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Trump's Trade War: Wall Street's Epic Miscalculation

2025-04-04

Trump's Trade War: Wall Street's Epic Miscalculation

The Trump administration's surprise announcement of new tariffs on nearly every country caught Wall Street completely off guard. The market had optimistically assumed a more moderate approach from Trump, a severe misjudgment. Trump's protectionist policies are unprecedented, imposing crushing tariffs not only on strategic rivals like China, but also on Vietnam, Bangladesh, and allies like the EU and Japan. This isn't reciprocal; it's unilateral and overwhelming. The result was a market panic. The article highlights Trump's extreme aversion to trade deficits and his bizarre methodology for calculating tariff rates as key factors. He views any trade deficit as America being 'ripped off,' ignoring the complexities and employing a nonsensical formula to support his view. Ultimately, investors' misreading of Trump led to the market crash, a direct consequence of Trump's consistent stance and policies.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech

OpenAI's o3 Model Achieves Breakthrough on ARC-AGI, But AGI Definition Remains Contested

2025-04-04

OpenAI's o3 Model Achieves Breakthrough on ARC-AGI, But AGI Definition Remains Contested

OpenAI's latest model, o3, achieved a stunning 87% score on François Chollet's ARC-AGI test, reaching human-level performance for the first time and sparking a heated debate about whether AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) has been achieved. However, Chollet quickly released the harder ARC-AGI-2 test, where o3's score plummeted, once again challenging the industry's definition and metrics for AGI. This article explores the differing viewpoints and the complex relationship between AGI's definition and commercial interests, prompting deep reflection on the nature of general artificial intelligence.

(www.theatlantic.com)

AI

Ayn Rand's Heir: A Tragedy of Loyalty, Power, and Family

2025-04-04

Ayn Rand's Heir: A Tragedy of Loyalty, Power, and Family

This article chronicles the life of Leonard Peikoff, Ayn Rand's devoted follower and heir, whose life revolved around unwavering loyalty to Rand. From his teenage epiphany with Rand's philosophy to becoming her sole inheritor, Peikoff dedicated his life to propagating Rand's Objectivist philosophy. However, after inheriting Rand's legacy and fortune, Peikoff's later years are consumed by a bitter dispute with his daughter, Kira, stemming from his marriage to a much younger caregiver, Grace Davis, and subsequent plans to leave his estate to her. The story highlights the clash between power, loyalty, and family, and the ironic fate of a man devoted to individualism who ends up defined by his dependence on others.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc Objectivism Family Dispute

Trump Admin Admits to Wrongfully Deporting Protected Salvadoran Man

2025-04-01

Trump Admin Admits to Wrongfully Deporting Protected Salvadoran Man

The Trump administration admitted in a court filing to mistakenly deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father with protected legal status, to El Salvador. Garcia received "withholding of removal" in 2019, signifying a high likelihood of harm if returned. Despite ICE's knowledge of his protected status, an administrative error led to his deportation. Now held in El Salvador's grim "Terrorism Confinement Center," the government claims the court lacks jurisdiction to order his return. His attorney argues that if the government can deport anyone at will with no judicial recourse, immigration laws become meaningless.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc deportation legal error

Accidental Leak: Trump Officials' Signal Group Chats Reveal Yemen War Plans

2025-03-26

Accidental Leak: Trump Officials' Signal Group Chats Reveal Yemen War Plans

The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was accidentally added to a Signal group chat containing top Trump administration officials coordinating a military operation against the Houthis in Yemen. The group chat included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, and others, and detailed discussions of the operation's specifics, including timing, targets, and munitions, were revealed. Initially suspecting a hoax, Goldberg later confirmed the authenticity of the messages. This incident highlights alarming security vulnerabilities within the U.S. government and raises questions about the decision-making process.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech

Journalist Accidentally Joins Top-Secret Signal Group, Learns of Yemen Airstrike Hours Beforehand

2025-03-25

Journalist Accidentally Joins Top-Secret Signal Group, Learns of Yemen Airstrike Hours Beforehand

A journalist was inadvertently added to a highly classified Signal group chat comprised of top U.S. government officials discussing an imminent military strike on Yemen. Hours before the attack, the journalist received detailed operational plans including targets, weaponry, and timing. The incident exposed serious security vulnerabilities in the U.S. government's handling of sensitive information using unauthorized communication apps, raising concerns about potential violations of the Espionage Act and federal record-keeping laws.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech Information Leak Military Operation

Reporter Accidentally Joins US National Security Council Signal Group: Major Security Breach Revealed

2025-03-25

Reporter Accidentally Joins US National Security Council Signal Group: Major Security Breach Revealed

The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat containing discussions among US National Security Council members about a military strike on Houthi militias in Yemen. Goldberg received detailed information about the strike, even before it happened. The White House appeared unaware of the breach, with President Trump expressing shock at the news. This incident exposed a significant security vulnerability within the Trump administration, raising questions about the suitability of encrypted apps like Signal for sensitive government communications.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech security breach

Ernst Fraenkel's The Dual State and the Trumpian Warning

2025-03-23

Ernst Fraenkel's *The Dual State* and the Trumpian Warning

This article revisits Ernst Fraenkel's *The Dual State*, written before his escape from Nazi Germany. The book describes how the Nazi regime maintained a facade of normalcy in its capitalist economy while simultaneously operating a 'prerogative state' of unchecked violence. The author argues that dictatorships don't abolish existing laws but create a lawless zone alongside the 'normative state.' Actions by the Trump administration, such as abuses of power and suppression of dissent, mirror this 'dual state' model, serving as a warning against such systemic risks.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc

Meta and OpenAI Accused of Using Pirated Database to Train AI Models

2025-03-22

Meta and OpenAI Accused of Using Pirated Database to Train AI Models

Meta and OpenAI are embroiled in a copyright controversy after it was revealed they used the pirated book database Library Genesis (LibGen) to train their AI models. To expedite the training of its Llama 3 model, Meta bypassed expensive licensing processes and directly downloaded millions of books and papers from LibGen. This action led to a lawsuit from authors, with court documents revealing Meta employees acknowledged the legal risks and attempted to cover their tracks. OpenAI also admitted to past use of LibGen, but claims its latest models no longer rely on this dataset. The incident highlights the ethical and legal challenges surrounding the sourcing of training data for AI models and the protection of intellectual property.

(www.theatlantic.com)

AI data piracy

Credit Card Inequality: The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Pay More

2025-03-20

Credit Card Inequality: The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Pay More

The US credit card market is deeply divided: wealthy 'transactors' enjoy lavish rewards, while poorer 'revolvers' are trapped in a cycle of high-interest debt. Soaring living costs push more people into credit card reliance, resulting in record-high debt of $1.2 trillion. The rich not only benefit from their spending but indirectly subsidize reward programs, costs ultimately passed on to all consumers through high swipe fees. This structural inequality, the article argues, requires legislative intervention, such as caps on interest rates and swipe fees, to alleviate the financial strain on the poor. Recent economic slowdown and rising delinquency rates suggest the system is unsustainable.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Startup credit card debt economic inequality financial regulation

Hardened by the Rails: A Canadian Railroad Memoir

2025-03-20

Hardened by the Rails: A Canadian Railroad Memoir

At 19, the author, encouraged by his parents, takes a job with Canadian National Railways. Expecting a cushy groundman position, he becomes a lineman instead, embarking on a challenging and transformative experience. The memoir vividly details his grueling work in a remote Saskatchewan town, his relationships with a rough-and-tumble crew, and his unexpected growth amidst harsh conditions. It's a compelling story of youth, self-discovery, and becoming a man, infused with humor and reflection.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc memoir railroad coming-of-age

Douglas Hofstadter Slams GPT-4's 'Why I Wrote GEB?' as 'Fake' and Expresses Concerns about LLMs

2025-03-15

Douglas Hofstadter Slams GPT-4's 'Why I Wrote GEB?' as 'Fake' and Expresses Concerns about LLMs

Douglas Hofstadter, a pioneer in AI, strongly criticizes a GPT-4-generated text, 'Why I Wrote GEB?', purportedly summarizing his seminal work, Gödel, Escher, Bach. He argues the text is filled with generic platitudes, drastically misrepresenting his writing style and the book's genesis. Hofstadter highlights the LLM's lack of originality and its fabrication of a false narrative. He details the actual creative process behind GEB, from his initial fascination with Gödel's incompleteness theorem to the integration of Escher and Bach, revealing the genuine inspirations and struggles. He expresses serious concerns about the proliferation of LLMs and their potential to flood the world with falsehoods, urging a critical assessment of their inherent dangers.

(www.theatlantic.com)

AI

Elon Musk and Ketamine: A Risky Remedy?

2025-03-12

Elon Musk and Ketamine: A Risky Remedy?

Elon Musk's public admission of regular ketamine use for depression has sparked concerns about his mental health and behavior. The article explores the dual nature of ketamine as an anesthetic and antidepressant, and the potential cognitive and psychological impairments associated with long-term abuse. Musk's case raises questions about substance use within the tech elite and the complex relationship between power and personal well-being. The prevalence of ketamine also highlights the need for responsible mental health treatment and regulation.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc Ketamine

Index Cards: An Enlightenment Legacy and Its Dark Side

2025-03-06

Index Cards: An Enlightenment Legacy and Its Dark Side

This article traces the origins of the index card, revealing it as more than a simple office supply. Closely tied to Enlightenment figure Carl Linnaeus, the index card was invented to manage the information overload of his botanical work, significantly impacting modern taxonomy and information management. However, the index card's application was far from neutral; it played a role in racism and political persecution. The FBI and Nazi regime used index cards to create databases categorizing and surveilling specific populations. The article explores the objectivity of information organization and the relationship between power and technology.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech information management taxonomy power and technology

Trump's Crypto Strategic Reserve: A Risky Gamble

2025-03-05

Trump's Crypto Strategic Reserve: A Risky Gamble

The Trump administration's plan to establish a "crypto strategic reserve" has sparked major controversy. While initially boosting crypto prices, the proposal carries significant risks. Government purchases of crypto would represent a massive wealth transfer from taxpayers to crypto holders, particularly concerning during fiscal austerity. Furthermore, the plan lacks strategic merit; cryptocurrencies offer no practical value to the US economy or government operations, potentially undermining the dollar's credibility and fostering corruption. Essentially, it's a government-backed gamble on speculative assets.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech strategic reserve

UK's Economic Malaise: The Shackles of Planning and Construction

2025-03-03

UK's Economic Malaise: The Shackles of Planning and Construction

The UK, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, is grappling with energy shortages and a cost-of-living crisis. A new report, "Foundations," reveals that the root cause lies in its complex planning and construction system. Post-war nationalization and stringent town planning laws led to housing shortages, skyrocketing prices, a lack of middle-class housing, and increased social tensions. Energy-wise, the UK faces policy bottlenecks in nuclear and gas production, resulting in high energy costs. The authors argue that the UK needs planning reform, fewer anti-growth lawsuits, and direct encouragement of energy production to revitalize its economy.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech Town Planning Energy Crisis

NOAA Layoffs Threaten US Disaster Preparedness

2025-03-01

NOAA Layoffs Threaten US Disaster Preparedness

Hundreds of probationary employees, including experienced hurricane modelers, were laid off from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns about the accuracy of US weather forecasting and disaster response. The cuts impact crucial areas like hurricane model improvement, weather balloon data collection, and IT infrastructure maintenance, weakening NOAA's ability to respond to increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events. This aligns with Project 2025's proposal to weaken NOAA. Experts warn this could lead to less accurate forecasts, increased disaster risks, and compromised public safety.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech NOAA layoffs weather forecasting

America's Democratic Peril: The Dangerous Embrace of Authoritarianism

2025-02-28

America's Democratic Peril: The Dangerous Embrace of Authoritarianism

This podcast episode explores the growing ties between the United States and authoritarian regimes and the potential threat to American democracy. Through interviews with former National Security Advisor John Bolton, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and analysis of cases in Venezuela and Ukraine, the show reveals how money politics, secret deals, and corruption are eroding democratic institutions. The authors warn that if America continues its drift toward authoritarianism, it risks democratic backsliding with severe consequences for global democratic stability.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc American Democracy Authoritarianism Corruption

The College Tuition Myth: It's Cheaper Than You Think

2025-02-23

The College Tuition Myth: It's Cheaper Than You Think

Despite widespread belief that college tuition is skyrocketing, data reveals a different story. Since 2014, public four-year college tuition has actually fallen by 21% in real terms, while private college tuition is down 12% after adjusting for inflation. This is due to a peculiar pricing strategy: universities set a high sticker price, then offer substantial financial aid to low-income students, effectively subsidizing their education. This creates a huge gap between the published cost and the net price, with the public fixating on the inflated sticker price. While sticker prices continue to rise, net prices are falling, thanks to increased federal Pell Grants, rebounding state appropriations, and colleges offering more aid. With the number of 18-year-olds peaking this year before a long decline, competition for students will intensify, likely pushing net tuition further down. However, public perception remains skewed, leading many to miss out on higher education and eroding confidence in the system.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc higher education tuition financial aid

Musk's DOGE Team Achieves 'God Mode' Access to US Federal Agencies

2025-02-20

Musk's DOGE Team Achieves 'God Mode' Access to US Federal Agencies

A shocking report reveals Elon Musk's DOGE team has gained 'God mode' access to multiple US federal agencies. They have full control over USAID's digital infrastructure, including systems used by US personnel in conflict zones and access to billions of dollars in financial systems. Reports indicate breaches into NASA, CDC, and FAA IT systems as well. This raises serious concerns about sensitive data breaches, national security risks, and potential political retribution. Insiders describe DOGE's actions as aggressive, disregarding security protocols, and even capable of altering employee salaries and terminating access for personnel in conflict zones, putting lives at risk. Lawsuits are attempting to limit DOGE's access, with mixed results. The incident highlights the immense risk of granting such wide-ranging government access to an unelected and erratic individual or entity.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech Government Data

Split Brain: A Shocking Tale of Self-Awareness

2025-02-19

Split Brain: A Shocking Tale of Self-Awareness

In 1939, ten epilepsy patients underwent a radical surgery: severing the corpus callosum to separate the brain's hemispheres. Early studies suggested no cognitive impairment. However, in the 1960s, Gazzaniga and Sperry's tests revealed a shocking truth: the hemispheres functioned independently, each with its own conscious stream, even 'arguing' over perceptions. This overturned understanding of the brain and self, offering new perspectives on consciousness. Research continues, exploring how each hemisphere perceives the self.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech

The $10,000 Suit: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

2025-02-09

The $10,000 Suit: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Gary Shteyngart's essay details his quest for the perfect bespoke suit, a journey that transcends mere fashion and becomes a powerful exploration of self-acceptance. From ill-fitting Soviet attire to the awkward sartorial choices of his youth, Shteyngart's pursuit culminates in a collaboration with a renowned tailor and master craftsman. The resulting suit, costing over $10,000, isn't just a garment; it's a symbol of his evolving identity and a testament to his newfound confidence and self-worth.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc self-acceptance bespoke

CDC Data Purge: Political Censorship Threatens Public Health Data Integrity

2025-02-01

CDC Data Purge: Political Censorship Threatens Public Health Data Integrity

Public health data on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website are undergoing a massive purge to remove keywords like "gender," "diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)," and "accessibility." Driven by a Trump administration executive order, this action has sparked intense concern among scientists. It could hinder researchers' ability to track disease spread across different populations, impacting the effectiveness of public health interventions and potentially leading to the neglect of specific communities' health needs. Scientists are scrambling to archive CDC website data to prevent permanent information loss.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech data censorship political interference

Life in Another Light: 2024 Infrared Photography Contest Winners Announced

2025-01-22

Life in Another Light: 2024 Infrared Photography Contest Winners Announced

The Atlantic features the winners of the 'Life in Another Light' biannual infrared photography competition. Over 3,000 entries from photographers worldwide were judged across 11 categories. The winning images, showcasing the unique perspectives of infrared photography, offer a captivating glimpse into nature and humanity. The winning photographs span landscapes, portraits, and astrophotography, highlighting the versatility of the medium.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Design infrared photography photography contest visual arts

Havana Syndrome: Intelligence Agencies Shift Stance on Mystery Weapon

2025-01-13

Havana Syndrome: Intelligence Agencies Shift Stance on Mystery Weapon

Two years ago, US intelligence agencies emphatically concluded that "Havana syndrome" wasn't the work of a foreign adversary wielding some kind of energy weapon. New intelligence has overturned that conclusion. Some intelligence agencies are no longer ruling out the possibility of a mystery weapon, with the White House even suggesting a deliberate attack by a US foe. This shift is significant, potentially leading to a strong US response. While the new report acknowledges uncertainty, the move from outright denial to a 50% chance is noteworthy.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech Havana Syndrome mystery weapon intelligence agencies

The Anti-Social Century: America's Growing Loneliness

2025-01-11

The Anti-Social Century: America's Growing Loneliness

This article explores the rising tide of loneliness in American society. From shifting restaurant dining habits to increased time spent at home, it argues that technological advancements and societal changes have led to a decline in social interaction. Data reveals Americans are spending less time with others than ever before, correlating with negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, and political polarization. The piece also examines the rise of AI companions and their potential impact on relationships, calling for a renewed focus on building community connections and improving public social infrastructure.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc

How McKinsey Destroyed the American Middle Class

2024-12-29

How McKinsey Destroyed the American Middle Class

This article examines the impact of management consulting firms like McKinsey on the decline of the American middle class. The author argues that McKinsey, by promoting shareholder primacy and implementing strategies aimed at streamlining corporate structures and eliminating middle management (such as 'reengineering' and 'overhead value analysis'), led to massive layoffs, a decline in middle management and blue-collar jobs, weakened unions, and ultimately exacerbated economic inequality and the destruction of the American middle class. The author concludes that this 'technocratic management' approach fails to address structural inequalities and instead widens the gap between elites and the general population.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Startup Middle Class Economic Inequality

The Walmart Effect: A Hidden Cost of Low Prices

2024-12-24

The Walmart Effect: A Hidden Cost of Low Prices

Walmart, known for its low prices, has long been considered a boon for lower- and middle-income families. However, two new research papers challenge this view. The studies find that while Walmart lowers consumer prices, it also leads to decreased income and increased unemployment in communities, with the negative effects outweighing consumer savings. This is attributed to Walmart undercutting local competitors, reducing jobs, and leveraging its monopsony power to suppress wages for both suppliers and employees. This raises questions about the "consumer welfare standard," which prioritizes low prices as a measure of economic health. The research suggests that a singular focus on low prices can lead to long-term economic harm, prompting a reevaluation of policy priorities.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Startup economic impact consumer welfare

California's Minimum Wage Hike: A Surprise Success

2024-12-22

California's Minimum Wage Hike: A Surprise Success

California's September 2023 law raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour faced immediate backlash, with predictions of widespread job losses and business closures. However, these predictions proved false. Since the law's April implementation, California's fast-food sector has seen job growth exceeding the national average. Economists' analyses revealed that increased wages didn't decrease employment; instead, reduced employee turnover and increased productivity lowered labor costs for employers. While prices rose, the increase was far less than anticipated, significantly outweighed by the wage increase for workers. This challenges assumptions about minimum wage impacts, highlighting biases in economic understanding and the role of media in disseminating misinformation.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Startup minimum wage employment

Artist Trains Rats to Predict Forex Markets

2024-12-19

Artist Trains Rats to Predict Forex Markets

Austrian conceptual artist Michael Marcovici's project, "Rat Traders," trained rats to predict foreign exchange futures prices. He converted price fluctuations into piano notes, and the rats predicted subsequent note changes. Surprisingly, trained rats seemingly outperformed human traders after months, though this lacked rigorous statistical testing. Marcovici's project satirizes the belief in market prediction and the human desire for shortcuts to profit in a chaotic system. The project ultimately ended due to rats' limited trading capacity, highlighting the unreliability of market prediction.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc finance

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