2008-12-31

The day the ZUNE stood still

Wow, this is crazy - a few folks emailed us and said all the 30GB ZUNEs in the world all stopped working at the same time (today) it seems that there might be some type of date bug with them (Z2K9)? Some folks are reporting that taking their ZUNE apart and unplugging the battery and re-plugging it in works, but it's a bit unclear what's going on.

ZUNE meltdown.
ZUNE frozen.
Z30s frozen.

2008-12-11

Fun with genetic algorithms

A genetic algorithm provides a simple way to search for an approximately optimal solution for an otherwise difficult and complex problem. By simulating the process of evolution, random mutation, breeding and selective pressure, a program can evolve a solution to a problem.

Seth Just wrote in with a simple and customizable genetic algorithm written in Perl. Given a problem set, you can define a function to randomly initialize each "individual", a mutation function to alter an individual, a breeding function that combines individuals with the strongest members, and a fitness function that computes the strength of an individual. His code is well documented and you can adapt it for your own problems fairly easily.

He also points us to a couple of interesting projects that are worth mentioning. The evolution of the Mona Lisa, pictured above, is an example genetic algorithm written by Roger Alsing. Given only 50 semi-transparent polygons and over 900 thousand mutations, his program is able to optimize their placement and color to produce an incredible likeness of the Mona Lisa.

Another cool example is this Flash vehicle simulator. A car with two wheels and two passengers is randomly constructed and its fitness is defined by how far it is able to drive without the passengers touching the ground. At first, most iterations don't even get past go, but as the evolution proceeds, a more robust vehicle is formed which is capable of navigating the terrain.

Genetic Algorithms in Perl
Genetic Programming: Evolution of Mona Lisa
Genetic Car

2008-11-25

The Morning Poll

Shared by David
Missed 2.

Instead of a poll this morning, there's a civics test.

Before you begin, here's the background:The Intercollegiate Studies Institute has run an annual survey to determine how well college students know civics. This year, they expanded their base to include just plain random American adults. In general, people know squat. To wit: 71% FAILED. The average score was 49% of the 33 questions asked.

Since you read DCW, I have high hopes that you shall not fail.

Once you take the test, it will list out which questions you got wrong (if any) and you will be able to click on the "table" link and see how your answers stacked up against the general public, and elected officials.

And no, there are no state capitols on the test. The big heartbreak for me was that slightly over 50% of those tested could not name the three branches of government.

Here's the test.