Good Morning! 🌞 

Ellis Island is located in between New York and New Jersey and was a immigration processing station from when it opened on January 1st, 1892 till it closed in 1954. It was also the busiest of the immigration stations.

The very first person to be processed was a 15-year-old girl from Ireland named Annie Moore, who came over with her two younger brothers.

It amazes me to think of how many people leave their home country and move to some distant (and probably strange to them) place.

World News

1,000-Year-Old Legal System Uses AI

In a bold move, England and Wales's 1,000-year-old legal system has taken a cautious step into the realm of artificial intelligence. The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary recently granted judges permission to use AI in the process of crafting opinions. However, they have emphasized the need to tread carefully, as AI technology can sometimes produce inaccurate or misleading information.

Master of the Rolls Geoffrey Vos, the second-highest ranking judge in England and Wales, stated, "Judges do not need to shun the careful use of AI. But they must ensure that they protect confidence and take full personal responsibility for everything they produce."

This approach comes at a time when the legal profession is grappling with the potential impact of AI on their field, including the possibility of AI replacing lawyers, assisting in jury selection, or even making judgments. The judiciary's approach is a measured one, aiming to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

Legal experts like Ryan Abbott, a law professor at the University of Surrey and author of "The Reasonable Robot: Artificial Intelligence and the Law," have welcomed the move and believe it will serve as a model for other countries grappling with the role of AI in the legal system.

While the U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged the benefits and drawbacks of AI, no federal guidelines have been established. Individual courts and judges at the federal and local levels have set their own rules.

The English and Welsh judiciary's guidance comes with numerous warnings about the limitations of AI and potential pitfalls if users are not aware of how it works. For example, it should not be used for research or legal analyses, as it can fabricate information and provide misleading, inaccurate, and biased information.

Judges were also warned about the potential risks of disclosing confidential information to AI systems and the fact that much of the legal material used to train AI comes from the internet and is often based on U.S. law.

While the thought of AI in law is a bit nerve wracking. It could be that the cautious integration of AI in the English and Welsh legal system will create a proactive and measured approach to AI adoption. That way the technology is used responsibly and ethically.

This reminds me of when that Manhattan judge got mad at some lawyers that used chatGPT for court case research. Poor guys didn’t realize that AI can just make stuff up. 😅 

Innovation

Microsoft’s New AI key

Microsoft has revamped its keyboards with a new AI key designed for seamless access to Copilot, Microsoft’s new AI, on the latest Windows 11 PCs. A major investor in OpenAI, Microsoft has actively infused AI across its product spectrum, notably within Microsoft 365 and Bing search since 2023. These innovative keyboards, set to debut in February, were unveiled at CES. Copilot, featured prominently, aids in various tasks such as search queries, email composition, and image creation.

Yusuf Mehdi, a Microsoft executive, describes this update as transformative, streamlining and elevating user interactions. This integration follows Microsoft's dedication to enhancing user engagement. Copilot's prior assimilation into Office 365 was the first integration Microsoft made.

Google, with its AI system named Bard, presents competition, yet Microsoft's collaboration with OpenAI, notably marked by the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, has injected a new dimension into the rivalry. However, Copilot, built upon OpenAI's GPT-4, has drawn the attention of the UK competition watchdog. Which has scrutinizing Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI amid recent boardroom tumult.

Culture

Unmarried Brothers’ Heir Search

Brothers Roman and Maz Piekarski, aged 71 and 69, have spent five decades amassing the world's largest cuckoo clock collection, displayed in their 'Cuckooland' museum near Cheshire.

With no heirs and the desire to pass on their metronomic legacy, the brothers are urgently seeking someone to take over the 750 intricate clocks. Despite efforts to find a successor over the past four years, they haven't succeeded. The brothers, who developed a passion for clocks as teens, have traveled globally to acquire rare pieces. They're willing to teach and pass on their knowledge to ensure the collection's preservation. The rarest clocks in their possession include one crafted for a Grand Duke in the 1860s and another carried aboard a World War II bomber.

If interested in inheriting the collection, contact them at (+44 1565 633039) or visit their location in Tabley, Cheshire.

Environment

Bright Spots: Climate News for 2024

Climate reporting often bombards readers with alarming tales of record temperatures and imminent environmental doom. As we start the new year, let's focus on some positive developments.

Renewable energy is exceeding expectations due to lower costs and improved technology. Solar panels are expected to add nearly 400 gigawatts of capacity this year, making up 4.5% of the global power plant capacity in 2022. The trajectory suggests a shift towards renewables overtaking fossil fuels.

There are advancements in other energy sources too. In France, a substantial natural hydrogen deposit has been found, offering a potentially emission-free energy option. Similar reserves have been identified in various locations worldwide. While the success of hydrogen remains uncertain, it's an avenue worth exploring.

Companies are striking deals to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air, accelerating the development of relevant technologies. While not a complete solution, it shows a proactive market-driven approach to tackling climate challenges.

Nuclear power, a major carbon-free energy source, is gaining renewed acceptance. More than 20 countries, including the U.S., plan to triple nuclear power by 2050. Innovations like smaller, cost-effective modular reactor projects are also in progress.

The theme for this year could be "doing more with less," driven by market forces and competition, promising a cleaner planet for future generations. It's a practical perspective for the new year.

Mind Stretchers
❔

The more you look at it, the less you see. What is it?

Yesterday’s Answer:
Heroine

Shoutout to Betty Wade for acing this one! 🥳 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.