For about a year now, I’ve been muttering, with the casual confidence of someone who has absolutely no way to stop it, that when AI and quantum computing mature and inevitably merge, we’re looking at the beginning of the end of the human experiment. This article is Chapter 1 of that story — and it reads uncomfortably like the opening act of Terminator 2, where Sarah and John Connor race back in time to find Miles Dyson before he builds the microprocessors that become Skynet. Let’s hope the rest of this movie has a better story arc than the one currently forming in my head.

Article Excerpt:

Researchers have developed a method to reduce uncertainty in artificial intelligence (AI) systems by tapping into the power of quantum computers. They say their work represents the first demonstration of ‘quantum enhancement’ in a production-scale, pretrained large language model (LLM).

Article Summary:

IBM researchers have pulled off what they’re calling the first-ever demonstration of “quantum enhancement” in a production-scale, pretrained large language model — meaning they actually used a real quantum computer to improve a real AI system, not just run a simulation in a lab while wearing optimistic expressions.

The key metric here is something called “perplexity” (PPL), which measures how well an AI predicts what comes next in a sequence — essentially a proxy for how confused or confident the model is. Lower perplexity generally means better reasoning. The quantum-trained model showed measurable improvement over its classical baseline, answering questions correctly that the unenhanced model got wrong.

The especially unsettling part: the quantum boost required adding only a relatively small number of parameters. That’s the detail that should make you put down your coffee. It suggests this isn’t a brute-force quantum overkill situation — it’s an efficiency play, which means it scales.

This is early days. Quantum computing is still finicky, expensive, and not ready to run on your laptop. But “first demonstration” has a way of becoming “standard practice” faster than anyone expects. Chapter 1 rarely feels like the scary part until you’ve read Chapter 10.

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The post AI + Quantum Computing = Yikes! (Chapter 1) first appeared on Sevenelles.

There was a version of the ultra-wealthy that at least felt some obligation — real or performative — to the world that made them rich. That version is being quietly escorted out. What’s replacing it is a cohort of ideological mercenaries who’ve convinced themselves that hoarding capital and influencing elections is philanthropy, and that Warren Buffett passing around a philanthropy pledge card was somehow the real corruption. What happens when “giving back “is no longer fashionable? I’m guessing “not good things” , and we will all soon find out.

Article Excerpt:

Peter Thiel, the tech billionaire and a frequent Gates critic, said in an interview that he had privately encouraged around a dozen Giving Pledge signers to undo it. ‘Most of the ones I’ve talked to have at least expressed regret about signing it,’ he said.

Article Summary:

In 2010, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates launched the Giving Pledge — a moral commitment for billionaires to donate more than half their wealth to charity. It was, briefly, the fashionable thing to do. Oval Office visits happened. Fortune covers happened. Over 250 families signed on, including MacKenzie Scott, Mike Bloomberg, and Sam Altman.

The vibe was: big capitalism and big philanthropy can coexist, and being seen as a ‘good billionaire’ actually mattered. Fast forward to now, and the whole thing is being treated like an embarrassing yearbook photo.

Signups have cratered — 113 in the first five years, down to just 4 in 2024. The Trump administration views the Pledge as roughly a punchline. Peter Thiel has been actively lobbying signers to bail, calling it an ‘Epstein-adjacent, fake Boomer club’ (again — the man has his own Epstein ties, so that’s a bold rhetorical swing).

One signer actually unsigned it, which the article notes is ‘without precedent,’ which tells you something about the current climate. The new dominant ideology among ascendant tech billionaires holds that philanthropy is basically a PR scam, and that the real gift to humanity is just making more money and letting it trickle somewhere.

Elon Musk has said his “businesses are philanthropy.” That sentence exists. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation’s causes — global health, gender equality — are being actively dismantled by the administration that many of these same billionaires helped elect. Also worth noting: the Pledge has no enforcement mechanism whatsoever. It’s a moral commitment.

Which, given the moral inventory of some of its critics, may be precisely the problem.

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The post Fuck Philanthropy. Our Billionaires Want More Toys! first appeared on Sevenelles.

The article states. “The Interior Department has cited national security concerns from a classified Defense Department report as justification for halting renewable energy permits.” Yeah. Right. Renewable energy will be America’s downfall. While China races ahead of us in developing all types of energy.

Article Summary:

The Trump administration has agreed to pay French energy company TotalEnergies $1 billion to abandon two offshore wind farm projects off New York and North Carolina, redirecting the investment toward oil and gas development instead.

President Trump has long opposed offshore wind energy, calling turbines unattractive, costly, and harmful to wildlife—claims that industry advocates dispute. This settlement represents a new tactic by the Interior Department to halt offshore wind development, complementing previously issued stop-work orders on five permitted projects that were blocked by court injunctions.

Under the agreement, TotalEnergies will return its two wind leases to the federal government and has committed to avoiding future offshore wind projects in the United States. The company will redirect $928 million toward a Texas liquefied natural gas facility, shale gas production, and oil drilling. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the deal, stating it would free up funds from “expensive, weather dependent offshore wind” for “affordable, reliable and secure oil and natural gas production.”

Both projects—Attentive Energy and Carolina Long Bay—were still in planning phases and not yet fully permitted. The Interior Department has cited national security concerns from a classified Defense Department report as justification for halting renewable energy permits.

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The post Trump to Pay $1 Billion to Stop Two East Coast Wind Farms first appeared on Sevenelles.

A leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) security threats assessment suggests that the American public is now considered the country’s most significant threat. The document, obtained by journalist Ken Klippenstein, expands the definition of domestic terrorism to include individuals with “class-based or economic grievances,” potentially targeting a wide range of citizens.

The report indicates that domestic violent extremists have been the most active threat actors in recent years, motivated by various factors including anti-government sentiment, racial and ethnic grievances, and conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. DHS claims the rise in potential threats has been fueled by ongoing global tensions and terrorist media.

The assessment appears to challenge constitutional protections of free speech and protest, particularly in light of recent controversial government actions. In Minnesota, for example, DHS branded protesters as “domestic terrorists” following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents.

The new broad definition of domestic terrorism could potentially criminalize these acts of civic resistance, placing a more severe target on citizens challenging government actions. The report suggests a concerning shift in how the government perceives and responds to public dissent, potentially undermining fundamental rights to free expression and protest.

Link to the DHS document leak: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/leaked-doc-homeland-securitys-domestic

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The post DHS Thinks You Are Biggest Threat to America first appeared on Sevenelles.

“The right to assemble and protest is enshrined in American law, but it can still be dangerous to hit the streets to make your voice heard. Your devices are a treasure trove of information about you, and you may not always know who’s collecting that data. Take a few minutes before you go to assess your digital and physical safety.”

Article Summary:

The right to protest is protected in American law, but digital devices can compromise personal safety and privacy. Phones are particularly vulnerable to tracking and surveillance by law enforcement and government agencies.

Key digital risks during protests include:

• Cellular, GPS, and Wi-Fi tracking
• Stingray devices that intercept phone signals
• Potential data sharing by tech companies
• Location tracking through smart devices
• Facial recognition technologies
• Social media information exposure

To minimize digital risks, protesters should:

• Device Preparation:
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Disable location services
• Consider leaving personal phones at home
• Use a “burner” phone if possible

Communication:

• Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal
• Set messages to automatically delete
• Be cautious about taking/sharing photos
• Avoid showing identifiable features in images

The Electronic Frontier Foundation recommends using passcodes instead of biometric authentication and being strategic about digital presence during protests. While digital tools can help coordinate and document events, they can also expose participants to potential tracking and legal complications.

Ultimately, the goal is to balance effective communication and organizing with personal digital safety and privacy protection.

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The post Protest-Proof Your Phone in Minutes first appeared on Sevenelles.

The article discusses the importance of preparing for potential internet and electrical grid disruptions. According to a Federal Emergency Management Agency survey, 57% of Americans are not prepared for potential disasters.

Security experts and preppers emphasize that internet and power outages are increasingly likely due to aging infrastructure and potential cyberattacks. They recommend several strategies for maintaining connectivity and functionality during such emergencies:

Key recommendations include:

1. Assume technology failures can happen
2. Plan and prepare in advance
3. Have multiple backup communication and power strategies
4. Keep emergency supplies readily accessible
5. Develop a family emergency communication plan

The overarching message is that preparedness is crucial. By anticipating potential technological disruptions and having contingency plans, individuals can better navigate unexpected emergencies and maintain essential communication and power capabilities.

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The post The Internet Will Go Down In A Big Way — Be Ready first appeared on Sevenelles.

The New York Times editorial board has identified 12 markers of democratic erosion in the United States, highlighting how the country has regressed under President Trump’s leadership. While not yet a full autocracy like Russia or China, the United States shows concerning signs of democratic backsliding.

The 12 markers include:

1. Stifling dissent and free speech, with the administration pressuring media and targeting critics.

2. Persecuting political opponents through legal investigations and targeting those who disagree.

3. Bypassing the legislature by violating congressional funding authorizations and undermining legislative powers.

4. Misusing the military for domestic control and political purposes.

5. Defying court orders, particularly at lower court levels.

6. Declaring national emergencies on false pretenses to expand executive power.

7. Vilifying marginalized groups, particularly immigrants and minorities.

8. Controlling information and manipulating media narratives.

9. Attempting to take over and control universities.

10. Creating a cult of personality through self-aggrandizement.

11. Using governmental power for personal and family profit.

12. Manipulating election laws to entrench political power.

While the United States remains a democracy with independent institutions, the editorial warns that these trends could progressively undermine democratic norms. The authors note that once countries begin moving away from democracy, the erosion often continues.

The piece emphasizes that many Americans remain complacent about these changes, and the markers provide a framework for monitoring future democratic regression.

The editorial concludes by stating that the U.S. is not yet an autocracy but has started down a potentially dangerous anti-democratic path.

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The post Are We Losing Our Democracy? first appeared on Sevenelles.

This David Brooks article discusses the need for a resistance movement against Trumpism and populist authoritarianism in the United States. Drawing on historical examples of successful civil resistance, such as the People Power Revolution in the Philippines, the author argues that citizens are not powerless in the face of autocratic threats.

The text explores why Americans have been passive in response to democratic erosion under the Trump administration. Two key reasons are identified: intimidation and a lack of understanding of the broader historical context. The author suggests that Trumpism is more than a political phenomenon—it’s a cultural movement that offers identity and belonging to its supporters.

To counter this, the author proposes building a counter-social movement that draws inspiration from the historical Populist Progressive alliance. This movement should:

1. Capitalize on the weaknesses of the MAGA narrative
2. Construct a more inspiring vision of America
3. Build a cross-class coalition
4. Focus on persuasion and concrete victories
5. Create compelling narratives and heroes
6. Use nonviolent actions to shift public sentiment

The proposed movement should emphasize traditional American values of social mobility, hope, and possibility, in contrast to the MAGA narrative of threat and zero-sum competition. It should unite progressives and populists around shared goals of reducing inequality and expanding opportunity.

The article concludes with optimism, arguing that America has a history of cycling through rupture and repair. While Trumpism is currently ascendant, cultural and intellectual change can precede social movements and ultimately political transformation.

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The post America Needs a Mass Movement—Now first appeared on Sevenelles.

In this guest essay in the NY Times, Dr. Andreas Reckwitz explores the contemporary experience of loss in Western societies, challenging the long-held belief in perpetual progress. Historically, Western civilization was defined by an optimistic faith that the future would continually improve. However, this belief is now under significant threat across multiple dimensions.

Environmental losses, exemplified by climate change, are fundamentally transforming living conditions. Economic decline has devastated previously prosperous regions, fracturing societies into winners and losers. Demographic shifts, particularly in Europe’s aging population, have created widespread experiences of loss. Public infrastructures are weakening, and geopolitical dynamics suggest a potential regression from liberal democratic ideals.

These losses challenge modernity’s fundamental premise of constant improvement. The text argues that the modern secular religion of progress traditionally denied or concealed loss, but this denial is no longer sustainable.

The author suggests several strategies for addressing loss:

1. A politics of resilience: Strengthening societal systems to mitigate potential negative impacts.

2. Revaluing loss as potential opportunity: Recognizing that certain losses might enable more sustainable ways of living.

3. Redistributing gains and losses more equitably across social groups.

4. Acknowledging and integrating loss into individual and collective narratives, learning to accept vulnerability without being paralyzed by it.

Article Excerpt:

“For liberal democracy, the implications are decisive. If politics continues to promise endless improvement, it will fuel disillusionment and strengthen populisms that thrive on betrayed expectations. But if democracies learn to articulate a more ambivalent narrative — one that acknowledges loss, confronts vulnerability, redefines progress and pursues resilience — they may paradoxically renew themselves.”

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The post The West Is Lost first appeared on Sevenelles.

Scientists at Stanford University have demonstrated that artificial intelligence can now design and create functional viruses, specifically bacteriophages, by using genomic language models trained on existing viral DNA. In their experiments, the AI-generated viral genomes were successfully created in a laboratory and tested on E. coli, with some variants proving even more potent than natural viruses.

While the potential benefits are significant—such as developing treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and creating targeted therapies—the risks are equally profound. The same technology that can design helpful viruses could potentially be used to create dangerous pathogens targeting humans.

Traditional biosecurity strategies focused on prevention are now inadequate. Existing screening systems cannot detect novel, AI-generated viruses, and algorithmic information can spread rapidly online.

The article recommends a three-pronged approach to address these emerging challenges.

The core message is that resilience, not prevention, is now the key strategy. As AI’s capabilities in biological design accelerate, the United States must develop systems that can rapidly respond to emerging biological threats, recognizing that the timeline between design and potential disaster has dramatically compressed.

Article Excerpt:

“For years, experts have warned that generative biology could collapse the timeline between design and disaster. That moment has arrived. The viruses created in the Stanford experiment were harmless to humans. The next ones might not be.”

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The post AI Just Created a Working Virus first appeared on Sevenelles.