MML
Minimum Message Length (MML) is a Bayesian information-theoretic principle of inductive inference that selects statistical models by minimizing the total length, in bits, of a two-part encoded message comprising the model parameters and the observed data given those parameters.[1] Developed by Australian computer scientist Chris Stewart Wallace (1933–2004) and statistician David M. Boulton in 1968, MML operationalizes Occam's razor through algorithmic compression, favoring models that achieve the shortest overall description length while explicitly incorporating priors and avoiding approximations like those in related criteria such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) or Minimum Description Length (MDL).[2] Unlike MDL, which often employs suboptimal prefix codes or asymptotic approximations, MML insists on precise, fully parameterized models and exact negative log-likelihood calculations to ensure causal fidelity in inference.[2] MML has been applied across diverse domains, including mixture modeling of multi-state, Poisson, von Mises circular, and Gaussian distributions, where it demonstrates superior performance in identifying true underlying structures from finite data samples compared to maximum likelihood methods alone.[3] Wallace's foundational work, detailed in his 1968 paper "An Information Measure for Classification," established MML as a computational framework for hypothesis testing and parameter estimation, emphasizing that the optimal model is the one permitting the most efficient data transmission under a shared universal prior akin to algorithmic probability.[1] Subsequent extensions by Wallace and collaborators, such as in Bayesian network structure learning, highlight MML's robustness to small samples and complex dependencies, positioning it as a tool for truth-seeking inference that penalizes overfitting via information cost.[4] Despite its theoretical elegance, MML's computational demands for exact inference have limited widespread adoption relative to heuristic alternatives, though recent implementations in machine learning, like logical rule induction via MML, underscore its ongoing relevance for parsimonious explanations in high-dimensional settings.[5] Critics note challenges in handling continuous parameters without approximations, yet empirical validations, such as in Poisson-geometric model selection, affirm MML's accuracy in recovering ground truth where rivals falter.[6] Wallace's monograph Statistical and Inductive Inference by Minimum Message Length (2005) remains the authoritative exposition, codifying MML as a principled antidote to ad hoc statistical practices.[7]Computing and Technology
Music Macro Language
Music Macro Language (MML) is a text-based description language for sequencing musical patterns, enabling the specification of notes, rhythms, tempos, and other parameters in a compact string format that drivers interpret to produce audio output. Developed primarily for resource-constrained early computing environments, it facilitates programmatic music composition without graphical interfaces, relying instead on symbolic notation akin to simplified sheet music. MML gained traction in Japan during the 1980s for personal computer and video game soundtracks, where hardware limitations favored efficient text-driven synthesis over sampled audio.[8][9] The language originated as an embedded feature in Microsoft BASIC interpreters for Japanese personal computers, such as the NEC PC-8801 and PC-9801 series, introduced in the early 1980s to provide accessible music playback via commands like PLAY. This classical form drew from sheet music conventions, using alphabetic note representations (e.g., C, D, E for pitches) combined with modifiers for octave (e.g., numbers like 4 in C4 for the fourth octave), duration (e.g., trailing digits or default lengths set by L commands), and tempo (e.g., T followed by beats per minute). For instance, a basic melody might be encoded as "C4 D4 E4" for ascending quarter notes, with rests denoted by P and octave shifts via < or > symbols. Similar syntax appeared in Western systems like GW-BASIC's PLAY command around 1983, which parsed strings into note frequencies and durations measured in 60 Hz frames, defaulting to quarter notes at 100 beats per minute (O3 L4 T100).[8][10] Over time, MML evolved into modern variants with extended capabilities for multi-track sequencing, macros, and synthesis-specific instructions, accommodating FM synthesis or MIDI output rather than simple tone generators. Implementations like FlMML (a Flash-based library) and tools such as NASequencer (released May 2016) support dotted notes (e.g., C4. for extended duration), track separation via semicolons (e.g., "cccc; eeee;"), and custom macros (e.g., $MACRO = abcd;), while maintaining case-insensitive ASCII or UTF-8 text files (.mml extension). These adaptations addressed the lack of a universal standard, leading to dialect variations across platforms like MSX and Famicom/NES emulators. In Western contexts, MML entered broader awareness around 2001 through tools like the Music Compiler Kit for NES ROM hacking, sustaining its use in chiptune communities via software such as AddMusicK for Super Nintendo projects.[9][8] MML's enduring appeal lies in its portability and editability for retro-style composition, particularly in game development and hobbyist demoscenes, where it enables precise control over limited hardware like 8-bit sound chips. Composers such as Yuzo Koshiro adapted heavily modified MML dialects for PC-88 titles in the 1980s, embedding sequences directly into BASIC-like code for real-time playback. Today, libraries like MML.js for IchigoJam microcomputers and Unity integrations revive it for procedural audio in indie games and emulators, though it remains niche compared to DAWs due to its imperative, driver-dependent nature. No single authoritative specification exists, with fidelity varying by interpreter, emphasizing its role as a flexible macro system rather than a rigid standard.[11][9]Man-Machine Language
Man-Machine Language (MML) is a standardized command language designed to enable human operators to interact with telecommunications systems for operation, maintenance, and management tasks. Developed by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT, now ITU-T), MML provides a structured interface between personnel and stored program control (SPC) switching systems, allowing commands to be issued via teletype terminals or similar devices to control functions such as fault diagnosis, configuration, and performance monitoring.[12][13] The foundational recommendations for MML were established in the late 1970s and formalized in the 1980s, with ITU-T Recommendation Z.301 (November 1988) serving as an introduction to its principles, syntax, and dialogue procedures.[12] Additional specifications include Z.302 for a meta-language to describe MML syntax and Recommendation M.250 for its application in maintenance, emphasizing consistency, flexibility, and adaptability across diverse SPC systems.[14][15] MML forms part of a trio of CCITT languages for SPC switching systems, alongside the Specification and Description Language (SDL) for system modeling and CHILL for high-level programming.[16] MML employs a syntax resembling natural language, featuring verb-object structures (e.g., commands like "PRINT" or "BLOCK") with qualifiers for specificity, enabling open-ended extensibility while maintaining readability for operators.[17] Dialogue procedures support interactive sessions, error handling, and response formatting, grouped into sections covering general principles, basic syntax, extended features for relational data, and command/response specifics.[12] This design prioritizes human-machine efficiency in real-time telecom environments, reducing ambiguity in multilingual operations. In practice, MML has been implemented in network elements for tasks like subscriber data management and signaling system control, with extensions influencing standards such as Telcordia's Transaction Language 1 (TL1).[18] Vendors including Cisco have incorporated MML commands in products like the Media Gateway Controller (PGW), where operators use it for provisioning, testing, and troubleshooting via batch files or interactive sessions.[19] Similarly, systems like Huawei's M2000 employ MML interfaces for external application integration and alarm processing.[20] Though rooted in analog-era telecom, MML's principles persist in modern protocol adaptations for automated network operations.Message Markup Language
Message Markup Language (MML) is a markup language designed to embed interactive user interface components, such as buttons, input fields, and schedulers, within text-based electronic messages to enable dynamic and engaging communication experiences in chat applications.[21] Developed by GetStream, a provider of chat infrastructure, MML standardizes the representation of rich message elements, allowing for consistent rendering across platforms without relying on complex custom parsing.[22] It operates through XML-inspired tags that define both content structure and behavior, parsed by client-side libraries to generate functional UI elements.[23] MML's syntax employs self-closing or container tags with attributes for configuration, supporting core components like text, images, icons, buttons, and forms, as well as specialized ones such as date schedulers and calendar adders.[21] For instance, an input field might be marked up as<input name="phone" label="Please Enter your phone number" placeholder="e.g. 999-999-9999">, while a scheduler could use <scheduler name="appointment" duration="30" interval="30" selected="2021-03-15T10:30:00.000Z">.[21] Buttons and other actions follow similar patterns, with attributes for labels, callbacks, and styling, enabling server-sent messages to trigger client-side interactions like data submission or navigation.[23] Basic formatting tags, such as <b>text</b> for bold or <a href="url">[link](/page/Link)</a> for hyperlinks, extend compatibility with simpler text enhancements.[22]
In practice, MML integrates with frameworks like React via the open-source mml-react library, which converts MML strings into rendered components using a <MML source="..." /> wrapper and optional custom converters for extensibility.[23] Developers install it via npm or yarn, then parse backend-generated MML—often from Node.js servers handling webhooks—for display in Stream Chat SDK-powered apps.[21] This setup supports features like loading states, error handling, and success messages, making it suitable for applications requiring real-time interactivity, such as appointment booking or e-commerce notifications.[23] While primarily associated with GetStream's ecosystem since its promotion around 2021, MML's component-based approach draws from broader markup traditions but focuses narrowly on messaging constraints, avoiding the overhead of full document languages like HTML.[21]
Mathematics and Statistics
Minimum Message Length
The Minimum Message Length (MML) principle provides a Bayesian framework for inductive inference, model selection, and statistical hypothesis testing by favoring hypotheses that enable the most concise encoding of observed data.[2] It formalizes a preference for simpler models unless complexity yields substantially better data compression, extending Occam's razor through information theory. The approach quantifies inference quality via the total length, in bits, of a two-part message: one part stating the hypothesis (model and parameters) and the other encoding the data given that hypothesis. Shorter total lengths indicate superior inferences, as they balance model complexity against explanatory power.[24] Developed by Christopher S. Wallace and David M. Boulton, the principle first appeared in their 1968 paper on clustering multinomial data, where it was applied to estimate the number of classes without ad hoc criteria.[2] Wallace refined MML over decades, culminating in his 2005 book, which details its foundations in algorithmic information theory and Bayesian probability. The core formulation approximates message length as I(\theta; x) \approx -\log_2 P(\theta) - \log_2 P(x \mid \theta), where \theta represents model parameters and x the data; the negative log prior penalizes overly complex \theta, while the negative log likelihood measures data fit. Early variants, like Strict MML from 1975, addressed continuous parameters by integrating over posterior distributions to derive precise encoding lengths, avoiding approximations that could bias selection.[25][24] MML differs from related methods like Minimum Description Length (MDL) by adhering strictly to Bayesian priors and message codings, rather than prefix-free codes, yielding asymptotically optimal inferences under certain conditions.[26] It has been applied in decision tree induction, where it outperforms greedy algorithms by penalizing tree depth; protein structure prediction via secondary structure inference; and mixture model estimation, such as Gaussian or von Mises-Fisher distributions.[27][28] Empirical studies demonstrate MML's robustness in high-dimensional settings, as it naturally regularizes against overfitting by trading off descriptive brevity for generalization. Ongoing research extends it to causal discovery and logical rule learning, leveraging its compression-based criterion for sparse, interpretable models.[5][29]Military and Defense
Multi-Mission Launcher
The Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) is a mobile, ground-based missile launching system developed by the United States Army as part of its Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2-Intercept program.[30] Designed to provide flexible air and missile defense, the MML targets threats including unmanned aircraft systems, cruise missiles, and rockets, artillery, and mortars through an open-systems architecture that supports integration of various missile types.[30][31] This modularity allows the launcher to fire munitions such as the Longbow Hellfire, Tamir interceptor, and potentially air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X Sidewinder or Stinger.[32][33] The system is mounted on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) truck chassis for mobility.[34] It features a pod of 15 missile tubes arranged in a 4x4 configuration with one spare, capable of full 360-degree azimuth rotation and elevation from 0 to 90 degrees to engage threats from any direction.[32][34] The design emphasizes rapid reload and compatibility with existing Army logistics, reducing the need for specialized platforms.[31] Development of the MML prototype occurred under U.S. Army oversight, with initial hardware delivery on September 2, 2015, during a ceremony highlighting its role in enhancing maneuver short-range air defense.[34] Key testing milestones included a successful live-fire demonstration of a Longbow Hellfire missile on March 25, 2016, at White Sands Missile Range, validating the launcher's canister-based firing mechanism and integration with command systems.[32] Additional evaluations incorporated foreign munitions, such as Israel's Tamir interceptor, to assess multi-nation interoperability.[35] By October 2019, the U.S. Army halted further pursuit of the original MML design, opting instead for commercial off-the-shelf or alternative launchers to meet IFPC requirements more cost-effectively.[36] Elements of the MML concept persisted, however, with revivals in competitive bids; for instance, a 2021 U.S. Army air defense competition repurposed the launcher platform paired with AIM-9X missiles for short-range engagements.[33] Recent advancements build on MML principles. In September 2024, RTX (formerly Raytheon) announced development of an upgraded multi-mission launcher for mounting on the Lynx XM30 infantry combat vehicle prototype, enabling mechanized units to launch compatible missiles while on the move and leveraging networked data for targeting.[37][38] This iteration emphasizes data-driven fire control and modularity for diverse threats. In July 2025, Army officials outlined plans for a standardized launcher adaptable to allied weapons, addressing past integration challenges and promoting coalition operations.[39]Organizations and Institutions
MML Capital Partners
MML Capital Partners is a London-based private equity firm specializing in mid-market investments across Europe and North America.[40] Founded in 1988, the firm provides growth capital through equity and debt to established companies pursuing expansion, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and management buyouts, often in partnership with existing management teams.[41] It targets B2B businesses in growth stages, emphasizing operational improvements and strategic development to enhance value.[42] The firm operates as an independent entity with a focus on long-term partnerships, deploying capital from dedicated funds to support portfolio companies' objectives.[43] MML has raised multiple Partnership Capital funds, including Fund VIII, which closed with commitments enabling investments in sectors such as industrial services and infrastructure.[44] Additionally, its MML Keystone strategy invests in asset-backed businesses addressing societal needs, such as essential infrastructure with stable growth profiles.[45] Notable portfolio investments include Apache Industrial Services in industrial maintenance, Altius in IT services, and Arns in legal and IP consulting, reflecting a strategy of backing resilient, service-oriented firms.[46] Other exits and holdings encompass Frapak Packaging in consumer goods and Arnold & Siedsma in professional services, demonstrating consistent deal flow since inception.[41] As of recent activity, MML continues to prioritize sectors like water treatment and social care, aligning capital with management-led growth initiatives.[47] The firm maintains a team-oriented approach, with over three decades of experience in structuring deals that balance risk and return for limited partners.[48]Michigan Municipal League
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) is a nonprofit association founded in 1899 to advance municipal administration and advocate for home rule authority for cities and villages in Michigan, countering state legislative dominance over local charters.[49] The organization originated from efforts to unify local governments, holding its inaugural convention in Grand Rapids on September 26–27, 1899, where the League of Michigan Municipalities adopted its first constitution with 44 founding members.[50] Early priorities centered on legislative reforms to grant municipalities greater autonomy, evolving into broader representation of local interests through sustained advocacy.[49] Representing over 500 full-service cities, villages, and urban townships, the MML serves as the primary statewide voice for Michigan municipalities, supporting communities that act as first responders for the state's approximately 10 million residents.[51] Its mission emphasizes improving local governance by delivering innovative programs, fostering connections among leaders, providing resources, and inspiring effective public service.[51] Headquartered in Ann Arbor with a capital office in Lansing, the League operates through a board of directors and staff focused on strategic policy committees and member engagement.[52] Key activities include legislative advocacy, maintaining an office in Lansing to influence state policy via annual conferences, grassroots mobilization, and direct lobbying on municipal issues.[49] The MML offers extensive education and training, conducting nearly 100 programs annually for elected officials and staff on topics such as governance, policy compliance, and operational efficiency through in-person, online, and hybrid formats.[53] Additional services encompass professional development, executive recruitment, risk management, employee benefits, human resources support, legal consultations, and management consulting to enhance municipal operations and cost savings.[51] The affiliated Michigan Municipal League Foundation complements these efforts by funding innovative initiatives in areas like lifelong learning, public health, arts and culture, and financial security to build community wealth.[54]Mote Marine Laboratory
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on advancing marine science through research, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and public education.[55] Headquartered on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, it operates additional facilities in southwest Florida and the Florida Keys, employing 316 staff members including 45 doctoral-level researchers.[55] The institution emphasizes rigorous, peer-reviewed science to address ocean challenges, such as biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, while translating findings into sustainable solutions for ecosystems and human benefits.[56] Established in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, Florida, by pioneering ichthyologist Eugenie Clark—known for her shark research—the facility began as a modest one-room operation on the Gulf Coast.[57] It was renamed Mote Marine Laboratory to honor philanthropist William R. Mote and his family's contributions, reflecting early benefactor support that enabled growth from a small research station to a multifaceted institution.[57] Over decades, the laboratory relocated its primary campus to Sarasota, expanded research capabilities, and integrated public aquariums to disseminate knowledge, establishing itself as one of Florida's oldest marine labs with a history of overcoming logistical and funding challenges through targeted philanthropy and scientific output.[57] Research at Mote spans science-based conservation of marine and coastal habitats, sustainable resource use, and environmental health monitoring worldwide.[56] Key programs include coral reef restoration, where scientists have planted 26,000 corals achieving a 65% survival rate; seagrass ecosystem initiatives, supported by new research buildings opened in 2025; and biomedical technology development drawing from marine organisms for potential human applications.[55][58] Additional efforts cover fisheries enhancement, ocean acidification studies, and multi-partner collaborations publishing in peer-reviewed journals and hosting symposia to translate data into policy and societal action.[56] The laboratory also maintains a marine animal rescue program, responding to 577 hotline calls annually, and supports undergraduate research experiences to train future scientists in hands-on estuarine and ocean studies.[55] Public engagement occurs through aquariums showcasing local species like sharks, manatees, and sea turtles, alongside educational programs for all ages.[59] In 2025, Mote opened the Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, enhancing outreach as the top revenue-generating cultural nonprofit in the Tampa Bay region.[55] These initiatives underscore Mote's commitment to empirical marine data collection and causal analysis of ecosystem dynamics, prioritizing verifiable outcomes over unsubstantiated advocacy.[60]Transportation
Midland Mainline
The Midland Main Line is a principal intercity railway route in England, extending approximately 127 miles from London St Pancras International northward through the East Midlands to Sheffield, serving key intermediate stations including Luton Airport Parkway, Bedford, Kettering, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, and Chesterfield.[61] The line supports both express passenger and freight traffic, forming a vital artery for regional connectivity and economic links between London and northern England.[62] Developed in stages by the Midland Railway during the 19th century, the route's core northern section from Derby to London precursors opened progressively from the 1830s, with the full extension to St Pancras completing passenger operations on October 1, 1868, after initial goods services began earlier that year.[63] By 1870, the line achieved its modern configuration following integration of various segments, marking the last major expansion before nationalization under British Railways in 1948.[62] East Midlands Railway (EMR), a subsidiary of Transport UK Group, has operated intercity services on the line since August 18, 2019, under a franchise agreement with the Department for Transport.[64] EMR provides hourly express trains from St Pancras to Sheffield (journey time around 2 hours), with additional services to Nottingham (every 30-60 minutes) and Derby (hourly), utilizing Class 810 bi-mode diesel-electric multiple units capable of 125 mph on non-electrified sections.[65] Thameslink services also operate on the southern portion between St Pancras and Bedford, integrating with the wider network for commuter flows.[66] Electrification at 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line equipment extends from St Pancras to Wigston, south of Leicester, enabling electric traction for about 100 miles and supporting faster, lower-emission operations since completion in phases up to 2023.[67] Network Rail's Midland Main Line Upgrade programme, initiated to extend wires to Sheffield by the mid-2020s with associated track, signalling, and station enhancements, has faced delays; further electrification beyond Wigston was indefinitely paused in the July 2025 Spending Review due to funding constraints, prompting reliance on bi-mode trains and prompting criticism from regional leaders over lost efficiency gains estimated at £50-70 million in sunk costs.[62] [68]Academia
Modern and Medieval Languages
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cambridge administers the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos, a rigorous undergraduate honors degree emphasizing linguistic proficiency, literary analysis, and cultural studies across European and select non-European traditions.[69] The program integrates modern languages with medieval ones, such as Latin and Greek, fostering interdisciplinary approaches that combine philology, history, and linguistics.[70] The BA (Hons) degree spans four years, with the first two years focused on foundational and advanced coursework in two chosen languages, alongside an introductory paper on linguistics or comparative literature.[70] Available languages include French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish at post-A-level proficiency, with ab initio options for beginners in languages like German, Russian, or Spanish; medieval components may incorporate Old Norse or Anglo-Saxon elements in specialized papers.[70] [71] The third year mandates an eight-month minimum residence abroad in one or two relevant countries, typically involving university study, teaching assistance, or internships, contributing one-sixth to the final assessment via a project report.[70] The fourth year allows specialization through advanced papers and an optional dissertation.[70] Assessment relies on written and oral examinations, with continuous evaluation of language skills and interpretive essays; entry requires A-level grades of A*AA or equivalent, including at least one relevant language at A-level or higher.[70] Postgraduate offerings include research-based MPhil and PhD programs in areas like literary and cultural studies, film and screen studies, and theoretical linguistics.[69] Faculty research emphasizes empirical analysis of texts, historical linguistics, and cross-cultural influences, with staff contributing to advancements in fields such as medieval philology and contemporary screen media.[69] Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, media, and academia, with alumni employed at entities including the BBC, UNICEF, and major consultancies.[70] The Tripos has historical roots tracing to at least the early 20th century, with expansions in language offerings; for instance, Dutch was integrated from 1918 until 2020 as a principal study option.[72] This structure prioritizes depth over breadth, requiring sustained mastery of primary sources in original languages rather than superficial surveys.[70]Media and Entertainment
Milo Murphy's Law
Milo Murphy's Law is an American animated comedy-adventure television series created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh, known professionally as "Swampy" Marsh, the duo behind Phineas and Ferb.[73] The series premiered on Disney XD on October 3, 2016, and concluded after two seasons on May 18, 2019, comprising 40 episodes in total.[74] It centers on the daily misfortunes of its protagonist, portraying bad luck not as defeat but as a catalyst for resilience and ingenuity. The premise revolves around 13-year-old Milo Murphy, fictionalized as the great-great-great-great-grandson of Edward A. Murphy Jr., the aerospace engineer associated with the adage "anything that can go wrong will go wrong."[75] Afflicted by this hereditary curse, Milo navigates school life, family outings, and adventures in Danville, where disasters like spontaneous combustion of objects or structural collapses routinely occur around him.[76] His companions include best friend Melissa Chase, a resourceful skeptic who documents Milo's mishaps in a backpack equipped with safety gear, and newcomer Zack Underwood, a safety-obsessed transplant from the West Coast who initially resists but adapts to the chaos.[76] Supporting elements include Milo's musical family—sister Sara, a dramatic aspiring actress; parents Martin and Eileen; and eccentric relatives like inventor grandpa Joey and survivalist grandma Beatrice—and recurring antagonists such as time-traveling agents Cavendish and Dakota, tasked with protecting a pistachio plant vital to history.[77] Production emphasized a shift from Phineas and Ferb's stylized aesthetic to a more grounded, realistic animation style to underscore the consequences of Milo's bad luck, while retaining musical numbers and crossovers with Phineas and Ferb characters like Perry the Platypus and Dr. Doofenshmirtz, who appear in select episodes.[77] The show's narrative arcs, particularly in season 2, integrate overarching plots involving interdimensional threats and the "Lombard System," a fictional probability-manipulating device, blending episodic humor with serialized stakes.[73] Voice acting features 'Weird Al' Yankovic as Milo, alongside returning Phineas and Ferb talent like Dee Bradley Baker and Alyson Stoner. Critical reception highlighted the series' inventive comedy and positive messaging on perseverance amid adversity, earning a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb from over 4,000 user reviews and praise from outlets for its balance of slapstick and character-driven stories.[73] Common Sense Media commended its emphasis on friendship and optimism, recommending it for ages 8 and up due to mild peril without lasting harm.[76] Despite plans for expansion, including a proposed crossover film, Disney XD did not renew it for a third season, attributing the end to shifting network priorities rather than explicit low viewership data.[77] The series remains available on Disney+ and has influenced discussions on animated storytelling's evolution post-Phineas and Ferb.[73]Slang and Internet Culture
Makes Me Laugh
"MML" is an acronym used in internet slang and texting to denote "makes me laugh" or "made me laugh," signaling that a message, image, or content has elicited amusement from the recipient.[78][79] This expression functions as a concise response in digital communication, akin to but distinct from "LOL" (laugh out loud), often implying a genuine chuckle rather than exaggerated hilarity.[80] It appears in casual online chats, social media replies, and messaging apps, particularly when acknowledging humor without overstatement.[81] The term gained traction as a purported "better alternative" to overused acronyms like "LOL," with early documented uses emphasizing its straightforward indication of laughter induced by content such as jokes or mishaps.[80] For instance, a user might reply "MML" to a shared meme or anecdote, conveying that it prompted actual laughter.[82] Variations include "making me laugh," though "makes" or "made" predominate in definitions across slang repositories.[83] Unlike more emphatic terms like "LMAO," MML conveys moderate amusement, making it suitable for understated or ironic contexts.[84] While not as ubiquitous as established abbreviations, MML persists in niche online communities and personal texting, reflecting evolving preferences for specificity in expressing reactions.[78] Its adoption aligns with broader trends in digital shorthand, where users seek terms that more precisely capture emotional responses amid acronym fatigue.[79] Sources tracking internet lingo, including user-contributed dictionaries, consistently affirm its role in informal discourse without evidence of formal standardization or widespread institutional recognition.[81][82]Politics and Activism
Milli Muslim League
The Milli Muslim League (MML) is an Islamist political party formed in Pakistan on August 7, 2017, by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a charitable and religious organization led by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.[85] Its stated objectives include establishing Pakistan as an Islamic welfare state, guided by principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, and social justice derived from Islamic teachings, as outlined in its 2018 objective resolution.[86] The party sought to participate in electoral politics to advance these goals, opening offices such as one in Lahore in December 2017 under Saeed's direction.[87] MML maintains close operational ties to JuD and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the latter founded by Saeed in 1987 and responsible for attacks including the 2008 Mumbai assaults that killed 166 people.[88] The United States designated LeT a foreign terrorist organization in 2001, and in April 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned MML as LeT's political front, targeting it alongside seven individuals for efforts to subvert Pakistan's democratic processes and fund terrorism.[89][90] The U.S. State Department similarly added MML as an alias to LeT's terrorist designation.[91] Pakistan's Election Commission (ECP) rejected MML's registration application multiple times, including in June 2018 ahead of by-elections, due to documented links to banned militant groups like LeT and JuD.[92][93] The ECP continues to list MML as unregistered as of 2025. To evade restrictions, Saeed-linked elements rebranded as the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) and contested the February 8, 2024, general elections, fielding candidates but winning no National Assembly seats.[94] Saeed, subject to a $10 million U.S. bounty and UN sanctions, has been detained in Pakistan since 2019 on terrorism financing convictions, with sentences totaling 31 years across multiple cases.[95][96]Other Uses
Maker Markup Language
Maker Markup Language (MML) is a text-based markup language designed for creating and importing formatted documents into Adobe FrameMaker, a software application for authoring and publishing large-scale technical documents.[97] MML files, identifiable by the .mml extension, consist of plain text annotated with tags that specify document structure, formatting, and elements such as paragraphs, headings, tables, and cross-references, enabling users to generate FrameMaker-compatible output via standard text editors without requiring the full graphical interface.[98] While MML provides access to a wide array of FrameMaker features—including font specifications, page layouts, and conditional text—it does not encompass the complete functionality of the software, serving primarily as a simplified input mechanism rather than a full interchange format like Maker Interchange Format (MIF).[99] Introduced alongside early versions of FrameMaker, which originated from Frame Technology Corporation in 1986, MML facilitated programmatic or script-based document creation, particularly useful for batch processing or integrating content from other systems.[100] FrameMaker supports direct import of MML files, converting them into editable binary .fm documents or templates, a process that parses the markup tags to apply corresponding formatting rules defined in the software's master pages and paragraph catalogs.[101] This capability has been retained in subsequent FrameMaker releases, including versions up to FrameMaker 2022, allowing compatibility with legacy workflows in technical documentation environments.[102] In practice, MML tags resemble simplified SGML-like constructs, such as<ParaTag> for paragraph styling or <Table> for tabular data, which map directly to FrameMaker's element definitions.[97] Tools like la2mml have historically converted LaTeX sources into MML for import, demonstrating its role in bridging markup systems for structured authoring.[103] However, due to its proprietary nature tied to FrameMaker and the rise of XML-based standards, MML usage has declined in favor of more interoperable formats, though it remains viable for specialized, FrameMaker-centric pipelines in industries like aerospace and software documentation.[104] Adobe's ongoing support underscores its utility for maintaining archives of complex, long-form publications where full fidelity to original formatting is required.[105]