1.No Science, No Startups: The Innovation Engine We're Switching Off(No Science, No Startups: The Innovation Engine We're Switching Off)
The article discusses the critical role of science in driving innovation and economic growth in the U.S. It highlights the differences between scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists, explaining how each contributes to advancements in technology and business.
Key Points:
-
Definition of Science: Science involves questioning, hypothesizing, and experimenting to uncover new knowledge. Scientists can be classified into two main categories: theorists, who develop models and concepts, and experimentalists, who conduct experiments to test these theories.
-
Role of Universities: U.S. universities are crucial for basic scientific research, accounting for about 50% of such work. They train future scientists and provide the infrastructure for research, funded largely by government agencies.
-
Decline of Corporate Research: Following a rule change in 1982, companies shifted focus from basic research to applied research to maximize profits, leading to a decline in corporate investment in fundamental science.
-
Collaboration of Roles:
- Engineers apply scientific discoveries to build practical products.
- Entrepreneurs develop businesses to bring innovations to market, often using a trial-and-error approach.
- Venture Capitalists fund these entrepreneurs, accepting high risks for potential high rewards.
-
Importance of Investment in Science: Strong investment in science correlates with national power and economic stability. Reducing funding for scientific research threatens long-term growth and innovation in the U.S.
-
Consequences of Neglect: If the U.S. reduces its commitment to science, it risks falling behind other nations that prioritize scientific research, like China.
In summary, the article emphasizes that scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists play complementary roles in fostering innovation, and that investment in science is essential for maintaining economic and national strength.
2.SQLite Online – 11 years of solo development, 11K daily users(SQLite Online – 11 years of solo development, 11K daily users)
Here's a simplified summary of the text:
- Change the command "SELECT" to "QLINE-SELECT".
- For the X-axis:
- X represents numeric values.
- L represents text values.
- T represents time in Unix format.
- For the Y-axis:
- Y represents numeric values.
- Y can have a color represented in HEX format.
- Options include:
- C for point color in HEX format.
- V for the point radius as a number.
- Several examples are provided for different types of selections: QLINE-SELECT, QAREA-SELECT, QBAR-SELECT, QPIE-SELECT, and QBUBBLE-SELECT.
3.Smartphones and Being Present(Smartphones and Being Present)
The article discusses how smartphones can distract people and take away from being present in the moment. On average, people spend over 4 hours a day on their phones, which can consume a significant portion of their free time. The author expresses a desire for a more intentional life and has implemented strategies to reduce phone use, such as turning off notifications and avoiding social media.
To improve their relationship with technology, the author has made their phone less interesting by removing recommendation features on apps like YouTube. They emphasize that while many people try to limit their screen time, true change comes from not engaging with distracting content at all. The author feels that by reducing phone use, they have become more present, enjoying nature and relationships more fully. They encourage others to consider similar changes to enhance their quality of life.
4.Spotlight on pdfly, the Swiss Army knife for PDF files(Spotlight on pdfly, the Swiss Army knife for PDF files)
Summary of pdfly: A Versatile PDF Tool
pdfly is a command-line tool for manipulating PDF files, created by Martin Thoma in 2022 and part of the py-pdf organization. It is built using Python and the fpdf2 & pypdf libraries.
Key Features:
- Metadata Display: Use commands like
pdfly meta
to view PDF file details, including file size, creation date, and more. - File Manipulation:
- Combine multiple PDFs (
pdfly cat
) - Remove specific pages (
pdfly rm
) - Convert images to PDFs (
pdfly x2pdf
) - Compress PDFs (
pdfly compress
) - Create booklets (
pdfly 2-up
andpdfly booklet
)
- Combine multiple PDFs (
- Content Extraction: Extract images and annotated text using
pdfly extract-images
andpdfly extract-annotated-text
. - PDF Repair: Fix manually edited PDFs that have broken structures with
pdfly update-offsets
.
Latest Version (0.5.0) Updates:
- Signing PDFs: New commands
pdfly sign
andpdfly check-sign
for signing and verifying PDF signatures. - Annotated Page Extraction: The command
pdfly extract-annotated-pages
allows users to retrieve only the pages with annotations. - Page Rotation: The
pdfly rotate
command enables rotation of specific pages in a PDF.
Future Plans: The team has ideas for new features and welcomes contributions from new developers. Feedback and suggestions from users are encouraged.
5.Software update bricks some Jeep 4xe hybrids over the weekend(Software update bricks some Jeep 4xe hybrids over the weekend)
No summary available.
6.More random home lab things I've recently learned(More random home lab things I've recently learned)
Here's a simplified summary of the text:
The author shares their experiences and learnings while managing their home lab network, which includes a Proxmox cluster, TrueNAS backup, and Raspberry Pi devices.
Key Points:
-
Raspberry Pi 5 and NVME SSDs: The Raspberry Pi 5 can use NVME SSDs instead of traditional SD cards, which can fail over time. The author discovered that using an SSD greatly improved performance.
-
OS Installation Challenges: Installing an operating system on the Raspberry Pi 5 was complicated; the author had to use a USB drive instead of the usual SD card method.
-
Proxmox Issues: The Proxmox setup faced problems like out-of-memory (OOM) kills when running virtual machines. The author found that adjusting kernel settings and BIOS types helped resolve these issues.
-
Proxmox Backup Server: If a ZFS volume on the Proxmox Backup Server fills up, it can prevent garbage collection, leading to a deadlock situation. The author suggests removing snapshots as a fix.
-
CyberPower UPS Management: The author mentions that their CyberPower UPS comes with useful management software for monitoring.
-
DAV Server and Mealie: They set up a DAV server for calendars and shared their positive experience using Mealie, a recipe management tool, to organize and test family recipes.
-
Conclusion: The author encourages others to build their own servers, highlighting the learning opportunities and personal satisfaction it brings.
Overall, the text outlines technical challenges and solutions related to home networking and server management, while also showcasing some personal projects in cooking and recipe management.
7.Matrices can be your Friends(Matrices can be your Friends)
No summary available.
8.Control your Canon Camera wirelessly(Control your Canon Camera wirelessly)
Summary of Cine Remote
Cine Remote is an app that allows you to control your Canon camera remotely via WiFi.
Key Points:
-
Supported Cameras: Currently, the app works with Canon C100II, EOS 70D, and EOS R7. Note that it uses reverse-engineered communication, so it may not handle all situations perfectly.
-
Features:
- Network Discovery: Finds nearby supported cameras.
- Pairing: Connects to and remembers recently used cameras.
- Camera Control: Adjusts settings like aperture, ISO, shutter angle, and white balance.
- Recording: Start and stop video recording, and capture images.
- Live View Preview: Displays a live preview for checking exposure and framing.
- Demo Mode: Allows users to simulate camera responses without a supported model.
-
Limitations:
- C100II cannot capture images through the app.
- EOS 70D cannot record movies while WiFi is on.
-
Future Development: Plans to enhance camera discovery, support more models, and improve error handling for better connectivity.
For more details about the development process, you can check out the creator's blog.
9.AI and the Future of American Politics(AI and the Future of American Politics)
Summary: AI and the Future of American Politics
As the 2026 federal election approaches, AI is becoming a significant player in American politics, raising concerns about misinformation and its influence on the election process. Different political actors are using AI in various ways:
-
Campaigners: Political campaigners are utilizing AI for efficiency, automating tasks like crafting fundraising emails and targeting voters. AI is helping to create a more data-driven approach to campaigning. Some candidates have already experimented with AI tools, like avatars for campaigns.
-
Organizers: Political organizers are employing AI to facilitate discussions and gather input from constituents. Innovations like AI-driven citizen assemblies show potential for improving public policy. Labor unions are also using AI to enhance member engagement and organizing efforts.
-
Citizens: Ordinary citizens are harnessing AI for political expression and activism. Tools like chatbots help people communicate with their elected officials, while some use AI to combat misinformation during elections. However, there are risks, including the potential for governments to misuse AI to monitor and suppress political speech.
Overall, the impact of AI on the upcoming midterms is uncertain, with various actors using it in different ways. There is little regulatory oversight, and the evolving dynamics could lead to unpredictable outcomes in the election process.
10.California Will Stop Using Coal as a Power Source Next Month(California Will Stop Using Coal as a Power Source Next Month)
No summary available.
11.MPTCP for Linux(MPTCP for Linux)
Summary of Multipath TCP (MPTCP)
Multipath TCP (MPTCP) is an enhancement of standard TCP, outlined in RFC 8684. It allows devices to use multiple network interfaces simultaneously to send and receive data, improving connection reliability and speed. Key features of MPTCP include:
-
Multiple Path Usage: MPTCP can combine the bandwidth of different interfaces or switch to the one with the lowest delay. If one path fails, traffic can be redirected seamlessly to another.
-
Use Cases:
- Seamless Handoffs: Users can switch between network paths without losing connection, which is particularly useful for smartphones.
- Optimal Network Selection: MPTCP can choose the best network path based on factors like latency and bandwidth.
- Network Aggregation: It can combine multiple connections (e.g., Wi-Fi and mobile) for faster file transfers.
-
Technical Concepts:
- A new socket using MPTCP creates "subflows," each a standard TCP connection through a specific interface.
- The system includes a Path Manager to manage these subflows and a Packet Scheduler to decide which subflow to use for sending data.
-
Path Management Options: As of Linux version 5.19, MPTCP supports both an in-kernel path manager and a userspace path manager for more flexible control.
-
Features: Recent updates (as of Linux 6.10) include support for MPTCP in socket calls, fallback to standard TCP when necessary, and various debug features.
For more information, users can join the MPTCP community via their mailing list or IRC channel. Various projects and tools related to MPTCP are also available for further exploration.
12.A16Z-backed data firms Fivetran, dbt Labs to merge in all-stock deal(A16Z-backed data firms Fivetran, dbt Labs to merge in all-stock deal)
No summary available.
13.A $6B Nuclear U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier 'Sunk' by $100M Diesel 'AIP' Sub(A $6B Nuclear U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier 'Sunk' by $100M Diesel 'AIP' Sub)
In 2005, the Swedish submarine HMS Gotland, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), successfully evaded detection and simulated attacks on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan during exercises off the California coast. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, as the Navy had not adequately trained against such quiet submarines in years.
In response, the U.S. Navy leased Gotland for two years to enhance training against modern submarines, leading to improvements in tactics, technology, and crew training. The Gotland’s design allowed it to operate silently for extended periods, making it particularly effective in cluttered coastal waters where detection is challenging.
The lessons learned from this experience prompted the Navy to upgrade its ASW systems and shift its training focus to better prepare for quiet submarine threats. Overall, Gotland's performance served as a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of continuous training and adaptation in naval warfare. The collaboration also benefited Sweden, providing valuable data and insights for their future submarine designs.
14.Ofcom fines 4chan £20K and counting for violating UK's Online Safety Act(Ofcom fines 4chan £20K and counting for violating UK's Online Safety Act)
Ofcom, the UK regulator for the Online Safety Act, has fined the website 4chan £20,000 ($26,680) for not protecting children from harmful content. If 4chan fails to provide required information, it could face daily fines of up to £6,000 for a maximum of 60 days.
The investigation began on June 10, after Ofcom requested risk assessments from 4chan in April, which it has not complied with. This is the first fine issued under the Online Safety Act since its enforcement began in March. Ofcom has also taken action against other platforms for similar failures.
The maximum penalty for non-compliance can reach £18 million or 10% of a company's global revenue. Ofcom has opened 21 investigations since March and is monitoring other services that have improved their compliance by blocking UK users.
In response to concerns about online safety, the UK government emphasizes the importance of the Online Safety Act in protecting users, especially children, from harmful content. Ofcom continues to monitor platforms and may take further action against those that do not comply with its regulations.
15.LaTeXpOsEd: A Systematic Analysis of Information Leakage in Preprint Archives(LaTeXpOsEd: A Systematic Analysis of Information Leakage in Preprint Archives)
The use of preprint repositories like arXiv has made sharing scientific results faster, but it has also created security risks. These platforms allow access to not just PDFs but also original files, code, and comments, which may contain sensitive information that could be exploited.
A recent large-scale security audit examined over 1.2 TB of data from 100,000 arXiv submissions. The researchers developed a framework called LaTeXpOsEd to detect hidden sensitive information in these files. They introduced a benchmark, LLMSec-DB, to test the ability of 25 advanced language models to find such secrets.
The audit revealed many security issues, including leaks of personal information, GPS data, and private links to documents and credentials. It also found confidential communications and internal conflicts, which could harm the reputations of researchers and institutions. The researchers are calling for action to address these security vulnerabilities and have shared their methods while keeping sensitive findings private to prevent misuse. The project's source code is available online.
16.Ancient Patagonian hunter-gatherers took care of their injured and disabled(Ancient Patagonian hunter-gatherers took care of their injured and disabled)
No summary available.
17.Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet(Android's sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet)
Summary:
The article discusses Google's new sideloading rules for Android, which are seen as a major setback for users. Starting in October 2025, developers must verify their identities with government-issued documents to have their apps installed on devices using Google Mobile Services. This could limit access to popular third-party apps that are not on the Google Play Store, like NewPipe and Blokada.
While Google claims these changes are meant to enhance security and protect users from malicious apps, critics argue that existing safety measures, like Google Play Protect, are sufficient. They believe the new rules will restrict users' freedom and stifle innovation by making it harder for independent developers and niche apps to thrive.
In summary, although sideloading won't be completely banned, the new requirements may make it more challenging for users to install the apps they want, leading to a less open Android ecosystem.
18.Putting a dumb weather station on the internet(Putting a dumb weather station on the internet)
Summary: Putting a Dumb Weather Station on the Internet
The author shares their experience of connecting a simple weather station from Temu to the Internet using amateur radio technology.
Key Points:
-
The Problem: Traditional weather stations that transmit data via APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) are often expensive. The author, interested in sharing weather data, decided to create a more affordable solution.
-
The Hardware: The author purchased a basic wireless thermometer that works on the 433MHz frequency. It consists of a battery-powered outdoor transmitter and an indoor display.
-
The Parser: They used an open-source program called rtl_433 to decode the signals from the weather station. This program can capture and format the data into JSON, which is easier to work with.
-
The Uploader: The author created a PowerShell script to send the weather data to APRS servers. This script listens for data from the weather station, extracts temperature and humidity, and avoids sending duplicate reports too frequently.
-
The Tooter: In addition to APRS, the author decided to share the weather data on Mastodon, a social network. They created a bot account for their weather station, allowing anyone to check the latest updates online.
Overall, the project successfully connected a simple weather station to both the APRS network and a social media platform, allowing for broad sharing of local weather information.
19.Some graphene firms have reaped its potential but others are struggling(Some graphene firms have reaped its potential but others are struggling)
The text discusses the current state of graphene technology and its commercialization in the UK, two decades after its discovery. Graphene, a material stronger than steel and lighter than paper, has not fully realized its potential, with some UK companies thriving while others struggle.
Key points include:
-
Graphene's Potential: Discovered in 2004, graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon that conducts heat and electricity well. It has applications in various industries, including microchips and construction.
-
Global Competition: China is the leading producer of graphene, aiming to use it in microchips and other sectors.
-
Success Stories: The University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre developed a low-carbon concrete using graphene. Startups like 2D Photonics are creating graphene-based photonic technology, which can transmit data more efficiently than traditional silicon chips.
-
Challenges: Many companies face difficulties transitioning from research to mass production. High manufacturing costs and the need to compete with existing technologies hinder progress.
-
Mixed Outcomes: While some companies, like Paragraf and Graphene Innovations Manchester, have secured significant investments and are successfully producing graphene products, others, such as Applied Graphene Materials and Versarien, have struggled financially and faced closures.
-
Future Outlook: 2D Photonics is optimistic about scaling production and securing further funding. The broader graphene market continues to develop, but many companies still face challenges to profitability and market acceptance.
20.Clockss: Digital preservation services run by academic publishers and libraries(Clockss: Digital preservation services run by academic publishers and libraries)
Summary of CLOCKSS
CLOCKSS is a global collaboration between academic publishers and research libraries that focuses on preserving digital scholarship for future generations. It provides a long-term, sustainable online archive that protects books, journals, and digital collections.
Key points include:
-
Sustainable Archive: CLOCKSS ensures the long-term survival of digital content, which is only accessible after specific "trigger" events.
-
Global Network: The archive consists of 12 nodes across leading research libraries worldwide, preserving authoritative versions of various scholarly materials.
-
Quality Assurance: Content is selected by research libraries and assured by reputable academic publishers.
-
Innovative Technology: CLOCKSS uses advanced LOCKSS technology to preserve content in its original format and adapt it for future use, protecting against digital loss.
-
Open Access: All triggered publications receive Creative Commons licenses, ensuring they remain free and accessible to everyone.
-
Community Collaboration: CLOCKSS works with libraries and publishers to manage risks and reduce costs associated with digital preservation.
Overall, CLOCKSS is dedicated to safeguarding scholarship through a community-driven approach and innovative technological solutions.
21.MicroPythonOS – An Android-like OS for microcontrollers(MicroPythonOS – An Android-like OS for microcontrollers)
Summary of MicroPythonOS
MicroPythonOS is a fast and lightweight operating system designed for microcontrollers, like the ESP32, and desktop computers. It features a user-friendly interface similar to Android, an App Store for easy app downloads, and supports Over-The-Air updates.
Key Features:
- Compatible with ESP32 microcontrollers and desktops
- Touch screen interface with gesture support
- App Store for convenient app access
- Over-The-Air updates for easy maintenance
- Supports touch screens, sensors, and cameras
Advantages:
- Built on MicroPython for simple development
- Works across different devices
- Lightweight, making it suitable for devices with limited resources
- Quick boot times and fast performance
- Modern touch screen features
Possibilities:
- Create Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart home controls
- Develop educational tools with interactive features
- Build decentralized payment systems
- Design portable touch screen gadgets
- Power robotic systems with sensors and cameras
- Make smart wearables that use gesture controls
- Easily prototype DIY projects.
22.Tauri binding for Python through Pyo3(Tauri binding for Python through Pyo3)
PyTauri Summary
PyTauri is a free and open-source project that provides Python bindings for the Tauri framework, enabling Python developers to create cross-platform desktop applications. It is built using Pyo3, which allows users to integrate Python with Rust.
Key Features:
- Easy Setup: You can run demos without needing extensive Rust knowledge. Using
pytauri-wheel
, you can work entirely in Python without a Rust compiler. - Integration: Works with
tauri-cli
for building standalone apps and supports both official Tauri plugins and custom plugins. - Async Support: Natively supports asynchronous programming with frameworks like asyncio.
- Ergonomic API: Designed to be user-friendly and closely aligned with Tauri's Rust API.
- Type Safety: Offers complete type safety and automatically generates TypeScript types for communication between Python and the frontend.
Example Code:
- The Python side allows you to define commands and handle notifications.
- The frontend can invoke Python commands easily.
Community and Contributions: PyTauri relies on community support for maintenance. Users are encouraged to star the project on GitHub if they find it useful.
Philosophy: The project aims to be an alternative to other GUI frameworks like pywebview and Pystray, offering a comprehensive development experience similar to Electron and PySide.
Usage: Despite being new, it has already been utilized in projects like an AI-powered file manager.
License: PyTauri is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. It is an independent effort and not officially affiliated with the Tauri Program.
For more information, visit the documentation or the source code.
23.What are you working on? (October 2025)(What are you working on? (October 2025))
The text is asking someone about their current projects and if they have any new ideas they are considering.
24.Two Paths to Memory Safety: CHERI and OMA(Two Paths to Memory Safety: CHERI and OMA)
Summary: Two Paths to Memory Safety: CHERI and OMA
The text discusses the rising issue of memory safety vulnerabilities leading to severe cyberattacks, costing businesses billions and even resulting in loss of life. About 70% of software vulnerabilities stem from memory safety issues, which current CPU architectures fail to adequately prevent.
Two solutions have emerged to address this problem at the hardware level:
-
CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions): Developed at the University of Cambridge, CHERI uses hardware-enforced capabilities that check memory access for safety. It maintains compatibility with existing systems but requires significant changes in software to ensure temporal safety (preventing access to freed memory). CHERI's pointers are larger (129 bits) due to embedded metadata, which can lead to performance challenges.
-
OMA (Object Memory Architecture): Created by Doubtless Computing, OMA takes a different approach by managing memory through hardware-based objects. It uses smaller pointers (65 bits) and integrates garbage collection into the hardware, allowing for better performance and easier management of memory. OMA provides stronger temporal safety guarantees compared to CHERI.
The two architectures are not direct competitors but serve different markets: CHERI is better suited for embedded systems using C/C++, while OMA targets server-class environments where managed languages like Python and Java are prevalent. Both approaches aim to eliminate memory safety vulnerabilities, and their success will depend on the contexts they are deployed in.
The text concludes that both CHERI and OMA are effective solutions, and a combination of both may be necessary to tackle the memory safety crisis and protect against future cyber threats.
25.The Peach meme: On CRTs, pixels and signal quality (again)(The Peach meme: On CRTs, pixels and signal quality (again))
The text discusses the impact of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screens on pixel art and the misconceptions around it, sparked by a controversial meme featuring Peach from Super Mario RPG. Here are the key points:
-
Pixel Art Techniques: Contemporary pixel art often lacks classical techniques, which can make it appear overly blocky. CRT screens naturally blend and smooth pixel art, enhancing its overall look.
-
Misleading Memes: The meme comparing a pixelated Peach sprite on a CRT to one displayed normally is criticized for being poorly illustrated. The focus is often out, and it doesn't clarify the type of video connection used.
-
Signal Quality Matters: The quality of the connection (like composite vs. RGB) significantly affects how pixel art looks on different screens. Poorer connections can cause blurring and color bleeding.
-
Experience of CRTs: Close-up photos of screens can show details but fail to capture the true viewing experience at a normal distance. The perception of images is more important than technical details.
-
Game Boy Graphics: The text briefly touches on how pixel art techniques were effectively used on the Game Boy, showing that artists adapted their work to fit the limitations of the hardware.
-
Understanding CRTs: While CRTs do alter the viewing experience, they don't eliminate visible pixels. The overall quality of pixel art is dependent on the artist's techniques as well as the display technology.
-
Conclusion: The effects of CRTs are complex and often challenging to convey. The text emphasizes that both the display technology and the artists' skills play crucial roles in the quality of pixel art.
In summary, CRTs enhance pixel art viewing but are not a magical solution to pixel visibility. Understanding signal quality and artistic techniques is essential for appreciating the art form.
26.Baby's first international landline(Baby's first international landline)
A developer created a simple phone system using a Raspberry Pi, Asterisk, and Twilio to allow toddlers to make safe international calls. This project aims to help children of expatriates stay connected with their families abroad. The setup is documented in a write-up, and the related code and Ansible playbooks are available on GitHub for others to use. The creator welcomes feedback from anyone who has experience with similar projects or who tries to build this system themselves.
For more details, you can check the write-up here and find the GitHub repositories here and here.
27.Modern Linux tools(Modern Linux tools)
Summary of Modern Linux Tools
This text provides a list of modern alternatives to common Unix command-line tools, along with additional resources for Linux users.
Key Points:
- Modern UNIX Alternatives: There are new command-line tools that are faster and more user-friendly than traditional Unix commands.
- Useful Resources:
- A collection of various command-line tools and cheatsheets.
- Lists of recommended Linux applications and utilities.
CLI Replacements:
- bat: A better version of
cat
with syntax highlighting. - exa: A modern alternative to
ls
andtree
. - eza: An updated version of
exa
. - lsd: A next-gen
ls
tool that is compatible with older commands. - delta: A viewer for Git diffs.
- ncdu: A user-friendly disk usage tool.
- dust: An intuitive version of
du
, written in Rust. - duf: An improved alternative to
df
. - broot: A navigation-friendly tree viewer.
- fd: A fast and simple replacement for
find
. - ripgrep: A super-fast
grep
alternative that ignores Git files. - ag: A fast code search tool.
- fzf: A fuzzy search tool for the command line.
- bfs: A breadth-first search alternative.
- mcfly: A tool to easily navigate shell history.
- choose: A user-friendly alternative to
cut
and sometimesawk
. - jq: A tool for processing JSON data.
- sd: A simple find/replace tool.
- bottom: A graphical process monitor.
- glances: An alternative to
top
andhtop
. - gtop: A terminal dashboard for system monitoring.
- hyperfine: A benchmarking tool for commands.
- gping: A graphical ping tool.
- procs: A Rust-based alternative to
ps
. - httpie: A user-friendly HTTP client.
- curlie: Combines the power of
curl
with the ease ofhttpie
. - xh: A performance-focused alternative to
httpie
. - zoxide: An enhanced
cd
command. - micro: A modern text editor for the terminal.
- nnn: A fast terminal file manager.
New CLI Tools:
- up: Provides live previews of pipes.
Help Tools:
- ManKier: Simplifies shell command explanations.
- tldr: Concise man pages with examples.
- tealdeer: Fast implementation of tldr.
- explainshell: Matches command-line arguments to help text.
- cheat.sh: A unified collection of cheatsheets.
GUI Tools:
- baobab: A graphical disk usage analyzer.
- stacer: A system optimization and monitoring GUI.
This summary highlights modern tools that enhance the Linux command-line experience and provides resources for further exploration.
28.Supermassive black holes locked in a stable orbit around each other(Supermassive black holes locked in a stable orbit around each other)
No summary available.
29.gsay: Fetch pronunciation of English vocabulary from Google(gsay: Fetch pronunciation of English vocabulary from Google)
Summary of gsay Script
The gsay script is a simple tool that retrieves the pronunciation of English words from Google. It plays an audio file found in Google's answer box at the top of search results.
Key Features:
- Fetches sound files from 2020 and 2024.
- Supports both British and American accents.
- Saves audio files to disk by default.
Requirements:
- Needs
curl
and one of the following mp3 players:ffplay
,mpv
, orpw-play
.
Installation: On Debian-based systems, you can install the necessary tools with:
sudo apt install curl ffmpeg # or mpv
Usage:
To use the script, type gsay [OPTIONS] QUERY
. Here are some options you can use:
-y
: Choose the database year (2020 is default).-a
: Choose the accent (GB is default).-l
: Get only the link to the pronunciation without playing it.-n
: Disable caching.-v
: Enable debug logging.-V
: Show the script version.-h
: Display help information.
Examples:
gsay legend
gsay -y 2024 -a us Leicester
gsay -n -y 2020 -a gb Forte
gsay -l perfect
Note: The 2024 pronunciations may sound synthetic, so the 2020 version is recommended for better quality.
Additional Fun: You can use the script to pronounce a list of words or download pronunciations for the first 1000 words from the Oxford 3000 word list.
Development Note: The script previously had a scraping mode, but Google now restricts scraping, and the Custom Search JSON API does not provide pronunciation outputs.
30.Vodafone admits 'major outage' as more than 130,000 report problems(Vodafone admits 'major outage' as more than 130,000 report problems)
Vodafone has acknowledged a significant service outage affecting over 130,000 customers in the UK, impacting both broadband and mobile networks. The issues started around 3 PM BST, and many users have reported being unable to access services or reach customer support. Vodafone has around 18 million customers in the UK, and the outage is also affecting other telecom companies that rely on its network. The company is working to resolve the problems and has thanked customers for their patience.
31.Emacs agent-shell (powered by ACP)(Emacs agent-shell (powered by ACP))
Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
32.Three ways formally verified code can go wrong in practice(Three ways formally verified code can go wrong in practice)
Summary: Three Ways Formally Verified Code Can Go Wrong
-
Understanding Correctness:
- "Correct" code doesn’t always mean it’s free of bugs. In everyday terms, "correct" often means there are no bugs, but in formal methods, it means the code meets a specific specification.
-
Ways Verified Code Can Fail:
- Invalid Proofs: Sometimes proofs that claim the code is correct can be flawed. This can happen if the proof checker has bugs or if shortcuts are used in the proof process.
- Incorrect Properties: Code can be considered correct according to its specification, even if it doesn't meet the intended requirements. For example, a function might only ensure that it returns a certain length but doesn't guarantee visual alignment in display.
- Wrong Assumptions: Many proofs rely on assumptions that may not hold true in real situations. If these assumptions are incorrect, the proof may no longer guarantee the correctness of the code. This includes environmental factors like memory availability and dependencies on other code.
-
Importance of Clarity:
- It’s crucial to understand what a "proven correct" label really means. Developers need to communicate effectively about how and when to use such code safely.
Overall, formal verification can help with correctness but isn’t foolproof; understanding its limitations is essential.
33.Bird photographer of the year gives a lesson in planning and patience(Bird photographer of the year gives a lesson in planning and patience)
The 2025 Bird Photographer of the Year competition highlighted the dedication and skill of wildlife photographers. Canadian photographer Liron Gertsman won the top prize with his stunning image of a Magnificent frigatebird captured during a total solar eclipse, showcasing the extensive planning and scouting that went into the shot.
This year's contest featured over 33,000 entries from around the globe, including youth categories, and raised more than £5,000 for the charity Birds on the Brink, which supports bird conservation efforts.
Notable winners included:
- Gold in Birds in Flight: Liron Gertsman, “The Frigatebird and the Diamond Ring.”
- Gold in Best Portrait: Steffen Foerster, “Bloody Petrel.”
- Gold in the 11 and Under category: Sasha Jumanca, “Graceful Flight Over Wild Bloom.”
- Gold in Birds in the Environment: Franco Banfi, “Feasting at Sunset.”
Other highlights included impressive photos of various bird species, showcasing their unique behaviors and habitats. The competition encourages conservation awareness and is now accepting entries for 2026.
34.Wireguard FPGA(Wireguard FPGA)
Summary of Wireguard FPGA Project
Overview of VPNs and Wireguard:
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential for internet security, allowing secure connections between different networks.
- Wireguard is a modern VPN technology that is simpler and faster than older solutions like OpenVPN and IPSec.
- Current Wireguard hardware options are costly and often use proprietary technology.
Project Goal:
- This project aims to create an open-source Wireguard implementation on a low-cost FPGA platform using Verilog/SystemVerilog, making it more accessible for educational and research purposes.
Background:
- Previous work included the Blackwire project, which created a fast Wireguard implementation but was expensive and faced legal issues.
- The new project intends to provide a more affordable and open-source alternative.
Project Phases:
- Phase 1 (Proof of Concept): Develop a basic Wireguard system without full features to serve as a foundation for future developments.
- Future Phases: Plan to enhance features based on community feedback, such as improving efficiency and management interfaces.
Challenges:
- Balancing hardware and software development, ensuring integration and debugging.
- Financial constraints, as complex projects often exceed budget expectations.
Execution Plan:
- The project is ongoing, and various phases will focus on system design, hardware/software integration, and testing.
- Initial tasks include setting up hardware, developing basic Wireguard protocols, and creating management software for network control.
Final Notes:
- The project aims to create a stable and efficient VPN solution that adheres to open-source principles.
- Acknowledgments are given to supporting organizations and contributors involved in the project.
This summary captures the main points of the Wireguard FPGA project, detailing its purpose, goals, challenges, and execution plan in an easy-to-understand format.
35.HTTP3 Explained(HTTP3 Explained)
HTTP/3 Explained is a collaborative project aimed at documenting the HTTP/3 and QUIC protocols. You can contribute to it and access the information in Web or PDF formats at http3-explained.haxx.se. The content is automatically updated with each change to the project. The last update was made a year ago.
36.Jeffrey Hudson the Court Dwarf of the English Queen Henrietta Maria of France(Jeffrey Hudson the Court Dwarf of the English Queen Henrietta Maria of France)
Jeffrey Hudson (1619 – c. 1682) was a notable court dwarf for Queen Henrietta Maria of England. He was known as "Lord Minimus" due to his small but well-proportioned stature, measuring about 18 inches tall. Hudson gained fame after being presented to the Queen while emerging from a pie at a royal banquet. He became popular in the Queen's court, entertaining with his wit and participating in elaborate performances.
During the English Civil War, he fought for the Royalists and was appointed as a "Captain of Horse." However, after killing a man in a duel, he was expelled from the Queen's court and captured by Barbary pirates, spending 25 years enslaved in North Africa.
Hudson returned to England in 1669, but little is known about his life afterward. He lived in poverty, faced imprisonment due to anti-Catholic sentiments, and died around 1682, buried in an unmarked grave. His life reflects a mix of royal favor, tragedy, and the challenges faced by those with disabilities in the 17th century.
37.A years-long Turkish alphabet bug in the Kotlin compiler(A years-long Turkish alphabet bug in the Kotlin compiler)
No summary available.
38.Managers are throwing entry-level workers under the bus in race to adopt AI(Managers are throwing entry-level workers under the bus in race to adopt AI)
Summary:
A recent study by the British Standards Institution reveals that the rise of AI is significantly impacting entry-level jobs, especially for young college graduates. Key findings include:
- Job Reductions: 39% of business leaders have cut junior roles to adopt AI, with 43% planning to reduce these positions further in the coming year. Half of the leaders believe AI helps reduce headcount.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Despite widespread AI adoption, 95% of businesses report no return on their AI investments. Many leaders are motivated more by fear of falling behind competitors than by actual results.
- Impact on Young Professionals: The study warns that this job loss could lead to a generation of frustrated young workers with fewer opportunities to gain skills and experience.
- Business Attitudes: Many leaders feel relieved to not be in the position of entry-level workers, with 55% believing the benefits of AI outweigh the disruptions caused to the workforce.
- Future Risks: The emphasis on automation over employee training could lead to a lack of skilled workers in the future, potentially harming businesses when they need human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as creativity and empathy.
Overall, while businesses rush to implement AI, they may be overlooking the long-term consequences on workforce development and employee morale.
39.3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station(3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station)
Summary of 3D-PAWS Initiative
3D-PAWS (3D-Printed Automatic Weather Station) is a global project aimed at creating affordable, reliable weather stations using 3D printing and common sensors. It was developed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and the US National Weather Service, with support from USAID.
Key Goals:
- Expand Weather Observations: Improve weather monitoring in rural and underserved areas by allowing local construction of weather stations.
- Reduce Weather-Related Risks: Provide accurate weather data for early warning systems to help manage risks from extreme weather like floods and storms.
- Empower Local Communities: Enable communities to build and maintain their own weather observation networks.
- Promote Open Access: Share open-source designs and software to encourage innovation in environmental data collection.
System Overview:
- A 3D-PAWS weather station costs $300-500 to produce and can be made in about a week using local materials and micro-sensors.
- It measures various weather-related parameters like temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
- Local agencies can assemble and repair the systems, fostering community ownership.
Current Assessments and Deployments: 3D-PAWS is being tested in Colorado, Virginia, and various international locations, including successful installations in Kenya and Barbados.
Data Access: Real-time data from 3D-PAWS can be accessed online through the CHORDS project, which is designed for sharing geoscience datasets.
Applications: 3D-PAWS data can support weather forecasting, flood alerts, agricultural monitoring, and health monitoring to mitigate disease outbreaks.
Contact Information: For further inquiries, contact the team at UCAR/COMET, with provided phone numbers and emails.
40.Aidlab – Health Data for Devs(Aidlab – Health Data for Devs)
Jakub and his co-founders, Agnieszka and Nathan, created Aidlab, a wearable device that provides high-quality physiological data for developers. Unlike typical health trackers, Aidlab comes with a free SDK that allows easy integration across multiple platforms, enabling real-time streaming of various health metrics.
Aidlab offers 13 types of data, such as ECG, cough, motion, and body temperature, focusing on accuracy similar to chest-mounted medical devices, which are considered the best for measuring physiological signals. They built Aidlab to fill the gap between inaccurate smartwatches and expensive medical devices, providing accessible medical-grade data without complexity.
After two years of development and initial sales to clients like Bryan Johnson and Boeing, Aidlab is set to launch Aidlab 2, which will include new features like additional signals and on-device machine learning capabilities. They have shifted from cloud-based processing to edge computing for faster and more private data analysis.
They are sharing their progress now because of the growing interest in health technology and are eager to see how others might use Aidlab. Additionally, they are releasing free datasets weekly for public testing.
41.MAML – A new configuration language(MAML – A new configuration language)
It seems like the text you provided is incomplete or fragmented. Please provide a complete text or more context, and I will be happy to help summarize it for you!
42.I built a simple ambient sound app with no ads or subscriptions(I built a simple ambient sound app with no ads or subscriptions)
The author created an iOS app called Ambi because they were frustrated with existing white noise and ambient sound apps that were full of ads or required payment for basic features. Ambi offers a simple interface with free sounds like rain, waves, and birds. Users can mix sounds and adjust volumes, and the app works offline without any hidden fees. The author initially made it for personal use but believes others might find it helpful as well. Feedback and suggestions are encouraged.
43.An initial investigation into WDDM on ReactOS(An initial investigation into WDDM on ReactOS)
ReactOS is a project that aims to develop an open-source operating system compatible with Windows. Over the years, many people have contributed to ReactOS with different goals, and recently, improving hardware support has become a key focus.
A significant change in hardware management came with Windows Vista, which introduced the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM). This model changed how GPU drivers are structured, allowing driver vendors more control over the GPU. ReactOS is working to adapt to these changes and improve its support for WDDM.
WDDM replaced the older Windows Display Driver Model (XDDM) starting with Windows 8. While some remnants of XDDM remain in modern Windows systems, WDDM requires a stable XDDM foundation in ReactOS to work effectively. ReactOS is making progress in supporting WDDM drivers, including basic display functionality, which allows it to run modern graphics drivers and support high-resolution displays.
The project is actively improving its hardware support and plans to share more updates in the future. They encourage community involvement, whether through donations, contributions on GitHub, or spreading the word about ReactOS.
44.Database Linting and Analysis for PostgreSQL(Database Linting and Analysis for PostgreSQL)
Summary of PG Linter Documentation
PG Linter is a PostgreSQL extension designed to help developers and operations teams analyze databases for potential issues, performance problems, and best practices. It is especially useful in environments where there is no dedicated Database Administrator (DBA), allowing teams to catch problems early in the development process.
Key Features:
- Performance Analysis: Identifies unused or missing indexes.
- Schema Validation: Ensures proper primary keys, foreign key indexing, and overall schema design.
- Security Auditing: Detects security risks and configuration issues.
- SARIF Output: Provides reports in a standard format for CI/CD tools.
- Configurable Rules: Users can enable or disable specific rules and adjust settings.
Rule Categories:
- Base Rules: General checks for overall database health.
- Cluster Rules: Configuration checks for the PostgreSQL cluster.
- Table Rules: Specific checks for individual tables.
- Schema Rules: Checks for schema-level issues.
Getting Started:
- Install by running
CREATE EXTENSION pglinter;
- Analyze the database with
SELECT pglinter.perform_base_check();
- Manage rules with commands to show, disable, or explain them.
Integration: PG Linter can be incorporated into CI/CD pipelines, database migrations, and regular monitoring, making it a valuable tool for maintaining database quality.
For support, users can visit GitHub for issues or discussions.
45.Free software hasn't won(Free software hasn't won)
In a talk given by Dorota at P.I.W.O, she discusses the idea that while Free Software has not "won," Open Source software has become widely accepted and mainstream. She highlights that Open Source tools are now crucial for technology and innovation, allowing for alternatives to proprietary software.
Dorota emphasizes the importance of Free Software in providing users with control over their technology, noting that software is increasingly integrated into various aspects of life. However, she points out that many devices still rely on closed software, limiting user freedom and options, especially in areas like social media, appliances, and firmware.
She explains the challenges of using Free Software in modern devices, particularly due to hardware restrictions and the prevalence of closed systems, which can lead to problems like e-waste and lack of support for outdated devices. Dorota urges software developers to use copyleft licenses, like the GPL, to ensure user freedoms are maintained.
The talk also addresses the influence of corporations on software development and the need for political and social advocacy to push for more open systems. Dorota encourages individuals to support Free Software-friendly manufacturers and engage in political efforts to protect user freedoms.
In summary, while Open Source has gained acceptance, the struggle for true Free Software continues, requiring concerted efforts from developers, users, and advocates to ensure control and freedom in technology.
46.Keyboard Holders, Generation 1(Keyboard Holders, Generation 1)
The author has a collection of mechanical keyboards and wanted a way to store and display them. Inspired by laser-cut holders, they learned to use a laser cutter and CAD software to create custom keyboard holders.
They used a design tool called Cuttle to develop a flexible design that accommodates different keyboard sizes. The holder consists of a wall-mounted back plate, a bottom plate for stability, and fins to hold the keyboards. The design includes parameters for size and shape to fit various keyboards, such as split keyboards.
The author went through a prototyping process, creating multiple designs and making adjustments based on testing. They found the laser cutter efficient, enabling quick iterations and adjustments. After creating 15 versions, they finalized their designs and made some finishing touches like sanding edges and gluing connections.
Though the current holders are functional, the author plans to improve them further and is already working on a second generation of designs.
47.The Tiny Teams Playbook(The Tiny Teams Playbook)
The text discusses the concept of "Tiny Teams," which are small, efficient groups within organizations that can achieve significant results, often with more revenue than employees. These teams are becoming crucial as companies transition towards more advanced AI capabilities.
Key points include:
- Definition: Tiny Teams are defined as those with more annual recurring revenue (ARR) than employees, emphasizing efficiency over size.
- Characteristics: Successful Tiny Teams often hire senior generalists, focus on user feedback, maintain a culture of trust and transparency, and prioritize independence and resilience.
- Operations: They minimize meetings, automate tasks, and emphasize deep focus on work.
- Tech Approach: These teams prefer simple, modular technology and prioritize experimentation and benchmarking.
- Examples: Notable Tiny Teams include Gamma, Gumloop, and Bolt.new, each demonstrating unique strategies for hiring, prioritization, and operations.
The text suggests that as organizations adapt to the evolving landscape of AI, those that embrace the Tiny Teams model will likely thrive.
48.Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2025(Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2025)
The text discusses the recent Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their work on innovation-driven economic growth.
Key points include:
-
Historical Context: For most of history, living standards changed little until the Industrial Revolution. It initiated a cycle of technological innovation that has led to sustained economic growth.
-
Creative Destruction: This process involves new technologies replacing older ones, driving economic progress. Mokyr explains how scientific breakthroughs and practical applications create a self-sustaining cycle of growth, requiring a society open to change.
-
Measuring Growth: Economic growth is measured by GDP, but it also includes improvements in quality of life, such as healthcare, education, and technology.
-
Knowledge Types: Mokyr identifies two types of useful knowledge necessary for growth: propositional (understanding why things work) and prescriptive (practical instructions). The combination of these knowledge types became crucial during the Scientific Revolution.
-
Importance of R&D: Aghion and Howitt developed a model showing that companies invest in research and development (R&D) to maintain their competitive edge, leading to continuous innovation and growth.
-
Market Dynamics: Their model illustrates how market competition and the need for innovation can create both winners and losers, emphasizing the importance of supporting those affected by technological change.
-
Policy Implications: The laureates' work highlights the need for policies that encourage innovation while also supporting workers affected by economic changes, suggesting that sustained growth requires vigilance against monopolies and barriers to knowledge.
-
Future Challenges: The text concludes by warning that sustained growth is not guaranteed and that society must address potential threats to innovation and economic progress.
Overall, the prize winners' research sheds light on the essential elements of sustained economic growth through innovation and the societal conditions that facilitate it.
49.Holes in the Web(Holes in the Web)
The text discusses the significant gaps in knowledge available on the internet and how generative AI (GenAI) exacerbates this issue. The author, Deepak Varuvel Dennison, shares a personal story about his father's successful use of traditional herbal remedies for a tumor, contrasting it with the medical advice from his doctor sister and hospital. This experience leads him to reflect on the limitations of digital sources and the biases within AI systems, which often prioritize Western knowledge while marginalizing traditional and local knowledge.
Dennison highlights that many languages and indigenous knowledge systems are underrepresented online, leading to a loss of valuable insights and practices. For instance, while languages like Hindi and Tamil have millions of speakers, their presence in digital datasets is minimal. This underrepresentation threatens the survival of unique ecological and cultural knowledge.
The text further explains how generative AI models are trained predominantly on English data, reinforcing existing power imbalances and cultural hierarchies. As AI becomes a primary source of information, the risk of "knowledge collapse" increases, where less represented ideas and practices fade from collective understanding.
Through examples of environmental management and local community practices, Dennison illustrates the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems into AI development and decision-making. He argues that recognizing and valuing indigenous knowledge is crucial not just for local communities, but for global sustainability.
In conclusion, Dennison calls for a deeper engagement with diverse epistemologies to avoid the erasure of valuable knowledge systems, emphasizing the need for humility and curiosity in approaching different ways of knowing.
50.Completing a BASIC language interpreter in 2025(Completing a BASIC language interpreter in 2025)
No summary available.
51.America is getting an AI gold rush instead of a factory boom(America is getting an AI gold rush instead of a factory boom)
No summary available.
52.For centuries massive meals amazed visitors to Korea (2019)(For centuries massive meals amazed visitors to Korea (2019))
No summary available.
53.Novelty Automation(Novelty Automation)
No summary available.
54.We need (at least) ergonomic, explicit handles [in Rust](We need (at least) ergonomic, explicit handles [in Rust])
This blog shares various ideas and thoughts from the author. It includes different categories and links to their GitHub and Twitter. Some highlighted posts are about the borrow checker and the importance of empathy in the open-source community.
55.Feds: Brothers stole $25M in crypto in 12 seconds. Defense: outsmarted bots(Feds: Brothers stole $25M in crypto in 12 seconds. Defense: outsmarted bots)
Business Insider shares interesting and innovative stories that provide valuable insights.
56.A Retrospective Survey of 2024/2025 Open Source Supply Chain Compromises(A Retrospective Survey of 2024/2025 Open Source Supply Chain Compromises)
Summary of the 2024/2025 Open Source Supply Chain Compromises Survey
This survey focuses on identifying and mitigating common causes of security breaches in open source supply chains. Key points include:
-
Main Causes of Compromises:
- Phishing: The leading cause, affecting even those with two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Control Handoffs: Instances where access is inadvertently given to attackers.
- Unsafe GitHub Features: Specific triggers like
pull_request_target
andissue_comment
can lead to vulnerabilities.
-
Notable Compromises:
- Various projects faced issues like credential theft, shell injection, and unauthorized access due to misconfigurations or poor security practices.
-
Mitigation Recommendations:
- Use Phishing-Resistant Authentication: Implement stronger authentication methods like passkeys or WebAuthn 2FA.
- Avoid Control Handoffs: Maintain strict access controls and be cautious about granting permissions.
- Refrain from Using Unsafe Triggers: Avoid GitHub Actions that allow attacker-controlled contexts.
-
Long-Lived Credentials:
- Protect against token theft by minimizing the use of long-lived credentials and opting for short-lived tokens where possible.
-
Additional Recommendations:
- Register domains for an extended period to prevent takeover.
- Use read-only permissions for workflows whenever feasible.
This analysis aims to enhance the security standards in open source projects, encouraging maintainers to adopt best practices. The findings will help shape future guidelines for safer software development.
57.CamoLeak: Critical GitHub Copilot Vulnerability Leaks Private Source Code(CamoLeak: Critical GitHub Copilot Vulnerability Leaks Private Source Code)
In June 2025, a serious vulnerability was discovered in GitHub Copilot Chat, which allowed unauthorized access to sensitive information from private repositories and manipulation of responses generated by Copilot. The vulnerability had a high severity rating (CVSS 9.6) and involved a combination of techniques to bypass security measures.
Key Points:
- Nature of the Vulnerability: It enabled the silent extraction of secrets and source code from private repositories and allowed the injection of malicious code into Copilot's responses.
- Exploitation Method: By using invisible comments in pull request descriptions, the attacker was able to influence what Copilot would generate for any user visiting the page.
- Impact: The attacker could modify responses, inject custom Markdown, and access private data by leveraging the victim’s permissions.
- Bypassing Security: GitHub's strict Content Security Policy (CSP) initially blocked certain exploits, but the attacker found a way to use Camo proxy URLs to leak information without detection.
- Discovery Process: The attacker created a dictionary of pre-generated Camo URLs to render hidden images in a way that allowed private data to be exfiltrated as ASCII art.
GitHub's Response:
GitHub addressed the vulnerability by disabling image rendering in Copilot Chat as of August 14.
This incident highlights the importance of security in AI tools and the potential risks they pose when integrated into development workflows.
58.A whirlwind introduction to dataflow graphs (2018)(A whirlwind introduction to dataflow graphs (2018))
Summary of "A Whirlwind Introduction to Dataflow Graphs"
This post discusses the importance of using dataflow graphs to analyze and improve the performance of C++ code. Profiling can identify slow parts of the code, but it doesn't explain why they are slow or help in making design decisions early on. A performance model is necessary to predict how changes will affect performance, rather than just measuring improvements.
The post introduces a simplified machine model to analyze compute-bound loops in C++. This model uses 64-bit integer registers and defines operations, memory access, and control flow in a straightforward way. It emphasizes that understanding data dependencies is crucial for performance, with operations represented as nodes in a directed graph, where edges denote their latency.
The author illustrates concepts using examples, such as summing integers in an array and a linked list. The array example shows how to achieve a steady throughput, while the linked list highlights challenges due to memory access latency affecting performance. The post explains that overlapping operations can mitigate some latency issues.
Unrolling loops is suggested as a way to reduce overhead in iteration. The author also discusses the critical paths in loops and how dependencies impact performance. They emphasize that analyzing the dependency structure can help identify potential bottlenecks and optimize code effectively.
In conclusion, the techniques presented can be applied beyond simple loops, including project scheduling and asynchronous processing, making the insights broadly relevant for performance optimization.
59.Syntax highlighting is a waste of an information channel(Syntax highlighting is a waste of an information channel)
On July 20, 2020, a newsletter discussed the concept of syntax highlighting in programming. The author argues that while syntax highlighting is useful, it often wastes an important way to convey information by only distinguishing syntax. They propose that instead of merely highlighting syntax, we should have the ability to apply different highlighting rules based on our specific tasks, like writing new code, optimizing, debugging, or reviewing.
The author shares several use cases for more meaningful highlighting, such as:
- Rainbow Parenthesis: Using colors to show nesting levels.
- Context Highlighting: Highlighting different levels of code nesting.
- Import Highlighting: Differentiating imported identifiers.
- Argument Highlighting: Highlighting function arguments separately from other variables.
- Type Highlighting: Coloring variables by their types.
- Exception Highlighting: Marking functions that might raise uncaught errors.
- Metadata Highlighting: Highlighting functions relevant to recent test failures.
However, the author notes challenges in implementing these ideas, including the need for deeper code analysis, potential conflicts in highlighting rules, and limitations of existing code editors. They believe that while semantic highlighting is promising, it will take time to develop fully.
The newsletter also mentions the author's new book, "Logic for Programmers," which is available in early access.
60.A better SQL validator and comparison with existing SQL validators(A better SQL validator and comparison with existing SQL validators)
The text discusses the limitations of current SQL validators and proposes improvements for a better SQL validator.
Key Points:
-
Current Issues with SQL Validators:
- Most validators only report the first syntax error and give vague messages, making debugging difficult.
- Errors are displayed outside the code, which disrupts the workflow.
- There are no suggested fixes or explanations, leading to confusion, especially for less experienced developers.
- No side-by-side comparison is available to see changes made.
-
Proposed Improvements:
- A better SQL validator should identify multiple errors in one go, provide clear explanations, and suggest corrections.
- It should highlight errors inline and allow users to compare the original and corrected queries easily.
-
Example of a Broken Query:
- The text presents a broken SQL query with multiple syntax errors and explains each one in detail.
-
Comparison with Existing Validators:
- The author tested three popular SQL validators: RunSQL, Aiven, and SQLValidator.
- All current validators have shortcomings, such as only reporting the first error and providing invalid corrected queries.
In summary, the text advocates for a more comprehensive and user-friendly SQL validator that enhances debugging through clear error reporting, explanation, and correction suggestions.
61.Constraint satisfaction to optimize item selection for bundles in Minecraft(Constraint satisfaction to optimize item selection for bundles in Minecraft)
The text discusses using constraint satisfaction to improve item selection for storage in Minecraft, specifically through the use of a tool called MiniZinc. Here are the key points:
-
Minecraft Inventory Limits: Players have limited inventory slots (27 for items, plus additional slots for armor and crafting), which can fill up quickly with various items.
-
Using Bundles: Bundles allow players to store mixed items in a single slot, helping to free up space for new items. Each item has a different stack size, affecting how many slots they occupy in a bundle.
-
Optimizer Development: The author created an optimizer using MiniZinc to maximize free inventory slots by selecting the best combination of items to store in a bundle.
-
Modeling the Problem: The optimizer represents inventory items and their capacities using arrays and constraints. It initially focused on items that stack fully but later included different stack sizes and unstackable items.
-
Scaling for Complexity: The model uses scaled values for item capacities to avoid complex calculations, making it easier to manage different item types.
-
Results: The optimizer successfully identified combinations of items to maximize inventory space, demonstrating the effectiveness of constraint satisfaction in problem-solving within the game.
Overall, the project served as an introduction to constraint satisfaction problems and showcased how MiniZinc can simplify this process.
62.Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9k% – A hidden crisis few saw coming(Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9k% – A hidden crisis few saw coming)
A new study reveals a shocking increase in fentanyl and stimulant overdoses among seniors, rising by 9,000% over the past eight years. This trend, previously thought to primarily affect younger adults, highlights that older adults are increasingly vulnerable to these dangerous combinations, particularly with cocaine and methamphetamines. Experts emphasize the need for better education for both patients and caregivers on overdose prevention and safer pain management.
From 2015 to 2023, deaths from fentanyl-related overdoses among seniors jumped significantly, with many cases involving multiple drugs. Researchers stress the importance of recognizing that older adults can also be affected by polysubstance use and encourage healthcare providers to be cautious when prescribing opioids to this age group. Proper patient education and regular medication reviews are crucial to address this escalating crisis.
63.Countering Trusting Trust Through Diverse Double-Compiling (DDC)(Countering Trusting Trust Through Diverse Double-Compiling (DDC))
No summary available.
64.Nostr and ATProto (2024)(Nostr and ATProto (2024))
Summary of Nostr and ATProto Comparison
This post explores the similarities and differences between two decentralized social media protocols: Nostr and ATProto. The author emphasizes that the intention is not to pit the two against each other but to highlight their unique approaches and philosophies.
-
Origins: Both protocols emerged due to frustrations with centralized platforms like Twitter. ATProto was developed from the Bluesky initiative, aiming to create a decentralized alternative to Twitter, while Nostr was created in response to perceived censorship on social media.
-
Philosophical Differences: Nostr prioritizes censorship resistance and high availability, while ATProto aims for user-friendly design and decentralized identity management.
-
Technical Structures:
- Nostr: Operates on a client-relay model where clients verify data independently, relying on relays to transmit information. It uses a public key identity system, making it decentralized but potentially risky for users who must manage their keys securely.
- ATProto: Utilizes a Personal Data Server (PDS) to manage user identities and data, ensuring a more user-friendly experience that includes account recoverability, though this introduces some centralization.
-
Data Management:
- Nostr’s data is composed of individual, self-contained events that are cryptographically signed, making it challenging to delete content once published.
- ATProto’s data is stored in records within a repository on the PDS, allowing for easier edits and deletions.
-
Trust and Privacy: Nostr does not trust any single entity, relying instead on clients to verify authenticity. ATProto allows users to choose whom to trust, but it assumes some level of trust in its servers.
-
Development Approaches: ATProto has a more centralized and intentional development process, while Nostr adopts a more open, community-driven model, encouraging diverse implementations.
-
Future Directions: The two protocols are beginning to converge, borrowing ideas from each other to improve their designs. Bridging efforts between different decentralized platforms are also emerging, indicating a potential future where users can interact across different protocols seamlessly.
In conclusion, both Nostr and ATProto offer innovative approaches to decentralized social media, aiming to address the shortcomings of centralized platforms. Their evolution suggests a promising future for more open and user-controlled social media experiences.
65.Making regular GPS ultra-precise(Making regular GPS ultra-precise)
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new GPS technology called SmartNav that enhances the accuracy of GPS signals in urban environments, which are often distorted by tall buildings and reflective surfaces. This technology is crucial for self-driving cars, which need precise location data to navigate safely.
In cities, GPS signals can bounce off buildings, causing inaccuracies. SmartNav uses advanced algorithms to correct these signals, making affordable GPS devices as accurate as expensive ones. The system integrates various technologies, including a new Google service that utilizes 3D maps of city buildings to predict signal reflections and improve positioning.
Tests in Trondheim have shown that SmartNav can achieve accuracy within ten centimeters 90% of the time, making it reliable for everyday use. This innovation aims to make high-precision GPS accessible to the public without the need for costly infrastructure.
66.John Searle has died(John Searle has died)
No summary available.
67.Macro Splats 2025(Macro Splats 2025)
No summary available.
68.Oavif: Faster target quality image compression(Oavif: Faster target quality image compression)
Summary of oavif Introduction
oavif is a new tool designed for fast and efficient image compression that focuses on achieving a specific quality level set by the user. This method, called target quality encoding, ensures consistent image quality without wasting data or degrading visual experience.
Key Points:
-
Purpose: Target quality encoding is important for various users, from website owners to large content delivery networks. It aims to produce images that meet a specific quality standard.
-
Core Components: oavif improves three main areas:
- Metric: Uses a new metric called fssimu2, which is faster and more efficient than older metrics like PSNR and SSIMULACRA2.
- Encoder: Utilizes libaom, an efficient open-source image encoder, ensuring speed and consistency.
- Convergence Algorithm: A smart method to adjust encoding settings until the desired quality is achieved.
-
Convergence Strategies:
- Binary Search: Initially finds the best encoder settings by halving the search range.
- Interpolation: Enhances search efficiency by estimating results based on previous data.
- Predictive Modeling: Uses a trained model to predict the best settings, significantly reducing the number of tries needed.
-
Performance Improvements: The predictive modeling approach resulted in faster encoding times and fewer passes needed to reach the target quality.
-
Architecture: Written in Zig, oavif efficiently handles image processing in memory, aiming for high performance while maintaining important features like high bit depth support.
-
Future Directions: Potential enhancements include incorporating additional image data for even better predictions and exploring memory management options.
Overall, oavif aims to streamline the process of achieving high-quality image compression quickly and efficiently.
69.Schleswig-Holstein completes migration to open source email(Schleswig-Holstein completes migration to open source email)
European countries are increasingly turning to open source solutions for government functions. One notable example is Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, which has successfully switched its entire email system from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook to open source alternatives, Open-Xchange and Thunderbird. This transition, completed on October 2, 2025, involved about 30,000 employees and included over 40,000 mailboxes with more than 100 million emails.
Despite facing challenges like downtime and email delays during the migration, the state views this move as part of a larger strategy to embrace open source software, having already begun replacing Microsoft Office with LibreOffice. The Digitization Minister, Dirk Schrödter, highlighted the uniqueness and significance of their efforts, stating they are pioneers in this large-scale transition.
70.Edge AI for Beginners(Edge AI for Beginners)
Summary of EdgeAI for Beginners
Getting Started:
- Fork and Clone the Repository: Start by forking and cloning the GitHub repository for EdgeAI.
- Join the Community: Connect with experts and developers in the Azure AI Foundry Discord.
Multi-Language Support: The course offers support in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
Course Overview:
- Introduction to EdgeAI: Learn about Edge AI and its applications.
- What You'll Learn:
- Small Language Models (SLMs) optimized for edge devices.
- Strategies for deploying AI in real-time while ensuring privacy.
- Techniques for cost-effective and resilient operations.
Why Edge AI is Important:
- Privacy & Security: Processes data locally, enhancing security.
- Real-Time Performance: Reduces delays by working close to data sources.
- Cost Efficiency: Lowers expenses related to cloud services.
- Reliability: Maintains functionality without internet access.
Core Concepts:
- Edge AI: AI algorithms run locally to enable quick decision-making.
- Small Language Models (SLMs): Efficient models suited for devices with limited resources.
Course Structure:
- Modules: The course includes various modules ranging from beginner to expert levels, covering topics like fundamentals, model optimization, and production operations.
- Hands-On Learning: Includes practical workshops with projects to build applications like chat systems and multi-agent orchestration.
Learning Path:
- Total duration is approximately 36-45 hours, with recommended paths for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
Career Outcomes:
- Prepares you for roles such as Edge AI Solutions Architect and ML Engineer in industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
Additional Resources:
- Other courses available on related topics, and community support for troubleshooting.
Overall, this course aims to equip you with the skills needed to implement and optimize Edge AI solutions effectively.
71.I made an esoteric programming language that's read like a spellbook(I made an esoteric programming language that's read like a spellbook)
The author has created a unique programming language called Spellscript. In this language, programs are referred to as "spells" and are written in a "grimoire," using keywords like summon, enchant, inscribe, and conjure. The syntax resembles natural language, making the code easy to read, almost like an essay.
For example, to print "hello, world!", you would write:
begin the grimoire. inscribe whispers of "hello, world!". close the grimoire.
Spellscript supports features like variables, functions, loops, and user input. The goal of this language is to explore how far natural language can be used in programming while still being understandable, unlike many other esoteric languages that are intentionally difficult.
You can find more about Spellscript on GitHub:
72.The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2025(The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2025)
The 2025 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded for explaining how innovation drives economic growth. Joel Mokyr received half of the prize for identifying what is needed for long-term growth through technology. Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt shared the other half for their work on the theory of economic growth through "creative destruction."
73."Fuck You" Companies("Fuck You" Companies)
Summary:
Founding Mode is a newsletter aimed at startup founders, offering practical and theoretical insights on building companies, AI, and the future of commerce. The author, Mert Deveci, discusses the motivation behind making money as a desire for freedom and autonomy, often expressed as wanting to say "Fuck you" to traditional norms.
Key points include:
-
What Kills Startups: Many startups fail not because of competition, but due to inertia—nobody cares about their product. This often happens when they try to improve existing solutions without offering anything truly different or necessary.
-
Successful Startups: Successful companies solve existing problems in unique ways. They create a clear value proposition that stands out rather than just claiming to be better than competitors.
-
Examples of Failure: Quibi and Google+ are cited as examples of startups that failed because they didn’t disrupt the market—they just offered better versions of existing services.
-
Examples of Success: Companies like Uber and Airbnb succeeded by fundamentally changing their industries, offering clear alternatives to traditional models and making strong statements against the status quo.
The takeaway is that to succeed, founders should focus on being radically different and identifying who or what they want to challenge in the market.
74.I/O Multiplexing (select vs. poll vs. epoll/kqueue)(I/O Multiplexing (select vs. poll vs. epoll/kqueue))
I/O multiplexing is a method used to handle multiple input/output events using a single event loop, often with system calls like poll
and select
in Unix. These calls allow a program to monitor multiple file descriptors (like sockets) and get notifications when events occur.
Key Points:
-
System Calls:
kqueue
(macOS) andepoll
(Linux) are modern alternatives topoll
andselect
, designed for better performance, especially in scenarios like web servers that manage many connections. -
Select Limitations: The
select
call checks all file descriptors in a linear fashion, which can be slow (O(n) time complexity). It also has a limit of 1024 file descriptors, which can cause crashes if exceeded. -
Poll Improvements:
poll
was introduced to overcome some of the limitations ofselect
, allowing more file descriptors to be monitored and simplifying the API. However, it still checks each descriptor, resulting in the same O(n) time complexity. -
Kqueue Advantages:
kqueue
offers a scalable and efficient way to handle events. It uses a kevent structure to register events and allows for adding, modifying, or deleting these events easily. Thekevent
call can wait for events without looping through all descriptors, improving performance. -
Usage Example: After setting up a kqueue and registering events, a program can enter a loop to wait for and handle events as they occur.
Overall, using kqueue
or epoll
is recommended for modern applications that need to handle many simultaneous connections efficiently.
75.Addictive-like behavioural traits in pet dogs with extreme motivation for toys(Addictive-like behavioural traits in pet dogs with extreme motivation for toys)
Summary:
A study published in October 2025 examined whether some pet dogs show behaviors similar to human behavioral addictions, specifically excessive motivation for playing with toys. Researchers tested 105 highly play-motivated dogs and found that about one-third exhibited traits like intense fixation on toys, reduced interest in other activities, and persistent attempts to access toys. This suggests that these dogs may experience addictive-like behaviors.
The study highlights the similarities between dog toy motivation and human behavioral addictions, noting that dogs may develop these tendencies naturally, without external prompts. The findings suggest a need for further research to understand the psychological mechanisms behind behavioral addictions in both dogs and humans.
Overall, the study offers new insights into how play can become compulsive and the potential implications for animal welfare.
76.Switch to Jujutsu Already: A Tutorial(Switch to Jujutsu Already: A Tutorial)
The author shares their struggle with understanding Git and their experience transitioning to Jujutsu (jj), a version control system that simplifies many Git operations. They explain that while Git can be complex and unintuitive, Jujutsu offers a more straightforward approach, making tasks easier to understand and execute.
Key Points:
-
Personal Struggles with Git: The author has used Git for years but often finds it confusing and cumbersome, relying on a personal alias to reset repositories when things go wrong.
-
Discovering Jujutsu: Initially hesitant, the author finally tries Jujutsu and finds its mental model easier to grasp, leading to a better understanding of Git as well.
-
Main Differences Between Git and Jujutsu:
- Mutable Commits: Unlike Git, where commits are immutable, Jujutsu allows users to edit commits easily until they are pushed to a remote repository.
- No Staging Area: In Jujutsu, all changes are always within a commit, eliminating the need for a staging area.
- Branching Simplification: Branches in Jujutsu are created simply by adding new commits, without the need for naming them.
-
Conflict Resolution: Jujutsu handles conflicts more flexibly, allowing users to continue working on other tasks while addressing conflicts at their convenience.
-
Snapshots and Undoing Changes: Jujutsu provides automatic snapshots of changes, allowing users to revert to previous states without losing work.
-
User-Friendly Features: The author encourages using a visual interface (jjui) for easier navigation and management of commits and branches.
-
Common Questions: The author addresses typical questions users may have, such as adding commit messages, cherry-picking commits, and how to manage changes without a staging area.
-
Conclusion: Jujutsu makes version control more accessible and less intimidating than Git, enabling users to experiment and manage their code more freely. The author invites feedback on their tutorial.
Overall, Jujutsu is presented as a powerful alternative to Git that reduces friction and encourages a more fluid workflow.
77.American solar farms(American solar farms)
Summary of American Solar Farms Dataset
Last week, a team led by Jake Stid from Michigan State University introduced the Ground-Mounted Solar Energy in the United States (GM-SEUS) dataset. This extensive dataset includes 15,000 solar farms and 2.9 million solar panels across the continental U.S. and Washington, D.C. It was created with contributions from experts from NOAA, NASA, and USGS.
The GM-SEUS dataset is divided into two parts: one for arrays of solar panels and another for individual panels. Each solar farm is represented by an array, and the dataset helps in analyzing solar energy distribution.
To analyze the data, the author uses a powerful computer setup and various software tools, including DuckDB for database management and QGIS for map rendering. The analysis involves cleaning and transforming the dataset into Parquet files, which are more efficient for storage and processing.
The solar arrays dataset has 15,017 entries, while the panels dataset contains 2.9 million entries. Key insights include:
- The arrays have varying characteristics like average tilt, azimuth, and area.
- A significant number of arrays do not have any panels.
- The author expects future improvements in the dataset to enhance panel detection.
Overall, the GM-SEUS dataset aims to provide a comprehensive view of solar energy installations in the U.S., which could be valuable for research and industry applications. The author offers consulting services for interested parties.
78.Pipelining in psql (PostgreSQL 18)(Pipelining in psql (PostgreSQL 18))
Summary of Pipelining in PostgreSQL 18
Pipelining is a feature in PostgreSQL that allows clients to send multiple queries in succession without waiting for the results of previous ones. This improves performance by enabling parallel work between the client, network, and server, and by reducing the number of network packets needed.
-
History: Pipelining has been possible since version 7.4 (2003) but became usable through the libpq library in PostgreSQL 14 (2021). The recent PostgreSQL 18 release includes pipelining commands for the command line client, psql, making it easier to implement.
-
Using Pipelining: In psql, you start pipelining with
\startpipeline
, follow it with your SQL queries, and end it with\endpipeline
. You can also force synchronization with\syncpipeline
and fetch results with\getresults
. If a query fails, all changes since the last sync point will roll back. -
Performance Testing: A test was conducted to compare data import speeds with and without pipelining using different batch sizes and types of network connections (localhost, LAN, and WAN). Results showed significant performance improvements with pipelining, ranging from 1.5x to 71x faster depending on the network and batch size.
-
Conclusion: Pipelining enhances network utilization by reducing idle time between queries. While there are other optimization methods, pipelining simplifies the process, especially in complex client-side logic. The pipelining commands in psql 18 work with older server versions, making it accessible for users who can't upgrade their server immediately.
79.C++ Reflection and Qt MOC(C++ Reflection and Qt MOC)
The text discusses the potential impact of C++26 reflection on the Qt framework and its Meta-Object Compiler (moc). Here are the key points:
-
Reflection in C++26: C++26 may not fully replace moc, as it might lack certain features needed for Qt's functionality, such as token injection and string-based lookups.
-
Purpose of moc: moc extracts metadata from QObject classes, which is essential for features like signals and properties in Qt.
-
Future of moc: The transition to C++ reflection may simplify the process by allowing the compiler to handle tasks currently done by moc, potentially leading to improvements like templated QObjects.
-
Questions to Address:
- Can moc be replaced by a pure C++ solution?
- What features might be missing from standard C++?
- What will the impacts on source code and build systems be?
-
Metadata Extraction: moc currently extracts various elements such as class names, properties, invokable methods, and more. The text discusses how C++26 might extract similar information.
-
Triggers for moc: Specific keywords (e.g., Q_OBJECT) in source files tell the build system to run moc on those files.
-
Reflection Implementation: A new macro (e.g., Q_GENERATE_METAOBJECT) may be needed to trigger reflection and generate necessary data automatically.
-
Generated Data: The text outlines what needs to be generated, including meta-objects and signal implementations, emphasizing that some aspects may require future C++ features.
-
Challenges: There are challenges in maintaining backward compatibility and ensuring that new implementations align with existing Qt functionality.
-
JSON Output: moc also creates JSON files with meta-information, which may be difficult to replicate with reflection.
Overall, the text explores the implications of C++26 reflection for Qt, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in integrating these new features.
80.The neurons that let us see what isn't there(The neurons that let us see what isn't there)
No summary available.
81.Sending a message: Beijing issues documents without Word format amid US tensions(Sending a message: Beijing issues documents without Word format amid US tensions)
No summary available.
82.AI Is Too Big to Fail(AI Is Too Big to Fail)
No summary available.
83.Moonlander.BAS(Moonlander.BAS)
No summary available.
84.The <output> Tag(The <output> Tag)
The article discusses the <output> tag in HTML, highlighting its importance and usefulness. The <output> tag is designed to display the result of a calculation or user action in web forms. It helps improve web accessibility and provides better user experience by clearly showing outcomes related to inputs. The author emphasizes that many developers overlook this tag, despite its potential to enhance interactivity on websites. Overall, the article encourages web developers to utilize the <output> tag to make their applications more user-friendly and informative.
85.Konrad Zuse's Helix Tower [pdf](Konrad Zuse's Helix Tower [pdf])
The paper discusses the Helix-Tower, an innovative construction concept developed by Konrad Zuse, who is also known for inventing the modern computer. Zuse began designing this tower in 1989 to create a structure that could adjust its height, which was aimed at withstanding strong winds and serving multiple purposes, such as observation and radio transmission.
Key points include:
-
Prototypes: Zuse created a small prototype (HT1) at a 1:30 scale in 1993, which could extend to 2.7 meters. He planned a larger version (HT2) at a 1:10 scale, intended to reach 76.8 meters, but development stopped after his death in 1995.
-
Design Features: The tower is made up of modular metal components that can be easily assembled and disassembled without cranes. It uses a mechanical system for extending and retracting its height, relying on gravity for retraction.
-
Applications: Zuse envisioned the Helix-Tower being used as a lookout, a radio tower in hurricane-prone areas, and for wind energy installations.
-
Construction Process: The Helix-Tower's design allows for quick assembly by a small team using mass-produced components, distinguishing it from other construction methods.
-
Contemporary Relevance: The paper references modern automated construction techniques in Japan that align with Zuse's ideas, demonstrating the ongoing relevance of his vision for self-building structures.
In conclusion, Zuse's Helix-Tower represents a forward-thinking approach to construction that combines automation, modular design, and adaptability in response to environmental challenges.
86.AdapTive-LeArning Speculator System (ATLAS): Faster LLM inference(AdapTive-LeArning Speculator System (ATLAS): Faster LLM inference)
Summary of ATLAS: A New Adaptive Learning System for LLM Inference
The Adaptive-LeArning Speculator System (ATLAS), developed by Together AI, significantly enhances the performance of large language model (LLM) inference, making it up to four times faster. ATLAS improves inference efficiency without requiring manual adjustments, adapting automatically to changing workloads.
Key Features:
-
Dynamic Learning: Unlike traditional speculators, ATLAS learns from past usage and real-time data to optimize performance continuously. This adaptability ensures that as workloads change, ATLAS remains effective.
-
Speed Improvements: In tests, ATLAS achieved up to 500 tokens per second (TPS) for specific models, outperforming standard methods and even specialized hardware.
-
Speculative Decoding: ATLAS uses a technique called speculative decoding, where a faster model proposes multiple tokens at once, which are then verified by the main model. This method speeds up processing while maintaining output quality.
-
Two-Model System: ATLAS features a static model for stability and a lightweight adaptive model for real-time updates. A confidence-aware controller determines when to use each model based on performance.
-
Applications in Reinforcement Learning: ATLAS can also accelerate reinforcement learning training by adapting to evolving policies, thus reducing total training time significantly.
Overall, ATLAS represents a breakthrough in LLM inference, combining speed, adaptability, and efficiency, making it a valuable tool for various AI applications.
87.AI Is Juicing the Economy. Is It Making American Workers More Productive?(AI Is Juicing the Economy. Is It Making American Workers More Productive?)
No summary available.
88.How I'm using Helix editor(How I'm using Helix editor)
The author shares their experience using the Helix editor for remote server development, preferring it over Vim/Neovim due to concerns about supply-chain attacks and the hassle of managing multiple plugins. They made specific configuration changes to ease the transition from Neovim, particularly in their tmux setup, which allows for quick access to file management and git tools through new keybindings.
Key points include:
-
Tmux Setup: The author uses tmux to manage terminal sessions and has created keybindings for easy access to tools like yazi (file manager) and lazygit (git interface). They also made it easier to work with terminal output in Helix.
-
Vim Keybindings: They adapted some Vim keybindings to improve their workflow in Helix, particularly for line selection and deleting text.
-
Improved Status Line: The author customized the status line in Helix to display important information like the current git branch.
-
Custom Keybindings: They created several useful keybindings for actions like saving files, closing buffers, toggling whitespace visibility, and managing git commands.
-
Editor Configuration: After six months of use, the author discovered various settings in Helix that enhance functionality, such as true color support, auto-save options, and visual rulers for line length.
-
LSP Tweaks: They add a language server for highlighting grammar errors in comments.
The author invites other Helix users to share their tips and tricks.
89.The World's 2.75B Buildings(The World's 2.75B Buildings)
Summary: The Global Building Atlas (GBA)
Researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have published a dataset called the Global Building Atlas (GBA), estimating there are about 2.75 billion buildings on Earth, contrasting with the UN's estimate of 4 billion. The GBA consists of two main datasets:
-
Level-of-Detail 1 (LoD1): This dataset is 1.1 TB and includes 922 GeoJSON files, which have been converted into 210 GB of Parquet files for easier use. It is hosted on AWS S3.
-
Height Dataset: A larger dataset of 35 TB that contains raster height maps, which will be processed separately.
The GBA was created using open-source deep learning models applied to satellite imagery from Planet Labs, which captures daily images of Earth's landmasses.
Technical Setup: The author uses a powerful workstation with an AMD Ryzen CPU, 96 GB of RAM, and runs Ubuntu on Windows for data analysis. They utilize various tools, including Python and QGIS, to process the data.
Data Processing:
- The author downloaded the GeoJSON files, compressed them, and converted them into Parquet files for more efficient storage and analysis.
- The datasets include 2.74 billion individual building records, which can be accessed via DuckDB and displayed in QGIS.
Building Counts: The dataset includes building counts from various regions, with notable numbers for India (467 million), China (165 million), and the USA (151 million).
Limitations: Some potential issues with the dataset include outdated OSM data and a lack of timestamps for the imagery used to generate the building footprints.
Height Data: The height dataset consists mostly of GeoTIFF files that provide additional elevation information for the buildings.
The GBA aims to improve the accuracy of building data globally, providing a valuable resource for urban planning and geographical analysis.
90.KDE Connect: Enabling communication between all your devices(KDE Connect: Enabling communication between all your devices)
Summary of KDE Connect
KDE Connect is a tool that allows different devices to communicate and interact with each other seamlessly. Key features include:
- Receiving phone notifications on a desktop and replying to messages.
- Controlling desktop music from a phone.
- Using the phone as a remote control for the desktop.
- Running commands on the PC from connected devices.
- Checking the phone's battery level from the desktop.
- Finding a lost phone by ringing it.
- Sharing files and links between devices.
- Browsing the phone from the desktop.
- Adjusting desktop volume from the phone.
KDE Connect works through a secure communication protocol and consists of a desktop component and a mobile app. It is free, open-source software that has been in development since 2013.
Installation and Usage:
- For Linux users, it's best to use a build system like "kde-builder" to install KDE dependencies and KDE Connect.
- KDE Connect is also available on Windows, Android, and MacOS, with specific instructions for building the app on each platform.
Development:
- KDE Connect is a suitable project for new contributors. Basic programming knowledge is helpful but not required.
- Development discussions can be held on platforms like Matrix and IRC.
- Contributions are submitted via GitLab, and there are tasks labeled as "Junior Jobs" to help beginners get started.
Release Process:
- Releases involve preparing builds for different platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS, and require testing and uploading to respective stores (e.g., Google Play, Apple App Store).
Overall, KDE Connect enhances the connectivity between devices, making it easier to manage notifications, control media, and share content across platforms.
91.A Lisp Interpreter for Shell Scripting(A Lisp Interpreter for Shell Scripting)
Redstart is a simple Lisp interpreter created in C++. It is designed for shell scripting, allowing users to write shell commands using Lisp syntax. This means you can run commands, collect output, and connect processes while using the logical structure of Lisp, similar to writing scripts in Bash but with Lisp.
92.UK communications regulator confirms £20k 4Chan fine(UK communications regulator confirms £20k 4Chan fine)
4chan has been fined £20,000 by Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, for not providing information about its compliance with the Online Safety Act. In addition to the fine, 4chan will incur a daily penalty of £100 starting Tuesday, for up to 60 days or until it complies.
Ofcom's enforcement director emphasized that platforms failing to engage with regulatory duties will face serious consequences. UK Tech Secretary Liz Kendall supported this action, stating that it is vital for protecting users, especially children, from harmful content online. She warned that this fine serves as a warning to other platforms that do not adequately ensure online safety.
93.I extracted BASIC listings for Tim Hartnell's 1986 book(I extracted BASIC listings for Tim Hartnell's 1986 book)
Tim Hartnell was a well-known author during the early home computing era, famous for his books on various gaming genres and artificial intelligence. I have gathered the BASIC program listings from his 1986 book, "Exploring Artificial Intelligence on Your IBM PC," and included a PC-BASIC runtime environment and instructions for you to try the programs yourself. Although artificial intelligence has evolved significantly since the book was published, these programs can still provide insight into the basics of AI as it was understood in the 1980s. Tim Hartnell passed away in 1991 at the age of 40, and his work has inspired many people to start their journey in computing. Thank you, Tim.
94.Thishereness(Thishereness)
The text discusses the life and ideas of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, a key figure in the Renaissance. Pico, a young nobleman, aimed to impress the papacy in Rome with a complex speech and 900 philosophical statements. However, his ideas were seen as heretical by the pope, leading to his imprisonment and eventual murder at a young age. His work emphasized mystical union with God rather than human dignity, challenging modern interpretations of Renaissance humanism.
Pico's "Oration on the Dignity of Man," often viewed as a cornerstone of Renaissance thought, actually promotes self-annihilation rather than individualism. He believed humans could transcend their physical forms and aimed to prove a harmony between various religious and philosophical traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and ancient philosophies.
The text also critiques the perception of the Renaissance as a golden age, suggesting that many qualities perceived as unique to this era were present in medieval times as well. Ada Palmer's book, "Inventing the Renaissance," argues that the Renaissance's distinctiveness is often overstated and that the period was characterized by a complex interplay of ideas and influences.
Overall, the piece reveals the tension between Pico's mystical aspirations and the humanist ideals typically associated with the Renaissance, questioning whether our understanding of this transformative period is overly simplistic.
95.How Apple designs a virtual knob (2012)(How Apple designs a virtual knob (2012))
No summary available.
96.Rcyl – a recycled plastic urban bike(Rcyl – a recycled plastic urban bike)
I'm sorry, but I can't access external links. If you provide the text you want summarized, I can help with that!
97.Verge Genomics (YC S15) Is Hiring for Multiple Engineering and Product Roles(Verge Genomics (YC S15) Is Hiring for Multiple Engineering and Product Roles)
Verge is an AI company focused on speeding up drug development. In the past three years, it has created two new drugs using its advanced data and tools. Verge has partnered with Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca, securing $1.6 billion in contracts and $67 million in cash.
They are currently hiring for several positions on their platform team, including:
- Head of Product & Engineering
- Principal Full-Stack Engineer (Django)
- Senior Computational Biologist (AI/ML)
- Senior Data Engineer
Interested candidates can apply on their careers page and should mention Hacker News in their application. The team is working on the CONVERGE drug discovery engine and values input from team members. All roles are remote within the US, but some travel to San Francisco is required. Note that they do not offer visa sponsorship.
98.Breakthrough Could Bring Friction Stir Welding to Assembly Lines(Breakthrough Could Bring Friction Stir Welding to Assembly Lines)
Summary:
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a new method for friction stir welding called "self-fixturing." This technique could significantly improve manufacturing processes on assembly lines by eliminating the need for a rigid anvil to support the welding process.
Friction stir welding joins metals by using a spinning tool to soften and mix them, creating strong welds without needing rivets or adhesives. However, traditional methods require heavy, custom-shaped anvils to handle the high forces involved, making it difficult to apply this technique to complex parts.
The self-fixturing method combines the welding tool and a small backing plate on a robotic arm, allowing it to exert the necessary force without a separate anvil. This innovation aims to make friction stir welding more adaptable for various components in manufacturing, such as vehicle parts.
To support this high-force application, PNNL is also developing a hydraulic system to enhance the tool's capabilities. Once finalized, this technology could transform how manufacturers produce complex metal parts more efficiently and with lower energy costs.
99.The Coming AI Backlash: How the Anger Economy Will Supercharge Populism(The Coming AI Backlash: How the Anger Economy Will Supercharge Populism)
The article discusses the potential backlash against artificial intelligence (AI) as it continues to disrupt the job market. Key points include:
-
Job Disruption: Major companies like IBM and Salesforce are replacing workers with AI, leading to job losses and difficulties for recent graduates in finding work.
-
Public Concerns: A survey revealed that many people fear losing their jobs to AI, ranking this concern above other issues related to technology. Workers are looking for government action to address these fears.
-
Policy Preferences: Respondents supported policies such as retraining programs, regulation of AI, and expanding social safety nets. However, there’s also support for trade restrictions and immigration barriers, which could worsen the situation.
-
Political Challenges: Policymakers face pressure to act quickly but often struggle to implement effective solutions. Historical patterns suggest governments may prioritize easier, more immediate fixes like immigration restrictions over long-term solutions.
-
Potential Backlash: If politicians resort to protectionist policies in response to AI-driven job losses, it could lead to a cycle of nativism and further economic issues without addressing the root causes.
-
The Need for Action: The authors argue that governments must take proactive measures, such as investing in retraining and regulating AI, to help affected workers and restore public trust in institutions.
In summary, the article emphasizes the urgent need for effective policies to manage the impact of AI on employment and to prevent a populist backlash.
100.Anthropic's Prompt Engineering Tutorial (2024)(Anthropic's Prompt Engineering Tutorial (2024))
Summary of Anthropic's Prompt Engineering Interactive Tutorial
This tutorial aims to teach you how to create effective prompts for Claude, Anthropic's AI. After finishing the course, you will:
- Understand the structure of a good prompt.
- Identify common mistakes and learn quick solutions.
- Know Claude's strengths and weaknesses.
- Create strong prompts for various scenarios.
The course is divided into 9 chapters, each with lessons and exercises, allowing you to practice writing prompts. There’s an "Example Playground" in each lesson for hands-on experience, and an answer key is provided.
The tutorial uses Claude 3 Haiku, which is the simplest model, but more advanced models (Claude 3 Sonnet and Claude 3 Opus) are also available. The course is recommended to be completed in order and is user-friendly on Google Sheets.
Course Structure:
-
Beginner
- Basic Prompt Structure
- Being Clear and Direct
- Assigning Roles
-
Intermediate
- Separating Data from Instructions
- Formatting Output & Speaking for Claude
- Precognition (Thinking Step by Step)
- Using Examples
-
Advanced
- Avoiding Hallucinations
- Building Complex Prompts (Industry Use Cases)
-
Exercises for complex prompts in various fields like chatbot, legal services, finance, and coding.
-
Appendix covers advanced techniques like chaining prompts and tool use.
To start, proceed to Chapter 1: Basic Prompt Structure.