Plutonic Rainbows

Recent breakthroughs in AI have not only increased demand for AI products, they've also lowered the barriers to entry for those who want to build AI products. The model-as-a-service approach has transformed AI from an esoteric discipline into a powerful development tool that anyone can use. Everyone, including those with minimal or no prior AI experience, can now leverage AI models to build applications. In this book, author Chip Huyen discusses AI engineering: the process of building applications with readily available foundation models.

The book starts with an overview of AI engineering, explaining how it differs from traditional ML engineering and discussing the new AI stack. The more AI is used, the more opportunities there are for catastrophic failures, and therefore, the more important evaluation becomes. This book discusses different approaches to evaluating open-ended models, including the rapidly growing AI-as-a-judge approach.

AI application developers will discover how to navigate the AI landscape, including models, datasets, evaluation benchmarks, and the seemingly infinite number of use cases and application patterns. You'll learn a framework for developing an AI application, starting with simple techniques and progressing toward more sophisticated methods, and discover how to efficiently deploy these applications.

Enjoying this excellent book, written back in 1995. So much of it now seems almost like a series of premonitions.

Sagan argues that science is not just a body of knowledge but a way of thinking that can protect us from deception, encourage curiosity, and illuminate the darkest corners of ignorance. He reminds readers that embracing the scientific method does not diminish the mystery and beauty of the world but enhances our ability to appreciate it.

I worry that, especially as the Millennium edges near, pseudoscience and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the siren song of unreason more sonorous and attractive. Where have we heard it before? Whenever our ethnic or national prejudices are aroused, in times of scarcity, during challenges to self-esteem or nerve, when we agonize about our diminished cosmic place and purpose, or when fanaticism is bubbling up around us — then, habits of thought familiar from ages past reach for the controls. The candle flame gutters. Its little pool of light trembles. Darkness gathers. The demons begin to stir.

The book is both a cautionary tale and a hopeful call to action, urging readers to embrace reason, critical inquiry, and a sense of wonder. It is a timeless work that continues to inspire those committed to promoting rational thought in an often irrational world.

I’m deeply sorry to hear about his passing. He was a visionary director whose films left a profound impact on me during the 1980s and 1990s. His impressive body of work was both fantastic and, at times, haunting. Twin Peaks (which first aired in 1990) revolutionised television, paving the way for the landscape of modern TV shows we see today. It was truly a groundbreaking series. Personally, my favourite film of his was The Elephant Man.

I suppose this is the precursor to agents. It is in beta and very buggy. My tasks don't seem to trigger, or when they do, they're sent at the wrong time. Definitely needs some serious work.