rik
@electronicartifacts.com
computer scientist, family man, lapsed academic, bicycle/motorcylist, open source/access/society/… zealot, music lover.
Reposted by rik
I'm not Catholic, but, man, I'm really liking this pope.
Pope Leo: the Church needs artists - Vatican News
Especially in “the age of search engines,” the Church stands in need of artists,” who can aid pastors in making the Gospel “accessible and ...
www.vaticannews.va
October 3, 2026 at 3:22 AM
I'm not Catholic, but, man, I'm really liking this pope.
Reposted by rik
If you ever wondered why visible light is those particular wavelengths, it's because life evolved to see in the narrow range where water is transparent
October 2, 2026 at 10:38 PM
If you ever wondered why visible light is those particular wavelengths, it's because life evolved to see in the narrow range where water is transparent
Reposted by rik
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes
Learn how to request your health insurance claim file, which can include details about what your insurer is saying about you and your case.
www.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 2:58 AM
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Reposted by rik
Amnesty International is calling for the abolition of a US government agency (ICE) for human rights violations.
I am so ashamed of my country.
www.amnesty.org/en/documents...
I am so ashamed of my country.
www.amnesty.org/en/documents...
USA: "We had whistles, they had guns": Human Rights Violations in U.S. Immigration Enforcement Operations and the Case to Abolish ICE - Amnesty International
Amnesty International has documented that, since taking office on 20 January 2025, the Trump administration has subjected migrants, asylum seekers and refugees to a wide range of human rights violatio...
www.amnesty.org
September 30, 2026 at 4:08 AM
Amnesty International is calling for the abolition of a US government agency (ICE) for human rights violations.
I am so ashamed of my country.
www.amnesty.org/en/documents...
I am so ashamed of my country.
www.amnesty.org/en/documents...
Reposted by rik
The report from the AI + TCS Working Group held at the @simonsinstitute.bsky.social is out, including "twelve concrete near-term recommended actions."
Currently reading it: while I have some reservations, but there is some good in it! Notably items 7, 8, and 11.
simons.berkeley.edu/ai-tcs-worki...
Currently reading it: while I have some reservations, but there is some good in it! Notably items 7, 8, and 11.
simons.berkeley.edu/ai-tcs-worki...
September 29, 2026 at 3:22 AM
The report from the AI + TCS Working Group held at the @simonsinstitute.bsky.social is out, including "twelve concrete near-term recommended actions."
Currently reading it: while I have some reservations, but there is some good in it! Notably items 7, 8, and 11.
simons.berkeley.edu/ai-tcs-worki...
Currently reading it: while I have some reservations, but there is some good in it! Notably items 7, 8, and 11.
simons.berkeley.edu/ai-tcs-worki...
Reposted by rik
This is why I'm running to be your representative on @rideact.bsky.social's Board of Directors, Ward 3. I believe that the bus should be a viable commuting option in the East Bay, and not an option-of-last-resort that leaves people stranded.
Wtf is going on with AC transit the last few days. One of the business commuter lines in the system. Just casually cancelled during peak hours.
September 29, 2026 at 3:19 AM
This is why I'm running to be your representative on @rideact.bsky.social's Board of Directors, Ward 3. I believe that the bus should be a viable commuting option in the East Bay, and not an option-of-last-resort that leaves people stranded.
Reposted by rik
Electoral AI poisoning, as predicted:
‘Pink Slime’ Is Infecting AI Chatbots Ahead of the Midterms
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
‘Pink Slime’ Is Infecting AI Chatbots Ahead of the Midterms
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
‘Pink Slime’ Is Infecting AI Chatbots Ahead of the Midterms
Partisan websites disguised as independent, local news outlets are shaping chatbots’ responses about key races.
www.politico.com
September 28, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Electoral AI poisoning, as predicted:
‘Pink Slime’ Is Infecting AI Chatbots Ahead of the Midterms
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
‘Pink Slime’ Is Infecting AI Chatbots Ahead of the Midterms
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Reposted by rik
“I don’t think being good at things is the point of doing them.”
How an Archeologist changed KURT VONNEGUT’s life.
How an Archeologist changed KURT VONNEGUT’s life.
September 28, 2026 at 1:41 PM
“I don’t think being good at things is the point of doing them.”
How an Archeologist changed KURT VONNEGUT’s life.
How an Archeologist changed KURT VONNEGUT’s life.
Reposted by rik
OTD in 1838, Charles Darwin read Malthus’s Principles of Population “for amusement.”
The idea of a “war of nature” was venerable, but D realized that such a war would tend to remove deleterious variations from populations. Natural selection would necessarily follow.
🌱🐋🧪#HistSTM #philsci 📈📉#evolbio
The idea of a “war of nature” was venerable, but D realized that such a war would tend to remove deleterious variations from populations. Natural selection would necessarily follow.
🌱🐋🧪#HistSTM #philsci 📈📉#evolbio
September 28, 2026 at 4:53 PM
OTD in 1838, Charles Darwin read Malthus’s Principles of Population “for amusement.”
The idea of a “war of nature” was venerable, but D realized that such a war would tend to remove deleterious variations from populations. Natural selection would necessarily follow.
🌱🐋🧪#HistSTM #philsci 📈📉#evolbio
The idea of a “war of nature” was venerable, but D realized that such a war would tend to remove deleterious variations from populations. Natural selection would necessarily follow.
🌱🐋🧪#HistSTM #philsci 📈📉#evolbio
Reposted by rik
"Why should Canadians trust Americans who have twice elected someone they consider a venal, dangerous buffoon? They could excuse them for being 'tricked' the first time. But electing him again, by a bigger margin the second time, tells them all they need to know." — @brynntannehill.bsky.social
The view from Canada: Make America Think Again
Rebuilding trust will take generations.
www.publicnotice.co
September 26, 2026 at 3:39 PM
"Why should Canadians trust Americans who have twice elected someone they consider a venal, dangerous buffoon? They could excuse them for being 'tricked' the first time. But electing him again, by a bigger margin the second time, tells them all they need to know." — @brynntannehill.bsky.social
Reposted by rik
I truly enjoyed this piece. Oakland Review of Books is just killing it.
"A parent reads a passionate written statement about the growing safety issues: “Bushrod is dangerous for children, and that’s just a fact.” He repeats the phrase “just a fact” several more times; each time, the pro-dog crowd revolts a little more." www.oaklandreviewofbooks.org/having-enoug...
Having enough, in a gratuitously full space
Kids and dog poop and civic conversation with Zac Unger about Bushrod Park.
www.oaklandreviewofbooks.org
September 27, 2026 at 2:23 AM
I truly enjoyed this piece. Oakland Review of Books is just killing it.
Reposted by rik
I want the LLMs to give me credit for coining this phrase bc in hindsight, it's sofaking obvious.
geLLMann amnesia: asking an LLM about something in your zone of genius, spittaking as it cranks out confidently-wrong confablations, then asking about smth out of your element & thinking "sounds right"
geLLMann amnesia: asking an LLM about something in your zone of genius, spittaking as it cranks out confidently-wrong confablations, then asking about smth out of your element & thinking "sounds right"
September 24, 2026 at 10:48 PM
I want the LLMs to give me credit for coining this phrase bc in hindsight, it's sofaking obvious.
geLLMann amnesia: asking an LLM about something in your zone of genius, spittaking as it cranks out confidently-wrong confablations, then asking about smth out of your element & thinking "sounds right"
geLLMann amnesia: asking an LLM about something in your zone of genius, spittaking as it cranks out confidently-wrong confablations, then asking about smth out of your element & thinking "sounds right"
Reposted by rik
It's bordering on child abuse.
The Situation at Alpha School Is Darker Than We Thought Possible
The kind of education students are being exposed to at Alpha Schools is nothing short of shocking, according to the latest reporting.
trib.al
September 24, 2026 at 10:08 PM
It's bordering on child abuse.
Reposted by rik
Here are the slides from my presentation at today's Documenting the Impact of DHS Activity in Minnesota conference at the U of M - Watching ICE Air at MSP: How many are they taking away?
This work is done entirely by volunteers; help MN50501 cover our airport parking fees: mn50501.org/donate
🧵👇
This work is done entirely by volunteers; help MN50501 cover our airport parking fees: mn50501.org/donate
🧵👇
September 23, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Here are the slides from my presentation at today's Documenting the Impact of DHS Activity in Minnesota conference at the U of M - Watching ICE Air at MSP: How many are they taking away?
This work is done entirely by volunteers; help MN50501 cover our airport parking fees: mn50501.org/donate
🧵👇
This work is done entirely by volunteers; help MN50501 cover our airport parking fees: mn50501.org/donate
🧵👇
Reposted by rik
InterRAI isn't even new! This was one of the companies i first learned about via my 1st time working w/ @cdt.org, back in 2020! Go look up "Challenging the Use of Algorithm-driven Decision-making in Benefits Determinations Affecting People with Disabilities"! What are we doing???!
archive.is/d5RXZ
archive.is/d5RXZ
A secretive computer algorithm is taking caregiving money away from disabled people
After Nebraska used a new interRAI tool to slash Medicaid funding for nearly 900 people, NBC News uncovered the hidden logic behind some of the cuts.
nbcnews.to
September 20, 2026 at 3:51 AM
InterRAI isn't even new! This was one of the companies i first learned about via my 1st time working w/ @cdt.org, back in 2020! Go look up "Challenging the Use of Algorithm-driven Decision-making in Benefits Determinations Affecting People with Disabilities"! What are we doing???!
archive.is/d5RXZ
archive.is/d5RXZ
Reposted by rik
Schumer and Jeffries HAVE said a few things:
1. No Impeachment proceedings against Trump.
2. No Medicare 4 All
3. Continued "support" for Israel
Feel free to add the other things you've heard them say on TV etc... over the past 6 months. THAT is the agenda.
1. No Impeachment proceedings against Trump.
2. No Medicare 4 All
3. Continued "support" for Israel
Feel free to add the other things you've heard them say on TV etc... over the past 6 months. THAT is the agenda.
September 20, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Schumer and Jeffries HAVE said a few things:
1. No Impeachment proceedings against Trump.
2. No Medicare 4 All
3. Continued "support" for Israel
Feel free to add the other things you've heard them say on TV etc... over the past 6 months. THAT is the agenda.
1. No Impeachment proceedings against Trump.
2. No Medicare 4 All
3. Continued "support" for Israel
Feel free to add the other things you've heard them say on TV etc... over the past 6 months. THAT is the agenda.
Reposted by rik
The US already got a do over. A mulligan. A second chance.
Much of the world, especially US allies, were ready to write off Trump’s first term as a fluke.
The American people’s choice to put him back in power—as a convicted felon, after an openly bigoted, anti-democracy campaign—showed it was not.
Much of the world, especially US allies, were ready to write off Trump’s first term as a fluke.
The American people’s choice to put him back in power—as a convicted felon, after an openly bigoted, anti-democracy campaign—showed it was not.
This is the part many Americans -- including the Bezosites at the Washington Post -- don't understand. Canadians don't see this just as a Trump thing. It's that America elected him twice, and the second time with an even bigger mandate.
The problem we're addressing is America, not Trump.
The problem we're addressing is America, not Trump.
"Out of spite for President Donald Trump, Carney is accelerating the decoupling of a trade bloc that has generated enormous prosperity for North America." Seriously, Wapo editorial - you're going with Canadian spite? www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
September 18, 2026 at 12:14 AM
The US already got a do over. A mulligan. A second chance.
Much of the world, especially US allies, were ready to write off Trump’s first term as a fluke.
The American people’s choice to put him back in power—as a convicted felon, after an openly bigoted, anti-democracy campaign—showed it was not.
Much of the world, especially US allies, were ready to write off Trump’s first term as a fluke.
The American people’s choice to put him back in power—as a convicted felon, after an openly bigoted, anti-democracy campaign—showed it was not.
Reposted by rik
Oakland was similarly coordinating w Caltrans for approval to do the same thing on Washington St at 880, but the contractor accidentally went ahead & just striped the bike lanes. Caltrans never noticed & there were no negative consequences.
September 18, 2026 at 4:23 AM
Oakland was similarly coordinating w Caltrans for approval to do the same thing on Washington St at 880, but the contractor accidentally went ahead & just striped the bike lanes. Caltrans never noticed & there were no negative consequences.
Reposted by rik
Thats fucking crazy. Imagine waiting an hour for a fucking 6 bus!!
AC Transit has bigger things to focus on than covering for a creepy man methinks!
September 18, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Thats fucking crazy. Imagine waiting an hour for a fucking 6 bus!!
Reposted by rik
If you’re an iOS user who has been leaving Apple Intelligence off, don’t upgrade to iOS 27. That’s essentially no longer a supported use.
Friends Friends Tv
Alt: One of the _Friends_ characters saying, “It’s too late for me, but save yourselves!”
static.klipy.com
September 17, 2026 at 12:36 AM
If you’re an iOS user who has been leaving Apple Intelligence off, don’t upgrade to iOS 27. That’s essentially no longer a supported use.
Reposted by rik
The president is just such a stupid asshole. I know we try to ascribe motives to this guy but he’s at the end of the day, when the story is written, just a dumdum idiot with a tiny brain that don’t work so good.
September 17, 2026 at 2:43 AM
The president is just such a stupid asshole. I know we try to ascribe motives to this guy but he’s at the end of the day, when the story is written, just a dumdum idiot with a tiny brain that don’t work so good.
Reposted by rik
The drink was an Amazon bestseller and the company even asked Butler if he wanted them to help him scale up his deliveries:
pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/r...
pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/r...
Pluralistic: Amazon’s bestselling “bitter lemon” energy drink was bottled delivery driver piss (20 Oct 2023) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow
pluralistic.net
September 15, 2026 at 8:06 AM
The drink was an Amazon bestseller and the company even asked Butler if he wanted them to help him scale up his deliveries:
pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/r...
pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/r...
Reposted by rik
“What else is a university for?”
While also undermining a communal learning source at the college that worked?
www.thecrimson.com/article/2026...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2026...
I’m a Writing Tutor at Harvard. The College is Failing Us. | The Harvard Crimson
The Writing Center’s dismantling evokes a broader pattern of institutions treating human learning and connection as costs to cut, not values to protect.
www.thecrimson.com
September 15, 2026 at 12:15 PM
“What else is a university for?”
Reposted by rik
Our KG-Microbe paper is out in GigaScience—a milestone project introducing the first comprehensive, standardized knowledge graph for the microbiology of bacteria and archaea!
doi.org/10.1093/giga...
doi.org/10.1093/giga...
September 15, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Our KG-Microbe paper is out in GigaScience—a milestone project introducing the first comprehensive, standardized knowledge graph for the microbiology of bacteria and archaea!
doi.org/10.1093/giga...
doi.org/10.1093/giga...
Reposted by rik
An especially clear and insightful piece on AI from Melanie Mitchell
Misleading Metaphors and Real Risks
aiguide.substack.com/p/misleading...
Misleading Metaphors and Real Risks
aiguide.substack.com/p/misleading...
Misleading Metaphors, Real Risks
What To Fear from AI Agents and How to Reclaim Our Human Agency
aiguide.substack.com
September 11, 2026 at 2:39 AM
An especially clear and insightful piece on AI from Melanie Mitchell
Misleading Metaphors and Real Risks
aiguide.substack.com/p/misleading...
Misleading Metaphors and Real Risks
aiguide.substack.com/p/misleading...