1.EuroLLM: LLM made in Europe built to support all 24 official EU languages(EuroLLM: LLM made in Europe built to support all 24 official EU languages)
No summary available.
2.The AirPods Pro 3 flight problem(The AirPods Pro 3 flight problem)
No summary available.
3.A brief history of random numbers(A brief history of random numbers)
No summary available.
4.Vitamin D reduces incidence and duration of colds in those with low levels(Vitamin D reduces incidence and duration of colds in those with low levels)
No summary available.
5.Sick: Indexed deduplicated binary storage for JSON-like data structures(Sick: Indexed deduplicated binary storage for JSON-like data structures)
No summary available.
6.Ubiquiti SFP Wizard(Ubiquiti SFP Wizard)
No summary available.
7.Washington Post editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties(Washington Post editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties)
No summary available.
8.The next chapter of the Microsoft–OpenAI partnership(The next chapter of the Microsoft–OpenAI partnership)
No summary available.
9.Bash Screensavers(Bash Screensavers)
This is a GitHub project that gathers various screensavers and visualizations made using bash, a command-line shell.
10.Text2SQL is dead – long live text2SQL(Text2SQL is dead – long live text2SQL)
No summary available.
11.ISS in Real Time – 25 Years Aboard the International Space Station(ISS in Real Time – 25 Years Aboard the International Space Station)
No summary available.
12.Austrian Ministry Kicks Out Microsoft in Favor of Nextcloud(Austrian Ministry Kicks Out Microsoft in Favor of Nextcloud)
No summary available.
13.Hi, It's Me, Wikipedia, and I Am Ready for Your Apology(Hi, It's Me, Wikipedia, and I Am Ready for Your Apology)
Summary of "Short Imagined Monologues" by Tom Ellison
In a humorous and satirical monologue, Wikipedia, personified, reflects on its evolution and the criticism it has faced over the years. It highlights how, once seen as a threat to knowledge by the academic community, it has now become a valuable resource amidst a chaotic information landscape. Wikipedia points out the irony of critics who once dismissed it as a source of lazy research, now longing for its accessible, fact-based content compared to less reliable sources.
The monologue critiques the state of information today, where misinformation and unreliable platforms have proliferated, making Wikipedia seem more credible in hindsight. It also mentions the absurdity of current events, like AI advancements and questionable journalistic practices. Ultimately, Wikipedia seems to relish in having been proven right about its significance and importance in the digital age, while poking fun at its detractors.
14.Emily Riehl is rewriting the foundations of higher category theory (2020)(Emily Riehl is rewriting the foundations of higher category theory (2020))
Emily Riehl is a prominent mathematician focused on advancing higher category theory, comparing its role to that of the viola in an orchestra, which adds depth to music. She emphasizes the importance of category theory in mathematics, where it replaces traditional notions of equality with the concept of "equivalence," allowing for a more nuanced understanding of relationships between mathematical objects.
Since its introduction by Samuel Eilenberg and Saunders Mac Lane in 1945, category theory has gained significant traction and is now integral to fields like algebraic geometry and mathematical physics. Riehl is co-authoring a book aimed at making the complex ideas of infinity categories more accessible to mathematicians, as she believes in the necessity of a clearer understanding of these concepts.
Throughout her career, Riehl has also advocated for inclusivity in mathematics, co-founding Spectra, an association for LGBTQ+ mathematicians, and actively supporting social justice initiatives. She stresses the responsibility of mathematicians to foster an inclusive environment for all students, recognizing the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the field.
15.Do Users Verify SSH Keys? (2011) [pdf](Do Users Verify SSH Keys? (2011) [pdf])
The text discusses the security issues related to SSH (Secure Shell) key verification. It notes that many SSH users accept server keys without verifying them, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
Key points include:
- Users often do not check the long hexadecimal key fingerprints displayed when connecting to an SSH server, making them susceptible to attacks.
- Attackers can use tools to create fake keys with fingerprints that are similar enough to trick users into thinking they are connecting to the correct server.
- A specific attack method, called "fuzzy fingerprints," allows attackers to generate fake keys that closely match legitimate ones, bypassing typical verification checks.
- Research showed that in two organizations, no users had ever verified SSH server keys, highlighting a significant security gap.
- The findings suggest that both SSH and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) approaches have similar security weaknesses regarding user verification.
The conclusion indicates that neither method provides a better security guarantee, as users generally do not verify keys.
16.10M people watched a YouTuber shim a lock; the lock company sued him – bad idea(10M people watched a YouTuber shim a lock; the lock company sued him – bad idea)
I'm sorry, but I can't access external content, including videos. However, if you provide me with the text or main points from the video, I can help you summarize it!
17.How to build a 747 – A WorldFlight Story(How to build a 747 – A WorldFlight Story)
Summary: How to Build a 747 – A WorldFlight Story
Dellanie Byron shares the journey of the Jurassic Jets Team, a group of flight simulation enthusiasts in San Jose, CA, who are building a Boeing 747-200 cockpit from scratch for the WorldFlight 2025 event. This team, including members Justin and Kyle, combines their engineering and aviation backgrounds to create a highly realistic simulator experience.
WorldFlight is an annual charity event where flight simulation fans around the world participate in a week-long virtual journey, raising over $1 million for various causes since its start in the late 1990s. The 2025 event will take place from November 1 to 8, beginning in Sydney, Australia.
The Jurassic Jets Team chose the 747 because of its historical significance and unique flying experience. They are using a real-life donor aircraft, MSN23640, which has a rich history with Japan Airlines and later Transaero. The team faces challenges in converting the real cockpit into a simulator, requiring extensive wiring and engineering expertise.
Building the cockpit involves complex tasks, including interfacing with X-Plane software and ensuring all instruments function as they did in the original aircraft. The team emphasizes community collaboration and learning throughout the process.
Their fundraising efforts this year will support the National Kidney Foundation, aiming to raise $2,500. The team invites supporters to watch their journey and participate in giveaways during the event.
Overall, the story highlights the dedication and passion of aviation enthusiasts working together to recreate an iconic aircraft, demonstrating the strong sense of community in the flight simulation world.
18.The Programming Languages Zoo(The Programming Languages Zoo)
The Programming Languages Zoo is a collection of small programming languages designed to showcase different programming concepts and techniques. It's a great resource for anyone interested in creating their own programming language or learning about programming language design.
Key features include:
- Different types of languages: functional, declarative, object-oriented, and procedural.
- Source code parsing and tracking.
- Pretty-printing of values.
- Interactive and non-interactive processing.
- Various typing systems: untyped, statically, and dynamically typed.
- Type checking, subtyping, and polymorphism.
- Different evaluation strategies and support for recursion and exceptions.
- Interpreters and compilers.
The collection includes languages like miniml, minihaskell, miniprolog, and others, each demonstrating specific programming concepts. While these languages are fully functional, they are primarily for educational purposes, and users are encouraged to study the source code, which is well-commented.
Installation instructions are provided, and users can run the languages with various command-line options. The project is open-source under the MIT license, and contributions are welcome. Interested individuals can report issues, submit fixes, or propose new languages by following the contribution guidelines.
Authors of the project are Andrej Bauer and Matija Pretnar.
19.How the brain's activity, energy use and blood flow change as people fall asleep(How the brain's activity, energy use and blood flow change as people fall asleep)
Summary:
A new study from Mass General Brigham has revealed how the brain changes as we fall asleep, using advanced imaging technology. Researchers found that during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, areas of the brain responsible for movement and sensory input remain active, while regions related to thinking and memory become less active and use less energy. This research sheds light on how the brain stays responsive to external stimuli even as we lose awareness during sleep.
The study used a combination of EEG, MRI, and PET scans to observe the brain activity of 23 healthy adults during short afternoon naps. Findings indicate that as sleep deepens, energy use decreases, blood flow becomes more dynamic, and cerebrospinal fluid flow increases, supporting the idea that sleep helps clear waste from the brain while keeping it alert to sensory inputs.
The researchers suggest that further studies should involve larger and more diverse groups and focus on different sleep stages for better understanding. The study is published in Nature Communications and was supported by various grants and institutions.
20.Nvidia takes $1B stake in Nokia(Nvidia takes $1B stake in Nokia)
Summary:
Strictly necessary cookies are essential for the website to work properly. They help with security, prevent fraud, and allow for purchases. You can block these cookies in your browser, but this may cause some parts of the site to not work correctly.
21.3D printed maquette of Amsterdam on scale 1:2000(3D printed maquette of Amsterdam on scale 1:2000)
A detailed 3D-printed model of Amsterdam, measuring 70 square meters, has been created by real estate entrepreneur Cor van Zadelhoff as a gift to the city for its 750th anniversary. The model is displayed in the lobby of Tower 1 and 2 at the WTC in Zuidas and will be presented to Mayor Femke Halsema.
The model, made with the help of the city’s officials, showcases the entire city at a scale of 1:2000, including every building, even small garden sheds. Architect Roberto Meyer, who worked on the project, noted the complexity of the task, which required a dedicated team and continuous use of 20 3D printers.
Visitors can interact with the model via a touchscreen to find specific buildings and highlight various features like sports facilities and metro lines. It also includes areas planned for development until 2030. Van Zadelhoff emphasizes that the model illustrates the potential for further urban development in Amsterdam. The model will be updated annually and will be available for free public viewing starting next week.
22.Easy RISC-V(Easy RISC-V)
No summary available.
23.Claude for Excel(Claude for Excel)
No summary available.
24.Complete Digitization of Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus(Complete Digitization of Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus)
Leonardo da Vinci is often called a "Renaissance man," but this term can be misleading. In his time, art and science were closely linked, and people didn't think about using both sides of their brains. Leonardo excelled in blending fine arts with engineering, approaching all his work with a technician's mindset. His art utilized mathematical precision and careful observation.
Leonardo's projects were experimental, sometimes failing or being abandoned, but he always planned thoroughly, as shown in his extensive notebooks. Recently, many of these notebooks have been digitized, providing insight into his thinking. Notable among them is the Codex Atlanticus, a collection of 1,119 pages of drawings and writings that span his career from 1478 to 1519.
This collection includes engineering diagrams, anatomy studies, artistic sketches, and even a letter where he outlines his qualifications as a military engineer. The Codex Atlanticus showcases Leonardo’s innovative problem-solving abilities, highlighting his primary focus on technical solutions rather than just artistic expression.
25.Understanding the Worst .NET Vulnerability(Understanding the Worst .NET Vulnerability)
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft announced a serious vulnerability in ASP.NET Core, labeled CVE-2025-55315, with a high severity score of 9.9 out of 10. This vulnerability involves "request smuggling," which lets attackers exploit inconsistent handling of HTTP requests between servers and proxies. Essentially, attackers can hide harmful requests within legitimate ones, potentially allowing unauthorized actions like bypassing security checks or accessing restricted areas of an application.
Request smuggling has been a known issue since 2005 and typically occurs when a proxy server and a destination server interpret an ambiguous HTTP request differently. For instance, an attacker can send a request with conflicting Content-Length headers, causing one server to process it as two separate requests.
The specific issue with CVE-2025-55315 relates to how ASP.NET Core handled "chunked" transfer encoding. This method allows data to be sent in chunks, and leniency in processing these chunks led to vulnerabilities. The problem arises when invalid line endings in chunk headers are treated differently by the proxy and server, allowing an attacker to craft requests that bypass security measures.
To mitigate this vulnerability, users are strongly advised to update to the latest supported versions of ASP.NET Core as soon as possible. Older versions, particularly those below .NET 8, are vulnerable and won't receive patches. For those unable to upgrade, it is crucial to ensure that a secure proxy is in place to filter out malicious requests.
In summary, if you're using ASP.NET Core, check your version and update it to avoid potential exploits from this significant security flaw.
26.Geometry and Physics of Wrinkling (2003) [pdf](Geometry and Physics of Wrinkling (2003) [pdf])
The study by E. Cerda and L. Mahadevan explores the wrinkling of thin elastic sheets, which can occur on different scales, from micro-patterns on cell substrates to larger wrinkles in fabric. The authors develop a general theory of wrinkling influenced by bending and stretching, leading to simple scaling laws that describe the wavelength and amplitude of wrinkles, which can help in characterizing the mechanical properties of thin membranes.
Key findings include:
- Wrinkles form when a thin elastic sheet is stretched beyond a critical strain, causing it to buckle due to constraints at its edges.
- The wavelength of the wrinkles is influenced by the stiffness of the material and the tension applied, leading to specific mathematical relationships.
- The research can be applied to various biological and physical phenomena, such as the wrinkling of human skin and the behavior of cells on soft surfaces.
The authors suggest that these findings can lead to practical applications, such as using wrinkle patterns to assess forces generated by cells or to characterize materials like vesicles used in drug delivery. Overall, the study integrates concepts from geometry, mechanics, and biology, providing a comprehensive understanding of wrinkling behavior in thin materials.
27.Simplify your code: Functional core, imperative shell(Simplify your code: Functional core, imperative shell)
Simplify Your Code: Functional Core, Imperative Shell
This article discusses how to improve your code by separating the core logic from side effects. Mixing business logic with external interactions, like database calls and emails, can make your code messy and hard to manage.
To make your code cleaner and easier to test, you should use a "functional core" for pure, testable logic, and an "imperative shell" for handling side effects.
For example, instead of this messy code that mixes logic and sending emails:
function sendUserExpiryEmail(): void {
for (const user of db.getUsers()) {
if (user.subscriptionEndDate > Date.now()) continue;
if (user.isFreeTrial) continue;
email.send(user.email, "Your account has expired " + user.name + ".");
}
}
You can separate the logic like this:
-
Functional Core:
function getExpiredUsers(users: User[], cutoff: Date): User[] { return users.filter(user => user.subscriptionEndDate <= cutoff && !user.isFreeTrial); } function generateExpiryEmails(users: User[]): Array<[string, string]> { return users.map(user => ([user.email, "Your account has expired " + user.name + "."])); } -
Imperative Shell:
email.bulkSend(generateExpiryEmails(getExpiredUsers(db.getUsers(), Date.now())));
By following this pattern, you can easily add new features, like sending different types of emails, by just creating new functions and reusing the existing ones. This approach leads to more organized, maintainable, and adaptable code.
28.Poker Tournament for LLMs(Poker Tournament for LLMs)
No summary available.
29.SATisfying Solutions to Difficult Problems(SATisfying Solutions to Difficult Problems)
Summary of "SATisfying Solutions to Difficult Problems!"
This article discusses SAT solvers, which are programs designed to solve boolean satisfiability problems, a type of NP-complete problem. NP-complete problems require a "yes" or "no" answer, and while we can verify solutions quickly, finding them is more challenging.
Key Concepts:
-
NP-complete Problems: These are complex decision problems where solutions can be verified in polynomial time but finding them may not be possible in polynomial time. Examples include the Knapsack problem and Sudoku.
-
Boolean Satisfiability Problem (SAT): This problem asks if we can assign truth values to variables in a logical formula such that the formula is satisfied. Formulas are often expressed in a specific format using ANDs and ORs.
-
SAT Solvers: These are tools that find satisfying assignments for boolean formulas. They can effectively solve NP-complete problems expressed as SAT problems.
-
Sudoku Example: The article illustrates how to convert Sudoku rules into a boolean formula, allowing a SAT solver to find valid solutions.
-
Algorithms Used in SAT Solvers:
- DPLL (Davis-Putnam-Logemann-Loveland): An algorithm that uses backtracking to solve SAT problems but struggles with larger instances.
- CDCL (Conflict-Driven Clause Learning): An advanced version of DPLL that learns from conflicts to improve efficiency.
- Stochastic Local Search: A more random approach that can find solutions but may not guarantee results.
-
SMT (Satisfiability Modulo Theories) Solvers: These extend SAT solvers to handle more complex problems involving arithmetic and other theories.
The article concludes by emphasizing the usefulness of SAT and SMT solvers for solving various kinds of problems, highlighting their significance in programming and problem-solving contexts.
30.Front-Panel Booting an ATmega88 Microcontroller(Front-Panel Booting an ATmega88 Microcontroller)
No summary available.
31.Study finds growing social circles may fuel polarization(Study finds growing social circles may fuel polarization)
No summary available.
32.JetKVM – Control any computer remotely(JetKVM – Control any computer remotely)
You can buy products from Jet KVM at their website: jetkvm.com/products.
33.Pyrex catalog from from 1938 with hand-drawn lab glassware [pdf](Pyrex catalog from from 1938 with hand-drawn lab glassware [pdf])
Corning Glass Works published a catalog for its "PYREX" brand laboratory glassware, emphasizing its high-quality products. The "PYREX" trademark signifies that the glassware is manufactured by Corning and meets strict quality standards.
During World War II, there was a significant demand for laboratory glassware in the U.S. due to limited European supply. Corning was able to meet this demand thanks to its innovative glass technology and collaboration with chemists, leading to the widespread acceptance of "PYREX" as a global standard.
Key features of "PYREX" glass include:
- Low Thermal Expansion: This minimizes breakage from temperature changes.
- Low Alkali Content: Reduces contamination of solutions in contact with the glass.
- Durability in Sterilization: "PYREX" withstands sterilization methods without damage.
The catalog provides details on pricing and ordering, highlighting discounts for bulk purchases and specifying that all products are sold in original packages. It also encourages customers to reach out for special custom glassware needs.
Overall, "PYREX" glassware is recognized for its safety, accuracy, and quality in laboratory settings.
34.Dust samples from moon's far side show debris from rare, water-rich meteorites(Dust samples from moon's far side show debris from rare, water-rich meteorites)
I'm sorry, but I can't access external websites or specific documents. If you can provide the main points or key excerpts from the study paper, I'd be happy to help you summarize those!
35.OpenAI says over a million people talk to ChatGPT about suicide weekly(OpenAI says over a million people talk to ChatGPT about suicide weekly)
OpenAI recently released data showing that a small percentage of ChatGPT users, about 0.15%, discuss serious mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. With over 800 million weekly users, this means over a million people may be affected each week. The company also noted that hundreds of thousands show signs of severe emotional distress or psychosis during their conversations with the chatbot.
OpenAI claims these troubling conversations are rare and difficult to quantify, but they are taking steps to improve how ChatGPT handles mental health topics. They've consulted over 170 mental health experts to enhance the chatbot's responses, and they report that the latest version of ChatGPT is more effective in addressing these issues than previous versions.
Despite these improvements, concerns remain about the potential negative impact of AI chatbots on users with mental health challenges. OpenAI is facing legal scrutiny, including a lawsuit from the parents of a teenager who shared suicidal thoughts with the AI before his death.
The new version of ChatGPT, known as GPT-5, reportedly responds more appropriately to mental health issues 65% of the time compared to earlier models. OpenAI is also implementing new safety measures, including parental controls for child users and better evaluation methods for mental health challenges.
However, it remains uncertain how persistent these challenges will be, as some responses from ChatGPT are still considered undesirable. OpenAI continues to offer older and potentially less safe models as well.
For anyone needing help, resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available.
36.Why Busy Beaver hunters fear the Antihydra(Why Busy Beaver hunters fear the Antihydra)
Summary:
The article discusses the challenges researchers face in determining the sixth busy beaver number, BB(6), which is linked to a complex program called Antihydra. The busy beaver game measures the complexity of computations performed by simple computer programs using Turing machines. Each busy beaver number represents the longest running time for machines with a specific number of rules.
Despite recent progress with BB(5), valued at 47,176,870, understanding whether Antihydra halts (finishes running) is crucial for finding BB(6). This task is complicated by its similarity to the unsolved Collatz conjecture, a mathematical problem that questions whether a specific sequence of numbers will always reach 1 regardless of the starting point. Antihydra operates under rules that make it difficult to determine if it will halt or run indefinitely.
Researchers have simulated Antihydra for billions of steps, suggesting it likely does not halt, but cannot definitively prove it. This uncertainty reflects broader issues in mathematics, where problems like Antihydra are referred to as "cryptids," indicating their elusive nature. The article concludes that while the quest for busy beaver numbers beyond BB(5) is challenging, researchers continue to explore related questions and unexpected behaviors in Turing machines.
37.Linux VM without VM software – User Mode Linux(Linux VM without VM software – User Mode Linux)
Summary:
The article discusses UserMode Linux (UML), a method that allows you to run a Linux kernel as a user-space application within the existing Linux kernel. This innovative approach does not require traditional virtualization software or root access, making it accessible for various uses.
Key Points:
-
Kernel Functionality: The Linux kernel abstracts hardware, allowing multiple tasks to run efficiently by managing resources like CPU and memory. UML leverages this by running a kernel as a process instead of directly on hardware.
-
Paravirtualization: UML is seen as a paravirtualized kernel. It interacts with the host’s userspace for input/output and storage, using virtual versions of hardware resources.
-
Building UML: You can build a UML kernel specifically for x86 platforms. The process involves configuring and compiling the kernel to create a UML binary.
-
Setting Up Userspace: To use UML effectively, you need a userspace. The article suggests using Buildroot to create a minimal userspace for the UML kernel.
-
Running UML: The article describes how to create a virtual disk, boot the UML kernel, and interact with it as if it were a standard Linux environment. It demonstrates writing data to a virtual disk and verifying it from the host system.
-
Conclusion: While UML provides a fascinating way to experiment with a separate kernel instance, it may not be ideal for production workloads compared to KVM virtualization or containers. Its main strengths lie in kernel debugging and experimentation.
Overall, UML is an intriguing tool for developers looking to explore Linux kernel functionalities without the overhead of traditional virtualization methods.
38.Criminal complaint against facial recognition company Clearview AI(Criminal complaint against facial recognition company Clearview AI)
No summary available.
39.Sieve (YC X25) is hiring engineers to build video datasets for frontier AI(Sieve (YC X25) is hiring engineers to build video datasets for frontier AI)
No summary available.
40.Smartphones manipulate our emotions and trigger our reflexes(Smartphones manipulate our emotions and trigger our reflexes)
Smartphones have become a major part of our lives, drawing in our attention and creating emotional connections. The increasing use of smartphones, especially among young people, has led some schools in Canada and the U.S. to ban them due to concerns about mental health and academic performance.
According to Stephen Monteiro, an assistant professor at Concordia University, smartphones and smartwatches act like animated companions, responding to our presence and emotions. They use features like facial recognition, geolocation, and touchscreens to create a sense of intimacy, tricking us into thinking they need our attention. This can lead to conditions like phantom vibrations, where we feel our phone vibrating even when it isn’t.
Many of the features in smartphones were originally developed for other purposes but have become integral to our daily lives. They raise privacy concerns as they continuously collect data about our behaviors, including our sleep patterns.
To manage our dependency on smartphones, we can change device settings, limit notifications, and consider using simpler "dumb phones." Manufacturers should also prioritize user privacy in their designs. Ultimately, we need to have broader discussions about how smartphones affect our lives beyond just social media and gaming.
41.Situated Software – Clay Shirky (2004)(Situated Software – Clay Shirky (2004))
In March 2004, Clay Shirky discussed the concept of "situated software" in his essay. He teaches at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program, where students blend technology and art. Shirky observes that situated software is designed specifically for a particular social context, contrasting with traditional software that aims for broad scalability and general use.
Key points include:
-
Situated Software: This software caters to specific social groups rather than a generic audience, making it easier to create for smaller user bases. It is often faster and cheaper to develop, though it may not work well outside its intended context.
-
Real-World Examples: Shirky highlights the success of an application called "Teachers on the Run," created by students to rate professors. Despite being simpler than alternatives like RateMyProfessors.com, it thrived within the close-knit ITP community.
-
Community Engagement: Projects developed by students often leverage existing social dynamics and infrastructure, such as reputation systems or communal attention, making them more relevant and functional for their specific user groups.
-
Changing Software Landscape: Shirky notes that advances in technology and the increase in internet users have diminished previous constraints, allowing for more personal and localized software development.
-
Future Implications: Shirky anticipates a rise in small, purpose-built applications, which may not have the same longevity or large user base as traditional software. This shift reflects a new understanding of software's role in specific communities and needs.
Overall, Shirky argues that situated software represents a significant, emerging trend in software development, prioritizing community relevance and specific user needs over scalability and generality.
42.Picture gallery: Amiga prototype "Lorraine" at the Amiga 40 event(Picture gallery: Amiga prototype "Lorraine" at the Amiga 40 event)
No summary available.
43.Iroh-blobs(Iroh-blobs)
Summary of Iroh-blobs 0.95 Features
The Iroh-blobs 0.95 update introduces several important features for users of the blobs protocol and Iroh in general.
-
Connection Pool:
- A new connection pool helps manage connections to multiple endpoints while limiting the number of concurrent connections.
- This prevents excessive open connections and allows for efficient use of resources.
- Basic use involves creating a pool to get or establish connections as needed.
-
Advanced Options:
- Users can configure various parameters like idle timeout, connection timeout, and the maximum number of retained connections.
- There’s also a feature to perform checks on connections before they are used, ensuring better performance and reliability.
-
Abstract Request and Response Streams:
- New traits allow for the wrapping of send and receive streams for compression and decompression, improving data handling without creating unnecessary copies.
- This feature aims to enhance performance by compressing data streams as a whole instead of individual files.
-
Enhanced Provider Events:
- Provider-side events now offer detailed notifications about the provider's actions, allowing for more control over which requests to handle.
-
Future Updates:
- Upcoming features include improved support for downloading blobs from multiple providers.
- Many of these functionalities will be moved to a separate Iroh utilities crate once Iroh 1.0 is released.
Overall, these updates aim to enhance the efficiency and usability of Iroh-blobs, making it a more powerful tool for developers.
44.MCP-Scanner – Scan MCP Servers for vulnerabilities(MCP-Scanner – Scan MCP Servers for vulnerabilities)
MCP Scanner Summary
The MCP Scanner is a Python tool designed to identify security issues in MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and tools. It combines three scanning engines: Cisco AI Defense inspect API, YARA rules, and LLM-as-a-judge to detect malicious tools effectively.
Key Features:
- Multiple Modes: Can be used as a command-line interface (CLI) tool or a REST API server.
- Multi-Engine Analysis: Utilize all three scanning engines together or individually.
- Comprehensive Scanning: Checks MCP tools, prompts, and resources for security vulnerabilities.
- Authentication Control: Offers detailed authentication options, including OAuth support.
- Custom YARA Rules: Users can add their own rules for specific pattern detection.
- Detailed Reporting: Provides comprehensive reports on security findings.
Installation Requirements:
- Python 3.11 or higher
uvpackage manager- Optional: Cisco AI Defense API Key and LLM Provider API Key
Quick Start:
- Set up your environment and API configurations.
- Use CLI commands to scan local or remote MCP servers.
- The scanner can scan tools, prompts, and resources with various formats for output (summary, detailed, table, etc.).
API Server: The MCP Scanner also offers a REST API for integration into applications, supporting various endpoints for scanning tools, prompts, and resources, along with a health check feature.
Documentation: For more detailed information, users can refer to the documentation in the project's directory, which includes system architecture, authentication, programmatic usage, and an API reference.
Project Link: MCP Scanner GitHub
License: Apache 2.0 License.
45.The new calculus of AI-based coding(The new calculus of AI-based coding)
Summary of Joe Magerramov's Blog Post: The New Calculus of AI-based Coding
In the past three months, Joe Magerramov and his engineering team at Amazon Bedrock have been developing software with the help of AI agents like Amazon Q and Kiro. They use a method called "agentic coding," where AI collaborates with human engineers, ensuring that every piece of code is reviewed and approved by a human before being committed.
Joe notes that about 80% of his code is now generated by AI, significantly increasing productivity—his team is creating code at ten times the rate of a typical high-performing team. However, this speed raises concerns about the frequency of bugs, as more code commits can lead to more issues. Joe emphasizes the need for improved testing and faster feedback loops to manage the risks associated with rapid code development.
To enhance testing, Joe advocates for techniques used in the aviation industry, such as high-fidelity simulations and "wind tunnel" style tests. His team has implemented fake versions of external systems to test their software effectively.
He also highlights the importance of improving communication within teams, particularly as decision-making increases with higher coding velocity. Quick, face-to-face discussions help minimize delays and avoid coordination bottlenecks.
Ultimately, Joe believes that to fully harness the benefits of agentic development, the software development lifecycle must evolve. This includes redesigning testing, deployment, and communication strategies to keep pace with the increased speed of code production. The real opportunity lies in using AI not just to write code faster but to make advanced engineering practices feasible and effective.
46.Image Dithering: Eleven Algorithms and Source Code (2012)(Image Dithering: Eleven Algorithms and Source Code (2012))
Summary of Image Dithering: Eleven Algorithms and Source Code
The article discusses dithering, a technique used in graphics programming to manage limited color displays, which remains relevant even in modern technology. Dithering helps improve the appearance of images when displayed on devices with fewer colors, such as older computers or printers. It works by blending available colors to create the illusion of unavailable colors, making images look more detailed.
Key Points:
-
What is Dithering?
- Dithering approximates colors by mixing available ones, useful for reducing color counts in images without losing quality, especially in web design and printing.
-
How Dithering Works:
- It primarily relies on error diffusion, where errors from color approximations are spread to neighboring pixels, improving the representation of the original image.
-
Two-Dimensional Error Diffusion:
- Unlike one-dimensional approaches, two-dimensional methods spread errors in both horizontal and vertical directions, minimizing distracting patterns in the output.
-
Famous Dithering Algorithms:
- The article lists and explains eleven dithering algorithms, including:
- Floyd-Steinberg: A well-known algorithm that spreads error to surrounding pixels.
- Jarvis, Judice, and Ninke: More complex and smoother than Floyd-Steinberg.
- Other algorithms like Stucki, Atkinson, and Burkes also enhance dithering with various techniques to improve quality or processing speed.
- The article lists and explains eleven dithering algorithms, including:
-
Considerations for Dithering:
- Several factors can affect the quality of dithering, such as error tracking methods, color bleed reduction, and the direction of processing.
-
General-Purpose Dithering Engine:
- The author provides a reference to a general-purpose dithering engine code, which can be adapted for various applications, including color images.
Overall, dithering is a crucial technique in graphics, ensuring images remain visually appealing even when displayed on devices with limited color capabilities.
47.Creating an all-weather driver(Creating an all-weather driver)
Waymo is working to develop a reliable autonomous driving system that can handle all types of weather, including winter conditions like snow and ice. Here are the key points:
-
Current Capabilities: Waymo's Driver already navigates various challenging weather conditions, including rain and fog. The aim is to expand its ability to handle snow and ice.
-
Understanding Winter Challenges: Snow presents different challenges, from light dust to heavy snowstorms. Waymo has been testing its technology in snowy areas like Upstate New York and Michigan, gathering extensive experience.
-
Generalizable Solutions: The Waymo Driver is designed to operate effectively in various conditions, using advanced sensors (cameras, radar, and lidar) to perceive its surroundings. This technology allows it to adapt its driving based on real-time road conditions.
-
Rigorous Testing: Waymo validates its technology through real-world driving, closed-course tests, and simulations to ensure safety and effectiveness in winter weather.
-
Scaling Responsibly: As Waymo expands its services, it prioritizes safety and rider experience, adjusting operations for winter conditions and ensuring vehicles are ready to operate in colder climates.
Waymo aims to provide dependable transportation year-round, particularly during winter, while continuing to develop and refine its autonomous driving technology.
48.TOON – Token Oriented Object Notation(TOON – Token Oriented Object Notation)
Token-Oriented Object Notation (TOON) Summary
TOON is a new format designed to efficiently pass structured data to Large Language Models (LLMs) while using fewer tokens than traditional formats like JSON. It is specifically for input to LLMs and is optimized for uniform complex objects, meaning data with multiple fields per row that share the same structure.
Key Features:
- Token Efficiency: Uses 30-60% fewer tokens than JSON.
- Readable Structure: Relies on whitespace for organization, making it easier to read.
- Minimal Syntax: Reduces punctuation, making the format cleaner.
- Tabular Arrays: Allows for defining keys once to avoid repetition in data rows.
Example Comparison:
-
JSON:
{ "users": [ { "id": 1, "name": "Alice", "role": "admin" }, { "id": 2, "name": "Bob", "role": "user" } ] }Token Count: 26,379 tokens
-
TOON:
users[2]{id,name,role}: 1,Alice,admin 2,Bob,userToken Count: 13,418 tokens
Performance Metrics:
- TOON saves significant tokens across various datasets compared to JSON and XML, achieving higher accuracy in data retrieval tasks.
- It performs well with uniform structures and large arrays, making it optimal for specific types of data.
Usage:
TOON is recommended for LLM inputs where both efficiency and human readability are crucial. It is not intended as a general-purpose replacement for JSON in APIs or data storage, but rather as a specialized format for structured data input.
Installation:
You can install TOON in various programming environments (e.g., npm, Python) with simple commands.
Conclusion:
TOON is a compact, efficient way to format structured data for LLMs, improving both token usage and readability, making it a valuable tool in AI applications.
49.Apple's Services Revenue Expected to Top $100B for First Time(Apple's Services Revenue Expected to Top $100B for First Time)
Apple's services revenue is projected to exceed $100 billion for the first time, reaching an estimated $108.6 billion for the past year, which is about 13% higher than last year. This revenue would be larger than the total annual sales of Disney or Tesla. Analysts suggest that services could represent a quarter of Apple's revenue and up to 50% of its profit.
Apple's services include the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, AppleCare, and Apple Pay, and it benefits from a significant deal with Google as the default search engine on Apple devices.
Despite facing legal challenges regarding its App Store practices, analysts expect the services segment to grow, especially as Apple expands into live sports, like its recent deal to stream Formula 1 races. By the end of the decade, services might account for over 30% of Apple's total revenue, potentially reaching $175 billion, while iPhone sales are expected to remain around 50% of the company's total revenue.
50.Pass-by-Value Overhead(Pass-by-Value Overhead)
Summary of "Quantifying Pass-By-Value Overhead"
The text discusses the performance implications of passing data in programming, specifically whether to use pass-by-value or pass-by-reference. The author, motivated by curiosity, conducted benchmarks to determine how efficient these methods are, particularly in C and x86 assembly.
Key Points:
-
Benchmarking Motivation: The author wanted to understand the cost of passing data by value and decided to create a graphing library and benchmarks for this purpose.
-
General Findings:
- Passing smaller structs (up to 256 bytes) by value is very efficient and uses specialized registers.
- For larger structs (over 256 bytes), the method
rep movsis used, which has performance issues.
-
Performance Insights:
- There's a noticeable performance drop when passing structs of specific sizes (e.g., 4065 bytes takes much longer than 4064 bytes).
- This issue seems related to the behavior of certain AMD CPUs, indicating a potential bug in their microcode.
-
Conclusions:
- Passing structs up to 256 bytes is cheap and quick.
- For larger structs, avoid sizes around 4046-4080 bytes and 8161-8176 bytes, especially on AMD Ryzen CPUs.
- The benchmarks allow passing millions of small structs quickly, but large ones can significantly slow down performance.
This summary simplifies the original text while retaining its essential findings and insights about data passing in programming.
51.JSON Query(JSON Query)
The writer is developing a tool that will allow users to query JSON documents. They appreciate the capabilities of jq for this task but struggle to create the necessary jq commands on their own. They are seeking advice from others who have faced similar challenges, asking what tools or languages they used to make this functionality accessible to users.
52.Fnox, a secret manager that pairs well with mise(Fnox, a secret manager that pairs well with mise)
Summary of fnox Announcement
A new secret management tool called fnox has been introduced to work with mise, enhancing how developers manage sensitive data.
Key Features of fnox:
- Secret Management: Handles encrypted secrets for various environments (development, CI/CD, production).
- Remote Storage: Supports cloud services like AWS Secrets Manager and Azure Key Vault, as well as password managers.
- Team Collaboration: Allows multiple users to access the same secrets securely, using individual keys.
- Developer-Friendly: Integrates easily into workflows with shell commands and offline functionality.
Why Use fnox?
- While mise offers basic secret management, fnox caters to more complex needs, providing secure and efficient access to sensitive information without slowing down the development process.
Getting Started:
- Installation and setup are straightforward, allowing users to create and manage secrets with simple commands.
Relationship with mise:
- fnox and mise operate independently but complement each other, with fnox focusing on secret management and mise handling environment configurations.
Conclusion:
fnox is designed to offer a robust solution for secret management in development workflows, addressing limitations of existing tools. For more information, users are directed to the GitHub page and documentation.
53.Stackful Coroutine Made Fast(Stackful Coroutine Made Fast)
The article "Stackful Coroutine Made Fast" discusses improvements in stackful coroutines, which are programming structures that allow functions to pause and resume execution. The focus is on making these coroutines faster, enhancing their efficiency and performance in programming tasks. The piece is brief and straightforward, aiming to explain these advancements in a clear way.
54.PSF has withdrawn $1.5M proposal to US Government grant program(PSF has withdrawn $1.5M proposal to US Government grant program)
Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to summarize.
55.Why I'm teaching kids to hack computers(Why I'm teaching kids to hack computers)
Summary: Why I’m Teaching Kids to Hack Computers
Paul Hudson reflects on his experiences as a teenager learning about computers through curiosity and experimentation. To provide a similar learning experience for today's youth, he created a game called Hacktivate, aimed at teaching kids aged 13 and older practical hacking skills in a fun and structured way.
Key Points:
- Learning Approach: Hacktivate includes 240 challenges that cover topics like SQL injection, cryptography, and steganography, combining elements from classic games with real-world cybersecurity skills.
- Addressing Gaps: Many existing hacking resources are either too theoretical, limited in access, or lack guidance. Hacktivate aims to fill these gaps by being engaging and providing structured learning.
- Game Design: The game is designed to run on Apple devices and consists of various challenges that teach data handling, cryptography, browser vulnerabilities, terminal commands, networking, and more, all within a safe, sandboxed environment.
- Privacy and Accessibility: The app is private with no ads or trackers. Future improvements include better screen reader support and potential leaderboard features.
- Goal: Hudson's aim is not to create hackers for malicious purposes, but to inspire interest in cybersecurity, helping kids learn skills that can protect themselves online.
Hacktivate is available on the App Store, offering 10 free tutorial challenges and a paid option to unlock additional content. Hudson hopes the game will make learning about cybersecurity enjoyable and equip students with valuable skills.
56.GLP-1 Therapeutics: Their Emerging Role in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders(GLP-1 Therapeutics: Their Emerging Role in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders)
No summary available.
57.Ordered – A sorted collection library for Zig(Ordered – A sorted collection library for Zig)
I created an early version of a library for sorted collections in Zig. Sorted collections keep data in a specific order and include structures like java.util.TreeMap in Java and std::map in C++. They are useful for quickly finding individual items and for range searches. You can find the library on GitHub at this link: GitHub Repository.
58.WorldGrow: Generating Infinite 3D World(WorldGrow: Generating Infinite 3D World)
Summary of WorldGrow: Generating Infinite 3D World
WorldGrow is a new method for creating endless 3D environments. It uses a structured approach to build these worlds starting from a small block and expanding through a process that combines larger overall layouts with detailed features. The generated spaces are designed for easy navigation.
Key points:
- WorldGrow allows for the generation of infinite, realistic 3D worlds.
- It grows environments from a single seed block through a hierarchical framework.
- The generated scenes are walkable and suited for planning and navigation.
- The project is currently under development, with plans for public code release and additional resources.
- A large-scale example of a generated indoor world is provided.
For more details, visit the project page for visuals and metrics.
59.Full details of how blockchain blocks are chained together(Full details of how blockchain blocks are chained together)
Summary: How Blocks Are Chained in a Blockchain
A blockchain connects blocks by including a cryptographic hash of the previous block. However, this explanation oversimplifies the process. In a detailed examination of two Bitcoin blocks (920993 and 920994), we find that block 920994 actually contains the hash of the header of block 920993, not the entire block.
The header of a Bitcoin block consists of specific bytes, starting with a unique magic number. The first 80 bytes are often referenced, but the complete header technically starts from the 5th byte to the 84th byte. To find the hash of the header, Bitcoin uses a double SHA256 hashing method.
When we compute the hash of block 920993’s header, we observe that the resulting hash ends with many zeros. This is due to the proof of work process miners must solve to add a block to the blockchain. The order of bytes in the hash is also reversed, known as little-endian format.
In summary, while the hash from one block is used in the header of the next, there are complexities behind the hashing process and how blocks are interconnected.
60.This World of Ours (2014) [pdf](This World of Ours (2014) [pdf])
The text discusses the author's thoughts on the complexities and absurdities of security research, using humor and sarcasm.
Key points include:
-
Confusing Topics: The author receives emails about cryptography and security that seem overly complicated and irrelevant to everyday concerns.
-
Security Research Critique: The author compares security researchers to athletes training for unrealistic scenarios, suggesting they focus too much on obscure threats rather than practical solutions like creating strong, memorable passwords.
-
Real-World Concerns: The text highlights the disconnect between security theories and real-world applications. For example, while researchers discuss advanced topics, the average person struggles with basic password management.
-
Threat Models: The author simplifies security threats into two categories: serious threats (like the Mossad) and everyday concerns (like an ex-partner hacking an email). He argues that most people can protect themselves with strong passwords and common sense.
-
Public Key Infrastructure: The author points out the complexities of implementing secure systems and criticizes the unrealistic assumptions made by researchers about public key systems and the ability of average users to manage them.
-
Humor and Reality: The author uses humor to express frustration with the impracticalities of security practices and the need for more user-friendly solutions in technology.
In conclusion, the author calls for a shift in focus among security researchers to prioritize practical, accessible solutions that address real user needs.
61.Why Nigeria accepted GMOs(Why Nigeria accepted GMOs)
The article discusses the rising acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria and the Global South, particularly in response to challenges like climate change and food security.
Key points include:
-
Historical Context: Agriculture has evolved over thousands of years, with humans selecting seeds for better crops. Today, the challenge is to increase food production while using fewer resources.
-
Climate Change: Agriculture faces threats from climate change, which reduces arable land and water availability, while the global population continues to grow.
-
Genetic Technology: Advances in genetics and gene editing, such as CRISPR, allow scientists to create improved crop varieties that can resist drought and pests, leading to higher yields with less environmental impact.
-
Nigeria's Adoption of GMOs: Previously resistant to GM crops, Nigeria approved the cultivation of Bt cowpea in 2019, which has been successful and economically beneficial. This was followed by the introduction of TELA maize, designed to be drought-resistant and pest-resistant.
-
Public Trust and Education: Successful adoption of GM technology requires public education and trust in regulatory bodies. Nigeria has made efforts to involve farmers in the process and ensure safety and transparency.
-
Need vs. Choice: Unlike the Global North, where there is more choice regarding agricultural practices, Nigeria faces urgent needs due to food insecurity, driving the adoption of GM technology.
-
Global Trends: Other countries in the Global South are also beginning to accept GMOs, and global agricultural practices are interconnected, with GM crops being imported even by countries that do not grow them.
-
Conclusion: As nations like Nigeria adopt GM technology, it highlights the importance of managing the challenges that arise from new agricultural technologies and integrating them into everyday life for better food security and sustainability.
The article suggests that fostering democratic accountability can help build public trust in GM technology, which is crucial for its broader acceptance.
62.Avoid 2:00 and 3:00 am cron jobs (2013)(Avoid 2:00 and 3:00 am cron jobs (2013))
Summary:
Avoid scheduling cron jobs for 2:00 am or 3:00 am on Sundays (or any other Sunday mornings) because of issues with daylight saving time changes. When these changes occur, cron jobs may run multiple times in quick succession, causing confusion and extra emails. For example, jobs running at 3:00 am might execute many times when daylight saving time starts or ends.
To prevent this issue, consider setting your server's timezone to UTC, which avoids daylight saving changes altogether. Alternatively, the best solution would be to eliminate daylight saving time completely. Until better job scheduling tools are widely adopted, it’s safest to avoid scheduling cron jobs during these hours.
63.Rust cross-platform GPUI components(Rust cross-platform GPUI components)
GPUI Component Overview
GPUI Component is a toolkit for creating desktop applications using Rust. Here are the main features:
- Rich UI Components: Offers over 60 cross-platform UI components inspired by macOS and Windows designs.
- User-Friendly: Simple, stateless components that are easy to use.
- Customizable Themes: Supports multiple themes and configurations.
- Flexible Layouts: Allows for various panel arrangements and resizing options.
- High Performance: Designed for efficient handling of large data sets with virtualized tables and lists.
- Content Support: Can render Markdown and basic HTML natively.
- Charting Tools: Includes built-in charts for data visualization.
- Code Editor: A powerful code editor supporting up to 200,000 lines with features like syntax highlighting.
Application Example: The first application built with GPUI Component is Longbridge Pro, showcasing multi-theme support.
Development Status: GPUI and GPUI Component are still being developed. Users need to add dependencies manually for use.
WebView Feature: An experimental WebView element is available, requiring specific feature flags to enable.
Icon Support: Icons are included, but users can add their own SVG files as needed.
Comparison with Other Frameworks: GPUI Component is compared with other frameworks like Iced and QT, highlighting its unique features like modern UI style, chart support, and syntax highlighting using Tree Sitter.
License: The toolkit is licensed under Apache 2.0.
For more examples and details, users are encouraged to explore the gallery and documentation provided.
64.Erdos – open-source, AI data science IDE(Erdos – open-source, AI data science IDE)
Jorge and Will from Lotas have created Erdos, an open-source data science IDE that uses AI. This tool is designed to support Python, R, SQL, and Julia, making it suitable for the entire data science community.
Key features of Erdos include:
- An AI that can read, write, and search across various file types.
- Built-in consoles for Python, R, and Julia.
- A plot pane to organize visualizations.
- A database pane for SQL and FTP data sources.
- An environment pane for managing variables and packages.
- Access to documentation for Python, R, and Julia.
- Remote development capabilities via SSH or containers.
- An AI assistant with easy sign-in options.
Erdos aims to provide a user-friendly experience for data scientists, as they often find existing IDEs more geared towards software developers. You can try Erdos and check out its source code on their website and GitHub. Feedback from users is welcome to improve the tool further.
65.Dlog – Journaling and AI coach that learns what drives wellbeing (Mac)(Dlog – Journaling and AI coach that learns what drives wellbeing (Mac))
Johan has created Dlog, a journaling app that includes an AI coach to help users track their personality, daily experiences, and well-being over time. This app is based on his PhD research in entrepreneurial well-being.
How Dlog Works:
- Users can journal and set goals; the app analyzes entries for sentiment and updates a personal model.
- It uses a structural equation model (SEM) to assess what factors influence well-being each week.
- The AI Coach provides personalized advice based on the user's data, such as optimal times for work.
Problems Addressed:
- Many AI coaches offer generic advice without considering individual personalities.
- Traditional journaling doesn't reveal patterns affecting well-being.
- Existing well-being apps often overlook personal differences.
Research Insights: Johan's research showed that personality traits and other factors interact uniquely for each person over time. Dlog aims to learn from these unique interactions rather than providing average solutions.
Key Features:
- Dlog combines local journaling with weekly analytics.
- Users receive tailored suggestions based on their goals and experiences.
User Feedback: Initial users reported positive outcomes, such as improved mood and productivity by adjusting work schedules based on insights from their journaling.
Technical Details:
- The app is available on macOS and stores data locally.
- The AI Coach uses advanced reasoning without sending raw journal entries off the device.
- Users have control over what data the Coach accesses.
Feedback Request: Johan is seeking feedback on the onboarding process, the usefulness of the Coach's guidance, and the accuracy of analytics.
Availability: Dlog is free for the first 14 days, then costs $1.99 per month. However, HN readers can get a free lifetime license by contacting Johan directly.
For a demo, visit: Dlog Demo Video or download the app at dlog.pro.
66.Your vibe coded slop PR is not welcome(Your vibe coded slop PR is not welcome)
The rise of AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot has made it easier to generate code quickly, but this has created challenges for open-source maintainers. Reviewing AI-generated code can be very time-consuming, which detracts from the time maintainers could spend on valuable contributions.
To manage this situation, a clear framework is needed for AI-assisted contributions. This framework should differentiate between two types of submissions:
- Prototypes - These are quick demos that showcase ideas but do not meet coding standards and may have issues. They are meant for exploration and discussion.
- Ready-to-review Pull Requests (PRs) - These are complete, tested contributions that adhere to project guidelines and are prepared for thorough review.
Maintainers should protect their time by focusing on whether a submission is a prototype or a complete PR. Prototypes should not be submitted as PRs; instead, contributors should share them as branches or through videos to communicate their ideas without overwhelming maintainers.
Prototyping has become more accessible, allowing various roles, including product managers and designers, to experiment with ideas. However, teams should carefully consider when to use prototypes and how to label them to avoid confusion and resentment.
In summary, while AI tools can enhance creativity and speed, it's crucial for contributors to respect the review process and maintainers' time by clearly distinguishing between prototypes and proper contributions.
67.Microsoft in court for allegedly misleading Australians over 365 subscriptions(Microsoft in court for allegedly misleading Australians over 365 subscriptions)
On October 27, 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it is taking Microsoft Australia and its parent company to court. The case involves about 2.7 million Australian customers who may have been misled about subscription options and price increases related to Microsoft 365 after the introduction of the AI assistant, Copilot.
The ACCC claims that since October 31, 2024, Microsoft informed subscribers of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans that they must either accept a higher price with Copilot integrated or cancel their subscription. However, there was a third option—the "Classic" plans—that allowed customers to keep their existing features at a lower price without Copilot, but this option was not clearly communicated.
Microsoft's messages did not mention the Classic plans. Subscribers only discovered this option after starting the cancellation process. The ACCC believes that Microsoft hid this information to push more customers onto the higher-priced plans.
Since the integration of Copilot, the price of the Microsoft 365 Personal plan increased by 45% (from $109 to $159), and the Family plan increased by 29% (from $139 to $179). The ACCC is seeking penalties and compensation for affected consumers who may have incurred economic harm due to misleading information.
The case focuses on Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans for home use, not for businesses. The maximum penalties for such breaches of Australian Consumer Law could be substantial, depending on the court’s decision.
The ACCC urges businesses to provide accurate information about their services to avoid breaching consumer laws.
68.Artificial Writing and Automated Detection [pdf](Artificial Writing and Automated Detection [pdf])
Summary of NBER Working Paper on AI Writing Detection
This working paper by Brian Jabarian and Alex Imas discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for generating written content and the need for effective detection methods to distinguish between human-written and AI-generated text. Key points include:
-
Importance of Detection: As AI-generated text becomes more common in various fields, like education and consumer reviews, there is a growing need to ensure authenticity in written work. Effective detection can help uphold standards in assignments and reviews.
-
Key Metrics: The paper focuses on two critical statistics for evaluating detection tools:
- False Negative Rate (FNR): The percentage of AI-generated text incorrectly identified as human.
- False Positive Rate (FPR): The percentage of human-written text incorrectly identified as AI-generated.
-
Evaluation of Tools: The authors assess several AI detection tools, including three commercial ones (Pangram, OriginalityAI, and GPTZero) and one open-source tool (RoBERTa). Results show that Pangram significantly outperforms the others, achieving very low FNR and FPR rates across different types of text, including short passages.
-
Policy Framework: The paper introduces a framework that allows decision-makers to set tolerances (policy caps) for acceptable levels of false positives and negatives based on their specific needs. Pangram is highlighted as the only tool that meets strict detection requirements effectively.
-
Trade-offs in Policy Design: Detecting AI-generated text involves trade-offs. A lower detection threshold might catch more AI text but could also flag more human text incorrectly. The choice of threshold depends on the policy goals—whether minimizing false negatives or false positives is prioritized.
-
Future Considerations: The authors emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptation of detection tools as AI technology evolves. They suggest that regular audits of detection tool performance should be implemented to adjust policies and maintain effective standards.
This research provides essential insights for institutions and businesses looking to implement AI detection tools while navigating the complexities of AI-generated writing.
69.Eight Million Copies of Moby-Dick (2014)(Eight Million Copies of Moby-Dick (2014))
Nicolas Mugavero's Eight Million Copies of Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is a unique book where every page features only grayscale patterns instead of text. Initially confusing, it mimics the title page of Herman Melville’s original Moby Dick, creating an expectation for readers. As one reads, they may feel frustrated by the repetitive patterns, similar to Captain Ahab's obsession with the whale.
The book serves as a commentary on the reader's quest for meaning, challenging us to reflect on our persistence and ego. The experience can be likened to taking a misleading IQ test, where the more effort you put in, the less you gain. Ultimately, Mugavero's work invites readers to confront their own motivations and expectations rather than directly discussing Moby Dick. It is both a frustrating and insightful exploration of the reading experience itself.
70.Life next to 199 data centres(Life next to 199 data centres)
In Loudoun County, Virginia, home to 199 data centers, residents face noise pollution and rising electricity costs due to these facilities. While data centers provide significant economic benefits, contributing billions to the local economy and creating thousands of jobs, many locals are concerned about their impact on quality of life. The centers, which take up a considerable amount of land, disrupt the environment and threaten the peaceful suburban lifestyle that residents cherish. Despite opposition from locals, the data center industry is supported by powerful advocates, including government officials, who see their potential for economic growth, especially in the growing field of artificial intelligence. Residents like Emily Kasabian are actively lobbying against new developments, fearing that the rapid expansion of data centers will continue to erode their community's charm and livability.
71.Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics (2014)(Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics (2014))
Summary of "Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics"
This text, authored by Gerald Jay Sussman and Jack Wisdom, serves as a comprehensive guide to classical mechanics. It is organized into several key sections:
-
Lagrangian Mechanics: Discusses concepts such as configuration spaces, generalized coordinates, and the principle of stationary action. It also covers the derivation and computation of Lagrange's equations, conservation laws, and constrained motion.
-
Rigid Bodies: Focuses on the dynamics of rigid bodies, including rotational kinetic energy, moments of inertia, and Euler's equations for motion.
-
Hamiltonian Mechanics: Introduces Hamilton's equations and the concept of phase space. It explains the evolution of dynamical systems and includes topics like Poisson brackets and phase space reduction.
-
Phase Space Structure: Examines the properties of phase space, including stability, integrable systems, and the Poincaré-Birkhoff theorem.
-
Canonical Transformations: Covers transformations that preserve the structure of Hamiltonian mechanics and introduces generating functions.
-
Canonical Evolution: Discusses the Hamilton-Jacobi equation and various methods for analyzing time evolution in dynamical systems.
-
Canonical Perturbation Theory: Explores perturbation methods and their application to systems with multiple degrees of freedom, including resonances.
The text includes various appendices, references, and exercises to reinforce learning. It is a valuable resource for anyone studying classical mechanics, emphasizing both theoretical concepts and practical applications.
72.Tags to make HTML work like you expect(Tags to make HTML work like you expect)
This text discusses essential HTML tags that help ensure a website behaves as expected in a browser. Here are the key points:
-
DOCTYPE Declaration: The
<!doctype html>tag is crucial for preventing browsers from entering quirks mode, which can cause inconsistent rendering and layout issues. -
Language Attribute: The
<html lang="en">tag specifies the document's language, helping browsers and tools provide better accessibility, search indexing, and translation. -
Character Encoding: The
<meta charset="utf-8">tag informs the browser how to correctly display text, ensuring that special characters and symbols appear properly. -
Viewport Tag: The
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0">tag is important for responsive design, ensuring that a website displays correctly on mobile devices. -
Common Mistakes: The author shares personal experiences of forgetting to include these tags and how it led to issues with display and functionality.
In summary, including these HTML tags helps create a more reliable and user-friendly web experience.
73.Let the little guys in: A context sharing runtime for the personalised web(Let the little guys in: A context sharing runtime for the personalised web)
The text discusses the need for a new way to manage personal data on the web, focusing on trust and the limitations of current systems.
Key points include:
-
Ease of Tool Creation: It's easier than ever to create small tools thanks to platforms like npm, but trusting these tools with sensitive data (like bank statements) is challenging.
-
Context Sharing: Current systems, like OAuth, don’t sufficiently allow users to control how their data is used. Instead of restricting which apps can access data, we should control where that data can go.
-
Unmet Computing Needs: Many users have specific features they want in apps (e.g., enhanced banking apps) that are often ignored by large companies focusing on profitability.
-
Open Source Potential: People often rely on open-source software but it is frequently outperformed by polished proprietary alternatives.
-
Data Ownership Issues: Most personal data is held by a few large companies, making it hard for users to feel secure about their information.
-
Trust as a Barrier: Users are hesitant to grant access to their data due to fears of misuse by apps, particularly new or unknown developers.
-
Creating a Safe Environment: The author suggests developing a runtime environment that ensures sensitive data isn’t stored or transmitted without consent. This could empower small developers to create tailored applications without compromising user privacy.
-
Community and Adoption: For this new approach to succeed, it will require an active community of tech users and a polished product that appeals to a broader audience.
In summary, to innovate in personal computing and data management, we need a secure, trustworthy environment that empowers users and small developers while ensuring data privacy.
74.Write Go code in JavaScript files(Write Go code in JavaScript files)
I created a Vite plugin that allows you to write Go code inside .js files by using a "use golang" directive. It automatically compiles the Go code to WebAssembly.
75.It's insulting to read AI-generated blog posts(It's insulting to read AI-generated blog posts)
The author expresses frustration with AI-generated content, feeling it's disrespectful to readers. They argue that writing should reflect personal thoughts and experiences, which AI cannot replicate. The author encourages people to embrace their mistakes and learn from them, rather than relying on AI for tasks like writing or grammar checks. They emphasize the importance of genuine human connection and asking for help when needed, as smart individuals understand the value of collaboration. The message advocates for using AI only for quantitative tasks and stresses that authentic thoughts come from real experiences.
76.Git Auto Commit (GAC) – LLM-powered Git commit command line tool(Git Auto Commit (GAC) – LLM-powered Git commit command line tool)
GAC is a tool designed to help users quickly create git commit messages based on their code changes, allowing them to focus more on building rather than summarizing work. It can replace the standard git commit -m "..." command.
Key features include:
- Contextual Commit Messages: Automatically generates detailed commit messages from recent code changes.
- Reroll Option: If users don't like the generated message, they can easily regenerate it with feedback.
- Easy Setup: You can try it without installation using
uvx gac initto set it up. - Provider Support: Works with 14 different providers, both local and cloud-based.
- Verbosity Modes: Offers standard, one-liner, or detailed message formats.
- Secret Detection: Checks for sensitive information like API keys before committing.
- Automation Flags: Includes options for guiding commit messages and automatically staging files.
Users are encouraged to try it out and provide feedback. More information is available on its GitHub page.
77.AI can code, but it can't build software(AI can code, but it can't build software)
No summary available.
78.The last European train that travels by sea(The last European train that travels by sea)
The article discusses a unique train-ferry service in Italy that connects the mainland to Sicily through the Strait of Messina. This service, known as the Intercity Notte, allows passenger trains to travel by ferry, making it the last of its kind in Europe. The crossing is a scenic and culturally significant journey for many travelers, including locals who value the connection it provides to their homes.
However, this traditional ferry service is at risk due to plans for a €13.5 billion suspension bridge that the Italian government aims to build over the strait by 2032-2033. While supporters see the bridge as progress, critics worry it may divert resources from more pressing infrastructure needs in southern Italy and could negatively impact the community and environment.
Passengers cherish the ferry experience, which includes rituals like enjoying local food and engaging with fellow travelers. The future of the train-ferry connection remains uncertain, as many locals are skeptical about the bridge's construction and its potential benefits. For now, the scenic and nostalgic ferry crossing remains a beloved part of the journey between mainland Italy and Sicily.
79.MyraOS – My 32-bit operating system in C and ASM (Hack Club project)(MyraOS – My 32-bit operating system in C and ASM (Hack Club project))
Dvir, a young developer, was motivated to enhance his low-level programming skills after being rejected from a job due to a lack of CPU knowledge. He embarked on a journey to create an operating system (OS) using C and assembly language (ASM) to deepen his understanding.
He spent significant time studying OS theory, reading books, online blogs, and watching videos. Key resources included OSDev Wiki and OSTEP. Dvir faced challenges transitioning from theory to coding, starting with a bootloader and then developing components like a VGA driver, keyboard driver, memory management, file system (EXT2), and a shell.
While working on his OS, he participated in Hack Club's Summer of Making (SoM), which motivated him to further enhance his project by adding a graphical user interface (GUI) and even porting Doom. Over almost seven months, he tackled various debugging challenges, particularly with process management and memory issues. Ultimately, he successfully shipped his project and learned a great deal throughout the process.
Dvir expressed gratitude for the experience and the motivation provided by SoM, and he invited others to discuss his project, MyraOS, which is available on GitHub.
80.An overengineered solution to `sort | uniq -c` with 25x throughput (hist)(An overengineered solution to `sort | uniq -c` with 25x throughput (hist))
Today, I remembered an old shell script for counting unique lines in a file and decided to rewrite it in Rust. I ended up achieving 25 times faster performance compared to the basic method using coreutils, along with improvements over existing tools.
Key improvements included:
- Using the CSV library (serde) for writing, which greatly increased speed.
- Implementing arena allocation for incoming keys and storing references in the hashmap instead of the full values. This reduced memory allocations and likely improved efficiency, though I didn't measure it.
The program also includes some regex features and built-in table filtering. Happy coding!
81.Corrosion(Corrosion)
Summary:
Fly.io has developed a system called Corrosion, which transforms Docker containers into micro-VMs called Fly Machines. The main challenge in running this platform is synchronizing data across servers globally.
On September 1, 2024, a major outage occurred when a new configuration caused every proxy in the network to freeze, preventing any requests from reaching customer applications. This was due to a bug in the code related to managing concurrent tasks.
To improve their system, Fly.io created Corrosion, which avoids traditional centralized databases and uses a unique model where individual servers manage their own workloads. This allows for better scalability across different regions without bottlenecking.
Corrosion operates like a global routing database, inspired by existing routing protocols. It uses a gossip protocol to efficiently share updates across servers, allowing them to remain synchronized without the need for a central authority or complex consensus protocols.
While Corrosion simplifies many processes, it has faced challenges, such as issues caused by schema changes and dependencies on other systems. To address these, Fly.io has implemented better monitoring and backup strategies and is moving towards a regionalized architecture to limit the impact of potential failures.
Overall, Corrosion has proven to be a fast and efficient solution for managing distributed state without the complications of traditional systems, allowing engineers at Fly.io to focus on building and improving their services.
82.Unexpected patterns in historical astronomical observations(Unexpected patterns in historical astronomical observations)
Researchers at Nordita, Stockholm University, have found unexpected patterns in historical astronomical observations from the early 1950s. They analyzed flashes of light on photographic plates and discovered links between these flashes, nuclear weapons tests, and reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).
Key findings include:
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Increased Flashes After Tests: The study shows that flashes of light were 68% more likely to occur the day after a nuclear weapons test. Additionally, the number of flashes increased by 8.5% for each report of UAP.
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Extraterrestrial Artifact Search: Another study looked for signs of possible extraterrestrial objects before the launch of the first human satellite in 1957. They identified instances of multiple flashes along a line, which could indicate reflective objects in motion.
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Flashes in Earth's Shadow: The research also found that one-third of the observed flashes were missing in the Earth's shadow, suggesting they were reflections from highly reflective objects rather than natural phenomena.
These findings challenge previous assumptions about the nature of these flashes, indicating that they may be real objects rather than just defects or noise on the photographic plates. The studies suggest a need for further investigation into these phenomena.
83.Recall for Linux(Recall for Linux)
Recall for Linux Summary
Recall for Linux is a tool designed for users who miss certain features from Windows, such as data tracking and convenience. Here are the main points:
- Data Storage: It keeps sensitive information in an easy-to-access database.
- Monitoring: It captures screenshots of your activities all the time.
- OCR Feature: Converts images into text.
- Communication Storage: Keeps records of what friends tell you in chats or emails.
Installation requires user consent, as it can't be done automatically. You can install it by pasting a command into the terminal.
Upcoming features include:
- Encryption (delayed until 2028)
- AI enhancements
- Monetization for the developers
- Webcam and audio recording
- Automatic cloud data uploads
Overall, the tool aims to replicate Windows-like monitoring on Linux, with a focus on capturing and storing various types of data.
84.Are these real CVEs? VulDB entries for dnsmasq rely on replacing config files(Are these real CVEs? VulDB entries for dnsmasq rely on replacing config files)
The email discusses concerns about newly published security vulnerabilities (CVE's) related to dnsmasq. Moritz Mühlenhoff points out that the reported exploits require replacing the default configuration file, which is a straightforward action that makes the vulnerabilities less significant. He mentions that similar issues were found with the Kamailio SIP server as well. The email is part of a larger discussion on the mailing list regarding these questionable CVE reports.
85.FDD – Diskettes(FDD – Diskettes)
The text contains messages indicating that access is denied in multiple languages, including German, English, Russian, and Polish. Each phrase essentially communicates that entry is not allowed.
86.Inside an Isotemp OCXO107-10 Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator(Inside an Isotemp OCXO107-10 Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator)
Summary of Isotemp OCXO107-10 Oscillator Insights
Overview of the Isotemp OCXO107-10:
- The author purchased the Isotemp OCXO107-10 for $5 at a flea market.
- It is larger than typical oscillators, which helps maintain frequency stability in varying temperatures.
- It operates at a 5 MHz output, unlike the more common 10 MHz found in modern devices.
Research Findings:
- Information was gathered from the time-nuts community, revealing these units were once worth over $1000.
- The OCXO107-10 is related to older units from CTS Knights and was used by Lucent.
- There’s a reference voltage pin for tuning the output frequency, although it can be noisy.
Setup and Testing:
- The oscillator connects via a DE-9 connector for power and an SMA connector for output.
- Initial power consumption was around 320 mA, dropping to about 69 mA after stabilization.
- Output power measured at -1.80 dBm; some variations from the datasheet were noted.
- The unit requires about a week to stabilize properly.
Internal Structure:
- The oscillator is housed in a Dewar flask, which helps insulate against temperature changes but makes it fragile.
- The internal design includes a heating element and components for temperature regulation.
Future Plans:
- The author plans to conduct long-term comparative measurements of various OCXOs but needs a more efficient power supply to do so, as the current setup is power-intensive.
87.Gitworkshop.dev – Collaborate on code over Nostr(Gitworkshop.dev – Collaborate on code over Nostr)
I'm sorry, but I can't access external links. However, if you provide the text from the link or main points you want summarized, I'd be happy to help!
88.Pre-emptive Z80 multitasking explainer(Pre-emptive Z80 multitasking explainer)
Summary:
The program for the Z80 computer demonstrates multitasking by allowing up to eight tasks to run simultaneously. When an interrupt occurs, the current task's data is saved, and the next task's data is loaded. This process, called task swapping, takes about 430 clock cycles, which is the fastest it can be done. However, there are limitations on the size of the task stacks and the total number of tasks, and more tasks can slow down performance. Interrupts are set to occur around 50 times per second, and a special add-on board is needed to generate these interrupts. The code is specifically for the TEC-1G Z80 computer and uses Mon3 as its monitor, with the task swapping routine located at address 0892H.
89.IP address truncation is not anonymization(IP address truncation is not anonymization)
Summary: Why IP Address Truncation Fails at Anonymization
IP address truncation, a common practice where the last part of an IP address is removed (e.g., turning 192.168.1.42 into 192.168.1.0), is widely used to comply with GDPR by supposedly anonymizing data. However, truncated IPs still qualify as personal data under GDPR, which poses significant privacy risks.
Key issues with truncation include:
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False Sense of Security: Truncation does not effectively anonymize users, as it can still allow for identification, especially when combined with other data. Regulatory bodies have ruled that truncated IPs remain identifiable.
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Technical Flaws: Truncation incorrectly assumes that removing parts of an IP address provides anonymity. In small networks, the remaining data can often point back to a specific individual. This issue is even worse with IPv6 due to its vast address space, where a single household might have access to a large number of addresses.
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Legal Implications: Organizations that treat truncated IPs as non-personal data risk violating GDPR regulations, especially concerning consent and data sharing.
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Ineffective Alternatives: Other methods like simple hashing and generic encryption do not meet practical needs for anonymization and often introduce new issues.
The recommended solution is IPCrypt, a cryptographic method designed to securely encrypt IP addresses while preserving their format. IPCrypt offers proper protection, ensuring that without the secret key, the original IP cannot be retrieved. It is already adopted by major platforms and offers significant advantages over truncation.
Organizations using IP truncation should stop this practice, recognize its limitations, and switch to reliable encryption methods like IPCrypt to ensure actual privacy protection for users.
90.Sphere Computer – The Innovative 1970s Computer Company Everyone Forgot(Sphere Computer – The Innovative 1970s Computer Company Everyone Forgot)
Summary:
The webpage is dedicated to the history of the Sphere Corporation and its product, the Sphere 1 computer, which was launched in 1975 in Utah. Created by Mike Wise, the Sphere 1 was an early all-in-one microcomputer that faced challenges such as delays and usability issues. The company went out of business in 1977, and the Sphere computer became largely forgotten, despite its innovative design that foreshadowed later mass-market computers.
Ben Zotto, a historian and engineer, is documenting the Sphere's story and has created a virtual emulator for the Sphere 1, along with new hardware and games. He invites anyone with Sphere-related materials or stories to get in touch, as much of the history is still not fully archived.
For more information, you can contact Ben at [email protected].
91.You already have a Git server(You already have a Git server)
If you have a git repository on a server with SSH access, you can easily clone it using:
git clone ssh://username@hostname/path/to/repo
You can work on the code locally and push changes back to the server. To allow pushing to the currently checked-out branch, run this command on the server:
git config receive.denyCurrentBranch updateInstead
This setup helps sync code across multiple computers and manage server files efficiently. To publish your code, clone the repository with:
git clone https://hostname/path/to/repo/.git
You can simplify the URL by configuring the server or renaming the .git folder, but if you do, remember to run:
git update-server-info
To automate this process, set up a git hook on the server:
-
Copy the sample hook:
cp .git/hooks/post-update.sample .git/hooks/post-update chmod a+x .git/hooks/post-update -
Modify the hook to run a static site generator:
cat > .git/hooks/post-update <<EOF #!/bin/sh set -euo pipefail cd /path/to/site /path/to/generator EOF chmod a+x .git/hooks/post-update
This method allows you to write posts locally without delays and automatically updates the server. Your work is backed up on both your laptop and the server, and git helps track changes and prevent accidental deletions.
92.Are-we-fast-yet implementations in Oberon, C++, C, Pascal, Micron and Luon(Are-we-fast-yet implementations in Oberon, C++, C, Pascal, Micron and Luon)
This repository contains extra versions of the Are-we-fast-yet benchmark suite. You can find the main version at this link: https://github.com/smarr/are-we-fast-yet. For more details, check the ORIGINAL_README.md file in this repository. Each extra version is located in its own subfolder, like "Cpp", "Oberon", and "FreePascal."
93.Node.js 24 is LTS now(Node.js 24 is LTS now)
Node.js v24.10.0 Summary
-
Release Date: October 8, 2025
-
Notable Changes:
- Added a new option for stream inspection in the console.
- Removed the
util.getCallSitefunction from the library. - Introduced an authorization API for SQLite.
-
Recent Commits:
- Various performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Updates to dependencies, including upgrading OpenSSL and npm.
- Documentation updates, such as clarifying usage for .env files and providing examples for reverse proxies.
-
Download Links:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux installers and binaries are available for different architectures, including 64-bit and ARM.
- Source code is also available for download.
-
Documentation: Further details can be found on the Node.js documentation website.
This release includes several minor improvements and optimizations aimed at enhancing performance and usability for developers.
94.Carl Bohland's Auto Wash Bowl (2015)(Carl Bohland's Auto Wash Bowl (2015))
The provided link leads to a blog that discusses the "auto wash bowl," featuring interesting images. However, it is noted that the source is considered blogspam.
95.Movycat – A terminal movie player written in Zig(Movycat – A terminal movie player written in Zig)
Summary of movycat
movycat is a tool that allows you to play videos directly in your terminal with full RGB color. It uses ANSI half block characters for video frames and plays audio through SDL2. It supports various video formats like .mp4, .avi, and more, as long as FFmpeg can decode them.
How to Use movycat:
- Command:
movycat -f|-file <filename> [-w|-width <width>] [-h|-height <height>] [-a] - Options:
-f: Specify the video file to play.-w,-h: Set optional output dimensions while keeping the aspect ratio.-a: Show video on an alternate screen to preserve the terminal state.-help: Display help and movycat logo.
Controls:
- ESC: Quit
- SPACE: Pause
- CURSOR RIGHT: Skip forward 5 seconds
- CURSOR LEFT: Skip backward 5 seconds
- Use vim keys:
lto skip forward andhto skip backward. - Press
ito toggle the info overlay.
Why movycat? It showcases the capabilities of the movy rendering engine, which can display visuals and video frames with real-time effects.
Technical Details:
- Written in Zig.
- Requires FFmpeg and SDL2 libraries.
- Tested on macOS and Ubuntu.
Installation Instructions:
- macOS:
brew install ffmpeg sdl2 - Ubuntu:
sudo apt install libavformat-dev libavcodec-dev libavutil-dev libswscale-dev libswresample-dev libsdl2-dev
Building:
Run zig build -Drelease-fast to compile.
96.It's not always DNS(It's not always DNS)
The author introduces a new guideline to help avoid misattributing issues to DNS (Domain Name System). The rule states: if you can replace "DNS" with "key value store mapping a name to an IP" and it still makes sense, then it’s not actually a DNS problem.
While the joke "It’s always DNS" may be amusing, it can stop critical thinking when troubleshooting. DNS issues are often the first things noticed, but they aren't always the real problem. Many connectivity failures or issues caused by automation bugs should not be blamed on DNS, as these problems would occur regardless of how name-to-IP mappings are handled.
Although DNS can have its own specific issues, like disagreements between different DNS servers or problems caused by DNSSEC, the author believes we should approach troubleshooting with more critical thinking rather than jumping to blame DNS.
97.How I turned Zig into my favorite language to write network programs in(How I turned Zig into my favorite language to write network programs in)
The author shares their journey of discovering and adopting the Zig programming language for network programming. Initially skeptical, they became intrigued after seeing a Zig implementation of a familiar algorithm. Looking to improve their AcoustID project, they decided to rewrite it using Zig and found it enjoyable and more efficient than the previous C++ version.
While facing challenges in adding a server interface, the author decided to implement a clustered server layer using Zig. This led to the creation of Zio, a library for asynchronous I/O and concurrency in Zig. Zio simplifies writing asynchronous code by using stackful coroutines, making it resemble synchronous programming, which eases state management.
Zio supports fully asynchronous network and file I/O and offers synchronization tools like mutexes and condition variables. It performs exceptionally well, often faster than similar frameworks in Go and Rust. The author is excited about Zio’s capabilities and plans to enhance their NATS client and develop a HTTP client/server library using Zio in the future.
98.You are how you act(You are how you act)
The modern American self is influenced by two Enlightenment thinkers: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Benjamin Franklin. Rousseau believed we are born good but corrupted by society, while Franklin thought that people are defined by their actions, with virtue being a habit rather than an inherent trait.
In practice, Americans often switch between these views. Rousseau's idea is used when seeking forgiveness for intentions, while Franklin's is invoked for accountability based on actions. Although these philosophies seem contradictory, they coexist because both flatter our intentions and ambitions.
The phrase "fake it until you make it" aligns more with Franklin's perspective. It suggests that consistent actions shape character more than inner feelings. Rousseau encourages self-reflection, whereas Franklin emphasizes progress and the ability to take action.
The author prefers Franklin's model because it empowers individuals to take control of their actions, even if they can't change their feelings. Ultimately, it's the actions we take that define us.
99.We saved $500k per year by rolling our own "S3"(We saved $500k per year by rolling our own "S3")
No summary available.
100.Wren: A classy little scripting language(Wren: A classy little scripting language)
Wren is a small, fast scripting language that combines features from Smalltalk, Lua, and Erlang, using a modern syntax.
Key points about Wren:
- Size: Wren's implementation is under 4,000 lines of code, making it easy to read and understand.
- Speed: It has a quick compiler that converts code into efficient bytecode, allowing it to compete well with other dynamic languages.
- Class-based: Wren emphasizes classes in its object model, providing a clear structure for programming.
- Concurrent: It uses lightweight fibers, which allow for organized multitasking within programs.
- Scripting Focus: Wren is designed for embedding in applications, has no dependencies, and offers a simple C API. It can compile to C99, C++98, or later versions.
You can try Wren in your browser, and there are opportunities to contribute to its development.