InternetPerson

That's why Boltzmann brains are a problem. If a theory predicts the appearance of Boltzmann brains, then that theory is (arguably) self-defeating.

For example, let's say you tell me your theory of the universe. And then I say, "Wait a minute, doesn't your theory lead to an infinite stretch of time where random brains can randomly spring into existence?"

If you say, "yes", then I'd say, "If your theory is true, then I'm probably just a Boltzmann brain, and this whole conversation is just a figment of my imagination."

I would assume that I'm probably a Boltzmann brain because the number of Boltzmann brains that ever exist will be far larger than the number of human brains that ever exist. Even if it takes a zillion years for a Boltzmann brain to appear, it will happen zillion times, over an infinite stretch of time.

Sean Carroll discusses this in much more depth in "Why Boltzmann Brains Are Bad" [1]. In the paper, he argues that "the theories that predict [Boltzmann Brains] are cognitively unstable: they cannot simultaneously be true and justifiably believed."

[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/1702.00850

I found this to be a compelling take on Russia's motivations for invading Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If61baWF4GE

The narrator argues that it's largely about fossil fuels.

Hey everybody! Tell us your opinions about movies and CGI! I can't wait to hear what you think about superhero movies.

This is really going to change things!

Yeah, like, I'm not going to ask anyone to use a different keyboard. I'm an adult, I can deal with it.

But I do think mechanical keyboards are way too loud, way overpriced, and way overhyped. (But that's just my opinion. I'm sure people would say the same thing about some of the stupid stuff that I'm into.)

For me, one nice thing about working from home all the time now is that I don't have to listen to everyone's annoyingly loud mechanical keyboards. I kinda hope this fad dies before I have to work in an office again...

People pay money for things that are pretty pointless. That's true.

Paying for an NFT seems especially pointless to me (and I suspect to most people). But maybe if the crypto folks keep lecturing us all online, more and more people will start to come around...

Let's say that I get paid basically the same whether my team performs adequately or whether it really excels.

In this case, why wouldn't I prefer friendly teammates? As long as we perform adequately, we're gonna get paid the same. Let the superstar assholes work on someone else's team!

When people defend cryptocurrencies online, sometimes it's because they're invested in it and they're hoping to get rich.

(Only a real Sherlock Holmes could notice something this subtle. I eagerly await my upvotes!!)

"Dropping in a cheaper keyboard and cutting the touch bar is a mistake."

Sometimes people state their opinions as facts. Sometimes people don't say anything to defend or explain their opinions. They just blurt them out. An it makes the internet so fun!!

There are many reasons why Yahoo may have called off the deal. I doubt it was this one single comment.

Wow, there's so much technical detail here! Like the part about how it's "simpler" and "flexible" and "consistent"

I'm totally convinced by this product's marketing page!!

Yes! I've been wondering if people prefer to work from home. Now I can finally read all your comments to find out!!

Is it already time to gush about Dwarf Fortress again? Wow, time sure flies!

(I wonder if anyone will have a good story where something ~zany~ happened in their game... Fingers crossed!!)

This is an important question! Is Netflix a "tech company"?!

We should all describe our own thoughts and feelings about the term "tech company", in order to sort this out...

Attention! Someone who knows nothing about your project is offering free advice!!

Derp. I misread both parent comments. Please disregard.

"dynamic programming" refers to something different. In practice, it often just means "solving a problem recursively using a memo table." But wikipedia obviously does it more justice [1].

It's a terrible name, and even the person who came up with the name admits that it's terrible: "The word dynamic was chosen [...] because it sounded impressive."

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_programming

Software is incredible. Here we are, thousands of people across the globe, having thoughtful and interesting conversations, often on up-to-the minute information. The sum-total of human knowledge is available at our finger tips. We can fly safely around the planet.

OMG, this list would go on forever if we sung the praises of software.

It's complex because it's doing complex things, that no civilization has done before -- That no civilization has ever even contemplated before.

But, yeah, OK, the glib object model is complicated. I'm sure you would have designed it better, and simpler. But you know what? You didn't.

When trying to figure out what the truth is, it's important to keep in mind two things: (1) Corporations never lie! and (2) Once a corporation enacts a policy, that policy will never change!

So you see, Apple is only going to scan certain things at certain times under certain conditions. So we can all relax now, OK?

You can also view these as tools. Like, these are the rules of thumb that the brain lazily relies on. So if you’re pitching something, maybe try slipping a couple of these biases in there... (just don't make it too obvious!)

But Apple says, "You need several hash matches to trigger a review." See, that makes it OK!

The best thing about discussing politics and public health is how open minded everyone is! I predict this is gonna be a fruitful conversation for everyone involved.

The best part about these kinds of stories is that we all get to share our feelings about Apple! Tell us why you prefer iOS or Android -- I can't wait to find out!!

OK, true ... but if you do all that yourself, then "they" can never fire you, because no one else will know how the damn thing works. (Just be sure not to document anything!)

The article argues that, "Through successive booms and busts, the price of Bitcoin has been manipulated by a handful of large players, using fake transactions, imaginary assets and sophisticated timing."

It highlights the role that Tether plays. "[W]henever Bitcoin’s price began to fall, Tether was issued by Bitfinex and sent to two other exchanges, where it was used to buy Bitcoin – which would then rise in price."

It's time to shoot fish in a barrel again, everybody! Can you find something wrong with this analysis? If so, then please comment!!

Are we overproducing elite? If so, I would like to know, because this really impacts the decisions I make every day.

What are you guys gonna do? Keep producing elite, or no?

OK, we can figure this out. Are movies still good? Let's take a poll! If you like or don't like movies, leave a comment, and tell us why. This is gonna be so interesting to hear what everyone thinks about movies!!

Gather round, it's time to talk about Star Citizen again! Tell us, when did you first realize this game would never ship?

Maybe if we have another debate about Facebook, we'll finally solve this problem! Everyone, tell us your feelings about Facebook!