Monday, May 01, 2023
KERI RUSSELL, DIPLOMAT
"DIPLOMAT" - starring and Executive Produced by Keri Russell is a terrific new series on Netflix.
The story is interesting and exciting, surprising and well crafted, the acting by Keri Russell and everyone in the cast is excellent, the script, especially the episodes written by the Creator, Show Runner, and Executive Producer, Debora Cahn, are sophisticated, witty, and fast moving.
Keri, as Kate Wyler, is the new Ambassador to the UK, an out-of-water post for a speech-hating, gown-aversive, protocol-suspicious, war-wise operative, struggling with a troubled marriage, and on a short list to replace the current Vice President. She is suddenly in the middle of an international crisis with a global nuclear war looming if she, or the US, or the UK, or France, or Russia, or, well, anybody, gets it wrong.
I strongly recommend the series! Season Two was just greenlit today, and I'll be waiting eagerly.
Labels: August Rush, Burn This, Diplomat, Keri Russell, THE AMERICANS
Friday, March 31, 2023
exPOTUS
In a land where the stars and stripes unfurled, An exPotus, a man who once led the world, Caused chaos and strife with words as his sword, A tale of a leader who ignored the accord.
He incited a riot with fiery speech, Led people to storm, to break and to breach, A leader, they thought, who would fight for their cause, But in the end, it revealed all his flaws.
A porn star he paid, a scandal unveiled, To silence her story, so it would be curtailed, The hush money flowed, but the truth always finds, A way to emerge and expose these binds.
Indicted he was, as the courts stepped in, To reveal the transgressions, the lies and the sin, His power diminished, his legacy stained, For consequences must follow when rules are disdained.
Classified documents he refused to return, Breaking trust and the protocols that govern and churn, Security at risk, he disregarded the cost, For his own selfish reasons, the lines he had crossed.
A cautionary tale of power and pride, Of a leader who faltered and pushed truth aside, Let us learn from the past, and vow to do right, To uplift and unite, not to fracture and fight.
Prompt:
Write a rhyme about an exPotus who incited a riot, who paid off a porn star and was indicted and who refused to return classified documents
Labels: GPT4, political poetry. verse, POTUS, riot
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
GENERATIVE AI CONTENT CONSORTIUM
One possible solution (at least part of a solution) for compensating creators of the content used in Generative AI systems, would be a Consortium, sort of what is done for music by ASCAP, that would moderate the passage of content from creators to AI collections, and payments in the other direction.
Among the dangers of the present lack of a system is endless litigation over IP rights and value; and the threat that distributing content without compensating creators will destroy the entire ecosystem of new content creation.
Labels: AI, ASCAP, content, generative AI
#WokeThermometers
Having de-existified gays, transgenders, books in schools, and women who need a life-saving abortion, RINO's like DeSantis are taking aim at Climate Change, (crop freezes and global warming) by limiting weather thermometers to temps between 40 and 85 degrees.
(Fortunately, so far, the report of a weather thermometer restriction to eliminate frosts and heat waves by arresting thermometers, remains a joke.).
Labels: #WokeThermometers, books in schools, climate change, crop freezes, gays, Global warming, RINO's.DeSantis, transgenders, weather thermometers, women who need a life-saving abortion
Monday, February 06, 2023
ChatGPT MAKES A BASIC ERROR IN ALGEBRA AND POLITELY APOLOGIZES; AND POLITELY CORRECTS AN APPARENT ERROR IN A PROMPT
In response to some questions inspired by the recent Chinese Weather/Spy balloon incident, ChatGPT had some responses that are worth noting (about ChatGPT itself, unrelated to the actual balloon incident).
First, in doing some algebra it made a very basic error. This calls into question using Chat GPT for math. At the very least, as in public school arithmetic tests, you must ask GPT to "show your work." so it can be checked. (One more piece of evidence that "black box" answers from AI can be risky.)
Also, when the error was pointed out to ChatCPT, it very politely apologized. It did not, however, perform or show a re-calculation of the answer.
It is very interesting that, from the prompt, it went back to its answer, checked that, confirmed it had made an error, showed the correct algebraic expression, and apologized. It has self-knowledge.
Second, when information was missing / false in a prompt, ChatGPT made assumptions about what was meant. Sometimes ("black box warning" again) it may not be explicit or correct about its assumptions. In this case, it explicitly corrected the error, very politely.
Third, although not shown here, because it was a tedious process, I began with a simple question that required a multistep calculation. ChatGPT at each step explained in words how to do the calculation, but needed one or more separate prompts to get it to actually do the calculation for that step.
Fourth, (FYI), I also tried Wolfram Alpha. Because it does not sustain a multi-step conversation as well as ChatGPT, and other limitations, getting the answer from Wolfram Alpha would have been much more cumbersome, requiring separate queries for each part of this kind of "research".
Below, prompts and responses related to the "errors" are flagged in red.
HERE'S GPT MAKING A BASIC ERROR IN ALGEBRA FOR A CALCULATION:
does a
helium balloon at the ground support the same weight as the same balloon at
60000 feet?
No, the
weight supported by a helium balloon at the ground will not be the same as the
weight supported by the same balloon at 60000 feet. At high altitudes, the
atmospheric pressure is lower, which means that the balloon will have to work
harder to support the same weight, due to the decrease in lifting force. This
means that the weight supported by the balloon will be less at 60000 feet than
at the ground.
if the
balloon has a non-rigid shell, so it expands as it rises, so it displaces more
air, will it still support less weight, or will the expanding radius compensate
for the thinner air?
The
weight supported by a non-rigid balloon that expands as it rises will depend on
a number of factors, including the balloon's initial volume, the rate at which
it expands, the material of which it is made, and the ambient temperature and
pressure.
In general, as a balloon
rises and the atmospheric pressure decreases, the balloon will tend to expand
and its lifting capacity will increase. However, the expansion of the balloon
will also increase the amount of air it displaces, which will generate
additional drag. The net effect of these two opposing forces on the balloon's
lifting capacity will depend on the specific circumstances, and it may not be
possible to say definitively whether the balloon will support more or less
weight at higher altitudes.
1-
Using average temperature, pressure, and composition of air at 60000 feet, and
2 - average composition of air at ground level with a temperature of 15
Centigrade and normal summer air pressure, what is the weight of a 100 foot
radius sphere of air in kg and pounds.
The
weight of a 100 foot radius sphere of air can be calculated using the ideal gas
law:
PV = nRT
where P is the pressure,
V is the volume, n is the number of moles of gas, R is the gas constant, and T
is the temperature in kelvins.
At sea level, with a
temperature of 15 °C and an average atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa, the
volume of a 100 foot radius sphere would be approximately 7,068,393.14 cubic
feet.
At 60000 feet, the
average atmospheric pressure is approximately 26.5 hPa, and the average
temperature is approximately -56.5 °C. Plugging these values into the ideal gas
law gives us a volume of approximately 7,068,809.91 cubic feet for a 100 foot
radius sphere of air at this altitude.
To convert the volume of
air to weight, we need to multiply the number of moles of air by its molecular
weight (approximately 28.97 g/mol). This gives us an estimated weight of
approximately 2,062,475.53 kg or 4,556,065.05 pounds for a 100 foot radius
sphere of air at sea level, and an estimated weight of approximately
2,062,688.13 kg or 4,556,499.67 pounds for a 100 foot radius sphere of air at
60000 feet.
It's important to note
that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and theoretical
assumptions, and in practice, the weight of a sphere of air may vary due to
changes in atmospheric conditions, local weather patterns, and other factors.
Again,
using the same values, and assuming ideal conditions, if a round balloon has a
radius of 100 feet at an altitude of 60,000 feet. what would the radius of the
balloon be at ground level if the outside is completely flexible and adjusts to
the different air pressure. What would the weight of that sphere be in pounds
and kg?
If a
round balloon has a radius of 100 feet at an altitude of 60000 feet and its
outside is completely flexible and adjusts to the different air pressure, its
volume would increase as it descends to ground level. Using the ideal gas law,
we can calculate the new volume and radius of the balloon.
At sea level, with a
temperature of 15 °C and an average atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa, the
pressure inside the balloon would be approximately 26.5 hPa. Using the ideal
gas law, we can calculate the new volume of the balloon:
V2 = V1 * (P2/P1) *
(T2/T1)
where V1 is the volume of
the balloon at 60000 feet, V2 is the volume of the balloon at sea level, P1 is
the pressure at 60000 feet, P2 is the pressure at sea level, and T1 and T2 are
the temperatures at 60000 feet and sea level, respectively.
Solving for the new
volume, we find that the volume of the balloon at sea level would be
approximately 21,206,429.74 cubic feet. To find the new radius, we can use the
equation for the volume of a sphere:
V = (4/3) * π * r^3
Solving for r, we find
that the radius of the balloon at sea level would be approximately 114.57 feet.
To find the weight of the
sphere of air at sea level, we need to multiply the number of moles of air by
its molecular weight (approximately 28.97 g/mol), giving us an estimated weight
of approximately 6,187,426.59 kg or 13,639,981.08 pounds.
It's important to note
that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and theoretical
assumptions, and in practice, the weight of the sphere of air may vary due to
changes in atmospheric conditions, local weather patterns, and other factors.
since
PV = nKT and V1 = nKT1/P1 and V2 = nKT2/P2 isn't V2 = V1 * (P1/P2) * (T2/T1)
which is different from your formula: you wrote V2 = V1 * (P2/P1) * (T2/T1)
You're
correct, I apologize for the mistake in my previous answer. The correct formula
for the volume of a gas at a new pressure and temperature is indeed:
V2 = V1 * (P1/P2) *
(T2/T1)
where V1 is the initial
volume, V2 is the final volume, P1 is the initial pressure, P2 is the final
pressure, T1 is the initial temperature, and T2 is the final temperature.
Thank you for pointing
out the error, and I hope this clarifies any confusion.
HERE'S GPT POLITELY CORRECTING AN ERROR IT FINDS IN THE PROMPT:
Using
the approximation that air is 19 % Oxygen, 78% Helium and 3%
carbon dioxide, what is the average molar mass of the air
The
average molar mass of air can be calculated by finding the molar masses of each
of the components and then averaging them based on their volume or mole
fraction.
The molar masses of each
of the components are:
- Oxygen
(O2) = 32 g/mol
- Nitrogen
(N2) = 28 g/mol (assumed to make up the majority of the remaining volume,
though it's not specified in the approximation given)
- Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) = 44 g/mol
The mole fraction of each
component can be found from the volume fraction, which is given as 19% O2, 78%
N2, and 3% CO2.
The average molar mass
can then be calculated as follows:
Average molar mass =
(19/100 * 32 g/mol) + (78/100 * 28 g/mol) + (3/100 * 44 g/mol) Average molar
mass = approximately 28.9 g/mol
So, the average molar
mass of air in this approximation is approximately 28.9 g/mol.
Labels: AI, air, algebra, algebraic error, balloon, balloon physics, ChatGPT, Chinese spy balloon, ideal gas
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
CREDIT CARD CRAZY
As the Fed has increased its rates, Credit Cards have generally followed suit, raising their interest rates.
BEWARE!!!
Credit cards that were once reasonable, may now charge rates of 20% and more. If you have been late just once, your credit card rate can go to 30% and more. That means in about 3 years you pay as much interest as the amount of the original balance! 1! 2! 3! That is absurd.
If you pay your bill in full each month, there should be no interest on the amounts you charge during the next month. Be sure to check that!
Some credit cards are now offering loans on your available credit at a much lower rate than the usual, regular credit card interest. CHECK THE FINE PRINT! But it might make more sense to buy a $10,000 item, say, on an 8% loan, than on an 18% credit card, and it might be billed the same way !?!?!
Terms, rules, and rates on these loans and credit cards vary dramatically, and often change, so research before you take a new card (if you can figure it out from the fine print in the loan agreement), and check the interest disclosure on the monthly statement every month if you have a card already. It can help to have more than one card: use the card with the least current interest.
In some cases, your credit rating may improve if your average usage of available credit goes down. So, contrary to what you might expect, taking out a new credit card and spreading (the same level of) expenses over more cards, can sometimes improve your credit, by increasing your available credit while not using more of it.
Charges keep changing. Research and awareness are important to manage them! The ideas here are just a few suggestions of issues to consider.
Labels: credit cards, debt, fine print, interest rates, loans, the Fed
Tuesday, January 03, 2023
THE AMERICAN MULTIPARTY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Update> Feb 6, 2023 >> Defaulting on the debt would be terrible for the US. Caving in to budget reductions to pass the debt bill would be terrible for the US.
If there are just a few Old Republicans left in the House of Representatives, they should unite with the 212 Democrats to pass the debt bill. Better, if they join the Democrats that voted for Jeffries as Speaker of the House, form a coalition in the House, and create a moderate, pro-democratic, pro-republican, pro-American leadership for a coalition Speaker of the House, we can create a Congress capable of passing the laws that will help the US and Americans prosper.
Jan 3, 2023
The United States does not have a two-party government. There are currently at least three parties in government:
(1) the Mainstream Democrats, led by President Biden;
(2) the very conservative, right-wing Republicans, led by Kevin McCarthy; and
(3) the Extreme Right, anarchist, anti-democratic, anti-republican faction represented by GOP characteristics (Greed, Obstruction, Prejudice), currently opposing McCarthy in the vote for Speaker of the House.
There are
several other parties in the US. There
are the independent and progressive Democrats, who have been supporting Biden
to pass moderately progressive legislation.
There are the conservative Democrats, who have also been supporting Biden
so that moderately progressive legislation could pass. There is also the "Old Republican Party", that believes in a republic and democracy. They are mostly business (including
international business) friendly, socially conservative, and supportive of the
military. They are currently not a strong force in the current “Republican”
party.
In addition
to specific parties, there are also interest groups for every demographic, and
every geography. The interests of the coastal states tend to be more
international, more technical, and more social welfare supportive than the
interior and southern states.
Many democratic countries have coalition governments. For much of US history, there have been coalitions which grouped themselves into two "Party"s . Sometimes a Party would split, creating a year or a few years with a significant minor Party.
The "Republicans" are having trouble managing to create a working Party coalition. They could split into two Parties.
Right now, to create a House of Representatives that can function to support the needs of America, the Old Republicans should form a coalition with the Democrats to elect a Speaker of the House.
If there are
six or more Old Republicans left in the House of Representatives, they should
unite with the 212 Democrats that voted for Jeffries as Speaker of the House,
to form a coalition in the House and create a moderate, pro-democratic, pro-republican,
pro-American leadership for a coalition Speaker
of the House.
Labels: Biden, GOP, House of Representatives, McCarthy, Republican Party, Speaker of the House
Monday, January 02, 2023
CES XR HMD NEWS
Two (at least) new XR headsets are launching at CES Jan 5-8, 2023.
HTC VIVE is launching at CES what is reported (by SadlyItsBradley, Verge, and RoadToVR) to be a Mixed Reality HMD, comparable in price, and similar, but possibly slightly better in specs, to the META Quest Pro. It is reported to use color passthrough (ie capture and display, not see-through) tech to sense the outside world; to have depth sensors to measure the distance to objects, and possibly a slightly improved, new SnapDragon chip for processing.
HTC VIVE HOME PAGE
AT CES
Jan 5, 2023
10 AM PST -- 1 PM EST
SOMNIUM, a VR, Crypto based, Virtual Real Estate, Social Media Space, together with VRgineers, will be launching a PCVR Headset Dev Kit. The specs are impressive, including 2880x2880 display, and the ability to customize in a number of ways, including support for WiFi6.
DETAILS
https://somniumspace.medium.com/somnium-vr1-headset-devkit-available-at-ces-2023-jan-5th-8th-dd3e9dabd9b7
SOMNIUM BOOTH AT CES
15167 Central Hall, Tech East
SOMNIUM HOME PAGE
VRGINEERS HOME PAGE
Update: SONY and Sharp are also expected to show new HMD's, and Varjo has recently upscaled their HMD "focal" resolution.
Labels: AR, CES, Dev Kit, HMD, HTC, MR, PCVR, Somnium, Virtual Real Estate, VIVE, VR, Vrgineers, XR
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
SAUDIS TAKE CONTROL OF MAGIC LEAP
Control of MAGIC LEAP, the company founded by Rony Abovitz and once-upon-a- time funded by $$Billion of dollars from Google, has now been taken over by Saudi interests, who participated in another $Billion-or-so investment round in the last two years -- according to reporting by The Telegraph, posted on MSN.
Meta is currently the leading vendor of the headsets used for Virtual Reality, and is pouring tens of $Billions of dollars a year into research and technology for both Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality. Microsoft was the first to market a Mixed Reality Headset, but the technology was primitive, and both sales and applications were limited. Magic Leap, hoping to develop new technology to greatly improve Mixed Reality then joined the competition, but never quite made much of a dent in either the technology or the sales of devices. And Apple has spent several years and many hires (according to "rumors") trying to enter the Mixed Reality industry with a new suite of products, which are "rumored" to be released this year (or delayed, according to "other rumors").
Virtual Reality is the presentation of a completely computer generated world to users, through a headset and other sensory devices (such as haptic -- sense of touch -- feedback and 3D sound).
Mixed Reality (sometimes branded as Augmented Reality) is the presentation of computer generated content overlaid on the real world. Google Glass was an early, very unsuccessful and poorly received, version of Augmented Reality.
It is widely (but not universally) believed among both the creators of technology and the commentators, that Mixed Reality can be used for more commercial applications than Virtual Reality, and in the long run will be a $$$Trillion dollar industry. It is unclear how long the "long run" will be, but estimates run from 5 to 10 years more before there is substantial adoption.
Labels: Apple, eXtended Reality, HMD's, Hololens, Magic Leap, Meta, Microsoft, Mixed Reality, Rony Abovitz, Saudi Arabia, Virtual Reality
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
EPIC GAMES TO PAY $520 MILLION FOR CHILD PRIVACY VIOLATIONS AND DECEPTIVE CHARGES
Epic games has agreed to pay a $275 million dollar penalty fine, and refund customers $245 million dollars, for deliberately violating child privacy laws by, for example, setting voice chat to default to ON, exposing children to harassment; and by "dark patterns" of user interfaces, which are deceptive buttons that seem to have one function, but actually ("secretly") invoke credit card charges.
The FTC news announcement is here:
Monday, December 19, 2022
JAN 6 COMMITTEE FINAL REPORT
The Jan 6 Committee of the House of Representatives has held (what is expected, but not guaranteed to be) its final hearing.
It has sent a Criminal Referral to the Department of Justice for crimes it believes were committed by the former president, DJT, and others.
Its complete Final Report will be made public and distributed in a few days. It has just issued an Executive Summary to its Final Report; the 118 page Executive Summary is available here:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
https://january6th.house.gov/report-executive-summary
I hope that in the Final Report the Committee will
1 - Clearly explain how it was possible, despite early warnings and then obvious threats, and then actual attacks, for law enforcement and security to fail to provide adequate protection to the Capitol for so long.
2 - Clearly provide (even including a live event) a compelling picture of legislation and other measures need to prevent any such events as Jan 6, or any of the other schemes, or any of the lies, related to overthrowing the democratic transfer of power and the rule of law, from ever happening, or even ever getting any traction at all.
