Saturday, August 17, 2024
Your Daily Americano
Saturday, August 17th, 2024
World Events and Politics — Hopes of a Ceasefire in Gaza Looks Bleak
Financial Times
Hamas has dampened expectations for a ceasefire in Gaza, despite President Joe Biden expressing optimism about the situation. A Hamas official told the BBC that mediators who met in Qatar last week were merely “selling illusions.” In a related development, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Saturday as part of a renewed diplomatic effort. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, a city in southern Lebanon, reportedly killed at least ten individuals, according to local media reports. The Israeli military stated that the target was a “weapons storage facility” associated with Hizbullah, a militia backed by Iran.
Technology and Science — Can Human Brain Engage in Backpropagation
Daniel Lievano
While Hebbian learning, where neurons that fire together becomes wired together, can explain simple associations, it falls short for complex tasks like language learning. In contrast, today's top AI models use backpropagation, an algorithm that generates error signals which move backwards through the network, layer by layer, strengthening or weakening connections to minimize future errors. Neuroscientists have long been skeptical of backprop's biological plausibility, citing issues like neurons mostly sending information one-way. However, recent studies have found promising hints of backprop-like mechanisms in mouse brains, and tweaks to the algorithm, like allowing it to process spikes instead of continuous signals, make it more brain-friendly. For now, though, these hints of promises are still just that.
Business, Economics and Finance — The Launch of Venu Blocked
Joe Fedewa
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the launch of Venu Sports, a joint sports streaming service from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros., in response to an antitrust lawsuit filed by FuboTV. FuboTV argued that the service, set to launch ahead of the NFL season this fall, would “irrevocably harm” consumers by consolidating sports broadcasting power among the three companies. The media giants plan to appeal the decision, asserting that Venu Sports would enhance consumer choice in the streaming market. The injunction delays the launch until at least 2025, as the antitrust case moves toward trial.
Health and Wellness — EPA Ordered the Halt of the Use of DCPA Pesticide
Healthline
In a landmark decision, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order to halt the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a pesticide linked to serious fetal health risks, marking the agency's first such action in nearly four decades. DCPA, commonly used on crops like broccoli and strawberries, has been shown to disrupt fetal thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to low birth weight and impaired brain development in children. EPA officials, citing the urgent need to protect pregnant women and their unborn children, emphasized the pesticide's dangers, with Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff declaring it too hazardous to remain on the market. The suspension follows a lengthy debate between the EPA and DCPA's sole manufacturer, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, regarding the safety of the herbicide, which has been banned in the European Union since 2009.
Cooking and Dining - Apple Pie Overnight Oats
There’s no better way to welcome fall than with apple pie-inspired overnight oats for breakfast. Prepare this simple dish in advance so you can enjoy it on busy mornings for work or school. You can easily swap out the reduced-fat milk for any nondairy alternative, or opt for kefir if you prefer a tangy flavor in your oats.
Eatingwell
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups chopped tart apples, such as Granny Smith, plus more for garnish
2 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons greeted lemon zest, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups reduced-fat milk
1 cup nonfat plain strained yogurt, such as Greek-style
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
To view the instructions and nutritional facts, find the full menu at: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/8070441/apple-pie-overnight-oats/
Song Recommendation — Why Why Why
“Why Why Why” is a country-infused folk-pop song with introspective lyrics about a former relationship and Mendes’ struggles with anxiety that led him to cancel a concert tour in 2022.
Shawn Mendes
To listen to the full song:
To Do in Toronto — Daphne
“Daphne, mythical champion of victors and enabler of excellence, she entices all to fulfill their heart’s desire — to drink well, dine well, live well.” A modern American restaurant located in the heat of Toronto’s financial district. Whatever your palette desires, it will certainly not be disappointed by what Daphne restaurant has to offer.
Daphne Toronto
To visit their menu and book reservations:
https://daphnetoronto.com/
8-min bike ride from the University of Toronto.
Quote of the Day — Amir and Hassan
“For you, a thousand times over.” Khaled Hossseini, the Kite Runner.
Image of Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini, born on March 4, 1965, in Kabul, Afghanistan, is an Afghan-American novelist and former physician. He gained international fame with his debut novel, The Kite Runner (2003), which vividly depicts life in Afghanistan. Hosseini’s works often explore themes of family, guilt, and redemption, and he is also a UNHCR goodwill ambassador.
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