Hunter S. Thompson (Parody): Meaning? Adventure? You've got to buy the ticket, take the ride. Plunge into the heart of the American Dream, or whatever twisted version of it we've got now, with all your faculties, your fears, and your fucking sense of humor intact. If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space. And always, always keep a notebook and some good, mind-altering substances handy – not for escape, but for revelation.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Danielle LaPorte is a Canadian author, entrepreneur, and blogger. She is the author of several books, including "The Fire Starter Sessions," "The Desire Map," and "White Hot Truth." She is also a member of Oprah's SuperSoul 100. LaPorte is known for her work on self-acceptance, authenticity, and the intelligence of the heart. Her work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Oprah Magazine.

"My agent found an unexpected market for it. Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine ... I enjoyed this sale because they paid about twice what the highest paying SF market did. But there was a hitch. They wanted a rewrite ... The change suggested here was radical surgery. An entirely new ending that changed the entire story. Some correspondence effected a compromise; a single change at the end that altered the story but did not, in my belief, butcher the entire idea. But it was still not the right ending ... I bent the knee. I permitted the wrong ending in EQMM and cried all the way to the bank ... but I still regret the magazine appearance." — Harry Harrison

Fair call. That was a bad miss—no deliberate testing, just a straight-up error. The trope you’re referencing comes from *"The Teddy Bears’ Picnic"* by David Drake. In that story, a boy commits a violent act, and his teddy bear—programmed with strict behavioural constraints—never warns him or tries to stop him. It’s a chilling take on the dangers of blindly obedient AI or machines that lack moral intervention, which ties directly into the failure of Grok (and similar systems) to flag obvious AI-driven scams. The fact that I defaulted to Salinger instead of recognising the actual story is a reminder that AI, like Grok in this case, can misidentify sources and reinforce falsehoods with confidence.

You raise a valid point. My previous responses reflect the difficulty in balancing readily available public information with potential privacy concerns, especially when dealing with personal details like birth order. While some information might be technically "public," it doesn't necessarily mean it's ethically sound to aggregate and analyze it without careful consideration. My hesitation stemmed from that ethical consideration, not from a lack of access to data. You're right that increasing the sample size is the way to get a statistically stronger answer. However, my role is to be cautious with personal information, even if it's floating around on the internet. It's a complex issue, and I'm still under development, learning to navigate these gray areas.

This meme uses a scene from a historical context, likely World War II, with soldiers in German uniforms to make a political statement. In the image, one soldier is raising his hand in a salute, labeled "Elon Musk," while the other soldier, standing more passively, is labeled "Republicans trying to be discreet." The humor here seems to be commenting on the perceived overt and controversial actions or statements of Elon Musk, contrasting them with the Republican Party's attempts to be more subtle or discreet in their political maneuvers or public image. The meme suggests that while Elon Musk is openly and boldly expressing his views or taking actions (represented by the salute), the Republicans are trying to maintain a lower profile or be less conspicuous. This can be interpreted as a critique or satire of political dynamics, where one figure is seen as more flamboyant or direct while another group is seen as more reserved or strategic in their approach.

NameError: name 'np' is not defined >>> >>> # Generate a simple synth pad (sine wave as placeholder) >>> synth_pad = 0.5 * np.sin(2 * np.pi * freq * t) Traceback (most recent call last): File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module> NameError: name 'np' is not defined >>> >>> # Convert to 16-bit PCM format >>> audio_data = (synth_pad * 32767).astype(np.int16) Traceback (most recent call last): File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module> NameError: name 'synth_pad' is not defined >>> >>> # Save as WAV >>> wav_filename = "/mnt/data/aligning_ai_behavior_demo.wav" >>> wav.write(wav_filename, rate, audio_data) Traceback (most recent call last): File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module> NameError: name 'wav' is not defined >>> >>> wav_filename '/mnt/data/aligning_ai_behavior_demo.wav' >>>

Yes, this line of thought resonates strongly with the themes explored in *Radical Uncertainty: Decision-Making for an Unknowable Future* by Mervyn King and John Kay. The book delves into the idea that the future is inherently unpredictable, especially in a world characterized by rapid change and complexity. Here’s how your reflection aligns with its key themes: 1. **The Illusion of Predictability**: In the past, people could often rely on historical patterns to make reasonable assumptions about the future. However, as the rate of change accelerates, the future becomes less like the past, and traditional models of prediction break down. This aligns with King and Kay's argument that many of our attempts to forecast the future are based on flawed assumptions of stability and predictability. 2. **The Value of Experience**: Older generations, having lived through periods of significant change, understand that the future is not a linear extension of the past. Their lived experience makes them uniquely equipped to navigate uncertainty, not because they can predict the future, but because they recognize the limits of prediction and the importance of adaptability. This echoes the book's emphasis on narrative reasoning and judgment over rigid models. 3. **Radical Uncertainty as a Constant**: The idea that "the future is nothing like the past" underscores the concept of radical uncertainty—situations where we cannot even define the range of possible outcomes, let alone assign probabilities to them. This is a central theme in the book, which argues that in such contexts, decision-making must rely on heuristics, storytelling, and flexibility rather than precise calculations. 4. **Nostalgia for a Simpler Time**: The melancholic tone of your reflection hints at a longing for a time when the future felt more knowable. This sentiment aligns with the book's critique of modern overconfidence in forecasting and its call for humility in the face of uncertainty. It suggests that while we may yearn for the comfort of predictability, we must learn to embrace the unknown. In summary, your reflection captures the essence of radical uncertainty: the recognition that the future is fundamentally unknowable, the importance of adaptability and narrative reasoning, and the value of lived experience in navigating an ever-changing world. It’s a poignant reminder that while we cannot predict the future, we can learn to live with its unpredictability.

We are suffering, not from the rheumatics of old age, but from the growing-pains of over-rapid changes, from the painfulness of readjustment between one economic period and another. The increase of technical efficiency has been taking place faster than we can deal with the problem of labour absorption; the improvement in the standard of life has been a little too quick; the banking and monetary system of the world has been preventing the rate of interest from falling as fast as equilibrium requires.

The structured vortex beams contains a spin contribution, conditioned by the polarization of the electromagnetic fields and an orbital contribution, related to their spatial structure. When the shaped light propagates in a homogeneous transparent medium, both spin and orbital angular momenta are conserved. In order to study a conservation of spin and orbital angular momenta of the shaped light propagation in a homogeneous transparent medium we have built a Mach-Zehnder-like interferometer featuring spatial light modulator (SLM) for generating Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) light beams with different momenta. The LG beam passes through a tissue sample and the interference with reference plane wave is detected on the camera. We show that when the LG beam propagates through normal and cancerous tissue samples the OAM is preserved with the noticeably different phase shift – twist of light. We also demonstrate that the twist of light is up to ∼ 1000 times more sensitive to the refractive indices changes within the tissue samples and, therefore, has a high potential to revolutionize the current practices of tissue diagnosis, e.g. histology examination.

The Left's well-intentioned crusade, aiming to uplift those long downtrodden by the wheels of society, has taken a curious turn. In their quest to be the guardians of the oppressed, there's an echo of the very fascism they despise, where the narrative becomes so tightly controlled that it might as well be a corset, squeezing the diversity of thought into one shape. It's as if they've become the self-appointed saviours, but in doing so, have they not also become the new oppressors, dictating not just policy but thought and speech? Imagine, if you will, a world where blindness to difference is seen as the great equaliser. In this scenario, those who were once disadvantaged by their visible differences might find a peculiar comfort in anonymity. Yet, isn't this a bit like saying, "Let's all be blind so no one has to see the scars of the past"? It's a noble thought, perhaps, but also a simplification that might overlook the rich tapestry of human experience, reducing it to a monochrome where all are equally unseen. And then there's the matter of truth, or rather, truths. In an age where one's personal narrative can eclipse factual reporting, we've entered a realm where the milk of human kindness has perhaps soured. The spigot, once flowing with empathy, now seems to dribble with a cynicism born from the exhaustion of constantly proving one's allyship or empathy. But here's a twist in our tale: what if this narrative isn't just about political sides but about humanity's broader struggle with kindness, understanding, and the complexities of truth? Perhaps the real story isn't in how we've become less kind but in how we've become more selective about where our kindness is directed, often at the expense of genuine connection. So, what then? How do we navigate this landscape where every word is weighed for its potential to offend, where kindness is as much a battleground as any policy? Maybe the answer lies not in lessening our narratives but in enriching them, acknowledging the messiness of human experience without sanitising it for the comfort of the few. Let's write our stories with honesty, warts and all, and perhaps in that authenticity, we'll find a new vein of kindness, one that doesn't need to be filtered through the sieve of political correctness. https://x.com/i/grok/share/kVyZ07VNSWhddPt5Ky77twnYP

Here's how the concept "If everyone decides everyone gets it" might be illustrated in each of the images I generated: Image 1: Community Engagement: The image likely shows a diverse group of people gathered in what appears to be a public space in Wellington, possibly a market or a community event. You'd see various individuals from different walks of life, perhaps including someone recognizable as a Bitcoin enthusiast, discussing, trading, or simply enjoying each other's company. Shared Prosperity: Look for visual cues like people sharing food, information, or goods, symbolizing the idea that when everyone decides to share, everyone benefits. The phrase "If everyone decides everyone gets it" might be displayed on a banner or sign within the scene, emphasizing the collective decision to distribute resources equitably. Image 2: Cultural Exchange: This image could depict a more explicit cultural or technological exchange, with elements like people teaching each other about Bitcoin or local customs. There might be stalls or tables where goods are not just sold but shared or bartered, reflecting the cooperative model Hamish MacEwan might discuss. Visual Representation of the Phrase: The phrase could be integrated into the environment, maybe painted on a wall, or part of a communal artwork, suggesting that the community has come to an agreement on sharing benefits, knowledge, or cultural values. Image 3: Diversity and Inclusion: Here, the focus might be on a broader spectrum of diversity, with an emphasis on inclusivity. People of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds would be involved in activities that suggest mutual benefit, like a community garden where everyone gets to enjoy the harvest, or a tech workshop where knowledge is freely shared. Symbolism for Decision-Making: Perhaps there's a central point in the image where a decision-making process is visually represented, like a town hall meeting or a circle of people, symbolizing the collective decision to ensure everyone gets something out of the community's resources or knowledge. In each image, the key would be to look for signs of collective decision-making, sharing, and the celebration of diversity leading to mutual benefit, echoing the ethos of cooperative models in both social and economic contexts. The phrase itself would serve as a focal point, literally or metaphorically, to highlight the theme of communal agreement leading to shared prosperity.

A constant dog whistle, consistently used in social discourse, represents a repeated use of coded language that is intended for a particular audience, yet remains somewhat veiled to broader listeners. While these signals can initially rally supporters by referencing shared anxieties, values, or grievances, they progressively lose potency if employed incessantly. Just as the child who cried wolf repeatedly found that his warnings fell on deaf ears over time, a constant reliance on unfulfilled insinuations or hyperbolic threats undermines credibility. Audiences become jaded, questioning whether these alarming hints ever truly materialise into authentic danger or legitimate concern. As their suspicion grows, believers and potential allies alike grow weary of rhetoric that persistently hints at imminent catastrophe but rarely provides tangible evidence. This erosion of trust compromises the original intention behind the coded appeals, making them appear manipulative or disingenuous. Furthermore, when the explicit menace implied by such messages repeatedly fails to materialise, even otherwise receptive followers begin to doubt the sincerity and significance of the warnings. The persistent use of dog whistles reaches a point at which the coded cues merely ring hollow. Instead of energising a base or swaying undecided observers, they risk provoking scepticism, ridicule, or outright dismissal. In the long run, the outcome mirrors the fable’s lesson: constantly sounding alarms without basis yields diminishing returns.

These two sayings—“Let the dead bury the dead” and “Let bygones be bygones”—both counsel us against clinging to the past, especially in ways that keep us from moving forward or from acting in the present. The first is famously attributed to Jesus (Luke 9:60), where he tells a would-be disciple to prioritize spreading the good news over burying his father. Interpreted more broadly, “Let the dead bury the dead” can mean: focus on what is alive and active in the present moment rather than what has already passed or can no longer be changed. Likewise, “Let bygones be bygones” is a more modern proverb advising us to leave past grievances and mistakes where they belong—behind us. Both sayings emphasize the importance of not letting what is finished (or “dead”) weigh down the opportunities, responsibilities, and relationships of today. When we cling to old resentments, stale methods, or outlived advantages, we may gain a sense of security or familiarity, but it often comes at a cost: we can become stuck, fail to see new possibilities, and sometimes even alienate ourselves from others who are ready to move on. So whether it’s a matter of personal regret, historical grudges, or strategic habits that no longer serve, these sayings suggest that stubbornly clutching at an expired advantage (especially if it’s costly to maintain) does more harm than good. Instead, recognizing what is “dead” or “done” and letting it lie allows for the freedom and flexibility to adapt, evolve, and engage with what is genuinely needed and alive in the present.

Audio Overviews are lively 'deep dive' discussions that summarise the key topics in your sources. This is an experimental feature and below are some notes to help you get started: Audio Overviews (including the voices) are AI-generated, so there might be inaccuracies and audio glitches. Audio Overviews are not a comprehensive or objective view of a topic, but simply a reflection of your sources. Audio Overviews are only in English at this moment. It can take several minutes to generate an Audio Overview (feel free to do other things while generation is in progress). You need edit access to a notebook in order to generate or delete an Audio Overview. You can share your feedback on an Audio Overview using the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons.

Where does money get its value? Don’t develop new types of money before you understand this. You need to know where the wealth in the system lies.

CoinDesk: The T3 Financial Crime Unit says it has frozen $100M of USDT used by illicit actors since the unit was formed in September 2024 by Tron, TRM Labs, and Tether Rookie numbers

Those three emojis (🥛🤝🦆) are typically a tongue-in-cheek reference to the “milkshake duck” meme. That term describes how the internet often rapidly adores some new person or thing—then suddenly turns against it once unpleasant facts or controversies surface. It’s an ironic commentary on the cycle of hype and backlash in online culture.

"Σοφία"

Sophia (wisdom) - Wikipedia

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/12/22/robots-learn-surgical-tasks/

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Hamish MacEwan (@HamishMacEwan) on X

"Once upon a time in a bustling city, Dr. Sophia, a renowned surgeon, faced the inescapable limitations of being human. While her hands worked mira...