2han99

📰 Weekly Highlights#

Musk Announces First Human Implant of Brain-Computer Interface Chip, Controlling Phones with Thought is Just the Beginning#

This article mainly reports on Musk's announcement of the first human implant of a brain-computer interface chip and introduces Neuralink's product Telepathy and brain-computer interface technology. The article points out that this technology aims to help those who have lost bodily control for various reasons, allowing them to control phones or computers merely by thinking, thus enabling control of almost any device. The article also discusses Neuralink's flexible electrode technology and the possibility of implant wires moving within the brain, as well as issues the company faces in animal testing.
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Brain-computer interfaces can help these special groups, but I doubt whether the "assistants" for normal people will appear in this form.
Even if I look forward to mechanical ascension, I do not wish for any foreign objects in my brain.

Replicating Some Train Stations in All Provincial Capitals Nationwide#

In this collaboration, Baidu's Wenxin Yiyan foundational model will be deeply integrated with Galaxy AI, adding advanced features such as intelligent summarization, advanced typesetting, and real-time call translation to the S24 series.

Wenxin Yiyan's understanding and generation capabilities are similar to Gemini Pro, enabling the upgraded Samsung Note Assistant to transcribe content into text in real-time, distinguish speakers, and support multilingual translation and meeting minutes generation, improving cross-language communication and office efficiency.

Additionally, the S24 series inherits the innovative feature "Circle to Search" pioneered by Google, allowing users to intuitively search text, images, or videos with simple gestures, quickly obtaining accurate results from Baidu search.

Regardless, multimodality is the most basic function; otherwise, it is of little significance.

A Bunch of Young Americans Living Off Their Parents' Money#

It feels good when your assumptions about the world are confirmed by cold, hard data. For instance:
It feels good when your assumptions about the world are confirmed by cold, hard data. For instance:

The majority of Americans (73%) only eat pizza with their hands — none of that fork and knife business.
The majority of Americans (73%) only eat pizza with their hands — none of that fork and knife business.
Are pets part of the family? Sure thing, according to 97% of US pet owners.
Are pets part of the family? Sure thing, according to 97% of US pet owners.

We’ve got another one for you: If you’ve seen young Americans freely spend money and assumed they’re getting help from their parents, well, it’s more likely than not that they are, per Pew Research Center.
We’ve got another one for you: If you’ve seen young Americans freely spend money and assumed they’re getting help from their parents, well, it’s more likely than not that they are, per Pew Research Center.

Yeah, duh
Parents providing financial backing for their adult kids is hardly a new or surprising concept, but the scale of that support jumps off the page:
Parents providing financial backing for their adult kids is hardly a new or surprising concept, but the scale of that support jumps off the page:

The majority of under-30 Americans lack total financial independence from their parents. Just 16% of adults ages 18-24 are entirely off their parents’ payroll. That number goes up to 44% for those ages 25-29.
The majority of under-30 Americans lack total financial independence from their parents. Just 16% of adults ages 18-24 are entirely off their parents’ payroll. That number goes up to 44% for those ages 25-29.

While most young adults (67%) achieve full independence by their early 30s, nearly one-third of adults ages 30-34 still receive parental help.
While most young adults (67%) achieve full independence by their early 30s, nearly one-third of adults ages 30-34 still receive parental help.

Household expenses, phone bills, and streaming subscriptions are the most common chip-ins. Despite the horror show that is rent and mortgage, only 17% of adults ages 18-34 get help making those payments.
Household expenses, phone bills, and streaming subscriptions are the most common chip-ins. Despite the horror show that is rent and mortgage, only 17% of adults ages 18-34 get help making those payments.

That said, the number of young adults living with their parents has increased: 57% of American adults under age 25 share an address with a parent, up from 53% in 1993.
That said, the number of young adults living with their parents has increased: 57% of American adults under age 25 share an address with a parent, up from 53% in 1993.

The “why” behind all of this isn’t hard to find. For starters, inflation has been extra painful for young Americans, and the housing market increasingly favors the old.
The “why” behind all of this isn’t hard to find. For starters, inflation has been extra painful for young Americans, and the housing market increasingly favors the old.

What are parents saying?
Fifty-nine percent of parents reported financially assisting their adult children over the past year — and many aren’t blinking much of an eye at it.
What are parents saying?
Fifty-nine percent of parents reported financially assisting their adult children over the past year — and many aren’t blinking much of an eye at it.

Of those parents, 64% said giving support did little or no damage to their own personal finances.
Of those parents, 64% said giving support did little or no damage to their own personal finances.
They think it’ll be temporary: 72% of parents believe their adult kids will cut the “financial umbilical cord” eventually.
They think it’ll be temporary: 72% of parents believe their adult kids will cut the “financial umbilical cord” eventually.

It isn’t just a one-way street, BTW: Parents giving help is far more common, but 33% of adults ages 18-34 say they’ve financially supported their parents in the past year. (Only 14% of parents acknowledged receiving help, though. Hm.)
It isn’t just a one-way street, BTW: Parents giving help is far more common, but 33% of adults ages 18-34 say they’ve financially supported their parents in the past year. (Only 14% of parents acknowledged receiving help, though. Hm.)

Readers and commentators tell us that as soon as they reach adulthood, American parents kick their children out to live independently.

One Billion Row Challenge#

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is deceptively simple: write a Java program for retrieving temperature measurement values from a text file and calculating the min, mean, and max temperature per weather station. There’s just one caveat: the file has 1,000,000,000 rows!
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is deceptively simple: write a Java program for retrieving temperature measurement values from a text file and calculating the min, mean, and max temperature per weather station. There’s just one caveat: the file has 1,000,000,000 rows!

The text file has a simple structure with one measurement value per row:
The text file has a simple structure with one measurement value per row:

Hamburg;12.0
Bulawayo;8.9
Palembang;38.8
St. John's;15.2
Cracow;12.6
...

The program should print out the min, mean, and max values per station, alphabetically ordered like so:
The program should print out the min, mean, and max values per station, alphabetically ordered like so:

{Abha=5.0/18.0/27.4, Abidjan=15.7/26.0/34.1, Abéché=12.1/29.4/35.6, Accra=14.7/26.4/33.1, Addis Ababa=2.1/16.0/24.3, Adelaide=4.1/17.3/29.7, ...}

The goal of the 1BRC challenge is to create the fastest implementation for this task, and while doing so, explore the benefits of modern Java and find out how far you can push this platform. So grab all your (virtual) threads, reach out to the Vector API and SIMD, optimize your GC, leverage AOT compilation, or pull any other trick you can think of.
The goal of the 1BRC challenge is to create the fastest implementation for this task, and while doing so, explore the benefits of modern Java and find out how far you can push this platform. So grab all your (virtual) threads, reach out to the Vector API and SIMD, optimize your GC, leverage AOT compilation, or pull any other trick you can think of.

There’s a few simple rules of engagement for 1BRC (see here for more details):
There’s a few simple rules of engagement for 1BRC (see here for more details):

• Any submission must be written in Java
• Any submission must be written in Java
• Any Java distribution available through SDKMan as well as early access builds from openjdk.net may be used, including EA builds for OpenJDK projects like Valhalla
• Any Java distribution available through SDKMan as well as early access builds from openjdk.net may be used, including EA builds for OpenJDK projects like Valhalla
• No external dependencies may be used
• No external dependencies may be used
  Source

It's very worthwhile to learn and witness the ingenuity of various programmers, and there are already versions in multiple languages.

China's Leading Edge in Chip Startup Financing Over the US is Greater Than Ever#

When it comes to venture capital for computer chips, the gap between the US and China has never been wider.
When it comes to venture capital for computer chips, the gap between the US and China has never been wider.

In 2023, the US’s share of global semiconductor startup funding was just 11%, versus 75% for China, according to a recent report from PitchBook, a market research firm. PitchBook defines semiconductor startups as companies working on chip design and manufacturing as well as production and equipment.
In 2023, the US’s share of global semiconductor startup funding was just 11%, versus 75% for China, according to a recent report from PitchBook, a market research firm. PitchBook defines semiconductor startups as companies working on chip design and manufacturing as well as production and equipment.
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Prohibiting sales is not as good as cheap dumping; the talent and infrastructure for chip design are developing, and the barriers are getting lower.
However, strict checks are needed to see if there is real technology or just a shell to defraud money.

International Court Rules Israel May Be Committing Genocide in Gaza#

After more than three months of Israel’s merciless assault on Gaza, Friday’s judgment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has come as some vindication for the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped in the hell that the enclave has become. Fifteen out of 17 jurists, legal experts from around the world, found it plausible that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
After more than three months of Israel’s merciless assault on Gaza, Friday’s judgment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has come as some vindication for the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped in the hell that the enclave has become. Fifteen out of 17 jurists, legal experts from around the world, found it plausible that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.
Source

Of course, this is of no use; it has happened before, but it seems no Israelis have faced punishment, after all, there is a good son in America.

Military Leaders in the UK and Across Europe Warn That Peacetime May Be Coming to an End#

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and the prospect of a Trump presidency becomes more likely, military leaders in the UK and across Europe have been warning that peacetime may be coming to an end.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and the prospect of a Trump presidency becomes more likely, military leaders in the UK and across Europe have been warning that peacetime may be coming to an end.

In his first speech as defence secretary, Grant Shapps echoed this sentiment, saying that we are moving from a “postwar” to a “prewar” world. And it’s not just the UK: Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, predicted that a Russian attack on a NATO country is only five to eight years away. With a dwindling army – Britain’s military is the smallest it’s been in 400 years – the threat feels more palpable than ever to some. The head of the British army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, said during a military conference Britain should train and equip a citizen’s army because years of poor recruitment has meant that the number of fully trained army personnel has dropped to record lows, leaving the UK vulnerable. Though he was not advocating for conscription, the idea of mass mobilisation has set off alarm bells.
In his first speech as defence secretary, Grant Shapps echoed this sentiment, saying that we are moving from a “postwar” to a “prewar” world. And it’s not just the UK: Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, predicted that a Russian attack on a NATO country is only five to eight years away. With a dwindling army – Britain’s military is the smallest it’s been in 400 years – the threat feels more palpable than ever to some. The head of the British army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, said during a military conference Britain should train and equip a citizen’s army because years of poor recruitment has meant that the number of fully trained army personnel has dropped to record lows, leaving the UK vulnerable. Though he was not advocating for conscription, the idea of mass mobilisation has set off alarm bells.

Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) swiftly dismissed the claims made by Gen Sanders, insisting that there were no plans to reinstate national service. But for today’s newsletter I spoke with Guardian security and defence editor Dan Sabbagh about the crisis in the military, and what it means for Britain’s security. But first, the headlines.
Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) swiftly dismissed the claims made by Gen Sanders, insisting that there were no plans to reinstate national service. But for today’s newsletter I spoke with Guardian security and defence editor Dan Sabbagh about the crisis in the military, and what it means for Britain’s security. But first, the headlines.

Logically speaking, anyone who can say that Russia will attack NATO countries is either foolish or malicious; since they can become the defense secretary, it goes without saying.
How could Russia have the strength to expand westward? The Soviet Union couldn't do it, let alone now.
If NATO does not expand westward, how could the war between Russia and Ukraine occur? It is purely falling into the trap set by the United States.

New York Times Morning Report: Changes in Chinese Movie Preferences#

Good morning. China was once a big moneymaker for Hollywood. Last year, no American movie broke the Top 10 at the Chinese box office.
Good morning. China was once a big moneymaker for Hollywood. Last year, no American movie broke the Top 10 at the Chinese box office.

“Barbenheimer” — the portmanteau given to the same-day release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” last summer — was a genuine cultural phenomenon for much of the world. Cinemas were filled with outfits in various hues of pink. Social media frothed with opinions. And the films brought in a combined $2.3 billion globally.
“Barbenheimer” — the portmanteau given to the same-day release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” last summer — was a genuine cultural phenomenon for much of the world. Cinemas were filled with outfits in various hues of pink. Social media frothed with opinions. And the films brought in a combined $2.3 billion globally.

The “Barbenheimer” story played out differently in China, though. Neither movie cracked the nation’s top 30 releases last year. In fact, as my colleagues Claire Fu, Brooks Barnes and Daisuke Wakabayashi have reported, it was a bad year for all of Hollywood at the Chinese box office, where no American movie broke the list of top 10 highest-grossing movies.
The “Barbenheimer” story played out differently in China, though. Neither movie cracked the nation’s top 30 releases last year. In fact, as my colleagues Claire Fu, Brooks Barnes and Daisuke Wakabayashi have reported, it was a bad year for all of Hollywood at the Chinese box office, where no American movie broke the list of top 10 highest-grossing movies.

Barbie: A boring children's movie, which Chinese people cannot resonate with; perhaps only children's movies made in Japan have a market in China.
Oppenheimer: An American political film; how could one expect people from other countries to watch it?
Others (that's you, Marvel) are boring, politically correct, and have weak plots.

📚 Articles#

Going on a Voyage#

AI Summary#

This article mainly introduces the experience and related details of cruise travel. Compared to other types of travel, a cruise trip requires almost no planning or itinerary; activities and meals are free, making it very suitable for traveling with parents or young children. The cruise model involves paying for accommodation, after which all other costs are free, although there are some paid items, such as beverages, activities, and restaurants. After boarding, passports are collected, and various expenses and activities are charged using a room card. Cash can be used on board, but it is in US dollars. Reservations and prices can be checked through the official website, with different types of rooms having different prices, and there are also free activities for children. When choosing a room, it is recommended to select a room in the middle of the lower floors to avoid seasickness. Onboard restaurants offer both paid and free options, with the free restaurants mainly being the Main Dining Room and the Sail Away Restaurant; the Main Dining Room serves Western cuisine, is ceremonial but slow in serving, while the Sail Away Restaurant is a buffet with quality comparable to that of resort hotels in tourist areas.

Excerpts#

Activities

• Simulated Skydiving: Flying in a wind tunnel, a fun first experience. The free experience is a 1-minute course.
• Deck Surfing: Divided into two types, lying down to kneeling and standing, as different boards are used; it's very exciting. However, the queue area is too sunny, so be careful with sun protection.
• Bumper Cars: Very fun; sometimes there are few people in line, so you can often go check it out and hop on when it's less crowded.
• Archery: I personally enjoy it as well. When there are fewer people behind, you can play to your heart's content.
• Table Tennis: The company has it, so I’m not very interested.
• Basketball: Not very interested either.
• Motion Sensing Game Machines: Kids love it; when I played, there was a child guiding me, I see that child playing this every time I pass by, feeling like they might be an NPC.
• Children's Arcade: Not coin-operated; it directly uses the room card.
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Once there are more cruise options departing from Shanghai, I might give it a try.

🎞️ Life#

Fever on Friday, nothing happened over the weekend, did not pack things in preparation for moving.

💭 Fragments#