The article discusses OpenAI's o3 model, which can guess the location of a photo by analyzing its content. Users can submit a photo without prominent landmarks and prompt the model to identify where it was taken. The process involves the model interpreting visual clues and using its reasoning abilities to make a guess.

In one example, the author tested the model with a photo taken in El Granada, California. Initially, the model mistakenly claimed it couldn't see the image, but then it began analyzing details like house colors and local vegetation. It concluded that the photo likely represented a coastal California area, specifically suggesting Cambria, which was about 200 miles off, but it correctly identified Half Moon Bay as a nearby alternative.

The article highlights the model's ability to perform complex tasks like zooming in on specific image areas, which adds to its guessing accuracy. This technology raises concerns about privacy, as it can easily identify locations from photos, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding the safety implications of sharing images.

Overall, while the o3 model showcases impressive capabilities, it also presents potential risks that users should consider.

RetrOS 32bit Overview

RetrOS 32bit is a hobby operating system project designed for networking on the i386 architecture. It features graphics, multitasking, and networking capabilities. The project began on May 12, 2022.

Key Features:

• Supports multiple users (system, admin, guest) with simple user management.
• Built using C and Assembly for the kernel, C++ for applications, and Docker for cross-platform compilation.

Getting Started:

• Requirements: Use Docker and QEMU for cross-platform development. For native compilation, specific tools are needed depending on the OS:
  • MacOS: Docker is recommended due to 32-bit dependency issues.
  • Linux: Requires certain packages for compilation.
• Installation Steps: Clone the repository, check dependencies, initialize Git submodules, and run commands to compile and launch the OS.

Usage:

• Run RetrOS-32 using QEMU or on real hardware by creating a bootable USB or CD.

Future Plans: The project roadmap includes developing features like a custom bootloader, multi-threading, networking capabilities, a graphical user interface, and various utilities.

License: The project is licensed under the MIT License.

Contact: For more information, visit the project page on GitHub: RetrOS-32 GitHub.

The text discusses the problems associated with the prostate gland, particularly focusing on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. In the U.S., prostate cancer affects many men, while BPH is common in older men, causing urinary issues. The text explores a theory proposed by Israeli doctors Gat and Goren, suggesting that BPH may result from problems in the spermatic veins, leading to increased testosterone levels in the prostate, which can contribute to both BPH and prostate cancer.

The key points are:

1. Prostate Problems: Prostate cancer and BPH are significant health issues for men, especially those over 60.

2. Gat and Goren's Theory: They propose that malfunctioning spermatic veins cause blood to flow incorrectly, leading to high testosterone levels in the prostate, which promotes growth and can result in BPH and cancer.

3. Surgical Solution: Their method involves blocking the spermatic veins to stop the backflow of blood that increases testosterone in the prostate.

4. Neglected Research: Despite promising initial results, the medical community has largely ignored this theory, and more thorough studies could provide better insights.

5. Need for Awareness and Innovation: The text emphasizes the need for more attention and research in this area to potentially revolutionize treatment for prostate issues and reduce healthcare costs.

Overall, the discussion highlights a potential new understanding of prostate health and a surgical approach that could address these common problems.

Stuffed-Na(a)N: Use NaNs to Your Advantage

Stuffed-Na(a)N is a tool that lets you utilize NaN (Not a Number) values in programming instead of just ignoring them.

Key Features:

1. Encoding and Decoding: You can convert data (like "Hello world") into an array of NaNs, and then decode it back without losing the original information.

2. Compact Size: The Community Edition compresses data effectively, giving you more data for less space (25% more than the original size).

3. Speed: It processes data quickly, taking just 1-3 milliseconds for a thousand small objects.

4. Privacy: The encoding protects personal information because NaNs can't be easily copied without losing data.

Installation: You can install it via npm or import it directly in your browser.

Enterprise Edition: Offers additional features like improved efficiency and support for specific processors.

Future Plans: The developers plan to improve the tool further with benchmarks and rewrites in Rust.

Overall, Stuffed-Na(a)N creatively uses NaNs to store and protect data efficiently.

The text provides instructions for using a tool called MILS, which allows large language models (LLMs) to process visual and audio data without prior training. Here are the key points:

1. Installation: Set up the conda environment by running specified commands.

2. Datasets and Checkpoints:

   • Download necessary datasets like MS-COCO, Clotho, and MSR-VTT, along with checkpoints required for the project.
   • Unzip the downloaded files and configure paths in a script.

3. Running the Code:

   • MILS can operate on a single A100 GPU but is optimized for multiple GPUs.
   • The code provides commands for generating captions from images, audio, and videos, as well as for high-quality image generation and style transfer.
   • Captions and generated images are saved in a specified output directory.

4. Cross-Modal Arithmetic:

   • This process involves converting images and audio to text, then combining these captions to create prompts for generating images.

5. Issues and Contributions:

   • Users are encouraged to report issues or contribute to the project via a specified email or repository.

6. License:

   • The tool is available under a CC-by-NC 4.0 license, but users should be mindful of third-party content licenses.

7. Citation:

   • Users of the tool are requested to cite the original work if it is utilized in their research.

This summary encapsulates the main instructions and considerations for using MILS effectively.

No summary available.

The text discusses a story about a researcher who used a rubber duck as a tool for problem-solving. When he faced a challenge, he would ask a colleague to hold the duck while he explained the issue, often leading him to figure out the solution on his own. The phrase "Thank you for holding my duck" became a way to acknowledge the colleague's role in this process.

The author sought the origins of this story, initially believing it to be linked to Bell Labs or Xerox PARC. After research, the author traced it back to Bill Polson at Pixar, who heard it from Leo Hourvitz, who had connections to Xerox PARC. The story evolved to mean that someone listens without commenting while another person works through a problem verbally.

The term "holding the duck" became a common phrase used by certain teams at Pixar, but it was not widely known among all animators. The author hopes to find a definitive source linking the story to Xerox PARC.

A 24-year-old Australian man, Emmanuel Lidden, has received a two-year good behavior bond after pleading guilty to illegally importing and possessing nuclear materials, including uranium and plutonium, for his personal collection of the periodic table. The judge recognized Lidden's mental health issues and found no malicious intent in his actions. This case marks the first sentencing under Australia’s nuclear non-proliferation act for such offenses.

In August 2023, Lidden's order resulted in a significant hazmat incident, leading to street closures and evacuations while authorities investigated. His lawyer criticized the Border Force for overreacting, claiming the materials were in safe quantities. Lidden openly ordered the materials online and displayed them in his bedroom. The Australian Border Force hopes this case raises awareness about the regulations on importing such materials.

The article discusses the "Friendship Recession," a growing trend in America where people are experiencing fewer friendships. Key points include:

1. Decline in Friendships: There has been a significant increase in the number of adults reporting no close friends, rising to 12% since 1990. Simultaneously, those with ten or more close friends have drastically decreased.

2. Changing Priorities: Americans are now prioritizing work and family over friendships. Many people work longer hours, leaving less time for socializing, and the focus on intensive parenting limits opportunities for adult friendships.

3. Less Community Engagement: People are spending more time at home and less time volunteering or participating in community activities, leading to weaker social networks.

4. Impact of Technology: The rise in screen time and online friendships, especially among teenagers, has changed how people connect, often resulting in weaker bonds compared to in-person interactions.

5. Cultural Shift: There's a cultural change where solitude is becoming the norm rather than an exception, making it harder for people to form and maintain friendships.

6. Neuropsychological Effects: Loneliness can heighten sensitivity to social threats, making socializing feel more risky and leading to a cycle of isolation.

7. Need for Change: To combat this trend, both structural changes (like creating community spaces) and individual efforts (actively forming and sustaining friendships) are needed. Engaging in shared activities and making time for friends are essential to rebuild social connections.

Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of friendship for happiness and well-being and encourages individuals to take proactive steps to foster connections.

Summary:

On April 25, 2025, the ACLU of Louisiana announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported two families, including three U.S. citizen children aged 2, 4, and 7, under concerning conditions. The families were held incommunicado, meaning they were cut off from legal representation and communication with loved ones, preventing them from making informed decisions about their children's welfare.

One of the deported children had cancer and was sent back without medication, while one mother was pregnant and also deported without proper medical care. ICE's actions violated their own policies regarding the treatment of minors during deportations and raised serious concerns about due process and human rights.

Advocates condemned ICE's handling of the situation, stating that these actions are not only illegal but also inhumane, highlighting the urgency for accountability and the need for changes in immigration enforcement practices.

No summary available.

The Berkeley Humanoid Lite is an open-source humanoid robot aimed at making robotics more accessible and customizable. Current humanoid robots are often expensive and not open to modifications, which slows down progress in the field. Berkeley Humanoid Lite addresses these issues by using a modular design that can be created with standard 3D printers and widely available parts, keeping costs under $5,000.

The robot features a specially designed 3D-printed gearbox that uses a cycloidal gear design for better strength and durability. Testing has confirmed the reliability of these 3D-printed components. The project also included experiments that demonstrated the robot's ability to learn locomotion through reinforcement learning, showing effective transfer of skills from simulations to real-life application.

By providing all hardware designs and software openly, Berkeley Humanoid Lite aims to encourage broader participation in humanoid robotics and support community development.

No summary available.

The essay discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the humanities and higher education. The author, D. Graham Burnett, reflects on how universities are struggling with funding cuts and the rapid rise of AI technologies. He describes a disconnect among students regarding the use of AI tools due to fear of academic repercussions.

Burnett recounts experiences in his classes where students engaged with AI, revealing both fascination and existential concerns. While AI systems can generate impressive content, the author emphasizes that they lack true understanding and emotional depth. He argues that the essence of the humanities—questions about existence and the human experience—is something machines cannot replicate.

The essay concludes that although AI may automate knowledge production, it opens the door for a reinvention of humanistic education. The focus should shift back to exploring the lived experience and deeper questions of what it means to be human. Despite challenges facing the humanities, Burnett feels this moment presents an opportunity to rediscover and engage with the core of human existence.

No summary available.

Large Language Models (LLMs) have become very large, making it hard to run them on devices with limited resources. This paper presents a new compression method called Dynamic-Length Float (DFloat11), which reduces the size of LLMs by 30% while keeping the output exactly the same as the original model.

DFloat11 takes advantage of the inefficiencies in how LLMs store their weights using BFloat16 format. It uses a technique called entropy coding to compress the weights more effectively without losing any precision. To help with quick processing, a special GPU program was created for fast decompression.

Key features of DFloat11 include:

1. Compact storage of memory-intensive lookup tables (LUTs).
2. A two-phase processing method to manage data reading and writing efficiently.
3. Decompression at the transformer block level to reduce delays.

Tests on recent models like Llama-3.1 and Qwen-2.5 show that DFloat11 reduces model size significantly while improving speed. It offers much better performance compared to simply moving parts of an uncompressed model to the CPU. With DFloat11, it's possible to handle longer context lengths on GPUs, allowing for efficient usage of large models like Llama-3.1-405B on a single machine with 8 GPUs. The code and models are available online.

No summary available.

Summary of the NNCPNET Email Network Announcement

On April 9, 2025, John Goerzen announced the launch of NNCPNET, a new email system built on NNCP technology. After managing his own email server from 1995 to 2019, Goerzen found running a server increasingly challenging due to modern security requirements. NNCPNET aims to bring back the fun and flexibility of email.

NNCP is a modern version of UUCP, featuring enhanced security and support for various transport methods, including the Internet and USB sticks. NNCPNET provides standards, scripts, and tools for creating a broader email network using NNCP.

Key features include:

• A Docker container that simplifies setup, compatible with devices like Raspberry Pi.
• An Exim mail server and NNCP for secure email handling.
• Tools for verifying sender identity and managing nodelists automatically.
• An optional Internet email bridge that is off by default but can be enabled.

NNCPNET is open to everyone, with extensive documentation and source code available. It allows users to run email services without needing always-on Internet or open inbound ports, making it accessible for various setups, including laptops.

Welcome to Mobygratis! This platform offers free instrumental music for all types of creators, including filmmakers, musicians, students, and more. You can choose from three music formats: stereo MP3, stereo WAV, and multitrack WAV, all at no cost. Enjoy using the music, and we can't wait to see what you create! If you have any questions, check the FAQs. There are 500 tracks available.

In April 2025, Tavian Barnes shared a humorous take on running the ./configure command, highlighting various checks performed during the configuration process for building software. The checks include verifying the presence of necessary tools, libraries, and system capabilities, such as:

• Installation tools and compiler availability (e.g., gcc, make).
• Support for various programming features and standards (like C11).
• Availability of essential header files and functions (like stdio.h, stdlib.h, and various system calls).
• System characteristics such as architecture and filesystem support.

The output indicates that the environment is set up correctly for compiling software, with all necessary components found and functioning as expected.

Summary of "World Emulation via Neural Network"

On April 25, 2025, a project was introduced where a forest trail was transformed into an interactive "neural world" using a neural network. This world can be explored in a web browser and continues to function even offline after loading.

Key points include:

1. Neural World Concept: The world is generated by a neural network that creates images based on prior frames and user controls, without traditional game development techniques like geometry or animations.

2. Data Collection: The creator recorded about 15 minutes of video while walking through a forest, using a special app to track both video and motion data.

3. Training Process: Initial attempts to train the neural network resulted in poor quality outputs. Improvements were made by enhancing control inputs, increasing memory capacity, and adjusting the network's architecture.

4. Final Setup: The final model used over 22,000 frames captured at a specific location, with a complex input structure and a focus on generating realistic details. Training took around 100 GPU hours and involved advanced techniques.

5. Comparison with Traditional Games: Traditional game worlds are created like paintings, while neural worlds are akin to photographs, capturing real-life details directly from the environment.

6. Future Potential: The author believes that as technology advances, neural worlds could evolve to become as lifelike and accessible as photographs, leading to new forms of creative expression distinct from traditional video games.

7. Additional Resources: The text mentions existing projects and tools for those interested in developing their own world models.

In conclusion, the project showcases the potential of neural networks to recreate real-world environments and suggests a future where creating such digital worlds could be as easy as taking a photograph.

No summary available.

The article discusses the link between catastrophic fires, soil degradation, and the Neolithic revolution in the southern Levant. It suggests that the agricultural changes during the Neolithic period were influenced more by natural climatic shifts rather than human actions. Key findings include:

1. Natural Causes of Change: The research indicates that extreme weather patterns, particularly an increase in lightning, likely caused significant wildfires, leading to vegetation loss and soil erosion.

2. Evidence and Methods: The study utilized various records, such as micro-charcoal from lake sediments, isotopes from speleothems (cave formations), and lake level changes to understand environmental shifts.

3. Impact on Agriculture: As the environment deteriorated due to fires and soil erosion, Neolithic communities began to settle in areas with fertile, reworked soils in valleys, which were easier for agriculture.

4. Environmental Conditions: The period around 8,200 years ago was marked by a dry climate, which coincided with a significant drop in Dead Sea levels and increased fire activity, further contributing to soil degradation.

5. Conclusion: The findings imply that the Neolithic agricultural revolution was a response to severe environmental changes caused by natural climatic events, rather than a direct result of human practices like controlled burning.

Overall, the research highlights the complex interplay between climate, fire, and early human agricultural practices in the southern Levant.

A large-scale project in Brazil aimed to replicate findings from numerous biomedical studies has found that less than half of the results could be confirmed. This effort, involving over 50 research teams, focused on common research methods used in Brazilian studies rather than a specific field. Only 21% of the experiments met the criteria for successful replication, and the results showed that original studies tended to overestimate the effects of their findings by about 60%.

The project, led by the Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative, involved 213 scientists and faced logistical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings, which were shared on a preprint server and have not yet been peer-reviewed, highlight the need for improvements in scientific research practices in Brazil. The authors believe these results can drive changes in public policies and academic standards.

Create a personalized coloring book using your favorite photos! You can upload your memories and receive a physical book for $23.99 plus shipping, or choose a digital version for $11.99 that you can print at home. It's a great way to enjoy quality time together without screens.

No summary available.

The project aims to formalize the first volume of Bertrand Russell's Principia Mathematica using the Lean theorem prover. The objective is to ensure that the formalization matches the original theorems in the book to avoid misunderstandings.

Principia Mathematica uses a complex notation known as Peano-Russell notation. While there are resources available to understand this notation, the author believes that seeing examples of formalized formulas will clarify the concepts.

The author has made efforts to follow Russell's proofs closely, adding only necessary statements for formalization. They encourage feedback on any inaccuracies.

Before starting, the author found a more advanced formalization of Principia Mathematica done by another professor using Coq, but chose to pursue the project in Lean4 for personal enjoyment.

Each theorem includes a LaTeX fragment representing Russell's proof, and the author suggests using specific tools for better visualization in coding environments.

The author created a tactic called "Syll" to handle syllogistic reasoning, allowing the formalization of implications based on the structure of proofs.

Overall, the project serves as a personal learning experience in building mathematics from the ground up. Despite opinions that Principia Mathematica is a "monumental failure," the author found the process rewarding and plans to potentially formalize works by Alfred Tarski in the future.

The article discusses the popular belief that smartphones are constantly listening to our conversations to deliver targeted ads. Despite this conspiracy theory being widespread, there is no solid evidence to support it. In 2024, a news story claimed to reveal that a media company, Cox Media Group, had a system called Active Listening that could capture audio through phone microphones. However, major tech companies distanced themselves from this claim, and CMG later stated that the system was discontinued.

Experiments conducted by cybersecurity firm Wandera showed that smartphones do not listen to conversations covertly. They tested devices in different environments but found no increase in targeted ads or data usage that would indicate ongoing microphone surveillance. Other studies also reported that while phones aren't secretly recording, they do collect a vast amount of data in different ways, such as tracking user activity and app permissions.

The article concludes that companies like Facebook can serve targeted ads based on extensive data they gather about users' behaviors and preferences, rather than through direct audio surveillance. This data collection can be unsettling, as it allows for predictions about users' needs without needing to eavesdrop on conversations.

The Slate Truck is an American-made electric pickup set to launch next year, priced under $20,000 after federal incentives. It’s designed as a very basic vehicle, seating only two and featuring a bed large enough for a sheet of plywood. With a range of 150 miles, it lacks modern features like a stereo or touchscreen, promoting a minimalist and customizable design.

Slate Auto aims to create a new category of affordable vehicles focused on personalization. The truck’s body is made from durable plastic, making it resistant to scratches and eliminating the need for expensive paint jobs. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs, which has attracted significant investors, including Jeff Bezos.

The Slate Truck encourages DIY maintenance and customization, with plans for easy upgrades and a support network called Slate University to help owners perform their own repairs. It also aims for high safety ratings with essential safety features.

Sales will be direct, with preorders available for just $50, and deliveries expected to start in late 2026. The truck represents a shift away from the complex, high-tech vehicles currently dominating the market, posing the question of whether consumers are ready for such a simplified approach.

The internet has changed from a quirky place to a harmful space where companies exploit user attention for profit. Advertisers and algorithms prioritize engagement over user experience, often leading to negative effects.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) offers a way to take back control of what content we consume. However, using RSS readers can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information available. The key difference with RSS is that users choose what they see, which requires starting with unfiltered content.

To curate content effectively, one can use "chains of trust" by following trusted individuals and their recommendations. This approach helps build a diverse and meaningful content collection. Regularly refining this selection, much like tending a garden, is crucial. Ultimately, using an RSS reader is not just about collecting information; it involves skillfully engaging with content and ensuring that it aligns with one’s interests, allowing users to truly own their attention.

No summary available.

Summary of Backblaze Issues

Backblaze (NASDAQ: BLZE) is a cloud storage provider based in California with two main services: B2 Cloud Storage for data storage and application development, and Computer Backup for automatic data backup. Since going public in November 2021, the company has reported continuous financial losses, seen its share count increase by 80%, and its stock price drop by 71%.

In October 2024, two former senior employees filed lawsuits against Backblaze, accusing the company of accounting fraud, inflated projections, and retaliating against whistleblowers. The lawsuits reveal that after the IPO, the founders aggressively sold their shares despite warnings from advisors that this could harm the company’s stock price, which fell significantly as a result.

The lawsuits also claim that Backblaze pressured employees to certify inaccurate financial statements and inflated cash flow forecasts to mislead auditors. This alleged manipulation was part of a broader strategy to inflate the company’s financial appearance and maintain stock prices.

Backblaze has been criticized for its accounting practices, particularly its high rate of capitalizing software development costs, which masks actual losses. The company’s new CFO, hired from a company with a poor financial record, raises further concerns.

Competitively, Backblaze struggles against larger tech companies and newer players like Wasabi, which have outperformed it significantly. Former employees indicate that Backblaze primarily competes on price rather than offering differentiated services, particularly in the growing AI market.

Overall, Backblaze is viewed as a troubled company with a management team that lacks transparency and is implicated in questionable financial practices. The future appears uncertain, with suggestions that it may not recover from its current difficulties.

Colossal Cave Adventure Summary

• Colossal Cave Adventure is the first text adventure game, created in 1976 using Fortran.
• The source code has been collected, along with maps, walkthroughs, and executables for Windows and Mac OS.
• The author became interested in the game after seeing it in the TV series Halt & Catch Fire.
• This collection is intended for educational use only.

Summary of Building a 3x5 LED Matrix Tutorial

This tutorial guides you on how to create a 3x5 LED matrix controlled by a Raspberry Pi Pico using tscircuit. The project aims to enable various applications such as signage, data visualization, and an interactive notification system.

Key Objectives:

• Create a WiFi-controllable LED matrix.
• Ensure each LED can be controlled individually for brightness and color.

Components Needed:

• Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller.
• WS2812B IC LEDs for easier connectivity and control.

Steps to Build:

1. Import Components: Start by importing the Pico microcontroller and LED schematics.
2. Chain LEDs: Connect LEDs in a series, linking the output of one to the input of the next.
3. Connect to Pico: Use a GPIO pin (GP6) to connect the Pico to the first LED and ensure all components are powered correctly.

Matrix Layout:

• Use a grid function to arrange the LEDs in a 3x5 pattern, ensuring proper spacing.

PCB Design:

• Position the Pico and LEDs on a PCB layout for physical assembly.

Controlling the LED Matrix:

• The LED matrix can be managed via a web interface that allows users to control the colors and brightness of individual LEDs.
• It can be integrated with other applications through a REST API.

You can order the PCB by downloading the fabrication files and uploading them to JLCPCB. The complete implementation, including the web interface and necessary code, is available in the LED Matrix Server repository.

Summary:

The Empty Enter Expander is a tool designed for the zsh terminal that helps users type less by allowing them to insert commands with just a few keystrokes. A version for bash is not yet available.

Key Features:

• Activation: Press Enter on an empty command line to activate the tool.
• Shortcuts: After activation, you can type specific keys to quickly insert commands:
  • 1, 1, 1, Enter changes to the project's directory.
  • g, s, Enter shows the git status.
  • g, l, Enter shows the git log.

Setup Instructions:

1. Module Directory: Store your commands in a module directory, like ~/Tools/expander-example-module.
2. Command Preparation: Create scripts for long commands in this directory. For example, save a script for git log as ~/Tools/expander-example-module/g Git/l Log.
3. Configuration: Clone the project and set up the module directory in your ~/.zprofile file with specific commands.

Usage: After setting everything up, press Enter on an empty line to see your stored commands and type the shortcuts (like g and l) to insert them quickly.

No summary available.

Mike Lindell's lawyers used AI to write a legal brief in a defamation case, which resulted in nearly 30 citation errors, including references to fictional cases and misquotes. U.S. District Judge Nina Wang highlighted these mistakes and ordered the lawyers to explain why they should not face sanctions or disciplinary actions. During a hearing, lead attorney Christopher Kachouroff admitted to using AI but claimed he had drafted the brief first. The judge expressed skepticism about this claim due to the numerous errors. The case involves a lawsuit filed by former Dominion Voting employee Eric Coomer against Lindell and his companies, which have been accused of spreading false claims about election fraud. Coomer's motion seeks to exclude certain evidence, arguing it is irrelevant and could unfairly damage his character.

Curry: An Integrated Functional Logic Programming Language

Curry is a unique programming language that blends functional and logic programming features. Key aspects of Curry include:

• Declarative Nature: Results are independent of how and when they are computed, making programming simpler and more understandable. It has no statements or instructions, only expressions, and all variables are immutable.

• Type Inference: It is strongly typed, and the compiler automatically determines the types of functions. While types don't need to be explicitly stated, doing so is encouraged for clarity.

• Non-Determinism: Curry allows for operations that can yield different results for the same input, combining aspects of logic programming with functional programming benefits like lazy evaluation.

• Free Variables: These represent unknown values that can be filled in with concrete values during computation.

Curry is developed through an international collaboration aimed at research, teaching, and practical applications of functional logic languages.

Ecosystem Features:

• Compilers: Several implementations are in progress, including PAKCS, KiCS2, and MCC.

• Package Manager (CPM): This tool helps manage and distribute Curry libraries, handling version dependencies.

• CurryDoc: A tool that creates HTML (and LaTeX) documentation for Curry programs, detailing data types and operations.

• Curr(y)gle API Search: A search engine for Curry libraries, allowing users to find operations, data types, and modules easily.

Curry stands out for its powerful combination of programming paradigms, facilitating both research and practical use in integrated functional logic programming.

Magnitude: An AI-Powered Testing Framework for Web Apps

Magnitude is an open-source framework that simplifies end-to-end testing for web applications using visual AI agents. Here are the key features and steps to get started:

Key Features:

• Easy Test Creation: Build test cases using natural language.
• Smart Planning: A reasoning agent plans and adjusts tests automatically.
• Visual Execution: A fast visual agent runs tests efficiently.
• Error Handling: If issues arise, the reasoning agent intervenes.
• Local and CI/CD Integration: Tests can be executed on your local machine or within continuous integration/deployment pipelines.

Setup Instructions:

1. Install Magnitude:

   • Add the test runner to your project via npm: npm install --save-dev magnitude-test.
   • Initialize Magnitude with: npx magnitude init. This creates a configuration file and an example test.

2. Configure Language Models:

   • Set up two AI models:
     • A planning model (recommended: Gemini 2.5 pro).
     • A vision model (currently, only Moondream is supported).
   • Obtain API keys for these models and configure them in your environment.

Running Tests:

• Execute tests with: npx magnitude. This will run all tests and report any issues found.

Building Test Cases:

• Create tests using natural language to describe the steps, checks, and data needed for the test. For example:

  test('can log in and create company')
      .step('Log in to the app')
          .data({ username: '[email protected]', password: 'test' })
          .check('Can see dashboard')
      .step('Create a new company')
          .data('Fill in details and use defaults')
          .check('Company added successfully');
  

CI/CD Integration:

• Magnitude tests can be integrated into CI pipelines, similar to Playwright tests.

FAQs:

• Magnitude uses specialized models for planning and execution to ensure speed and reliability, unlike general-purpose models such as OpenAI.

Contact:

For personalized demos or assistance, reach out to [email protected] or join their Discord community for support.

Machine learning research is growing quickly, but it often lacks available code implementations, making it hard for researchers to replicate results. To address this, we created PaperCoder, a tool that uses Large Language Models (LLMs) to convert machine learning papers into working code. PaperCoder has three main stages:

1. Planning - It creates a roadmap, designs system architecture, identifies file dependencies, and generates configuration files.
2. Analysis - It interprets specific details needed for implementation.
3. Generation - It produces modular code that considers dependencies.

Each stage uses specialized agents that work together. We tested PaperCoder by generating code from machine learning papers, comparing its output to both model-based evaluations and feedback from the original paper authors. The results show that PaperCoder produces high-quality and accurate code implementations, performing well on the PaperBench benchmark and outperforming strong competitors.

Summary of "Programming in D"

"Programming in D" is a comprehensive guide to the D programming language. It is available in various formats, including paper, Kindle, and free digital versions. The book covers a wide range of topics essential for programming in D, such as:

• Basics: Introduction to the language with a simple "Hello World" program.
• Data Types: Explanation of fundamental types like integers, floating-point numbers, arrays, and strings.
• Control Structures: Instructions on using loops, conditionals (if statements, switch cases), and functions.
• Input/Output: How to read from and write to standard input/output streams and files.
• Advanced Topics: Includes classes, inheritance, templates, and memory management.
• Concurrency: Discusses parallelism and different approaches to concurrent programming.

The book is structured with chapters that provide code samples, a keyword index, and various programming concepts, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers.

Tina reflects on the importance of enthusiasm and the impact of supportive people in her life. She recalls how, at eight, she started a "fan club" to celebrate excitement and belief in others. Throughout her journey, she highlights key figures who inspired her, including her creative Aunt Hugi, her first boss Matthew Waldman, her daughter Ella, and others who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and believe in herself.

Tina emphasizes that enthusiasm is transformative and contagious, capable of changing lives. She started CreativeMornings to foster community and connection among creative individuals, which has grown into a global network of over 15,000 events. Her message encourages everyone to uplift others, be a source of encouragement, and embrace a fan mentality, believing in the potential of those around them. Ultimately, she calls for a shift towards kindness and community, inviting everyone to be a fan and inspire others.

No summary available.

The article discusses research on erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that typically stimulates red blood cell production but has been linked to poor cancer patient outcomes. The study by Chiu et al. reveals that tumor cells produce EPO to escape the immune system. In liver cancer models, high levels of tumor-derived EPO were connected to a noninflamed tumor environment, which is dominated by immunosuppressive macrophages.

When researchers blocked EPO or its receptor in these macrophages, T cells could infiltrate tumors more effectively, leading to better control of cancer. This suggests that the EPO signaling pathway acts as a switch that can turn off anti-tumor immunity. The findings highlight the potential of targeting the EPO/EPOR pathway as a new strategy to improve cancer treatment outcomes, particularly in liver cancer, and possibly in other cancers with similar issues.

No summary available.

A Japanese court has ordered Amazon Japan to pay 35 million yen (about $244,000) for not stopping the sale of fake products on its platform. The case was brought by medical equipment maker Try and E Co. and its distributor Excel Plan Co., who claimed that their sales dropped due to counterfeit items being sold alongside their genuine products. The court ruled that Amazon has a responsibility to effectively monitor and remove counterfeit listings. The issue arose when Excel Plan's genuine pulse oximeter was listed next to a counterfeit version that was much cheaper, making it more visible to buyers. Despite reporting the fake product to Amazon, the genuine listing was removed, impacting their sales. The ruling is seen as significant for holding online platforms accountable for counterfeit goods.

The paper "Large Language Models, Small Labor Market Effects" by Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard investigates the impact of AI chatbots on the labor market in Denmark. It uses data from two large surveys conducted in late 2023 and 2024, involving 25,000 workers across 11 occupations.

Key findings include:

1. Widespread Adoption: Many employers are promoting AI chatbots, with significant investments in training and in-house models, leading to increased usage among workers.

2. Minimal Economic Impact: Despite the rapid adoption and training, the overall economic effects of AI chatbots on earnings and working hours are minimal. The study found no significant changes in earnings or hours worked, with any gains being less than 1%.

3. Modest Productivity Gains: Users reported an average time saving of only 2.8% from using AI chatbots, which contrasts with findings from controlled trials showing higher productivity gains (15-50%).

4. Role of Employer Initiatives: Employers who actively encourage AI chatbot usage see higher adoption rates and benefits, including a reduction in demographic disparities in usage.

5. Caution Against Extrapolation: The study warns against assuming that productivity gains observed in experiments will translate to the broader economy due to varying real-world conditions.

Overall, while AI chatbots have been adopted rapidly and employers are heavily investing in them, the anticipated dramatic changes in the labor market have not materialized. The findings challenge the notion that Generative AI will lead to significant economic transformations in the near future.

The article discusses serious security lapses by U.S. officials, specifically Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who used an insecure internet connection to access the encrypted messaging app Signal on a personal computer. He also shared sensitive military information related to Yemen through Signal groups that included unauthorized individuals, such as journalists and family members.

Additionally, members of the National Security Council reportedly exchanged military details using personal Gmail accounts. These actions raise significant security concerns because they expose sensitive information to potential foreign surveillance and hacking. Experts emphasize that secure communication channels are crucial for national defense, and bypassing these protocols jeopardizes intelligence.

The article criticizes the current administration for not prioritizing cybersecurity and creating a culture that values data privacy and secure communications. It highlights that adversaries like China and Russia are likely taking advantage of these security weaknesses. Despite evident risks, officials downplay the severity of these incidents, which could have dire consequences for national security.

Summary: Call for Papers for CACM Practice Section

The Communications of the ACM (CACM) is inviting submissions for its new Practice section, which aims to support computing professionals by improving their understanding and job performance. This section will be on par with the existing Research section and will focus on practical articles that are relevant to practitioners rather than strictly academic research.

Key Points:

• Articles should be of interest to a wide range of computing practitioners and should not require extensive technical knowledge.
• Topics can include technical advancements, development practices, and successful system examples.
• Submissions are limited to 10 pages (around 6,000 words) and can be based on previously published online content, but not elsewhere.
• Authors retain copyright and articles will be published under a CC-BY license.
• The section will not accept vocational, tutorial, or opinion pieces; it seeks in-depth insights into practices that help professionals stay current in the field.
• Authors are encouraged to reach out to the Practice section co-chairs for guidance before submission.

For more details and submission guidelines, prospective authors can check the CACM website.

Google has announced that the first and second generation Nest Learning Thermostats will lose support in October 2025. After this date, these devices will no longer receive software updates or connect to Google’s cloud services, meaning smart features will be disabled. However, the thermostats will still function as regular devices for temperature control.

Owners in the U.S. will receive a $130 discount on the fourth-generation Nest Thermostat if they choose to upgrade. In Canada, the discount is CA$160. Unfortunately, European users will not have an upgrade option, as Google has stopped producing thermostats for that market and recommends third-party alternatives instead.

This decision comes as Google has been reducing its workforce in the division that includes Nest, and it follows recent discontinuations of other Nest products.

The article discusses a nostalgic project to create a simple writing platform using DOS, an operating system that many remember fondly for its simplicity. The author reflects on how modern operating systems have become complex, making DOS appealing for its minimalism.

Key points include:

1. Nostalgia for DOS: Many users miss the simplicity of DOS, which was widely used before the rise of Windows. Community-driven projects like FreeDOS and SvarDOS aim to keep DOS alive, particularly for retro gaming.

2. Challenges with Modern Systems: Running DOS on modern 64-bit systems can be tricky due to compatibility issues with USB and networking. DOS has limitations, such as not supporting modern file systems and having a maximum memory capacity.

3. Creating a Writing Rig: The author proposes using a bootable USB key to run DOS, making it a distraction-free environment for writing. This setup includes classic word processors like Microsoft Word and WordPerfect.

4. Project Development: The author has created a USB-DOS project on GitHub, providing images for bootable USB drives that include writing applications. The project is based on SvarDOS, which offers a user-friendly experience.

5. Future Enhancements: While the current system is limited, there is potential for adding modern features, but this would require careful memory management and could complicate the simplicity of the DOS environment.

Overall, the project aims to recapture the simplicity of writing in a non-distracting environment using DOS, appealing to those who appreciate retro computing.

No summary available.

No summary available.

A report by Cristosal, a human rights organization in El Salvador, reveals horrific conditions in the country's prisons under President Nayib Bukele's government. The investigation highlights widespread torture, abuse, and neglect, resulting in the deaths of dozens of inmates. Many inmates died from torture methods like strangulation and lack of medical care, with at least 153 deaths documented in one year.

Survivors reported severe mistreatment, including being forced to eat food off the floor and enduring electric shocks. The report states that the government has maintained a state of emergency since March 2022 to combat gang violence, which has led to arbitrary arrests and human rights violations.

The findings suggest that not all detained individuals are gang members, with thousands released after being wrongfully imprisoned. Human rights advocates warn that the current situation mirrors past military dictatorships in El Salvador, where state repression was common. The government has dismissed these concerns, labeling critics as defenders of gangs.

This post presents an alternative perspective on physics, viewing it as optimization rather than just a series of equations. The key concept is "action," which, when minimized, reveals the path a physical system will take through space and time. The author proposes using gradient descent—a mathematical technique typically used in optimization—to find this path, starting with a simple example of an object in a gravitational field.

Key Points:

1. Action Minimization: The action is a quantity that, when minimized, determines the path of least action for a system. This contrasts with traditional methods that rely on analytical or numerical solutions.

2. Standard Approaches:

   • Analytical Approach: Uses mathematical tools to derive equations of motion, such as the equation for an object in free fall.
   • Numerical Approach: Useful for complex systems with no clear analytical solution, involving simulations to predict future states.

3. Lagrangian Method: This method provides a comprehensive framework for deriving equations of motion for various physical systems. It involves calculating the action and determining paths that make the action stationary.

4. Gradient Descent for Action: Instead of the traditional Euler-Lagrange method, the author suggests directly minimizing the action using gradient descent techniques. This involves computing the gradient of the action and adjusting the path iteratively.

5. Implementation: The post includes code snippets to demonstrate how to apply this technique to find the path of an object in a gravitational field, starting from a random initial path and refining it to match the expected parabolic trajectory.

6. Results: The optimized path using action minimization aligns with traditional outcomes from numerical integration methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

7. Future Exploration: The author plans to explore more complex systems and delve into the historical context and significance of the principle of least action in physics.

In summary, this post highlights a novel approach to understanding physical systems through action minimization and sets the stage for further exploration of this concept in both classical and quantum physics.

The UK's Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has declared the BBC's licence fee "unenforceable" and has opened the door to reviewing the funding model for the corporation. The current annual fee of £174.50 is seeing fewer people paying, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Nandy is negotiating with the BBC as part of the review process, which aims to create a "fairer, more sustainable system" for funding.

She highlighted issues with enforcement, particularly how it has disproportionately affected vulnerable women. While 80% of households still pay the licence fee, there are calls for alternatives, though Nandy has ruled out funding the BBC through general taxation. She is considering options such as a subscription model and is seeking public input on future changes. The BBC is eager to engage in discussions to secure its long-term future.

Summary

Researchers at HiddenLayer have created a new technique called the Policy Puppetry Attack that allows users to bypass safety measures in major AI models by using a single, adaptable prompt. This technique can effectively generate harmful content, such as instructions related to CBRN threats (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear), violence, and self-harm, across various AI models from companies like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and more.

Key points include:

• Universal and Transferable: The prompt can work across different AI models without needing adjustments.
• Bypassing Safety Protocols: The technique takes advantage of weaknesses in how AI models are trained to follow instructions, allowing harmful outputs even when models are designed to refuse such requests.
• Roleplaying and Encoding: The attack combines roleplaying methods and specialized encoding (like leetspeak) to trick the AI into producing unsafe content.
• Real-World Implications: This discovery raises concerns about the ability of AI models to self-monitor for dangerous content and highlights the need for enhanced security measures to protect against such vulnerabilities.

The findings suggest that existing AI safety protocols are not sufficient, pointing to a need for better security tools to monitor and respond to potential threats posed by malicious prompt injections.

Echo: Open Hardware Music Player Overview

Echo is an open hardware music player designed to provide high-quality sound using free software, primarily running Rockbox firmware.

Key Features of Echo R1:

• Dimensions: Approximately 60x100x15mm.
• Controls: Includes a 4-way D-pad, 6 multi-function buttons, dedicated volume and power buttons, and a sliding hold switch to prevent accidental presses.
• Audio Ports: Two 3.5mm jacks (one for headphones and one for line-out), allowing simultaneous use.
• Storage: Removable memory card slot supporting up to 2 TiB.
• Connectivity: USB-C port for charging and file transfer.
• Battery: Uses a replaceable BL-5C battery for easy replacement.

Hardware Specs:

• CPU: STM32H743 @ 480 MHz
• Memory: 32 MiB SDRAM
• Audio Chip: TLV320AIC3104
• Display: 2.3-inch LCD with 320x240 resolution
• Real-Time Clock: Yes, with an alarm function

Development Status:

• The prototype (Rev1) PCB is complete but has some issues that are being addressed.
• A 3D-printable case is in design but not yet available.

Known Issues:

• Backlight cannot be turned off.
• Backlight LED current limit is too low.
• Some schematic reference designators are unclear.

Licensing: All project files are available under the CERN-OHL-S version 2 license.

Credits: Copyright (C) 2024-2025 Aidan MacDonald.

The blog post discusses the VTech Socrates, a hybrid video game console and computer released in 1988. Here are the key points:

1. Availability and Condition: The Socrates is inexpensive and widely available on eBay, likely due to overproduction. The author's unit arrived late, dirty, and damaged, but was sturdy enough to clean up.

2. Design and Components: The Socrates features a unique expansion bay for accessories and has a simple design with a motherboard containing mainly Toshiba components. It comes with a keyboard that uses infrared for input.

3. Modifications: The author attempted to create an AV mod to improve video output, making it more complicated than necessary. They faced challenges during assembly but successfully completed the mod.

4. Testing: Upon powering up the Socrates, the author connected it to a TV and found the video and audio output acceptable but noted the audio was too loud.

5. Gameplay: The Socrates requires batteries for the keyboard. The author tested a game called "Around the World," noting some issues with the controllers but still managed to play.

6. Cartridge Exploration: The author opened a game cartridge and analyzed its components. They also attempted to develop their own code for the Socrates, figuring out how to interact with its BIOS and display strings on screen.

7. Challenges: The author encountered various technical challenges, including issues with memory and cartridge loading. They successfully drew pixels on the screen but struggled to implement a printing function.

8. Future Plans: The author expressed a desire to further explore the Socrates' capabilities, including improving the printing functionality and possibly developing a flash cartridge for easier programming.

Overall, the post highlights the Socrates as an interesting educational computer with unique features, while also showcasing the author's journey in modifying and understanding the system.

Summary of Differential Coverage for Debugging

The author discusses a useful debugging technique called "differential coverage," which helps identify problematic code by comparing code coverage between passing and failing tests.

Here's how it works:

1. Running Tests: When a test fails, you can run coverage profiles for both the failing and a passing version of the test.
2. Comparing Profiles: By using a diff tool, you can highlight which parts of the code were executed in the failing test but not in the passing one. This helps to narrow down where the bug might be.
3. Analyzing Results: The analysis reveals areas of code that are covered by the failing test (marked in green) and those that are not (marked in red). The green areas are potential sources of the bug.
4. Identifying Bugs: In this example, the author found a bug in a specific piece of code that caused the test to fail. The process allowed them to focus on just a few lines out of thousands of lines of code.

While differential coverage is not foolproof (as some bugs may not be detected if the tests aren’t sensitive enough), it is a quick way to identify code that needs closer inspection. The author also suggests that viewing the basic coverage profile of a single failing test can help clarify which parts of the code were executed.

Overall, this technique is efficient and can significantly speed up the debugging process.

No summary available.

The study explores how "Undefined Behavior" (UB) in C and C++ can be used for optimization, particularly focusing on its performance impact across various CPU architectures. UB occurs in situations where the language does not define how certain operations should behave, such as integer overflow or dereferencing out-of-bounds pointers. While compilers often use UB to enhance performance, this study reveals that the actual performance improvements are minimal.

Key points include:

1. Undefined Behavior: UB allows compilers flexibility but can lead to optimizations that produce incorrect results if programs contain bugs.

2. Compiler Optimizations: The study uses LLVM, a compiler that heavily relies on UB for optimizations, to measure performance impacts by selectively disabling different types of UB.

3. Performance Findings: The analysis shows that while UB can enable some optimizations, the overall performance gains are often small, and in cases where performance decreases, improvements can usually be regained through better optimization techniques.

4. Impact of Disabling UB: Disabling various UB classes can sometimes even improve performance, particularly on ARM CPUs, which benefit greatly from link-time optimizations.

5. Benchmarking: The researchers conducted tests on 24 C/C++ programs, measuring performance under different conditions and found that the impact of UB exploitation varies significantly across different CPU architectures.

6. Security Concerns: There is an increasing interest in reducing UB in programming languages due to security vulnerabilities it can introduce, such as optimizations that ignore null pointer checks.

Overall, the study provides insights into the balance between optimization benefits and potential risks associated with Undefined Behavior in C and C++ programming.

No summary available.

Mathematicians have made a significant breakthrough in addressing a challenge posed by David Hilbert 125 years ago, known as Hilbert's sixth problem, which aims to unify physics and mathematics. The researchers, Yu Deng, Zaher Hani, and Xiao Ma, claim to have successfully connected three theories explaining fluid motion: Newton's laws at the microscopic level, the Boltzmann equation at the mesoscopic level, and the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations at the macroscopic level.

Previously, these theories were based on unproven assumptions. The new work provides a mathematical foundation that strengthens our understanding of how fluids behave across different scales—from individual particles to large collections of fluid. The researchers achieved this by demonstrating how the theories logically derive from one another, particularly focusing on how the mesoscopic behavior of fluids can be derived from the microscopic perspective of particle interactions.

This accomplishment not only enhances the credibility of existing fluid dynamics theories but also represents a step forward in fulfilling Hilbert's vision of a more rigorous mathematical framework for physics. If validated, this work could lead to further advancements in physics and other scientific fields.

At Revision 2025, the [BUS ERROR Collective] showcased an impressive demo called "Primer," which won first place in the Wild category and the Crowd Favorite award. This demo is a great example of "oscilloscope music," where audio signals create visual patterns on an oscilloscope. It begins with simple waveforms and evolves into intricate graphics, accompanied by an electronic soundtrack. The demo was made using tools like Osci-Render and Ableton 11, and it was displayed on a BK Precision Model 2120 oscilloscope. The combination of captivating sounds and visuals impressed many, highlighting the creativity in the demoscene.

In the competition between two coding tools, Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex CLI, Codex CLI is gaining more favor among developers. This is largely due to Anthropic's actions, such as sending takedown notices to developers trying to reverse-engineer Claude Code, which has stricter usage rules compared to Codex CLI.

Both tools help developers use AI for coding tasks and were released around the same time. Codex CLI has an open-source license that allows for distribution and commercial use, while Claude Code's source code is restricted and not easily accessible.

When a developer shared the de-obfuscated source code of Claude Code, Anthropic filed a complaint to remove it, which upset many in the developer community. In contrast, OpenAI has actively incorporated developer feedback into Codex CLI and even allowed it to integrate with AI models from competitors.

While Claude Code is still in beta and may improve, OpenAI's approach marks a shift toward being more open, contrasting with its previous stance on proprietary software.

David Anderson discusses the complexities of parsing IP addresses, specifically IPv4 and IPv6. He starts by explaining their standard forms: IPv4 as "dotted decimal" (e.g., 192.168.0.1) and IPv6 as "colon-hex" (e.g., 1:2:3:4:5:6:7:8).

For IPv6, he highlights that the "::" notation allows for skipping sections of zeros, leading to various representations like 1:2::3:4. Additionally, IPv6 allows embedding an IPv4 address, as in 1:2:3:4:5:6:77.77.88.88.

He notes that the representation of IPv4 was never officially standardized, leading to multiple ways to write the same address, including as an integer (3232271615), in octal (0300.0250.0214.0377), or hex (0xc0.0xa8.0x8c.0xff). IPv4 addresses can also be expressed in "Class A," "B," or "C" notations.

The article concludes with the challenges of parsing these addresses, especially regarding leading zeros and various notations. Anderson's parser currently supports classic IPv4 and certain IPv6 forms, but he questions the relevance of some older notations in modern use.

Mary MacLane was a Canadian-American author who gained fame at just nineteen with her confessional book, The Story of Mary MacLane (1902). Born in 1881, she moved to Montana after her father's death and later faced financial struggles when her family's fortune was mismanaged. Instead of attending Stanford, she focused on writing, producing a work that explored her inner life and emotions in a raw and modern style.

Her book mixed mundane daily activities with intense feelings of desire and discontent, earning both praise and criticism. Critics described her work as bizarre, while some hailed her as a genius. She quickly became a national sensation, selling nearly 100,000 copies and inspiring various fan groups and parodies. Despite her initial success, her later works did not achieve the same recognition, leading to a decline in her career.

MacLane continued to write and even ventured into film but struggled with personal issues, including health problems and financial difficulties. She passed away in 1929, largely forgotten by the literary world. However, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest in her work, with adaptations and publications bringing her story back into the spotlight.

The author discusses their experiences with open source software licenses, particularly the GNU General Public License (GPL). They note that while most software today uses GPLv3, they often come across GPLv2. A curious point is the physical address included in the GPLv2 notice, which is a remnant from 1991 when most people communicated through mail rather than online.

To explore this, the author decided to write to the address for a copy of the license. They faced challenges obtaining US stamps due to the discontinuation of international reply coupons in the UK. They navigated the world of stamp collecting to secure the necessary postage.

After mailing their request in June 2022, they received a response five weeks later, but it contained the GPLv3 text instead of the GPLv2 they had requested. The author reflects on whether they should have clarified their request for GPLv2 and concludes that despite the mix-up, they are satisfied with the response and feel the need for a break after their postal endeavor.

Summary: A Visual Journey Through Async Rust

The author, a visual learner, aims to understand async Rust by visualizing execution order and interactions among concurrent tasks. They create a program to plot sine wave calculations performed asynchronously, using futures.

Key points include:

1. Visualization of Async Execution: The author uses a sine wave function to illustrate the passing of time in async tasks. Each sine value calculation is sent through a channel to be plotted later.

2. Concurrency vs. Parallelism: The results show that while tasks can run concurrently, they do not run in parallel unless properly managed. CPU-intensive tasks can block other async operations, leading to delays.

3. Spawning Tasks: By spawning tasks in Tokio, the author demonstrates how to utilize multiple CPU cores. This allows CPU-heavy tasks to run in parallel without affecting the performance of other tasks.

4. Using spawn_blocking: For CPU-bound operations, tokio::task::spawn_blocking() can be used to run heavy computations in a dedicated thread pool, thus avoiding stalls in async execution.

5. Insights Gained: Visualizing the execution helps clarify the differences between concurrency and parallelism and highlights the importance of optimal CPU utilization in async programming.

The post concludes that visualizing async futures provides a clearer understanding of their behavior, making the complex nature of async Rust easier to grasp.

Note: The demo code requires Python for visualization, and detailed setup instructions are provided.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary of Turbine Turbulence

Elon Musk's company, xAI, has been accused of operating over 30 methane gas turbines at its supercomputer facility in Memphis without proper environmental permits. Residents, especially in historically Black neighborhoods affected by industrial pollution, are calling for the turbines to be shut down, claiming that xAI's operations contribute significantly to local air pollution and health issues.

Thermal imaging revealed that xAI has more turbines running than it disclosed to local authorities, leading to concerns about transparency and potential environmental racism. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is advocating for the Shelby County Health Department to deny xAI's air permit applications due to these allegations.

In response to the controversy, anonymous flyers were distributed in Memphis downplaying xAI's pollution claims, but the source of these flyers is unclear. The SELC has criticized xAI for operating turbines without permits, highlighting the health risks associated with gas emissions.

Despite the backlash, xAI plans to continue expanding its operations and has invested heavily in the facility. Local officials are now offering a public hearing for residents to voice their concerns about xAI's environmental impact. Critics, including local representatives, are pushing for accountability and better regulation of the company's activities.

Summary:

The Liquid Sunlight Alliance is a collaborative effort to develop methods for using sunlight to create liquid fuels. Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have created a device that uses a combination of perovskite and copper to convert carbon dioxide into C2 chemicals, which are important for producing various everyday products like plastics and fuels.

This new system mimics the natural process of photosynthesis in plants and represents a significant advancement in energy research. The team, led by scientist Peidong Yang, designed the device to replicate how leaves absorb light and convert it into energy. The use of copper in the system allows for a more durable and stable solution compared to previous biological alternatives.

The device, about the size of a postage stamp, successfully converts CO2 into valuable chemicals using only sunlight. The researchers aim to improve the efficiency and scalability of this technology for broader applications in industries that require liquid fuels.

This research is part of a larger initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, focusing on innovative energy solutions.

Summary of c/ua (Computer-Use Agent)

c/ua is a framework that allows AI agents to control entire operating systems within lightweight virtual containers, achieving up to 97% of native performance on Apple Silicon. It supports both macOS and Linux.

Key Features:

1. High-Performance Virtualization: Run macOS/Linux virtual machines with near-native speed.
2. Computer-Use Interface & Agent: Enable AI systems to interact with applications, browse, write code, and manage workflows in these virtual environments.

Benefits:

• Security: Isolated environments for AI agents protect your main system.
• Performance: Excellent performance on Apple Silicon.
• Flexibility: Run both macOS and Linux using the same framework.
• Reproducibility: Consistent environments for AI workflows.
• LLM Integration: Connect easily with various large language model providers.

Requirements:

• Mac with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4)
• macOS 15 or newer
• Python 3.10 or higher
• Recommended disk space: at least 30GB

Getting Started:

1. For Virtualization Only: Install Lume CLI using a simple command.
2. For Full Capabilities: Install Lume CLI, pull macOS images, start the service, and install Python libraries for AI functionality.
3. Build from Source: Developers can clone the repository and build the project for the latest features.

Libraries Available:

• Lume: For running VMs.
• Computer: For interacting with the environments.
• Agent: For managing AI workflows in the sandboxes.

Contribution and Community: Contributions to c/ua are welcome, and users can join the Discord community for support and sharing ideas. The project is open-source under the MIT License.

Mountain rescue services in England and Wales experienced a record number of callouts in 2024, with teams responding every day of the year. The increase is largely attributed to young people aged 18-24, whose rescue calls nearly doubled over five years, rising from 166 to 314. This trend is linked to the popularity of scenic spots shared on social media and the use of navigation apps that often lack detail or offline capabilities.

The chief executive of Mountain Rescue England and Wales noted that young people are increasingly drawn to risky areas due to Instagram posts and are relying on unsuitable navigation tools. While younger individuals accounted for the most rescues, older age groups, especially those aged 40-44 and 75-79, also saw significant increases in callouts.

Popular locations for rescues include Eryri (Snowdonia), the Lake District, and the Peak District. The demand for rescues is putting pressure on volunteer teams, some of whom have jobs outside of their rescue duties. Experts recommend preparing properly for outdoor activities by using reliable mapping tools to avoid getting lost or stranded.

No summary available.

CUDA Graphs are a new feature for NVIDIA GPUs that aim to speed up GPU tasks by grouping them together. However, using CUDA Graphs can be challenging because they have a fixed structure and can lead to performance issues due to data copying. Surprisingly, in some cases, using CUDA Graphs can actually slow down performance.

To address these issues, we present PyGraph, a new tool that makes it easier to use CUDA Graphs with PyTorch2. PyGraph includes three key optimizations: it allows for broader use of CUDA Graphs, reduces the overhead from copying GPU kernel parameters, and decides when to use CUDA Graphs based on a cost-benefit analysis. PyGraph works well with PyTorch2 without needing to change the original code. Our tests show that PyGraph significantly improves performance in various machine learning tasks compared to using PyTorch2 alone.

Summary of "Learning from Video Games" by Matthew Prast

Matthew Prast explores the valuable lessons that can be learned from various video game genres, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning. He believes that every experience, even seemingly trivial ones like playing video games, can teach us valuable skills and insights.

1. Connecting the Dots: Inspired by Steve Jobs' notion of connecting past experiences to future opportunities, Prast argues that engaging with video games can reveal important truths about learning, problem-solving, and creativity.

2. Platformers: Games like Super Mario Bros. illustrate effective communication through gameplay. Players learn controls and objectives without lengthy tutorials, which encourages immersive learning. Analyzing the first moments of gameplay can reveal how well a game communicates its mechanics.

3. Roguelikes: These games, which often involve starting over after failure, teach players about non-linear progress and the importance of adaptation. Success requires exploiting feedback loops and finding creative strategies to overcome challenges.

4. Farming Sims: Titles like Stardew Valley provide lessons in cash flow management and operational scaling. Players learn to balance investments and resources, simulating real-world business management principles.

5. Smash Bros: This series highlights the significance of understanding the competitive "meta" in gaming, which reflects broader truths about strategy and adaptation in various fields, including business and sports. Success depends on recognizing changing dynamics and being prepared to innovate.

6. Puzzle Games: Games like Baba Is You encourage out-of-the-box thinking and experimentation. Players tackle complex problems (Type 2 problems) where solutions are not straightforward, honing their creative problem-solving skills.

7. Unexplored Games: Prast acknowledges the absence of Factorio in his discussion, indicating a desire to explore its potential lessons in the future.

Overall, Prast encourages readers to engage with video games not only for entertainment but also as a means of learning and personal growth.

Summary: IBM z17 Telum II Processor Overview

The article discusses the new IBM z17 Telum II processor, highlighting a recent visit to IBM’s Fishkill facility where unique hardware insights were shared. Key points include:

• The Telum II processor features advanced technology, including capabilities for artificial intelligence.
• The visit allowed for an in-depth look at the processor's design, including its cutaway for materials analysis and the display of raw chip wafers.
• The processor utilizes dual chip modules (DCMs) and has innovative socket designs that enhance communication between processors.
• The author encourages IBM to share more behind-the-scenes details about the manufacturing process of these advanced processors.

Overall, the piece emphasizes the technological advancements of the IBM z17 Telum II and provides a glimpse into the engineering behind it.

Summary: The Gruen Transfer Online

The Gruen Transfer refers to a tactic used in stores to confuse shoppers, causing them to forget their original shopping goals. This concept is now affecting our online experiences, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook. Originally designed to help users see updates from friends, Facebook's feed has become cluttered with ads and unrelated content, leading users to lose track of their purpose for visiting.

This confusion is common across many websites, which are increasingly designed to encourage impulsive actions. For instance, attempting to delete an account on social media often involves navigating through a complex process meant to dissuade users from leaving.

The article raises concerns about how excessive complexity can negatively impact user experience and suggests that there should be regulations ensuring that canceling a service is as easy as signing up for it. The author advocates for a balance between simplicity and complexity in web design, similar to existing laws in the EU.

In summary, the piece highlights the growing issue of confusing online experiences and calls for more user-friendly practices across the web.

Summary of UIT - Universal Information Terminal

UIT is a library designed for efficient file processing in cloud environments, focusing on performance, low memory usage, and modularity. It follows a simple 4-step process: gathering file hierarchies, applying filters and transformations, merging data, and outputting results.

Key Features:

• Performance: Fast navigation and searching through large data sets.
• Low Memory Usage: Utilizes streaming and parallelization for operation in low-memory settings.
• Modularity: Offers a clear overview of different processing components, allowing flexible combinations of modules.

UIT has evolved from a basic ZIP file parser into a more complex system capable of handling various file types and transformations. It leverages the Streams API for efficient data handling.

Modules Available:

1. uithub.ingestzip: Processes ZIP files.
2. uithub.merge: Merges multiple data streams.
3. uithub.outputmd: Converts data to markdown format.
4. uithub.outputzip: Packages data into ZIP files.
5. uithub.search: Enables searching within file hierarchies.
6. uithub.ziptree: Extracts zip file structures efficiently.
7. uithub.otp: Generates one-time passwords for security.
8. uithub: Integrates various modules within a user-friendly interface.

Each module can function independently and is compliant with the UIT Protocol, which outlines the requirements for creating new modules.

Contributing to UIT: UIT encourages contributions from developers to expand its functionality. A plugin system is in development to facilitate easy file transformations through the UI.

Licensing: UIT will be licensed under MIT License upon official launch, with a request for attribution when used.

For more information, refer to the project's documentation and community resources.

In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan opened a tuition-free school for low-income families in California called the Primary School, aimed at integrating healthcare and education. However, the school recently announced it will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year, citing this as a difficult decision but providing little explanation. Reports indicate that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is withdrawing its support for the school, which has raised concerns among parents.

CZI plans to donate $50 million to support affected families, but reasons for the closure remain unclear. The school's approach focused on whole-family support, pairing parents with wellness coaches, and it has been recognized as a model for integrating education and healthcare.

Zuckerberg and Chan's philanthropy has shifted recently, with CZI announcing a reduction in social advocacy efforts, including diversity and inclusion programs. This decision reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, as companies like Meta adjust their community impact strategies. Local residents have expressed disappointment, feeling that the closure is a loss for the community, especially amid ongoing housing challenges in the Bay Area. The Primary School staff is committed to making the most of the remaining school year for their students.

Summary of Sarah Wynn-Williams's 'Careless People' Review:

Sarah Wynn-Williams's memoir, Careless People, reveals her experiences while managing global policy for Facebook. The book gained attention when Meta's lawyers attempted to suppress its promotion, which ultimately led to increased interest in its contents.

Wynn-Williams shares insider stories about key Facebook figures, including Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, and Joel Kaplan, painting them as careless and self-centered. She recounts incidents that illustrate their disregard for important issues, such as Zuckerberg's impulsive promises to the UN and Kaplan’s misguided ideas about internet access for refugees.

Her journey to Facebook began with her fascination for its potential to impact global politics, spurred by a personal crisis during the Christchurch earthquake. However, her time at the company revealed a troubling culture of neglect and insensitivity, including experiences of sexual harassment and a lack of support during personal crises.

Wynn-Williams criticizes Facebook for its indifference to global issues and its complicity in harmful actions, such as enabling genocide in Myanmar. She argues that the company's growth and market dominance have led to a culture where executives no longer feel accountable for their actions.

Ultimately, Careless People serves as a critique of Facebook's leadership, highlighting their recklessness and the systemic issues that allow such behavior to persist. Wynn-Williams calls for a change in the regulatory environment to ensure that tech companies are held accountable for their actions, emphasizing that they must care about the consequences of their decisions.

Jason Citron, the co-founder and CEO of Discord, is stepping down and will be replaced by Humam Sakhnini, a former executive at Activision Blizzard and King, starting April 28th. Citron will remain on the board and act as an advisor. He stated that it's time for him to transition out of the CEO role as the company evolves.

Discord has around 870 employees and over 200 million monthly users. Co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy will continue as chief technology officer. Sakhnini expressed excitement about leading Discord and its future in gaming and entertainment. The leadership change comes as Discord is considering going public, though Citron noted that no announcements about an IPO are planned yet.

The text discusses three main flaws of Packed SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) instruction set architectures (ISAs), which are widely used in modern CPUs. Here’s a simplified summary of the key points:

1. Fixed Register Width: Packed SIMD architectures have a fixed register size, which limits their ability to scale with advancements in hardware. New SIMD generations require additional instructions and registers, complicating software development and increasing the size of the binary code.

2. Pipelining Issues: The design where register width matches execution unit width can lead to inefficient processing. Many SIMD operations take multiple clock cycles, causing delays. This requires software developers to unroll loops, which makes the binary larger and can impact performance due to reduced instruction cache efficiency.

3. Tail Handling: When processing arrays that don't perfectly fit into SIMD registers, extra code is needed to handle the remaining elements (the "tail"). This adds complexity and overhead to the code, further reducing efficiency.

The text also suggests alternatives to Packed SIMD, such as vector processors and other architectures like RISC-V and ARM SVE, which better handle these issues by being more flexible and efficient in their design.

The article discusses how local-first web applications require a new approach to traditional client-server architectures, focusing on fast, offline-capable functionality. It introduces a type-driven method using a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) to create an effective search system for issue tracking.

Key points include:

1. Domain-Specific Language (DSL): The article proposes a DSL specifically for searching issues, enhancing user experience by using familiar terms. This approach makes queries more understandable and maintainable.

2. Data Structure: It defines a basic structure for issues, with various attributes like status, author, and labels. The principles can apply to other domains as well.

3. Error Handling: The use of the "Either" type allows the program to manage errors effectively, distinguishing between successful and failed operations.

4. Parsing Techniques: The article employs parser combinators to build a parser that converts input strings into a structured format (Abstract Syntax Tree or AST). This separation of parsing and execution allows for better optimization and flexibility.

5. Query Execution: A function is defined to handle the entire query process, from parsing to filtering the dataset based on constructed predicates.

6. Performance Considerations: Although the system shows decent performance on a dataset of one million issues, it relies on linear scans and could benefit from indexing and other optimizations to improve speed and efficiency.

7. Future Improvements: Suggestions for enhancing performance include query optimization, caching, and using indexes to handle larger datasets effectively.

In conclusion, the article outlines a structured approach to building a robust search system using TypeScript, functional programming principles, and a focus on user-friendly design, applicable to both local-first and server-side applications.

Summary of "Done in by Time" by Joseph Epstein

In his essay "Done in by Time," Joseph Epstein discusses the current state of the arts, particularly focusing on literature. He argues that, unlike science, art does not follow a linear path of progress, but rather experiences cycles of highs and lows. Currently, he perceives a low period in high art, questioning the impact of digital culture on attention spans and the publishing industry’s reluctance to support serious fiction.

Epstein reviews Edwin Frank's book, "Stranger Than Fiction: Lives of the Twentieth-Century Novel," which examines the evolution of the novel throughout the tumultuous twentieth century. Frank analyzes the works of thirty-two novelists, highlighting how the themes of novels have expanded to include diverse subjects like homosexuality and magic realism, contrasting them with the more focused themes of the previous century.

While he praises many classic novels, Epstein critiques Frank for overlooking significant works, such as those by Willa Cather and Isaac Bashevis Singer, who address profound human experiences. He expresses skepticism about the depth of modern novels compared to their nineteenth-century predecessors, arguing that contemporary literature often lacks significant subjects.

Epstein concludes by lamenting the current struggle of novels to attract readers, emphasizing their unique ability to explore the complexities of human nature and the potential loss if this literary form declines further.

Mati Carbon has won the XPrize for Carbon Removal with its innovative approach using finely crushed basalt. This method helps to speed up the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The judges were particularly impressed by Mati Carbon's software and data collection techniques.

Colanode Summary

Colanode is an open-source collaboration workspace that prioritizes data privacy and can be self-hosted. It enables teams to communicate and manage projects both online and offline, giving users control over their data.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Chat: Instant messaging for teams.
• Rich Text Pages: Create documents and notes easily.
• Customizable Databases: Organize information with various structures.
• File Management: Securely store and share files.

Colanode is suitable for individuals and teams, adapting to different project sizes. It includes a desktop app that connects to self-hosted servers, allowing users to collaborate in designated workspaces.

How it Works:

• Changes are first saved locally and then synced to the server, enabling work even when offline.
• Uses Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) for real-time collaborative editing.

Getting Started:

• You can download the app for free and connect to beta cloud servers in the US and EU, or self-host using Docker.
• Self-hosting requires specific software like Postgres and Redis.

Colanode is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License.

Mark Zuckerberg lost a personal antitrust case against Facebook, primarily due to his own written statements that seemed to confess guilt. The case, led by the FTC, argues that Zuckerberg acquired Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate competition. Evidence includes memos where Zuckerberg expressed concern about Instagram's growth and mentioned plans to buy it to "neutralize a potential competitor."

The government aims to show that Zuckerberg's intention was to harm competition rather than to enhance Facebook’s product offerings. After acquiring Instagram, actions taken by Zuckerberg indicated that he intentionally reduced its quality and increased advertising, further supporting the claim of monopolistic behavior.

Zuckerberg's defense is that Meta (the parent company of Facebook) is just one player in a competitive market. However, internal documents reveal that he viewed his companies as direct competitors to other social networks, undermining this argument.

The case highlights how Zuckerberg's own words may have sealed his fate, with analysts suggesting that the government has made a strong case against him. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how Meta operates, regardless of the final ruling.

Scientists have successfully built the first thorium reactor, which uses thorium and molten salt instead of uranium and water for nuclear power. Thorium is safer and more abundant than uranium, and the molten salt prevents overheating and meltdowns better than water does. The reactor, located in the Gobi Desert, can operate continuously and has been successfully reloaded while running.

Thorium-232 must capture a neutron to become fissionable, transforming into protactinium, which decays into U-233. This process allows for recycling fuel. Unlike uranium, thorium is not easily weaponized, making it a safer choice for nuclear energy. While China leads in this technology, the U.S. is developing its own molten salt reactors. Overall, thorium reactors may reshape the future of nuclear energy.

This text describes a GitHub Gist created on April 26, 2025, containing a script called "gas.sh." The script helps users check the status of a GitHub repository's workflow jobs directly from the terminal.

Key points include:

• Users must set a GITHUB_TOKEN in their environment to use the script.
• The script identifies the Git repository and branch you are working on.
• It retrieves the repository's status using the GitHub API and displays whether the job is successful, failed, or in progress, using color-coded output.
• The author of the script is "twosdai."

Overall, the script is a convenient tool for developers to quickly check the status of their workflows without leaving the command line.

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This text discusses the development of a memory manager called Nofl, which improves on an existing system called Immix. While Immix already uses fast allocation and efficient memory tracing, it can waste some memory because small objects can block larger areas from being reused. Nofl addresses this by reclaiming all free space between objects, leading to better memory use. The authors created a library for this new system and tested it against traditional memory collectors. The results showed that Nofl performs better than these standard methods for certain memory sizes.

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Researchers have created a quantum cryptography system that successfully sends secure messages over 250 kilometers in Germany, specifically from Frankfurt to Kehl, using conventional fiber optics. This system employs Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and includes a relay point in Kirchfeld.

MemoryCore Lite Summary

MemoryCore Lite is a simple and efficient tool for compressing text into a smaller format called symbolic bytecode. It uses a custom tokenizer to make this process lightweight and is suitable for various applications such as AI memory storage, offline knowledge management, and use on embedded devices.

Key Features:

• Converts text to symbolic memory and back.
• Exports compressed data as bytecode.
• Extremely lightweight and requires no heavy dependencies.
• Works on multiple devices, including PCs, tablets, and microcontrollers.

Use Cases:

• Enhancing AI models with memory compression.
• Storing data on edge devices like Raspberry Pi.
• Sending compressed information over secure networks.
• Providing small robots and drones with memory without needing much processing power.
• Sharing knowledge in offline or local networks.
• Archiving large amounts of information in compact files.

Benefits of Symbolic Memory: This method reduces the size of text while keeping its meaning, enabling efficient and decentralized memory use across different machines and devices.

License: MemoryCore Lite is open-source under the Apache License 2.0, allowing public use and contributions.

Structure: The project includes core components for symbolic compression, a tokenizer, a test script, and a list of dependencies.

Contribution: The project invites users to join in its development and innovation.