About AI...

I've been thinking about the advent of AI, and how we really don't know *what* it is, how it will be used, or how it will affect us.

And yet, AI is the answer to everything!  And it will cost all kinds of jobs! And it will make our lives better (or worse, I'm confused)!

The headlines promoted by companies tell a story that they want to tell (and ignore that they are taking an opportunity to "rightsize their workforce" while hailing innovation - lower payroll = more money to the wealthy investors).  

So instead, I prefer to focus on the fact that each new innovation does change some aspects of our lives, but doesn't end the world as we know it.  A relatively recent analogous example being the advent of the personal computer - which we were told would eliminate humans from most jobs.

AI is probably overstated in how it can be applied, though it definitely has use cases that can be helpful and improve on some things we as humans do. And industries will surely change.  But it seems unlikely that it will "eliminate humans from most jobs."  That's my take, anyway.

But I don't think I'm alone on that.  I found this video, and it talks about the same general topic from a slightly different perspective, and is worth a watch.

https://youtu.be/2SjgP8o-1LQ?si=e15fwFpihP8NnQqd

Oh, and by the way, I did note that Lowe's is investing in training tradespeople.  They, too,  see the headlines, and realize that no matter what, trades can't be replaced by AI.  Plus, being in construction broadly, they see a deficit on people who can do plumbing, electric, and carpentry.  So they are looking to fill that need, and take a part of that business.  Kudos to them.

Keep calm, and carry on

A few weeks ago, we heard about a few people getting sick on a cruise ship, from something most of us never heard of, the hantavirus. Then, a couple of people died, and some others got pretty sick and the news media started to do what they do best: breathlessly report on it.  It's the next pandemic!

Scientists, particularly those with experience in diseases and epidemiology, were drowned out.  The truth is that while this is "something," it's not quite what its been built up to be.  It's treatable if caught early. Different strains spread differently, but generally you have to be in close quarters. It originates via rat droppings, and much of it originates in Argentina, as it turns out (hence why there was an outbreak on a ship that left from that country).

The media just focuses on it being awful, and will report on stories like the woman who is quarantined here in the states, but who wants to leave and is throwing a fit about her rights. (I would assume because it makes a great headline and gets clicks). 

And they miss the story about another man in the same facility, who sees that this is the right thing to do, and talks about how the kindness of strangers touched him. People send care packages, and drop off coffees.  He's had some unexpected and pleasant interactions with the staff - and he adds that he will not let what's happened deter him.  He still plans to travel the world!

Oh, and of course the media also decides to add ebola into the story, for good measure.  They conflate both diseases, even though they are vastly different in almost every way.

That's not to say there's no danger and we shouldn't pay attention.  But, we should focus our attention in the right places.

My point is that once again, we should look behind the hype.  Listen to those who know something about the topic.  Don't doom scroll and immediately assume the worst because that's what you see popping up on social media.

Watch "You've Seen Her Face THOUSANDS of Times & Here's Why!" on YouTube

This is just a fun break from the everyday. 

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/LfgCdlLf__c?si=MiEhhaHUnxK4ezWN

Watch "Theres no such thing" on YouTube

Boom!

I agree with Carl. Evolution is a fact. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/Z3u5C7RLvJo?si=vL545lQmAxJFDS2M

Watch "How Differential Gear Works | QUOTED" on YouTube

This is one of the most well articulated description of differentials that I’ve ever seen. 

It’s well worth a few minutes of your time. 

https://youtu.be/F40ZBDAG8-o?si=9QdzFK2Nr3Jn1ROw

Climate scientist finds large errors in a global climate pollution database

The finding of large gaps in the climate data are maybe not so surprising. They do note that the way data is collected and the use of automation does affect the data that’s reported. 

And of course there is observer bias. But they note:

“We will never estimate emissions with perfect accuracy, but we must ensure that the data shared with policymakers and the public is unbiased and meets best practices and the most rigorous scientific standards available. Without this, we mislead decision makers and potentially lose public trust in our ability to tackle climate change.”

And yes. That should be the fundamental basis for all scientific endeavor. 

https://phys.org/news/2026-05-climate-scientist-large-errors-global.html

Beavers Turn Rivers Into Powerful Carbon Sinks, Study Finds

Let’s give it up for the beavers!

They turn out to be more important in a changing climate than anyone ever assumed. 

 

https://scitechdaily.com/beavers-turn-rivers-into-powerful-carbon-sinks-study-finds/