'We Don't Have An Algorithm For This'
via Dr. Holger Sierks, a Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Scientist and Principal Investigator, leading the team working on the OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System) on-board the Philae, describing the effort taken by human researchers when analyzing images of the comet...
The ramifications to many endeavors, ranging from automated driving, to automated information and physical security functionality (identity management, authentication, access control, biometrics, image recognition, et cetera) are startling, when confronted with new visages, we have yet to develop algorithmic capabilities to manipulate the data, and bend it to our will. EOM
Yesterday's Gestation →
via Paleofuture's Matt Novak. The inception date of our beloved interweb is generally assumed to be the date of the first electronic message transmitted via the packet switched network, that was to become the ARPANET, and at that time managed by BBN.
Lockheed Martin Announces Fusion Reactor
In an astonishing announcement, and one that I thought might never materialize in my lifetime, Lockheed Martin's Skunkworks has revealed a new fusion reactor, slated for market deployment within a decade. Not to be outdone, the University of Washington has also announced a new tokamak concept reactor that promises inexpensive energy, in fact, 'cheaper than coal'. Absolutely Outstanding.
DARPA, The Open Catalog
DARPA has updated it's six month old : An astounding, curated compendium of fascinating data and phenomenal projects. Highly recommended, from Big Data initiatives - Detection and Computational Analysis of Psychological Signals (DCAPS), to Probabilistic Programming for Advanced Machine Learning (PPAML).
DARPA's Therapeutic Implantable Memory →
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has announced an astounding project targeting implantable memory prosthetics to assist service-members and other patients whose memory has suffered degradation due to PTSD. Outstanding.
Mnemonic Wheel
An aged mnemonic given new life. In this case, the utilization of artifacts [color wheels] which inform memory regarding password data entry. Today's' Must Read.
XKCD, Actors
via the grey matter of Randall Munroe, at XKCD.
XKCD, 4.5 Degrees
via the acclimatized humor of Randall Munroe at XKCD.
Ricks, No Uniformed CS University?
Thomas Ricks' erudite take on the astonishing lack of Computer Science universities for the uniformed services here in the United States [and, interestingly, his advice on how to remediate the paucity of computer science educational opportunities for the uniformed services]. After all, there is a DoD Medical College, War Colleges, Officers Schools, Academies and the like, yet no focused computer science institutions...