#BrainFood 07.22.24
Sorry for the no-post on Friday. I was traveling all day - during the cancelled-flight-pocolypse!
I was in the air by 7:15AM PST, people started checking in with me at about 7:30AM to ask if I was in the air, as they were seeing the news about the IT issues start to unfold.
Aside from thinking my planes computer was going to fail and I was going to plummet to the earth in a fireball, I was totally fine. Completely unaffected!
Props to Southwest for using Amazon infrastructure!
10 Things That Can Happen to Your Body if You Drink Coffee Daily
Positive effects:
Anti-inflammatory benefits: Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells against damage from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Boost cardiovascular health: Moderate caffeine consumption has been associated with a lower risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, including strokes.
Support brain health: Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Protective liver benefits: Regular caffeine intake has been associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cancer.
Anticancer properties: Caffeine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including liver and colorectal cancer.
Potential negative effects:
Impact on sleep regularity: Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, delay sleep onset, and reduce sleep quality and total sleep time.
Trigger migraines and headaches: For some individuals, especially those prone to migraines, caffeine can trigger headaches or exacerbate migraine symptoms.
Increase eye pressure: Caffeine can cause a temporary increase in intraocular pressure, which could be a concern for individuals with glaucoma or high eye pressure.
Negative effects on younger people: High caffeine intake may affect the neurological development of children and adolescents, potentially leading to increased anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns.
Potential effects on pregnancy: High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, preterm birth, and increased risk of pregnancy loss.
STUDY: Artificial intelligence isn’t a good argument for basic income
I’m no economist, but I am a believer in UBI.
A UBI Refresher: Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a government-funded program that provides a fixed, unconditional income to every individual, regardless of their employment status or financial situation.
A Universal Basic Income (UBI) could provide a much-needed financial safety net, helping to reduce poverty, improve mental and physical health, and promote entrepreneurship. UBI could also streamline welfare systems and value unpaid work. On the flip side, implementing a large-scale UBI might prove extremely costly and could even spur inflation, ultimately negating the benefits.
What was the goal of the study, and how was it structured?
The goal of Sam Altman's UBI study was to explore how a basic income could assist workers displaced by artificial intelligence. The study, which began in 2021, involved 3,000 participants from Texas and Illinois who received either $1,000 or $50 monthly for three years. The study aimed to assess how recipients utilized their time, their mental and physical well-being, and decision-making processes, while also examining the impact of the funds on social attitudes and personal beliefs.
What were the key results of the UBI study?
The study found that recipients of the $1,000 monthly payments increased their overall spending, primarily on food, rent, and transportation. They experienced decreased financial stress initially, but this benefit faded over time. The study did not find significant improvements in physical or mental health. Participants worked slightly less but remained engaged in the workforce and were more deliberate in their job searches. They also provided more financial support to others compared to the control group.
How does Sam Altman(Founder of Open AI/ChatGPT) perceive the importance of UBI in relation to AI advancements?
Sam Altman views UBI as a crucial measure to address the economic disruptions caused by AI advancements. He believes that as AI continues to evolve and potentially displace jobs, a guaranteed income could help mitigate the resulting financial instability. Altman has consistently advocated for UBI as a solution to unemployment and has supported political figures who promote similar ideas. He emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to manage the risks associated with increasingly powerful AI models
What Are Those Patterns You See When You Close Your Eyes?
I’m no doctor, but I believe that I am seeing the Matrix that we all live in.
Summary: The visual patterns and colors you see when you close your eyes, known as phosphenes, are harmless illusions created by your brain's interpretation of random activity from cells at the back of your eyes. These sensations of light, which usually occur in darkness or with eyes closed, result from normal eye function. However, if there's a significant change or increase in the patterns you see, it's a good idea to consult a medical professional to rule out potential eye or neurological issues.
I still think it’s the Matrix.
This is what the Red Hot Chili Peppers are used to promote their Toronto show
They not like us