AI Annihilation & Shopping
What do you do when the top AI scientist predict a 10% chance of annihilation of humans in the next decade? Our answer was to go shopping for Mum’s 93rd birthday.
Author: Jane Shearer
Equal Earth vs Mercator
The UN has proposed a change of map projections, from the Mercator which stretches the countries at the poles, to the Equal Earth, which shows countries and seas in their true relative sizes. Why might this be important? And should New Zealand be concerned about looking even smaller than before while being at the bottom corner of the map?
Data centres galore – why is my brain boggled?
My brain is boggled by the global push to build massive data centres consuming vast amounts of electricity while the world needs to reduce its environmental impact for humanity to survive. Why are we on this track?
Live for today?
It’s a hard time to be young and the reaction of some is to live in the moment. That’s not such a bad plan, particularly if you don’t believe in an afterlife.
Universalism vs particularism, what’s that?
Universalism considers laws and rules can be devised that apply to everyone. Particularism says we need to consider context and relationships – rules can change according to the circumstances and who is involved. Is one more right than the other? Can they be combined in the political realm?
Addicted to novelty
Novelty is addictive if you are the type of person who enjoys change. While the need for novelty supposedly wanes with age, that’s not what I’ve found. How do I keep my addiction satiated?
Frictionmaxxing
What sort of maxxing do you indulge in? There have never been more methods on offer through which you can optimise your maximum potential! Feel tired already?
I’ve Got My Eye on You…
While we really enjoyed our time cycling in Xinjiang, China, the constant surveillance was something I’d rather not get used to.
How do I look? Part II
Am I fooling myself that I don’t care how others see me given I colour coordinate my bikepacking clothing? And do humans have any choice in the matter, given it appears other animals are also fashion victims, including orca?
How Do I Look…
Bike packing frees you from thinking about how you look because there are no mirrors and whether your legs are turning the pedals is far more important. If only it always could be like that.