Plutonic Rainbows

DeepSeek, a Chinese start-up, has developed a free large language model called R1 that matches the performance of leading AI models such as those from OpenAI. Its rapid growth and immediate popularity, alongside a low development cost of around $5.6 million, has unsettled both investors and major US tech firms. DeepSeek’s innovative training methods and the programme’s open-source nature are especially significant given the US ban on exporting powerful computer chips to China.

Markets have reacted by selling off shares in large US technology companies that have been investing heavily in data centres to train and deploy AI. Investors are now questioning whether expensive cloud computing and vast hardware reserves are truly necessary, given DeepSeek’s demonstration of a more cost-efficient approach. Tech leaders like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella have acknowledged the impact of DeepSeek’s model and are urging serious consideration of China’s progress in AI research.

DeepSeek’s decision to release R1 as open source has been lauded as a “profound gift” but also raises concerns over potential misuse by malicious parties. Some Western developers may be wary of Chinese censorship controls embedded within the code, while others see this move as evidence of China’s resilience in circumventing US chip restrictions. Influential figures like Marc Andreessen have likened the development to a “Sputnik moment,” prompting calls for greater US investment and strategic planning to maintain a competitive edge in the global AI race.

I haven’t watched this Brian De Palma film in years. Blow Out opened to scant audience interest upon its release, despite earning predominantly positive notices from critics. Travolta and Allen’s lead performances, De Palma’s direction, and the film’s visual style were praised as its strongest points. However, it ultimately fared poorly at the box office, largely due to negative word of mouth surrounding its bleak ending.

For the past few months, I simply haven’t been able to get this fragrance out of my mind, so I was delighted when a small sample finally arrived from the States. I’d been eagerly awaiting its arrival, especially as this brand has only released a handful of products over the last ten years.

On my first try, I detect a hint of liquorice, which is really quite lovely. I’ll need to explore it further, though I’m not yet certain about its longevity or strength.

Update (26 January 2025): I have tried this fragrance again today and must note that it smells remarkably similar to Dior’s New Look. This new impression comes from a more detailed testing session, where its distinctive floral nuances and elegant sillage echoed the Dior creation’s signature blend.

My new book arrived today: Prompt Engineering for Generative AI, a new publication focusing on the application of large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models. I do think O’Reilly books are overpriced, but they do offer publications on very specialised topics.

I added some React animations to an app I am working on. It looks completely different to how I was originally using it. Last year, I was basically sending all my json requests via the terminal.

I also added a simple React animation to this site. The title should now sweep into view.