2025-02-05 17:03:11

i have about 2 free hours before lunch to try more LLM features for Atacama.

it isn't smart enough to do LONDON. so the ratings will have to be the feature.

positive ratings are "good content". negative ratings are "perilous content".

an email with very little useful content would be +10. the negative ratings are for actively-harmful content. 🔥 i can't give examples of Secrets Man Was Not Meant To Know here

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also there will be some notes, for a job interview tonight, and a business meeting tomorrow.

2025-02-05 00:07:50

I asked the machine to talk about register.

The formal register is used in professional, academic, and official settings. It employs sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and maintains emotional distance. Examples include academic papers, business proposals, and diplomatic communications.

The consultative register serves as the standard form of professional discourse. It balances formality with accessibility, appearing in business meetings, doctor-patient conversations, and teacher-student interactions. This register maintains professionalism while ensuring clear communication.

The casual register characterizes everyday conversation among friends and acquaintances. It incorporates colloquialisms, simpler sentence structures, and may include some slang. This register appears in personal emails, social media posts, and informal conversations.

The intimate register occurs in close personal relationships. It often features private vocabulary, terms of endearment, and highly context-dependent communication. This register typically exists between family members, close friends, and romantic partners.

The frozen register appears in unchanging, ritualistic contexts. Legal documents, religious ceremonies, and historical texts often employ this register. It preserves traditional phrasings and formal language patterns that remain consistent over time.

The persuasive register aims to influence opinions or behaviors. It employs rhetorical devices, emotional appeals, and strong evidence-based arguments. This register appears in advertising, political speeches, and sales presentations, where the speaker seeks to convince the audience of a particular position or action.

The instructional register focuses on delivering clear directions or teaching new information. It emphasizes sequential organization, precise terminology, and explicit connections between concepts. Technical manuals, educational materials, and cooking recipes exemplify this register.

The collaborative register facilitates group work and shared decision-making. It incorporates inclusive language, open-ended questions, and consensus-building phrases. This register commonly appears in team meetings, workshop facilitation, and group projects.

The analytical register emphasizes objective evaluation and logical reasoning. It employs precise terminology, evidence-based assertions, and methodical analysis. Academic papers, research reports, and critical reviews utilize this register to examine and assess information systematically.

The empathetic register conveys understanding and emotional support. It uses validating language, reflective listening phrases, and compassionate vocabulary. This register is essential in counseling, customer service interactions, and personal support conversations.

The narrative register relates events or experiences in a structured way. It employs temporal sequencing, descriptive details, and character development. This register appears in storytelling, case studies, and personal anecdotes in professional settings.

Examples:

Persuasive Register:

"By implementing our new software system, you'll reduce operating costs by 30% while improving customer satisfaction."

"Don't miss this opportunity to transform your career with our industry-leading certification program."

Instructional Register:

"First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then line two baking sheets with parchment paper."

"To configure your email settings, navigate to the system preferences menu and select 'Mail' from the dropdown list."

Collaborative Register:

"What are your thoughts on this approach? I believe we could integrate both teams' suggestions."

"Let's explore how we can combine our resources to achieve our shared objectives."

Analytical Register:

"The data indicates a strong correlation between employee engagement and productivity, with a coefficient of 0.85."

"Upon examination of the market trends, we observe a significant shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable products."

Empathetic Register:

"I understand how challenging this transition has been, and your concerns about the reorganization are completely valid."

"You've managed an incredibly complex situation, and your dedication to finding a solution is commendable."

Narrative Register:

"During the product launch event, our team encountered an unexpected technical challenge that ultimately led to a breakthrough innovation."

"As we implemented the new protocol, we discovered that staff adaptation occurred more rapidly than anticipated."

The tentative register expresses uncertainty, possibility, or politeness through careful word choice and hedging language. It often employs modal verbs, qualifying phrases, and indirect constructions to soften statements or show deference. For example:

"It appears that the quarterly results might indicate a slight downward trend in customer engagement."

"We would like to suggest considering an alternative approach to the project timeline, if that seems appropriate."

The command register, conversely, delivers direct instructions or orders with authority and clarity. It typically uses imperative sentences, active voice, and explicit directives while minimizing qualifying language. For example:

"Submit all expense reports by Friday at 5 PM without exception."

"Clear the conference room immediately and proceed to the designated assembly point."

2025-02-04 19:30:00

a line, from earlier, possibly true: the average person spends less than 1 hour per week doing elective reading.

it is one of those lines where the exact number doesn't really matter. time is finite, and most people won't come close to being able to understand many things. 🔥 do they have three semesters of university physics?

which makes applied philosophy an exercise in practical compression. 💡 the goal isn't the most-compressed version; but a version that people will understand

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the machine can do some of the grunt work. but not that much.

2025-02-04 18:49:52

You either die a rebel, or live long enough to understand the reasons for the system.

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One of the things I have been doing for the past five years is trying to cultivate the "startup" ecosystem in the rural midwest.

It has not been successful. Ultimately, the forces that handicap it are unassailable.

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One of the reasons is "leverage". There is only so much leverage to go around. And, it is concentrated elsewhere.

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the system creates the same ideas. 🔥 i get older, and the startups stay the same age

they, largely, aren't supposed to succeed.

the startups that fit the pre-conceived notions get rewards.

and, then, largely flounder.

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ten years ago, maybe there was a shortage of capital, or of expertise.

today, if anything, there is too much.

the various state-level "welfare" funding plans.

tech stacks that are more approachable.

2025-02-04 18:19:12

there is a balance between the machine should be generating camera-ready output and the machine should not be generating camera-ready output.

because people want to feel involved, and important.

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the benefit of DeepSeek is some "thought-like" mumbo-jumbo that makes people reading it feel smart. especially if they are too stupid to notice that the thought isn't actually thought.

the steps:

  • say "I'm not sure"
  • say "I need to think through this"
  • say "I've done this before" even though, as an LLM, you obviously haven't
  • say "Maybe" or "I've heard" before every statement, or "right?" or "I think" after.
  • ask leading questions as-if you don't know the answer
  • never say anything without posing a question first

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The DeepSeek-r1 "thought":

Okay, so I need to figure out how to fry an egg. Let's start by recalling what I know. Frying an egg usually involves cooking it in a pan with some fat, like oil or butter. But I'm not entirely sure about the exact steps. Let me break it down.

First, I think you need a pan. Maybe a non-stick skillet? That would make sense so the egg doesn't stick. Then, heat the pan. But how hot should it be? Medium heat maybe? If it's too high, the egg might burn, right? Then you add some oil or butter. Butter adds flavor, but oil might have a higher smoke point. Hmm, maybe that's a consideration.

Once the pan is heated and the fat is melted, you crack the egg into the pan. But wait, do you crack it directly into the pan or into a separate bowl first? I've heard some people say to use a bowl to check for shell fragments. Maybe that's a good idea. Then, you let the egg cook. But how long? The yolk can be runny or fully cooked. So depending on preference, the time might vary. If someone wants a sunny-side-up egg, they don't flip it. For over-easy or over-hard, you flip it. So the flipping part is important here.

Also, seasoning. Salt and pepper are common. When do you add them? After the egg is cooking or at the end? Maybe while it's cooking so the seasoning sticks. Then, once it's done, you slide it onto a plate. But how do you know when it's done? The whites should be set, not runny. The edges might get crispy if you like that. For a runny yolk, the white should be fully cooked but the yolk still jiggles. If you flip it, over-easy would have a runny yolk, over-hard a fully cooked yolk.

Wait, but what about the heat control? If the pan is too hot, the bottom might burn before the top is cooked. Maybe starting with medium-low heat? Or medium? Also, covering the pan with a lid could help cook the top without flipping, like basting. Some people add a splash of water and cover it to steam the top. That's another method for cooking the whites over the yolk without flipping.

So putting it all together: heat the pan, add fat, crack the egg, cook to desired doneness, season, and serve. But I should make sure each step is clear. Maybe mention the options like flipping or steaming for different styles. Also, safety tips like making sure the egg is fresh, checking for shells, and handling hot pans safely.

Wait, what about the type of oil? Olive oil, vegetable oil, butter? Each has different smoke points and flavors. Butter burns faster, so maybe medium heat with butter, or use oil for higher heat. Maybe suggest using a neutral oil if someone is concerned about burning.

Also, cracking the egg. To avoid shells, crack it on a flat surface instead of the edge of the pan. Then open it gently into the pan. That might help prevent shell bits.

Timing: sunny-side-up takes about 2-3 minutes, over-easy another 30 seconds after flipping. Over-medium or over-hard would be longer. If using a lid with steam, maybe 2-3 minutes covered.

So the steps would be: heat pan, add fat, crack egg, cook (flip if desired), season, serve. Mention variations like sunny-side-up, over-easy, etc. Maybe tips for avoiding sticking, controlling heat, and achieving desired yolk consistency.

I should also mention using a spatula to flip gently if flipping. And maybe the option to baste the egg with hot fat instead of flipping, which some chefs do. That way the top gets cooked without flipping.

Let me check if I missed anything. Tools needed: skillet, spatula, maybe a lid. Ingredients: egg, fat, salt, pepper. Variations in cooking time and technique based on preference. Safety and cleanliness tips, like washing hands after handling raw eggs.

Yeah, that seems comprehensive. Now, I need to present this in a clear, step-by-step manner without making it too complicated. Make sure to include all the key points and options for different doneness levels.

compared to the deepseek-7b "thought":

Okay, so I need to figure out how to fry an egg. I've seen people do it before, but I'm not entirely sure about the exact steps or the right order of things. Let me think through this.

First off, I know that eggs are usually fried in a pan, but I'm not 100% clear on whether they use oil or butter. I remember seeing both in recipes, so maybe either is okay? But I've heard that oil might be better because it heats up hotter and cooks the egg more evenly.

So, do I need to have the right kind of pan? Well, a non-stick pan would probably be best since eggs can stick if not coated well. I think I have a skillet at home, so that should work. Also, making sure the pan is clean and doesn't have any grease on it is important to avoid cross-contamination or having an uneven cooking surface.

Next, temperature comes into play. I've heard about using a thermometer for frying, but maybe there's a rule of thumb too. I think high heat is key here because you want the egg to cook quickly without getting overcooked and rubbery inside. So turning on the stove to the highest setting makes sense. But wait, when it says medium-high or high, what does that translate to in actual temperature? Maybe around 375°F for frying eggs.

Now, cracking an egg into a little dish, probably about the size of my palm so I can get a good amount of yolk and white without making a mess. When I crack it open, should I let some runny parts get mixed with the rest or just make sure they're evenly coated? I think coating is important for getting a nice golden brown on both sides.

Pouring the egg into the pan while it's still hot might help because the heat will kick in right away. Then, flipping it once seems enough if done correctly. But how do I know when it's ready? The egg should be golden and firm on top but just set or runny inside, right? So maybe a little underdone to ensure it's cooked through without being rubbery.

Wait, sometimes people say not to overcook eggs because they might turn rubbery. So frying for about two minutes per side seems short enough, but I'm not sure if that's the exact timing everyone follows. Also, after frying, is it better to let them rest before eating? Maybe yes, so the heat doesn't burn their tempers.

I should also consider whether there are alternative methods without frying, like boiling or steaming, but since the user specifically asked about frying, I'll focus on that method. Are there any tips for better frying? Maybe not letting too much liquid get in the pan to avoid sogginess, and using a slotted spoon to catch drips instead of spilling them.

Oh, and after frying, is it okay to let it cool slightly before eating or can I just serve it right away? I think you can serve it immediately after draining but maybe the pan still has some heat left that could burn your fingers. So perhaps letting it rest for a bit is practical.

Wait, do I need any specific tools apart from the pan and maybe a slotted spoon? A fork isn't necessary if I'm just flipping them once, but sometimes people use a fork to make sure the egg cooks evenly on both sides without sticking too much. But with a non-stick pan, that might not be as crucial.

I should also think about whether this method works for different sizes of eggs or if there's any variation in technique. A larger egg might need more time or adjusting the heat, but since I'm using medium-high, maybe it's okay. Also, when the pan is on high heat, making sure to keep moving the egg around so it doesn't stick.

Another point: after frying, do I need to let the eggs cool completely before handling them? Probably not necessary, as the heat should have all cooked through and the yolk would still be runny. So just draining them and letting them rest in the pan for a few minutes until they're ready to serve is enough.

In summary, my steps are: prepare a non-stick pan with oil or butter on medium-high heat, crack an egg into a dish, pour it into the pan, flip once when golden brown, remove with a slotted spoon, and let them rest. That should do it.

2025-02-04 17:34:08

in a market where "independent" providers are a market for lemons, a single trust-worthy entity will out-compete them.

why can't the Lutheran Church provide:

  • a search engine
  • cookware
  • architectural guidelines
  • schools
  • etc.

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the public image of a church is the weekly services. which, only minimally, touch on theology. they are hymns and a sermon. (and, for the Catholics, the Eucharist)

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i can put on a show if i have to. (and have a script.)

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🔥 the average person only spends 1 hour per week doing elective reading. (maybe)

2025-02-04 17:14:48

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42934447

LINKS TO

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/head-scores-victory-as-google-agrees-to-delete-school-reviews/

💡 there isn't much there there. "School reviews" were disabled in 2018. They are just turning off an out-dated set of old reviews.

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There is very little point in having "reviews" if bad reviews are criminalized. And, more and more, people are finding ways to do just that. Either the reviewer, or the platform, get punished, even for accurate reviews.

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For schools, the problem of "angry students making shit up" might be intractable. 🔥 or, angry parents making shit up.

Ultimately, saying you should use this third-party over that one is perilous speech. Such is life under a tyranny of the litigious.

2025-02-04 17:03:42

half of all lawyer-ing is organizing documents.

and ... the machine can sometimes, kind-of, do this.

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the "document editor" and the "document manager" are different apps.

people have tried to merge them for 20+ years. it hasn't worked.

💡 also, people have tried to do "revision history" for normal people. it also hasn't worked.

2025-02-04 16:13:15

the search for jobs is not yet bearing fruit.

part of this is that i am a complicated candidate, and we are in an era where many companies don't feel a need to take on the risks of complicated employees.

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for Atacama, i could try to add LONDON. i could add "ratings" (like +110 or -20dB) based on content.

after watching the machine fail once at generating useful metadata for quotes, I am punting. for the limited situations where I care, I can enter it manually.

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Programming with the LLM is something of a guessing game.

If I tell it to add a feature, will it do it correctly? Or, will I have to explain it more and more? Would it be faster to just write it myself?

And, if the machine is wrong, is it because the tool is immature and incomplete? Or was the idea incomplete?

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more later.

2025-02-03 22:27:12

when I ask the machine to make a worksheet, it comes out with something that looks terrible.

clearly, the free ChatGPT product hasn't learned the value of a good user interface.

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Claude gives very similar content, but formatted in a way that is, at least, suitable for input into Microsoft Word.

💡 perhaps give the answer in a nice PDF is a business idea?