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One popular term encountered in generative AI practice is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). Reasons for using RAG are clear: large language models (LLMs), which are effectively syntax engines, tend to “hallucinate” by inventing answers from pieces of their training data. The haphazard results may be entertaining, although not quite based in fact. RAG provides a way to “ground” answers within a selected set of content. Also, in place of expensive retraining …

[Note that this article is a transcript of the video embedded above.]In June of 2000, the power shut off across much of the San Francisco Bay area. There simply wasn’t enough electricity to meet demands, so more than a million customers were disconnected in California's largest load shed event since World War II. It was just one of the many rolling blackouts that hit the state in the early 2000s. …

I’ve been experimenting migrating Flame from ObservableObject to Observable. It’s very simple to have SwiftUI watch these obejcts for changes, but because of the legacy navigation I have in the app, I rely on the ability to watch the object for changes from normal Swift code. Previously I was subscribing to the Combine publishers for this, but now that I’ve moved to the new macro, I’ve been missing this simple …

Scene: Lower Quinton in South Warwickshire, England. Population 493. A quiet village, settled in its ways, where everyone knows each other and strangers are not welcome—or so it seems. On the morning of Saint Valentine’s Day 1945, Charles Walton a seventy-four-year-old farm laborer left his home...

One of my favourites of all the 54mm Inquisitor models is the Imperial Navy Bodyguard or Bosun. He's an unusual subject - an Imperial that isn't an Inquisitor or Guardsman. I also love his piratical gear and no-nonsense look.Read more »

That’s it. That’s the post.

Joe and Mika went to Mar a Lago to talk with Trump over the weekend. First face-to-face meeting in seven years. “We didn’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and we told him so,” @JoeNBC says. “What we did agree on – was to restart communications,” @morningmika says. pic.twitter.com/lyWZWK4CwX — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 18, 2024 Loyal “Morning Joe” viewers are furious about the Trump meeting. @jeffjarvis called it …

This gaunt Macleod stronghold stands on the shore of Loch Assynt in Sutherland

Joshua Davis is the creative director for Monogram Styling, a luxury acquisition and image consulting firm with regular service to Atlanta, New York, Washington, D.C. and by appointment to clients worldwide. (Links below may be affiliate links that earn commission when you make a purchase. Thanks!) Some dads teach their sons how to shave. We’re all familiar with the shaving montage: the awkward teen with too much lather and an …

A dry autumn to date in most of California! But hydroclimate whiplash to come… It did turn out to be a much drier than average autumn across most of California and the Southwest after all (except the northernmost part of the state). Well, that has been true through mid-November, at least–though it’s going to change […] The post Sudden shift to very wet conditions in NorCal with strong & very …

Say hello to your new favorite fall side! This roasted delicata squash has a savory, salty, garlic & herb breading that’s kind of irresistible. Let’s just say, there may or may not have been leftovers in the test kitchen… Just 7 simple ingredients and 30 minutes required, making it perfect for everything from weeknights to busy holiday dinners (you’ll be able to SQUASH it in). Garlic & Herb Breaded Delicata …

Review by Annabel When it was announced that Nick Harkaway, one of the lateJohn Le Carré’s sons, was going to write another Smiley novel, I rubbed my hands with glee. Karla’s Choice became my most anticipated read of the season. I believed that the much-loved characters were in the best hands, as I’ve enjoyed Harkaway’s own writing, (read my review of Tigerman), and Harkaway has written about how his own …

Everything is so impressive (via)

80s, 80s, 80s! "I'm living in the forest of a dream"When hair in your eyes was the sexiest thing you could do as well as wearing an off the shoulder oversized jumper sans pants. I totally forgot this song existed, I don't reckon I've heard it since 1984. More tunes about adult concerns with darkly glamorous themes. Shonky dancing alert from 1.48. This tune is way better than I recall. …

Since everyone lately, particularly in the writing community, seems to be ditching X/Twitter for Bluesky, I’ve made the transition as well, though I’m keeping my Twitter account active for the time being. I don’t really use social media for much beyond reposting blog and Patreon content and promoting my writing, so the more outlets I have for that, the better. And I still have a few friends and connections who …