Peter the Great Arkhangelsk Baltic access Great Northern War

Russia’s only other northern port froze

9 months a year

Peter the Great sought a Baltic seaport because Arkhangelsk, Russia’s only other northern port, was icebound for nine months a year, while Sweden blocked access to the Baltic. The Great Northern War secured Russia’s access to the sea.

Early AI found algebra easier than recognizing ordinary objects

Early symbolic AI could solve algebra problems and some IQ-test questions but struggled to learn, recognize objects, and use everyday common sense. Computers found some tasks people consider intellectually difficult easier than basic abilities humans perform almost automatically. This is called Moravec's paradox.

Some photosynthesis releases sulfur instead of oxygen

Not all photosynthesis produces oxygen. Some bacteria use hydrogen sulfide instead of water in the process. As a result, they release sulfur instead of oxygen.

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Peter the Great Arkhangelsk Baltic access Great Northern War

Russia’s only other northern port froze

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