EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 31·5 min read
British Museum hosted Peter Thiel in private viewing of Bayeux tapestry
TL;DR
Peter Thiel attended a private viewing of the Bayeux tapestry at the British Museum, raising concerns about perceived favoritism and the allocation of light exposure for the artifact. Despite the controversy, no public light hours were sacrificed for his visit.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider the implications of special access in cultural institutions and advocate for transparency in public engagements.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor public access policies in cultural institutions.
- Engage in discussions about transparency in special events.
- Evaluate the impact of corporate ties on public perception.
- Stay informed about upcoming ticket releases for popular exhibitions.
Full Summary
Peter Thiel, a tech billionaire and founder of Palantir, was hosted for a private viewing of the Bayeux tapestry at the British Museum before its public opening. The museum's director of development confirmed the visit, which was attended by Thiel but not by the museum chair, George Osborne.
Concerns arose among staff regarding the optics of granting special access to someone with ties to Jeffrey Epstein and a controversial company like Palantir, which has significant contracts with the UK government. The museum has a strict light-hour allocation system to protect the tapestry, and it was confirmed that no public viewing hours were compromised for Thiel's visit.
Public interest in the tapestry is high, with ticket queues reaching up to 80,000 people. The next wave of public tickets will be available on October 21.