Wednesday, January 24, 2024

What is (urban) Artificial Intelligence?

 https://parametric-architecture.com/explained-what-is-artificial-intelligence-ai

https://medium.com/urban-ai/urban-artificial-intelligence-from-real-world-observations-to-a-paradigm-shifting-concept-27f4c5aa20f6

Alphaville is one of the best AI totalitarian movies abbot a smart-city totally bent on controlling people.

https://urbanai.fr/our-works/urban-ai-guide

https://www.urban-ai.org/home

https://gouai.cidob.org/atlas

THX_1138 is also one of the best cautionary AI totalitarian movies made. 

AI can be quite a fantastic tool, but humans should never become totally under its control. Unless one wants to become part of an inhumane world.

What Canada can learn from Norway, the EV capital of the world

 https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/canada-norway-evs-1.7092003

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#Transport

The transition towards the EV should have been started in the 1980s, so that by now more people could have a choice.

https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around/by-car/electric-cars/

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/how-norway-became-the-worlds-electric-car-capital

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicles_in_Norway#Bus_lane_congestion There will have to be sepparate EV & bus lanes. Otherwise, without enough space for EV, bus & HOV lanes, there will be even more congestion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Norway#Road_transport


The Lions_Gate_Bridge is a 3 lane joke. There should have been a parallel bus or train tunnel built decades ago. The new 4 lane Pattullo_Bridge will open without EV, bus & HOV lanes. Thus, busses, trucks & cars will all be funneled into a 2 lane each way bottleneck. No emergency lanes even though the main hospital for that part of the region is on the NW side of the river. 

The new 8 lane George_Massey_Tunnel wasn't designed to have a provision for a future rail link. There will be a half-assed bus lane each way, but there should have been 2 bus & HOV lanes each way. So trucks & cars will be squeezed into 3 general lanes each way, when there should have been an extra truck lane to & from the port.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crossings_of_the_Fraser_River

How Close Are We To Quantum Artificial Intelligence?

https://thequantuminsider.com/2023/03/15/how-close-are-we-to-quantum-artificial-intelligence

EEVblog 1594 - Inside a Quantum Computer! with Andrea Morello  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIEH4-P2nyQ

Quantum_computing isn't just the next big thing, it's a-quantum-leap-in-ai. It can eventually merge into AGI and that it might become dangerous.

https://quantumzeitgeist.com/metas-ai-chief-yann-lecun-questions-future-of-quantum-computing-and-artificial-general-intelligence

Like any tool or device, it can be used in various ways.

https://alagraphy.medium.com/quantum-intelligence-quantum-computing-artificial-intelligence-the-ultimate-agi-2b09245b8435

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_computing#Quantum_information_processing

https://www.ibm.com/topics/quantum-computing

https://dataconomy.com/2022/06/21/quantum-artificial-intelligence/

https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/quantum-computing-computers

https://www.newscientist.com/question/what-is-a-quantum-computer/

https://towardsai.net/p/l/quantum-computing-ai

https://medium.com/@allen.westley/quantum-computing-ai-and-agi-examining-the-known-and-the-unknown-113bd21b32ac#

https://insidetheperimeter.ca/quantum-computing-and-artificial-intelligence-experts-join-forces-to-fuel-next-technology-revolution/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2023/06/02/a-quantum-leap-in-ai-ionq-aims-to-create-quantum-machine-learning-models-at-the-level-of-general-human-intelligence/?sh=d2a932f7b88a

https://community.openai.com/t/what-is-q-and-when-we-will-hear-more/521343/45?page=3


AI

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Icon of the Seas

The Icon_of_the_Seas has become the epitome of the luxurious floating hotel concept.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/royal-caribbean/icon-of-the-seas

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12988679/First-look-inside-Icon-Seas-Mail-boards-worlds-biggest-cruise-ship-ahead-maiden-voyage-footage-showing-bars-pools-shows-more.html

https://people.com/everything-to-know-about-the-world-s-largest-cruise-ship-royal-caribbean-s-icon-of-the-seas-8546493

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/articles/biggest-cruise-ship-icon-of-the-seas-maiden-voyage-miami/

Of course there are some people that don't like to see such large vessels, or any big entertainment facility.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-22/royal-caribbean-s-icon-of-the-seas-highlights-climate-impact-of-cruises

https://jalopnik.com/the-icon-of-the-seas-is-250-000-tons-of-floating-carbon-1851189439


Fortunately, many people still like the idea of travelling and entertainment. Especially after the world was almost under a total lockdown, which would please any control freak.

Icon of the Seas 2024 Cruise Ship Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Sn705J0YY , https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalCaribbeanBlog/videos

https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/royal-caribbean-international/ship-icon-of-the-seas

The Hologram Zoo in Brisbane and in LV, sort of

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12995775/The-future-entertainment-Inside-worlds-Hologram-Zoo-Australia-animals-jump-whales-swim-suspended-mid-air.html

Brisbane has become quite a mighty city in the decades since World_Expo_88

https://www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/destinations/brisbane/expo-1988-south-bank-parklands

https://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/blog/entry/the-making-of-a-city-how-expo-88-changed-brisbane-forever

https://u2tours.com/tours/concert/anz-stadium-brisbane-nov-20-1993

https://www.u2.com/tour/date/4129

https://www.u2gigs.com/show918.html

https://www.u2songs.com/shows/zootv

https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/559150109985110137

The U2-Sphere experience in LV didn't provide a holographic zoo of imagery, but most people will say that it's a spectacular show & not just a concert.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/travel/2023/10/01/las-vegas-sphere-u2-concert-orig-cprog-dp.cnn

https://mymodernmet.com/u2-sphere-las-vegas-artwork

"Es Devlin's Nevada Ark, a digital rendering of stone carvings of 26 local species that are threatened for extinction, graces "With or Without You" at the end of the show." https://www.npr.org/2023/10/24/1208060535/u2-las-vegas-residency-sphere

Holodeck size sphere might still be decades away.

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Holodeck

Images of ELVIS were in the Sphere, but no Vic_Fontaine.

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Vic_Fontaine

https://www.designboom.com/art/king-size-marco-brambilla-traces-elvis-presley-legacy-in-monumental-video-collage-interview-09-29-2023

Melbourne, Victoria

 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12909863/Natural-beauty-vibrant-culture-haven-foodies-Journey-Melbourne-Victoria-holiday-youll-never-forget-award-winning-airline-thatll-style.html

The world's best 50 cities in 2024?

 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12995255/Time-names-50-best-cities-world-2024-New-York-No-1-London-fourth-Liverpool-seventh-Dubai-doesnt-make-20.html

A new-bridge-will link-Toronto's-union-station-to a park

 https://www.blogto.com/city/2024/01/new-bridge-link-toronto-union-station-park/

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Saudi Arabia unveils vision for 'ultra-luxury upside-down skyscraper' built INSIDE a 1,500ft mountain

 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12952183/Saudi-Arabia-unveils-vision-ultra-luxury-upside-skyscraper-built-INSIDE-1-500ft-mountain-accessed-underground-canal-trillion-pound-plans-futuristic-city-NEOM.html

Treasure Island's changing skyline signals rise of affordable city housing

 https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/treasure-island-changing-skyline-affordable-city-housing/?intcid=CNR-01-0623

Treasure_Island is gradually becoming quite a very nice place to live. https://tisf.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island_Development

https://www.sf.gov/information/treasure-islandyerba-buena-island-development-project

Treasure_Island is such a cool location. https://tisf.com/about

https://sfyimby.com/2023/01/yimby-visits-treasure-island-san-francisco.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_Buena_Island

Metro and Subway Systems

 https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Countries_Around_the_World


https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/metro-and-subway-systems.html

Metro and Subway Trains

The Tram-Train can just be on the surface or become part of a subway line. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram-train#Technology

The Muni_Metro in SF is a good example. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muni_Metro#Market_Street_subway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muni_Metro#Future


https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Countries_Around_the_World


 https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=metro+and+subway

Washington, D.C. transit system

 https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.

The Washington,_D.C._Metro is a modern high capacity subway.

https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/United_States


https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/metro-and-subway-systems.html

Boston, Massachusetts

 https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/Boston,_Massachusetts

Of course several parts of the MBTA_Rapid_Transit_Tracks or routes are old & worn.

https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/United_States


https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/metro-and-subway-systems.html

Why the Broad Street Line is so slow between Walnut-Locust and Lombard-South

 https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/broad-septa-slow-walnut-locust-lombard-south-20240111.html

Philadelphia sure has its share of old & worn lines.

Older train lines must be improved in order to remain efficient.

Thus, a lot of lines or stations around the world require a retrofit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walnut-Locust_station

https://iseptaphilly.com/blog/broadstreetline

https://railroad.net/history-of-the-broad-street-line-t65536-210.html

https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/SEPTA_Broad_Street_Subway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_Street_Line#Proposed_extensions

https://www.phila.gov/media/20210222110702/OTIS-Philadelphia-Transit-Plan.pdf

https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/United_States


https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/metro-and-subway-systems.html

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Rabbits New AI AGENT (Rabbit R1 Device)

Rabbits New AI AGENT Device Just SHOCKED The Entire INDUSTRY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJnhh7YSr5Q 

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/9/24030667/rabbit-r1-ai-action-model-price-release-date

Rabbit’s Little Walkie-Talkie Learns Tasks That Stump Siri and Alexa https://www.wired.com/story/rabbit-r1

https://www.engadget.com/rabbit-r1-is-an-adorable-ai-powered-assistant-co-designed-by-teenage-engineering-001051537.html


Rabbit AI


Ontario Highway 413

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_Highway_413  https://www.highway413.ca

Southern_Ontario has about half the equivalent of the population of Australia.

https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/highway-413-could-expand-to-10-lanes-by-2041-documents-7879679

https://environmentaldefence.ca/2023/12/13/whats-the-deal-with-highway-413/

https://www.highway413.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Technically-Preferred-Route-Roll-Plan_Aerial-Photography.pdf

https://environmentaldefence.ca/hwy-413-map/

https://news.ontario.ca/en/statement/1003963/ontario-achieves-legal-certainty-to-move-forward-with-ontario-place-calls-for-additional-clarity-for-highway-413

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Ontario#Transportation

https://thenarwhal.ca/highway-413-life-ontario/

Texas has more people than Australia & California has more people than Canada.

The second-tallest skyscraper in the USA could be in Oklahoma City

 https://www.dezeen.com/2024/01/08/ao-architects-second-tallest-skyscraper-us-oklahoma-city

Sunday, January 7, 2024

The Stack Tower in Vancouver, BC

It finally opened just in time for the autumn of 2023 & now by the winter, it's been filling up nicely.

https://macleans.ca/culture/building-vancouver-stack-work-life-balance

Montreal has only allowed one office-tower to have 51 stories. Vancouver has never permitted any office tower to even have a 40th floor.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/industry-news/property-report/article-vancouver-high-rise-canadas-first-new-commercial-build-to-achieve-net/

It was tough enough just for Vancouver to permit The Stack to have 38 levels above the basement.

https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/projects/2023/09/striking-stack-building-opens-in-downtown-vancouver

https://storeys.com/james-cheng-the-stack-vancouver/

https://www.constructioncanada.net/vancouvers-the-stack-becomes-one-of-canadas-largest-zero-carbon-builds/

https://www.urbanyvr.com/oxford-properties-announces-major-tenants-of-the-stack-at-1133-melville/

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/the-stack-office-tower-1133-melville-street-vancouver-tallest-greenest

Unlike very restrictive Vancouver, some other parts of the Greater_Vancouver region want to capitalize on the allowance of taller buildings.

Sure, a lot of people prefer to work from home, but some day a 40 or even a 50 story office tower might be allowed in BC. It's just that it won't likely ever be allowed within the small city limits of provincial Vancouver. New office towers should be made adaptable if some floors ever become better suited for residential purposes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Vancouver#Tallest_buildings

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Canada#Tallest_buildings_in_Canada


https://therabbitportal.blogspot.com/search?q=Vancouver

Friday, January 5, 2024

Building Height Restrictions in Various Cities

Height_restriction_laws can be a great way to hold back the vertical scale of a city. Usually, the cities with the tallest buildings are also the more economically prominent ones. However, that's not alway the case.

Honolulu has several buildings over 40 floors, but none are office towers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Honolulu

Phoenix only has one building with 40 floors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Phoenix , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Phoenix#Tallest_buildings:_approved,_site_plan_under_review_or_proposed

San_Diego has some buildings over 40 stories, but none of them are office towers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_San_Diego

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Height_restriction_laws#Canada Despite Canada having a vast area of land, only a tiny portion of that land has some very tall buildings on it. 

Montreal is small when compared to Toronto, but big when compared to Vancouver.

https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_dad=portal&_pageid=2762,3101387&_schema=PORTAL

Montreal won't be allowing any 100 story towers like those in NYC, Chicago or Melbourne anytime soon.

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-politicians-debate-whether-to-allow-skyscrapers-higher-than-mount-royal-1.5401429

Just allowing a 50-60 story building is still a big deal for Montreal.

https://cultmtl.com/2021/05/in-defence-of-building-height-restrictions-in-montreal-mount-royal-urban-plan-denis-coderre

Vancouver won't permit any building to rival what is in Calgary or Seattle

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-view-cone-impacts-broadway-plan-cambie-street

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/central-broadway-plan-view-cones-mountains-queen-elizabeth-park

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-tower-building-shadowing-solar-access