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The author has created a simple time-sharing operating system kernel for the RISC-V architecture, focusing on low-level system software, drivers, and system calls. This project aims to help students and those interested in understanding operating systems better. It is a modern reimplementation of an undergraduate assignment, utilizing the Zig programming language instead of C for easier setup and reproducibility.

Key points include:

• The kernel supports basic features like static thread definition and time slicing among threads, operating on a single-core machine.
• It incorporates the concept of virtual threads, allowing multiple workloads to share the same CPU core while keeping their programming model consistent.
• The implementation uses a unique approach to combine user and kernel code into one executable, simplifying loading and execution.
• The structure involves a layered permissions model with machine mode (M), supervisor mode (S), and user mode (U), where threads run in user mode and make system calls to the kernel in supervisor mode.
• An interrupt-driven mechanism is used to manage context switching between threads, ensuring seamless time-sharing.
• The kernel is designed to run on QEMU, a virtual machine, making it accessible for testing and development.

The author encourages readers to explore the code on GitHub and suggests some background reading for those unfamiliar with the core concepts of computer architecture and operating systems. Overall, this project serves as a practical starting point for learning about operating systems while offering a fresh perspective through modern tools and languages.

Summary of Observable Notebooks Data Loaders

Data loaders are special tools in Observable Notebooks that run before you view your notebook, helping to prepare and manage data efficiently. They ensure that data is consistent and improves performance. Currently, data loaders support Node.js and Python, with more languages expected in the future.

Key features include:

1. Formats Supported:

   • Text formats: string, JSON, CSV, TSV, XML
   • Binary formats: Apache Arrow, Parquet, Blob, ArrayBuffer
   • Image formats: JPEG, GIF, WebP, PNG, SVG
   • HTML content rendering

2. Example Code:

   • A simple Python example shows how to print the Python version.
   • A Node.js example fetches download statistics from npm and processes the data.

3. Output Management:

   • Data from loaders is stored in a local cache and updates only when the loader is re-run.
   • Users can refresh data in various ways, including via a Play button or command.

4. Node.js Requirements:

   • Requires Node.js version 22.12 or higher.
   • Has security measures that limit file access to the notebook's directory.

5. Python Requirements:

   • Requires Python version 3.12 or higher.
   • Users must manage package installations themselves.

Overall, data loaders enhance the functionality of Observable Notebooks by allowing efficient data handling and integration with various programming languages.

Scientists are studying the effects of radioactivity on the cognitive abilities of insects, particularly bees and giant hornets, in the contaminated area around Fukushima, Japan. They aim to understand how ionizing radiation impacts these pollinators, which are vital for ecosystems.

Researchers Olivier Armant and Mathieu Lihoreau are leading this effort, building on Lihoreau's work with an automated system to assess insect cognition. Their studies have been conducted in collaboration with Fukushima University's Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, allowing them to access contaminated sites for research.

Using a Y-shaped maze, bees are tested on their ability to learn and remember color cues that lead to a sugar water reward. Each bee is equipped with a QR code for identification and tracking during tests. Initial findings suggest a decline in insect cognition in Fukushima, potentially linked to radiation exposure, though further research is needed to confirm this connection.

Overall, the study highlights the potential impacts of environmental pollutants on insect behavior, which can affect pollination and ecosystem health.

Real-Time Voice Cloning Overview

This project is about a system called SV2TTS, which uses deep learning to clone voices in real-time. It was developed as part of a master's thesis. The SV2TTS framework works in three steps:

1. Voice Representation: It creates a digital model of a voice using just a few seconds of audio.
2. Speech Generation: The voice model is then used to produce speech from any given text.

Key Papers and Implementations

• SV2TTS: Focuses on voice cloning.
• WaveRNN: Used for audio synthesis.
• Tacotron: End-to-end speech synthesis.
• GE2E: A method for speaker verification.

Important Notes

• The repository may not offer the best audio quality compared to newer paid services.
• For better voice cloning solutions, check out updated projects like Chatterbox.

Setup Instructions

1. Install Requirements:

   • Supports both Windows and Linux, with a GPU recommended (but not required).
   • Requires Python 3.7 (or 3.5+) and ffmpeg for audio files.
   • Install PyTorch based on your system specifications.

2. Download Pretrained Models: Automatically handled, but can be done manually if needed.

3. Test Configuration: Run a simple test to ensure everything is set up correctly.

4. Download Datasets: For testing, you can download a specific dataset (LibriSpeech). More datasets are available, but you can also use your own audio files.

5. Launch the Toolbox: Start using the toolbox with commands depending on whether you've downloaded datasets or not.

This summary simplifies the implementation process and highlights the key aspects of the voice cloning system.

The text discusses how people can get caught in negative thought spirals, particularly in social situations, such as at work. It contrasts the experiences of a senior team member who is late to a meeting and feels comfortable, with a junior staffer who feels anxious and insecure in the same situation.

When the junior staffer hears a potentially snarky comment from their boss, it triggers doubts about their worth and belonging. This leads to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors, which can escalate and lead to self-sabotage. The author identifies three key concepts that contribute to these spirals:

1. Core Questions: Fundamental doubts about identity and belonging that arise in challenging moments.
2. Construal: The way individuals interpret their social environment, often focusing on negative aspects that confirm their insecurities.
3. Calcification: The process by which negative thoughts become entrenched, leading to a cycle of failure and further negativity.

The author emphasizes that these negative spirals are not inevitable. With awareness and supportive interventions, individuals can shift their mindset and create positive outcomes. Simple actions, like seeking connection and understanding, can help break negative patterns and foster a sense of belonging and success. The text ultimately encourages readers to recognize and address their core questions and to be mindful of how their interpretations of situations can affect their well-being.

My name is Solène Rapenne (she/her). I enjoy learning and sharing knowledge. My hobbies include Qubes OS, BSD, OpenBSD, Lisp, command line, gaming, security, and internet-related topics. I am a core team member of Qubes OS and a former OpenBSD developer. You can contact me at [email protected] or @[email protected] on Mastodon. I work as a freelance consultant for OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Linux, and Qubes OS, focusing on DevOps, DevSecOps, technical writing, and documentation. No AI is involved in this blog.

A significant leak has occurred regarding China's "Great Firewall," which is a system used to control internet access in the country. This leak reveals important information about how the firewall operates and the extent of its restrictions on online content. The details exposed could have implications for internet freedom and privacy in China and beyond.

Summary of SpikingBrain: Spiking Brain-inspired Large Models

SpikingBrain is a new AI model inspired by how the brain works. It uses advanced techniques like hybrid efficient attention, mixture of experts (MoE), and spike encoding to improve its performance while needing only a small amount of data for training (less than 2%). This model can be trained quickly and efficiently, achieving over 100 times faster processing for longer sequences.

Key Features:

• Model Structure: The SpikingBrain-7B model includes several versions for different uses, such as HuggingFace, vLLM inference, and a quantized version for lower-cost inference.
• vLLM-HyMeta: This component allows for efficient model inference on NVIDIA GPUs, simplifying the integration of different hardware backends, which helps reduce maintenance and speed up development.
• W8ASpike: This is a quantized version that aims to reduce costs and explore Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) through a method called pseudo-spiking, which simplifies how spikes are processed in models.

Deployment and Usage:

• Users can easily deploy the model using Docker and follow specific instructions for installing dependencies.
• Example scripts are provided for running the model in various ways, including using HuggingFace and vLLM.

Performance Evaluation:

• The SpikingBrain models have been evaluated against others, showing strong performance despite some limitations in training data for comparison models.

Models Available:

• Pre-trained and chat models, as well as quantized weights, are accessible online for use in various applications.

For further details, the technical report is available in both Chinese and English, and users are encouraged to cite the work if they find it useful.

A significant discovery by the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a unique black hole, named QSO1, in the early universe, which is about 50 million times the mass of our Sun. This black hole is unusual because it appears to exist without a surrounding galaxy, challenging previous theories about black hole formation that suggested they developed after stars collapsed into them.

Researchers believe QSO1 might represent a new class of "naked" black holes that could have formed right after the Big Bang. This theory echoes a proposal by Stephen Hawking that primordial black holes emerged from the dense conditions of the early universe.

The discovery of QSO1 among other similar objects, referred to as "little red dots," suggests that the early universe was chaotic, with black holes and galaxies forming simultaneously and possibly independently. This challenges the conventional view of cosmic history and raises new questions about how such massive black holes originated.

The team that studied QSO1 found no evidence of a galaxy around it, indicating that most of its mass is likely due to the black hole itself, with only a small amount of gas and stars. The gas surrounding QSO1 is mostly hydrogen, suggesting it formed before significant star development.

Astrophysicists are now exploring various theories about how QSO1 and similar objects could have formed, including the possibility that dense regions from the Big Bang evolved directly into black holes. This discovery opens up exciting avenues for understanding the universe's early years and the formation of supermassive black holes.

Summary of Old Vintage Computing Research: Silicon Graphics Indigo² IMPACT 10000

On September 13, 2025, the author reflects on their collection of vintage computing hardware, focusing on a Silicon Graphics Indigo² IMPACT 10000. This computer, a striking purple design, has been stored for nearly a decade and is now due for refurbishment to ensure it remains functional.

The author owns three SGI systems, including a powerful SGI Fuel and a favorite SGI Indy. The Indigo² shares architectural similarities with the Indy and was released in 1993, initially costing around $35,000. Over the years, SGI introduced various graphics options for the Indigo², including the IMPACT family, which improved graphics performance.

The IMPACT systems emerged in the mid-1990s, featuring upgraded graphics capabilities and a new R10000 processor, which faced production delays. The author’s Indigo² is a Solid IMPACT model, which was the most affordable option in its line but still offers significant performance.

Overall, the text captures the nostalgia and complexity of vintage computing, highlighting the author's attachment to these machines and their historical significance.

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Summary of Gemini

Gemini is an alternative way to use the Internet, distinct from the familiar World Wide Web (WWW). Here are the key features of Gemini:

1. Simplicity: Gemini pages consist of plain text with minimal formatting, making them predictable and easy to navigate.

2. Human Scale: Unlike web browsers created by large companies, Gemini allows individual developers to create applications, offering more choices.

3. Distraction-Free: Gemini is text-only, preventing distractions like autoplay videos or pop-ups.

4. Privacy: Each request in Gemini is separate, ensuring better privacy and security through encryption similar to online banking.

To start using Gemini, you need to install a Gemini client, which functions like a web browser but accesses Gemini content. There are various clients available for different operating systems, including:

• Windows: Recommended client is Geminaut, with alternatives like Lagrange.
• MacOS: Lagrange is the main option.
• iOS: Available clients include Elaho and Rocketeer.
• Android: Recommended client is Ariane.
• Linux: Options include Lagrange and Kristall.

Once you have a client, you can start exploring Gemini by opening the address gemini://geminiquickst.art/ in your client.

Content on Gemini is still limited, but you can find blogs (gemlogs), curated lists of interesting sites, and search engines like Geminispace.info to help discover new material. Publishing on Gemini can be more complex than on the web, but there are tools and sites to assist with the process.

For those interested in hosting their own content, there are free hosting options and community-driven avenues like pubnixes that offer Gemini hosting.

In conclusion, Gemini offers a streamlined, private, and simple internet experience, and with some effort, you can find or create content within this new space. For help or questions, you can email the provided support.

Summary:

Anycrap.shop is an online marketplace that offers a unique shopping experience for imaginative and fictional products. Users can search for unusual items, suggest their own product ideas, and receive instant visualizations of these concepts. The site features a wide range of weird tech, snacks, and other creative products that don’t actually exist yet. Customers can subscribe to a newsletter for updates on new fictional products.

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Summary:

The text promotes a custom cat aquarium designed to enhance playtime for cats while serving as a stylish home decor piece. Key features include:

• Safety: The aquarium is made with high-quality, non-toxic materials and has hand-polished edges to ensure the safety of pets.
• Quality: It uses ultra-clear glass that allows for high light transmittance, combining durability with an attractive design.
• Benefits for Cats: The aquarium provides mental stimulation, reduces boredom, and alleviates stress. Watching fish can calm cats, encourage exploration, and improve their overall well-being.

The aquarium is available in three models, each priced at ¥196,056 but currently on sale for ¥60,322. The product boasts a 4.9/5 star rating from over 200 satisfied customers.

Summary of MIT-MC CP/M Archive Files (1979-1984)

This repository contains software and files developed for the CP/M operating system between 1979 and 1984. It was hosted by MIT's Macsyma Consortium and shared on the ARPANET as freeware and shareware, maintained by Frank J. Wancho and Keith Petersen. After the consortium dissolved in 1983, the files were transferred to SIMTEL20 and are part of the MIT Libraries' Tapes of Tech Square (ToTS) collection.

Key Details:

• The files are organized into a directory called "cpm," containing 221 archive files from 24 tape images.
• Files were extracted from backup tapes using a program called itstar and adapted to Unix naming conventions.
• A digital archivist, Joe Carrano, organized the files into directories based on their original names.
• Key files in the repository include:
  • codemeta.json: Metadata about the archive using the CodeMeta Project schema.
  • README.md: Information about the repository's content.
  • tree.txt: A file structure listing with original timestamps (some timestamps may not be accurate).
  • tapeimagelist.txt: A list of tape images and their paths.
  • ITSarchivefilelist.txt: A list of ITS archive files in the repository.

Citation and Rights:

• The files may be under copyright; consult MIT's permissions policy for more information.

Acknowledgments:

• Thanks to Lars Brinkhoff for assisting with file identification.

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Summary:

Apple Inc. has received an Open Brand Certificate for its macOS version 26.0 Tahoe, which is certified for Apple silicon-based Mac computers. This certificate is part of a Trademark License Agreement with The Open Group Limited. The certification confirms that this product meets recognized standards and is valid until August 29, 2026. For more details about the product and its compliance, users can visit The Open Group's website. The Open Group holds several registered trademarks, including UNIX and the Open O logo.

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Summary of The Socratic Journal Method by Ed Nite

The Socratic Journal Method is a new way to journal that makes the process enjoyable and meaningful. Instead of seeing journaling as a chore, this method encourages you to treat it like a conversation, asking yourself questions and answering them.

Key Points:

1. Purpose of the Method:

   • Inspired by Socratic philosophy, this journaling technique helps you reflect on your thoughts and emotions, making it easier to develop a consistent journaling habit.

2. Benefits of Journaling:

   • Research shows journaling can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance mental clarity. It encourages self-reflection and can lead to personal growth.

3. How to Journal:

   • Use questions to guide your writing. For example, ask yourself, "What’s weighing on me right now?" Answer without judgment.
   • This approach shifts journaling from a monologue to a dialogue, making it feel more natural.

4. Tools for Journaling:

   • You can journal using paper and pen, digital apps, or even audio/video recordings. The best tool is the one you’ll use regularly.

5. Staying Motivated:

   • Keep your questions fresh and relevant to your current life situations. Avoid making journaling feel like a task; instead, let it be a supportive conversation with yourself.

6. Start Small:

   • Begin with one question, answer it honestly, and track one aspect of your life, like mood or tasks completed.

7. Final Thoughts:

   • The goal is to enjoy the journaling experience and use it as a tool for clarity and self-discovery. By asking better questions, you can gain valuable insights into your life.

Try the Socratic Journal Method for a week to see how it impacts your reflection and personal growth.

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The ancient city of Babylon in Iraq is undergoing significant restoration, which is attracting tourists back to the region. Key projects include repairing the Temple of Ninmakh and the north retaining wall of the Ishtar Gate, both of which have suffered from war damage and poor past repairs. Funded largely by the US embassy, these efforts are part of the Future of Babylon Project, aimed at preserving the 2,500-acre site.

Tourism is booming, with increasing numbers of visitors from both Iraq and abroad exploring its historical sites, including the Lion of Babylon and the Ishtar Gate. In 2024, Babylon saw over 43,000 Iraqi tourists and more than 5,000 foreign visitors, a noticeable rise from previous years.

Despite the challenges of looting and environmental damage, Babylon has maintained its historical significance. Skilled artisans are using traditional mud-brick techniques for restoration, ensuring that the materials used reflect the region's heritage. Improved water management techniques are also being implemented to protect the structures from groundwater damage.

Overall, Babylon is not only being restored but is also becoming a cultural hub for events and gatherings, symbolizing the resilience of Iraq's history.

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The blog post by Tripp Lyons discusses a method for backpropagating through linear transformations represented by einsum (Einstein summation).

Key Points:

1. Einsum Basics: The einsum function can represent operations like matrix multiplication. For example, it can calculate the product of two matrices A and B efficiently.

2. Backpropagation Trick: To backpropagate through an einsum, you can swap the roles of the inputs and outputs. If you have the gradient of the loss with respect to the output (C), you can easily find the gradient with respect to the input (A) by rearranging the einsum notation.

3. Example Process:

   • Forward Pass: Compute C using einsum.
   • Backward Pass: Replace the einsum for C with the einsum for A, using the gradient from the forward pass.

4. Shape Verification: The output shape of the backpropagation matches the input shape of A, ensuring consistency.

5. Matrix Interpretation: The swapping of letters in einsum can also be interpreted as a matrix multiplication involving the transpose of B.

6. Validation: The author demonstrates how to verify the results using JAX's automatic differentiation, confirming that the derived backpropagation formula matches the automatic gradient calculation.

In conclusion, einsums are a powerful tool for linear transformations, and the swapping trick simplifies the backpropagation process.

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Summary of 486Tang Project

The 486Tang project, released on GitHub by nand2mario on September 13, 2025, is a port of the ao486 MiSTer PC core to the Sipeed Tang Console 138K FPGA. It's the first time this core has been adapted for a non-Altera FPGA.

Key Features:

1. Memory Changes: The project uses SDRAM for main memory instead of DDR3, which is used in the MiSTer core. This was necessary because DDR did not exist during the 80486's time. SDRAM is 16-bit wide, but the system compensates by running the SDRAM at double the clock speed.

2. Storage Solutions: Instead of relying on a fast MCU for disk access, the project directly connects to an SD card for disk storage.

3. Boot Process: All boot files (BIOS, settings, etc.) are stored on the SD card, and a small boot loader prepares everything for the CPU to start.

4. Simulation for Debugging: The developer used Verilator for simulating the system, which made debugging easier and faster compared to traditional methods.

5. Performance Improvements: Initial tests showed the system running at speeds comparable to a 25 MHz 80386. Several optimizations were made to improve performance, including reducing long paths in the circuit and modifying the TLB for better efficiency.

Reflections and Insights:

• The project highlighted the importance of clock speed in system performance.
• It deepened the developer's respect for the complexity of the x86 architecture compared to simpler architectures like ARM.

Overall, 486Tang v0.1 has shown promising results, reaching performance levels similar to the 486SX-20. The developer shares updates and progress on social media and looks forward to future developments.

I'm unable to access external websites directly, including the link you provided. However, if you can share the main points or excerpts from the paper, I can help you summarize the information in a clear and concise way.

No summary available.

The text discusses the decision to remove pthread_cancel from the curl library after its recent implementation caused issues. Here's a simplified summary:

• Context: The curl team added pthread_cancel to handle blocking calls to getaddrinfo(), which resolves domain names. This was meant to allow libcurl to perform other tasks while waiting for the resolution.

• Problem: After releasing curl version 8.16.0, they discovered that using pthread_cancel led to memory leaks. The function getaddrinfo() allocates memory while reading configuration from /etc/gai.conf, and if it gets cancelled during this process, it can lose track of this memory, causing leaks.

• Conclusion: Due to these memory leak issues, the curl team decided to remove the pthread_cancel functionality. They prefer to handle the long wait times for getaddrinfo() rather than risk leaking memory repeatedly. Users can avoid these issues by using the c-ares library, which resolves names without blocking and without threads, although it doesn't cover all features of glibc.

Overall, the curl team recognizes that handling DNS resolutions is complex and challenging.

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Summary of "My First Impressions of Gleam"

The author is exploring the Gleam programming language, which is inspired by Elixir and features static typing. They are particularly interested in building a project to parse old AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) logs. The author has a long programming background but is new to functional programming.

Key Points:

1. Project Goal: The author aims to create a universal parser for old AIM log files, which vary in format, to make them easier to read.

2. First Steps: They started by figuring out how to parse command-line arguments in Gleam, initially struggling with the lack of built-in functionality but eventually finding a simpler library.

3. Building the Parser:

   • The author wrote a test for parsing plaintext logs, leading to the implementation of a basic parsing function.
   • They faced challenges adapting to functional programming concepts, such as the absence of loops and mutable state.

4. Learning Functional Programming: The author is learning to use pattern matching and functions like list.map to process data, which is different from the procedural style they are used to.

5. Progress: After several iterations, they managed to filter and extract relevant messages from the logs, refining their approach and making use of the static typing features of Gleam.

6. Reflections: The author enjoys Gleam's pipeline syntax, example-heavy documentation, and built-in warnings for unused symbols. However, they find the error handling awkward and note that the language's standard library is limited.

7. Final Thoughts: Overall, the author finds Gleam to be a fun and learning-rich experience, though they acknowledge the language's youth and limited ecosystem.

The source code for their project is available online, and the author is also writing a book on improving writing skills for developers.

A bride named Michelle Wylie has solved the mystery of a man who crashed her wedding four years ago. She and her husband noticed the tall man in a dark suit while looking through their wedding photos, but no one could identify him, including family, friends, and hotel staff. After a Facebook appeal yielded no results, Michelle reached out to a Scottish content creator, Dazza, who helped bring attention to the mystery.

Finally, Andrew Hillhouse came forward to explain that he had mistakenly attended the wrong wedding after arriving late. He thought he was at a ceremony for someone he knew, but realized during the event that it was not the right one. Trying to blend in, he ended up being photographed with the wedding guests. After the ceremony, he hurried to the correct wedding, where he shared his story with many attendees.

Michelle was relieved to finally identify the crasher and now shares a friendly connection with Hillhouse, who has become a Facebook friend. They both found humor and joy in the unexpected situation.

Summary of lexy

What is lexy?

• lexy is a library for C++17 and later, designed for creating parsers easily using a domain-specific language (DSL). It combines the simplicity of writing a parser with the precision of manual coding.

Key Features:

1. Control Over Parsing:

   • lexy lets you define how parsing should happen without hidden complexities, reducing errors like ambiguities.
   • Backtracking and lookahead are managed by the user, ensuring efficient parsing.

2. Integration:

   • You can embed grammar directly in your C++ code without needing external files.
   • It allows the use of custom data structures for storing results.

3. Compile-Time Parsing:

   • Supports parsing string literals during compilation.

4. Minimal Dependencies:

   • Only requires basic C++ headers, making it lightweight.

5. Text and Binary Input Support:

   • Can parse various text formats including Unicode, and also handles binary data formats.

6. Error Handling:

   • Provides automatic error recovery and detailed error reporting.

Comparison with Other Parsers:

• lexy is more efficient than traditional PEG parsers due to controlled backtracking.
• It differs from Boost.Spirit and PEGTL in structure and performance, offering a more modern approach.

Performance and Compilation:

• Compilation times are generally reasonable, with specific benchmarks available.
• Error messages from C++ can be complicated, but lexy aims to provide clearer feedback.

Documentation:

• Comprehensive documentation and examples can be found at lexy.foonathan.net.

Getting Started:

• You can set up a project with lexy easily using CMake, as shown in the minimal CMakeLists.txt example provided.

The Safe C++ proposal, aimed at adding a safe subset to C++ for better memory, type, and thread safety—similar to Rust—will not be continued. The proposal was designed to allow developers to mark code as "safe" while maintaining compatibility with existing C++ code. However, the committee has decided to prioritize a different approach called "Profiles."

Profiles will impose constraints on how C++ is used to ensure safety, focusing on compile-time checks and maintaining backward compatibility without introducing new language constructs. Unlike the more ambitious Safe C++, which sought to add new syntax and qualifiers, Profiles are seen as a more practical solution that limits existing features to enhance safety.

There is some resistance in the community to adopting the Rust safety model, and the general sentiment is that Profiles represent a more realistic and achievable path for improving safety in C++. While Profiles may not offer the same level of guarantees as Safe C++, they are viewed as a step in the right direction for the C++ community.

Cuong Le, Head of Engineering at Bitmark, writes about Rust programming and aims to clarify complex topics. In his post, he focuses on Rust's functions and closures, which can be confusing for beginners.

Key Points:

1. Functions vs. Closures:

   • Functions are defined and called directly, while closures are anonymous functions that can capture variables from their surroundings.
   • Functions create a unique type called a "function item," enabling compiler optimizations.

2. Function Pointers:

   • To store different functions in a variable, they can be converted to function pointers. Function pointers allow for flexibility but use dynamic dispatch, which is less efficient than direct calls.

3. Closure Traits:

   • Closures are categorized based on how they capture variables:
     • FnOnce: Can be called once, as it moves captured variables.
     • FnMut: Can mutate captured variables and be called multiple times.
     • Fn: Can only read captured variables.

4. Trait Hierarchy:

   • The traits form a hierarchy where Fn can be used wherever FnMut or FnOnce are expected, allowing for seamless integration.

5. Compiler Behavior:

   • The Rust compiler transforms closures into anonymous structs that manage captured variables. This allows for different capture modes based on the closure’s usage.

In summary, understanding the distinctions between Rust's functions and closures, their traits, and how the compiler handles them is crucial for mastering Rust programming. Cuong invites readers to connect with him for more insights on Rust and programming.

Summary: How Ruby Executes JIT Code

Ruby's Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, particularly ZJIT, enhances performance by compiling Ruby programs into machine code. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:

1. JIT Code Location: When Ruby runs your code, it first compiles methods into a structure called Instruction Sequence (ISEQ), which contains bytecode. JIT-compiled code is stored alongside this bytecode, allowing Ruby to switch between interpreting and executing compiled code as needed.

2. Execution Process: Ruby checks if the ISEQ has JIT-compiled code before execution. If not, it interprets the bytecode. This allows for efficient execution, as frequently called methods can be compiled to native code.

3. Compilation Criteria: Ruby compiles methods based on their usage frequency. A method must be called a certain number of times (default thresholds are 25 for profiling and 30 for compilation) before it gets JIT-compiled.

4. De-optimization: JIT-compiled code makes assumptions for speed. If these assumptions are violated (e.g., calling a method with unexpected argument types), Ruby de-optimizes, reverting to the interpreter to ensure correct results.

5. Additional Considerations:

   • Enabling TracePoint (used for debugging) slows down execution because it requires interpreting bytecode rather than running compiled code.
   • Not all methods are compiled to avoid wasting resources on rarely used methods.

This overview should help clarify how Ruby's JIT compilers, like ZJIT and YJIT, function to improve performance. For more information, consider exploring resources on Ruby’s new JIT compiler and its bytecode instructions.

The article discusses the challenges faced by traditional dictionaries, particularly Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com, in the digital age. In 2015, Merriam-Webster began a major revision of its unabridged dictionary, but financial difficulties led to layoffs and the abandonment of the project. While interest in language is growing, with many people using dictionaries online, the business has suffered due to competition from free online resources and changes in search engine algorithms.

Dictionary.com initially thrived under new ownership, modernizing its content and adding new words. However, it faced significant declines in traffic due to Google’s search features and financial issues related to its parent company, leading to layoffs of its lexicography staff.

Merriam-Webster, on the other hand, has managed to adapt by improving its digital presence and engaging audiences through social media. Despite its resilience, the overall dictionary industry is shrinking, with fewer full-time lexicographers than before. The need for reliable dictionaries remains crucial, especially as language evolves and contentious topics arise in public discourse. The author emphasizes the importance of preserving the dictionary business to ensure it continues to serve as a trusted resource for understanding language.

CLAVIER-36 is a programming tool designed for creating generative music. It uses a grid layout where programs evolve over time based on specific rules, similar to how cellular automata work. Programs in CLAVIER-36 generate sequences of sound events, with a basic sampler included for sound interpretation. However, for the best results, it is recommended to connect it to an external musical instrument, like a synthesizer.

The project was inspired by another tool called Orca and started as a personal version of it. CLAVIER-36 is written in C and can run in web browsers using WASM.

For more information, you can visit:

• About page: Clavier36 About
• User manual: Clavier36 Manual
• Tutorial video: Clavier36 Tutorial

Freelance developers and companies are emerging to fix poorly coded software created using AI tools, a trend known as "vibe coding." This practice allows individuals to quickly create software without much focus on the underlying code, which can lead to significant issues, including security vulnerabilities and user experience problems.

Many people, like Hamid Siddiqi, are now offering services to clean up these vibe-coded projects on platforms like Fiverr. They address common problems such as inconsistent design, inefficient code, and misaligned branding. Established companies like Ulam Labs are also advertising their cleanup services, emphasizing the need to transform hastily built software into solid applications.

Swatantra Sohni, who started VibeCodeFixers.com, reported that many developers are joining the platform to help fix vibe-coded projects. He noted that while vibe coding is useful for prototyping, it often leads to complications when adding new features, resulting in wasted resources and frustration for those who don't have technical expertise.

Overall, while vibe coding offers quick solutions, it often necessitates the involvement of skilled developers to resolve the resulting issues. Sohni believes that while AI tools will remain popular, human developers will still be essential to manage and improve these projects.

The LinHT project has successfully completed its first tests, marking a significant step in amateur radio technology. LinHT is viewed as a key development in software-defined transceivers. The initial test device operates without an RF amplifier and has an output power of about 5dBm, covering the frequency range of 420-450 MHz (UHF).

The project faced skepticism, but the team, including contributors Vlastimil OK5VAS and Andreas OE3ANC, persevered. LinHT is open-source, and its PCB design is publicly available. The cost for producing the prototype was approximately $490 for the PCB and assembly, along with additional costs for components.

Overall, the project has garnered excitement within the amateur radio community, with many looking forward to the practical applications of the handheld software-defined radio technology.

Summary:

Wil Chung argues that visual programming is overly focused on its appearance ("form") rather than its underlying logic and function. He references a talk on CellPond, a visual programming language, which illustrates that effective design should prioritize understanding the function before creating its visual representation. The principle "form follows function" emphasizes that a good design should naturally express its purpose through its appearance.

Chung critiques the common node-and-wires approach in visual programming, suggesting it's a simplistic and often ineffective way to represent programming concepts. He believes that visual programming needs to shift focus from traditional programming paradigms and instead model problems visually, paying attention to both the entities (data) and their relationships, which are crucial for understanding complex systems.

He highlights that the human visual cortex is capable of powerful pattern recognition and suggests that visual programming should leverage this capability better. The goal should be to create a visual language that represents not just static entities but also how they interact and evolve over time. To achieve breakthroughs in visual programming, it's essential to define a new logic that aligns with visual representation, moving away from text-based paradigms.

UltraPlot is a simple tool that helps you create beautiful, high-quality graphics using Matplotlib. It works with newer versions of Matplotlib (3.9.0 and above) and makes it easier to produce various types of plots.

Key Features:

• Subplots & Layouts: Easily create complex multi-panel layouts.
• Cartesian Plots: Generate clean and well-formatted plots.
• Projections & Maps: Supports geographic plots and projections.
• Colorbars & Legends: Customize these elements easily.
• Insets & Panels: Add smaller plots within larger ones.
• Colormaps & Cycles: Offers visually attractive color schemes.

Documentation: You can find detailed guides and examples online.

Installation: UltraPlot can be installed from PyPi or conda-forge using:

• For pip: pip install ultraplot
• For conda: conda install -c conda-forge ultraplot

To upgrade, use:

• For pip: pip install --upgrade ultraplot
• For conda: conda upgrade ultraplot

For development versions, install from GitHub.

If you use UltraPlot in your work, you can cite it using the provided BibTeX entry.

Pydantic Logfire is an observability tool designed for developers to monitor their applications and AI systems in real-time, from development to production. Key features include:

1. Comprehensive Insights: It provides complete visibility into application traces, logs, and metrics, not just LLM (Language Model) calls. This helps identify performance issues across the entire application.

2. Easy Integration: Logfire is built on open standards (OpenTelemetry) and offers simple integration with popular libraries, making it user-friendly for developers.

3. Real-Time Monitoring: Developers can see application performance in real-time, which aids in debugging and maintaining production systems without needing to switch tools.

4. SQL Querying: Users can query their data using familiar SQL syntax, which allows for detailed analysis of application behavior.

5. Positive Feedback: Many developers have praised Logfire for its ease of setup and the valuable insights it provides, enhancing debugging and performance monitoring.

Overall, Logfire aims to simplify application observability, making it a powerful tool for developers using Python, FastAPI, and Pydantic.

No summary available.

In Alaska's Brooks Range, warming temperatures are causing permafrost to thaw, leading to rivers that are now polluted with toxic metals, turning them orange and hazy. This thawing releases minerals trapped in the permafrost, creating sulfuric acid that leaches harmful metals like iron and cadmium into the water.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights the Salmon River's contamination and warns that similar issues are appearing in other Arctic watersheds. Researchers noted that the changes in water quality and landforms are alarming, with potential impacts on fish and entire ecosystems.

While current metal levels in fish are not hazardous to humans, they could harm species crucial for Indigenous communities and disrupt the food chain. Unlike mining operations, which can be managed, these natural processes in remote areas have no easy solutions. Once the contamination begins, it is irreversible unless the permafrost recovers.

The study emphasizes that climate change is affecting even the most remote areas of the planet, urging communities to prepare for these environmental changes.

Lung cancer, traditionally seen as a disease affecting older men who smoke, is increasingly being diagnosed in young, fit, non-smoking women. Cases among this demographic have risen significantly, prompting doctors to investigate potential causes, including air pollution.

Becca Smith, a 28-year-old woman, experienced chronic back pain before being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had spread to her spine and brain. She was given just two weeks to live. Similarly, Sarah Li, a 42-year-old non-smoker, developed lung cancer after initially dismissing her persistent cough and shoulder pain.

Research shows that the number of non-smoking lung cancer cases has increased, with women making up a significant portion. Many diagnosed women present at advanced stages of the disease, highlighting a gap in early detection, especially for younger patients.

Experts are exploring various factors behind this trend, including genetic mutations and the impact of air pollution. Women may be more susceptible due to biological differences, and environmental factors like traffic pollution could play a significant role.

The stigma surrounding lung cancer and its historical underfunding contrasts sharply with the support available for other cancers. Both Smith and Li express the emotional and social challenges of living with lung cancer, emphasizing the need for more awareness and research focused on younger women with the disease. Despite their struggles, they strive to live positively and appreciate life, though uncertainty about the future remains.

Summary of "An Inline Cache isn’t Just a Cache"

Inline caches are more than just simple storage; they are a sophisticated technique used in JavaScript engines like SpiderMonkey. Originating from a 1984 paper by Deutsch and Schiffman, inline caching allows programs to dynamically optimize how they access and execute code.

1. What is Inline Caching?

   • It involves modifying code at runtime to improve method dispatch, meaning how methods are called.
   • Initially, method calls point to a lookup that finds the correct method. After the first call, this lookup is replaced with direct code to speed up future calls.

2. How Does It Work?

   • Inline caches use "stubs," which are small pieces of executable code that perform checks (like type verification) before executing operations.
   • If a check fails, the cache can redirect to another stub or back to a general method in the virtual machine.
   • This process helps optimize operations like property access and arithmetic without needing to re-evaluate every time.

3. Practical Example:

   • In JavaScript, when adding two integers, the first execution might miss the cache. The system then creates a specific cache for integer addition. Subsequent integer additions will hit this cache, speeding up the process.

4. Evolution and Designs:

   • Inline caching has evolved over the years, with different designs in SpiderMonkey, including the recent CacheIR, which streamlines the process for better performance.

In summary, inline caches are a powerful optimization tool that enhances the efficiency of code execution in JavaScript engines, going beyond traditional caching methods.

No summary available.

Mago is a fast PHP tool that helps developers improve their code. It is built in Rust and offers features like linting (finding code issues), static analysis (deep code checks), automated fixes, and code formatting.

Key Features:

• Speed: Very fast due to Rust.
• Linting: Customizable rules to find code problems.
• Static Analysis: Detects potential bugs and type errors.
• Automated Fixes: Automatically corrects many issues.
• Formatting: Ensures code follows best practices.
• Semantic Checks: Validates code correctness.
• AST Visualization: Shows the structure of your code.

Installation: You can install Mago easily on macOS and Linux using a shell script. Other methods like Homebrew and Composer are also available.

Community: Mago encourages contributions and has a community for discussions.

Inspiration: Mago draws ideas from several successful tools in the Rust and PHP communities, such as Clippy and PHP-CS-Fixer.

Licensing: Mago is available under the MIT License or the Apache License, Version 2.0.

The text discusses how our perception of time changes as we age. When we are young, experiences are novel and exciting, which makes time feel longer. However, as we grow older, the lack of new experiences and changes in brain chemistry, particularly dopamine levels, lead to a perception that time passes more quickly.

A study found that younger people tend to perceive 120 seconds as longer than older individuals do, highlighting the difference in how time is felt across ages. Our brain’s internal clock and memory play roles in this perception. As we encounter more "firsts" and new experiences, we create lasting memories that help us feel like time is stretching.

The concept of "perceived age" illustrates that each year feels less significant as we grow older, with each year representing a smaller percentage of our life. The author suggests that actively seeking new experiences and challenging ourselves can help slow down our perception of time and enrich our lives.

Ultimately, while we cannot stop time, we can influence how we experience it by embracing change and novelty. The reflection on personal experiences during the pandemic emphasizes the importance of remaining engaged and open to new opportunities to enhance our perception of time as we age.

The text discusses the concept of a unique CPU architecture known as Transport Triggered Architecture (TTA), which operates using only a "MOVE" instruction. In a TTA CPU, all operations, including calculations, are done by moving data between memory locations rather than using traditional registers and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).

Key points include:

1. TTA Basics: Unlike conventional CPUs that use registers for calculations, a TTA CPU relies on moving data around in memory. The ALU and program counter are also memory-mapped.

2. Building a TTA CPU: The author aims to create a simple TTA computer using a digital logic simulator. The design includes essential components like a CPU for moving data, a program counter, an ALU, and a flow control block.

3. CPU Design: The CPU only needs to fetch, read, and write data based on the MOVE instruction. Each instruction is 32 bits long, with 16 bits for the source address and 16 for the destination.

4. Program Counter and ALU: The program counter is designed to fetch instructions, while the ALU is composed of multiple smaller ALUs to handle 16-bit calculations.

5. Flow Control: A simple flow control mechanism is implemented to manage conditional operations.

6. Fibonacci Calculation: The author uses the TTA CPU to calculate Fibonacci numbers as a demonstration, translating a basic algorithm into MOVE instructions.

7. Conclusion: Although the TTA architecture is not the most efficient, it provides an interesting way to build a CPU and is a fun project for those interested in unique CPU designs.

Overall, the text explores the unconventional design and functionality of a TTA CPU, highlighting the simplicity and challenges of this architecture.

Modern systems like water supply, the internet, and supply chains all started as simple, functioning systems. Over time, they were improved by many people, rather than being the result of a single genius. However, we often forget this and instead believe that complex systems can be created perfectly through careful planning, which has proven to be false. Many governments have faced failures when trying to manage complex systems, such as the problematic launch of HealthCare.gov in the US.

A better approach to understanding complex systems comes from the idea that they resist changes and can’t be easily fixed. Successful systems often evolve from simpler ones rather than being designed from scratch. This principle, highlighted by thinkers like John Gall and Henri Le Chatelier, suggests that complex systems often create new problems instead of solving existing ones.

Examples from history show that simpler, parallel systems can succeed where complex ones fail. Projects like Operation Warp Speed and the reconstruction of Notre-Dame in France were successful because they bypassed bureaucratic complexities and focused on simpler, effective strategies.

In the future, as technology advances, there’s a risk that we might try to use AI to solve complex systems permanently. However, the inherent complexity and unpredictability of these systems mean that a humble approach, focusing on simple working systems, is still the best way forward.

Summary of PERRINN 424: The Electric Revolution

Nico Perrin, an engineer passionate about speed and innovation, aims to break the Nürburgring lap record with the PERRINN 424, a fully electric race car. Inspired by the legendary Ayrton Senna, Perrin believes in pushing limits and redefining speed through cutting-edge engineering.

Key points about the PERRINN 424:

• It is designed to be the fastest electric car, featuring 700 kW of power and advanced aerodynamics.
• The immediate goal is to set a new lap record at Nürburgring, surpassing the current record held by Porsche.
• Long-term plans include competing in the Le Mans 24-hour race using hydrogen technology.
• The project emphasizes sustainability, aiming to be the most eco-friendly racing team by using a zero-emission powertrain and virtual testing to minimize environmental impact.

Perrin is documenting the journey of developing the PERRINN 424 on social media, inviting the public to be part of the process. With 10 years of research and development behind it, the car’s detailed design is underway, and fundraising is ongoing to support its construction and testing.

Perrin's extensive experience in motorsport, including roles in Formula 1 and electric racing, drives this ambitious project forward. The team seeks collaboration and inspiration from a global audience through an open-access platform.

Join the movement at PERRINN.com.

The author, a fan of application launchers, is developing a Linux application launcher called Vicinae, inspired by Raycast. Vicinae is built using C++ with Qt Widgets, allowing for detailed control over the user interface. It features custom widgets for efficient rendering, can run Raycast extensions (built with React and TypeScript), and includes its own API for creating specific extensions. The aim is to create a unique project that aligns with the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) model while remaining compatible with Raycast. The author welcomes feedback and contributions from the community. For more information, you can check the documentation and repository linked in the post.

Japan has reached a new record for centenarians, with nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older, according to the health ministry. This marks the 55th consecutive year of increasing centenarian numbers, now totaling 99,763, with women making up 88% of that number. Japan boasts the longest life expectancy in the world, attributed to healthier diets, low obesity rates, and active lifestyles among the elderly.

The oldest person in Japan is 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, while the oldest man is 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno. Each year, Japan celebrates its centenarians on Elderly Day, where new centenarians receive congratulatory letters and gifts from the prime minister.

Since the 1960s, the number of centenarians in Japan has dramatically increased from just 153 to nearly 100,000 today. This rise is linked to lower rates of heart disease and cancer, as well as successful public health campaigns promoting reduced salt consumption. Additionally, cultural practices like daily group exercise help keep older adults active.

However, there are concerns about the accuracy of centenarian statistics, with studies suggesting that record-keeping issues may lead to inflated numbers. A government audit in 2010 found many records of centenarians unaccounted for, indicating that some may have died long ago but were still listed as alive.

NASA recently announced potential evidence of life on Mars, linked to a unique rock sample collected by the Mars Perseverance rover. This sample, taken last July, is ready for return to Earth, but the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission has been paused for nearly two years due to rising costs, from an initial $7 billion to an estimated $11 billion.

The mission's complexity is partly due to stringent requirements for safely returning samples, which some argue unnecessarily inflate costs. Instead of pursuing a complicated plan that involves multiple spacecraft and technologies, the author suggests simplifying the MSR approach by focusing on a more straightforward method of returning samples to Earth without excessive requirements.

The proposed solution involves using a direct return vehicle that eliminates the need for additional landers and orbiters, which would significantly reduce costs and complexity. The idea is to leverage existing technology and private sector capabilities to ensure a successful return mission without breaking the bank.

In summary, the author advocates for streamlining the Mars Sample Return mission to focus on efficient sample retrieval and reduce costs, rather than adhering to complicated requirements that could jeopardize the mission's success.

Summary: UTF-8 Encoding Explained

UTF-8 is a character encoding system that efficiently represents millions of characters from various languages while remaining compatible with older ASCII encoding. Here are the key points:

1. Compatibility: UTF-8 uses 1 to 4 bytes for each character. The first 128 characters (ASCII) are encoded with one byte, making any ASCII file a valid UTF-8 file.

2. Variable Length:

   • 1 byte for ASCII characters (0xxxxxxx).
   • 2 bytes for some characters (110xxxxx 10xxxxxx).
   • 3 bytes for others (1110xxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx).
   • 4 bytes for complex characters (11110xxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx).

3. Decoding Process: When reading UTF-8 data, software checks the first byte to determine how many bytes to read for each character. The bits are combined to form a unique code point, identified in the Unicode set.

4. Examples:

   • The Hindi letter "अ" is encoded in UTF-8 as three bytes, resulting in the code point U+0905.
   • An English text file with the phrase "Hey👋 Buddy" contains both ASCII and emoji characters, demonstrating UTF-8's capability to handle diverse characters.

5. Other Encodings: While there are other ASCII-compatible encodings, none are as widely used as UTF-8. Alternatives like UTF-16 and UTF-32 lack backward compatibility with ASCII.

6. Tool for Visualization: The author created a tool called UTF-8 Playground to help users visualize how UTF-8 encoding works.

For further reading, there are references to notable articles and discussions related to UTF-8 and character encoding.

L1TTL3 PAWS! 😺🐾
This is a fun cat game where you glide across 13 islands with unique art and levels. It was created by Frank Force for the JS13K 2025 event.

Key Features:

• Procedurally generated landscapes
• Play with 13 different cats
• Two game modes: Classic (same every time) and Remix (randomized)
• Controls available: mouse, touch, or keyboard
• Time of day changes in the game
• Save your progress and coins
• Best times recorded if you finish without continuing
• Adapts to different screen sizes

How to Play:

• Hold down to speed up on slopes
• Release to speed up when going uphill
• Eat pizza for a boost
• Collect flowers to unlock more cats

Controls:

• Space, Mouse, or Touch = Speed Up
• R = Restart
• Escape = Go Back

You can also donate cryptocurrency to help homeless pets. The game is dedicated to the creator's lucky black cat, Baldy.

A child in Los Angeles County has died from a rare brain disorder called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which can occur years after a measles infection. The child contracted measles as an infant, before they were eligible for vaccination. Experts stress the importance of vaccinations to protect vulnerable populations from measles and its severe complications.

SSPE typically develops 2 to 10 years after a measles infection and leads to a gradual decline in brain function. There is no treatment for SSPE, and affected children usually die within a few years. Measles can also cause other serious issues, such as encephalitis and immune amnesia, making individuals more susceptible to other infections.

Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person potentially spreading it to many others. The U.S. recently experienced its largest measles outbreak since 2000, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals. The measles vaccine, which requires two doses, is essential for preventing outbreaks and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants. Public health officials emphasize that vaccination is crucial not just for individual protection but for community health as well.

The Supreme Court is being urged to reverse a ruling that could force internet service providers (ISPs) to cut off users' internet access based on mere accusations of copyright infringement. This could harm innocent users who rely on the internet for daily needs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), along with several organizations, filed a brief arguing against this decision.

If the ruling stands, ISPs might be held responsible for users' copyright violations, which could lead to them terminating internet access for entire households based on weak claims. This situation arises from a case where music companies sued Cox Communications for copyright infringement by its subscribers. The appeals court ruled that ISPs can be liable if they contribute to infringement, which is a different standard than what exists in patent law.

The EFF argues that the Supreme Court should apply clear patent law rules to copyright issues, requiring that liability only applies when a service is specifically designed for infringement and lacks legitimate uses.

The potential consequences of this ruling are significant. Cutting off internet access would not only affect individuals accused of infringement but also impact schools, libraries, and communities that share connections. Many Americans, especially those in low-income areas, would struggle to regain access to the internet, affecting their education, job opportunities, and healthcare.

The Supreme Court has a chance to correct this issue by rejecting the lower court's confusing standards and ensuring that copyright enforcement does not threaten essential internet access. The EFF is closely monitoring the case and has provided a brief for further reading.

Summary of SkiftskiftOS

SkiftskiftOS is a hobby operating system created from scratch using C/C++ for ARM, x86, and RISC-V architectures. It's designed to be simple, modern, and modular, featuring a modern C++ core library, a reactive user interface (UI), and a capability-based microkernel for enhanced security.

The project, started by a developer named sleepy-monax over six years ago, is not intended to replicate Windows or Linux but serves as a learning platform for operating system development and systems skills.

Key Features:

• Basic Functionality: SkiftskiftOS includes a graphical shell, core applications like file managers and media players, and a microkernel foundation for experimentation.
• User Interface: The OS has a beautiful reactive UI framework inspired by SwiftUI and Flutter, ensuring consistent design across apps.
• App Variety: It offers essential applications such as a calculator, text editor, terminal, and more. These apps are compact and easy to develop, making them great for new contributors.
• Unique Approach: Unlike traditional UNIX systems, skiftOS uses a fresh API and userland inspired by other systems like Plan 9, Haiku, and Fuchsia.

Technologies Used:

• A modern C++ core framework for application development.
• A capability-based microkernel for security.
• UEFI bootloader with customization options.
• A responsive graphical shell for both desktop and mobile devices.
• A multitarget build system supporting multiple architectures.
• A lightweight browser engine focused on HTML/CSS layout.

SkiftskiftOS is still in alpha development, so users should proceed with caution. You can contribute or download the latest release from GitHub and join the community on various platforms like Discord and Reddit.

Summary: Emacs and Its Extensibility

The text discusses the capabilities of Emacs, particularly its encouragement for users to extend and customize the editor. It highlights a beginner's guide to Emacs Lisp (elisp) that teaches users how to interact with Emacs effectively.

Key points include:

• Encouragement to Customize: Emacs not only allows deep customization but actively encourages users to create unique extensions. It provides documentation and tools for customization.
• Powerful Functions: Emacs offers powerful functions that can significantly alter its behavior, allowing for extensive personal modifications.
• Example of Extension: The author shares an example of extending org-mode, where they automate the sorting of reading lists every time an org file is saved. This is achieved by using hooks and functions within Emacs.
• Challenges of Extension: The author points out that while it might seem like you must do everything "correctly" to extend Emacs, that's not true. They demonstrate how to use standard extension points and even employ advice functions to achieve customization without altering core org-mode code.
• Final Insights: The author reflects on how they successfully navigated Emacs’ extensibility features, emphasizing that even without explicit support from org-mode for their goal, they could still implement their desired functionality.

In conclusion, Emacs is designed to be flexible and extendable, allowing users to customize it to fit their needs, which the author demonstrates through practical examples.

This text describes a CSS grid layout used for a website. Here are the key points:

1. Grid Structure: The layout is organized in a grid with specific rows and columns. It adapts to different screen sizes, with different configurations for mobile and desktop views.

2. Responsive Design: For screens smaller than 768 pixels, it uses a simpler grid setup, while for larger screens, it creates a more complex layout with more columns.

3. Cell Sizing: The maximum width of the grid cells is calculated based on the overall site width and the number of columns.

4. Padding and Gaps: There are adjustable padding and gap settings between grid elements, ensuring they have enough space from each other.

5. Element Positioning: Specific blocks within the grid are positioned in defined areas, and their alignment is centered both vertically and horizontally.

Overall, this CSS code is designed to create a flexible and responsive grid layout for a website, allowing it to look good on both mobile and desktop devices.

The article discusses the significance of high-purity quartz from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, in semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing. This quartz is essential for creating crucibles that hold molten silicon during the production of silicon ingots, which are then sliced into wafers for chips. Spruce Pine supplies about 70-90% of the world's high-purity quartz, making it a critical resource.

While damage to the quartz mines could disrupt supply, it wouldn't completely halt semiconductor production. Alternatives to Spruce Pine quartz exist, but they tend to be more expensive or less effective. Companies are exploring new sources of quartz and alternative materials for crucibles, which could improve production efficiency.

The article emphasizes that while Spruce Pine quartz is important, it is not irreplaceable. Other sources and synthetic options could provide solutions, but transitioning to these alternatives may take time and come with increased costs. Overall, Spruce Pine plays a vital role but is one of many factors in semiconductor manufacturing.

No summary available.

Maintaining an open-source project often involves the difficult task of rejecting well-intentioned feature proposals. While these ideas may be well designed and technically sound, maintainers often must prioritize the project's vision and coherence over simply adding more features. The success of a project is measured not by the number of features but by how well it aligns with user needs and maintains a consistent developer experience.

As a maintainer, it's vital to establish a clear vision and document the project's philosophy, which helps set expectations for contributors. The challenge has increased with the rise of AI tools, which can generate code quickly but may not align with the project's core values. This leads to a greater influx of unsolicited pull requests (PRs) that are not in line with the project's goals, thus making it harder for maintainers to enforce their vision.

To manage this, some projects have implemented rules requiring an issue to be opened before a PR can be submitted. However, this can sometimes lead to more superficial submissions. It's essential for contributors to demonstrate how their proposals align with the project's philosophy, as the responsibility for justifying changes lies with them.

Maintainers also face the burden of ongoing responsibility for any merged features, which can introduce complexity and maintenance challenges. Creating a "contrib" module for useful but non-core features can help alleviate this issue, allowing authors to maintain their contributions independently.

Ultimately, maintainers should embrace engagement from users but also ensure that their "no" responses help guide future contributions toward a shared vision. Thoughtful stewardship is crucial for fostering a positive community and creating software that resonates with users. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the project while encouraging meaningful contributions.

This study investigates the link between repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and cognitive decline in older adults. RNT, which includes persistent worrying and rumination about negative events, may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment in this population.

Key Findings:

• The research involved 424 older adults aged 60 and above, conducted in Wuhan, China, from May to November 2023.
• Participants with higher RNT scores (categorized into quartiles) showed lower cognitive function, particularly those aged 60-79 and with at least a junior high school education.
• RNT was assessed using a questionnaire, while cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• Results indicated that those in the third and fourth quartiles of RNT had significantly lower cognitive scores compared to those in the first quartile.

Conclusion: The study suggests that high levels of RNT are linked to decreased cognitive function in older adults, emphasizing the importance of addressing psychological factors to help prevent cognitive decline. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is necessary to explore this relationship in depth.

A new bill proposed by Rep. Brian Mast could give Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to revoke U.S. passports from American citizens based on their speech. This follows Rubio's past actions, such as revoking a Turkish student's visa for her critical opinion on Israel. Critics argue that the bill, which claims to target "terrorists and traffickers," could lead to censorship or punishment for free speech, as it allows the Secretary of State to label individuals as supporters of terrorism based on their opinions.

The legislation includes vague language regarding "material support" for designated terrorist organizations, raising concerns among civil liberties advocates. They fear it could be misused to suppress dissenting voices. Although there is a provision for citizens to appeal a passport denial, many believe it lacks real protections and transparency.

Advocates warn that the bill poses a threat to civil liberties and could empower future administrations to target various groups based on their beliefs. Overall, the bill is seen as a potential tool for "thought policing."

Summary: Many Hard Leetcode Problems are Easy Constraint Problems

In a recent article, the author shares their experience with algorithmic interview questions, emphasizing that many seemingly difficult problems can be solved more easily using constraint solvers instead of traditional coding techniques.

1. Example Problem: The author recalls struggling with the "change counter" problem during an interview, where the goal is to determine the minimum number of coins needed to make a specific amount. They initially used a greedy algorithm, which failed for certain coin denominations. Instead, using a constraint solver like MiniZinc could have simplified the solution.

2. Constraint Solvers: These tools are designed to handle optimization problems efficiently. The author illustrates this with various examples, showing how problems like maximizing stock profits or finding combinations of numbers can be expressed as constraints. This approach often requires less complex coding than writing custom algorithms.

3. Advantages of Constraint Solvers:

   • They are more flexible in handling new constraints.
   • They simplify the process for complicated problems that would be hard to solve with traditional methods.
   • They can provide better solutions than poorly written bespoke algorithms.

4. Limitations: While constraint solvers can be slower than tailored algorithms due to their expressiveness, they are generally more efficient than subpar manual solutions.

The article highlights the potential of using constraint solvers for solving algorithmic challenges, suggesting that they could make interviews and problem-solving less daunting for programmers.

The author expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of AI in coding, suggesting it functions similarly to a compiler rather than being a revolutionary tool. They argue that while AI can make coding feel more productive, it often slows down actual work. The text criticizes the hype surrounding AI coding, stating that many people prefer appealing narratives over the truth.

Key points include:

1. AI as a Tool: The author views AI coding as a tool similar to compilers, not as a magic solution.
2. Limitations of Prompts: Using English as a programming input is imprecise, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
3. Reality of Productivity: AI may create a false sense of productivity while actually slowing down work.
4. Need for Better Tools: Instead of relying on AI hype, the author believes more effort should go into improving traditional programming languages and tools.
5. Hype vs. Reality: The author is against the exaggerated claims about AI capabilities and emphasizes the importance of recognizing its limitations.

In conclusion, while AI has potential as a coding aid, the author urges for a more realistic understanding of its role and capabilities.

Summary: Lessons in Disabling RC4 in Active Directory

The article discusses issues faced when disabling the RC4 encryption algorithm in Active Directory. RC4 is a stream cipher that has serious security flaws, making it vulnerable to attacks if enough data is collected. Although it's not ideal, RC4 has been used in Active Directory due to its unique feature of not requiring a salt for key agreement, which simplifies authentication processes.

When RC4 is disabled, systems must switch to AES, which does require a salt. This can create problems if systems don't know the correct salt, especially when usernames change or when passwords are not stored directly. The author explains that when a domain controller (DC) is promoted, the local administrator account's password is copied into Active Directory, which can lead to complications if the salt isn't properly configured.

In summary, while disabling RC4 improves security, it can lead to unexpected failures in environments that rely on it, particularly if there are issues with how salts are managed.

Here's a simplified summary of the tips for installing Windows 98 in QEMU/UTM:

1. Setup Overview: Windows 98 runs well on QEMU via UTM, allowing you to use old software on Apple devices like iPads and Macs.

2. BIOS Issues: When installing, you might encounter problems with Plug and Play devices. To fix this, use ACPI by booting from the Windows 98 CD and running the setup command with a specific flag.

3. Selecting Devices:

   • System: Use the i440-based "pc" system for better compatibility; Windows 98 does not need a 64-bit mode.
   • Input: Disable USB devices to prevent startup issues. You may need to capture your cursor for mouse input.
   • Video: Use Cirrus VGA for video; it has some bugs but supports acceleration.
   • Networking: Use SLiRP NAT for internet access and choose an appropriate network card like tulip or PCNet.
   • Sound: SoundBlaster 16 is good for DOS software, but consider other cards like ES1370 for general Windows use.

4. Additional Tips:

   • You may want to disable unnecessary devices in UTM to keep the device manager tidy.
   • Be cautious with reboots, as they can sometimes hang; shutting down and restarting is safer.

5. Performance: Expect performance similar to a 750 MHz Pentium III on a Mac; 90s games should run fine, but newer OSes may struggle.

This summary captures the key points and simplifies the installation process for Windows 98 in QEMU/UTM.

The Raspberry Pi, a small and affordable computer, is becoming increasingly popular in digital synthesizers, replacing expensive custom digital signal processing (DSP) systems. This shift allows manufacturers like Korg and Erica Synths to create powerful instruments at lower costs.

Digital synthesizers have been around since the 1970s, but their complexity has increased over time, requiring advanced DSP. Traditionally, companies developed custom DSP systems, which were costly. The Raspberry Pi offers a solution, providing a complete computing package that is easy to integrate.

Korg is a major user of Raspberry Pi in its synthesizers, like the Wavestate and Modwave, citing benefits such as cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and robust performance. Other companies, including Erica Synths, also utilize Raspberry Pi for added digital features in their products.

Additionally, there are DIY options like Zynthian, which is fully open-source and customizable. While some critics argue that using Raspberry Pi is "cheating," others point out that programming and designing the synthesizers still requires significant effort and expertise.

Overall, the Raspberry Pi is transforming the synthesizer industry by making advanced technology more accessible and affordable.

This text discusses the challenges faced by pre-modern peasant farmers, focusing on their land ownership, tenancy, and extraction of surplus labor.

Key Points:

1. Peasant Life: The text is part of a series examining the lives of peasant farmers, who made up the majority of the population in pre-modern societies. Previous discussions explored ideal farming conditions, but this installment highlights the reality of small landholdings and limited resources.

2. Land Holdings: Most peasants had very small farms, often far less than the model families previously discussed. Common land sizes ranged from about 3 to 10 acres, which were often insufficient to meet household needs. Larger farms were rare, and many peasants struggled to achieve subsistence.

3. Need for More Land: Due to small farm sizes, many households could not produce enough food for their families. This led to a need for additional land, which peasants often sought through tenancy arrangements. However, preparing new land for farming was labor-intensive and costly, making it difficult for peasants to expand their holdings.

4. Tenancy Arrangements: Peasants often rented land from wealthier landowners (referred to as "Big Men"). These tenancy agreements were typically exploitative, with landlords providing little support and demanding a large share of the harvest (often around 50%).

5. Labor and Extraction: The text emphasizes the high labor demands on peasant households. Even with spare labor, peasants were often unable to meet their basic needs due to the burden of rents and taxes imposed by landowners and elites. This extraction of labor and resources was essential for the functioning of the broader society, allowing elites to fund public works, military endeavors, and their own lifestyles.

6. Overall Workload: Pre-modern peasants worked significantly more days annually compared to modern workers, but their standard of living was much lower. The text concludes that while peasants worked hard, they faced numerous external pressures that limited their economic stability and quality of life.

In summary, the lives of pre-modern peasants were marked by small landholdings, exploitative tenancy arrangements, and significant labor demands, all of which made it challenging for them to achieve subsistence and improve their living conditions.

No summary available.

AI models, like Google's Gemini, are trained using vast amounts of internet data, and many human workers are involved in this process. These workers, often contracted through companies like GlobalLogic, rate and moderate AI-generated content. They face demanding deadlines, low pay, and stressful tasks, including reviewing distressing material. Many workers feel their contributions are undervalued and express concerns about the safety and reliability of the AI outputs they help train.

Despite being crucial to AI development, these raters often work in obscurity, earning less than engineers while still being more compensated than data labelers in other regions. The work can lead to anxiety and ethical dilemmas, as they sometimes have to assess content on complex or sensitive topics without proper training.

Additionally, there are reports of loosening guidelines around what content is considered acceptable, raising concerns about the potential spread of harmful information. Many workers have lost trust in the AI products they help create and often discourage others from using them, revealing that the shiny appearance of AI is built on the hard work of underpaid and overworked individuals.

No summary available.

Here's a simplified summary of the text:

1. Firefox Supports MKV Videos: Firefox is adding the ability to play MKV video files directly, which was previously a limitation. This feature aligns Firefox with other browsers like Chrome and Edge, which already support MKV.

2. Implementation Plan: The rollout of MKV support will happen in stages, starting with common setups and expanding to more formats. Testing is underway, but no specific release date has been provided.

3. Additional Firefox Updates: Mozilla is also fixing a bug related to Virtual Desktops in Windows and adding Google Lens support for image searches. Firefox will now retain downloaded PDFs in private browsing.

4. Other Browser Updates:

   • Google Chrome may soon feel faster with new hover features.
   • Firefox now allows disabling AI features, but this option might not be available for all users.
   • Chrome's Incognito Mode has become harder to track.
   • Microsoft's Auto Super Resolution is being expanded for certain PCs.

Overall, these updates are aimed at improving user experience across different web browsers and platforms.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary: Handling Legal Takedown Requests in FOSS Projects

When Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects receive legal takedown requests, their response is crucial. A well-managed response can be straightforward, while a poor one can lead to panic and legal risks.

Key Points:

1. Avoid Being an Easy Target: FOSS projects should create clear takedown policies and require legal requests to follow specific channels. This reduces the likelihood of vague demands.

2. Have a Structured Process: Projects should set up a clear procedure for handling requests, including:

   • Dedicated email for legal submissions.
   • Complete documentation of the claim.
   • Review of the request for validity before taking action.

3. Use Jurisdiction Wisely: Projects in civil law countries can often better resist foreign legal demands. They should require valid legal bases from their own jurisdiction.

4. Notify Developers: If a claim is valid, developers should be informed and given a chance to respond. If the claim stands, documentation and an appeal process should be in place.

5. Emphasize Transparency: Many projects advocate for transparency to balance legal compliance and censorship. For example, GitHub posts takedown requests publicly, which can deter abusive claims.

6. Limitations of Transparency: Some jurisdictions do not allow disclosure of government requests. Projects must navigate these laws carefully.

F-Droid's Approach:

F-Droid is updating its takedown policy, taking into account legal frameworks and lessons from other organizations. The new process includes:

• Strict requirements for legal submissions.
• Developer notification and appeal options.
• Regular transparency reports on takedown activity.

Conclusion:

Takedown requests are increasing in complexity, but FOSS projects can prepare by establishing clear processes, understanding their legal environment, and protecting their contributors. This proactive approach helps maintain their mission without disruption.

Summary:

The author created Small Transfers, a payment platform designed for SaaS and API developers who want to charge customers based on usage instead of requiring subscriptions or pre-paid packages.

Key Points:

• Customer Needs: Many customers prefer not to commit to subscriptions and want to pay only for occasional use.
• Current Issues: Traditional payment processors impose fixed fees that make small payments (under $1) impractical, and existing solutions like Stripe UBB require additional setup for authentication and spending limits.

How Small Transfers Works:

1. Merchant Accounts: Each merchant connects their Small Transfers account to their Stripe account for payouts.
2. Customer Verification: Customers create accounts verified through Google Sign-In and other security measures.
3. Charging Customers: Merchants use a simple API to authorize charges starting from as low as $0.000001, allowing flexibility in billing.
4. Fees: Merchants pay a flat fee of 3%, while customers pay standard processing fees.

The author has provided links to a starter project and a live demo. They are seeking feedback on their approach and are looking for more merchants to use the platform, offering help with integration.

Feel free to ask any questions!

No summary available.

Summary of Meow for Emacs

Meow is a new modal editing mode for Emacs that aims to improve the editing experience with minimal disruption to existing key-bindings. Here are the key points:

• Minimal Configuration: Users can create their own modal editing setup without extensive configuration.
• No Third-Party Dependencies: You can try Meow without changing your current setup.
• Efficient Key Usage: It uses fewer keys, making it easier to remember commands and allowing more space for your own key-bindings. You often don’t need to use the Shift key.
• Speed: Meow is designed to be fast, unlike some other modal editors.
• Improved Workflow: It offers better handling for macros and selection manipulations, inspired by other tools.
• Compatibility: Works well with Emacs's standard keymap and any other package keymaps.
• Conflict Management: Easier handling of key-binding conflicts.

Community and Documentation: There are resources available for installation, tutorials, FAQs, and command documentation. You can engage with the community through GitHub Discussions and the Meow XMPP Channel.

License: Meow is licensed under GPLv3.

The court has dismissed several serious claims against WP Engine and Silver Lake, including antitrust, monopolization, and extortion. This decision significantly narrows the case and is seen as a win for the WordPress community and its contributors. The team is confident that the remaining claims will show their actions were legal and beneficial for WordPress users. They remain focused on building a strong and open WordPress ecosystem.

No summary available.

Summary of "The Last Days of Social Media" by James O'Sullivan

Social media was originally intended to foster genuine connections, but it has devolved into a source of exhaustion and low-quality content. Users now encounter repetitive and algorithm-driven posts, often dominated by AI-generated material and clickbait, leaving little room for authentic human interaction. As platforms like Facebook and TikTok fill with this "content sludge," engagement rates have plummeted, with many users feeling overwhelmed and disengaged.

The rise of the "bot-girl economy" reflects a shift where real and synthetic personas blend, driven by the need for attention and monetization. This has led to a transactional model of interaction, where creators struggle to compete with AI-generated content, causing many to abandon the race altogether.

Despite the vast amount of content available, users are increasingly dissatisfied, leading to a decline in trust towards social media information. Many seek smaller, more intimate online spaces that prioritize genuine connections over virality. This shift is evident as users move toward private chats and community-focused platforms.

The essay suggests that social media needs a fundamental redesign, advocating for a public utility model governed by community interest rather than profit. Solutions include transparent algorithms, digital literacy as a public good, and creating spaces for thoughtful engagement. The future of social media could be more meaningful and human-centered, fostering genuine connections instead of overwhelming users with noise.

QGIS is a free and open-source geographical information system (GIS) that works on Unix, Windows, and MacOS. Here are its key features:

1. Data Management: It supports various data types (raster, vector, mesh, point cloud) and formats, allowing flexible spatial data management. Users can create and edit spatial data and perform on-the-fly projections between coordinate systems.

2. Cartography: QGIS offers extensive options for creating visually appealing maps in 2D and 3D, with detailed control over styles, legends, and output formats.

3. Geospatial Analysis: It includes over 200 built-in processing algorithms and access to more than 1,000 additional algorithms for advanced geospatial analysis.

4. Customization: Users can customize their experience and extend functionality through a variety of plugins and a flexible user interface. It also supports Python and C++ for advanced scripting.

5. QGIS Server: This headless server allows users to share maps online using standard web protocols, fully supporting QGIS cartography.

QGIS has a user-friendly interface and is actively developed by a community of professionals. It follows a structured release cycle with three main branches for users to choose from. Documentation and support are available through various channels, including community forums and guides.

Overall, QGIS is designed for both beginners and advanced users, providing powerful tools for managing and analyzing geographic data.

The author discusses a recent update to their image resizing tool, "create_thumbnail," written in Rust. The update adds support for EXIF orientation, which is important for ensuring resized images look like the originals.

EXIF orientation is a metadata feature that indicates how an image should be displayed, including rotation and mirroring, typically set by cameras. Without handling this metadata, resized images can appear different from the originals, such as upside down or incorrectly oriented.

The author explains how their previous resizing code did not account for EXIF orientation, leading to issues with the appearance of thumbnails. With the new update, the tool can read and apply EXIF orientation before resizing images, resulting in thumbnails that maintain the intended visual layout.

This improvement is seen as a significant enhancement, as it resolves a recurring problem in image processing projects. By integrating this functionality into create_thumbnail, the author reduces the need to repeatedly address EXIF orientation in future projects.

Summary of Windows-Use

Windows-Use is an automation tool that allows AI agents to perform tasks on Windows operating systems without needing traditional computer vision. It can open applications, click buttons, type, run commands, and capture the user interface.

Installation Requirements:

• Python 3.12 or higher
• UV (or pip)
• Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11

Installation Steps:

• To install using UV: uv pip install windows-use
• To install using pip: pip install windows-use

Basic Usage:

1. Import necessary libraries.
2. Load environment variables.
3. Create an AI model and agent.
4. Enter a task query, and the agent will execute it.

Running the Agent: Use the command python main.py and enter your task.

Demo Examples:

• Writing a note and saving it to the desktop.
• Switching from Dark mode to Light mode.

Caution: The agent interacts directly with the Windows GUI, which can lead to unintended actions. It's recommended to test it in a safe environment.

License and Contribution: The project is under the MIT License. Contributions are welcome, and guidelines are available in the CONTRIBUTING file.

Citation: For academic or professional referencing, use the provided citation format.

Made with ❤️ by Jeomon George.

The text is a brief prompt asking for a summary of a certain content. It emphasizes making the summary clear, focusing on key points, simplifying complex sentences, and ensuring it is easy to read and concise.

OpenAI has launched a new program called OpenAI Grove for individuals interested in starting their own AI-focused companies. This program is designed for early-stage founders who may not yet have a clear business idea.

Key features of OpenAI Grove include:

• A five-week program starting on October 20, 2025, held at OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters.
• Participants will engage in workshops, mentoring, and receive support from OpenAI researchers.
• The program offers access to new OpenAI tools and models, along with opportunities for networking and potential funding after completion.

Applications are open until September 24, 2025, and individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The first cohort will include about 15 participants, with a time commitment of 4-6 hours per week. The program is different from traditional startup accelerators as it focuses on those at the very beginning of their company-building journey.