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What if the main reason why these AI corporations are buying up so much hardware is to prevent the consumers from buying hardware because they don't want people to be able to run local LLMs? They're afraid that their business models will collapse when people can use AI without paying them subscription fees, etc.
SomeOrdinaryGamers recently put up this video saying exactly that: their business models will collapse if people can run local LLMs on their PCs, laptops, smartphones, etc.
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Books touched on:
- The Death of Privacy and Truth: 1984 — George Orwell
- The Corruption of Power: Animal Farm — George Orwell
- The Golden Cage: Brave New World — Aldous Huxley
- The End of the Deep Dive: Fahrenheit 451 — Ray Bradbury
- Rights Are Made Up: The Handmaid's Tale — Margaret Atwood
- Greed Above All Else: Parable of the Sower — Octavia E. Butler
- A Cruel Game that the Privileged Don't Have to Play: The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins
We're already living in every dystopian novel — Mr. Beat
Mr. Beat explains how some of those dystopian novels we were forced to read growing up in school have already (partially) come true.Disclaimer: Mr. Beat offers opinions in this video
Uh ok, so this is, like, the description of the video so keep reading. Produced by Matt Beat and Beat Productions, LLC. Filmed by Matt Beat. All images and video by Matt Beat. Additional images used under fair use guidelines or found in the public domain. Music by Electric Needle Room (Mr. Beat's band), Bad Snacks, Kwon, MK2, Otis McDonald, Patrick Patrikios, and Underbelly & Ty Mayer.
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Doughnut Lollipop 【記録係】:blobfoxgooglymlem: :cascadia: reshared this.
Nothing makes you hate cars more than living on a busy street, forced to listen to their din day in and day out. >:(
Cities Aren't Loud: Cars Are Loud — Not Just Bikes
Urban noise is a common problem, and the vast majority of it is created by motor vehicles. Noise is far too often dismissed as a minor nuisance, rather than the legitimate health issue that it is.The book "Curbing Traffic" has a chapter about the health impacts of noise pollution. I explore the research in the book, and visit Delft, the city that is highlighted in the book as being a shining example of what can happen when noise pollution is taken seriously.
This video explores the problem that farting cars, farting motorcycles, and farting mopeds create in our cities.
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every time I contemplate "upgrading" the stock exhaust on my bike, I remember it's already louder than a car exhaust.
Most car exhausts, anyway. Not the M3 that my neighbour across the road drives.
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From here:
There is no 'free' market, and there never has been. The 'free' market is predicated on the belief that all players will act honestly, and make informed choices based on available information. This is a completely false assumption, and has been proven so time after time.It completely ignores human nature whereby someone will always lie, cheat, and steal to achieve their own ends -- this is what we see here.
Industry players will always form cartels and collude in anti-consumer behavior -- price fixing being the prime example.
Without someone to keep corporations in line, the market would steadily skew to all of the power being in the hands of a few.
There is no such thing as a 'free' market, and there simply never has been. It's a utopian myth which can never be true.
People who go around spouting about the 'free' market are either naive, self deluded, or actively lying.
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damn, so we've had 11 years of this very thing getting worse.
when will people get it?! people keep voting for these pro corporate parties and it's depressing
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bazkie 👩🏼💻 bitplanes 🎵 likes this.
well, the same is happening here in the Netherlands. people have been voting the neoliberals into power for decades, despite things going to shit, and other parties being available here.
it's the propaganda that's working; most people still believe that free market capitalism is great, and it will take a lot more downfall before they understand it's shit.
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@bazkie about 10 years ago when I had learned just enough Dutch to read sites where younger folk hung out (and chat to them) I learned a fair few thought all the bicycles, good public transport (which folk in UK often envy!) and the high cost of learning to drive (which is same as UK) was imposed by "big government/EU" and they wanted to have cars just like young people in UK, enjoyed watching Top Gear and thought folk in UK and USA had more "freedom" (and those youths would be 30-40+ by now, many with families of their own)
At least you are highly unlikely to get Nexit as everyone can see the mess the UK is now in 5 years later..
@vfrmedia UK has been a lovely warning sign for us indeed!
..tho people have been voting far right the past few years despite Trump, so maybe most people don't really understand warning signs 😅
and about that dutch youth; keep in mind we've had neoliberal rule for decades now, so the whole "free market good, nationalization bad" has been really hammered in.
not sure if we'll get rid of it in my lifetime tbh. but most of the lovely social policies we have left stem from the more progressive governing we had before I was born 😅
btw why did you learn dutch? (maybe I asked before)
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I love pirate radio!
I don't know if it's actually a pirate station, here's an FM broadcaster near Quinault Lake here that plays all kinds of odds and ends with weird stuff in between. It might fall under LPFM, but I doubt the FCC would hassle them anyway since it's in the middle of nowhere and low power.
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@vfrmedia what's LPFM?
I wonder if maybe the FCC is a bit more relaxed these days since people listen to FM radio less (or well, I imagine that they do)
the "free market" is to economics what the frictionless spherical cow is to high school physics.
The very existence of corporations means there is no free market. Corporations are a legal construct of governments that grants a business (and later even a mere collection of assets) status as a district entity separated to some degree from the owners and workers within.
As such, there is no choice between "government vs corporations" because they are *two sides of the same coin*...it is all one big hegemony.
We have all been thoroughly conditioned to think otherwise for a couple of centuries now. It is thoroughly ingrained the minds of everyone in the "free world" that corporations are the capitalist free market and government is the socialist planned economy but that is pure BS.
The biggest economies in the world have arrived in the same place from two different directions...the US being a corporatocratic regime and China practising state capitalism.
As such deregulation just means re-regulation.
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#US talkshow hosts were joking Monday night about #Trump having no strategy in #Iran & changing his mind about bombing #Iranian #energy plants. No one is laughing now they realise this was in all likelihood another deliberate #insidertrading manoeuvre to fix #oil market prices in good time.
With the head of the #FBI & Chair of the #CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) nominated by Trump, everything is set so we never find out who made those 6.50am transactions.
Democrats call for oil market trades to be investigated for insider trading
There's a growing political row over hundreds of millions of dollars of trades in the oil market, which took place on Monday, just minutes before President Trump revealed he was postponing military strikes on Iranian energy plants.Channel 4 News
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How To Make Traditional #Switchel (Haymaker’s Punch)
Written by Author Tracey Besemer Published on September 2, 2019
Excerpt: "Switchel is an old fashioned sweet-sour-spice drink.
"Where switchel originated is still debated. New England, the Caribean, China? No one knows for certain where it came from.
"What is certain is this popular 17th-century drink helped the colonials beat the heat. Think Plymouth Rock Gatorade in a stone jug, minus the red dye #40.
"Its popularity continued among hard-working farmers in the summer when they were out haying, giving switchel the name haymaker’s punch.
"And today with all of the sports and energy drinks available, you won’t find a more refreshing drink for a hot and humid day when you’ve been busting your backside out in the sun.
"Or for sitting on the back porch under a patio umbrella watching someone else work in the sun.
"Switchel was made with ginger, a splash of tart apple cider vinegar and something sweet like molasses, maple syrup, or honey. The ginger made it easier on your stomach to drink a lot of cold liquid all at once. The apple cider vinegar cut through your thirst and left you smacking your lips, satisfied, and ready to get back to work.
"Switchel kept you hydrated and replenished your electrolytes long before we knew enough to be concerned about depleted electrolytes."
Read more (includes recipe and instructions):
https://www.ruralsprout.com/switchel/
#SolarPunkSunday #LowTech #KeepingCool #KeepingHydrated #HeatWave #History #Histodon #HistoricalRecipes #ThirstQuenching
How To Make Traditional Switchel (Haymaker's Punch)
Only four common ingredients are required to mix up a batch of switchel You’re probably asking yourself, “What in the world is switchel anyway?” It’s only the best drink option to beat the crazy summerTracey Besemer (Rural Sprout)
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After 16 months of being bedridden, I'm finally recovering, but this month has been the perfect storm of broke & bills. I'm trying to keep 6 people housed and fed, so any money you can spare would be greatly appreciated!
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TIL that a Chinese hitman once subcontracted a murder to someone, who subcontracted to someone, who subcontracted to someone, who subcontracted to someone, who decided to simply pretend he murdered the target.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/09/bellowing-alligators-and-frozen-poop-knives-the-2020-ig-nobel-prizes/
#til #todayilearned
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1s5fv5u/til_that_a_chinese_hitman_once_subcontracted_a/
Here are the winners of the 2020 Ig Nobel Prizes to make you laugh, then think
This year's ceremony was held virtually (thanks, coronavirus), but the fun remained.Jennifer Ouellette (Ars Technica)
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them: omg trans folks want to expose their genitals in the bathroom
also them somehow: omg trans folks show us your genitals to use the bathroom
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exactly
the first in human terms, the narrowed eyes mean "i'm going to fuck you up": anger, suspicion, disgust
but in cat terms it's "i am contented and relaxed"
the second in human terms is super kawaii cute, so much so that deadly nightshade that can be used to widen the pupils is also known as belladonna- beautiful woman, because medieval italian women used to do that
but in cat terms it's "i am going to fuck you up": maximum light inputs engaged for deadly precision
ᴮᵉⁿ ᴿᵒʸᶜᵉVOTE IN THE PRIMARIES reshared this.
it's also weird that for humans bared teeth is a smile: it communicates happiness
but elsewhere in the animal kingdom bared teeth is pure aggression
If you play with fire …
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2dk10v5gno
Barrow crematorium roof damaged in accidental fire
Services are postponed following the blaze which damaged part of Thorncliffe Crematorium.Naj Modak (BBC News)
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With the #telnyx #supplychain attack, you might be wondering, would #litmus have caught it? Yes, it was flagged as suspicious, even before the samples hit PyPI.
See for yourself: https://lab.atomdrift.org/file/d7efd244cc294d94b848820df9278eac80390064d108151b877484ec3fe7b18e
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Holy Red Flag Warnings, Batman
(high wildfire danger)
National Weather Service
NOAA National Weather Service National Weather ServiceUS Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Weather Service
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From the link:
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
In late 2023 some FBI computers were hacked and 500 terabytes of data were taken. The hack included "certain files pertaining to the Epstein investigation". The hacked computers were used by an FBI unit that worked with CSAM material.
Whoever has that data can use it to blackmail anyone in the documents/photos/videos that was engaged in child sex trafficking and/or child sexual abuse.
The linked document is a statement by an FBI agent who was accused of wrongdoing even though the FBI basically ignored his requests for technical help when his unit had to connect their computers to the internet. This agent, due to lack of training as a network administrator, accidentally left a port open.
Pages 18-36 tell the story.
https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00173569.pdf
#Epstein #EpsteinClass #GhislaineMaxwell #Pedophiles
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I've been considered a bit of a "fun-guy" myself!
Read more → https://grist.org/science/long-overlooked-as-crucial-to-life-fungi-start-to-get-their-due/
Long overlooked as crucial to life, fungi start to get their due
Fungi create soil, sequester vast amounts of carbon, and contribute $55 trillion to the global economy, but knowledge about them is scarce.Jim Robbins, Yale Environment 360 (Grist)
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#AureFreePress #News #press #headline #breaking #breakingnews
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European intelligence agencies believe Russia is supplying drones to Iran, says official | Russia - EUROPE SAYS
Intelligence agencies in Europe believe Russia is in the final stages of preparing to supply drones to Iran for use in its war with the US and Israel,EUROPE SAYS
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https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/nursery-rhymes/dark-origins-three-blind-mice/
The Surprisingly Dark Origins of "Three Blind Mice"
Look into the dark history behind the nursery rhyme, "Three Blind Mice."Chelsea Thatcher (Mental Floss)
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I guess the FBI is onto it.... ooooh.
DOJ confirms FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal email was hacked
Hackers claimed the attack was retaliation after Patel vowed to "hunt" them.Ashley Belanger (Ars Technica)
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TIL that runic script use survived until 20th century, with the last known user dying in 1980
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalecarlian_runes
#til #todayilearned
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1s5eeg4/til_that_runic_script_use_survived_until_20th/
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Woman whose son died from drugs bought on social media celebrates verdicts against Meta, YouTube
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/woman-whose-son-died-from-drugs-bought-on-social-media-celebrates-verdicts-against-meta-youtube/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Tech News @tech-news-TheSeattleTimes
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WTI crude oil touches $100 per barrel. Eyes on steel as Iran vows revenge - EUROPE SAYS
The market continues to bid up oil. WTI settled up $5.16 to $99.64 but shortly before settlement it hit $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, whenEUROPE SAYS
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As WA gas prices soar, questions arise about what’s at play - EUROPE SAYS
Oil and gas prices continue to rise rapidly across the globe, spurred by the Middle East war, which has cut off critical transportation routes.EUROPE SAYS
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Iranians Grapple With Grief While Observing Their New Year During War
Meant to be a time of celebration and renewal, Nowruz has taken on a different tone under US-Israeli attacks.Kourosh Ziabari (Truthout)
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https://www.aol.com/articles/pam-bondi-slammed-falsely-claiming-183827929.html
Pam Bondi slammed for falsely claiming being American citizen 'not a right'
Fox News viewers slammed U.S. AG Pam Bondi for claming that American citizenship is a "privilage"Athena Dawson (AOL)
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Extremely niche post....
Can anyone please recommend a documentary about the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt?
Lying in bed watching shit YouTubes about Sargasso.
No, not all eels come from here.
Christopher Colombus's boat got tangled in sargassum.
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Sue the Filthy Rich for all their money misappropriated from everyone else.
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Utah Bans Polygraph Tests for Those Reporting Sexual Assault
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A state legislator was moved to sponsor the bill — now signed into law — following a Salt Lake Tribune-ProPublica investigation that showed how polygraphs can retraumatize sexual abuse victims.
https://www.propublica.org/article/utah-polygraphs-sexual-assault-law?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mastodon-post
#News #Utah #Police #Law #SexualAssault #Abuse #MentalHealth
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Our 2023 investigation found that one man felt compelled to drop his sexual assault complaint against his therapist after a failed polygraph test.
The therapist, now in prison, continued to practice for two more years.
https://www.propublica.org/article/utah-therapist-built-reputation-for-helping-gay-latter-day-saints-they-say-he-sexually-abused-them?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mastodon-post
#Utah #SexualAssault #Abuse #MentalHealth #Therapy #Police #Law
A Utah Therapist Built a Reputation for Helping Gay Latter-day Saints. These Men Say He Sexually Abused Them.
Several patients complained to the church or the state licensing board about inappropriate touching during therapy sessions. It was years before the therapist gave up his license.Diego Sorbara (ProPublica)
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Trump-endorsed effort to repeal Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law fails to make the ballot
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/26/utah-redistricting/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Florida and National Politics @florida-and-national-politics-SunSentinel
Trump-endorsed effort to repeal Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law fails to make the ballot
The unlikely wins for Democrats in deep-red Utah come amid a national redistricting fight.Associated Press (Sun Sentinel)
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Utah's anti-gerrymandering law survives GOP's repeal push
https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/26/utah-gerrymandering-prop-4-repeal-fails?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Axios Local: Salt Lake City @axios-local-salt-lake-city-AxiosNews
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in reply to Neil E. Hodges • • •This might also have to do with what Bezos said earlier. :/
'That's not going to last': Jeff Bezos believes AI will force you to rent your PC from the cloud, and the RAM crisis is accelerating it — Tom's Hardware
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mangeurdenuage :gnu: :trisquel: 🌿 :abeshinzo: :ignutius: :descartes: :stargate:
in reply to Neil E. Hodges • • •True but their business model is already collapsing as currently even when people pay they actually loose money for each "token".
It is sold to the average joe as if it was gonna power boost people jobs and so far their models have no usage outside of research, programming and a few niche sectors.
They are lying simply because that what they are which is not surprising coming from companies that distributes proprietary software/hardware.
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djsumdog
in reply to Neil E. Hodges • • •He gets some things pretty wrong, like Copilot can have access to Anthropic (Claude) models too depending on what you or your company pays for and enables. He tends to confuse the company/model names a lot.
As far as Sora goes, I'm not surprised OpenAI was losing money. I know 5 seconds of video using hunyuanvideo1.5_720p_fp16 can take 8~10 hours on an AMD R9700. I've heard this is significantly faster on consumer nVidia cards, but they also eat a lot more power. (Curious how long it takes on a 5090).
I've heard xAI/Grok charges $60/month for making up to 50x 5sec clips per day, and it only takes 1~2 min. I imagine they're probably hemorrhaging money there as well.
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balduin
in reply to Neil E. Hodges • • •The story about electricity grids is funny, because utility companies in the US are building micro grids: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/california-utility-clean-energy-microgrids-wildfires
In electricity we went from big to small. Only solar and battery systems of the last 5-15 years made it possible to generate electricity cheaply at home.
With computers we went from big to very small, but that shift happened with Intel years ago and raspberry is another example of that shift.
Can utilities replace power lines with solar and batteries in remote areas?
Canary MediaNeil E. Hodges likes this.