Discover Pandipedia
Pandipedia is the world's first encyclopaedia of machine generated content approved by humans. You can contribute by simply searching and clicking/tapping on "Add To Pandipedia" in the answer you like. Learn More
Expand the world's knowledge as you search and help others. Go you!
Trivial Pursuit
The classic trivia game with questions across various categories, perfect for family gatherings and competitive play[6].
Search Amazon
Wits and Wagers
Combines trivia with betting, allowing players to wager on who they think knows the answer best, making it exciting for all skill levels[1][8].
Balderdash
A humorous game where players attempt to define obscure words or create fake answers that others may believe, enhancing creativity[1][11].
Everything Ever
A timed game challenging players to name items in categories quickly without repeating previous answers[1][7].
Articulate
A team-based game where players describe terms without using the words or rhymes, suitable for larger family groups[6][11].
Timeline Twist
A history-themed game challenging players to place events in chronological order, excellent for educational fun[7].
Ultimate Pub Trivia
Captures the pub quiz experience at home, perfect for large family game nights and gatherings[8].
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
Tailored for family play, this version includes questions for both kids and adults[6][8].
Mr. Lister’s Quiz Shootout
A fast-paced game known for its rapid questioning and engaging gameplay, suitable for family fun[2].
The Magical World of Disney Trivia Game
Offers a delightful trivia experience centered around Disney characters and films, perfect for families[4].
The Logo Game
Tests players’ everyday brand knowledge, making it accessible and entertaining for all ages[4][6].
Herd Mentality
A fun game where players guess answers that match the majority, promoting discussion and laughter[6][11].
Half Truth
Designed by a renowned game designer, this trivia game involves guessing the right answers among multiple options[2][4].
Trivial Pursuit: Horror Ultimate Edition
Focuses on horror trivia from various media, catering to fans of the genre[8].
I Should Have Known That!
A trivia game with a twist where players lose points for wrong answers, suitable for competitive play[7][8].
The Game of Wolf
A team-based trivia game that offers a balance between competition and cooperation, ideal for family play[5][6].
Conspiracy Theory
Engages players with questions about popular conspiracy theories, adding humor and fun to family game nights[9].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
The conversation with Peter Levels on the Alex Freedman podcast covers his journey as a self-taught developer and entrepreneur who has successfully managed over 40 startups. Levels shares his philosophy of building and shipping products quickly without external funding, relying on his own skills in HTML, jQuery, PHP, and SQLite to create and improve his projects continuously[1]. He emphasizes the importance of prototyping rapidly, launching ideas within weeks, and validating them by seeing if users are willing to pay for them[1]. The discussion also touches on the challenges and solutions in developing photorealistic AI photos using models fine-tuned on specific datasets[1]. Levels describes his approach to automating tasks to handle growth efficiently and the advantages of indie hacking over traditional startup models involving heavy funding and large teams[1]. Additionally, he notes the significance of physical activities like gym workouts in maintaining his productivity and mental health[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Get more accurate answers with Super Search, upload files, personalised discovery feed, save searches and contribute to the PandiPedia.
To brew perfect coffee, start with high-quality, fresh coffee beans, ideally whole beans ground just before brewing. The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is between 1:15 to 1:18, depending on personal taste preferences. For optimal flavor extraction, heat water to a temperature between 195°F and 205°F and avoid reboiling water to maintain freshness[2][4][6].
Choose your brewing method, such as a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker, each requiring specific grind sizes and brewing techniques. Pay attention to steeping times: about 4 minutes for a French press and 3-4 minutes for pour-over[1][3][5]. Consistency in these steps will yield delicious results every time you brew coffee at home.
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Initial Challenges in Lighthouse Site Surveys
Erecting a lighthouse, particularly on a small, rocky islet far from the mainland, presents significant engineering challenges[1]. The initial survey of the site is a critical step, involving the determination of the rock's characteristics, configuration, and the establishment of levels and measurements for the foundations[1]. However, the paramount difficulty lies in securing a landing on the site itself[1]. These islets are often surrounded by surging currents, eddies, and surf, demanding a cautious approach in a small boat[1]. The search for a suitable landing spot is invariably perplexing, as many of these wave-swept rocks have only one little place where a landing may be made, and that only at certain infrequent periods[1].
Time Constraints and Weather Dependencies
The process of surveying a lighthouse location is often fraught with delays and requires immense patience[1]. Weeks may be spent in reconnoitering the position, awaiting a favorable wind and a placid sea[1]. Time to the surveyor must be no object, as he is the sport of the elements, and he must curb his impatience[1]. The actual operations on the rock may only occupy twenty minutes or so, but the task of landing is equaled by that of getting off again, the latter frequently a more hazardous job than the former[1].
The West Coast of Scotland: A Zone of Surveying Difficulties
The west coast of Scotland is particularly dreaded by engineers due to the caprices of the ocean, leading to bitter disappointments and maddening delays[1]. This is attributed to the coastline's 'cruel, forbidding character' and its exposure to the full reach of the Atlantic, characterized by a puzzling swell and vicious currents[1]. The same challenges apply to the west coast of Ireland and the open parts of the South of England[1].
The Casquets: An Example of a Difficult Approach
The Casquets, off the coast of Alderney, exemplify the difficulties in approaching certain lighthouse sites, as they are washed on all sides by wild races of water[1]. There is only one little cove where a landing may be effected by stepping directly from a boat, and this place can be approached only in the calmest weather and when the wind is blowing in a certain direction[1]. The author of the source notes having 'frittered away three weeks in Alderney awaiting a favorable opportunity to go out, and then gave up the attempt in disgust'[1].
The Tillamook Rock: A Chronicle of Repeated Failures and Tragedy
The construction of the Tillamook lighthouse on the Oregon coast was marked by extreme difficulty and peril[1]. The engineer in charge of the survey was compelled to wait six months before he could venture to approach the island[1]. Even after this wait, attempts to land were repeatedly thwarted by treacherous swells and curling waves[1]. In one instance, two sailors who managed to jump ashore were forced to retreat due to the increasing swell[1].
Further attempts to survey the rock led to more dramatic setbacks. The engineer himself managed to run a line from point to point, but this was done hastily and under significant risk[1]. A subsequent attempt to make a more detailed survey resulted in tragedy when an experienced master-mason of Portland, Mr. John R. Trewavas, was swept into the sea and never seen again[1]. This fatality stirred the public to such a pitch that the authorities were frantically urged to abandon the project of lighting the Tillamook[1].
Surveying in Unconventional Conditions
The challenges of surveying lighthouse locations sometimes demand unconventional solutions[1]. David Stevenson recounted an experience where he and his brother, while surveying a rock off the west coast of Scotland, had to remove their boots and proceed in their stockinged feet due to the slippery, seaweed-covered surface[1]. Despite the discomfort of their 'toes display[ing] an uncanny readiness to find every needle-point on the islet,' they managed to complete the survey[1].
Foundation Preparation in Wave-Swept Environments
On a wave-swept rock, the preparation of foundations is generally not overly complex[1]. The sea's relentless erosion typically leaves a solid surface, making it an excellent base for the superstructure[1]. The engineer often takes the exposed surface of the rock as the basis for the work[1]. However, when the beacon is to be erected upon a sandy bottom, the engineer's work becomes more baffling, as he is compelled to carry his underwater work down to a point where a stable foundation may be secured[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Berkshire's performance exceeded expectations in 2024, as noted in Buffett's 2025 letter to shareholders. Despite 53% of the operating companies reporting a decline in earnings, the overall results were better than anticipated[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Get more accurate answers with Super Search, upload files, personalised discovery feed, save searches and contribute to the PandiPedia.
The invention of the sail is credited to ancient civilizations, particularly the Egyptians, with evidence supporting this assertion. The earliest known use of sails dates back to around 4000 BCE in ancient Egypt, where individuals began constructing simple sailing vessels using reeds, which were then equipped with a rudimentary sail made of cloth suspended from a mast to harness the wind for propulsion[1][4][6][10].
Other early references to the sail indicate that by 3000 BCE, the Egyptians were utilizing square sails on boats primarily for use on the Nile River. These developments in sailing technology contributed significantly to navigation and trade, facilitating movement along waterways[2][3][5][11].
Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests that sailing boats were also being utilized in Mesopotamia around the same time, with depictions dating back to approximately 5500 BCE[3][10]. The idea of utilizing sails is believed to have evolved as a result of experimentation, where early humans likely noticed the effectiveness of using a fabric to catch the wind, thereby propelling their vessels forward[10].
Overall, while a specific individual cannot be identified as the 'inventor' of the sail due to its ancient origins, the early contributions from civilization such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians were vital to its development.
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Introduction to ScreenAI
ScreenAI is an innovative vision-language model designed to enhance the understanding of user interfaces (UIs) and infographics. As technology evolves, the ability to seamlessly interpret and interact with various visual formats becomes crucial. This model builds upon the principles shared between UIs and infographics, facilitating improved human-computer interaction.
Key Features of ScreenAI
Vision-Language Integration
ScreenAI leverages a modal architecture that combines visual inputs with natural language processing. This architecture is based on a unique mixture of datasets, which allows the model to tackle comprehension tasks related to both UIs and infographics. The system performs multiple functions including question answering, UI navigation, and summarization, all of which contribute significantly to understanding complex screens and infographics[1].
Advanced Task Performance
One of the standout features of ScreenAI is its ability to surpass existing benchmarks in crucial document understanding tasks. For example, during evaluation, ScreenAI achieved state-of-the-art (SoTA) results, especially in tasks that require comprehensive understanding of infographics and UI elements. This advancement is attributed to the model's customizable and adaptable nature, which facilitates its application across various formats and platforms[1].
Multi-Task Learning and Applications
ScreenAI’s architecture supports a multitude of tasks that enhance its usability. It is designed to perform effective screen annotation, facilitate question answering, and provide comprehensive screen summaries.
Screen Annotation
Screen annotation tasks involve detecting and identifying UI elements presented on a screen. The model incorporates a layout annotator to systematically label these elements, which include images, text, and various icons. This process is essential for interpreting data displayed in different formats[1].
Question Answering
In the context of question answering, ScreenAI can respond accurately to inquiries about infographics and UI layouts. For instance, users can pose complex questions regarding visual data, and the model generates explicit answers. This is achieved through an integrated understanding of the visual and textual elements, allowing it to provide concise and relevant information[1].
Summarization Capabilities
Moreover, ScreenAI excels in summarizing content displayed within UIs and infographics. The model is designed to distill essential information from complex visuals, making it easier for users to grasp key messages without sifting through excessive details[1].
Training and Model Architecture
Training Procedures
The training procedures for ScreenAI are grounded in self-supervised learning, allowing the model to learn from vast amounts of unlabeled data. This approach addresses the challenges related to data scarcity and enhances the model’s performance across various tasks by dynamically adjusting to different datasets[1].
Model Architecture
The architecture applies a multimodal encoder that processes both text and images, making it adept at tackling format variations. By integrating feedback mechanisms, the model continually refines its predictions, leading to improved accuracy over time. The vision encoder significantly contributes to understanding the contextual nuances present in different visual scenarios[1].
Evaluation and Results
State-of-the-Art Performance
During extensive evaluations, ScreenAI was benchmarked against several leading models. The results demonstrated that it outperformed existing models by achieving higher accuracy in tasks like screen annotation and question answering. For instance, it was noted that the incorporation of advanced features such as pix2struct patching significantly enhanced its ability to generalize across diverse visual inputs[1].
Diverse Task Adaptation
ScreenAI's ability to adapt to various tasks further underscores its versatility. From analyzing mobile screens to large document layouts, the model maintains a consistent performance level. Its training regimen includes a robust mixture of pre-training and fine-tuning tasks that prepare it for real-world applications, offering insights across multiple domains[1].
Conclusion
ScreenAI represents a significant leap forward in the field of vision-language models, particularly regarding the understanding of user interfaces and infographics. With its advanced architecture, robust training methodologies, and proven state-of-the-art performance, ScreenAI not only enhances the interaction between humans and machines but also sets a new standard for future developments in intelligent visual data comprehension. The integration of various tasks within a unified model showcases its potential to transform how users interact with complex visual information in everyday applications[1].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Extreme weather conditions have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. This report synthesizes information from various sources to provide a detailed overview of the most extreme weather conditions on Earth, including record-breaking temperatures, intense rainfall, prolonged droughts, devastating wildfires, and powerful storms.
Temperature Extremes
Record High Temperatures
Death Valley, California, one of the hottest places on Earth, recorded a temperature of 56.7°C (134°F) in 1913. Although its accuracy is debated, a more recent reading of 54.4°C (129.9°F) was recorded in August 2020 and, if confirmed, could become the highest reliably measured temperature on record[1]. In 2023, Phoenix, Arizona, saw 31 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 110°F (43.3°C), a significant increase over the average[12]. Similarly, parts of India experienced temperatures as high as 116°F (46.6°C) during the 2024 elections, leading to fatalities and severe disruptions[8].
Record Low Temperatures
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at the Vostok Research Station in Antarctica on July 21, 1983[1].
Intense Rainfall and Flooding
Record Rainfall Events
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India, one of the wettest places in the world, received 2,493 mm of rain over a 48-hour period in June 1995. This remains the most extreme 48-hour rainfall ever recorded[1]. In May 2024, southern Brazil experienced heavy rains leading to significant flooding and displacing around 150,000 people[3].
Major Flooding Incidents
Flooding in the United States has also seen extreme instances, with Houston experiencing severe flooding due to torrential rainfall in May 2024 that required the rescue of more than 600 people[11]. Europe’s deadliest flood since 1985 occurred in July 2021, when 240 people died, and damages amounted to $43 billion in Western Germany and Eastern Belgium[9].
Prolonged Droughts
Severe Drought Conditions
From 2020 to 2022, East Africa suffered its worst drought in 40 years, with five failed rainy seasons displacing 1.2 million people in Somalia alone. Climate change has made such droughts at least 100 times more likely[3]. The Western United States, including California, has also faced prolonged droughts, significantly lowering water levels in major reservoirs like Lake Mead and affecting agricultural productivity[10].
Devastating Wildfires
Record-Breaking Wildfires
In 2020, Australia experienced one of its most devastating wildfire seasons, known as the 'Black Summer,' causing at least 34 fatalities and affecting millions of residents with hazardous air quality. The fires destroyed nearly 6,000 buildings and burned vast tracts of land[2]. Similarly, in 2023, Canada faced its worst wildfire season ever, exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions, consuming millions of hectares of forest[12].
Powerful Storms and Cyclones
Hurricanes and Tropical Cyclones
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season was the most active on record, with 30 named storms. La Niña conditions contributed to the formation of many of these hurricanes, although their intensity was driven mainly by the warming ocean temperatures due to climate change[2]. Hurricane Ida in 2021 caused $75 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in history[9].
Tornadoes and Severe Storms
In December 2021, the U.S. experienced its deadliest tornado outbreak for any December, with 69 confirmed tornadoes resulting in at least 90 fatalities and extensive damage[9]. The frequency and intensity of such severe storms are expected to rise with climate change.
Global Impact and Future Projections
Increasing Frequency and Severity
Data shows that the world has warmed by 0.25°C over the last decade, leading to more frequent and severe weather extremes. An average of 1 in 4 rainfall records in the past decade can be attributed to climate change[2]. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report highlights that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events[5].
Compound Events
Extreme weather events are increasingly occurring in combination, such as heatwaves and droughts or heavy rainfall and rising sea levels, exacerbating their impact. For instance, Japan experienced its hottest summer on record in 2021, with urban heat islands amplifying the extreme temperatures[12].
Long-Term Projections
Studies suggest that as global temperatures continue to rise, the probability of record-shattering extremes will increase significantly. High-emission scenarios project that such events, breaking records by three or more standard deviations, could become up to 21 times more probable by 2051-2080 compared to the last three decades[4].
Adaptation and Mitigation Efforts
Climate Change Mitigation
Researchers emphasize the need for immediate action to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Technological advancements and policy reforms are crucial in curbing future risks[5]. Efforts are also underway to enhance global climate models to better predict and respond to these extreme weather events.
Conclusion
In summary, the most extreme weather conditions on Earth—record high and low temperatures, intense rainfall, prolonged droughts, devastating wildfires, and powerful storms—are occurring more frequently and with increased severity due to climate change. Immediate and sustained global efforts are essential to mitigate these impacts and adapt to an increasingly volatile climate[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
Humor is subjective due to cultural, contextual, and individual factors influencing what is considered funny. People have different opinions about humor based on their backgrounds and experiences, which can cause jokes to be perceived as entertaining, confusing, or offensive. In contexts like April Fool's Day, the appropriateness and reception of jokes can vary widely[2][5].
Additionally, humor often involves a violation of norms that must be benign for it to be perceived as funny. If the violation is seen as too severe or inappropriate, the humor may fail[2]. This complexity illustrates that humor reflects deeper individual and societal dynamics, making it a highly subjective experience[1][3].
Let's look at alternatives:
- Modify the query.
- Start a new thread.
- Remove sources (if manually added).
- Request a manual search from our human research team.
