Chapter 1 introduces a set of intriguing, awe-inspiring, questions. How did the complex eukaryotic cell arise from baBrilliant questions, hard to read
Chapter 1 introduces a set of intriguing, awe-inspiring, questions. How did the complex eukaryotic cell arise from bacteria? Why did that happen seemingly so rarely in the evolutionary history of the planet? Thereafter, it was like walking in a hailstorm of proteins. Alas, the language and abstractions for discussing these fascinating questions with educated non-experts seems to be unready. Nevertheless, did learn some interesting facts and concepts, like lateral gene transfer and endosymbiosis, before I ran out of patience. ...more
As in Williams' other novel Stoner, a central hook in this epistolary novel about the life of Augustus---the first roman emperor---is the father-daughAs in Williams' other novel Stoner, a central hook in this epistolary novel about the life of Augustus---the first roman emperor---is the father-daughter dynamics. Politics, ambition, and the standard licentiousness of patricians, of the time, metastasizes it from tender, nurturing guardianship to estrangement, power gaming, and Julia's exile. I found the writing to be outright gripping and psychologically compelling.
"He is a man like any other. He will become what he will become out of the force of his person and the accident of his fate."...more
A young man from a wealthy Boston family gets inspired by a speech by Emerson, and ventures West. In contemporary parlance, an epic journey of findingA young man from a wealthy Boston family gets inspired by a speech by Emerson, and ventures West. In contemporary parlance, an epic journey of finding oneself, ensues. John William's rendition of the adventure that follows is detailed, remarkably understated, and at the same time cinematically vivid and gripping. It delivers all the goods that travel stories promise: breathtaking landscapes, a few memorable characters, framed by a singular historical epoch. Beyond that, Williams ventures into the treacherous territory that is soul searching via travel. Will you like what is found? Presumptuous that there is anything to find beyond sounds and fury? Experiencing nature as a "Transparent eye" can, and I think, the story suggests that it will, make the hollowness of the traveler ring more loudly.
Good synthesis of facts and themes around technology, education, and innovations in India. A fast and enjoyable read, makes the key points effectivelyGood synthesis of facts and themes around technology, education, and innovations in India. A fast and enjoyable read, makes the key points effectively with chock full of anecdotes....more
Serious scholarly work with tons of references for those interested in the source materials. For someone interested in the general arc of the history,Serious scholarly work with tons of references for those interested in the source materials. For someone interested in the general arc of the history, the writing was a bit dry. Informative though. Tricky bit is that this is all so current and dynamic. ...more
I was enjoying the early chapters with the history of bugtrack and zero days, including the details of Stuxnet, heartbleed, etc. buOk for a quick read
I was enjoying the early chapters with the history of bugtrack and zero days, including the details of Stuxnet, heartbleed, etc. but then the narrative got a bit tedious. Today ransomware as a service is in the news; this book felt dated....more
The gives a nice nontechnical overview of topics around safe AI, reinforcement learning, and fairness, with extensiveNice overview of important topics
The gives a nice nontechnical overview of topics around safe AI, reinforcement learning, and fairness, with extensive bibliographic notes. I particularly enjoyed reading the compact historical overview of the evolution of ideas in RL, which occupies the middle half of the book....more
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