You are nothing more than a collection of deeply embarrassing and problematic machine learning-determined classifiers.

That humbling truth is brought home by ImageNet Roulette, an online tool that gives anyone bold or foolish enough to upload a photo the opportunity to learn just exactly how artificial intelligence sees them. The project, described as “a provocation” by its creators, aims to shed light on how artificial intelligence systems view and classify humans. 

And, surprise(!), AI has some pretty racist and misogynistic ideas about people. Or, rather, the dataset ImageNet Roulette draws from, ImageNet, is filled with problematic categories that reflect the bias often inherent in the large datasets that make machine learning possible.   Read more…

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There comes a time in every Hustlers showing when audiences must lose their shit, collectively, completely, and with no hope of return. 

Yes, I’m talking about the moment when “motherfucking Usher” shows up at the club. 

Appearing as a 2008 version of himself, the singer-songwriter cameos in this Robin Hood-esque tale of strippers besting their clients. A deadly combination of nostalgia, bravado, and sex appeal (with thematic resonance to boot), Usher’s brief Hustlers appearance is already being called the best celebrity cameo of the year — and with good reason. 

“It was our biggest day on set,” director and writer Lorene Scafaria recalls for Mashable. “Of course, we had 300 extras, we had a crane, and you have got to bring out the green lasers for Usher. We had all the girls on stage dancing. Honestly, I had tears in my eyes because it felt like a Renaissance painting. I just couldn’t believe how gorgeous it was to see them all up there together in front.”  Read more…

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Elon Musk’s bizarre feud with a British cave diver, who he called a “pedo guy,” took a strange turn as the eccentric billionaire seeks to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought against him.

In court documents filed on Monday, Elon Musk’s defense team argues that the suit filed by diver Vernon Unsworth should be thrown out as Musk’s tweet calling the diver a “pedo guy” does not constitute defamation.

Among his team’s many arguments, Musk claims that he was not insinuating that Unsworth was a pedophile when he called him a “pedo guy” on Twitter.

“Mr. Musk testified that ‘pedo guy’ was a common insult used in South Africa during his youth,” says the filing. “It is synonymous with ‘creepy old man’ and aimed at mocking a person’s appearance and demeanor, not an accusation of pedophilia.” Read more…

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With many criticizing the e-cig companies marketing their products to children, along with the major health concerns its brings to kids and adults alike, the New York governor saw it fit to call for a ban. Read more…

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The toilet, part of a former art exhibition, was found stolen in an Oxford palace. Currently, one person has been arrested in connection to the theft. Read more…

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Designed to make watching YouTube on computers or Google TV easier, Google has decided to end the feature. Users will instead have to rely on other means, such as a gaming console or streaming box, to watch their favorite videos in a TV-like format. Read more…

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Captain John is going on an adventure, and along the way, he meets a terrifying sea serpent. Is he done for… or does this creature have a secret that can save him? Read more…

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The 10-year-old trainer won the championship in the Alola league. Pokémon fans, who have journeyed with Ash for two decades, had a lot to celebrate on Twitter. Read more…

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Most Star Wars fans are familiar with the famous A New Hope blooper where a random, nameless Stormtrooper doinked their head on a Death Star bulkhead. A true classic.

The identity of the clumsy Imperial soldier has been a mystery for as long as the movie has existed. And now, a new Jamie Stangroom documentary titled The Empire Strikes Door (omg), is poised to solve it.

This whole thing looks like a hoot, from the “Every generation has an idiot” tagline to the lineup of legitimate Star Wars celebrities who apparently lent their time to getting this thing made. I can’t wait to watch. It’ll be out Sept. 25 on Stangroom’s YouTube page. Read more…

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Beyoncé is here to make our Monday a whole lot better.

On Sunday, ABC announced Beyoncé Presents: Making The Gift, a surprise television special that will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Bey made her The Lion King: The Gift album.

From the 30-second trailer, we can already tell the special will offer a lot of in-studio footage, and feature special musical guests, along with Blue Ivy. 

Beyoncé Presents: Making The Gift will air Monday night (Sept. 16) on NBC, after the season premiere of Dancing with the Stars. Read more…

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