Eddy Cue Statements

Mr. Cue testified that if Google and Apple couldn't reach agreement on revenue share, Apple would enter search, right?
MR. DINTZER[2]
That was the answer about the choice screen.
Professor Kevin Murphy[1]
And he's basically saying, why did you choose Google? He said he chose Google because it was the best for his customers.
Professor Kevin Murphy[1]
You know, I think if you're thinking about this -- I guess a starting point is the kind of classic textbook Econ 101 monopolist.
THE WITNESS[4]
But I know in the internal discussions they had at Apple, there was always a back-and-forth whether this was even a sensible path for them.
THE WITNESS[2]

Does Google map use reinforcement learning?

Yes, Google Maps uses inverse reinforcement learning[1] (IRL) to improve its routing feature. The "Massively Scalable Inverse Reinforcement Learning in Google Maps[1]" paper describes how they have used IRL to recover users' preferences and improve the global route match rate[1] in Google Maps by 16–24%. They have also introduced a new IRL algorithm called Receding Horizon Inverse Planning[1] (RHIP) to achieve more accurate and faster route suggestions.

[1] research.google

Android Operating System advantages:

Android was designed to be a free open operating system with the goal of bringing people online.
Sundar Pichai[1]
We really want to lower the barrier for adoption, helping bring hundreds of millions of people online.
Sundar Pichai[1]
The phone is beginning to be a computer that's with you everywhere.
Benedict Gomes[2]
Commercial intent, we resolve definitionally, which is if an advertiser is willing to advertise on it.
Jerry Dischler[5]
One of the most important things to me is I would look at this and I would say, of the four columns, Android is the most important.
Jon Tinter[7]

The Role of Self-Deprecation in Comedy

'a man in a suit'
title: 'Jim Gaffigan: The Psychology of Why We Laugh at Self-Deprecating Humor' and caption: 'a man in a suit'

Self-deprecation is a common technique used by comedians to create humor and connect with their audiences. This style of humor involves making oneself the target of jokes, highlighting personal flaws or shortcomings. It is often perceived as an embodiment of the human condition, allowing both the performer and the audience to confront and laugh at their imperfections.

Understanding Self-Deprecation

Comedians utilize self-deprecating humor as a way to navigate their own insecurities while simultaneously entertaining their audience. According to one perspective, 'self-deprecating humor is most emblematic of the human condition. We’re all flawed in ways that if we don’t laugh about, we’ll cry'[2]. This humor serves as a coping mechanism, allowing comedians to deal with their vulnerabilities and share them in a way that resonates with others.

In the context of performance, self-deprecation acts as a protective barrier; comedians might find that there is 'absolutely no criticism that you can throw at a comic who is mocking himself that’s gonna be any worse than what they’ve already turned into material'[2]. This technique not only draws laughter but also preemptively disarms potential criticism from the audience.

Connection with the Audience

Self-deprecating humor establishes a rapport with the audience. By openly acknowledging their flaws—whether it’s about their appearance, intelligence, or life choices—comedians create a space of relatability. As Jim Gaffigan articulates, the appeal of self-effacing comedy lies in 'the appeal of humility which I think we’re really kind of grappling for'[1]. In doing so, comedians foster a sense of comfort and ease among audience members, who may see reflections of their own struggles.

Audiences often appreciate the transparency that self-deprecating humor entails. When comedians voice insecurities they share with the crowd, it evokes laughter as a collective acknowledgment of shared human experience. The surprise factor plays a role as well; when a comedian humorously critiques themselves, it often aligns with what the audience might have been thinking, producing a delightful, unexpected comedic moment[1].

Psychological Underpinnings

'a close up of a microphone'
title: 'Comedians’ Smarts, Humor, and Creativity' and caption: 'a close up of a microphone'

Self-deprecating humor also taps into deeper psychological dynamics. Gaffigan notes a common 'victimization complex' that many people experience, suggesting that everyone has their own struggles, even if they are not comparable to greater societal issues[1]. This shared recognition of personal battles can empower audiences, fostering empathy and understanding. Comedians can explore this theme humorously, which encourages both the performer and their audience to find comfort in their vulnerabilities.

Moreover, studies have demonstrated that comedians often display high levels of emotional and social intelligence, which are crucial for understanding and engaging their audiences effectively. This intelligence allows them to adjust their performances to resonate well with diverse audiences, utilizing self-deprecating humor to elicit laughter while being sensitive to the perceptions of those present[3].

Balancing Self-Deprecation and Self-Defeating Humor

While self-deprecating humor can be effective, there is a thin line between self-deprecation and self-defeating humor. Self-defeating humor, which can often signal low self-esteem, may be less well-received. Comedians who rely heavily on self-defeating humor might be perceived as insecure or lacking confidence, which can undermine their appeal[3]. Successful comedians often strike a balance, using self-deprecation to connect with their audience while ensuring they do not fall into a pattern of negative humor that could diminish their effectiveness on stage.

In this regard, Gaffigan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the nuances of humor: 'the line of self-effacing just as the line of irreverence is always moving,' indicating an understanding of the evolving nature of comedic boundaries[1]. Mastering the art of self-deprecation without tipping into self-defeating humor can enhance a comedian's stage presence, making them more relatable and endearing.

Conclusion

Comedians skillfully employ self-deprecating humor as a method to engage with their audiences, explore personal vulnerabilities, and foster a sense of shared humanity. This comedic style serves functional purposes, allowing performers to confront criticism preemptively and connect with listeners on an emotional level. While mastering this humor style requires a delicate balance, successful comedians leverage it to create moments of joy and laughter that resonate deeply with their audiences. By doing so, they not only entertain but also invite collective reflection on the imperfections of the human experience.


Google's Revenue and Financials

💰 What is the primary source of Google's revenue?
Difficulty: Easy
📉 In 2019, what prompted Google to declare a code yellow regarding revenue?
Difficulty: Medium
🤯 According to Eric Lehman's testimony, what public position does Google take regarding the use of user data in ranking search results?
Difficulty: Hard

Legal Proceedings and Technical Insights into AI Model Training

Overview of the Class Action Complaint

Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson, along with their loan-out companies, have filed a class action complaint against Anthropic PBC, alleging copyright infringement[6]. The plaintiffs claim that Anthropic built its multibillion-dollar business by illegally copying and using copyrighted books to train its Claude family of large language models (LLMs)[1][6]. The plaintiffs argue that Anthropic's actions compromise authors' ability to make a living, as the LLMs can generate texts that writers would otherwise be paid to create[6]. They contend that Anthropic has profited immensely from this copyright infringement, harming the market for authors' works[6]. Central to the case is the allegation that Anthropic knowingly used pirated materials, specifically the 'Books3' dataset, to train its models[6].

Defendant's Response and Fair Use Defense

Anthropic, while acknowledging it offers products based on LLMs, denies the core allegations of copyright infringement[7]. The company asserts that its use of copyrighted works falls under the protection of fair use, as defined in 17 U.S.C. § 107[5][7]. They argue that LLMs learn patterns and relationships within data rather than storing contents, and that the responses generated by LLMs are based on a predictive process, not verbatim copying[8]. Anthropic emphasizes that its AI models generate varied responses to similar prompts, highlighting the probabilistic nature of the technology[8]. A key point is to show using this technology is not about expression, but rather extracting statistical information from data[8]. Central to their defense is the claim that the training data is used to 'learn the patterns and connections between words,' similar to how humans learn[1]. Anthropic also disputes the plaintiffs' claim that their copyrighted works were actually used in training the AI models[7].

Jurisdictional and Procedural Matters

The plaintiffs assert that the court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a) because the action arises under the Copyright Act of 1976[1]. They also assert personal jurisdiction over Anthropic because it has purposely conducted business in the district[1]. Venue is claimed to be proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1400(a) and 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(2) due to Anthropic's infringing activities and commercialization of those activities within the district[1].

The court set a number of deadlines in a case management order, including:

  • Initial disclosures under FRCP 26 completed by October 25, 2024[4]
  • Deadline to seek leave to add new parties or amend pleadings by December 4, 2024[4]
  • Motion for class certification filed by March 6, 2025, to be heard on a 49-day track[4]

Key Evidentiary and Legal Disputes

Several key legal and factual issues have emerged as points of contention between the parties [1 1]. These include:

  • Whether Anthropic’s reproduction of copyrighted works constitutes copyright infringement[1]
  • Whether Anthropic’s reproduction qualifies as fair use[7]
  • Whether the plaintiffs can demonstrate harm and are entitled to damages[1]
  • Whether Anthropic’s infringement, if any, was willful[1]

These issues also involve technical aspects of how LLMs function, source of training data, and the nature of the AI's output[8][7]. The court has emphasized the need for accurate briefing and representations from counsel, particularly regarding potential hazards to public health, safety, or well-being[3].

Electronic Discovery and Production

A central aspect of the case involves the discovery of electronically stored information (ESI)[9]. Key points regarding ESI include:

  • The disclosure requirements obligate parties to disclose documents and witnesses on which they will rely[3].
  • Producing parties must search all locations with a reasonable chance of having responsive documents, including both ESI and hard copies[3][9].
  • Privilege logs must be promptly provided and sufficiently detailed to justify the privilege[3].

To facilitate the management of ESI, a specific protocol was established, addressing aspects such as data formats, metadata fields, and redaction[7][9]. A key component is to determine whether Anthropic used specific copyrighted materials, such as those in the Books3 dataset, for training its AI models[5]. The court stressed candidness in these matters[5].

Motions and Deadlines

Several motions and deadlines have been set forth, including a motion to dismiss[7] and a motion for class certification[4]. The court has emphasized that all filings must include the date and time of the hearing or conference[3]. Initially, there was a dispute regarding the order of hearing summary judgment and class certification motions.

Judge Alsup requires plaintiff’s counsel not to engage in any class settlement discussion until after class certification[2].

Judge Alsup also recognizes some form of pre-certification of settlement classes and recognizes there are circumstances where class members will be better served by class negotiations before certification[2].

In any such circumstances, counsel may apply to be “interim counsel,” and ask for express authorization to negotiate on behalf of a specified putative class[2].
The COVID-19 pandemic is no excuse to waive any local, federal, or court rules[3].
As of August 23, 2024, full settlement discussions at any time with respect to the individual claim are permitted[2]. Full settlement discussions as to class claims are permitted once those class claims are certified or interim counsel are appointed[2].

Protocols for Interviewing Class Members and Communications

The court requires both sides to promptly meet and confer and to agree on a protocol for interviewing absent putative class members[2]. In their joint case management statement due at the outset of the case, the parties shall either describe their agreed-upon protocol or explain why no such protocol is necessary in their particular case[2]. It has become a recurring problem in putative class actions that one or both sides may wish to interview absent putative class members regarding the merits of the case, potentially giving rise to conflict-of-interest or other ethical issues[2]. No interviews of absent putative class members may take place unless and until the parties’ proposed protocol is approved or permission is otherwise given[2].


What was Buffett's main topic in the 2025 letter?

title: 'Buffett's 2025 Letter to Shareholders (Full Text)'

Buffett's main topic in the 2025 letter to shareholders was the performance of Berkshire Hathaway in 2024, noting that it exceeded his expectations despite 53% of the 189 operating companies reporting a decline in earnings[1].

[1] coinlive.com

Transforming Urban Living through Smart Cities

'a city street at night'
title: 'Free Images : road, street, night, city, cityscape, downtown, evening ...' and caption: 'a city street at night'

Smart cities are increasingly recognized as transformative environments that significantly enhance urban living. By integrating data and technology, these cities are not only addressing common urban challenges but also improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Addressing Urban Challenges

Urban areas often face a variety of stresses, including traffic congestion, pollution, and rising crime rates. These challenges, sometimes referred to as 'growing pains,' are magnified as cities expand. However, the emergence of smart cities offers innovative solutions. The McKinsey Global Institute found that smart applications implemented in cities can lead to remarkable outcomes. For example, in a city with a population of five million, it is estimated that such solutions could save between 30 to 300 lives annually and reduce crime incidents by 30 to 40 percent[1].

Enhancing Daily Life

One of the primary advantages of smart city initiatives is their ability to streamline daily activities for residents. The implementation of digital systems can optimize infrastructure efficiency, enabling cities to 'shave 15 to 30 minutes off the daily commute' for their citizens[1]. Additionally, smart cities utilize digital apps and platforms that enhance connectivity among community members. This improved access to instant information helps residents make better decisions, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive community[1].

Improving Health and Emergency Services

Beyond transportation, smart cities have the potential to elevate public health standards and emergency response measures. Through advanced technology, cities can enhance healthcare delivery and make local government services more efficient and accessible. Notably, the deployment of smart applications can lead to quicker emergency responses, which is crucial during critical incidents[1].

Reducing Environmental Impact

In parallel, smart cities play an essential role in lowering carbon emissions, which is increasingly important in the quest for sustainability. By utilizing technology to monitor and manage urban energy consumption, cities can adopt greener practices. This proactive approach not only benefits the environment but also fosters healthier communities[1].

The Role of Collaboration

The transformation into smarter cities is not solely the responsibility of municipal governments. It requires active participation from both companies and residents. The synergy between government initiatives and community involvement is critical to achieving desired outcomes. When residents have access to real-time data and insights, it empowers them to make informed decisions that contribute positively to urban life. The cumulative effect of millions of informed decisions enhances the overall performance of the city[1].

Future Prospects

While many cities are progressing towards becoming smarter, the journey is ongoing. Even the most advanced cities still have improvements to make as they strive for greater efficiencies and livability. The wave of innovation that characterizes the smart city movement reflects a broader commitment to urban renewal and resilience. As technology continues to evolve, smart cities will likely become more adept at responding to the needs of their inhabitants, fostering environments that are not only efficient but also adaptable and inclusive[1].

Conclusion

Smart cities are reshaping the landscape of urban living by applying technology and data in meaningful ways. By addressing the pressing challenges cities face, enhancing daily life, improving health and emergency services, reducing environmental impact, and fostering collaboration, these urban areas are transforming into spaces where residents can thrive. The ongoing evolution of smart cities promises to create environments that are not only livable but also responsive to the dynamic needs of their communities.

[1] youtube.com
Follow Up Recommendations

Why is humor subjective?

title: 'Getting serious about funny: Psychologists see humor as a character strength'

Humor is subjective due to cultural, contextual, and individual factors influencing what is considered funny. People have different opinions about humor based on their backgrounds and experiences, which can cause jokes to be perceived as entertaining, confusing, or offensive. In contexts like April Fool's Day, the appropriateness and reception of jokes can vary widely[2][5].

Additionally, humor often involves a violation of norms that must be benign for it to be perceived as funny. If the violation is seen as too severe or inappropriate, the humor may fail[2]. This complexity illustrates that humor reflects deeper individual and societal dynamics, making it a highly subjective experience[1][3].

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What's the latest on vaccine developments?

Recent vaccine developments are focusing on improved efficacy and responses to emerging variants. Research led by the Oxford Vaccine Group demonstrated that the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine reduces disease severity in vaccinated individuals compared to those unvaccinated, confirming its effectiveness against COVID-19[1].

Additionally, mRNA technology continues to be a priority, with the UK government partnering with Moderna to enhance domestic mRNA research and manufacturing[2]. Projects like the Biden administration's Project Next Gen aim to create next-generation RNA platforms to improve vaccine durability and effectiveness against new variants[3][4]. Overall, advancements in both traditional and novel vaccine technologies are essential for future pandemic preparedness.

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