Artificial Intelligence Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI encompasses technologies enabling machines to mimic human intelligence.
• Includes decision trees, logic systems, and machine learning.
• Subsets like Generative AI (GenAI) create content (text, images, code) from patterns.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) are specialized for text tasks (summarization, translation).
• Machine learning focuses on data pattern recognition, generating similar, unique outputs.
• LLMs lack user manuals; self-exploration is key.
• AI capabilities double every 5-14 months, depending on complexity.
• AI progresses from word generation to more complex tasks (problem-solving).
• AI tools improve things like autonomous navigation and disease diagnosis.
• Ethical concerns arise from AI's imperfections and potential bias.
• Advanced AI might replace repetitive jobs.
• Future AI will likely integrate with planning/negotiation systems.

History of Las Vegas

• The USA was under Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, but "underground" establishments (bars, brothels, gambling) existed.
• 1930s saw significant growth due to Hoover Dam construction, legalized gambling, and relaxed divorce/marriage laws.
• 1940s-50s expansion was driven by WWII industries, attracting Black workers.
• Organized crime played a vital role in early Las Vegas development.
• Corporate ownership of casinos became dominant later.
• Post-war saw themed resorts proliferate, with large-scale projects like Caesars Palace.

Corporate Transition

• Howard Hughes' investments curbed mob influence.
• Nevada laws allowed casino ownership by corporations.
• Modernization (1980s-2000s) saw mega-resorts.
• Family-friendly developments gave way to exclusive ones.

Recent Developments

• COVID-19 disrupted tourism, but there was recovery with projects like MSG Sphere and Resorts World.
• Climate adaptation projects now include climate-resilient water infrastructure like the Third Straw tunnel.
• Transition from mob-led to corporate-controlled casinos.

Housing in Las Vegas

• Common Interest Developments (CIDs) dominate new developments, emphasizing gated communities and HOAs.
• Severe affordable housing shortages contribute to homelessness challenges.

Social and Economic Structures

• Social classes (upper, middle, working, lower) are divided by income and education.
• Economic inequality widened as the top 1% captured disproportionate income.
• HOAs act as quasi-governmental bodies, limiting constitutional rights and promoting privatization.

Homelessness Issues

• Factors like affordable housing shortages, NIMBY attitudes, criminalization measures and hostile architecture contribute to the issue.
• Housing First initiatives focus on providing permanent housing with support services.

Anti-Homeless Policies

• Policies focus on criminalization of camping, panhandling, and public feeding; hostile architecture is also used to deter activities.
• Opposition exists from critics who argue that criminalization does not solve the root issue of homelessness.

Economic Theories

• Marxism focuses on class struggle.
• Education and occupation selection are key to meritocratic mobility.
• Capitalism reshaped power dynamics in modern times, although meritocracy has become stressed.
• Corporate capitalism is now seen as a power dominant system.

Social and Economic Structures

• Economic disparity in societal structures.
• Impact of policies on income inequality.
• Power shifts in society (individuals vs. corporations).

Tourism and Urban Development

• The Strip's transformation into a pedestrian-friendly area with shopping, attractions, and entertainment hubs emphasizes consumer culture.
• Cultural impact on Las Vegas and tourism are discussed.
• Modern development emphasizes luxury over design.

Segregation

• Critical Race Theory (CRT) was developed in the 1970s and 1980s to expose systemic racism in legal and social institutions.
• Systemic racism is embedded in legal systems and institutions, not only in individual biases.
• Racial identifiers like Black, White, Hispanic are discussed.
• Racial clustering, market isolation, and neighborhood segregation are examined.
• Policies throughout history (e.g., 13th Amendment, Indian policies) contributed to segregation.
• Housing policies were also a large contributor to segregation.

Inconvenient Indian

• Indian refers to indigenous people which sometimes includes terms like Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians in several contexts.
• Indigenous peoples and cultures worldwide are diverse, with varied social organization and cultural practices.
• Historical Indigenous population decline in areas like Mexico and the USA.

Anti-Homeless Policies

• Criminalization of behaviors (like camping, panhandling) and hostile architecture lead to homeless people experiencing displacement.

Moral Panic

• Street gang formations, varying by culture and timespan. Gangs often form around other shared identities (ethnicity, race, migration, etc).
• Legal labeling practices and consequences associated with gang activity.
• Gangs are also frequently associated with drug trafficking, which impacts society.
• Policies often involve increased policing and surveillance measures associated with gang activities.

Mega Drought

• The Colorado River Basin is facing a prolonged drought with significant implications for water allocation. Historical drought impacts and the effects of climate change.
• Water usage and allocation policies are presented.

Lost Wages

• Casino gambling involves different types of games based on chance or skill.
• Expected value and house advantage often result in losses for players.
• Casino technologies including slot machines, RFID chips, and tracking systems affect player experience.
• The business model in gambling, like maximizing profit and minimizing expenditures from human players.

Climate and Water Issues

• Climate models predict that temperature-driven declines in river flows will not be offset by projected increases in precipitation.
• The All-American Canal, a major water transfer system, plays a key role.
• Historical droughts highlight temperature impacts.

Political and Economic Systems

• Political systems (e.g., Canada, USA) vary regarding power distribution, legislative structures and other political norms.
• Differences in political culture and philosophies are documented.
• Role of the president and prime minister and legislative branches (e.g., House and Senate).