Links for 2023-09-19
Eugenics Performed By A Blind, Idiot God https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/FcnTZPPob4cGKBHBm/eugenics-performed-by-a-blind-idiot-god (See also: You are probably a eugenicist https://axisofordinary.substack.com/p/you-are-probably-a-eugenicist)
Large Language Models for Compiler Optimization https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.07062
“Can an inexpensive, off-the-shelf IMU be the only sensor to estimate the full state (position, velocity, orientation) of a quadrotor flying through a track at high speed and even be on-pair with vision-based localization? The answer is yes…” https://x.com/davsca1/status/1703824249020940621
Israeli prime minister: thinks we're 6 years away from machine intelligence spreading into the cosmos because of exponential progress; plans to have "robust discussions with the other powers of the world" to "have a shot at getting to some degree of control over our future" https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1703823935060451628
For the first time, research reveals crows use statistical logic https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/09/for-the-first-time-research-reveals-crows-use-statistical-logic/
Songbird species with more-complex vocal learning have larger brains and greater intelligence, consistent with "a long-standing assumption of a link between human spoken language, advanced cognition, and larger brain size." https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh3428
How long does it take to build a nuclear reactor? The average time is 6 to 8 years. Some can be built in under 5 years, but others have long over-runs. https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/nuclear-construction-time
High-quality imaging of still objects with only WiFi signals. https://news.ucsb.edu/2023/021198/wifi-can-read-through-walls
“Japan’s Productivity Ranks Lowest Among G7 Nations for 50 Straight Years.” https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01196/
Today, Azerbaijan launched its long-expected attack on Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh. Israeli kamikaze drones can be heard. https://twitter.com/michaelh992/status/1704073089137480159
Source: The Rise and Potential of Large Language Model Based Agents: A Survey https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.07864
Reminds me of this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Folded_Hands
Underhill soon realizes that, in the name of their Prime Directive, the mechanicals have essentially taken over every aspect of human life. No humans may engage in any behavior that might endanger them, and every human action is carefully scrutinized. Suicide is prohibited. Humans who resist the Prime Directive are taken away and lobotomized, so that they may live happily under the direction of the humanoids.
Related: Genetic confounding https://axisofordinary.substack.com/p/genetic-confounding
Ukraine links:
“UKR Ground Forces Commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that UKR forces completely destroyed the combat capabilities of elements of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Brigade, 31st Guards VDV Brigade, & 83rd Guards VDV Brigade during the liberation of Andriivka & Klishchiivka.” https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1703974714580807749
An interview with the head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence: “Contrary to what the Russian Federation declares, it has absolutely no strategic reserve,” / "...the operation to sever the land connections between Russia and Crimea may yet be achieved before winter sets in." / "The spy chief says he is working on a limited deterrence and retaliation pose to counter Russia’s expected winter campaign of missile and drone strikes on infrastructure." https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/09/17/an-interview-with-the-head-of-ukraines-defence-intelligence [https://archive.ph/PKSeq]
“ATACMS. What is it? Why does it matter so much? How many are there? How many will Ukraine get? Every question you could possibly have, answered. It's the thread you've all been waiting for...” https://twitter.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1703757651623162271
“When won’t it be too soon to render a judgment on the counteroffensive in your view?” https://twitter.com/JennyCafarella/status/1703759074855174400
“Russian propagandist Sladkov is so shocked by the ability of Ukrainians to create drones from the most simple materials, he even admits that NATO support does not and will not play any role in this.” https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1704049926194246007