Reading

“A.I. capacity may soon displace oil or enriched uranium as the resource that dictates the global balance of power. [Open AI’s C.E.O.] Sam Altman has said that computing power is ‘the currency of the future.’” — The New Yorker

Gather around, everyday working people, and allow me to lay out a grand vision for a brave new world. A world in which all economic functions are done by computers and robots. A world where the very concept of having money no longer exists (for all of you).

“How does this work?” You ask in excitement and awe. “Surely there must be some form of standardized economic unit that facilitates the exchange of goods and services.” And yes, there will be, of course. But you don’t have to worry about that, because you will simply have none of it. Only I and like twelve other people will have it.

Thanks for reaching out. I’ve stepped away from my office, but I’ll respond promptly when I return. To clear up any confusion, please be advised that:

In Lebanon, an unprecedented campaign of DNA tests is being used to identify mangled bodies left trapped under rubble by Israel’s blitz.

The post Israel’s “Black Wednesday” Massacre Leaves Lebanese Families Giving DNA to ID Loved Ones’ Remains appeared first on The Intercept.

I’m reaching out because, well, I’ve got this shipment of 2.1 million barrels of crude oil, and I would LOVE it if I could just squeeze on by and pass through the Strait of Hormuz? Honestly, no worries if not, though!

It’s just that the vast amount of crude oil I have aboard is the lifeblood of several regional economies. Without it reaching its destination, millions will be unable to afford to heat their homes and fuel their cars, causing those economies to become increasingly unstable, undermining, in turn, the stability of the world at large. But if it’s a no, that’s fine!

I know you’re super committed to whichever geopolitical concern has driven you to block the Strait, and listen, I totally get it. That sounds really stressful and complicated. You’re doing an amazing job, by the way! I’ve heard that, like, no one is getting through, and that must be such a pain to deal with day in and day out.

It was a spring that felt more like winter last week in New York; suddenly it feels like summer. After my air-conditioned bedroom, the living room and kitchen was like a walk-in oven. A weirdly yellow bulb lit the kitchen. The kids must have left it on when they went to bed. I made an […]

The post Pete’s Presence appeared first on Jeffrey Zeldman Presents.

Matt Duss, former foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders, on how Democrats can win on an anti-war platform and bring about real change.

The post When Anti-War Candidates Become War-Monger Presidents appeared first on The Intercept.

Humans weren’t given souls by God or genes. We made them ourselves with language – turning sentience into something sacred

- by Nicholas Humphrey

Read on Aeon

Behind claims of neutrality, the UAE has emerged as a key player in the war on Iran — providing surveillance, hosting operations, enabling strikes from its bases and aiding Israeli false flags while portraying itself as a victim on the world stage

The post Not Neutral: Inside The UAE’s Shadow Role In the US-Israeli War on Iran appeared first on MintPress News.

As the NBA playoffs tip off this weekend, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry are under growing scrutiny — not just for their play, but for links to Israeli drone technology and security firms tied to Israel’s military operations that are used to commit war crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

The post From Dunks To Drones: The NBA Has an Israel Problem appeared first on MintPress News.

Reduced violence is welcome, but the Gaza “ceasefire” has meant continued genocide. We can't let them get away with it in Lebanon.

The post Israel Will Keep Occupying Lebanon Despite Ceasefire appeared first on The Intercept.

As Israel fails to advance beyond a few kilometers into Lebanon, Bint Jbeil has become the latest battleground where resistance forces are exposing the limits of Israel’s military campaign –echoing the long standing “spider web” warning about Israel's fragility in prolonged war.

The post The Battle for Bint Jbeil: Israel Revisits A Symbolic Defeat As Resistance Holds The Line appeared first on MintPress News.

The evolution of Paris across millennia – from Celtic fishing village to world capital – in three animated minutes

- by Aeon Video

Watch on Aeon