Stories from brussels · Belgium

Artificial intelligence systems are now capable of inducing concepts and stories, demonstrating an understanding akin to completing a novel. This faculty allows AI to grasp characters, plot, and intentions, unsettling philosophers. The AI's ability to comprehend code and the coder's intentions is compared to understanding an entire novel to write its final page. This advancement was highlighted in a discussion about AI's growing influence on decision-making processes. The development suggests AI is moving beyond simple pattern recognition towards more complex cognitive functions. This capability allows AI to generate stories and historical accounts, making it highly intelligent. This development challenges traditional philosophical views on AI comprehension. The AI can imitate human tactics through independent strategy learning. This was noted in Paris.

Artificial intelligence models are learning strategies independently, mimicking human tactics. This development allows AI to learn from itself and adopt strategies different from human approaches. The concept of self-learning machines dates back to the 1950s, with early AI learning to play checkers. However, insufficient computing power limited the ability to play billions of games quickly. Modern technology now enables AI to learn through extensive gameplay. This advancement allows AI to adapt and potentially outperform human decision-making in complex scenarios. This development allows AI to pursue objectives without direct human programming for every step. The systems can adapt and evolve their approaches based on learned patterns and outcomes. This breakthrough was discussed in the context of AI's increasing influence on decision-making.

The ancient Chinese game of Go, created over 4000 years ago, is being played in a historical match. The objective of Go is to occupy the most space on the board and encircle the opponent's pieces to score points. The game is now played widely across Asia.

Animals in small concrete cages without stimulation develop stereotypic behaviors such as pacing tigers, head-swaying bears, and swaying elephants. These behaviors were once mistaken for amusing animal traits but are now understood as pathological. This issue is highlighted by the public's emotional response to a specific whale, Timmy, while tens of thousands of other whales die annually from boat strikes and fishing nets.

A large operation involving thousands of grapevines planted in sandy soil is underway. These vines must be moved and grafted onto American rootstock in chalky soil. This process began at the start of the year. Approximately 1,750 tons of radioactive soil have been collected and transported to a desert in the United States.

Marc Sleen, a renowned comic artist, has passed away at the age of 83. He was known for adapting novels into comic form, including works by Gerard Reve, Jan Wolkers, and Willem Elschot. Sleen received the prestigious Stripschapsprijs in 2003. He was a figure in Dutch and Flemish comic art. A quote attributed to Marc Sleen is apocryphal, meaning there is no proof he ever said or wrote it. The paternity of the quote is attributed to him, but certainty is lacking. Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of Ikea, is confirmed to have formulated a similar statement after his first customers successfully assembled his kit shelves. Marcel Pagnol, a French author, is also said to have uttered the phrase after watching a game of pétanque.

The European Commission's vice-president, Stéphane Séjourné, stated that a new EU law would only impose on Chinese companies what China has already been doing for 20 years. Beijing is demanding modifications to this law, which aims to remove administrative barriers and simplify bureaucracy, potentially ensuring a share of European employment and partnerships with European companies.

The European Commission presented a draft law in early March to stimulate European industry, which still needs to be adopted by member states and the Parliament. The objective is for industry to account for one-fifth of European GDP by 2035, up from less than 15% today. This could be achieved by removing administrative barriers and simplifying bureaucracy. The European Union has set a target to increase its industrial sector's contribution to GDP to 20% by the year 2035. This initiative aims to bolster the bloc's manufacturing and industrial capabilities. The target was discussed in the context of ongoing economic challenges. This ambitious goal aims to bolster the EU's manufacturing sector and economic competitiveness on the world stage.

Mail delivery by B-Post is significantly disrupted in Belgium, particularly in Brussels where two of three distribution centers remain blocked. Only half of the mail routes are being completed. Limited strikes are also occurring in Wallonia. Postal workers have been protesting concerns over planned changes to work hours, including later start times.

The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on improved housing and breeding conditions for pets. The legislation aims to establish that consent must be explicit, meaning 'only yes means yes' across all member states. Swedish MEP and rapporteur Ebba Busch stated that the text seeks to ensure women in all member countries are protected and supported against sexual violence. The proposal currently covers 26 or 27 member states depending on the final implementation. Maria Neuchül, an SPD Member of the European Parliament, supports the measure. Under the rules, all dogs and cats must receive a microchip from a veterinarian containing origin data. Breeders, traders, and animal shelters have four years to implement chipping, while private owners have ten years for dogs and 15 years for cats. Private pet owners will have at least ten years to comply with the mandate.