I graduated from CMU (SCS) 15 years ago. The school is so far ahead of nearly every other CS school in the world in regard to machine learning/AI, it's laughable to think it will ever be dethroned. They have ties with DARPA and other government agencies that have deep pockets. They've also successfully courted every major tech corporation in the country. I have to applaud their board of trustees/president/provost. They know what they're doing.

The article paints a rosy picture of Pittsburgh, but I remember these types of articles appearing back in 2000. The state of Pennsylvania even had a campaign (commercials, marketing, etc) to try to convince college graduates to stay in the state. It didn't work. Most of the talent will eventually leave. All but 2 of my 30 or so friends from graduate/undergrad left after they finished their degree.

In my last semester I was dying to leave because the weather is absolute shit for half the year. CMU was really the only thing there that was worthwhile to me.

I keep hearing OHMIGOD some car/bus is driving autonomously somewhere on the planet. CMU has been doing that since the 80s.

A friend once paid me back for a "sensitive interaction" and put a snowflake emoji in the comment. I don't know if it was public. It was tacky and thereafter I only took cash for such transactions.

One friend of mine will regularly pay for group dinners or events and Venmo each person their share. He does this so he can get rewards/points on his card.

I do this too. I use my credit card for everything but my SO only uses it for big/online purchases so I love splitting things with her. Double the cash back!