jbermudez5

This hosted version uses a basic FastinoAI GLiNNER 2.5-Decider so anyone can run it in the browser but locally I have different models like Typesafeai's Jev, and fine-tuned versions of Decider that lean toward more aggression or collaboration.

I will make the codebase open source once I fix some issues. Right now some behaviors are off, but I wanted to test if I could get simulated troops to behave as closely as possible to real ones.

At it's core, each chimp runs on a recurrent state-biased decision model, with perception and memory. The chimps are influenced by their environment, other chimps, past encounters. They groom, hunt, get sick, reproduce, and die.

And yea, I do love Chimp Empire.

David, the founders and team members that are impacted by GSG are very young, a new generation that have not been part in the decades of conflict.

As another volunteer mentioned in the thread, GSG is helping a younger generation look at the future with a different outlook, that is a big reason I love the program so much, it has a real impact on Gaza and a new generation of people.

Came across a post on social media and applied to help out as a mentor. There was an interview processes and then some paperwork for entry permits.

I spent one week in Gaza and another week between Ramallah and parts of Israel.

After the time there I still have contact with the friends I made there and try to contribute with any initiative they put together.

It also pushed me to look for local initiatives here in the US .

Having volunteered with Gaza Sky Geeks (GSG) and been on the ground all I can say is that this is a big positive in the region and for the people living in Gaza.

You would not believe how welcoming and hard working Palestinians are. There is a generalization because of the conflict but at the end of the day these are people like you and me trying to achieve their goals in a positive way.

There is a political situation around it and it cannot be ignored from the moment you arrive but I strongly believe that Mercy Corps and GSG and initiatives like the coding academy help a population that lives in harsh conditions without access of what we give for granted in the US.

Here are some of the things that blew me away: - About 50% of the founders in the GSG were women. - There are a lot of very young and talented engineers. - Walking through Gaza as a western looking guy I feared people would not be super happy, it was quite the opposite, endless invitations to have coffee, eat watermelon, say hello and welcome. - Hardware startups solving issues that could be applied to underdeveloped countries, one of my favorites was a USB charger that you power by slipping into your shoe and walking.

There is no reason to not celebrate and join the people backing these initiatives, they have a direct impact on good people and even if you have concerns about the politics in the region, I think these programs help alleviate the tension and let people focus on living their lives and not be frustrated with the laundry list of day to day hurdles they encounter.

This would be a great approach but restrictions on Gaza make it very difficult to import even basic materials/tools.

If you are familiar with low cost setups and want to give some guidance I am pretty sure the team at GSG would look into it.

I was fortunate enough to get a chance and visit Gaza Sky Geeks as a mentor last year and it is an amazing program. The staff and entrepreneurs work very hard and are very loving people.

This is a great cause that has a direct impact on those living in a place where it is difficult to get what most of us give for granted.

Just when you need to send an adhoc build.....