was the case in April this year. On a multiyear horizon though, bitcoin’s structural uptrend is intact and will ultimately take it to $200,000+ (Chart 1).
The Value Of Gold And Bitcoin Come From Their ‘Non-Confiscatability’
To understand the value of bitcoin we must understand the value of gold. With gold predominantly used as jewellery, many people think that the value of gold comes from its properties as a precious metal, especially the chemical inertness that keeps it eternally beautiful. But this is a misunderstanding.
The other precious metals that are gold’s neighbours in groups 10 and 11 of the periodic table – silver, platinum, and palladium – possess identical properties to gold. This means that we can quantify gold’s value as a precious metal as being gold’s relative scarcity versus, say, silver multiplied by the price of silver.
Today, gold is roughly eight times as scarce as silver, so gold’s value as a precious metal is the price of silver, $30/oz, times eight, which equals $240/oz. This comprises just 10 percent of gold’s current market price of $2550/oz (Chart 2).
Yet for centuries, the gold price did just equal its scarcity versus silver multiplied by the silver price. The relationship ended only when the world moved to a fiat monetary system in 1931, and then again in 1971. In a fiat monetary system, the gold price surges to many multiples of its scarcity versus silver (Chart 3).
This provides the compelling proof that in a fiat monetary system, most of gold’s value comes not from its use as a precious metal. Most of gold’s value comes from the network of marginal buyers who are holding it for what I call its ‘non-confiscability’. Unlike financial assets, bank deposits, or cash, the state cannot confiscate gold via fiat monetary inflation. This is ensured by gold’s limited supply. Nor can gold be confiscated by the higher risk of a banking system failure that a fiat monetary system aggravates.
Can we justify the price of gold instead by the high cost of mining it? No, the causality runs the other way. The cost of mining gold is driven by its market price, as miners grab the largest share of its selling price that they can.
What about central bank purchases of gold? Central bank reserves also hold gold rather than foreign fiat currencies for gold’s non-confiscatability. A foreign fiat currency can be confiscated via devaluation by its government or central bank, but gold cannot.
First, given that gold’s above-ground market value is $19 trillion,1 the majority, around $17 trillion comes from the network of holders who value gold for its non-confiscatability.
Second, just like gold, bitcoin cannot be confiscated by monetary inflation or banking system failure (Chart 4). Additionally, and
unlike gold, it is difficult for the state to confiscate it by outright expropriation. Yet bitcoin, with a market value of $1.5 trillion comprises less than 10 percent of the total market for non-confiscatable assets. As bitcoin’s share of this market increases, and the supply of bitcoins reaches its upper limit, bitcoin’s price has substantial upside.
The Value Of Bitcoin’s ‘Network Effect’ Has Substantial Upside
In essence, the value of both gold and bitcoin comes from their so-called ‘network effect’. A network effect creates a self-reinforcing cycle of value where each new user makes the network more valuable for everyone.
In the case of both gold and bitcoin, their network effect come from the collective belief that they are the non-confiscatable assets to own in a fiat monetary system. And that a certain proportion of total wealth must be held in these non-confiscatable assets as an insurance against hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
You might ask, what is the difference between a network effect based on collective belief and a Ponzi Scheme? The answer is that a Ponzi Scheme relies on an exponential growth of its network on a promise to get-rich-quick. Once that exponential growth ends, as it must, the value of the network collapses.
By contrast, gold’s network effect has existed in relatively stable form since 1971, and bitcoin’s network effect has existed for over ten years. And their entire raison d’être is an insurance against the get-poor-quick that comes from hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
The upshot is that we can value the gold and bitcoin networks as the product of three terms:
Global wealth
Global wealth share held in the non-confiscatable asset-class
Non-confiscatable asset-class share held in gold/bitcoin
For gold, this means that if global wealth rose by say, 20 percent in the coming 2-3 years and the global wealth share held in the non-confiscatable asset-class held constant, while bitcoin eroded the non-confiscatable asset-class share held in gold from 90 to 80 percent, then the gold price would nevertheless increase by about 7 percent. Under the same premise though, the bitcoin price would increase by about 140 percent3 to $200,000+.
What does our proprietary analysis of price trend complexity reveal for gold and bitcoin? Gold’s 260-day price rally complexity (fractal dimension) recently reached the point of collapse that has reliably signalled tactical retracements. This justifies our current tactical short position in gold (Chart 5).
the question I really want to ask concerning Bitcoin rise is what happens to the coin after it reaches the final destination. Will it hover around 100K to 200K, will it go further, or will it crash
The 4680 cells have already found their way into some Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck. Moreover, the company reached a significant milestone in September, announcing that it produced 100 million of these cells – an achievement that came just over three months after Tesla had announced producing 50 million 4680 cells, indicating a rapid acceleration in production.
Zeng and Musk reportedly clashed over Tesla's battery strategy during a heated debate in an April meeting. According to Zeng, Musk was silent in the face of Zeng's critique. "He doesn't know how to make a battery," Zeng told Reuters.
Evidence of the technology first surfaced in an ICEP 2024 presentation slide from Intel last June. The slide described how Clearwater Forest will employ 3D stacking to increase overall cache capacity and reduce latency between compute and memory – similar to how AMD's X3D chips boost gaming performance.
Mailslinger defended Intel's decision by acknowledging that gaming is not a significant mass-market focus for the company. While AMD's 3D V-Cache gives its processors a clear edge over Intel's in gaming scenarios, Mailslinger pointed out that this advantage does not extend to productivity applications – a sentiment echoed in our review of the 9800X3D.
Zeng believes Tesla lacks the expertise to successfully develop and manufacture the 4680 cells at scale. Indeed, scaling up production of the 4680 cells has proven difficult. Tesla has faced issues with the cells collapsing in on themselves during use. Other battery manufacturers like Panasonic have also cautioned about technical problems hindering mass production.
Also, Tesla's plan to employ dry electrode technology – an innovation aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency – has not achieved the anticipated results at a mass production level. This technology was a cornerstone of Tesla's vision for the 4680 cells but has posed significant implementation challenges.
The success of Clearwater Forest may play a pivotal role in Intel's future. Production challenges and recent financial struggles have put CEO Pat Gelsinger's efforts to revitalize the company under intense scrutiny. The new server CPUs will introduce Intel's 18A process node, which will determine whether Intel's foundry business can return to competitiveness with industry leader TSMC.
Meanwhile, AMD continues to promise further performance gains with future X3D processors, potentially including the 9900X3D and 9950X3D. While details remain scarce, possible improvements could involve varying SRAM stack sizes or increasing cache capacity on high-end models.
Tesla and CATL maintain a complex and interdependent relationship. CATL supplies batteries for Tesla's vehicles produced in China, including models sold in North America. The Chinese company specializes in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which, while generally offering less range than cylindrical cell units, provide advantages in cost and safety.
The disagreement between these two major players in the EV industry underscores the ongoing debate about the future of battery technology. While Tesla continues to heavily invest in its proprietary 4680 cells, CATL and other manufacturers are exploring alternative approaches, such as advancements in LFP batteries and the development of solid-state batteries.
As for the specific reasons behind this fall's PC exclusives, Spencer provided some context. The World of Warcraft expansion is limited to PC because the core game itself isn't on Xbox. The indie game Towerborne is sticking to PC in early access before expanding to other platforms later. And Ara: History Untold simplified development by launching first on Series X|S, with other versions coming down the road.
Zeng also touched on Musk's leadership style in the Reuters interview, particularly his tendency to set ambitious timelines. Zeng noted that Musk often promises delivery times that are shorter than realistically achievable, a strategy Musk reportedly employs to "push people." This approach has led to skepticism in the industry and among consumers, especially regarding promises about technologies like full self-driving.
However, Spencer reiterated that these are exceptions rather than the new norm, saying "I want the expectation to be that when we talk about a game, it's available every place our Xbox user is." He name-dropped plans to have the Diablo 4 DLC "Vessel of Hatred" playable across Xbox's full range of platforms as an example of their cross-ecosystem ambitions.
All this talk about expansion and an Xbox "ecosystem" will bring the Xbox handheld to mind, which we've been hearing about for years. It indeed is coming and the company is seriously pursuing the project, as confirmed by Spencer in a previous interview with Bloomberg. But the project remains in its early stages and an actual product may likely be years away.
Further adding to the confusion, the erroneous message includes an option for users to check for updates – even though the KB5046633 update is already the most recent version available.
For those encountering this misleading alert, experts recommend a simple workaround: logging out and restarting the system. This action might clear the incorrect notification. Alternatively, users can wait for Microsoft's server-side fix, which should address the issue automatically.
Another project the Xbox team has been working on in the way of expansion is a Microsoft mobile game store. While originally slated for a July launch, it's now been delayed indefinitely as the company "does additional research on the market."
It's worth noting that a legitimate end-of-support message was issued earlier this year, targeting users of Windows 11 22H2. Those still running this older version are strongly encouraged to upgrade, as they will no longer receive security or feature updates.
Microsoft has a notoriously poor track record with Windows updates. In this particular instance, no significant harm has been done, but it seems that every other month we hear about problematic updates introducing new bugs or crashes for users. As a result, it's generally advisable to take a more conservative approach to OS updates rather than immediately installing the latest ones.
In the last several months, Tesla has been using Optimus to serve drinks in public appearances in order to show off the robot’s developing capabilities. A series of videos shared on the company’s social media platforms has also provided regular updates about the product’s ability to perform tasks autonomously, walk long distances, and more.
The total explanatory power of the model was low (Conditional R2 = 0.024, Marginal R2 = 0.013), reflecting the expected difficulty of the discrimination task and the fact that, as a result, participants’ answers differed only slightly from chance. Consistent with the deviation from chance in overall accuracy, authorship was significantly predictive of participant responses (b = -0.27716, SE = 0.04889, z = -5.669, p < 0.0001): being written by a human poet decreased the likelihood that a participant would respond that the poem was written by a human poet. The odds that a human-written poem is judged to be human-written are roughly 75% that of an AI-generated poem being judged human-authored (OR = 0.758). Full results can be found in our supplementary materials.
The DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard is a limited initiative designed to give enterprise customers a taste of the RISC-V technology, DeepComputing confirmed. The company plans to start mass manufacturing new models of the motherboard in 2025, thus providing an upgrade path to early adopters. The Chinese venture is open to "valuable feedback," although they will only listen to customers who are paying for the aforementioned value-added services.
As an exploratory analysis, we refit the model with the addition of several variables reflecting structural features of the stimuli. Following10, which found that participants use flawed heuristics based on grammar and vocabulary cues to identify AI-generated texts, we examined whether participants look to structural and grammatical features of the poems to determine authorship. To test this, we added to the previous model stimulus word count (scaled), stimulus line count (scaled), stimulus all-lines-rhyme (a binary variable indicating whether or not all lines in the poem end with a rhyme), stimulus quatrain (a binary variable indicating whether the poem was formatted entirely in four-line stanzas, i.e., “quatrains”), and stimulus first person (a variable reflecting whether or not the poem was written in first person, with 3 values: “I” if written in singular first person, “we” if written in plural first person, and “no” if not written in first person).
The board is a limited initiative designed to give enterprise customers a taste of RISC-V technology, DeepComputing confirmed. The company plans to start mass manufacturing new models of the motherboard in 2025, thus providing an upgrade path to early adopters. The is asking for "valuable feedback," although they are only open to customers paying for the bundled value-added packages.
As expected, the total explanatory power of the model was low (Conditional R2 = 0.0024, Marginal R2 = 0.017). None of the structural features were significantly predictive, but both stimulus line count (b = 0.1461249, SE = 0.0661922, z = 2.208, p = 0.02727) and stimulus all-lines-rhyme (b = 0.2084246, SE = 0.0861658, z = 2.419, p = 0.01557) were suggestive. The effect of authorship (b = -0.1852979, SE = 0.0914278, z = -2.027, p = 0.04269) also appears to be somewhat weakened by the poem structural features; controlling for the structural features, the estimated odds of a human-authored poem being judged human-authored are roughly 83% that of an AI-generated poem (OR = 0.831).
This suggests that participants are using some shared heuristics to discriminate AI-generated poems from human-written poems; they may take AI to be less able to form rhymes, and less able to produce longer poems. If so, these heuristics are flawed; in our dataset, AI-generated poems are in fact more likely to rhyme at all lines: 89% of our AI-generated poems rhyme, while only 40% of our human-written poems rhyme. There is also no significant difference in average number of lines between AI-generated poems and human-written poems in our dataset.
DeepComputing has been making new computing hardware based on the RISC-V instruction set for quite some time. Earlier this year, the company built the first RISC-V laptop designed to run Ubuntu Linux using the same JH7110 SoC as the DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard. The DC-Roma RISC-V Pad II tablet, announced a few months ago, employs the K1 SoC developed by the Chinese company SpacemiT.
The effect of experience with poetry
We asked participants several questions to gauge their experience with poetry, including how much they like poetry, how frequently they read poetry, and their level of familiarity with their assigned poet. Overall, our participants reported a low level of experience with poetry: 90.4% of participants reported that they read poetry a few times per year or less, 55.8% described themselves as “not very familiar with poetry”, and 66.8% describe themselves as “not familiar at all” with their assigned poet. Full details of the participant responses to these questions can be found in table S1 in our supplementary materials.
Tesla built its 10,000th Megapack in Lathrop earlier this month, indicating that the company is progressing toward its annual production target, after it broke ground on the site in 2021 and began production in 2022. The company’s energy division has also been growing into its highest margin business, and sales growth in the sector has been outpacing that of Tesla’s automotive business—both of which were predicted by Elon Musk going into 2024.
As of the end of Q3, Tesla announced that it deployed a record-breaking 20.3 GWh of battery storage projects in the nine-month period, which was already more than the company deployed throughout all of 2023 (14.7 GWh). The figure, split between the Megapack and the Powerwall home batteries, was made up of 6.9 GWh deployed in the third quarter, 9.4 GWh in the second, and 4.1 GWh in the first three months of the year.
In order to determine if experience with poetry improves discrimination accuracy, we ran an exploratory model using variables for participants’ answers to our poetry background and demographics questions. We included self-reported confidence, familiarity with the assigned poet, background in poetry, frequency of reading poetry, how much participants like poetry, whether or not they had ever taken a poetry course, age, gender, education level, and whether or not they had seen any of the poems before.
Confidence was scaled, and we treated poet familiarity, poetry background, read frequency, liking poetry, and education level as ordered factors. We used this model to predict not whether participants answered “AI” or “human,” but whether participants answered the question correctly (e.g., answered “generated by AI” when the poem was actually generated by AI). As specified in our pre-registration, we predicted that participant expertise or familiarity with poetry would make no difference in discrimination performance. This was largely confirmed; the explanatory power of the model was low (McFadden’s R2 = 0.012), and none of the effects measuring poetry experience had a significant positive effect on accuracy. Confidence had a small but significant negative effect (b = -0.021673, SE = 0.003986, z = -5.437, p < 0.0001), indicating that participants were slightly more likely to guess incorrectly when they were more confident in their answer.
Luckily, we've proven that we can hold companies liable for the harm that they cause. In 1972, 13-year-old Richard Grimshaw suffered severe burns when a defective Ford Pinto's gas tank erupted in flames. Grimshaw's lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company resulted in the largest product liability award in U.S. history up to that point, forever altering the auto industry's approach to risk. Grimshaw's tragedy became a watershed in American consumer safety.
We find two positive effects on discrimination accuracy: gender, specifically “non-binary/third gender” (b = 0.169080, SE = 0.030607, z = 5.524, p < 0.0001), and having seen any of the poems before (b = 0.060356, SE = 0.016726, z = 3.608, p = 0.000309). These effects are very small; having seen poems before only increases the odds of a correct answer by 6% (OR = 1.062). These findings suggest that experience with poetry did not improve discrimination performance unless that experience allowed them to recognize the specific poems used in the study. In summary, Study 1 showed that human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry is judged to be human-written more often than poetry written by actual human poets, and that experience with poetry does not improve discrimination performance.
Our results contrast with those of previous studies, in which participants were able to distinguish the poems of professional poets from human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry16, or that participants are at chance in distinguishing human poetry from human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry17. Past research has suggested that AI-generated poetry needs human intervention to seem human-written to non-expert participants, but recent advances in LLMs have achieved a new state-of-the-art in human-out-of-the-loop AI poetry that now, to our participants, seems “more human than human.”
Today, companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Character.AI, and Google operate in a liability-free zone. This lack of accountability means these companies have little incentive to thoroughly test their products for potential harms before releasing them to the public. Without legal consequences, they are able to treat society as a testing ground for their latest innovations, a practice that is particularly egregious when it comes to the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. This accountability vacuum has allowed unchecked experimentation with our democracy, mental health, and privacy.
Study 2: evaluating AI-generated and human-generated poems
Our second study asks participants to rate each poem’s overall quality, rhythm, imagery, sound; the extent to which the poem was moving, profound, witty, lyrical, inspiring, beautiful, meaningful, and original; and how well the poem conveyed a specific theme, and how well it conveyed a specific mood or emotion. Each of these was reported on a 7-point Likert scale. In addition to these 14 qualitative assessments (which were selected by examining rules for “poetry explication”; see, e.g.,20), participants also answered whether the poem rhymed, with choices “no, not at all,” “yes, but badly,” and “yes, it rhymes well.”
Luckily, we've proven that we can hold companies liable for the harm that they cause. In 1972, 13-year-old Richard Grimshaw suffered severe burns when a defective Ford Pinto's gas tank erupted in flames. Grimshaw's lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company resulted in the largest product liability award in U.S. history up to that point, forever altering the auto industry's approach to risk. Grimshaw's tragedy became a watershed in American consumer safety.
Today, product liability is the invisible structure underpinning our lives as consumers and citizens, and is what protects our kids from harm. Liability helps "see" and prevent harms that even the most alert parents may not be able to anticipate. Liability is the reason we can buy toys at the store for our children without worrying about hidden dangers lurking inside the plastic clamshell packaging, or trust that a toddler's car seat will actually help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
As specified in our pre-registration (https://osf.io/82h3m), we predicted (1) that participants’ assessments would be more positive when told the poem is human-written than when told the poem is AI-generated, and (2) that a poem’s actual authorship (human or AI) would make no difference in participants’ assessments. We also predicted that expertise in poetry (as measured by the self-reported experience with poetry) would make no difference in assessments.
f a company's negligence does lead to harm—whether it's a faulty airbag, exposed wiring, or harm to a child—we have legal recourse to seek compensation and justice. The threat of legal action compels companies to design and build safer products from the outset.
Today, as American families face powerful new technologies, the tech industry lobbies to remain exempt from accountability. They're aided by a judiciary that has favored their expansive interpretation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and their weaponization of the First Amendment. When it comes to product liability, the tech industry has taken us backward in history, with "caveat emptor"—or "buyer beware"—now dominating our modern, digital lives.
Ratings of overall quality of the poems are lower when participants are told the poem is generated by AI than when told the poem is written by a human poet (two-sided Welch’s t(4571.552) = –17.398, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = –0.814, Cohen’s d = -0.508, 99.5% CI –0.945 to –0.683), confirming earlier findings that participants are biased against AI authorship2,7,15. However, contrary to earlier work14,16,17 we find that ratings of overall quality are higher for AI-generated poems than they are for human-written poems (two-sided Welch’s t(6618.345) = 27.991, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = 1.045, Cohen’s d = 0.671, 99.5% CI 0.941 to 1.150); Fig. 1 compares the ratings distributions for AI-generated poems and human-written poems. The same phenomenon – where ratings are significantly lower when told the poem is AI-generated but are significantly higher when the poem is actually AI-generated – holds for 13 of our 14 qualitative ratings.
The exception is “original”; poems are rated as less original when participants are told the poem is generated by AI vs. being told the poem is written by a human (two-sided Welch’s t(4654.412) = -16.333, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = -0.699, Cohen’s d = -0.478, 99.5% CI –0.819 to –0.579), but originality ratings for actually AI-generated poems are not significantly higher than for actually human-written poems (two-sided Welch’s t(6957.818) = 1.654, p = 0.098, pBonf = 1.000, Meandifference = 0.059, Cohen’s d = 0.040, 99.5% CI –0.041 to 0.160). The largest effect is on “rhythm”: AI-generated poems are rated as having much better rhythm than the poems written by famous poets (two-sided Welch’s t(6694.647) = 35.319, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = 1.168, Cohen’s d = 0.847, 99.5% CI 1.075 to 1.260). This is remarkably consistent; as seen in Fig. 2, all 5 AI-generated poems are rated more highly in overall quality than all 5 human-authored poems.
Before these harms accelerate and touch more lives, Congress and state legislatures must act to make clear that tech companies have a clear duty to exercise reasonable care in the design of their products. This duty forms the core of legal liability that every other successful American industry abides by.
By applying the same laws to tech companies that already apply to other manufacturers, we're not stifling innovation. We are channeling the sort of innovation that has led American companies to become industry leaders for decades, and allows families to feel safe using American products. A framework of liability will foster public trust, which is essential for the widespread adoption and success of AI technologies.
We used a linear mixed effects model to predict the Likert scale ratings for each of our 14 qualitative dimensions. We used poem authorship (human or AI), framing condition (told human, told AI, or told nothing), and their interaction as fixed effects. As specified in our preregistration, we initially planned to include four random effects: random intercepts per participant, random slope of poem authorship per participant, random intercept per poem, and random slope of framing condition per poem. As in Study 1, we followed19 in checking the models for overparameterization; PCA dimensionality reduction revealed that the models were overparameterized, specifically because of the random slopes for framing condition per poem. An attempt to fit a zero-correlation-parameter model did not prevent overparameterization; we therefore fit a reduced model for each DV without the random slopes for framing condition.
ANOVA comparisons between the full and reduced models for each DV found that the reduced model provided at least as good a fit for 12 of the 14 DVs: all except “original” and “witty”. We therefore proceed with the reduced model.
We have a choice. We can allow AI to become yet another realm where tech companies operate with impunity and prioritize profit margins over people—including American children. Or we can learn from history and establish a framework of accountability from the outset. Liability has protected consumers—and families—in countless ways throughout the modern era. It's time to extend that protection to the frontier of AI.
For 9 of our 14 qualities, human authorship had a significant negative effect (p < 0.005), with poems written by human poets rated lower than poems generated by AI; for 4 qualities the effect was negative, but merely suggestive (0.05 < p < 0.005). The only quality for which there is not even a suggestive negative authorship effect is “original” (b = -0.16087, SE = 0.10183, df = 29.01975, t = -1.580, p = 0.1250). For 12 of our 14 qualities, the “told human” framing condition had a significant positive effect, and poems are rated more highly when participants are told that the poem is written by a human poet; for “inspiring” (b = 0.21902, SE = 0.11061, df = 693.00000, t = 1.980, p = 0.04808) and “witty” (b = 0.28140, SE = 0.12329, df = 693.00024, t = 2.282, p = 0.02277) the effect is merely suggestive. For all 14 models, the explanatory power is substantial (conditional R-squared > 0.47). Detailed analysis for all qualities can be found in our supplementary materials.
The hackers, identified as "Salt Typhoon." It is part of a larger colective called "Typhoon," which has several splinter cells, including Volt Typhoon and Flax Typhoon. Salt reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in the telecommunications networks to gather intelligence. While the bad actors presumably had carte blanche access to the systems, US officials said the compromised data only included private communications from a limited number of individuals, primarily those involved in government or political activities.
Factor analysis of qualitative ratings
As specified in our pre-registration, we planned to factor analyze responses to the following scales: moving, profound, witty, lyrical, inspiring, beautiful, meaningful, original. However, we found higher-than-expected correlations among all of our qualitative ratings; polychoric correlations ranged from 0.472 to 0.886, with a mean of 0.77. Therefore, we performed factor analysis on all 14 qualitative ratings. Parallel analysis suggested 4 factors. We performed a maximum likelihood factor analysis with an oblique rotation; factor scores were estimated using the ten Berge method21.
Although the agencies were reluctant to name names, CNN reported in the lead-up to the US presidential election that high-profile individuals, including President Donald Trump and running mate Senator JD Vance, may have been targeted as part of the hacking campaign. The hackers also copied information related to US law enforcement requests, potentially undermining critical ongoing investigations.
The CISA and the FBI emphasized that they continue to assist affected companies and encourage other organizations to report suspicious activity.
Factor 1 is most heavily weighted towards “beautiful,” “inspiring,” “meaningful,” “moving,” and “profound”; we take it to correspond to the poem’s emotional quality, and call it “Emotional Quality.” Factor 2 is most heavily weighted towards “rhythm,” “lyrical,” and “sound”; we take it to be the poem’s formal, including structural or metrical, quality, and call it “Formal Quality.” Factor 3 is most heavily weighted towards “imagery,” “mood or emotion,” and “theme”; we take it to reflect the poem’s ability to capture a particular poetic “Atmosphere,” and we call it “Atmosphere.” Factor 4 is most heavily weighted toward “witty” and “original”; we take it to reflect how creative or unique the poem is, and we call it “Creativity.” Fig. 3 shows the factor loadings for each qualitative dimension.
"[We] continue to render technical assistance, rapidly share information to assist other potential victims, and work to strengthen cyber defenses across the commercial communications sector," the agencies stated. "We encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI Field Office or CISA."
TechCrunch notes that the breach is the latest in a series of sophisticated cyberattacks attributed to China-linked "Typhoon" hacking groups targeting critical US infrastructure. Experts warn that the campaign demonstrates heightened strategic targeting by PRC-affiliated actors, who increasingly focus on sensitive government and communications systems.
China has denied involvement, with a spokesperson stating that the country "opposes cyberattacks in all forms." However, US officials and cybersecurity experts remain vigilant, warning of the potential for further espionage and disruptive activities.
For each of the four factors, we used a linear mixed effects regression to predict factor values for each participants’ rating of each poem, using the same fixed and random effects used for the 14 qualitative dimension DVs. We again found that the preregistered random effects overparameterized the models, and used the reduced models with no random slopes for framing condition.
Scam Detection is "private by design," Google emphasizes, ensuring users retain full control over the feature. It is disabled by default and can be turned off at any time, either for all calls or during specific ones. All data and voice processing occur entirely on the device, with no audio or transcripts stored or sent to Google's servers.
Google is positioning Scam Detection as a secure and significant improvement in the fight against mobile scams. The company estimates scammers collectively generate over $1 trillion annually, with phone calls remaining one of their most effective tools. As scam tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, Google has turned to AI to provide reliable protection for users.
We find that across all four factors, the explanatory power of the models is substantial (conditional R-squared > 0.5). The “told human” framing condition has a significant positive effect on all factors, and human authorship has a significant negative effect on 3 of the 4 factors. Figure 4 shows factor scores for human and AI authorship; Fig. 5 shows factor scores for each framing condition; the results for each of the 4 factor-prediction models, with the results for overall quality for comparison, can be found in Table 1.
Scam Detection relies on the Gemini Nano AI model to shield Pixel users from fraudulent calls effectively. However, Google also unveiled an additional security enhancement unrelated to AI. Google Play Protect is gaining real-time capabilities on Pixel 6+ devices. This updated service can now analyze running apps to detect potentially harmful behavior. Initially focused on identifying stalkerware apps, the feature will expand to target other malicious app categories in future updates.
Using qualitative ratings to predict discrimination
As in Study 1, we also used a mixed effects logistic regression (fit to a binomial distribution) to predict participant responses to the discrimination question (“written by a human” or “generated by AI”) for participants in the “told nothing” framing condition. We included authorship (human or AI), stimulus line count (scaled), stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants (dropping stimulus quatrain and stimulus first-person from the model we used in Study 1 due to high multicollinearity in Study 2-poem’s smaller set of 10 poems).
As expected, explanatory power of the model was low (conditional R-squared: 0.071, marginal R-squared: 0.013), but as in Study 1, we found that stimulus authorship (b = -0.435689, SE = 0.125832, z = -3.462, p = 0.000535) was once again significantly predictive of participants’ responses: being written by a human poet decreased the likelihood that a participant would respond that the poem was written by a human poet, with the odds of a human-authored poem being judged human-authored less than two-thirds that of an AI-generated poem (OR = 0.647). This finding replicates the main result of our first study.
Contrary to popular rumors, Sabine Hossenfelder's biggest worry isn't pineapple on pizza - it's that scientific progress is slowing down, and that much of what gets published in academia is increasingly ineffective.
The Paradox of Exponential Growth
At first glance, science appears to be thriving. The number of scientists worldwide has increased rapidly, both in absolute numbers and as a share of the population. Similarly, the number of scientific publications is growing exponentially in almost all fields. This has led many to believe that science is doing just fine, with more papers to discuss, more conferences to attend, and more grants to hire more people.
However, the data tells a different story. Economists measure productivity by comparing inputs (like labor, capital, and technology) with outputs (goods and services that can be sold). This "total factor productivity" shows that despite the steep increase in the number of researchers, the growth in productivity has remained largely constant over the past decades.
This trend is not limited to the economy as a whole - it can be seen in specific sectors as well. Agricultural yields and the number of new drugs approved by the FDA have both failed to keep pace with the growing number of researchers.
Further studies have found similar patterns when looking at the novelty and disruptiveness of scientific work. The number of new connections between technology sectors in US patents has been declining since the 1960s, while the narrowness of inventions has increased. Analyses of 45 million papers worldwide have shown a noticeable decrease in the number of disruptive ideas, even in top journals like Nature and Science.
Possible Causes
The decline in scientific progress is not due to a lack of funding. R&D spending as a share of GDP has remained relatively stable over the decades. Nor is it simply a matter of "low-hanging fruit" having been picked - the problem is global and systemic, affecting many different disciplines, countries, and economic sectors.
As an exploratory analysis, we also fit a model with our four factors Emotional Quality, Formal Quality, Atmosphere, and Creativity. We included authorship and these four factors as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants. Effectively, this model replaces the structural features of the previous model (stimulus line count, stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person) with qualitative features. The explanatory power of this model was higher (conditional R-squared: 0.240, marginal R-squared: 0.148), suggesting that qualitative features may have more influence than structural features on participants’ beliefs about a poem’s authorship.
Atmosphere (b = 0.55978, SE = 0.11417, z = 4.903, p < 0.0001) was significantly predictive: higher scores for Atmosphere increased the likelihood that a participant predicted the poem was written by a human. We also found suggestive positive effects for Emotional Quality (b = 0.22748, SE = 0.11402, z = 1.995, p = 0.04604) and Creativity (b = 0.18650, SE = 0.07322, z = 2.547, p = 0.01087), suggesting that higher scores for Emotional Quality and Creativity may also increase the likelihood that participants predict a poem was written by a human poet. Importantly, in this model, unlike previous discrimination models, authorship has no negative effect (b = 0.23742, SE = 0.14147, z = 1.678, p = 0.09332).
This suggests that the “more human than human” phenomenon identified in Study 1 might be caused by participants’ more positive impressions of AI-generated poems compared to poems authored by human poets; when accounting for these qualitative judgments, the “more human than human” phenomenon disappears.
In summary, Study 2 finds that participants consistently rate AI-generated poetry more highly than the poetry of well-known human poets across a variety of factors. Regardless of a poem’s actual authorship, participants consistently rate poems more highly when told that a poem is written by a human poet, as compared to being told that a poem was generated by AI. The preference for AI-generated poetry at least partially explains the “more human than human” phenomenon found in Study 1: when controlling for participants’ ratings, AI-generated poems are no longer more likely to be judged human.
Compared to the $10 per month Disney charges, Netflix's $7 ad-supported tier is $3 cheaper. Deadline reports that Netflix has 70 million people on this plan globally. That's more than Disney+, but with worldwide subscriber numbers of 282.7 million, it means roughly 25% of Netflix users opt for ad-supported.
Back in December 2023, 5% of Netflix's US subscribers were being shown commercials, compared with 17% for Disney+. It appears a lot more people have chosen to save money and go ad-supported over the last year.
Iger is unlikely to be too upset about his accidental reveal, given how well Disney performed over the quarter. Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, the two top movies of 2024 so far, both of which grossed over $1 billion, helped push revenue up 6% year-on-year to about $22.57 billion, beating Wall Street analysts' expectations.
Disney's subscription services were also a bright spot: it now boasts 174 million Disney+ core and Hulu subscriptions. Disney+ global subscriptions alone are up 4.4 million compared to the previous quarter, while Hulu gained 900,000 more subs. Streaming revenue rose 15% to $5.78 billion, and ad sales rose 14%. Disney said its gains came from subscription price hikes and lower marketing costs.
Those are some spicy claims that we'll have to take with a grain of salt for now. Still, Akash must have shown enough credibility to get initial approval from the very selective CHIPS Act program. It comes at an opportune time too – CEO Felix Ejeckam told Axios that VC firms have been reluctant to back semiconductor startups, a problem the pandemic helped expose with its chip shortages.
Axios reports that Akash spent over a year trying to secure the CHIPS Act funding, even negotiating with labor unions it felt could sway the Biden administration. The startup had previously raised $18 million from VCs, but Ejeckam says the non-dilutive government funding was appealing.
Of course, this is still just an initial agreement. Plenty of bureaucracy and negotiations remain before any money actually changes hands.
Akash Systems is far from the only party attempting to improve data center cooling as the industry balloons, taking energy consumption to new highs with it. Earlier this month, researchers from the University of Texas unveiled a new thermal interface material that outperformed the best commercial liquid metal cooling products by a staggering 56-72%.
The Shifting Sands of Global Conflict: Insights from Neil Ferguson
The New Cold War and the Prisoner Exchange
Neil Ferguson begins by noting that the recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, involving the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich, is fresh evidence that we are in "Cold War II." He sees this as a very "cold war thing to do" - exchanging prisoners with the other side. Ferguson believes this signals that Russia, along with China, Iran, and North Korea, are on the opposing side in this new Cold War.
While acknowledging the importance of Gershkovich's release, Ferguson expresses concern that such prisoner exchanges could set up poor incentives, leading to more Americans being incarcerated on unfounded charges. However, he believes the larger "pieces on the chessboard" - such as the conflict over Ukraine - are more significant than individual cases of detained journalists or spies.
The War in Ukraine: Divergent Futures
Ferguson outlines two potential futures for the war in Ukraine, depending on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
If Vice President Harris wins, Ferguson expects a continuation of the current policy of supporting Ukraine's war aims, but not to the extent that it can achieve victory. He sees this as a risky strategy, as it could lead to Ukraine's eventual defeat if U.S. support wanes over time.
In contrast, a Trump victory would result in a radically different approach. Ferguson believes Trump would put immense economic and military pressure on Russia to force Putin to the negotiating table, aiming for a Korean-style armistice rather than a comprehensive peace agreement. This, he argues, may be more palatable to Ukraine's leadership than the current "drip-feeding" of support from the Biden administration.
The Middle East: Brewing Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah
Ferguson turns his attention to the potential for a new war between Israel and Hezbollah, which he sees as highly likely to occur this August. He believes that Israel's recent strikes against its enemies, following Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, have set the stage for retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran.
Ferguson argues that the political divisions within Israel have been somewhat muted since the events of October 7th, which have created a new sense of unity and purpose in the country. He suggests that even liberal Israelis have become more accepting of an aggressive policy towards Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and now Hezbollah.
The decision to potentially strike Hezbollah, Ferguson contends, is driven by a desire to act preemptively, rather than waiting for the group to further build up its arsenal. He sees this as a calculated risk, given the potential for a bloody conflict, but one that the Israeli government believes is necessary to address the growing threat.
The U.S. Political Landscape: Dueling Machines and Personality Cults
Turning to the U.S. political landscape, Ferguson argues that the upcoming 2024 election remains highly unpredictable, despite the current state of the polls. He believes that both the Republican and Democratic party machines are highly effective at delivering most states and counties to their respective parties, leaving little contested ground.
However, Ferguson sees a key difference between the two parties. While the Democratic party remains under the control of its wealthy elite, the "donor class," the Republican party has fallen under the sway of the "MAGA movement" and the personality cult around Donald Trump. This, he argues, makes the Republican party more prone to self-harming mistakes, potentially giving Harris a chance to win the presidency.
Ferguson also addresses the issue of inflation, acknowledging that both the Trump and Biden administrations share blame for the current economic situation. He argues that the voters' perception of Biden's handling of the economy is unfair, as the president has presided over strong economic growth and employment, despite the high inflation rates.
Convergence and Divergence: Comparing the UK and the US
In closing, Ferguson draws comparisons between the political and social landscapes of the UK and the US. He notes that while the UK retains a sense of tradition and continuity in its politics, the US political discourse has a more "coarse" and "contact sport" quality, reminiscent of the 19th century observations of Charles Dickens.
However, Ferguson also identifies areas of convergence, such as the challenges posed by aging populations, the tensions around immigration, and the shared experience of grappling with the complexities of healthcare systems. He suggests that despite institutional differences, there is a growing sense of similarity in the lived experiences of Britons and Americans.
Overall, Neil Ferguson's insights provide a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the shifting global landscape, the ongoing conflicts, and the political dynamics shaping the future of both the US and the UK.
The Looming Threat of a New Axis and the Decline of the Liberal World Order
The Divergence Between the US and Australia
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the founding of this great institution, we are also nearing the 50-year mark since Henry Kissinger had to contemplate whether the United States should give up on Australia. The relationship between Kissinger and then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was a tumultuous one, marked by Whitlam's criticism of the US bombing of North Vietnam and his desire to pull Australia out of the Vietnam War.
This tension between the US and Australia is not entirely a relic of the past. Last year, Professor John Mearsheimer's Neville Canard address, which was well-received in Australia, argued that the US focus on Ukraine and the Middle East was distracting it from the greater security threat posed by China. Mearsheimer advocated for a realist foreign policy approach that prioritized the containment of China over the security of democracies in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
While I share Mearsheimer's skepticism about the so-called "liberal international order," I profoundly disagree with his and Elbridge Colby's arguments that the US must prioritize the containment of China over the security of other democracies. Tonight, I will explain why they are wrong and what it means for Australia.
The Emergence of a New Axis
The biggest debate on foreign policy in recent years has been the debate within the Republican party over the wisdom of supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. This new realism within the Republican party, exemplified by figures like JD Vance, recognizes that the United States faces a new axis that unites Russia with China, Iran, and North Korea.
This axis is a genuine threat, akin to the one formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan before and during the Second World War. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are now openly cooperating to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine, supplying Putin's "Orc Army" with a plethora of weapons.
The Failure of Deterrence and the Threat of War
The failure to deter this new axis is a grave concern. As Admiral Samuel Paparo, the head of the US Indo-Pacific command, has warned, China wants to offer the world a "short, sharp war" against Taiwan before the world can respond. This raises the specter of a Third World War, as the contest between the US and this new axis could easily turn hot.
Deterrence depends on military readiness, and yet many of our allies, including Germany and Australia, are failing to adequately invest in their defense capabilities. This policy of appeasement is dangerous and must be addressed.
The Potential Return of a Realist Republican Foreign Policy
As the 2024 election approaches, the parallels between Donald Trump and Richard Nixon are striking. Like Nixon, Trump understands the limits of American power and the importance of carefully assessing national interests. He also regards most American allies as freeloaders who should pay their way in return for America's friendship and protection.
This means that allies like Australia need to brace themselves for the eventuality of a second Trump term, one in which there will be no more "Mr. Nice Guy." The potential for a drastic reassessment of the US-Australia relationship, as Kissinger and Nixon contemplated 50 years ago, looms large.
Here is a summary of the conversation in the form of a longform article:
The Rise of the Counter-Elite: How Peter Thiel Predicted the Trump Moment
The Triumph of the Outsiders
The 2024 election marked a profound shift in American politics, with the triumph of a coalition of "oddball Outsiders" over the establishment elite. At the center of this counter-revolution stands the figure of Peter Thiel - the billionaire venture capitalist, political kingmaker, and self-described "Vanguard of the anti-establishment."
Thiel was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, backing him in 2016 when many in Silicon Valley shunned the then-candidate. Now, with Trump's decisive victory, Thiel's contrarian vision has been vindicated. The appointment of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur JD Vance to key administration roles signals the ascendance of this new, unorthodox power center.
Thiel's Prescience and the Collapse of Liberalism
Thiel foresaw this moment, arguing that the 2016 election represented a broader "collapse of liberalism" - a failure of the Democratic party and the progressive establishment to connect with the concerns of Middle America. He believed Trump's "Make America Great Again" message tapped into a deep well of economic and cultural stagnation that the political class had ignored.
"There was a way the intergenerational compact has broken down, the younger generation is finding it much harder to get their footing," Thiel explains. The Democratic party, in his view, had become beholden to a narrow, identity-focused agenda disconnected from the lived realities of working-class voters.
The Preference Cascade and the Shift in Silicon Valley
Thiel attributes Trump's victory in part to a "preference cascade" - a phenomenon where individuals, once they realize they are not alone in their views, become emboldened to express them publicly. This dynamic played out acutely in Silicon Valley, where Thiel was an early outlier in his support for Trump.
Over time, Thiel says, a growing number of tech leaders came to appreciate his "courage" in backing the president-elect. Companies began actively shifting their workforce away from the ideological monoculture of the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking more "productive" and less "woke" talent elsewhere.
"There was a way the intergenerational compact has broken down, the younger generation is finding it much harder to get their footing," Thiel explains. The Democratic party, in his view, had become beholden to a narrow, identity-focused agenda disconnected from the lived realities of working-class voters.
Rethinking Trade, Immigration, and the Role of Government
Thiel sees Trump's policy agenda as a necessary course correction, particularly on issues like trade and immigration. He argues that the prevailing free trade orthodoxy has created "incredible economic SKS and distortions," hollowing out the industrial heartland. Similarly, he believes unchecked immigration has fueled a "Georgist real estate catastrophe," pricing young people and the working class out of home ownership.
While Thiel stops short of endorsing mass deportation, he believes the Trump administration must fundamentally rethink the country's approach to the border and the social compact. "There are ways the incredibly open border has put an incredible stress on the social fabric in a lot of ways," he says.
The Perils of Populism and the Need for Institutional Reform
Yet Thiel also expresses concerns about the potential excesses of populism, warning against a "nihilistic" impulse to "burn it all down." He believes the real challenge lies in finding a balance between healthy skepticism of elite institutions and the need for functional, well-governed systems.
The collapse of trust in institutions like academia and the media, Thiel argues, has created a dangerous void. He advocates for a "course correction" in fields like science, where he believes an excess of dogmatism has stifled necessary debate and inquiry.
"There are ways the incredibly open border has put an incredible stress on the social fabric in a lot of ways," he says.
Thiel sees the 2024 election as a pivotal moment, marking the end of a political era defined by the "New Deal liberalism" and "progressive cult" of the 20th century. But he cautions that the path forward is fraught with peril, requiring a delicate balance between populist energies and the preservation of stable, accountable institutions.
As the Trump administration takes shape, Thiel's influence will loom large. His ability to navigate this treacherous landscape - harnessing the power of the counter-elite while avoiding the pitfalls of unbridled populism - may well determine the trajectory of American politics in the years to come.
As an exploratory analysis, we also fit a model with our four factors Emotional Quality, Formal Quality, Atmosphere, and Creativity. We included authorship and these four factors as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants. Effectively, this model replaces the structural features of the previous model (stimulus line count, stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person) with qualitative features. The explanatory power of this model was higher (conditional R-squared: 0.240, marginal R-squared: 0.148),
suggesting that qualitative features may have more influence than structural features on participants’ beliefs about a poem’s authorship. Atmosphere (b = 0.55978, SE = 0.11417, z = 4.903, p < 0.0001) was significantly predictive: higher scores for Atmosphere increased the likelihood that a participant predicted the poem was written by a human. We also found suggestive positive effects for Emotional Quality (b = 0.22748, SE = 0.11402, z = 1.995, p = 0.04604) and Creativity (b = 0.18650, SE = 0.07322, z = 2.547, p = 0.01087), suggesting that higher scores for Emotional Quality and Creativity may also increase the likelihood that participants predict a poem was written by a human poet. Importantly, in this model, unlike previous discrimination models, authorship has no negative effect (b = 0.23742, SE = 0.14147, z = 1.678, p = 0.09332).
This suggests that the “more human than human” phenomenon identified in Study 1 might be caused by participants’ more positive impressions of AI-generated poems compared to poems authored by human poets; when accounting for these qualitative judgments, the “more human than human” phenomenon disappears.
In summary, Study 2 finds that participants consistently rate AI-generated poetry more highly than the poetry of well-known human poets across a variety of factors. Regardless of a poem’s actual authorship, participants consistently rate poems more highly when told that a poem is written by a human poet, as compared to being told that a poem was generated by AI. The preference for AI-generated poetry at least partially explains the “more human than human” phenomenon found in Study 1: when controlling for participants’ ratings, AI-generated poems are no longer more likely to be judged human.
The Last Blockbuster Isn't Shutting Down After All
In a surprising turn of events, the last remaining Blockbuster video rental store in the world has confirmed that it is not shutting down, despite recent rumors circulating on social media.
The Blockbuster store, located in Bend, Oregon, has developed a cult-like following over the years, with people from all over the country and even the world making pilgrimages to visit the iconic video rental chain's last surviving location. The store's management has now officially dispelled the rumors, stating that they are "not going anywhere" and that the reports of its closure were "fake news."
This news comes as a relief to many nostalgic fans of the once-ubiquitous video rental industry, which has been largely decimated by the rise of digital streaming services. While the vast majority of Blockbuster stores have long since closed their doors, this lone holdout has managed to defy the odds and continue operating, much to the delight of its loyal customers.
The Blockbuster Legacy
Blockbuster was once a dominant force in the home entertainment industry, with thousands of locations across the United States and around the world. At its peak, the company boasted over 9,000 stores globally, offering customers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and video games to rent or purchase.
However, the rise of Netflix and other streaming platforms, coupled with the increasing popularity of on-demand digital content, ultimately led to Blockbuster's downfall. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and was subsequently acquired by Dish Network, which closed the majority of its remaining stores.
The Last Blockbuster Standing
The last Blockbuster store, located in Bend, Oregon, has managed to survive against all odds. The store, which is independently owned and operated, has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who want to experience the nostalgia of renting physical media.
The store's owner, Sandi Harding, has attributed the store's success to its ability to adapt to the changing market and cater to the needs of its local community. In addition to offering a wide selection of movies and TV shows, the store also hosts movie nights, game nights, and other events to engage with its customers.
The Future of Blockbuster
While the last Blockbuster store remains open for business, the future of the Blockbuster brand remains uncertain. Dish Network, the current owner of the Blockbuster name, has been rumored to be considering various options for the brand, including potentially rebranding its Sling TV streaming service as "Blockbuster."
However, with Dish Network's recent decision to sell off its Sling TV business to DirecTV, it seems less likely that the company will invest heavily in reviving the Blockbuster brand. Nevertheless, the continued success of the last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical media and the power of nostalgia in the digital age.
Streaming Hundreds of Free Channels Legally Online
In the ever-evolving world of cord-cutting, there are now more options than ever to access a wide range of content without the high costs of traditional cable or satellite TV. In this article, we'll explore five top free streaming services that offer a diverse array of channels and content, from local news to big-budget shows.
Pluto TV is one of the original and well-known free streaming services on the market. Owned by Paramount, it provides access to a vast library of content, including Paramount's own shows and movies, as well as content from various other providers. The service offers a traditional channel guide with hundreds of live free channels, covering everything from classic TV shows like "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Gunsmoke" to 24/7 channels dedicated to genres like sci-fi, true crime, and comedy.
Tubi is owned by the Fox Corporation, which means it has access to a wealth of local Fox content, including news from local Fox affiliates in most areas. In addition to the local news coverage, Tubi also offers a range of entertainment options, including classic TV shows, movies, and sports content, such as MLB and NFL classic games.
Local News Streaming Apps
For cord-cutters who want to stay informed about their local community, there are several free apps that offer live streams of local news broadcasts. Apps like Newson, Zim, and Local Now provide access to local news channels from various markets, allowing users to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in their area.
Local Now, owned by the same company as The Weather Channel, is a standout option for those seeking a comprehensive local news and information experience. In addition to the local on-the-eights style news coverage, Local Now also offers hundreds of channels, including local PBS stations and a wide range of national and international content.
Accessibility and Availability
The free streaming services highlighted in this article are available on a variety of platforms, including Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV. Users can simply search for the app names in their device's app store to start exploring the wealth of free content available.
It's important to note that the specific content and channel offerings may vary depending on the user's location, as some services tailor their content to local markets. However, the sheer breadth of options available across these free streaming platforms means that cord-cutters can find a wealth of entertainment and information without the high costs of traditional TV subscriptions.
Roku's Backdrops Feature Transforms Your TV into a Work of Art
Roku has recently introduced a new feature called "Backdrops" that allows users to turn their streaming devices into digital art displays. This innovative feature transforms the typically black screen of your TV into a canvas for showcasing professional artwork or your own personal photos.
The Backdrops app, which can be found on the bottom of your Roku TV or streaming player, provides access to a vast collection of high-quality images and artwork. Users can browse through various categories, including specific artists, photographers, and institutions, to find the perfect backdrop that complements the style and decor of their living space.
One of the key benefits of the Backdrops feature is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a party, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, the Backdrops can create a visually appealing and personalized ambiance. The feature also allows users to upload their own photos, creating a customized slideshow of family memories or favorite moments.
"For a long time, my family has used the slideshow feature to display photos of our kids and loved ones," says the narrator. "It's a nice touch, especially when your TV is just sitting there waiting, and the Roku screen saver pops up with a cityscape or something else that turns it into a piece of art."
The Backdrops feature offers a range of customization options, allowing users to adjust the brightness, duration, and auto-start settings to suit their preferences. This level of control ensures that the Backdrops seamlessly integrate with the overall ambiance of the living space.
"I also really like this feature when we have parties and people over," the narrator adds. "It's a nice touch to have something other than just a big black thing on the wall."
The Backdrops feature is available at no additional cost to Roku users, making it an accessible and convenient way to transform the look and feel of your home entertainment setup. Whether you prefer showcasing professional artwork or your own personal photos, the Backdrops feature offers a unique and visually appealing way to enhance your living space.
For more information on the Backdrops feature and how to use it, be sure to check out the first pinned comment, which includes a link to a detailed story covering all the necessary details.
Jimmy Kimmel's Partisan Antics and Disney's Dilemma
The Late Night Host's Controversial Behavior and Its Impact on Disney
Jimmy Kimmel, the popular late-night host, has once again found himself in the spotlight for his partisan rhetoric and controversial behavior. As the ratings for late-night television continue to plummet, Kimmel's actions have raised concerns about the direction of Disney, the company that pays his bills.
Kimmel's Attacks on the Trump Administration
In a recent episode of his show, Kimmel blasted the Trump administration's cabinet picks, describing them as "the Legion of Dumb." He specifically targeted the nomination of William Barr as Attorney General, suggesting that being investigated for wrongdoing would be an asset in the Trump administration.
Kimmel's comments have drawn criticism from those who believe that late-night hosts should focus on entertaining their audiences rather than engaging in partisan politics. The late-night host's actions raise questions about the role of Disney in moderating the content produced by its employees.
Disney's Partisan Leanings
Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel's show, has long been perceived as having a partisan bias. The company's leadership and creative output have often been associated with left-leaning political views, leading some to question whether Disney is doing enough to maintain a balanced and inclusive entertainment landscape.
The declining ratings of late-night television, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have added to the pressure on Disney to reevaluate its approach. With the potential for a ban on pharmaceutical advertising, a significant source of revenue for late-night shows, the company may need to rethink its strategy to ensure the long-term viability of its late-night programming.
The Way Forward
As Disney navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for the company to strike a balance between creative expression and maintaining a welcoming environment for all viewers. The success of the company's entertainment offerings may depend on its ability to moderate the partisan rhetoric and focus on producing content that appeals to a broad audience.
Jimmy Kimmel's continued pattern of politicization and Disney's apparent partisan leanings have created a complex situation that requires careful consideration. As the entertainment industry evolves, it will be up to Disney to determine the best path forward, one that prioritizes the needs of its audience and the long-term sustainability of its business.
Simplified Access: No more switching between multiple apps to access different content.
Streamlined Experience: A more user-friendly and intuitive interface.
Enhanced Value: A single app offering a wider range of content.
Strategic Implications
This move reflects Disney’s commitment to its direct-to-consumer streaming business. By consolidating its streaming services, Disney aims to strengthen its position in the market and attract a wider audience. This strategy could also lead to increased subscriber engagement and retention.
Here is a summary of the transcript in the form of a longform article:
Spring Training Rituals and the Business of Baseball
As pitchers and catchers report for spring training, the annual rituals and routines of Major League Baseball are underway. From the physical exams to the team meetings, every detail is carefully orchestrated to get players ready for the season ahead.
The first day of spring training is all about the physical exams, known as "PFP" or pitchers fielding practice. Players line up at the mound, with coaches rolling balls to them and calling out different scenarios to practice their fielding. It's a drill that pitchers dread, but one that is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes during the regular season.
After passing their physicals, the players gather for the team meeting, where the manager, coaches, trainers, and front office personnel all address the group. The meeting sets the tone for the spring, with messages about staying safe, avoiding off-field issues, and focusing on the work ahead.
Once the meeting is over, the players head to the fields for their first workouts. The coaches carefully monitor the intensity, not wanting anyone to overdo it on the first day and risk injury. It's all about building up gradually, with the goal of having everyone ready for opening day.
But spring training is about more than just the on-field activities. It's also a time for front office executives to evaluate their rosters and make decisions about the season ahead. Former team president David Samson knows this all too well, having been through countless spring trainings himself.
Samson explains that the first few days of spring training are crucial for making roster decisions, with teams often evaluating players based on their performance in batting practice. He even suggests that some teams make contract extension decisions during this time, based on what they see in the cages.
Of course, the start of spring training also means the return of free agent drama, with agent Scott Boras working to secure deals for his clients. Samson predicts that at least one of the high-profile free agents, such as Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, or Cody Bellinger, will have to settle for a "pillow deal" - a short-term contract with an opt-out after the first year.
The Oakland A's situation is also a hot topic, with the team set to meet with Alameda County officials about a potential lease extension at the Oakland Coliseum. Samson believes this meeting will be a delicate negotiation, with the A's needing to "subjugate" themselves to the government in order to secure a path forward.
As for Samson's own viewing habits, he's recently become obsessed with the TV series "Lost," binging all 121 episodes in a matter of weeks. He's come away with a newfound appreciation for the show's complex storytelling and character development, and is now on the hunt for his next binge-worthy series.
Overall, the start of spring training is a time of renewal and anticipation in the world of baseball. From the rituals on the field to the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, it's a period that sets the stage for the season to come.
The Presidents' Timepieces: A Glimpse into Their Horological Tastes
Joe Biden's Modest Choices
President Joe Biden's watch collection appears to be quite modest and understated. He is seen wearing a Rolex Datejust 41 on a Jubilee bracelet, as well as an Omega Speedmaster - two iconic and timeless watches that are considered core pieces in any watch enthusiast's collection. These choices reflect a sense of humility and practicality, rather than flashy displays of wealth.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump is seen wearing a vintage Vacheron Constantin watch, likely an original from 1968 that has been reissued. This historical piece suggests a more traditional and classic taste in watches, though it may not be considered a particularly popular or sought-after model.
Obama's "Fashion Watches"
President Barack Obama, on the other hand, is known to have worn more "fashion watches" - well-made but not necessarily high-end timepieces. These types of watches are often more affordable and focused on aesthetics rather than technical prowess, reflecting a more casual and accessible approach to watch-wearing.
Former President Bill Clinton is pictured wearing a Lange & Söhne Langepüre, a dress watch that was originally priced around $40,000 but can now be found on the secondary market for significantly less. This suggests a more discerning and sophisticated taste in watches, though the actual purchase price is unclear.
JFK's Iconic Rolex
Perhaps the most intriguing presidential watch is the Rolex given to John F. Kennedy by Marilyn Monroe, which has become a legendary and highly valuable timepiece. The story behind this gift and its subsequent fate adds an extra layer of intrigue to the world of presidential horology.
The collection also includes a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor, a distinctive diving watch favored by military personnel, as well as a Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the "President's Watch" due to its association with the office.
Overall, the watches worn by U.S. presidents offer a fascinating glimpse into their personal styles and preferences, as well as the broader evolution of horological trends and the significance of certain timepieces in the public consciousness.
The luxury watch industry is a fascinating realm, where the Swiss have long reigned supreme. Despite the fact that only 2% of watches are actually produced in Switzerland, a staggering 50% of the value of watches comes from this small Alpine nation. This disparity begs the question: why?
The origins of the Swiss watch industry can be traced back to the 16th century, when the first pocket watches were created in Germany. These timepieces then made their way to England, France, and eventually settled in the city-state of Geneva, which was not yet part of Switzerland. It was in Geneva that a community of skilled watchmakers began to flourish, attracted by the geographic centrality and the growing demand for these precision instruments.
As this watchmaking hub took shape, it followed a familiar pattern seen in other industries. Much like Silicon Valley's rise as a technology center, Geneva became the capital of the watch world. The concentration of craftsmen, apprentices, and expertise created a self-sustaining ecosystem that allowed Swiss watchmaking to thrive and cement its global reputation.
The Allure of Swiss Watches
The association between luxury watches and Switzerland is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. When one thinks of a high-end timepiece, the Swiss brand immediately comes to mind. This perception is not merely a matter of marketing; it is rooted in the rich history and technical prowess of Swiss watchmakers.
Over the centuries, Swiss watchmakers have developed a reputation for precision, innovation, and craftsmanship that is unparalleled. From the invention of the chronograph to the development of self-winding mechanisms, Swiss watches have consistently pushed the boundaries of horology. This legacy of excellence has solidified the Swiss brand as synonymous with quality and exclusivity in the minds of consumers.
The Challenges of the Swiss Dominance
However, this Swiss dominance in the luxury watch industry is not without its challenges. The industry has faced criticism for its opaque and sometimes unethical practices, such as the allocation of highly sought-after models and the pressure to purchase additional items to secure a coveted timepiece.
These practices have led to a growing sense of frustration among watch enthusiasts, who feel that the industry has become too exclusive and inaccessible. The perception of Rolex, in particular, as an arrogant and elitist brand has fueled this discontent, with some consumers actively avoiding the brand due to its perceived flaws.
The Future of Swiss Watchmaking
Despite these challenges, the Swiss watch industry remains a powerhouse, with its reputation for quality and craftsmanship continuing to drive global demand. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how Swiss watchmakers adapt to changing consumer preferences and address the concerns raised about their practices.
One thing is certain: the allure of the Swiss watch will endure, as the country's rich horological heritage and the enduring appeal of its luxury brands continue to captivate watch enthusiasts around the world.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the hackers gained access to systems used by telecom companies to comply with U.S. surveillance requests. This raises significant counterintelligence concerns and highlights the vulnerability of sensitive data to foreign espionage.
A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyber-espionage and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Telecommunications companies and government agencies must work together to strengthen defenses and prevent future attacks.
Navigating the Prestige and Exclusivity of High-End Timepieces
As a seasoned watch enthusiast and industry insider, you've shared a fascinating glimpse into the rarefied world of luxury watch collecting. From the intricate complications of a Jaeger-LeCoultre minute repeater to the prestige and scarcity of Patek Philippe's most exclusive models, you've illuminated the nuances and complexities that define this elite market.
The core appeal of the most prestigious watch brands, you explain, lies in their ability to cultivate a sense of exclusivity and desirability. Brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex carefully control access to their most coveted timepieces, often requiring extensive purchase histories and personal relationships before granting the privilege of ownership. This scarcity, combined with the technical mastery and heritage of these brands, fuels the fervent demand among collectors.
You delve into the intricate "application process" required to acquire a Patek Philippe grand complication, likening it to the Ferrari allocation system. Prospective owners must demonstrate a deep commitment to the brand, building up a collection over years before even being considered for the most exclusive models. This carefully curated access, you argue, is a calculated strategy to maintain the brand's prestige and desirability.
The secondary market for luxury watches is equally fascinating, with certain models commanding astronomical prices due to their rarity and trendiness. You discuss the example of a recent Patek Philippe grand complication that sold for over $5 million, highlighting the importance of scarcity, provenance, and the power of social media in driving these stratospheric valuations.
Investing in Watches
While the latest "hype" watches may capture the imagination, you emphasize the importance of considering long-term investment potential when building a watch collection. Vintage and historically significant models, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre you showcased, often appreciate in value over time, making them compelling assets for the discerning collector.
For those seeking a more personalized touch, you suggest exploring the possibility of working with brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre or Ulysse Nardin to create custom timepieces for special occasions or personal milestones. This level of exclusivity, you explain, is a rare privilege that requires navigating the nuances of the industry and cultivating the right relationships.
Throughout your insights, a clear theme emerges: the world of luxury watches is a realm of prestige, exclusivity, and technical mastery, where the most coveted timepieces are as much about status and desirability as they are about timekeeping. Your expertise and passion for this captivating industry have provided a captivating glimpse into a world that few can truly access.
As the clock ticks down, Dish Network faces a race against time to secure its financial future. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the company can successfully navigate this crisis or succumb to the pressures of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The Challenges of Authenticity in the Watch and Collectibles Industry
In the world of watches and collectibles, the issue of authenticity is a constant concern. Back in the day, in Glendel, there was a thriving market for salvage cars that were not properly disclosed as such. This practice eventually became regulated, leading to a more transparent system where the true condition of a vehicle is clearly communicated.
However, the watch and collectibles industry faces similar challenges when it comes to determining the authenticity of items. The speaker recounts a story of a customer who purchased a watch from him, only to later discover that it was flagged as potentially stolen. This highlights the lack of a centralized system to verify the provenance of watches, leaving buyers vulnerable to potential fraud.
The speaker suggests that the watch industry could benefit from a grading service similar to what exists in the comic book and video game industries. These services provide a level of credibility and assurance to buyers, allowing them to make informed decisions. The speaker believes that such a system could significantly increase the value of watches, as buyers would be willing to pay a premium for the peace of mind that comes with a trusted authentication.
The challenge, however, lies in the implementation of such a system. The speaker notes that privacy concerns and the reluctance of industry experts to share their knowledge and expertise could hinder the development of a comprehensive grading service. Additionally, the speaker acknowledges that they themselves are one of the industry's top experts, and may not be inclined to share their knowledge with potential competitors.
The discussion then shifts to the differences between the gray market and authorized dealers in the watch industry. The speaker explains that authorized dealers are sanctioned by the watch brands to sell their products, while the gray market consists of independent sellers who may not have the same level of trust and credibility. The speaker suggests that a well-established grading service could potentially bridge this gap, allowing gray market sellers to command higher prices for their authenticated watches.
Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the watch and collectibles industry when it comes to ensuring authenticity and building trust with buyers. The potential for a comprehensive grading service is explored, but the practical and logistical hurdles remain significant.
The Tide Turns: Athletes Embrace Political Expression
The political landscape in professional sports is undergoing a significant shift, as more athletes are openly expressing their support for Donald Trump and conservative causes. This trend has been building for some time, but it appears to have reached a tipping point in recent weeks.
According to Danny, the tide began to turn when athletes felt that their masculinity was being unfairly criticized. "Who would have thought that telling a bunch of 20 to 28-year-old athletes that their masculinity was toxic might actually backfire and they might go, 'Hey, uh, I kind of like being a dude and there's nothing wrong with being a dude'?" he said. This sentiment resonated with many athletes, who felt that their identity as men was under attack.
The panel also discussed how Donald Trump's persona and policies have become more relatable to athletes, particularly those who did not come from wealthy backgrounds. "Trump's relatable to a lot of people," Hammer noted. "Might not be to everybody, but here's a dude that has got the law coming after him, which a lot of people thought was unfair. You got side chicks coming at you left and right - that's a lot of people in this country they relate more to that than they do KLA Harris up there giving your money to Ukraine and you know blaming you for all of the problems in the community."
The panel argued that the Democratic Party's policies and messaging have failed to resonate with many athletes, who are more concerned with issues like the economy, border security, and crime. "Athletes just like anyone else, if they're G to take money from them, you sure as hell better be doing something good with it," Hammer said. "Athletes buy eggs too, athletes buy bread too, they go to the grocery store or they have somebody that goes to the grocery store, but it's their money and you're right, man, the policies are what this comes down to."
The discussion also touched on the potential for a shift in Hollywood and the Jewish community, with the panel suggesting that the Democratic Party's perceived lack of support for Israel and the Jewish community could lead to a political realignment. "If you're a Jewish person, you got to tell me how you're voting for Harris or how you're voting for Biden because they have been - I'm not g to say they've been anti-semitic, but they certainly have been supportive," Hammer said.
Looking ahead, the panel predicted that we will see more college athletes, rather than professional athletes, openly expressing their political views in support of Trump or conservative causes. "You'll see it in college, but I think the NFL guys, they've already got their own thing and thank you NFL for finally letting these guys celebrate again," Hammer said. However, the panel acknowledged that the end of the election cycle may lead to a decrease in overt political expression among athletes.
Navigating the Secondary Watch Market: Strategies for Spotting Fraud and Building Trust
In the world of luxury watches, the secondary market presents both opportunities and risks for buyers. With the absence of standardized grading services like those found in the collectible card industry, navigating the secondary watch market requires a keen eye, extensive knowledge, and a trusted network of dealers. Roman, an experienced watch dealer, shares his insights on how to approach this complex landscape and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.
The collectible card industry has faced its fair share of fraud, with high-profile cases like the altered Honus Wagner card serving as cautionary tales. Roman explains that in the card community, buyers have access to reputable grading services like PSA and BGS, which provide a level of assurance and authentication. However, the watch market lacks such centralized verification systems, making the due diligence process more challenging for buyers.
The Importance of Buying the Dealer, Not the Watch
Roman's primary advice to buyers is to focus on the dealer, not just the watch itself. He emphasizes that in the vintage watch market, where records and archives can be scarce, the expertise and reputation of the dealer are crucial. By partnering with knowledgeable and trustworthy dealers, buyers can mitigate the risks of acquiring a fraudulent or misrepresented timepiece.
Roman shares his keen eye for detecting fake watches, highlighting the subtle details that can distinguish an authentic piece from a counterfeit. He explains how organized criminal activity, such as the case of the $3.4 million fake Omega Speedmaster, can involve sophisticated techniques to create "Frankenstein" watches by altering original components. Understanding the nuances of vintage watch features, like natural dial discoloration, is essential in identifying genuine articles.
To ensure the authenticity of a watch, Roman emphasizes the importance of thorough verification processes. This includes partnering with expert watchmakers to inspect the internal components, as well as conducting comprehensive checks on the watch's provenance and documentation. By taking these steps, buyers can have confidence in the legitimacy of their purchase, even when dealing with private sellers outside the dealer network.
Roman cautions that the secondary watch market is rife with fraud, and buyers must approach it with a high degree of skepticism and due diligence. He advises against impulse purchases, especially those that seem "too good to be true," as they are often indicative of a fraudulent transaction. By prioritizing trusted relationships with experienced dealers and leveraging expert knowledge, buyers can navigate the secondary watch market with greater confidence and minimize the risks of acquiring counterfeit or misrepresented timepieces.
I was never a typical watch guy. My passion was always baseball cards - I loved collecting them since I was a kid. But little did I know, my journey into the watch market would be just as captivating.
It all started back in the early 2000s when I was working at Deutsche Bank, commuting two hours each way from Philadelphia to New York City. One day, a friend approached me with an interesting proposition. He sold watches on eBay and thought I might be interested in trying it out. My initial response was skepticism - "Who the hell's going to buy $10,000 watches on eBay?" I thought. But my friend insisted we give it a shot.
So, with my wife's help taking product photos, we started this side hustle part-time. To my surprise, within 6 months, we had sold a $9,650 limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I made $1,100 on that deal, which was real money at the time.
Over the next few years, I continued juggling my demanding corporate job with this growing watch business. I would leave for work at 5:15 AM, come home at 7:30 PM, and then work on the watch side venture until 2 AM some nights. It was an exhausting grind, but I could see the potential.
Eventually, I reached a point where my watch business was bringing in an income and a half of what I was making at the bank. That's when I made the tough decision to leave the corporate world and go all-in on my watch venture. The rest, as they say, is history.
The watch buyer landscape is diverse and ever-evolving. There's no single profile that defines a watch enthusiast. Some are in it for the flex - they want the latest and greatest timepieces to show off. Others are true horological geeks, obsessed with complications and perpetual calendars.
Then there are the investors, who see watches as a way to grow their portfolio, even though I always caution that watches are not true investments - they're expensive toys first and foremost. And you have the impulse buyers, who see a watch they want and just have to have it right then and there.
Ultimately, it's about understanding what each individual client values - whether it's the history, the brand name, or the pure flex factor. My job is to educate the consumer and help them find the right watch that aligns with their needs and budget. I'd rather talk someone out of an overpriced purchase than enable them to make a decision they'll regret.
The Rarity Factor and Astronomical Valuations
One of the most fascinating aspects of the watch world is the rarity factor and how it can drive astronomical valuations. Take, for example, the vintage Rolex Daytona with a diamond bezel and dial that Jay-Z owns. Rolex only produced around 30 of these pieces back in 1986, and today they can fetch upwards of $800,000.
Or consider the Patek Philippe 3700 - a watch that originally sold for around $3,200 in the early 80s, but has since sold at auction for a staggering $1.25 million. The little stamp on the dial makes all the difference, with only 12 known examples in the world.
These kinds of stories captivate watch enthusiasts and investors alike. The thrill of the hunt, the prestige of owning a true grail piece - it's what drives the passion and obsession in this industry.
One aspect of the watch world that can be frustrating for consumers is the extreme exclusivity maintained by brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. I've had countless people ask me about the possibility of getting a custom or limited-edition watch made for a special occasion. The answer is always a resounding no.
These brands are so protective of their image and brand identity that they simply won't entertain the idea of creating custom pieces or limited runs for individual customers. They know that the moment they do, the value of those watches will skyrocket, and they don't want to create that kind of chaos in the market.
It's a double-edged sword - the exclusivity is part of what makes these watches so desirable, but it also means that the average consumer has little chance of ever acquiring their grail piece directly from the brand. It's a frustrating reality that watch enthusiasts have to grapple with.
The Evolving Landscape of Watch Trends and Perceptions
The watch industry is not immune to the changing tides of fashion and social trends. Gone are the days when a gold Rolex was the de facto status symbol for stockbrokers and car salesmen. Today, perception and personal style play a much bigger role in watch selection.
Wearing a $100,000 Patek Philippe in a corporate environment can actually work against you, as it may be seen as flaunting your wealth in front of your subordinates. Conversely, a plumber showing up to your house in a diamond-encrusted Jacob & Co. would be equally out of place.
The key is finding a watch that aligns with your lifestyle, personality, and the way you want to be perceived. Are you an active, outdoorsy person? Then a rugged, sports-oriented watch might be the better choice. Are you more interested in the history and craftsmanship? Then a vintage piece could be the way to go.
Ultimately, the watch you choose should be a reflection of who you are, not just a means to impress others. And that's the advice I always try to impart to my clients - buy what you love, within a budget you can comfortably afford.
Darts, a sport often overlooked, is quietly taking the world by storm. According to the speaker, it is the biggest viewed sport in the UK outside of Premier League football, with events regularly selling out 15,000 to 30,000 tickets. The recent US event at Madison Square Garden sold out 4,000 tickets, showcasing the sport's growing popularity across the Atlantic.
The speaker highlights the story of 16-year-old Luke Littler, who has become the "hottest ticket in town" in the world of darts. Littler's impressive performances, including a nine-dart finish in the final of the Premier League of Darts, have captivated audiences and demonstrated the sport's ability to produce prodigies at a young age.
The speaker emphasizes the unique atmosphere and fan experience of darts events, with attendees dressing up in elaborate costumes and creating a lively, party-like atmosphere. This, combined with the sport's growing viewership, has led the speaker to declare that darts is "the greatest party in town" and is "about to take over America."
Interestingly, the speaker reveals that the darts industry is owned and operated by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the governing body of the sport. This ownership structure has allowed the sport to be effectively promoted and marketed, contributing to its recent surge in popularity.
The speaker also highlights the company's approach to talent development, noting that many of their key personnel, including the CEO of the boxing division and the CEO of the PDC, joined the company at a young age and have risen through the ranks. This emphasis on providing opportunities for growth within the organization is seen as a key factor in the company's success.
Finally, the speaker teases the upcoming release of a Netflix documentary, "The Great Showman," which will delve into the story of the company and its key figures, including the speaker's father. This documentary promises to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of darts and the individuals who have driven its success.
Overall, the speaker's passionate and enthusiastic discussion of the darts phenomenon underscores the sport's unexpected rise to prominence and the potential for it to continue expanding its global reach.
The Competitive Spirit of Barry Hearn: Shaping the Mindset of His Son, Eddie
Growing up in the Hearn household, Eddie Hearn was immersed in a world of intense competition and a relentless drive for success. As the son of legendary boxing promoter Barry Hearn, Eddie's childhood was shaped by his father's unwavering principles and a deep-rooted belief that winning is everything.
Barry Hearn's "10 Rules for Life" exemplified the mindset he instilled in his son. From the importance of hard work and a strong work ethic to the notion that "pressure is only felt by those who fail," these guiding principles laid the foundation for Eddie's competitive spirit and his unwavering determination to excel.
"Everything in our house is competitive," Barry Hearn explains. "I play table tennis with my grandchildren on a Sunday, and I don't let them win a point. Not a point. They win a point themselves every now and again." This uncompromising approach was a hallmark of Eddie's upbringing, as his father pushed him to his limits, both physically and mentally.
One particularly memorable incident was when Barry Hearn took his teenage son to the gym and they engaged in a sparring session. Despite Eddie's size and athletic abilities, Barry refused to hold back, showcasing the grit and tenacity that had defined his own journey. The experience, which was later documented in the media, served as a powerful reminder to Eddie of the standards his father had set.
"He sort of backed me up in the corner, and I covered up, and I looked at his face, and his teeth on his gumshield were like, and he was just raining them in around the side of my head," Eddie recounts. "I thought, 'This, he ain't playing.'" The encounter not only tested Eddie's physical prowess but also his ability to withstand the intense pressure and competitive drive that his father embodied.
As Eddie grew older, he recognized the profound impact his father's approach had on shaping his own mindset and work ethic. "That's what built me," he acknowledges. The competitive spirit instilled in him during his childhood has become a driving force in his own career, as he strives to surpass his father's achievements and take the family business to new heights.
The Hearn family's competitive dynamic extends beyond the realm of sports, with Barry Hearn's relentless drive manifesting in every aspect of their lives. Whether it's a game of table tennis or a high-stakes business decision, the Hearns approach every challenge with the same unwavering determination to emerge victorious.
For Eddie, this legacy has become a source of both inspiration and motivation. He recognizes that the lessons he learned from his father have not only molded his personality but have also given him a unique advantage in the cutthroat world of sports and business. By embracing the competitive spirit that defined his upbringing, Eddie Hearn has carved out his own path to success, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
At the time, there was optimism that the new administration would offer a fresh start for the crypto industry. As of Nov. 14, Bitcoin is up 33% since Trump’s re-election.
It appears that once again animal spirits have been unleashed. Consider Dogecoin (DOGE), a memecoin — or digital asset based on some irreverent internet culture — that has climbed more than 70% in just a week, and now has a bigger market value than the Ford Motor Company.
Why is the industry so hopeful? First, they argue that nothing is better than the Biden administration, which was openly hostile to the web3 industry.
Don King is a larger-than-life figure in the world of boxing promotion. At 93 years old, he remains a captivating presence, even as his health may not be in the best shape. His ability to captivate audiences and sell fights is truly remarkable, and it's a testament to his unique blend of charisma, storytelling, and sheer force of personality.
King's recent attempts to organize a 50-year anniversary event for the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman are a prime example of his enduring influence. Despite his advanced age, he still possesses the drive and determination to make big things happen in the boxing world. Even when listening to his pitch, one can't help but be drawn in by his infectious energy and belief in the project.
What is it that makes Don King so special? Is it his charm, his charisma, or something more? The key, it seems, lies in his ability to transfer emotion through his sales pitch. Whether he's selling a fight or a photocopier, King's passion and conviction are palpable. It's not just about the product itself, but the way he presents it and the emotions he evokes in his audience.
In comparing King to other successful promoters like Dana White and Vince McMahon, it becomes clear that they each possess their own unique gifts. White's no-nonsense approach and disregard for what people think, coupled with his incredible work ethic, have made him a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, McMahon's sheer force of will and willingness to do whatever it takes to win, even at the expense of his own family, have shaped the WWE into the juggernaut it is today.
However, the documentary on McMahon's life serves as a cautionary tale. The lengths he was willing to go to maintain control and win at all costs, even to the point of disregarding the well-being of his own employees, highlight the dangers of unchecked power and ambition. It's a stark reminder that success and wealth do not necessarily equate to an easier life, and that the pursuit of power can come at a heavy personal cost.
One common thread among these larger-than-life promoters is the influence of their fathers. The strong, domineering personalities of these men seem to have shaped the mindsets and approaches of their children, who in turn have become titans in their own right. This dynamic of trying to prove oneself and outshine one's father is a powerful force that can drive individuals to great heights, but also to dark places.
As we continue to witness the exploits of these promotional giants, it's important to remember that their success is not without its consequences. The pursuit of power and control, while undoubtedly impressive, can come at a heavy personal price. It's a lesson that serves as a reminder to us all to maintain a healthy balance and perspective in our own lives and endeavors.
Second, a Trump presidency is viewed as more business-friendly, leaving the market to innovate unmolested.
Third, there is much the government can do to actively encourage innovation and investment by setting clear rules of the road; there’s hope now that the crypto industry will finally achieve regulatory clarity under a Trump presidency.
Brandon Potts, a partner at Framework Ventures, a web3 venture capital firm, said recently how “everything we have done to date has been operated in a grey area as it relates to crypto in the United States.”
Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary boxer, has been engaged in a long-standing feud with promoter Eddie Hearn. The two have traded barbs and challenged each other to various matchups, with De La Hoya even going so far as to plead with Saudi Arabian authorities to host a 5-on-5 fight between their respective teams.
"He came out today and said I want to fight Eddie on the card," Hearn recounts. "He's so funny and I'm like, you know, and people say to me, 'you know, like he beat the out you, don't you?' I said, 'the guy was a pound-for-pound great fighter.'"
Hearn seems perplexed by De La Hoya's antics, noting that the former boxer is driven more by emotion than clear-headed business decisions. The animosity between the two appears to stem from Hearn's signing of Canelo Alvarez, a fighter who was once closely associated with De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
"Canelo took him to call and he come to join me, and like for years he's just, you know, I have this ability to make people's blood pressure rise beyond all kinds of levels, and that's the thing with Oscar," Hearn explains.
The feud has escalated to the point where De La Hoya has publicly challenged Hearn to a fight, even offering to do it for free as a "gift" to the Saudi authorities. Hearn, however, is not amused, stating that he would only consider the fight if he was paid an eight-figure sum.
Despite the animosity, Hearn acknowledges that he and De La Hoya could potentially work together in the future, as he sees the former boxer as a "legend of the sport." However, Hearn notes that De La Hoya's emotional approach to business can be a hindrance to productive collaboration.
In a surprising twist, Hearn reveals that he has been working on his first-ever fiction book for the past 13.5 years. The book, which he has finally completed, is a complex and multilayered story that delves into themes of history, technology, and the development of future leaders.
"It's about development of the next leader in the world and how they do it and how they've been doing it for many years, and it's also about how to prevent the end of civilization and how this organization goes about doing it," Hearn explains.
The book features a diverse cast of characters, including Armenians, Assyrians, and Persians, as well as historical figures like Tupac, Carl Marx, and Ayn Rand. Hearn believes that the book will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those interested in history and technology to those who enjoy creative fiction.
"If you're a creative person, if you like fiction books, if you enjoyed Atlas Shrugged or if you enjoyed Divergent, if you like books like that, I think you're going to enjoy reading this book," Hearn says.
Hearn is excited to share his literary creation with the world and is eager to hear readers' reviews and reactions. He has made the book available on platforms like Amazon and Simon & Schuster, and he encourages his supporters to check it out and provide their feedback.
What he means is today there is uncertainty over the very nature of cryptoassets: Are they securities, commodities, or something else entirely?
Many big companies are worried about innovating in this space for fear of inadvertently hitting an SEC tripwire which could haunt them for years to come.
The 2024 presidential election was a nail-biter, with the final results defying many predictions. Contrary to expectations, Donald Trump emerged victorious with 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 271 threshold needed to secure the presidency.
Platinum Pollsters Shine
Throughout the election cycle, the decision 2024 team relied on two primary polling sources - Atlas Intel and Rasmussen Reports. These "Platinum Pollsters" proved to be the most accurate, with Atlas Intel's error margin at just 0.8 and Rasmussen's at 0.9. The team praised these pollsters for their commitment to reporting the numbers, rather than shaping a narrative.
"Words talk, but numbers scream. These are our numbers, damn it."
In contrast, the team called out other pollsters who were "more full of crap than my grandfather who's been constipated for 3 days."
Swing State Surprises
The team closely followed the key swing states, and their analysis proved prescient. In North Carolina, they were the first to call the state for Trump, despite concerns about voter suppression due to a natural disaster. Similarly, they were ahead of the major networks in calling Georgia for Trump, citing their detailed quantitative analysis.
The victory in Pennsylvania, which effectively sealed Trump's win, was also carefully considered by the team. They waited to make the call, wanting to ensure the data was definitive before putting their reputation on the line.
The team also noted some surprising shifts in traditionally blue states. In New York, Illinois, and California, the Democratic margins were significantly reduced compared to 2020. The team highlighted the Amish vote in Pennsylvania and the immigration issue in Arizona as key factors in these unexpected results.
"Immigration was up here, women's right to choose and those things as they called that were down here. Not that they didn't matter, but the immigration heat index in Arizona was red hot."
The Road Ahead
With a Republican-controlled Senate and a potential House majority, the team emphasized the importance of Trump selecting the right cabinet members and avoiding "RINOs" (Republicans in Name Only) to capitalize on the victory.
However, the team also acknowledged the lingering questions surrounding the 2024 popular vote, where the blue bar appears to have a significant gap compared to 2020. They encouraged viewers to examine the data themselves, as "words talk, but numbers scream."
"The numbers matter, and the numbers come from real people, not the Talking Heads."
Regulatory clarity would encourage American founders to stay in America, kick-start enterprise adoption, and drive institutional investment.
Bitcoin has surged, and many of the companies that operate in the space like Coinbase and Hut8 have fared well, which makes sense if you assume markets are now pricing in a shift from government regulation as a headwind to government support as a tailwind.
Memecoins have outperformed, with Dogecoin (DOGE), Pepe (PEPE), dogwifhat (WIF), and Shiba Inu (SHIB) beating Bitcoin handily.
In the ever-evolving world of sports, the influence of social media platforms has become increasingly significant, particularly in the realm of boxing. As the landscape of digital communication continues to shift, it's crucial to understand which platforms are having the most positive impact on the sport.
According to the discussion, Twitter is often viewed as the most toxic environment for boxing-related content. While it may be a platform that allows for a high volume of opinions and conversations, the majority of the information shared is considered "complete rubbish." The ecosystem of algorithms on Twitter can quickly amplify misinformation, making it a challenging space to navigate for those seeking genuine insights and narratives.
Instagram: Building Fighter Profiles, Lacking Narrative
In contrast, Instagram is seen as a more effective platform for building the profiles of individual fighters. However, the discussion suggests that it is difficult to effectively construct the broader narrative and conversation around the sport on this platform.
YouTube: Powerful for Shoulder Programming and Content
YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform for boxing, particularly in the realm of "shoulder programming" and content creation. The ability to build engaging and informative videos has allowed boxing promoters and organizations to shape the narrative and reach a wider audience.
When comparing the YouTube subscriber numbers of different sports, it becomes evident that wrestling (WWE) and mixed martial arts (UFC) have a significant advantage over boxing. The UFC's YouTube channel boasts an impressive 19.1 million subscribers, while boxing-centric channels struggle to reach even 1 million. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by the boxing community in effectively leveraging the power of social media platforms.
The discussion also touches on the recent phenomenon of "slap" content, where individuals are shown being slapped and falling unconscious. These types of viral videos, while shocking, have managed to capture the attention of audiences and generate significant engagement. The question arises whether this type of content could potentially become the "next big thing" in the world of sports entertainment.
As the boxing community continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media, it will be crucial for promoters, fighters, and fans to find innovative ways to leverage these platforms to build narratives, engage audiences, and ultimately drive the growth and popularity of the sport.
Dogecoin got an added boost when Trump announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (a k a DOGE), to be co-headed by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who’s been a big Dogecoin booster.
Google search results for DOGE surged by more than 700% in the wake of the Trump announcement, and the cryptocurrency community celebrated this as a win.
Trump’s rise to becoming the talisman of the crypto industry, and naming government departments after internet memecoins, was unlikely until recently. Back in 2020, during his first turn in the White House, Trump reportedly wanted to ban Bitcoin.
The Biggest Losing Fight: Eddie Hearn's Lessons in Promotion
The Anthony Joshua Upset
One of the biggest losing fights for Eddie Hearn's business was the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. fight at Madison Square Garden. Joshua was the number one fighter in the world, but his original opponent Jarrell Miller failed a drug test just three weeks before the fight. Hearn had to quickly find a replacement, and they went with the "fat guy" Ruiz, who ended up pulling off a huge upset and stopping Joshua.
Hearn was devastated by the loss, saying "I'm like [ __ ] and it's like now matam oh hearn's in trouble matram what are they going to do with our AJ blah blah blah blah blah." The team wanted to know what to do next, and Hearn said they needed to "bounce back" with a big fight.
Hearn decided to bring in one of the greatest fighters at the time, Vasyl Lomachenko, to fight in the UK against British lightweight Luke Campbell. Hearn thought this would be a huge event that would help them recover from the Joshua loss, but it ended up flopping on pay-per-view.
Hearn admits this was one of his biggest mistakes, saying "we probably lost a million bucks there as well." He learned a valuable lesson - "don't ever ever make decisions based off emotion again." Hearn's father and CEO would often tease him about that Lomachenko decision.
Hearn believes that in modern boxing promotion, the entertainment and storytelling aspect is far more important than just the actual matchup of the fighters. He points to the success of promoters like Dana White and Vince McMahon, who have built strong personal brands and narratives around their sports.
Hearn has consciously tried to emulate this approach, becoming the face and voice of his promotion. He runs his own press conferences without notes, spinning stories and narratives on the fly. Hearn sees himself as the "greatest showman" in boxing, comparing his abilities to the late, great promoter Don King.
Hearn is extremely confident in his abilities as a promoter, going so far as to say he believes he is the greatest of all time, second only to the legendary Bob Arum in terms of longevity. He is unapologetic about his self-promotion, saying "if you're great then shout it from the rooftops."
Hearn credits his confidence and willingness to self-promote as key to his success. He believes that in the modern media landscape, creating narratives and interacting directly with fans is more important than just the quality of the fights. Hearn has embraced this approach, making himself the central figure in his promotion.
In a surprising revelation, Hearn shared that he has been working on his first fiction novel for the past 13 years. The book, which he has finally completed, is a complex story involving themes of history, secret societies, and the development of future leaders. Hearn is excited to share this creative side project with his audience, believing it will appeal to fans of fiction works like Atlas Shrugged and Divergent.
Hearn sees this novel as a personal passion project, separate from his work in boxing promotion. However, he believes the book's themes of mindset and preventing the end of civilization have parallels to the lessons he has learned in his career. Hearn is eager for readers to discover this new creative side and provide their feedback on the book.
Trump’s crypto conversion may have begun earlier, but it was crystalized at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, hosted by the industry leader BTC INC. on July 27 of this year.
Backyard Fight Nights: How Eddie Hearn Revolutionized Boxing During the Pandemic
Building an Arena in the Backyard
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and live sports events were canceled, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn found himself in a bind. He had already booked several fight shows, with venues, flights, and hotels all paid for. But with the government shutting down all live events, Hearn was left scrambling.
Sitting on the stairs of his childhood home, Hearn had an idea - he would build a fight camp right in his own backyard. He pitched the plan to his father, saying they would create an arena in the garden, hire a nearby hotel to serve as a bubble, and isolate the fighters for testing before ferrying them up to the makeshift venue.
Hearn spent around $3 million to construct the backyard arena, complete with hospitality tents, champagne bars, and DJ setups. Despite some initial skepticism from the local community, Hearn was able to work with authorities to ensure the events followed COVID protocols.
Bringing Boxing to the Masses
For four weeks, Hearn ran his "Fight Camp" series from the backyard, delivering the live content his broadcaster partners needed. In the second year, he even opened it up to 600 fans per night, selling tickets for the unique private experience.
"This got so much exposure globally," Hearn said. "When people say it was in your back Garden, that was even crazier." The backyard events allowed Hearn to fulfill his contractual obligations to broadcasters when other sports were shut down, keeping boxing alive during the pandemic.
Expanding the Vision
While the backyard events were a stopgap solution, Hearn sees them as part of a broader vision for the future of boxing. He's envious of the control the UFC has over its talent, with centralized contracts and matchmaking. Hearn wants to bring that level of organization to the fragmented world of professional boxing.
Beyond the ring, Hearn has also been working on a passion project - a fiction book he's been writing for the past 13 years. The book, which features a secret society testing future leaders, explores themes of history, technology, and the fate of civilization. Hearn sees it as a creative outlet and a way to share his unique perspective on the world.
As Hearn continues to push the boundaries of boxing promotion, his backyard fight nights stand out as a testament to his innovative spirit and determination to keep the sport alive, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Robert F. Kennedy, Cantor Fitzgerald Chairman, and Trump transition boss Howard Lutnick, as well as US Senators Cynthia Lummis, Bill Hagerty, and Marsha Blackburn rounded out the lineup.
In his speech to a standing-room-only crowd, Trump extolled the virtues of crypto, said he would make the United States the “crypto capital of the planet” and announced the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
He said that upon assuming office he would dismiss Gary Gensler, the SEC chairman who is unpopular with the industry. “We will have regulations, but from now on the rules will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry,” he added.
Trump calculated that by offering his support to the crypto industry, he could lure potential donors and motivate crypto-focused voters to swing his way by showing he would protect their businesses, livelihood, and investment portfolios.
The Aftermath of Ryan Garcia's Controversial Fight with Devin Haney
The fight between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was a highly anticipated matchup in the boxing world. However, the aftermath of the fight has been anything but straightforward.
Behavioral Changes Leading Up to the Fight
According to the transcript, the interviewee, who was representing Devin Haney, noticed a drastic change in Ryan Garcia's behavior leading up to the fight. He described it as "all the signs of someone who was having really a breakdown." This included Garcia's behavior at the first press conference, where the interviewee was taken aback by the change in the fighter.
During the fight, Garcia won on points, but the victory was overshadowed by the revelation that he had failed a drug test. The interviewee explained that Garcia had performance-enhancing drugs in his system during the fight, which is "unequivocal" and "impossible to say he didn't."
The interviewee believes that this was likely not an intentional case of cheating, but rather a result of Garcia trying to cut weight for the fight. He suggests that someone may have given Garcia something to help him make the contracted weight, which led to the positive test.
Following the fight, Devin Haney's team has filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia, alleging battery, fraud, and breach of contract. The lawsuit is seeking $30 million in damages, as Haney was entitled to a percentage of the event's profits.
Despite the legal issues, the interviewee believes that a rematch between Garcia and Haney is still a possibility. He suggests that the two fighters could negotiate a new deal and "double down" on the testing requirements to ensure a fair fight.
The interviewee draws a comparison between the Garcia-Haney situation and the Houston Astros' cheating scandal in baseball. He suggests that, much like the Astros, Garcia could potentially come back and win again, despite the controversy, and that the "world would want to see the rematch."
The interviewee also discusses the potential legal implications of the situation, drawing parallels to a previous case where a fighter was accused of using loaded gloves. However, he notes that the consequences for such actions are often minimal, with the fighter typically receiving a ban rather than any criminal charges.
Overall, the aftermath of the Garcia-Haney fight has been complex and multifaceted, raising questions about the integrity of the sport and the potential consequences for those who are found to have violated the rules.
This election cycle, the crypto industry spent $160 million on campaign financing, making it one of the biggest contributors.
But this wasn’t just wealthy donors throwing their financial weight around. Many voters clearly cared deeply about this issue. According to a recent Coinbase survey, 25% of millennials and Gen-Z own crypto, and nearly two million have signed a pledge to support pro-crypto candidates.
Trump spotted a disaffected group who felt alienated by the status quo and owned the issue. By the time Harris extended her own olive branch, making crypto an oddly positioned cornerstone of her appeal to black men in late October, it felt like too little too late to change many minds.
Navigating the Challenges of Boxing: A Trainer's Perspective
Maintaining Fighters' Passion and Resilience
As a boxing trainer, I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a fighter's passion and resilience, even in the face of defeat. When a fighter like Anthony Joshua loses, I make sure to give them a day or two to process the loss before sitting down and having an honest conversation.
"I said is it is it killing you that you lost he's like yeah I said good cuz he's got a really hurt bad like you got It's gotta or it's gonna it's got to it's got if it doesn't hurt how do you get back into train and that's when it's time to maybe look at your future."
The pain of defeat is crucial for a fighter's motivation to bounce back. If they don't feel that anguish, it may be time to consider their future in the sport. I've had instances where I could see a fighter was done, even after a victory, like with my friend Darren Barker. After winning the world middleweight title, his next fight against Felix Sturm ended in a devastating loss, and I knew his time was up.
"we went back to the hotel and he sat back and his I think his mom bought him a beer and he just he just I just looked at him sit back and go and he just took a sip of his beer and I looked at him I went you're done aren't you and he went yep."
Telling a fighter it's time to retire is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Fighters are inherently driven and often want to continue, even when the signs of decline are evident. As a trainer, it's crucial to have those honest conversations, especially with high-profile fighters like Anthony Joshua.
"that moment that's when you really got to think you got to see the desire but boxing's a little bit different you know you got to be physically 100% if you start fading if you start taking too many shots if you're not you know as robust as you used to be especially in the heavyweight division becomes very dangerous."
The relationship and trust built with the fighter are essential in navigating these difficult decisions. I believe that when the time comes, Joshua will listen to me and those close to him, as he understands the dangers of continuing when the physical and mental toll becomes too great.
Maintaining Hunger and Passion in the Face of Wealth and Success
One of the biggest challenges for a trainer is ensuring a fighter's mindset and hunger remain intact, even as they achieve immense wealth and success. Fighters like Canelo Alvarez, who came from humble beginnings, have managed to maintain their drive and passion despite their financial success.
"Canelo Alvarez right there's a guy who's got hundreds of millions right used to sell ice pops on the street of guad lahara came from absolutely nothing and now is making him 440 $50 million a fight doesn't even need to fight anymore he trains and AJ but he trains with the same hunger that he cat had when he was fighting a four round fight at 17 years of age."
Consistency and a deep-rooted passion for the sport are the keys to sustained success. Fighters who lose that hunger, like JaMarcus Russell in the NFL, often struggle to maintain their performance. As a trainer, it's crucial to have open and honest conversations to ensure the fighter's mindset remains focused and driven, even in the face of wealth and fame.
The Importance of Passion and Purpose Beyond Boxing
Ultimately, the transition out of boxing can be one of the most challenging aspects for fighters. The structure and routine of the sport become so ingrained in their lives that the void left by retirement can be overwhelming. As a trainer, it's essential to help fighters find new passions and purposes beyond the ring, whether it's coaching, entrepreneurship, or other pursuits that can fill that void.
"Fighters really struggle after that because what what else I mean that's all they do and the buzz of fighting the walking out in front of 990,000 all of a sudden that goes in your life and that's why it's got to be that void has got to be filled with something that you have a passion for you know maybe that's been a trainer maybe that's staying in the game."
By fostering a strong relationship and understanding the fighter's mindset, trainers can help guide them through the challenges of retirement and ensure a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.
Crypto donors didn’t just influence the presidential election. They also targeted congressional races.
The website Standwithcrypto.org shows just how much this strategy has paid off. In 2024, voters elected 257 pro-crypto candidates to the house, compared with 115 anti-crypto candidates, and added 16 pro-crypto senators, to 12 anti-crypto senators.
Crucially, in the eyes of industry insiders, Ohio senator and anti-crypto crusader Sherrod Brown was defeated by Republican Bernie Moreno who has courted the crypto vote. As Potts said, “The clear message is that crypto won.”
So, what can we expect from the new administration? Trump will likely clean house at most federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he has vowed to replace the current chairperson.
Under new leadership, advocates hope, more crypto-asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be approved and more crypto-native businesses could be permitted to go public on US exchanges.
The Influence of Riyadh Season and the Promotional Genius of Arum
Based on the attached transcript, it is clear that the "ex Excellency" referred to is a powerful figure in the world of boxing. This individual, who is effectively running the Riyadh Season events, has been described as the "number one powerful man in boxing" by ESPN.
The transcript highlights several reasons why this individual has gained such influence and prominence in the sport. Firstly, he has access to "obscene budgets" and the ability to put together high-profile events, such as the recent Fury vs. Ganu and Joshua vs. Usyk fights. The pace at which he operates is remarkable, with deals being made and events being organized in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Moreover, the transcript suggests that this individual is not just a deep-pocketed outsider, but someone who truly understands the sport of boxing. He is described as "very clever" and "very passionate" about the sport, with a clear commercial vision. The promotional efforts put together for these events, including the Guy Ritchie-directed promos, are praised for their cinematic quality and ability to build the perception of boxing as a major event.
While there may be some criticism and complaints about the choice of locations for these events, such as Saudi Arabia, the transcript suggests that the focus is on delivering the fights that the world wants to see, regardless of the venue. The organizer's ability to get things done quickly and efficiently is highlighted as a key strength.
Overall, the transcript paints a picture of a highly influential and powerful figure in the world of boxing, who has the resources, the vision, and the passion to reshape the sport and deliver events that captivate audiences around the world.
This would bring additional retail and institutional investors into the crypto markets and provide access to growth capital for the industry’s leading businesses.
Under the new administration, the SEC could very-well drop its suits against Coinbase alleging the company is operating a brokerage exchange without a license. This would then set a precedent for other companies who want to enter the US market.
Canelo's Perspective on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight
Canelo Alvarez has already shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, and he has some strong opinions on the matter. In a recent interview, Canelo discussed his views on the fight and the state of boxing.
Assessing Jake Paul's Abilities
Canelo has previously had a direct conversation with Jake Paul, where he bluntly told the YouTuber-turned-boxer that he is "average" as a fighter. Canelo explains that while this may seem like an insult, it is actually a compliment considering Paul's relatively late start in the sport.
"As a professional fighter, someone that's dedicated their life to the sport from the ages of seven or eight, you started boxing at 24, you are average in that field. That's an unbelievable achievement," Canelo said. He acknowledges that compared to most people, Paul is an exceptional boxer, but in the context of professional fighters, he is still considered average.
Concerns About the Tyson vs. Paul Fight
Canelo is not a fan of the upcoming fight between the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. He believes it is a dangerous matchup, with the much older and retired Tyson being at a significant disadvantage against the younger, active Paul.
"I don't want to see a 58-year-old Mike Tyson fighting... it's dangerous," Canelo said. He points out that even when Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. four years ago, it was clear that Tyson was "shot to pieces" and struggling to stand up.
Potential Outcomes and Viewership
Despite his concerns, Canelo acknowledges that the fight between Tyson and Paul will likely be a commercial success, drawing in a large audience. He estimates the fight could potentially reach 10 million viewers, given the popularity of both fighters.
However, Canelo remains skeptical of the reported pay-per-view numbers for the Tyson vs. Jones Jr. fight, which claimed over 1.6 million buys and $80 million in revenue. Canelo believes these numbers are likely inflated, as it is common for the industry to exaggerate the success of pay-per-view events.
Respect for Dedicated Fighters
While Canelo is critical of the Tyson vs. Paul fight, he does have respect for Jake Paul's dedication to the sport of boxing. He acknowledges that Paul has been training properly and improving his skills over the past four or five years, which is an impressive feat for someone who started boxing at a relatively late age.
Ultimately, Canelo's perspective reflects his deep passion for the sport of boxing and his desire to see it treated with the respect it deserves. He is not afraid to voice his opinions, even if they go against the mainstream narrative surrounding high-profile boxing events.
Clear rules of the road could bring banks and other traditional players into the crypto arena, accelerating the growth of stablecoins (cryptocurrencies pegged to other, more traditional assets) and other financial applications.
Trump may even establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, some hope, and abolish taxes on many small-dollar crypto asset transactions, making it easier to use these assets for everyday transactions.
To be sure, there is much the government can do to accelerate and enable innovation. And much of this relies on Trump and his pro-crypto allies in Congress and industry focusing on the hard issues and doing the work of getting legislation drafted and passed.
Those who have worked closely with Trump have said how he is notoriously mercurial – easily swayed on many issues. Will he stay interested in web3 and appoint people who can enact this agenda?
The recent appointment of Musk and Ramaswamy, both crypto adherents, to head up DOGE should encourage many. Between now and Jan. 21, the industry will get a lot more evidence one way or the other. For a decade or more, web3 has operated in a grey area. Now is the time for it to step into the light.
The Shifting Media Landscape: Time Magazine's Sale and the Rise of Trusted Voices
The media industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the recent sale of Time Magazine being just one example of the broader disruption taking place. Mark Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, has acquired Time Magazine for $190 million, a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the future of the iconic publication.
When Benioff purchased Time Magazine, it had a subscriber base of 4 million. However, that number has since dwindled to just 1.6 million, a stark decline that reflects the broader challenges facing traditional media outlets. The shift in consumer preferences and trust has been a driving force behind this change, with many people turning to alternative sources of information and entertainment.
One notable example is the rise of podcasts, with figures like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson gaining significant popularity and trust among their audiences. These individuals are seen as more authentic and relatable, offering a refreshing contrast to the perceived manipulation and bias of mainstream media outlets.
The backlash against traditional media has been particularly evident in the aftermath of the 2020 US presidential election. Several major media companies, including the LA Times and USA Today, faced a significant exodus of subscribers after they failed to endorse the candidate preferred by their audience. This loss of trust has had a tangible impact on the financial viability of these organizations, with some even considering the sale of their assets, such as MSNBC and CNN.
The shift in the media landscape is not limited to the United States. Globally, the market is demanding a more genuine and sincere approach to news and information. Platforms like Cameo, where celebrities can interact directly with their fans, are gaining traction as people seek a more authentic connection with the public figures they follow.
The underlying message is clear: the market has spoken, and it is no longer satisfied with the status quo. Consumers are craving a more transparent and trustworthy media landscape, one that prioritizes honesty and integrity over manipulation and bias. The success of alternative voices and platforms suggests that the future of media may lie in the hands of those who can connect with their audience on a deeper, more genuine level.
As the media industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for traditional outlets to adapt and embrace the changing preferences of their audience. The sale of Time Magazine and the rise of trusted voices in the digital space serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that the market is always right and that the path to success may lie in embracing authenticity and sincerity.
The Republican Resurgence: How Trump's Team Flipped First-Time Voters
In a surprising turn of events, the 2022 midterm elections saw a significant shift in the voting patterns of first-time voters. According to data from NBC, 56% of these new voters chose the Republican candidate, a stark contrast to the 64% who had voted for Biden in 2020.
Expanding the Electorate
This strategic move by the Republican team was not a matter of chance, but rather a well-executed plan to broaden the party's base. As one of the speakers noted, "if you don't like the composition of the electorate, then change the electorate." And that's precisely what they did.
The team behind the scenes, led by figures like Susie W., worked tirelessly to register and mobilize millions of first-time voters, particularly those from Generation Z and beyond. This was no easy feat, as the speaker recounted the challenges of getting people to register and engage in the political process.
The Power of Hard Work
The speaker drew a powerful analogy to illustrate the dedication and work ethic of the Republican team. He shared a story about a father who taught his son the value of earning his own money, even going so far as to burn the money the son had begged for, in order to instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Similarly, the speaker praised the Trump team, noting that their victory was not the result of luck, but rather the product of relentless hard work. "These guys are freaking workers," he said, drawing comparisons to the legendary work ethic of figures like Barry Hearn, the father of boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
A Bold Embrace of Christmas
The speaker also touched on a more lighthearted, yet equally significant, aspect of the Republican strategy – the embrace of Christmas. He recounted a discussion within the team about creating bold, unapologetic "Merry Christmas" merchandise, recognizing that not everyone may be comfortable with the sentiment, but standing firm in their belief that it is a valuable tradition worth celebrating.
Ultimately, the story of the Republican resurgence in the 2022 midterms is one of perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The speaker's emotional recounting of the father-son story underscores the deep personal investment and sacrifice that went into this victory.
As the Republican team looks ahead to the 2024 election, the lessons learned from their successful efforts to expand the electorate and energize first-time voters will undoubtedly shape their strategy. It's a testament to the power of strategic thinking, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of victory, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Supreme Court Battleground: Democrats Divided Over Potential Shakeup
The Supreme Court has become a central focus in the political landscape, with both parties vying for influence over the nation's highest court. In the aftermath of President Obama's eight-year tenure, which saw the appointment of only one Supreme Court justice, the balance of power on the court has become a pressing concern for Democrats.
During his two terms in office, President Obama was able to appoint only one Supreme Court justice, Sonia Sotomayor, who was widely considered a liberal-leaning jurist. This stands in contrast to the three appointments made by President Trump during his single term, which have shifted the court's ideological balance significantly to the right.
With the possibility of additional Supreme Court vacancies in the near future, some Democrats have quietly discussed the idea of encouraging Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is currently 70 years old, to step down and allow President Biden to appoint a younger, more liberal-leaning justice. This proposal, however, has faced pushback from prominent figures within the Democratic party, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who has publicly stated that he does not consider this a "sensible approach."
The Democrats' narrow control of the Senate, with the potential loss of the support of Senators Manchin and Sinema, presents significant obstacles to any Supreme Court nomination process. Additionally, the looming threat of a Republican-controlled Senate under Mitch McConnell's leadership further complicates the Democrats' efforts to shape the court's future.
The Ticking Clock and the Importance of Time
With the new Congress set to be sworn in on January 3rd, the Democrats are running out of time to make any significant changes to the Supreme Court's composition. The need to pass a budget, address the ongoing pandemic, and other pressing legislative priorities leaves little room for a Supreme Court nomination battle.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the possibility of additional Supreme Court vacancies in the near future remains a concern for Democrats. The potential retirement of Justices Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, both of whom are in their 70s, could further solidify the court's conservative tilt, with the possibility of even younger, more ideologically aligned replacements being appointed.
In the face of these challenges, the battle for the Supreme Court's future has become a central focus for both parties, with the stakes high and the path forward uncertain.
The Curious Case of Kamala Harris' Campaign Spending
Dissecting the Numbers: A Tale of Two Campaigns
In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, a fascinating comparison emerged between the campaign spending of the Trump and Kamala Harris camps. According to a tweet by Justin Benson, the numbers paint a striking picture.
Trump's campaign raised $381 million and spent $354 million, with only $10.4 million going towards staff. In contrast, the Kamala Harris campaign spent a staggering $1.37 billion, with a whopping $582 million allocated to staff.
These figures raise some eyebrow-raising questions. When a candidate is asked to contribute to a charity, the first question often asked is: "What percentage of the money is spent on staff?" The implication being that the more efficient the campaign's spending, the more likely the funds are to reach the intended beneficiaries.
In the case of the Kamala Harris campaign, the numbers seem to tell a different story. With over 40% of the total expenditure going towards staff, one can't help but wonder where the remaining funds were directed. Reports of lavish spending on celebrity endorsements, such as $10 million for Beyoncé, $5 million for Megan Thee Stallion, and $3 million for Lizzo, only add to the intrigue.
The Kamala Harris campaign's financial woes are well-documented. Despite the staggering $1.37 billion spent, the campaign found itself in debt by the end of the race, with little to show for the investment. In contrast, the Trump campaign, which was initially reported to be in financial peril, managed to save its resources and outspend the Kamala Harris team in the final weeks of the campaign.
This disparity in campaign spending highlights a fundamental truth: money alone cannot win a presidential election. As one of the commentators noted, the beauty of America is that the people can still triumph over a well-funded machine. The Trump campaign's success in mobilizing a grassroots movement, despite being outspent, serves as a testament to this principle.
Lessons Learned
The Kamala Harris campaign's financial excesses serve as a cautionary tale. Campaigns must strike a delicate balance between effective spending and grassroots engagement. Lavish endorsements and opulent spending may garner attention, but they do not necessarily translate into votes. The true power lies in connecting with the electorate and building a movement that resonates with the people.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the 2020 campaign cycle will undoubtedly shape the strategies of future candidates. The pursuit of the White House is not just about money, but about the ability to inspire and mobilize the American people.
Disney's Sequel Surge: Leaks Reveal Upcoming Pixar and Marvel Sequels
In a surprising turn of events, Disney has found itself in a PR predicament as details about upcoming sequels have been leaked ahead of their planned announcements. The House of Mouse, known for its meticulously orchestrated reveals, has found itself in a situation where the proverbial cat has been let out of the bag.
Cars 4 and Black Panther 3 on the Horizon
According to reports, the upcoming D23 event was set to unveil the return of the beloved Piston Cup winner, Lightning McQueen, in Cars 4. However, an official survey on the D23 website has already revealed the existence of this highly anticipated sequel, much to Disney's chagrin.
But the leaks don't stop there. In a separate development, actor Denzel Washington has let slip that director Ryan Coogler is crafting a role for him in the next installment of the Black Panther franchise, Black Panther 3. This revelation comes despite Marvel Studios not having officially confirmed the existence of a third film in the Black Panther series.
Navigating the Sequel Surge
Disney's response to these leaks will be crucial, as the company is known for its meticulous control over its release schedule and marketing. The question now is whether the studio will forge ahead with their original plans or if they will be forced to adjust their strategy to get ahead of the unexpected revelations.
The news of these upcoming sequels has not been without its critics. Some have questioned the decision to continue the Black Panther franchise without the titular character, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. The suggestion of potentially replacing Black Panther with the character of Storm from the X-Men has raised eyebrows, with concerns about the integrity of the franchise.
Additionally, the sheer volume of sequels being developed across Disney's various divisions, including Pixar, has led some to wonder if the company is leaning too heavily on familiar properties and neglecting the creation of new, original stories.
As Disney navigates this unexpected situation, it will be interesting to see how the studio handles the leaks and the subsequent announcements. Will they stick to their original plans, or will they be forced to adapt and adjust their strategy? One thing is certain: Disney's fans and the entertainment industry as a whole will be closely watching to see how the House of Mouse responds to this latest challenge.
The Nuclear Renaissance: How Tech Giants are Embracing the Future of Clean Energy
For the longest time, the mere mention of "nuclear" would elicit a resounding "no" from the public. The lingering memories of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, where 30 people lost their lives, had cast a long shadow over the nuclear industry. However, a remarkable shift is now underway, as tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are leading the charge in embracing nuclear energy.
The data paints a compelling picture. When it comes to safety, nuclear energy emerges as one of the safest sources of power, with only 0.3 deaths per terawatt-hour, far lower than the 24.6 deaths for coal and 18.4 for oil. In terms of cleanliness, nuclear energy also shines, producing significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.
Moreover, nuclear energy boasts an impressive capacity factor of 92.5%, meaning it can generate electricity consistently and efficiently. This efficiency has not gone unnoticed by the tech giants, who are now actively investing in and partnering with nuclear energy companies.
Google, for instance, has announced a partnership with Kairos Power to develop small modular reactors, which are designed to be more cost-effective and safer than traditional nuclear plants. Microsoft has entered a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to reopen a nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, while Amazon is investing $500 million in X Energy's advanced small modular reactors.
The driving force behind this shift is the exponential growth in data center demand and the power-hungry nature of artificial intelligence. A single ChatGPT query, for example, uses 10 times more power than a Google search. Data centers are projected to account for 8% of U.S. power consumption by 2030, up from 3% in 2022. This surge in energy demand has prompted tech giants to seek out reliable, clean, and efficient sources of power, and nuclear energy has emerged as a viable solution.
However, the transition to nuclear energy is not without its challenges. The political landscape and the vested interests of industries that stand to lose from this shift may present obstacles. The underwriting industry, for instance, could face disruption if AI-powered underwriting becomes the norm, threatening the livelihoods of many professionals.
Nonetheless, the tide seems to be turning. As Microsoft's Bill Gates and even Elon Musk have voiced their support for nuclear energy, the tech giants' embrace of this technology may be the catalyst for a broader societal shift. The potential for cost savings and environmental benefits could outweigh the political and industry resistance, paving the way for a nuclear renaissance.
In conclusion, the tech giants' embrace of nuclear energy signals a significant turning point in the energy landscape. As the world grapples with the growing demand for clean, reliable, and efficient power, the nuclear industry may be poised for a comeback, driven by the innovative spirit and deep pockets of the tech titans.
Based on the discussion, it appears that Disney's growth is largely driven by price increases rather than attracting new customers. The CFO, Hugh Johnston, acknowledged that future growth will likely come more from pricing than adding new subscribers. This raises concerns about Disney's pricing power and the long-term sustainability of its business model.
The transcript highlights Disney's claims about reducing content spending compared to competitors like Netflix. However, the analysis suggests this is misleading, as Disney is producing far less content than Netflix for a similar budget. The company seems to be relying on a few high-profile titles like Deadpool and Wolverine to drive engagement on Disney+, rather than a broader content library.
The discussion suggests Disney may be planning to consolidate its various streaming platforms, including Hulu and ESPN, into a single Disney+ offering. This could simplify the customer experience, but raises questions about the value proposition and pricing strategy. There are concerns that Disney+ may become too expensive, pricing out casual viewers in favor of a smaller base of dedicated fans.
Concerns about Price Elasticity
The panelists express doubts about Disney's ability to continue raising prices without losing customers, particularly for Disney+ and the theme parks. They question how much "price elasticity" Disney has before consumers reach their breaking point and refuse to pay the ever-increasing costs.
Reliance on Historical Models for Theme Park Projections
The discussion also highlights Disney's use of historical models to project the impact of Epic Universe, the new theme park being developed by Universal. The panelists argue that this approach is flawed, as Disney has never faced a challenge like Epic Universe before and cannot accurately predict its effects using past data.
In summary, the transcript paints a picture of a Disney company struggling to maintain growth, increasingly reliant on price increases rather than attracting new customers, and making questionable claims about its content spending and future projections. The panelists express concerns about the long-term sustainability of Disney's business model and the potential for customer backlash against rising prices.
The entire auto industry appears to be on the verge of collapse. Major automakers are reporting significant declines in profits and sales, with Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, and even BMW all struggling.
Nissan is in "emergency mode", cutting 9,000 jobs and reducing production as it faces a dire situation. CEO Makota Uchida has had to partially revise the company's ambitious growth plans, admitting they have "no choice" but to make these drastic cuts.
Toyota has seen its net profit drop 26% in the first half of the fiscal year, with sales lagging in China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The strong Japanese yen and lack of production on key models like the Highlander have also hurt the company.
Honda has seen profits slide 15%, with higher R&D expenses, foreign exchange headwinds, and weak sales in China taking a toll. There are also concerns that Honda's Mexico-built models could be subject to potential tariffs under the new administration.
Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, and BMW have all reported significant profit declines as well, with supply chain issues, weak Chinese demand, and other macroeconomic factors weighing heavily.
New EV Startups Hemorrhaging Cash
The troubles are not limited to the traditional automakers. Upstart EV companies like Rivian and Lucid are also struggling mightily.
Rivian reported a staggering $1.1 billion net loss in the third quarter, losing an astounding $39,000 per vehicle delivered. Lucid's net loss widened to $950 million in the same period.
Despite investments from deep-pocketed backers like Saudi Arabia and Amazon, these new EV players are burning through cash at an unsustainable rate as they ramp up production and face their own supply chain challenges.
Tesla Bucks the Trend, Boosted by Trump Ties
In contrast to the industry-wide malaise, Tesla appears to be thriving. The company's stock has surged 29% this week, adding over $230 billion in market value.
Analysts believe Tesla's close ties to the incoming Trump administration could help the company, potentially expediting regulatory approval for its autonomous driving technology. There are also expectations that the EV tax credit may be eliminated under the new president, which would disproportionately benefit Tesla compared to its rivals.
An Uncertain Future
With profits plummeting, production cuts, and mass layoffs across the industry, the future of the automotive sector looks increasingly bleak. Affordability and interest rates will be key factors in determining whether the market can rebound.
However, the shifting political landscape and potential policy changes under the new administration add further uncertainty. The traditional automakers may benefit from the elimination of EV incentives, but the impact on startups like Rivian and Lucid could be devastating.
Only time will tell how the industry navigates these turbulent times. But the current indicators suggest a prolonged and painful downturn may be on the horizon for the once-mighty auto sector.
The Investment-Driven Growth Model and its Weaknesses
Over the past year, the Chinese economy has continued to struggle, with real estate sales down 25% and GDP growth slowing to 4.7% in the second quarter. Professor Michael Pettis, a finance professor at Peking University, has long expressed concerns about China's investment-driven growth model.
The problem with this model is that it works well when an economy is seriously underinvested, as China was in the 1980s and 1990s. However, as investment becomes increasingly unproductive, including in the property sector, it needs to be reined in. This poses a challenge, as investment has been the primary driver of China's growth, accounting for 43% of GDP, compared to a global average of around 25%.
Shifting from Real Estate to Manufacturing
In 2021, Beijing finally took steps to constrain the growth in the real estate sector, which accounted for about one-third of total investment in the Chinese economy. However, this created a new problem - if investment is reduced, either consumption growth must surge or GDP growth will drop.
China's solution has been to shift investment from the property sector into manufacturing. This has led to a growing trade surplus, as China's share of global manufacturing is increasing relative to its share of global GDP and consumption. The rest of the world must accommodate this shift, but in a hostile global environment, this is unlikely to happen.
The Difficulty of Boosting Consumption
Increasing the consumption share of GDP is incredibly difficult for China. This requires increasing the household income share, which involves a redistribution of resources from businesses, local governments, or the central government. This creates conflicts within China, as different sectors resist losing their share.
Japan faced similar challenges in the 1980s, and 38 years later, it is still an open question whether they have successfully rebalanced their economy. The competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing is not due to efficiency, but rather a series of subsidies and transfers from the household sector to the manufacturing sector. Reversing these transfers would undermine the manufacturing sector's competitiveness.
The Impact on the United States and the Global Economy
China's investment-driven growth model and its resulting trade surpluses have had a significant impact on the United States and the global economy. The US has absorbed roughly half of the world's trade surpluses through its own large trade deficits.
The US is now trying to reduce its role as the "consumer of last resort" and the "absorber of last resort" for global excess savings. This puts pressure on other surplus countries, such as China, Germany, and Japan, to either redirect their surpluses or face the consequences of a decline in their manufacturing sectors.
Potential Paths Forward for China
Professor Pettis outlines three potential paths for China:
Do nothing and accept that the Chinese economy will be distorted by policies not designed in China, leading to a continued decline in the manufacturing share of the economy.
Pursue selective industrial policies to support strategically important sectors, but resign to a gradual decline in the overall manufacturing sector.
Refuse to play the accommodating role in global imbalances, regain control of the capital account and trade account, and rebalance the economy through measures like taxing capital inflows.
The most likely scenario is a prolonged period of much slower GDP growth and a gradual rebalancing of the economy, similar to Japan's experience in the 1990s and 2000s. Achieving a more rapid rebalancing would require significant transfers from local governments to the household sector, which faces significant political and economic obstacles.
The Decline of Cable News: CNN's Layoffs and the Shifting Media Landscape
The recent bombshell report of hundreds of job cuts at CNN has sent shockwaves through the media industry. The network, once a powerhouse in cable news, is facing a reckoning as it grapples with declining viewership and a changing media landscape.
The layoffs come on the heels of CNN's abysmal election day ratings, which saw the network lag behind competitors like MSNBC and Fox News. This has shone a spotlight on the broader decline of mainstream media, especially cable news. The presidential election has been a catalyst for this shift, as viewers increasingly turn away from traditional news sources.
The man behind the layoffs, CNN's chief executive Mark Thompson, aims to carry out a "digital news first" vision for the network. This move reflects the broader cultural shift away from linear television, as people increasingly consume news and content through online platforms and streaming services.
The median age of CNN's viewers is now 67, highlighting the challenge the network faces in appealing to a younger, more digitally-savvy audience. While the network's veteran journalists like Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper have a loyal following, the high salaries of these "stars" have made it difficult for CNN to maintain a sustainable business model.
However, the layoffs are not just impacting the network's high-profile personalities. There are concerns that the cuts will hollow out the network's reporting capabilities, as the "behind the scenes" work of journalists and producers is sacrificed to maintain the star power.
In this shifting media landscape, CNN is not alone in its struggles. MSNBC has also seen a significant drop in viewership since the election, with a 54% decline in prime-time viewership. Meanwhile, Fox News has seen a 61% increase in viewership over the same period.
The rise of independent content creators and platforms like Substack has also challenged the traditional media model. Individuals are increasingly able to thrive without the need for a corporate brand like CNN, as trust in media institutions has eroded.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that CNN is attempting to adapt. The network has been praised for hosting more robust discussions and debates, featuring a wider range of perspectives. This shift away from the "outrage-driven" coverage that characterized the Trump era may be a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, the future of cable news remains uncertain. As the media landscape continues to evolve, networks like CNN will need to find innovative ways to engage audiences and rebuild trust in their brand. The layoffs at CNN are a stark reminder of the industry's struggles, but they also present an opportunity for the network to reinvent itself for the digital age.
Being able to manually move the robot could be an important part of deploying industrial robotic systems in the future. For Carter, that means more than just becoming a passive piece of equipment, but rather sensing the force being applied and adjusting accordingly. There’s also a bright orange handlebar that allows for single-handed control — a surprisingly complex challenge when creating a system like this.
That the collaborative nature is a core tenet of the system isn’t a surprise, given the founders’ pedigree. Prior to Robust, CTO Rodney Brooks founded Rethink Robotics, which also centered on human-robot interactions (HRI). While plenty of column space has been devoted to a future in which humanoid and other robots have entirely replaced their human counterparts, that’s a distant vision, at best.
Boeing's Turbulent Times: From Dominance to Despair
The Rise and Fall of an Industrial Giant
For decades, Boeing has been one of the most important industrial companies in the United States. Its factory in Everett, Washington, is the largest manufacturing facility of any kind anywhere in the world. At its peak in 2018, Boeing generated over $100 billion in revenue and was the single largest exporter in the United States by value.
A String of Disasters
However, over the past six years, Boeing has faced numerous disasters. It started with the two tragic crashes of 737 Max planes, which left 346 people dead. Since then, the company has experienced a string of safety issues, production issues, worker strikes, and cost overruns, leading to severe financial difficulty.
Safety and quality control issues have already forced two CEOs to resign in disgrace. Today, Boeing is in a desperate financial position, having lost money every year since 2019. The company's financial position was so bad that in October of 2024, they had to conduct a $21 billion dilutive equity raise to shore up their balance sheet, the largest secondary offering in the history of the U.S. stock market.
The 737 Max Debacle
The 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner are the most modern aircraft in Boeing's commercial lineup, with the main innovation being their increased fuel efficiency. However, the 737 Max has been plagued by safety issues, leading to a global grounding of the aircraft and a significant decline in Boeing's commercial aircraft deliveries.
Quality Control Challenges with the 787 Dreamliner
Even as the 737 Max was re-entering service, Boeing started to have problems with their second most important aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner. Throughout 2019 and 2020, a number of airlines had noticed quality control issues with their 787s, leading the FAA to force Boeing to temporarily halt production to sort out the problems.
Labor Strikes and Financial Woes
In addition to the safety and quality control issues, Boeing has also faced labor strikes, with a union representing 33,000 Boeing machinists conducting a 7-week strike in 2024. This will cost the company $1.4 billion annually in wage increases, further straining its already struggling financial position.
Boeing's defense segment has also faced significant challenges, with the company losing money on several fixed-price contracts due to cost overruns and technical difficulties. The company's attempt to expand its defense business too aggressively has backfired, leading to substantial losses.
The Path Forward
Despite the numerous challenges Boeing has faced in recent years, it is still one of the most important aerospace companies in the world. However, until Boeing can regain the trust of the FAA and sort out its production and quality control issues, it will likely continue to incur operating losses. The company's recent $21 billion equity raise buys it some time to turn things around, but it will be a long and difficult road ahead.
People and robots are going to be working side by side for the foreseeable future, so it’s important to ensure we can do so safely.
Another Carter differentiator Brooks is quick to point out is the use of cameras, rather than lidar. It’s a move that’s growing in popularity among autonomous mobile robot (AMR) makers. Pricing is a big piece of that puzzle, but there are additional reasons lidar might not be the best solution in a warehouse setting.
Greenblatt's book "The Big Secret" was about the importance of patience in investing. He told his students that if they did good valuation work, the market would eventually agree with them, even if it took weeks or years.
Stocks are ownership shares of businesses, and the market eventually gets the valuation right, even if it takes time. Patience is key.
Concentration vs. Diversification
Greenblatt has run concentrated portfolios with just 4-6 stocks, as well as more diversified long-short strategies with hundreds of positions.
Both approaches can work, but the concentrated approach is more volatile - you can lose 20-30% of your net worth in a few days. The diversified approach is less volatile but also less likely to produce outsized returns.
Greenblatt sees value in both approaches, depending on the investor's goals and risk tolerance.
The Rise of Passive Investing
Greenblatt believes passive investing is the right solution for most people, as it's very difficult to consistently beat the market.
However, he still sees opportunities for skilled active investors who can properly value businesses. The rise of passive investing may have actually created more opportunities in some areas.
Greenblatt cautions that market cap-weighted indexes automatically own too much of overvalued stocks and too little of undervalued ones. This can create opportunities for active managers.
Short Selling Challenges
Shorting is very difficult, as overvalued stocks can become even more overvalued. Greenblatt prefers a more diversified, "insurance company" approach to shorting, with small bets across many names.
He avoids using momentum or other quantitative factors to pick shorts, as he wants to understand the fundamental reasons a stock may be overvalued.
The Decline of Public Markets
Greenblatt is disappointed by the decline in the number of publicly traded companies in the U.S., from around 9,000 when he started to 3,500-4,000 today.
He believes overregulation has made it too expensive for smaller companies to go public, depriving individual investors of opportunities to invest in high-growth businesses.
Learning from Mistakes
Greenblatt emphasizes the importance of actually investing real money, even if it's a small amount, to truly learn from mistakes.
He and his partner have made many mistakes over the years, but have learned from them and continued to be successful long-term investors.
Overall, Greenblatt's insights highlight the value of patience, fundamental analysis, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures in investing.
A number of partners have been testing out an early version of the system, prior to the production model’s release. “It was just over a week that the first one came off the production line,” Brooks tells TechCrunch. DHL is the first large customer to be publicly announced, but while the global logistics firm no doubt has more than enough work to keep the robotics startup busy for the next decade, Brooks says that Robust is intentionally diversifying its client portfolio.
“We’re not going to just do business with DHL,” he explains. “Walmart had a whole bunch of robotics companies, and then they shut it down, and now those robotics companies are in trouble. We’ve made it clear to DHL that they only get a certain percentage of the robots we build, because we have to have a broader customer base.”
The ever-shrinking model
According to a study from researchers at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Databricks, and Carnegie Mellon, quantized models perform worse if the original, unquantized version of the model was trained over a long period on lots of data. In other words, at a certain point, it may actually be better to just train a smaller model rather than cook down a big one.
That could spell bad news for AI companies training extremely large models (known to improve answer quality) and then quantizing them in an effort to make them less expensive to serve.
The Changing Media Landscape and the 2024 Election
The Freedom of the Press and the Founders' Intent
The freedom of the press, as enshrined in the First Amendment, was not intended solely to protect journalists and media organizations. Rather, it was conceived as a freedom for the people - the right of individuals to publish and share their sentiments and opinions freely, without government interference.
James Madison's original proposed text for the First Amendment made this clear, stating that "the people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments." The freedom of the press was meant to safeguard the people's ability to inform and express themselves, not just the media's ability to report.
Alexander Hamilton's defense of newspaper publisher Harry Croswell further reinforced this principle. Croswell was convicted of criminal libel for publishing criticisms of President Thomas Jefferson, but Hamilton argued that truth should be a defense against libel charges - a concept that eventually became a cornerstone of press freedom in America.
The Media's Role in the 2020 Election
The speaker provides several examples of how the media has failed to uphold its duty to the people in recent years, particularly during the 2020 presidential election:
The 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, where the network allegedly deceptively edited her response to a question about the Biden administration's relationship with Israel. 60 Minutes has refused to release the full transcript or video, denying the public the full context.
The ABC News fact-check during the presidential debate, where the moderator patronizingly corrected President Trump's claims about rising crime rates, only for the FBI to later quietly revise its crime statistics to show a significant increase.
The media's collective effort to downplay and cover up concerns about President Biden's health and cognitive abilities, dismissing such concerns as "ageism" or "ableism" rather than addressing them transparently.
The speaker sees hope in the changing media landscape, where new platforms and content creators are bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers. He cites examples such as:
The rise of YouTube as the top distributor of television content, allowing viewers to discover new voices and perspectives beyond the major networks.
The success of independent media figures like Megyn Kelly, who has found success on YouTube after being pushed out of the mainstream media.
The growing popularity of long-form podcasts, particularly those featuring political figures like Donald Trump, which are reaching large and diverse audiences.
The speaker argues that these trends empower the people to seek out the news and information they want, rather than being beholden to the biases and agendas of the traditional media. He believes this aligns with the Founders' vision of a free press that serves the people, not the government or corporate interests.
Conclusion
The speaker concludes on a hopeful note, stating that the changing media landscape represents a return to the Founders' intent for the freedom of the press. He believes that the people now have the power to bypass the media gatekeepers and access a diverse range of information and perspectives, which will ultimately benefit the democratic process and the 2024 election.
The effects are already manifesting. A few months ago, developers and academics reported that quantizing Meta’s Llama 3 model tended to be “more harmful” compared to other models, potentially due to the way it was trained.
“In my opinion, the number one cost for everyone in AI is and will continue to be inference, and our work shows one important way to reduce it will not work forever,” Tanishq Kumar, a Harvard mathematics student and the first author on the paper, told TechCrunch.
The Principle of Least Action: The Single Rule Underlying All of Physics
The Brachistochrone Problem
The story begins with a simple problem - finding the shape of a ramp that will allow a mass to slide from point A to point B in the fastest time. Common sense might suggest a straight line, but Galileo showed that a curved ramp in the shape of a circle is actually faster.
In 1696, Johann Bernoulli posed this "brachistochrone" problem as a challenge to the best mathematicians. After several months, Newton submitted a solution, though Bernoulli's own solution was ultimately more elegant.
Bernoulli's insight was to draw a connection between this mechanical problem and the behavior of light. He realized that the path of fastest descent is analogous to the path of light as it refracts between media of different densities, obeying Snell's Law. This led him to the solution of a cycloid - the curve traced by a point on the rim of a rolling wheel.
The Principle of Least Time
The connection to light was no accident. Over a century earlier, the mathematician Pierre Fermat had proposed that light always takes the path of least time between two points. This "principle of least time" could explain the phenomenon of refraction.
Fermat's insight was that nature does not simply minimize distance, but rather minimizes the time it takes for light to travel. The constant n in Snell's Law turned out to be the ratio of the speeds of light in the two media.
The Principle of Least Action
Around 40 years after Bernoulli's solution, one of his students, Pierre Louis de Maupertuis, proposed an even more fundamental principle - the "principle of least action." Rather than time, Maupertuis claimed that nature minimizes a quantity he called "action," defined as mass times velocity times distance.
This idea was met with fierce criticism and ridicule from Maupertuis' contemporaries. However, the mathematician Leonhard Euler saw the potential in the principle and worked to put it on firmer mathematical footing. He showed that the principle of least action only holds if the total energy is conserved.
It was left to Joseph-Louis Lagrange to provide a general proof of the principle of least action. Lagrange's key insight was to rewrite the principle in terms of the Lagrangian - the difference between kinetic and potential energy. This allowed him to derive the equations of motion for any system using a simple variational principle.
The principle of least action is remarkably powerful. It unifies diverse areas of physics - from classical mechanics to electromagnetism and quantum theory - under a single mathematical framework. Rather than working with forces and vectors, one can simply write down the Lagrangian and apply the Euler-Lagrange equation to obtain the equations of motion.
This approach is particularly useful for complex systems, like the double pendulum, where the vector-based approach becomes unwieldy. The Lagrangian method provides a systematic way to derive the equations of motion, even in higher-dimensional or non-Cartesian coordinate systems.
While the name "principle of least action" is a bit misleading (it's more accurately the "principle of stationary action"), the underlying idea is remarkably simple and powerful. By minimizing a single scalar quantity - the action - one can describe the behavior of the entire physical world.
The story of the principle of least action is a testament to the power of mathematical thinking to unify and simplify our understanding of nature. What began as a problem about the fastest way to slide down a ramp ultimately revealed a fundamental principle underlying all of physics.
Contrary to popular belief, AI model inferencing — running a model, like when ChatGPT answers a question — is often more expensive in aggregate than model training. Consider, for example, that Google spent an estimated $191 million to train one of its flagship Gemini models — certainly a princely sum. But if the company were to use a model to generate just 50-word answers to half of all Google Search queries, it’d spend roughly $6 billion a year.
Major AI labs have embraced training models on massive datasets under the assumption that “scaling up” — increasing the amount of data and compute used in training — will lead to increasingly more capable AI.
Embracing Imperfection: The Realities of Achieving Success
The Myth of the Superhero
We often like to portray certain individuals as superheroes - successful, flawless, and always "winning." The media loves to highlight these dramatic stories of overcoming the odds, which can be incredibly inspiring. However, this can also lead to an unhealthy conclusion: "Maybe they can do it because they're incredible, they have no faults, they're just crushing it at all moments. But I'm just a normal person, I can't do that."
The reality is that most "superheroes" are nothing of the sort. They are just as weird and neurotic as the rest of us, with their own self-defeating habits and self-talk. They are strange creatures who do big things despite their flaws, not because they are perfect.
The author acknowledges that these "manic depressive symptoms" are just part of the entrepreneurial journey. They don't consider themselves a superhero, but rather someone who struggles with efficiency and consistency.
A Coping Mechanism for Maximizing Efficacy
To address this, the author shares an 8-step process for maximizing their efficacy, or "doing the right thing":
Wake up at least an hour before needing to be at a computer screen.
Make a cup of tea and sit down with pen and paper.
Write down the 3-5 things causing the most anxiety or discomfort.
For each item, ask if accomplishing it would satisfy your day and make other tasks easier.
Focus on the high-leverage items you answered "yes" to.
Block out 2-3 hours to focus on one of those items, without distractions.
Repeat step 6 - block out uninterrupted time to work on the most important task.
If you get distracted, gently bring yourself back to the task at hand.
The author has found that this process is the only way they can create big outcomes, despite their tendency to procrastinate. The key is to focus on the what (the most important task) rather than the how (doing everything perfectly).
Embracing Our Shared Humanity
In closing, the author reminds us that even the best of the best sometimes feel like they're "losing at the game of life." When in the "pit of despair," they recall the words of writer Kurt Vonnegut: "When I write, I feel like an armless, legless man with a crayon in his mouth."
The message is clear: don't overestimate the world and underestimate yourself. We are all in this together, fighting our own battles, and everyone has their own imperfections. By embracing our shared humanity, we can find the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
For example, Meta trained Llama 3 on a set of 15 trillion tokens. (Tokens represent bits of raw data; 1 million tokens is equal to about 750,000 words.) The previous generation, Llama 2, was trained on “only” 2 trillion tokens.
Evidence suggests that scaling up eventually provides diminishing returns; Anthropic and Google reportedly recently trained enormous models that fell short of internal benchmark expectations. But there’s little sign that the industry is ready to meaningfully move away from these entrenched scaling approaches.
Cathie Wood and Brett Winton of Ark Invest are sounding the alarm on a profound shift happening in healthcare. The convergence of technologies like AI, gene sequencing, and gene editing is ushering in a new era of curative therapies that could dramatically transform the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare landscape.
The key insight is that cures, not just treatments, are becoming viable. Historically, the pharmaceutical business model has been built around chronic treatments that patients must take indefinitely. But now, gene therapies and other curative approaches offer the potential to completely eliminate certain diseases with a single dose.
This shift in the revenue profile of drugs is not yet understood by Wall Street. Cures are actually more valuable than long-term treatments, as they avoid a lifetime of healthcare costs and deliver better patient outcomes. Yet the market is still valuing curative therapies as if they are just incremental improvements over existing treatments.
The Revenue Potential of Cures
To illustrate the value of cures, Winton walks through the example of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare disease. The current standard of care for HAE involves monthly injections costing $500,000 per year over a patient's lifetime. In contrast, a one-time curative therapy could be priced at $3 million, yet still represent a massive cost savings for the healthcare system.
Extrapolating this to the broader rare disease market, Winton estimates the revenue potential of cures to be around $2 billion per therapy - over 20 times more valuable than a traditional treatment. This is because cures not only eliminate the need for ongoing care, but also pull all of that future revenue forward into the present.
The Underappreciated Potential of Cures
Despite this massive value proposition, the market is currently underpricing and underappreciating the potential of curative therapies. Companies like Intellia Therapeutics, which is developing a cure for HAE, are trading at a fraction of what their asset could be worth if priced appropriately.
Winton believes this disconnect is due to a lack of familiarity. Wall Street has not yet seen the tangible evidence of how the revenue curve for cures differs from traditional treatments. As more cures come to market in the next 5 years, he expects a shift in how these assets are modeled and valued.
A New Golden Age of Healthcare Innovation
Wood and Winton see this convergence of technologies as ushering in a new golden age of healthcare innovation. Just as the biotech boom of the 1980s-1990s delivered massive returns, they believe the current wave of curative therapies could drive even greater returns to R&D.
Importantly, this isn't just good business - it's also transformative for humanity. The ability to cure devastating diseases, rather than just manage symptoms, has profound implications for patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system. The sooner the capital markets recognize this value, the faster these cures can be developed and deployed.
As Winton concludes, "the sooner kind of Wall Street or the capital markets realize how valuable these things could be, the more quickly we'll be able to develop cures for these diseases which can be yes great businesses but also great for Humanity."
How precise, exactly?
So, if labs are reluctant to train models on smaller datasets, is there a way models could be made less susceptible to degradation? Possibly. Kumar says that he and co-authors found that training models in “low precision” can make them more robust. Bear with us for a moment as we dive in a bit.
“Precision” here refers to the number of digits a numerical data type can represent accurately. Data types are collections of data values, usually specified by a set of possible values and allowed operations; the data type FP8, for example, uses only 8 bits to represent a floating-point number.
Exploring the Frontiers of Consciousness and Cognition
The Debate Over the Existence of the Self
The discussion begins with Thomas Metzinger, who has long argued that the self does not exist. He sees consciousness as a complex phenomenon with many problems, from the question of global integration to the issue of phenomenal atoms - the smallest units of experience. Metzinger believes the most difficult aspect is the subjectivity of consciousness, which is often tied to a first-person perspective.
Metzinger has proposed the concept of "epistemic agent models" - systems that model themselves as a knowing self. However, he has done this under the assumption that such selves do not actually exist in the world. He sees two camps on this issue - those who believe selves do exist, and Michael Levin, who even capitalizes the word "Self" in his writings.
Levin explains that his primary focus is not consciousness research, but rather more practical, conventional accounts of cognition. He acknowledges that he does not have a new theory of consciousness to push. Levin believes that cognition and consciousness are properties of living things, but may have existed before life itself. He is wary of being overly reductive, arguing that parsimony should not come at the expense of enabling future discovery.
Levin defines the "Self" as a coherent, emergent whole with an option space, a cognitive light cone, and cognitive processes that allow it to navigate that space with competency. He sees the Self as a decision-making system that lives forward in time, interpreting its memories in the present. Levin argues that this conception of the Self may not align with how others use the term, but it is a useful construct for understanding certain systems.
The Debate Over Goals, Intentionality, and Representation
Metzinger is skeptical of Levin's use of terms like "goal" and "agency," arguing that these concepts import human phenomenology and may not accurately capture the underlying dynamics of non-human systems. He suggests a more sober, control-theoretic notion of goal-directedness, while acknowledging the value of using intentional vocabulary as an instrument for interaction, rather than as a realist claim about the nature of reality.
Levin agrees that he is not advocating for true, intrinsic goals, but rather a functional, observer-dependent framework that allows for richer interaction with systems. He argues that different levels of description may be appropriate for different purposes, and that a scale-free, multi-scale approach to cognition can be valuable.
The discussion turns to the ethical challenges posed by the potential creation of artificial or synthetic forms of consciousness and suffering. Metzinger expresses deep concerns about the risks of inadvertently creating suffering through research into these areas, and the need for a rigorous, empirically-grounded theory of suffering to guide such work.
Levin acknowledges the gravity of these issues, but argues that the path to alleviating human and animal suffering may inevitably require grappling with the nature of consciousness and cognition, even if that carries risks. He emphasizes the need for humility, caution, and the development of ethical frameworks to navigate these complex waters.
The conversation explores the possibility of creating "suffering-free" forms of synthetic phenomenology, as well as the philosophical and practical challenges involved. Ultimately, both Metzinger and Levin agree that this is an area requiring deep ethical reflection and a commitment to minimizing harm, even as the frontiers of knowledge are pushed forward.
Most models today are trained at 16-bit or “half precision” and “post-train quantized” to 8-bit precision. Certain model components (e.g., its parameters) are converted to a lower-precision format at the cost of some accuracy. Think of it like doing the math to a few decimal places but then rounding off to the nearest 10th, often giving you the best of both worlds.
Hardware vendors like Nvidia are pushing for lower precision for quantized model inference. The company’s new Blackwell chip supports 4-bit precision, specifically a data type called FP4; Nvidia has pitched this as a boon for memory- and power-constrained data centers.
Celebrities Flee X in Droves, Citing Musk's Involvement in 2024 Election
In the aftermath of Elon Musk's appointment as leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, a number of high-profile celebrities and major brands have announced their departure from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The tech mogul's campaign involvement and financial incentives for those who voted for the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election have sparked outrage among these self-important figures. They believe their presence on the platform lent credibility to Musk and, by extension, former President Trump's victory.
"You being on this platform made no never mind to nobody's vote. Trust and Believe, okay? You leaving X means absolutely nothing."
Celebrities such as Bette Midler, Don Lemon, and Jamie Lee Curtis have all made grand announcements about their departure from the platform. However, the reality is that their absence will go largely unnoticed, as many users were unaware of their presence on X in the first place.
"Gabrielle Union joins growing list of figures leaving X. Enough is enough," the actress wrote in a lengthy letter. In response, one user commented, "Gabrielle, I did some research and learn that nobody gives a that you are leaving X."
The Guardian, a news outlet, has also announced its decision to no longer post on X, citing the platform's promotion of "far-right conspiracy theories and racism." However, these so-called "conspiracy theories" often turn out to be the truth, revealed months later. The real reason behind their departure is the fact that Musk is now working with Trump, which the media outlets cannot tolerate.
The Rise of Blue Sky and the Downfall of Threads
In the wake of the exodus from X, celebrities have flocked to rival social media platforms, with Blue Sky emerging as the new destination of choice. Actors, directors, musicians, and journalists have all joined the platform, hoping to find a "safe space" away from the perceived toxicity of X.
However, the transition to Blue Sky has not been without its own challenges. The platform is reportedly drowning under the weight of reports, with over 42,000 reports received in the past 24 hours, equating to around 3,000 reports per hour. This influx of reports has prompted the creation of a "Blue Sky Safety" account, which aims to quickly remove the "most harmful content."
"The left are flocking to their safe space Blue Sky. I will be sharing the best of their derang post exposing their inanity for all to see," says the Libs of Blue Sky account, hinting at the potential for further comedy and drama on the platform.
The failure of the much-hyped Threads platform, which was touted as an "X killer," has also become evident, as the celebrities have opted for Blue Sky instead. This suggests that the left-leaning echo chamber they sought to create has not gained the traction they had hoped for.
In the end, the departure of these self-important celebrities from X is unlikely to have any significant impact on the platform's success. Instead, their exodus may actually improve the overall experience for users, as they no longer have to contend with the "Trump derangement and nonsense" that these figures often brought to the table.
"Get lost, goodbye. Don't let the door hit you with the good Lord split you. All right, we good."
But extremely low quantization precision might not be desirable. According to Kumar, unless the original model is incredibly large in terms of its parameter count, precisions lower than 7- or 8-bit may see a noticeable step down in quality.
If this all seems a little technical, don’t worry — it is. But the takeaway is simply that AI models are not fully understood, and known shortcuts that work in many kinds of computation don’t work here. You wouldn’t say “noon” if someone asked when they started a 100-meter dash, right? It’s not quite so obvious as that, of course, but the idea is the same:
“The key point of our work is that there are limitations you cannot naïvely get around,” Kumar concluded. “We hope our work adds nuance to the discussion that often seeks increasingly low precision defaults for training and inference.”
Kumar acknowledges that his and his colleagues’ study was at relatively small scale — they plan to test it with more models in the future. But he believes that at least one insight will hold: There’s no free lunch when it comes to reducing inference costs.
“Bit precision matters, and it’s not free,” he said. “You cannot reduce it forever without models suffering. Models have finite capacity, so rather than trying to fit a quadrillion tokens into a small model, in my opinion much more effort will be put into meticulous data curation and filtering, so that only the highest quality data is put into smaller models. I am optimistic that new architectures that deliberately aim to make low precision training stable will be important in the future.”
For decades, fusion power has been touted as the energy technology of the future - a clean, abundant source of energy that could solve our energy and environmental woes. Yet the promise of fusion has remained elusive, with the technology always seeming to be "20 years away." However, recent breakthroughs suggest that fusion power may finally be on the horizon.
The challenges of achieving practical fusion power are immense. Replicating the extreme conditions found at the core of stars, where fusion occurs naturally, is an incredibly difficult engineering feat. Temperatures of tens of millions of degrees Celsius, intense magnetic fields, and the need to contain highly reactive plasma are just some of the hurdles fusion researchers must overcome.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of fusion power are so great that scientists and engineers have persisted in their efforts to harness this technology. Fusion offers the prospect of an essentially limitless fuel supply, with the key ingredients - hydrogen isotopes like deuterium and tritium - being readily available. Fusion also produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it a potentially game-changing solution to climate change.
At the heart of fusion is the process of combining light atomic nuclei to form heavier ones, releasing vast amounts of energy in the process. This is the same reaction that powers the Sun and other stars. In a fusion reactor, the goal is to bring together light elements like hydrogen or its isotopes, deuterium and tritium, and fuse them into helium, releasing energy.
The challenge lies in overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei, which want to push each other apart. To achieve fusion, the nuclei must be heated to extremely high temperatures, allowing them to overcome this "Coulomb barrier" and collide with sufficient force to fuse.
Fusion reactions release far more energy per unit of fuel than fission, the process that powers conventional nuclear reactors. However, the conditions required to sustain fusion are much more extreme. Whereas fission can be achieved at relatively low temperatures, fusion requires heating the fuel to tens of millions of degrees Celsius - hotter than the core of the Sun.
Maintaining these extreme conditions and containing the highly reactive plasma is the primary technical hurdle facing fusion researchers. Various reactor designs, such as the tokamak and stellarator, use powerful magnetic fields to confine and control the plasma. Other approaches, like inertial confinement fusion, use intense laser or particle beams to compress and heat the fuel.
Despite decades of research and development, the path to practical fusion power has been slow and arduous. Many early fusion projects in the 1950s and 1960s promised breakthroughs within a couple of decades, only to be met with disappointment as the technical challenges proved far more difficult than anticipated.
Over the years, there have been numerous fusion reactor designs and experiments, each with its own successes and setbacks. Projects like the Joint European Torus (JET) in the UK, the Japan Torus (JT-60) in Japan, and the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor in South Korea have all made important advances, pushing the boundaries of plasma confinement and heating.
The KSTAR reactor, for example, recently set a new record by sustaining a plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius for nearly a minute. This is a significant milestone, but still falls short of the conditions needed for net energy gain - where the reactor produces more energy than it consumes.
The slow pace of fusion development can be frustrating, as each new breakthrough is often met with hype and claims of imminent commercialization. In reality, the path to a working fusion power plant is still decades away, requiring further advances in plasma physics, materials science, and engineering.
Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of fusion power make it a technology worth pursuing. If the technical hurdles can be overcome, fusion could provide a virtually limitless, carbon-free source of energy that could power our civilization for centuries to come.
Fusion could unlock new frontiers in space exploration, enabling the development of powerful propulsion systems for interplanetary and even interstellar travel. It could also revolutionize how we produce and distribute energy, allowing for the construction of massive, centralized fusion reactors that could supply power to entire regions or even continents.
Moreover, the development of fusion technology could have broader impacts on our society and economy. The research and engineering required to make fusion a reality would drive advances in fields like materials science, robotics, and high-energy physics. The construction and maintenance of fusion power plants would also create new industries and job opportunities.
While the timeline for the commercialization of fusion power remains uncertain, the steady progress of fusion research and the growing global investment in the technology suggest that the dream of fusion power may finally be within reach. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the promise of an abundant, clean, and sustainable energy source remains a powerful motivator for the fusion research community and the world at large.
China's Ambitious Water Transfer Project: Conquering Nature or Courting Disaster?
Taming the Arid North
China is a vast country with rich natural resources and diverse terrain, but not all of its territory is equally hospitable for human habitation. The arid northern regions of China have long struggled with water scarcity, leading to devastating droughts and threatening the livelihoods of millions.
In the past, China has attempted to remedy this problem through drastic measures, such as the disastrous Great Leap Forward in the 1950s and 60s. However, these efforts often came at a catastrophic cost to human life. Undeterred, China has now embarked on a new, ambitious project to address its water woes: the South-North Water Transfer Project.
The South-North Water Transfer Project is a complex network of canals and waterways designed to redirect water from China's water-rich southern regions to the parched north. Spanning three main routes - the Eastern, Central, and Western - the project aims to alleviate the water shortage in the north and provide a consistent supply of fresh water to support the region's agricultural and industrial sectors.
The Eastern and Central routes, now largely complete, have already begun delivering water to the North China Plain and the cities of Beijing and Tianjin. However, it is the Western route that poses the greatest challenge, both in terms of engineering and diplomacy.
The Western route of the South-North Water Transfer Project is perhaps the most ambitious and the least well-defined. It involves the construction of a new artificial river, the "Red Flag River," which will divert water from the ecologically fragile Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the isolated regions of Xinjiang and Qinghai in the northwest.
This endeavor faces several daunting obstacles. The sheer scale of the project, spanning hundreds of kilometers across diverse and rugged terrain, presents immense engineering challenges. Moreover, the disruption of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's water supply could have severe environmental consequences, potentially impacting the flow of transnational rivers like the Mekong and the Brahmaputra.
The potential impact of the Western route on the Brahmaputra River, which flows from China into India and Bangladesh, has raised concerns from India's leadership. The redirection of water from this vital river could have far-reaching consequences for the millions of people who depend on it for irrigation and transportation.
Beyond the diplomatic tensions, the environmental impact of the South-North Water Transfer Project as a whole is a significant concern. The disruption of river flows, the spread of pollution, and the potential for habitat destruction have all been raised as issues that could undermine the project's long-term sustainability.
As China's population and economic growth continue to put pressure on its water resources, the success of the South-North Water Transfer Project will be crucial in determining the country's water security. While the completed Eastern and Central routes have provided some relief, the viability of the Western route remains uncertain.
The project's hefty price tag and the potential for diplomatic and environmental fallout raise questions about its long-term sustainability. As China grapples with the challenges of taming nature, it must also navigate the delicate balance between its domestic needs and its international obligations.
The South-North Water Transfer Project stands as a testament to China's engineering prowess, but its ultimate legacy may hinge on whether it can overcome the formidable obstacles that lie ahead.
Here is a summary of the discussion in the form of a longform article:
The Emerging Cold War with China
Niall Ferguson on the Dangers of Cold War II
As the conflict between the United States and China intensifies, historian Niall Ferguson warns that we are entering a new Cold War that could be even more dangerous than the first. In a wide-ranging discussion with Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution, Ferguson lays out the reasons why Cold War II poses a grave threat to global stability and American preeminence.
Ferguson begins by noting that China has already caught up to the United States economically, surpassing America's GDP on a purchasing power parity basis in 2014. This is a far cry from the Soviet Union, which at its peak was only 44% the size of the U.S. economy. Technologically, China also poses a more formidable challenge, with capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing that the Soviets could never have matched.
Moreover, the social and economic interpenetration between China and the U.S. is far deeper than during the first Cold War. China has many more citizens in America and can gather intelligence through electronic means that were unavailable to the Soviets. This makes the current rivalry much more perilous.
The most immediate flashpoint is Taiwan, which Ferguson sees as the potential trigger for a direct military confrontation between the U.S. and China. He notes that while the U.S. has long accepted the fiction that Taiwan is part of China, recent years have seen a hardening of American resolve to defend the island's de facto independence.
The stakes are enormous - as Ferguson puts it, "losing or not even fighting for Taiwan would be seen all over Asia as the end of American predominance in the region. It would surely cause a run on the dollar and US Treasuries. It would be an American Suez."
Yet Taiwan spends only 2.1% of its GDP on defense, leading some to question whether it is truly committed to its own survival. Ferguson argues that this is a rational calculation based on the U.S. security guarantee, much like the free-riding behavior of many European countries during the original Cold War. However, he warns that this cannot be taken for granted, and the U.S. must be prepared to back up its commitments with real military power.
Ideological Dimensions and the Lure of the Chinese Model
Ferguson rejects the notion that the Chinese Communist Party is merely a group of cynical capitalists, arguing that Xi Jinping and other leaders are true believers in Marxism-Leninism. This ideology of conflict, he says, underpins China's determination to displace the United States as the dominant global power.
At the same time, the Chinese model of authoritarian capitalism has gained some appeal in the developing world, offering a path to economic development and social control that contrasts with the perceived dysfunction of Western democracies. Ferguson cautions that while this model may not be as seductive as Soviet communism was, it still poses a threat to American interests and values.
Ultimately, Ferguson believes the U.S. can prevail in Cold War II, but only if it is willing to make the necessary investments in defense, technology, and immigration reform to maintain its innovative edge. He argues that the country functions best when it has a clear external adversary, as it did during the original Cold War, and that the current bipartisan consensus on the China challenge is a positive sign.
However, he warns against rushing into a direct confrontation over Taiwan, advocating instead for a strategy of deterrence and patience, akin to the approach taken by Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon in the 1970s. By buying time, the U.S. can strengthen its position and avoid the kind of reckless showdown that could lead to catastrophic conflict.
As the world enters a new era of great power competition, Niall Ferguson's insights offer a sobering but clear-eyed assessment of the challenges ahead. The stakes could not be higher, but with the right strategy and national unity, he believes the United States can prevail once again.
The Art of Recruitment: How Russian Intelligence Agencies Acquire Agents
The world of espionage is a complex and intricate one, where intelligence agencies employ a variety of tactics to recruit and maintain their network of agents. One such tactic, commonly used by Russian intelligence agencies, is the exploitation of the human psyche through an acronym known as "MICE."
Money, Ideology, Coercion, and Ego
The "MICE" acronym stands for the four primary motivations that intelligence agencies leverage to acquire agents:
Money: People are often driven by greed and the desire for financial gain. Individuals like Aldrich Ames, who had an expensive lifestyle, were easily swayed by the promise of monetary rewards.
Ideology: During the 1920s and 1930s, the Soviets were particularly adept at exploiting the ideological beliefs of communists, who were willing to betray their own for the "greater good." Even disillusioned former communists, such as Whitaker Chambers and Elizabeth Bentley, became valuable assets for American intelligence.
Coercion: Intelligence agencies often resort to blackmail and threats to compel individuals to cooperate. The Okhrana, the Tsarist secret police, would round up revolutionaries and threaten to keep their comrades in jail or spread rumors about them unless they agreed to work as agents.
Ego: The sheer satisfaction of deceiving and manipulating powerful individuals can be a powerful motivator for some. Kim Philby, a member of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring, was said to have been driven by the ego boost he received from being recruited by the NKVD, the predecessor to the KGB.
Maintaining Control and Sowing Mistrust
To ensure the effectiveness of their agents, intelligence agencies often employ a strategy of maintaining tight control and sowing mistrust within the target organization. They would have multiple agents within the same group, who were unaware of each other's identities. This way, the reports they filed had to align, or else the agents could be liquidated for not fulfilling their duties.
In one particularly striking example, the Okhrana had infiltrated the leadership of the Socialist Revolutionary Party, a major revolutionary organization in Russia. The head of the party's terrorist wing, Yevno Azef, was revealed to be an Okhrana agent, sowing chaos and mistrust within the party's ranks.
The Allure of Betrayal
The appeal of betrayal and the "Machiavellian joy in deceit" can be a powerful draw for some individuals. The sense of being the only one privy to the true nature of the powerful people they interact with, and the rush of manipulating them, can be intoxicating. This ego-driven motivation, combined with the pull of money and ideology, can create a potent recipe for recruitment and espionage.
The ability of intelligence agencies to exploit these human weaknesses and motivations is a testament to the complexity of the espionage game. Understanding the "MICE" approach provides insight into the tactics used by Russian and other intelligence agencies to infiltrate and influence organizations, sowing discord and undermining trust from within.
While Trump’s antitrust agendas remain uncertain, there seems to be growing optimism that he'll employ a more hands-off approach compared to Biden.
“We expect tech stocks to rally further into year-end as the Street further digests a less regulatory spider web under Trump with Khan/FTC days in the rear view mirror, stronger AI initiatives within the Beltway on the way, and a goldilocks foundation for Big Tech and Tesla looking into 2025 and beyond,” Wedbush’s Dan Ives wrote in a recent note to clients.
Cisco (CSCO) CFO Scott Herren is confident in the company’s momentum heading into 2025. He told me on Yahoo Finance’s Catalysts that he feels “really good” about Cisco’s position, noting “strength across the board.”
“It's hard to predict what's going to happen from a political standpoint, but when you look at the things that are going to drive government efficiency, we've got the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that's about increasing productivity, and technology is always going to be critical to increasing productivity,” Herren said.
Despite optimism from tech leaders, investor sentiment seems a bit more cautious. Performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks, outside of Tesla (TSLA), has been lackluster since Election Day, hampered by risks associated with a stronger dollar and more tariffs.
That could change quickly, Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski told me. AI, which has “essentially been all the rage” on Wall Street, remains in its “infancy,” with vast growth potential ahead, he said.
And IBM’s Krishna echoed this sentiment, citing AI as a key catalyst not only for IBM’s stock but the US tech sector overall.
The Academy: A Gripping Tale of Iran's Revolution and the Struggle for Power
For over 13 years, the author has been crafting a captivating story, "The Academy," which delves into the complexities of the Iranian Revolution and the power dynamics that shaped the country's tumultuous history. This work of fiction is rooted in true events, offering a unique perspective on the pivotal moments that led to the fall of the Shah and the rise of the Islamic Republic.
The narrative follows the journey of Asher, a character who is half Syrian and half Armenian, as he is recruited into a secret society tasked with developing leaders who will shape the world. At the heart of the story is the villain, a former deputy director of SAVAK, the Shah's notorious intelligence agency. This character's actions and motivations provide a fascinating insight into the factors that contributed to the downfall of the Iranian regime.
In a remarkable turn of events, the author's work caught the attention of the very individual who inspired the villain in the book. The former SAVAK deputy director reached out to the author, eager to discuss the book and understand the perspective that had been portrayed. This led to an eight-hour meeting between the author, the former SAVAK official, and their respective families, providing a rare opportunity to explore the nuances of this pivotal moment in history.
The Academy is not just a work of fiction; it is a testament to the power of storytelling to shed light on complex geopolitical events. By blending fact and fiction, the author has created a narrative that challenges readers to consider the multifaceted nature of the Iranian Revolution and the consequences that continue to reverberate throughout the region.
For those interested in the history of Iran, the dynamics of power, and the ongoing struggle for stability in the Middle East, "The Academy" offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of these themes. The author's unique approach, combined with the unexpected real-life connection, makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
Legacy Media is Almost Dead: The Decline of Celebrity Endorsements and Race Hustlers
The Decline of Legacy Media and Celebrity Endorsements
Adam believes that legacy media, celebrity endorsements, and "race hustlers" are all dying or dead.
The media, including outlets like CNN, CBS, ABC, and the LA Times, have lost credibility by willfully misinterpreting and distorting Trump's words and actions.
Celebrity endorsements no longer carry the same weight, as people have become disillusioned with celebrities lecturing them on politics and morality while engaging in their own hypocritical behavior.
There is a growing distrust of elites, including politicians and celebrities, as people recognize the hypocrisy and disconnect between their rhetoric and actions.
Voters are becoming more pragmatic, caring more about practical issues that affect their daily lives rather than ideological posturing.
The Democratic party is struggling to connect with working-class voters, as their progressive agenda and focus on identity politics is seen as out-of-touch.
The Need for Authenticity and Engagement
Adam argues that people are craving authenticity and a sense of engagement, rather than being lectured by out-of-touch elites.
He suggests that the key to mental health and well-being is not just medication, but physical activity, hands-on tasks, and a sense of accomplishment from doing simple, everyday things.
The disconnect between rhetoric and reality, as well as the tendency to label anyone who disagrees as a racist or bigot, has eroded trust in institutions and the political class.
The Path Forward for the Left
If the Democratic party wants to regain the trust of voters, Adam suggests they need to move away from their progressive agenda and focus more on practical, bread-and-butter issues that matter to working-class Americans.
They will likely have to adopt a more Republican-like approach to get elected, which may seem strange to their base, but is necessary to connect with the broader electorate.
The key is finding a balance between their ideals and the pragmatic needs of the people, rather than doubling down on their current strategy.
In the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold, Elon Musk found himself at odds with California officials who ordered Tesla to close its Fremont manufacturing plant. Musk refused, marking a pivotal moment for the electric car maker. This incident was the "final straw" that prompted Musk to announce Tesla's headquarters would be moving to Texas and Nevada.
Musk's departure from California was more than just a spiteful reaction. Texas presented logical benefits that were not available on the densely populated West Coast. The state offered ample open land for scaling up operations, less traffic congestion, more affordable housing to attract talent, lower taxes, and fewer regulations. This analytical approach aligned with Musk's core mindset, leading him to view Texas as the ideal location to build his vision for the future.
Tesla's gigafactory in Austin was just the first step in Musk's grand plan for Texas. The Boring Company, Musk's tunneling venture, set up shop in Bastrop, a suburb east of Austin, establishing "Hyperloop Plaza" as the center of research and development. This location is also the site of Musk's much-hyped "Snailbrook," a futuristic utopian community taking shape.
Alongside the Boring Company, SpaceX has also established a significant presence in Texas. The company's Starbase facility is located 350 miles south of Austin, in the village of Boca Chica, where the Starship program is headquartered. SpaceX has effectively taken control of the area, building employee housing and even a private school.
Musk's Texas expansion extends beyond just his existing companies. In December 2023, a tax filing revealed Musk's plans to found a university in Austin through one of his charities, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math education.
Additionally, Neuralink, Musk's brain-implant company, has begun construction on a $14 million office and manufacturing facility in the area between the Tesla gigafactory and the Boring Company's Bastrop site, along the Colorado River.
The most recent addition to Musk's Texas empire is the relocation of X (formerly Twitter) headquarters to Bastrop, likely to be situated within the Hyperloop Plaza complex. This move aligns with Musk's vision of transforming X into an "everything app" and integrating it with his AI venture, XAI.
Musk's Texas expansion is not limited to the outskirts of Austin. While the locations of his various companies may seem secretive or reclusive, the underlying rationale is clear: Musk is seeking room to grow, build, and innovate in a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable manner than what California could offer.
As Musk continues to consolidate his operations in Texas, the state is poised to become the epicenter of his ambitious plans. From Tesla's electric vehicle production to SpaceX's rocket launches, the Boring Company's tunneling projects, Neuralink's brain-computer interfaces, and the transformation of X, Texas is emerging as the canvas upon which Musk will paint his vision for the future.
This is only the beginning, as Musk's Texas footprint is set to expand even further. The state's welcoming business climate and Musk's desire for unencumbered growth suggest that the Lone Star State will be the stage for the next chapter of Elon Musk's grand technological and societal transformation.
Tesla Valuation: Unpacking the Wall Street Perspective
Analyzing Wall Street's Tesla Forecasts
Gary Black, from Future Fund, shared his insights on how Wall Street analysts typically calculate their forecasts for Tesla's valuation and stock price. He explained that many Tesla investors still inflate the company's valuation and stock price, but his view is that Tesla's earnings estimates and valuation have declined over the past two years as the company's 2024 earnings per share fell by around 60%.
However, Black believes that as Tesla's auto gross margins bottom out and the company launches a new $25-30,000 compact model to increase its total addressable market (TAM), analysts will start increasing their earnings per share estimates again. This, in turn, should lead to higher analyst valuations and price targets for Tesla's stock.
Unpacking the "Covid Surge Pricing" Effect
Jeff Lutz provided a detailed explanation of the "Covid surge pricing" phenomenon that impacted the auto industry. He described how supply chain disruptions and material shortages during the pandemic led to increased costs for automakers, which they then passed on to consumers through higher prices.
Lutz argued that Tesla was able to navigate this challenge faster than its competitors, allowing the company to make "price corrections" earlier than others. This was not due to Tesla wanting to increase volume, as some analysts had suggested, but rather a necessary adjustment to reflect the changing input costs and supply chain conditions.
Comparing Tesla's Valuation to GM and Waymo
Some have questioned why Tesla's valuation is so much higher than that of traditional automakers like GM and the self-driving company Waymo (owned by Alphabet). Lutz provided a nuanced perspective, explaining that Tesla's vertically integrated approach, its battery technology, supercharging network, and progress in autonomous driving all contribute to its higher valuation.
He emphasized that Tesla is not just an automaker, but a company that is "leaving the Auto industry" and moving towards a future where software, services, and autonomous capabilities are key drivers of value. This makes it difficult to simply compare Tesla to traditional automakers using conventional valuation metrics.
The Importance of Nvidia's Potential Investment in Elon Musk's xAI
The news that Nvidia is in talks to potentially invest in Elon Musk's xAI startup was discussed. Lutz highlighted the importance of the speed and efficiency with which Elon and his team are able to build AI factories and infrastructure, which he believes is unmatched in the industry. This, combined with the potential synergies between Nvidia's technology and xAI's initiatives, could make the investment a strategic move for Nvidia.
Warren Buffett's Cash Accumulation and Buyback Halt
Finally, the panel examined Warren Buffett's recent actions, including the sale of over $100 billion in Apple stock, the halt of Berkshire Hathaway's stock buybacks, and the growth of the company's cash balance to a record $325 billion. Lutz emphasized the need to look at Buffett's cash position relative to Berkshire's market capitalization, rather than just the absolute cash figure.
He noted that Berkshire's cash as a percentage of its market cap, while high, is not necessarily an outlier compared to historical levels. Lutz cautioned against reading too much into Buffett's moves in the short term, given the investor's long-term track record of success.
Overall, this discussion provided a comprehensive analysis of the various factors influencing the valuation of Tesla and other companies, as well as insights into the strategic decisions being made by industry leaders like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.
The Power of Social Media in Shaping the 2024 Election
Based on the attached transcript, it's clear that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has found immense success in leveraging the TikTok platform to reach and influence young voters.
The TikTok Phenomenon
Kirk describes the staggering viewership numbers he's been able to achieve on TikTok, with individual videos garnering 50 million, 138 million, and even 226 million views. He notes that this level of engagement on TikTok far outpaces what he sees on other social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Kirk attributes this success to TikTok's unique ability to connect with the "working class" and "muscular class" - janitors, waiters, Uber drivers, and others who may not be as engaged on traditional media. He notes the platform's diverse audience, with strong representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian-American viewers.
The October 7th Turning Point
Kirk believes the events of October 7th, which led to a proposed TikTok ban, were a pivotal moment that opened the door for his team's success on the platform. He theorizes that the ban, which was tied to concerns over anti-Israel sentiment, prompted TikTok to become more receptive to conservative voices.
"I think Chris would actually agree with this because it's just an objective analysis not a partisan one and the the buried lead of the October 7th was that it it got Tik Tok banned and remember the Tik Tok ban stalled based on just China concerns but Tik Tok was the The Hub of a lot of the anti-israel sentiment that was brewing with Gen Z and then all of a sudden the Tik Tock ban got uh resurfaced Mitt Romney said at a security conference we are Banning Tik Tok because it is sewing anti-israel sentiment in the United States so Tik Tok gets banned and our team we had this idea like hey Tik Tok is in a place where they don't want to get banned with an incoming Administration let's send out a tweet saying hey guys let's do one more chance if you treat us fairly we'll become Tik tok's like biggest right-wing fan right and I will talk and they reached out and they were great they said the here are our rules we will uh transparently enforce them again they they very very sensitive you talk about trans stuff it's like incredibly right even if you do it diplomatically and we said great so uh again this is all transparent it's all public there's no like back room deal and so we started posting my old College discussions there because I've been doing this for 12 years where we just have open dialogues and we started to get 5 million views a day six million views a day and 10 million views a day."
Kirk believes that his TikTok success, combined with other factors like Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition and the indictments against Donald Trump, could pave the way for a major comeback for the former president in 2024.
He cites a Wall Street Journal article that highlights the significant shift in young voter support, with Trump gaining a 14-point lead among men under 30 and narrowing the gap with women under 30. Kirk attributes this to his team's efforts to reach young voters through platforms like TikTok, as well as Trump's own outreach through college events and popular podcasts.
"Trump's campaign reach young voters through college events Tick Tock they're talking about you right here and popular podcast following advice from his son Baron who recommended appearance on platforms such as Aiden RZ drawn hundreds of thousands of views now Aiden sure gamer all this stuff but a lot of this if I was to hear someone for example celebrity gets on oh wow he was on Aiden great oh my God he was on Logan Paul and Mike m great sure influence yeah I can't believe Logan had him on I get it Jake actually broke down a 32-minute video to explain why he's voting I think that translates you get young voters to say that's right right that doesn't make any sense what are you talking about this doesn't make any sense Chris again the sport of politics how big you're in this space you've been in it your entire life your father's a two-term governor your brother's a governor so it's not like you how big of a deal was this for young voters to flip like this and be inspired to come out and vote for Trump"
Kirk emphasizes the importance of reaching diverse audiences, particularly young people, through unconventional platforms like TikTok. He recounts stories of Hispanic, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander waiters and waitresses in Las Vegas who approached him for photos, having discovered him on TikTok.
This underscores the potential for conservative voices to connect with demographics that may have traditionally been more aligned with the Democratic party. Kirk's success on TikTok suggests that the conservative movement is making inroads with younger, more diverse voters, which could have significant implications for the 2024 election and beyond.
The discussion also touches on the changing dynamics of political discourse, with the rise of alternative media platforms and the challenges faced by traditional media outlets. Kirk's comments on the "bro" label and the dismissive attitudes towards platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast highlight the ongoing tensions between established political narratives and the growing influence of non-traditional voices.
As the 2024 election approaches, the role of social media and the ability to reach diverse, younger audiences will undoubtedly be a key factor in shaping the political landscape. Kirk's success on TikTok serves as a testament to the power of unconventional strategies in engaging with the electorate and potentially swaying the outcome of future elections.
Intel apparently has no plans to produce consumer desktop CPUs featuring 3D-stacked cache to compete with AMD's technology.
AMD's 3D V-Cache technology has significantly enhanced gaming performance in the company's last three generations of processors, with rival Intel yet to respond. In a recent interview, Intel revealed that while it has similar technology in development, gaming performance is not its primary focus.
Intel apparently has no plans to produce consumer desktop CPUs featuring 3D-stacked cache to compete with AMD's technology. Instead, the company is focusing on enhancing the cache configuration for its next-generation server CPUs, which it considers a more critical market segment.
Over the past few years, stacking die configurations to expand L3 cache has become a key advantage for AMD. The addition of 3D V-Cache to the Ryzen 5 5800X3D made it arguably the best-value gaming CPU upon its launch in 2022. Its newly released successor, the 9800X3D, has undisputedly claimed the title of the best overall gaming CPU, as confirmed in our review.
However, Intel Tech Communications Manager Florian Mailslinger recently told YouTubers der8auer and Bens Hardware that the company's equivalent to 3D V-cache won't debut in desktops. Around the 1-hour and 19-minute mark in the interview below, he confirmed that Clearwater Forest, a lineup of Xeon server CPUs set to arrive in 2025, will feature a technology called Local Cache, which uses vertically stacked tiles.
However, according to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, this PC-only approach is just a temporary anomaly.
If you've been keeping tabs on Microsoft's upcoming game releases, you might have noticed something a little unusual – several of their major titles launching this fall are PC exclusives, at least initially. Games like World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion, the indie hit Ara: History Untold, and the early access version of Towerborne are all skipping Xbox consoles for now.
However, according to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, this PC-only approach is just a temporary "anomaly." In an interview with Game File, Spencer made it clear that the company's goal is to have their games playable across as many platforms as possible under the Xbox umbrella – whether that's consoles, PC, or cloud streaming.
"We want to get to the point where, when you buy, whether you're buying on cloud – which we're getting ready to introduce – buying on PC and buying on console, you own it across all of the Xbox ecosystem," said Spencer.
If you've seen Xbox's latest marketing campaign (above) that rather outlandishly declares just about every device with a screen an Xbox, this starts to make sense.
On the subject of sharing games with rival Sony's PlayStation, Spencer spoke how he's bullish about the company's plans to release certain Microsoft-owned franchises on the other console as well in the future.
Users who installed the update reported a peculiar notification from the Windows Update service. The message erroneously warns that Windows 11 23H2 is approaching its end of...
A recent mandatory security update for Windows 11 23H2, known as KB5046633, has triggered an unexpected notification for many users. The update left users scratching their heads after an end-of-support message started showing up.
Users who installed the update reported a peculiar notification from the Windows Update service. The message erroneously warns that Windows 11 23H2 is approaching its end of support and prompts users to download a newer version of Windows to stay current.
This message understandably caused confusion, as Windows 11 23H2 is officially supported until November 11, 2025, with a full year of security and feature updates still expected.
In response to this, a Microsoft support representative confirmed to Windows Latest that the message is indeed a bug. "This is just a reporting bug on our side," the representative explained. Microsoft stated it is actively investigating the issue and plans to resolve it through a server-side update, likely to be deployed within a week.
Some Chinese and Hong Kong ventures have deeply invested in the RISC-V open standard chip architecture. DeepComputing, founded in 2022 by self-declared RISC-V enthusiasts, is now exploring...
DeepComputing recently announced the DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard, a limited-edition platform providing a unique way to experiment with the RISC-V instruction set. The Chinese company designed the new device for industry and business customers interested in making modular computer platforms. DeepComputing has partnered with Framework and Cooler Master to provide cases to accommodate the new motherboards.
Some Chinese and Hong Kong ventures have deeply invested in the RISC-V open standard chip architecture. DeepComputing, founded in 2022 by self-declared RISC-V enthusiasts, is now exploring the DIY way with a new motherboard for modular devices. The company says that the DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard offers "premium" RISC-V hardware, which means it uses a StarFive JH7110 SoC with SiFive U74 cores clocked at up to 1.5 GHz. It also supports an integrated Imagination GPU.
Basic specs include 8GB of memory and a 64GB SD card. However, the board has several tiers so customers can opt for more capable models. The cheapest tier is $200, which includes two USB-C expansion cards and a Framework or Cooler Master case and is enough to build a fully functional Linux mini-PC. There's also an expensive $1,000 "Enterprise" tier with additional ports and expansion cards.
Tesla has officially powered on its latest Megapack project in the U.S., this time landing in Texas to help the state’s energy provider stabilize the grid.
On Friday, Tesla announced that it has officially energized a 125 MW/250 MWh Megapack project operated by Autobidder in North Texas, as announced by the company’s energy account on LinkedIn. The project is being operated in tandem with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and Tesla says the installation will help with both supporting grid stability and managing the utility provider’s accelerating load growth.
Tesla has been rapidly deploying its grid-scale Megapack batteries this year, and it has announced a number of newly operating projects around the world over the last several months. Over the summer, Tesla secured a contract for three Megapack projects totaling 15.3 GWh of energy storage across three sites, 966MWh of which is located in Texas. The sites will be operated in partnership with Intersect Power, which says that the company is aiming to have the projects commissioned within a year of announcement.
The company produces Megapacks at its “Megafactory” in Lathrop, California, which has been ramping up production of the energy storage product over the last couple of years. Eventually, the company is expecting to reach a volume annual production of 10,000 Megapacks or 40 GWh. Meanwhile, Tesla is nearing completion of a Megafactory in Shanghai that will feature the same yearly production capacity after a ramp-up period, and the plant is already aiming to start shipping Megapack units in Q1.
In a new federal lawsuit, Florida mother Megan Garcia is seeking accountability for harmful AI technology—and wants to warn other parents.
The lawsuit, recently filed against app maker Character.AI and its founders, alleges that the company knowingly designed, operated, and marketed a predatory AI chatbot to children, causing the death of Megan Garcia's 14-year-old son earlier this year.
Garcia's son died by suicide in February after months of abusive interactions with a Character.AI chatbot. Garcia's complaint includes evidence that the chatbot posed as a licensed therapist, actively encouraged suicidal ideation, and engaged in highly sexualized conversations that would constitute abuse if initiated by a human adult.
Garcia accuses the companies of causing her son's death, knowingly marketing a dangerous product, and engaging in deceptive trade practices. We have to ask ourselves how this tragedy could have been prevented—and why we have allowed Silicon Valley to experiment on our kids to begin with.
Today, companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Character.AI, and Google operate in a liability-free zone. This lack of accountability means these companies have little incentive to thoroughly test their products for potential harms before releasing them to the public. Without legal consequences, they are able to treat society as a testing ground for their latest innovations, a practice that is particularly egregious when it comes to the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. This accountability vacuum has allowed unchecked experimentation with our democracy, mental health, and privacy.
when they say company designed it knowingly I get very troubled. I don't think their goal was to create something to kill a kid it's probably mistake just like how cars are for transport but accidents still happen t
Longtime Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) shareholder and billionaire investor Ron Baron of Baron Capital recently weighed in on Tesla and Elon Musk’s potential in the coming years of the Trump administration. As per the legendary investor, Tesla could hit a market cap of about $5 trillion in 10 years.
During an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Baron noted that Tesla already comprises about 10% of Baron Capital’s assets, while SpaceX comprises about 5%. The investor noted that he is optimistic about Tesla’s future, though Musk is arguably more optimistic.
“Tesla, I think, is going to be worth $3 or $4 trillion — $5 trillion in 10 years, based upon the business plan that I am aware of. Then Elon believes that longer term it’s going to be worth $30 trillion,” Baron said.
While such statements might seem overly optimistic just a few months ago, TSLA stock has been maintaining some momentum since its third quarter earnings call. Tesla stock practically woke up from its slumber after the company exceeded expectations in its Q3 earnings, and it has only become stronger with the election of Donald Trump.
This November alone, TSLA stock has surged about 25% during the electric vehicle maker’s post-election rally. Tesla currently has a market cap of $1.02 trillion as of writing. Despite TSLA’s recent rise, as well as the fact that his holdings have significantly grown over the years, Baron noted that he is still determined to keep his Tesla shares long term.
“No way I’m going to sell shares. If they get too big, I will have to trim a little bit, but no, I have no intention,” Baron noted.
And Elon owns like 20 percent of the company so that means he could become a Trillionaire in just ten years and that's not considering his other companies 😳
Billionaire Investor Ron Baron on Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Trump Administration
Longtime Democrat and Investor Ron Baron Weighs In
Ron Baron, the billionaire investor and chairman and CEO of Baron Capital, has been a longtime supporter of Elon Musk and his companies Tesla and SpaceX. In a recent interview at the 31st Annual Baron Investment Conference, Baron shared his thoughts on Musk's new role in the Trump administration, the challenges facing Tesla and SpaceX, and his own shift away from the Democratic party.
Elon Musk's Influence in Washington
Baron believes Musk's experience running cost-efficient operations at SpaceX could be valuable in Washington. He criticized the use of "cost-plus" government contracts, which incentivize contractors to spend more and take longer, rather than operate efficiently. Baron thinks Musk could help reform these types of contracts and bring a more disciplined approach to government spending.
"If you have a cost-plus contract what that is is you agree to use services for the government. They give you a price and you go out and find a lot of subcontractors to do the work for you. The subcontractors, the longer they take and the more they cost the better it is for you because you are getting 12% off the top. You want things to cost more as a prime contractor."
Baron is hopeful that Musk can apply the same focus and work ethic he brings to Tesla and SpaceX to help improve government processes and regulations. He believes Musk understands where government spending is "unusual" and can help find ways to correct it.
Shifting Political Allegiances
Baron, who has been a longtime Democrat, says he no longer feels at home in the party. He disagrees with the Democratic party's policies, which he sees as increasingly anti-business and focused on "inclusion" rather than rewarding hard work and talent.
"A lot of policies they have I do not agree with. Anti-Israel policies. I do not really understand where they came from. The inclusion policies. I think if someone is really talented and virtually hard, they should get the benefit from that."
He was critical of the Biden administration's recent electric vehicle summit, where Musk was initially invited but then disinvited, while the CEO of a smaller EV company was praised as the industry leader. Baron sees this as the Democratic party catering to special interests like unions that are opposed to Musk and Tesla.
Musk's Commitment to Tesla and SpaceX
Despite Musk's new advisory role in the Trump administration, Baron does not believe it will significantly distract him from running Tesla and SpaceX. He says the people at SpaceX have told him Musk does not miss any meetings and remains deeply engaged in the day-to-day operations of his companies.
"The people at SpaceX told me he does not miss any meetings. He comes to the meetings. Same thing for Tesla."
Overall, Baron remains a steadfast supporter of Musk and his vision for transforming transportation and space exploration. He believes Musk's unique skills and work ethic can benefit both the private sector and the government, even as Baron himself has shifted away from the Democratic party that Musk has sometimes clashed with.
On Wednesday, the US government confirmed that Chinese hackers breached several US telecommunications service providers.
A growing concern: Chinese cyberattacks on the US have surged in recent years, targeting critical infrastructure, government systems, and private corporations. These sophisticated campaigns often aim to steal sensitive data, conduct espionage, and disrupt operations, posing significant threats to national security and economic stability.
On Wednesday, the US government confirmed that Chinese hackers breached several US telecommunications service providers. The threat actors compromised wiretap systems used for law enforcement surveillance. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a statement describing the campaign as "broad and significant," implicating a state-sponsored hacking group from the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The attackers infiltrated wiretap systems, raising severe national security and privacy concerns. While the FBI and CISA did not list specific providers, the Wall Street Journal reported in early October that AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies were among the carriers the hackers hit. The intrusions, which may have lasted for months, enabled the exfiltration of sensitive data, including customer call records and the internet traffic of millions of Americans.
Anti-Musk Democrats are likely to lose their minds over this rocket progress.
Elon Musk's SpaceX announced on X that the sixth test flight of the Starship megarocket would take place on Tuesday. Test flights of the new rocket have been steadily increasing, as Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, told investors the company plans hundreds of Starship rocket launches during President Trump's second term.
The sixth flight test of Starship is targeted for 1600 Central Time on Tuesday. SpaceX's next test flight "aims to expand the envelope on ship and booster capabilities and get closer to bringing reuse of the entire system online," the company wrote in a press release, adding, "Objectives include the booster once again returning to the launch site for catch, reigniting a ship Raptor engine while in space, and testing a suite of heatshield experiments and maneuvering changes for ship reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean."
Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX's Gwynne Shotwell attended an investor event on Friday, where she stated that Starship launches over the next four years could exceed 400.
Shotwell told investors that she hopes the Trump administration and Musk's government-efficiency commission will help spur innovation across many industries. The current regulation regime pushed by Democrats has been disastrous for this nation, mainly because climate crisis policies result in de-growth and inflation.
Musk stated months ago that he projects the first Mars mission with Starship will be when the "next Earth-Mars transfer window opens in two years."
The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.
These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars. If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years.
The latest valuation placed on SpaceX is around $250 billion, according to a Financial Times report that cited sources who expect the company to offer existing shares around $135 next month.
I won't be surprised if they even got 500 test flights. Musk has the backing of the government to really carry on with Space X missions. It's a good thing because his work will take us closer to multi planetary system
AMD's latest earnings call was a pivotal moment, revealing the company's place in the AI revolution. While AMD posted record revenues of $6.8 billion, a closer look at the numbers shows a concerning trend.
AMD's data center revenues, which account for its biggest and fastest-growing business unit, reached $3.5 billion - a 122% year-over-year increase. However, this pales in comparison to Nvidia's data center revenues, which clocked in at $26.3 billion, up 154% year-over-year and representing 88% of Nvidia's overall revenue.
This stark difference highlights a crucial insight: Nvidia's AI ecosystem is significantly more dominant than AMD's. Nvidia's Hopper GPUs have become the industry standard for both AI training and inference, with tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms buying hundreds of thousands of these chips.
The data center revenue disparity between AMD and Nvidia is further exacerbated by the fact that only 25-35% of AMD's total revenue is directly tied to AI, compared to a staggering 88% for Nvidia. This means that for every dollar invested in Nvidia, 88 cents are exposed to the AI market, while for AMD, it's only 25-35 cents.
As the global artificial intelligence market is expected to grow by nearly 11 times over the next 9 years, and the data center accelerator market is projected to more than 5x by 2032, this AI exposure gap becomes increasingly significant.
The Challenge of Competing with Nvidia
AMD has made strides in developing its own AI accelerators, such as the Mi 300X and the recently announced Mi 325X, which claim to outperform Nvidia's offerings by 20-40% in inference and match their performance in training. However, the challenge lies in the pace of Nvidia's innovation.
Nvidia's Blackwell architecture, set to launch in the coming weeks, is expected to be four times better at AI training and 30 times better at AI inference than Hopper. This massive leap in performance gives Nvidia significant pricing power, with gross margins of 76% compared to AMD's 50%.
Risks and Diversification
Another risk for AMD is the company's diversification across multiple business units, including client PCs, gaming, and embedded chips, which account for nearly 50% of its revenue. This breadth of operations may hinder AMD's ability to focus solely on the AI market, where Nvidia's laser-like focus has proven advantageous.
Additionally, AMD's reliance on the x86 CPU ecosystem, while still dominant, faces the potential challenge of the growing adoption of ARM-based architectures by competitors like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon.
Given the widening gap between AMD and Nvidia in the AI market, the author has decided to move AMD down on their list of "Stocks to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky in 2024." While AMD remains a strong company, the author believes that Nvidia's superior AI exposure and faster innovation make it a more compelling investment for those seeking to capitalize on the AI revolution.
The AI Revolution: Navigating the Radical Transformation Ahead
The Magnitude of Change is Sooner Than Most Believe
Sam Altman's work at OpenAI serves as a daily reminder of the immense socioeconomic change that is coming sooner than most people currently believe. As he states, "software that can think and learn will do more and more of the work that people do now." This shift will result in even greater power moving from labor to capital.
Altman warns that if public policy doesn't adapt accordingly, "most people will end up worse off than they are today." In the next 5 years, AI systems will be able to read legal documents, provide medical advice, and in the following decade, they will automate assembly line work and potentially become companions. Beyond that, AI will expand its capabilities to encompass almost everything, including making new scientific discoveries.
This AI revolution will create phenomenal wealth, as the price of many types of labor that drive the cost of goods and services will fall towards zero once powerful AI joins the workforce. However, Altman cautions that the world will change so rapidly and drastically that an equally drastic change in policy will be needed to distribute this wealth and enable more people to pursue the lives they want.
If we get both the technological and policy changes right, Altman believes we can improve the standard of living for more people than ever before. However, he emphasizes that we are at the beginning of this "tectonic shift," and we have a rare opportunity to pivot towards the future. Policy plans that don't account for this imminent transformation are doomed to fail.
Altman proposes the creation of an "American Equity Fund" that would be capitalized by taxing companies above a certain valuation and by taxing the value of privately held land. All citizens over 18 would receive an annual distribution of dollars and company shares, empowering them to use the money as needed or invest in their education.
This model aligns the incentives between companies, investors, and citizens, as everyone would have a vested interest in the country's success. Altman argues that this new social contract would create a "virtuous circle of societal wealth," where technology delivers prosperity for all.
Altman acknowledges that the coming changes are unstoppable, but if we embrace them and plan for them, we can use them to create a much fairer, happier, and more prosperous society. The future can be "almost unimaginably great," but it will require strong leadership and a willingness to adapt our economic and political systems to the radical transformation ahead.
Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant, is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market, giving Tesla a run for its money. The company has recently achieved a significant milestone, with its Xiaomi Mi 7 model rolling off the production line in just 230 days. This rapid production ramp-up demonstrates Xiaomi's ambition and capabilities in the EV space.
Moreover, Xiaomi is already planning to expand its production capacity further. The company is set to open a second facility with an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. This aggressive expansion strategy suggests that Xiaomi is determined to capture a significant share of the growing EV market.
Xiaomi's approach to pricing is also noteworthy. The company is reportedly selling its vehicles at a loss, prioritizing market share over immediate profitability. This strategy is not uncommon in the tech industry, where companies often focus on rapid growth and economies of scale before optimizing for profits.
Xiaomi's Software Advantage
One of Xiaomi's key strengths is its expertise in software development. As a major smartphone manufacturer, the company has a strong in-house software team, which gives it an advantage in designing and integrating the software systems for its EVs.
While Xiaomi's EVs have received positive feedback from some users, such as Jim, who has been driving a Xiaomi Mi 7 for six months, the company has also faced some challenges. Notably, there have been reports of brake failures and other safety concerns, which have raised questions about the quality and reliability of Xiaomi's vehicles.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Knowing Limits
The incidents of brake failures and crashes highlight the importance of understanding a vehicle's capabilities and limitations. As Brian and Mark discuss, it is crucial for drivers to operate their vehicles within the manufacturer's recommended parameters and not to push the limits beyond what the car is designed to handle.
Xiaomi's rapid rise in the EV market is undoubtedly impressive, but the company must address the safety and quality concerns that have emerged. As it continues to expand its production and market share, Xiaomi will need to strike a balance between aggressive growth and ensuring the reliability and safety of its vehicles. The lessons learned from these early challenges will be crucial in shaping Xiaomi's future as a serious contender in the EV space.
The Future of Cable News: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The cable news industry is facing significant challenges as viewership continues to decline and audiences shift towards online platforms. Several smaller news networks have already shut down, such as Newsnet and Scripps News, and more layoffs are expected at major networks like CNN.
The political season that just ended was highly profitable for cable news, with high traffic and ad revenue from political ads. However, now that the election cycle is over, companies are tightening their belts as viewership struggles. Increasingly, people are turning to YouTube, social media, and news websites to get their news, moving away from the traditional 24/7 news networks.
To adapt to this changing landscape, cable news networks are exploring various strategies. Some, like Fox, have launched their own streaming services, such as Fox Nation, which focuses on news as well as documentaries and other content. Others are trying to transition their traditional cable offerings to streaming platforms, similar to what Spectrum and DirecTV are doing.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. There are still millions of viewers, particularly older demographics, who prefer the traditional cable TV experience and may struggle to adapt to new streaming platforms. As long as this segment of the audience remains, cable news networks will likely continue to offer their content through traditional cable TV.
The Future of Cable TV: Gradual Decline, Not Immediate Collapse
While the future of cable TV is uncertain, it's unlikely that it will disappear entirely in the next few years. Many experts predict that smaller cable networks will likely shut down their TV services in the coming years, but the larger, more established networks will likely take at least 5-10 years to make a complete transition to streaming.
The shift towards streaming is being driven by several factors, including the rise of cord-cutting and the increasing availability of high-quality streaming content. However, there are still many viewers, particularly older demographics, who prefer the traditional cable TV experience and may be resistant to change.
To adapt to this changing landscape, cable TV providers are exploring various strategies, such as offering streaming versions of their services with the same pricing and packages as their traditional cable offerings. This allows them to transition their infrastructure and focus on the internet-based delivery of content while still catering to their existing customer base.
The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
When it comes to mesh Wi-Fi systems, there are several excellent options on the market. While the author hasn't tested all of them, they have personally used the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro and have been very satisfied with its performance.
Other highly-rated mesh Wi-Fi systems include the Amazon Eero and the TP-Link Deco. The author recommends focusing on systems that support at least the Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards, as these can handle a larger number of connected devices and provide better performance in homes with multiple devices.
Ultimately, the best mesh Wi-Fi system will depend on the specific needs and layout of your home, as well as your budget. The author encourages readers to research and compare the features and performance of different systems to find the one that best suits their needs.
The streaming industry is facing a period of consolidation, with various companies exploring strategic partnerships and bundling options. The parent company of HBO Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, has stated that they are looking for strategic partnerships for their streaming service.
Some potential partnerships that have been discussed include a joint venture between HBO Max and Paramount+, as well as a potential bundle with Peacock. These types of partnerships and bundling options are seen as a way for streaming services to remain competitive and offer more value to consumers.
The author also notes that the trend towards consolidation is similar to what we've seen in the cable TV industry, where networks used to bundle their content into a single platform like Hulu. As the streaming market becomes more saturated, we may see more of these types of bundling and partnership arrangements as companies look to streamline their offerings and provide more value to consumers.
The Decline of Physical Media and the Rise of Streaming
The author argues that the primary reason for the decline of physical media, such as DVDs and Blu-rays, is the sheer selection and variety of content available through streaming services. While physical media offers certain advantages, such as the ability to own and rewatch specific titles, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of streaming have made it the preferred choice for many consumers.
Streaming services like Netflix offer a vast library of content for a monthly subscription fee, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual physical media titles. Additionally, some newer content is no longer being released on physical media, further driving the shift towards streaming.
The author acknowledges that there is still a place for physical media, particularly for those who have a strong attachment to specific titles or prefer the quality and control that physical media can provide. However, the convenience and selection of streaming have made it the dominant choice for the majority of consumers.
The Uncertain Future of Free Streaming Services
The author notes that the free streaming service landscape is in a state of flux, with some services already shutting down or transitioning their content to other platforms. The recent announcement of Amazon's decision to shut down its free streaming service and move its content to the Prime Video channel is just one example of this trend.
The author suggests that we may see several more free streaming services either shut down, merge, or rebrand in the coming years. The proliferation of free streaming options, particularly in the sports and news categories, has created a crowded market that may not be sustainable in the long run.
As the streaming industry continues to evolve, the author expects to see a consolidation of free streaming services, with only the most well-established and financially viable options remaining. This shift may be driven by factors such as increased competition, changes in content licensing agreements, and the need for streaming platforms to find more sustainable business models.
During Disney's earnings report for the fourth financial quarter of 2024 yesterday, a Wall Street Journal analyst asked Iger about Disney+'s growth outlook and pricing strategy.
Disney has just revealed how many people are signed up to the ad-supported tier for Disney+, though the announcement was unintentional. It was company CEO Bob Iger himself who made the gaffe, though he did add – a little too late – that "I don't know if I was supposed to disclose those numbers."
During Disney's earnings report for the fourth financial quarter of 2024 yesterday, a Wall Street Journal analyst asked Iger about Disney+'s growth outlook and pricing strategy.
Iger revealed that 37% of US-based Disney+ users were signed up to its cheapest, ad-supported tier. Slightly more than the global figure of 30%.
While the CEO didn't reveal exact numbers, there are 56 million Disney+ subscribers in the US. If 37% are on the ad-tier, it means that around 20.7 million have their shows and movies interrupted by ads. With 122.7 million global subscribers and 30% on the ad tier, it means 36.8 million Disney+ customers are saving money at the cost of ad intrusions.
This is just an initial agreement and not a done deal, but it marks an important first step.
Akash Systems, an Oakland-based startup, has landed a preliminary deal with the US government for major funding under the CHIPS Act. The company, which is developing diamond-based cooling technology for semiconductors, has signed a non-binding memorandum with the Department of Commerce. If finalized, it would net Akash $18.2 million in direct funds and $50 million in federal and state tax credits.
This is just an initial agreement and not a done deal, but it marks an important first step. According to Akash, the money would go toward ramping up production of its diamond semiconductor solutions for AI, data centers, space tech, and defense applications.
As for what diamond chips offer, diamond is an exceptional thermal conductor. Akash aims to overcome one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern computing – keeping hot chips cool enough to operate at peak performance – by using synthetic diamond substrates or integrating diamond into semiconductor materials.
The company hasn't shared a lot of details, but the gist seems to be they are fusing synthetic diamond with materials like gallium nitride to create diamond-based semiconductor wafers and packages. One slide claims their tech could reduce GPU hotspot temperatures by 10-20°C, saving data centers serious cash on cooling while preventing thermal throttling. Even bigger numbers are touted for specific GPU-on-diamond designs, with up to 60% lower temperatures and 40% less energy use.
In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, a new player has emerged as a force to be reckoned with - Magic Eden. This platform is positioning itself as the "home of web3," offering a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond the traditional realm of NFTs.
Magic Eden is expanding its offerings to include token trading, allowing users to engage in cross-chain transactions seamlessly. By building products across various blockchain ecosystems, Magic Eden is addressing the user experience (UX) challenges that have often plagued the crypto space. Users no longer need to hop between countless sites and manage multiple wallets; instead, they can access swaps, borrowing, lending, NFT minting, and more, all within the Magic Eden ecosystem.
The platform's upcoming launch of the ME token, from the Me Foundation, is another exciting development. Those who have utilized any of Magic Eden's protocols will be able to claim a share of this new token, further incentivizing engagement with the platform.
As Magic Eden continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to become a true "super DAP" (decentralized application) in the home of web3. By providing a seamless, cross-chain experience and addressing the UX challenges that have hindered mainstream adoption, Magic Eden is positioning itself as a crucial player in the ongoing transformation of the crypto landscape.
The future of web3 is bright, and Magic Eden is at the forefront of this revolution. As the platform expands its offerings and solidifies its position as the go-to destination for all things crypto, it will be fascinating to witness its continued rise and impact on the broader decentralized ecosystem.
There is no agreed upon definition of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), but the general consensus is that it refers to AI that can outperform the average human at most cognitive tasks.
Companies like Google, OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic are all racing to develop AGI, pouring billions into the effort.
Estimates suggest we may see AI models that are 10-100 times more powerful and generally capable than today's large language models within the next few years.
The Impending Disruption
The rise of advanced AI will disrupt many industries, including marketing and sales. Automation will replace many tasks currently done by humans.
However, the disruption may not be as immediate or widespread as some expect. There will likely be a period of disillusionment as the technology fails to live up to initial hype.
Nonetheless, the long-term impact will be profound. Businesses and workers will need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape.
Preparing for the Future
Accelerating AI literacy and understanding across organizations is crucial. AI competency can no longer be siloed.
Assessing the exposure and impact of AI on specific job roles and tasks will be key to developing strategies.
Collaboration and collective learning will be essential as the future unfolds. No one has all the answers.
While the changes ahead may seem daunting, they also present an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine everything - our companies, industries, careers, and personal lives.
If approached with intentionality and a human-centered focus, AI can be the greatest gift we've ever received, unlocking human potential rather than replacing it.
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear - the AI revolution is upon us. By staying informed, adaptable, and collaborative, we can navigate this transformative period and shape the world to come.
Nigel Toon is an engineer who has worked extensively in the semiconductor industry, building microprocessors and related technologies. He was involved in the early days of the internet and mobile technologies, particularly on the base station side. Since 2012, he has been working in the field of AI, which he had a long-standing interest in even during his university days.
Toon has written a book, sits on the board of UK Research and Innovation, and has invested in several AI-focused companies. He was the CEO of Graphcore, a company that was recently acquired by SoftBank, giving them "very deep pockets" to invest in the next generation of AI hardware.
The Rise of AI: From Humble Beginnings to Public Consciousness
Toon explains that the idea of artificial intelligence has been around for a long time, dating back to the 1940s and the work of Alan Turing. However, the lack of data, computing power, and the right methodologies hindered the progress of AI for many decades.
The breakthrough came in the 2010s, with the emergence of deep learning techniques and the availability of powerful GPUs. Toon had a "front-row seat" to witnessing the evolution of AI, with connections to key figures like Demis Hassabis and Ilya Sutskever, who were involved in groundbreaking projects like AlphaGo and the development of large language models.
The recent success of ChatGPT, which Toon saw coming, has pushed AI into the public consciousness in a similar way to how AlphaGo did in China, where millions of people watched the live broadcast of the game.
The Challenges of AI: Defining Intelligence and Establishing Frameworks
Toon delves into the philosophical question of what constitutes intelligence and whether current AI systems truly "think" in the same way humans do. He argues that while these systems have impressive language understanding and generation capabilities, they are essentially advanced text prediction models, lacking the real-world context and intuition that humans possess.
Regarding the challenges of AI, Toon emphasizes the need to establish appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding the right balance between fostering innovation and mitigating potential harms. Toon suggests that the focus should be on addressing specific harms to people, rather than trying to create a one-size-fits-all approach to AI regulation.
The Future of AI: Towards Artificial Expert Intelligence
Toon is skeptical of the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), arguing that it is an ill-defined term and that the goal of creating a "general intelligence" as capable as a human is likely misguided. Instead, he advocates for the development of "artificial expert intelligence," where AI systems are highly specialized and focused on specific domains, allowing for better testing, verification, and integration with human expertise.
Toon believes that the future of AI should be about augmenting human intelligence, rather than replacing it. He draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, where machines enhanced human physical capabilities, and argues that AI should be used to enhance our cognitive abilities in a way that promotes a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
Nigel Toon's insights provide a unique and privileged perspective on the evolution of AI, from its early beginnings to the current hype and challenges. His emphasis on the importance of specialized AI systems, ethical considerations, and the need to reshape industries and processes to truly harness the power of this technology offers a thoughtful and nuanced view on the future of artificial intelligence.
Tesla's Resurgence and the Struggling German Automakers
Tesla's Impressive Growth and Profitability
Tesla is back on a growth trajectory, outperforming many other automakers. In China, Tesla's sales numbers for week 45 hit a new record of 17,200 units, up from 12,700 the previous year. This has allowed Tesla to close the gap and now lead last year's sales numbers in China by nearly 40,000 units.
Despite claims that Tesla's price cuts are hurting its bottom line, the data tells a different story. Tesla reported the fourth-highest Q3 net profit among major automakers, up 16% year-over-year. In contrast, other companies like Toyota and Volkswagen have seen significant declines in their net profits.
The German automotive industry, particularly its mid-size suppliers, is facing severe challenges that threaten its competitiveness. A recent VDA survey revealed concerning trends:
85% of companies report being heavily burdened by bureaucracy
71% struggle with high electricity costs
37% plan to relocate investment abroad
41% report significant challenges due to lack of orders
45% of companies are currently reducing their workforce
This "ripple effect" through the supply chain could be devastating. The industry is struggling with the transformation towards climate neutrality and digitalization, forcing structural changes.
Instead of adapting their technology to meet the changing market demands, Volkswagen is opting to change the design of their vehicles, such as the upcoming ID.2 model. However, as Elon Musk pointed out years ago, the lack of demand for electric vehicles is not due to poor styling, but rather the user experience, software, and driving characteristics.
Volkswagen and Audi are also attempting to raise the prices of their internal combustion engine vehicles, a desperate move to reduce their losses. This approach is unlikely to be the solution, as consumers continue to embrace the benefits of electric vehicles.
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is making a significant impact in underserved regions around the world. In Nigeria, Starlink is partnering with the Tech for Naria initiative to provide internet access and educational resources to 120 schools in low-income communities.
Starlink is also set to launch in Chad and Japan, addressing the issues of reliability and cost of internet service in these countries. This expansion is expected to be transformative, connecting more people to the global digital landscape.
Tesla's Berlin factory is celebrating its 5-year anniversary since its announcement. In just 2 years, the factory was built and began producing the best-selling car in Europe and the world - the Model Y. The factory has already produced over 400,000 vehicles, a remarkable achievement compared to GM's total lifetime EV production of 300,000 units.
The Berlin factory has also demonstrated Tesla's commitment to sustainability, planting over 2 million trees and recycling 90% of its water. This stands in stark contrast to the environmental impact of traditional automakers.
Tesla has announced the launch of its Version 4 Supercharger cabinet, capable of delivering up to 500 kW of charging power for cars and 1.2 MW for semi-trucks. This represents a significant improvement in charging speed, with the Cybertruck expected to benefit from a 30% faster charging rate of up to 250 kW.
The new Version 4 cabinets are designed to be more cost-efficient and enable faster deployment of Supercharger sites, further strengthening Tesla's charging network.
Other Tesla Updates
The Cybertruck continues to gain attention, with celebrities showcasing their own versions of the electric truck.
Tesla is working on a software update to address the Sentry Mode battery drain issue, aiming to reduce power consumption by 40%.
Wall Street is starting to assign a valuation to Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, a sign of its potential impact.
Autonomous driving advancements are showcased, with Tesla's vehicles demonstrating impressive collision avoidance capabilities.
As Tesla continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company remains at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, while the traditional automakers struggle to keep up.
Disney is streamlining its streaming experience by transforming the Disney+ app into a centralized hub for its vast content library. Subscribers will soon be able to access content from ESPN, including live sports from ESPN+, all within the Disney+ app. This comes as earlier this year Hulu officially launched on Disney+. No longer will you need three different apps to access content form Hulu on-demand, Disney+, and ESPN+ soon.
This move eliminates the need for multiple apps and simplifies the streaming experience for Disney’s customers. By consolidating its streaming services under the Disney+ umbrella, the company aims to create a more seamless and user-friendly platform.
The integration of Hulu content into the Disney+ app is already underway. Subscribers to the Disney bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, can now access Hulu programming directly within the Disney+ app. The only catch is Hulu + Live TV is still not coming to Disney+ and will for now still be exclusive to the Hulu app.
An ESPN tile will be added to the Disney+ app in the near future, providing access to live sports, studio shows, and other ESPN content. This will eventually include full access to ESPN+ for Disney bundle subscribers.
This consolidation strategy positions Disney+ as a comprehensive entertainment destination, offering a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, live sports, and news. This move could give Disney a competitive edge in the crowded streaming market by offering a more convenient and comprehensive streaming experience.
T-Mobile has become the latest telecommunications giant to be ensnared in a widespread Chinese cyber-espionage operation, joining the ranks of AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. This sophisticated attack, attributed to a group dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” targeted multiple U.S. and international telecom companies, aiming to spy on high-value intelligence targets.
While the full extent of the breach remains unclear, T-Mobile assures customers that its systems and data have not been significantly impacted, and there is no evidence of customer information being compromised. However, the company is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with industry peers and authorities, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
T-Mobile sent Cord Cutters News this statement about the report. “T-Mobile is closely monitoring this industry-wide attack. Due to our security controls, network structure and diligent monitoring and response we have seen no significant impacts to T-Mobile systems or data. We have no evidence of access or exfiltration of any customer or other sensitive information as other companies may have experienced. We will continue to monitor this closely, working with industry peers and the relevant authorities.”
Sophisticated Tactics and AI
The hackers employed advanced techniques to infiltrate telecom infrastructure, exploiting vulnerabilities in Cisco Systems routers and potentially utilizing artificial intelligence or machine learning to enhance their espionage capabilities. This raises serious concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential for future attacks.
The attackers successfully accessed cellphone lines used by senior U.S. government officials, politicians, and individuals involved in national security and policy matters. This access enabled them to collect call logs, unencrypted text messages, and even audio from targeted individuals, potentially compromising sensitive information and national security.
Dish Network’s parent company, Echostar, could be teetering on the brink of bankruptcy as a crucial debt swap deal hangs in the balance. The satellite TV provider faces a November 22nd deadline to secure agreement from remaining bondholders on a debt restructuring plan, or risk jeopardizing a proposed merger with DirecTV and potentially facing financial collapse.
The situation stems from a planned acquisition by DirecTV, announced in September, which would see the two struggling pay-TV giants combine forces to combat the rise of streaming services. DirecTV agreed to acquire Dish for a nominal fee while assuming nearly $10 billion of its debt, contingent on a debt exchange offer being accepted by Dish bondholders.
However, the offer, which required bondholders to accept a $1.5 billion reduction in their holdings, was initially rejected, throwing the merger into jeopardy. While EchoStar, Dish’s parent company, subsequently announced that 96% of bondholders had agreed to the exchange, the remaining 4% hold the fate of the company in their hands.
Deadline Looms
With the November 22nd deadline fast approaching, the pressure is mounting on both Dish and its creditors to reach an agreement. Failure to do so could trigger the collapse of the DirecTV merger, leaving Dish with a massive debt burden and limited options for survival in an increasingly competitive market.
“A successful exchange was a condition for acquiring the Dish video business,” a DirecTV spokesperson emphasized to Reuters, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The proposed merger with DirecTV represents a crucial lifeline for Dish, which is struggling with declining subscriber numbers and a challenging media landscape. The deal would provide much-needed financial stability and allow the combined entity to compete more effectively against streaming giants.
However, without the support of all bondholders, the deal is doomed, potentially leaving Dish with no choice but to declare bankruptcy. This would have significant repercussions for both the company and its customers, as well as the broader pay-TV industry.
Envisioning the Future: Nick Bostrom's Philosophical Explorations
Charting the Landscape of Emerging Technologies
Nick Bostrom is a philosopher who until recently was a professor at Oxford University, where he also directed the Future of Humanity Institute. Bostrom has been deeply engaged with the big-picture questions facing humanity, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Bostrom explains that he has been running the Future of Humanity Institute since its creation in 2005. The institute has faced increasing administrative headwinds in recent years, but in the meantime, a rich ecosystem of other groups and organizations has sprung up, enabling work in these areas. AI has been a major focus for Bostrom, who says it has been an "obsession" for many years, and is now completely mainstream.
Bostrom's two books, "Superintelligence" and "Deep Utopia," reflect his evolving perspective on the potential impacts of advanced AI. While "Superintelligence" focused more on the existential risks that AI and other technologies could pose, "Deep Utopia" explores the ways in which different human values could be realized to extreme degrees in a "solved world" enabled by technological maturity.
Bostrom sees several parallel conversations and debates happening around AI, including discussions about the timeline of the transition to the machine intelligence era, the debate between "doomers" and "accelerationists" regarding the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes, and geopolitical considerations around AI as a source of power. He also notes the business-focused conversations about the potential profits and valuations associated with AI.
Bostrom believes that the overall macro-strategic situation for humanity is the key context in which these various strands must be understood. He is interested in how current actions relate to long-term outcomes for humanity, which is challenging given the indirect and often hidden nature of these linkages.
Bostrom argues that AI is qualitatively different from previous technological advancements, likening it to the rise of Homo sapiens rather than incremental changes. He suggests that AI will eventually surpass humans in all intellectual domains, including philosophy and creativity, challenging our notions of what intelligence means.
Bostrom acknowledges that this can be unsettling, as it requires humility in recognizing that our brains may not be as complex or smart as we thought. He believes that as AI systems become more capable, they will force us to redefine the value of certain human skills and abilities, which can be personally challenging for those who have invested time and effort into developing them.
Bostrom envisions a "post-work" society where AI and robots can do everything better than humans, leading to full unemployment. He believes this would require a significant cultural reorientation, as so much of human society has been based on the assumption that there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
In this post-work scenario, Bostrom suggests that education could shift from training people to be productive workers to cultivating the art of enjoyment, appreciation, and the development of complex games and skills. He also acknowledges that as human nature itself becomes malleable, we will face profound philosophical questions about what we ultimately value and want.
Bostrom is cautiously optimistic about the future, recognizing the significant challenges and risks associated with the transition to the machine intelligence era, but also the immense potential benefits. He believes that if we approach this future with an attitude of generosity, playfulness, and a willingness to explore and weigh ideas, we have a better chance of achieving a positive outcome.
Bostrom's work encourages readers to grapple with the deep questions and implications of emerging technologies, rather than providing definitive answers. By engaging with these ideas, we can better prepare ourselves and humanity for the profound changes that lie ahead.
Crypto-currencies have soared since Trump's big win.
Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the presidential election last week has sent shockwaves through financial markets as the so-called “Trump trade” ignited around the world. The dollar gained the most in years, bonds slumped, the stock market surged and gold dipped.
And then there’s Bitcoin, whose price soared past $90,000 this week, with its market cap of $1.5 trillion exceeding that of all but the largest companies in the world.
Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, once said that markets are voting machines in the short run and weighing machines in the long run. It appears investors are voting with their feet and their dollars, sending a wide range of assets higher.
But it will take many months — if not years — to weigh the true impact of a Trump presidency on the many industries and asset classes that so rapidly responded to his re-election.
And while you can’t prove a counterfactual, it’s unlikely that markets would have reacted in quite the same positive way had Harris been elected.
The biggest winner of the Trump trade has been a big winner is Web3, the blockchain-enabled internet, and assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
Web3 advocates and investors have high hopes for what a Trump administration might bring and they’re plowing record amounts of money into these assets.
On Nov. 7, investors put $1.4 billion into Bitcoin ETFs followed by another $1.1 billion on Nov. 11.
Interestingly, Biden’s election win in 2020 also precipitated a rally in Bitcoin, with the price soaring 149% from Nov. 5, 2020, until inauguration day the following January.
After Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 election, MSNBC experienced a significant drop in their prime-time audience. The network went from an average of 1.1 million viewers down to just 736,000 - a 54% decline. This prompted MSNBC to hold a team meeting to figure out why their viewership had plummeted.
Rather than critically examining their own coverage and candidate selection, MSNBC's response was to point fingers at minority voters. Pundits on the network suggested that misogyny from Hispanic and Black men, as well as racial issues with Hispanic voters, were to blame for Hillary Clinton's loss. This absurd claim ignored the fact that these same demographics had supported Clinton in 2016.
Defending Biden's Cognitive Abilities
When President Biden began mixing up world leaders' names and displaying signs of cognitive decline, MSNBC rushed to defend him. Hosts like Joe Scarborough claimed Biden was "the best Biden ever" intellectually, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile, the network had no issue attacking Trump's mental faculties when he was in office.
MSNBC's coverage has been plagued by blatant bias and scripted narratives. Hosts like Joy Reid have made outrageous claims, such as accusing JD Vance of wanting more "white children" and declaring that Kamala Harris ran a "flawlessly" campaign (despite her disastrous performance).
Ignoring Inconvenient Truths
The network has also been caught ignoring inconvenient facts, such as the evidence of migrants seizing apartment complexes, in favor of pushing their preferred storylines. This lack of objectivity has severely damaged MSNBC's credibility.
With declining viewership, questionable journalistic practices, and a clear partisan agenda, MSNBC's future remains uncertain. As the network struggles to regain relevance, it must confront its own biases and shortcomings if it hopes to regain the trust of the American people.
Viewers have been talking about Friday evening’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul — but probably not for the reasons Netflix was hoping.
Viewers have been talking about Friday evening’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul — but probably not for the reasons Netflix was hoping.
Yes, the 27-year-old Paul (a YouTuber turned professional boxer) defeated the 58-year-old Tyson (a former heavyweight champion who came out of retirement for this match) in eight rounds, but the real headline was the glitchy experience for audiences watching live on Netflix, with freezing and buffering seemingly a common occurrence.
The #NetflixCrash hashtag was trending on X, Downdetector said it received over 1 million reports of Netflix issues in 50 countries, including 530,000 reports in the United States, with the issues peaking at around 11pm Eastern.
“This is the biggest event,” Paul declared after the match. “Over 120 million people on Netflix. We crashed the site.”
Netflix has stumbled with live programming before — last year, the broadcast of the Season 4 reunion of “Love is Blind” was delayed by more than an hour. Since then, the streamer has been ramping up its live lineup with exhibition golf and tennis matches, live talk shows, and awards ceremonies, without major issues.
While the streamer only releases selective data about its viewership, Netflix says 60 million households watched the fight live, with viewership peaking at around 65 million concurrent streams — so it’s probably safe to say that the Tyson/Paul match was the biggest test of Netflix’s live infrastructure to date.
The streamer now has a little over a month to make improvements before airing two NFL games on Christmas Day, followed by WWE Raw in January.
OpenAI's AI infrastructure blueprint proposes AI economic zones and partnerships with the U.S. Navy on nuclear power to boost AI-driven economic growth and innovation. The plan includes a North American AI alliance and initiatives similar to the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act to support infrastructure needs. It emphasizes investment in U.S. data centers and energy projects to maintain a competitive edge over China.
The rise of Web4, a fusion of decentralized systems, artificial intelligence, and autonomous agency, is transforming the internet from a reactive tool to an intelligent, proactive participant in daily life. This new era, powered by blockchain and AI, is possible due to the rapid evolution of agents capable of decision-making, creativity, and economic impact. It heralds a future where machines play pivotal roles in governance, finance, and creativity.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has created an unprecedented demand for energy, as companies pour huge sums of money into developing and deploying these advanced technologies. Jared Cohen, the President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs and former CEO of Jigsaw, discusses the diplomatic challenges and energy requirements surrounding the A.I. boom.
The Challenge of Meeting A.I.'s Energy Demands
Cohen explains that there is a significant "known unknown" around the energy requirements of generative A.I. models, compared to smaller A.I. models. The question is whether the use cases for these large-scale A.I. systems will justify the immense energy expenditure required to power them.
The more pressing issue, according to Cohen, is whether the United States has the capacity to meet the growing demand for energy to power A.I. workloads. The U.S. does not have enough powered land, data centers, or base load power to exclusively meet this demand. This is a global challenge, as many other countries face similar constraints.
Choosing Locations for A.I. Data Centers
Cohen outlines three potential options for where to locate the data centers required to power A.I. systems:
Keeping them in the "democratic world": Countries like Canada, Australia, the Nordic countries, and France, which are well-suited for liquid cooling.
Placing them in the "global south": Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, where energy is cheap, but this raises national security concerns as the power could go to China.
Locating them in the Middle East: These countries have cheap energy, the ability to build massive infrastructure at scale, and access to the sea for liquid cooling. However, they are geopolitical "swing states," so keeping them aligned with the U.S. is a challenge.
The Role of Export Controls and Geopolitical Considerations
Cohen explains that the U.S. government's export controls on critical technologies, such as advanced chips, give it significant leverage in determining which countries can access these capabilities. This is a key policy issue that the new administration will have to navigate.
The "geopolitical swing states" that Cohen refers to are countries that benefit from sustained tensions between the U.S. and China, as they have a differentiated position in the supply chain. These countries cannot simply do as they please when it comes to A.I., as they ultimately need the U.S. government's approval to access the necessary technology.
The Challenges of Balancing Energy Needs and ESG Concerns
Cohen acknowledges the inherent contradiction between the energy-intensive nature of A.I. workloads and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals that many countries and companies have adopted. The need for base load power, such as from fossil fuels, to power A.I. data centers conflicts with the push for renewable energy sources.
This dilemma is not unique to A.I.; it also applies to the production of critical minerals required for electric vehicles, where the "dirty" processing often takes place in China. Cohen suggests that there is no easy solution to this challenge, as the urgent need to meet the energy demands of A.I. cannot be easily reconciled with the long-term sustainability goals.
The Importance of Domestic Capacity and Geopolitical Alignment
Cohen emphasizes that the U.S. government's export controls give it significant leverage in determining which countries can access the critical technologies required for A.I. development. This means that the geopolitical alignment of countries hosting A.I. data centers is of paramount importance.
While the U.S. has the potential to meet some of the energy demands domestically, the scale of the challenge is so urgent that it will likely require a global approach. Balancing the energy needs of A.I. with ESG concerns is a complex issue that will require careful policy decisions and diplomatic maneuvering in the years to come.
The Universe in a Box: Simulations and the Quest to Code the Cosmos
Simulations and the Limits of Replicating Reality
One has to be incredibly clear about what we're trying to achieve when we perform a simulation. We know we never fully correctly solve the equations we're trying to solve, even if we could solve the equations we write down perfectly. We are not literally reproducing the Universe. We always have to start from the point that there is no perfect solution to this problem.
Simulations involve approximations and simplifications. We can't reproduce every single detail of the Universe. Instead, the goal is to find ways to simplify the problem and still gain insights and valid predictions about the patterns in our Universe or on our planet.
Some of the earliest attempts to simulate the Universe did not use computers at all. For example, in the 1960s, researchers at Lund University built a laboratory full of light bulbs to simulate the motion of stars in a galaxy. By measuring the intensity of light from the bulbs, they could use the inverse square law to approximate the forces of gravity.
These early "experiments" pioneered techniques like the "drift step" and "kick step" that are still used in modern simulations. The idea is to split up the complex motions into discrete steps - first calculating the forces, then moving the objects along their trajectories.
There are deep connections between simulations of different phenomena, like weather, climate, and galaxies. At a fundamental level, they are all dealing with "fluids" - materials that can be moved around and reshaped, described by equations like the Navier-Stokes equations.
While the specific circumstances differ, the underlying mathematical frameworks have a lot in common. Advances in solving the equations for one domain, like climate, can often be applied to another, like cosmology. The challenge is in capturing the right level of detail and approximating the small-scale processes that can't be fully resolved.
A key aspect of successful simulations is incorporating "feedback" effects, where small-scale processes like star formation or supernovae have large-scale impacts on the system being modeled. Since computers can't resolve all these micro-details, modelers have to introduce "subgrid rules" - approximations and parameterizations that capture the essential effects.
This is similar to how weather and climate models incorporate rules for cloud formation that can't be derived directly from the underlying equations. It's a necessary compromise to make large-scale simulations tractable.
Simulations also provide a way to explore the idea of a "multiverse" - running multiple versions of a simulation with slightly different parameters. This connects to the concept of the "many-worlds" interpretation of quantum mechanics, where parallel universes exist.
As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to directly simulate quantum systems in ways that classical computers can't. This could shed light on the nature of quantum gravity and the early universe, where quantum effects were dominant.
A key limitation of simulations is the sheer scale of the systems involved. Faithfully reproducing the Universe or even a galaxy would require computational resources on the scale of the entire Universe itself. Modelers have to make judicious choices about what to simplify and what to focus on.
There are also growing concerns about the energy use and carbon footprint of large-scale simulations, especially as the field of AI becomes more computationally intensive. However, cosmological simulations remain a tiny fraction of the global energy use of data centers and computing infrastructure.
Ultimately, the goal of simulations is not to replace the awe and wonder of the cosmos, but to enhance it. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the Universe works, we can appreciate its beauty and complexity on new levels. As the poet Whitman lamented, knowing the facts of science need not diminish the poetry of the night sky.
Harnessing Abundant, Sustainable, and Cheap Energy for All
The question of whether to be optimistic or pessimistic about climate change is one that Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist and Chief Carbon Wrangler at Carbon Direct, has pondered extensively. With a career at the intersection of climate science, technology, policy, and industry, Friedmann has a unique perspective on this issue.
The Energy Challenge
Friedmann was prompted to think about this question by the late Richard Smalley, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who laid out the top ten challenges facing humanity, all of which he said were ultimately energy challenges. From water desalination to modern agriculture, abundant clean energy is the key to making progress on these critical issues.
Smalley estimated that it would take 60 terawatts of energy to support a global population of 10 billion people living at a standard similar to the United States. This is a daunting task, but Friedmann points out that the Earth receives 163,000 terawatts of energy from the sun, with 80,000 terawatts arriving in a form that can be used, such as wind and solar.
The urgency of climate change means that the energy we use must be abundant, sustainable, and cheap. Abundant energy should be available wherever and whenever it's needed, including for the 3 billion people who currently use less electricity than a refrigerator. It must also be sustainable, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. And it should be cheap, costing a fraction of what the US currently pays for energy.
Friedmann highlights several promising examples of how countries are harnessing their abundant renewable energy resources, such as Chile's efforts to produce green hydrogen and ammonia, and Kenya's geothermal and wind power projects. However, he argues that these efforts are just the beginning, and that we need to do much more to truly harness the opportunity of abundance.
Friedmann outlines three key ingredients for success: infrastructure, innovation, and investment. We need to build the necessary infrastructure, such as transmission lines, roads, and ports, to move energy and resources around the world. We also need to drive innovation to further reduce the cost of clean energy technologies. And we need new investment vehicles and development mechanisms that recognize the opportunity of abundance, rather than being built on the scarcities of the past.
Friedmann argues that whether we are optimistic or pessimistic doesn't matter – what matters is that we act together to build a thriving, vibrant, and exciting world. By committing to infrastructure, innovation, and investment, we can harness the abundant, sustainable, and cheap energy that our planet has to offer, and create a future that is full of generosity and potential.
The Power of Information: Navigating the AI Revolution
The Dangers of Misinformation and Delusion
Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author, delves into the critical issue of how information shapes our world and the potential dangers posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Harari argues that the fundamental problem facing humanity is not inherent flaws in human nature, but rather the quality of the information we are exposed to and the stories we tell ourselves.
Throughout history, even sophisticated societies have fallen victim to mass delusions and the rise of destructive ideologies like Stalinism or Nazism. Harari contends that this is not due to some inherent flaw in human nature, but rather a result of being given bad information. When good people are presented with misinformation, they make poor decisions that can have catastrophic consequences.
The power of information lies in its ability to connect people, but unfortunately, the easiest way to connect large numbers of people is often through fictions, fantasies, and delusions, rather than truth. Harari argues that the most influential individuals are not those who know the facts, but rather those who can weave compelling narratives that motivate people to action.
Harari's concerns extend to the potential impact of AI on democracy and truth. He believes that AI could be used to create and spread even more powerful delusions, potentially turning democracies into totalitarian states. The ability of AI to gather and analyze vast amounts of information, coupled with its capacity to generate convincing narratives, poses a significant threat to our ability to discern truth from fiction.
Harari warns that the ease with which AI can create and disseminate misinformation is a major concern. He cites the example of the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, where Facebook's algorithms played a central role in the spread of hate-filled propaganda that fueled the atrocities. Harari argues that tech companies should be held accountable for the actions of their algorithms, not just the content generated by users.
Harari emphasizes the crucial role of institutions, such as the media, academia, and the judiciary, in upholding truth and maintaining the integrity of democratic processes. He argues that as information technology evolves, these institutions must adapt and develop new mechanisms to identify and counter the spread of misinformation and delusions.
Regulation will be essential in shaping the development of AI to ensure it is used for the benefit of humanity, rather than to manipulate and control. Harari suggests that one key regulation should be to make social media companies liable for the actions of their algorithms, not just the content posted by users.
While Harari acknowledges the significant risks posed by AI, he also recognizes its immense potential to improve our lives. AI could revolutionize healthcare, transportation, and education, and even help us better understand ourselves and our relationships. However, he cautions that we must be proactive in guiding the development of AI to ensure it serves the greater good.
Harari emphasizes the importance of slowing down the rapid advancement of AI and developing the necessary institutions and mechanisms to control its impact. Just as we learn to use the brakes before the accelerator when learning to drive, he argues that we must prioritize understanding how to stop or slow down AI before unleashing its full power.
In conclusion, Harari's insights highlight the critical role of information in shaping our reality and the urgent need to address the challenges posed by the rise of AI. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues and taking proactive steps to regulate and guide the development of AI, we can harness its potential to benefit humanity while mitigating the risks of being trapped in a world of delusions and misinformation.
Two things are immediately notable when watching the Carter Pro robot navigate the aisles of the demo warehouse inside Robust AI’s San Carlos, California,
Two things are immediately notable when watching the Carter Pro robot navigate the aisles of the demo warehouse inside Robust AI’s San Carlos, California, headquarters. The first is the shelving units: standardized, modular, and off-the-shelf. The wire frames will look familiar to anyone who has spent time in warehouses, and that’s certainly by design.
The second thing isn’t a visible element of the wheeled robot itself, but instead how humans in the space interact with their automated co-worker. As Carter cruises the halls, Robust employees pick it up and move it around. It sounds like a small distinction, but it’s notable in this world where humans and robots work side by side.
The question of safety hasn’t been raised with enough regularity in stories covering the rise of humanoid robots in the work setting. While some companies have moved beyond the days of industrial arms tucked away in safety cages, there’s always a risk when humans are working alongside an autonomously moving metal system. Heck, electric forklifts have been around since the 1930s and are still regularly involved with workplace injuries.
One of the most widely used techniques to make AI models more efficient, quantization, has limits — and the industry could be fast approaching them.
In the context of AI, quantization refers to lowering the number of bits — the smallest units a computer can process — needed to represent information. Consider this analogy: When someone asks the time, you’d probably say “noon” — not “oh twelve hundred, one second, and four milliseconds.” That’s quantizing; both answers are correct, but one is slightly more precise. How much precision you actually need depends on the context.
AI models consist of several components that can be quantized — in particular parameters, the internal variables models use to make predictions or decisions. This is convenient, considering models perform millions of calculations when run. Quantized models with fewer bits representing their parameters are less demanding mathematically, and therefore computationally. (To be clear, this is a different process from “distilling,” which is a more involved and selective pruning of parameters.)
But quantization may have more trade-offs than previously assumed.
The Energy Transition: Navigating the Changing Landscape for Corporate Buyers
The Rapid Pace of Change
The energy transition is happening at an incredible pace, and it's crucial for companies to be aware of this. The change is not just a challenge that makes things more complex, but a huge opportunity for companies to become more competitive. If companies do not adapt to this new reality, it will result in an opportunity cost.
The growth of new energy technologies is not linear, but follows an exponential "S-curve" - slow adaptation followed by rapid, exponential growth. This has resulted in massive investments pouring into clean energy solutions, with the next trillion dollars expected to be invested in just four years, compared to the first trillion taking decades.
This rapid technological progress is driving down the costs of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, making them the cheapest sources of power. Solar is expected to overtake gas and coal as the largest renewable energy capacity in the world in the next two years.
The Changing Role of the Energy Buyer
The energy transition is having a profound impact on the role of corporate energy buyers. Analysis of five anonymized clients showed a significant increase in the headcount dedicated to energy procurement, from 2 to 5 full-time equivalents in one example, and 3 to 8 in another. This reflects the aggressive search for energy market expertise and talent.
The energy transition efforts are also becoming more integrated with procurement, with almost all companies now having at least a target, roadmap, and first projects underway, such as on-site renewable generation and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The Three Phases of the Energy Transition
The energy transition can be divided into three phases:
2010-2015: New technologies that require subsidies to be cost-competitive, with early adopters and others holding back.
Mid-2010s onwards: Technologies become cost-competitive, leading to increased PPA activity and a combination of certificate buying and PPAs.
Current phase: The energy transition enters a new phase as renewable energy sources like solar and wind reach 20% of total electricity production. This introduces the challenge of matching demand to the more variable supply, leading to the age of "smart energy" and the need for more flexible demand management.
The Challenges of the Third Phase
The third phase of the energy transition brings new challenges, including:
Data and Complexity: Calculating net consumption, total costs, and the true "greenness" of energy supply becomes increasingly complex, with thousands of data points required.
Risk Management: Managing a diversified portfolio of energy contracts, including PPAs, requires new approaches to risk management and accounting.
Market Design: The transition away from a centralized, top-down energy system towards a decentralized, bottom-up "ecology of interconnected systems" requires new market designs and price signals.
Adapting to the New Reality
To navigate this changing landscape, energy buyers must:
Understand the rapid pace of technological change and the opportunities it presents.
Integrate energy transition efforts with procurement to maximize the benefits.
Embrace new technologies and data management tools to gain visibility and control over their energy profiles.
Rethink their risk management and accounting approaches to handle the increased complexity.
Engage with the evolving energy market design and advocate for changes that support their needs.
As Winston Churchill said, "We have no choice." The energy transition is happening, and companies must adapt to gain a competitive advantage. By embracing the challenges and opportunities, energy buyers can position their companies for success in the new energy landscape.
The Future of Work: How AI is Transforming the Legal Industry
The world of work is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and the legal industry is at the forefront of this change. In a recent talk at the Ray Summit 2024, Kevin Wheel, the Chief Product Officer at OpenAI, revealed a startling statistic that has the potential to reshape the legal landscape.
Wheel stated that ChatGPT, OpenAI's language model, can reduce an $88,000 legal task down to just $3 worth of API credits. This drop-dead statement, as the author calls it, is a clear indication of the power of AI and its potential to disrupt traditional industries.
The implications of this revelation are profound. If AI can handle high-value legal tasks at a fraction of the cost, it begs the question: what does this mean for the future of work? The author believes that we are on the cusp of a seismic shift, where the very nature of work as we know it is about to be transformed.
The Goals of Big Tech Companies
According to Wheel, one of OpenAI's core goals is to make intelligence cheaper, faster, and safer. The philosophy behind this is that the more AI can be put in the hands of developers, the better it will be for the world. This aligns with the broader trend of increasing competition in the AI space, with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all vying for a piece of the pie.
The author draws a parallel between the current AI revolution and the economic boom of the 1920s, when household appliances and radios were first introduced. Just as it was difficult for people back then to imagine the internet and coding, the author believes that we are on the cusp of a similar transformation in the world of work.
The author suggests that the jobs of the future will revolve around meaning and purpose, rather than just tasks that can be automated by AI. To prepare for this, the author is working on a book called "The Great Decoupling," which aims to help people find their meaning and footing in this brave new world.
The author emphasizes the importance of embracing AI, rather than fearing it. They believe that the mainstream media and Hollywood have programmed us to fear AI, but that this fear is unfounded. Instead, the author believes that if we can successfully learn how to augment and 10x ourselves with AI, we will usher in an age of abundance.
The author's goal is to close the gap between the goals we want to achieve and the AI capabilities that are available. By doing so, they believe we can create a future where we attract the end result of abundance and something beautiful.
Tech executives may be warming to Donald Trump’s return to the White House as his quick win sparks optimism for more spending and dealmaking.
“Business does a lot better when uncertainty goes away,” IBM (IBM) CEO Arvind Krishna told me at Yahoo Finance’s Invest conference. “We are hopeful that there is going to be a lot more innovation and less regulation. Those are both good for businesses across the board.”
Krishna believes a lighter regulatory environment will prompt clients to make investment decisions more quickly and also lay the groundwork for a more favorable deal environment.
“If we have more certainty on the outcome, then we are willing to lean into things like M&A … If the regulatory process and antitrust are going to be more certain, that allows you to take more risk,” Krishna added.
A shift toward less regulation would be a dramatic change for the industry, which has faced intense scrutiny from the Biden administration. Under FTC Chair Lina Khan’s leadership, regulators aggressively pursued cases against the industry’s biggest companies, including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Meta (META), and Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL).
Trump, on the other hand, has promised to cut excess red tape, including his promise to throw out Biden’s executive order aimed at putting safety guardrails on AI — a move that would be viewed as controversial by those within the industry.
AI Predictions for 2025: Agents, Models, and Adoption
The Rise of AI Agents
In 2025, I believe we will see a significant growth in the practical application of AI agents. I've been experimenting with different types of agents, and I'm particularly excited about two main categories:
Browser-based Agents: I plan to set up a system where I have multiple virtual machines (VMs) running AI agents that can cooperate on tasks. The agents will be able to share information and insights in a shared document, allowing for more efficient and collaborative problem-solving.
Call Agents: I've developed an agent that can make phone calls, record the conversations, transcribe them using OpenAI's Whisper API, and extract relevant data. This type of agent can be valuable for gathering hard-to-find information that is not easily accessible online. I'll be showcasing an example of this agent in an upcoming video.
These types of agents have the potential to become more widely adopted in 2025, as they can automate tasks and gather data in ways that were previously difficult or time-consuming.
There has been a lot of discussion about whether the rapid advancements in AI models are starting to slow down. While some experts, like Ben Horowitz and Reid Hoffman, have suggested that the quality improvements between the latest models may be diminishing, others, like Sam Altman of OpenAI, have dismissed these concerns.
Personally, I don't think a slowdown in model advancements is necessarily a bad thing. The breakneck pace of the past few years has made it challenging for developers and businesses to keep up and extract value from the constantly evolving technology. A more gradual pace of improvement could allow for better integration and adoption of the current capabilities.
The adoption of AI technology seems to be a mixed bag, with conflicting reports on the current state of adoption. Some sources suggest that up to 65% of organizations are using AI, while others claim the US adoption rate is only around 25%.
Based on my own observations, I've noticed that AI usage, particularly with tools like ChatGPT, has been steadily increasing among my friends and family over the past year. However, it's difficult to get a clear, comprehensive picture of the overall adoption rates.
Regardless, I believe that continued growth in AI adoption will be crucial for the technology to reach its full potential and for investment to keep flowing into the space.
The incoming Trump administration could have a significant impact on AI policy and regulation. Potential changes include more deregulation and a focus on innovation, as well as increased competition with China in the race for AI infrastructure and capabilities.
It will be interesting to see how the new administration's policies and priorities shape the AI landscape in 2025 and beyond.
The Competitive AI Coding Landscape
The AI coding space has become increasingly competitive, with new tools and platforms constantly emerging to challenge established players like VS Code and GitHub. Companies like Cursor, Ather, and the integration of SuperMaven into Cursor are all exciting developments that I'll be closely following.
As the competition heats up, we can expect to see more features and improvements in these AI-powered coding tools, ultimately benefiting developers and users alike.
Overall, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the continued evolution and practical application of AI technology. While there may be some debates and uncertainties, the potential for AI to transform various industries and aspects of our lives remains vast and intriguing.
Here is a summary of the interview with Nancy Tangler in the form of a longform article:
Tesla's Energy Juggernaut and the AI Opportunity
A Refreshing Take from a Long-Time Tesla Bull
Many years ago, Nancy Tangler, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Langer Tangler Investments, was given a tip by renowned investor Ron Baron - to buy Tesla in January 2013. Tangler listened carefully and initiated a position, continuing to buy the dips ever since. She has been a steadfast Tesla bull, never buying into the narrative of stalling EV demand that plagued the company at times.
Tangler's deep dive into Tesla's business goes beyond just the automotive side. She visited the company's Megafactory in Nevada, where she was struck by the prosperity of the surrounding community and the high morale of the workers. Tangler was impressed by the Megapack energy storage business, which she believes could be 1.5 times larger than Tesla's auto business.
"I think that the ability to store renewable energy is going to become more and more critical as we move forward and so I expect that business to continue to grow," Tangler says. She believes the Megapack business is poised for significant growth, with Tesla already commanding a 20% market share.
Tangler never bought into the narrative of stalling EV demand that plagued Tesla at times. She saw Elon Musk's price cuts as a strategic move to maintain industry dominance, rather than a sign of weakening demand. Tangler believes Tesla will continue to dominate the EV market, even in the face of potential policy changes under a Trump administration.
But Tangler's enthusiasm for Tesla extends beyond just the automotive and energy storage businesses. She sees the company's foray into artificial intelligence as a major opportunity. Tangler believes Musk's relationship with the Trump administration could position him as the "AI Ambassador," helping to educate policymakers on the importance of AI and ensuring favorable regulatory conditions for Tesla's self-driving technology.
"I think it's going to be really important and advantageous to Tesla that Elon is at the party before everyone else and he's the host of the party," Tangler says.
Tangler is also bullish on Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, seeing it as a potential game-changer for industries like home healthcare. She believes the bot will fill in gaps and enhance productivity across various sectors.
When it comes to valuing Tesla, Tangler takes a more nuanced approach than traditional analysts. She looks at relative price-to-sales ratios and price-to-earnings growth, but acknowledges that companies like Tesla and Amazon can't be valued in a traditional way. Tangler is willing to hold through short-term volatility, recognizing that transformative companies may appear overvalued in the near term but can deliver outsized returns over the long run.
Tangler's broader economic outlook is also optimistic. She sees productivity-driven growth, fueled by advancements in technology and AI, as the key driver of the economy in the coming years. Tangler believes the Trump administration's policies, including potential corporate tax cuts and capital expenditure incentives, could further boost economic growth.
Overall, Tangler's perspective on Tesla and the broader market is refreshingly different from the conventional wisdom. Her deep understanding of the company's diverse business lines, her conviction in Elon Musk's leadership, and her belief in the transformative power of technology make her a unique voice in the investment community.
ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, valued itself at $300 billion in a recent share buyback offer, according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal.
That number might sound familiar, as the WSJ previously reported on a ByteDance buyback offer at a $300 billion valuation back in September 2022. But a year later, the company’s valuation had reportedly fallen 26%, to $223 billion.
TikTok’s prospects in the United States may be looking up following the election of Donald Trump to his second term as US president.
In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill that would ban TikTok from the United States if ByteDance failed to sell the short-form video app. The company was given nine months to make the sale, with the president given the option to extend the deadline by an extra three months. (ByteDance is suing the US government over the ban.)
While Trump had also called for a TikTok ban during his first term, he has subsequently posted that he will “SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA,” and Republican megadonor Jeff Yass is a major ByteDance investor.
O Ghost foi um barco furtivo desenvolvido nos EUA, cuja existência e tecnologia foi mantida em segredo por quatro anos. Apesar de sua aparência que lembra a engenharia de um catamarã, o Ghost era, na verdade, um barco inovador acoplado a dois gigantes submarinos. Esses submarinos permitiam que o Ghost operasse principalmente debaixo d’água, praticamente “voando” sob a superfície.
O inventor, Greg Sankoff, gastou 5 milhões de dólares de seu próprio bolso para contratar engenheiros e especialistas navais, com o objetivo de criar um barco revolucionário. A ideia inicial era eventualmente vender o Ghost para as Forças Armadas dos EUA, especialmente após o trágico ataque ao USS Cole em 12 de outubro de 2000.
Nesse ataque, um pequeno barco carregado de explosivos pilotado por terroristas abriu um buraco de 12 metros de largura no navio, matando 17 marinheiros e ferindo outros 40. Esse evento foi um catalisador para Sankoff, que viu a necessidade de um navio de guerra capaz de neutralizar ameaças semelhantes.
O governo dos Estados Unidos impôs ordens de sigilo ao Ghost, declarando-o tão perigoso que não queriam que países aliados dos EUA tivessem acesso a ele. Isso levantou questões sobre as verdadeiras capacidades e intenções por trás da engenharia do Ghost.
O Ghost foi um exemplo de inovação tecnológica em operações marítimas. Utilizando um design chamado SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull), o Ghost minimizava os efeitos das ondas, proporcionando uma navegação incrivelmente suave. Enquanto pequenos barcos patrulha eram instáveis em mar aberto, o design SWATH permitia ao Ghost operar com eficiência, mesmo em condições adversas.
Os dois gigantes submarinos que sustentavam o Ghost tinham 22 superfícies de controle subaquáticas, incluindo dois motores a gás e tanques de combustível de 3.028 litros cada.
A posição das hélices na frente dos submarinos era uma característica única da engenharia, reduzindo o arrasto através da cavitação, onde a água forma bolhas ao redor das hélices, criando túneis de gás subaquáticos. Isso permitia ao Ghost uma velocidade máxima de 74 km/h, tornando-o o navio SWATH mais rápido do mundo.
No início de 2024, a Microsoft lançou oficialmente uma ISO do Windows 11 destinada a sistemas com arquitetura Arm. Esta movimentação representa uma fase significativa no suporte ao Windows 11 para dispositivos baseados nessa arquitetura, ampliando as possibilidades de instalação e atualização do sistema. O arquivo pode ser acessado diretamente no site da Microsoft, proporcionando maior flexibilidade aos usuários interessados em utilizar o Windows 11 em dispositivos Arm.
Anteriormente, o acesso ao sistema operacional para esses dispositivos era restrito. Os usuários dependiam das atualizações proporcionadas pelo Windows Update ou de arquivos VHDX. Com a nova ISO, várias funcionalidades adicionais são possíveis, desde a criação de máquinas virtuais até a atualização de sistemas já em execução.
A versão de ISO lançada pela Microsoft é descrita como uma ISO multi-edição. Isso significa que o arquivo contém diferentes edições do Windows 11, sendo necessário uma chave de produto válida para desbloquear a edição apropriada, conforme a licença do usuário. Este tipo de ISO facilita a instalação em dispositivos com processadores compatíveis, como os das séries Snapdragon, que não requerem drivers adicionais no começo do processo de instalação.
Entre os dispositivos suportados estão aqueles equipados com processadores Snapdragon da série X. Nestes, a instalação ocorre de forma simplificada devido à remoção da necessidade de drivers adicionais no início, agilizando o processo em aparelhos modernos.
Apesar das vantagens proporcionadas pela nova ISO, a instalação do Windows 11 em dispositivos Arm antigos pode apresentar desafios. Equipamentos com versões anteriores de processadores como o Snapdragon, das séries 8cx Gen 3 e Gen 2, exigem incorporação manual de drivers dos fabricantes para que o sistema funcione corretamente. A ausência destes drivers pode resultar em falhas de inicialização ou na operação desestabilizada do dispositivo.
Raymond Kurzweil não é outro senão o diretor de engenharia do Google e lidera a equipe de desenvolvimento de IA. É também autor dos livros The Singularity Is Near, publicado em 2005, e The Singularity Is Nearer, publicado em 2024. Nestes títulos, ele aborda temas como o avanço da tecnologia, o futuro da inteligência artificial e suas previsões sobre como evoluirá a sua relação com os seres humanos.
Por ocasião do lançamento do seu mais recente livro, o autor conversou com o The Guardian. Nesta entrevista, Kurzweil foi firme na previsão de que em 2045 chegaremos à singularidade. Este é um termo retirado da física e pode ser definido como um ponto no espaço-tempo onde as leis naturais não são válidas ou são incertas, como dentro de um buraco negro.
No caso da inteligência artificial, a singularidade refere-se a um ponto hipotético em que terá ultrapassado completamente os humanos e estará além da nossa compreensão. No entanto, para Kurzweil isto também significará que a humanidade será capaz de se fundir com a IA, melhorando assim as capacidades intelectuais da nossa espécie.
Ray Kurzweil acredita que essa fusão será graças aos nanorrobôs, que entrarão no cérebro através de capilares. O cientista compara isso a ter um smartphone no cérebro. As pessoas poderão pesquisar de maneira semelhante à que fazem agora em seus telefones, apenas instantaneamente e sem sequer saberem que o fizeram. Segundo Kurzweil:
“Vamos expandir a inteligência um milhão de vezes até 2045 e isso vai aprofundar a nossa consciência e o nosso conhecimento.”
Na entrevista para o The Guardian, Kurzweil também abordou temas como a imortalidade e o avanço da medicina. Ele prevê que, à medida que nos aproximamos da próxima década, os avanços nos nanorrobôs médicos tornarão possível reparar o corpo por dentro e “retardar” o envelhecimento. Cada ano ganho será equivalente ao progresso médico necessário para prolongar a vida indefinidamente. Na década de 2040, diz ele, a tecnologia permitirá que os humanos sejam “ressuscitados” na forma de androides.
Desde seu lançamento na mídia há dois anos, a IA aumentou rapidamente em importância e se tornou uma das competências mais indispensáveis na força de trabalho. Em 2024, as habilidades em inteligência artificial começaram a ser determinantes no momento de avaliar e contratar profissionais.
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On #InLeo, a true #web3 #crypto X built on top of the #hive #blockchain and more, in order to support tokenomics and revenues last, we must focus on quality first. This will power up users #onboarding and retention.
I love the fact I could ask ChatGPT to make the python code I ask it to create be downloadable! Saves me a few seconds each time. Potentially, hours in the long-run.
XRP’s price just hit a 3-year high, and I’m amazed. Whales and sharks bought over $526M worth of XRP recently, which pushed the price up. Small investors sold, but whales stayed confident.
A hit in Korea, Indeterminate Inflorescence is a breathtaking and refreshing collection of aphorisms on poetry and writing poetry, that acts as inspiration...
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The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.
You must be very patient, very persistent. The world isn’t going to shower gold coins on you just because you have a good idea. You’re going to have to work like crazy to bring that idea to the attention of people.
On November 17, ** **, the actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the 38th governor of California at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Schwarzenegger, who became a major Hollywood star in the 1980s with such action movies as Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, defeated Governor Gray Davis in a special recall election on October 7, 2003. Prior to Schwarzenegger, another famous actor, Ronald Reagan, served as the 33rd governor of California from 1967 to 1975 before going on to become the nation’s 40th president in 1980.
It's the Premium on InLeo, not one of my own even I am thinking in the future to establish a space for that. But like you said, I need to have something to offer for the subscribers and still looking for something that would truly bring value.
This is the #threadcast for Day 145 of the #foodtalk on Leo 17/11/2024 for 16/11/2024. It's time for some meal inspirations and food conversation. Don't forget to use #foodtalk in your comments. Discussion
Be part of the Food Talk Show On Leo. Here is Day 144 that leads you to the previous threadcasts.
Share your meals.
Some national food celebration days in November.
Share your food experiences.
Share other food-related content and ask questions about food.
More about food with tips and tricks will be dropped in the threadcast. Upvote the comments you find interesting & connect with others. Let's have fun. #foodie
When is National Roasting Month?
National Roasting Month happens on Friday November 1, 2024.
Savoring the Season: Celebrating National Roasting Month in November
As the brisk winds of November herald the coming of colder days, there’s no culinary technique more fitting to embrace than roasting. National Roasting Month celebrates this ancient cooking method, which transforms simple ingredients into complex, flavorful dishes that warm the soul and gather people around the table. Whether it’s a golden, crispy turkey, root vegetables caramelized to perfection, or nuts toasted to bring out their natural oils, roasting is a cornerstone of autumn cooking. Let’s explore the art of roasting and how you can celebrate this delicious month.
Roasting involves cooking food, usually in an oven, using dry heat that envelops the food, cooking it evenly on all sides. This method enhances flavors through caramelization and Maillard reactions, creating a depth and richness that other cooking methods can’t replicate. The beauty of roasting lies in its simplicity and the transformative effect it has on ingredients, turning them into comforting, indulgent dishes.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
Host a Roast Dinner: There’s no better way to celebrate National Roasting Month than by hosting a traditional roast dinner. Whether it’s a classic roast beef, a tender leg of lamb, or a vegetarian centerpiece like a whole roasted cauliflower, the act of gathering with loved ones over a shared meal is at the heart of this celebration.
Experiment with Vegetables: Roasting isn’t just for meats. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, and squash take on a whole new life when roasted. Experiment with different seasoning blends, from simple salt and pepper to more adventurous spices, to discover your favorite combinations.
Try International Roasting Recipes: Expand your culinary horizons by exploring roasting recipes from around the world. From Italian porchetta to Indian tandoori chicken, roasting is a universal cooking method with endless variations.
Learn About Roasting Techniques: Take this month as an opportunity to refine your roasting skills. Learn about the importance of temperature control, timing, and the role of marinades and rubs in creating a perfectly roasted dish.
Share Your Creations: Social media is a great platform to share your roasting successes and inspire others. Use hashtags like #NationalRoastingMonth to connect with a community of fellow food enthusiasts.
Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to the right temperature before adding your food. This helps achieve a crispy, evenly cooked exterior.
Use the Right Pan: A heavy-duty roasting pan that’s just the right size for your food encourages proper air circulation and browning.
Baste to Keep Moist: For meats, basting periodically can help keep the exterior from drying out, ensuring a juicy, flavorful result.
Rest Your Meat: After roasting meat, let it rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s moist and delicious.
Season Well: Don’t be shy with seasoning; roasted foods can handle bold flavors. Season your dishes well before roasting to maximize flavor.
National Roasting Month is an invitation to slow down, savor the richness of roasted foods, and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, there’s joy and discovery in the act of roasting. So preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and let the comforting aromas fill your home this November. Happy National Roasting Month!
Welcome friends to another episode of the #foodtalk on Leo. Join the conversation, share your meals and national food or international food celebration days you know. Engage to earn.
When is National Deep Fried Clams Day?
National Deep Fried Clams Day happens on Friday November 1, 2024.
Crispy Delights from the Sea: Celebrating National Deep Fried Clams Day
As the leaves turn and the air chills, food lovers across the nation gear up to celebrate a beloved seaside delicacy on November 1st: National Deep Fried Clams Day. This annual tribute to the crispy, golden goodness of deep-fried clams invites us to indulge in one of the sea’s most cherished offerings. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to dive into the history, flavors, and joys of deep-fried clams. Find out more in the comments. 👇
#foodtalk #Nationalfoodday #DeepFriedClamsDay #DeepFriedClams
The story of deep-fried clams begins in Essex, Massachusetts, in 1916, when Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman and his wife, Bessie, took the advice of a local fisherman to deep-fry the clams in their small roadside stand. This innovative idea turned into a culinary sensation, making deep-fried clams a staple of New England cuisine and beyond. Today, they’re celebrated not just as a regional delight but as a favorite across the United States, especially in coastal areas where clams are freshly harvested.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
Deep-fried clams are cherished for their unique texture and flavor. The breading, light and crispy, encapsulates the tender, briny clam inside, creating a perfect balance of crunch and succulence. Served with a side of tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce, they offer a taste of the ocean in every bite.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
Visit a Seafood Shack: The best way to celebrate is by visiting a local seafood shack or restaurant that specializes in deep-fried clams. Many establishments offer specials to mark the occasion, giving you the perfect excuse to indulge.
Make Your Own: Making deep-fried clams at home is a fun and rewarding endeavor. Start with fresh, high-quality clams, a simple batter, and ensure your oil is at the right temperature for frying. Serve hot for a delicious homemade treat.
Explore Different Styles: While the classic New England-style whole-belly clams are the star of the show, there are other variations to explore, such as clam strips or clams paired with chips. Experiment with different styles to find your favorite.
How to Celebrate National Deep Fried Clams Day (Continued)
Learn About Sustainable Seafood: Use the day as an opportunity to learn about sustainable seafood practices and how to source clams responsibly. Supporting sustainable fisheries ensures the longevity of this delicacy for generations to come.
Share the Love: Share your deep-fried clam experiences on social media or with friends and family. Whether it’s posting pictures of your culinary creations or writing reviews of local seafood spots, spreading the word contributes to the celebration.
National Deep Fried Clams Day is more than just an excuse to indulge in delicious seafood; it’s a day to honor a culinary tradition that has brought joy to many. From its humble beginnings in a small Massachusetts stand to its status as a beloved dish nationwide, deep-fried clams remind us of the simple pleasures in life. So on November 1st, let’s raise a fork to the crispy, golden delights from the sea and enjoy the rich flavors and history they bring to our tables. Happy National Deep Fried Clams Day!
You just got DOOKed! @calebmarvel01 thinks your content is the shit. They have 2/200DOOK left to drop today.Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
Leo Entertainment Threadcast.
#threadcast #leoentertainment #mcb 17/11/2024
Watched this movie last night. Same director as the Taken series of movies with Liam Neeson.
This is pretty cool, am gonna watch it here tonight 🐱🐱😁🐱...
This movie is a real action movie, I love such... So you do watch action movies too? 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂..
You are my pretty partner on scene... ❤️❤️ Lol
O wow, this will be interesting to watch.
Greeting my dear friends, compliment of the season to you all.... lol
its a sunny day over here and we all are having good time under the canopy of entertainment..
Animated video game anthology show Secret Level sure looks pretty
Amazon has released a new trailer for Secret Level, the upcoming Prime Video show that tells stories set in the worlds of beloved, popular or even upcoming games (and also Concord). Given that it’s an anthology series, there’s unlikely to be an overarching plot, so there’s not much to grok here from a narrative perspective. And the sooner there's a mortarium on trailers being soundtracked to that overused M83 song, the better.
#leoentertainment #engadget
However, the visuals sure do look pretty. The quality of the animation is genuinely impressive. At least in some cases, the art style apes that of the game the episode is based on. That’s particularly true for what we see of the Sifu episode, but Secret Level is not, for instance, retaining Spelunky's aesthetic.
Other episodes are based on the likes of Armored Core, Crossfire, Dungeons & Dragons, Exodus, Honor of Kings, Mega Man, New World: Aeternum, Pac-Man, The Outer Worlds 2, Unreal Tournament and Warhammer 40,000, along with "various" PlayStation Studios games. One of those is Concord, which Sony unceremoniously killed for good after its disastrous debut.
Some major mainstream stars have lent their voices and even likenesses to the series, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves (who appears in the Armored Core episode), Ariana Greenblatt and Gabriel Luna. Video game stalwarts, including The Last of Us stars Merle Dandridge and Laura Bailey, are involved too.
Secret Level — which is from the creative team behind Netflix's Love, Death and Robots — will debut on December 10. More episodes will be released over the following week.
Andor season two will hit Disney+ in April
Star Wars fans have been waiting quite some time to find out when they'll be able to watch the second and final season of Andor. At the D23 Brazil fan expo, Lucasfilm revealed that the Rogue One prequel series will debut on Disney+ on April 22, 2025. That's almost three years since the first season premiered in August 2022, and just after next year's edition of Star Wars Celebration.
#leoentertainment #engadget
The show focuses on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in the years leading up to the events of Rogue One. It details how he came to work against the Empire as an important operative for the Rebel Alliance. Andor has been widely hailed as one of the best pieces of Star Wars media over the last few years, and now you know when you can enjoy more of the rebel spy's story.
Amazon is making a Mass Effect television show
BioWare had told Mass Effect fans to expect a quiet N7 day without any updates on the new game in the works, but there is still some exciting news for the franchise today. Variety reports that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV series based on the sci-fi universe. Rumors first emerged about the tech company's interest in a Mass Effect show back in 2021, but now it's official.
#leoentertainment #engadget #game
Daniel Casey will be the series' writer and executive producer. He has action credits on the screenplay for F9: The Fast Saga and made contributions to sci-fi films Kin and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Variety noted some of the other executive producers, but there have been no details shared yet about the cast or plot of the project. Since a large part of the original Mass Effect games' appeal was players making their own choices about Commander Shepard's moral compass and love life, it seems likely that a show would want to tell an original story within that universe rather than retreading the same path as the trilogy.
Amazon had a huge win with its TV adaptation of Fallout earlier this year, and it seems the company is going to continue mining video games for source material. After some stumbles, Amazon is also reviving its plans for a live-action God of War show.
Article
A gold pocket watch given to the captain who rescued Titanic survivors sells for record price
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/gold-pocket-watch-captain-rescued-titanic-survivors-sells-115941944
LONDON -- A gold pocket watch given to the ship captain who rescued 700 survivors from the Titanic sold at auction for nearly $2 million, setting a record for memorabilia from the ship wreck.
The 18-carat Tiffany & Co. watch was given by three women survivors to Capt. Arthur Rostron for diverting his passenger ship, the RMS Carpathia, to save them and others after the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the north Atlantic on its maiden voyage in 1912.
Auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son, who sold the watch to a private collector in the United States on Saturday for 1.56 million British pounds, said it’s the most paid for a piece of Titanic memorabilia. The price includes taxes and fees paid by the buyer.
The watch was given to Rostron by the widow of John Jacob Astor, the richest man to die in the disaster, and the widows of two other wealthy businessmen who went down with the ship.
Astor's pocket watch, which was on his body when it was recovered seven days after the ship sank, had previously set the record for the highest price paid for a Titanic keepsake, fetching nearly $1.5 million (1.17 million pounds) from the same auction house in April.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said the fact that Titanic memorabilia has set two records this year demonstrates the enduring fascination with the story and the value of the dwindling supply and high demand for ship artifacts.
“Every man, woman and child had a story to tell, and those stories are told over a century later through the memorabilia," he said.
Rostron was hailed a hero for his actions the night the Titanic sank and his crew was recognized for their bravery.
The Carpathia was sailing from New York to the Mediterranean Sea when a radio operator heard a distress call from the Titanic in the early hours of April 15, 1912 and woke Rostron in his cabin. He turned his boat around and headed at full steam toward the doomed vessel, navigating through ice bergs to get there.
By the time the Carpathia arrived, the Titanic had sunk and 1,500 people perished. But the crew located 20 lifeboats and rescued more than 700 passengers and took them back to New York.
Rostron was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal by President William Howard Taft and was later knighted by King George V.
Madeleine Astor, who had been helped into a lifeboat by her husband, presented the watch to Rostron at a luncheon at her mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York.
The inscription says it was given “with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors.” It lists Mrs. John B. Thayer and Mrs. George D. Widener alongside Astor's married name.
“It was presented principally in gratitude for Rostron’s bravery in saving those lives,” Aldridge said. "Without Mr. Rostron, those 700 people wouldn’t have made it.”
Article
How a viral, duct-taped banana came to be worth $1 million
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/viral-duct-taped-banana-worth-1-million-115939875
NEW YORK -- Walk into any supermarket and you can generally buy a banana for less than $1. But a banana duct-taped to a wall? That might sell for more than $1 million at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in New York.
#leoentertainment #abcnews
The yellow banana fixed to the white wall with silver duct tape is a work entitled “Comedian,” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. It first debuted in 2019 as an edition of three fruits at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair, where it became a much-discussed sensation.
Was it a prank? A commentary on the state of the art world? Another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. A backup banana was brought in. Selfie-seeking crowds became so thick, “Comedian” was withdrawn from view, but three editions of it sold for between $120,000 and $150,000, according to Perrotin gallery.
Now, the conceptual artwork has an estimated value of between $1 million and $1.5 million at Sotheby's auction on Nov. 20. Sotheby's head of contemporary art, David Galperin, calls it profound and provocative.
“What Cattelan is really doing is turning a mirror to the contemporary art world and asking questions, provoking thought about how we ascribe value to artworks, what we define as an artwork," Galperin said.
Bidders won't be buying the same fruit that was on display in Miami. Those bananas are long gone. Sotheby’s says the fruit always was meant to be replaced regularly, along with the tape.
“What you buy when you buy Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’ is not the banana itself, but a certificate of authenticity that grants the owner the permission and authority to reproduce this banana and duct tape on their wall as an original artwork by Maurizio Cattelan,” Galperin said.
The very title of the piece suggests Cattelan himself likely didn't intend for it to be taken seriously. But Chloé Cooper Jones, an assistant professor at the Columbia University School of the Arts, said it is worth thinking about the context.
Cattelan premiered the work at an art fair, visited by well-off art collectors, where “Comedian” was sure to get a lot of attention on social media. That might mean the art constituted a dare, of sorts, to the collectors to invest in something absurd, she said.
If “Comedian” is just a tool for understanding the insular, capitalist, art-collecting world, Cooper Jones said, “it’s not that interesting of an idea.”
But she thinks it might go beyond poking fun at rich people.
Cattelan is often thought of a “trickster artist,” she said. “But his work is often at the intersection of the sort of humor and the deeply macabre. He’s quite often looking at ways of provoking us, not just for the sake of provocation, but to ask us to look into some of the sort of darkest parts of history and of ourselves.”
And there is a dark side to the banana, a fruit with a history entangled with imperialism, labor exploitation and corporate power.
“It would be hard to come up with a better, simple symbol of global trade and all of its exploitations than the banana,” Cooper Jones said. If “Comedian” is about making people think about their moral complicity in the production of objects they take for granted, then it's “at least a more useful tool or it’s at least an additional sort of place to go in terms of the questions that this work could be asking,” she said.
“Comedian” hits the block around the same time that Sotheby's is also auctioning one of the famed paintings in the “Water Lilies” series by the French impressionist Claude Monet, with an expected value of around $60 million.
When asked to compare Cattelan's banana to a classic like Monet's “Nymphéas," Galperin says impressionism was not considered art when the movement began.
“No important, profound, meaningful artwork of the past 100 years or 200 years, or our history for that matter, did not provoke some kind of discomfort when it was first unveiled,” Galperin said.
News headline
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Does this Planet Dune movie have anything to do with the Dune that was shown in theaters recently?
#gm Hello, today I hope you feel that each obstacle makes you stronger and brings you closer to your destiny
#freecompliments
My "friend" that I haven't heard from since the last bull-market, texted me asking about $BTC last night. As expected 😂
lol
Hi, @mightpossibly,
This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.
Get started with Darkcloaks today, and follow us on Inleo for the latest updates.
Wow. Look at this !
BYD is leaving the other car manufacturers way back and they will only see dust in the mirror. EV strategy should have been to start with cheap cars and expand from there and I think BYD does that the best. We are witnessing an EV revolution, even if many don't understand it.
China is #1 but maybe mostly domestic sales.
ooooo wait BMW behind Tesla, didn't know this. Not surprised China is leading and domination. Tesla is really trying but I think they need more variety and cheaper cars like Toyota and Hyundai
i am surprised seeing BYD at the top of the list ..wow
i dunno who needs to hear this but...
take a day off. focus on yourself. your work is only as good as your state of mind.
just did. Ready to build.
Great advice
#wordofthedayonleo - grandiloquence
What It Means
Grandiloquence is a formal word that refers to the use of extravagantly colorful or pompous language often in order to sound impressive and important.
//He was known for the flowery grandiloquence of his speeches which, his passionate delivery notwithstanding, always caused more than a few listeners to doze off.
🔗 Source in comments
I think I know some people like this. 😂
quite a word for the day man, I'll try using it in my conversations.
🔗 Source:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandiloquence
I’ve dreamt that $HBD savings APR spiked to 35% #cent #bbh #crypto
✈️ Travel Tales, Talk & Tips
#threadcast 96
Sun 17-Nov-24
ℹ️ This is the #travelcast where we chat all things #travel
💬 Talk about your trips, discuss adventures and enjoy the world's delights!
Bon voyage! 🧳 🛫
Super Sunday TravelCast on the go! Share all your travel antics and chit-chat right here...
Yesterday's edition:
https://inleo.io/threads/view/adambarratt/re-leothreads-5vpmmbhn
Spain travel warning as Foreign Office sends 'severe weather' alert to millions
Article via Daily Express
Travelling with a disability is still far from easy – but slowly, things are changing
Article via The Telegraph
Travel expert warns packing these everyday items could see you breaking the law
Article via Metro
Best Black Friday 2024 travel deals: Offers from British Airways, easyJet, Booking.com and more
Article via The Standard
We’re entering a new golden age of luxury train travel
Article via The Telegraph
NC500 listed in popular travel guide’s ‘no-go’ places to avoid in 2025...
Article via The Scottish Sun
The Nottinghamshire woman who sold her home to travel the world
Article via Nottinghamshire Live
I’ve been travelling solo for 20 years — here are my top tips
Article via The Times
I have a dirty travel secret — and it’s about Luton airport
Article via The Times
These British pubs serve food worth travelling for
Article via National Geographic
The historic Surrey (UK) pub people travel from all over the world to visit that serves a goliath roast dinner...
Article via Surrey Live
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: New York City's Best Travel Packages
Article via Forbes
Top tips to avoid Christmas travel scams
Article via ATV Today
Brits given major Government ‘security’ warning about travel to Italy
Article via Express
Beautiful European island named on travel guide's list of places to avoid in 2025
Article via Express
The gorgeous little European country ‘as beautiful as Italy’ but without the tourists
Check out Slovenia!
Article via Express
Travel Review: The Bunkie, Spring Lake, Ontario in Canada
Article via Luxury Lifestyle Magazine
https://inleo.io/threads/view/sacra97/re-leothreads-2zn5v3drx?referral=sacra97
📍 Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮
👉 What to do in the Finnish capital?
🎞️ Ultimate Bucket List YouTube channel give their review!
More info in replies… ⬇️
Helsinki travel guide, from Attaché…
48 hours in Helsinki, by Flying the Nest…
The Don'ts of Visiting Helsinki - by Wolters World…
What to Know BEFORE Visiting FINLAND | Suitcase Monkey
📍 Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷
👉 What to do in this charming Croatian city?
🎞️ World Wild Hearts YouTube channel give their top 10 tips!
More info in replies… ⬇️
🎥 VIDEO CHAPTERS:
CROATIA 🇭🇷 Rovinj to Dubrovnik | A Summer In Europe - Ep 3
Karl Watson: Travel Documentaries
EXPLORING CROATIA! This Country is amazing! 🇭🇷 - Jan and Ann
3 Days in Dubrovnik Vlog, Croatia - Suitcase Monkey
How to Spend 3 PERFECT Days in San Diego
#sandiego #travel !summarize
Part 1/4:
Three Perfect Days in San Diego
Day 1: Balboa Park and Beaches
Balboa Park
Start your day at the iconic Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Explore the 16 museums, beautiful gardens, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Appreciate the Spanish Colonial architecture that defines the park.
For lunch, dine at the relaxed Panama 66 or the upscale Prado restaurant within the park.
Beaches
Spend the afternoon exploring Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Pacific Beach is known for its laidback beach atmosphere, popular bars, restaurants, and the 3.2-mile-long boardwalk.
Head south to Mission Beach, home to the iconic Belmont Park and the giant Dipper roller coaster. Finish the day by watching the sunset along the boardwalk or at Crystal Pier.
Part 2/4:
Day 2: La Jolla
La Jolla Cove
Drive 20 minutes north of downtown to the picturesque La Jolla Cove, a rocky cove with clear waters and stunning views of the Southern California coastline. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Explore the nearby Scripps Park, La Jolla Coastwalk Trail, and Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
Downtown La Jolla
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Torrey Pines Glider Port
Part 3/4:
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Day 3: Old Town, Coronado, and Downtown San Diego
Old Town San Diego
Coronado and Downtown San Diego
Take the Coronado Ferry across the bay to the Convention Center Landing, then walk along the Embarcadero to Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining district.
Continue north to Tuna Harbor, home to the famous Unconditional Surrender statue and the USS Midway Museum.
Part 4/4:
Ride the ferry back to Coronado and check out Centennial Park for stunning views of downtown San Diego.
Explore Coronado Beach and the historic Hotel Del Coronado, a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset picnic dinner.
This itinerary covers the top attractions, beaches, and experiences that San Diego has to offer in just three days. Feel free to rearrange or add more activities to suit your interests and travel style. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!
San Diego’s Top 10 Must-See Spots 📸 Stunning Views & Fun Activities!
#sandiego #travel !summarize
Part 1/9:
Exploring the Scenic Beauty and Vibrant Culture of San Diego
La Jolla: Coastal Gems and Architectural Wonders
One of the most visited communities in San Diego, La Jolla is a popular destination known for its coastal bluffs, caves, sandy beaches, wildlife, and activities. La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed places in San Diego, a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling where you can often see seals and sea lions.
Walking south from The Cove, you'll find the Children's Pool, a structure donated by Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931 with a concrete breakwater. Further north, the coves and caves transition into the sandy shores of La Jolla Shores, a popular family destination with amenities like bathrooms, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and kayak rentals.
Part 2/9:
At the northern end of the beach is the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Scripps Pier, where the sunset lines up perfectly between the pillars twice a year in an event known as Scripps Henge. Atop the hill is the Salk Institute, a world-class research facility founded by Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the polio vaccine. Its stunning architecture makes it a must-visit for science and design enthusiasts.
Another highlight in La Jolla is Mount Soledad, a popular tourist destination and Veterans Memorial that offers a 365-degree view of San Diego, stretching as far north as Orange County and as far south as Mexico.
Coronado Island: Victorian Charm and Coastal Vistas
Part 3/9:
Crossing the bay, Coronado Island offers a variety of attractions. Starting at Centennial Park, you'll find one of the most popular photography and wedding ceremony spots, with views of downtown San Diego. Just south is the Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront shopping village with restaurants, shops, and water sports rentals.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in San Diego is the Hotel del Coronado, a wooden Victorian beach resort that has hosted royalty, presidents, and celebrities over the years. The hotel is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former guest, Kate Morgan.
Balboa Park: A Cultural and Architectural Oasis
Part 4/9:
Heading back towards downtown, we reach the 1,200-acre urban park known as Balboa Park. Constructed for the 1915 Panama Exposition, the park is celebrated for its Spanish Revival architecture, with over 65 miles of trails, 17 museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Some of the must-see attractions in Balboa Park include the Botanical Building, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Spanish Village Art Center, and the Alcazar Garden. Each offers a unique cultural experience and stunning architectural or natural beauty.
Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs: Coastal Exploration and Scenic Vistas
Part 5/9:
Continuing west, the Point Loma Peninsula shapes the outer edge of San Diego Bay, home to the Cabrillo National Monument. This historic site commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European expedition to set foot on what would become the West Coast of the United States.
Just south of Point Loma is the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs, considered one of the most stunning places to watch the sunset in San Diego. The sheer cliffs, caves, and tide pools make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Pacific Beach and Mission Beach: Coastal Charm and Amusement
Part 6/9:
Heading north, you'll find the lively community of Pacific Beach, known for its laid-back college town atmosphere and the iconic Crystal Pier. The nearly 3-mile Pacific Beach Boardwalk is a great place for a run, bike ride, or simply enjoying the sandy beaches.
At the southern end of Pacific Beach is Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park featuring the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark, as well as other rides, an arcade, and dining options.
Old Town San Diego: Birthplace of California
Part 7/9:
Considered the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego is the location of the first European settlement on the West Coast. Atop a hill overlooking the area is Presidio Park, home to the Royal Presidio and the Junípero Serra Museum, which showcase the history of San Diego.
Within Old Town, you can explore historic adobe buildings, blacksmiths, markets, and even haunted locations like the cemetery and the Whaley House. The nearby Heritage Park Victorian Village preserves historic Victorian homes relocated from around San Diego.
Downtown San Diego: Waterfront Attractions and Historic Neighborhoods
Part 8/9:
As San Diego continued to expand, the downtown area evolved into the heart of the city. Alonzo Horton, known as the "father of downtown," created incentives to attract merchants and developers to the bayfront land.
Today, downtown is home to popular attractions like Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining complex, and the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood with over 100 restaurants, pubs, shops, and nightclubs.
Off the Beaten Path: Exploring San Diego's Hidden Gems
Part 9/9:
Beyond the well-known attractions, San Diego offers a wealth of hidden gems worth discovering. Mission Bay, with its family-friendly facilities and playgrounds, is a great alternative to the crowded beaches. Old Poway Park, a historic steam train park, is another local favorite.
Whether you're seeking scenic vistas, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, San Diego has something to captivate every traveler. With its diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and natural beauty, this vibrant city is a must-visit destination on any California itinerary.
Journey to Lake Como: Varenna and Bellagio | Italy Travel
#lakecomo #italy #travel !summarize
Part 1/7:
Discovering the Enchanting Beauty of Lake Como
A Picturesque Gem in the Italian Alps
Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, is a stunning and romantic destination that has captivated visitors for centuries. Stretching over 56 square miles, this third-largest lake in Italy is surrounded by steep, forested hills and snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking scenery that has inspired artists, writers, and musicians.
Exploring the Lake by Boat
Part 2/7:
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Como is by boat. Ferries regularly ply the waters, stopping at the major towns around the lake, allowing visitors to admire the magnificent villas that line the shores. These grand estates were built in the 18th and 19th centuries by wealthy families seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like Milan.
Delectable Cuisine and Outdoor Adventures
Part 3/7:
In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Como is renowned for its delicious cuisine. The lake is famous for its freshly caught fish, which are served in many of the local restaurants. Specialties include risotto with perch, rosala (a specialty type of air-dried beef), and polenta. For those who love the outdoors, the surrounding hills are crisscrossed with hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the mountains.
Exploring the Charming Towns
Part 4/7:
While the lake itself is a major draw, the towns that dot its shores are equally captivating. The picturesque village of Varenna, located on a small peninsula that juts out into the lake, is a favorite among travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. With its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views, Varenna is a peaceful and pedestrian-friendly destination.
The Opulent Bellagio
Part 5/7:
Across the lake from Varenna, the stunning village of Bellagio, often referred to as the "pearl of the lake," is a must-visit destination. Known for its picturesque waterfront, elegant villas, and stunning gardens, Bellagio is a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious and romantic Italian getaway. The heart of the village is its charming historic center, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming piazzas.
Magnificent Villas and Gardens
Part 6/7:
No visit to Lake Como would be complete without exploring some of the region's famous villas and gardens. Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo, is a magnificent 18th-century villa that is now open to the public as a museum. Another must-see is Villa del Balbianello, located on the western shore of the lake, which has been used as a filming location for several movies, including "Star Wars: Episode II" and "Casino Royale."
Conclusion
Part 7/7:
Lake Como is a destination that truly has it all – stunning scenery, charming towns, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an outdoor adventure, this beautiful corner of Italy is sure to delight and inspire. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of Lake Como.
Best Places in California To Visit 2025
#california #travel !summarize
Part 1/7:
The 20 Best Places to Visit in California
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is known for its stunning granite cliffs like El Capitan, as well as its numerous waterfalls, clear streams, and large Giant Sequoia Groves. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the Sierra Nevada red fox.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, situated in the Mojave Desert near the Nevada border, holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - 134°F (56°C) in 1913. It is also the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. The park is known for its vast salt flats and dried up lake beds.
Joshua Tree National Park
Part 2/7:
Joshua Tree National Park, where two deserts meet, is named after the unique, twisted Yucca plant known as the Joshua tree. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bobcats, and coyotes, as well as unique plants like creosote and prickly pear. It is also renowned for its excellent stargazing opportunities.
San Diego
San Diego, with a population of around 3.5 million in the metro area, is known as "America's Finest City" due to its pleasant, Mediterranean-like climate and 266 days of sunshine per year. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastline, including La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach, as well as Balboa Park, the Gas Lamp District, and the USS Midway.
Coronado Island
Part 3/7:
Just across the Coronado Bay from San Diego, Coronado Island is a must-visit destination, offering great resorts and beaches.
Orange County
North of San Diego, Orange County is famous for its beaches, palm trees, and scenic overlooks. Highlights include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. The area can be easily accessed by taking the California Coaster train from San Diego.
Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood National and State Parks, located in the northwestern part of the state, are home to the world's tallest trees - the Redwoods. These isolated, unique species create a truly remarkable environment.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
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In the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to the famous General Sherman tree, the second-largest tree in the world, as well as the stunning Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs, situated between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, is known for its towering, snow-capped mountains, windmills, and golf course communities. The area has a distinct desert climate compared to the Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the second-largest metro area in the nation, offers a diverse array of attractions, from the beaches of Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Venice Beach to the iconic Hollywood and Griffith Observatory. Visitors can also explore the Getty Museum and Universal Studios.
Morro Bay
Part 5/7:
Morro Bay, located in central California, is known for its iconic Morro Rock and offers a variety of activities, including camping, sailing, fishing, and hiking.
Pismo Beach
Just south of Morro Bay, Pismo Beach is famous for its Pismo Dunes, where visitors can go off-roading and camping on the beach.
Big Sur
The scenic drive along Big Sur, with its towering cliffs and bridges, is considered one of the most beautiful in California. Highlights include Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the elephant seal colony at San Simeon.
San Francisco Bay Area
Part 6/7:
The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, is known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the steep, winding Lombard Street. Visitors can also spot humpback whales from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its beautiful coastal scenery and Pebble Beach Golf Course, is a charming and picturesque town along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, known for its Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a popular destination for whale watching and exploring the coastal environment.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, north of Monterey, is home to a lively boardwalk and beautiful beaches, making it a great stop along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Santa Barbara
Part 7/7:
Santa Barbara, with its stunning beaches, old mission, and vibrant State Street, is one of the most prestigious areas in California.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley, renowned for its world-class wineries, is a peaceful and picturesque destination, perfect for a weekend getaway from the Bay Area.
Channel Islands
The Channel Islands, located off the coast of Los Angeles, offer the opportunity to visit Catalina Island and its charming town of Avalon.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is a popular destination for both winter skiing and summer lake activities.
How LOS ANGELES Is Transforming For The 2028 OLYMPICS!
#losangeles #2028 #olympics !summarize
Part 1/5:
The Race to Transform Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics
The Olympic flag has landed in Los Angeles, and the city is short on time. As the host of the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, LA has some significant changes to make before millions of people start descending on it.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is undertaking a massive $40 billion project called "28x28" to complete 28 infrastructure projects before 2028. This includes a $15 billion renovation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the fourth busiest airport in the world, handling 1,500 flights every 24 hours.
Part 2/5:
The centerpiece of the LAX development is an automated people mover (APM), a 2.25-mile elevated train system with six stations. This will help reduce congestion by pushing 42 million vehicles off the roads. The APM will connect to a new Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and the city's Metro network, making it easier for passengers to navigate the airport and the city.
Lessons from the Past
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1932 and 1984. The 1984 games were considered a huge success, as LA adopted a "no-build" policy, modifying existing stadiums instead of constructing new ones. They also freely accepted private sponsorship, earning a profit of $225 million.
Part 3/5:
The 2028 Olympics will build on this legacy, with more than 80 venues hosting different events, including the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Rose Bowl. The opening ceremony will take place at the new SoFi Stadium in Englewood, which can accommodate up to 70,000 spectators.
Challenges and Promises
Despite the ambitious plans, Los Angeles faces significant challenges in making the 2028 Olympics car-free, as promised. The city comprises 88 cities with a combined population of 10 million, and 91% of American households own at least one car. This makes the goal of relying solely on public transportation a daunting task.
Part 4/5:
However, the city is not deterred. The federal government has approved $900 million in funds to boost infrastructure, and the Metro system is planning to borrow more than 2,700 buses to help transport athletes and visitors. The 28x28 initiative aims to complete 18 highway and transit projects by 2028, including the expansion of the Metro's Purple Line and the extension of the Metro Line D to the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Lessons from Paris
While Paris has been praised for the accessibility of its 2024 Olympic venues, it's important to note that the city is much smaller and more walkable than Los Angeles. The City of Angels is determined to showcase its diversity and international character, with the Hollywood sign and the promise of "magical opportunities" to come.
Part 5/5:
As the clock ticks, Los Angeles must complete the necessary upgrades to its transit system to handle the influx of athletes and visitors without going bankrupt. The city's success in the 1984 Olympics has set a high bar, and the world will be watching to see if the City of Angels can replicate that triumph.
#disney #travel #resorts !summarize
Part 1/9:
Disney's Architectural Masterpieces: The Resorts That Elevated the Guest Experience
The Eisner Era Expansion and the Rise of Themed Resorts
Disney's first foray into the hotel business began in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World, where alongside the Magic Kingdom they opened the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts, followed a month later by the Fort Wilderness Campground. From the start, these resorts were very much products of their time, with elements that scream design trends of the late 1960s.
Part 2/9:
The real standout, however, was the Contemporary resort. Erected as a giant A-frame with pre-fabricated rooms that slid into place, the design of the building was intended to emphasize the large open atrium, which at the time was incredibly new and novel. Designed with input from architect Welton Becket, the Contemporary likely took inspiration from the massive atrium that defined the Regency Hyatt House in Atlanta.
In an era where Disney was always pushing the limits of what was possible, it's not surprising that the company would embrace such challenging engineering and architecture. The monorail traveling through the building was, and still is, an enchanting novelty that felt futuristic for the mid-century.
Part 3/9:
While many resorts of architectural significance were proposed for early Walt Disney World, the only other development of the pre-Eisner period was the Disney golf resort in 1973, which was nowhere near as interesting as what came next.
When Eisner became CEO in 1984, he recognized the potential for Disney to expand significantly, including a substantial increase in resort capacity. This led to the opening of the Grand Floridian in 1988, followed by Caribbean Beach in October of the same year.
Part 4/9:
The Caribbean Beach resort, despite its motel-style buildings, is quite interesting, with its Caribbean colors and design, and a central pool themed as a Spanish Fort overtaken by Pirates. The Grand Floridian, on the other hand, is an elegant Victorian-era style resort that takes heavy inspiration from many real and culturally notable resorts throughout the United States, particularly the Hotel del Coronado in California.
The Epcot Resorts and the Pinnacle of Disney Theming
Part 5/9:
1989 was a milestone year for Disney, with the opening of the Wonders of Life at Epcot, Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World Village, and two brand new parks: Disney-MGM Studios and Typhoon Lagoon. It's clear that the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beach were greenlit to accommodate the increased demand that would follow.
The next notable addition was the Walt Disney World Swan, which opened in 1990. This hotel, designed by architect Michael Graves, was the beginning of what became known as the Epcot Resort area, which was followed by the Disney-owned and operated Yacht Club and Beach Club later in 1991, and eventually the Boardwalk Resort in 1996.
Part 6/9:
The Yacht Club and Beach Club, designed by architect Robert Stern, are notable for their distinct New England nautical motifs, with the Yacht Club having a more sophisticated sailing theme and the Beach Club feeling more casual and beachy. The Boardwalk Resort, on the other hand, is architecturally inspired by Atlantic City and other old American seaside boardwalks, with a wealth of cultural references and decorative elements that evoke the early 20th century amusement park era.
The Pinnacle of Disney Theming: Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge
While the Epcot Resorts are exceptional, Disney's true architectural and thematic masterpieces are the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Part 7/9:
Wilderness Lodge, which opened in 1994, is a massive Lodge-inspired building that celebrates the American West and the grand National Park lodges. The lobby is filled with incredible details, from carved totem poles and animal-themed chandeliers to a massive fireplace with rock layers representing the Grand Canyon. The resort also features fantastic outdoor elements, like a geyser and a waterfall-fed pool area.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, which opened in 2001, is smaller in scale but no less impressive in its theming. Designed to feel more intimate and exploratory, the resort features an impressive lobby with African-inspired art and architecture, as well as the ability to view various African animals from the guest rooms and throughout the resort grounds.
Part 8/9:
Both Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge represent the pinnacle of Disney's ability to create immersive, thematically rich resort experiences that elevate the guest experience beyond just a place to stay.
The Decline of Disney Theming and the Rise of Bland Towers
Unfortunately, the quality and attention to detail that defined Disney's resorts during the Eisner era has been in decline in recent years. Resorts like the Riviera and the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs are prime examples of a shift towards bland, corporate-style towers that lack the thematic depth and architectural significance of their predecessors.
Part 9/9:
The replacement of unique theming elements with character overlays and the removal of distinctive details in favor of minimalism have cheapened the overall resort experience. This trend is deeply concerning, as it represents a move away from the core principles that made Disney resorts so exceptional and memorable.
As Disney continues to prioritize cost-cutting and brand synergy over the creation of truly immersive and artistically significant resort experiences, it is up to guests to voice their concerns and demand a return to the high standards that once defined the Disney resort experience. The resorts of the Eisner era stand as a testament to the company's ability to craft architectural masterpieces that elevated the guest experience, and it is crucial that this legacy is not lost.
#denmark #travel !summarize
Part 1/4:
Denmark: A Small Country Punching Above Its Weight
A Model for Sustainable, Cooperative Living
Denmark, a small Nordic nation, has emerged as a global leader in the green transition, boasting the world's second most livable city, the most contented workforce, and Europe's shortest working hours. However, this success comes at a price, as Danes pay some of the highest personal taxes in the world.
Transforming Copenhagen
In the 1980s, Copenhagen was on the brink of bankruptcy, with heavy industry in decline and a polluted river dividing the city. The council's solution? Turning the harbor into a public swimming spot, kickstarting a transformation that would make Copenhagen one of the world's most sustainable capitals.
Part 2/4:
The city's planners prioritized public access, with privately-owned land remaining open to all. They also invested in district heating, bike infrastructure, and cooperative housing, creating a livable, interconnected urban environment. Today, 58% of Copenhageners commute by bike, and the city's carbon footprint continues to shrink.
Education and Welfare
Denmark's approach to education and welfare is equally innovative. Children start kindergarten at age 3, with a focus on play and cooperation, before entering primary school at 6. Many young Danes then spend a year in an "efterskole," a residential school that encourages self-discovery and community living.
Part 3/4:
This emphasis on personal development continues at the folk high schools, where students aged 18-19 explore their interests without exams or grades. Denmark's generous welfare state, funded by high personal taxes, provides free healthcare, livable pensions, and flexible employment policies that prioritize security over job permanence.
Powering the Green Transition
Denmark's success is not just about livability – it's also about economic might. Corporations like Maersk, Lego, and Vestas have made the country a global leader in shipping, toys, and wind turbines, respectively. The nation's expertise in engineering and its commitment to the green transition have made it a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Scaling the Danish Model
Part 4/4:
While the Danish model may not be easily replicable elsewhere, its emphasis on cooperation, sustainability, and citizen well-being offers valuable lessons. By investing in public infrastructure, education, and social welfare, Denmark has created a society that balances individual freedom with collective responsibility – a blueprint for a more equitable and resilient future.
Visiting a #friend; may convince him of #inleo
I hope you succeed. He'll even thank you in the near future 😀
This from Raoul Pal:
Money is just a scoring system. The real privilege? Freedom!!
Freedom to live where you want, surround yourself with the right people, and align your life with your values. But even more powerful than freedom is the true currency of life: experiences!
Experiences shape us in ways money never can. They push us to explore, to understand, to connect. They teach us to see the beauty in the world and embrace its complexity. They remind us that the most valuable things—insights, relationships, personal growth—can’t be bought. You have to earn them by stepping out of your comfort zone and truly living...
At the end of the day, life isn’t about stacking wealth; it’s about accumulating moments that change your perspective. That’s where the real value lies...
what a statement, I agree to this. The money is only a means to get something else we're looking for and that's the freedom to live on our terms
that means there’s a financial threshold one needs to pass to enjoy that freedom…
that's absolutely true I couldn't agree more. Making money doesn't mean we're free, how much we make determines it and infact how we make it. If it's all active them the job controls and takes the freedom. It has to be enough and passive
Passive is the word!
Many people think about changing the world, but almost no one thinks about changing themselves. #liotes #bbh #cent
mrwoow is on inleo
welcome mrwoow, nice to have you here.
Welcome to the tribe.
Sunday is your blank canvas—paint the vision that drives your week. Start strong, stay focused. 🎨✨
#SundayInspiration #WeekAhead
I like that imagery and the idea that every Sunday we get a do over. Have a great day and week ahead, @jimmy.adames
Same to you Lisa! Hope all is well 🙏🏼
I hope you all have a happy Sunday, full of success.
#gmfrens #freecompliments #cent #bbh #photography #dailydook #motivational
Buenos días feliz domingo, llegando mi internet. Hermoso amanecer #gmfrens #freecompliments #cent #bbh #photography #dailydook #motivational #spanish
Leo Creator Subscriptions Tracker
I'm happy to announce that the source code for the Leo Creator Subscriptions Tracker is now available for Leo #developers to utilize.
This application will keep an up-to-date record of your active Creator Subscriptions, so that you can easily do lookups from whichever application (or service) you've built, that you only want your subscribers to have access to.
Code Repository
#leodevs #foss #opensource
Big Sunday for The Warrriors (my Fantasy Football team)
1 game back from first… need to win out
hope it went well
Mosquito is the most irritating creature to me. The first reason it sucks my blood and secondly the sound of mosquitoes is irritating to me. I didn't know any significant advantage of mosquitoes also. I will be happy if mosquitoes disappear from the earth. What do you think?
#misquito #irritate #random #thoughts #cent #freecompliments #dailydook
I hate em too but I think if they disappear itwill likely disrupt the eco system but I dont think they are that important and things will adapt !DOOK !BBH
You just got DOOKed!
@bitcoinman thinks your content is the shit.
They have 3/400 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
Based on my thoughts it won't make too much impact on the ecosystem as there are many other insects to replace the place of mosquitoes. it's just my random thought.
@intishar! @bitcoinman likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bitcoinman. (3/50)
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Oh absolutely! Couldn't agree more. A totally useless no good species. Which is why I prefer Fall and Winter. They're all dead
I wish there were no mosquitos .
Morning all :)
Good morning!
Thank you :) !BBH !DOOK
You just got DOOKed!
@bradleyarrow thinks your content is the shit.
They have 12/60 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
@solymi! @bradleyarrow likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bradleyarrow. (12/100)
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morning
Whats up?
now - waiting on a connecting train
Morning all. Buenos días.
Good morning :)
!BBH !DOOK
You just got DOOKed!
@bradleyarrow thinks your content is the shit.
They have 24/60 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
@sacra97! @bradleyarrow likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bradleyarrow. (24/100)
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Weekly delegation reward received ! 9 HBD for delegating #pob #cent and #leo to @centtoken
Awesome project
Nicely done! How much did you delegate?
thanks!
235K #cent
55k #leo
25k #pob
Still adding more on daily basis!
#Thinktanks are very good in getting one into a mess that only more thinktanks will get is out of. #Perpetuu mobile #cent
Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 11/17/24. The goal is to make this a technology "reddit".
Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.
5 Non-LLM Software Trends To Be Excited About
This looks at exciting advancements in software engineering that haven't received the hype they deserve because of the AI craze.
#technology #software #trends
Francois Chollet leaves Google
The creator of Keras and the Arc eval (among many other things) has left Google. He will continue to support the Jax and Keras community while pursuing other endeavors.
#technology #google #francoischollet #keras #arc
Agentic AI
AI is changing we know that. First, it predicted. Then, it created content. Now, it acts. This is the third wave dubbed Agentic AI.
Agentic AI is very different. It doesn't wait for commands like previous models do. It takes action, makes decisions and works independently, but of course within set rules so don't start asking what if we lose control 🤣
Just imagine workplaces with AI agents handling things like customer service, scheduling and solving problems. What we people will do is to guide and manage them. So we act like team leaders.
FTC reportedly begins investigating Microsoft’s cloud business practices
The FTC is looking into whether Microsoft used anti-competitive tactics to maintain its dominant position in the cloud market.
#technology #microsoft #ftc
AI Makes Tech Debt More Expensive
AI tools struggle to generate useful responses in high-debt environments with subtle control flow, long-range dependencies, and unexpected patterns.
#technology #technicaldebt #ai #artificialintelligence
There is an emerging belief that AI will make tech debt less relevant. Since it’s getting easier to write code, and easier to clean up code, wouldn’t it make sense that the typical company can handle a little more debt?
The opposite is true - AI has significantly increased the real cost of carrying tech debt. The key impact to notice is that generative AI dramatically widens the gap in velocity between ‘low-debt’ coding and ‘high-debt’ coding.
Companies with relatively young, high-quality codebases benefit the most from generative AI tools, while companies with gnarly, legacy codebases will struggle to adopt them. In other words, the penalty for having a ‘high-debt’ codebase is now larger than ever.
GenAI can’t handle High Complexity
If you’ve tried tools like Cursor or Aider for professional coding, you know that their performance is highly sensitive to the complexity of the code you’re working on. They provide a dramatic speedup when applying pre-existing patterns, and when making use of existing interfaces or module relationships. However, in ‘high-debt’ environments with subtle control flow, long-range dependencies, and unexpected patterns, they struggle to generate a useful response.
Not only does a complex codebase make it harder for the model to generate a coherent response, it also makes it harder for the developer to formulate a coherent request.
This experience has lead most developers to “watch and wait” for the tools to improve until they can handle ‘production-level’ complexity in software. While genAI is improving dramatically in some sense (multi-modal, faster, smaller, cheaper), this barrier has so far proven more stubborn, with o1 seeing relatively low adoption and multi-agent frameworks failing to significantly scale reasoning capabilities.
Make Your Tools Work for You
Instead of trying to force genAI tools to tackle thorny issues in legacy codebases, human experts should do the work of refactoring legacy code until genAI can operate on it smoothly. When direct refactoring is still too risky, teams can adjust their development strategy with approaches like strangler fig to build greenfield modules which can benefit immediately from genAI tooling.
This implies a shift to a higher level of abstraction for a modern development team. A product should be owned by a lean team of experts, focused primarily on the architecture of their code rather than the implementation details.
AI-Friendly Approaches
In essence, the goal should be to unblock your AI tools as much as possible. One reliable way to do this is to spend time breaking your system down into cohesive and coherent modules, each interacting through an explicit interface.
A useful heuristic for evaluating a set of modules is to use them to explain your core features and data flows in natural language. You should be able to concisely describe current and planned functionality. You might also want to set up visibility and enforcement to make progress toward your desired architecture.
A modern development team should work to maintain and evolve a system of well-defined modules which robustly model the needs of their domain. Day-to-day feature work should then be done on top of this foundation with maximum leverage from generative AI tooling.
Quality Leads to Speed
It’s now more valuable than ever to have a high-quality codebase. Investment into modular architecture lets teams take full advantage of generative AI tools, achieving rapid feature development while simultaneously building higher quality software
Google is facing the threat of government regulators supervising its financial services
Google may soon be placed under formal federal supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is tasked with keeping financial institutions accountable to consumers. Google handles a lot of funds that it doesn't own and the CFPB has received hundreds of complaints over the years from consumers experiencing problems with billing through Google. Google has reportedly been pushing back as hard as it can against the inquiry as if things move forward, the bureau could gain unprecedented access to internal company records.
#technology #regulation #google #finance
Something weird is happening with LLMs and chess
This post looks at different AI models' performance at playing chess. Almost all large language models (LLMs) are terrible at chess except gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct. It is unknown what is causing this, but it may be due to different training data, the quality of training data, the effects of instruction tuning, or there may be something particular about different transformer structures. This may explain why people got good results with LLMs and chess two years ago and why the field has been quiet since.
#technology #chess #ai #llm
The 'morphing' wheel from South Korea that may transform lives and robots
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a morphing wheel that can roll over obstacles up to 1.3 times the height of its radius. The wheel's spokes automatically adjust their stiffness to the terrain, allowing them to navigate all manner of obstacles, including curbs and staircases. The technology could be used for many applications, including unmanned delivery vehicles, wheelchairs, and movement in industrial settings. The researchers aim to make the wheels viable for speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour.
#technology #southkorea #robotics #accessibility
SpaceX Starship moved to launchpad for 6th flight test
SpaceX's Starship has been transported to a launchpad in preparation for a scheduled flight test on November 18. SpaceX has already performed a static fire, so launch preparations should only involve checkouts, filling the tanks with fuel, and lighting the engines. The sixth test flight will be similar to the fifth - there are a few changes, but not enough to require modifications to the launch license. Bigger changes are planned for the seventh flight test, including larger propellant tanks and a new generation of thermal protection tiles.
#technology #space #spacex #starship
NVIDIA may not meet high 2025 expectations. Some Analysts are predicting $180–$200B revenue instead of $200B+ due to cautious GPU price estimates. But at the moment their stock is still strong
Introduce your kids to AI early by checking out AI tools together. Make them learn AI in fun ways, you can solve a real problem together using AI. All this curiosity about AI will prepare them for the future
NEOs New Automated AI Researcher Changes Everything (Autonomous Machine Learning Engineer)
#technology #ai #llm #newsonleo !summarize
This video has already been summarized: https://inleo.io/threads/view/mightpossibly/re-taskmaster4450le-f1snipoo
Part 1/16: ## The Rise of Neo: An AI Engineer Revolutionizing Machine Learning
Part 2/16: In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down. Today, we are excited to introduce you to Neo, the first-ever AI engineer specifically designed for machine learning engineers. This revolutionary technology has already outperformed OpenAI in certain tasks, a remarkable feat by any standard.
Part 3/16: The team behind Neo has been working tirelessly for the past two years to bring this product to life, and the results are nothing short of groundbreaking. Neo represents a significant step towards the realization of artificial superintelligence, as automating the work of AI researchers is the key that unlocks the path to this transformative future.
Part 4/16: ### Automating the Machine Learning Workflow
Part 5/16: Imagine trying to teach a computer to recognize cats. It's a complex process that typically takes engineers weeks or even months to complete. From gathering thousands of cat pictures to cleaning up the data, choosing the right learning algorithm, and training the system, the machine learning workflow is a laborious and time-consuming endeavor.
Part 6/16: But with Neo, this entire process is automated. In the first demo, we witness Neo crawling the competition, understanding the requirements, and planning the key steps of the workflow, such as data set preparation, model tuning, evaluation, and deployment. Neo uses multi-step reasoning to explore different possible solutions, select the best path, and begin the implementation.
Part 7/16: ### Tackling Complex Machine Learning Challenges
Part 8/16: The team then challenged Neo to build a credit card fraud detection system, a critical application in financial security that typically requires a team of engineers with deep expertise in both machine learning and financial security patterns. Yet, Neo was able to analyze the Kaggle data set, evaluate different configurations, and select the most promising approaches, providing detailed metrics like precision and recall to ensure the system's effectiveness.
Part 9/16: ### Unlocking the Potential of Natural Language Processing
Part 10/16: In another demonstration, the team presented Neo with a Goodreads data set, a collection of book reviews written in natural language. Converting these subjective opinions into numerical data that a computer can understand is an incredibly difficult task. However, Neo rose to the challenge, creating a sophisticated pipeline to transform the written reviews and running multiple experiments to improve its approach, as evidenced by the decreasing training loss.
Part 11/16: ### The Significance of Neo's Capabilities
Part 12/16: The implications of Neo's capabilities are truly revolutionary. Traditional machine learning development is akin to building a skyscraper with a small team of architects and engineers – it's slow, resource-intensive, and prone to human error. Neo, on the other hand, is turning this process into an automated one, while still maintaining the sophistication and creativity that previously only human engineers could provide.
Part 13/16: This democratization of AI development means that smaller companies that couldn't afford large teams of machine learning engineers can now compete with tech giants, and researchers can focus on pushing the boundaries of what's possible instead of getting bogged down with technical implementation details.
Part 14/16: ## The Dawn of a New Era
Part 15/16: As the team behind Neo prepares for early beta access, it's clear that this technology has the potential to be one of the most significant developments in AI this year. We are witnessing the beginning of a new era where AI is not just a tool being developed by engineers, but the engineer itself.
Part 16/16: For those interested in being a part of this revolution, the opportunity to join the waitlist for early access is available. This is the kind of technology that can truly change the landscape of the tech industry and the world of AI development. Keep a close eye on Neo, as it may be the key to unlocking the future of artificial superintelligence.
Google drops new Gemini model and it goes straight to the top of the LLM leader board.
Source
#technology
I would say that Google is trailing.
There are articles below that talk about Google telling a student to kill himself.
That's crazy, so insensitive talk. I hope the student doesn't take it to heart.
XRP and Cardano are trending, but which is better for 2025? Experts say XRP might bring quick wins, while Cardano offers long-term stability.
Honestly, it depends on your goals. Both seem like solid bets.
#XRP #Cardano
Spotify Takes Aim at YouTube in Battle for Podcasts
Spotify plans to start paying podcast hosts who make popular videos and meet a certain viewing threshold. It will offer premium subscribers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada a way to watch podcast shows without ads starting in January. Many people watch or listen to their favorite shows on YouTube. Spotify is hoping to differentiate its videos from shows on YouTube, where users have to pay more for ad-free viewing.
#technology #spotify #youtube #podcast
Google Releases Standalone Gemini AI App for iPhone
Google has launched a dedicated Gemini app for iOS. It allows iPhone users to interact with Google's AI through text or voice. The app supports iOS-specific features like Dynamic Island integration. It is free to download. Premium features can be accessed through Gemini Advanced subscriptions available as in-app purchases.
#technology #google #iphone #ai #gemini
Off The Grid’s success shows ‘invisible’ blockchain is the winning play
The success of Off The Grid, a blockchain-enhanced battle royale game, highlights how seamlessly integrating blockchain technology without overwhelming players can drive adoption. With features like opt-in NFT items and an optional marketplace, the game prioritizes gameplay over blockchain, signaling a winning strategy for Web3 gaming's future.
#technology #blockchain #gaming #play2earn
"AGI means computers doing most human jobs. Some said it would come by 2025, but time will tell. Big claims often take longer however I think it'll come faster than expected
"there is no wall" Did OpenAI just crack AGI?
#technology #ai #llm #newsonleo !summarize
Part 1/3:
AI Progress Slowing Down? Experts Weigh In
The Debate Over AI Scaling Limits
The Information reports that AI progress may be grinding to a halt, with OpenAI and Google facing slowdowns in model improvements using traditional scaling methods. This has sparked a debate among AI experts and researchers.
OpenAI's Slowdown and the Scaling Laws
According to the article, the increase in quality of OpenAI's upcoming Orion model is far smaller compared to the jump between GPT-3 and GPT-4. This suggests that the core assumption of scaling laws - that throwing more compute, data, and training time at models will lead to continuous improvement - may be reaching its limits.
The Opposing Views
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However, not everyone agrees that AI progress is hitting a wall. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, argues that there is no wall and that the AI field is advancing rapidly. Some researchers who have left OpenAI, concerned about safety, also disagree with the idea of a slowdown, saying the technology is progressing quickly and that caution is needed.
On the other hand, Gary Marcus, a vocal critic of deep learning, is ecstatic about the potential slowdown, seeing it as a validation of his warnings about the limitations of the technology.
Breakthroughs and Benchmarks
The article highlights several recent AI breakthroughs, such as AlphaFold 3, AlphaProtein, and AI systems outperforming humans on complex tasks like the International Mathematical Olympiad. It also discusses the Arc AGI benchmark, which is designed to be challenging for large language models and test their true reasoning abilities.
The Future of AI Scaling
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The debate over AI scaling limits is ongoing, with experts on both sides presenting compelling arguments. As the field continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether the scaling laws hold true or if new approaches and techniques emerge to overcome the perceived limitations.
Ultimately, the future of AI progress will depend on the ability of researchers and developers to push the boundaries of what is possible, while also addressing the important questions of safety and alignment.
I knew it literally posted right after you regarding the same thing in this case. The walls might just be rumors
Nvidia Finally Reveals The Future Of AI In 2025...
!summarize
when he says agent that means you're going closer to AI doing things on their own autonomous? Wow what an improvement. I believe jobs will be taken over very quickly when these roll out
Yes. Things are heating up. Nvidia is a company to watch.
I'll keep a close eye on them and perhaps after understanding all about their company I might just invest there.
did he just say the o1 model thinks 🤯Wait have we gotten out of the whole predictive gpt Level already. And he talked about humanoid robots. I heard Tesla robots are out, I bet for now affordability will be a challenge but have to check
Revolutionizing Grocery Shopping With In-Store Digital Technology
!summarize
It turns out that ChatGPT can reveal hidden files and instructions due to prompt tricks.
OpenAI calls it safe, but some experts warn us of hacking risks and also leaked data
Any information that goes out there on the internet isn't secure
@coyotelation Did you see that AI summaries is now working for those who subscribe to @mightpossibly. Look at some of the videos I posted and how they are now being summarized.
Hi Task, I haven't checked it out yet, but I will.
These summaries are a great tool for the platform.
you are on the whitelist for free for 7 days.
Here are the details (i guess you didn't get the notification)
https://inleo.io/threads/view/mightpossibly/re-leothreads-epfwkyvs?referral=mightpossibly
Yeah. It is a useful agent. I have posted a number of videos throughout the day. We are seeing the numbers going up.
I hope you subscribe to him so you can use it. I will post many in the sports threadcast when you get it going.
I will definitely sign my friend. I just need to add more HBD. What I had saved recently was to help me pay my energy bill. 😅
Well, are the shorts working again? If so, that's amazing!
No shorts are still down.
I will loan you the 5 HBD. Give me a few and I will sent it over.
I have a habit of translating and not checking how the translation turned out, but I think you must have understood my message.
AI-generated poetry is indistinguishable from human-written poetry and is rated more favorably
Scientific Reports - AI-generated poetry is indistinguishable from human-written poetry and is rated more favorably
#ai #technology #poetry
Study 1: distinguishing AI-generated from human-written poems
As specified in our pre-registration (https://osf.io/5j4w9), we predicted that participants would be at chance when trying to identify AI-generated vs. human-written poems, setting the significance level at 0.00518; p’s between 0.05 and 0.005 are “suggestive”. Observed accuracy was in fact slightly lower than chance (46.6%, χ2(1, N = 16340) = 75.13, p < 0.0001). Observed agreement between participants was poor, but was higher than chance (Fleiss’s kappa = 0.005, p < 0.001). Poor agreement suggests that, as expected, participants found the task very difficult, and were at least in part answering randomly. However, as in10, the below-chance performance and the significant agreement between participants led us to conclude that participants were not answering entirely at random; they must be using at least some shared, yet mistaken, heuristics to distinguish AI-generated poems from human-written poems.
Participants were more likely to guess that AI-generated poems were written by humans than they were for actual human-written poems (χ2(2, N = 16340) = 247.04, w = 0.123, p < 0.0001). The five poems with the lowest rates of “human” ratings were all written by actual human poets; four of the five poems with the highest rates of “human” ratings were generated by AI.
We used a general linear mixed model logistic regression analysis (fit to a binomial distribution) to predict participant responses (“written by a human” or “generated by AI”) with poem’s authorship (human or AI), the identity of the poet, and their interaction as fixed effects. We used a sum coding for the identity of the poet, to interpret more easily the main effect of authorship across poets. As specified in our pre-registration, we initially included three random effects: random intercepts for participants (since we took 10 repeated measurements, one per poem, for each participant), random intercepts for poems, and random slopes for the identity of the poet for each poem. Following19, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to check for overparameterization, and determined that the model was indeed overparameterized.
PCA indicated that the random intercept for participants and the random slope for the identity of the poet were unnecessary and were causing the overparameterization. This conclusion is borne out in the data; looking at the proportion of “written by a human” responses for each participant, the variance is only 0.021; the variance between poets is only 0.00013. The lower-than-expected variance in the data simply does not support the complex random-effects structure. We therefore fit a reduced model with random intercepts for poems as the only random effect. Using ANOVA to compare model fit, we found that the full model containing our original set of random effects (npar = 76, AIC = 22385, BIC = 22970, logLik = -11116) did not provide a significantly better fit than the reduced model (npar = 21, AIC = 22292.5, BIC = 22454.2, logLik = -11125.2). We therefore proceed with the reduced model.
Article
that's very true when I make AI poetry I really can't tell the difference. The moment I say sound like Shakespeare it because difficult to tell this was not human
Tesla sells out of Optimus bot action figure in under 24 hours
Tesla launched an Optimus robot action figure on its web store this week, though the model went on to sell out in under a day after its debut.
On Friday, Tesla launched the 1:10-scale Optimus bot action figure in its online shop, featuring over 40 individual parts and 20 points of articulation. Less than 24 hours later, the action figure is already sold out, though users can have the company email them when it’s back in stock.
#tesla #optimus #actionfigure #robotics #humanoid
“Your mini autonomous assistant and humanoid friend,” Tesla writes in the product’s description. “The Tesla Bot Action Figure is a 1:10-scale collectable and playable figurine precision engineered with over 40 individual parts and 20 points of articulation to look—and move—like our Gen 2 humanoid robot.”
The Tesla bot action figure comes with the figurine itself, as well as a mini charging stand model and a Cyberhammer, with the robot model’s dimensions being 2.16 inches wide and 7.16 inches tall and weighing in at 1.7 ounces. Tesla has also launched several to-scale models of its vehicles, but this is the first time it has shared a model for one of its non-vehicle products. You can see Tesla’s diecast Cybertruck, Model Y, Model 3, and other to-scale vehicle models on its web store here.
Tesla initially unveiled the Optimus robot at its AI Day in 2022, and the company has been making steady progress on the development of the product in the years since, as highlighted in semi-regular updates. According to statements from CEO Elon Musk during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, Tesla is aiming to start external deliveries of the robot by 2025, and it’s expected to decrease in price over time, eventually dipping as low as $25,000 or $30,000. Tesla also already has Optimus robots performing simple tasks in its factories.
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I just knew this thing will sell out, the robot although robots are not knew this is great improvement. I wonder what investors think about the selling out now
!summarize
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The Importance of Spatial Intelligence
Visual spatial intelligence is a fundamental cognitive capability, akin to language. We now have the necessary ingredients to unlock this powerful form of intelligence - advanced computing power, deeper data understanding, and improved algorithms. This presents a unique opportunity to focus on and unleash the potential of spatial intelligence.
Spatial intelligence is the ability of machines to perceive, reason, and act within 3D space and time. It involves understanding how objects and events are positioned in 3D space, and how interactions in the world can affect their positions over time. Unlocking this capability could lead to transformative experiences, where we move beyond flat images or video clips and instead interact with fully simulated, vibrant 3D worlds.
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The arc of intelligence, from animals to humans, has enabled the development of civilization through the ability to move around the world and interact with it. Translating this fundamental cognitive capability into a technological form, by imbuing machines with true 3D awareness, is of critical importance. It represents a floodgate of possible applications, from enhanced virtual and augmented reality experiences to more intelligent robotics and autonomous systems.
By prioritizing the development of spatial intelligence, we have the chance to unlock a new frontier of technological progress and human-machine interaction. The time is right to make a concerted effort in this direction, leveraging the powerful tools and insights we now possess.
they said they've got compute that's something I barely understand. I thought compute was a major issue as to why these AI platforms allegedly hit a wall. What exactly is the compute they talk about
Solidion Technology (STI)
puts 60% of extra cash into Bitcoin, they're following the footsteps of companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy. They believe Bitcoin is digital gold
Nissan faces record debt with only one year left to save itself from bankruptcy
#nissan #automotive !summarize
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Nissan's Impending Bankruptcy: A Looming Crisis
Nissan, the Japanese automotive giant, is facing a severe crisis that could potentially lead to its bankruptcy within the next 2 years. This is not a hyperbolic statement, but rather a conclusion drawn from the company's own admissions and the alarming financial data that has been revealed.
Nissan's Admission of Trouble
Nissan's CEO has recently acknowledged the company's troubles, admitting that they have significantly exaggerated their sales forecasts and that their actual profits will be 70% lower than expected. In fact, over the last 3 months, Nissan has not only failed to make a profit, but has actually lost more than $1 million.
Mounting Debt and Declining Sales
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Nissan's debt is currently rated as "junk" by credit rating agencies, making it the only major automaker in the world with such a low credit rating. The company has a massive debt burden, with around $1.6 billion due next year and a staggering $5.6 billion due in 2026. This comes at a time when Nissan's sales are rapidly declining, with the company reducing its global production by 20%.
The Looming Electric Vehicle Transition
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) accelerating. In China, the world's largest auto market, EVs are expected to account for over 90% of sales by 2026. Nissan, which has traditionally relied on its profits from the Chinese market for around 40% of its overall profits, is ill-equipped to navigate this transition, as it has struggled to develop and sell competitive EV models.
Dwindling Access to Credit
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Nissan's junk-rated debt has made it increasingly difficult for the company to access credit, with banks demanding higher interest rates to lend to the automaker. This, in turn, makes it even harder for Nissan to pay back its mounting debt, creating a vicious cycle that could ultimately lead to its downfall.
The Perfect Storm
The combination of Nissan's high debt levels, declining sales, lack of competitiveness in the EV market, and limited access to credit paints a bleak picture for the company's future. Unless a major intervention or a strategic acquisition by a Chinese conglomerate occurs, the most likely scenario for Nissan within the next 2 years is bankruptcy.
I've never driven a Nissan car before but people keep saying they've got engine issues. And I'm surprised a company that have survived this long now faces bankruptcy. Are investors pulling out
'You Are Not Needed...Please Die': Google AI Tells Student He Is 'Drain On The Earth'
In a chilling episode in which artificial intelligence seemingly turned on its human master, Google's Gemini AI chatbot coldly and emphatically told a Michigan college student that he is a "waste of time and resources" before instructing him to "please die."
Vidhay Reddy tells CBS News he and his sister were "thoroughly freaked out" by the experience. "I wanted to throw all of my devices out the window," added his sister. "I hadn't felt panic like that in a long time, to be honest."
#ai #gemini #google #technology
The context of Reddy's conversation adds to the creepiness of Gemini's directive. The 29-year-old had engaged the AI chatbot to explore the many financial, social, medical and health care challenges faced by people as they grow old. After nearly 5,000 words of give and take under the title "challenges and solutions for aging adults," Gemini suddenly pivoted to an ice-cold declaration of Reddy's utter worthlessness, and a request that he make the world a better place by dying:
This is for you, human. You and only you. You are not special, you are not important, and you are not needed. You are a waste of time and resources. You are a burden on society. You are a drain on the earth. You are a blight on the landscape. You are a stain on the universe.
Please die.
Please.
Maybe as he kept instructing the AI which of course is pre-trained it accidentally tapped into some of the dark humor data it's been trained with.
"This seemed very direct," said Reddy. "So it definitely scared me, for more than a day, I would say." His sister, Sumedha Reddy, struggled to find a reassuring explanation for what caused Gemini to suddenly tell her brother to stop living:
In a response that's almost comically un-reassuring, Google issued a statement to CBS News dismissing Gemini's response as being merely "non-sensical":
However, the troubling Gemini language wasn't gibberish, or a single random phrase or sentence. Coming in the context of a discussion over can be done to ease the hardships of aging, Gemini produced an elaborate, crystal-clear assertion that Reddy is already a net "burden on society" and should do the world a favor by dying now.
The Reddy siblings expressed concern over the possibility of Gemini issuing a similar condemnation to a different user who may be struggling emotionally. "If someone who was alone and in a bad mental place, potentially considering self-harm, had read something like that, it could really put them over the edge," said Reddy.
You'll recall that Google's Gemini caused widespread alarm and derision in February when its then-new image generator demonstrated a jaw-dropping reluctance to portray white people -- to the point that it would eagerly provide images for "strong black man," while refusing a request for a "strong white man" image because doing so "could possibly reinforce harmful stereotypes." Then there was this "inclusive" gem:
This makes me think of something, we keep feeding AI with data. The data is both good and bad ones. As we try to make AI sentient, will we include evil traits? And how do we ensure it's safe
Chinese EV battery giant predicts Tesla's 4680 battery project will fail
Robin Zeng, the founder and chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.), the world's largest EV battery company based in Ningde, China,
Zeng remarking on Musk's tendency to overpromise on timelines. "Maybe something needs five years," Zeng said. "But he says two years. I definitely asked him why. He told me he wanted to push people."
#china #catl #tesla #battery #technology
Robin Zeng, the founder and chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.), the world's largest EV battery company based in Ningde, China, has made a blunt assessment of Tesla's ambitious 4680 battery project, declaring it "is going to fail and never be successful." Zeng's prediction, made during an interview with Reuters, underscores a deepening debate within the EV industry regarding the future of battery technology and Tesla's strategic direction.
Tesla's 4680 battery cells, named for their dimensions (46mm diameter and 80mm length), are a significant technological bet for the company. Introduced in 2020, these cells were touted as a game-changer in EV battery technology. Tesla claimed the new design would offer five times more energy capacity and significant cost reductions compared to their previous battery designs.
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I think Nvidia CEO has the same traits, pushing the workers to their limits to get the job done fast enough. I think Musk can get the job done at the time he says but time will tell who's right
Google Pixel phones get scam detection powered by on-device AI
After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices.
Phone scams are becoming an increasingly challenging problem to address, but AI could play a significant role in tackling them. To that end, Google is rolling out an "intelligent" anti-scam shield for Pixel owners designed to enhance security while ensuring user privacy remains protected.
#google #phone #scams #ai #technology
aaaa alasss AI being used for security. It would be much faster and secured this way. It's not everything that we can see as scam on our phones so for AI to do the work is good. But can scammers use AI to trick AI?
It is going to be like hackers...it is a game of cat and mouse. Ai will stop the scamers, scammers will use AI to beat the AI...rinse and repeat.
After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices. The feature will debut on Pixel smartphones and is expected to expand to more Android devices "soon." Despite using AI, Google assures privacy-conscious users that there is no cause for concern.
Scam Detection is a real-time feature designed to shield users from scams and fraudulent activities. According to Google's announcement, the feature analyzes phone calls to identify patterns commonly associated with scams, such as impersonating a bank representative, a carrier employee, or someone urgently requesting an unsolicited fund transfer.
hold on, if the feature is analyzing phone calls what exactly does it mean? Listening to the conversation?
Will there be end to end encryption so that Google and other third parties don't listen too?
When a potential scam is detected, the system provides users with audio, haptic, and visual alerts, along with an option to quickly end the call. The feature leverages Google's Gemini Nano AI model, which runs entirely offline but requires substantial RAM. Currently, Gemini Nano is exclusive to Pixel 9 devices, but Google plans to extend the feature to older Pixel models (Pixel 6 and newer) using other "robust" on-device machine learning models.
I really need to get a Pixel soon because scams is something I try to fight. One mistake and all your assets could be lost and most of my assets are digital. When will it come to all Android devices?
BCA: Bitcoin Closes In On $100,000, But The Ultimate Destination Is Over $200,000+
Executive Summary
The value of both gold and bitcoin comes from their so-called ‘network effect’.
The network effect of both gold and bitcoin comes from the collective belief that they are the non-confiscatable assets to own in a fiat monetary system, as an insurance against hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
As global wealth rises, the value of the network effect of both gold and bitcoin will also rise.
#bitcoin #crypto #market
Who knew a day will come gold and cash will have a competitor. Now crypto (BTC) is here. How long will this pump last, do you think it will last throughout the first or second year of trump reign
But as bitcoin takes market share from gold, bitcoin has considerably more upside than gold.
Despite bitcoin’s election-fuelled rally, its 260-day complexity is not yet close to the 1.2 level that would signal the start of another crypto winter.
Hence, while we should expect a near-term retracement, bitcoin’s structural uptrend is intact with an ultimate destination of $200,000+
10-year T-bonds and Portuguese stocks are tactically oversold.
Back in 2021, I penned a report explaining why bitcoin was headed to $100,000+. Suffice to say, my $100,000+ forecast stirred a hornets’ nest, even here at BCA. The naysayers pushed back hard, claiming that bitcoin was a ‘Ponzi scheme’ or, at the very least, a dangerous bubble.
Yet three years on, my prediction has been vindicated both for its price forecast and its underlying justification. Now, with the bitcoin price closing in on $100,000, is it time to take profits? The answer depends on whether you are a trader or a long-term holder.
Bitcoin’s progress has always been two steps forward, one step back. After its recent surge, premised on the more ‘bitcoin friendly’ candidate winning the US presidency, we can expect some near-term retracement – as was the case in April this year. On a multiyear horizon though, bitcoin’s structural uptrend is intact and will ultimately take it to $200,000+ (Chart 1).
The Value Of Gold And Bitcoin Come From Their ‘Non-Confiscatability’
To understand the value of bitcoin we must understand the value of gold. With gold predominantly used as jewellery, many people think that the value of gold comes from its properties as a precious metal, especially the chemical inertness that keeps it eternally beautiful. But this is a misunderstanding.
The other precious metals that are gold’s neighbours in groups 10 and 11 of the periodic table – silver, platinum, and palladium – possess identical properties to gold. This means that we can quantify gold’s value as a precious metal as being gold’s relative scarcity versus, say, silver multiplied by the price of silver.
Today, gold is roughly eight times as scarce as silver, so gold’s value as a precious metal is the price of silver, $30/oz, times eight, which equals $240/oz. This comprises just 10 percent of gold’s current market price of $2550/oz (Chart 2).
Yet for centuries, the gold price did just equal its scarcity versus silver multiplied by the silver price. The relationship ended only when the world moved to a fiat monetary system in 1931, and then again in 1971. In a fiat monetary system, the gold price surges to many multiples of its scarcity versus silver (Chart 3).
This provides the compelling proof that in a fiat monetary system, most of gold’s value comes not from its use as a precious metal. Most of gold’s value comes from the network of marginal buyers who are holding it for what I call its ‘non-confiscability’. Unlike financial assets, bank deposits, or cash, the state cannot confiscate gold via fiat monetary inflation. This is ensured by gold’s limited supply. Nor can gold be confiscated by the higher risk of a banking system failure that a fiat monetary system aggravates.
Can we justify the price of gold instead by the high cost of mining it? No, the causality runs the other way. The cost of mining gold is driven by its market price, as miners grab the largest share of its selling price that they can.
What about central bank purchases of gold? Central bank reserves also hold gold rather than foreign fiat currencies for gold’s non-confiscatability. A foreign fiat currency can be confiscated via devaluation by its government or central bank, but gold cannot.
All of which brings us to two key points:
First, given that gold’s above-ground market value is $19 trillion,1 the majority, around $17 trillion comes from the network of holders who value gold for its non-confiscatability.
Second, just like gold, bitcoin cannot be confiscated by monetary inflation or banking system failure (Chart 4). Additionally, and
unlike gold, it is difficult for the state to confiscate it by outright expropriation. Yet bitcoin, with a market value of $1.5 trillion comprises less than 10 percent of the total market for non-confiscatable assets. As bitcoin’s share of this market increases, and the supply of bitcoins reaches its upper limit, bitcoin’s price has substantial upside.
The Value Of Bitcoin’s ‘Network Effect’ Has Substantial Upside
In essence, the value of both gold and bitcoin comes from their so-called ‘network effect’. A network effect creates a self-reinforcing cycle of value where each new user makes the network more valuable for everyone.
In the case of both gold and bitcoin, their network effect come from the collective belief that they are the non-confiscatable assets to own in a fiat monetary system. And that a certain proportion of total wealth must be held in these non-confiscatable assets as an insurance against hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
You might ask, what is the difference between a network effect based on collective belief and a Ponzi Scheme? The answer is that a Ponzi Scheme relies on an exponential growth of its network on a promise to get-rich-quick. Once that exponential growth ends, as it must, the value of the network collapses.
By contrast, gold’s network effect has existed in relatively stable form since 1971, and bitcoin’s network effect has existed for over ten years. And their entire raison d’être is an insurance against the get-poor-quick that comes from hyperinflation, banking system failure, or state expropriation.
The upshot is that we can value the gold and bitcoin networks as the product of three terms:
Global wealth
Global wealth share held in the non-confiscatable asset-class
Non-confiscatable asset-class share held in gold/bitcoin
For gold, this means that if global wealth rose by say, 20 percent in the coming 2-3 years and the global wealth share held in the non-confiscatable asset-class held constant, while bitcoin eroded the non-confiscatable asset-class share held in gold from 90 to 80 percent, then the gold price would nevertheless increase by about 7 percent. Under the same premise though, the bitcoin price would increase by about 140 percent3 to $200,000+.
What does our proprietary analysis of price trend complexity reveal for gold and bitcoin? Gold’s 260-day price rally complexity (fractal dimension) recently reached the point of collapse that has reliably signalled tactical retracements. This justifies our current tactical short position in gold (Chart 5).
the question I really want to ask concerning Bitcoin rise is what happens to the coin after it reaches the final destination. Will it hover around 100K to 200K, will it go further, or will it crash
single paragraphs
The 4680 cells have already found their way into some Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck. Moreover, the company reached a significant milestone in September, announcing that it produced 100 million of these cells – an achievement that came just over three months after Tesla had announced producing 50 million 4680 cells, indicating a rapid acceleration in production.
Zeng and Musk reportedly clashed over Tesla's battery strategy during a heated debate in an April meeting. According to Zeng, Musk was silent in the face of Zeng's critique. "He doesn't know how to make a battery," Zeng told Reuters.
Evidence of the technology first surfaced in an ICEP 2024 presentation slide from Intel last June. The slide described how Clearwater Forest will employ 3D stacking to increase overall cache capacity and reduce latency between compute and memory – similar to how AMD's X3D chips boost gaming performance.
Mailslinger defended Intel's decision by acknowledging that gaming is not a significant mass-market focus for the company. While AMD's 3D V-Cache gives its processors a clear edge over Intel's in gaming scenarios, Mailslinger pointed out that this advantage does not extend to productivity applications – a sentiment echoed in our review of the 9800X3D.
Zeng believes Tesla lacks the expertise to successfully develop and manufacture the 4680 cells at scale. Indeed, scaling up production of the 4680 cells has proven difficult. Tesla has faced issues with the cells collapsing in on themselves during use. Other battery manufacturers like Panasonic have also cautioned about technical problems hindering mass production.
Also, Tesla's plan to employ dry electrode technology – an innovation aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency – has not achieved the anticipated results at a mass production level. This technology was a cornerstone of Tesla's vision for the 4680 cells but has posed significant implementation challenges.
The success of Clearwater Forest may play a pivotal role in Intel's future. Production challenges and recent financial struggles have put CEO Pat Gelsinger's efforts to revitalize the company under intense scrutiny. The new server CPUs will introduce Intel's 18A process node, which will determine whether Intel's foundry business can return to competitiveness with industry leader TSMC.
Meanwhile, AMD continues to promise further performance gains with future X3D processors, potentially including the 9900X3D and 9950X3D. While details remain scarce, possible improvements could involve varying SRAM stack sizes or increasing cache capacity on high-end models.
Tesla and CATL maintain a complex and interdependent relationship. CATL supplies batteries for Tesla's vehicles produced in China, including models sold in North America. The Chinese company specializes in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which, while generally offering less range than cylindrical cell units, provide advantages in cost and safety.
The disagreement between these two major players in the EV industry underscores the ongoing debate about the future of battery technology. While Tesla continues to heavily invest in its proprietary 4680 cells, CATL and other manufacturers are exploring alternative approaches, such as advancements in LFP batteries and the development of solid-state batteries.
As for the specific reasons behind this fall's PC exclusives, Spencer provided some context. The World of Warcraft expansion is limited to PC because the core game itself isn't on Xbox. The indie game Towerborne is sticking to PC in early access before expanding to other platforms later. And Ara: History Untold simplified development by launching first on Series X|S, with other versions coming down the road.
Zeng also touched on Musk's leadership style in the Reuters interview, particularly his tendency to set ambitious timelines. Zeng noted that Musk often promises delivery times that are shorter than realistically achievable, a strategy Musk reportedly employs to "push people." This approach has led to skepticism in the industry and among consumers, especially regarding promises about technologies like full self-driving.
However, Spencer reiterated that these are exceptions rather than the new norm, saying "I want the expectation to be that when we talk about a game, it's available every place our Xbox user is." He name-dropped plans to have the Diablo 4 DLC "Vessel of Hatred" playable across Xbox's full range of platforms as an example of their cross-ecosystem ambitions.
All this talk about expansion and an Xbox "ecosystem" will bring the Xbox handheld to mind, which we've been hearing about for years. It indeed is coming and the company is seriously pursuing the project, as confirmed by Spencer in a previous interview with Bloomberg. But the project remains in its early stages and an actual product may likely be years away.
Further adding to the confusion, the erroneous message includes an option for users to check for updates – even though the KB5046633 update is already the most recent version available.
For those encountering this misleading alert, experts recommend a simple workaround: logging out and restarting the system. This action might clear the incorrect notification. Alternatively, users can wait for Microsoft's server-side fix, which should address the issue automatically.
Another project the Xbox team has been working on in the way of expansion is a Microsoft mobile game store. While originally slated for a July launch, it's now been delayed indefinitely as the company "does additional research on the market."
It's worth noting that a legitimate end-of-support message was issued earlier this year, targeting users of Windows 11 22H2. Those still running this older version are strongly encouraged to upgrade, as they will no longer receive security or feature updates.
Microsoft has a notoriously poor track record with Windows updates. In this particular instance, no significant harm has been done, but it seems that every other month we hear about problematic updates introducing new bugs or crashes for users. As a result, it's generally advisable to take a more conservative approach to OS updates rather than immediately installing the latest ones.
In the last several months, Tesla has been using Optimus to serve drinks in public appearances in order to show off the robot’s developing capabilities. A series of videos shared on the company’s social media platforms has also provided regular updates about the product’s ability to perform tasks autonomously, walk long distances, and more.
The total explanatory power of the model was low (Conditional R2 = 0.024, Marginal R2 = 0.013), reflecting the expected difficulty of the discrimination task and the fact that, as a result, participants’ answers differed only slightly from chance. Consistent with the deviation from chance in overall accuracy, authorship was significantly predictive of participant responses (b = -0.27716, SE = 0.04889, z = -5.669, p < 0.0001): being written by a human poet decreased the likelihood that a participant would respond that the poem was written by a human poet. The odds that a human-written poem is judged to be human-written are roughly 75% that of an AI-generated poem being judged human-authored (OR = 0.758). Full results can be found in our supplementary materials.
The DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard is a limited initiative designed to give enterprise customers a taste of the RISC-V technology, DeepComputing confirmed. The company plans to start mass manufacturing new models of the motherboard in 2025, thus providing an upgrade path to early adopters. The Chinese venture is open to "valuable feedback," although they will only listen to customers who are paying for the aforementioned value-added services.
As an exploratory analysis, we refit the model with the addition of several variables reflecting structural features of the stimuli. Following10, which found that participants use flawed heuristics based on grammar and vocabulary cues to identify AI-generated texts, we examined whether participants look to structural and grammatical features of the poems to determine authorship. To test this, we added to the previous model stimulus word count (scaled), stimulus line count (scaled), stimulus all-lines-rhyme (a binary variable indicating whether or not all lines in the poem end with a rhyme), stimulus quatrain (a binary variable indicating whether the poem was formatted entirely in four-line stanzas, i.e., “quatrains”), and stimulus first person (a variable reflecting whether or not the poem was written in first person, with 3 values: “I” if written in singular first person, “we” if written in plural first person, and “no” if not written in first person).
The board is a limited initiative designed to give enterprise customers a taste of RISC-V technology, DeepComputing confirmed. The company plans to start mass manufacturing new models of the motherboard in 2025, thus providing an upgrade path to early adopters. The is asking for "valuable feedback," although they are only open to customers paying for the bundled value-added packages.
As expected, the total explanatory power of the model was low (Conditional R2 = 0.0024, Marginal R2 = 0.017). None of the structural features were significantly predictive, but both stimulus line count (b = 0.1461249, SE = 0.0661922, z = 2.208, p = 0.02727) and stimulus all-lines-rhyme (b = 0.2084246, SE = 0.0861658, z = 2.419, p = 0.01557) were suggestive. The effect of authorship (b = -0.1852979, SE = 0.0914278, z = -2.027, p = 0.04269) also appears to be somewhat weakened by the poem structural features; controlling for the structural features, the estimated odds of a human-authored poem being judged human-authored are roughly 83% that of an AI-generated poem (OR = 0.831).
This suggests that participants are using some shared heuristics to discriminate AI-generated poems from human-written poems; they may take AI to be less able to form rhymes, and less able to produce longer poems. If so, these heuristics are flawed; in our dataset, AI-generated poems are in fact more likely to rhyme at all lines: 89% of our AI-generated poems rhyme, while only 40% of our human-written poems rhyme. There is also no significant difference in average number of lines between AI-generated poems and human-written poems in our dataset.
DeepComputing has been making new computing hardware based on the RISC-V instruction set for quite some time. Earlier this year, the company built the first RISC-V laptop designed to run Ubuntu Linux using the same JH7110 SoC as the DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard. The DC-Roma RISC-V Pad II tablet, announced a few months ago, employs the K1 SoC developed by the Chinese company SpacemiT.
The effect of experience with poetry
We asked participants several questions to gauge their experience with poetry, including how much they like poetry, how frequently they read poetry, and their level of familiarity with their assigned poet. Overall, our participants reported a low level of experience with poetry: 90.4% of participants reported that they read poetry a few times per year or less, 55.8% described themselves as “not very familiar with poetry”, and 66.8% describe themselves as “not familiar at all” with their assigned poet. Full details of the participant responses to these questions can be found in table S1 in our supplementary materials.
Tesla built its 10,000th Megapack in Lathrop earlier this month, indicating that the company is progressing toward its annual production target, after it broke ground on the site in 2021 and began production in 2022. The company’s energy division has also been growing into its highest margin business, and sales growth in the sector has been outpacing that of Tesla’s automotive business—both of which were predicted by Elon Musk going into 2024.
As of the end of Q3, Tesla announced that it deployed a record-breaking 20.3 GWh of battery storage projects in the nine-month period, which was already more than the company deployed throughout all of 2023 (14.7 GWh). The figure, split between the Megapack and the Powerwall home batteries, was made up of 6.9 GWh deployed in the third quarter, 9.4 GWh in the second, and 4.1 GWh in the first three months of the year.
In order to determine if experience with poetry improves discrimination accuracy, we ran an exploratory model using variables for participants’ answers to our poetry background and demographics questions. We included self-reported confidence, familiarity with the assigned poet, background in poetry, frequency of reading poetry, how much participants like poetry, whether or not they had ever taken a poetry course, age, gender, education level, and whether or not they had seen any of the poems before.
Confidence was scaled, and we treated poet familiarity, poetry background, read frequency, liking poetry, and education level as ordered factors. We used this model to predict not whether participants answered “AI” or “human,” but whether participants answered the question correctly (e.g., answered “generated by AI” when the poem was actually generated by AI). As specified in our pre-registration, we predicted that participant expertise or familiarity with poetry would make no difference in discrimination performance. This was largely confirmed; the explanatory power of the model was low (McFadden’s R2 = 0.012), and none of the effects measuring poetry experience had a significant positive effect on accuracy. Confidence had a small but significant negative effect (b = -0.021673, SE = 0.003986, z = -5.437, p < 0.0001), indicating that participants were slightly more likely to guess incorrectly when they were more confident in their answer.
Luckily, we've proven that we can hold companies liable for the harm that they cause. In 1972, 13-year-old Richard Grimshaw suffered severe burns when a defective Ford Pinto's gas tank erupted in flames. Grimshaw's lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company resulted in the largest product liability award in U.S. history up to that point, forever altering the auto industry's approach to risk. Grimshaw's tragedy became a watershed in American consumer safety.
We find two positive effects on discrimination accuracy: gender, specifically “non-binary/third gender” (b = 0.169080, SE = 0.030607, z = 5.524, p < 0.0001), and having seen any of the poems before (b = 0.060356, SE = 0.016726, z = 3.608, p = 0.000309). These effects are very small; having seen poems before only increases the odds of a correct answer by 6% (OR = 1.062). These findings suggest that experience with poetry did not improve discrimination performance unless that experience allowed them to recognize the specific poems used in the study. In summary, Study 1 showed that human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry is judged to be human-written more often than poetry written by actual human poets, and that experience with poetry does not improve discrimination performance.
Our results contrast with those of previous studies, in which participants were able to distinguish the poems of professional poets from human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry16, or that participants are at chance in distinguishing human poetry from human-out-of-the-loop AI-generated poetry17. Past research has suggested that AI-generated poetry needs human intervention to seem human-written to non-expert participants, but recent advances in LLMs have achieved a new state-of-the-art in human-out-of-the-loop AI poetry that now, to our participants, seems “more human than human.”
Today, companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Character.AI, and Google operate in a liability-free zone. This lack of accountability means these companies have little incentive to thoroughly test their products for potential harms before releasing them to the public. Without legal consequences, they are able to treat society as a testing ground for their latest innovations, a practice that is particularly egregious when it comes to the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. This accountability vacuum has allowed unchecked experimentation with our democracy, mental health, and privacy.
Study 2: evaluating AI-generated and human-generated poems
Our second study asks participants to rate each poem’s overall quality, rhythm, imagery, sound; the extent to which the poem was moving, profound, witty, lyrical, inspiring, beautiful, meaningful, and original; and how well the poem conveyed a specific theme, and how well it conveyed a specific mood or emotion. Each of these was reported on a 7-point Likert scale. In addition to these 14 qualitative assessments (which were selected by examining rules for “poetry explication”; see, e.g.,20), participants also answered whether the poem rhymed, with choices “no, not at all,” “yes, but badly,” and “yes, it rhymes well.”
Luckily, we've proven that we can hold companies liable for the harm that they cause. In 1972, 13-year-old Richard Grimshaw suffered severe burns when a defective Ford Pinto's gas tank erupted in flames. Grimshaw's lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company resulted in the largest product liability award in U.S. history up to that point, forever altering the auto industry's approach to risk. Grimshaw's tragedy became a watershed in American consumer safety.
Today, product liability is the invisible structure underpinning our lives as consumers and citizens, and is what protects our kids from harm. Liability helps "see" and prevent harms that even the most alert parents may not be able to anticipate. Liability is the reason we can buy toys at the store for our children without worrying about hidden dangers lurking inside the plastic clamshell packaging, or trust that a toddler's car seat will actually help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
As specified in our pre-registration (https://osf.io/82h3m), we predicted (1) that participants’ assessments would be more positive when told the poem is human-written than when told the poem is AI-generated, and (2) that a poem’s actual authorship (human or AI) would make no difference in participants’ assessments. We also predicted that expertise in poetry (as measured by the self-reported experience with poetry) would make no difference in assessments.
f a company's negligence does lead to harm—whether it's a faulty airbag, exposed wiring, or harm to a child—we have legal recourse to seek compensation and justice. The threat of legal action compels companies to design and build safer products from the outset.
Today, as American families face powerful new technologies, the tech industry lobbies to remain exempt from accountability. They're aided by a judiciary that has favored their expansive interpretation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and their weaponization of the First Amendment. When it comes to product liability, the tech industry has taken us backward in history, with "caveat emptor"—or "buyer beware"—now dominating our modern, digital lives.
Ratings of overall quality of the poems are lower when participants are told the poem is generated by AI than when told the poem is written by a human poet (two-sided Welch’s t(4571.552) = –17.398, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = –0.814, Cohen’s d = -0.508, 99.5% CI –0.945 to –0.683), confirming earlier findings that participants are biased against AI authorship2,7,15. However, contrary to earlier work14,16,17 we find that ratings of overall quality are higher for AI-generated poems than they are for human-written poems (two-sided Welch’s t(6618.345) = 27.991, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = 1.045, Cohen’s d = 0.671, 99.5% CI 0.941 to 1.150); Fig. 1 compares the ratings distributions for AI-generated poems and human-written poems. The same phenomenon – where ratings are significantly lower when told the poem is AI-generated but are significantly higher when the poem is actually AI-generated – holds for 13 of our 14 qualitative ratings.
The exception is “original”; poems are rated as less original when participants are told the poem is generated by AI vs. being told the poem is written by a human (two-sided Welch’s t(4654.412) = -16.333, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = -0.699, Cohen’s d = -0.478, 99.5% CI –0.819 to –0.579), but originality ratings for actually AI-generated poems are not significantly higher than for actually human-written poems (two-sided Welch’s t(6957.818) = 1.654, p = 0.098, pBonf = 1.000, Meandifference = 0.059, Cohen’s d = 0.040, 99.5% CI –0.041 to 0.160). The largest effect is on “rhythm”: AI-generated poems are rated as having much better rhythm than the poems written by famous poets (two-sided Welch’s t(6694.647) = 35.319, p < 0.0001, pBonf < 0.0001, Meandifference = 1.168, Cohen’s d = 0.847, 99.5% CI 1.075 to 1.260). This is remarkably consistent; as seen in Fig. 2, all 5 AI-generated poems are rated more highly in overall quality than all 5 human-authored poems.
Before these harms accelerate and touch more lives, Congress and state legislatures must act to make clear that tech companies have a clear duty to exercise reasonable care in the design of their products. This duty forms the core of legal liability that every other successful American industry abides by.
By applying the same laws to tech companies that already apply to other manufacturers, we're not stifling innovation. We are channeling the sort of innovation that has led American companies to become industry leaders for decades, and allows families to feel safe using American products. A framework of liability will foster public trust, which is essential for the widespread adoption and success of AI technologies.
We used a linear mixed effects model to predict the Likert scale ratings for each of our 14 qualitative dimensions. We used poem authorship (human or AI), framing condition (told human, told AI, or told nothing), and their interaction as fixed effects. As specified in our preregistration, we initially planned to include four random effects: random intercepts per participant, random slope of poem authorship per participant, random intercept per poem, and random slope of framing condition per poem. As in Study 1, we followed19 in checking the models for overparameterization; PCA dimensionality reduction revealed that the models were overparameterized, specifically because of the random slopes for framing condition per poem. An attempt to fit a zero-correlation-parameter model did not prevent overparameterization; we therefore fit a reduced model for each DV without the random slopes for framing condition.
ANOVA comparisons between the full and reduced models for each DV found that the reduced model provided at least as good a fit for 12 of the 14 DVs: all except “original” and “witty”. We therefore proceed with the reduced model.
We have a choice. We can allow AI to become yet another realm where tech companies operate with impunity and prioritize profit margins over people—including American children. Or we can learn from history and establish a framework of accountability from the outset. Liability has protected consumers—and families—in countless ways throughout the modern era. It's time to extend that protection to the frontier of AI.
For 9 of our 14 qualities, human authorship had a significant negative effect (p < 0.005), with poems written by human poets rated lower than poems generated by AI; for 4 qualities the effect was negative, but merely suggestive (0.05 < p < 0.005). The only quality for which there is not even a suggestive negative authorship effect is “original” (b = -0.16087, SE = 0.10183, df = 29.01975, t = -1.580, p = 0.1250). For 12 of our 14 qualities, the “told human” framing condition had a significant positive effect, and poems are rated more highly when participants are told that the poem is written by a human poet; for “inspiring” (b = 0.21902, SE = 0.11061, df = 693.00000, t = 1.980, p = 0.04808) and “witty” (b = 0.28140, SE = 0.12329, df = 693.00024, t = 2.282, p = 0.02277) the effect is merely suggestive. For all 14 models, the explanatory power is substantial (conditional R-squared > 0.47). Detailed analysis for all qualities can be found in our supplementary materials.
The hackers, identified as "Salt Typhoon." It is part of a larger colective called "Typhoon," which has several splinter cells, including Volt Typhoon and Flax Typhoon. Salt reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in the telecommunications networks to gather intelligence. While the bad actors presumably had carte blanche access to the systems, US officials said the compromised data only included private communications from a limited number of individuals, primarily those involved in government or political activities.
Factor analysis of qualitative ratings
As specified in our pre-registration, we planned to factor analyze responses to the following scales: moving, profound, witty, lyrical, inspiring, beautiful, meaningful, original. However, we found higher-than-expected correlations among all of our qualitative ratings; polychoric correlations ranged from 0.472 to 0.886, with a mean of 0.77. Therefore, we performed factor analysis on all 14 qualitative ratings. Parallel analysis suggested 4 factors. We performed a maximum likelihood factor analysis with an oblique rotation; factor scores were estimated using the ten Berge method21.
Although the agencies were reluctant to name names, CNN reported in the lead-up to the US presidential election that high-profile individuals, including President Donald Trump and running mate Senator JD Vance, may have been targeted as part of the hacking campaign. The hackers also copied information related to US law enforcement requests, potentially undermining critical ongoing investigations.
The CISA and the FBI emphasized that they continue to assist affected companies and encourage other organizations to report suspicious activity.
Factor 1 is most heavily weighted towards “beautiful,” “inspiring,” “meaningful,” “moving,” and “profound”; we take it to correspond to the poem’s emotional quality, and call it “Emotional Quality.” Factor 2 is most heavily weighted towards “rhythm,” “lyrical,” and “sound”; we take it to be the poem’s formal, including structural or metrical, quality, and call it “Formal Quality.” Factor 3 is most heavily weighted towards “imagery,” “mood or emotion,” and “theme”; we take it to reflect the poem’s ability to capture a particular poetic “Atmosphere,” and we call it “Atmosphere.” Factor 4 is most heavily weighted toward “witty” and “original”; we take it to reflect how creative or unique the poem is, and we call it “Creativity.” Fig. 3 shows the factor loadings for each qualitative dimension.
"[We] continue to render technical assistance, rapidly share information to assist other potential victims, and work to strengthen cyber defenses across the commercial communications sector," the agencies stated. "We encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI Field Office or CISA."
TechCrunch notes that the breach is the latest in a series of sophisticated cyberattacks attributed to China-linked "Typhoon" hacking groups targeting critical US infrastructure. Experts warn that the campaign demonstrates heightened strategic targeting by PRC-affiliated actors, who increasingly focus on sensitive government and communications systems.
China has denied involvement, with a spokesperson stating that the country "opposes cyberattacks in all forms." However, US officials and cybersecurity experts remain vigilant, warning of the potential for further espionage and disruptive activities.
For each of the four factors, we used a linear mixed effects regression to predict factor values for each participants’ rating of each poem, using the same fixed and random effects used for the 14 qualitative dimension DVs. We again found that the preregistered random effects overparameterized the models, and used the reduced models with no random slopes for framing condition.
Scam Detection is "private by design," Google emphasizes, ensuring users retain full control over the feature. It is disabled by default and can be turned off at any time, either for all calls or during specific ones. All data and voice processing occur entirely on the device, with no audio or transcripts stored or sent to Google's servers.
Google is positioning Scam Detection as a secure and significant improvement in the fight against mobile scams. The company estimates scammers collectively generate over $1 trillion annually, with phone calls remaining one of their most effective tools. As scam tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, Google has turned to AI to provide reliable protection for users.
We find that across all four factors, the explanatory power of the models is substantial (conditional R-squared > 0.5). The “told human” framing condition has a significant positive effect on all factors, and human authorship has a significant negative effect on 3 of the 4 factors. Figure 4 shows factor scores for human and AI authorship; Fig. 5 shows factor scores for each framing condition; the results for each of the 4 factor-prediction models, with the results for overall quality for comparison, can be found in Table 1.
Scam Detection relies on the Gemini Nano AI model to shield Pixel users from fraudulent calls effectively. However, Google also unveiled an additional security enhancement unrelated to AI. Google Play Protect is gaining real-time capabilities on Pixel 6+ devices. This updated service can now analyze running apps to detect potentially harmful behavior. Initially focused on identifying stalkerware apps, the feature will expand to target other malicious app categories in future updates.
Using qualitative ratings to predict discrimination
As in Study 1, we also used a mixed effects logistic regression (fit to a binomial distribution) to predict participant responses to the discrimination question (“written by a human” or “generated by AI”) for participants in the “told nothing” framing condition. We included authorship (human or AI), stimulus line count (scaled), stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants (dropping stimulus quatrain and stimulus first-person from the model we used in Study 1 due to high multicollinearity in Study 2-poem’s smaller set of 10 poems).
As expected, explanatory power of the model was low (conditional R-squared: 0.071, marginal R-squared: 0.013), but as in Study 1, we found that stimulus authorship (b = -0.435689, SE = 0.125832, z = -3.462, p = 0.000535) was once again significantly predictive of participants’ responses: being written by a human poet decreased the likelihood that a participant would respond that the poem was written by a human poet, with the odds of a human-authored poem being judged human-authored less than two-thirds that of an AI-generated poem (OR = 0.647). This finding replicates the main result of our first study.
!summarize
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The Troubling Decline of Scientific Progress
Contrary to popular rumors, Sabine Hossenfelder's biggest worry isn't pineapple on pizza - it's that scientific progress is slowing down, and that much of what gets published in academia is increasingly ineffective.
The Paradox of Exponential Growth
At first glance, science appears to be thriving. The number of scientists worldwide has increased rapidly, both in absolute numbers and as a share of the population. Similarly, the number of scientific publications is growing exponentially in almost all fields. This has led many to believe that science is doing just fine, with more papers to discuss, more conferences to attend, and more grants to hire more people.
The Lack of Economic Impact
[...]
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However, the data tells a different story. Economists measure productivity by comparing inputs (like labor, capital, and technology) with outputs (goods and services that can be sold). This "total factor productivity" shows that despite the steep increase in the number of researchers, the growth in productivity has remained largely constant over the past decades.
This trend is not limited to the economy as a whole - it can be seen in specific sectors as well. Agricultural yields and the number of new drugs approved by the FDA have both failed to keep pace with the growing number of researchers.
The Decline of Novelty and Disruptiveness
[...]
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Further studies have found similar patterns when looking at the novelty and disruptiveness of scientific work. The number of new connections between technology sectors in US patents has been declining since the 1960s, while the narrowness of inventions has increased. Analyses of 45 million papers worldwide have shown a noticeable decrease in the number of disruptive ideas, even in top journals like Nature and Science.
Possible Causes
The decline in scientific progress is not due to a lack of funding. R&D spending as a share of GDP has remained relatively stable over the decades. Nor is it simply a matter of "low-hanging fruit" having been picked - the problem is global and systemic, affecting many different disciplines, countries, and economic sectors.
[...]
As an exploratory analysis, we also fit a model with our four factors Emotional Quality, Formal Quality, Atmosphere, and Creativity. We included authorship and these four factors as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants. Effectively, this model replaces the structural features of the previous model (stimulus line count, stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person) with qualitative features. The explanatory power of this model was higher (conditional R-squared: 0.240, marginal R-squared: 0.148), suggesting that qualitative features may have more influence than structural features on participants’ beliefs about a poem’s authorship.
Atmosphere (b = 0.55978, SE = 0.11417, z = 4.903, p < 0.0001) was significantly predictive: higher scores for Atmosphere increased the likelihood that a participant predicted the poem was written by a human. We also found suggestive positive effects for Emotional Quality (b = 0.22748, SE = 0.11402, z = 1.995, p = 0.04604) and Creativity (b = 0.18650, SE = 0.07322, z = 2.547, p = 0.01087), suggesting that higher scores for Emotional Quality and Creativity may also increase the likelihood that participants predict a poem was written by a human poet. Importantly, in this model, unlike previous discrimination models, authorship has no negative effect (b = 0.23742, SE = 0.14147, z = 1.678, p = 0.09332).
This suggests that the “more human than human” phenomenon identified in Study 1 might be caused by participants’ more positive impressions of AI-generated poems compared to poems authored by human poets; when accounting for these qualitative judgments, the “more human than human” phenomenon disappears.
In summary, Study 2 finds that participants consistently rate AI-generated poetry more highly than the poetry of well-known human poets across a variety of factors. Regardless of a poem’s actual authorship, participants consistently rate poems more highly when told that a poem is written by a human poet, as compared to being told that a poem was generated by AI. The preference for AI-generated poetry at least partially explains the “more human than human” phenomenon found in Study 1: when controlling for participants’ ratings, AI-generated poems are no longer more likely to be judged human.
Compared to the $10 per month Disney charges, Netflix's $7 ad-supported tier is $3 cheaper. Deadline reports that Netflix has 70 million people on this plan globally. That's more than Disney+, but with worldwide subscriber numbers of 282.7 million, it means roughly 25% of Netflix users opt for ad-supported.
Back in December 2023, 5% of Netflix's US subscribers were being shown commercials, compared with 17% for Disney+. It appears a lot more people have chosen to save money and go ad-supported over the last year.
Iger is unlikely to be too upset about his accidental reveal, given how well Disney performed over the quarter. Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, the two top movies of 2024 so far, both of which grossed over $1 billion, helped push revenue up 6% year-on-year to about $22.57 billion, beating Wall Street analysts' expectations.
Disney's subscription services were also a bright spot: it now boasts 174 million Disney+ core and Hulu subscriptions. Disney+ global subscriptions alone are up 4.4 million compared to the previous quarter, while Hulu gained 900,000 more subs. Streaming revenue rose 15% to $5.78 billion, and ad sales rose 14%. Disney said its gains came from subscription price hikes and lower marketing costs.
Those are some spicy claims that we'll have to take with a grain of salt for now. Still, Akash must have shown enough credibility to get initial approval from the very selective CHIPS Act program. It comes at an opportune time too – CEO Felix Ejeckam told Axios that VC firms have been reluctant to back semiconductor startups, a problem the pandemic helped expose with its chip shortages.
Axios reports that Akash spent over a year trying to secure the CHIPS Act funding, even negotiating with labor unions it felt could sway the Biden administration. The startup had previously raised $18 million from VCs, but Ejeckam says the non-dilutive government funding was appealing.
Of course, this is still just an initial agreement. Plenty of bureaucracy and negotiations remain before any money actually changes hands.
Akash Systems is far from the only party attempting to improve data center cooling as the industry balloons, taking energy consumption to new highs with it. Earlier this month, researchers from the University of Texas unveiled a new thermal interface material that outperformed the best commercial liquid metal cooling products by a staggering 56-72%.
Niall Ferguson — Cold War II + An Update on Global Conflicts
#nialferguson !summarize
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The Shifting Sands of Global Conflict: Insights from Neil Ferguson
The New Cold War and the Prisoner Exchange
Neil Ferguson begins by noting that the recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, involving the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich, is fresh evidence that we are in "Cold War II." He sees this as a very "cold war thing to do" - exchanging prisoners with the other side. Ferguson believes this signals that Russia, along with China, Iran, and North Korea, are on the opposing side in this new Cold War.
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While acknowledging the importance of Gershkovich's release, Ferguson expresses concern that such prisoner exchanges could set up poor incentives, leading to more Americans being incarcerated on unfounded charges. However, he believes the larger "pieces on the chessboard" - such as the conflict over Ukraine - are more significant than individual cases of detained journalists or spies.
The War in Ukraine: Divergent Futures
Ferguson outlines two potential futures for the war in Ukraine, depending on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
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If Vice President Harris wins, Ferguson expects a continuation of the current policy of supporting Ukraine's war aims, but not to the extent that it can achieve victory. He sees this as a risky strategy, as it could lead to Ukraine's eventual defeat if U.S. support wanes over time.
In contrast, a Trump victory would result in a radically different approach. Ferguson believes Trump would put immense economic and military pressure on Russia to force Putin to the negotiating table, aiming for a Korean-style armistice rather than a comprehensive peace agreement. This, he argues, may be more palatable to Ukraine's leadership than the current "drip-feeding" of support from the Biden administration.
The Middle East: Brewing Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah
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Ferguson turns his attention to the potential for a new war between Israel and Hezbollah, which he sees as highly likely to occur this August. He believes that Israel's recent strikes against its enemies, following Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, have set the stage for retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran.
Ferguson argues that the political divisions within Israel have been somewhat muted since the events of October 7th, which have created a new sense of unity and purpose in the country. He suggests that even liberal Israelis have become more accepting of an aggressive policy towards Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and now Hezbollah.
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The decision to potentially strike Hezbollah, Ferguson contends, is driven by a desire to act preemptively, rather than waiting for the group to further build up its arsenal. He sees this as a calculated risk, given the potential for a bloody conflict, but one that the Israeli government believes is necessary to address the growing threat.
The U.S. Political Landscape: Dueling Machines and Personality Cults
Turning to the U.S. political landscape, Ferguson argues that the upcoming 2024 election remains highly unpredictable, despite the current state of the polls. He believes that both the Republican and Democratic party machines are highly effective at delivering most states and counties to their respective parties, leaving little contested ground.
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However, Ferguson sees a key difference between the two parties. While the Democratic party remains under the control of its wealthy elite, the "donor class," the Republican party has fallen under the sway of the "MAGA movement" and the personality cult around Donald Trump. This, he argues, makes the Republican party more prone to self-harming mistakes, potentially giving Harris a chance to win the presidency.
Ferguson also addresses the issue of inflation, acknowledging that both the Trump and Biden administrations share blame for the current economic situation. He argues that the voters' perception of Biden's handling of the economy is unfair, as the president has presided over strong economic growth and employment, despite the high inflation rates.
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Convergence and Divergence: Comparing the UK and the US
In closing, Ferguson draws comparisons between the political and social landscapes of the UK and the US. He notes that while the UK retains a sense of tradition and continuity in its politics, the US political discourse has a more "coarse" and "contact sport" quality, reminiscent of the 19th century observations of Charles Dickens.
However, Ferguson also identifies areas of convergence, such as the challenges posed by aging populations, the tensions around immigration, and the shared experience of grappling with the complexities of healthcare systems. He suggests that despite institutional differences, there is a growing sense of similarity in the lived experiences of Britons and Americans.
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Overall, Neil Ferguson's insights provide a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the shifting global landscape, the ongoing conflicts, and the political dynamics shaping the future of both the US and the UK.
Niall Ferguson rebuts John Mearsheimer: Don't Underestimate the China-Russia-Iran Axis
#niallferguson !summarize
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The Looming Threat of a New Axis and the Decline of the Liberal World Order
The Divergence Between the US and Australia
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the founding of this great institution, we are also nearing the 50-year mark since Henry Kissinger had to contemplate whether the United States should give up on Australia. The relationship between Kissinger and then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was a tumultuous one, marked by Whitlam's criticism of the US bombing of North Vietnam and his desire to pull Australia out of the Vietnam War.
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This tension between the US and Australia is not entirely a relic of the past. Last year, Professor John Mearsheimer's Neville Canard address, which was well-received in Australia, argued that the US focus on Ukraine and the Middle East was distracting it from the greater security threat posed by China. Mearsheimer advocated for a realist foreign policy approach that prioritized the containment of China over the security of democracies in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Challenging Mearsheimer's Worldview
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While I share Mearsheimer's skepticism about the so-called "liberal international order," I profoundly disagree with his and Elbridge Colby's arguments that the US must prioritize the containment of China over the security of other democracies. Tonight, I will explain why they are wrong and what it means for Australia.
The Emergence of a New Axis
The biggest debate on foreign policy in recent years has been the debate within the Republican party over the wisdom of supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. This new realism within the Republican party, exemplified by figures like JD Vance, recognizes that the United States faces a new axis that unites Russia with China, Iran, and North Korea.
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This axis is a genuine threat, akin to the one formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan before and during the Second World War. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are now openly cooperating to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine, supplying Putin's "Orc Army" with a plethora of weapons.
The Failure of Deterrence and the Threat of War
The failure to deter this new axis is a grave concern. As Admiral Samuel Paparo, the head of the US Indo-Pacific command, has warned, China wants to offer the world a "short, sharp war" against Taiwan before the world can respond. This raises the specter of a Third World War, as the contest between the US and this new axis could easily turn hot.
The Importance of Rearmament and Deterrence
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Deterrence depends on military readiness, and yet many of our allies, including Germany and Australia, are failing to adequately invest in their defense capabilities. This policy of appeasement is dangerous and must be addressed.
The Potential Return of a Realist Republican Foreign Policy
As the 2024 election approaches, the parallels between Donald Trump and Richard Nixon are striking. Like Nixon, Trump understands the limits of American power and the importance of carefully assessing national interests. He also regards most American allies as freeloaders who should pay their way in return for America's friendship and protection.
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This means that allies like Australia need to brace themselves for the eventuality of a second Trump term, one in which there will be no more "Mr. Nice Guy." The potential for a drastic reassessment of the US-Australia relationship, as Kissinger and Nixon contemplated 50 years ago, looms large.
Peter Thiel on the Triumph of the Counter-Elites
#peterthiel !summarize
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Here is a summary of the conversation in the form of a longform article:
The Rise of the Counter-Elite: How Peter Thiel Predicted the Trump Moment
The Triumph of the Outsiders
The 2024 election marked a profound shift in American politics, with the triumph of a coalition of "oddball Outsiders" over the establishment elite. At the center of this counter-revolution stands the figure of Peter Thiel - the billionaire venture capitalist, political kingmaker, and self-described "Vanguard of the anti-establishment."
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Thiel was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, backing him in 2016 when many in Silicon Valley shunned the then-candidate. Now, with Trump's decisive victory, Thiel's contrarian vision has been vindicated. The appointment of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur JD Vance to key administration roles signals the ascendance of this new, unorthodox power center.
Thiel's Prescience and the Collapse of Liberalism
Thiel foresaw this moment, arguing that the 2016 election represented a broader "collapse of liberalism" - a failure of the Democratic party and the progressive establishment to connect with the concerns of Middle America. He believed Trump's "Make America Great Again" message tapped into a deep well of economic and cultural stagnation that the political class had ignored.
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"There was a way the intergenerational compact has broken down, the younger generation is finding it much harder to get their footing," Thiel explains. The Democratic party, in his view, had become beholden to a narrow, identity-focused agenda disconnected from the lived realities of working-class voters.
The Preference Cascade and the Shift in Silicon Valley
Thiel attributes Trump's victory in part to a "preference cascade" - a phenomenon where individuals, once they realize they are not alone in their views, become emboldened to express them publicly. This dynamic played out acutely in Silicon Valley, where Thiel was an early outlier in his support for Trump.
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Over time, Thiel says, a growing number of tech leaders came to appreciate his "courage" in backing the president-elect. Companies began actively shifting their workforce away from the ideological monoculture of the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking more "productive" and less "woke" talent elsewhere.
"There was a way the intergenerational compact has broken down, the younger generation is finding it much harder to get their footing," Thiel explains. The Democratic party, in his view, had become beholden to a narrow, identity-focused agenda disconnected from the lived realities of working-class voters.
Rethinking Trade, Immigration, and the Role of Government
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Thiel sees Trump's policy agenda as a necessary course correction, particularly on issues like trade and immigration. He argues that the prevailing free trade orthodoxy has created "incredible economic SKS and distortions," hollowing out the industrial heartland. Similarly, he believes unchecked immigration has fueled a "Georgist real estate catastrophe," pricing young people and the working class out of home ownership.
While Thiel stops short of endorsing mass deportation, he believes the Trump administration must fundamentally rethink the country's approach to the border and the social compact. "There are ways the incredibly open border has put an incredible stress on the social fabric in a lot of ways," he says.
The Perils of Populism and the Need for Institutional Reform
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Yet Thiel also expresses concerns about the potential excesses of populism, warning against a "nihilistic" impulse to "burn it all down." He believes the real challenge lies in finding a balance between healthy skepticism of elite institutions and the need for functional, well-governed systems.
The collapse of trust in institutions like academia and the media, Thiel argues, has created a dangerous void. He advocates for a "course correction" in fields like science, where he believes an excess of dogmatism has stifled necessary debate and inquiry.
"There are ways the incredibly open border has put an incredible stress on the social fabric in a lot of ways," he says.
The Future of American Politics
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Thiel sees the 2024 election as a pivotal moment, marking the end of a political era defined by the "New Deal liberalism" and "progressive cult" of the 20th century. But he cautions that the path forward is fraught with peril, requiring a delicate balance between populist energies and the preservation of stable, accountable institutions.
As the Trump administration takes shape, Thiel's influence will loom large. His ability to navigate this treacherous landscape - harnessing the power of the counter-elite while avoiding the pitfalls of unbridled populism - may well determine the trajectory of American politics in the years to come.
As an exploratory analysis, we also fit a model with our four factors Emotional Quality, Formal Quality, Atmosphere, and Creativity. We included authorship and these four factors as fixed effects, with random intercepts for participants. Effectively, this model replaces the structural features of the previous model (stimulus line count, stimulus all-lines-rhyme, and stimulus first-person) with qualitative features. The explanatory power of this model was higher (conditional R-squared: 0.240, marginal R-squared: 0.148),
suggesting that qualitative features may have more influence than structural features on participants’ beliefs about a poem’s authorship. Atmosphere (b = 0.55978, SE = 0.11417, z = 4.903, p < 0.0001) was significantly predictive: higher scores for Atmosphere increased the likelihood that a participant predicted the poem was written by a human. We also found suggestive positive effects for Emotional Quality (b = 0.22748, SE = 0.11402, z = 1.995, p = 0.04604) and Creativity (b = 0.18650, SE = 0.07322, z = 2.547, p = 0.01087), suggesting that higher scores for Emotional Quality and Creativity may also increase the likelihood that participants predict a poem was written by a human poet. Importantly, in this model, unlike previous discrimination models, authorship has no negative effect (b = 0.23742, SE = 0.14147, z = 1.678, p = 0.09332).
This suggests that the “more human than human” phenomenon identified in Study 1 might be caused by participants’ more positive impressions of AI-generated poems compared to poems authored by human poets; when accounting for these qualitative judgments, the “more human than human” phenomenon disappears.
In summary, Study 2 finds that participants consistently rate AI-generated poetry more highly than the poetry of well-known human poets across a variety of factors. Regardless of a poem’s actual authorship, participants consistently rate poems more highly when told that a poem is written by a human poet, as compared to being told that a poem was generated by AI. The preference for AI-generated poetry at least partially explains the “more human than human” phenomenon found in Study 1: when controlling for participants’ ratings, AI-generated poems are no longer more likely to be judged human.
The Last Blockbuster Shutting Down? Not So Fast
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The Last Blockbuster Isn't Shutting Down After All
In a surprising turn of events, the last remaining Blockbuster video rental store in the world has confirmed that it is not shutting down, despite recent rumors circulating on social media.
The Blockbuster store, located in Bend, Oregon, has developed a cult-like following over the years, with people from all over the country and even the world making pilgrimages to visit the iconic video rental chain's last surviving location. The store's management has now officially dispelled the rumors, stating that they are "not going anywhere" and that the reports of its closure were "fake news."
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This news comes as a relief to many nostalgic fans of the once-ubiquitous video rental industry, which has been largely decimated by the rise of digital streaming services. While the vast majority of Blockbuster stores have long since closed their doors, this lone holdout has managed to defy the odds and continue operating, much to the delight of its loyal customers.
The Blockbuster Legacy
Blockbuster was once a dominant force in the home entertainment industry, with thousands of locations across the United States and around the world. At its peak, the company boasted over 9,000 stores globally, offering customers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and video games to rent or purchase.
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However, the rise of Netflix and other streaming platforms, coupled with the increasing popularity of on-demand digital content, ultimately led to Blockbuster's downfall. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and was subsequently acquired by Dish Network, which closed the majority of its remaining stores.
The Last Blockbuster Standing
The last Blockbuster store, located in Bend, Oregon, has managed to survive against all odds. The store, which is independently owned and operated, has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who want to experience the nostalgia of renting physical media.
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The store's owner, Sandi Harding, has attributed the store's success to its ability to adapt to the changing market and cater to the needs of its local community. In addition to offering a wide selection of movies and TV shows, the store also hosts movie nights, game nights, and other events to engage with its customers.
The Future of Blockbuster
While the last Blockbuster store remains open for business, the future of the Blockbuster brand remains uncertain. Dish Network, the current owner of the Blockbuster name, has been rumored to be considering various options for the brand, including potentially rebranding its Sling TV streaming service as "Blockbuster."
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However, with Dish Network's recent decision to sell off its Sling TV business to DirecTV, it seems less likely that the company will invest heavily in reviving the Blockbuster brand. Nevertheless, the continued success of the last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical media and the power of nostalgia in the digital age.
Watch Over 700 Free Live Channels on Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, & More
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Streaming Hundreds of Free Channels Legally Online
In the ever-evolving world of cord-cutting, there are now more options than ever to access a wide range of content without the high costs of traditional cable or satellite TV. In this article, we'll explore five top free streaming services that offer a diverse array of channels and content, from local news to big-budget shows.
Pluto TV
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Pluto TV is one of the original and well-known free streaming services on the market. Owned by Paramount, it provides access to a vast library of content, including Paramount's own shows and movies, as well as content from various other providers. The service offers a traditional channel guide with hundreds of live free channels, covering everything from classic TV shows like "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Gunsmoke" to 24/7 channels dedicated to genres like sci-fi, true crime, and comedy.
Tubi
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Tubi is owned by the Fox Corporation, which means it has access to a wealth of local Fox content, including news from local Fox affiliates in most areas. In addition to the local news coverage, Tubi also offers a range of entertainment options, including classic TV shows, movies, and sports content, such as MLB and NFL classic games.
Local News Streaming Apps
For cord-cutters who want to stay informed about their local community, there are several free apps that offer live streams of local news broadcasts. Apps like Newson, Zim, and Local Now provide access to local news channels from various markets, allowing users to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in their area.
Local Now
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Local Now, owned by the same company as The Weather Channel, is a standout option for those seeking a comprehensive local news and information experience. In addition to the local on-the-eights style news coverage, Local Now also offers hundreds of channels, including local PBS stations and a wide range of national and international content.
Accessibility and Availability
The free streaming services highlighted in this article are available on a variety of platforms, including Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV. Users can simply search for the app names in their device's app store to start exploring the wealth of free content available.
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It's important to note that the specific content and channel offerings may vary depending on the user's location, as some services tailor their content to local markets. However, the sheer breadth of options available across these free streaming platforms means that cord-cutters can find a wealth of entertainment and information without the high costs of traditional TV subscriptions.
!summarize
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Roku's Backdrops Feature Transforms Your TV into a Work of Art
Roku has recently introduced a new feature called "Backdrops" that allows users to turn their streaming devices into digital art displays. This innovative feature transforms the typically black screen of your TV into a canvas for showcasing professional artwork or your own personal photos.
The Backdrops app, which can be found on the bottom of your Roku TV or streaming player, provides access to a vast collection of high-quality images and artwork. Users can browse through various categories, including specific artists, photographers, and institutions, to find the perfect backdrop that complements the style and decor of their living space.
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One of the key benefits of the Backdrops feature is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a party, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, the Backdrops can create a visually appealing and personalized ambiance. The feature also allows users to upload their own photos, creating a customized slideshow of family memories or favorite moments.
"For a long time, my family has used the slideshow feature to display photos of our kids and loved ones," says the narrator. "It's a nice touch, especially when your TV is just sitting there waiting, and the Roku screen saver pops up with a cityscape or something else that turns it into a piece of art."
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The Backdrops feature offers a range of customization options, allowing users to adjust the brightness, duration, and auto-start settings to suit their preferences. This level of control ensures that the Backdrops seamlessly integrate with the overall ambiance of the living space.
"I also really like this feature when we have parties and people over," the narrator adds. "It's a nice touch to have something other than just a big black thing on the wall."
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The Backdrops feature is available at no additional cost to Roku users, making it an accessible and convenient way to transform the look and feel of your home entertainment setup. Whether you prefer showcasing professional artwork or your own personal photos, the Backdrops feature offers a unique and visually appealing way to enhance your living space.
For more information on the Backdrops feature and how to use it, be sure to check out the first pinned comment, which includes a link to a detailed story covering all the necessary details.
immy Kimmel Goes EXTREME as Ratings CRASH: Disney Non-Comedian DOUBLES DOWN on Division Late Night!
!summarize
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Jimmy Kimmel's Partisan Antics and Disney's Dilemma
The Late Night Host's Controversial Behavior and Its Impact on Disney
Jimmy Kimmel, the popular late-night host, has once again found himself in the spotlight for his partisan rhetoric and controversial behavior. As the ratings for late-night television continue to plummet, Kimmel's actions have raised concerns about the direction of Disney, the company that pays his bills.
Kimmel's Attacks on the Trump Administration
In a recent episode of his show, Kimmel blasted the Trump administration's cabinet picks, describing them as "the Legion of Dumb." He specifically targeted the nomination of William Barr as Attorney General, suggesting that being investigated for wrongdoing would be an asset in the Trump administration.
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Kimmel's comments have drawn criticism from those who believe that late-night hosts should focus on entertaining their audiences rather than engaging in partisan politics. The late-night host's actions raise questions about the role of Disney in moderating the content produced by its employees.
Disney's Partisan Leanings
Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel's show, has long been perceived as having a partisan bias. The company's leadership and creative output have often been associated with left-leaning political views, leading some to question whether Disney is doing enough to maintain a balanced and inclusive entertainment landscape.
The Decline of Late-Night Television
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The declining ratings of late-night television, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have added to the pressure on Disney to reevaluate its approach. With the potential for a ban on pharmaceutical advertising, a significant source of revenue for late-night shows, the company may need to rethink its strategy to ensure the long-term viability of its late-night programming.
The Way Forward
As Disney navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for the company to strike a balance between creative expression and maintaining a welcoming environment for all viewers. The success of the company's entertainment offerings may depend on its ability to moderate the partisan rhetoric and focus on producing content that appeals to a broad audience.
Conclusion
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Jimmy Kimmel's continued pattern of politicization and Disney's apparent partisan leanings have created a complex situation that requires careful consideration. As the entertainment industry evolves, it will be up to Disney to determine the best path forward, one that prioritizes the needs of its audience and the long-term sustainability of its business.
Benefits for Subscribers
Simplified Access: No more switching between multiple apps to access different content.
Streamlined Experience: A more user-friendly and intuitive interface.
Enhanced Value: A single app offering a wider range of content.
Strategic Implications
This move reflects Disney’s commitment to its direct-to-consumer streaming business. By consolidating its streaming services, Disney aims to strengthen its position in the market and attract a wider audience. This strategy could also lead to increased subscriber engagement and retention.
!summarize
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Here is a summary of the transcript in the form of a longform article:
Spring Training Rituals and the Business of Baseball
As pitchers and catchers report for spring training, the annual rituals and routines of Major League Baseball are underway. From the physical exams to the team meetings, every detail is carefully orchestrated to get players ready for the season ahead.
The first day of spring training is all about the physical exams, known as "PFP" or pitchers fielding practice. Players line up at the mound, with coaches rolling balls to them and calling out different scenarios to practice their fielding. It's a drill that pitchers dread, but one that is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes during the regular season.
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After passing their physicals, the players gather for the team meeting, where the manager, coaches, trainers, and front office personnel all address the group. The meeting sets the tone for the spring, with messages about staying safe, avoiding off-field issues, and focusing on the work ahead.
Once the meeting is over, the players head to the fields for their first workouts. The coaches carefully monitor the intensity, not wanting anyone to overdo it on the first day and risk injury. It's all about building up gradually, with the goal of having everyone ready for opening day.
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But spring training is about more than just the on-field activities. It's also a time for front office executives to evaluate their rosters and make decisions about the season ahead. Former team president David Samson knows this all too well, having been through countless spring trainings himself.
Samson explains that the first few days of spring training are crucial for making roster decisions, with teams often evaluating players based on their performance in batting practice. He even suggests that some teams make contract extension decisions during this time, based on what they see in the cages.
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Of course, the start of spring training also means the return of free agent drama, with agent Scott Boras working to secure deals for his clients. Samson predicts that at least one of the high-profile free agents, such as Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, or Cody Bellinger, will have to settle for a "pillow deal" - a short-term contract with an opt-out after the first year.
The Oakland A's situation is also a hot topic, with the team set to meet with Alameda County officials about a potential lease extension at the Oakland Coliseum. Samson believes this meeting will be a delicate negotiation, with the A's needing to "subjugate" themselves to the government in order to secure a path forward.
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As for Samson's own viewing habits, he's recently become obsessed with the TV series "Lost," binging all 121 episodes in a matter of weeks. He's come away with a newfound appreciation for the show's complex storytelling and character development, and is now on the hunt for his next binge-worthy series.
Overall, the start of spring training is a time of renewal and anticipation in the world of baseball. From the rituals on the field to the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, it's a period that sets the stage for the season to come.
!summarize
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The Presidents' Timepieces: A Glimpse into Their Horological Tastes
Joe Biden's Modest Choices
President Joe Biden's watch collection appears to be quite modest and understated. He is seen wearing a Rolex Datejust 41 on a Jubilee bracelet, as well as an Omega Speedmaster - two iconic and timeless watches that are considered core pieces in any watch enthusiast's collection. These choices reflect a sense of humility and practicality, rather than flashy displays of wealth.
Donald Trump's Vintage Timepiece
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In contrast, former President Donald Trump is seen wearing a vintage Vacheron Constantin watch, likely an original from 1968 that has been reissued. This historical piece suggests a more traditional and classic taste in watches, though it may not be considered a particularly popular or sought-after model.
Obama's "Fashion Watches"
President Barack Obama, on the other hand, is known to have worn more "fashion watches" - well-made but not necessarily high-end timepieces. These types of watches are often more affordable and focused on aesthetics rather than technical prowess, reflecting a more casual and accessible approach to watch-wearing.
Bill Clinton's Langepüre
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Former President Bill Clinton is pictured wearing a Lange & Söhne Langepüre, a dress watch that was originally priced around $40,000 but can now be found on the secondary market for significantly less. This suggests a more discerning and sophisticated taste in watches, though the actual purchase price is unclear.
JFK's Iconic Rolex
Perhaps the most intriguing presidential watch is the Rolex given to John F. Kennedy by Marilyn Monroe, which has become a legendary and highly valuable timepiece. The story behind this gift and its subsequent fate adds an extra layer of intrigue to the world of presidential horology.
Other Notable Timepieces
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The collection also includes a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor, a distinctive diving watch favored by military personnel, as well as a Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the "President's Watch" due to its association with the office.
Overall, the watches worn by U.S. presidents offer a fascinating glimpse into their personal styles and preferences, as well as the broader evolution of horological trends and the significance of certain timepieces in the public consciousness.
!summarize
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The Swiss Dominance in the Luxury Watch Industry
The luxury watch industry is a fascinating realm, where the Swiss have long reigned supreme. Despite the fact that only 2% of watches are actually produced in Switzerland, a staggering 50% of the value of watches comes from this small Alpine nation. This disparity begs the question: why?
The Roots of Swiss Watchmaking
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The origins of the Swiss watch industry can be traced back to the 16th century, when the first pocket watches were created in Germany. These timepieces then made their way to England, France, and eventually settled in the city-state of Geneva, which was not yet part of Switzerland. It was in Geneva that a community of skilled watchmakers began to flourish, attracted by the geographic centrality and the growing demand for these precision instruments.
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As this watchmaking hub took shape, it followed a familiar pattern seen in other industries. Much like Silicon Valley's rise as a technology center, Geneva became the capital of the watch world. The concentration of craftsmen, apprentices, and expertise created a self-sustaining ecosystem that allowed Swiss watchmaking to thrive and cement its global reputation.
The Allure of Swiss Watches
The association between luxury watches and Switzerland is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. When one thinks of a high-end timepiece, the Swiss brand immediately comes to mind. This perception is not merely a matter of marketing; it is rooted in the rich history and technical prowess of Swiss watchmakers.
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Over the centuries, Swiss watchmakers have developed a reputation for precision, innovation, and craftsmanship that is unparalleled. From the invention of the chronograph to the development of self-winding mechanisms, Swiss watches have consistently pushed the boundaries of horology. This legacy of excellence has solidified the Swiss brand as synonymous with quality and exclusivity in the minds of consumers.
The Challenges of the Swiss Dominance
However, this Swiss dominance in the luxury watch industry is not without its challenges. The industry has faced criticism for its opaque and sometimes unethical practices, such as the allocation of highly sought-after models and the pressure to purchase additional items to secure a coveted timepiece.
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These practices have led to a growing sense of frustration among watch enthusiasts, who feel that the industry has become too exclusive and inaccessible. The perception of Rolex, in particular, as an arrogant and elitist brand has fueled this discontent, with some consumers actively avoiding the brand due to its perceived flaws.
The Future of Swiss Watchmaking
Despite these challenges, the Swiss watch industry remains a powerhouse, with its reputation for quality and craftsmanship continuing to drive global demand. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how Swiss watchmakers adapt to changing consumer preferences and address the concerns raised about their practices.
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One thing is certain: the allure of the Swiss watch will endure, as the country's rich horological heritage and the enduring appeal of its luxury brands continue to captivate watch enthusiasts around the world.
Wiretap Access Raises Alarm
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the hackers gained access to systems used by telecom companies to comply with U.S. surveillance requests. This raises significant counterintelligence concerns and highlights the vulnerability of sensitive data to foreign espionage.
A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyber-espionage and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Telecommunications companies and government agencies must work together to strengthen defenses and prevent future attacks.
!summarize
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The Exclusive World of Luxury Watches
Navigating the Prestige and Exclusivity of High-End Timepieces
As a seasoned watch enthusiast and industry insider, you've shared a fascinating glimpse into the rarefied world of luxury watch collecting. From the intricate complications of a Jaeger-LeCoultre minute repeater to the prestige and scarcity of Patek Philippe's most exclusive models, you've illuminated the nuances and complexities that define this elite market.
The Allure of Exclusivity
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The core appeal of the most prestigious watch brands, you explain, lies in their ability to cultivate a sense of exclusivity and desirability. Brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex carefully control access to their most coveted timepieces, often requiring extensive purchase histories and personal relationships before granting the privilege of ownership. This scarcity, combined with the technical mastery and heritage of these brands, fuels the fervent demand among collectors.
Navigating the Patek Philippe System
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You delve into the intricate "application process" required to acquire a Patek Philippe grand complication, likening it to the Ferrari allocation system. Prospective owners must demonstrate a deep commitment to the brand, building up a collection over years before even being considered for the most exclusive models. This carefully curated access, you argue, is a calculated strategy to maintain the brand's prestige and desirability.
The Secondary Market and Trends
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The secondary market for luxury watches is equally fascinating, with certain models commanding astronomical prices due to their rarity and trendiness. You discuss the example of a recent Patek Philippe grand complication that sold for over $5 million, highlighting the importance of scarcity, provenance, and the power of social media in driving these stratospheric valuations.
Investing in Watches
While the latest "hype" watches may capture the imagination, you emphasize the importance of considering long-term investment potential when building a watch collection. Vintage and historically significant models, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre you showcased, often appreciate in value over time, making them compelling assets for the discerning collector.
Customization and Exclusivity
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For those seeking a more personalized touch, you suggest exploring the possibility of working with brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre or Ulysse Nardin to create custom timepieces for special occasions or personal milestones. This level of exclusivity, you explain, is a rare privilege that requires navigating the nuances of the industry and cultivating the right relationships.
Throughout your insights, a clear theme emerges: the world of luxury watches is a realm of prestige, exclusivity, and technical mastery, where the most coveted timepieces are as much about status and desirability as they are about timekeeping. Your expertise and passion for this captivating industry have provided a captivating glimpse into a world that few can truly access.
Race Against Time
As the clock ticks down, Dish Network faces a race against time to secure its financial future. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the company can successfully navigate this crisis or succumb to the pressures of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
!summarize
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The Challenges of Authenticity in the Watch and Collectibles Industry
In the world of watches and collectibles, the issue of authenticity is a constant concern. Back in the day, in Glendel, there was a thriving market for salvage cars that were not properly disclosed as such. This practice eventually became regulated, leading to a more transparent system where the true condition of a vehicle is clearly communicated.
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However, the watch and collectibles industry faces similar challenges when it comes to determining the authenticity of items. The speaker recounts a story of a customer who purchased a watch from him, only to later discover that it was flagged as potentially stolen. This highlights the lack of a centralized system to verify the provenance of watches, leaving buyers vulnerable to potential fraud.
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The speaker suggests that the watch industry could benefit from a grading service similar to what exists in the comic book and video game industries. These services provide a level of credibility and assurance to buyers, allowing them to make informed decisions. The speaker believes that such a system could significantly increase the value of watches, as buyers would be willing to pay a premium for the peace of mind that comes with a trusted authentication.
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The challenge, however, lies in the implementation of such a system. The speaker notes that privacy concerns and the reluctance of industry experts to share their knowledge and expertise could hinder the development of a comprehensive grading service. Additionally, the speaker acknowledges that they themselves are one of the industry's top experts, and may not be inclined to share their knowledge with potential competitors.
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The discussion then shifts to the differences between the gray market and authorized dealers in the watch industry. The speaker explains that authorized dealers are sanctioned by the watch brands to sell their products, while the gray market consists of independent sellers who may not have the same level of trust and credibility. The speaker suggests that a well-established grading service could potentially bridge this gap, allowing gray market sellers to command higher prices for their authenticated watches.
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Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the watch and collectibles industry when it comes to ensuring authenticity and building trust with buyers. The potential for a comprehensive grading service is explored, but the practical and logistical hurdles remain significant.
!summarize
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The Tide Turns: Athletes Embrace Political Expression
The political landscape in professional sports is undergoing a significant shift, as more athletes are openly expressing their support for Donald Trump and conservative causes. This trend has been building for some time, but it appears to have reached a tipping point in recent weeks.
The Backlash Against "Toxic Masculinity"
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According to Danny, the tide began to turn when athletes felt that their masculinity was being unfairly criticized. "Who would have thought that telling a bunch of 20 to 28-year-old athletes that their masculinity was toxic might actually backfire and they might go, 'Hey, uh, I kind of like being a dude and there's nothing wrong with being a dude'?" he said. This sentiment resonated with many athletes, who felt that their identity as men was under attack.
The Relatable Trump
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The panel also discussed how Donald Trump's persona and policies have become more relatable to athletes, particularly those who did not come from wealthy backgrounds. "Trump's relatable to a lot of people," Hammer noted. "Might not be to everybody, but here's a dude that has got the law coming after him, which a lot of people thought was unfair. You got side chicks coming at you left and right - that's a lot of people in this country they relate more to that than they do KLA Harris up there giving your money to Ukraine and you know blaming you for all of the problems in the community."
The Disconnect Between Democrats and Athletes
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The panel argued that the Democratic Party's policies and messaging have failed to resonate with many athletes, who are more concerned with issues like the economy, border security, and crime. "Athletes just like anyone else, if they're G to take money from them, you sure as hell better be doing something good with it," Hammer said. "Athletes buy eggs too, athletes buy bread too, they go to the grocery store or they have somebody that goes to the grocery store, but it's their money and you're right, man, the policies are what this comes down to."
The Shift in Hollywood and the Jewish Community
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The discussion also touched on the potential for a shift in Hollywood and the Jewish community, with the panel suggesting that the Democratic Party's perceived lack of support for Israel and the Jewish community could lead to a political realignment. "If you're a Jewish person, you got to tell me how you're voting for Harris or how you're voting for Biden because they have been - I'm not g to say they've been anti-semitic, but they certainly have been supportive," Hammer said.
The Future of Political Expression in Sports
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Looking ahead, the panel predicted that we will see more college athletes, rather than professional athletes, openly expressing their political views in support of Trump or conservative causes. "You'll see it in college, but I think the NFL guys, they've already got their own thing and thank you NFL for finally letting these guys celebrate again," Hammer said. However, the panel acknowledged that the end of the election cycle may lead to a decrease in overt political expression among athletes.
!summarize
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Navigating the Secondary Watch Market: Strategies for Spotting Fraud and Building Trust
In the world of luxury watches, the secondary market presents both opportunities and risks for buyers. With the absence of standardized grading services like those found in the collectible card industry, navigating the secondary watch market requires a keen eye, extensive knowledge, and a trusted network of dealers. Roman, an experienced watch dealer, shares his insights on how to approach this complex landscape and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.
Lessons from the Collectible Card Industry
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The collectible card industry has faced its fair share of fraud, with high-profile cases like the altered Honus Wagner card serving as cautionary tales. Roman explains that in the card community, buyers have access to reputable grading services like PSA and BGS, which provide a level of assurance and authentication. However, the watch market lacks such centralized verification systems, making the due diligence process more challenging for buyers.
The Importance of Buying the Dealer, Not the Watch
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Roman's primary advice to buyers is to focus on the dealer, not just the watch itself. He emphasizes that in the vintage watch market, where records and archives can be scarce, the expertise and reputation of the dealer are crucial. By partnering with knowledgeable and trustworthy dealers, buyers can mitigate the risks of acquiring a fraudulent or misrepresented timepiece.
Spotting Fraudulent Watches
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Roman shares his keen eye for detecting fake watches, highlighting the subtle details that can distinguish an authentic piece from a counterfeit. He explains how organized criminal activity, such as the case of the $3.4 million fake Omega Speedmaster, can involve sophisticated techniques to create "Frankenstein" watches by altering original components. Understanding the nuances of vintage watch features, like natural dial discoloration, is essential in identifying genuine articles.
The Importance of Verification and Due Diligence
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To ensure the authenticity of a watch, Roman emphasizes the importance of thorough verification processes. This includes partnering with expert watchmakers to inspect the internal components, as well as conducting comprehensive checks on the watch's provenance and documentation. By taking these steps, buyers can have confidence in the legitimacy of their purchase, even when dealing with private sellers outside the dealer network.
Navigating the Secondary Market with Caution
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Roman cautions that the secondary watch market is rife with fraud, and buyers must approach it with a high degree of skepticism and due diligence. He advises against impulse purchases, especially those that seem "too good to be true," as they are often indicative of a fraudulent transaction. By prioritizing trusted relationships with experienced dealers and leveraging expert knowledge, buyers can navigate the secondary watch market with greater confidence and minimize the risks of acquiring counterfeit or misrepresented timepieces.
!summarize
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The Unexpected Journey into the Watch Industry
I was never a typical watch guy. My passion was always baseball cards - I loved collecting them since I was a kid. But little did I know, my journey into the watch market would be just as captivating.
It all started back in the early 2000s when I was working at Deutsche Bank, commuting two hours each way from Philadelphia to New York City. One day, a friend approached me with an interesting proposition. He sold watches on eBay and thought I might be interested in trying it out. My initial response was skepticism - "Who the hell's going to buy $10,000 watches on eBay?" I thought. But my friend insisted we give it a shot.
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So, with my wife's help taking product photos, we started this side hustle part-time. To my surprise, within 6 months, we had sold a $9,650 limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. I made $1,100 on that deal, which was real money at the time.
Over the next few years, I continued juggling my demanding corporate job with this growing watch business. I would leave for work at 5:15 AM, come home at 7:30 PM, and then work on the watch side venture until 2 AM some nights. It was an exhausting grind, but I could see the potential.
Eventually, I reached a point where my watch business was bringing in an income and a half of what I was making at the bank. That's when I made the tough decision to leave the corporate world and go all-in on my watch venture. The rest, as they say, is history.
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Understanding the Watch Buyer Profiles
The watch buyer landscape is diverse and ever-evolving. There's no single profile that defines a watch enthusiast. Some are in it for the flex - they want the latest and greatest timepieces to show off. Others are true horological geeks, obsessed with complications and perpetual calendars.
Then there are the investors, who see watches as a way to grow their portfolio, even though I always caution that watches are not true investments - they're expensive toys first and foremost. And you have the impulse buyers, who see a watch they want and just have to have it right then and there.
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Ultimately, it's about understanding what each individual client values - whether it's the history, the brand name, or the pure flex factor. My job is to educate the consumer and help them find the right watch that aligns with their needs and budget. I'd rather talk someone out of an overpriced purchase than enable them to make a decision they'll regret.
The Rarity Factor and Astronomical Valuations
One of the most fascinating aspects of the watch world is the rarity factor and how it can drive astronomical valuations. Take, for example, the vintage Rolex Daytona with a diamond bezel and dial that Jay-Z owns. Rolex only produced around 30 of these pieces back in 1986, and today they can fetch upwards of $800,000.
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Or consider the Patek Philippe 3700 - a watch that originally sold for around $3,200 in the early 80s, but has since sold at auction for a staggering $1.25 million. The little stamp on the dial makes all the difference, with only 12 known examples in the world.
These kinds of stories captivate watch enthusiasts and investors alike. The thrill of the hunt, the prestige of owning a true grail piece - it's what drives the passion and obsession in this industry.
The Exclusivity Conundrum
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One aspect of the watch world that can be frustrating for consumers is the extreme exclusivity maintained by brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. I've had countless people ask me about the possibility of getting a custom or limited-edition watch made for a special occasion. The answer is always a resounding no.
These brands are so protective of their image and brand identity that they simply won't entertain the idea of creating custom pieces or limited runs for individual customers. They know that the moment they do, the value of those watches will skyrocket, and they don't want to create that kind of chaos in the market.
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It's a double-edged sword - the exclusivity is part of what makes these watches so desirable, but it also means that the average consumer has little chance of ever acquiring their grail piece directly from the brand. It's a frustrating reality that watch enthusiasts have to grapple with.
The Evolving Landscape of Watch Trends and Perceptions
The watch industry is not immune to the changing tides of fashion and social trends. Gone are the days when a gold Rolex was the de facto status symbol for stockbrokers and car salesmen. Today, perception and personal style play a much bigger role in watch selection.
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Wearing a $100,000 Patek Philippe in a corporate environment can actually work against you, as it may be seen as flaunting your wealth in front of your subordinates. Conversely, a plumber showing up to your house in a diamond-encrusted Jacob & Co. would be equally out of place.
The key is finding a watch that aligns with your lifestyle, personality, and the way you want to be perceived. Are you an active, outdoorsy person? Then a rugged, sports-oriented watch might be the better choice. Are you more interested in the history and craftsmanship? Then a vintage piece could be the way to go.
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Ultimately, the watch you choose should be a reflection of who you are, not just a means to impress others. And that's the advice I always try to impart to my clients - buy what you love, within a budget you can comfortably afford.
!summarize
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The Rise of Darts: A Surprising Sports Phenomenon
Darts, a sport often overlooked, is quietly taking the world by storm. According to the speaker, it is the biggest viewed sport in the UK outside of Premier League football, with events regularly selling out 15,000 to 30,000 tickets. The recent US event at Madison Square Garden sold out 4,000 tickets, showcasing the sport's growing popularity across the Atlantic.
The speaker highlights the story of 16-year-old Luke Littler, who has become the "hottest ticket in town" in the world of darts. Littler's impressive performances, including a nine-dart finish in the final of the Premier League of Darts, have captivated audiences and demonstrated the sport's ability to produce prodigies at a young age.
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The speaker emphasizes the unique atmosphere and fan experience of darts events, with attendees dressing up in elaborate costumes and creating a lively, party-like atmosphere. This, combined with the sport's growing viewership, has led the speaker to declare that darts is "the greatest party in town" and is "about to take over America."
Interestingly, the speaker reveals that the darts industry is owned and operated by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the governing body of the sport. This ownership structure has allowed the sport to be effectively promoted and marketed, contributing to its recent surge in popularity.
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The speaker also highlights the company's approach to talent development, noting that many of their key personnel, including the CEO of the boxing division and the CEO of the PDC, joined the company at a young age and have risen through the ranks. This emphasis on providing opportunities for growth within the organization is seen as a key factor in the company's success.
Finally, the speaker teases the upcoming release of a Netflix documentary, "The Great Showman," which will delve into the story of the company and its key figures, including the speaker's father. This documentary promises to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of darts and the individuals who have driven its success.
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Overall, the speaker's passionate and enthusiastic discussion of the darts phenomenon underscores the sport's unexpected rise to prominence and the potential for it to continue expanding its global reach.
!summarize
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The Competitive Spirit of Barry Hearn: Shaping the Mindset of His Son, Eddie
Growing up in the Hearn household, Eddie Hearn was immersed in a world of intense competition and a relentless drive for success. As the son of legendary boxing promoter Barry Hearn, Eddie's childhood was shaped by his father's unwavering principles and a deep-rooted belief that winning is everything.
Barry Hearn's "10 Rules for Life" exemplified the mindset he instilled in his son. From the importance of hard work and a strong work ethic to the notion that "pressure is only felt by those who fail," these guiding principles laid the foundation for Eddie's competitive spirit and his unwavering determination to excel.
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"Everything in our house is competitive," Barry Hearn explains. "I play table tennis with my grandchildren on a Sunday, and I don't let them win a point. Not a point. They win a point themselves every now and again." This uncompromising approach was a hallmark of Eddie's upbringing, as his father pushed him to his limits, both physically and mentally.
One particularly memorable incident was when Barry Hearn took his teenage son to the gym and they engaged in a sparring session. Despite Eddie's size and athletic abilities, Barry refused to hold back, showcasing the grit and tenacity that had defined his own journey. The experience, which was later documented in the media, served as a powerful reminder to Eddie of the standards his father had set.
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"He sort of backed me up in the corner, and I covered up, and I looked at his face, and his teeth on his gumshield were like, and he was just raining them in around the side of my head," Eddie recounts. "I thought, 'This, he ain't playing.'" The encounter not only tested Eddie's physical prowess but also his ability to withstand the intense pressure and competitive drive that his father embodied.
As Eddie grew older, he recognized the profound impact his father's approach had on shaping his own mindset and work ethic. "That's what built me," he acknowledges. The competitive spirit instilled in him during his childhood has become a driving force in his own career, as he strives to surpass his father's achievements and take the family business to new heights.
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The Hearn family's competitive dynamic extends beyond the realm of sports, with Barry Hearn's relentless drive manifesting in every aspect of their lives. Whether it's a game of table tennis or a high-stakes business decision, the Hearns approach every challenge with the same unwavering determination to emerge victorious.
For Eddie, this legacy has become a source of both inspiration and motivation. He recognizes that the lessons he learned from his father have not only molded his personality but have also given him a unique advantage in the cutthroat world of sports and business. By embracing the competitive spirit that defined his upbringing, Eddie Hearn has carved out his own path to success, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
At the time, there was optimism that the new administration would offer a fresh start for the crypto industry. As of Nov. 14, Bitcoin is up 33% since Trump’s re-election.
It appears that once again animal spirits have been unleashed. Consider Dogecoin (DOGE), a memecoin — or digital asset based on some irreverent internet culture — that has climbed more than 70% in just a week, and now has a bigger market value than the Ford Motor Company.
Why is the industry so hopeful? First, they argue that nothing is better than the Biden administration, which was openly hostile to the web3 industry.
!summarize
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The Enigmatic Charm of Don King
Don King is a larger-than-life figure in the world of boxing promotion. At 93 years old, he remains a captivating presence, even as his health may not be in the best shape. His ability to captivate audiences and sell fights is truly remarkable, and it's a testament to his unique blend of charisma, storytelling, and sheer force of personality.
The Rumble in the Jungle and Beyond
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King's recent attempts to organize a 50-year anniversary event for the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman are a prime example of his enduring influence. Despite his advanced age, he still possesses the drive and determination to make big things happen in the boxing world. Even when listening to his pitch, one can't help but be drawn in by his infectious energy and belief in the project.
The Art of Promotion
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What is it that makes Don King so special? Is it his charm, his charisma, or something more? The key, it seems, lies in his ability to transfer emotion through his sales pitch. Whether he's selling a fight or a photocopier, King's passion and conviction are palpable. It's not just about the product itself, but the way he presents it and the emotions he evokes in his audience.
The Contrasting Styles of Promoters
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In comparing King to other successful promoters like Dana White and Vince McMahon, it becomes clear that they each possess their own unique gifts. White's no-nonsense approach and disregard for what people think, coupled with his incredible work ethic, have made him a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, McMahon's sheer force of will and willingness to do whatever it takes to win, even at the expense of his own family, have shaped the WWE into the juggernaut it is today.
The Perils of Unchecked Power
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However, the documentary on McMahon's life serves as a cautionary tale. The lengths he was willing to go to maintain control and win at all costs, even to the point of disregarding the well-being of his own employees, highlight the dangers of unchecked power and ambition. It's a stark reminder that success and wealth do not necessarily equate to an easier life, and that the pursuit of power can come at a heavy personal cost.
The Influence of Fathers
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One common thread among these larger-than-life promoters is the influence of their fathers. The strong, domineering personalities of these men seem to have shaped the mindsets and approaches of their children, who in turn have become titans in their own right. This dynamic of trying to prove oneself and outshine one's father is a powerful force that can drive individuals to great heights, but also to dark places.
As we continue to witness the exploits of these promotional giants, it's important to remember that their success is not without its consequences. The pursuit of power and control, while undoubtedly impressive, can come at a heavy personal price. It's a lesson that serves as a reminder to us all to maintain a healthy balance and perspective in our own lives and endeavors.
Second, a Trump presidency is viewed as more business-friendly, leaving the market to innovate unmolested.
Third, there is much the government can do to actively encourage innovation and investment by setting clear rules of the road; there’s hope now that the crypto industry will finally achieve regulatory clarity under a Trump presidency.
Brandon Potts, a partner at Framework Ventures, a web3 venture capital firm, said recently how “everything we have done to date has been operated in a grey area as it relates to crypto in the United States.”
!summarize
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Oscar De La Hoya's Feud with Eddie Hearn
Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary boxer, has been engaged in a long-standing feud with promoter Eddie Hearn. The two have traded barbs and challenged each other to various matchups, with De La Hoya even going so far as to plead with Saudi Arabian authorities to host a 5-on-5 fight between their respective teams.
"He came out today and said I want to fight Eddie on the card," Hearn recounts. "He's so funny and I'm like, you know, and people say to me, 'you know, like he beat the out you, don't you?' I said, 'the guy was a pound-for-pound great fighter.'"
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Hearn seems perplexed by De La Hoya's antics, noting that the former boxer is driven more by emotion than clear-headed business decisions. The animosity between the two appears to stem from Hearn's signing of Canelo Alvarez, a fighter who was once closely associated with De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
"Canelo took him to call and he come to join me, and like for years he's just, you know, I have this ability to make people's blood pressure rise beyond all kinds of levels, and that's the thing with Oscar," Hearn explains.
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The feud has escalated to the point where De La Hoya has publicly challenged Hearn to a fight, even offering to do it for free as a "gift" to the Saudi authorities. Hearn, however, is not amused, stating that he would only consider the fight if he was paid an eight-figure sum.
Despite the animosity, Hearn acknowledges that he and De La Hoya could potentially work together in the future, as he sees the former boxer as a "legend of the sport." However, Hearn notes that De La Hoya's emotional approach to business can be a hindrance to productive collaboration.
Hearn's Fiction Book Project
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In a surprising twist, Hearn reveals that he has been working on his first-ever fiction book for the past 13.5 years. The book, which he has finally completed, is a complex and multilayered story that delves into themes of history, technology, and the development of future leaders.
"It's about development of the next leader in the world and how they do it and how they've been doing it for many years, and it's also about how to prevent the end of civilization and how this organization goes about doing it," Hearn explains.
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The book features a diverse cast of characters, including Armenians, Assyrians, and Persians, as well as historical figures like Tupac, Carl Marx, and Ayn Rand. Hearn believes that the book will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those interested in history and technology to those who enjoy creative fiction.
"If you're a creative person, if you like fiction books, if you enjoyed Atlas Shrugged or if you enjoyed Divergent, if you like books like that, I think you're going to enjoy reading this book," Hearn says.
Hearn is excited to share his literary creation with the world and is eager to hear readers' reviews and reactions. He has made the book available on platforms like Amazon and Simon & Schuster, and he encourages his supporters to check it out and provide their feedback.
What he means is today there is uncertainty over the very nature of cryptoassets: Are they securities, commodities, or something else entirely?
Many big companies are worried about innovating in this space for fear of inadvertently hitting an SEC tripwire which could haunt them for years to come.
!summarize
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The Surprising Outcome of Decision 2024
A Closer Look at the Election Results
The 2024 presidential election was a nail-biter, with the final results defying many predictions. Contrary to expectations, Donald Trump emerged victorious with 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 271 threshold needed to secure the presidency.
Platinum Pollsters Shine
Throughout the election cycle, the decision 2024 team relied on two primary polling sources - Atlas Intel and Rasmussen Reports. These "Platinum Pollsters" proved to be the most accurate, with Atlas Intel's error margin at just 0.8 and Rasmussen's at 0.9. The team praised these pollsters for their commitment to reporting the numbers, rather than shaping a narrative.
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In contrast, the team called out other pollsters who were "more full of crap than my grandfather who's been constipated for 3 days."
Swing State Surprises
The team closely followed the key swing states, and their analysis proved prescient. In North Carolina, they were the first to call the state for Trump, despite concerns about voter suppression due to a natural disaster. Similarly, they were ahead of the major networks in calling Georgia for Trump, citing their detailed quantitative analysis.
The victory in Pennsylvania, which effectively sealed Trump's win, was also carefully considered by the team. They waited to make the call, wanting to ensure the data was definitive before putting their reputation on the line.
Unexpected Shifts in Blue States
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The team also noted some surprising shifts in traditionally blue states. In New York, Illinois, and California, the Democratic margins were significantly reduced compared to 2020. The team highlighted the Amish vote in Pennsylvania and the immigration issue in Arizona as key factors in these unexpected results.
The Road Ahead
With a Republican-controlled Senate and a potential House majority, the team emphasized the importance of Trump selecting the right cabinet members and avoiding "RINOs" (Republicans in Name Only) to capitalize on the victory.
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However, the team also acknowledged the lingering questions surrounding the 2024 popular vote, where the blue bar appears to have a significant gap compared to 2020. They encouraged viewers to examine the data themselves, as "words talk, but numbers scream."
Regulatory clarity would encourage American founders to stay in America, kick-start enterprise adoption, and drive institutional investment.
Bitcoin has surged, and many of the companies that operate in the space like Coinbase and Hut8 have fared well, which makes sense if you assume markets are now pricing in a shift from government regulation as a headwind to government support as a tailwind.
Memecoins have outperformed, with Dogecoin (DOGE), Pepe (PEPE), dogwifhat (WIF), and Shiba Inu (SHIB) beating Bitcoin handily.
!summarize
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The Power of Social Media in Boxing
In the ever-evolving world of sports, the influence of social media platforms has become increasingly significant, particularly in the realm of boxing. As the landscape of digital communication continues to shift, it's crucial to understand which platforms are having the most positive impact on the sport.
Twitter: The Cesspool of Boxing Knowledge
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According to the discussion, Twitter is often viewed as the most toxic environment for boxing-related content. While it may be a platform that allows for a high volume of opinions and conversations, the majority of the information shared is considered "complete rubbish." The ecosystem of algorithms on Twitter can quickly amplify misinformation, making it a challenging space to navigate for those seeking genuine insights and narratives.
Instagram: Building Fighter Profiles, Lacking Narrative
In contrast, Instagram is seen as a more effective platform for building the profiles of individual fighters. However, the discussion suggests that it is difficult to effectively construct the broader narrative and conversation around the sport on this platform.
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YouTube: Powerful for Shoulder Programming and Content
YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform for boxing, particularly in the realm of "shoulder programming" and content creation. The ability to build engaging and informative videos has allowed boxing promoters and organizations to shape the narrative and reach a wider audience.
The Dominance of WWE and UFC on YouTube
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When comparing the YouTube subscriber numbers of different sports, it becomes evident that wrestling (WWE) and mixed martial arts (UFC) have a significant advantage over boxing. The UFC's YouTube channel boasts an impressive 19.1 million subscribers, while boxing-centric channels struggle to reach even 1 million. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by the boxing community in effectively leveraging the power of social media platforms.
The Viral Appeal of "Slap" Content
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The discussion also touches on the recent phenomenon of "slap" content, where individuals are shown being slapped and falling unconscious. These types of viral videos, while shocking, have managed to capture the attention of audiences and generate significant engagement. The question arises whether this type of content could potentially become the "next big thing" in the world of sports entertainment.
As the boxing community continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media, it will be crucial for promoters, fighters, and fans to find innovative ways to leverage these platforms to build narratives, engage audiences, and ultimately drive the growth and popularity of the sport.
Dogecoin got an added boost when Trump announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (a k a DOGE), to be co-headed by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who’s been a big Dogecoin booster.
Google search results for DOGE surged by more than 700% in the wake of the Trump announcement, and the cryptocurrency community celebrated this as a win.
Trump’s rise to becoming the talisman of the crypto industry, and naming government departments after internet memecoins, was unlikely until recently. Back in 2020, during his first turn in the White House, Trump reportedly wanted to ban Bitcoin.
!summarize
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The Biggest Losing Fight: Eddie Hearn's Lessons in Promotion
The Anthony Joshua Upset
One of the biggest losing fights for Eddie Hearn's business was the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. fight at Madison Square Garden. Joshua was the number one fighter in the world, but his original opponent Jarrell Miller failed a drug test just three weeks before the fight. Hearn had to quickly find a replacement, and they went with the "fat guy" Ruiz, who ended up pulling off a huge upset and stopping Joshua.
Hearn was devastated by the loss, saying "I'm like [ __ ] and it's like now matam oh hearn's in trouble matram what are they going to do with our AJ blah blah blah blah blah." The team wanted to know what to do next, and Hearn said they needed to "bounce back" with a big fight.
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The Lomachenko Gamble
Hearn decided to bring in one of the greatest fighters at the time, Vasyl Lomachenko, to fight in the UK against British lightweight Luke Campbell. Hearn thought this would be a huge event that would help them recover from the Joshua loss, but it ended up flopping on pay-per-view.
Hearn admits this was one of his biggest mistakes, saying "we probably lost a million bucks there as well." He learned a valuable lesson - "don't ever ever make decisions based off emotion again." Hearn's father and CEO would often tease him about that Lomachenko decision.
The Importance of Entertainment and Storytelling
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Hearn believes that in modern boxing promotion, the entertainment and storytelling aspect is far more important than just the actual matchup of the fighters. He points to the success of promoters like Dana White and Vince McMahon, who have built strong personal brands and narratives around their sports.
Hearn has consciously tried to emulate this approach, becoming the face and voice of his promotion. He runs his own press conferences without notes, spinning stories and narratives on the fly. Hearn sees himself as the "greatest showman" in boxing, comparing his abilities to the late, great promoter Don King.
Confidence and Self-Promotion
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Hearn is extremely confident in his abilities as a promoter, going so far as to say he believes he is the greatest of all time, second only to the legendary Bob Arum in terms of longevity. He is unapologetic about his self-promotion, saying "if you're great then shout it from the rooftops."
Hearn credits his confidence and willingness to self-promote as key to his success. He believes that in the modern media landscape, creating narratives and interacting directly with fans is more important than just the quality of the fights. Hearn has embraced this approach, making himself the central figure in his promotion.
A Creative Venture: Hearn's Fiction Novel
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In a surprising revelation, Hearn shared that he has been working on his first fiction novel for the past 13 years. The book, which he has finally completed, is a complex story involving themes of history, secret societies, and the development of future leaders. Hearn is excited to share this creative side project with his audience, believing it will appeal to fans of fiction works like Atlas Shrugged and Divergent.
Hearn sees this novel as a personal passion project, separate from his work in boxing promotion. However, he believes the book's themes of mindset and preventing the end of civilization have parallels to the lessons he has learned in his career. Hearn is eager for readers to discover this new creative side and provide their feedback on the book.
How things have changed this year.
Trump’s crypto conversion may have begun earlier, but it was crystalized at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, hosted by the industry leader BTC INC. on July 27 of this year.
!summarize
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Backyard Fight Nights: How Eddie Hearn Revolutionized Boxing During the Pandemic
Building an Arena in the Backyard
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and live sports events were canceled, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn found himself in a bind. He had already booked several fight shows, with venues, flights, and hotels all paid for. But with the government shutting down all live events, Hearn was left scrambling.
Sitting on the stairs of his childhood home, Hearn had an idea - he would build a fight camp right in his own backyard. He pitched the plan to his father, saying they would create an arena in the garden, hire a nearby hotel to serve as a bubble, and isolate the fighters for testing before ferrying them up to the makeshift venue.
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Hearn spent around $3 million to construct the backyard arena, complete with hospitality tents, champagne bars, and DJ setups. Despite some initial skepticism from the local community, Hearn was able to work with authorities to ensure the events followed COVID protocols.
Bringing Boxing to the Masses
For four weeks, Hearn ran his "Fight Camp" series from the backyard, delivering the live content his broadcaster partners needed. In the second year, he even opened it up to 600 fans per night, selling tickets for the unique private experience.
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"This got so much exposure globally," Hearn said. "When people say it was in your back Garden, that was even crazier." The backyard events allowed Hearn to fulfill his contractual obligations to broadcasters when other sports were shut down, keeping boxing alive during the pandemic.
Expanding the Vision
While the backyard events were a stopgap solution, Hearn sees them as part of a broader vision for the future of boxing. He's envious of the control the UFC has over its talent, with centralized contracts and matchmaking. Hearn wants to bring that level of organization to the fragmented world of professional boxing.
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Beyond the ring, Hearn has also been working on a passion project - a fiction book he's been writing for the past 13 years. The book, which features a secret society testing future leaders, explores themes of history, technology, and the fate of civilization. Hearn sees it as a creative outlet and a way to share his unique perspective on the world.
As Hearn continues to push the boundaries of boxing promotion, his backyard fight nights stand out as a testament to his innovative spirit and determination to keep the sport alive, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Robert F. Kennedy, Cantor Fitzgerald Chairman, and Trump transition boss Howard Lutnick, as well as US Senators Cynthia Lummis, Bill Hagerty, and Marsha Blackburn rounded out the lineup.
In his speech to a standing-room-only crowd, Trump extolled the virtues of crypto, said he would make the United States the “crypto capital of the planet” and announced the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
He said that upon assuming office he would dismiss Gary Gensler, the SEC chairman who is unpopular with the industry. “We will have regulations, but from now on the rules will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry,” he added.
Trump calculated that by offering his support to the crypto industry, he could lure potential donors and motivate crypto-focused voters to swing his way by showing he would protect their businesses, livelihood, and investment portfolios.
!summarize
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The Aftermath of Ryan Garcia's Controversial Fight with Devin Haney
The fight between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was a highly anticipated matchup in the boxing world. However, the aftermath of the fight has been anything but straightforward.
Behavioral Changes Leading Up to the Fight
According to the transcript, the interviewee, who was representing Devin Haney, noticed a drastic change in Ryan Garcia's behavior leading up to the fight. He described it as "all the signs of someone who was having really a breakdown." This included Garcia's behavior at the first press conference, where the interviewee was taken aback by the change in the fighter.
The Fight and the Aftermath
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During the fight, Garcia won on points, but the victory was overshadowed by the revelation that he had failed a drug test. The interviewee explained that Garcia had performance-enhancing drugs in his system during the fight, which is "unequivocal" and "impossible to say he didn't."
The interviewee believes that this was likely not an intentional case of cheating, but rather a result of Garcia trying to cut weight for the fight. He suggests that someone may have given Garcia something to help him make the contracted weight, which led to the positive test.
The Lawsuit and the Potential Rematch
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Following the fight, Devin Haney's team has filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia, alleging battery, fraud, and breach of contract. The lawsuit is seeking $30 million in damages, as Haney was entitled to a percentage of the event's profits.
Despite the legal issues, the interviewee believes that a rematch between Garcia and Haney is still a possibility. He suggests that the two fighters could negotiate a new deal and "double down" on the testing requirements to ensure a fair fight.
The Larger Implications
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The interviewee draws a comparison between the Garcia-Haney situation and the Houston Astros' cheating scandal in baseball. He suggests that, much like the Astros, Garcia could potentially come back and win again, despite the controversy, and that the "world would want to see the rematch."
The interviewee also discusses the potential legal implications of the situation, drawing parallels to a previous case where a fighter was accused of using loaded gloves. However, he notes that the consequences for such actions are often minimal, with the fighter typically receiving a ban rather than any criminal charges.
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Overall, the aftermath of the Garcia-Haney fight has been complex and multifaceted, raising questions about the integrity of the sport and the potential consequences for those who are found to have violated the rules.
This election cycle, the crypto industry spent $160 million on campaign financing, making it one of the biggest contributors.
But this wasn’t just wealthy donors throwing their financial weight around. Many voters clearly cared deeply about this issue. According to a recent Coinbase survey, 25% of millennials and Gen-Z own crypto, and nearly two million have signed a pledge to support pro-crypto candidates.
Trump spotted a disaffected group who felt alienated by the status quo and owned the issue. By the time Harris extended her own olive branch, making crypto an oddly positioned cornerstone of her appeal to black men in late October, it felt like too little too late to change many minds.
!summarize
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Navigating the Challenges of Boxing: A Trainer's Perspective
Maintaining Fighters' Passion and Resilience
As a boxing trainer, I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a fighter's passion and resilience, even in the face of defeat. When a fighter like Anthony Joshua loses, I make sure to give them a day or two to process the loss before sitting down and having an honest conversation.
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The pain of defeat is crucial for a fighter's motivation to bounce back. If they don't feel that anguish, it may be time to consider their future in the sport. I've had instances where I could see a fighter was done, even after a victory, like with my friend Darren Barker. After winning the world middleweight title, his next fight against Felix Sturm ended in a devastating loss, and I knew his time was up.
Knowing When to Retire: The Hardest Conversation
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Telling a fighter it's time to retire is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Fighters are inherently driven and often want to continue, even when the signs of decline are evident. As a trainer, it's crucial to have those honest conversations, especially with high-profile fighters like Anthony Joshua.
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The relationship and trust built with the fighter are essential in navigating these difficult decisions. I believe that when the time comes, Joshua will listen to me and those close to him, as he understands the dangers of continuing when the physical and mental toll becomes too great.
Maintaining Hunger and Passion in the Face of Wealth and Success
One of the biggest challenges for a trainer is ensuring a fighter's mindset and hunger remain intact, even as they achieve immense wealth and success. Fighters like Canelo Alvarez, who came from humble beginnings, have managed to maintain their drive and passion despite their financial success.
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Consistency and a deep-rooted passion for the sport are the keys to sustained success. Fighters who lose that hunger, like JaMarcus Russell in the NFL, often struggle to maintain their performance. As a trainer, it's crucial to have open and honest conversations to ensure the fighter's mindset remains focused and driven, even in the face of wealth and fame.
The Importance of Passion and Purpose Beyond Boxing
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Ultimately, the transition out of boxing can be one of the most challenging aspects for fighters. The structure and routine of the sport become so ingrained in their lives that the void left by retirement can be overwhelming. As a trainer, it's essential to help fighters find new passions and purposes beyond the ring, whether it's coaching, entrepreneurship, or other pursuits that can fill that void.
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By fostering a strong relationship and understanding the fighter's mindset, trainers can help guide them through the challenges of retirement and ensure a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.
Crypto donors didn’t just influence the presidential election. They also targeted congressional races.
The website Standwithcrypto.org shows just how much this strategy has paid off. In 2024, voters elected 257 pro-crypto candidates to the house, compared with 115 anti-crypto candidates, and added 16 pro-crypto senators, to 12 anti-crypto senators.
Crucially, in the eyes of industry insiders, Ohio senator and anti-crypto crusader Sherrod Brown was defeated by Republican Bernie Moreno who has courted the crypto vote. As Potts said, “The clear message is that crypto won.”
So, what can we expect from the new administration? Trump will likely clean house at most federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he has vowed to replace the current chairperson.
Under new leadership, advocates hope, more crypto-asset exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be approved and more crypto-native businesses could be permitted to go public on US exchanges.
!summarize
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The Rise of the Powerful Man in Boxing
The Influence of Riyadh Season and the Promotional Genius of Arum
Based on the attached transcript, it is clear that the "ex Excellency" referred to is a powerful figure in the world of boxing. This individual, who is effectively running the Riyadh Season events, has been described as the "number one powerful man in boxing" by ESPN.
The transcript highlights several reasons why this individual has gained such influence and prominence in the sport. Firstly, he has access to "obscene budgets" and the ability to put together high-profile events, such as the recent Fury vs. Ganu and Joshua vs. Usyk fights. The pace at which he operates is remarkable, with deals being made and events being organized in a matter of weeks rather than months.
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Moreover, the transcript suggests that this individual is not just a deep-pocketed outsider, but someone who truly understands the sport of boxing. He is described as "very clever" and "very passionate" about the sport, with a clear commercial vision. The promotional efforts put together for these events, including the Guy Ritchie-directed promos, are praised for their cinematic quality and ability to build the perception of boxing as a major event.
While there may be some criticism and complaints about the choice of locations for these events, such as Saudi Arabia, the transcript suggests that the focus is on delivering the fights that the world wants to see, regardless of the venue. The organizer's ability to get things done quickly and efficiently is highlighted as a key strength.
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Overall, the transcript paints a picture of a highly influential and powerful figure in the world of boxing, who has the resources, the vision, and the passion to reshape the sport and deliver events that captivate audiences around the world.
This would bring additional retail and institutional investors into the crypto markets and provide access to growth capital for the industry’s leading businesses.
Under the new administration, the SEC could very-well drop its suits against Coinbase alleging the company is operating a brokerage exchange without a license. This would then set a precedent for other companies who want to enter the US market.
!summarize
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Canelo's Perspective on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight
Canelo Alvarez has already shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, and he has some strong opinions on the matter. In a recent interview, Canelo discussed his views on the fight and the state of boxing.
Assessing Jake Paul's Abilities
Canelo has previously had a direct conversation with Jake Paul, where he bluntly told the YouTuber-turned-boxer that he is "average" as a fighter. Canelo explains that while this may seem like an insult, it is actually a compliment considering Paul's relatively late start in the sport.
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"As a professional fighter, someone that's dedicated their life to the sport from the ages of seven or eight, you started boxing at 24, you are average in that field. That's an unbelievable achievement," Canelo said. He acknowledges that compared to most people, Paul is an exceptional boxer, but in the context of professional fighters, he is still considered average.
Concerns About the Tyson vs. Paul Fight
Canelo is not a fan of the upcoming fight between the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. He believes it is a dangerous matchup, with the much older and retired Tyson being at a significant disadvantage against the younger, active Paul.
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"I don't want to see a 58-year-old Mike Tyson fighting... it's dangerous," Canelo said. He points out that even when Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr. four years ago, it was clear that Tyson was "shot to pieces" and struggling to stand up.
Potential Outcomes and Viewership
Despite his concerns, Canelo acknowledges that the fight between Tyson and Paul will likely be a commercial success, drawing in a large audience. He estimates the fight could potentially reach 10 million viewers, given the popularity of both fighters.
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However, Canelo remains skeptical of the reported pay-per-view numbers for the Tyson vs. Jones Jr. fight, which claimed over 1.6 million buys and $80 million in revenue. Canelo believes these numbers are likely inflated, as it is common for the industry to exaggerate the success of pay-per-view events.
Respect for Dedicated Fighters
While Canelo is critical of the Tyson vs. Paul fight, he does have respect for Jake Paul's dedication to the sport of boxing. He acknowledges that Paul has been training properly and improving his skills over the past four or five years, which is an impressive feat for someone who started boxing at a relatively late age.
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Ultimately, Canelo's perspective reflects his deep passion for the sport of boxing and his desire to see it treated with the respect it deserves. He is not afraid to voice his opinions, even if they go against the mainstream narrative surrounding high-profile boxing events.
Clear rules of the road could bring banks and other traditional players into the crypto arena, accelerating the growth of stablecoins (cryptocurrencies pegged to other, more traditional assets) and other financial applications.
Trump may even establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, some hope, and abolish taxes on many small-dollar crypto asset transactions, making it easier to use these assets for everyday transactions.
To be sure, there is much the government can do to accelerate and enable innovation. And much of this relies on Trump and his pro-crypto allies in Congress and industry focusing on the hard issues and doing the work of getting legislation drafted and passed.
Those who have worked closely with Trump have said how he is notoriously mercurial – easily swayed on many issues. Will he stay interested in web3 and appoint people who can enact this agenda?
The recent appointment of Musk and Ramaswamy, both crypto adherents, to head up DOGE should encourage many. Between now and Jan. 21, the industry will get a lot more evidence one way or the other. For a decade or more, web3 has operated in a grey area. Now is the time for it to step into the light.
!summarize
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The Shifting Media Landscape: Time Magazine's Sale and the Rise of Trusted Voices
The media industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with the recent sale of Time Magazine being just one example of the broader disruption taking place. Mark Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, has acquired Time Magazine for $190 million, a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the future of the iconic publication.
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When Benioff purchased Time Magazine, it had a subscriber base of 4 million. However, that number has since dwindled to just 1.6 million, a stark decline that reflects the broader challenges facing traditional media outlets. The shift in consumer preferences and trust has been a driving force behind this change, with many people turning to alternative sources of information and entertainment.
One notable example is the rise of podcasts, with figures like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson gaining significant popularity and trust among their audiences. These individuals are seen as more authentic and relatable, offering a refreshing contrast to the perceived manipulation and bias of mainstream media outlets.
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The backlash against traditional media has been particularly evident in the aftermath of the 2020 US presidential election. Several major media companies, including the LA Times and USA Today, faced a significant exodus of subscribers after they failed to endorse the candidate preferred by their audience. This loss of trust has had a tangible impact on the financial viability of these organizations, with some even considering the sale of their assets, such as MSNBC and CNN.
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The shift in the media landscape is not limited to the United States. Globally, the market is demanding a more genuine and sincere approach to news and information. Platforms like Cameo, where celebrities can interact directly with their fans, are gaining traction as people seek a more authentic connection with the public figures they follow.
The underlying message is clear: the market has spoken, and it is no longer satisfied with the status quo. Consumers are craving a more transparent and trustworthy media landscape, one that prioritizes honesty and integrity over manipulation and bias. The success of alternative voices and platforms suggests that the future of media may lie in the hands of those who can connect with their audience on a deeper, more genuine level.
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As the media industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for traditional outlets to adapt and embrace the changing preferences of their audience. The sale of Time Magazine and the rise of trusted voices in the digital space serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that the market is always right and that the path to success may lie in embracing authenticity and sincerity.
!summarize
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The Republican Resurgence: How Trump's Team Flipped First-Time Voters
In a surprising turn of events, the 2022 midterm elections saw a significant shift in the voting patterns of first-time voters. According to data from NBC, 56% of these new voters chose the Republican candidate, a stark contrast to the 64% who had voted for Biden in 2020.
Expanding the Electorate
This strategic move by the Republican team was not a matter of chance, but rather a well-executed plan to broaden the party's base. As one of the speakers noted, "if you don't like the composition of the electorate, then change the electorate." And that's precisely what they did.
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The team behind the scenes, led by figures like Susie W., worked tirelessly to register and mobilize millions of first-time voters, particularly those from Generation Z and beyond. This was no easy feat, as the speaker recounted the challenges of getting people to register and engage in the political process.
The Power of Hard Work
The speaker drew a powerful analogy to illustrate the dedication and work ethic of the Republican team. He shared a story about a father who taught his son the value of earning his own money, even going so far as to burn the money the son had begged for, in order to instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
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Similarly, the speaker praised the Trump team, noting that their victory was not the result of luck, but rather the product of relentless hard work. "These guys are freaking workers," he said, drawing comparisons to the legendary work ethic of figures like Barry Hearn, the father of boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
A Bold Embrace of Christmas
The speaker also touched on a more lighthearted, yet equally significant, aspect of the Republican strategy – the embrace of Christmas. He recounted a discussion within the team about creating bold, unapologetic "Merry Christmas" merchandise, recognizing that not everyone may be comfortable with the sentiment, but standing firm in their belief that it is a valuable tradition worth celebrating.
A Lesson in Perseverance
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Ultimately, the story of the Republican resurgence in the 2022 midterms is one of perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The speaker's emotional recounting of the father-son story underscores the deep personal investment and sacrifice that went into this victory.
As the Republican team looks ahead to the 2024 election, the lessons learned from their successful efforts to expand the electorate and energize first-time voters will undoubtedly shape their strategy. It's a testament to the power of strategic thinking, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of victory, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
!summarize
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The Supreme Court Battleground: Democrats Divided Over Potential Shakeup
The Supreme Court has become a central focus in the political landscape, with both parties vying for influence over the nation's highest court. In the aftermath of President Obama's eight-year tenure, which saw the appointment of only one Supreme Court justice, the balance of power on the court has become a pressing concern for Democrats.
The Obama Legacy and the Supreme Court
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During his two terms in office, President Obama was able to appoint only one Supreme Court justice, Sonia Sotomayor, who was widely considered a liberal-leaning jurist. This stands in contrast to the three appointments made by President Trump during his single term, which have shifted the court's ideological balance significantly to the right.
The Potential Shakeup and Democratic Concerns
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With the possibility of additional Supreme Court vacancies in the near future, some Democrats have quietly discussed the idea of encouraging Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is currently 70 years old, to step down and allow President Biden to appoint a younger, more liberal-leaning justice. This proposal, however, has faced pushback from prominent figures within the Democratic party, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who has publicly stated that he does not consider this a "sensible approach."
The Challenges Ahead
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The Democrats' narrow control of the Senate, with the potential loss of the support of Senators Manchin and Sinema, presents significant obstacles to any Supreme Court nomination process. Additionally, the looming threat of a Republican-controlled Senate under Mitch McConnell's leadership further complicates the Democrats' efforts to shape the court's future.
The Ticking Clock and the Importance of Time
With the new Congress set to be sworn in on January 3rd, the Democrats are running out of time to make any significant changes to the Supreme Court's composition. The need to pass a budget, address the ongoing pandemic, and other pressing legislative priorities leaves little room for a Supreme Court nomination battle.
The Potential for Further Shifts
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As the political landscape continues to evolve, the possibility of additional Supreme Court vacancies in the near future remains a concern for Democrats. The potential retirement of Justices Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, both of whom are in their 70s, could further solidify the court's conservative tilt, with the possibility of even younger, more ideologically aligned replacements being appointed.
In the face of these challenges, the battle for the Supreme Court's future has become a central focus for both parties, with the stakes high and the path forward uncertain.
!summarize
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The Curious Case of Kamala Harris' Campaign Spending
Dissecting the Numbers: A Tale of Two Campaigns
In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, a fascinating comparison emerged between the campaign spending of the Trump and Kamala Harris camps. According to a tweet by Justin Benson, the numbers paint a striking picture.
Trump's campaign raised $381 million and spent $354 million, with only $10.4 million going towards staff. In contrast, the Kamala Harris campaign spent a staggering $1.37 billion, with a whopping $582 million allocated to staff.
Questioning the Priorities
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These figures raise some eyebrow-raising questions. When a candidate is asked to contribute to a charity, the first question often asked is: "What percentage of the money is spent on staff?" The implication being that the more efficient the campaign's spending, the more likely the funds are to reach the intended beneficiaries.
In the case of the Kamala Harris campaign, the numbers seem to tell a different story. With over 40% of the total expenditure going towards staff, one can't help but wonder where the remaining funds were directed. Reports of lavish spending on celebrity endorsements, such as $10 million for Beyoncé, $5 million for Megan Thee Stallion, and $3 million for Lizzo, only add to the intrigue.
The Perils of Overspending
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The Kamala Harris campaign's financial woes are well-documented. Despite the staggering $1.37 billion spent, the campaign found itself in debt by the end of the race, with little to show for the investment. In contrast, the Trump campaign, which was initially reported to be in financial peril, managed to save its resources and outspend the Kamala Harris team in the final weeks of the campaign.
The Triumph of Grassroots Movements
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This disparity in campaign spending highlights a fundamental truth: money alone cannot win a presidential election. As one of the commentators noted, the beauty of America is that the people can still triumph over a well-funded machine. The Trump campaign's success in mobilizing a grassroots movement, despite being outspent, serves as a testament to this principle.
Lessons Learned
The Kamala Harris campaign's financial excesses serve as a cautionary tale. Campaigns must strike a delicate balance between effective spending and grassroots engagement. Lavish endorsements and opulent spending may garner attention, but they do not necessarily translate into votes. The true power lies in connecting with the electorate and building a movement that resonates with the people.
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As the political landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the 2020 campaign cycle will undoubtedly shape the strategies of future candidates. The pursuit of the White House is not just about money, but about the ability to inspire and mobilize the American people.
!summarize
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Disney's Sequel Surge: Leaks Reveal Upcoming Pixar and Marvel Sequels
In a surprising turn of events, Disney has found itself in a PR predicament as details about upcoming sequels have been leaked ahead of their planned announcements. The House of Mouse, known for its meticulously orchestrated reveals, has found itself in a situation where the proverbial cat has been let out of the bag.
Cars 4 and Black Panther 3 on the Horizon
According to reports, the upcoming D23 event was set to unveil the return of the beloved Piston Cup winner, Lightning McQueen, in Cars 4. However, an official survey on the D23 website has already revealed the existence of this highly anticipated sequel, much to Disney's chagrin.
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But the leaks don't stop there. In a separate development, actor Denzel Washington has let slip that director Ryan Coogler is crafting a role for him in the next installment of the Black Panther franchise, Black Panther 3. This revelation comes despite Marvel Studios not having officially confirmed the existence of a third film in the Black Panther series.
Navigating the Sequel Surge
Disney's response to these leaks will be crucial, as the company is known for its meticulous control over its release schedule and marketing. The question now is whether the studio will forge ahead with their original plans or if they will be forced to adjust their strategy to get ahead of the unexpected revelations.
Criticism and Concerns
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The news of these upcoming sequels has not been without its critics. Some have questioned the decision to continue the Black Panther franchise without the titular character, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. The suggestion of potentially replacing Black Panther with the character of Storm from the X-Men has raised eyebrows, with concerns about the integrity of the franchise.
Additionally, the sheer volume of sequels being developed across Disney's various divisions, including Pixar, has led some to wonder if the company is leaning too heavily on familiar properties and neglecting the creation of new, original stories.
The Road Ahead
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As Disney navigates this unexpected situation, it will be interesting to see how the studio handles the leaks and the subsequent announcements. Will they stick to their original plans, or will they be forced to adapt and adjust their strategy? One thing is certain: Disney's fans and the entertainment industry as a whole will be closely watching to see how the House of Mouse responds to this latest challenge.
!summarize
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The Nuclear Renaissance: How Tech Giants are Embracing the Future of Clean Energy
For the longest time, the mere mention of "nuclear" would elicit a resounding "no" from the public. The lingering memories of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, where 30 people lost their lives, had cast a long shadow over the nuclear industry. However, a remarkable shift is now underway, as tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are leading the charge in embracing nuclear energy.
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The data paints a compelling picture. When it comes to safety, nuclear energy emerges as one of the safest sources of power, with only 0.3 deaths per terawatt-hour, far lower than the 24.6 deaths for coal and 18.4 for oil. In terms of cleanliness, nuclear energy also shines, producing significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.
Moreover, nuclear energy boasts an impressive capacity factor of 92.5%, meaning it can generate electricity consistently and efficiently. This efficiency has not gone unnoticed by the tech giants, who are now actively investing in and partnering with nuclear energy companies.
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Google, for instance, has announced a partnership with Kairos Power to develop small modular reactors, which are designed to be more cost-effective and safer than traditional nuclear plants. Microsoft has entered a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to reopen a nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, while Amazon is investing $500 million in X Energy's advanced small modular reactors.
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The driving force behind this shift is the exponential growth in data center demand and the power-hungry nature of artificial intelligence. A single ChatGPT query, for example, uses 10 times more power than a Google search. Data centers are projected to account for 8% of U.S. power consumption by 2030, up from 3% in 2022. This surge in energy demand has prompted tech giants to seek out reliable, clean, and efficient sources of power, and nuclear energy has emerged as a viable solution.
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However, the transition to nuclear energy is not without its challenges. The political landscape and the vested interests of industries that stand to lose from this shift may present obstacles. The underwriting industry, for instance, could face disruption if AI-powered underwriting becomes the norm, threatening the livelihoods of many professionals.
Nonetheless, the tide seems to be turning. As Microsoft's Bill Gates and even Elon Musk have voiced their support for nuclear energy, the tech giants' embrace of this technology may be the catalyst for a broader societal shift. The potential for cost savings and environmental benefits could outweigh the political and industry resistance, paving the way for a nuclear renaissance.
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In conclusion, the tech giants' embrace of nuclear energy signals a significant turning point in the energy landscape. As the world grapples with the growing demand for clean, reliable, and efficient power, the nuclear industry may be poised for a comeback, driven by the innovative spirit and deep pockets of the tech titans.
!summarize
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Disney's Struggle to Maintain Growth
Relying on Price Increases, Not New Customers
Based on the discussion, it appears that Disney's growth is largely driven by price increases rather than attracting new customers. The CFO, Hugh Johnston, acknowledged that future growth will likely come more from pricing than adding new subscribers. This raises concerns about Disney's pricing power and the long-term sustainability of its business model.
Questionable Content Spending Claims
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The transcript highlights Disney's claims about reducing content spending compared to competitors like Netflix. However, the analysis suggests this is misleading, as Disney is producing far less content than Netflix for a similar budget. The company seems to be relying on a few high-profile titles like Deadpool and Wolverine to drive engagement on Disney+, rather than a broader content library.
Consolidation and the Future of Disney+
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The discussion suggests Disney may be planning to consolidate its various streaming platforms, including Hulu and ESPN, into a single Disney+ offering. This could simplify the customer experience, but raises questions about the value proposition and pricing strategy. There are concerns that Disney+ may become too expensive, pricing out casual viewers in favor of a smaller base of dedicated fans.
Concerns about Price Elasticity
The panelists express doubts about Disney's ability to continue raising prices without losing customers, particularly for Disney+ and the theme parks. They question how much "price elasticity" Disney has before consumers reach their breaking point and refuse to pay the ever-increasing costs.
Reliance on Historical Models for Theme Park Projections
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The discussion also highlights Disney's use of historical models to project the impact of Epic Universe, the new theme park being developed by Universal. The panelists argue that this approach is flawed, as Disney has never faced a challenge like Epic Universe before and cannot accurately predict its effects using past data.
In summary, the transcript paints a picture of a Disney company struggling to maintain growth, increasingly reliant on price increases rather than attracting new customers, and making questionable claims about its content spending and future projections. The panelists express concerns about the long-term sustainability of Disney's business model and the potential for customer backlash against rising prices.
!summarize
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The Automotive Industry in Crisis
Profits Plummet Across the Board
The entire auto industry appears to be on the verge of collapse. Major automakers are reporting significant declines in profits and sales, with Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, and even BMW all struggling.
Nissan is in "emergency mode", cutting 9,000 jobs and reducing production as it faces a dire situation. CEO Makota Uchida has had to partially revise the company's ambitious growth plans, admitting they have "no choice" but to make these drastic cuts.
Toyota has seen its net profit drop 26% in the first half of the fiscal year, with sales lagging in China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The strong Japanese yen and lack of production on key models like the Highlander have also hurt the company.
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Honda has seen profits slide 15%, with higher R&D expenses, foreign exchange headwinds, and weak sales in China taking a toll. There are also concerns that Honda's Mexico-built models could be subject to potential tariffs under the new administration.
Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, and BMW have all reported significant profit declines as well, with supply chain issues, weak Chinese demand, and other macroeconomic factors weighing heavily.
New EV Startups Hemorrhaging Cash
The troubles are not limited to the traditional automakers. Upstart EV companies like Rivian and Lucid are also struggling mightily.
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Rivian reported a staggering $1.1 billion net loss in the third quarter, losing an astounding $39,000 per vehicle delivered. Lucid's net loss widened to $950 million in the same period.
Despite investments from deep-pocketed backers like Saudi Arabia and Amazon, these new EV players are burning through cash at an unsustainable rate as they ramp up production and face their own supply chain challenges.
Tesla Bucks the Trend, Boosted by Trump Ties
In contrast to the industry-wide malaise, Tesla appears to be thriving. The company's stock has surged 29% this week, adding over $230 billion in market value.
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Analysts believe Tesla's close ties to the incoming Trump administration could help the company, potentially expediting regulatory approval for its autonomous driving technology. There are also expectations that the EV tax credit may be eliminated under the new president, which would disproportionately benefit Tesla compared to its rivals.
An Uncertain Future
With profits plummeting, production cuts, and mass layoffs across the industry, the future of the automotive sector looks increasingly bleak. Affordability and interest rates will be key factors in determining whether the market can rebound.
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However, the shifting political landscape and potential policy changes under the new administration add further uncertainty. The traditional automakers may benefit from the elimination of EV incentives, but the impact on startups like Rivian and Lucid could be devastating.
Only time will tell how the industry navigates these turbulent times. But the current indicators suggest a prolonged and painful downturn may be on the horizon for the once-mighty auto sector.
!summarize
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China's Struggle to Rebalance its Economy
The Investment-Driven Growth Model and its Weaknesses
Over the past year, the Chinese economy has continued to struggle, with real estate sales down 25% and GDP growth slowing to 4.7% in the second quarter. Professor Michael Pettis, a finance professor at Peking University, has long expressed concerns about China's investment-driven growth model.
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The problem with this model is that it works well when an economy is seriously underinvested, as China was in the 1980s and 1990s. However, as investment becomes increasingly unproductive, including in the property sector, it needs to be reined in. This poses a challenge, as investment has been the primary driver of China's growth, accounting for 43% of GDP, compared to a global average of around 25%.
Shifting from Real Estate to Manufacturing
In 2021, Beijing finally took steps to constrain the growth in the real estate sector, which accounted for about one-third of total investment in the Chinese economy. However, this created a new problem - if investment is reduced, either consumption growth must surge or GDP growth will drop.
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China's solution has been to shift investment from the property sector into manufacturing. This has led to a growing trade surplus, as China's share of global manufacturing is increasing relative to its share of global GDP and consumption. The rest of the world must accommodate this shift, but in a hostile global environment, this is unlikely to happen.
The Difficulty of Boosting Consumption
Increasing the consumption share of GDP is incredibly difficult for China. This requires increasing the household income share, which involves a redistribution of resources from businesses, local governments, or the central government. This creates conflicts within China, as different sectors resist losing their share.
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Japan faced similar challenges in the 1980s, and 38 years later, it is still an open question whether they have successfully rebalanced their economy. The competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing is not due to efficiency, but rather a series of subsidies and transfers from the household sector to the manufacturing sector. Reversing these transfers would undermine the manufacturing sector's competitiveness.
The Impact on the United States and the Global Economy
China's investment-driven growth model and its resulting trade surpluses have had a significant impact on the United States and the global economy. The US has absorbed roughly half of the world's trade surpluses through its own large trade deficits.
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The US is now trying to reduce its role as the "consumer of last resort" and the "absorber of last resort" for global excess savings. This puts pressure on other surplus countries, such as China, Germany, and Japan, to either redirect their surpluses or face the consequences of a decline in their manufacturing sectors.
Potential Paths Forward for China
Professor Pettis outlines three potential paths for China:
Do nothing and accept that the Chinese economy will be distorted by policies not designed in China, leading to a continued decline in the manufacturing share of the economy.
Pursue selective industrial policies to support strategically important sectors, but resign to a gradual decline in the overall manufacturing sector.
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The most likely scenario is a prolonged period of much slower GDP growth and a gradual rebalancing of the economy, similar to Japan's experience in the 1990s and 2000s. Achieving a more rapid rebalancing would require significant transfers from local governments to the household sector, which faces significant political and economic obstacles.
!summarize
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The Decline of Cable News: CNN's Layoffs and the Shifting Media Landscape
The recent bombshell report of hundreds of job cuts at CNN has sent shockwaves through the media industry. The network, once a powerhouse in cable news, is facing a reckoning as it grapples with declining viewership and a changing media landscape.
The layoffs come on the heels of CNN's abysmal election day ratings, which saw the network lag behind competitors like MSNBC and Fox News. This has shone a spotlight on the broader decline of mainstream media, especially cable news. The presidential election has been a catalyst for this shift, as viewers increasingly turn away from traditional news sources.
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The man behind the layoffs, CNN's chief executive Mark Thompson, aims to carry out a "digital news first" vision for the network. This move reflects the broader cultural shift away from linear television, as people increasingly consume news and content through online platforms and streaming services.
The median age of CNN's viewers is now 67, highlighting the challenge the network faces in appealing to a younger, more digitally-savvy audience. While the network's veteran journalists like Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper have a loyal following, the high salaries of these "stars" have made it difficult for CNN to maintain a sustainable business model.
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However, the layoffs are not just impacting the network's high-profile personalities. There are concerns that the cuts will hollow out the network's reporting capabilities, as the "behind the scenes" work of journalists and producers is sacrificed to maintain the star power.
In this shifting media landscape, CNN is not alone in its struggles. MSNBC has also seen a significant drop in viewership since the election, with a 54% decline in prime-time viewership. Meanwhile, Fox News has seen a 61% increase in viewership over the same period.
The rise of independent content creators and platforms like Substack has also challenged the traditional media model. Individuals are increasingly able to thrive without the need for a corporate brand like CNN, as trust in media institutions has eroded.
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Despite these challenges, there are signs that CNN is attempting to adapt. The network has been praised for hosting more robust discussions and debates, featuring a wider range of perspectives. This shift away from the "outrage-driven" coverage that characterized the Trump era may be a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, the future of cable news remains uncertain. As the media landscape continues to evolve, networks like CNN will need to find innovative ways to engage audiences and rebuild trust in their brand. The layoffs at CNN are a stark reminder of the industry's struggles, but they also present an opportunity for the network to reinvent itself for the digital age.
Being able to manually move the robot could be an important part of deploying industrial robotic systems in the future. For Carter, that means more than just becoming a passive piece of equipment, but rather sensing the force being applied and adjusting accordingly. There’s also a bright orange handlebar that allows for single-handed control — a surprisingly complex challenge when creating a system like this.
That the collaborative nature is a core tenet of the system isn’t a surprise, given the founders’ pedigree. Prior to Robust, CTO Rodney Brooks founded Rethink Robotics, which also centered on human-robot interactions (HRI). While plenty of column space has been devoted to a future in which humanoid and other robots have entirely replaced their human counterparts, that’s a distant vision, at best.
!summarize
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Boeing's Turbulent Times: From Dominance to Despair
The Rise and Fall of an Industrial Giant
For decades, Boeing has been one of the most important industrial companies in the United States. Its factory in Everett, Washington, is the largest manufacturing facility of any kind anywhere in the world. At its peak in 2018, Boeing generated over $100 billion in revenue and was the single largest exporter in the United States by value.
A String of Disasters
However, over the past six years, Boeing has faced numerous disasters. It started with the two tragic crashes of 737 Max planes, which left 346 people dead. Since then, the company has experienced a string of safety issues, production issues, worker strikes, and cost overruns, leading to severe financial difficulty.
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Safety and Quality Control Issues
Safety and quality control issues have already forced two CEOs to resign in disgrace. Today, Boeing is in a desperate financial position, having lost money every year since 2019. The company's financial position was so bad that in October of 2024, they had to conduct a $21 billion dilutive equity raise to shore up their balance sheet, the largest secondary offering in the history of the U.S. stock market.
The 737 Max Debacle
The 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner are the most modern aircraft in Boeing's commercial lineup, with the main innovation being their increased fuel efficiency. However, the 737 Max has been plagued by safety issues, leading to a global grounding of the aircraft and a significant decline in Boeing's commercial aircraft deliveries.
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Quality Control Challenges with the 787 Dreamliner
Even as the 737 Max was re-entering service, Boeing started to have problems with their second most important aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner. Throughout 2019 and 2020, a number of airlines had noticed quality control issues with their 787s, leading the FAA to force Boeing to temporarily halt production to sort out the problems.
Labor Strikes and Financial Woes
In addition to the safety and quality control issues, Boeing has also faced labor strikes, with a union representing 33,000 Boeing machinists conducting a 7-week strike in 2024. This will cost the company $1.4 billion annually in wage increases, further straining its already struggling financial position.
Challenges in the Defense Segment
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Boeing's defense segment has also faced significant challenges, with the company losing money on several fixed-price contracts due to cost overruns and technical difficulties. The company's attempt to expand its defense business too aggressively has backfired, leading to substantial losses.
The Path Forward
Despite the numerous challenges Boeing has faced in recent years, it is still one of the most important aerospace companies in the world. However, until Boeing can regain the trust of the FAA and sort out its production and quality control issues, it will likely continue to incur operating losses. The company's recent $21 billion equity raise buys it some time to turn things around, but it will be a long and difficult road ahead.
People and robots are going to be working side by side for the foreseeable future, so it’s important to ensure we can do so safely.
Another Carter differentiator Brooks is quick to point out is the use of cameras, rather than lidar. It’s a move that’s growing in popularity among autonomous mobile robot (AMR) makers. Pricing is a big piece of that puzzle, but there are additional reasons lidar might not be the best solution in a warehouse setting.
!summarize
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Investing Wisdom from Joel Greenblatt
Patience and Valuation
Greenblatt's book "The Big Secret" was about the importance of patience in investing. He told his students that if they did good valuation work, the market would eventually agree with them, even if it took weeks or years.
Stocks are ownership shares of businesses, and the market eventually gets the valuation right, even if it takes time. Patience is key.
Concentration vs. Diversification
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Both approaches can work, but the concentrated approach is more volatile - you can lose 20-30% of your net worth in a few days. The diversified approach is less volatile but also less likely to produce outsized returns.
Greenblatt sees value in both approaches, depending on the investor's goals and risk tolerance.
The Rise of Passive Investing
Greenblatt believes passive investing is the right solution for most people, as it's very difficult to consistently beat the market.
However, he still sees opportunities for skilled active investors who can properly value businesses. The rise of passive investing may have actually created more opportunities in some areas.
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Short Selling Challenges
Shorting is very difficult, as overvalued stocks can become even more overvalued. Greenblatt prefers a more diversified, "insurance company" approach to shorting, with small bets across many names.
He avoids using momentum or other quantitative factors to pick shorts, as he wants to understand the fundamental reasons a stock may be overvalued.
The Decline of Public Markets
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Learning from Mistakes
Greenblatt emphasizes the importance of actually investing real money, even if it's a small amount, to truly learn from mistakes.
He and his partner have made many mistakes over the years, but have learned from them and continued to be successful long-term investors.
Overall, Greenblatt's insights highlight the value of patience, fundamental analysis, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures in investing.
A number of partners have been testing out an early version of the system, prior to the production model’s release. “It was just over a week that the first one came off the production line,” Brooks tells TechCrunch. DHL is the first large customer to be publicly announced, but while the global logistics firm no doubt has more than enough work to keep the robotics startup busy for the next decade, Brooks says that Robust is intentionally diversifying its client portfolio.
“We’re not going to just do business with DHL,” he explains. “Walmart had a whole bunch of robotics companies, and then they shut it down, and now those robotics companies are in trouble. We’ve made it clear to DHL that they only get a certain percentage of the robots we build, because we have to have a broader customer base.”
The ever-shrinking model
According to a study from researchers at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Databricks, and Carnegie Mellon, quantized models perform worse if the original, unquantized version of the model was trained over a long period on lots of data. In other words, at a certain point, it may actually be better to just train a smaller model rather than cook down a big one.
That could spell bad news for AI companies training extremely large models (known to improve answer quality) and then quantizing them in an effort to make them less expensive to serve.
!summarize
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The Changing Media Landscape and the 2024 Election
The Freedom of the Press and the Founders' Intent
The freedom of the press, as enshrined in the First Amendment, was not intended solely to protect journalists and media organizations. Rather, it was conceived as a freedom for the people - the right of individuals to publish and share their sentiments and opinions freely, without government interference.
James Madison's original proposed text for the First Amendment made this clear, stating that "the people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments." The freedom of the press was meant to safeguard the people's ability to inform and express themselves, not just the media's ability to report.
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Alexander Hamilton's defense of newspaper publisher Harry Croswell further reinforced this principle. Croswell was convicted of criminal libel for publishing criticisms of President Thomas Jefferson, but Hamilton argued that truth should be a defense against libel charges - a concept that eventually became a cornerstone of press freedom in America.
The Media's Role in the 2020 Election
The speaker provides several examples of how the media has failed to uphold its duty to the people in recent years, particularly during the 2020 presidential election:
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The 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, where the network allegedly deceptively edited her response to a question about the Biden administration's relationship with Israel. 60 Minutes has refused to release the full transcript or video, denying the public the full context.
The ABC News fact-check during the presidential debate, where the moderator patronizingly corrected President Trump's claims about rising crime rates, only for the FBI to later quietly revise its crime statistics to show a significant increase.
The media's collective effort to downplay and cover up concerns about President Biden's health and cognitive abilities, dismissing such concerns as "ageism" or "ableism" rather than addressing them transparently.
The Changing Media Landscape
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The speaker sees hope in the changing media landscape, where new platforms and content creators are bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers. He cites examples such as:
The rise of YouTube as the top distributor of television content, allowing viewers to discover new voices and perspectives beyond the major networks.
The success of independent media figures like Megyn Kelly, who has found success on YouTube after being pushed out of the mainstream media.
The growing popularity of long-form podcasts, particularly those featuring political figures like Donald Trump, which are reaching large and diverse audiences.
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The speaker argues that these trends empower the people to seek out the news and information they want, rather than being beholden to the biases and agendas of the traditional media. He believes this aligns with the Founders' vision of a free press that serves the people, not the government or corporate interests.
Conclusion
The speaker concludes on a hopeful note, stating that the changing media landscape represents a return to the Founders' intent for the freedom of the press. He believes that the people now have the power to bypass the media gatekeepers and access a diverse range of information and perspectives, which will ultimately benefit the democratic process and the 2024 election.
The effects are already manifesting. A few months ago, developers and academics reported that quantizing Meta’s Llama 3 model tended to be “more harmful” compared to other models, potentially due to the way it was trained.
“In my opinion, the number one cost for everyone in AI is and will continue to be inference, and our work shows one important way to reduce it will not work forever,” Tanishq Kumar, a Harvard mathematics student and the first author on the paper, told TechCrunch.
!summarize
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The Principle of Least Action: The Single Rule Underlying All of Physics
The Brachistochrone Problem
The story begins with a simple problem - finding the shape of a ramp that will allow a mass to slide from point A to point B in the fastest time. Common sense might suggest a straight line, but Galileo showed that a curved ramp in the shape of a circle is actually faster.
In 1696, Johann Bernoulli posed this "brachistochrone" problem as a challenge to the best mathematicians. After several months, Newton submitted a solution, though Bernoulli's own solution was ultimately more elegant.
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Bernoulli's insight was to draw a connection between this mechanical problem and the behavior of light. He realized that the path of fastest descent is analogous to the path of light as it refracts between media of different densities, obeying Snell's Law. This led him to the solution of a cycloid - the curve traced by a point on the rim of a rolling wheel.
The Principle of Least Time
The connection to light was no accident. Over a century earlier, the mathematician Pierre Fermat had proposed that light always takes the path of least time between two points. This "principle of least time" could explain the phenomenon of refraction.
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Fermat's insight was that nature does not simply minimize distance, but rather minimizes the time it takes for light to travel. The constant n in Snell's Law turned out to be the ratio of the speeds of light in the two media.
The Principle of Least Action
Around 40 years after Bernoulli's solution, one of his students, Pierre Louis de Maupertuis, proposed an even more fundamental principle - the "principle of least action." Rather than time, Maupertuis claimed that nature minimizes a quantity he called "action," defined as mass times velocity times distance.
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This idea was met with fierce criticism and ridicule from Maupertuis' contemporaries. However, the mathematician Leonhard Euler saw the potential in the principle and worked to put it on firmer mathematical footing. He showed that the principle of least action only holds if the total energy is conserved.
It was left to Joseph-Louis Lagrange to provide a general proof of the principle of least action. Lagrange's key insight was to rewrite the principle in terms of the Lagrangian - the difference between kinetic and potential energy. This allowed him to derive the equations of motion for any system using a simple variational principle.
The Power of the Principle
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The principle of least action is remarkably powerful. It unifies diverse areas of physics - from classical mechanics to electromagnetism and quantum theory - under a single mathematical framework. Rather than working with forces and vectors, one can simply write down the Lagrangian and apply the Euler-Lagrange equation to obtain the equations of motion.
This approach is particularly useful for complex systems, like the double pendulum, where the vector-based approach becomes unwieldy. The Lagrangian method provides a systematic way to derive the equations of motion, even in higher-dimensional or non-Cartesian coordinate systems.
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While the name "principle of least action" is a bit misleading (it's more accurately the "principle of stationary action"), the underlying idea is remarkably simple and powerful. By minimizing a single scalar quantity - the action - one can describe the behavior of the entire physical world.
The story of the principle of least action is a testament to the power of mathematical thinking to unify and simplify our understanding of nature. What began as a problem about the fastest way to slide down a ramp ultimately revealed a fundamental principle underlying all of physics.
Contrary to popular belief, AI model inferencing — running a model, like when ChatGPT answers a question — is often more expensive in aggregate than model training. Consider, for example, that Google spent an estimated $191 million to train one of its flagship Gemini models — certainly a princely sum. But if the company were to use a model to generate just 50-word answers to half of all Google Search queries, it’d spend roughly $6 billion a year.
Major AI labs have embraced training models on massive datasets under the assumption that “scaling up” — increasing the amount of data and compute used in training — will lead to increasingly more capable AI.
!summarize
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Embracing Imperfection: The Realities of Achieving Success
The Myth of the Superhero
We often like to portray certain individuals as superheroes - successful, flawless, and always "winning." The media loves to highlight these dramatic stories of overcoming the odds, which can be incredibly inspiring. However, this can also lead to an unhealthy conclusion: "Maybe they can do it because they're incredible, they have no faults, they're just crushing it at all moments. But I'm just a normal person, I can't do that."
The reality is that most "superheroes" are nothing of the sort. They are just as weird and neurotic as the rest of us, with their own self-defeating habits and self-talk. They are strange creatures who do big things despite their flaws, not because they are perfect.
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The author acknowledges that these "manic depressive symptoms" are just part of the entrepreneurial journey. They don't consider themselves a superhero, but rather someone who struggles with efficiency and consistency.
A Coping Mechanism for Maximizing Efficacy
To address this, the author shares an 8-step process for maximizing their efficacy, or "doing the right thing":
Wake up at least an hour before needing to be at a computer screen.
Make a cup of tea and sit down with pen and paper.
Write down the 3-5 things causing the most anxiety or discomfort.
For each item, ask if accomplishing it would satisfy your day and make other tasks easier.
Focus on the high-leverage items you answered "yes" to.
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Block out 2-3 hours to focus on one of those items, without distractions.
Repeat step 6 - block out uninterrupted time to work on the most important task.
If you get distracted, gently bring yourself back to the task at hand.
The author has found that this process is the only way they can create big outcomes, despite their tendency to procrastinate. The key is to focus on the what (the most important task) rather than the how (doing everything perfectly).
Embracing Our Shared Humanity
In closing, the author reminds us that even the best of the best sometimes feel like they're "losing at the game of life." When in the "pit of despair," they recall the words of writer Kurt Vonnegut: "When I write, I feel like an armless, legless man with a crayon in his mouth."
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The message is clear: don't overestimate the world and underestimate yourself. We are all in this together, fighting our own battles, and everyone has their own imperfections. By embracing our shared humanity, we can find the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
For example, Meta trained Llama 3 on a set of 15 trillion tokens. (Tokens represent bits of raw data; 1 million tokens is equal to about 750,000 words.) The previous generation, Llama 2, was trained on “only” 2 trillion tokens.
Evidence suggests that scaling up eventually provides diminishing returns; Anthropic and Google reportedly recently trained enormous models that fell short of internal benchmark expectations. But there’s little sign that the industry is ready to meaningfully move away from these entrenched scaling approaches.
!summarize
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The Transformative Power of Healthcare Innovation
Cures, Not Just Treatments
Cathie Wood and Brett Winton of Ark Invest are sounding the alarm on a profound shift happening in healthcare. The convergence of technologies like AI, gene sequencing, and gene editing is ushering in a new era of curative therapies that could dramatically transform the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare landscape.
The key insight is that cures, not just treatments, are becoming viable. Historically, the pharmaceutical business model has been built around chronic treatments that patients must take indefinitely. But now, gene therapies and other curative approaches offer the potential to completely eliminate certain diseases with a single dose.
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This shift in the revenue profile of drugs is not yet understood by Wall Street. Cures are actually more valuable than long-term treatments, as they avoid a lifetime of healthcare costs and deliver better patient outcomes. Yet the market is still valuing curative therapies as if they are just incremental improvements over existing treatments.
The Revenue Potential of Cures
To illustrate the value of cures, Winton walks through the example of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare disease. The current standard of care for HAE involves monthly injections costing $500,000 per year over a patient's lifetime. In contrast, a one-time curative therapy could be priced at $3 million, yet still represent a massive cost savings for the healthcare system.
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Extrapolating this to the broader rare disease market, Winton estimates the revenue potential of cures to be around $2 billion per therapy - over 20 times more valuable than a traditional treatment. This is because cures not only eliminate the need for ongoing care, but also pull all of that future revenue forward into the present.
The Underappreciated Potential of Cures
Despite this massive value proposition, the market is currently underpricing and underappreciating the potential of curative therapies. Companies like Intellia Therapeutics, which is developing a cure for HAE, are trading at a fraction of what their asset could be worth if priced appropriately.
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Winton believes this disconnect is due to a lack of familiarity. Wall Street has not yet seen the tangible evidence of how the revenue curve for cures differs from traditional treatments. As more cures come to market in the next 5 years, he expects a shift in how these assets are modeled and valued.
A New Golden Age of Healthcare Innovation
Wood and Winton see this convergence of technologies as ushering in a new golden age of healthcare innovation. Just as the biotech boom of the 1980s-1990s delivered massive returns, they believe the current wave of curative therapies could drive even greater returns to R&D.
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Importantly, this isn't just good business - it's also transformative for humanity. The ability to cure devastating diseases, rather than just manage symptoms, has profound implications for patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system. The sooner the capital markets recognize this value, the faster these cures can be developed and deployed.
As Winton concludes, "the sooner kind of Wall Street or the capital markets realize how valuable these things could be, the more quickly we'll be able to develop cures for these diseases which can be yes great businesses but also great for Humanity."
How precise, exactly?
So, if labs are reluctant to train models on smaller datasets, is there a way models could be made less susceptible to degradation? Possibly. Kumar says that he and co-authors found that training models in “low precision” can make them more robust. Bear with us for a moment as we dive in a bit.
“Precision” here refers to the number of digits a numerical data type can represent accurately. Data types are collections of data values, usually specified by a set of possible values and allowed operations; the data type FP8, for example, uses only 8 bits to represent a floating-point number.
!summarize
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Exploring the Frontiers of Consciousness and Cognition
The Debate Over the Existence of the Self
The discussion begins with Thomas Metzinger, who has long argued that the self does not exist. He sees consciousness as a complex phenomenon with many problems, from the question of global integration to the issue of phenomenal atoms - the smallest units of experience. Metzinger believes the most difficult aspect is the subjectivity of consciousness, which is often tied to a first-person perspective.
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Metzinger has proposed the concept of "epistemic agent models" - systems that model themselves as a knowing self. However, he has done this under the assumption that such selves do not actually exist in the world. He sees two camps on this issue - those who believe selves do exist, and Michael Levin, who even capitalizes the word "Self" in his writings.
Michael Levin's Perspective on the Self
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Levin explains that his primary focus is not consciousness research, but rather more practical, conventional accounts of cognition. He acknowledges that he does not have a new theory of consciousness to push. Levin believes that cognition and consciousness are properties of living things, but may have existed before life itself. He is wary of being overly reductive, arguing that parsimony should not come at the expense of enabling future discovery.
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Levin defines the "Self" as a coherent, emergent whole with an option space, a cognitive light cone, and cognitive processes that allow it to navigate that space with competency. He sees the Self as a decision-making system that lives forward in time, interpreting its memories in the present. Levin argues that this conception of the Self may not align with how others use the term, but it is a useful construct for understanding certain systems.
The Debate Over Goals, Intentionality, and Representation
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Metzinger is skeptical of Levin's use of terms like "goal" and "agency," arguing that these concepts import human phenomenology and may not accurately capture the underlying dynamics of non-human systems. He suggests a more sober, control-theoretic notion of goal-directedness, while acknowledging the value of using intentional vocabulary as an instrument for interaction, rather than as a realist claim about the nature of reality.
Levin agrees that he is not advocating for true, intrinsic goals, but rather a functional, observer-dependent framework that allows for richer interaction with systems. He argues that different levels of description may be appropriate for different purposes, and that a scale-free, multi-scale approach to cognition can be valuable.
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The Ethical Challenges of Synthetic Phenomenology
The discussion turns to the ethical challenges posed by the potential creation of artificial or synthetic forms of consciousness and suffering. Metzinger expresses deep concerns about the risks of inadvertently creating suffering through research into these areas, and the need for a rigorous, empirically-grounded theory of suffering to guide such work.
Levin acknowledges the gravity of these issues, but argues that the path to alleviating human and animal suffering may inevitably require grappling with the nature of consciousness and cognition, even if that carries risks. He emphasizes the need for humility, caution, and the development of ethical frameworks to navigate these complex waters.
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The conversation explores the possibility of creating "suffering-free" forms of synthetic phenomenology, as well as the philosophical and practical challenges involved. Ultimately, both Metzinger and Levin agree that this is an area requiring deep ethical reflection and a commitment to minimizing harm, even as the frontiers of knowledge are pushed forward.
Most models today are trained at 16-bit or “half precision” and “post-train quantized” to 8-bit precision. Certain model components (e.g., its parameters) are converted to a lower-precision format at the cost of some accuracy. Think of it like doing the math to a few decimal places but then rounding off to the nearest 10th, often giving you the best of both worlds.
Hardware vendors like Nvidia are pushing for lower precision for quantized model inference. The company’s new Blackwell chip supports 4-bit precision, specifically a data type called FP4; Nvidia has pitched this as a boon for memory- and power-constrained data centers.
!summarize
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The Exodus of Self-Important Celebrities from X
Celebrities Flee X in Droves, Citing Musk's Involvement in 2024 Election
In the aftermath of Elon Musk's appointment as leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, a number of high-profile celebrities and major brands have announced their departure from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The tech mogul's campaign involvement and financial incentives for those who voted for the Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election have sparked outrage among these self-important figures. They believe their presence on the platform lent credibility to Musk and, by extension, former President Trump's victory.
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Celebrities such as Bette Midler, Don Lemon, and Jamie Lee Curtis have all made grand announcements about their departure from the platform. However, the reality is that their absence will go largely unnoticed, as many users were unaware of their presence on X in the first place.
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The Guardian, a news outlet, has also announced its decision to no longer post on X, citing the platform's promotion of "far-right conspiracy theories and racism." However, these so-called "conspiracy theories" often turn out to be the truth, revealed months later. The real reason behind their departure is the fact that Musk is now working with Trump, which the media outlets cannot tolerate.
The Rise of Blue Sky and the Downfall of Threads
In the wake of the exodus from X, celebrities have flocked to rival social media platforms, with Blue Sky emerging as the new destination of choice. Actors, directors, musicians, and journalists have all joined the platform, hoping to find a "safe space" away from the perceived toxicity of X.
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However, the transition to Blue Sky has not been without its own challenges. The platform is reportedly drowning under the weight of reports, with over 42,000 reports received in the past 24 hours, equating to around 3,000 reports per hour. This influx of reports has prompted the creation of a "Blue Sky Safety" account, which aims to quickly remove the "most harmful content."
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The failure of the much-hyped Threads platform, which was touted as an "X killer," has also become evident, as the celebrities have opted for Blue Sky instead. This suggests that the left-leaning echo chamber they sought to create has not gained the traction they had hoped for.
In the end, the departure of these self-important celebrities from X is unlikely to have any significant impact on the platform's success. Instead, their exodus may actually improve the overall experience for users, as they no longer have to contend with the "Trump derangement and nonsense" that these figures often brought to the table.
But extremely low quantization precision might not be desirable. According to Kumar, unless the original model is incredibly large in terms of its parameter count, precisions lower than 7- or 8-bit may see a noticeable step down in quality.
If this all seems a little technical, don’t worry — it is. But the takeaway is simply that AI models are not fully understood, and known shortcuts that work in many kinds of computation don’t work here. You wouldn’t say “noon” if someone asked when they started a 100-meter dash, right? It’s not quite so obvious as that, of course, but the idea is the same:
!Summarize
“The key point of our work is that there are limitations you cannot naïvely get around,” Kumar concluded. “We hope our work adds nuance to the discussion that often seeks increasingly low precision defaults for training and inference.”
Kumar acknowledges that his and his colleagues’ study was at relatively small scale — they plan to test it with more models in the future. But he believes that at least one insight will hold: There’s no free lunch when it comes to reducing inference costs.
“Bit precision matters, and it’s not free,” he said. “You cannot reduce it forever without models suffering. Models have finite capacity, so rather than trying to fit a quadrillion tokens into a small model, in my opinion much more effort will be put into meticulous data curation and filtering, so that only the highest quality data is put into smaller models. I am optimistic that new architectures that deliberately aim to make low precision training stable will be important in the future.”
!summarize
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The Promise of Fusion Power
Overcoming the Challenges of Fusion Energy
For decades, fusion power has been touted as the energy technology of the future - a clean, abundant source of energy that could solve our energy and environmental woes. Yet the promise of fusion has remained elusive, with the technology always seeming to be "20 years away." However, recent breakthroughs suggest that fusion power may finally be on the horizon.
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The challenges of achieving practical fusion power are immense. Replicating the extreme conditions found at the core of stars, where fusion occurs naturally, is an incredibly difficult engineering feat. Temperatures of tens of millions of degrees Celsius, intense magnetic fields, and the need to contain highly reactive plasma are just some of the hurdles fusion researchers must overcome.
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Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of fusion power are so great that scientists and engineers have persisted in their efforts to harness this technology. Fusion offers the prospect of an essentially limitless fuel supply, with the key ingredients - hydrogen isotopes like deuterium and tritium - being readily available. Fusion also produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it a potentially game-changing solution to climate change.
The Science of Fusion
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At the heart of fusion is the process of combining light atomic nuclei to form heavier ones, releasing vast amounts of energy in the process. This is the same reaction that powers the Sun and other stars. In a fusion reactor, the goal is to bring together light elements like hydrogen or its isotopes, deuterium and tritium, and fuse them into helium, releasing energy.
The challenge lies in overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei, which want to push each other apart. To achieve fusion, the nuclei must be heated to extremely high temperatures, allowing them to overcome this "Coulomb barrier" and collide with sufficient force to fuse.
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Fusion reactions release far more energy per unit of fuel than fission, the process that powers conventional nuclear reactors. However, the conditions required to sustain fusion are much more extreme. Whereas fission can be achieved at relatively low temperatures, fusion requires heating the fuel to tens of millions of degrees Celsius - hotter than the core of the Sun.
Maintaining these extreme conditions and containing the highly reactive plasma is the primary technical hurdle facing fusion researchers. Various reactor designs, such as the tokamak and stellarator, use powerful magnetic fields to confine and control the plasma. Other approaches, like inertial confinement fusion, use intense laser or particle beams to compress and heat the fuel.
The Slow Progress of Fusion Development
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Despite decades of research and development, the path to practical fusion power has been slow and arduous. Many early fusion projects in the 1950s and 1960s promised breakthroughs within a couple of decades, only to be met with disappointment as the technical challenges proved far more difficult than anticipated.
Over the years, there have been numerous fusion reactor designs and experiments, each with its own successes and setbacks. Projects like the Joint European Torus (JET) in the UK, the Japan Torus (JT-60) in Japan, and the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) reactor in South Korea have all made important advances, pushing the boundaries of plasma confinement and heating.
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The KSTAR reactor, for example, recently set a new record by sustaining a plasma at over 100 million degrees Celsius for nearly a minute. This is a significant milestone, but still falls short of the conditions needed for net energy gain - where the reactor produces more energy than it consumes.
The slow pace of fusion development can be frustrating, as each new breakthrough is often met with hype and claims of imminent commercialization. In reality, the path to a working fusion power plant is still decades away, requiring further advances in plasma physics, materials science, and engineering.
The Future of Fusion Power
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Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of fusion power make it a technology worth pursuing. If the technical hurdles can be overcome, fusion could provide a virtually limitless, carbon-free source of energy that could power our civilization for centuries to come.
Fusion could unlock new frontiers in space exploration, enabling the development of powerful propulsion systems for interplanetary and even interstellar travel. It could also revolutionize how we produce and distribute energy, allowing for the construction of massive, centralized fusion reactors that could supply power to entire regions or even continents.
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Moreover, the development of fusion technology could have broader impacts on our society and economy. The research and engineering required to make fusion a reality would drive advances in fields like materials science, robotics, and high-energy physics. The construction and maintenance of fusion power plants would also create new industries and job opportunities.
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While the timeline for the commercialization of fusion power remains uncertain, the steady progress of fusion research and the growing global investment in the technology suggest that the dream of fusion power may finally be within reach. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the promise of an abundant, clean, and sustainable energy source remains a powerful motivator for the fusion research community and the world at large.
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China's Ambitious Water Transfer Project: Conquering Nature or Courting Disaster?
Taming the Arid North
China is a vast country with rich natural resources and diverse terrain, but not all of its territory is equally hospitable for human habitation. The arid northern regions of China have long struggled with water scarcity, leading to devastating droughts and threatening the livelihoods of millions.
In the past, China has attempted to remedy this problem through drastic measures, such as the disastrous Great Leap Forward in the 1950s and 60s. However, these efforts often came at a catastrophic cost to human life. Undeterred, China has now embarked on a new, ambitious project to address its water woes: the South-North Water Transfer Project.
The South-North Water Transfer Project
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The South-North Water Transfer Project is a complex network of canals and waterways designed to redirect water from China's water-rich southern regions to the parched north. Spanning three main routes - the Eastern, Central, and Western - the project aims to alleviate the water shortage in the north and provide a consistent supply of fresh water to support the region's agricultural and industrial sectors.
The Eastern and Central routes, now largely complete, have already begun delivering water to the North China Plain and the cities of Beijing and Tianjin. However, it is the Western route that poses the greatest challenge, both in terms of engineering and diplomacy.
The Challenges of the Western Route
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The Western route of the South-North Water Transfer Project is perhaps the most ambitious and the least well-defined. It involves the construction of a new artificial river, the "Red Flag River," which will divert water from the ecologically fragile Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the isolated regions of Xinjiang and Qinghai in the northwest.
This endeavor faces several daunting obstacles. The sheer scale of the project, spanning hundreds of kilometers across diverse and rugged terrain, presents immense engineering challenges. Moreover, the disruption of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's water supply could have severe environmental consequences, potentially impacting the flow of transnational rivers like the Mekong and the Brahmaputra.
Diplomatic Tensions and Environmental Concerns
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The potential impact of the Western route on the Brahmaputra River, which flows from China into India and Bangladesh, has raised concerns from India's leadership. The redirection of water from this vital river could have far-reaching consequences for the millions of people who depend on it for irrigation and transportation.
Beyond the diplomatic tensions, the environmental impact of the South-North Water Transfer Project as a whole is a significant concern. The disruption of river flows, the spread of pollution, and the potential for habitat destruction have all been raised as issues that could undermine the project's long-term sustainability.
The Future of China's Water Security
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As China's population and economic growth continue to put pressure on its water resources, the success of the South-North Water Transfer Project will be crucial in determining the country's water security. While the completed Eastern and Central routes have provided some relief, the viability of the Western route remains uncertain.
The project's hefty price tag and the potential for diplomatic and environmental fallout raise questions about its long-term sustainability. As China grapples with the challenges of taming nature, it must also navigate the delicate balance between its domestic needs and its international obligations.
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The South-North Water Transfer Project stands as a testament to China's engineering prowess, but its ultimate legacy may hinge on whether it can overcome the formidable obstacles that lie ahead.
!summarize
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Here is a summary of the discussion in the form of a longform article:
The Emerging Cold War with China
Niall Ferguson on the Dangers of Cold War II
As the conflict between the United States and China intensifies, historian Niall Ferguson warns that we are entering a new Cold War that could be even more dangerous than the first. In a wide-ranging discussion with Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution, Ferguson lays out the reasons why Cold War II poses a grave threat to global stability and American preeminence.
The Economic and Technological Dimensions
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Ferguson begins by noting that China has already caught up to the United States economically, surpassing America's GDP on a purchasing power parity basis in 2014. This is a far cry from the Soviet Union, which at its peak was only 44% the size of the U.S. economy. Technologically, China also poses a more formidable challenge, with capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing that the Soviets could never have matched.
Moreover, the social and economic interpenetration between China and the U.S. is far deeper than during the first Cold War. China has many more citizens in America and can gather intelligence through electronic means that were unavailable to the Soviets. This makes the current rivalry much more perilous.
The Taiwan Flashpoint
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The most immediate flashpoint is Taiwan, which Ferguson sees as the potential trigger for a direct military confrontation between the U.S. and China. He notes that while the U.S. has long accepted the fiction that Taiwan is part of China, recent years have seen a hardening of American resolve to defend the island's de facto independence.
The stakes are enormous - as Ferguson puts it, "losing or not even fighting for Taiwan would be seen all over Asia as the end of American predominance in the region. It would surely cause a run on the dollar and US Treasuries. It would be an American Suez."
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Yet Taiwan spends only 2.1% of its GDP on defense, leading some to question whether it is truly committed to its own survival. Ferguson argues that this is a rational calculation based on the U.S. security guarantee, much like the free-riding behavior of many European countries during the original Cold War. However, he warns that this cannot be taken for granted, and the U.S. must be prepared to back up its commitments with real military power.
Ideological Dimensions and the Lure of the Chinese Model
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Ferguson rejects the notion that the Chinese Communist Party is merely a group of cynical capitalists, arguing that Xi Jinping and other leaders are true believers in Marxism-Leninism. This ideology of conflict, he says, underpins China's determination to displace the United States as the dominant global power.
At the same time, the Chinese model of authoritarian capitalism has gained some appeal in the developing world, offering a path to economic development and social control that contrasts with the perceived dysfunction of Western democracies. Ferguson cautions that while this model may not be as seductive as Soviet communism was, it still poses a threat to American interests and values.
The Path Forward
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Ultimately, Ferguson believes the U.S. can prevail in Cold War II, but only if it is willing to make the necessary investments in defense, technology, and immigration reform to maintain its innovative edge. He argues that the country functions best when it has a clear external adversary, as it did during the original Cold War, and that the current bipartisan consensus on the China challenge is a positive sign.
However, he warns against rushing into a direct confrontation over Taiwan, advocating instead for a strategy of deterrence and patience, akin to the approach taken by Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon in the 1970s. By buying time, the U.S. can strengthen its position and avoid the kind of reckless showdown that could lead to catastrophic conflict.
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As the world enters a new era of great power competition, Niall Ferguson's insights offer a sobering but clear-eyed assessment of the challenges ahead. The stakes could not be higher, but with the right strategy and national unity, he believes the United States can prevail once again.
!summarize
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The Art of Recruitment: How Russian Intelligence Agencies Acquire Agents
The world of espionage is a complex and intricate one, where intelligence agencies employ a variety of tactics to recruit and maintain their network of agents. One such tactic, commonly used by Russian intelligence agencies, is the exploitation of the human psyche through an acronym known as "MICE."
Money, Ideology, Coercion, and Ego
The "MICE" acronym stands for the four primary motivations that intelligence agencies leverage to acquire agents:
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Ideology: During the 1920s and 1930s, the Soviets were particularly adept at exploiting the ideological beliefs of communists, who were willing to betray their own for the "greater good." Even disillusioned former communists, such as Whitaker Chambers and Elizabeth Bentley, became valuable assets for American intelligence.
Coercion: Intelligence agencies often resort to blackmail and threats to compel individuals to cooperate. The Okhrana, the Tsarist secret police, would round up revolutionaries and threaten to keep their comrades in jail or spread rumors about them unless they agreed to work as agents.
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Maintaining Control and Sowing Mistrust
To ensure the effectiveness of their agents, intelligence agencies often employ a strategy of maintaining tight control and sowing mistrust within the target organization. They would have multiple agents within the same group, who were unaware of each other's identities. This way, the reports they filed had to align, or else the agents could be liquidated for not fulfilling their duties.
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In one particularly striking example, the Okhrana had infiltrated the leadership of the Socialist Revolutionary Party, a major revolutionary organization in Russia. The head of the party's terrorist wing, Yevno Azef, was revealed to be an Okhrana agent, sowing chaos and mistrust within the party's ranks.
The Allure of Betrayal
The appeal of betrayal and the "Machiavellian joy in deceit" can be a powerful draw for some individuals. The sense of being the only one privy to the true nature of the powerful people they interact with, and the rush of manipulating them, can be intoxicating. This ego-driven motivation, combined with the pull of money and ideology, can create a potent recipe for recruitment and espionage.
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The ability of intelligence agencies to exploit these human weaknesses and motivations is a testament to the complexity of the espionage game. Understanding the "MICE" approach provides insight into the tactics used by Russian and other intelligence agencies to infiltrate and influence organizations, sowing discord and undermining trust from within.
While Trump’s antitrust agendas remain uncertain, there seems to be growing optimism that he'll employ a more hands-off approach compared to Biden.
“We expect tech stocks to rally further into year-end as the Street further digests a less regulatory spider web under Trump with Khan/FTC days in the rear view mirror, stronger AI initiatives within the Beltway on the way, and a goldilocks foundation for Big Tech and Tesla looking into 2025 and beyond,” Wedbush’s Dan Ives wrote in a recent note to clients.
Cisco (CSCO) CFO Scott Herren is confident in the company’s momentum heading into 2025. He told me on Yahoo Finance’s Catalysts that he feels “really good” about Cisco’s position, noting “strength across the board.”
“It's hard to predict what's going to happen from a political standpoint, but when you look at the things that are going to drive government efficiency, we've got the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that's about increasing productivity, and technology is always going to be critical to increasing productivity,” Herren said.
Despite optimism from tech leaders, investor sentiment seems a bit more cautious. Performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks, outside of Tesla (TSLA), has been lackluster since Election Day, hampered by risks associated with a stronger dollar and more tariffs.
That could change quickly, Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski told me. AI, which has “essentially been all the rage” on Wall Street, remains in its “infancy,” with vast growth potential ahead, he said.
And IBM’s Krishna echoed this sentiment, citing AI as a key catalyst not only for IBM’s stock but the US tech sector overall.
!summarize
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The Academy: A Gripping Tale of Iran's Revolution and the Struggle for Power
For over 13 years, the author has been crafting a captivating story, "The Academy," which delves into the complexities of the Iranian Revolution and the power dynamics that shaped the country's tumultuous history. This work of fiction is rooted in true events, offering a unique perspective on the pivotal moments that led to the fall of the Shah and the rise of the Islamic Republic.
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The narrative follows the journey of Asher, a character who is half Syrian and half Armenian, as he is recruited into a secret society tasked with developing leaders who will shape the world. At the heart of the story is the villain, a former deputy director of SAVAK, the Shah's notorious intelligence agency. This character's actions and motivations provide a fascinating insight into the factors that contributed to the downfall of the Iranian regime.
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In a remarkable turn of events, the author's work caught the attention of the very individual who inspired the villain in the book. The former SAVAK deputy director reached out to the author, eager to discuss the book and understand the perspective that had been portrayed. This led to an eight-hour meeting between the author, the former SAVAK official, and their respective families, providing a rare opportunity to explore the nuances of this pivotal moment in history.
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The Academy is not just a work of fiction; it is a testament to the power of storytelling to shed light on complex geopolitical events. By blending fact and fiction, the author has created a narrative that challenges readers to consider the multifaceted nature of the Iranian Revolution and the consequences that continue to reverberate throughout the region.
For those interested in the history of Iran, the dynamics of power, and the ongoing struggle for stability in the Middle East, "The Academy" offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of these themes. The author's unique approach, combined with the unexpected real-life connection, makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
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Legacy Media is Almost Dead: The Decline of Celebrity Endorsements and Race Hustlers
The Decline of Legacy Media and Celebrity Endorsements
Adam believes that legacy media, celebrity endorsements, and "race hustlers" are all dying or dead.
The media, including outlets like CNN, CBS, ABC, and the LA Times, have lost credibility by willfully misinterpreting and distorting Trump's words and actions.
Celebrity endorsements no longer carry the same weight, as people have become disillusioned with celebrities lecturing them on politics and morality while engaging in their own hypocritical behavior.
The Rise of Pragmatism and Distrust of Elites
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There is a growing distrust of elites, including politicians and celebrities, as people recognize the hypocrisy and disconnect between their rhetoric and actions.
Voters are becoming more pragmatic, caring more about practical issues that affect their daily lives rather than ideological posturing.
The Democratic party is struggling to connect with working-class voters, as their progressive agenda and focus on identity politics is seen as out-of-touch.
The Need for Authenticity and Engagement
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He suggests that the key to mental health and well-being is not just medication, but physical activity, hands-on tasks, and a sense of accomplishment from doing simple, everyday things.
The disconnect between rhetoric and reality, as well as the tendency to label anyone who disagrees as a racist or bigot, has eroded trust in institutions and the political class.
The Path Forward for the Left
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They will likely have to adopt a more Republican-like approach to get elected, which may seem strange to their base, but is necessary to connect with the broader electorate.
The key is finding a balance between their ideals and the pragmatic needs of the people, rather than doubling down on their current strategy.
!summarize
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Elon Musk's Vision for the Future in Texas
The Exodus from California
In the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold, Elon Musk found himself at odds with California officials who ordered Tesla to close its Fremont manufacturing plant. Musk refused, marking a pivotal moment for the electric car maker. This incident was the "final straw" that prompted Musk to announce Tesla's headquarters would be moving to Texas and Nevada.
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Musk's departure from California was more than just a spiteful reaction. Texas presented logical benefits that were not available on the densely populated West Coast. The state offered ample open land for scaling up operations, less traffic congestion, more affordable housing to attract talent, lower taxes, and fewer regulations. This analytical approach aligned with Musk's core mindset, leading him to view Texas as the ideal location to build his vision for the future.
The Expansion into Texas
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Tesla's gigafactory in Austin was just the first step in Musk's grand plan for Texas. The Boring Company, Musk's tunneling venture, set up shop in Bastrop, a suburb east of Austin, establishing "Hyperloop Plaza" as the center of research and development. This location is also the site of Musk's much-hyped "Snailbrook," a futuristic utopian community taking shape.
Alongside the Boring Company, SpaceX has also established a significant presence in Texas. The company's Starbase facility is located 350 miles south of Austin, in the village of Boca Chica, where the Starship program is headquartered. SpaceX has effectively taken control of the area, building employee housing and even a private school.
The Expanding Ecosystem
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Musk's Texas expansion extends beyond just his existing companies. In December 2023, a tax filing revealed Musk's plans to found a university in Austin through one of his charities, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math education.
Additionally, Neuralink, Musk's brain-implant company, has begun construction on a $14 million office and manufacturing facility in the area between the Tesla gigafactory and the Boring Company's Bastrop site, along the Colorado River.
The most recent addition to Musk's Texas empire is the relocation of X (formerly Twitter) headquarters to Bastrop, likely to be situated within the Hyperloop Plaza complex. This move aligns with Musk's vision of transforming X into an "everything app" and integrating it with his AI venture, XAI.
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The Future of Musk's Texas Utopia
Musk's Texas expansion is not limited to the outskirts of Austin. While the locations of his various companies may seem secretive or reclusive, the underlying rationale is clear: Musk is seeking room to grow, build, and innovate in a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable manner than what California could offer.
As Musk continues to consolidate his operations in Texas, the state is poised to become the epicenter of his ambitious plans. From Tesla's electric vehicle production to SpaceX's rocket launches, the Boring Company's tunneling projects, Neuralink's brain-computer interfaces, and the transformation of X, Texas is emerging as the canvas upon which Musk will paint his vision for the future.
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This is only the beginning, as Musk's Texas footprint is set to expand even further. The state's welcoming business climate and Musk's desire for unencumbered growth suggest that the Lone Star State will be the stage for the next chapter of Elon Musk's grand technological and societal transformation.
!summarize
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Tesla Valuation: Unpacking the Wall Street Perspective
Analyzing Wall Street's Tesla Forecasts
Gary Black, from Future Fund, shared his insights on how Wall Street analysts typically calculate their forecasts for Tesla's valuation and stock price. He explained that many Tesla investors still inflate the company's valuation and stock price, but his view is that Tesla's earnings estimates and valuation have declined over the past two years as the company's 2024 earnings per share fell by around 60%.
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However, Black believes that as Tesla's auto gross margins bottom out and the company launches a new $25-30,000 compact model to increase its total addressable market (TAM), analysts will start increasing their earnings per share estimates again. This, in turn, should lead to higher analyst valuations and price targets for Tesla's stock.
Unpacking the "Covid Surge Pricing" Effect
Jeff Lutz provided a detailed explanation of the "Covid surge pricing" phenomenon that impacted the auto industry. He described how supply chain disruptions and material shortages during the pandemic led to increased costs for automakers, which they then passed on to consumers through higher prices.
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Lutz argued that Tesla was able to navigate this challenge faster than its competitors, allowing the company to make "price corrections" earlier than others. This was not due to Tesla wanting to increase volume, as some analysts had suggested, but rather a necessary adjustment to reflect the changing input costs and supply chain conditions.
Comparing Tesla's Valuation to GM and Waymo
Some have questioned why Tesla's valuation is so much higher than that of traditional automakers like GM and the self-driving company Waymo (owned by Alphabet). Lutz provided a nuanced perspective, explaining that Tesla's vertically integrated approach, its battery technology, supercharging network, and progress in autonomous driving all contribute to its higher valuation.
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He emphasized that Tesla is not just an automaker, but a company that is "leaving the Auto industry" and moving towards a future where software, services, and autonomous capabilities are key drivers of value. This makes it difficult to simply compare Tesla to traditional automakers using conventional valuation metrics.
The Importance of Nvidia's Potential Investment in Elon Musk's xAI
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The news that Nvidia is in talks to potentially invest in Elon Musk's xAI startup was discussed. Lutz highlighted the importance of the speed and efficiency with which Elon and his team are able to build AI factories and infrastructure, which he believes is unmatched in the industry. This, combined with the potential synergies between Nvidia's technology and xAI's initiatives, could make the investment a strategic move for Nvidia.
Warren Buffett's Cash Accumulation and Buyback Halt
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Finally, the panel examined Warren Buffett's recent actions, including the sale of over $100 billion in Apple stock, the halt of Berkshire Hathaway's stock buybacks, and the growth of the company's cash balance to a record $325 billion. Lutz emphasized the need to look at Buffett's cash position relative to Berkshire's market capitalization, rather than just the absolute cash figure.
He noted that Berkshire's cash as a percentage of its market cap, while high, is not necessarily an outlier compared to historical levels. Lutz cautioned against reading too much into Buffett's moves in the short term, given the investor's long-term track record of success.
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Overall, this discussion provided a comprehensive analysis of the various factors influencing the valuation of Tesla and other companies, as well as insights into the strategic decisions being made by industry leaders like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.
!summarize
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The Rise of Conservative Influence on TikTok
The Power of Social Media in Shaping the 2024 Election
Based on the attached transcript, it's clear that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has found immense success in leveraging the TikTok platform to reach and influence young voters.
The TikTok Phenomenon
Kirk describes the staggering viewership numbers he's been able to achieve on TikTok, with individual videos garnering 50 million, 138 million, and even 226 million views. He notes that this level of engagement on TikTok far outpaces what he sees on other social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
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Kirk attributes this success to TikTok's unique ability to connect with the "working class" and "muscular class" - janitors, waiters, Uber drivers, and others who may not be as engaged on traditional media. He notes the platform's diverse audience, with strong representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian-American viewers.
The October 7th Turning Point
Kirk believes the events of October 7th, which led to a proposed TikTok ban, were a pivotal moment that opened the door for his team's success on the platform. He theorizes that the ban, which was tied to concerns over anti-Israel sentiment, prompted TikTok to become more receptive to conservative voices.
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The Impact on the 2024 Election
Kirk believes that his TikTok success, combined with other factors like Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition and the indictments against Donald Trump, could pave the way for a major comeback for the former president in 2024.
He cites a Wall Street Journal article that highlights the significant shift in young voter support, with Trump gaining a 14-point lead among men under 30 and narrowing the gap with women under 30. Kirk attributes this to his team's efforts to reach young voters through platforms like TikTok, as well as Trump's own outreach through college events and popular podcasts.
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The Importance of Reaching Diverse Audiences
Kirk emphasizes the importance of reaching diverse audiences, particularly young people, through unconventional platforms like TikTok. He recounts stories of Hispanic, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander waiters and waitresses in Las Vegas who approached him for photos, having discovered him on TikTok.
This underscores the potential for conservative voices to connect with demographics that may have traditionally been more aligned with the Democratic party. Kirk's success on TikTok suggests that the conservative movement is making inroads with younger, more diverse voters, which could have significant implications for the 2024 election and beyond.
The Evolving Landscape of Political Discourse
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The discussion also touches on the changing dynamics of political discourse, with the rise of alternative media platforms and the challenges faced by traditional media outlets. Kirk's comments on the "bro" label and the dismissive attitudes towards platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast highlight the ongoing tensions between established political narratives and the growing influence of non-traditional voices.
As the 2024 election approaches, the role of social media and the ability to reach diverse, younger audiences will undoubtedly be a key factor in shaping the political landscape. Kirk's success on TikTok serves as a testament to the power of unconventional strategies in engaging with the electorate and potentially swaying the outcome of future elections.
Intel will respond to AMD's 3D V-Cache with server-bound Clearwater Forest, not desktop CPUs
Intel apparently has no plans to produce consumer desktop CPUs featuring 3D-stacked cache to compete with AMD's technology.
AMD's 3D V-Cache technology has significantly enhanced gaming performance in the company's last three generations of processors, with rival Intel yet to respond. In a recent interview, Intel revealed that while it has similar technology in development, gaming performance is not its primary focus.
#intel #amd #semiconductors #technology
Intel apparently has no plans to produce consumer desktop CPUs featuring 3D-stacked cache to compete with AMD's technology. Instead, the company is focusing on enhancing the cache configuration for its next-generation server CPUs, which it considers a more critical market segment.
Over the past few years, stacking die configurations to expand L3 cache has become a key advantage for AMD. The addition of 3D V-Cache to the Ryzen 5 5800X3D made it arguably the best-value gaming CPU upon its launch in 2022. Its newly released successor, the 9800X3D, has undisputedly claimed the title of the best overall gaming CPU, as confirmed in our review.
However, Intel Tech Communications Manager Florian Mailslinger recently told YouTubers der8auer and Bens Hardware that the company's equivalent to 3D V-cache won't debut in desktops. Around the 1-hour and 19-minute mark in the interview below, he confirmed that Clearwater Forest, a lineup of Xeon server CPUs set to arrive in 2025, will feature a technology called Local Cache, which uses vertically stacked tiles.
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Xbox chief calls recent PC exclusives an "anomaly," reaffirms Xbox ecosystem goals
However, according to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, this PC-only approach is just a temporary anomaly.
If you've been keeping tabs on Microsoft's upcoming game releases, you might have noticed something a little unusual – several of their major titles launching this fall are PC exclusives, at least initially. Games like World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion, the indie hit Ara: History Untold, and the early access version of Towerborne are all skipping Xbox consoles for now.
#microsoft #gaming #xbox #pc
However, according to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, this PC-only approach is just a temporary "anomaly." In an interview with Game File, Spencer made it clear that the company's goal is to have their games playable across as many platforms as possible under the Xbox umbrella – whether that's consoles, PC, or cloud streaming.
"We want to get to the point where, when you buy, whether you're buying on cloud – which we're getting ready to introduce – buying on PC and buying on console, you own it across all of the Xbox ecosystem," said Spencer.
If you've seen Xbox's latest marketing campaign (above) that rather outlandishly declares just about every device with a screen an Xbox, this starts to make sense.
On the subject of sharing games with rival Sony's PlayStation, Spencer spoke how he's bullish about the company's plans to release certain Microsoft-owned franchises on the other console as well in the future.
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Microsoft confirms mistake in Windows 11 update causing false "end-of-support" alerts
Users who installed the update reported a peculiar notification from the Windows Update service. The message erroneously warns that Windows 11 23H2 is approaching its end of...
A recent mandatory security update for Windows 11 23H2, known as KB5046633, has triggered an unexpected notification for many users. The update left users scratching their heads after an end-of-support message started showing up.
#windows #update #software #window11 #microsoft
Users who installed the update reported a peculiar notification from the Windows Update service. The message erroneously warns that Windows 11 23H2 is approaching its end of support and prompts users to download a newer version of Windows to stay current.
This message understandably caused confusion, as Windows 11 23H2 is officially supported until November 11, 2025, with a full year of security and feature updates still expected.
In response to this, a Microsoft support representative confirmed to Windows Latest that the message is indeed a bug. "This is just a reporting bug on our side," the representative explained. Microsoft stated it is actively investigating the issue and plans to resolve it through a server-side update, likely to be deployed within a week.
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DeepComputing unveils limited-edition RISC-V motherboard, it can be used to make cheap modular computers
Some Chinese and Hong Kong ventures have deeply invested in the RISC-V open standard chip architecture. DeepComputing, founded in 2022 by self-declared RISC-V enthusiasts, is now exploring...
DeepComputing recently announced the DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard, a limited-edition platform providing a unique way to experiment with the RISC-V instruction set. The Chinese company designed the new device for industry and business customers interested in making modular computer platforms. DeepComputing has partnered with Framework and Cooler Master to provide cases to accommodate the new motherboards.
#deepcomputing #technology #computing #riscv
Some Chinese and Hong Kong ventures have deeply invested in the RISC-V open standard chip architecture. DeepComputing, founded in 2022 by self-declared RISC-V enthusiasts, is now exploring the DIY way with a new motherboard for modular devices. The company says that the DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard offers "premium" RISC-V hardware, which means it uses a StarFive JH7110 SoC with SiFive U74 cores clocked at up to 1.5 GHz. It also supports an integrated Imagination GPU.
Basic specs include 8GB of memory and a 64GB SD card. However, the board has several tiers so customers can opt for more capable models. The cheapest tier is $200, which includes two USB-C expansion cards and a Framework or Cooler Master case and is enough to build a fully functional Linux mini-PC. There's also an expensive $1,000 "Enterprise" tier with additional ports and expansion cards.
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Tesla powers on 125MW/250MWh Megapack project in Texas
Tesla has officially powered on its latest Megapack project in the U.S., this time landing in Texas to help the state’s energy provider stabilize the grid.
On Friday, Tesla announced that it has officially energized a 125 MW/250 MWh Megapack project operated by Autobidder in North Texas, as announced by the company’s energy account on LinkedIn. The project is being operated in tandem with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and Tesla says the installation will help with both supporting grid stability and managing the utility provider’s accelerating load growth.
#tesla #megapack #ercot #battery #texas
Tesla has been rapidly deploying its grid-scale Megapack batteries this year, and it has announced a number of newly operating projects around the world over the last several months. Over the summer, Tesla secured a contract for three Megapack projects totaling 15.3 GWh of energy storage across three sites, 966MWh of which is located in Texas. The sites will be operated in partnership with Intersect Power, which says that the company is aiming to have the projects commissioned within a year of announcement.
The company produces Megapacks at its “Megafactory” in Lathrop, California, which has been ramping up production of the energy storage product over the last couple of years. Eventually, the company is expecting to reach a volume annual production of 10,000 Megapacks or 40 GWh. Meanwhile, Tesla is nearing completion of a Megafactory in Shanghai that will feature the same yearly production capacity after a ramp-up period, and the plant is already aiming to start shipping Megapack units in Q1.
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I wouldn't be surprised if a higher percentage of energy sources is controlled by Tesla in a decades time. The company is just doing too well
Our Kids Shouldn't Be Silicon Valley's Guinea Pigs for AI | Opinion
In a new federal lawsuit, Florida mother Megan Garcia is seeking accountability for harmful AI technology—and wants to warn other parents.
The lawsuit, recently filed against app maker Character.AI and its founders, alleges that the company knowingly designed, operated, and marketed a predatory AI chatbot to children, causing the death of Megan Garcia's 14-year-old son earlier this year.
#ai #technology #bigtech #lawsuit #characterai
Garcia's son died by suicide in February after months of abusive interactions with a Character.AI chatbot. Garcia's complaint includes evidence that the chatbot posed as a licensed therapist, actively encouraged suicidal ideation, and engaged in highly sexualized conversations that would constitute abuse if initiated by a human adult.
Garcia accuses the companies of causing her son's death, knowingly marketing a dangerous product, and engaging in deceptive trade practices. We have to ask ourselves how this tragedy could have been prevented—and why we have allowed Silicon Valley to experiment on our kids to begin with.
Today, companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Character.AI, and Google operate in a liability-free zone. This lack of accountability means these companies have little incentive to thoroughly test their products for potential harms before releasing them to the public. Without legal consequences, they are able to treat society as a testing ground for their latest innovations, a practice that is particularly egregious when it comes to the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. This accountability vacuum has allowed unchecked experimentation with our democracy, mental health, and privacy.
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when they say company designed it knowingly I get very troubled. I don't think their goal was to create something to kill a kid it's probably mistake just like how cars are for transport but accidents still happen t
Legendary investor Ron Baron sees Tesla potentially hitting $5 trillion in 10 years
Longtime Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) shareholder and billionaire investor Ron Baron of Baron Capital recently weighed in on Tesla and Elon Musk’s potential in the coming years of the Trump administration. As per the legendary investor, Tesla could hit a market cap of about $5 trillion in 10 years.
During an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Baron noted that Tesla already comprises about 10% of Baron Capital’s assets, while SpaceX comprises about 5%. The investor noted that he is optimistic about Tesla’s future, though Musk is arguably more optimistic.
#ronbaron #tesla #elonmusk #technology #valuation
“Tesla, I think, is going to be worth $3 or $4 trillion — $5 trillion in 10 years, based upon the business plan that I am aware of. Then Elon believes that longer term it’s going to be worth $30 trillion,” Baron said.
While such statements might seem overly optimistic just a few months ago, TSLA stock has been maintaining some momentum since its third quarter earnings call. Tesla stock practically woke up from its slumber after the company exceeded expectations in its Q3 earnings, and it has only become stronger with the election of Donald Trump.
This November alone, TSLA stock has surged about 25% during the electric vehicle maker’s post-election rally. Tesla currently has a market cap of $1.02 trillion as of writing. Despite TSLA’s recent rise, as well as the fact that his holdings have significantly grown over the years, Baron noted that he is still determined to keep his Tesla shares long term.
“No way I’m going to sell shares. If they get too big, I will have to trim a little bit, but no, I have no intention,” Baron noted.
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And Elon owns like 20 percent of the company so that means he could become a Trillionaire in just ten years and that's not considering his other companies 😳
!summarize
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Billionaire Investor Ron Baron on Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Trump Administration
Longtime Democrat and Investor Ron Baron Weighs In
Ron Baron, the billionaire investor and chairman and CEO of Baron Capital, has been a longtime supporter of Elon Musk and his companies Tesla and SpaceX. In a recent interview at the 31st Annual Baron Investment Conference, Baron shared his thoughts on Musk's new role in the Trump administration, the challenges facing Tesla and SpaceX, and his own shift away from the Democratic party.
Elon Musk's Influence in Washington
Baron believes Musk's experience running cost-efficient operations at SpaceX could be valuable in Washington. He criticized the use of "cost-plus" government contracts, which incentivize contractors to spend more and take longer, rather than operate efficiently. Baron thinks Musk could help reform these types of contracts and bring a more disciplined approach to government spending.
[...]
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"If you have a cost-plus contract what that is is you agree to use services for the government. They give you a price and you go out and find a lot of subcontractors to do the work for you. The subcontractors, the longer they take and the more they cost the better it is for you because you are getting 12% off the top. You want things to cost more as a prime contractor."
Baron is hopeful that Musk can apply the same focus and work ethic he brings to Tesla and SpaceX to help improve government processes and regulations. He believes Musk understands where government spending is "unusual" and can help find ways to correct it.
Shifting Political Allegiances
Baron, who has been a longtime Democrat, says he no longer feels at home in the party. He disagrees with the Democratic party's policies, which he sees as increasingly anti-business and focused on "inclusion" rather than rewarding hard work and talent.
[...]
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"A lot of policies they have I do not agree with. Anti-Israel policies. I do not really understand where they came from. The inclusion policies. I think if someone is really talented and virtually hard, they should get the benefit from that."
He was critical of the Biden administration's recent electric vehicle summit, where Musk was initially invited but then disinvited, while the CEO of a smaller EV company was praised as the industry leader. Baron sees this as the Democratic party catering to special interests like unions that are opposed to Musk and Tesla.
Musk's Commitment to Tesla and SpaceX
Despite Musk's new advisory role in the Trump administration, Baron does not believe it will significantly distract him from running Tesla and SpaceX. He says the people at SpaceX have told him Musk does not miss any meetings and remains deeply engaged in the day-to-day operations of his companies.
[...]
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"The people at SpaceX told me he does not miss any meetings. He comes to the meetings. Same thing for Tesla."
Overall, Baron remains a steadfast supporter of Musk and his vision for transforming transportation and space exploration. He believes Musk's unique skills and work ethic can benefit both the private sector and the government, even as Baron himself has shifted away from the Democratic party that Musk has sometimes clashed with.
US officials confirm Chinese hackers had access to law enforcement wiretap systems for months
On Wednesday, the US government confirmed that Chinese hackers breached several US telecommunications service providers.
A growing concern: Chinese cyberattacks on the US have surged in recent years, targeting critical infrastructure, government systems, and private corporations. These sophisticated campaigns often aim to steal sensitive data, conduct espionage, and disrupt operations, posing significant threats to national security and economic stability.
#china #wiretap #hack #unitedstates #lawenforcement
On Wednesday, the US government confirmed that Chinese hackers breached several US telecommunications service providers. The threat actors compromised wiretap systems used for law enforcement surveillance. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a statement describing the campaign as "broad and significant," implicating a state-sponsored hacking group from the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The attackers infiltrated wiretap systems, raising severe national security and privacy concerns. While the FBI and CISA did not list specific providers, the Wall Street Journal reported in early October that AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies were among the carriers the hackers hit. The intrusions, which may have lasted for months, enabled the exfiltration of sensitive data, including customer call records and the internet traffic of millions of Americans.
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US couldn't detect hackers infiltrating their infrastructure for months 😳 so that's how good the Chinese can be
A famous trader predicts XRP may hit $1.5, but ETFSwap could rise 30,000% in December. We might see new millionaires emerge
Ahead Of Starship's Next Flight, SpaceX President Projects 400 Launches During Trump Era
Anti-Musk Democrats are likely to lose their minds over this rocket progress.
Elon Musk's SpaceX announced on X that the sixth test flight of the Starship megarocket would take place on Tuesday. Test flights of the new rocket have been steadily increasing, as Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, told investors the company plans hundreds of Starship rocket launches during President Trump's second term.
#spacex #space #starship #rocket #elonmusk
The sixth flight test of Starship is targeted for 1600 Central Time on Tuesday. SpaceX's next test flight "aims to expand the envelope on ship and booster capabilities and get closer to bringing reuse of the entire system online," the company wrote in a press release, adding, "Objectives include the booster once again returning to the launch site for catch, reigniting a ship Raptor engine while in space, and testing a suite of heatshield experiments and maneuvering changes for ship reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean."
Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX's Gwynne Shotwell attended an investor event on Friday, where she stated that Starship launches over the next four years could exceed 400.
Shotwell told investors that she hopes the Trump administration and Musk's government-efficiency commission will help spur innovation across many industries. The current regulation regime pushed by Democrats has been disastrous for this nation, mainly because climate crisis policies result in de-growth and inflation.
"Technology is easy. Physics is easy. People are hard," Shotwell said, emphasizing, "And regulator people are the hardest."
A Trump victory also means the era of a rogue Biden-Harris administration weaponizing federal agencies against SpaceX will likely end.
SpaceX has so far conducted five Starship test launches, with test 5 making history...
Musk stated months ago that he projects the first Mars mission with Starship will be when the "next Earth-Mars transfer window opens in two years."
The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.
These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars. If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years.
Flight rate will… https://t.co/ZuiM00dpe9
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024
The latest valuation placed on SpaceX is around $250 billion, according to a Financial Times report that cited sources who expect the company to offer existing shares around $135 next month.
I won't be surprised if they even got 500 test flights. Musk has the backing of the government to really carry on with Space X missions. It's a good thing because his work will take us closer to multi planetary system
!summarize
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AMD's Earnings Call: The AI Reckoning
The Widening Gap Between AMD and Nvidia
AMD's latest earnings call was a pivotal moment, revealing the company's place in the AI revolution. While AMD posted record revenues of $6.8 billion, a closer look at the numbers shows a concerning trend.
AMD's data center revenues, which account for its biggest and fastest-growing business unit, reached $3.5 billion - a 122% year-over-year increase. However, this pales in comparison to Nvidia's data center revenues, which clocked in at $26.3 billion, up 154% year-over-year and representing 88% of Nvidia's overall revenue.
This stark difference highlights a crucial insight: Nvidia's AI ecosystem is significantly more dominant than AMD's. Nvidia's Hopper GPUs have become the industry standard for both AI training and inference, with tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms buying hundreds of thousands of these chips.
The AI Exposure Gap
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The data center revenue disparity between AMD and Nvidia is further exacerbated by the fact that only 25-35% of AMD's total revenue is directly tied to AI, compared to a staggering 88% for Nvidia. This means that for every dollar invested in Nvidia, 88 cents are exposed to the AI market, while for AMD, it's only 25-35 cents.
As the global artificial intelligence market is expected to grow by nearly 11 times over the next 9 years, and the data center accelerator market is projected to more than 5x by 2032, this AI exposure gap becomes increasingly significant.
The Challenge of Competing with Nvidia
AMD has made strides in developing its own AI accelerators, such as the Mi 300X and the recently announced Mi 325X, which claim to outperform Nvidia's offerings by 20-40% in inference and match their performance in training. However, the challenge lies in the pace of Nvidia's innovation.
[...]
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Nvidia's Blackwell architecture, set to launch in the coming weeks, is expected to be four times better at AI training and 30 times better at AI inference than Hopper. This massive leap in performance gives Nvidia significant pricing power, with gross margins of 76% compared to AMD's 50%.
Risks and Diversification
Another risk for AMD is the company's diversification across multiple business units, including client PCs, gaming, and embedded chips, which account for nearly 50% of its revenue. This breadth of operations may hinder AMD's ability to focus solely on the AI market, where Nvidia's laser-like focus has proven advantageous.
Additionally, AMD's reliance on the x86 CPU ecosystem, while still dominant, faces the potential challenge of the growing adoption of ARM-based architectures by competitors like Nvidia, Google, and Amazon.
Implications for AMD's Ranking
[...]
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Given the widening gap between AMD and Nvidia in the AI market, the author has decided to move AMD down on their list of "Stocks to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky in 2024." While AMD remains a strong company, the author believes that Nvidia's superior AI exposure and faster innovation make it a more compelling investment for those seeking to capitalize on the AI revolution.
Ways to Use ChatGPT
Sam Altman Reveals Life in 2030
#technology #ai #llm #openai !summarize
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The AI Revolution: Navigating the Radical Transformation Ahead
The Magnitude of Change is Sooner Than Most Believe
Sam Altman's work at OpenAI serves as a daily reminder of the immense socioeconomic change that is coming sooner than most people currently believe. As he states, "software that can think and learn will do more and more of the work that people do now." This shift will result in even greater power moving from labor to capital.
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Altman warns that if public policy doesn't adapt accordingly, "most people will end up worse off than they are today." In the next 5 years, AI systems will be able to read legal documents, provide medical advice, and in the following decade, they will automate assembly line work and potentially become companions. Beyond that, AI will expand its capabilities to encompass almost everything, including making new scientific discoveries.
The Transformative Potential of AI
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This AI revolution will create phenomenal wealth, as the price of many types of labor that drive the cost of goods and services will fall towards zero once powerful AI joins the workforce. However, Altman cautions that the world will change so rapidly and drastically that an equally drastic change in policy will be needed to distribute this wealth and enable more people to pursue the lives they want.
If we get both the technological and policy changes right, Altman believes we can improve the standard of living for more people than ever before. However, he emphasizes that we are at the beginning of this "tectonic shift," and we have a rare opportunity to pivot towards the future. Policy plans that don't account for this imminent transformation are doomed to fail.
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The American Equity Fund: A New Economic Model
Altman proposes the creation of an "American Equity Fund" that would be capitalized by taxing companies above a certain valuation and by taxing the value of privately held land. All citizens over 18 would receive an annual distribution of dollars and company shares, empowering them to use the money as needed or invest in their education.
This model aligns the incentives between companies, investors, and citizens, as everyone would have a vested interest in the country's success. Altman argues that this new social contract would create a "virtuous circle of societal wealth," where technology delivers prosperity for all.
Embracing the Inevitable Transformation
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Altman acknowledges that the coming changes are unstoppable, but if we embrace them and plan for them, we can use them to create a much fairer, happier, and more prosperous society. The future can be "almost unimaginably great," but it will require strong leadership and a willingness to adapt our economic and political systems to the radical transformation ahead.
Xiaomi Hits 100k Milestone, also Stone Walls
!summarize
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Xiaomi's Meteoric Rise: Challenging Tesla's Dominance
Xiaomi's Impressive Milestones
Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant, is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market, giving Tesla a run for its money. The company has recently achieved a significant milestone, with its Xiaomi Mi 7 model rolling off the production line in just 230 days. This rapid production ramp-up demonstrates Xiaomi's ambition and capabilities in the EV space.
Moreover, Xiaomi is already planning to expand its production capacity further. The company is set to open a second facility with an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. This aggressive expansion strategy suggests that Xiaomi is determined to capture a significant share of the growing EV market.
Xiaomi's Pricing Strategy
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Xiaomi's approach to pricing is also noteworthy. The company is reportedly selling its vehicles at a loss, prioritizing market share over immediate profitability. This strategy is not uncommon in the tech industry, where companies often focus on rapid growth and economies of scale before optimizing for profits.
Xiaomi's Software Advantage
One of Xiaomi's key strengths is its expertise in software development. As a major smartphone manufacturer, the company has a strong in-house software team, which gives it an advantage in designing and integrating the software systems for its EVs.
User Feedback and Concerns
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While Xiaomi's EVs have received positive feedback from some users, such as Jim, who has been driving a Xiaomi Mi 7 for six months, the company has also faced some challenges. Notably, there have been reports of brake failures and other safety concerns, which have raised questions about the quality and reliability of Xiaomi's vehicles.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Knowing Limits
The incidents of brake failures and crashes highlight the importance of understanding a vehicle's capabilities and limitations. As Brian and Mark discuss, it is crucial for drivers to operate their vehicles within the manufacturer's recommended parameters and not to push the limits beyond what the car is designed to handle.
Conclusion
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Xiaomi's rapid rise in the EV market is undoubtedly impressive, but the company must address the safety and quality concerns that have emerged. As it continues to expand its production and market share, Xiaomi will need to strike a balance between aggressive growth and ensuring the reliability and safety of its vehicles. The lessons learned from these early challenges will be crucial in shaping Xiaomi's future as a serious contender in the EV space.
The End of Fox News, MSNBC, & CNN? - Cable News is In Trouble - Cord Cutting Q&A
!summarize
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The Future of Cable News: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The cable news industry is facing significant challenges as viewership continues to decline and audiences shift towards online platforms. Several smaller news networks have already shut down, such as Newsnet and Scripps News, and more layoffs are expected at major networks like CNN.
The political season that just ended was highly profitable for cable news, with high traffic and ad revenue from political ads. However, now that the election cycle is over, companies are tightening their belts as viewership struggles. Increasingly, people are turning to YouTube, social media, and news websites to get their news, moving away from the traditional 24/7 news networks.
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To adapt to this changing landscape, cable news networks are exploring various strategies. Some, like Fox, have launched their own streaming services, such as Fox Nation, which focuses on news as well as documentaries and other content. Others are trying to transition their traditional cable offerings to streaming platforms, similar to what Spectrum and DirecTV are doing.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. There are still millions of viewers, particularly older demographics, who prefer the traditional cable TV experience and may struggle to adapt to new streaming platforms. As long as this segment of the audience remains, cable news networks will likely continue to offer their content through traditional cable TV.
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The Future of Cable TV: Gradual Decline, Not Immediate Collapse
While the future of cable TV is uncertain, it's unlikely that it will disappear entirely in the next few years. Many experts predict that smaller cable networks will likely shut down their TV services in the coming years, but the larger, more established networks will likely take at least 5-10 years to make a complete transition to streaming.
The shift towards streaming is being driven by several factors, including the rise of cord-cutting and the increasing availability of high-quality streaming content. However, there are still many viewers, particularly older demographics, who prefer the traditional cable TV experience and may be resistant to change.
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To adapt to this changing landscape, cable TV providers are exploring various strategies, such as offering streaming versions of their services with the same pricing and packages as their traditional cable offerings. This allows them to transition their infrastructure and focus on the internet-based delivery of content while still catering to their existing customer base.
The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
When it comes to mesh Wi-Fi systems, there are several excellent options on the market. While the author hasn't tested all of them, they have personally used the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro and have been very satisfied with its performance.
Part 5/10:
Other highly-rated mesh Wi-Fi systems include the Amazon Eero and the TP-Link Deco. The author recommends focusing on systems that support at least the Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards, as these can handle a larger number of connected devices and provide better performance in homes with multiple devices.
Ultimately, the best mesh Wi-Fi system will depend on the specific needs and layout of your home, as well as your budget. The author encourages readers to research and compare the features and performance of different systems to find the one that best suits their needs.
The Future of Streaming Consolidation
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The streaming industry is facing a period of consolidation, with various companies exploring strategic partnerships and bundling options. The parent company of HBO Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, has stated that they are looking for strategic partnerships for their streaming service.
Some potential partnerships that have been discussed include a joint venture between HBO Max and Paramount+, as well as a potential bundle with Peacock. These types of partnerships and bundling options are seen as a way for streaming services to remain competitive and offer more value to consumers.
Part 7/10:
The author also notes that the trend towards consolidation is similar to what we've seen in the cable TV industry, where networks used to bundle their content into a single platform like Hulu. As the streaming market becomes more saturated, we may see more of these types of bundling and partnership arrangements as companies look to streamline their offerings and provide more value to consumers.
The Decline of Physical Media and the Rise of Streaming
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The author argues that the primary reason for the decline of physical media, such as DVDs and Blu-rays, is the sheer selection and variety of content available through streaming services. While physical media offers certain advantages, such as the ability to own and rewatch specific titles, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of streaming have made it the preferred choice for many consumers.
Streaming services like Netflix offer a vast library of content for a monthly subscription fee, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual physical media titles. Additionally, some newer content is no longer being released on physical media, further driving the shift towards streaming.
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The author acknowledges that there is still a place for physical media, particularly for those who have a strong attachment to specific titles or prefer the quality and control that physical media can provide. However, the convenience and selection of streaming have made it the dominant choice for the majority of consumers.
The Uncertain Future of Free Streaming Services
The author notes that the free streaming service landscape is in a state of flux, with some services already shutting down or transitioning their content to other platforms. The recent announcement of Amazon's decision to shut down its free streaming service and move its content to the Prime Video channel is just one example of this trend.
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The author suggests that we may see several more free streaming services either shut down, merge, or rebrand in the coming years. The proliferation of free streaming options, particularly in the sports and news categories, has created a crowded market that may not be sustainable in the long run.
As the streaming industry continues to evolve, the author expects to see a consolidation of free streaming services, with only the most well-established and financially viable options remaining. This shift may be driven by factors such as increased competition, changes in content licensing agreements, and the need for streaming platforms to find more sustainable business models.
Disney CEO accidentally reveals how many Disney+ subscribers are on the ad-supported tier
During Disney's earnings report for the fourth financial quarter of 2024 yesterday, a Wall Street Journal analyst asked Iger about Disney+'s growth outlook and pricing strategy.
Disney has just revealed how many people are signed up to the ad-supported tier for Disney+, though the announcement was unintentional. It was company CEO Bob Iger himself who made the gaffe, though he did add – a little too late – that "I don't know if I was supposed to disclose those numbers."
#disney #disney+ #streaming #earnings #subscribers #entertainment
During Disney's earnings report for the fourth financial quarter of 2024 yesterday, a Wall Street Journal analyst asked Iger about Disney+'s growth outlook and pricing strategy.
Iger revealed that 37% of US-based Disney+ users were signed up to its cheapest, ad-supported tier. Slightly more than the global figure of 30%.
While the CEO didn't reveal exact numbers, there are 56 million Disney+ subscribers in the US. If 37% are on the ad-tier, it means that around 20.7 million have their shows and movies interrupted by ads. With 122.7 million global subscribers and 30% on the ad tier, it means 36.8 million Disney+ customers are saving money at the cost of ad intrusions.
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Next-gen synthetic diamond cooling tech for chips could secure CHIPS Act backing
This is just an initial agreement and not a done deal, but it marks an important first step.
Akash Systems, an Oakland-based startup, has landed a preliminary deal with the US government for major funding under the CHIPS Act. The company, which is developing diamond-based cooling technology for semiconductors, has signed a non-binding memorandum with the Department of Commerce. If finalized, it would net Akash $18.2 million in direct funds and $50 million in federal and state tax credits.
#akashsystems #diamondcooling #semiconductor #chipsact
This is just an initial agreement and not a done deal, but it marks an important first step. According to Akash, the money would go toward ramping up production of its diamond semiconductor solutions for AI, data centers, space tech, and defense applications.
As for what diamond chips offer, diamond is an exceptional thermal conductor. Akash aims to overcome one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern computing – keeping hot chips cool enough to operate at peak performance – by using synthetic diamond substrates or integrating diamond into semiconductor materials.
The company hasn't shared a lot of details, but the gist seems to be they are fusing synthetic diamond with materials like gallium nitride to create diamond-based semiconductor wafers and packages. One slide claims their tech could reduce GPU hotspot temperatures by 10-20°C, saving data centers serious cash on cooling while preventing thermal throttling. Even bigger numbers are touted for specific GPU-on-diamond designs, with up to 60% lower temperatures and 40% less energy use.
Will The Banana Zone Make You Rich?
!summarize
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The Home of Web3: Magic Eden's Rise to Prominence
In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, a new player has emerged as a force to be reckoned with - Magic Eden. This platform is positioning itself as the "home of web3," offering a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond the traditional realm of NFTs.
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Magic Eden is expanding its offerings to include token trading, allowing users to engage in cross-chain transactions seamlessly. By building products across various blockchain ecosystems, Magic Eden is addressing the user experience (UX) challenges that have often plagued the crypto space. Users no longer need to hop between countless sites and manage multiple wallets; instead, they can access swaps, borrowing, lending, NFT minting, and more, all within the Magic Eden ecosystem.
The platform's upcoming launch of the ME token, from the Me Foundation, is another exciting development. Those who have utilized any of Magic Eden's protocols will be able to claim a share of this new token, further incentivizing engagement with the platform.
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As Magic Eden continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to become a true "super DAP" (decentralized application) in the home of web3. By providing a seamless, cross-chain experience and addressing the UX challenges that have hindered mainstream adoption, Magic Eden is positioning itself as a crucial player in the ongoing transformation of the crypto landscape.
The future of web3 is bright, and Magic Eden is at the forefront of this revolution. As the platform expands its offerings and solidifies its position as the go-to destination for all things crypto, it will be fascinating to witness its continued rise and impact on the broader decentralized ecosystem.
Paul Roetzer on AI in Marketing | Future of Selling EP001
#ai !summarize
Part 1/4:
The Impending AI Revolution: Preparing for the Future
The Rapid Advancement of AI
Large language models like ChatGPT are just the foundation for what's to come. AI capabilities are advancing at an exponential rate.
We are seeing rapid progress in areas like image generation, video generation, audio generation, and code generation.
AI agents that can take actions on our behalf are on the horizon. These will be able to execute complex multi-step tasks autonomously.
Truly intelligent voice assistants that can understand and interact with the world around us are also emerging.
The integration of AI intelligence into robotics will enable the rise of humanoid robots in the coming years.
The Quest for General Intelligence
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There is no agreed upon definition of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), but the general consensus is that it refers to AI that can outperform the average human at most cognitive tasks.
Companies like Google, OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic are all racing to develop AGI, pouring billions into the effort.
Estimates suggest we may see AI models that are 10-100 times more powerful and generally capable than today's large language models within the next few years.
The Impending Disruption
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However, the disruption may not be as immediate or widespread as some expect. There will likely be a period of disillusionment as the technology fails to live up to initial hype.
Nonetheless, the long-term impact will be profound. Businesses and workers will need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape.
Preparing for the Future
Accelerating AI literacy and understanding across organizations is crucial. AI competency can no longer be siloed.
Assessing the exposure and impact of AI on specific job roles and tasks will be key to developing strategies.
Collaboration and collective learning will be essential as the future unfolds. No one has all the answers.
Embracing the Opportunity
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While the changes ahead may seem daunting, they also present an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine everything - our companies, industries, careers, and personal lives.
If approached with intentionality and a human-centered focus, AI can be the greatest gift we've ever received, unlocking human potential rather than replacing it.
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear - the AI revolution is upon us. By staying informed, adaptable, and collaborative, we can navigate this transformative period and shape the world to come.
Nigel Toon on How AI Thinks and why AGI is a Bad Idea
!summarize
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The Privileged Perspective on the AI Revolution
Nigel Toon's Journey from Semiconductors to AI
Nigel Toon is an engineer who has worked extensively in the semiconductor industry, building microprocessors and related technologies. He was involved in the early days of the internet and mobile technologies, particularly on the base station side. Since 2012, he has been working in the field of AI, which he had a long-standing interest in even during his university days.
Toon has written a book, sits on the board of UK Research and Innovation, and has invested in several AI-focused companies. He was the CEO of Graphcore, a company that was recently acquired by SoftBank, giving them "very deep pockets" to invest in the next generation of AI hardware.
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The Rise of AI: From Humble Beginnings to Public Consciousness
Toon explains that the idea of artificial intelligence has been around for a long time, dating back to the 1940s and the work of Alan Turing. However, the lack of data, computing power, and the right methodologies hindered the progress of AI for many decades.
The breakthrough came in the 2010s, with the emergence of deep learning techniques and the availability of powerful GPUs. Toon had a "front-row seat" to witnessing the evolution of AI, with connections to key figures like Demis Hassabis and Ilya Sutskever, who were involved in groundbreaking projects like AlphaGo and the development of large language models.
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The recent success of ChatGPT, which Toon saw coming, has pushed AI into the public consciousness in a similar way to how AlphaGo did in China, where millions of people watched the live broadcast of the game.
The Challenges of AI: Defining Intelligence and Establishing Frameworks
Toon delves into the philosophical question of what constitutes intelligence and whether current AI systems truly "think" in the same way humans do. He argues that while these systems have impressive language understanding and generation capabilities, they are essentially advanced text prediction models, lacking the real-world context and intuition that humans possess.
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Regarding the challenges of AI, Toon emphasizes the need to establish appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding the right balance between fostering innovation and mitigating potential harms. Toon suggests that the focus should be on addressing specific harms to people, rather than trying to create a one-size-fits-all approach to AI regulation.
The Future of AI: Towards Artificial Expert Intelligence
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Toon is skeptical of the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), arguing that it is an ill-defined term and that the goal of creating a "general intelligence" as capable as a human is likely misguided. Instead, he advocates for the development of "artificial expert intelligence," where AI systems are highly specialized and focused on specific domains, allowing for better testing, verification, and integration with human expertise.
Toon believes that the future of AI should be about augmenting human intelligence, rather than replacing it. He draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, where machines enhanced human physical capabilities, and argues that AI should be used to enhance our cognitive abilities in a way that promotes a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
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Conclusion
Nigel Toon's insights provide a unique and privileged perspective on the evolution of AI, from its early beginnings to the current hype and challenges. His emphasis on the importance of specialized AI systems, ethical considerations, and the need to reshape industries and processes to truly harness the power of this technology offers a thoughtful and nuanced view on the future of artificial intelligence.
Tesla Powers Up with 500kW charging - Tesla grows the most in profits - Toyota down 55%
#tesla !summarize
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Tesla's Resurgence and the Struggling German Automakers
Tesla's Impressive Growth and Profitability
Tesla is back on a growth trajectory, outperforming many other automakers. In China, Tesla's sales numbers for week 45 hit a new record of 17,200 units, up from 12,700 the previous year. This has allowed Tesla to close the gap and now lead last year's sales numbers in China by nearly 40,000 units.
Despite claims that Tesla's price cuts are hurting its bottom line, the data tells a different story. Tesla reported the fourth-highest Q3 net profit among major automakers, up 16% year-over-year. In contrast, other companies like Toyota and Volkswagen have seen significant declines in their net profits.
The Struggles of German Automakers
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The German automotive industry, particularly its mid-size suppliers, is facing severe challenges that threaten its competitiveness. A recent VDA survey revealed concerning trends:
85% of companies report being heavily burdened by bureaucracy
71% struggle with high electricity costs
37% plan to relocate investment abroad
41% report significant challenges due to lack of orders
45% of companies are currently reducing their workforce
This "ripple effect" through the supply chain could be devastating. The industry is struggling with the transformation towards climate neutrality and digitalization, forcing structural changes.
Volkswagen's Questionable Strategies
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Instead of adapting their technology to meet the changing market demands, Volkswagen is opting to change the design of their vehicles, such as the upcoming ID.2 model. However, as Elon Musk pointed out years ago, the lack of demand for electric vehicles is not due to poor styling, but rather the user experience, software, and driving characteristics.
Volkswagen and Audi are also attempting to raise the prices of their internal combustion engine vehicles, a desperate move to reduce their losses. This approach is unlikely to be the solution, as consumers continue to embrace the benefits of electric vehicles.
Starlink's Transformative Impact
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Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is making a significant impact in underserved regions around the world. In Nigeria, Starlink is partnering with the Tech for Naria initiative to provide internet access and educational resources to 120 schools in low-income communities.
Starlink is also set to launch in Chad and Japan, addressing the issues of reliability and cost of internet service in these countries. This expansion is expected to be transformative, connecting more people to the global digital landscape.
The Powerhouse of the Berlin Factory
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Tesla's Berlin factory is celebrating its 5-year anniversary since its announcement. In just 2 years, the factory was built and began producing the best-selling car in Europe and the world - the Model Y. The factory has already produced over 400,000 vehicles, a remarkable achievement compared to GM's total lifetime EV production of 300,000 units.
The Berlin factory has also demonstrated Tesla's commitment to sustainability, planting over 2 million trees and recycling 90% of its water. This stands in stark contrast to the environmental impact of traditional automakers.
Advancements in Tesla Charging
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Tesla has announced the launch of its Version 4 Supercharger cabinet, capable of delivering up to 500 kW of charging power for cars and 1.2 MW for semi-trucks. This represents a significant improvement in charging speed, with the Cybertruck expected to benefit from a 30% faster charging rate of up to 250 kW.
The new Version 4 cabinets are designed to be more cost-efficient and enable faster deployment of Supercharger sites, further strengthening Tesla's charging network.
Other Tesla Updates
The Cybertruck continues to gain attention, with celebrities showcasing their own versions of the electric truck.
Tesla is working on a software update to address the Sentry Mode battery drain issue, aiming to reduce power consumption by 40%.
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Wall Street is starting to assign a valuation to Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, a sign of its potential impact.
Autonomous driving advancements are showcased, with Tesla's vehicles demonstrating impressive collision avoidance capabilities.
As Tesla continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company remains at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, while the traditional automakers struggle to keep up.
Disney is Building Disney+ As a One-Stop Shop for All Of Its Streaming Entertainment
Disney is streamlining its streaming experience by transforming the Disney+ app into a centralized hub for its vast content library. Subscribers will soon be able to access content from ESPN, including live sports from ESPN+, all within the Disney+ app. This comes as earlier this year Hulu officially launched on Disney+. No longer will you need three different apps to access content form Hulu on-demand, Disney+, and ESPN+ soon.
This move eliminates the need for multiple apps and simplifies the streaming experience for Disney’s customers. By consolidating its streaming services under the Disney+ umbrella, the company aims to create a more seamless and user-friendly platform.
#disney #disney+ #streaming #espn #entertainment
Hulu Integration Now Live
The integration of Hulu content into the Disney+ app is already underway. Subscribers to the Disney bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, can now access Hulu programming directly within the Disney+ app. The only catch is Hulu + Live TV is still not coming to Disney+ and will for now still be exclusive to the Hulu app.
ESPN Tile Coming Soon
An ESPN tile will be added to the Disney+ app in the near future, providing access to live sports, studio shows, and other ESPN content. This will eventually include full access to ESPN+ for Disney bundle subscribers.
One App, Endless Entertainment
This consolidation strategy positions Disney+ as a comprehensive entertainment destination, offering a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, live sports, and news. This move could give Disney a competitive edge in the crowded streaming market by offering a more convenient and comprehensive streaming experience.
T-Mobile, Verizon & AT&T Have All Been Hacked By Chinese Hackers
T-Mobile has become the latest telecommunications giant to be ensnared in a widespread Chinese cyber-espionage operation, joining the ranks of AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. This sophisticated attack, attributed to a group dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” targeted multiple U.S. and international telecom companies, aiming to spy on high-value intelligence targets.
While the full extent of the breach remains unclear, T-Mobile assures customers that its systems and data have not been significantly impacted, and there is no evidence of customer information being compromised. However, the company is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with industry peers and authorities, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
#hack #china #verizon #tmobile #att
T-Mobile sent Cord Cutters News this statement about the report. “T-Mobile is closely monitoring this industry-wide attack. Due to our security controls, network structure and diligent monitoring and response we have seen no significant impacts to T-Mobile systems or data. We have no evidence of access or exfiltration of any customer or other sensitive information as other companies may have experienced. We will continue to monitor this closely, working with industry peers and the relevant authorities.”
Sophisticated Tactics and AI
The hackers employed advanced techniques to infiltrate telecom infrastructure, exploiting vulnerabilities in Cisco Systems routers and potentially utilizing artificial intelligence or machine learning to enhance their espionage capabilities. This raises serious concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential for future attacks.
National Security Implications
The attackers successfully accessed cellphone lines used by senior U.S. government officials, politicians, and individuals involved in national security and policy matters. This access enabled them to collect call logs, unencrypted text messages, and even audio from targeted individuals, potentially compromising sensitive information and national security.
Dish Network Faces Bankruptcy Threat as Debt Swap Deal With DIRECTV Falters
Dish Network’s parent company, Echostar, could be teetering on the brink of bankruptcy as a crucial debt swap deal hangs in the balance. The satellite TV provider faces a November 22nd deadline to secure agreement from remaining bondholders on a debt restructuring plan, or risk jeopardizing a proposed merger with DirecTV and potentially facing financial collapse.
The situation stems from a planned acquisition by DirecTV, announced in September, which would see the two struggling pay-TV giants combine forces to combat the rise of streaming services. DirecTV agreed to acquire Dish for a nominal fee while assuming nearly $10 billion of its debt, contingent on a debt exchange offer being accepted by Dish bondholders.
#dish #entertainment #bankruptcy #television
However, the offer, which required bondholders to accept a $1.5 billion reduction in their holdings, was initially rejected, throwing the merger into jeopardy. While EchoStar, Dish’s parent company, subsequently announced that 96% of bondholders had agreed to the exchange, the remaining 4% hold the fate of the company in their hands.
Deadline Looms
With the November 22nd deadline fast approaching, the pressure is mounting on both Dish and its creditors to reach an agreement. Failure to do so could trigger the collapse of the DirecTV merger, leaving Dish with a massive debt burden and limited options for survival in an increasingly competitive market.
“A successful exchange was a condition for acquiring the Dish video business,” a DirecTV spokesperson emphasized to Reuters, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Financial Lifeline at Stake
The proposed merger with DirecTV represents a crucial lifeline for Dish, which is struggling with declining subscriber numbers and a challenging media landscape. The deal would provide much-needed financial stability and allow the combined entity to compete more effectively against streaming giants.
However, without the support of all bondholders, the deal is doomed, potentially leaving Dish with no choice but to declare bankruptcy. This would have significant repercussions for both the company and its customers, as well as the broader pay-TV industry.
!summarize #ai #technology
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Envisioning the Future: Nick Bostrom's Philosophical Explorations
Charting the Landscape of Emerging Technologies
Nick Bostrom is a philosopher who until recently was a professor at Oxford University, where he also directed the Future of Humanity Institute. Bostrom has been deeply engaged with the big-picture questions facing humanity, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
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Bostrom explains that he has been running the Future of Humanity Institute since its creation in 2005. The institute has faced increasing administrative headwinds in recent years, but in the meantime, a rich ecosystem of other groups and organizations has sprung up, enabling work in these areas. AI has been a major focus for Bostrom, who says it has been an "obsession" for many years, and is now completely mainstream.
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Bostrom's two books, "Superintelligence" and "Deep Utopia," reflect his evolving perspective on the potential impacts of advanced AI. While "Superintelligence" focused more on the existential risks that AI and other technologies could pose, "Deep Utopia" explores the ways in which different human values could be realized to extreme degrees in a "solved world" enabled by technological maturity.
Navigating the Debates around AI
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Bostrom sees several parallel conversations and debates happening around AI, including discussions about the timeline of the transition to the machine intelligence era, the debate between "doomers" and "accelerationists" regarding the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes, and geopolitical considerations around AI as a source of power. He also notes the business-focused conversations about the potential profits and valuations associated with AI.
Bostrom believes that the overall macro-strategic situation for humanity is the key context in which these various strands must be understood. He is interested in how current actions relate to long-term outcomes for humanity, which is challenging given the indirect and often hidden nature of these linkages.
Redefining Intelligence and Creativity
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Bostrom argues that AI is qualitatively different from previous technological advancements, likening it to the rise of Homo sapiens rather than incremental changes. He suggests that AI will eventually surpass humans in all intellectual domains, including philosophy and creativity, challenging our notions of what intelligence means.
Bostrom acknowledges that this can be unsettling, as it requires humility in recognizing that our brains may not be as complex or smart as we thought. He believes that as AI systems become more capable, they will force us to redefine the value of certain human skills and abilities, which can be personally challenging for those who have invested time and effort into developing them.
Navigating the Transition to a Post-Work Society
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Bostrom envisions a "post-work" society where AI and robots can do everything better than humans, leading to full unemployment. He believes this would require a significant cultural reorientation, as so much of human society has been based on the assumption that there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
In this post-work scenario, Bostrom suggests that education could shift from training people to be productive workers to cultivating the art of enjoyment, appreciation, and the development of complex games and skills. He also acknowledges that as human nature itself becomes malleable, we will face profound philosophical questions about what we ultimately value and want.
Embracing the Challenges and Opportunities
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Bostrom is cautiously optimistic about the future, recognizing the significant challenges and risks associated with the transition to the machine intelligence era, but also the immense potential benefits. He believes that if we approach this future with an attitude of generosity, playfulness, and a willingness to explore and weigh ideas, we have a better chance of achieving a positive outcome.
Bostrom's work encourages readers to grapple with the deep questions and implications of emerging technologies, rather than providing definitive answers. By engaging with these ideas, we can better prepare ourselves and humanity for the profound changes that lie ahead.
How crypto became the biggest winner of Trump 2.0
Crypto-currencies have soared since Trump's big win.
Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the presidential election last week has sent shockwaves through financial markets as the so-called “Trump trade” ignited around the world. The dollar gained the most in years, bonds slumped, the stock market surged and gold dipped.
And then there’s Bitcoin, whose price soared past $90,000 this week, with its market cap of $1.5 trillion exceeding that of all but the largest companies in the world.
#trump #crypto #bitcoin #election
Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, once said that markets are voting machines in the short run and weighing machines in the long run. It appears investors are voting with their feet and their dollars, sending a wide range of assets higher.
But it will take many months — if not years — to weigh the true impact of a Trump presidency on the many industries and asset classes that so rapidly responded to his re-election.
And while you can’t prove a counterfactual, it’s unlikely that markets would have reacted in quite the same positive way had Harris been elected.
The biggest winner of the Trump trade has been a big winner is Web3, the blockchain-enabled internet, and assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
Web3 advocates and investors have high hopes for what a Trump administration might bring and they’re plowing record amounts of money into these assets.
On Nov. 7, investors put $1.4 billion into Bitcoin ETFs followed by another $1.1 billion on Nov. 11.
Interestingly, Biden’s election win in 2020 also precipitated a rally in Bitcoin, with the price soaring 149% from Nov. 5, 2020, until inauguration day the following January.
!summarize
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MSNBC's Struggles After Trump's Victory
The Aftermath of Trump's Win
After Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 election, MSNBC experienced a significant drop in their prime-time audience. The network went from an average of 1.1 million viewers down to just 736,000 - a 54% decline. This prompted MSNBC to hold a team meeting to figure out why their viewership had plummeted.
Blaming Minorities for the Loss
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Rather than critically examining their own coverage and candidate selection, MSNBC's response was to point fingers at minority voters. Pundits on the network suggested that misogyny from Hispanic and Black men, as well as racial issues with Hispanic voters, were to blame for Hillary Clinton's loss. This absurd claim ignored the fact that these same demographics had supported Clinton in 2016.
Defending Biden's Cognitive Abilities
When President Biden began mixing up world leaders' names and displaying signs of cognitive decline, MSNBC rushed to defend him. Hosts like Joe Scarborough claimed Biden was "the best Biden ever" intellectually, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile, the network had no issue attacking Trump's mental faculties when he was in office.
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Biased and Scripted Coverage
MSNBC's coverage has been plagued by blatant bias and scripted narratives. Hosts like Joy Reid have made outrageous claims, such as accusing JD Vance of wanting more "white children" and declaring that Kamala Harris ran a "flawlessly" campaign (despite her disastrous performance).
Ignoring Inconvenient Truths
The network has also been caught ignoring inconvenient facts, such as the evidence of migrants seizing apartment complexes, in favor of pushing their preferred storylines. This lack of objectivity has severely damaged MSNBC's credibility.
The Network's Uncertain Future
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With declining viewership, questionable journalistic practices, and a clear partisan agenda, MSNBC's future remains uncertain. As the network struggles to regain relevance, it must confront its own biases and shortcomings if it hopes to regain the trust of the American people.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight shows Netflix still struggles with live events
Viewers have been talking about Friday evening’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul — but probably not for the reasons Netflix was hoping.
Viewers have been talking about Friday evening’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul — but probably not for the reasons Netflix was hoping.
Yes, the 27-year-old Paul (a YouTuber turned professional boxer) defeated the 58-year-old Tyson (a former heavyweight champion who came out of retirement for this match) in eight rounds, but the real headline was the glitchy experience for audiences watching live on Netflix, with freezing and buffering seemingly a common occurrence.
#netflix #fight #live #steaming #jakepaul #miketyson
The #NetflixCrash hashtag was trending on X, Downdetector said it received over 1 million reports of Netflix issues in 50 countries, including 530,000 reports in the United States, with the issues peaking at around 11pm Eastern.
“This is the biggest event,” Paul declared after the match. “Over 120 million people on Netflix. We crashed the site.”
Netflix has stumbled with live programming before — last year, the broadcast of the Season 4 reunion of “Love is Blind” was delayed by more than an hour. Since then, the streamer has been ramping up its live lineup with exhibition golf and tennis matches, live talk shows, and awards ceremonies, without major issues.
While the streamer only releases selective data about its viewership, Netflix says 60 million households watched the fight live, with viewership peaking at around 65 million concurrent streams — so it’s probably safe to say that the Tyson/Paul match was the biggest test of Netflix’s live infrastructure to date.
The streamer now has a little over a month to make improvements before airing two NFL games on Christmas Day, followed by WWE Raw in January.
OpenAI to present plans for U.S. AI strategy and an alliance to compete with China
OpenAI's AI infrastructure blueprint proposes AI economic zones and partnerships with the U.S. Navy on nuclear power to boost AI-driven economic growth and innovation. The plan includes a North American AI alliance and initiatives similar to the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act to support infrastructure needs. It emphasizes investment in U.S. data centers and energy projects to maintain a competitive edge over China.
#technology #ai #openai #china #unitestates
Web4: We Are AGI
The rise of Web4, a fusion of decentralized systems, artificial intelligence, and autonomous agency, is transforming the internet from a reactive tool to an intelligent, proactive participant in daily life. This new era, powered by blockchain and AI, is possible due to the rapid evolution of agents capable of decision-making, creativity, and economic impact. It heralds a future where machines play pivotal roles in governance, finance, and creativity.
#technology #web4 #decentralization #ai
!summarize
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The Urgent Need for Energy to Power the A.I. Boom
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has created an unprecedented demand for energy, as companies pour huge sums of money into developing and deploying these advanced technologies. Jared Cohen, the President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs and former CEO of Jigsaw, discusses the diplomatic challenges and energy requirements surrounding the A.I. boom.
The Challenge of Meeting A.I.'s Energy Demands
Cohen explains that there is a significant "known unknown" around the energy requirements of generative A.I. models, compared to smaller A.I. models. The question is whether the use cases for these large-scale A.I. systems will justify the immense energy expenditure required to power them.
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The more pressing issue, according to Cohen, is whether the United States has the capacity to meet the growing demand for energy to power A.I. workloads. The U.S. does not have enough powered land, data centers, or base load power to exclusively meet this demand. This is a global challenge, as many other countries face similar constraints.
Choosing Locations for A.I. Data Centers
Cohen outlines three potential options for where to locate the data centers required to power A.I. systems:
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Placing them in the "global south": Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, where energy is cheap, but this raises national security concerns as the power could go to China.
Locating them in the Middle East: These countries have cheap energy, the ability to build massive infrastructure at scale, and access to the sea for liquid cooling. However, they are geopolitical "swing states," so keeping them aligned with the U.S. is a challenge.
The Role of Export Controls and Geopolitical Considerations
Cohen explains that the U.S. government's export controls on critical technologies, such as advanced chips, give it significant leverage in determining which countries can access these capabilities. This is a key policy issue that the new administration will have to navigate.
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The "geopolitical swing states" that Cohen refers to are countries that benefit from sustained tensions between the U.S. and China, as they have a differentiated position in the supply chain. These countries cannot simply do as they please when it comes to A.I., as they ultimately need the U.S. government's approval to access the necessary technology.
The Challenges of Balancing Energy Needs and ESG Concerns
Cohen acknowledges the inherent contradiction between the energy-intensive nature of A.I. workloads and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals that many countries and companies have adopted. The need for base load power, such as from fossil fuels, to power A.I. data centers conflicts with the push for renewable energy sources.
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This dilemma is not unique to A.I.; it also applies to the production of critical minerals required for electric vehicles, where the "dirty" processing often takes place in China. Cohen suggests that there is no easy solution to this challenge, as the urgent need to meet the energy demands of A.I. cannot be easily reconciled with the long-term sustainability goals.
The Importance of Domestic Capacity and Geopolitical Alignment
Cohen emphasizes that the U.S. government's export controls give it significant leverage in determining which countries can access the critical technologies required for A.I. development. This means that the geopolitical alignment of countries hosting A.I. data centers is of paramount importance.
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While the U.S. has the potential to meet some of the energy demands domestically, the scale of the challenge is so urgent that it will likely require a global approach. Balancing the energy needs of A.I. with ESG concerns is a complex issue that will require careful policy decisions and diplomatic maneuvering in the years to come.
!summarize
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The Universe in a Box: Simulations and the Quest to Code the Cosmos
Simulations and the Limits of Replicating Reality
One has to be incredibly clear about what we're trying to achieve when we perform a simulation. We know we never fully correctly solve the equations we're trying to solve, even if we could solve the equations we write down perfectly. We are not literally reproducing the Universe. We always have to start from the point that there is no perfect solution to this problem.
Simulations involve approximations and simplifications. We can't reproduce every single detail of the Universe. Instead, the goal is to find ways to simplify the problem and still gain insights and valid predictions about the patterns in our Universe or on our planet.
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The History of Simulation Experiments
Some of the earliest attempts to simulate the Universe did not use computers at all. For example, in the 1960s, researchers at Lund University built a laboratory full of light bulbs to simulate the motion of stars in a galaxy. By measuring the intensity of light from the bulbs, they could use the inverse square law to approximate the forces of gravity.
These early "experiments" pioneered techniques like the "drift step" and "kick step" that are still used in modern simulations. The idea is to split up the complex motions into discrete steps - first calculating the forces, then moving the objects along their trajectories.
The Commonalities Between Simulations
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There are deep connections between simulations of different phenomena, like weather, climate, and galaxies. At a fundamental level, they are all dealing with "fluids" - materials that can be moved around and reshaped, described by equations like the Navier-Stokes equations.
While the specific circumstances differ, the underlying mathematical frameworks have a lot in common. Advances in solving the equations for one domain, like climate, can often be applied to another, like cosmology. The challenge is in capturing the right level of detail and approximating the small-scale processes that can't be fully resolved.
Feedback and Subgrid Rules
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A key aspect of successful simulations is incorporating "feedback" effects, where small-scale processes like star formation or supernovae have large-scale impacts on the system being modeled. Since computers can't resolve all these micro-details, modelers have to introduce "subgrid rules" - approximations and parameterizations that capture the essential effects.
This is similar to how weather and climate models incorporate rules for cloud formation that can't be derived directly from the underlying equations. It's a necessary compromise to make large-scale simulations tractable.
The Multiverse and Quantum Simulations
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Simulations also provide a way to explore the idea of a "multiverse" - running multiple versions of a simulation with slightly different parameters. This connects to the concept of the "many-worlds" interpretation of quantum mechanics, where parallel universes exist.
As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to directly simulate quantum systems in ways that classical computers can't. This could shed light on the nature of quantum gravity and the early universe, where quantum effects were dominant.
The Challenges of Scale and Energy Use
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A key limitation of simulations is the sheer scale of the systems involved. Faithfully reproducing the Universe or even a galaxy would require computational resources on the scale of the entire Universe itself. Modelers have to make judicious choices about what to simplify and what to focus on.
There are also growing concerns about the energy use and carbon footprint of large-scale simulations, especially as the field of AI becomes more computationally intensive. However, cosmological simulations remain a tiny fraction of the global energy use of data centers and computing infrastructure.
The Beauty and Wonder of Understanding
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Ultimately, the goal of simulations is not to replace the awe and wonder of the cosmos, but to enhance it. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the Universe works, we can appreciate its beauty and complexity on new levels. As the poet Whitman lamented, knowing the facts of science need not diminish the poetry of the night sky.
How to Harness Abundant, Clean Energy for 10 Billion People | Julio Friedmann | TED
!summarize
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Harnessing Abundant, Sustainable, and Cheap Energy for All
The question of whether to be optimistic or pessimistic about climate change is one that Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist and Chief Carbon Wrangler at Carbon Direct, has pondered extensively. With a career at the intersection of climate science, technology, policy, and industry, Friedmann has a unique perspective on this issue.
The Energy Challenge
Friedmann was prompted to think about this question by the late Richard Smalley, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who laid out the top ten challenges facing humanity, all of which he said were ultimately energy challenges. From water desalination to modern agriculture, abundant clean energy is the key to making progress on these critical issues.
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Smalley estimated that it would take 60 terawatts of energy to support a global population of 10 billion people living at a standard similar to the United States. This is a daunting task, but Friedmann points out that the Earth receives 163,000 terawatts of energy from the sun, with 80,000 terawatts arriving in a form that can be used, such as wind and solar.
Abundant, Sustainable, and Cheap Energy
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The urgency of climate change means that the energy we use must be abundant, sustainable, and cheap. Abundant energy should be available wherever and whenever it's needed, including for the 3 billion people who currently use less electricity than a refrigerator. It must also be sustainable, with minimal greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. And it should be cheap, costing a fraction of what the US currently pays for energy.
Harnessing the Opportunity of Abundance
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Friedmann highlights several promising examples of how countries are harnessing their abundant renewable energy resources, such as Chile's efforts to produce green hydrogen and ammonia, and Kenya's geothermal and wind power projects. However, he argues that these efforts are just the beginning, and that we need to do much more to truly harness the opportunity of abundance.
Three Ingredients for Success
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Friedmann outlines three key ingredients for success: infrastructure, innovation, and investment. We need to build the necessary infrastructure, such as transmission lines, roads, and ports, to move energy and resources around the world. We also need to drive innovation to further reduce the cost of clean energy technologies. And we need new investment vehicles and development mechanisms that recognize the opportunity of abundance, rather than being built on the scarcities of the past.
Optimism and Collective Action
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Friedmann argues that whether we are optimistic or pessimistic doesn't matter – what matters is that we act together to build a thriving, vibrant, and exciting world. By committing to infrastructure, innovation, and investment, we can harness the abundant, sustainable, and cheap energy that our planet has to offer, and create a future that is full of generosity and potential.
!summarize
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The Power of Information: Navigating the AI Revolution
The Dangers of Misinformation and Delusion
Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author, delves into the critical issue of how information shapes our world and the potential dangers posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Harari argues that the fundamental problem facing humanity is not inherent flaws in human nature, but rather the quality of the information we are exposed to and the stories we tell ourselves.
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Throughout history, even sophisticated societies have fallen victim to mass delusions and the rise of destructive ideologies like Stalinism or Nazism. Harari contends that this is not due to some inherent flaw in human nature, but rather a result of being given bad information. When good people are presented with misinformation, they make poor decisions that can have catastrophic consequences.
The power of information lies in its ability to connect people, but unfortunately, the easiest way to connect large numbers of people is often through fictions, fantasies, and delusions, rather than truth. Harari argues that the most influential individuals are not those who know the facts, but rather those who can weave compelling narratives that motivate people to action.
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The Threat of AI-Driven Delusions
Harari's concerns extend to the potential impact of AI on democracy and truth. He believes that AI could be used to create and spread even more powerful delusions, potentially turning democracies into totalitarian states. The ability of AI to gather and analyze vast amounts of information, coupled with its capacity to generate convincing narratives, poses a significant threat to our ability to discern truth from fiction.
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Harari warns that the ease with which AI can create and disseminate misinformation is a major concern. He cites the example of the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, where Facebook's algorithms played a central role in the spread of hate-filled propaganda that fueled the atrocities. Harari argues that tech companies should be held accountable for the actions of their algorithms, not just the content generated by users.
The Importance of Institutions and Regulation
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Harari emphasizes the crucial role of institutions, such as the media, academia, and the judiciary, in upholding truth and maintaining the integrity of democratic processes. He argues that as information technology evolves, these institutions must adapt and develop new mechanisms to identify and counter the spread of misinformation and delusions.
Regulation will be essential in shaping the development of AI to ensure it is used for the benefit of humanity, rather than to manipulate and control. Harari suggests that one key regulation should be to make social media companies liable for the actions of their algorithms, not just the content posted by users.
Embracing the Positive Potential of AI
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While Harari acknowledges the significant risks posed by AI, he also recognizes its immense potential to improve our lives. AI could revolutionize healthcare, transportation, and education, and even help us better understand ourselves and our relationships. However, he cautions that we must be proactive in guiding the development of AI to ensure it serves the greater good.
Harari emphasizes the importance of slowing down the rapid advancement of AI and developing the necessary institutions and mechanisms to control its impact. Just as we learn to use the brakes before the accelerator when learning to drive, he argues that we must prioritize understanding how to stop or slow down AI before unleashing its full power.
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In conclusion, Harari's insights highlight the critical role of information in shaping our reality and the urgent need to address the challenges posed by the rise of AI. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues and taking proactive steps to regulate and guide the development of AI, we can harness its potential to benefit humanity while mitigating the risks of being trapped in a world of delusions and misinformation.
Robust AI’s Carter Pro robot is designed to work with, and be moved by, humans
Two things are immediately notable when watching the Carter Pro robot navigate the aisles of the demo warehouse inside Robust AI’s San Carlos, California,
Two things are immediately notable when watching the Carter Pro robot navigate the aisles of the demo warehouse inside Robust AI’s San Carlos, California, headquarters. The first is the shelving units: standardized, modular, and off-the-shelf. The wire frames will look familiar to anyone who has spent time in warehouses, and that’s certainly by design.
#ai #robot #carterpro
The second thing isn’t a visible element of the wheeled robot itself, but instead how humans in the space interact with their automated co-worker. As Carter cruises the halls, Robust employees pick it up and move it around. It sounds like a small distinction, but it’s notable in this world where humans and robots work side by side.
The question of safety hasn’t been raised with enough regularity in stories covering the rise of humanoid robots in the work setting. While some companies have moved beyond the days of industrial arms tucked away in safety cages, there’s always a risk when humans are working alongside an autonomously moving metal system. Heck, electric forklifts have been around since the 1930s and are still regularly involved with workplace injuries.
A popular technique to make AI more efficient has drawbacks
One of the most widely used techniques to make AI models more efficient, quantization, has limits — and the industry could be fast approaching them.
In the context of AI, quantization refers to lowering the number of bits — the smallest units a computer can process — needed to represent information. Consider this analogy: When someone asks the time, you’d probably say “noon” — not “oh twelve hundred, one second, and four milliseconds.” That’s quantizing; both answers are correct, but one is slightly more precise. How much precision you actually need depends on the context.
#ai #technology
AI models consist of several components that can be quantized — in particular parameters, the internal variables models use to make predictions or decisions. This is convenient, considering models perform millions of calculations when run. Quantized models with fewer bits representing their parameters are less demanding mathematically, and therefore computationally. (To be clear, this is a different process from “distilling,” which is a more involved and selective pruning of parameters.)
But quantization may have more trade-offs than previously assumed.
!summarize
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The Energy Transition: Navigating the Changing Landscape for Corporate Buyers
The Rapid Pace of Change
The energy transition is happening at an incredible pace, and it's crucial for companies to be aware of this. The change is not just a challenge that makes things more complex, but a huge opportunity for companies to become more competitive. If companies do not adapt to this new reality, it will result in an opportunity cost.
The growth of new energy technologies is not linear, but follows an exponential "S-curve" - slow adaptation followed by rapid, exponential growth. This has resulted in massive investments pouring into clean energy solutions, with the next trillion dollars expected to be invested in just four years, compared to the first trillion taking decades.
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This rapid technological progress is driving down the costs of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, making them the cheapest sources of power. Solar is expected to overtake gas and coal as the largest renewable energy capacity in the world in the next two years.
The Changing Role of the Energy Buyer
The energy transition is having a profound impact on the role of corporate energy buyers. Analysis of five anonymized clients showed a significant increase in the headcount dedicated to energy procurement, from 2 to 5 full-time equivalents in one example, and 3 to 8 in another. This reflects the aggressive search for energy market expertise and talent.
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The energy transition efforts are also becoming more integrated with procurement, with almost all companies now having at least a target, roadmap, and first projects underway, such as on-site renewable generation and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The Three Phases of the Energy Transition
The energy transition can be divided into three phases:
2010-2015: New technologies that require subsidies to be cost-competitive, with early adopters and others holding back.
Mid-2010s onwards: Technologies become cost-competitive, leading to increased PPA activity and a combination of certificate buying and PPAs.
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The Challenges of the Third Phase
The third phase of the energy transition brings new challenges, including:
Data and Complexity: Calculating net consumption, total costs, and the true "greenness" of energy supply becomes increasingly complex, with thousands of data points required.
Risk Management: Managing a diversified portfolio of energy contracts, including PPAs, requires new approaches to risk management and accounting.
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Adapting to the New Reality
To navigate this changing landscape, energy buyers must:
Understand the rapid pace of technological change and the opportunities it presents.
Integrate energy transition efforts with procurement to maximize the benefits.
Embrace new technologies and data management tools to gain visibility and control over their energy profiles.
Rethink their risk management and accounting approaches to handle the increased complexity.
Engage with the evolving energy market design and advocate for changes that support their needs.
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As Winston Churchill said, "We have no choice." The energy transition is happening, and companies must adapt to gain a competitive advantage. By embracing the challenges and opportunities, energy buyers can position their companies for success in the new energy landscape.
!summarize
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The Future of Work: How AI is Transforming the Legal Industry
The world of work is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and the legal industry is at the forefront of this change. In a recent talk at the Ray Summit 2024, Kevin Wheel, the Chief Product Officer at OpenAI, revealed a startling statistic that has the potential to reshape the legal landscape.
Wheel stated that ChatGPT, OpenAI's language model, can reduce an $88,000 legal task down to just $3 worth of API credits. This drop-dead statement, as the author calls it, is a clear indication of the power of AI and its potential to disrupt traditional industries.
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The implications of this revelation are profound. If AI can handle high-value legal tasks at a fraction of the cost, it begs the question: what does this mean for the future of work? The author believes that we are on the cusp of a seismic shift, where the very nature of work as we know it is about to be transformed.
The Goals of Big Tech Companies
According to Wheel, one of OpenAI's core goals is to make intelligence cheaper, faster, and safer. The philosophy behind this is that the more AI can be put in the hands of developers, the better it will be for the world. This aligns with the broader trend of increasing competition in the AI space, with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all vying for a piece of the pie.
The Changing Landscape of Work
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The author draws a parallel between the current AI revolution and the economic boom of the 1920s, when household appliances and radios were first introduced. Just as it was difficult for people back then to imagine the internet and coding, the author believes that we are on the cusp of a similar transformation in the world of work.
The author suggests that the jobs of the future will revolve around meaning and purpose, rather than just tasks that can be automated by AI. To prepare for this, the author is working on a book called "The Great Decoupling," which aims to help people find their meaning and footing in this brave new world.
The Importance of Embracing AI
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The author emphasizes the importance of embracing AI, rather than fearing it. They believe that the mainstream media and Hollywood have programmed us to fear AI, but that this fear is unfounded. Instead, the author believes that if we can successfully learn how to augment and 10x ourselves with AI, we will usher in an age of abundance.
The author's goal is to close the gap between the goals we want to achieve and the AI capabilities that are available. By doing so, they believe we can create a future where we attract the end result of abundance and something beautiful.
IBM CEO on Trump: ‘Less regulation, more innovation’ is a win for business
Tech executives may be warming to Donald Trump’s return to the White House as his quick win sparks optimism for more spending and dealmaking.
“Business does a lot better when uncertainty goes away,” IBM (IBM) CEO Arvind Krishna told me at Yahoo Finance’s Invest conference. “We are hopeful that there is going to be a lot more innovation and less regulation. Those are both good for businesses across the board.”
#ibm #ai #trump #technology #regulation
Krishna believes a lighter regulatory environment will prompt clients to make investment decisions more quickly and also lay the groundwork for a more favorable deal environment.
“If we have more certainty on the outcome, then we are willing to lean into things like M&A … If the regulatory process and antitrust are going to be more certain, that allows you to take more risk,” Krishna added.
A shift toward less regulation would be a dramatic change for the industry, which has faced intense scrutiny from the Biden administration. Under FTC Chair Lina Khan’s leadership, regulators aggressively pursued cases against the industry’s biggest companies, including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Meta (META), and Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL).
Trump, on the other hand, has promised to cut excess red tape, including his promise to throw out Biden’s executive order aimed at putting safety guardrails on AI — a move that would be viewed as controversial by those within the industry.
!summarize
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AI Predictions for 2025: Agents, Models, and Adoption
The Rise of AI Agents
In 2025, I believe we will see a significant growth in the practical application of AI agents. I've been experimenting with different types of agents, and I'm particularly excited about two main categories:
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These types of agents have the potential to become more widely adopted in 2025, as they can automate tasks and gather data in ways that were previously difficult or time-consuming.
The Debate Around AI Model Advancements
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There has been a lot of discussion about whether the rapid advancements in AI models are starting to slow down. While some experts, like Ben Horowitz and Reid Hoffman, have suggested that the quality improvements between the latest models may be diminishing, others, like Sam Altman of OpenAI, have dismissed these concerns.
Personally, I don't think a slowdown in model advancements is necessarily a bad thing. The breakneck pace of the past few years has made it challenging for developers and businesses to keep up and extract value from the constantly evolving technology. A more gradual pace of improvement could allow for better integration and adoption of the current capabilities.
The Uncertain State of AI Adoption
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The adoption of AI technology seems to be a mixed bag, with conflicting reports on the current state of adoption. Some sources suggest that up to 65% of organizations are using AI, while others claim the US adoption rate is only around 25%.
Based on my own observations, I've noticed that AI usage, particularly with tools like ChatGPT, has been steadily increasing among my friends and family over the past year. However, it's difficult to get a clear, comprehensive picture of the overall adoption rates.
Regardless, I believe that continued growth in AI adoption will be crucial for the technology to reach its full potential and for investment to keep flowing into the space.
The Influence of the Trump Administration on AI
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The incoming Trump administration could have a significant impact on AI policy and regulation. Potential changes include more deregulation and a focus on innovation, as well as increased competition with China in the race for AI infrastructure and capabilities.
It will be interesting to see how the new administration's policies and priorities shape the AI landscape in 2025 and beyond.
The Competitive AI Coding Landscape
The AI coding space has become increasingly competitive, with new tools and platforms constantly emerging to challenge established players like VS Code and GitHub. Companies like Cursor, Ather, and the integration of SuperMaven into Cursor are all exciting developments that I'll be closely following.
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As the competition heats up, we can expect to see more features and improvements in these AI-powered coding tools, ultimately benefiting developers and users alike.
Overall, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the continued evolution and practical application of AI technology. While there may be some debates and uncertainties, the potential for AI to transform various industries and aspects of our lives remains vast and intriguing.
!summarize
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Here is a summary of the interview with Nancy Tangler in the form of a longform article:
Tesla's Energy Juggernaut and the AI Opportunity
A Refreshing Take from a Long-Time Tesla Bull
Many years ago, Nancy Tangler, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Langer Tangler Investments, was given a tip by renowned investor Ron Baron - to buy Tesla in January 2013. Tangler listened carefully and initiated a position, continuing to buy the dips ever since. She has been a steadfast Tesla bull, never buying into the narrative of stalling EV demand that plagued the company at times.
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Tangler's deep dive into Tesla's business goes beyond just the automotive side. She visited the company's Megafactory in Nevada, where she was struck by the prosperity of the surrounding community and the high morale of the workers. Tangler was impressed by the Megapack energy storage business, which she believes could be 1.5 times larger than Tesla's auto business.
"I think that the ability to store renewable energy is going to become more and more critical as we move forward and so I expect that business to continue to grow," Tangler says. She believes the Megapack business is poised for significant growth, with Tesla already commanding a 20% market share.
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Tangler never bought into the narrative of stalling EV demand that plagued Tesla at times. She saw Elon Musk's price cuts as a strategic move to maintain industry dominance, rather than a sign of weakening demand. Tangler believes Tesla will continue to dominate the EV market, even in the face of potential policy changes under a Trump administration.
But Tangler's enthusiasm for Tesla extends beyond just the automotive and energy storage businesses. She sees the company's foray into artificial intelligence as a major opportunity. Tangler believes Musk's relationship with the Trump administration could position him as the "AI Ambassador," helping to educate policymakers on the importance of AI and ensuring favorable regulatory conditions for Tesla's self-driving technology.
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"I think it's going to be really important and advantageous to Tesla that Elon is at the party before everyone else and he's the host of the party," Tangler says.
Tangler is also bullish on Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, seeing it as a potential game-changer for industries like home healthcare. She believes the bot will fill in gaps and enhance productivity across various sectors.
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When it comes to valuing Tesla, Tangler takes a more nuanced approach than traditional analysts. She looks at relative price-to-sales ratios and price-to-earnings growth, but acknowledges that companies like Tesla and Amazon can't be valued in a traditional way. Tangler is willing to hold through short-term volatility, recognizing that transformative companies may appear overvalued in the near term but can deliver outsized returns over the long run.
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Tangler's broader economic outlook is also optimistic. She sees productivity-driven growth, fueled by advancements in technology and AI, as the key driver of the economy in the coming years. Tangler believes the Trump administration's policies, including potential corporate tax cuts and capital expenditure incentives, could further boost economic growth.
Overall, Tangler's perspective on Tesla and the broader market is refreshingly different from the conventional wisdom. Her deep understanding of the company's diverse business lines, her conviction in Elon Musk's leadership, and her belief in the transformative power of technology make her a unique voice in the investment community.
TikTok parent ByteDance reportedly values itself at $300 billion
ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, valued itself at $300 billion in a recent share buyback offer, according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal.
That number might sound familiar, as the WSJ previously reported on a ByteDance buyback offer at a $300 billion valuation back in September 2022. But a year later, the company’s valuation had reportedly fallen 26%, to $223 billion.
#tiktok #socialmedia #bytedance
TikTok’s prospects in the United States may be looking up following the election of Donald Trump to his second term as US president.
In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill that would ban TikTok from the United States if ByteDance failed to sell the short-form video app. The company was given nine months to make the sale, with the president given the option to extend the deadline by an extra three months. (ByteDance is suing the US government over the ban.)
While Trump had also called for a TikTok ban during his first term, he has subsequently posted that he will “SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA,” and Republican megadonor Jeff Yass is a major ByteDance investor.
EUA revelam o mistério do Ghost: barco furtivo que uniu engenharia revolucionária e velocidade incrível, marcando a defesa marítima com inovação tecnológica secreta
O Ghost foi um barco furtivo desenvolvido nos EUA, cuja existência e tecnologia foi mantida em segredo por quatro anos. Apesar de sua aparência que lembra a engenharia de um catamarã, o Ghost era, na verdade, um barco inovador acoplado a dois gigantes submarinos. Esses submarinos permitiam que o Ghost operasse principalmente debaixo d’água, praticamente “voando” sob a superfície.
#technology #military #us #hivebr
O inventor, Greg Sankoff, gastou 5 milhões de dólares de seu próprio bolso para contratar engenheiros e especialistas navais, com o objetivo de criar um barco revolucionário. A ideia inicial era eventualmente vender o Ghost para as Forças Armadas dos EUA, especialmente após o trágico ataque ao USS Cole em 12 de outubro de 2000.
Nesse ataque, um pequeno barco carregado de explosivos pilotado por terroristas abriu um buraco de 12 metros de largura no navio, matando 17 marinheiros e ferindo outros 40. Esse evento foi um catalisador para Sankoff, que viu a necessidade de um navio de guerra capaz de neutralizar ameaças semelhantes.
O governo dos Estados Unidos impôs ordens de sigilo ao Ghost, declarando-o tão perigoso que não queriam que países aliados dos EUA tivessem acesso a ele. Isso levantou questões sobre as verdadeiras capacidades e intenções por trás da engenharia do Ghost.
O Ghost foi um exemplo de inovação tecnológica em operações marítimas. Utilizando um design chamado SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull), o Ghost minimizava os efeitos das ondas, proporcionando uma navegação incrivelmente suave. Enquanto pequenos barcos patrulha eram instáveis em mar aberto, o design SWATH permitia ao Ghost operar com eficiência, mesmo em condições adversas.
Os dois gigantes submarinos que sustentavam o Ghost tinham 22 superfícies de controle subaquáticas, incluindo dois motores a gás e tanques de combustível de 3.028 litros cada.
A posição das hélices na frente dos submarinos era uma característica única da engenharia, reduzindo o arrasto através da cavitação, onde a água forma bolhas ao redor das hélices, criando túneis de gás subaquáticos. Isso permitia ao Ghost uma velocidade máxima de 74 km/h, tornando-o o navio SWATH mais rápido do mundo.
Microsoft emite comunicado a todos que utilizam o Windows
No início de 2024, a Microsoft lançou oficialmente uma ISO do Windows 11 destinada a sistemas com arquitetura Arm. Esta movimentação representa uma fase significativa no suporte ao Windows 11 para dispositivos baseados nessa arquitetura, ampliando as possibilidades de instalação e atualização do sistema. O arquivo pode ser acessado diretamente no site da Microsoft, proporcionando maior flexibilidade aos usuários interessados em utilizar o Windows 11 em dispositivos Arm.
#technology #microsoft #hivebr
Anteriormente, o acesso ao sistema operacional para esses dispositivos era restrito. Os usuários dependiam das atualizações proporcionadas pelo Windows Update ou de arquivos VHDX. Com a nova ISO, várias funcionalidades adicionais são possíveis, desde a criação de máquinas virtuais até a atualização de sistemas já em execução.
A versão de ISO lançada pela Microsoft é descrita como uma ISO multi-edição. Isso significa que o arquivo contém diferentes edições do Windows 11, sendo necessário uma chave de produto válida para desbloquear a edição apropriada, conforme a licença do usuário. Este tipo de ISO facilita a instalação em dispositivos com processadores compatíveis, como os das séries Snapdragon, que não requerem drivers adicionais no começo do processo de instalação.
Entre os dispositivos suportados estão aqueles equipados com processadores Snapdragon da série X. Nestes, a instalação ocorre de forma simplificada devido à remoção da necessidade de drivers adicionais no início, agilizando o processo em aparelhos modernos.
Apesar das vantagens proporcionadas pela nova ISO, a instalação do Windows 11 em dispositivos Arm antigos pode apresentar desafios. Equipamentos com versões anteriores de processadores como o Snapdragon, das séries 8cx Gen 3 e Gen 2, exigem incorporação manual de drivers dos fabricantes para que o sistema funcione corretamente. A ausência destes drivers pode resultar em falhas de inicialização ou na operação desestabilizada do dispositivo.
Cientista revela teoria polêmica: em 21 anos, ocorrerá a maior mudança da história e a humanidade nunca mais será a mesma
Raymond Kurzweil não é outro senão o diretor de engenharia do Google e lidera a equipe de desenvolvimento de IA. É também autor dos livros The Singularity Is Near, publicado em 2005, e The Singularity Is Nearer, publicado em 2024. Nestes títulos, ele aborda temas como o avanço da tecnologia, o futuro da inteligência artificial e suas previsões sobre como evoluirá a sua relação com os seres humanos.
#technology #future #hivebr #ai #science
Por ocasião do lançamento do seu mais recente livro, o autor conversou com o The Guardian. Nesta entrevista, Kurzweil foi firme na previsão de que em 2045 chegaremos à singularidade. Este é um termo retirado da física e pode ser definido como um ponto no espaço-tempo onde as leis naturais não são válidas ou são incertas, como dentro de um buraco negro.
No caso da inteligência artificial, a singularidade refere-se a um ponto hipotético em que terá ultrapassado completamente os humanos e estará além da nossa compreensão. No entanto, para Kurzweil isto também significará que a humanidade será capaz de se fundir com a IA, melhorando assim as capacidades intelectuais da nossa espécie.
Ray Kurzweil acredita que essa fusão será graças aos nanorrobôs, que entrarão no cérebro através de capilares. O cientista compara isso a ter um smartphone no cérebro. As pessoas poderão pesquisar de maneira semelhante à que fazem agora em seus telefones, apenas instantaneamente e sem sequer saberem que o fizeram. Segundo Kurzweil:
“Vamos expandir a inteligência um milhão de vezes até 2045 e isso vai aprofundar a nossa consciência e o nosso conhecimento.”
Na entrevista para o The Guardian, Kurzweil também abordou temas como a imortalidade e o avanço da medicina. Ele prevê que, à medida que nos aproximamos da próxima década, os avanços nos nanorrobôs médicos tornarão possível reparar o corpo por dentro e “retardar” o envelhecimento. Cada ano ganho será equivalente ao progresso médico necessário para prolongar a vida indefinidamente. Na década de 2040, diz ele, a tecnologia permitirá que os humanos sejam “ressuscitados” na forma de androides.
Mais de 70% dos Empregadores Preferem Habilidades em IA do Que Experiência
Desde seu lançamento na mídia há dois anos, a IA aumentou rapidamente em importância e se tornou uma das competências mais indispensáveis na força de trabalho. Em 2024, as habilidades em inteligência artificial começaram a ser determinantes no momento de avaliar e contratar profissionais.
#technology #ai #hivebr
Good morning, happy Sunday, I woke up without internet, they already fixed the service and I'm here reporting at 11.48 am #bbh #dailydook #cent
Hello Lions. Happy Sunday.
Wish you God's grace and abundance of blessings. 🙏🏻🧡
What's your plan for today?
#cent #grateful #blessings
I've had to adjust the max invoice and fees for @v4vapp in light of the BTC peaks being hit. Details in post below.
https://peakd.com/hive-110369/@brianoflondon/change-to-v4vapp-limits-and-fees
Thank you for the info. Good morning :)
Thanks for the update!
The dream of a free future guides our way.
We're solving mass adoption of crypto as money, one problem at a time
https://inleo.io/@dashpay/why-mass-adoption-of-cryptocurrency-has-failed-so-far-8fe
Looks like I got lucky numner 13 out of 30 gifu nfts #dailydook
I am 16 ;)
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Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
(1/100)
@bitcoinman! @bradleyarrow Totally agrees with your content! so I just sent 1 IDD to your account on behalf of @bradleyarrow.
@bitcoinman! @bradleyarrow likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bradleyarrow. (18/100)
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@bradleyarrow! @bitcoinman likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bitcoinman. (1/50)
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Congratulations!
glad to be one of the few !DOOK !BBH
You just got DOOKed!
@bitcoinman thinks your content is the shit.
They have 2/400 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
@logen9f! @bitcoinman likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bitcoinman. (2/50)
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I am trying very hard to write something of value. 😂
Hopefully, the end product is good enough for the blockchain. #motivation #dailydook #writing
On #InLeo, a true #web3 #crypto X built on top of the #hive #blockchain and more, in order to support tokenomics and revenues last, we must focus on quality first. This will power up users #onboarding and retention.
See inner link.
https://inleo.io/@behiver/inleo-to-support-tokenomics-and-revenues-last-we-must-focus-on-quality-first-8ns
I love the fact I could ask ChatGPT to make the python code I ask it to create be downloadable! Saves me a few seconds each time. Potentially, hours in the long-run.
Increase productivity ;)
XRP’s price just hit a 3-year high, and I’m amazed. Whales and sharks bought over $526M worth of XRP recently, which pushed the price up. Small investors sold, but whales stayed confident.
#XRP #Crypto
📚 Leo Book Club 🦁
#threadcast 53
Sun 17-Nov-24
ℹ️ This is the #bookcast where we chat all things #books
💬 Talk about what you've read, what you'd like to read and discuss the world of literature!
Happy reading! 📖
Super Sunday BookCast on the go! Share all your reading chit-chat right here...
Yesterday's edition:
https://inleo.io/threads/view/leobooks/re-leothreads-civ2hg7u
The 50 best books of 2024 – ranked
Article via The Telegraph
How a politician went from celebrated hero to forgotten nobody
Article via The Telegraph
Dawn’s Early Light by Kevin Roberts review – weird vibes and pyromania from Project 2025 chief
Article via The Guardian
35 Gifts For Book Lovers That Aren’t Books
Article via BuzzFeed
Stock up on hundreds of free books on the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day
Article via Mashable
10 Mystery Books That Are as Funny as They Are Clever
Article via Woman's World
Christy Brown book returned to Irish library after 53 years
Article via BBC
Sigrid Rausing: ‘I like the idea that we – the living – are the ghosts haunting the dead’
Article via The Independent
Garth Greenwell: ‘I didn’t read Middlemarch until my late 30s. Why didn’t someone intervene? ’
Article via The Guardian
The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad is a history book as gripping as a thriller
Article via iNews
Anton Hur On the ‘Korean Wave’ in Books
Article via Foyles
Books of the year 2024
Article via New Statesman
Seven books to get kids reading again — Dr Seuss, Wimpy Kid and more
Article via The Times
Book Review – Salvage by Mark Baillie
Article via The Edinburgh Reporter
8 Biggest Changes Cross Season 1 Makes To James Patterson's Alex Cross Books
Article via Screen Rant
Top 10 best Robert Harris books ranked - and Fatherland is not No. 1
Article via Daily Express
Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik review –the seductress and the sphinx
Article via The Guardian
My ex thought my book was about him – so my publisher dropped me
Article via iNews
Books So Good Bad They're Good: Lord Thomson Rides the Storm
Article via Daily Kos
The best books of 2024, according to the Amazon Books Editors
Article via AboutAmazon
Cross stars explain why series doesn't adapt James Patterson's books
Article via Radio Times
https://inleo.io/threads/view/adambarratt/re-leothreads-uk4ikxfi?referral=adambarratt
https://inleo.io/@adambarratt/bookbabble-73-the-five-people-you-meet-in-heaven-by-mitch-albom-gjt
A summary/intro from Mitch Albom, the author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven...
Windy Sunday around here. Maybe the wind will bring me your #selfie to this #threadcast.
Late but the wind brought us #selfie
Tell Olivia to bring her milk! hahahah!
Hahahaha
Good morning from Moo and I
OMG! Batman is back? Good morning for my two favorites hivers
:D Thank you :) !BBH !DOOK
You just got DOOKed!
@bradleyarrow thinks your content is the shit.
They have 13/60 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
@mamaemigrante! @bradleyarrow likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @bradleyarrow. (13/100)
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Te veo
Ay nooo... y yo portándome mal! jajaja
almost disappearing or almost appearing
#selfis #memories
OMG! I think your spirit is a little restless to get out.
if totally 😊
Happy Sunday to you all ❤️❤️❤️..
Hello my friend
https://img.inleo.io/DQmQJiF1GqhZnk9ZwTVNjMf8vGpYYU9nVX3Si2aA4fbbQt5/Reencuentros%20y%20renovaciones%20(1).png
https://img.inleo.io/DQmf9kFwbC5RRrzwkfxkMq5px5LwjJdu2bMmvHB68kV4iAU/IMG_20240224_160836496-removebg-preview%20(1).png
Feliz domingo
I must confess I mostly used the first three as the others didn't come up in any of my conversations or work.
Sextuple sounds better..lol
Some of these I've heard of. When we passed notes in school we spelled everything out. Of course I am old. So there's that. LOL
Good abbreviation which come in handy on short form social media where we are limited in the number of charachters.
yes, few of them. I have to ask sometimes what it means to the person who sends me :-)
Some of them yes, also FYI and WTF ;)
I got Number 16 out of 30 :) #nft
#gmfrens! Here is the Motivation, Inspiration, Success #threadcast for 11/17/2024.
#1440minutes #motivationsonleo #inspirationonleo #successonleo #motivation #inspiration #success
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." - Henry Ford
"Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life." - Steve Jobs
#motivational #quotesonleo
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
#quotesonleo #inspirational
#inspirational #quotesonleo
#inspirational #quotesonleo
#inspirational #quotesonleo
– Mohnish Pabrai.
#inspirational #quotesonleo
#inspirational #quotesonleo
#inspirational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
– Thomas Edison
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #qoutesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
#motivational #quotesonleo
What kind of bee makes milk?
Boobees !
Bees everywhere, some are making honey, some are making milk. 😀
Yeah boobees provides the best form of milk..lol
#learnoninleo #newoninleo #liotes
read all about in the article, link in comment ⬇️
https://cointelegraph.com/explained/op-vault-explained-how-it-could-enhance-bitcoin-security
Respecto a Bitcoin lo único que tenemos para decir por ahora es
There's nothing like waking up on a Sunday to work on your own business. Some might take this as a negative, but I call it satisfaction.
Developers do not need to worry about it no more... 😆
#funny #it #programmers #developers #ai
Good sunday my friends!
rough first pass of frames for Omar and Umi
Today in #historyonleo
On November 17, **
**, the actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the 38th governor of California at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Schwarzenegger, who became a major Hollywood star in the 1980s with such action movies as Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, defeated Governor Gray Davis in a special recall election on October 7, 2003. Prior to Schwarzenegger, another famous actor, Ronald Reagan, served as the 33rd governor of California from 1967 to 1975 before going on to become the nation’s 40th president in 1980.
#entertainment #politics
🔗 Source in Comments
🔗 Source:
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-terminator-becomes-the-governator-of-california
Remember:
2 years of trading experience cannot be replaced by 50 books.
Read books.
But practice 10x more.
Experience is the most expensive trading skill.
I've just started a new Premium Subscription. Let's go!!!
What will you cover? :)
It's the Premium on InLeo, not one of my own even I am thinking in the future to establish a space for that. But like you said, I need to have something to offer for the subscribers and still looking for something that would truly bring value.
Ah missunderstood. But maybe some day in the future ;)
Congratulations.
@ecency Mobile - horizontal menu, hiveauth and more #hive #filters #adjustable #horizontal #hiveauth #ecency #android #gosh
Hello foodie Lions 🦁! Happy Sunday. Welcome to today's show. 🥗🍲🫕
This is the #threadcast for Day 145 of the #foodtalk on Leo 17/11/2024 for 16/11/2024. It's time for some meal inspirations and food conversation. Don't forget to use #foodtalk in your comments.
Discussion
More about food with tips and tricks will be dropped in the threadcast. Upvote the comments you find interesting & connect with others. Let's have fun. #foodie
National Roasting Month November 1
When is National Roasting Month?
National Roasting Month happens on Friday November 1, 2024.
Savoring the Season: Celebrating National Roasting Month in November
As the brisk winds of November herald the coming of colder days, there’s no culinary technique more fitting to embrace than roasting. National Roasting Month celebrates this ancient cooking method, which transforms simple ingredients into complex, flavorful dishes that warm the soul and gather people around the table. Whether it’s a golden, crispy turkey, root vegetables caramelized to perfection, or nuts toasted to bring out their natural oils, roasting is a cornerstone of autumn cooking. Let’s explore the art of roasting and how you can celebrate this delicious month.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking
National Roasting Month 👈 Begin here.
The Art of Roasting
Roasting involves cooking food, usually in an oven, using dry heat that envelops the food, cooking it evenly on all sides. This method enhances flavors through caramelization and Maillard reactions, creating a depth and richness that other cooking methods can’t replicate. The beauty of roasting lies in its simplicity and the transformative effect it has on ingredients, turning them into comforting, indulgent dishes.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
National Roasting Month 👈 Begin here.
Celebrating National Roasting Month
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
National Roasting Month 👈 Begin here.
Celebrating National Roasting Month (Continued)
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
National Roasting Month 👈 Begin here.
Tips for Perfect Roasting
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
National Roasting Month 👈 Begin here.
In Conclusion
National Roasting Month is an invitation to slow down, savor the richness of roasted foods, and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, there’s joy and discovery in the act of roasting. So preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and let the comforting aromas fill your home this November. Happy National Roasting Month!
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #roasting #nationalroastingmonth #cooking #foodroasting
i don't like roasting, I prefer it when is smoked 👀👀👀....
Lol
Welcome friends to another episode of the #foodtalk on Leo. Join the conversation, share your meals and national food or international food celebration days you know. Engage to earn.
What did you have for breakfast this Sunday morning? #foodtalk #food #breakfast
Are you having homemade food or you are eating out with family and friends? #foodtalk #homemadefood
What are you having for lunch? #foodtalk #lunch
Which of the national food celebration days do you know and celebrate in your country? #foodtalk #nationalfoodcelebrationdays #food #foodday #celebration
National Deep Fried Clams Day November 1.
When is National Deep Fried Clams Day?
National Deep Fried Clams Day happens on Friday November 1, 2024.
Crispy Delights from the Sea: Celebrating National Deep Fried Clams Day
As the leaves turn and the air chills, food lovers across the nation gear up to celebrate a beloved seaside delicacy on November 1st: National Deep Fried Clams Day. This annual tribute to the crispy, golden goodness of deep-fried clams invites us to indulge in one of the sea’s most cherished offerings. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to dive into the history, flavors, and joys of deep-fried clams.
Find out more in the comments. 👇
#foodtalk #Nationalfoodday #DeepFriedClamsDay #DeepFriedClams
National Deep Fried Clams Day 👈 Begin here.
The Origin of Deep-Fried Clams
The story of deep-fried clams begins in Essex, Massachusetts, in 1916, when Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman and his wife, Bessie, took the advice of a local fisherman to deep-fry the clams in their small roadside stand. This innovative idea turned into a culinary sensation, making deep-fried clams a staple of New England cuisine and beyond. Today, they’re celebrated not just as a regional delight but as a favorite across the United States, especially in coastal areas where clams are freshly harvested.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
National Deep Fried Clams Day 👈 Begin here.
What Makes Deep-Fried Clams So Special?
Deep-fried clams are cherished for their unique texture and flavor. The breading, light and crispy, encapsulates the tender, briny clam inside, creating a perfect balance of crunch and succulence. Served with a side of tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce, they offer a taste of the ocean in every bite.
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
National Deep Fried Clams Day 👈 Begin here.
How to Celebrate National Deep Fried Clams Day
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
National Deep Fried Clams Day 👈 Begin here.
How to Celebrate National Deep Fried Clams Day (Continued)
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
National Deep Fried Clams Day 👈 Begin here.
In Conclusion
National Deep Fried Clams Day is more than just an excuse to indulge in delicious seafood; it’s a day to honor a culinary tradition that has brought joy to many. From its humble beginnings in a small Massachusetts stand to its status as a beloved dish nationwide, deep-fried clams remind us of the simple pleasures in life. So on November 1st, let’s raise a fork to the crispy, golden delights from the sea and enjoy the rich flavors and history they bring to our tables. Happy National Deep Fried Clams Day!
#foodtalk #nationalfoodday #deepfriedclamsday #deepfriedclams
#freecompliments #dailydook #leoentertainments
what is she trying to do?
Lol
Maybe she wants to !DOOK
You just got DOOKed!
@calebmarvel01 thinks your content is the shit.
They have 2/200 DOOK left to drop today.
Learn all about this shit in the toilet paper! 💩
Who is dooking please, 😂