Turlough Downes
@tdownes.bsky.social
Full Prof of Astro & Maths, DCU. Star formation, plasmas, mathematical & computational modeling. Head of School of Mathematical Sciences. Views my own.
Gosh. OpenAI wants to be public sector.
BREAKING: OpenAI is requesting US government support to help guarantee financing for the massive investments in AI chips and data centers it needs for expansion, per Bloomberg.
November 6, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Gosh. OpenAI wants to be public sector.
Probably unoriginal thought for the morning: there is no such thing as the ethical use of llms in education. Since llms were trained using plagiarism, it is a breach of ethics to use them at all.
Institutional policies that encourage ethical use of llms are not appropriately engaged with reality.
Institutional policies that encourage ethical use of llms are not appropriately engaged with reality.
November 5, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Probably unoriginal thought for the morning: there is no such thing as the ethical use of llms in education. Since llms were trained using plagiarism, it is a breach of ethics to use them at all.
Institutional policies that encourage ethical use of llms are not appropriately engaged with reality.
Institutional policies that encourage ethical use of llms are not appropriately engaged with reality.
This seems like a good thing: maybe developers will actually build the ones they have planning for?
New home planning permissions tumbling, builders warn
New home planning permissions tumbling, builders warn
Industry body highlights sharp falls across four Dublin councils
www.irishtimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:49 PM
This seems like a good thing: maybe developers will actually build the ones they have planning for?
Brilliant illustration of why LLMs should generally not be used in education: even apart from their errors (called "hallucinations" for marketing), there is also the issue of the tight control corporations have over what LLMs return as answers.
I know this won't surprise anyone here but Musk's reprogrammed artificial intelligence is spreading misinformation about yesterday's attack on a train
November 2, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Brilliant illustration of why LLMs should generally not be used in education: even apart from their errors (called "hallucinations" for marketing), there is also the issue of the tight control corporations have over what LLMs return as answers.
We have the solutions for this. We have solved the scientific problems, we have solved the engineering problems. The remaining tricky bit is the social science/humanities problems.
EUROPE EXCEPTIONAL NOVEMBER WARMTH
An extraordinary warm spell is affecting all North Africa and Europe,only excluding Italy.
42C in Mauritania, 39 Algeria,>25 in the Balkans (mins up to 19C).
Next days hundreds of records with up to 34C in Turkey.
An extraordinary warm spell is affecting all North Africa and Europe,only excluding Italy.
42C in Mauritania, 39 Algeria,>25 in the Balkans (mins up to 19C).
Next days hundreds of records with up to 34C in Turkey.
November 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
We have the solutions for this. We have solved the scientific problems, we have solved the engineering problems. The remaining tricky bit is the social science/humanities problems.
I feel Pat Leahy misses the main point: a billionaire points out some ways in which the Irish system is failing (and is partially right). The billionaire then suggest "improvements" which make it easier to make money, while not necessarily fixing the malaise. 1/2
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Pat Leahy: John Collison has mapped a way out of the Government’s lethargy
Our electoral system and political culture has taught politicians that above all, they should annoy nobody. The housing crisis is changing that
www.irishtimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM
I feel Pat Leahy misses the main point: a billionaire points out some ways in which the Irish system is failing (and is partially right). The billionaire then suggest "improvements" which make it easier to make money, while not necessarily fixing the malaise. 1/2
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Samhain already? Wow. Winter is here.
November 1, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Samhain already? Wow. Winter is here.
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Apropos of recent comments by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste:
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
November 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Apropos of recent comments by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste:
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
In September (the most recent data available), 44% of asylum decisions resulted in the applicant being considered eligible for international protection.
It is presently taking the State around 17 months to process a standard application.
By any reasonable definition these folks attacking IPAS centres are terrorists. I generally don't like using that term because it carries with it historical baggage of hypocrisy. But what else are they?
Strongest condemnation from a local politician so far coming from Labour's Ged Nash - underlining how close we may have been to having several lives lost in Drogheda overnight as a result of this attack.
November 1, 2025 at 12:56 PM
By any reasonable definition these folks attacking IPAS centres are terrorists. I generally don't like using that term because it carries with it historical baggage of hypocrisy. But what else are they?
The enlightenment naturally leads to totalitarianism - the nazis, MAGA, Rassemblement National (National Rally), Geert Wilders, Boris Johnson, ...
Re-listened to this episode of the excellent Philosophize This. Hannah Arendt's work provides such useful insight these days.
spotify.link/uk8mWlHbWXb
Re-listened to this episode of the excellent Philosophize This. Hannah Arendt's work provides such useful insight these days.
spotify.link/uk8mWlHbWXb
Episode #136 ... Hannah Arendt - The Banality of Evil
spotify.link
November 1, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The enlightenment naturally leads to totalitarianism - the nazis, MAGA, Rassemblement National (National Rally), Geert Wilders, Boris Johnson, ...
Re-listened to this episode of the excellent Philosophize This. Hannah Arendt's work provides such useful insight these days.
spotify.link/uk8mWlHbWXb
Re-listened to this episode of the excellent Philosophize This. Hannah Arendt's work provides such useful insight these days.
spotify.link/uk8mWlHbWXb
The Commission may well do deals, but Nature doesn't
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
bsky.app/profile/carl...
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
bsky.app/profile/carl...
October 28, 2025 at 9:10 AM
The Commission may well do deals, but Nature doesn't
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
bsky.app/profile/carl...
www.rte.ie/news/analysi...
bsky.app/profile/carl...
Reposted by Turlough Downes
🧵
One of the most interesting things about the election of Catherine Connolly is how it has spurred "liberals" (especially in media) to seek to play down her landslide victory. In their efforts to cope with being wrong, they are focusing instead on what they believe to be a flawed selection process.
One of the most interesting things about the election of Catherine Connolly is how it has spurred "liberals" (especially in media) to seek to play down her landslide victory. In their efforts to cope with being wrong, they are focusing instead on what they believe to be a flawed selection process.
October 28, 2025 at 8:13 AM
🧵
One of the most interesting things about the election of Catherine Connolly is how it has spurred "liberals" (especially in media) to seek to play down her landslide victory. In their efforts to cope with being wrong, they are focusing instead on what they believe to be a flawed selection process.
One of the most interesting things about the election of Catherine Connolly is how it has spurred "liberals" (especially in media) to seek to play down her landslide victory. In their efforts to cope with being wrong, they are focusing instead on what they believe to be a flawed selection process.
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Renewable generation and pumped storage equalled 64% of yesterday's electricity demand, with a peak of 97% at 23:00. Fossil fuel generation (mostly gas) equalled 33% of demand. 6% of generation was exported, 9% of demand was met by imports.
October 28, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Renewable generation and pumped storage equalled 64% of yesterday's electricity demand, with a peak of 97% at 23:00. Fossil fuel generation (mostly gas) equalled 33% of demand. 6% of generation was exported, 9% of demand was met by imports.
With nearly 46% turnout: good for a foregone conclusion, maybe.
🚨 Aggregate of national #aras25 tallies
(albeit only partial in some constituencies):
Catherine Connolly 63%
Heather Humphreys 30%
Jim Gavin 7%
Roughly 13% of votes nationwide are spoiled/invalid
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
(albeit only partial in some constituencies):
Catherine Connolly 63%
Heather Humphreys 30%
Jim Gavin 7%
Roughly 13% of votes nationwide are spoiled/invalid
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
With nearly 46% turnout: good for a foregone conclusion, maybe.
'no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland'. Indeed.
‘Stop blaming the Brits’: United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, says ex-Nato commander
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
‘Stop blaming the Brits’: United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, says ex-Nato commander
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
‘Stop blaming the Brits’: United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, says ex-Nato commander
Military alliance should carry out operations in Irish seas even if Dublin objects, says Falklands veteran
www.irishtimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:50 AM
'no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland'. Indeed.
‘Stop blaming the Brits’: United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, says ex-Nato commander
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
‘Stop blaming the Brits’: United Ireland would pose threat to Britain from Russia, says ex-Nato commander
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
One hopes financial regulators are keeping an eye on banks' lending and investment portfolios with regard to AI.
If only there was a way to get OpenAI the trillions it needs. finance.yahoo.com/news/openai-...
OpenAI would have to spend over $1 trillion to deliver its promised computing power. It may not have the cash.
OpenAI's capital expenditures related to its deals with chipmakers could jump to $1.3 trillion by 2030, Citi analysts say.
finance.yahoo.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
One hopes financial regulators are keeping an eye on banks' lending and investment portfolios with regard to AI.
I've felt for quite some time that research into "solving" human-related phenomena, as @abeba.bsky.social says, whether using tech or not, should be led by ahss researchers not stem researchers.
today’s hot take: most machine learning research, particularly that touches on any human phenomena (attempts to “solve” any human related problem) is conceptually and methodologically hollow
October 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I've felt for quite some time that research into "solving" human-related phenomena, as @abeba.bsky.social says, whether using tech or not, should be led by ahss researchers not stem researchers.
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Even in a month full of notable highs and lows, one stood out: during September, the Irish grid emitted its least amount of CO₂ in a single month in modern times.
Our estimate is 577k tonnes. A lot but, as the chart below shows, just a few years ago we were seeing months with almost *1.4M tonnes*.`
Our estimate is 577k tonnes. A lot but, as the chart below shows, just a few years ago we were seeing months with almost *1.4M tonnes*.`
October 10, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Even in a month full of notable highs and lows, one stood out: during September, the Irish grid emitted its least amount of CO₂ in a single month in modern times.
Our estimate is 577k tonnes. A lot but, as the chart below shows, just a few years ago we were seeing months with almost *1.4M tonnes*.`
Our estimate is 577k tonnes. A lot but, as the chart below shows, just a few years ago we were seeing months with almost *1.4M tonnes*.`
Ehhh ... as far as I can tell this is a recall of a pump. Not of a "heat pump".
More than 100,000 heat pumps recalled over electrocution fears
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
More than 100,000 heat pumps recalled over electrocution fears
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Key component in more than 100,000 heating systems recalled over electrocution fears
Home and business owners warned not to touch electrical connections on affected Tucson brand circulating pumps
www.irishtimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Ehhh ... as far as I can tell this is a recall of a pump. Not of a "heat pump".
More than 100,000 heat pumps recalled over electrocution fears
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
More than 100,000 heat pumps recalled over electrocution fears
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Renewable generation and pumped storage equalled 64% of yesterday's electricity demand, with a peak of 90% at 22:15. Fossil fuel generation (mostly gas) equalled 32% of demand. 3% of generation was exported, 7% of demand was met by imports.
October 4, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Renewable generation and pumped storage equalled 64% of yesterday's electricity demand, with a peak of 90% at 22:15. Fossil fuel generation (mostly gas) equalled 32% of demand. 3% of generation was exported, 7% of demand was met by imports.
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Just as other European states should give credit to the Baltics for being correct in their assessment of Russia, other European countries should give credit to Ireland for being correct in its assessment of Israel.
September 30, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Just as other European states should give credit to the Baltics for being correct in their assessment of Russia, other European countries should give credit to Ireland for being correct in its assessment of Israel.
Very little surprise here. As of now the good use cases of AI are quite limited in scope.
September 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Very little surprise here. As of now the good use cases of AI are quite limited in scope.
Harkin about Steen: "defend her right not only to have those views but also to articulate them in a presidential election"
Just to be clear: no such right exists. If you nominate you express support, whatever you might like to think.
Just to be clear: no such right exists. If you nominate you express support, whatever you might like to think.
September 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Harkin about Steen: "defend her right not only to have those views but also to articulate them in a presidential election"
Just to be clear: no such right exists. If you nominate you express support, whatever you might like to think.
Just to be clear: no such right exists. If you nominate you express support, whatever you might like to think.
Totally agree: nominating someone to go on the ballot for President *is* supporting that person and their political position. There's no dancing around that.
On enabling presidential candidates. Some thoughts
[A] I see you’re in favour of eating babies now
Oh no.
[A] But you’re nominating the Baby-Eating Party for President.
Ah, that’s democracy.
[A] Do tell.
Well, baby-eaters are a part of our society. They deserve a seat at the table.
1/10
[A] I see you’re in favour of eating babies now
Oh no.
[A] But you’re nominating the Baby-Eating Party for President.
Ah, that’s democracy.
[A] Do tell.
Well, baby-eaters are a part of our society. They deserve a seat at the table.
1/10
September 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Totally agree: nominating someone to go on the ballot for President *is* supporting that person and their political position. There's no dancing around that.
Reposted by Turlough Downes
Right! It's not very obvious yet in the charts but if you dig into the numbers it becomes clearer; we've been doing this for the last year or so, most recently in detail in our April recap.
www.greencollective.io/post/monthly...
www.greencollective.io/post/monthly...
Irish Grid Monthly: April 2025
www.greencollective.io
September 17, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Right! It's not very obvious yet in the charts but if you dig into the numbers it becomes clearer; we've been doing this for the last year or so, most recently in detail in our April recap.
www.greencollective.io/post/monthly...
www.greencollective.io/post/monthly...