In Kyoto, Japan, the author explores small, unique businesses, particularly a cozy coffee shop that transforms into a bar in the evenings. This shop, located in a driveway and run by a passionate owner, exemplifies the charm of tiny, specialized establishments common in Japan. The author highlights the leisurely coffee culture, where cafes focus on craftsmanship, contrasting it with the fast-paced coffee habits in America.

Visiting these intimate spaces evokes a sense of wonder, as they feel like portals to another time, creating a personal connection between the owner and customers. The low barriers for starting such businesses in Japan encourage creativity and community engagement, making local commerce vibrant and accessible. Overall, the experience is not just about good coffee but about the joy of discovering small, heartfelt enterprises in walkable cities.

Summary: Improving TRAMP Performance

The author shares their experience of enhancing the performance of TRAMP, a tool for remote file access in Emacs, after starting a new job that required heavy use of it. Here are the key points:

1. TRAMP Overview: TRAMP allows users to work with remote files as if they were local, but it can often be slow due to the time it takes to process commands over a network.

2. Basic Settings: Important configurations can speed things up, such as preventing unnecessary file locks and using direct SCP for file transfers. A better size limit for file transfers can also be set to improve speed when dealing with larger files.

3. Asynchronous Processes: Recent updates to TRAMP have introduced a "direct async process" feature, significantly speeding up asynchronous tasks, improving usability with packages like Magit.

4. Connection Sharing: Enabling SSH connection sharing can reduce the need to re-enter passwords and speed up connections.

5. Debugging Performance Issues: Using Emacs’ profiler can help identify slow operations related to TRAMP. Adjusting certain features can mitigate delays.

6. Working with Magit: Magit, a popular Git interface, can be slow over TRAMP. The author recommends using specific commands to avoid delays and reducing Magit’s overhead with certain settings.

7. Caching: Caching frequently accessed data can minimize TRAMP calls, further improving performance.

8. Future Improvements: The author expresses a desire to explore further optimizations to TRAMP and improve its overall performance.

Overall, with the right settings and optimizations, TRAMP can be made much more efficient for remote work in Emacs.

Summary of ROCKNIX Wiki

ROCKNIX is an immutable Linux operating system designed for handheld gaming devices, specifically for retro gaming emulation. It is developed by a small community of enthusiasts who aim to create a fun and functional operating system.

Key Features:

• Play games over local and remote networks.
• Touch support on compatible devices.
• Options to optimize battery life or boost performance.
• Play music and videos.
• Bluetooth support for audio and controllers.
• HDMI and USB audio/video output.
• Sync data between devices and the cloud using Syncthing and rclone.
• VPN support with Wireguard, Tailscale, and ZeroTier.
• Built-in features for game scraping and tracking achievements.

Community and Collaboration: The ROCKNIX community communicates via Discord.

Licenses: ROCKNIX is built from open-source components, each with its own license. Most materials can be shared and adapted, but not for commercial use. Any adaptations must also be shared under the same license.

Software and Credits: ROCKNIX software is licensed under GNU GPL Version 2. The project acknowledges the contributions of many individuals and thanks the open-source community, including CoreELEC and LibreELEC, for their support.

Summary:

A new security flaw in Linux systems allows attackers to gain root privileges through two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The first flaw (CVE-2025-6018) affects the Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) on openSUSE Leap 15 and SUSE Linux Enterprise 15, while the second (CVE-2025-6019) is found in libblockdev, which impacts the udisks daemon present in most Linux distributions.

These vulnerabilities can be exploited together to quickly gain full control of a system, posing a significant risk since the udisks service is widely installed. Attackers can leverage these flaws with minimal effort, making it critical for system administrators to apply security patches immediately.

Qualys, the organization that discovered these vulnerabilities, has successfully demonstrated their exploitation on various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Fedora. They emphasize the urgency of addressing these security issues to protect systems from potential attacks.

The AI lifestyle subsidy, which has made digital experiences more enjoyable and affordable, is set to end on June 15, 2025. This subsidy allowed consumers to benefit from services provided by startups that often operated at a loss, funded by venture capital. However, as interest rates rise and investors seek profit, the landscape is changing.

Current AI tools, like ChatGPT, have improved our ability to discover information, but upcoming changes might lead to a worse user experience. Advertising will likely become more prevalent in AI interactions, making it harder to find unbiased information. Companies are already working on ways to monetize their services through ads, which could compromise the quality of recommendations.

There may still be some ad-free options in the future, such as paid services focused on privacy and open-source models. However, these are expected to lag behind major AI companies. Overall, the end of the AI lifestyle subsidy suggests that users may face a decline in the quality of their digital experiences as advertising takes over. Enjoy the current benefits while they last, as they may not be around forever.

In May 2022, Bartosz Ciechanowski shared a blog post on mechanical watch movements, which inspired the author to explore watchmaking. The author wanted to create a physical "exploded view" model of a mechanical watch but found that no one else had done this. They realized that building such a model is complex and requires watchmaking skills.

The author decided to use a pocket watch movement for the project, as they are simpler than wristwatch movements. After experimenting with various resin casting techniques, the author faced challenges like bubbles in the resin and difficulty suspending small components. They eventually found that using fishing line to suspend the parts was effective.

Through several prototypes, the author refined their techniques, including using a vacuum chamber to reduce air bubbles and enhancing precision with a lab jack. They tackled the final model using the popular ETA 2824 movement but encountered issues with casting.

Despite imperfections in the final product, the author was satisfied with their progress and sought feedback on their work. They expressed gratitude to Bartosz for inspiring the project and shared their final casting results.

Adit and Raunak, the co-founders of Reducto, have created a tool that transforms unstructured documents (like PDFs and spreadsheets) into structured data. This is important because many AI applications need high-quality data, and a lot of valuable information is stuck in messy formats.

They initially launched a basic API for developers, but realized customers needed more support in managing the data processing workflow. To address this, they are introducing Reducto Studio, a web platform that builds on their APIs.

With Reducto Studio, users can:

• Upload files and get accuracy scores for data extraction.
• Automatically create and improve extraction schemas quickly.
• Save and compare different extraction results easily.

Users can try the platform without any commitments, and the founders welcome feedback on user experience and features. You can find more information and examples on their website.

Summary of RaptorCast: Designing a Messaging Layer

In Proof of Stake blockchains, block proposals from leaders need to be communicated quickly and securely to other validators. RaptorCast is a solution aimed at improving the speed, security, and reliability of this communication.

Key Considerations:

1. Performance: Rapid dissemination of block proposals is essential.
2. Security: Validators must verify that the block came from the correct leader and hasn't been tampered with.
3. Robustness: Validators should still be able to reconstruct the block even if some packets are lost or if there are malicious actors.

Challenges in Block Propagation:

• Sending block proposals one by one is slow and inefficient, especially with many validators.
• It's crucial to choose the right data transmission protocol, encoding system, and broadcast strategy.

Data Transmission Protocol:

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable but slower due to overhead.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Faster but less reliable; suitable for applications that can tolerate some packet loss.
• RaptorCast uses UDP to prioritize speed, while addressing its reliability issues through its design.

Encoding System:

• To manage packet loss with UDP, RaptorCast implements a forward error correction (FEC) scheme, sending extra encoded packets to ensure data can be reconstructed.
• It uses R10, a type of Raptor code, for its efficiency, while also incorporating authentication to prevent tampering.

Broadcast Strategy:

• RaptorCast opts for a structured broadcast approach, where validators re-broadcast specific data portions to a defined group, enhancing efficiency and predictability.

Data Integrity:

• Each data chunk sent via UDP includes Merkle proofs for verification, minimizing the need for multiple signatures while maintaining security.

Overall, RaptorCast aims to enhance the speed and security of block proposal communication in blockchains, making it more efficient and reliable in the face of potential network issues.

Summary of Cataphracts Design Diary #1

The author discusses their creation of a unique wargame called Cataphracts, which focuses on the operational aspects of military logistics rather than just strategy or tactics. Inspired by military historian Bret Devereaux, the game emphasizes real-time decision-making and the challenges of communication and coordination among commanders.

Key features of Cataphracts include:

• Asynchronous Play: Players submit their actions in a Discord channel, and the game progresses in real-time, tracking movements and messages.
• Logistics Focus: The game incorporates the complexities of feeding armies, sending messages, and managing the fog of war. Actions can take time, and commanders often lack complete information about enemy movements.
• Command Structures: Each faction starts with a lead commander who can appoint new commanders, creating a hierarchy. Communication is limited to messengers, leading to potential misunderstandings and delays.
• Factions: There are five factions inspired by historical cultures, each starting with a significant number of troops and a unique structure.

The game highlights how logistical challenges and information gaps can lead to unexpected outcomes, with commanders often struggling to coordinate effectively. This operational focus has resulted in players forming strong loyalties within their factions, as they rely on each other for success.

Overall, Cataphracts aims to explore the often-overlooked aspects of military operations in a detailed and engaging way. The author plans to share more insights and developments in future entries.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The U.S. House's chief administrative officer announced that WhatsApp is now banned on all congressional staffers' devices due to concerns about data security. This decision aligns with previous restrictions on certain AI programs and other apps considered risky. Staffers are instructed to remove WhatsApp from their devices, and alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime are approved for use.

WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, disagrees with the ban, asserting that their app offers strong security with end-to-end encryption.

In other news, former President Biden's personal physician will be deposed by the House Oversight Committee as part of an investigation into Biden's health. Additionally, the oil market showed little reaction to recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, which analysts found surprising given the potential for escalation.

The writer expresses a desire for deeper, more personal connections in the digital age. They reminisce about a time when the internet fostered genuine interaction and creativity, rather than being dominated by commercial interests and algorithms.

They feel that today's internet often makes people feel isolated and is controlled by large tech companies that profit from user attention. Despite these challenges, there are hopeful spaces online that promote intentional and ethical use of technology.

The author shares their personal efforts to engage with a "slow web," which emphasizes privacy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They advocate for conscious choices about technology use, such as using open-source software and engaging with smaller, independent online communities.

In conclusion, they encourage readers to envision a different kind of internet—one that enriches life and fosters connection—and to take tangible steps towards creating that reality.

Summary:

Approximately two billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, which significantly impacts their daily lives. While nearly six billion people enjoy safe water at home, those without it must often spend hours collecting water from distant sources, which can be contaminated and lead to serious health issues.

1. Water Sources: Most of the two billion people rely on piped water or protected wells that may not always be safe or easily accessible. Only a small fraction collect water from rivers or lakes.

2. Daily Challenges: Families without safe water face two main challenges:

   • Health Risks: Contaminated water can cause diseases, leading to nearly 800,000 deaths annually from waterborne illnesses.
   • Time Consumption: Collecting water can take many hours each week, preventing families from working, studying, or engaging in other essential activities.

3. Personal Stories: The article shares stories from families in extreme poverty who spend significant time collecting water, which could instead be used for work or education. For example, one family in Burundi spends 14 hours weekly fetching water from a nearby stream, risking illness.

4. Improving Access: While 95% of the global population uses an improved water source, ensuring safe water directly at home remains a challenge. Progress is being made, but universal access to safe drinking water is still far from being achieved.

5. Conclusion: Access to safe drinking water is critical for health and economic development. Addressing this issue requires infrastructure improvements and ensuring that water sources are free from contamination.

Summary: Python Can Now Call Mojo Code

As of June 17, 2025, Python can now use Mojo code, which offers a fast alternative for executing functions. Chris Lattner shared that setting up Mojo is easier now, using the command uv pip install modular.

You can create a .mojo file to define functions, like calculating factorials. For example, a simple Mojo function for factorial computes the result quickly. Tests showed that Mojo can outperform Python for smaller inputs, but issues arise with larger numbers due to overflow problems.

Another example tested was counting prime numbers. Mojo showed promising speed results compared to Python and a NumPy implementation, suggesting it can provide significant performance improvements.

While the Mojo setup is still in early stages and not fully mature, the potential for quick functions in Python is very exciting. Overall, Mojo appears easier to learn than Rust and may soon be a viable option for developers looking for speed.

No summary available.

The author expresses frustration with the internet, highlighting issues like ads, distractions, and social media addiction. Despite needing the internet for work as a software developer, they want to manage their online usage better. After struggling with social media moderation, they found inspiration from a suggestion on Hacker News to use a smart plug to control internet access.

The plan involves using their gli.net router with Adguard Home for ad blocking and integrating it with Home Assistant and Zigbee switches. The idea is to create a button that allows access to social media for only 15 minutes, followed by a one-hour cooldown period before it can be used again.

They detail the setup process for Adguard Home and how to use Home Assistant to automate the process. The automation involves turning off ad filtering when the button is pressed, allowing access to social media, and then automatically re-enabling the filter after the time limit.

The author acknowledges that while they could still disable Wi-Fi to bypass this, the system helps them practice moderation in their internet usage.

No summary available.

The text discusses the concept of weak homotopy equivalences in topology, which are a way to compare shapes based on their "holes."

1. Homeomorphism vs. Homotopy Equivalence:

   • A homeomorphism is a continuous transformation between shapes that allows for stretching but not shrinking (e.g., a coffee cup to a torus).
   • A homotopy equivalence relaxes this by allowing shapes to be transformed into each other through animations, meaning their shapes can be simplified more than just stretching.

2. Contractible Spaces:

   • A space is contractible if it can be continuously shrunk to a point. For example, a line and a point are contractible, but a circle is not because it has a hole.

3. Loops and Fundamental Groups:

   • Loops around a space can be analyzed to find holes. If a loop can’t be shrunk to a point, it indicates the presence of a hole.
   • The fundamental group of a space consists of loops starting and ending at a point, which helps in understanding the shape's structure.

4. Homotopy Groups:

   • Beyond loops, higher homotopy groups consider higher-dimensional spaces (like surfaces) to detect more complex holes.
   • All homotopy groups of homotopy equivalent spaces are the same.

5. Weak Homotopy Equivalence:

   • A weak homotopy equivalence is a map that induces isomorphisms between all homotopy groups, which is a weaker form of equivalence than a strong homotopy equivalence.
   • It captures important information about spaces, even if they are not directly equivalent due to local anomalies.

6. Practical Applications:

   • These concepts are foundational in mathematics, particularly in category theory, and are vital for understanding complex structures in topology.

Overall, weak homotopy equivalences allow mathematicians to classify and compare spaces based on their fundamental shapes and structures, focusing on their holes and higher-dimensional features.

This article is part four of a series about creating customizable select elements, focusing on gamification inspired by the Monster Hunter game series. The author shares a demo where they recreate a UI element from the game, emphasizing keyboard navigation and accessibility.

Key Points:

1. Demo Overview: The demo features a select element designed to resemble an item wheel from Monster Hunter, incorporating scroll snapping and drag functionality.

2. HTML and CSS Setup: The structure includes a select element with buttons for scrolling and various items displayed. CSS is used for layout, colors, and animations, but the author notes that it doesn't fully follow progressive enhancement principles.

3. JavaScript Interaction: JavaScript adds interactivity, enabling dragging to scroll through items, handling arrow key navigation, and managing the visibility of scroll arrows based on the scroll position.

4. Accessibility Concerns: While the demo works well with screen readers and keyboard navigation, it may not be intuitive for users expecting a standard select element.

5. Conclusion: The demo showcases innovative uses of CSS features but cautions against using such complex designs for typical web forms, as they can confuse users.

The article encourages experimentation with CSS and JavaScript to push the boundaries of UI design while being mindful of accessibility. You can view the demo on CodePen here.

Nano-vLLM Overview

Nano-vLLM is a lightweight version of the vLLM model, designed for efficient offline inference.

Key Features:

• Fast Performance: It offers inference speeds similar to vLLM.
• Readable Code: The code is clean and concise, consisting of about 1,200 lines of Python.
• Optimization Tools: Includes features like prefix caching and Tensor Parallelism for enhanced performance.

Installation: To install, run the command:

pip install git+https://github.com/GeeeekExplorer/nano-vllm.git

Quick Start: For usage, refer to example.py. The API is similar to vLLM, with slight changes in the LLM.generate method.

Benchmark Results:

• Hardware Used: RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB)
• Model Tested: Qwen3-0.6B
• Total Requests: 256 sequences
• Input/Output Lengths: Randomly between 100–1024 tokens.

Performance Comparison:

• vLLM: 133,966 output tokens in 98.37 seconds (throughput: 1361.84 tokens/s)
• Nano-vLLM: 133,966 output tokens in 93.41 seconds (throughput: 1434.13 tokens/s)

This shows that Nano-vLLM is slightly faster than vLLM in terms of throughput.

The author expresses frustration with Google's new product, Gemini, which is disrupting their experience with Google services. Despite usually being a happy user, they feel that Gemini is unnecessary and intrusive, pushing unwanted AI features and pop-ups that interrupt their workflow. They are looking for a way to completely remove Gemini to avoid these interruptions, and they have already tried disabling suggestions and removing app components. However, they still encounter AI-related content. They are open to using browser extensions if necessary and want to avoid any association with Gemini, except in specific contexts like music or astrology. They seek advice on how to resolve this issue.

This blog discusses a problem called "Many Factorials" from Library Checker, where you need to compute factorials of large numbers modulo a specific number (M = 998244353). The focus is on improving the efficiency of a naive solution, which initially took 3745 ms, down to 61 ms.

Key points of the optimization process include:

1. Naive Solution: The initial approach calculates factorials in blocks and runs in O(M+n) time.

2. Wilson's Theorem: By applying this theorem, the runtime is reduced to 1889 ms.

3. Skipping Even Factorials: This method simplifies calculations and further decreases the time to 998 ms.

4. Instruction-Level Parallelism: By processing independent blocks simultaneously, the runtime improves to 287 ms.

5. Vectorization: Using Montgomery multiplication allows the program to reach 119 ms.

6. Fast Power and Inverses: Pre-computing powers and using efficient algorithms for inverses help drop the time to 99 ms.

7. Fallback to Regular Factorials: For small values, reverting to straightforward factorial calculations achieves the target time of 64 ms, with potential minor tweaks to bring it to 61 ms.

Overall, the blog illustrates a methodical approach to optimizing a factorial computation problem, showcasing various mathematical and programming techniques.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Optifye is an AI system that monitors factory performance by using cameras and computer vision to identify inefficiencies in real-time. We work with top manufacturers in various industries, including garments, automotive, medical, and FMCG, globally.

We are looking to hire founding team members as we grow rapidly. Key requirements include strong knowledge of GPU, CPU, and memory optimization, experience in scaling applications, and skills in cloud-based container deployments. Candidates should be quick learners.

Compensation includes equity and a competitive salary, and the job is located on-site in Gurgaon, India. The work will be challenging but offers significant rewards in the long run. Good luck!

No summary available.

Summary of Gulaschprogrammiernacht 23 - Rivulet Presentation:

Daniel Temkin introduced "Rivulet," a new programming language inspired by calligraphy and the aesthetics of natural languages. Unlike traditional programming languages that prioritize clarity, Rivulet embraces the complexity and ambiguity often found in natural language.

Key points about Rivulet:

• It avoids conventional keywords, focusing instead on flowing lines that resemble handwritten scripts.
• Code in Rivulet can represent the same concept (like the number zero) in multiple visually artistic ways, using unique strands and glyphs.
• Its design draws inspiration from intricate mazes and artistic works, promoting a more intuitive and visually appealing coding experience.
• Temkin also discussed other esoteric languages (esolangs) that incorporate the expressive qualities of natural languages.

The presentation highlighted how Rivulet's rules evolved and how it compares to other languages that blend natural language features with coding.

Polystate: Composable Finite State Machines Summary

Getting Started with Polystate:

1. To use Polystate in your project, run:

   zig fetch --save git+https://github.com/sdzx-1/polystate.git
   

2. Import it in your build.zig by adding:

   const polystate = b.dependency("polystate", .{ .target = target, .optimize = optimize });
   

3. Use Polystate modules in your code.

Core Design Philosophy:

• Polystate focuses on recording state machine status at the type level and allows for composable state machines using type composition.
• Finite State Machines (FSMs) are enhanced with composability and type safety for better programming practices.

Practical Benefits:

• Define overall program behavior through compositional declarations, improving correctness and code composability.
• Build complex state machines by combining simpler states, achieving reuse of semantic-level code.
• Automatically generate state diagrams for better visualization of program behavior.

Example Overview:

• A simple state machine is created using two types: FST (Finite State Type) and GST (Global State Type).
• States are managed through a defined structure, including message handlers and generators.

Composability Demonstration:

• New states can be added easily, allowing for user interactions (like yes/no prompts) integrated into the FSM.
• Composable states can be defined generically and reused, illustrating the power of Polystate in creating complex logic with less code.

Practical Applications:

1. ATM Example: Implementing a PIN check that limits attempts to three, showcasing how to express complex logic through composition.
2. Selection Semantics: In a game context, reusable states for selecting options via mouse interactions can simplify code significantly and enhance correctness.

Overall, Polystate represents a significant advancement in imperative programming, allowing developers to create more reliable and maintainable state machines through composability and type safety.

No summary available.

The text provides a link to a GitHub repository named "turbine" created by the user "errorcodezero." You can visit the repository to view its contents or contribute to the project.

Summary of Nurikabe Map Generation with WFC Algorithm

Overview:

• Game: "Logic Islands" by Sublevelgames, released on June 20, 2025.
• Gameplay: Players place islands and walls based on certain rules. There are 6 different rule sets, with the Wave Function Collapse (WFC) algorithm used for three of them.

WFC Algorithm:

• WFC is a procedural content generation (PCG) method that analyzes patterns from source materials to create new outputs while maintaining similar connectivity.
• It is particularly effective for generating simpler, sparse outputs like 2D pixel art or game maps.

Nurikabe Inspiration:

• Logic Islands is based on the Nurikabe puzzle, where players designate grid cells as islands or walls, following specific numerical and connectivity rules.

Rule Sets:

1. Classic: Follows original Nurikabe rules.
2. Modern: Allows 2x2 walls but forbids 2x2 islands.
3. Strict: Adds restrictions on wall junctions.
4. Minimal: Focuses on wall areas of exactly 3 cells.
5. Orb: Requires each island to contain a specific orb.
6. Yin-Yang: No numbers on islands, but maintains wall and island connectivity.

Challenges:

• Some rule sets (Modern, Minimal, Yin-Yang) struggled to generate maps larger than 7x7 due to difficulties in creating valid wall patterns.

Solutions:

• WFC Implementation: Modifications were made to how wall connectivity and restrictions (like banning 2x2 patterns) were represented in the WFC process.
• Tile Definitions: Specific types of tiles were created to meet the conditions of each ruleset.
• Connection Relationships: Adjustments were made to relationships between tiles to ensure valid wall and island formations.

Achievements:

• Successful map generation for all rule sets up to 12x12 sizes.
• Insights included redefining problems, expressing constraints through connections, and using fewer tiles effectively.

Conclusion: WFC proved to be an efficient tool for generating complex puzzle game maps, overcoming previous limitations with innovative problem-solving approaches. This project emphasized the value of viewing challenges from different perspectives to find effective solutions.

The text introduces EchoStream, a project created by an AI startup founder who aims to improve how people read content on Hacker News. The founder realized that keeping up with new projects and products was taking too much time, so they designed EchoStream to help summarize and store information efficiently.

EchoStream is an AI agent that operates on your iPhone, focusing on privacy by keeping data local. Key features include:

• Reading and understanding web pages with AI
• Text recognition from images (OCR)
• Recording, transcribing, and summarizing audio
• An AI-driven news feed for relevant updates
• A memory search feature to connect new information with previous content

The founder is seeking feedback on the project, which is still in its early stages. EchoStream is available for iDevices with at least 4GB of RAM, and users can try it out through the provided links.

Deskflow is a free and open-source app that allows you to share a keyboard and mouse across multiple computers. It functions like a software KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse), but without video support. Key features include:

• Encryption and Security: Deskflow uses TLS encryption and supports Wayland and clipboard sharing.
• Compatibility: It works on major operating systems, including Windows (10+), macOS (12+), Linux, and BSD.
• Installation: For macOS, it's recommended to install via Homebrew. Windows users need the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
• Community and Contributions: Deskflow has an active community where users can discuss, contribute, and collaborate on improvements.
• Compatibility with Other Tools: Deskflow works with other similar projects like Synergy, Input Leap, and Barrier, ensuring network compatibility.

If you want to get involved or need help, you can join discussions on Matrix, IRC, or GitHub. The project is licensed under GPL-2.0 with an OpenSSL exception.

The Bitwise Challenge: 2048 is a terminal version of the classic 2048 game. You can easily share your game progress with friends by sending them a single number. If the $STATE environment variable is not set, the game will create a new random board each time. If it is set, the game will follow a predictable pattern based on that state for all future moves.

Recent advancements in AI chip design have mainly focused on speeding up tensor computation, but tensor manipulation—moving large amounts of data efficiently—has not received enough attention. This study introduces the Tensor Manipulation Unit (TMU), a flexible hardware component designed to handle data movement tasks effectively. The TMU operates like a RISC processor and can perform various tensor transformations by efficiently managing long data streams between memory locations.

When combined with a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) in a high-performance AI chip, the TMU uses techniques like double buffering to enhance processing efficiency. Built using 40nm technology, it is compact (only 0.019 mm²) and can perform over 10 types of tensor manipulation. Tests show that the TMU can reduce processing time significantly—up to 1413 times faster than an ARM A72 and 8.54 times faster than an NVIDIA Jetson TX2. When used with the TPU, the overall system achieves a 34.6% decrease in total processing time, highlighting the potential of flexible tensor manipulation in modern AI systems.

No summary available.

A new nova has unexpectedly appeared in the night sky and can be seen without a telescope. This celestial event is notable because it brightened suddenly, making it visible to the naked eye. People are encouraged to look up and enjoy this rare astronomical phenomenon.

The article discusses the decline of literary fiction in America, arguing that the issue is broader than just concerns about the representation of male authors. The author highlights a significant gap between the past literary giants and contemporary writers, noting that today's literary fiction lacks the same commercial success and cultural impact.

Key points include:

1. Cultural Shift: The decline is attributed to a combination of reduced opportunities in magazines and academia for writers, as well as a shift in reader preferences toward genre fiction over literary works.

2. Market Changes: The magazine industry has shrunk, leading to fewer platforms for authors, while the academic job market for creative writers has also diminished, resulting in fewer opportunities to pursue literary fiction professionally.

3. Changing Reader Preferences: While readers still enjoy literary fiction, they often prefer classic works over contemporary pieces, which may feel disconnected from general audience interests.

4. Critics vs. Popular Taste: There’s a growing divide between what critics value in literary fiction and what general readers enjoy, leading authors to write for critical acclaim rather than mass appeal.

5. Hope for the Future: Despite these challenges, the author expresses optimism that new platforms, like Substack, may help revive interest in literary fiction by making it more accessible to a wider audience.

In conclusion, the decline of literary fiction is a complex issue involving market dynamics, shifting reader interests, and the impact of cultural status competitions among writers and critics.

In this episode of The World in Time, Francine Prose reminisces about her experience living in San Francisco during the Nixon era. She describes a vibrant, communal lifestyle in group houses, particularly in Berkeley, and the creative atmosphere of the city before the tech boom. Prose shares memories of the Reno Hotel, which housed artists and designers, and reflects on the freedoms of that time, contrasting it with her previous experiences. She discusses her involvement in anti-Vietnam War protests, including her husband’s act of scaling the Pentagon. The conversation also touches on her relationship with whistleblower Tony Russo and the decline of 1960s counterculture, alongside references to Alfred Hitchcock's film, Vertigo.

Disabling Intel graphics security mitigations can increase GPU compute performance by up to 20%. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, is planning to disable these mitigations in their software packages to improve performance for users.

Intel allows this change through a build option called "NEO_DISABLE_MITIGATIONS," which Canonical intends to implement. This adjustment will be included in the upcoming Ubuntu 25.10 release. It’s important to note that while this change may enhance performance, it could also introduce security risks, as it removes some protections against vulnerabilities.

Both Intel and Canonical have agreed on this change, and Intel already distributes their Compute Runtime without these mitigations due to the performance loss associated with them. They believe that the existing kernel protections against vulnerabilities like Spectre make the additional mitigations unnecessary at the GPU level.

Ubuntu developers are currently testing the updated Compute Runtime with the mitigations disabled to ensure stability and performance improvements.

Germany and Italy are urging the return of $245 billion worth of gold stored in the United States.

Summary of Cyber Programming Language Documentation

Introduction: Cyber is a fast and efficient scripting language. You can find performance details and updates at cyberscript.dev. The documentation serves as a manual, allowing for linear or navigational reading. Some features may be marked as incomplete or planned.

Type System: Cyber is primarily statically typed but supports dynamic typing, making it accessible for users familiar with languages like Python or JavaScript.

Hello World Example: A simple example to print greetings in various languages is provided, showcasing the use of math functions and loops.

Syntax Overview:

• Statements end with a newline.
• Blocks of code start with a colon and require indentation.
• Variables can be local, static, or context-based, with specific scopes and types.

Variable Types:

• Local Variables: Exist within their scope and are declared using var.
• Static Variables: Act like global variables and persist throughout the script.
• Context Variables: Accessible throughout a thread, declared in the main source file.

Operators: Cyber supports arithmetic, comparison, logical, bitwise operations, and operator overloading.

Comments: Single-line comments start with --. Multi-line comments are planned.

Basic Types: Includes booleans, integers, floats, strings, arrays, and maps. Strings can be mutable or immutable, and special features like string interpolation and escape sequences are supported.

Optionals: Cyber uses optionals for null safety, requiring values to be unwrapped before use, with features for automatic wrapping and unwrapping.

Arrays and Lists: Arrays are fixed-size, while lists are dynamic collections that can grow or shrink.

This summary captures the essence of the Cyber programming language, providing an overview of its syntax and features for easier understanding.

No summary available.

New York City has a program that allows people to report commercial vehicles that are idling, and those who report can earn a share of the fines. Recently, this program has been in the news.

However, filing reports can be difficult and time-consuming. The process requires a lot of information to be copied manually from a video, and users must use separate apps for video recording and uploading, which can't be done easily on a phone.

To simplify this, a new app called Idle Reporter was created. It uses AI to automatically gather needed information from the video and fill out the report form. It compresses the video and uploads everything to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with just a few clicks. Users only need to log in, check the information, and submit the report.

The app charges a subscription fee of $5.99 per month for the AI features, but there's a one-week free trial available. Other features, like a timestamp camera and manual form submission, are free to use forever. Currently, the app is only available for iOS devices.

You can find Idle Reporter in the App Store.

No summary available.

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No summary available.

Claude Code has introduced support for remote MCP (Managed Cloud Provider) servers, allowing users to connect various tools and data sources without needing to manage local servers. This integration enhances the coding experience by enabling Claude Code to access resources and context from third-party services like project management systems.

Users can easily integrate Claude Code with any remote MCP server. For instance, connecting with the Sentry MCP server allows developers to view and debug errors directly within their terminal. Similarly, integration with the Linear MCP server brings project details and issues directly into Claude Code, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for multiple tabs.

Remote MCP servers require minimal maintenance—users just enter the vendor's URL, and the vendor takes care of updates and scaling. Claude Code also ensures secure connections through native OAuth support, which simplifies authentication without the need for managing API keys.

This new feature is available now, and users can refer to the documentation for setup or explore a directory of recommended MCP servers.

Anton, the founder of Luna Rail, believes that night trains are a great, eco-friendly alternative to short flights, but they often lack privacy and comfort. He became fascinated with improving night train designs and worked on maximizing private cabin space in standard railcars. This led to a workshop in Berlin where he and his team created full-scale mockups using materials like wood, cardboard, and 3D-printed parts. Many people tested these designs to ensure comfort and ergonomics. Anton invites feedback on their work and shares their approach on their website.

Summary of Git Notes: Git's Coolest, Most Unloved Feature

Git notes are a feature in Git that allow you to add additional information to commits without changing the original commit itself. This can be useful for appending metadata, such as tracking time spent on tasks or adding review notes. Despite their potential, git notes are not widely used due to their complicated interface and limited visibility in tools like GitHub.

Key Points:

• Purpose: Git notes enable users to append metadata to commits, blobs, and trees without altering the original objects.
• Example Use: They can track discussions related to commits or store code review information directly within the git log.
• Notable Implementations: Some projects, like Gerrit, use git notes effectively for offline code review data.
• Challenges: Git notes are often overlooked because they are difficult to use and not integrated into popular platforms like GitHub.
• Potential: If adopted more widely, git notes could help distribute project history independently of code hosting services.

In summary, while git notes are powerful, their complexity and lack of visibility keep them from being fully embraced by the developer community.

No summary available.

CipherNomad is introducing the Ariadne Protocol, a new approach to cryptography. This project started by looking at existing methods, like the Lion transform, which use fixed sequences of operations. They wondered if the cryptographic process could be more flexible and change based on history.

Initially, they created a "Cryptographic Virtual Machine" that needed a specific list of operations called a "Path." However, this required managing the Path explicitly.

The Ariadne Protocol improves on this by making the Path implicit and emergent. Its main components are:

• The Labyrinth: A large, deterministically generated binary tree of cryptographic rounds.
• The Thread: The secret path through the Labyrinth, which is not stored. Instead, it's recalculated for each data block using a specific hash function.

This design makes the cipher unpredictable, as the operations never repeat, and it provides evidence against tampering—any changes to the ciphertext disrupt the output.

The software is currently in an experimental stage and has not been audited. It is being released freely under CC0, as the creators believe it should be accessible to everyone.

Caddy v2 Reverse Proxy Guide Summary

Purpose & Overview

• Caddy is a powerful web server that acts as a reverse proxy, making it easy to direct traffic based on hostnames like nextcloud.example.com and jellyfin.example.com.
• It simplifies configurations with automatic HTTPS and is mainly used for TLS termination.

Setting Up Caddy as a Reverse Proxy in Docker

1. Create a Docker Network: Use docker network create caddy_net to allow containers to communicate via hostname.

2. Directory Structure: Organize files as follows:

   • caddy_config/: Holds generated configuration files.
   • caddy_data/: Stores TLS certificates.
   • .env: Contains environment variables.
   • Caddyfile: Configuration file for Caddy.
   • docker-compose.yml: Defines how to run Caddy in Docker.

3. Compose File Setup: Use Docker Compose to run Caddy, specifying ports 80 and 443, and using the official Caddy image.

4. Caddyfile Configuration: Define subdomains and point them to the respective Docker containers, ensuring DNS records are set correctly.

Accessing Services from LAN

• To access services from within the local network, modify the hosts file on your local machine to point subdomains to the local IP of the Docker host.

Running the Setup

• Start all containers and check logs to ensure everything is working smoothly. Use commands to troubleshoot if necessary.

Caddy Configurations

• Caddy can be configured to route to both Docker containers and dedicated machines.
• Automatic TLS can be disabled if not using a public domain.
• Redirect functionality and short URLs can be set up easily.

Advanced Features

• Caddy supports IP filtering, matchers, snippets for cleaner configurations, logging, and basic authentication.
• DNS challenges can be used with Cloudflare for HTTPS without needing the server to be publicly reachable.

Monitoring

• Integrate with tools like Prometheus and Grafana for performance tracking and alerting.

This guide provides a straightforward way to set up and manage a reverse proxy using Caddy in Docker, along with details on advanced configurations and monitoring options.

No summary available.

Paul Blain Levy has won the 2025 Alonzo Church Award for his important work on effectful λ-calculi using the Call-by-Push-Value (CBPV) calculus. His key publications include his book "Call-By-Push-Value: A Functional/Imperative Synthesis" and a paper on decomposing call-by-value and call-by-name.

Levy's research has brought together various studies on λ-calculus, which is a fundamental model in logic and computation, into the unified framework of CBPV. His work covers many areas, including algebraic data types and different semantics approaches. CBPV is now a key starting point for understanding various computational and logical concepts, such as effects and program transformations. Overall, Levy's contributions provide a significant resource for the field of logic and programming language semantics.

No summary available.

Summary of Low-Temperature Additive Manufacturing of Glass

Researchers have developed a low-temperature 3D printing method for creating glass structures, like the glass cups shown. This process allows for the customization of the glass's optical properties by changing the ink's chemical components.

Key Points:

1. Innovative Technique: Lincoln Laboratory’s method enables the production of complex glass designs without the expensive high-temperature processes usually required in traditional glass manufacturing.

2. Direct Ink Writing: The process uses custom inks made from inorganic materials mixed with a silicate solution. This allows for flexible design options and the creation of glass structures with specific optical, chemical, and electrical properties.

3. Lower Temperature Curing: Instead of needing temperatures over 1,000°C, the curing process only requires 250°C, making it more accessible and compatible with other materials.

4. Advantages of Glass: This method overcomes the instability issues found in typical 3D printed materials (like plastics and metals) and allows for the production of diverse glass shapes and properties.

5. Promising Results: The printed glass structures show high detail, thermal stability, and minimal shrinkage. Ongoing research aims to enhance the glass's clarity and explore new inks for varied properties.

For more information, contact Bradley Duncan.

Summary of Otus Lisp (Ol)

Otus Lisp (Ol) is a lightweight and purely functional programming language based on Lisp, specifically an extended version of the R7RS Scheme. It is around 64KB in size, can run on various operating systems (like Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and BSD), and supports multiple hardware architectures.

Key Features:

• Cross-Platform: Works on many systems including Linux, Windows, and various Unix-like operating systems.
• Web Support: Can run in web browsers using WebAssembly.
• Small and Fast: Efficient virtual machine and garbage collector.
• Functional Programming: Supports features like continuations, tail recursion, and first-class functions.
• Infix Notation: Allows traditional mathematical expressions in code using a special macro.

Usage: You can try Otus Lisp directly in an online terminal without installing anything. It supports both simple and complex calculations, such as computing the factorial of a number or calculating digits of Pi.

Licensing: Otus Lisp is available under the MIT and GNU GPLv3 licenses.

For more information and to access the source code, visit the official GitHub repository.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, California, is nearing completion after three years of construction. This project involves placing 6,000 cubic yards of special soil and planting 5,000 native plants on a nearly one-acre bridge that spans a busy section of U.S. 101. The bridge is designed to help reconnect wildlife habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which has been divided by the freeway.

The main goal of the crossing is to support local wildlife, especially mountain lions, by allowing them to safely cross the road and expand their territory. This is critical because the freeway has been identified as a major barrier to wildlife movement and biodiversity. Over 300,000 vehicles travel this route daily, posing a danger to animals trying to cross.

The project aims to improve the ecological health of the area and reduce the risk of mountain lions becoming extinct in the region due to habitat limitations and vehicle collisions. The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is expected to be completed next year and will provide animals with access to food, shelter, mates, and escape routes from disasters like wildfires.

Chris McCord, the creator of the Phoenix framework for Elixir, has been working on a project called Phoenix.new at Fly.io. Phoenix.new is an online coding agent designed to help users build collaborative, real-time applications seamlessly.

Key Features of Phoenix.new:

1. Browser-based Environment: It operates entirely in the browser, providing users and the agent with a virtual machine that allows for easy installation and execution of programs without affecting the local machine.
2. Real-time Interactivity: The agent uses a headless browser to interact with applications, enabling it to make changes and see immediate results in real-time.
3. Full Control of the Development Environment: The agent can modify the environment, add packages, and test applications, streamlining the development process.
4. Integration with GitHub: It can clone repositories and work with existing projects, enhancing collaboration.
5. Broad Capabilities: Beyond simple coding, it can build full-stack applications and interact with databases, adapting to various programming languages and frameworks.

McCord envisions a future where development workflows are more automated, with agents handling repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on higher-level work. Phoenix.new represents a significant shift in how applications can be built and deployed, and McCord is excited to see how others will utilize this tool.

No summary available.

Summary: How to Negotiate Your Salary Package by Patrick McKenzie

This guide focuses on salary negotiation, particularly for engineers and professionals who may feel uncomfortable with the process. Patrick McKenzie shares insights from his extensive experience and a highly read essay on the topic.

Key Points:

1. Importance of Negotiation: Salary negotiation can significantly impact your overall compensation. A small increase can lead to substantial financial benefits over time due to compounding.

2. Mindset Shift: Many professionals view negotiation as unprofessional or uncomfortable. However, it's crucial to recognize that successful individuals negotiate regularly, and you should embrace this practice.

3. Understanding Your Counterparty: Employers often have a different perspective on negotiation. They view salaries in terms of total costs, which includes benefits and taxes. Small salary differences are less significant to them than you might think.

4. Preparation is Key: Your negotiation starts before you even apply for the job. Build a strong reputation, network, and be informed about the company’s values and compensation structures.

5. Timing of Negotiation: Only negotiate salary after you have an agreement in principle for the job. This ensures that you are in a stronger position to negotiate.

6. First Rule of Negotiation: Never give a number first. This helps maintain your negotiating power and prevents you from undervaluing yourself.

7. Listen and Reflect: Use language and concerns from the employer during negotiations. This shows you’re attentive and can create a more persuasive dialogue.

8. Research and Information: Know the average salary range for your position and be familiar with the company’s compensation practices. This knowledge enhances your negotiating position.

9. Value Beyond Salary: Consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, vacation time, and other perks. You can negotiate different components to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

10. Using New Information: Bring valuable insights into the negotiation, as new information can justify higher compensation.

Overall, effective salary negotiation requires preparation, confidence, and a willingness to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes mutual benefit. Use these strategies to enhance your negotiating skills and secure a better compensation package.

No summary available.

The DOI Reference Extractor allows you to enter a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to get and download all references in a citation format you prefer. You can try it with example DOIs like 10.1103/physrevlett.10.84, 10.3945/ajcn.111.027003, and 10.1021/ar500432k.

The text discusses the concept of "telescopes" in dependent type theory, comparing them to "tries," a data structure used for mapping sequences. Key points include:

1. Telescopes: These are sequences of variables that allow later types to depend on earlier variables. They are essential for understanding dependent types.

2. Tries: The author proposes that telescopes can be effectively represented using tries, which are data structures that store sequences of keys. This representation simplifies working with dependent types.

3. Programming Analogy: The structure of telescopes is likened to nested loops in programming, where each loop can depend on the previous ones.

4. SQL and Queries: The author explains how telescopes can be transformed into conjunctive queries (used in databases) and how this relates to SQL. This shows that there are parallels between type theory and database queries.

5. Dependent Types in Programming: Examples in programming languages like Lean illustrate how dependent types can be implemented. The author notes that certain programming languages handle these constructs more easily than others.

6. Relations and Functions: The text discusses the relationship between relational databases and functions, suggesting that SQL tables can represent multivalued functions.

7. Provenance: The concept of provenance in databases is introduced, which relates to tracking how data is derived, paralleling ideas in type theory about proof objects.

8. Category Theory: The text concludes by touching on category theory concepts such as composing tries and their mappings, which relate to context mappings in type theory.

Overall, the discussion emphasizes the connections between type theory, programming, and databases, providing insights into how these fields can inform one another.

No summary available.

TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) are specialized hardware developed by Google that prioritize scalability, energy efficiency, and high throughput for machine learning tasks, particularly matrix multiplications. They were first introduced in 2006 and have since become integral to Google's AI services.

Key features of TPUs include:

1. Design Philosophy: TPUs focus on systolic arrays and pipelining to maximize throughput and energy efficiency. Systolic arrays consist of a grid of processing elements that perform computations and pass results along, which is ideal for dense matrix operations common in deep learning.

2. Hardware Structure: A TPU chip (like TPUv4) contains two TensorCores, each with large on-chip memory (CMEM, VMEM, SMEM) but relatively fewer cores compared to GPUs. TPUs achieve high performance with lower memory access requirements, which reduces energy consumption.

3. Multi-Chip and Rack Setup: TPUs are organized into trays (containing 4 chips), racks (64 chips), and pods (4096 chips for TPUv4). They utilize high-bandwidth interconnects for fast communication between chips.

4. Scalability and Flexibility: TPUs can be configured in various topologies, allowing for efficient parallel processing. Their interconnect design (Optical Circuit Switching) enables flexible node configurations and enhances communication speed.

5. Energy Efficiency: TPUs consume significantly less energy per operation compared to traditional CPUs and GPUs, primarily due to their design that minimizes memory access.

In conclusion, TPUs are highly specialized for AI tasks, providing efficient and scalable solutions for training and inference in machine learning applications.

The Tandy Corporation began in 1919 as a leather company founded by David Lewis Tandy and Norton Hinckley in Fort Worth, Texas. The company initially focused on leather products for shoes and expanded successfully, even during the Great Depression. Charles David Tandy, the founder's son, joined the company at a young age and helped create a mail-order hobby division, Tandy Leather, which thrived.

Disagreements within the company led to a merger with the financially troubled American Hide and Leather Company in 1955, resulting in the creation of General American Industries, which was later renamed Tandy Corporation. Under Charles Tandy's leadership, the company shifted focus towards growth, including opening stores for hobby crafts and electronics.

In 1963, Tandy acquired Radio Shack, a company struggling in the amateur radio market, for $300,000. Tandy streamlined Radio Shack's inventory and shifted its focus to hobbyists and electronics, leading to significant growth. The launch of the TRS-80 computer in 1977 marked a turning point, making Radio Shack a leader in the microcomputer market. The TRS-80 was initially met with skepticism but went on to sell 100,000 units within its first year.

Charles Tandy passed away in 1978, leaving behind a successful multinational corporation. After his death, internal conflicts arose, leading to key figures like Don French leaving to pursue their own ventures. The TRS-80 ultimately transformed Radio Shack into a major player in the computing industry.

Summary:

Longreads has been publishing quality longform writing for 15 years and relies on reader support. Donations can be made monthly or annually, with various amounts available.

Josh Jackson's upcoming book, "The Enduring Wild," explores California's public lands and highlights the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees 245 million acres of federal land. He emphasizes that these lands belong to all citizens, despite their troubling history of being taken from Native Americans through violence and coercion.

Jackson reflects on the degradation of BLM lands due to neglect and exploitation, particularly from the mining industry, which has caused significant environmental harm. He shares a personal adventure in the Bodie Hills, a region rich in ecological history and tied to a former gold rush town. This area faces new threats from mining corporations seeking to exploit its resources.

The narrative stresses the importance of preserving these "leftover" lands, urging readers to consider the long-term impacts of mining on the environment and ecosystems. Jackson calls for a renewed commitment to conservation over exploitation, echoing Theodore Roosevelt's advice to leave natural landscapes undisturbed.

Empower Pharmacy has questioned the patent for Eli Lilly's drug, Tirzepatide. This challenge could significantly impact the production of compounded GLP-1 medications.

Summary

Introduction The author was exploring an issue with mimalloc, a memory allocator from Microsoft, which lacks the ability to preallocate memory for use as a heap. This led to the idea of creating a simple memory allocator for preallocated regions, which turned out to be straightforward.

Memory Allocators A memory allocator manages memory allocation and deallocation during program execution. It typically provides functions similar to those in the C standard library (like malloc and free) for easy integration into existing code.

Memory Fragmentation Memory fragmentation can hinder large memory allocations. It occurs in two forms:

• Internal Fragmentation: Wasted space within allocated blocks.
• External Fragmentation: Free memory scattered in small blocks among allocated memory. Allocators can minimize fragmentation by using allocation buckets based on size.

Buddy System The buddy allocation method is a reliable technique used in many systems, including the Linux kernel. It works by splitting a memory block into smaller chunks of powers of two until a sufficiently small size is reached for allocation. This process can lead to internal fragmentation since the allocated chunk may be less than the requested size.

Allocation and Deallocation When allocating memory, the system splits larger chunks until the requested size is achieved. Deallocation involves marking the memory as unused and potentially merging it with its buddy if it is also free.

Conclusion The author found that writing a memory allocator is simpler than expected, even for more complex allocators. Although there is much more to learn about allocators, the immediate goal is to enable mimalloc to use preallocated memory. The author intends to explore allocator internals further in the future.

No summary available.

The RedMonk Top 20 Programming Languages Rankings for January 2025, presented by Rachel Stephens and sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), tracks the popularity of programming languages over time. The rankings analyze trends based on GitHub pull requests and Stack Overflow discussions, though they acknowledge that these sources may not fully represent all programming communities.

Key points include:

• The chart shows the movement of languages in the rankings, with ties indicated by clustered points.
• If a language is no longer visible on the chart, it means it has dropped out of the top 20 but still has an active community.
• New languages entering the top 20 had been rising in the ranks prior to their appearance.
• The rankings are not precise measures of popularity but rather reflect trends within specific developer communities.
• The process of ranking has been adjusted over time due to changes in data availability from GitHub.
• There is ongoing debate about whether CSS should be classified as a programming language.

Overall, the rankings are meant to provide insights into the dynamics of programming language usage and community engagement, rather than definitive popularity metrics.

The Interactive Playground lets you test type inference examples and explore different algorithms right in your web browser. It's designed for easy and hands-on learning.

Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani are mourning the loss of their sister Paloma, who died at 23 from cancer after refusing chemotherapy. They attribute her death to their mother, Kate Shemirani, whose anti-medicine conspiracy theories influenced Paloma's decision. Kate gained notoriety during the pandemic for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and was later struck off as a nurse.

Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with doctors stating she had an 80% chance of recovery if she underwent chemotherapy. However, under her mother's influence and encouragement from alternative health practitioners, Paloma chose to pursue alternative therapies instead, believing they would be more effective.

The brothers believe that Kate's conspiracy theories, which they were exposed to growing up, played a significant role in Paloma's choices and ultimately led to her death. They are now calling for stronger actions against medical misinformation on social media to prevent similar tragedies. Paloma's death has raised concerns about the influence of parental beliefs on children's health decisions, especially in the context of alternative medicine and conspiracy theories.

An inquest into Paloma's death is pending, while Kate continues to promote her views online, claiming without evidence that medical staff were responsible for her daughter's death. Gabriel and Sebastian hope to raise awareness about the dangers of such misinformation.

The text introduces URPAL, an AI assistant that transforms emails and call recordings into professional notes for legal and consulting work. It uses technology like React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, and OpenAI's GPT-4o, along with Stripe for payments.

A key feature is its smart detection of whether you sent or received a communication, relying on pattern matching rather than just AI guessing. URPAL is available at urpal.com.au with a 14-day free trial, then costs AUD $15 a month.

The developer mentions that creating reliable logic for detecting email and call directions was challenging, but simple rules proved to be more effective than complex AI solutions. Currently, URPAL is used by Australian insurance professionals, and the developer seeks feedback on its technical approach and its usefulness for other professions that require extensive documentation.

The author has developed a writing platform since 2019, aimed at helping users create complex documents like theses. The app is now available in browsers and allows real-time collaboration with coworkers. It features an easy-to-use editor that doesn't require knowledge of LaTeX, and users can export documents in various templates.

Key features include:

• A custom block editor that handles large documents efficiently.
• The option to write in Markdown.
• Built-in citation management.
• Support for cross-references, footnotes, and diagrams.
• "To-do" sections for organization.

You can try the app at Monster Writer.

Tabiew Summary

Tabiew is a simple terminal user interface (TUI) application for viewing and querying data files like CSV, Parquet, and JSON.

Key Features:

• Uses Vim-style keybindings for navigation.
• Supports SQL queries.
• Handles various data formats: CSV, Parquet, JSON, and more.
• Includes fuzzy search and scripting capabilities.
• Allows multi-table functionality.

Installation:

• Arch Linux: Use pacman -S tabiew.
• Debian: Download the .deb package and install with sudo dpkg -i <path_to_package.deb>.
• RPM-based: Download the .rpm package and install with sudo rpm -i <path_to_package.rpm>.
• MacOS: Use Homebrew with brew install tabiew or compile from source.
• Cargo: Install via cargo install tabiew.
• Build from Source: Requires Rust 1.80+. Download, extract, and run cargo build --release.

Usage: Launch Tabiew with tw <path_to_csv(s)>. You can specify TSV or Parquet files with options for separators or formats.

Useful Keybindings:

• Enter: Open sheet
• Navigation: h j k l or arrow keys
• q: Close Tabiew
• /: Fuzzy search

Commands:

• Q: Run SQL query
• S: Select specific columns
• F: Filter rows based on conditions
• O: Sort data by columns

Themes and Contributing: Tabiew offers various themes and welcomes contributions through forking and pull requests. It is licensed under the MIT License.

Summary of "Requiem for a Solar Plant"

The narrator receives distressing news about their solar plant project in Texas, which has been reduced from a planned capacity of 4.54MW to only 3MW due to costly upgrades required for interconnection. After three years of effort and over a million dollars invested, the project's financial viability is now in jeopardy. The narrator and their partner, Mr. R, discuss the challenges that have led to this outcome, including unexpected costs for reconductoring and issues with mineral rights on the land.

The project began with great promise, driven by the narrator's desire to invest cryptocurrency profits into renewable energy. Despite assembling a skilled team, they faced setbacks such as complicated mineral rights ownership, which involved 27 different parties, and technical challenges with the electricity distribution system.

As they grapple with the disappointing interconnection report, which outlines significant costs and limitations for connecting their solar plant, the narrator reflects on the difficulties encountered. Ultimately, they conclude that the project is no longer feasible and decide to shut it down, sell the land, and close the company, marking the end of a hopeful venture into clean energy. The narrator is left contemplating the wasted potential of the sunlight that will never be transformed into electricity.

No summary available.

A doctor from the NHS created an iOS app called Lungy, which helps users with breathing exercises in an engaging way. After two years since its launch, Lungy has undergone a major update, including a complete redesign and new features like a real-time 3D visualization that reacts to breathing. The app was inspired by the need for better breathing exercises during COVID-19 when many patients used basic devices that often went unused.

The updated app allows users to customize their breathing exercises, access daily new exercises for free, and unlock additional features with a premium version. It includes generative visuals and music, making it interactive and visually appealing. Lungy is also developing a medical device version aimed at helping asthma patients, set for trials in the UK in 2026. The creator welcomes feedback on the app.

A woman from Guadeloupe has been identified as the only known carrier of a new blood type called "Gwada negative." This discovery was announced by France's blood supply agency, the EFS, and recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion in June.

The woman's unique blood type was first detected in 2011 during routine tests before surgery, but research did not continue until 2019 when DNA sequencing revealed a genetic mutation responsible for the unusual antibody.

The woman, who inherited the blood type from her parents, is considered the only person in the world with this blood type. The name "Gwada negative" was chosen for its connection to her origins and its appeal in various languages. The EFS hopes to find others with this rare blood type to improve care for patients with uncommon blood types. Discoveries of new blood groups have increased due to advances in DNA technology.

Summary of ESP32-BlueJammer

Overview: The ESP32-BlueJammer is a device that disrupts wireless signals in the 2.4GHz range using an ESP32 chip and nRF24 modules. It can interfere with Bluetooth, WiFi, and other devices, making it useful for testing security but illegal to use maliciously.

Key Features:

• Interference Range: Can disrupt signals over 30 meters, depending on your hardware setup.
• Channels Affected: It can jam various channels for Bluetooth, BLE, WiFi, and RC devices.
• Easy Setup: Starts jamming immediately upon powering on; no extra buttons needed.

Components Needed:

• Required: ESP32 Dev Module, two nRF24L01+PA+LNA modules, and some additional components like capacitors and a battery if desired.
• Optional: Antennas for increased range, an OLED display, and a 3D printed case for housing.

Flashing Firmware:

• Users can flash firmware easily via a web flasher or a simple Windows application.

Legal Disclaimer:

• The tool is meant for educational purposes only. Jamming is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Users are responsible for their actions.

Community Support:

• Users can join a Discord server for help and community interaction.

The ESP32-BlueJammer is a DIY project that aims to educate about wireless communication but should only be used within legal boundaries.

Summary:

Over the past year, LogHouse, an internal logging platform for ClickHouse Cloud, has expanded significantly from 19 petabytes (PB) to 100 PB of uncompressed logs, handling an increase from around 40 trillion to 500 trillion rows of data. This growth prompted a shift in architecture and tools, leading to a 20-fold increase in event volume while using less than 10% of the CPU compared to previous methods.

The team faced challenges with OpenTelemetry (OTel), which became a bottleneck due to its inefficiencies in processing high volumes of data. To address this, they developed a custom tool called SysEx, which efficiently transfers data directly between ClickHouse instances without unnecessary transformations, thus preserving data fidelity and reducing CPU usage.

Additionally, they introduced HyperDX, a user-friendly, ClickHouse-native observability interface that simplifies data exploration and analysis. This combination of SysEx and HyperDX enables better data management and insights, allowing engineers to easily correlate logs and metrics.

The focus has shifted from traditional observability practices to a model that embraces wide-event, high-cardinality data storage, which retains all details of each event rather than pre-aggregating data. This approach allows for thorough analysis and troubleshooting across their systems.

As they continue to evolve, the team is exploring new data sources and improving their observability processes, aiming for zero-impact scraping methods that further reduce overhead. Overall, LogHouse has transformed into a comprehensive observability platform that enhances performance analysis and debugging capabilities across ClickHouse Cloud.

Summary:

Create powerful API workflows quickly using YAML and SQL. You can pull data from any API, process it with SQL, and send it to different destinations. This system allows for flexible development without being tied to specific SaaS connectors, and there are no costs per row of data.

Key Features:

• YAML Structure: Define workflows in clear YAML format, making it easy to read and manage without vendor lock-in.
• Dynamic Configuration: Use Jinja templates for custom variables and Python for advanced calculations within the YAML structure.
• Database Integration: Easily connect APIs to your database, allowing seamless data flow without complex code.

Example Workflow:

1. Fetch orders from Shopify and store them in Snowflake.
2. Compute customer metrics using SQL.
3. Update Mailchimp with the new customer metrics.

This tool helps streamline integrations, reduce software costs, and automate various business processes across different applications. You can start with pre-made templates for popular platforms like Salesforce and Shopify to simplify your setup.

Users in West Asia and North Africa have raised concerns about a pre-installed app called AppCloud on Samsung's A and M series smartphones. This app collects sensitive personal data without user consent and cannot be easily removed without risking device security.

Developed by the Israeli-founded company ironSource, which is now owned by Unity, AppCloud poses serious privacy risks. Samsung has not provided clear information about how AppCloud works, what data it collects, or why users can't opt out.

An open letter to Samsung demands transparency regarding AppCloud, including details about its privacy practices, options for removal, and a reconsideration of future pre-installations. The letter emphasizes that the app's installation without consent violates data protection laws and raises ethical concerns, especially in countries where Israeli companies face legal restrictions.

The letter requests that Samsung:

1. Disclose AppCloud's privacy policy and data handling practices.
2. Provide a way for users to opt out and remove the app safely.
3. Explain why AppCloud is pre-installed on devices in the region.
4. Reconsider the continued pre-installation of the app in light of privacy rights.

The authors seek a meeting with Samsung to discuss these issues further and ensure user privacy and security.

mbake Overview:

mbake is a tool for formatting and linting Makefiles, designed to simplify the process of maintaining consistent code style.

Key Features:

• Customizable rules through a configuration file.
• Integrates with CI/CD systems for automated checks.
• Extensible with plugins and provides clear terminal outputs.
• Validates syntax before and after formatting.
• Automatically detects and manages .PHONY targets.

Installation Options:

1. Via PyPI: Use pip install mbake.
2. VSCode Extension: Install from the VSCode Extensions marketplace.
3. From Source: Clone the repository and install using pip.

Basic Usage:

• Check version: bake --version
• Format a Makefile: bake format Makefile
• Validate syntax: bake validate Makefile

Configuration Management:

• Initialize with default settings: bake init.
• Customize settings using a .bake.toml file.

Formatting Rules:

• Uses tabs for recipe indentation.
• Normalizes spacing around operators and colons.
• Consolidates line continuations and manages .PHONY declarations efficiently.

Smart .PHONY Detection:

• Automatically identifies phony targets based on command analysis, enhancing usability.

Examples of Formatting:

• Before and after formatting shows how mbake standardizes indentation and spacing.

CI/CD Integration:

• Easily integrate mbake into continuous integration workflows to maintain formatting standards.

Development and Contribution:

• Contributors can fork the repository, add features, and submit pull requests following specific guidelines.

Design Philosophy:

• Aims for minimal changes to existing files, predictable formatting, fast execution, and reliable syntax validation.

This tool is designed for developers looking to maintain high-quality Makefiles with minimal effort.

Be cautious about employment agreements. Many companies no longer need non-compete clauses because they interpret confidentiality agreements very broadly. They may claim that any work in the same industry could violate confidentiality due to the knowledge and skills you possess. This means you could be restricted from working in your field for your entire career. Always read your employment contract carefully to avoid surprises.

A new project called COSMOS-Web has created the largest map of the universe, showing over 800,000 galaxies, some dating back 13.5 billion years. This groundbreaking work was made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which can capture faint light from distant galaxies. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and other institutions spent over two years analyzing the data to produce accessible images and catalogs.

The JWST revealed ten times more galaxies than expected, including some supermassive black holes that were previously unseen. This has led to new questions about the early universe and its formation. The goal of the project is not only to observe these ancient galaxies but also to understand the environment of the early universe. The dataset is publicly available, encouraging collaboration and exploration among scientists and students to help uncover more cosmic mysteries.

LogTape is a JavaScript logging library designed for library authors to add logging functionalities without imposing choices on users. Here are the key points:

1. Current Logging Challenges: Many libraries handle logging differently, leading to fragmentation and complexity for users who must learn various systems.

2. LogTape's Unique Approach: LogTape allows logging to be completely inactive unless explicitly configured by the user. This means no impact on users who don't need logging.

3. Unified Configuration: When logging is enabled, LogTape provides a single configuration system for all libraries using it, creating consistent logging formats and outputs.

4. Zero Dependencies: LogTape has no external dependencies, making it lighter and avoiding potential conflicts for users.

5. Compatibility: It supports both ESM and CommonJS environments, ensuring compatibility across different JavaScript projects.

6. Performance: LogTape is designed for high performance, especially when logging is disabled, minimizing overhead.

7. Ease of Use: Integrating LogTape into a library is straightforward, and it provides a natural API for logging.

8. Transition Support: LogTape offers adapters for popular logging libraries like winston and Pino, facilitating a smoother transition for users already invested in those systems.

9. Philosophy: LogTape emphasizes providing valuable logging capabilities while respecting user choices and existing setups, aiming for a cohesive logging experience across the JavaScript ecosystem.

In summary, LogTape is a practical solution for library authors to integrate logging without burdening users, promoting a unified and efficient logging approach.

Summary:

In startups, the rush to deliver quickly can lead to unreliable findings, known as p-hacking. Here are three main pitfalls and ways to avoid them:

1. Multiple Comparisons Without Correction: When testing several options (like website layouts), checking each one without adjusting the significance level increases the chance of false positives. For example, testing four layouts with a 0.05 p-value means there's actually an 18.5% chance of mistakenly choosing a winning option. To avoid this, use the Bonferroni Correction, which adjusts the threshold based on the number of tests (e.g., for four tests, the new threshold is 0.0125).

2. Reframing Metrics After Results: If initial results don't show improvement, there’s a temptation to find other metrics (like retention) that might look better. Each new metric increases the risk of finding a false positive. To combat this, pre-register which metrics will be evaluated before running the tests to keep findings reliable.

3. Stopping Experiments Early: Checking results too frequently can mislead decision-making. If you look at p-values during the testing period, you risk making decisions based on random fluctuations. If you must check early, use sequential testing, which adjusts the significance level over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-register your hypotheses and metrics before testing.
• Avoid exploring metrics after the fact to find "wins."
• Use statistical corrections for multiple tests.
• If you check results early, apply stricter thresholds to maintain accuracy.

By following these practices, you can ensure that your experiments provide trustworthy insights, ultimately leading to better decision-making and user understanding.

We're changing our live coverage of the Middle East conflict to a new page. You can find it here.

I'm unable to access or view content from external links, including YouTube. However, if you provide me with the text or main points from the video, I can help summarize it for you!

New EU rules for ecodesign and energy labeling for smartphones, cordless phones, and tablets are now in effect. These regulations aim to increase the lifespan, energy efficiency, and repairability of these devices, helping consumers make sustainable choices.

Key points include:

• Energy Savings: By 2030, these rules are expected to save 2.2 TWh of electricity, which is about one-third of what would be used without the measures. Consumers could save €20 billion in costs by that time.
• Ecodesign Regulation: This sets minimum standards for durability, battery life (at least 800 charge cycles), and repairability. Manufacturers must provide spare parts for at least 7 years and ensure operating system updates for at least 5 years after sales.
• Energy Labelling Regulation: Products must display information on energy efficiency, battery lifespan, and a repairability score (A to E). This information will be accessible via a public database, helping consumers make informed decisions.
• Environmental Impact: The rules support a circular economy by promoting recycling and reducing waste, contributing to the EU's energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals.

These regulations are part of the broader Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to make products more durable and easier to repair, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment.

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Microsoft is turning the Xbox app on PC into a universal launcher. This means it will serve as a single place for gamers to access and play their games, simplifying the gaming experience on PC.