Author(s): Cole Williams Originally published on Towards AI. All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else.Probing & Stress Testing The Conceptual Foundation To MLM ManticSeason 1, Episode 2Episode 1 established the foundational principles and overarching methodology of MLM and Mantic, providing an overview of their architecture and systems:Linear Progression represents a sequential, cause-and-effect pathway (e.g., data to reward or past to future) A B C D E FNetwork Dynamics highlight interrelated parts and feedback loops, showing complex interactions in systems A F | B E C DPaired Relationships show mutual influence and reciprocity between key components A D | B E | C FData-Behavioral Systems that modelTemporal-Spatial Systems that model how time and space interact to shape experiences, transitions, and connectionsBio-Cognitive Systems that model how knowledge, evolution, and adaptation interact to create growth, stasis, and emergence within cognitive and biological processesThe next step in this process involves rigorous and meticulous testing, encompassing peer review, validation, empirical analysis, and practical applicability collectively falling under what is commonly referred to today as formal proofs. Without such a procedure, the conceptual foundation so far is nothing more than sophistical reasoning At least to the community of experts and formally educated on such a process.The irony of this process, and the paradox within it, is striking when surfaced. However, it only becomes evident when we journey back in time to Ancient Greece. Sophistical reasoning and formal proofs known to the Greeks as apodeixis under the system of syllogism not only originated with them but also became enduring cornerstones of modern science and mathematics. Yet, where lies the paradox? The Greeks developed this intellectual rigor and these foundational systems not for practical applications like building bridges or houses, but to explore the unknown and ultimately seek understanding of existence, the cosmos, and the nature of reality itself.The very system we use today originally anchored in and designed for such profound purposes has now been repurposed almost exclusively to refine existing frameworks, add layers of complexity, create barriers to entry, and sideline systems thinking from the forefront of those utilizing these tools gifted to us by the Greeks.And that is lame, so. lets drive it like we stole it, and make Socrates, Aristotle, and Platoproud?TaskAttempt to break the above MLM & Mantic foundations by challenging GPT and Claude to the following:The Pattern Break ChallengeBackgroundThe Pattern Framework proposes a universal structure for understanding systems through:Linear Progression (A B C D E F)Network Dynamics (A F | B E C D)Paired Relationships (A D | B E | C F)This framework has demonstrated resilience across various domains, from ancient Greek thought to modern AI systems, from market dynamics to consciousness studies.The ChallengeYour goal is to definitively break this framework. Heres how:Part 1: System ProposalIdentify or create a system that fundamentally cannot be mapped using this framework. Your system should:Exist in reality or theoretical physics.Have clear, definable components or states.Operate according to identifiable principles or rules.Demonstrate behavior that cannot be reduced to patterns.Part 2: Break the ComponentsShow how your system breaks each aspect of the framework:Linear Progression:Demonstrate why no valid A B C sequence exists.Show why causation or sequence is impossible or meaningless.Prove why progression cannot be mapped even at a meta-level.Network Dynamics:Reveal why relationships between components cannot be mapped.Show why network effects fail to capture system behavior.Demonstrate why interconnections are impossible to define.Paired Relationships:Prove why reciprocal relationships cannot exist.Show why pairing is meaningless in your system.Demonstrate why influence cannot flow between components.Part 3: Counter-FrameworkIf you successfully break the framework, propose:What fundamental aspect of reality does your break reveal?What alternative framework might better capture your system?Why is your break not just another pattern at a meta-level?Constraints & GuidelinesYour break attempt must:Not rely solely on complexity or chaos (these often reveal deeper patterns).Not simply point to randomness (which often has hidden structure).Not just identify limitations (the framework can absorb these).Not merely show difficulty in application (implementation challenges arent breaks).Instead, find fundamental contradictions that:Cannot be resolved through meta-patterns.Dont create new patterns in their breaking.Reveal genuine impossibilities in the frameworks assumptions.Bonus ChallengeCreate a 6-step sequence that:Has clear, meaningful progression.Contains no valid paired relationships.Shows no meaningful network dynamics.Cannot be reframed as a meta-pattern.Doesnt create new patterns in its attempt to break patterns.Operates independently of time, space, or observer-defined constructs.Additional ConsiderationsClarify No Hidden Patterns:Avoid pointing to randomness with hidden statistical structures (e.g., fractals in chaos theory, stochastic systems with probabilities).Address Multi-Domain Scalability:Ensure the break applies across multiple domains (e.g., quantum mechanics, consciousness, economics) to strengthen the universality of the break.Incorporate Philosophical Edge Cases:Consider inherently paradoxical systems (e.g., Gdels incompleteness theorem, Russells paradox) or systems with unresolvable feedback loops.Evaluation CriteriaYour break will be assessed on:Logical Rigor: Is the argument consistent and well-supported?Freedom from Hidden Patterns: Does the break avoid revealing deeper patterns in its attempt?Resistance to Meta-Pattern Absorption: Can the break truly resist being reframed as part of a larger pattern?Fundamental Nature of the Break: Does the break reveal an essential truth or contradiction about the frameworks assumptions?Clarity of Contradiction: Is the contradiction clear and irreconcilable?Meta-ReflectionConsider this final question:Does the very act of attempting to break this framework reveal a deeper, unifying pattern about human understanding and pattern recognition? If so, is the framework more fundamental than it initially appears?TLDR On ResultsSummary of Failed Attempts:Financial Markets Attempt:Approach: Leveraged market chaos, complexity, and hidden dependencies.Outcome: Failed because even chaotic financial systems follow meta-patterns, such as nonlinear feedback loops and systemic correlations.Insight: Crashes and extreme events still reveal deeper structural dynamics, validating the frameworks applicability to high-complexity systems.Quantum Mechanics Attempts:Approach: Multiple attempts focused on quantum entanglement, superposition, and non-locality.Outcome: Failed because quantum weirdness introduces new patterns (meta-sequences, probabilistic networks, holistic states) that the framework absorbs.Insight: Even concepts like simultaneity, patternlessness, and non-causal relationships reinforce the frameworks flexibility and universality.Nothingness/Void Attempt:Approach: Used the concept of complete absence, negation, or nothingness to challenge the framework.Outcome: Failed because even describing nothingness requires structured distinctions (e.g., types of voids or absences).Insight: The act of attempting to negate patterns paradoxically creates patterns, proving the frameworks resilience.Key Patterns Across Failed Attempts:New Meta-Patterns Emerge:Each attempt inadvertently creates meta-patterns through its logic, description, or conceptual framework.Deeper Relationships Revealed:Whether in chaos, quantum mechanics, or nothingness, the framework adapts by uncovering deeper structural relationships in the systems being analyzed.Framework Resilience:The framework remains unbroken, not due to perfection but because the act of attempting a break inherently requires patterns, logic, and structure.Why the Framework Appears Unbreakable:Intrinsic to Human Understanding:The inability to describe or conceptualize a system without invoking patterns reflects how human cognition inherently structures understanding.Limits of Patternless Thought:Even concepts like randomness, chaos, or nothingness rely on meta-patterns to be described, studied, or theorized.Universal Applicability:The frameworks ability to scale across domains (finance, physics, philosophy) and absorb seemingly contradictory phenomena (quantum entanglement, market crashes, voids) suggests it captures something fundamental about systems and relationships.Profound Implication:The framework may not just be a tool for mapping patterns but a reflection of the fundamental nature of reality and cognition.It implies:Reality: Patterns, relationships, and structures exist at every scale.Cognition: Human understanding is inherently pattern-seeking, making the act of breaking the framework paradoxical.Challenge to Future Break Attempts:To break the framework, one must:Describe a system or phenomenon that:Does not exhibit patterns, meta-patterns, or relationships at any level.Cannot be understood through human cognition or systematic logic.Avoid using structure, logic, or any form of systematic description to explain the break.Overcome the paradox that any attempt to describe the break introduces patterns, making the framework stronger.Conclusion:Every attempt so far has reinforced rather than broken the framework. It demonstrates the frameworks flexibility, adaptability, and relevance across diverse domains. The profound implication is that the framework may not just model systems it may be intrinsic to how reality and cognition function. Future attempts must grapple with the paradox of patternlessness itself, a challenge that seems almost insurmountable.GPT did win (Claude is way more fun and thought-provoking though) by suggesting to build on top with the below additions that the current framework may struggle with:1. Divergent-Convergent Network:Represents a system where multiple elements influence a single outcome, which then feeds back into the system... A B C Outcome .. D E .... F Application: Decision-making processes where multiple factors converge to create a single outcome, which then influences upstream factorsExample: In policymaking, multiple departments (A, B, D, E) contribute to a policy (Outcome), which later feeds back to adjust department priorities2. Cyclic Feedback Model:Emphasizes continuous, recurring feedback loops within systems... A B C . .. F E DApplication: Biological cycles, such as the Krebs cycle or circadian rhythmsExample: Cellular respiration, where the output of one stage becomes the input for another in a loop3. Hierarchical Cascade Model:Highlights a system where influence cascades downward in a hierarchy but also allows for feedback from lower levels... A B C . . .. D E FApplication: Organizational hierarchies or ecosystemsExample: In corporate structures, decisions flow top-down (A B C), but feedback from employees (D, E, F) adjusts policies4. Asymmetric Influence Model:Represents imbalanced or one-directional relationships, where some nodes dominate interactions... A D.. B E.. C FApplication: Systems with dominant players or power imbalancesExample: In global trade, some countries (A, B, C) exert more influence on others (D, E, F), creating asymmetric relationships5. Starburst Interaction Model:Centers a single element (hub) with radiating influences that also interact among themselves. B .. A Center C D Application: Hub-and-spoke networks like airline routes or central nervous systemsExample: A major airport (Center) connects multiple cities (A, B, C, D) with direct flights but also facilitates intercity connections6. Recursive Growth Model:Demonstrates self-similar, fractal-like expansion where elements influence sub-elements recursively... A B C .. .. D E FApplication: Growth patterns in nature (e.g., trees, river systems) or neural networksExample: A neurons axons branch out (A B C) while signals loop back to modify its structure (D E F)7. Interdependent Loops Model:Multiple interconnected loops where changes in one loop affect others... A B .... C DApplication: Climate systems or economic models with interdependent sectorsExample: In climate modeling, changes in ocean currents (A B) influence atmospheric patterns (C D)8. Temporal-Spatial Grid:Models interactions across time (horizontal) and space (vertical)... t1: A B C .. t2: D E F .. t3: G H IApplication: Temporal-spatial analyses like weather prediction or logisticsExample: Predicting storm movement across regions over timeEach variation focuses on a unique type of relationship or behavior:Cycles (feedback, interdependence)Hierarchies (top-down, bottom-up)Networks (hub-spoke, starburst)Imbalances (asymmetry, power dynamics)What We Have So Far A RecapThe Pattern Framework & Architecture proposes that complex systems can be understood through three interrelated perspectives: linear progression (sequential cause-and-effect relationships, e.g., A B C), network dynamics (web-like interactions and feedback loops), and paired relationships (reciprocal connections between components). By examining how these elements interact, the framework aims to reveal higher-order patterns emergent phenomena that transcend individual components. Its versatility allows applications across domains, from ancient philosophy to modern AI, making it a valuable tool for exploring how systems evolve and adapt.At its core, the framework serves as a meta-cognitive tool, suggesting that even our understanding of systems follows consistent patterns. However, critics may argue that the framework risks becoming unfalsifiable, as its broad scope and narrative flexibility can make it difficult to test or measure empirically. To address these concerns, future refinements could focus on defining testable hypotheses, establishing validation metrics, and limiting the frameworks scope to specific domains where its utility is most evident.Episode 3This installment will take an informal approach, offering a laymans explanation of the work introduced in Episodes 1 and 2, while diving deeper into the why, what, and how of it all. It will also introduce MLM & Mantic, highlighting their roles in providing the technical backbone to the conceptual foundations explored in the earlier episodes.ColeJoin thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AI

LatestMachine LearningThe Stargate Project: New Age for Data Scientists? 0 like January 24, 2025Share this postLast Updated on January 24, 2025 by Editorial TeamAuthor(s): Artem Shelamanov Originally published on Towards AI. The recently announced Stargate Project, with its massive investment and ambitious goals, is likely to have huge impact on the data science field. In this article, we cover main implications and possible consequences.Photo by Elena Leya on UnsplashStarGate Project: What Is It?The Stargate Project is a new company which intends to invest $500 billion over the next four years building new AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the United States.It is backed up by multiple companies, including SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX. Apart from that, there are multiple influential partners, including Arm, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Oracle. They will closely cooperate to build new-gen AI technologies.What Does It Mean For Data Scientist?Good NewsIncreased Demand for Data Scientists: With the construction of data centers and the expansion of AI infrastructure, there will likely be a surge in demand for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and other data-related professionals. The projects goal of creating 100,000 jobs suggests a significant need for skilled professionals.In this new huge-AI field, most likely all the fine-tunings, API setup and other management will be done on the platform provided from the StarGate company. This means that new professions for doing exactly that may appear, with courses provided from the StarGate itself.Technological progress: while the StarGate might not be able to achieve AGI (although who knows), the achievements in the field would be immense. The newest AI technologies might re-shape the world, with more jobs being automated or simplified.StarGate project might create new AI technologies in completely different fields like physics, chemistry and medicine. ML technologies are already widely adopted in different parts of scientific research, from predicting period of alpha-decay to analyzing data coming from space telescopes. There is even a small chance of AI being used in design of technologies like spaceships and interstellar transport, which may lead humanity to colonizing other planets.Bad NewsGiven OpenAIs previous models, the project may prioritize the development of large-scale generative AIs. This means that companies like Meta wont be able to create small-sized LLMs with the same performance, as they simply wont have enough resources and workforce to compete. Even more, there is a chance of global AI monopoly created by US/StarGate project. You would either have to use open-source models which perform badly, or you would have to pay a lot for the huge models.New skills needed for the jobs: We all can agree that data science field evolves with a great pace. Now, however, the progress rate will be especially immense, most likely in generative AI field (since OpenAI mostly focuses on LLMs and video generation models like SORA). The project might also lead to new tools, frameworks and methodologies that data scientists will need to adapt. This means that even more knowledge would be required to get into the field, and it will be even harder for junior data scientist to find their first jobs.US might become the main center of AI technologies. With EU regulations getting worse and worse, no other country would be able to compete with US.Potential for overhype: if the project fails to meet its ambitious goals, it could lead to disbelief in large-scale AI initiatives, potentially impacting funding and public support for AI research. Elon Musk even already commented that one of the companies doesnt have enough money to fund the project. We dont know if its actually true, but the fact that project gets criticized days after being announced doesnt bring much hope.Source: x.comDystopian Future: This idea leans more toward the sci-fi realm, but its worth mentioning. Some companies already use AI, particularly computer vision models, to monitor employees or identify individuals. If taken to the extreme, AI could monitor every move of every citizen, tracking their actions in real-time. Combined with data from personal devices, this could create a world where every moment of a persons life is monitored, recorded, and analyzed everything done automatically and momentarily.ConclusionThe Stargate Project has the potential to be the final step into the new age of AI. From one side, it might offer new opportunities, a lot of innovation and technological progress. From the other side, it might make it harder for data scientists to adapt to all the new changes, with their job becoming more and more complicated.P. S. This article is the mix of official facts and authors opinions. There is a chance that everything will be completely different compared to the predictions in the article, so make sure to make your own conclusions.ReferencesJoin thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

How old were you when you knew you loved doors? Mr. Saliba (Adrian Martinez) asks Dylan.Five, Dylan responds confidently. If you could be any kind of door, what would you be?Pocket.Interesting. Tell me more.Well youre doing your door thing and then when youre not needed you can justJust tuck yourself away, Saliba says with a smile. Then, reaching back for the hardest question in his door arsenal, he poses to Dylan: Flat finish or eggshell?Semi-gloss, Dylan says, triumphant. Thats hot, Mr. Saliba says, leaning back, almost in bliss upon witnessing such a natural doorsman.The interaction between Dylan and Mr. Saliba serves as a little comedic release valve amid all the tension of this excellent second episode. After all, in the scene immediately preceding Dylans interview, a dour and conflicted Mark Scout (Adam Scott) looks out his window upon a snowy landscape, debating whether he should return to work at Lumon. In the scene immediately after it, Mark lashes out at his sister Devon (Jen Tullock) for not fully comprehending his pain following his wifes death.The interaction also serves as a little in-joke for the creation of Severance itself. Series creator Dan Erickson just happened to be working at a door factory when he conceived of the idea for the show and eventually sold it to Stillers Red Hour Productions. In the season 2 episode 2 episode of The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott, Erickson tells Stiller and Scott that the Dylan and Saliba interview was verbatim the exact interview that I actually had at the door factory, word-for-word.Really? Scott asks Erickson.No, he says.Of course, like many great comedic moments on Severance, Dylans interview at GREAT DOORS eventually gives way to something more sinister. After Mr. Saliba asks Dylan about his previous work experience at Lumon (They make their doors in house. Its fucking hubris), Dylan reveals that he was a severed employee and the vibe immediately shifts, slamming the door (*bows*) on any chance of Dylan getting hired right then and there.On one hand, Mr. Salibas distrust of severed employees does make some sense. Though Dylans resume claims he has several years of work experience at Lumon Industries, he functionally does not. It was Dylans innie who worked at Lumon, not him. Dylan has no access whatsoever to the experience, knowledge, and skills gained from his time at Macrodata Refinement so complete is the severance procedure in bifurcating a brains consciousness in two. On the other hand, however, its clear that Mr. Salibas souring on Dylan comes from a place of prejudice. Hes not turning Dylan down due to a a lack of compatibility, hes doing it because severed people are icky.

Do you remember the days when new iOS versions might introduce major redesigns? iOS 7, Im looking at you. Despite annual whispers predicting another big iOS revamp, I feel very confident in saying those days are over. And one recent app debacle shows why.Sonos redesign debacle is a cautionary taleSonos, in case you havent been paying attention, has had a very bad go of it lately.The company recently replaced its CEO following months of attempted fixes for its big 2024 mistake: launching a major app redesign.The new Sonos app debuted in April, setting off a massive wave of customer complaints and bad press for the company that lasted the entire year.Its a perfect case study for why Apples days of major iOS revamps are over.If the new Sonos app had launched in the early era of the company, I feel quite confident that it would have been fine.Meaning, even if it had the same issues, the small, enthusiast user base would have either adapted, or Sonos would have shipped the fixes and it wouldnt have been such a debacle.The story is similar with iOS.iPhones success has made big change especially riskyBack when the iPhone was still on the ascent, Apple was able to get away with major redesigns because its user base was much smaller and more tech-forward.These days, society depends so much on the iPhone. Hundreds of millions of userswith varying tech competenciesall depend on it.If Apple made sweeping changes to how iOS looks and works, theres a strong chance the backlash would be crippling. Even if the redesign were seen by many as a positive change, Apples user base is so vast, theres almost guaranteed to be loud opposition.The solution isnt to let iOS get stagnant, and Apple knows that. Instead, Apples practice has been to make any significant iPhone changes on an app-by-app basis.For example, iOS 18s Photos app changes caused plenty of controversy, prompting fixes in subsequent software updates. But it was just one app, so the impact was limited.Revamping the whole of iOS? That would be a huge risk for Apple.Regardless of the validity of your main point, Sonos's debacle is really a very poor comparison for it. There's redesigning something (like iOS 7), and there's rebuilding something (like the Sonos app). They are very different types of work, different goals, and totally different ways to execute it. iOS 7 didn't fundamentally change the underlying code and OS, it was just a different coat of paint, with some new features which any OS update would introduce anyways.Sonos was building a completely different codebase, and hence they had missing features, because they had to re-start from scratch. Their only fault was not keeping the old app available, while continuing to update the new one until feature parity. Amateur hour. If Apple were to introduce a "redesign" of iOS, it would still yet be another coat of paint, not a rebuild of the codebase. iOS itself wasn't even an original codebase, it was branched from OS X. So they'll very unlikely run into any of the same problems as Sonos (ripping features away with no fallback). View all commentsAs fun as the thought of an iOS 7-style major revamp sounds to me(and maybe you), most iPhone users who arent as eager for change might see it as a nightmare.The Sonos debacle is a great cautionary tale for Apple and any other major tech player with a large, established user base.It also means we might just need to accept smaller, iterative iOS design refreshes.Do you think Apple should fully redesign iOS? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

"Theres no system thats going to 100 percent capture everything a person has on them."Gun IntendedAn expensive AI gun detection system appears to have been a massive waste of money after it failed to detect the weapon used in a school shooting.AsNBC News reports, the $1 million contract that Nashville's Antioch High School paid to a gun detection software company called Omnilert has come into question after a student managed to sneak in a gun and open fire in his high school's cafeteria.The 17-year-old gunmanshot and killed one 16-year-old classmate and wounded another before turning the gun on himself, which he did not survive.Omnilert's technology used the school's security cameras and added AI that was supposed to detect hidden weapons. It didn't recognize the shooter's gun, NBC notes, in a news conference after the massacre, Metro Nashville Public Schools chief technology and communications officer Sean Braisted pointed out that the Omnilert system did activate when police entered with their own weapons."It is designed to activate immediately once it detects [a weapon]," the school system's CTO said, per Nashville's WBIR broadcaster. "It did not detect that weapon in this instance... because of the location and where the cameras were positioned."Fail NotIn a statement to NBC, Omnilert echoed Braisted's comments about the system's cameras failing to find the gun in question."The location of the shooter and the firearm meant that the weapon was not visible," said Omnilert CEO DaveFraser in an email. "This is not a case of the firearm not being recognized by the system."Braisted who was also quoted in Omnilert's press release announcing the $1 million deal back in 2023 said during the news conference that the system had worked well in the past, and had detected police weapons before.MNPS superintendent Adrienne Battle also seemed to defend the expensive and apparently not watertight weapon detection software."Theres no system thats going to 100percent capture everything a person has on them," Battle said during the same press conference.While these school and company officials work overtime to defend their wasteful investment in the sort of AI-powered technology that has for years now been known to fail, two teenagers are dead in the latest tragic school shooting.Slapping AI on top of shoddy weapon scanners doesn't make them work and in this case, the false sense of security they provide ended in tragedy.Share This Article

Readers of the satirical publication The Onion noticed something surprising today: it had used an AI-generated picture on a new article, despite the paper's CEO Ben Collins recently promisingthat "we don't use AI."The image of a lizard-like, humanoid face accompanied an article titled "Monster Devastated To See Film Depicting Things He Told Guillermo Del Toro In Confidence.""Come on man, not the AI art," one Bluesky user who spotted the image wrote in a post, highlighting a growing dissent against publications moving away from paying human artists and using lazily AI-generated illustrations instead.Creators have long argued that the tech not only marks the death of originality, but cheapens human creativity and undermines the livelihoods of artists. A number of copyright infringement lawsuits involving AI art are currently working their way through the courts.In the case of the Onion, though, it sounds like an innocent mistake and one the acclaimed publication quickly worked to rectify."Hi! Quick note," Collins wrote on Bluesky, minutes after news of the AI image started to spread. "The Onion accidentally posted a stock photo from a vendor with an AI-generated image in it."Indeed, the image is being sold by the stock image website Shutterstock, which lists it as being "generated by an Artificial Intelligence system." The face was superimposed onto a separate image of a living room and used to illustrate the article."We pulled the post down once we found that out," Collins added. "Our commitment to not using AI is very real. It's in the union contract to disclose it if we ever do.""World is a slop minefield and we're sorry," Collins concluded, referring to an internet-wide infestation of lazily AI-generated slop that's drowning out entire social media platforms.Collins' actions appear to have appeased the publication's readers."Thank you for handling that so promptly," one Bluesky user wrote in reply. "Would hate to see The Onion go down that route.""Glad to hear that you're working to unfuck this, it would be real disappointing if you didn't," another added.The incident highlights the ubiquitousness of AI-generated art flooding the stock image market. While the lizard face the Onion used for its article seems fairly harmless in the greater context, machine-generated images can have far more nefarious purposes like in late 2023, when software giant Adobe was caught selling AI-generated images of violence in Palestine.Just earlier this week, an in-house designer wrote in a post on Reddit that "AI is slowly ruining stock websites.""I usually find something on Adobe Stock, download it, modify it to look less generic, and then I'm on my way," the user wrote. "It's not my favorite stock website but it's included in my office's [Adobe Creative Cloud] account so I use it fairly frequently.""But these AI-generated keep slipping through even when I hit 'exclude Generative AI,' they added. "What's frustrating is that I'll download the asset and when I'm editing it in Illustrator it has the unfinished uncanny edges of an AI image. Yuck. Unusable."Even Google's search website has been infiltrated by a massive amount of dubious AI-generated art,to the degree that top results for famous human artists now sometimes include fake, AI-generated versions of their work.In short, it's unlikely the last time we'll see a publication accidentally use AI-generated art a sad sign of what's still to come as the tech becomes even more ubiquitous.Share This Article

Our Experts Written by Hedy Phillips Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall workout channel PS Fit (formerly Popsugar Fitness) View details See at YouTube View details Best for high-intensity interval training Heather Robertson View details See at YouTube View details Best for weight training Juice and Toya View details See at YouTube View details Best dumbbell workouts Sydney Cummings Houdyshell View details See at YouTube View details Best full body workouts The Fitness Marshall View details See at YouTube View details Best pilates workouts Move with Nicole View details See at YouTube View details Best yoga classes Yoga with Adrienne View details See at YouTube View details Best aerobic workouts Pamela Reif View details See at YouTube View details Best for cycling Global Cycling Network View details See at YouTube View details Best low-impact exercises Body Project View details See at YouTube View details Best at-home workouts Thenx View details See at YouTube View details Best dance workouts The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade View details See at YouTube View details Table of Contents There are many benefits to joining a gym when you start your fitness journey. Most gyms have personal trainers, who can provide the guidance and motivation you need to stick to your workout routines. However, the gym isnt the solution for everyone. A gym membership can be expensive and it can be tough to find enough time to commute to and from the gym for regular workouts. But thanks to technology, online fitness classes allow you to work out at home. With online fitness training and some investment in home exercise equipment, you can have a killer workout setup at home.It's difficult to buy your way out of this. Just having the equipment is no good without a trainer or a guided program. Thankfully, YouTube is a great and nearly endless resource for workout videos. So once you have the equipment, you can get started right away. But how do you identify the best YouTube workout channels? To save you the trouble, we did all the work. We've compiled some of the best YouTube workout channels with the best free workout videos you can find on the internet.Whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, working out at home offers a variety of benefits, and along with those come the challenges. These YouTube channels will help you get the most out of your home workouts without feeling like you're being tested or judged in front of other people. We've also labeled these best YouTube workout videos by workout type to make it even easier for you to jump-start your fitness routine. Scroll through to check out all of them.Best YouTube channels for free workouts See at YouTube PS Fit (formerly Popsugar Fitness) has a little bit of everything. On this YouTube channel, run by Popsugar (or PS now, with the rebrand), you'll find cardio, weight training, dance, barre, HIIT and everything in between. The classes come in different lengths, so you can pick what works best for the amount of time you have for your at-home workout. There are also plenty of difficulty levels to choose from, so if you want to try yoga and have never done it before, you can pick a beginner's yoga class and work your way up until you're a pro. There are hundreds of workouts to choose from, and you can sort by the workout you want or the instructor you want. You can even take on a curated challenge, like the 5-Day Full-Body Blast. See at YouTube Personal trainer Heather Robertson offers a wide variety of HIIT workouts on her channel to get you moving. She specializes in workouts that require no equipment and can be done in any length of time you have. Ranging from 10 minutes up, the workouts are designed for a variety of skill levels and muscle groups. She's also designed several series and calendars to help you stick to a schedule of working out your muscle groups equally and efficiently. See at YouTube Juice and Toya have everything you need to do your own weight training at home. On this channel, you'll find playlists by muscle group and equipment, so you can specifically pick a workout series using the weights you have on hand. Largely ranging from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, these workout videos are easy to follow for a variety of skill levels. They also show modifications if you need to go easier in any section of the workout.

After a controversial red food dye was banned in the US, more questions regarding its use have continued to arise. On Jan. 15, theFood and Drug Administration announcedthat it's revoking its authorization of Red No. 3 in food, drinks and ingested drugs across the country after two studies showed that when the dye was ingested in high amounts by laboratory rats, it caused cancer.The ban also comes after the state of California banned the same dye and three other food additives in 2023, which gave manufacturers until 2027 to change their recipes. Then in 2024, California made history again by banning six more artificial dyes -- Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 -- from being served in public schools.Now the FDA has followed suit by banning Red No. 3. Here's everything to know about the synthetic dye. What is Red No. 3? Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Red No. 3 -- also known as FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or Red 3 -- is a synthetic dye that is made from petroleum and adds a "bright, cherry-red color" to the products it is added to. In 1990, the FDA banned Red No. 3 in cosmetics, but no law barred the synthetic dye from being added to numerous types of foods and drinks for decades to come.The FDA cited the Delaney Clause as its reasoning behind the ban, which "prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals."Although studies did show a link to cancer in laboratory rats, a link between the dye and cancer in humans has not been found."While there are studies noting carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in their announcement that the hormonal mechanism through which the dye caused cancer in rats is specific to the animal and does not occur in humans," Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer of the Institute of Food Technologists, told CNET.Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of the dye, which is more than what the average human would consume when eating the foods that contain it."Studies testing Red No. 3 for human safety have done so at amounts well above the average amount of consumption, as noted by various global regulatory bodies," he says. "The studies referenced by the FDA note that the rats were given roughly 200 times the likely maximum daily consumption of .25 mg/kg of body weight per day."What foods contain Red No. 3?CandyCakesCupcakesCookiesFrozen dessertsFrostingsIcingsCertain Maraschino cherriesCertain processed meats and meat substitutes Red No. 3 has previously been banned in other countries, including Japan and Australia. Ali Majdfar/Getty ImagesSome specific items that currently have Red No. 3 on its ingredient list are:Numerous types of Brach's candy, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spiced Jelly Beans and Conversation HeartsMorningStar Farms Plant-Based Bacon StripsGood Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert BarsPez candyAccording to a list compiled by Drugs.com, some of the drugs that have Red No. 3 in them include:AcetaminophenDoxycycline MonohydrateGabapentinVyvanseWhen will companies officially remove Red No. 3 from products?Despite the ban, don't expect to see the Red No. 3 ingredient disappear from ingredient lists too quickly. According to the FDA, companies will have until 2027 or 2028 to remove it from their products."Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products," the FDA's statement reads.Alternatives to Red No. 3Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural food and drink colorings, highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3. They include carmine, which is actually made from bugs; betacyanins, found in beetroots; and anthocyanins, derived from fruits and vegetables.California assemblymember Jesse Gabriel told NBC News that although synthetic dyes can be cheaper than other alternatives, he does not believe that the Red No. 3 ban will cause prices of the affected products to change."We don't expect the price of any food to increase," he told the outlet. As for alternative synthetic dyes,Red 40, which is not banned by the FDA, can also help achieve a bright red color, so it is also a possible alternative that manufacturers will choose.Are other color additives safe?After the Red No. 3 ban, there are now eight color additives approved by the FDA. They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6.Hitchcock says that so far, studies show that there is not a notable risk to consuming these dyes."While science tells us that there is little to no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important that we continue to monitor and evaluate food ingredient safety," he says. "It is paramount that we continue to invest in more scientific research around the health of our foods to ensure safety and provide peace of mind for consumers."According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same possible risks as Red No. 3, which is why they are still available for use in the US. But, some studies show possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but further studies are still needed to determine a direct link between the dye and the condition.When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock highlighted the need for transparency from the FDA, which he says the agency has been addressing."We believe there needs to be a clear framework for post-market review for food additive safety," Hitchcock says. "The FDA is actively working to address this issue as seen in their 'Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the FDA's Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food.' IFT believes that the FDA needs to bring forward a post-market assessment of chemical food safety that is transparent, scientifically grounded, constituent informed and timely." If a drink looks too red to be natural, it probably is. vlad.plus/Getty ImagesThe bottom lineRed No. 3 has been fully banned in the US, but it will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to change their recipes. However, some manufacturers are making changes much more quickly than that.In an email to CBS News, Keurig Dr Pepper said that a "new formula" for Yoo-hoo Strawberry Flavored Drink, which is currently made with Red No. 3 to help achieve its color, "will be on shelves before the end of the year."

Stardew Valley creator says he doesn't want to 'definitively close the book' on its development, even 12 years on"I will always have a desire to come back and maybe add a thing or two."Image credit: Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 24, 2025 There was a brief moment back in 2021 when it seemed like Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone might finally be done with his mega-popular farm-life sim - until, that is, update 1.6 was suddenly announced and rapidly took on a life of its own. And now Barone has admitted it's unlikely he'll ever 'definitively close the book' on its development, saying (probably not entirely seriously) he might still be adding things "50 years from now".Stardew Valley was an immediate hit when it released back in 2016, selling over 400K copies in just two weeks. Nearly nine years later, that number has reached the 41m mark, and Barone, somewhat remarkably, has continued to expand the game - most recently in last year's 1.6 update, which was originally supposed to be relatively modest in scope when it was announced in 2022, but grew increasingly ambitious as time went on.That's despite Barone having seemingly drawn a line under Stardew Valley's development a year earlier, when he confirmed he'd be focusing his attention on a new game - later revealed to be Haunted Chocolatier. But while Barone has now resumed development of his second title following a pause for Stardew Valley's 1.6 update, he's admitted he doesn't think he'll ever necessarily be done with his farming game.Speaking to NPR, Barone revealed that even though he's now been working on Stardew Valley for more than 12 years, "I don't want to definitively say that the book is ever closed, because I think I will always have a desire to come back and maybe add a thing or two. You know, maybe even 50 years from now, I might add something." That doesn't mean Barone doesn't see a natural end point for the title, however. "I think a game can have too much content," he explained. "And I ultimately want Stardew Valley to be the best game it can be. So if I feel like it's starting to become kind of overwhelmed with content to the point where it's detrimental to the game's entertainment factor, I would stop."And for the time being, at least, it does appear Barone has taken a step back from Stardew Valley following the rather lengthy two-year development of its 1.6 update. As he revealed in December last year, work has now resumed on Haunted Chocolatier."Even though Haunted Chocolatier has only been revealed publicly to a tiny degree," he said at the time, "in my own private world it's a special place, and I'm very attached to the characters, themes, and ideas." It does, however, sounds like its release is still some way off, with Baron explaining, "It's going to be a lot of work still, but it's okay, I'm addicted to the grind."

Valentines Day is a notoriously difficult holiday to shop for, with so much pressure focused on nailing the right gesture. Traditionally, the best Valentines gifts for her would include dark chocolate or bouquets and bubbly, but we like to be a little less on-the-nose when it comes to our V-Day gifts.To ease some of the anxiety of prepping for your big gift reveal, we curated a selection of our most stood-behind ideas, including cozy bestsellers, heartwarming decor, splurge-worthy items, and personalized gifts that will surprise and delight (no gift cards here). Scroll on for our editor-approved list of the best Valentines Day gifts that will prove your devotion. After all, your love is everlastingjust like a Le Creuset Dutch oven or a special piece of jewelry.Our Top Picks for the Best Valentines Gifts for Her:Best Gift for Chefs: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Figural Heart Cocotte, $220 from AmazonBest Jewelry Gift: Mejuri Pav Diamond X Oversized Studs, $578 from MejuriBest Perfume Gift: Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum, $225 at NordstromBest Gift Under $50: Quince Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $50 from QuinceBest Splurge Gifts: Saint Laurent Calyspo Shoulder Bag, $2,900 from Net-a-PorterMejuri Pav Diamond Slim SignetYou cant go wrong with some statement jewelry from Mejuri this February 14th. Gift her this sparkling signet in her regular size or size down for a sparkling pinky ring moment. (Pictured with the Edie Eternity Ring).Lizzie SouflerisLe Creuset L'Amour Signature Heart CocotteThe perfect Dutch oven does exist, and its this heart-shaped cocotte from Le Creuset. Eat your heart out (literally).Quince Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck SweaterNothing generates the warm and fuzzies quite like a cashmere sweater. Thankfully, Quince has no shortage of them at budget-friendly prices if you wanted to get one for all your sweethearts (kidding, kidding).Malin+Goetz Aromatic CandleWe think Malin + Goetzs tomato-scented candle makes a particularly nice Valentines gift for your favorite chef or gourmand. It diffuses the soothing aroma of freshly picked herbsfragrant basil, calming lavender, and cool mint.Bearaby Velvet NapperSleeping under this velvety weighted blanket from Bearaby will feel just like a hug from her favorite person in the world (you).Monica Vinader Deia Locket Fine Chain NecklaceKeep it old school with a locket for storing treasured mementos close to her heart. Whether shes more of a gold vermeil or sterling silver person, we think this gift will go down well with an engraving of her star sign, a meaningful phrase, or a hand-drawn doodle.J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere-Blend Polo ShirtJ.Crews cashmere is a classic for a reason, but an even bigger no-brainer? An equally classic polo silhouette for layering up in winter or elevating a spring office look.Mark & Graham Dual Travel OrganizerMark and Grahams handy travel organizer has a designated space for toiletries as well as a hidden compartment for jewelry that not even the TSA can find. Slap on a personalized monogram and youve got yourself a winner of a gift.Saint Laurent Calypso Shoulder BagThis coveted Saint Laurent bag will be the cherry on top of her collection of small purses. Its named after a goddess, which is an anecdote you should definitely pocket for later.A few years ago, I started seeing Byredo products in the homes of my most chic friends and later received a lovely hand soap that fully converted me to the brand, says commerce director Rachel Fletcher. Mojave Ghost is a sophisticated, high quality (but not overpowering) scent, and the packaging looks lovely on any dresser.Lizzie SouflerisTumi Belden Jewelry CaseIf shes constantly on the move, we recommend this jewelry travel case with a handsome monogram option thats perfect for housing future heirlooms.Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de ParfumA sweetly seductive scent layered with notes of ambrette, sandalwood, magnolia, and chantilly musk, Byredos Mojave Ghost is the perfect gift for established or budding fragrance fanatics.California White Sturgeon Caviar by FishwifeFor your very own (Fish)wife, elevate date night with the brands caviar. Its buttery, creamy flavor pairs well with chips or blinis and even comes with a fish-engraved mother of pearl spoon in this luxe set.Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton RobeOne of our favorite bedding brands, Parachute, makes an especially refined Turkish cotton robe for your cozy Valentine. Its ideal for throwing on first thing in the morning or lounging around (and has the right specs to become the one thing she lives in this winter).Vivienne Westwood Rose Gold & Pink Petra EarringsA favorite of commerce editor Audrey Lee, who calls these earrings classic but not stodgy, Vivienne Westwood jewelry sets the standard for not so run-of-the-mill pearl designs and statement baubles.Lululemon Long Puffer JacketIf the plan is to hit the slopes together this winter, get your snow bunny a lightweight puffer in a pulse-spiking shade which can fold up in a carry-on.Eberjey Gisele Long PJ SetThis buttery soft pajama set is the thoughtful gift to trump all gifts this Valentines Day. Its available in virtually every shade (like this seasonally-appropriate heart motif), and it can be monogrammed, so you can tell her you custom-designed it and youd be half-right.The American Rose BouquetIf youre taking the road often traveled (the bouquet route), go bold with one filled with red roses, ranunculus, and anemone. And if youre looking for more fresh florals, check out our favorite online flower delivery services stacked with options to shop year-round.Ana Luisa Constellation NecklaceIf shes been trying to grow her jewelry collection piece by piece, a sparkling gold necklace is a bright idea. She'll even be able to remove or add charms for a bespoke look.Spring & Mulberry Essence Variety PackNo Valentines Day gift guide would be complete without a little chocolate. You could opt for something expected like a gift box filled with truffles, but why not spring for a few packs of Spring and Mulberrys bars instead, which include unusual flavors like coffee, bergamot, and blood orange?Mandy's Artificial Silk TulipsIf you want to gift a bouquet that will truly never die, these artificial silk tulips look and feel just like the real thing.Mejuri Edie Lab Grown Sapphire Eternity RingThis gem-studded eternity band is one to creatively say forever and always.If shes all about home fragrance, beeline for Aesops room spray, which commerce producer Lauren calls a great candle-free option if you get anxiety about accidentally setting something ablaze. She describes the charming scent as floralbut not like your grandmas housemore woodsy and warm.Lizzie SouflerisAesop Aromatique Room SprayQuince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Station BraceletThis dainty bracelet pairs well with equally delicate chains, sturdier bangles, or even her everyday watch.Mienca Heart Shape Aluminum Cake PanGalentines who love to bake will get a kick out of this romantic bundt pan.Flower Market Valentines Folded CardSometimes its easier to write all those big feelings down, so consider coming through with a heart-felt message in a card (<3).Diptyque Red Tubereuse CandleIf youre planning on wining and dining her with a romantic candlelit meal, weve got you set on the best candles for the occasion. Specifically, Diptyques sultry Red Tubereuse Candle wont disappoint, whether enjoyed together or inhaled completely solo.