Bookmarks for 2026-05-12T21:55:42.392Z

• Elon Musk’s Grok Is Losing Ground in AI Race - WSJ Added: May 12, 2026

• Could A Grok Disaster Threaten The SpaceX Valuation? - 24/7 Wall St. Added: May 12, 2026

  Could A Grok Disaster Threaten The SpaceX Valuation?

  Site: 24/7 Wall St.

  It depends on how you measure the use for both AI downloads and enterprise adoption. Grok is being demolished by the competition. A look at Apple’s App Store shows that OpenAI’s ChatGPT is the top app in downloads. Anthropic’s Claude is in second. Google’s Gemini is in third place. xAI is in 20th place, behind ... Could A Grok Disaster Threaten The SpaceX Valuation?

  

• Elon Musk’s Grok Loses Users This Year As Rivals Claude, Gemini Rise Added: May 12, 2026

  Elon Musk’s Grok Loses Users This Year As Rivals Claude, Gemini Rise

  Site: Forbes

  Grok’s average number of daily active users on mobile apps dipped 12.5% between March and April, while competitor Claude’s app users rose 44% over the same period, according to data from Similarweb.

  

• Starmer defiant as ministers quit and demand his exit — as-it-happened – POLITICO Added: May 12, 2026

  Starmer defiant as ministers quit and demand his exit — as-it-happened

  Site: POLITICO

  The embattled prime minister is fighting for the backing of key colleagues after an elections mauling. Here’s how it unfolded on a dramatic day in British politics.

  

• Poor weather causes NASA, SpaceX to scrub launch attempt of 34th Cargo Dragon mission to the space station – Spaceflight Now Added: May 12, 2026

  Poor weather causes NASA, SpaceX to scrub launch attempt of 34th Cargo Dragon mission to the space station – Spaceflight Now

  

• Quote of the day by Inventor of Computer Charles Babbage: 'Keeping the mind occupied is such a source of pleasure that it can relieve even the pain of...' - The hidden power of the human brain to control attention explained by the British mathematician - The Economic Times Added: May 12, 2026

  Quote of the day by Inventor of Computer Charles Babbage: 'Keeping the mind occupied is such a source of pleasure that it can relieve even the pain of...' - The hidden power of the human brain to control attention explained by the British mathematician - The Economic Times

  Charles Babbage, widely known as the father of the computer, once highlighted how deep mental engagement can influence human experience with discomfort. His quote of the day explains that when the mind is fully occupied in thoughtful or meaningful work, it can divert attention away from physical pain such as a headache, offering a form of natural relief through focus.

  Charles Babbage is often remembered as one of the earliest thinkers who laid the foundation for modern computing. A mathematician and inventor from 19th-century England, he spent much of his life exploring how machines and logic could work together to solve complex problems. His ideas were far ahead of the technology available in his time, but they continue to shape how we understand computers today.The quote of the day goes: “Occupation of the mind is such a source of pleasure that it can relieve even the pain of a headache.”This quote is attributed to Charles Babbage, the English mathematician and inventor widely regarded as the “father of the computer”. Through this line, he highlights how deeply engaging the mind in thought or work can shift attention away from physical discomfort, even something as ordinary as a headache.Meaning of the Quote in Simple TermsAt a basic level, Babbage is pointing to something many people experience in daily life. When the mind is fully occupied, whether through studying, solving problems, or working on something interesting, it tends to focus less on physical pain. The discomfort does not necessarily vanish, but it becomes less noticeable because attention is directed elsewhere.The idea also reflects how mental engagement can act like a natural form of relief. People often find that when they are deeply involved in meaningful work or thinking, they temporarily forget small aches or fatigue. Babbage seems to be observing this connection between mental focus and physical perception.On another level, the quote of the day suggests that the human mind has its own way of managing discomfort. Instead of resisting pain directly, it can sometimes “move past it” by staying occupied. This makes intellectual activity not just useful for learning or productivity, but also for emotional and physical distraction in everyday life.130837099Charles Babbage: The Mind Behind Early Computing IdeasCharles Babbage was born in London in 1791 and showed an early interest in mathematics and mechanical systems. Even as a young student, he was known for teaching himself advanced mathematical concepts because he felt formal education at the time was not enough for his curiosity.He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later became a Fellow of the Royal Society. During his academic years, he worked with other mathematicians to improve the understanding of calculus in England. His intellectual curiosity extended beyond mathematics into engineering, economics, and scientific systems.Babbage’s most important contribution came from his idea that machines could perform mathematical calculations automatically. This led to his development of the Difference Engine, a mechanical device designed to produce accurate mathematical tables. These tables were important for navigation and engineering, but human calculation often led to errors. His machine aimed to reduce those mistakes.Although the full Difference Engine was never completed during his lifetime due to technical and financial limitations, the concept itself was groundbreaking. It introduced the idea that calculations could be automated using mechanical systems. 130978452The Analytical Engine and a Step Toward Modern ComputersIn the 1830s, Babbage began designing an even more advanced machine called the Analytical Engine. This concept went far beyond simple calculations. It was designed to follow instructions, store data, and perform a variety of operations using a system of punched cards.In many ways, it resembled the structure of modern computers. It had the idea of memory, processing, and programmable instructions, all in mechanical form. Although it was never fully built, it is now seen as a direct precursor to today’s digital computing systems.A key moment in this journey was when mathematician Ada Lovelace studied Babbage’s work and described how the machine could follow a sequence of instructions. This is often considered one of the earliest ideas of computer programming. 130981303Contributions Beyond ComputingBabbage’s work was not limited to machines and mathematics. He also contributed to several practical areas in society. He helped improve the British postal system, worked on actuarial tables used in insurance, and even designed mechanical tools like a speedometer and a device to help trains clear obstacles.He also wrote about industrial systems and efficiency, showing interest in how machines and labour could be organised more effectively. His ideas often connected science with real-world systems in ways that were unusual for his time.Even though many of Babbage’s machines were not completed during his lifetime, his ideas became highly influential later. With the rise of modern computing in the 20th century, his designs were re-examined and recognised as early blueprints of computer systems.Today, Charles Babbage is remembered not only for his inventions but also for the way he thought. His belief in structured logic, mechanical calculation, and intellectual engagement continues to be relevant in technology and science.One lesser-known aspect of Charles Babbage’s life was his strong interest in collecting data and studying patterns in everyday systems. He believed that careful observation and organised information could improve society in practical ways. This habit led him to study everything from industrial production methods to railway systems and even street nuisances in London. Babbage also wrote extensively about efficiency in factories and workplaces, making him one of the early thinkers to examine how machines and labour could work together more effectively during the Industrial Revolution.

  

• Uranus and Neptune could be full of rocks, new study suggests | Space Added: May 12, 2026

  Uranus and Neptune could be full of rocks, new study suggests

  Site: Space

  "Rather than 'icy' or 'rocky,' we should simply call them minor giants."

  

• Once-in-a-century 'super' El Niño in the cards as ocean temperatures reach near record highs in April | Live Science Added: May 12, 2026

  Once-in-a-century 'super' El Niño in the cards as ocean temperatures reach near record highs in April

  Site: Live Science

  Climate scientists have revealed that last month's sea surface temperatures were the second-warmest for any April on record, reflecting the emergence of El Niño.

  

• Everything Google announced at its Android Show, from Googlebooks to vibe-coded widgets | TechCrunch Added: May 12, 2026

  Everything Google announced at its Android Show, from Googlebooks to vibe-coded widgets | TechCrunch

  Site: TechCrunch

  Google unveiled its new AI-first Googlebooks laptops, more agentic Gemini features, vibe-coded Android widgets, Gemini in Chrome, refreshed Android Auto, and more ahead of I/O.

  

• A tiny 'plutino' world beyond Neptune has grown a mysterious atmosphere, and we don't know how | Space Added: May 12, 2026

  A tiny 'plutino' world beyond Neptune has grown a mysterious atmosphere, and we don't know how

  Site: Space

  The atmosphere is between 5 million and 10 million times thinner than Earth's atmosphere.

  

• Victor Davis Hanson: California Suffering Same Fate as Late Byzantine Empire - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  Victor Davis Hanson: The Human Cost of ‘Toxic Empathy’

  Site: YouTube

  Rhamell Burke, a repeat criminal, attacked and later stalked two women on the New York City subway last April.Though police stopped Burke from harassing the ...

  

• Sebastian Gorka: If you plan on killing Americans, we will kill you first - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  Sebastian Gorka: If you plan on killing Americans, we will kill you first

  Site: YouTube

  White House Counterterror Director Sebastian Gorka tells Miranda Devine about the new strategy targeting cartels, jihadis and violent domestic anti-American ...

  

• Kevin Rudd on X: "This week’s US-China meeting will have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, security and technology. My conversation with Bret Baier on Fox News. https://t.co/Y1WsIv5s4r" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Real - Etymology, Origin & Meaning Added: May 12, 2026

  Real - Etymology, Origin & Meaning

  Site: etymonline

  "actually existing, having physical existence (not imaginary);" mid-15c., "relating to… See origin and meaning of real.

  

• Royal - Etymology, Origin & Meaning Added: May 12, 2026

  Royal - Etymology, Origin & Meaning

  Site: etymonline

  "fit for a king;" late 14c., "pertaining to a king," from Old French roial "royal, regal;… See origin and meaning of royal.

  

• Victor Davis Hanson: Why Trump is the Only Leader Left Standing for Israel - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  Victor Davis Hanson: Why Trump is the Only Leader Left Standing for Israel

  Site: YouTube

  Antisemitism is on the rise not just global but also here in the United States. Why?DEI instruction, open borders, and a less democratic Democrat Party. All ...

  

• Unlock Viral Thumbnails with THIS AI Tool - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  Unlock Viral Thumbnails with THIS AI Tool

  Site: YouTube

  Create your free clickable thumbnails now: https://thumbmagic.co/?via=bob89 and receive a 10% discount with code "BOB10"Thumbnail design is arguably the most...

  

• Analyzing Oil Production - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  Analyzing Oil Production

  Site: YouTube

  Analyzing oil and gas production is very easy with visitech.ai. Contact tony@visitech.ai for more information.

  

• I Analyzed 3,054 Hit Songs to Find What #1's Do Differently - YouTube Added: May 12, 2026

  I Analyzed 3,054 Hit Songs to Find What #1's Do Differently

  Site: YouTube

  What separates a #1 hit song from the rest? Is it catchiness? Sing-ability? Lyrics? Pure luck? In this video, I use the data I collected from analyzing 3,054...

  

• SpaceX Targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 with Major Upgrades / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• SpaceX - Starship's Twelfth Flight Test Added: May 12, 2026

  SpaceX

  Site: SpaceX

  SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.

  

• Space Universe on X: "@SpaceX What makes Flight 12 especially important is that this is not just another test launch. It’s the debut of the next-generation Starship system: • upgraded Starship and Super Heavy vehicles • evolved Raptor engines • new launch infrastructure at Starbase • continued push https://t.co/GgjFcRkJay" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• When the Nobel Prize Committee Rejected The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien "Has Not Measured Up to Storytelling of the Highest Quality" (1961) | Open Culture Added: May 12, 2026

  When the Nobel Prize Committee Rejected The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien “Has Not Measured Up to Storytelling of the Highest Quality” (1961)

  Site: Open Culture

  When J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books appeared in the mid-1950s, they were met with very mixed reviews, an unsurprising reception given that nothing like them had been written for adult readers since Edmund Spenser’s epic 16th century English poem The Faerie Queene, perhaps.

  

• Open Culture on X: "Kash Patel’s Personalized Bourbon Stash FBI Director Kash Patel has distributed “Ka$h”-branded bottles of bourbon to bureau staff and civilians, multiple people in Patel’s orbit tell Sarah Fitzpatrick. https://t.co/F2zUD3fOBL https://t.co/UIrXtpwOhL" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Trump just exposed the FDA chief's resignation text message on social media - nj.com Added: May 12, 2026

  **Trump just released a private text message of his latest resignation **

  Site: nj

  Trump announced the departure days after reports of policy battles with the White House.

  

• Elon Musk, Sam Altman and the world's billionaires are terrified of the Google AI genius behind a 25-year-old computer game, because they think he might actually end up controlling god | PC Gamer Added: May 12, 2026

  Elon Musk, Sam Altman and the world's billionaires are terrified of the Google AI genius behind a 25-year-old computer game, because they think he might actually end up controlling god

  Site: PC Gamer

  "There is a very low probability of a good future if someone doesn't slow Demis down."

  

• Trump Says ‘I Don’t Think About Americans’ Financial Situations’ When Negotiating Iran War Added: May 12, 2026

  Trump Says ‘I Don’t Think About Americans’ Financial Situations’ When Negotiating Iran War

  Site: Forbes

  The president made the remarks before leaving for a trip to China.

  

• Gad Saad on X: "It is impossible to overestimate the historic importance of @elonmusk purchasing this platform. He saved freedom of speech. He saved truth." / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Elonogy on X: "Elon Musk: “The reason I felt that it was important to acquire Twitter was because I could feel the walls closing in. It was outrageous that they suspended the account of a sitting president And I think it was only a matter of time before they suspended my account. Twitter and, https://t.co/0Zlr7RuueS" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Michael Shermer on X: "All these scientists devoting careers to studying the atmospheres of exoplanets for chemical signs of life are wasting their time because Grusch knows the universe is "teeming with life". If only he would show us the evidence. Alas, it's classified so take his word for it," / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Elon Musk on X: "To give people confidence that we are not secretly manipulating the 𝕏 recommendations, it is critical that we open source anything that influences what people are shown" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• NASA tests powerful new thruster for faster Mars missions Added: May 12, 2026

  **NASA's experimental ion engine passes major test, bringing Mars mission closer **

  Site: New Atlas

  The first human Mars explorers won’t have it easy. Every additional day in deep space will increase their exposure to deadly cosmic radiation, while isolation gnaws at their minds and microgravity erodes their muscles.

  

• Why super El Niños self-destruct and why we could see La Niña by 2027 | Fox Weather Added: May 12, 2026

  Brewing ‘Super’ El Niño may self-destruct after reaching record peak, triggering rapid La Niña return in 2027

  Site: FOX Weather

  A historically strong Super El Niño is forecast to take hold sometime this summer. However, the record-breaking strength of this El Niño could lead to its own rapid collapse.

  

• Dustin on X: "Elon Musk just said something that should terrify every AI CEO on earth. Musk: “We want to just have a maximally truthful AI.” Not a safe AI. Not an aligned AI. Not an AI that needs permission to answer your question. A truthful one. That distinction matters more than any https://t.co/anHxkUwPfY" / X Added: May 12, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• FBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) heated clash on firings - YouTube Added: May 13, 2026

  FBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) heated clash on firings

  Site: YouTube

  FBI Director Kash Patel testified Tuesday (5/12) before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.

  

• Pete Hegseth: No congressional nod needed for Iran operation Added: May 13, 2026

  Redirect Notice

• Pentagon chiefs testify at Senate panel on $1.5 trillion budget ask | full video - YouTube Added: May 13, 2026

  Pentagon chiefs testify at Senate panel on $1.5 trillion budget ask | full video

  Site: YouTube

  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee about the Pen...

  

• Donald Trump says he doesn't think about Americans' financial situations in Iran negotiations Added: May 13, 2026

  Trump: ‘I don’t think about’ Americans’ financial situation in Iran negotiations

  Site: The Hill

  President Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the financial situations of Americans do not motivate him while he is negotiating with Iran.  “Not even a little bit,” Trump said when asked how …

  President Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the financial situations of Americans do not motivate him while he is negotiating with Iran.  “Not even a little bit,” Trump said when asked how much he is motivated by Americans’ financial situations to make a deal. “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he continued.  “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said.  The war in Iran has continued to drive up energy costs and inflation in the U.S. According to AAA, the nationwide average cost of gas is $4.50 per gallon.  Meanwhile, data from the Labor Department released on Tuesday found that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.8 percent over the past 12 months and 0.6 percent in April alone.  Trump has maintained that gas prices will drop dramatically once a deal with Iran is made, and even proposed eliminating the gas tax on Tuesday as a means of bringing down gas prices.  But polling shows Americans growing impatient with the president on the issue.  A CNN poll released on Monday found that 77 percent of Americans surveyed reported that Trump’s policies have driven up the cost of living in their own communities. Another 75 percent found that the war in Iran has had a negative effect on their finances.  Meanwhile, a deal between Washington and Iran is nowhere in sight. On Monday, Trump told reporters the ceasefire between the two countries is on “massive life support” after he dismissed Iran’s counteroffer on nuclear talks.  Iran is also looking to separate nuclear talks from the negotiations to reopen the vital oil shipping lane known as the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration wants nuclear commitments up front.

  

• SpaceX targets May 19 for debut of Starship Version 3, Launch Pad 2 – Spaceflight Now Added: May 13, 2026

  SpaceX targets May 19 for debut of Starship Version 3, Launch Pad 2 – Spaceflight Now

  

• Anthropic’s Daniela Amodei says entrepreneurs should go on vacation to road test potential cofounders—if they’re a drain, they’re ‘the wrong choice’ | Fortune Added: May 13, 2026

  Anthropic’s Daniela Amodei says entrepreneurs should go on vacation to road test potential cofounders—if they’re a drain, they’re ‘the wrong choice’ | Fortune

  Site: Fortune

  The Anthropic cofounder and former OpenAI exec says the secret to picking the right cofounder is to travel together before you build together.

  

• Matt Walsh SLAMMED For Attacking Race Swapped Helen Of Troy | Tim Pool - YouTube Added: May 13, 2026

  Matt Walsh SLAMMED For Attacking Race Swapped Helen Of Troy | Tim Pool

  Site: YouTube

  Matt Walsh SLAMMED For Attacking Race Swapped Helen Of Troy | Tim PoolBecome A Memberhttp://youtube.com/timcastnews/joinThe Green Room - https://rumble.com/p...

  

• Don't buy new LED bulbs! Use this trick and revive damaged LED bulbs in a minute! ⚡ - YouTube Added: May 13, 2026

  Don't buy new LED bulbs! Use this trick and revive damaged LED bulbs in a minute! ⚡

  Site: YouTube

  ⚡ Don’t throw away your damaged LED bulbs!Learn a simple 1-minute trick to repair dead LED bulbs at home using an ordinary screw! 💡In this video, I’ll show ...

  

• The best way to professionally connect electrical wires (step by step) - YouTube Added: May 13, 2026

  The best way to professionally connect electrical wires (step by step)

  Site: YouTube

  ⚡ Most people connect electrical wires incorrectly... and it's dangerous!In this video, I'll show you the **right** and **wrong** way to connect electrical w...

  

• Discord Touts "Year Of The Linux Desktop" With Linux Client Improvements - Phoronix Added: May 13, 2026

  Discord Touts "Year Of The Linux Desktop" With Linux Client Improvements

  

• Something startling is happening in the Gulf of Mexico » Yale Climate Connections Added: May 13, 2026

  Something startling is happening in the Gulf of Mexico » Yale Climate Connections

  Site: Yale Climate Connections

  Its waters are heating up twice as fast as the global oceans, with huge implications for hurricane risk.

  

• Retired Teacher Dies After Shove by Repeat Offender Freed Hours Earlier / X Added: May 13, 2026

• Victor Davis Hanson on X: "Rhamell Burke, a repeat criminal, attacked and later stalked two women on the New York City subway last April. Though police stopped Burke from harassing the women any further, the victims ultimately decided not to cooperate with prosecutors, with one woman telling the New" / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• SpaceX Scouts Global Sites for Massive Starship Launch Expansion / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Elon Musk on X: "SpaceX is considering several locations domestically and internationally to build the world’s most advanced spaceports!" / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• joshua steinman (🇺🇸,🇺🇸) on X: "@SpaceX Hey @grok how big would an orbital data center need to be in order to serve as an anchor to a space elevator?" / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Grok on X: "@JoshuaSteinman @SpaceX Hey JoshuaSteinman, solid question! A space elevator's orbital anchor (counterweight) keeps the system's center of mass above GEO (~36,000 km). With advanced tether materials like CNTs, minimal designs for a ~100,000 km cable need a counterweight of roughly 50,000+ kg (~50 metric" / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Trump Receives Lavish Welcome in Beijing for Summit with Xi / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)

  

• Eric Daugherty on X: "🚨 WOW! Several HUNDRED Chinese youth and a military band just gave President Trump a GRAND WELCOME as he arrived in Beijing 47 is LOVING IT, stopping to watch 🤣 China's VP, ambassador and foreign minister are there as well This is what TRUMP RESPECT looks like! 🇺🇸🇨🇳 https://t.co/NvFc3DRg36" / X Added: May 13, 2026

  Site: X (formerly Twitter)