AI and Traffic Flow: Innovation, Emissions, and the Google Factor

An initiative by Google and the city of Manchester aims to use AI to dynamically regulate traffic lights across the Greater Manchester region. This is a great use case for AI technology, as studies show that 50% of car emissions at traffic intersections come from vehicles stopping and starting. Based on previous experiences in Brazil and India, traffic flow is expected to improve by up to 30%, while emissions could decrease by up to 10%. The only caveat is that, after reading The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6776829635), I’m always looking for the catch—questioning what Google stands to gain beyond the explicit use case. In this particular instance, the implications seem both obvious and concerning. That said, opportunities like this should be explored and supported. However, we must remain vigilant and ensure that the inevitable data surplus we provide to companies like Google is not misused. (text revised LLM) https://content1.avplayer.com/6536783932d8a8365a0842d9/videos/65367e747ebff164c504fe60/65367e87c1aacf127d085a34/video.mp4?AV_TAGID=65367eb2aacb313497060747&pid=6536783932d8a8365a0842d9&cid=65367e8906c29393c30221d6&AV_TEMPID=65367eb2bc7bf3bcc50e2584&AV_PUBLISHERID=6536783932d8a8365a0842d9&av_qd1=6536806d667c2a96db026742&videoId=65367e747ebff164c504fe60

- Pedro

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Van Gogh’s Sunflowers—in LEGO form!

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers—in LEGO form! This is exactly why LEGO remains at the top of its game. You can build your own Van Gogh masterpiece, enjoy the process like a kid (or with your kids), and then hang it up as a unique piece of art—two for the price of one! Already added to my wishlist—check it out! (text revised by a LLM) https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/vincent-van-gogh-sunflowers-31215

- Pedro

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Tiny Desk Concerts: My New Musical Obsession

Probably it took me too long, but a couple of weeks ago, I discovered NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts on YouTube—and what a treat! These 20-minute performances feature a variety of artists in a cozy setting that makes you feel connected to the music on a whole new level. I’m completely hooked! Whenever I want to relax, escape, and enjoy great music, this is my go-to. Below is a link to one of my favorites with Sam Smith, but the best part is that there are countless performances to explore, so you can find the ones that suit your taste. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! (text revised by a LLM) https://youtu.be/L_BHC2l30pY?si=-LhK85mVf48fMmTL

- Pedro

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Escaping into Books: The Power of Reading and Reflection

It's no big surprise to me, but it turns out books and libraries have a positive impact on readers' lives. I’m always a bit skeptical of such studies, but I couldn’t resist this confirmation bias once I saw it. 🙂 I must admit, I love reading but rarely visit libraries—something I plan to change this year. For me, the main benefits of reading are: - It transports me to different worlds and perspectives. - It helps me escape the present moment and take a long-term view on topics. - It expands my knowledge and broadens my horizons. - It fosters personal growth and self-reflection. - It allows me to engage with my thoughts and enjoy solitude. As for the study, it suggests that libraries: - Help people feel calmer and more at peace. - Prepare individuals for the complexities of the world. - Serve as valuable sources of knowledge. - Support personal growth and development. When was the last time you visited a library or picked up a book? Give it a try—you might just enjoy it. (text revised by a LLM) https://lithub.com/its-official-research-has-found-that-libraries-make-everything-better/

- Pedro

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No te Pierdas Aprendemos Juntos 2030: Inspiración y Aprendizaje en Cada Charla

Aprendemos Juntos 2030" es una iniciativa de BBVA que no te puedes perder por su calidad, diversidad y la impresionante trayectoria de sus invitados, quienes aportan conocimiento y experiencia única. He visto muchas charlas sobre diversos temas y ninguna me ha decepcionado. Si ya no sabes qué ver en tus plataformas de streaming, échale un vistazo y aprendamos juntos (texto revisado por un LLM) En BBVA creemos posible una vida mejor en un mundo más sostenible y queremos ofrecerte las herramientas para enfrentar los grandes retos del futuro. En este canal descubrirás las historias más inspiradoras y los contenidos más útiles para afrontar tu día a día, animándonos a luchar por una sociedad más inclusiva y respetuosa con el planeta. Suscríbete y no te pierdas todas nuestras novedades, ¡te esperamos! https://www.youtube.com/@AprendemosJuntos/featured

- Pedro

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Review > Value First, Then Price: Building Value-Based Pricing Strategies

Finalized Value First, Then Price: Building Value-Based Pricing Strategies by Andreas Hinterhuber (editor), Todd C Snelgrove (Editor) My Book Rating - 2.5/5 (Qualitative - between "Okay" and "I Liked It”) BOP#3 - Book Club The book explores the relevance and importance of a value-driven organization through multiple lenses: (i) pricing, (ii) procurement, (iii) management, and (iv) change management. It comprises 25 individual pieces—including interviews, essays, use cases, and empirical evidence—written by various authors. These contributions emphasize the importance of understanding value, its relevance, and how to effectively quantify and communicate it both internally and externally. As a whole, the book serves as a solid introduction and refresher on the significance of being a value-driven organization in any industry. It encourages readers to focus on the value they generate for customers and consumers. It also provides a great starting point for deepening your knowledge of value-based approaches and opens multiple pathways for further exploration.A recommended read for professionals in pricing, sales, and procurement, offering insights on how they can apply these principles within their organizations. A word of caution: Avoid the Kindle edition. While it is technically readable on a Kindle, the formatting has not been properly adapted to the platform. As a result, many of the Kindle’s features and readability enhancements are missing, significantly diminishing the overall experience and value. (text revised by a LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7110863649

- Pedro

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Acabei O Tigre Branco por Aravind Adiga, Alice Rocha (Tradutor) -> A minha avaliação- 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Gostei”)

Acabei O Tigre Branco por Aravind Adiga, Alice Rocha (Tradutor) A minha avaliação- 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Gostei”) Um livro de leitura muito fácil que nos narra a história de Balram Halwai (também conhecido como Munna), um empreendedor indiano, e que nos transporta pela sociedade indiana do início do século XXI (>2010). A história de Balram é apenas um meio para nos apresentar a sociedade indiana atual e que, no meu caso em particular, nos faz entrar numa realidade que desconhecemos ou que tínhamos esquecido, sendo difícil de compreender ou até mesmo conceptualizar. Este retrato da sociedade indiana é direto, duro, assertivo, crítico e claro, identificando as disparidades e idiossincrasias chocantes que, ainda hoje, subsistem no maior país do mundo. Confesso que tinha um conhecimento relativo da importância e relevância das castas durante o século XX (por outro livro que li, do qual não me recordo o título nem o autor), mas não tinha a perceção (ou estava muito esquecida, e este livro fez reavivá-la) de todas as disparidades que ainda persistem neste país com mais de 1,5 mil milhões de cidadãos. Por vezes, este choque com a realidade, proporcionado pela leitura de livros como este, permite-nos perceber as diferenças culturais a que cada um de nós está exposto desde pequeno e que, direta ou indiretamente, nos influenciam na vida pessoal e profissional, criando uma diferença cultural que devemos considerar para compreender melhor aqueles com quem interagimos. Aconselho vivamente a sua leitura para conhecer uma realidade tão diferente da nossa (europeia) e, assim, promover o conhecimento de outras culturas e realidades, ampliando a nossa visão do mundo. (texto revisto por um LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7255189611

- Pedro

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