1.
BERT Is Just a Single Text Diffusion Step
(BERT Is Just a Single Text Diffusion Step)

Summary:

BERT, a model introduced in 2018, can be adapted for text generation using a method called discrete language diffusion. This technique is similar to how diffusion models work in image generation, where noise is added and then removed in steps.

In text diffusion, a model starts with a complete text and gradually masks words, training it to predict the original words from the partially masked text. By varying the amount of masking during training, we can transform BERT's fill-in-the-blank approach into a full text generation process.

The implementation involves fine-tuning a model like RoBERTa, which builds on BERT, to generate coherent text by predicting words in masked positions over several steps. This method shows promise in generating text that is surprisingly coherent, validating that BERT-style models can function effectively as generative models.

Overall, this approach demonstrates that BERT's design can be repurposed to create new text, confirming its versatility beyond traditional tasks like classification.

Author: nathan-barry | Score: 124

2.
Commodore 64 Ultimate
(Commodore 64 Ultimate)

No summary available.

Author: guerrilla | Score: 49

3.
DeepSeek OCR
(DeepSeek OCR)

Summary of DeepSeek-OCR: Contexts Optical Compression

DeepSeek-OCR is a new model designed for visual-text compression, focusing on how vision encoders interact with large language models (LLMs). It will be released in 2025.

Installation Instructions:

  1. Set up your environment using CUDA 11.8 and PyTorch 2.6.0.
  2. Clone the repository and navigate to the DeepSeek-OCR folder:
    git clone https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-OCR.git
    
  3. Create and activate a Conda environment:
    conda create -n deepseek-ocr python=3.12.9 -y
    conda activate deepseek-ocr
    
  4. Install necessary packages using pip.

Using the Model:

  • For VLLM inference, adjust your settings in the configuration file and run the appropriate Python scripts for image or PDF processing.
  • For Transformer inference, import the model and tokenizer, set the environment for CUDA, and run the model with your image file.

Supported Modes:

  • Native resolutions: Tiny (512×512), Small (640×640), Base (1024×1024), Large (1280×1280).
  • Dynamic resolution for various configurations.

Example Prompts:

  • Convert documents to markdown, perform OCR on images, describe images, etc.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to various contributors and benchmarks that aided in the development of this model.

Citation: Citation details will be provided soon.

Author: pierre | Score: 651

4.
Space Elevator
(Space Elevator)

No summary available.

Author: kaonwarb | Score: 1026

5.
Servo v0.0.1 Released
(Servo v0.0.1 Released)

The text appears to be about a software project called "servo" on GitHub. Here are the main points:

  • Project Overview: Servo is a public project that has a significant amount of activity, including 3.3k forks and 31.9k stars.
  • Recent Release: The latest version, v0.0.1, was released on October 20, 2025. It's based on a nightly build from the previous day and includes a prebuilt version for macOS.
  • Common Issues: Users are advised to check a troubleshooting guide for potential issues on macOS and Linux.
  • Community Engagement: The project has received various reactions from the community, indicating interest and support.

Overall, the project seems to be actively developed and well-received by its users.

Author: undeveloper | Score: 244

6.
How to stop Linux threads cleanly
(How to stop Linux threads cleanly)

No summary available.

Author: signa11 | Score: 28

7.
Matrix Conference 2025 Highlights
(Matrix Conference 2025 Highlights)

No summary available.

Author: Arathorn | Score: 88

8.
Docker Systems Status: Full Service Disruption
(Docker Systems Status: Full Service Disruption)

No summary available.

Author: l2dy | Score: 261

9.
Anthropic and Cursor Spend This Much on Amazon Web Services
(Anthropic and Cursor Spend This Much on Amazon Web Services)

Ed Zitron's newsletter discusses the high costs associated with running generative AI services, specifically focusing on Anthropic and its main customer, Cursor. Key points include:

  1. High AWS Spending: Anthropic's spending on Amazon Web Services (AWS) is significantly higher than previously reported. In 2024, it spent approximately $1.35 billion on AWS, which exceeds its estimated revenue of $600 million, indicating a cash burn of over 200% of its revenue.

  2. Cursor's Rising Costs: Cursor's AWS costs soared from $6.2 million in May 2025 to $12.6 million in June 2025, largely due to Anthropic's introduction of higher pricing tiers, which increased operational costs for Cursor.

  3. Subprime AI Crisis: The term "Subprime AI Crisis" is introduced to describe the situation where AI firms raise prices after initially offering lower, subsidized rates, leading to financial strain on companies like Cursor.

  4. Anthropic's Revenue vs. Costs: While Anthropic has raised substantial funding (over $32 billion in recent years), its operational costs are rising at a faster rate than its revenue, which raises questions about its long-term sustainability.

  5. Future Concerns: The increasing costs of compute may jeopardize the profitability of AI services. Anthropic’s aggressive pricing strategies could hurt its customers, creating a cycle where both it and its clients struggle financially.

Overall, the analysis suggests that both Anthropic and Cursor are facing significant financial challenges, and the current model of operating generative AI services may not be sustainable.

Author: isoprophlex | Score: 53

10.
Entire Linux Network stack diagram (2024)
(Entire Linux Network stack diagram (2024))

No summary available.

Author: hhutw | Score: 465

11.
Modeling Others' Minds as Code
(Modeling Others' Minds as Code)

Accurate predictions of human behavior are important for effective human-AI collaboration. Current methods for modeling people often require a lot of data and can be fragile, as they either assume people always act rationally or are too complex to adapt quickly. The main idea here is that many social interactions follow predictable patterns, like "wait for the green light, then go," which can help reduce cognitive effort.

We introduce ROTE, a new algorithm that uses large language models to generate possible behavioral patterns and probabilistic reasoning to deal with uncertainty. In tests with gridworld tasks and a household simulator, ROTE was able to predict human and AI behaviors from limited observations, outperforming other methods by up to 50% in accuracy and in generalizing to new situations. By viewing action understanding as a programming challenge, ROTE offers a more efficient way for AI to predict human behavior in real life.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 28

12.
How to Enter a City Like a King
(How to Enter a City Like a King)

No summary available.

Author: crescit_eundo | Score: 37

13.
Playwright Skill for Claude Code – Less context than playwright-MCP
(Playwright Skill for Claude Code – Less context than playwright-MCP)

The author created a new tool using the Claude Skills system to reduce the token usage of playwright-mcp, which was causing issues with Claude's 200K token limit. This new approach allows Claude to generate Playwright code directly instead of sending snapshots, resulting in simpler and more efficient browser automation. The new tool consists of 314 lines of instructions and can run as a plugin or be manually installed. It offers the same functionality as before but with less overhead. For more details, there are links to the token limit issue and the Claude Skills documentation.

Author: syntax-sherlock | Score: 61

14.
Pointer Pointer (2012)
(Pointer Pointer (2012))

No summary available.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 178

15.
AWS Multiple Services Down in us-east-1
(AWS Multiple Services Down in us-east-1)

No summary available.

Author: kondro | Score: 679

16.
The Peach meme: On CRTs, pixels and signal quality (again)
(The Peach meme: On CRTs, pixels and signal quality (again))

Summary of "The Peach meme: On CRTs, pixels and signal quality (again)"

In Autumn 2025, the author revisits a controversial topic about how CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screens affect pixel art. Key points include:

  1. Pixel Art Techniques: Modern pixel art often lacks traditional techniques, leading to blocky appearances.
  2. CRT Effects: CRT screens can blend and smooth pixel art, enhancing its visual appeal, but they do not completely hide pixels.
  3. Signal Quality: The quality of the video signal significantly influences how pixel art looks on screens. The author criticizes a popular meme comparing a pixelated character (Peach) on a CRT to its original sprite, noting that the meme misrepresents CRT effects due to poor focus and lack of detail about the signal type used.

The author illustrates differences in image quality using various connections (like RGB vs. composite) across different screen types. They emphasize that while CRTs give a unique viewing experience, close-up photos can mislead perceptions of quality.

Additionally, the discussion touches on how pixel artists historically adapted their work to different hardware displays, and the importance of techniques like dithering and anti-aliasing in enhancing graphics.

In conclusion, CRTs do influence how pixel art is perceived, but many factors, including signal quality and artistic techniques, play crucial roles. The magic of CRTs is complex and can't be fully captured in close-up photos.

Author: zdw | Score: 39

17.
Forth: The programming language that writes itself
(Forth: The programming language that writes itself)

No summary available.

Author: suioir | Score: 267

18.
AWS Outage: A Single Cloud Region Shouldn't Take Down the World. But It Did
(AWS Outage: A Single Cloud Region Shouldn't Take Down the World. But It Did)

No summary available.

Author: eon01 | Score: 263

19.
State-based vs Signal-based rendering
(State-based vs Signal-based rendering)

Summary of State-Based vs. Signal-Based Rendering

In front-end frameworks, state management can be divided into two main types: state-based and signal-based rendering.

  1. State-Based Rendering: In traditional methods like React hooks, state updates trigger re-renders for the entire component and its children, regardless of whether those children use the updated state. This can lead to unnecessary re-renders, making performance less efficient.

  2. Signal-Based Rendering: In contrast, frameworks like Preact Signals and Solid.js trigger re-renders only for components that actually use the state (or "signal"). This means that if a component doesn't read the signal's value, it won't re-render when the state updates. This approach provides more granular control over rendering, improving performance and reducing unnecessary computations.

  3. Context API Impact: When using the Context API in React, all components that consume context re-render when the context updates, even if they don't use the updated values. With signal-based rendering, only components that specifically access the signal will re-render, making the system more efficient.

  4. Performance Benefits: Signal-based rendering reduces computational work, bundle size, and makes performance more predictable. It eliminates the need for additional optimization techniques like memoization.

  5. When to Use Each Method: State-based rendering is still suitable for smaller applications where re-renders are inexpensive. However, for large applications with complex state needs, signal-based rendering offers significant advantages.

In conclusion, shifting from state-based to signal-based rendering fundamentally changes how we think about component reactivity, making applications faster and easier to manage. This new approach focuses on rendering where state is used, rather than where it is created.

Author: mfbx9da4 | Score: 41

20.
Qt Group Buys IAR Systems Group
(Qt Group Buys IAR Systems Group)

On October 13, 2025, Qt Group Plc announced that its subsidiary, The Qt Company, successfully completed a public cash offer to acquire I.A.R. Systems Group AB. The offer, which began on July 4, 2025, was for SEK 180 per share and received strong acceptance, with shareholders tendering 94.49% of the outstanding shares by the deadline on October 10, 2025.

The Qt Company is moving forward with the acquisition, having satisfied all conditions. Settlement for shares accepted during the initial period will occur around October 17, 2025. To accommodate shareholders who have not yet accepted the offer, the acceptance period is extended until October 27, 2025, with settlement expected around November 3, 2025.

Qt Group’s CEO, Juha Varelius, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition and the potential for growth through collaboration with I.A.R. The company plans to initiate compulsory redemption for any remaining shares not tendered and aims to delist I.A.R. from Nasdaq Stockholm.

The announcement includes disclaimers regarding the offer's legality in certain jurisdictions and notes that potential U.S. investors should consult their advisors due to differing legal requirements.

Author: shrimp-chimp | Score: 18

21.
Optimizing writes to OLAP using buffers (ClickHouse, Redpanda, MooseStack)
(Optimizing writes to OLAP using buffers (ClickHouse, Redpanda, MooseStack))

The article discusses how to improve write performance in OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) systems by using buffers. It highlights techniques and strategies that can make writing data more efficient, particularly in systems like ClickHouse. The focus is on optimizing the process to ensure faster data handling and better overall performance.

Author: oatsandsugar | Score: 19

22.
Fractal Imaginary Cubes
(Fractal Imaginary Cubes)

The Sierpinski Tetrahedron is a three-dimensional shape that is created by repeatedly removing smaller tetrahedrons from a larger one. It starts with a full tetrahedron, and then smaller tetrahedrons are cut out from it in a specific pattern. This process can continue indefinitely, creating a fractal structure. The Sierpinski Tetrahedron has interesting properties, such as having a complex surface area while having zero volume as it gets infinitely refined. It is a visual representation of mathematical concepts like self-similarity and recursion.

Author: strstr | Score: 35

23.
Novo Nordisk's Canadian Mistake
(Novo Nordisk's Canadian Mistake)

No summary available.

Author: jbm | Score: 396

24.
Major AWS Outage Happening
(Major AWS Outage Happening)

No summary available.

Author: vvoyer | Score: 1026

25.
Introduction to reverse-engineering vintage synth firmware
(Introduction to reverse-engineering vintage synth firmware)

Summary of Introduction to Reverse-Engineering Vintage Synth Firmware

This article introduces readers to reverse-engineering the firmware of vintage synthesizers, specifically the Yamaha DX7, using the Ghidra disassembler. It aims to help those with a technical background but minimal experience in reverse engineering or embedded systems.

Key Points:

  1. Target Audience: The article is for technically inclined individuals who are new to reverse-engineering and low-level programming.

  2. Purpose: The author shares their journey and knowledge of disassembling the DX7's firmware, hoping to guide beginners through the process.

  3. Address Decoding: Understanding how the DX7's memory is organized is crucial. The article explains how different components (like RAM and the LCD screen) are mapped to specific memory addresses, using schematics for guidance.

  4. Disassembly Process: Once the memory map is established, the firmware can be disassembled using Ghidra. The article details how to set up Ghidra, import the firmware, and begin disassembling the code.

  5. Understanding Code: As you disassemble the firmware, you will encounter assembly language. The article provides tips for interpreting this code and understanding the functionality of various routines, including the main reset function and how the synthesizer handles interrupts.

  6. LCD Interface: The article emphasizes the importance of understanding how the synthesizer communicates with its LCD screen, which is a key part of the user interface.

  7. Next Steps: The article suggests exploring MIDI handling routines and debugging in an emulator for a deeper understanding of the synth's functionality.

  8. Conclusion: The principles of reverse-engineering vintage devices are applicable to modern technology as well, making the skills learned valuable beyond just synthesizers.

  9. Resources: The author provides links to important documentation and tools needed for reverse-engineering the DX7.

Overall, the article serves as a beginner-friendly guide to reverse-engineering synthesizer firmware, offering insights into both the technical aspects and the tools involved.

Author: jmillikin | Score: 146

26.
Duke Nukem: Zero Hour N64 ROM Reverse-Engineering Project Hits 100%
(Duke Nukem: Zero Hour N64 ROM Reverse-Engineering Project Hits 100%)

Summary of Duke Nukem Zero Hour N64 Decompilation

This guide provides instructions for decompiling Duke Nukem Zero Hour for the Nintendo 64 (N64). To use this project, you must own the game.

Requirements:

  • You need Ubuntu 20.04 (or WSL2) and must install several packages using the terminal:

    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install make git build-essential binutils-mips-linux-gnu cpp-mips-linux-gnu python3 python3-pip
    
  • Python 3.8 or higher is required. Install necessary Python packages with:

    pip3 install --upgrade pip
    pip3 install -U splat64[mips]
    pip3 install -r requirements.txt
    

Building the Game:

  1. Clone the repository with submodules:
    git clone https://github.com/Gillou68310/DukeNukemZeroHour.git --recursive
    
  2. Navigate to the repository folder:
    cd DukeNukemZeroHour
    
  3. Place your US ROM in the root folder and rename it to baserom.us.z64. Then run:
    make setup
    
  4. Finally, build the ROM:
    make --jobs
    

If successful, it will create the file build/us/dukenukemzerohour.z64.

Other Versions:

  • For the French version, rename your ROM to baserom.fr.z64 and use VERSION=fr in the make commands.

Non-Matching Version:

  • To build a non-byte-perfect version, include NON_MATCHING=1 in the make commands.

Using Docker:

  • You can build a Docker image with all dependencies:
    docker build --no-cache . -t dukenukemzerohour
    
  • Run it with:
    docker run --rm -ti --mount src=$(pwd),target=/dukenukemzerohour,type=bind dukenukemzerohour
    
  • For Windows or Mac, install the Mutagen Extension for better file binding.

Debugging:

  • Debug the game using gdb with mupen64plus (currently only for Windows). Compile the game with MODERN=1 for source code support.
  • Use the provided scripts to run the gdb server and client.

Tools Available:

  • asm-differ: Compare assembly code.
  • decomp-permuter: Adjusts code and rebuilds.
  • mips2c: Converts assembly to C code.
  • splat: An updated tool for N64 projects.
Author: birdculture | Score: 210

27.
Gleam OTP – Fault Tolerant Multicore Programs with Actors
(Gleam OTP – Fault Tolerant Multicore Programs with Actors)

Gleam OTP Summary

Gleam OTP is a framework for building fault-tolerant multi-core programs using the BEAM actor model. Here are the key points:

  1. Basic Setup:

    • To use Gleam OTP, add the package with gleam add gleam_otp@1.
    • You can create an actor, send it messages, and receive replies.
  2. Actor Functionality:

    • Actors in Gleam handle messages and keep track of their state.
    • The framework supports different types of messages, such as adding numbers or retrieving the current state.
  3. Goals of Gleam’s Actor System:

    • Ensures full type safety for actors and their messages.
    • Compatible with Erlang’s OTP framework.
    • Provides fault tolerance and self-healing capabilities through supervisors.
    • Aims for performance comparable to Erlang.
  4. Types of Actors:

    • Process: The basic building block of OTP, rarely used directly in applications.
    • Actor: The main type used in Gleam, similar to Erlang's gen_server, which automatically manages system messages.
    • Supervisor: Monitors and restarts other processes if they fail, forming a hierarchical structure for better fault tolerance.
  5. Limitations:

    • Not all OTP system messages are supported yet, which may limit debugging capabilities. Users can report unimplemented features for future support.

For a deeper understanding, users are encouraged to refer to Erlang’s OTP documentation.

Author: TheWiggles | Score: 165

28.
Give Your Metrics an Expiry Date
(Give Your Metrics an Expiry Date)

The author reflects on a dashboard metric that recently expired, which had been tracked for eighteen months. This metric helped identify opportunities for improvement, leading to consistent progress over the last six months. However, as the team gained more insight into what actions truly impact their goals, they realized the metric was no longer useful for decision-making. It became a simple number that only indicated improvement without providing actionable insights.

The author assesses the metric against three key questions: Is it visible at the right time? Is it actionable? Is it used? Since it failed these criteria, the decision was made to retire the metric. They note that without the expiry date, they might not have made this decision, as people can become accustomed to tracking metrics that have lost their effectiveness. Setting expiry dates for metrics is suggested as a useful practice to ensure they remain relevant and actionable.

Author: adrianhoward | Score: 57

29.
Airliner hit by possible space debris
(Airliner hit by possible space debris)

No summary available.

Author: d_silin | Score: 373

30.
Don't Force Your LLM to Write Terse [Q/Kdb] Code: An Information Theory Argument
(Don't Force Your LLM to Write Terse [Q/Kdb] Code: An Information Theory Argument)

Medium is currently down because of a global hosting issue. They are working to fix it and hope to have the site back up soon.

Author: gabiteodoru | Score: 76

31.
Major AWS outage takes down Fortnite, Alexa, Snapchat, and more
(Major AWS outage takes down Fortnite, Alexa, Snapchat, and more)

A major outage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) occurred on the morning of October 20, 2025, affecting various online services for about four hours. Key platforms impacted included Amazon, Alexa, Snapchat, Fortnite, and others. AWS reported that most services were returning to normal by 6:35 AM ET, but some issues remained unresolved. The outage began at 3:11 AM ET and was felt globally, with many users reporting that Alexa and other services were not functioning. Amazon stated they were addressing the issue and working to determine the cause. Previous AWS outages in the same region have caused similar disruptions in recent years.

Author: codebolt | Score: 202

32.
Dosbian: Boot to DOSBox on Raspberry Pi
(Dosbian: Boot to DOSBox on Raspberry Pi)

No summary available.

Author: indigodaddy | Score: 157

33.
The FTC Is Disappearing Blog Posts About AI Published During Lina Khan's Tenure
(The FTC Is Disappearing Blog Posts About AI Published During Lina Khan's Tenure)

No summary available.

Author: JKCalhoun | Score: 33

34.
Calculating legally compliant rent late fees across U.S. states
(Calculating legally compliant rent late fees across U.S. states)

RentLateFee.com offers a free calculator for landlords and tenants to quickly calculate legally compliant late fees based on state laws. Key features include:

  • Instant Calculations: Users can get accurate late fee amounts in seconds, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
  • State-Specific Information: The calculator provides details on grace periods and maximum late fee limits for all 50 states and D.C.
  • Professional Documentation: Landlords can generate legally compliant late fee notices to protect against disputes.
  • Automated Reminders: Landlords can set up customizable reminders for tenants to help prevent late payments.
  • Multi-Property Management: Landlords with multiple properties can manage them efficiently with bulk operations and analytics.

For a small fee, users can also obtain a PDF report that serves as legal documentation, helping to resolve disputes effectively. The service is designed to be accessible for both landlords and tenants, providing essential tools for fair rent management.

Author: hrgdevBuilds | Score: 55

35.
Bat v0.26.0
(Bat v0.26.0)

The text discusses the release notes for version 0.26.0 of a software called "bat". Here are the key points:

  1. Release Information:

    • The latest version is 0.26.0, released on October 19.
    • It includes several new features and bug fixes.
  2. New Features:

    • Added support for Windows ARM64.
    • Introduced paging for theme listing and improved line range options.
  3. Bug Fixes:

    • Fixed issues with syntax detection and theme settings.
    • Resolved crashes related to multibyte characters in file paths.
    • Improved error handling and fixed various bugs in output formatting.
  4. Syntax Support:

    • Added support for new programming languages and improved highlighting for existing ones.
  5. Theme Updates:

    • New and updated themes have been introduced, enhancing visual customization.
  6. Contributors:

    • The release includes contributions from multiple developers.

Overall, the update focuses on enhancing functionality, fixing bugs, and improving user experience.

Author: indentit | Score: 126

36.
Beaver-engineered dam in the Czech Republic
(Beaver-engineered dam in the Czech Republic)

In early 2025, a family of beavers in the Brdy Protected Landscape Area of the Czech Republic built a series of dams that successfully restored a wetland ecosystem. This natural construction saved the government about $1.2 million, as a planned restoration project had been delayed for years due to bureaucratic and financial issues.

Historically, the area suffered from environmental damage caused by military drainage systems, which transformed wetlands into dry land. In 2018, plans were made to build small dams to restore the ecosystem, but progress stalled. The beavers, however, instinctively created dams using wood, mud, and stones, which improved water quality and biodiversity, while also benefiting local wildlife.

Authorities praised the beavers for their efficient work, highlighting their role as "ecosystem engineers." This incident has sparked discussions across Europe about the benefits of allowing beavers to aid in environmental restoration, particularly in managing floods and conserving water. The beaver population in the Czech Republic is currently around 15,000, and officials expect minimal conflicts with them in the future, as they are located away from agricultural areas.

Author: Anon84 | Score: 94

37.
Compare Single Board Computers
(Compare Single Board Computers)

Summary:

This text provides a guide for comparing Single Board Computers (SBCs). It offers benchmarks, specifications, and performance data to help you find the right SBC for your project. You can search for SBCs by name or specifications, add up to three boards to a comparison list, and view detailed comparisons. Popular comparisons include the Raspberry Pi 5 with Raspberry Pi 4, Orange Pi 5B, and Radxa X4. The SBCs mentioned range from models with 4 to 8 cores and various RAM options, all available for under $30.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 195

38.
Oma: An attempt at reworking APT's interface
(Oma: An attempt at reworking APT's interface)

Summary of oma - Oh My Ailurus / Package Manager for AOSC OS

oma is a user-friendly package manager designed to improve the APT interface for AOSC OS and other dpkg-based operating systems like Debian and Ubuntu. It focuses on making package management easier, faster, and safer.

Key Features:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Colorful and simple commands make it easy to use.
  • Faster Downloads: Utilizes advanced technology for quicker package downloads.
  • Smart Search: Enhanced search capabilities for finding packages.
  • Safety Mechanisms: Prevents accidental removal of essential packages and includes a recovery option.
  • System Protection: Warns against uninstalling critical system components (specific to AOSC OS).
  • Integration with System Status: Alerts users when on battery power and prevents accidental shutdowns.
  • Compatibility: Works well with various dpkg-based distributions.
  • Specific Features for AOSC OS: Includes unique functionalities like mirror management.

Installation:

  • Pre-installed on AOSC OS and available for other dpkg-based systems.
  • Can be installed via a script or built from source with specific dependencies.

Basic Usage:

  • Start the interface with oma.
  • Common commands include:
    • oma install <package_name>: Install a package.
    • oma search <keyword>: Search for a package.
    • oma remove <package_name>: Remove a package.
    • oma refresh: Update repository metadata.

Contributing: Contributions to improve oma are welcome, and detailed guidelines are available.

License: oma is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.

Author: yankcrime | Score: 41

39.
GoFundMe created 1.4M donation pages for nonprofits; organizations had no clue
(GoFundMe created 1.4M donation pages for nonprofits; organizations had no clue)

Summary:

  • Bay Area college students rescued a small gopher but received a large emergency room bill.
  • A woman in the Bay Area was scammed out of $63,000 by someone pretending to be a federal agent.
  • A San Francisco woman is having trouble getting reimbursed for damage caused by newspaper delivery.
  • An eBay seller mistakenly listed a $10,000 shipping fee for a $20 item due to tariffs.

Top Stories:

  • Trump claims he has the power to send troops to San Francisco.

  • There are major delays on BART due to a track issue.

  • Former Oakland Raiders player Doug Martin died in police custody.

  • An Amazon cloud outage is affecting many online services.

  • The San Jose Sharks apologized for a message supporting ICE during a game.

  • Additionally, there’s an update on the Kada Scott case after human remains were discovered.

  • Protests are occurring against the eviction of three disabled seniors in San Francisco.

  • A manhunt is underway for four suspects involved in a heist at the Louvre in Paris.

Author: debo_ | Score: 21

40.
What's Behind the Mysterious Ancient Wall in the Gobi Desert?
(What's Behind the Mysterious Ancient Wall in the Gobi Desert?)

No summary available.

Author: derbOac | Score: 72

41.
Infisical (YC W23) Is Hiring Full Stack Engineers
(Infisical (YC W23) Is Hiring Full Stack Engineers)

No summary available.

Author: vmatsiiako | Score: 1

42.
GNU Octave Meets JupyterLite: Compute Anywhere, Anytime
(GNU Octave Meets JupyterLite: Compute Anywhere, Anytime)

No summary available.

Author: bauta-steen | Score: 167

43.
Subway station study reveals fungal communities
(Subway station study reveals fungal communities)

No summary available.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 35

44.
Comparing the power consumption of a 30 year old refrigerator to a new one
(Comparing the power consumption of a 30 year old refrigerator to a new one)

This text compares the power consumption of a 30-year-old refrigerator to a new one. The old fridge, named UPO Jääkarhu, was noisy and inefficient, consuming 2.6 kWh daily, which is 3.7 times more electricity than the new fridge, which uses only 0.7 kWh daily.

After replacing the old fridge with a newer model costing about 369 EUR, the overall power usage in the apartment decreased significantly, with savings of around 57 kWh per month. This reduction in energy consumption led to a lower electricity bill, allowing the new fridge to potentially pay for itself in about 38 months.

The author expresses some concern that the new fridge may not last as long as the old one, which lasted three decades despite its issues. They also mention giving the old fridge to someone in need. Overall, the switch resulted in better efficiency and quieter operation.

Author: furkansahin | Score: 203

45.
Oskar Speck's 1932 Kayak Journey from Germany to Australia
(Oskar Speck's 1932 Kayak Journey from Germany to Australia)

Summary of Oskar Speck’s Incredible Journey

Oskar Speck, a German from Hamburg, made an extraordinary solo journey by kayak from Germany to Australia between 1932 and 1939, covering 30,000 miles. He started his trip with hopes of finding work in Cyprus but ended up paddling to Australia, navigating dangerous seas in a fragile kayak not meant for ocean travel.

Upon reaching Australia in September 1939, Speck was greeted by police who, unaware of his journey's significance, interned him as an "enemy alien" due to the political climate of World War II. His story remained largely unknown because of censorship.

Speck aimed to introduce Australians to folding kayaks, known as faltboots, which are lightweight and portable. He described the design and advantages of these kayaks, which allowed for easy transport and storage.

Throughout his voyage, Speck faced numerous challenges, including capsizing ten times, but he relied on his skills and luck to survive. He often paddled for long hours under difficult conditions, emphasizing the constant need for focus and control in a kayak.

Speck's journey was not just about the physical challenges but also about the friendships he formed along the way, including a memorable encounter with the Governor of British Baluchistan. Ultimately, he hoped to share his experiences and establish his expertise as a kayaker.

Author: dividendpayee | Score: 65

46.
I got tired of managing dev environments, so I built ServBay
(I got tired of managing dev environments, so I built ServBay)

The author shares their experience with a complicated local development setup on their Mac, facing issues with conflicting tools and services. They missed the simplicity of older development tools like MAMP/XAMPP and wanted a solution to handle modern programming languages and databases effortlessly.

To address these challenges, they created ServBay, a native app for macOS and Windows designed to simplify local development. Key features include:

  • One-Click Stacks: Easily install and run multiple versions of programming languages without conflicts.
  • Multiple Databases: Run different database instances simultaneously for different projects.
  • Automatic SSL: Get valid SSL certificates for local domains automatically.
  • Built-in Tunneling: Expose local sites to the internet with one click for demos or webhook testing.
  • One-Click Local AI: Run AI models locally through a simple interface.

ServBay aims to provide a lightweight alternative to Docker for quick development tasks, focusing on simplicity and speed. The project is still developing, and the author invites feedback and questions from users. More information can be found at servbay.com.

Author: Saltyfishh | Score: 8

47.
Doing well in your courses: Andrej's advice for success (2013)
(Doing well in your courses: Andrej's advice for success (2013))

No summary available.

Author: peterkshultz | Score: 606

48.
The Spilhaus Projection: A world map according to fish
(The Spilhaus Projection: A world map according to fish)

The article discusses the Spilhaus Projection, a world map created by Dr. Spilhaus over 75 years ago, which focuses on Antarctica and presents the oceans as a unified body of water. The author recalls a geography lesson from the late 1970s that sparked his interest in cartography and the challenges of representing the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface. Unlike traditional maps that often overlook the oceans, the Spilhaus Projection emphasizes them, offering a fresh perspective that is especially relevant today. The map features unique design elements, such as the Bering Strait being marked in two places, reinforcing the idea that it's a global body of water rather than an inland sea. Overall, the Spilhaus Projection encourages viewers to rethink how they perceive the Earth's oceans.

Author: zynovex | Score: 145

49.
Unmasking the Snitch Puck: IoT surveillance tech in the school bathroom [video]
(Unmasking the Snitch Puck: IoT surveillance tech in the school bathroom [video])

No summary available.

Author: acron0 | Score: 9

50.
AI-generated 'poverty porn' fake images being used by aid agencies
(AI-generated 'poverty porn' fake images being used by aid agencies)

Charity organizations, including Plan International, are increasingly using AI-generated images in their campaigns, particularly to address issues like child marriage and poverty. These images often depict stereotypes of extreme poverty and violence, raising concerns about ethical representation and consent. Experts warn that this trend, termed “poverty porn 2.0,” perpetuates harmful stereotypes and could worsen biases in global health communications.

Some organizations are turning to AI imagery due to lower costs and the lack of need for consent from real individuals. However, critics argue that these images do not respect the dignity of vulnerable populations. Plan International has stated they used AI images to protect the privacy of real girls, while the UN faced backlash for using AI in sensitive content, leading to the removal of a controversial video. Overall, there is a growing debate about the implications of using AI-generated visuals in humanitarian efforts.

Author: KolmogorovComp | Score: 144

51.
Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall
(Why the numbers 6-7 are driving math teachers up the wall)

The numbers "6-7" have become a popular slang among kids, especially Gen Alpha, who often shout it out in various situations. The phrase may originate from a police code or a song by rapper Skrilla, but it is mostly used by children as a filler or to describe something average, without a specific meaning. This trend has frustrated math teachers, who report interruptions in class due to students yelling "six-seven." Some teachers have even banned the phrase, while others have found ways to incorporate it into their lessons. Language experts suggest that this usage helps kids feel a sense of belonging, as it represents a shared inside joke among them. Overall, the phrase may seem meaningless, but it holds emotional significance for children.

Author: ikeashark | Score: 4

52.
What are some impressive vibe coding projects?
(What are some impressive vibe coding projects?)

The goal is to compile a list of successful projects, both personal and money-making. Additionally, I'm looking for videos that show the projects from beginning to end, but finding these on YouTube is challenging due to the algorithm.

Author: cauliflower99 | Score: 37

53.
Alibaba Cloud claims to reduce Nvidia GPU use by 82%
(Alibaba Cloud claims to reduce Nvidia GPU use by 82%)

Alibaba has developed a new system called Aegaeon that significantly reduces the number of Nvidia GPUs needed for its AI models by 82%. This system was tested in Alibaba Cloud's model marketplace and cut the GPU requirement from 1,192 to 213 for handling various models. Researchers highlighted that many AI models are rarely used, leading to inefficiencies where a small number of models consume most GPU resources. Aegaeon aims to address these issues by allowing a single GPU to support multiple models, improving overall resource use in AI applications.

Author: hd4 | Score: 78

54.
Servo v0.0.1 Released
(Servo v0.0.1 Released)

No summary available.

Author: Aissen | Score: 44

55.
Katamari Is Back and Better
(Katamari Is Back and Better)

Summary:

At the Tokyo Game Show 2025, a new game called "Once Upon A Katamari" was showcased, marking the return of the beloved Katamari series after 20 years. Players take on the role of the Prince, tasked with rolling up various objects in ancient Japan to create a huge ball, or Katamari, for the King of the Cosmos.

The demo highlighted improvements such as a new dash command that makes navigating easier. Players can also collect power-ups, like a rocket boost for speed. Overall, the game retains the fun and charm of previous Katamari titles, making it accessible for both new and returning players. "Once Upon A Katamari" is set to be released on October 23, 2025.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 10

56.
A Tiny Typo May Explain Centuries-Old Mystery Bout Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'
(A Tiny Typo May Explain Centuries-Old Mystery Bout Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales')

No summary available.

Author: keepamovin | Score: 30

57.
Tron: Ares Set to Lose $132M+
(Tron: Ares Set to Lose $132M+)

No summary available.

Author: syx | Score: 9

58.
QuickDrawViewer: A Mac OS X utility to visualise QuickDraw (PICT) files
(QuickDrawViewer: A Mac OS X utility to visualise QuickDraw (PICT) files)

QuickDraw Viewer Summary

The QuickDraw Viewer is a program created to decode and display QuickDraw image files using Swift programming. It serves as a modern reimplementation of an older Java QuickDraw project. Although functional, it has some rendering issues and a rough user interface.

Purpose and Philosophy: The program aims to emulate how images were printed on classic Mac OS rather than rendering them pixel-perfectly. It translates QuickDraw instructions to display images on modern high-resolution screens, using Core Graphics for the actual rendering.

Background on QuickDraw: QuickDraw was the graphical language for the original Macintosh, developed by Bill Atkinson. Its support has declined in newer Mac OS versions. The viewer's decoding mechanism is based on a 1994 book that details QuickDraw’s image structure.

File Support: The application primarily handles QuickDraw files and can also read QuickTime images (QTIF) and MacPaint images (PNTG) by converting them to QuickDraw format.

Program Structure: The program consists of four main parts:

  1. A library for parsing QuickDraw files.
  2. A library for rendering using Core Graphics.
  3. A library for decoding QuickTime images.
  4. A simple Swift-UI application for viewing images.

Features: The viewer supports various QuickDraw primitives, including lines, shapes, text, and color selection. It can decode and render images from several external formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. Some enhancements in image rendering are possible through basic comment parsing.

Limitations: Certain QuickDraw features, such as exotic compositing modes and some text alignment options, are not supported.

User Interface: The application allows users to view images, copy them to Preview, and export them as PDF files. It also includes basic drag-and-drop functionality.

Additional Tools: A command-line conversion tool is available for transforming PICT files into PDF, along with a Python script for converting QuickDraw data into PICT files.

License: The program is distributed under the Apache 2.0 License.

Author: ibobev | Score: 60

59.
From Hollywood to horticulture: Cate Blanchett on a mission to save seeds
(From Hollywood to horticulture: Cate Blanchett on a mission to save seeds)

Cate Blanchett, the famous actress, is now focusing on seed conservation by working with Kew's Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) in Sussex, which has been collecting seeds for 25 years. She was inspired by the natural beauty of the area and the important work being done to protect plant species. The MSB holds over 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 wild plant species, stored to prevent extinction and restore damaged environments.

The seed bank, initially seen as a doomsday vault, is now actively involved in restoring habitats worldwide, including projects in the South Downs and recovery efforts after the 2019 Australian wildfires. Blanchett, who is passionate about gardening, is eager to learn more about seed management and believes the MSB's work will become increasingly vital. She views the seed bank as a hopeful initiative, showcasing the potential for positive change in conservation efforts.

Author: RickJWagner | Score: 55

60.
Berty – an encrypted and offline peer-to-peer messenger with no central server
(Berty – an encrypted and offline peer-to-peer messenger with no central server)

The Android app for Berty is currently unavailable due to a security update. Berty is a messenger that keeps your personal information private and does not require a network connection or SIM card.

Key features include:

  • All messages are encrypted and stored only on your device.
  • It works on any device, including iOS and Android.
  • You can add contacts using QR codes, public keys, or invite links.
  • Berty uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for messaging without needing internet or cell service.
  • It is open-source and decentralized, meaning no one, including developers, can access your data or shut down the app.

Berty will be released soon, and you can sign up to be notified. Secure communication is on the way!

Author: HelloUsername | Score: 10

61.
Duck-UI – Browser-Based SQL IDE for DuckDB
(Duck-UI – Browser-Based SQL IDE for DuckDB)

Duck-UI is a web-based SQL editor that allows you to run DuckDB directly in your browser without needing a backend. It solves the hassle of querying files like CSV and Parquet by enabling you to analyze data client-side. You can load files from your computer or the internet, write SQL queries, and get immediate results while keeping your data private.

Key Features:

  • SQL editor with autocomplete and syntax highlighting
  • Supports importing CSV, JSON, and Parquet files
  • Keeps a history of queries and offers keyboard shortcuts
  • Data storage persists even after refreshing the browser
  • Can connect to external DuckDB servers if needed
  • Easy setup with Docker or Node.js

Technical Details:

  • Built using WebAssembly for in-browser execution
  • Compatible with modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari

Use Cases:

  • Learning SQL without complex setups
  • Quick data exploration
  • Rapid prototyping
  • Ensuring privacy as data stays in your browser

You can find the project on GitHub and try a live demo. The creator is seeking feedback on additional use cases, performance issues, and desired features.

Author: caioricciuti | Score: 206

62.
Look at how unhinged GPU box art was in the 2000s (2024)
(Look at how unhinged GPU box art was in the 2000s (2024))

The article discusses how graphics processing unit (GPU) box art from the 2000s was often outrageous and imaginative, contrasting with today's more uniform and dull designs. Rich Edmonds, a technology writer with extensive experience in PC hardware, notes that the creativity seen in past GPU packaging is largely absent in modern designs.

Author: m-hodges | Score: 213

63.
How Kids' TV Got Way Too Normal
(How Kids' TV Got Way Too Normal)

No summary available.

Author: throw0101d | Score: 21

64.
The macOS LC_COLLATE hunt: Or why does sort order differently on macOS and Linux (2020)
(The macOS LC_COLLATE hunt: Or why does sort order differently on macOS and Linux (2020))

The text discusses the differences in how the sort command orders items on macOS compared to Linux (Ubuntu). Specifically, when using the same locale settings (en_US.UTF-8), the sorting results differ for the package names "python-dev" and "python3-dev."

On macOS, "python-dev" comes before "python3-dev," while on Linux, the order is reversed. This inconsistency is attributed to how the two operating systems handle collation rules, which are influenced by their respective locale settings.

On macOS, the collation rules are linked to a basic ASCII standard, which leads to simpler sorting that treats characters based on their byte values. In contrast, Linux uses more sophisticated collation rules defined by ISO 14651, which results in a more nuanced sorting order.

The author highlights that macOS’s collation system is outdated, having roots in older FreeBSD versions, while Linux’s glibc offers a more advanced approach to locale handling.

Author: g0xA52A2A | Score: 88

65.
The case for the return of fine-tuning
(The case for the return of fine-tuning)

No summary available.

Author: nanark | Score: 160

66.
Deterministic multithreading is hard (2024)
(Deterministic multithreading is hard (2024))

No summary available.

Author: adtac | Score: 104

67.
The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)
(The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA))

The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) is a service that provides a large collection of cancer-related medical images. These images are de-identified, meaning personal information is removed, and they are available for anyone to download. You can also submit your own data to the archive.

Author: 1970-01-01 | Score: 58

68.
Nvidia has produced the first Blackwell wafer on US soil
(Nvidia has produced the first Blackwell wafer on US soil)

Nvidia has successfully produced its first Blackwell chip in the U.S. in collaboration with TSMC at their facility in Arizona. This achievement is a significant step towards bringing manufacturing jobs back to America, a goal emphasized during President Trump's administration. The production of Blackwell chips in the U.S. could establish the country as a key player in AI hardware, potentially creating more local employment opportunities. Nvidia's CEO highlighted the importance of this milestone for the U.S. technology industry. Overall, this development may lead to a stronger American presence in both AI software and hardware markets in the future.

Author: kristianp | Score: 137

69.
Discussion of the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Git Pre-Commit Hook
(Discussion of the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Git Pre-Commit Hook)

No summary available.

Author: hambes | Score: 33

70.
Pawn is a simple, typeless, 32-bit extension language with a C-like syntax
(Pawn is a simple, typeless, 32-bit extension language with a C-like syntax)

No summary available.

Author: unleaded | Score: 28

71.
Using Emacs as a TUI
(Using Emacs as a TUI)

Summary: Emacs in the Terminal

Using Emacs in the terminal with the command emacs -nw can lead to issues with keybindings, especially for users with non-standard keyboard layouts or special characters. For example, pressing Ctrl+Backspace may not function as intended.

Solution: To improve the experience, it's recommended to use the Kitty Keyboard Protocol (KKP) in both Emacs and your terminal. The best results were found using the kkp package and the ghostty terminal emulator. You can configure it in your Emacs initialization file.

Setting Emacs as Your Editor: Instead of using export EDITOR="emacs -nw", create a shell function to avoid issues with spaces. Alternatively, use emacsclient for better performance, especially by running an Emacs daemon in the background using systemd.

You can create a systemd service file to manage this, which allows you to start Emacs automatically when you log in. You can also create .desktop files for easier access and to set up shortcuts.

Multiple Emacs Clients: To manage different themes and packages for graphical and terminal use, create separate systemd services for each. This way, you can customize settings based on whether you're using the GUI or TUI (Terminal User Interface).

In summary, by using KKP, configuring systemd services, and setting up .desktop files, you can enhance your Emacs experience in the terminal and manage different settings effectively.

Author: NeutralForest | Score: 30

72.
Abandoned land drives dangerous heat in Houston, study finds
(Abandoned land drives dangerous heat in Houston, study finds)

A recent study from Texas A&M University highlights the health risks associated with abandoned land in Houston, Texas. Research led by Dr. Dingding Ren found that vacant lots without vegetation can significantly increase heat in surrounding areas, raising land surface temperatures by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly concerning for low-income residents who may not use air conditioning to save money, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Using drone images and satellite data, the study mapped heat levels across various neighborhoods, revealing that areas with abandoned buildings and paved lots are the hottest, while those with trees and vegetation are cooler. Houston has about 45,000 acres of vacant land and 10,000 acres of abandoned buildings, which contribute to dangerously high temperatures in public spaces.

Dr. Ren emphasized the need for green infrastructure, such as trees and gardens, to help mitigate heat and promote healthier living in these communities. He plans to continue this research by linking heat exposure to health records to better understand the impact on residents. The findings aim to inform city planners on effective cooling strategies for the most affected neighborhoods.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 149

73.
Why is Bowker's monopoly on ISBNs in the USA legal?
(Why is Bowker's monopoly on ISBNs in the USA legal?)

A company in the USA has exclusive rights to issue ISBNs, which is unusual since it is a for-profit entity and not a government agency. The author questions why this situation exists, comparing it to a scenario where a government mandates car license plates but makes people buy them from a private middleman. They mention ICANN as a similar case but note that it is linked to a government agency and allows for multiple domain sellers. The author wonders why ISBNs aren't managed by a government body like the U.S. Trademark Office.

Author: blindprogrammer | Score: 10

74.
How to Assemble an Electric Heating Element from Scratch
(How to Assemble an Electric Heating Element from Scratch)

Summary: How to Assemble an Electric Heating Element from Scratch

This guide explains how to create a 12V DC electric resistance heating element for solar cooking or heating devices. The heating element is made using nichrome wire, which generates heat when electricity passes through it.

Key Points:

  1. Purpose: The heating element is designed to work directly with a solar panel, eliminating the need for batteries or regulators, and is used in devices like solar cookers and coffee makers.

  2. Benefits of DIY: Building your own heating element is cheaper and avoids issues like complicated temperature controls found in commercial elements. It also addresses safety concerns related to moisture and overheating.

  3. Electric Resistance Basics: Electric resistance measures how hard it is for current to flow through a material, creating heat. Nichrome wire is commonly used for heating elements because it has a high resistance that produces significant heat.

  4. Materials Needed:

    • Nichrome wire
    • Heat-resistant electric cables
    • Optional thermal switch and fuse for safety
    • Construction mortar
    • Thick tiles (for a removable heat brick)
  5. Calculating Resistance: You need to determine the correct length of nichrome wire based on the voltage and current from your solar panel, using Ohm’s Law.

  6. Wire Length and Resistance: The resistance of nichrome wire varies with thickness and length. You may need to adjust the length if using multiple wires in parallel for even heating.

  7. Safety Measures: Add a thermal switch and fuse to prevent overheating. These will cut off power if the temperature exceeds safe levels.

  8. Assembly Steps:

    • Solder nichrome wire to heat-resistant cables.
    • Embed the heating element in mortar.
    • Allow it to dry, ensuring proper insulation and safety.
  9. Testing: Set up a test station with a DC power supply to simulate solar panel output, allowing you to check the heating element's performance.

By following these instructions, you can build a functional and safe electric heating element for solar cooking or heating applications.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 102

75.
Pyversity – Fast Result Diversification for Retrieval and RAG
(Pyversity – Fast Result Diversification for Retrieval and RAG)

I recently launched Pyversity, a lightweight open-source library designed to improve retrieval results by adding diversity. Most retrieval systems focus only on relevance, which can make the top results very similar. Pyversity re-ranks these results to ensure they are both relevant and diverse, enhancing retrieval and recommendation systems without slowing them down or making them complicated.

Key Features:

  • Unified API: One function (diversify) that supports several popular strategies like MMR, MSD, DPP, and COVER.
  • Lightweight: Only requires NumPy, making it easy to install.
  • Fast: Quickly diversifies results in milliseconds.

While popular methods like cross-encoders are effective, they can be costly. Pyversity offers simpler and faster alternatives to improve results. Check out the code and documentation at github.com/pringled/pyversity. I welcome any feedback or suggestions for additional strategies!

Author: Tananon | Score: 77

76.
Ibuprofen: An everyday drug might offer protection against cancer
(Ibuprofen: An everyday drug might offer protection against cancer)

No summary available.

Author: OutOfHere | Score: 6

77.
Improving PixelMelt's Kindle Web Deobfuscator
(Improving PixelMelt's Kindle Web Deobfuscator)

Summary of Improving PixelMelt's Kindle Web Deobfuscator

PixelMelt shared a method for downloading Amazon Kindle books without DRM, using a process that involves mimicking a web browser and extracting text from obfuscated SVG files through OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

Key points of the method and its challenges include:

  1. Initial Method: The original code was limited to Amazon's .com site and had issues with character recognition due to how it centered characters, leading to errors like incorrect punctuation.

  2. New Approach: The author improved the process by OCRing entire pages instead of individual characters. This produced better results, especially for body text, though titles were still misaligned.

  3. Steps Taken:

    • Extracted characters from SVG files and rendered them as PNG images.
    • Created blank pages matching the dimensions of the original text.
    • Resized and positioned characters based on text layout data.
    • Used Tesseract OCR to extract text from the images.
  4. Limitations:

    • OCR errors included missing footnote indicators and words running together.
    • Images from the books were not included as they were encrypted.
    • Semantic meaning and formatting were lost in the extraction process.
  5. Future Improvements: The method is not perfect; it can yield a visually similar layout but lacks reflowable text. The author noted that while processing is quick, assembling the final output is still manual.

The author has chosen to stop purchasing from Amazon due to these issues and finds Kobo's DRM more manageable. This method serves as a workaround for those with books locked in Amazon's ecosystem, but is not fully effective.

Author: ColinWright | Score: 98

78.
The working-class hero of Bletchley Park you didn't see in the movies
(The working-class hero of Bletchley Park you didn't see in the movies)

Tommy Flowers was a key figure in the development of the world's first digital electronic computer, known as Colossus, during World War II. Although Alan Turing is often celebrated as the main codebreaker at Bletchley Park, Flowers, a working-class engineer from London, actually conceived and built the Colossus to help decrypt messages encrypted by the German Tunny machine.

As the war progressed, British codebreakers faced new challenges with the more complex Tunny machine, which used a different encryption method than the earlier Enigma machine. Flowers, who worked at the Post Office’s Dollis Hill Research Station, proposed a revolutionary electronic digital machine that used thermionic valves to process binary calculations. Despite initial skepticism, he successfully led a team that built Colossus, which was delivered to Bletchley Park in January 1944 and greatly improved the codebreaking efforts.

Flowers' contributions were largely unrecognized for decades due to secrecy and oversight, while other figures like Turing and American engineers were celebrated. Recently, efforts have been made to acknowledge Flowers' role, including the establishment of the Tommy Flowers Foundation and a mural in his honor. He is now being recognized as a significant figure in the history of computing, deserving of the same recognition as notable innovators like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

Author: hansmayer | Score: 123

79.
What are people doing to get off of VMware?
(What are people doing to get off of VMware?)

In some big industries, there seems to be a stronger need to move away from VMware than to focus on generative AI. Do others feel the same way? If yes, what alternatives do you suggest for keeping servers while moving away from VMware? Is RedHat the only option?

Author: jwithington | Score: 177

80.
Scheme Reports at Fifty
(Scheme Reports at Fifty)

Summary: Scheme Reports at Fifty: Where do we go from here?

As the Scheme report approaches its fiftieth anniversary, discussions are underway about what the new report should look like in 2025. The Scheme community is holding elections for the Scheme Steering Committee, encouraging participation.

The report serves two main groups: users, who often want new features, and implementers, who prefer simplicity for creating compilers. There are also divisions among users, such as students vs. experienced programmers, and philosophical debates about the language's nature.

A significant discussion revolves around whether Scheme should be a "big" language with many features or a "little" one that is simpler. Historical perspectives show that the needs of users have evolved, demanding more from programming languages today.

Another division exists between advocates of dynamic languages (like earlier versions of Scheme) and static languages (like R6RS). These differing views create varied expectations for the Scheme report.

Despite disagreements, there is a consensus on the need for a common Scheme report to maintain coherence across implementations. The R7RS report aims to unify different versions while allowing for growth through libraries.

The author emphasizes the importance of compromise in creating a report that can satisfy the diverse needs of the community, suggesting that without a shared language standard, Scheme could fragment into incompatible versions.

The essay invites ongoing dialogue in the community about these issues and highlights the upcoming election for the Steering Committee as an opportunity for involvement.

Author: djwatson24 | Score: 64

81.
Could the XZ backdoor been detected with better Git/Deb packaging practices?
(Could the XZ backdoor been detected with better Git/Deb packaging practices?)

In the spring of 2024, a backdoor was discovered in XZ Utils, causing alarm in the open-source community and raising concerns about software supply chain security. This post examines whether better packaging practices in Debian could have identified this issue sooner.

The backdoor affected versions 5.6.0 and 5.6.1 of XZ Utils, which briefly entered major Linux distributions like Debian and Fedora. Fortunately, the issue was quickly addressed by Andres Freund, who noticed a performance drop and traced it back to malicious code in the XZ library used by SSH. His prompt reporting allowed security teams to act swiftly.

Key questions emerged from this incident:

  1. Why didn’t Debian packagers spot anything unusual when updating XZ versions?
  2. Are current software supply chain practices in popular Linux distributions adequate?
  3. Are there other undiscovered backdoors in the system?

As a Debian Developer, the author conducted an audit of the xz package, sharing their methods and findings for improving security within Debian’s software supply chain. The focus was on auditing how Debian imports and distributes software rather than assessing upstream project security practices.

To begin the audit, the author used a tool called debsnap to download various versions of the xz-utils package from the Debian archive. The authenticity of these packages was verified using OpenPGP signatures, ensuring that the source code was legitimate and had not been tampered with.

In summary, the discovery of the XZ backdoor highlights vulnerabilities in software supply chain practices. The author emphasizes the need for better auditing methods to prevent future security threats in Debian and other Linux distributions.

Author: ottoke | Score: 110

82.
The Accountability Problem
(The Accountability Problem)

No summary available.

Author: FrancoisBosun | Score: 141

83.
Replua.nvim – an Emacs-style scratch buffer for executing Lua
(Replua.nvim – an Emacs-style scratch buffer for executing Lua)

replua.nvim Summary

replua.nvim is a Neovim plugin that provides an Emacs-style scratch buffer for running Lua code. It allows users to experiment with Lua and access Neovim's API, displaying results directly in the buffer.

Key Features:

  • Opens a dedicated scratch buffer for Lua code.
  • Evaluate the current line, a block of code, or the entire buffer.
  • Shows results as comments next to the output.
  • Each buffer has its own Lua environment, so you can start fresh by closing or opening a new buffer.

Installation: You can install replua.nvim using lazy.nvim or by manually requiring it in your startup files.

Basic Usage:

  • Open the scratch buffer with :RepluaOpen.
  • For a new instance, use :RepluaOpen!.
  • Emacs-style key mappings are available for evaluating code:
    • <localleader>e: Evaluate the current line.
    • <localleader><CR>: Evaluate the surrounding block.
    • <localleader>r: Evaluate the entire buffer.

Additional Commands:

  • :RepluaEval: Evaluate the entire buffer.
  • :RepluaReset: Reset the Lua environment.

Configuration: You can customize the plugin's behavior by providing options in the setup function, such as changing key mappings and output formatting. Default settings can be retained by omitting specific options.

This plugin enhances Lua scripting in Neovim, making it easier to test and interact with code.

Author: mghaig | Score: 20

84.
OpenAI researcher announced GPT-5 math breakthrough that never happened
(OpenAI researcher announced GPT-5 math breakthrough that never happened)

No summary available.

Author: Topfi | Score: 409

85.
Open-Source Voice AI Badge Powered by ESP32+WebRTC
(Open-Source Voice AI Badge Powered by ESP32+WebRTC)

The text discusses a project where hardware is created to help attendees at a conference by answering questions about speakers and topics. This device connects to a large language model (LLM) using WebRTC technology. The author has experience in combining hardware with WebRTC, particularly using ESP32 and voice AI. They hope to inspire others to explore hardware and WebRTC projects, highlighting the availability of various affordable microcontrollers and exciting project opportunities.

Author: Sean-Der | Score: 44

86.
Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again
(Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again)

A new eye implant is helping blind patients regain their ability to read. Developed at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, this groundbreaking technology is particularly beneficial for those suffering from advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition affecting over 250,000 people in the UK.

The implant involves a tiny microchip placed under the retina, which works with special glasses that contain a video camera. This system sends video images to the implant, allowing patients to see again. In a recent trial, most patients with the implant were able to read again, with significant improvements noted in their vision.

One patient, Sheila Irvine, shared her joy at being able to read and do puzzles again after losing her vision for over 30 years. Although the device requires concentration and is not yet widely available, experts hope it will be accessible through the NHS in the coming years. The technology may also have potential applications for other eye conditions in the future.

Author: mmarian | Score: 6

87.
Amazon outage takes down Venmo, Ring, Reddit and much of the internet
(Amazon outage takes down Venmo, Ring, Reddit and much of the internet)

No summary available.

Author: CharlesW | Score: 6

88.
Xubuntu.org Might Be Compromised
(Xubuntu.org Might Be Compromised)

No summary available.

Author: kekqqq | Score: 352

89.
IDEs we had 30 years ago and lost (2023)
(IDEs we had 30 years ago and lost (2023))

The text discusses the evolution of programming environments, particularly focusing on text-based Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) from the late 1980s to today. The author reflects on their programming experiences from the 1990s, emphasizing the effectiveness of older IDEs like Borland Turbo C++, which offered features such as syntax highlighting, compiler integration, and project management within a user-friendly text interface.

The article compares these older tools to contemporary text-based editors like Vim and Emacs, which, despite being powerful, lack the integrated user experience of past IDEs. It notes that while modern editors can provide IDE-like features through plugins, they often feel less intuitive and user-friendly.

The author also addresses the resurgence of text-based interfaces due to advancements like the Language Server Protocol (LSP), which has made it easier to implement IDE features. They argue that text-based IDEs can be beneficial for remote work and use fewer system resources compared to graphical IDEs, which tend to be bloated.

In conclusion, while there have been advancements in features and support for more languages in modern IDEs, the author argues that fundamental user experience has not significantly improved over the past 30 years. They express a preference for using various tools based on the situation and encourage readers to reflect on the state of programming tools today.

Author: AlexeyBrin | Score: 589

90.
Ntfsplus: NTFS Filesystem Remake
(Ntfsplus: NTFS Filesystem Remake)

The website you are visiting is protected by a system called Anubis, which helps prevent automated programs (bots) from scraping its content. Anubis uses a method similar to Hashcash, designed to make it costly for bots to access the site, while keeping it usable for real users. This system is temporary while developers work on better ways to identify and block bots without inconveniencing legitimate visitors. To access the site, you need to enable modern JavaScript, as some browser plugins that block JavaScript can interfere with the challenge.

Author: worble | Score: 8

91.
Andrej Karpathy – It will take a decade to work through the issues with agents
(Andrej Karpathy – It will take a decade to work through the issues with agents)

I'm sorry, but I can't access external links. However, if you provide me with the text you'd like summarized, I'd be happy to help!

Author: ctoth | Score: 1174

92.
Original C64 Lode Runner Source Code
(Original C64 Lode Runner Source Code)

The text is about the commented source code for the C64 game Lode Runner, including its copy protection features. It mentions the directory locations for various files and tools related to the project, such as "dox," "npp," and "64tass." It also references the game's original content and modifications.

Author: indigodaddy | Score: 81

93.
The Trinary Dream Endures
(The Trinary Dream Endures)

The text discusses the concept of trinary (or ternary) computing, which uses three states: "yes," "no," and "maybe," compared to binary computing, which only uses "on" and "off." Although trinary didn't gain traction in the 20th century due to the effectiveness of binary systems, it has a philosophical appeal and potential advantages, especially in future language models that could use trinary weights. The author suggests that trinary computing might still have a future and hints that advanced computer systems in their work were indeed trinary.

Author: FromTheArchives | Score: 45

94.
Feed me up, Scotty – custom RSS feed generation using CSS selectors
(Feed me up, Scotty – custom RSS feed generation using CSS selectors)

Feed Me Up, Scotty! is a tool that allows you to create RSS feeds from any website using CSS selectors.

Key Features:

  • Easy to set up.
  • Can run on platforms like GitHub Actions or GitLab CI/CD.
  • Uses a real browser to retrieve data.

Example Configuration: You can set up feeds for different sites by specifying details like title, URL, and how to select entries and links. For instance:

  • Wikipedia Feed: Pulls facts from Wikipedia.
  • Wikivoyage Feed: Gathers travel recommendations.

These configurations generate XML files for each feed, like funfacts.xml and wikivoyage.xml.

You can learn more about setting up the configuration or automate feed generation using GitHub or GitLab.

Author: diymaker | Score: 48

95.
How one of the longest dinosaur trackways in the world was uncovered in the UK
(How one of the longest dinosaur trackways in the world was uncovered in the UK)

A significant discovery has been made in an Oxfordshire quarry, revealing a vast dinosaur trackway from 166 million years ago. This site, known as Dewars Farm Quarry, has unveiled one of the longest dinosaur trackways in the world, measuring 220 meters. Researchers believe the tracks were made by a large sauropod dinosaur, likely a Cetiosaurus, which could grow up to 18 meters long.

The excavation process began with a controlled explosion to remove limestone, allowing scientists to carefully uncover the footprints. Alongside the large sauropod prints, smaller tracks from a two-legged carnivorous dinosaur called Megalosaurus were also found.

These footprints provide valuable insights into dinosaur behavior, such as whether they were traveling alone or in groups. Researchers can analyze the tracks to understand how these ancient animals moved and interacted. One notable print stands out, indicating that the dinosaur briefly paused, offering a glimpse into its behavior.

The preservation of these footprints is rare and requires specific environmental conditions. The quarry was once part of a tropical sea, which contributed to the formation and preservation of the tracks. Alongside the dinosaur prints, small marine fossils have also been discovered, providing more context about the prehistoric environment.

Experts express excitement about the discovery, emphasizing its significance in understanding the past. As more of the site is excavated, additional trackways may be uncovered, further revealing the history of these ancient creatures.

Author: 6LLvveMx2koXfwn | Score: 60

96.
Titan submersible’s $62 SanDisk memory card found undamaged at wreckage site
(Titan submersible’s $62 SanDisk memory card found undamaged at wreckage site)

Recovery teams have found a SanDisk microSD card intact at the wreckage site of the Titan submersible, which tragically imploded. Despite damage to the camera housing and some internal components, the SD card itself remained undamaged. Investigators recovered 12 still images and 9 videos from the card, but none of the footage relates to the incident. The camera was designed for deep-sea conditions and could withstand depths of up to 6,000 meters. Unfortunately, the recovered files were taken near the ROV shop in Newfoundland, not during the fatal dive. The camera had been set up to store data externally, which is why no relevant information from the accident was found.

Author: WithinReason | Score: 421

97.
How does Turbo listen for Turbo Streams
(How does Turbo listen for Turbo Streams)

Turbo Stream elements are special HTML tags that modify the web page's content when they're added. A <turbo-stream> tag can perform actions like adding, replacing, or removing elements on the page. For example, when a user submits a form to create a new book, the server can respond with a <turbo-stream action="append"> tag, which Turbo uses to add the new book to the list displayed on the page.

To understand how this works, it's important to know how Turbo handles form submissions and responses. When a form is submitted, Turbo listens for the event and prevents the default submission. Instead, it sends the form data to the server, adding a special header to request a Turbo Stream response. The server then responds with Turbo Stream elements if it's configured to do so.

When Turbo receives a response, it checks if it's a Turbo Stream response. If so, it updates the page according to the actions defined in the stream elements. This allows multiple updates to be processed in one response.

If a server tries to respond with regular HTML instead of Turbo Streams after a successful form submission, Turbo will raise an error. It prefers to use Turbo Streams for in-place updates rather than rendering new pages.

In summary, Turbo Stream simplifies how web pages update by using special elements that can change content dynamically based on server responses, enhancing user experience without full page reloads.

Author: sidk_ | Score: 88

98.
Bible and Quran apps flagged NSFW by F-Droid
(Bible and Quran apps flagged NSFW by F-Droid)

The user, Andrew, announced the release of version 1.6.0 of his app, Bible Feed, on F-Droid. However, the app has been incorrectly labeled as NSFW (Not Safe For Work), with metadata suggesting it promotes adult content and violence. Andrew emphasizes that the app is simply a Bible reader and does not promote such content. He is seeking clarification on why this NSFW label was added without his input.

Author: jtlebigot | Score: 106

99.
AI Can't Save Software Engineering
(AI Can't Save Software Engineering)

Medium is currently down because of a global hosting issue. The team is working to fix it and hopes to have the site back up soon.

Author: acmerfight | Score: 6

100.
Redis Backplane for Hubots
(Redis Backplane for Hubots)

Summary of Hubot Redis Backplane

The Hubot Redis Backplane uses Redis Streams to enable a distributed messaging system for Hubot bots.

  1. Hubot Consumer: This is an adapter that connects Hubot to Redis. By installing it using npm, you can start a Hubot instance that listens for messages in a Redis stream (like an "inbox"). It processes incoming messages and sends responses to an "outbox" stream.

  2. Setup Steps:

    • Install the necessary package: npm i @hubot-friends/hubot-redis-backplane.
    • Add the script to your external-scripts.json file.
    • If starting from scratch, create a new Hubot instance and install the Redis backplane.
  3. Message Flow: Incoming messages from a chat application (like Discord or Slack) go into the Redis inbox. The Hubot Consumer picks them up, processes them, and sends responses back through the outbox.

  4. Environment Variables: You need to set several environment variables for Redis connection and stream names, ensuring each consumer has a unique name.

  5. Example Usage: For a Discord bot, you start your Hubot instance with specific commands, allowing users to interact with it directly in the chat.

This setup allows for scalable and efficient bot operation across multiple servers or processes. Remember, a Redis server is required for this system to work.

Author: gijoeyguerra | Score: 13
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