Summary:

Alastair Roberts built a portable synthesizer for his daughter’s third birthday. The device features four sliders to control pitch, an onboard synth module, and an OLED screen with a dancing panda. It is designed to be child-friendly and encourages creativity.

Inspired by a Montessori activity board his daughter received, Alastair used a 15-year-old Arduino kit to create a simple MIDI controller, gradually adding features like audio synthesis, visual feedback, and a custom enclosure. He learned about microcontrollers, CAD, PCB design, and 3D printing along the way.

After several iterations, including moving from a breadboard to a printed circuit board, he improved the power supply system for better performance. The final product is functional and appealing, and his daughter enjoys using it.

Alastair sees potential for a marketable version of the synthesizer, but recognizes challenges in production and safety certification. He views this project as a learning experience and is considering future steps, like creating an open-source version or a Kickstarter campaign. He welcomes advice from anyone with experience in bringing hardware products to market.

FreeMDU Summary

FreeMDU is an open-source project that provides tools for communicating with Miele appliances through their optical diagnostic interface. This offers a free alternative to Miele's proprietary Diagnostic Utility, which is only for registered technicians. Many Miele appliances made after 1996 have an infrared diagnostic interface, but accessing it traditionally required an expensive adapter and closed software.

Key Components of FreeMDU:

1. Protocol: A library for the core communication protocols.
2. TUI: A terminal-based tool for diagnostics and testing.
3. Home: Firmware for a communication adapter that integrates with home automation systems like Home Assistant.

Supported Devices: FreeMDU supports various Miele devices, identifiable by unique software IDs. While a full list of compatible models isn't provided, several specific devices are confirmed to work. If your appliance isn’t listed, you can check its software ID for compatibility.

Getting Started:

• Install the Rust toolchain.
• Build a communication adapter for your device.
• Choose how you want to use FreeMDU: for diagnostics, home automation integration, or custom software development.

Disclaimer: FreeMDU is an independent project and is not affiliated with Miele. It carries a risk of damaging devices if not used carefully.

Licensing: The project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0 and the MIT License. Contributions are also dual licensed.

Replicate is excited to announce that it is joining Cloudflare. The company will continue to operate under its own brand but will benefit from improved speed, more resources, and better integration with Cloudflare’s Developer Platform. The API and existing models will remain unchanged, ensuring that current users can continue using them without interruption.

The goal of Replicate is to create tools that simplify AI for developers, allowing them to use AI without needing to understand its complexities. They have developed tools like Cog, which standardizes AI models, and Replicate, a platform for sharing and running these models.

By joining Cloudflare, Replicate gains access to Cloudflare’s powerful network and additional tools that enhance their offerings, such as Workers and Durable Objects. This partnership aims to enable the development of advanced AI applications.

Overall, the collaboration is seen as a step towards becoming the leading platform for building AI applications, leveraging Cloudflare's expertise in developer products.

No summary available.

Summary: Celtic Code: Drawing Knots with Python

On February 2, 2025, the author shared a fun web app that uses Python to create Celtic knots. This project combines programming with the rich history of the Celtic peoples, known for their distinctive knots.

Key Points:

• Celtic History: The Celts were tribes spread across Europe and Western Asia with significant cultural and linguistic influence, especially in Welsh, Irish, and Scottish Gaelic. Their artistic legacy, including intricate knots, is evident in historical artifacts like the Book of Kells.

• Purpose of Knots: Knots are one of humanity's oldest technologies, serving practical purposes in various fields like construction, fishing, and climbing. Despite advancements in materials, knots remain vital in activities such as climbing and camping.

• Modern Use: While technology has changed, knots still play an important role in certain contexts. Ropes have evolved with new synthetic materials, and contemporary applications include electrical cables that rely on knot-like designs.

• Artistic Appeal: Knots are not only functional but also have aesthetic and symbolic significance across cultures. They often represent complex ideas and are used in various artistic expressions.

• Programming the Knot: The author details the steps taken to program the Celtic knots, including creating tile arrays, establishing barriers, and determining tile types. The process involves mathematical rules and creative input to generate visually appealing designs.

• Conclusion: The project showcases a blend of art, history, and technology, inviting readers to explore the intriguing world of Celtic knots through programming. The author encourages readers to stay connected for future updates.

Summary: Giving C a Superpower with safe_c.h

The article discusses the creation of a custom header file, safe_c.h, designed to enhance C programming by making it safer and easier to use. The author shares their experience building a high-performance grep clone called cgrep while addressing common pitfalls in C programming, like memory leaks and segfaults.

Key Points:

1. C Programming Challenges: C offers speed and simplicity but is notorious for issues like memory leaks and difficult error handling.

2. Introducing safe_c.h: This header file integrates features from C++ and Rust into C, providing safety and convenience while maintaining performance.

3. Memory Management:

   • UniquePtr: A smart pointer that automatically manages memory, reducing the risk of leaks.
   • SharedPtr: Automates reference counting, making it safer to share resources across threads.

4. Dynamic Arrays:

   • Vectors: Automatically manage memory for growing arrays, simplifying dynamic memory tasks.

5. Error Handling:

   • Introduces a Result type for clear error handling, replacing complex error-checking code with simpler constructs.

6. Safe String Operations: Replaces unsafe functions like strcpy with safer alternatives that check bounds to prevent buffer overflows.

7. Concurrency: Uses RAII principles to ensure that mutexes are unlocked automatically, preventing deadlocks.

8. Performance: The enhancements do not compromise speed; the code remains efficient while being safer.

9. Conclusion: The author emphasizes that with proper tools and practices, C can be both powerful and safe, allowing developers to create robust applications without the common pitfalls.

In the upcoming article, the author plans to delve into the design of cgrep and how it outperforms existing tools like ripgrep while using fewer resources.

Summary of reSIProcate Repository Overview and Build Instructions

The reSIProcate repository includes various C++ libraries and applications related to the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP):

• Libraries:

  • resip: A complete SIP stack.
  • dum: A high-level SIP library for user agents (no media).
  • recon: A high-level SIP library with media integration.
  • reTurn: A STUN/TURN client library.
  • tfm: A SIP framework.

• Applications:

  • rePro: SIP Proxy server.
  • reTurn: STUN/TURN server.
  • MOHParkServer: Music-on-hold server using recon.
  • reConServer: SIP B2BUA server with media using recon.

For more details, visit: www.resiprocate.org.

Building Instructions

• On Unix Systems:

  • In-tree build:
    1. Navigate to the root folder with CMakeLists.txt.
    2. Run cmake . and then make.
  • Out of tree build:
    1. Create a new directory: mkdir cmake_build.
    2. Navigate into it and run cmake .., then make.
  • To run unit tests: ctest or ctest -V for verbose output.

• Required Packages:

  • Essential tools: git, make, cmake, clang or g++, gperf, libssl-dev, and others.

• Optional Packages: Includes libraries for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.

• On Windows Systems:

  • Using Visual Studio:
    1. Navigate to the root folder and run cmake ..
    2. For SIPXTAPI support, use cmake . -DUSE_SIPXTAPI=ON.
    3. Open resiprocate.sln and build the solution.
  • Using Command Line:
    1. Navigate to the root folder and run cmake . -B _build.
    2. Build with cmake --build _build --config Debug.

• Using Ninja: Open the resiprocate folder in Visual Studio and build using the CMake settings.

Configuration Flags: Use cmake -LH to list options and set them with cmake -D<FLAG_NAME>=<value> ..

Future Plans: Consideration for creating installable packages using CPack or other methods.

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Summary of Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) Command Editor

The new Chrome DevTools Command Editor makes it easier for developers to create and manage CDP commands, which are used to communicate with the Chrome browser for debugging and control. Key features of the editor include:

1. Autocompletion: The command input bar now suggests available CDP commands, simplifying the process of entering commands.

2. Parameter Management: The editor automatically populates command parameters, helping developers know what to input without needing to consult documentation. Mandatory parameters are marked in red, while optional ones are in blue.

3. User-Friendly Editing:

   • String and Number Parameters: You can easily edit values by clicking an icon next to the command.
   • Enum and Boolean Parameters: These have drop-down menus for easy selection of values.
   • Array Parameters: You can add or remove items from arrays easily.
   • Object Parameters: Keys can be edited directly within the editor.

4. Tooltips and Error Checking: Hovering over commands or parameters provides descriptions and links to documentation. The editor also shows real-time errors for incorrect parameter values.

5. Command Resending: You can quickly edit and resend a previously sent command without retyping it.

6. JSON Format Copying: Commands can be copied in JSON format for easy use elsewhere.

The goal of this new editor is to streamline the process of working with CDP commands, enhancing productivity and accuracy. Developers are encouraged to use Chrome's preview channels (Canary, Dev, or Beta) to access the latest features. Feedback can be submitted via various channels to help improve DevTools.

Summary: Building a Simple Search Engine

Why Create Your Own? Instead of using complex services like Elasticsearch or Algolia, building your own search engine allows you to:

• Use your existing database
• Avoid external dependencies
• Easily understand and debug the system
• Find relevant search results

Core Idea The search engine works by breaking text into tokens, storing them, and matching them during searches. The process includes:

1. Indexing: Split content into tokens and store them with weights.
2. Searching: Tokenize the search query and find matching tokens.
3. Scoring: Calculate relevance scores using stored weights.

Key Components

1. Database Schema:

   • index_tokens: Stores unique tokens with their weights.
   • index_entries: Links tokens to documents with field-specific weights.

2. Tokenization: Breaks text into searchable pieces using different strategies:

   • Word Tokenizer: For exact matches.
   • Prefix Tokenizer: For partial matches and autocomplete.
   • N-Grams Tokenizer: For catching typos and partial words.

3. Weight System: Combines different weights for fields, tokenizers, and documents to calculate final relevance scores.

4. Indexing Service: Manages how documents are indexed. It processes document fields, removes old indices, and inserts new tokens.

5. Search Service: Handles search queries by tokenizing the input, matching tokens in the database, and scoring results based on relevance.

Scoring Algorithm: Balances factors like:

• Base score from token matches
• Token diversity boost
• Quality of matches
• Document length penalty
• Normalization for comparability

Extending the System: You can easily add new tokenizers, document types, or adjust scoring weights by implementing specific interfaces and modifying configurations.

Conclusion: This search engine is simple, efficient, and fully customizable, offering good performance without the complexity of larger systems. You have complete control over its behavior and can easily debug and modify it.

Summary of Heretic: Automated Censorship Removal Tool for Language Models

Heretic is a tool designed to automatically remove censorship from transformer-based language models without needing costly post-training. It utilizes a method called directional ablation (or "abliteration") and a parameter optimizer to efficiently find the best settings for decensoring.

Key Features:

• Automatic Operation: Users can easily run Heretic without needing technical knowledge about the models.
• Performance: Heretic produces decensored models that perform as well as those modified by human experts, showing significantly fewer refusals for harmful prompts and maintaining closer alignment with the original model.
• Compatibility: It supports many dense models and multimodal architectures, but not all newer model types.

How to Use:

1. Set up a Python environment with the necessary libraries.
2. Install Heretic using a simple command.
3. Run the tool with a model name to start the decensoring process, which takes about 45 minutes on a high-end GPU.

Technical Details:

• Heretic uses advanced methods to adjust model parameters, aiming to reduce refusals while preserving model performance.
• It allows for fine-tuning of parameters to optimize results.

Conclusion: Heretic provides a user-friendly and efficient solution for removing censorship from language models, making it accessible to a wide range of users while maintaining high-quality outputs.

The author shares their experience with the game "Splinter Cell" (2002), which they loved playing on the original Xbox. They became interested in programming and hacking through video games and enjoy exploring cut content. Upon searching for hidden content in "Splinter Cell," they found very little information available online.

So, the author decided to back up their disc copy of the game and analyze its files. They discovered the game's structure, which includes various file types like Xbox Executables (.xbe), Bink Video files (.bik), and images (.tga). They focused on a file called "common.lin," suspecting it may contain shared data to save space.

Using a hex editor, they analyzed the common.lin file and identified patterns indicating zlib-compressed data. They created a tool to decompress the data and began to uncover details about textures and maps used in the game.

Overall, the author is intrigued by the technical aspects of the game and is on a quest to find any leftover or unutilized content from "Splinter Cell."

fastmcpp Summary

fastmcpp is a high-performance C++ library that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It supports various tools, resources, prompts, and multiple communication methods like STDIO, HTTP (SSE), and WebSocket. This library is a C++ version of the Python fastmcp library, providing better performance for MCP servers and clients with fewer dependencies.

Key Features:

• Core MCP protocol implementation (JSON-RPC).
• Supports multiple transport methods: STDIO, HTTP, WebSocket.
• Includes tool management, resource and prompt support, JSON Schema validation, and middleware for processing requests/responses.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Requirements:

• C++17 or higher compiler.
• CMake version 3.20 or greater.
• nlohmann/json library (automatically fetched).

Optional Dependencies:

• libcurl (for HTTP POST streaming).
• cpp-httplib (for HTTP server, automatically fetched).
• easywsclient (for WebSocket client, automatically fetched).

Building the Library:

1. Clone the repository.
2. Create a build directory and configure the build with CMake.
3. Build the project using CMake.

Basic Usage:

• To create a simple STDIO MCP server or an HTTP server, you can include specific headers and set up the server with the necessary handlers.

Testing:

• There are commands available to run all tests, run tests in parallel, or execute specific tests.

Current Status:

• All core tests are passing, but some streaming tests are disabled due to dependencies.

Project Structure:

• The project includes public headers, source code, a test suite, and example programs.

Contributing:

• Contributions are encouraged, and it’s important to follow coding standards and ensure tests pass.

License:

• The project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0.

Support:

• For issues or questions, users can visit the GitHub issue tracker.

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Build Your Own Circuits!

This website is still being developed. Currently, you can explore the original Minivac manuals and check the Erratas for updates. You can also use the Simulator to create circuits by dragging wires and connecting components safely. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Resources Available:

• Original Manuals:
  • Book 1
  • Books 2, 3 & 4
  • Books 5 & 6
  • Erratas
• Minivac 601 Simulator

No summary available.

The blog post discusses the impact of AI on small open-source libraries, particularly focusing on the author's own popular JavaScript package, blob-util. The author notes that as more developers use AI tools, there is a trend towards generating utility functions on-demand, which decreases the need for libraries like blob-util. This shift is seen as a loss of educational opportunities, as these libraries often teach users how to effectively solve programming problems.

The author emphasizes that while AI can provide quick solutions, it lacks the teaching aspect that comes from using libraries that are well-documented and designed with user education in mind. They express concern that this trend might lead to a future where instant answers overshadow deep understanding.

Despite these challenges, the author believes there is still a place for valuable open-source projects, especially those that are innovative or cover niche topics. They encourage creativity and the pursuit of unique projects, asserting that even in an era dominated by AI, there are still opportunities for meaningful contributions in open source.

The author shares their journey of understanding Cloudflare Zero Trust tunnels, particularly after experiencing issues with Tailscale. They highlight the benefits of using Cloudflare Zero Trust and its Warp client for creating secure connections between private networks and exposing services to the public.

Key Points:

1. Cloudflare Zero Trust Overview: It allows users to connect private networks, expose services publicly, and create secure private networks without needing peer-to-peer connections.

2. Components:

   • Warp Client: Connects users to the Cloudflare network and enforces access policies.
   • Cloudflared: Creates tunnels for routing traffic within the Zero Trust network.

3. Tunnels, Routes, and Targets:

   • Tunnels: Serve as exit points for traffic, deployed on infrastructure to connect to services.
   • Routes: Define where traffic is directed when it enters a tunnel.
   • Targets: Specify infrastructure to protect, enabling access control.

4. Access Policies: These protect services by determining who can access them based on specified criteria (e.g., email addresses, login methods).

5. Deployment Process: The author describes how to set up a Warp client, configure tunnels, and create access policies for services like Home Assistant to ensure secure access both with and without Warp.

6. Use Case Example: The author explains setting up a public domain for a Home Assistant service while restricting access for certain users, showcasing the flexibility of Cloudflare Zero Trust.

Overall, the author emphasizes the practicality and advantages of using Cloudflare Zero Trust for managing network access and enhancing security.

Summary of "The Pragmatic Programmer: 20th Anniversary Edition"

"The Pragmatic Programmer," authored by Dave Thomas and Andrew Hunt, is a foundational book for software engineers, particularly beneficial for beginners. After a decade since its first edition, the authors released a 20th anniversary edition, updating it with modern insights and a third of new content, including topics like security and concurrency.

Key points from the book include:

1. Responsibility and Adaptability: Programmers should take ownership of their work and be agents of change. They must provide solutions rather than excuses when facing challenges.

2. Continuous Learning: A pragmatic programmer is always learning, not just in technical skills but also in communication and people skills.

3. Code Quality: The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining code quality by addressing minor issues promptly (the "broken windows" analogy) and ensuring that quality is part of the project requirements.

4. Decoupling and Flexibility: The principles of decoupling code and making it flexible allow for easier updates and maintenance over time. This includes adhering to the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle.

5. Debugging: Effective debugging is crucial, with methods like reproducing bugs, reading error messages, and using logging or debugging tools.

6. Design Principles: The book introduces concepts like Design by Contract, which outlines the responsibilities of functions and modules, and stresses the importance of simplicity in design to avoid complications.

7. Concurrency: It discusses parallelism and the importance of managing shared resources carefully to avoid issues like deadlocks.

8. Project Management: The authors provide insights on gathering requirements effectively and adapting to user needs, emphasizing that successful software development is about communication and continuous improvement.

9. Team Dynamics: The lessons can be applied at the team level, encouraging experimentation with processes rather than strictly following trends.

Overall, the book is a guide for software engineers at any stage, offering actionable advice and principles that promote good practices in coding and project management. It's especially recommended for new graduates entering the field.

The article discusses troubleshooting and fixing a 1998 PC game, "Castrol Honda Superbike World Champions," that crashes on modern Windows systems. The author initially tries to run the game on a Windows 7 machine but encounters crashes and black screens. However, it works fine on older systems like Windows 98 and XP.

To diagnose the issue, the author uses a debugger and finds that the game crashes after trying to detect input devices. The problem arises because the game is attempting to store information for more input devices than it can handle, leading to data corruption. Specifically, it tries to enumerate all connected devices, including non-game controllers, which exceeds its limits.

To fix this, the author creates a small software patch (a DLL shim) that modifies how the game interacts with device inputs, ensuring it only processes game controllers and stops enumeration after finding eight of them. The patch is optimized for size and compatibility with various Windows versions.

Overall, the article highlights the importance of proper programming practices, such as checking array bounds, and provides a practical solution for running an old game on modern systems.

The article describes a hobby project where the author recreated an IBM XT Personal Computer from the 1980s using both original and modern components. The main goal was to play the EGA version of Monkey Island 1, requiring mouse support, a writable hard drive, and Adlib audio.

Key points include:

• The project utilized a low-power NEC V20 CPU, compatible with the Intel 8088, making it easier to connect to an FPGA.
• The hardware design included components like a 1MB SRAM for memory, an FPGA board, PS/2 connectors for keyboard and mouse, and a micro SD card for storage.
• The author developed a bus controller to manage communication between the CPU and memory, allowing basic programs to run, such as blinking an LED.
• The BIOS was replaced with a diagnostic ROM for initial testing, and later with a generic XT BIOS.
• Access to the SD card for disk operations was established through a custom SPI controller.
• The author faced challenges integrating mouse support due to protocol differences and opted for a workaround using Verilog code to facilitate communication.
• Additional features included sound effects for disk access and music playback using a YM3014 DAC to achieve classic FM audio quality.

The project also included support for CGA and EGA graphics, as well as a USB to UART bridge for file transfers. The author shared the project’s source code and design files on GitHub.

The article discusses how the brain creates "aha" moments, known as insights, and why these experiences can enhance memory. Insights are sudden realizations that occur when the brain makes a significant cognitive shift, often after a period of confusion. Researchers, particularly Maxi Becker from Duke University, studied these moments using visual puzzles called Mooney images, which initially obscure the object depicted.

In their experiments, participants viewed these images while connected to an fMRI scanner that measures brain activity. The study found that recognizing the hidden objects activated specific brain areas, including the ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VOTC), the amygdala, and the hippocampus. These areas are linked to visual recognition, emotion processing, and memory formation, respectively. Increased activity in these regions correlated with stronger feelings of insight and improved memory retention.

The findings suggest that insights not only help us understand concepts better but also enhance our ability to remember information. However, swift insights can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions. The research indicates that the context in which insight occurs can affect its usefulness, and further studies are planned to explore insights in different contexts beyond problem-solving.

Overall, the article highlights the potential for using insight-driven teaching methods to improve learning outcomes in educational settings, as insights can motivate students and solidify their understanding of material.

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Crater Lake, known for its stunning clarity and deep blue color, is experiencing a slowdown in the mixing of its water layers, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Scientists have observed that, while the lake's water clarity is increasing, this may indicate underlying issues related to climate change affecting its physical and biological processes.

Mixing in lakes is influenced by factors like wind, temperature, and salinity. When mixing slows down, it can lead to oxygen depletion, harmful algal blooms, and the potential for invasive species to thrive. Crater Lake has a long history of monitoring, making it a valuable site for studying these changes.

Recent trends show that as temperatures rise, the surface waters of Crater Lake are warming faster than the air, leading to thinner warm layers that resist mixing. This has resulted in a decrease in phytoplankton, which further contributes to the lake's clarity but may disrupt the ecosystem.

Other lakes, like those in northern Italy, have completely stopped mixing, leading to severe ecological consequences, such as the loss of oxygen in the water. Crater Lake is at risk of facing similar outcomes if these trends continue. Researchers emphasize the need for collaboration and long-term data to understand and potentially mitigate these changes.

In summary, while Crater Lake's clarity is a visual marvel, it signals potential ecological distress due to climate change, highlighting the interconnectedness of lake health and environmental conditions. The future of such ecosystems hangs in the balance, prompting urgent calls for protective measures.

No summary available.

Summary: Quest for a Permissively Licensed PDF Library in C#

The author discusses the need for a good PDF rendering solution for C# applications, emphasizing the desire for a permissively licensed library that can be used freely without complex licensing issues. They focus on avoiding libraries that require a browser engine, as the real challenge lies in layout and styling rather than simply writing the PDF format.

Key criteria for the search include:

• A library that represents a Document Object Model (DOM)
• Capabilities for layout and styling
• Ability to write PDFs and translate between formats

The search led to several options, and the standout among them is QuestPDF, which is open source but has a dual licensing model (free for non-commercial use and requires a commercial license for others). Notably, its code is under the MIT license, allowing for broader redistribution.

The author also lists various other libraries related to PDF creation, categorizing them by functionality and licensing. MigraDoc emerges as the only option that meets all the author's criteria effectively, despite some limitations in advanced styling.

In conclusion, while the quest for a perfect PDF library continues, the author highlights the surprising scarcity of suitable open-source solutions in the market. They express interest in potentially developing new tools to bridge existing libraries and improve PDF processing capabilities in the future.

Supercookie is a tracking method that uses website favicons to create a unique ID for visitors. This ID can persist even in incognito mode and is difficult for users to clear, unlike traditional tracking methods. It remains even if users clear their cache or use tools like VPNs or ad blockers.

Purpose

The project aims to educate people about tracking via favicons. It provides a demo and source code to highlight this issue.

How It Works

1. Favicons: Small icons that represent websites are stored in a local database (F-Cache) by browsers. When a user visits a site, the browser checks the F-Cache for the favicon. If not found, it requests it from the server.
2. Tracking: By monitoring which favicons have been loaded, a unique pattern can be created for each user, allowing websites to identify them even when they try to hide their identity.

Vulnerability

All major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) are vulnerable to this tracking method. It can accurately identify users, even in private browsing modes.

Defense

Disabling the favicon cache in browser settings is a suggested way to protect against this tracking method.

Conclusion

The repository created for this demonstration aims to raise awareness about the potential for tracking via favicons and encourages users to share the information.

Energy and infrastructure refer to the systems and services that provide power and support for society. Energy includes sources like electricity, gas, and renewable resources, while infrastructure encompasses buildings, roads, and utilities that help deliver and manage energy. Together, they play a crucial role in economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

Summary of "The Call That Changed Everything"

On January 7, 2025, the author received a suspicious email about a large cryptocurrency transaction linked to their Coinbase account. Shortly after, they received a call from a woman claiming to be a Coinbase fraud prevention representative, who knew sensitive personal information, including the author’s Social Security number and Bitcoin balance. This indicated a sophisticated scam.

The author reported the incident to Coinbase the same day, providing detailed evidence, but received no follow-up answers to key questions about how the scammer obtained their data. Coinbase eventually disclosed in May 2025 that cybercriminals had bribed overseas contractors to steal sensitive customer data, impacting about 1% of their users and costing the company between $180-$400 million.

Key points include:

• The author raised concerns about the scam to Coinbase multiple times but received no responses.
• The phishing email appeared legitimate but was sent through an Amazon service, raising red flags.
• The call from the scammer contained several inconsistencies that the author recognized as suspicious.
• Following the call, the author received a flood of spam texts, a tactic used by scammers to distract victims.

The author criticized Coinbase for poor security practices, including outsourcing sensitive roles and failing to investigate user reports adequately. They emphasized the importance of being cautious with personal information and verifying communications from financial institutions. They also highlighted the need for better security measures and prompt incident reporting to protect users from future scams.

In conclusion, the incident revealed serious flaws in Coinbase's security and response, raising questions about accountability and the effectiveness of their customer data protection.

The text refers to a discussion about the first known cyber espionage campaign that was organized using artificial intelligence (AI). It highlights the importance of this event in the context of cybersecurity. The link provided leads to a forum with comments discussing the implications and details of this AI-driven campaign.

Russia’s Kinzhal missile, known for its high speed and long range, poses a significant threat to Ukraine. Traveling at Mach 5.7 and capable of delivering a heavy warhead, it often evades Ukraine's air defenses. To counter this, Ukraine has started using an electronic warfare system called Lima EW, which has proven effective against the Kinzhal. By spoofing the missile's navigation signals with a Ukrainian patriotic song, operators can misdirect the missile, causing it to miss its target. This method not only protects critical infrastructure but also sends a symbolic message against Russian propaganda. Recently, this strategy has led to the successful diversion of several Kinzhal missiles.

The text introduces a unique guide by Britney Spears on semiconductor physics, highlighting her expertise in the subject beyond her music career. The guide covers essential topics such as semiconductor basics, crystal structures, junctions, and various types of lasers. It also includes a glossary of semiconductor terms and information about the author. The website aims to be a resource for physics students and invites collaboration for content creation.

Summary of LibrePods

LibrePods is an application that allows non-Apple devices to unlock exclusive features of Apple AirPods, such as noise control modes, ear detection, and hearing aid capabilities.

Device Compatibility:

• Fully Supported:
  • AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) - except heart rate monitoring
• Other Models: Basic features like battery status and ear detection may work.

Key Features:

• Switch noise control modes easily
• Automatic music control with ear detection
• Accurate battery status
• Answer calls with head gestures
• Volume lowers when you speak
• Customizable features (requires specific settings)

Platform Support:

• Linux: Limited support; newer version in development.
• Android: Requires rooted devices for full functionality, except for some features on ColorOS/OxygenOS 16.

Bluetooth DID Hook: Changing the device identification to Apple’s allows access to additional features like multi-device connectivity and enhanced hearing aid settings.

Additional Notes:

• Some features require enabling specific settings in the app.
• Renaming AirPods requires re-pairing.
• The app can be installed as a system app for better integration.

LibrePods is free software under the GNU General Public License, and it aims to enhance the use of AirPods beyond Apple's ecosystem.

A gaming dark pattern is a tactic used in games that creates a frustrating experience for players but benefits the game developer.

No summary available.

The article discusses the famous statement by Edsger Dijkstra, "GOTO considered harmful," and argues that using the goto statement isn't as problematic today. The author references a video showcasing goto statements in the Linux kernel, noting that some developers have strong feelings about its use, often treating opinions on goto as more emotional than technical.

Dijkstra believed that too many goto statements made code harder to read and follow, advocating for structured programming with clear control flow. However, the author suggests that modern programming languages have evolved to limit the use of goto, allowing it only within the same procedure, which maintains the benefits of structured programming. Thus, the concerns Dijkstra raised may not apply in the same way today.

The article discusses using the Kernel Mode Setting (KMS) API in Linux through a new OCaml library called libdrm-ocaml. This allows users to interactively manage display settings in a simpler way than the traditional C API.

Key points include:

1. KMS Overview: KMS is a Linux API that helps applications configure display hardware directly, commonly used by Wayland compositors.

2. Using libdrm-ocaml: The library provides a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) for entering OCaml commands, making it easier to explore display settings and hardware.

3. Discovering Hardware: The process starts by querying available graphics devices and their configurations, including connectors, encoders, and framebuffers.

4. Display Configuration: The article outlines steps to configure monitors, including setting display modes and rendering simple graphics or animations.

5. Non-atomic vs. Atomic Mode Setting: It explains the difference between the older non-atomic method, which is simpler but less reliable, and the newer atomic method, which ensures all changes are applied simultaneously without issues.

6. 3D Rendering: There are examples of how to render 3D graphics, using Vulkan for more complex scenes.

7. Debugging and Conclusions: The author shares tips for debugging and emphasizes that using OCaml simplifies understanding Linux's display management compared to C.

Overall, the post serves as a guide for beginners interested in using KMS with OCaml, providing practical examples and explanations of the concepts involved.

Learning Zig is more than just picking up a new programming language; it's about changing your perspective on software development. The course includes 61 chapters, focuses on practical projects, and does not use AI. It is written by @zigbookzsh and is available at zigbook.net. The goal is to help you think differently about coding. You can start by using an interactive terminal.

The author shares their experience with garbage collection (GC) while working on a project involving Ohm, a parsing tool, and ProseMirror, a rich text editor. They aim to enable bidirectional updates between a text document and its ProseMirror representation. Ohm allows for incremental parsing, meaning small edits can be processed quickly by reusing previous results.

The author encountered a problem when trying to track which nodes from the old document were no longer present after an edit. Initially, they used a method similar to garbage collection, which involved checking every node in the document, but this was inefficient.

Inspired by a paper titled "A Unified Theory of Garbage Collection," the author realized they could use reference counting instead. This approach focuses on tracking "dead" nodes rather than visiting all live ones. By maintaining a reference count for each node, they efficiently identified nodes that were not reused after edits, improving the processing time for changes in the document.

The text discusses best practices for mocking in Python testing, emphasizing a key rule: mock where the object is used, not where it is defined. This is important because mocking incorrectly can lead to tests that initially pass but fail later due to unexpected interactions with other code or libraries.

For example, if you mock the built-in open() function without targeting its usage in your specific module, it can interfere with other parts of your application, like coverage tools that need to read files. The correct approach is to patch the open() function in the context of the specific module where it is used, ensuring that other parts of the system remain unaffected.

The author also mentions a fix added to the coverage tool to help prevent issues caused by over-mocking, particularly with Python 3.14. This fix involves saving the original open() function to maintain its behavior in the module.

Additionally, the text suggests several best practices for effective mocking:

• Use autospec=True to make mocks behave like the original objects.
• Assert how mocks are called to verify connections.
• Use verified fakes for faster testing.
• Separate computing functions from I/O operations to simplify testing.
• Implement dependency injection to pass test-specific objects explicitly.

These practices help create more reliable and maintainable tests.

The terms "snarky" and "snark" have gained popularity in the last 25 years, with "snarky" defined as sarcastic or irreverent, and "snark" referring to a mocking attitude or expression. Both words were noted in various media as early as the late 1990s.

Their origins are not linked to Lewis Carroll's poem but have roots in older meanings. "Snark" was first noted in an 1866 glossary as making a snoring noise and later connected to finding fault. The first use of "snark" as a verb appeared in a 1904 children's novel, while "snarky" was first cited in a 1906 book. Usage in the U.S. emerged by 1915.

The noun "snark" came into use in the late 1980s. The rising popularity of these terms may relate to their sound, resembling a blend of "sarcastic" and "snarl," reflecting the current cultural climate.

An investigation has revealed that the FBI is looking into Archive.today, a website that allows users to save snapshots of web pages. The FBI issued a subpoena to find out who runs the site, which has faced criticism for potentially allowing copyright infringement and illegal content. Recently, a French organization called the Web Abuse Association Defense (WAAD) pressured a service provider, AdGuard DNS, to block Archive.today, claiming the site refused to remove illegal material.

AdGuard DNS found this demand unusual since they are not a hosting provider. Despite receiving threats, they sought legal advice and learned they might be required to comply under French law. Upon contacting Archive.today, they learned that the site promptly removed reported illegal content and had never received prior notifications about the URLs in question. Archive.today suggested they were being targeted by a series of complaints from French entities.

Further investigation into WAAD raised doubts about its legitimacy, as it was recently registered and lacked clear evidence of cooperation with well-known organizations. The complaints against Archive.today appeared suspicious, possibly involving impersonation of a real lawyer. AdGuard is considering filing a complaint with the police, believing there may be criminal behavior involved, especially since the FBI is also investigating Archive.today for potential connections to illegal content.

Summary: Receiving WWVB with HackRF Pro

Michael Ossmann discusses the use of the HackRF Pro to receive WWVB signals, which broadcast time and frequency references at 60 kHz from Colorado. The HackRF Pro, with its improved internal clock, allows for more accurate frequency detection compared to its predecessor, HackRF One.

Ossmann notes that WWVB can serve as a reliable time reference, useful for various electronic devices, including radio-controlled clocks. He explores alternatives to more expensive atomic clocks, suggesting that a WWVB disciplined oscillator could be a practical solution, especially since WWVB signals can be received indoors without needing satellite visibility like GPS.

He shares his experience building a small loopstick antenna called Teewee to capture the WWVB signal. Initially, he faced challenges due to interference but, after adjustments, successfully received the signal. He describes the unique characteristics of the WWVB signal, including its amplitude-shift keying (ASK) and phase modulation, which can carry additional data.

Ossmann also conducted experiments to measure Doppler shift while flying across Canada, successfully capturing the WWVB signal and observing frequency changes due to the aircraft's movement. He encourages readers to try building the Teewee antenna, which is compatible with the HackRF Pro.

Overall, the project combines technical exploration with a fun DIY aspect for radio enthusiasts.

No summary available.

A large collection of thousands of old VHS tapes is being given away for free, stored in McDonald's boxes. The tapes contain U.S. news coverage from 2004 to 2009, featuring channels like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, and notable events like Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. The owner hopes the tapes will be digitized and preserved, and a representative from the Internet Archive is a leading candidate to take them. Interested parties need to present a convincing story to claim the collection, which has already seen some tapes given away.

The Imperial Valley in California is a critical region for winter produce in the U.S., growing a significant portion of the country's vegetables and feed. However, it faces economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and the looming development of a lithium mining industry. The valley, historically known for its agriculture since the early 1900s, now grapples with rising costs and environmental issues, including the ecological disaster of the Salton Sea.

Agriculture in the region, while highly productive due to extensive irrigation from the Colorado River, is struggling. Farmers cite high labor and operational costs, regulatory hurdles, and water scarcity as major barriers to sustainability. The local farming community has dwindled, with many young people leaving the industry.

On the horizon, lithium mining offers potential economic revitalization, promising jobs and investment. However, it raises concerns about water use and environmental impacts. Projects like Controlled Thermal Resources' Hell’s Kitchen aim to harness lithium while minimizing carbon emissions, but the long-term effects on agriculture and local livelihoods remain uncertain.

As the region faces transformation, there is anxiety about the future of its agricultural heritage amidst the pressures of new industries. Local leaders express hope for a balanced approach that supports both agriculture and emerging lithium ventures, but the path forward is unclear.

No summary available.

The article discusses the limitations of using MCP (Multi-Component Protocol) servers for browser automation and proposes a simpler alternative using Bash scripts and code. Here are the key points:

1. Inefficiency of MCP Servers: Many popular MCP servers come with numerous tools that can overwhelm users and consume significant context space, making them inefficient for specific tasks.

2. Bash as an Alternative: The author suggests that using Bash scripts and code is a simpler and more efficient solution. This approach allows for easy extension, composability, and customization without the complexity of MCP servers.

3. Minimal Tool Set for Browser Automation: The author outlines a minimal set of tools needed for tasks like starting a browser, navigating to URLs, executing JavaScript, and taking screenshots. These tools are implemented as simple Node.js scripts using Puppeteer Core.

4. Advantages of Custom Tools:

   • The custom tools are lightweight, requiring only a small number of tokens to describe.
   • They can be easily modified or extended based on specific needs, unlike MCP servers.
   • Users can manage outputs more effectively, saving them for later use or processing.

5. Examples and Additional Tools: The article showcases tools for navigating, executing JavaScript, taking screenshots, selecting DOM elements, and handling cookies. These tools enhance the scraping process and allow for interactive selection of elements.

6. Reusability Across Agents: The author shares their setup for making these tools reusable across different agents, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

Overall, the article advocates for a flexible approach to browser automation that leverages simple coding practices instead of relying on rigid MCP servers, which can lead to inefficiencies and complications.

A website called GodBlessTheUSABible.com, which pays fees to Donald Trump, is selling products featuring the official presidential seal, including a $150 record player and a $20 beer pong set. This could break federal law, which prohibits unauthorized commercial use of the presidential seal. The law states that only those authorized by the president can sell items with the seal, and violations can lead to fines or imprisonment. While the seal has appeared at Trump's golf courses, these merchandise items are reportedly the first of their kind linked to him. The website has not received official permission to use the seal.

No summary available.

The upcoming SQL standard, SQL:202y, will introduce a new feature called "GROUP BY ALL" to simplify the use of the GROUP BY clause, which many users have requested. Currently, when you use GROUP BY, you must explicitly list all non-aggregate columns from the SELECT statement, which can be cumbersome, especially with longer queries.

With "GROUP BY ALL," you can simply write GROUP BY ALL, and it will automatically group by all relevant columns that are not aggregates. For example, in SELECT a, avg(b) FROM t1 GROUP BY ALL;, it will resolve to GROUP BY a, making it easier to manage.

However, it won't eliminate the need for explicit GROUP BY clauses in more complex queries that include additional non-aggregated columns. For instance, in SELECT a, avg(b) + c + d FROM t1 GROUP BY ALL;, it won't automatically know how to handle the extra columns c and d.

There are some risks with this new syntax, such as unintentional changes in queries if the SELECT list is modified. Therefore, it's advised to use this feature carefully, mainly for simpler and interactive queries.

Currently, some database systems like Oracle and PostgreSQL have already implemented this feature, and it will be officially part of the SQL standard once finalized.

The U.S. government has abruptly decided to stop producing pennies, leaving many to wonder what will happen to the estimated 300 billion pennies already in circulation. Surprisingly, there is no plan in place for these coins, which many consider worthless.

The U.S. Mint has been minting billions of pennies each year, even though they cost more than three cents to produce and are rarely used in transactions. Despite this, there was a belief that they had to continue minting until Congress specifically ordered them to stop, which has now changed following a recent legal interpretation.

Many of the pennies remain unused in people’s homes, contributing to a growing dilemma: if everyone tried to spend their pennies at once, it would overwhelm the banking system.

Unlike Canada, which successfully phased out its pennies through a public campaign and recycling program, the U.S. has not provided any guidance on how to handle transactions without pennies. There are concerns that the government may eventually decide to resume penny production if needed, leaving the future of the penny uncertain. Overall, the lack of a coherent plan has left Americans with a growing pile of essentially worthless coins.

The paper "Call Me Maybe: Eavesdropping Encrypted LTE Calls With ReVoLTE" by David Rupprecht, Katharina Kohls, Thorsten Holz, and Christina Pöpper discusses a method for intercepting encrypted calls made over LTE networks. The authors explore vulnerabilities in the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) system, which is meant to secure voice communications. They demonstrate how attackers can exploit these weaknesses to listen in on calls despite the encryption. The research highlights the importance of improving security measures in mobile communications to protect user privacy.

The author mentions that Leibniz may have used a squiggly line over "ddd" in his notes to show that "ddd" is not a value. However, the author is unsure if this information is accurate and hasn't found a way to confirm it.

The Shell Grotto, also known as the Shell Temple, is an underground structure in Margate, Kent, England, famous for its walls and ceiling covered with mosaics made from around 4.6 million seashells. The grotto, measuring about 2,000 square feet, features a winding passage and a main room known as the "altar chamber." Its origins and purpose are still unclear, leading to various theories about its creation, possibly in the 17th or 18th century.

Rediscovered in 1835, the grotto opened to the public in 1837 and has been a Grade I-listed building since 1973. It includes a modern museum, café, and gift shop. Over the years, the grotto has undergone restoration due to damage and deterioration, and efforts to preserve it continue today. The structure is a popular tourist attraction, averaging around 17,000 visitors per season. Additionally, it has inspired various cultural depictions, including novels.

nspammer Overview

nspammer is a spam classifier implemented in Go that uses the Naive Bayes algorithm to identify whether messages are spam or not. It employs Laplace smoothing to avoid issues with words that have not been seen before.

Key Features:

• Naive Bayes Classification: Utilizes Bayes' theorem for probabilistic classification based on the assumption that features are independent.
• Laplace Smoothing: Prevents zero probabilities for new words by adding a smoothing constant.
• Training and Classification: Provides a simple API to train on labeled data and classify new texts.
• Real Dataset Testing: Tests are conducted using actual spam and non-spam email datasets.

Installation: To install, use:

go get github.com/igomez10/nspammer

Basic Usage Example: A sample Go program shows how to create a training dataset, train the classifier, and classify new messages.

API Functions:

1. NewSpamClassifier(dataset map[string]bool): Creates and trains a classifier on provided spam data.
2. Classify(input string) bool: Classifies a message as spam or not based on the trained model.

How It Works:

• Training Phase: Calculates probabilities and builds a vocabulary from the training data.
• Classification Phase: Computes scores for spam and non-spam messages to make a classification decision.
• Laplace Smoothing: Adjusts probabilities for unseen words to improve accuracy.

Dataset Support: The project supports the Kaggle Spam Mails Dataset, which can be downloaded with a provided script.

Testing: You can run tests using:

go test -v

Tests cover classification examples and evaluate performance on real email datasets.

Brimstone Summary

Brimstone is a JavaScript engine created using Rust, designed to fully support the JavaScript language. It is still in development but currently supports over 97% of JavaScript (ECMAScript) based on test262. It's not yet ready for production use.

Key Features:

• Implements the ECMAScript specification.
• Inspired by V8 and SerenityOS's LibJS.
• Built mostly from scratch with few dependencies, except for ICU4X.
• Includes a bytecode virtual machine, a compacting garbage collector, a custom regular expression engine, and a custom parser.
• Implements nearly all built-in objects and functions according to the specification.

Building and Running:

• Use standard cargo commands:
  • cargo build to build the engine.
  • cargo run to run it.
• To run a JavaScript file, build Brimstone and use:
  • ./target/debug/bs ./hello.js to execute it.

Testing:

• Brimstone includes integration tests, primarily using the official test262 suite.
• Run integration tests with cargo brimstone-test.
• Run unit tests with cargo test.

Missing Features:

• It has implemented all ECMAScript features up to ES2024, except for SharedArrayBuffer and Atomics.

The text discusses "Strictly Necessary Cookies," which are essential for the website to work properly. These cookies help with security, prevent fraud, and allow for purchases. While you can block these cookies in your browser, doing so may cause some parts of the site to not work correctly.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary of "From Zero to 35M: The Struggles of Scaling Laravel with Octane"

This blog discusses the author's experience scaling an online multiplayer game, IdleMMO, using Laravel Octane and OpenSwoole to manage over 35 million requests daily. Here are the key points:

1. Application Overview: IdleMMO launched in December 2023 and quickly gained over 160,000 users, leading to significant scaling challenges due to its resource-intensive nature.

2. Initial Setup: The initial infrastructure used NGINX, MySQL, and Redis, which worked for a smaller user base but struggled with a sudden influx of users after launching on the Google Play Store.

3. Challenges:

   • The original setup could not handle the increased traffic without extensive server upgrades.
   • PHP-FPM struggled under load, prompting the search for a more efficient solution.

4. Solution with Laravel Octane:

   • Laravel Octane, built on Swoole, significantly improved performance by keeping the application in memory, allowing it to handle more requests with fewer resources.
   • This resulted in reduced response times and better overall performance.

5. Implementation Issues:

   • Transitioning to Octane presented challenges, such as managing state to avoid data sharing between requests, which could lead to errors.
   • There were unexpected database transaction issues caused by persistent connections.
   • The author faced limitations in available resources and had to manually adjust configurations for performance optimization.

6. Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • The author implemented monitoring tools to track server performance and made adjustments based on connection statistics.
   • They faced issues with worker connections and file descriptor limits, requiring configuration changes for better resource management.

7. Race Conditions:

   • A significant problem arose from a resource-heavy operation that caused server crashes due to simultaneous requests. The author implemented a locking mechanism to prevent multiple calculations from running at once.

8. Conclusion:

   • Laravel Octane has transformed the author's application, allowing it to handle massive traffic efficiently.
   • Key takeaways include careful data management, readiness for server limit adjustments, and the importance of monitoring and optimizing heavy operations.

In summary, the author's experience with Laravel Octane highlights both its powerful benefits for scaling applications and the complexities that come with such transitions.

Summary of Kubernetes with Flox:

Flox offers a new way to manage environments in Kubernetes without the need for image builds. Here are the key points:

1. No Image Rebuilds: You can run the same environment from local development to production without rebuilding images. This speeds up deployments and simplifies processes.

2. Declarative Environments: Flox allows you to define your environment declaratively. Instead of shipping entire images, you specify which packages are needed, reducing data transfer and improving efficiency.

3. Fast Startups: With local caches that store only the required packages, applications start quickly without lengthy downloads.

4. Reproducibility: The same environment can be used across development, CI, and production, ensuring consistency and allowing for easy rollbacks.

5. Built-in Security: Flox environments come with a smaller attack surface and generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) automatically, enhancing security and compliance.

6. Operational Simplicity: You retain familiar Kubernetes practices while benefiting from faster deployments and easier updates.

7. Support for Various Teams: Flox caters to different teams, including AI/ML, data science, and software engineering, allowing them to define, test, and deploy environments easily.

8. How to Use: Users can define all dependencies and push changes to a platform called FloxHub, where Kubernetes automatically pulls the necessary environment at runtime.

9. Updates and Rollbacks: Switching to a previous environment version is straightforward through FloxHub, ensuring changes are immutable and atomic.

10. Continuous Integration: You can keep your existing CI/CD pipelines while simplifying what you ship, reducing the need for traditional build-push-pull cycles.

11. Debugging: Flox enables easy recreation of production environments for debugging, making it simpler to identify and fix issues.

12. Reliable SBOMs: Flox provides accurate SBOMs derived from build graphs, enhancing security and compliance tracking.

Overall, Flox simplifies Kubernetes deployments by eliminating the need for container images and enhancing speed, security, and consistency across environments.

Summary of "Running the 'Reflections on Trusting Trust' Compiler"

The post discusses supply chain security, highlighting its historical roots through Ken Thompson's 1983 Turing Award lecture titled "Reflections on Trusting Trust." In this lecture, he explained how to insert a backdoor into a C compiler without leaving traces in the source code. The process involves three main steps:

1. Self-Reproducing Program (Quine): Write a program that can print its own source code.
2. Compiler Learning: Understand that a compiler can retain information in its binary form that isn't present in the source code.
3. Inserting a Backdoor: Modify the compiler to recognize specific programs (like "login") and insert malicious code while ensuring the compiler can also reproduce itself with these modifications.

The post then details running Ken's original code from his lecture, demonstrating the ease of implementing such a backdoor. It describes the steps taken to create an "evil" compiler, which adds the backdoor to the standard compiler code.

The author reflects on the implications of the backdoor, emphasizing the importance of building software from trusted sources and the need for secure practices in software development, especially in light of modern security concerns. They discuss the evolution of compiler trust, the idea of "diverse double-compiling" to ensure security, and the challenges of achieving reproducible builds in software development.

Overall, the post serves as both a historical recount of a significant issue in computer security and a reminder of ongoing vulnerabilities in software supply chains.

Summary

Date: November 16, 2025

Topic: Container Deployment with Podman on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

Key Points:

1. Containers vs. Kubernetes: While Kubernetes is popular for large-scale deployments, many services can be effectively managed with simpler solutions like Podman on RHEL, especially for smaller setups.

2. Why Podman?

   • Daemonless and Rootless: Podman runs containers without a central daemon and allows them to run as unprivileged users, enhancing security.
   • Systemd Integration: Podman integrates well with systemd, allowing easier management of containers.
   • OCI Compliance: Podman can run existing Docker images without modifications.

3. Using Quadlets:

   • Quadlets offer a declarative way to configure containers using systemd unit files, improving lifecycle management and support for automatic updates.

4. Network Security:

   • A secure network design involves separate networks for frontend (Traefik) and backend (PostgreSQL) services to minimize exposure.

5. Deployment Example: The article walks through deploying Forgejo (a self-hosted Git service):

   • Step 1: Enable the Podman socket for Traefik.
   • Step 2: Create networks for frontend and backend.
   • Step 3: Use Podman secrets for secure password management.
   • Steps 4-6: Define database and application containers, including Traefik as a reverse proxy for handling TLS and routing.

6. Service Management: Using systemd allows for easy monitoring and management of services, including automatic updates for container images.

7. Security Practices:

   • The setup employs network segmentation, rootless containers, SELinux enforcement, and secret management to enhance security.

8. Conclusion: This approach simplifies container deployment without needing Kubernetes, providing a secure, maintainable, and enterprise-ready solution suitable for self-hosted services and development environments.

9. Next Steps: Red Hat practitioners can further explore using Fedora CoreOS, OpenShift, and automation tools like Ansible to enhance their container deployments.

This summary focuses on the importance of using Podman and Quadlets for secure and efficient container management in smaller-scale deployments on RHEL, highlighting key steps in deployment and security considerations.

This text describes an open-source HDMI KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch that allows users to share two monitors and four USB devices among three computers.

Key points include:

• Functionality: The KVM switch supports HDMI 1.3a and resolutions up to 1920 x 1200, with some user testing showing it can work at 2560 x 1440 at 75 Hz.
• Connections: It has six HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs, four mini-USB ports, and four USB host ports. It connects to a keypad used for switching between computers.
• Keypad: The keypad has a 3x3 button grid for switching inputs and connects to the base with a PS/2 cable, although it does not use the PS/2 protocol.
• Software: The project has several repositories, including the main switch (kvm-base), the keypad (kvm-keypad), and the firmware (kvm-fw).
• Building Instructions: Users can assemble their own KVM switch by ordering PCBs and following instructions in the repositories. It requires specific cables and components for assembly.

Overall, this KVM switch is still being developed and has some known issues.

No summary available.

The article discusses the limitations of Rust's borrow checker, particularly the inability to pass both an object and a reference to that object simultaneously. Although this is a well-known restriction, the author argues that with the right approach, self-borrowing and related features could be supported in a future version of Rust.

Key points include:

1. Current Limitations: Rust's type system prevents certain operations, especially in safe, zero-cost ways. Workarounds exist but compromise safety and efficiency.

2. Historical Context: Rust initially lacked support for non-movable types, which are essential for async functions. The introduction of the Pin type offered partial support but did not allow users to create their own self-referential types.

3. Proposed Solutions: The author suggests that the solution lies in making types more explicit, particularly by giving names to all types and lifetimes. This includes the introduction of "lifetime tokens" and a new syntax for managing lifetimes effectively.

4. Borrow Checking Challenges: The article identifies issues like unnameable types and the need for a more flexible type system that can handle scenarios involving async functions and partial moves.

5. Enhancements to Type System: Proposed enhancements involve introducing new types and lifetimes to allow for self-borrowing and enabling the safe use of async functions in Rust without the current limitations.

6. Implementation Considerations: The author acknowledges that while these ideas are theoretically sound, implementing them would be complex and potentially disruptive to Rust's existing ecosystem.

In summary, the article explores the potential for improving Rust's borrow checking system to enable features like self-borrowing and safe async functions, while recognizing the challenges of implementing such changes within the language's design.

No summary available.

The text discusses the evolution of the double-asterisk (**) recursive glob pattern, which allows for matching files and directories across multiple subdirectories. This pattern was first introduced in the Z shell (zsh) around 1990, becoming a built-in feature that enabled users to easily find files in nested folders.

The KornShell (ksh) later adopted a similar feature in 2003, calling it "globstar." Bash introduced its version in 2009, influenced by ksh, but kept it disabled by default to avoid changing existing scripts unexpectedly. Over time, the ** pattern spread to programming languages like Ruby and Python, as well as build tools and configuration files, due to its usefulness for recursive file matching.

Despite lacking formal standardization, the ** pattern has become widely accepted in various environments, symbolizing a significant innovation in file handling. The text credits zsh with its invention, ksh with its naming, and Bash with its widespread distribution.

Summary of Extreme Moon: Major Lunar Standstill of 2024–2025

Every 18.6 years, the Moon reaches extreme positions in its orbit, causing noticeable changes in how it rises and sets on the horizon. This phenomenon is called a "major lunar standstill." The next occurrence will take place from 2024 to 2025.

Key Events: Griffith Observatory will host several events during this period, including notable moonrise and moonset dates. This includes significant dates like June 21 and 22, 2024, and continuing through to September 14, 2025.

Observation: During a major lunar standstill, the Moon rises and sets at its furthest northern and southern points, similar to how the Sun behaves during solstices. Observers will notice that the Moon's position changes significantly each month, moving as much as 70 degrees across the horizon. The best times to observe this phenomenon are during full moons.

Understanding the Standstill: The standstill occurs due to the tilt and movement of the Moon's orbit compared to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. This unique alignment allows the Moon to reach its highest and lowest positions in the sky.

Griffith Observatory will provide opportunities to observe and learn about this event throughout 2024 and 2025.

pgFirstAid Overview

pgFirstAid is an easy-to-use, open-source tool for improving PostgreSQL database stability and performance. It provides quick health checks and actionable insights, making it suitable for anyone, not just database administrators (DBAs).

Key Features:

• No Dependencies: It is a single SQL function with no need for external tools.
• Health Checks: Includes 12 built-in checks for critical performance and stability issues, with more being added.
• Prioritized Issues: Results are sorted by severity: CRITICAL, HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, and INFO.
• Recommendations: Each issue comes with specific actions to address it.
• Documentation Links: Provides direct links to PostgreSQL documentation for further information.

Quick Start: To use pgFirstAid, simply paste the function into your PostgreSQL database and run SELECT * FROM pg_firstAid();. No additional configuration is necessary.

Example Output: The output includes details like severity, category, check name, object name, issue description, current value, recommended action, and documentation link.

What It Checks:

• CRITICAL Issues: Missing primary keys, unused large indexes.
• HIGH Issues: Table bloat, missing statistics, duplicate indexes.
• MEDIUM Issues: Outdated statistics, low index efficiency, excessive sequential scans.
• LOW Issues: Missing foreign key indexes.
• INFORMATIONAL: Database size and PostgreSQL version.

Usage Tips:

• Filter results by severity or category for focused checks.
• Count issues by severity to track problems.

When to Run pgFirstAid:

• Daily for quick health checks.
• Before deploying changes.
• After major modifications.
• When troubleshooting performance issues.
• For capacity planning.

Important Notes:

• Review recommendations carefully before making changes.
• Test in a non-production environment first.
• Requires read access to system catalogs.
• Lightweight and safe to run on production systems.

Compatibility: Supports PostgreSQL 10+ and compatible databases like Amazon RDS and Azure.

Contributing: Suggestions for improvements or new checks are welcome!

License: GPLv3

Credits: Inspired by Brent Ozar's FirstResponderKit for SQL Server.

Summary of Archimedes: A Python Toolkit for Hardware Engineering

Archimedes is a new Python framework aimed at simplifying the development of control systems for industries like aerospace, automotive, and robotics. It allows engineers to write algorithms in Python using NumPy and automatically generate optimized C code for embedded systems, similar to how PyTorch revolutionized machine learning deployment.

Key Features:

• Python to C Code Generation: Archimedes enables seamless translation of Python code into efficient C code, bridging the gap between software development and hardware deployment.
• High Performance: The framework significantly speeds up execution by compiling Python functions into C++ computational graphs, offering performance improvements over pure Python.
• Simulation and Optimization Tools: Archimedes incorporates advanced simulation and optimization capabilities, including root-finding and automatic differentiation, making it suitable for complex engineering tasks.
• Structured Data Types: It supports hierarchical data structures, allowing users to represent complex physical systems intuitively and manage their data more effectively.

Why Archimedes? Jared Callaham created Archimedes to address the challenges faced in control systems development, aiming for a clean, organized codebase that simplifies the transition from algorithm development to hardware deployment.

Getting Started: Users can easily begin using Archimedes through a quickstart guide, with tutorials covering various topics related to structured data, control flow, and C code generation.

Current Status: Archimedes is in "public beta," meaning the core functionalities are stable and tested. The project encourages community feedback to refine the tool further.

Overall, Archimedes aims to enhance productivity for control systems engineers, making it easier to design, test, and deploy algorithms in real-world applications.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary: Adding an Imaginary Unit to a Finite Field

• A finite field is formed from integers mod a prime number ( p ), with the number of elements being a power of ( p ).
• When the exponent ( n > 1 ), the field can include polynomials of degree ( n-1 ) with coefficients in integers mod ( p ).
• Addition in this field is straightforward, but multiplication requires using an irreducible polynomial and taking the remainder.
• For certain fields, like those with order ( p^2 ), you can add an imaginary unit ( i ), similar to how complex numbers are formed.
• For instance, with a field of order 49 (from mod 7), you can use the polynomial ( x^2 + 1 ). However, for a field of order 25 (from mod 5), this polynomial is not suitable because it has roots in that field. Instead, a different polynomial, like ( x^2 + x + 1 ), must be used.
• Generally, you can add an imaginary unit ( i ) if ( p \equiv 3 \mod 4 .

Example with Ethereum:

• The Ethereum virtual machine uses a specific curve defined over a large prime field and another curve defined over a field with an imaginary unit added.
• A particular point on one of these curves is highlighted, and a Python code example shows how to perform calculations in this field.

This summary covers the key points about finite fields, adding imaginary units, and an example from Ethereum.

Summary of Wealth Inequality and Wealth Levels

Wealth inequality can greatly affect people's lives and relationships, often more than physical differences. To understand social class, it's important to discuss wealth and how it divides society.

Net Worth vs. Wealth:

• Net worth is calculated as assets minus liabilities, but it doesn't fully capture a person's wealth or their ability to respond to financial emergencies. A better measure is how much money someone can gather quickly in a crisis.

Wealth vs. Income:

• Wealth is different from income. Income is a flow of money, while wealth is a stock that represents a person's financial standing. Wealth levels can be assessed through lifestyle and a brief interview.

Wealth Levels:

1. Destitute (less than $3): Unable to afford basic needs.
2. Broke ($3-$30): Struggling to gather even small amounts for survival.
3. Poor ($30-$300): Can scrape together some money but lives in unstable conditions.
4. Lower Class ($300-$3,000): Some steady employment but often in precarious housing situations.
5. Working Class ($3,000-$30,000): Lower middle class with some financial stability but vulnerable to debt.
6. Middle Class ($30,000-$300,000): Financially stable, can save and invest, and often own property.
7. Comfortable ($300,000-$3 million): Upper middle class, money is less of a concern.
8. Rich ($3 million-$30 million): High net worth, employment is optional.
9. Ultra-Rich ($30 million-$300 million): Very high net worth individuals with significant assets.
10. Ultra-Billionaire ($300 million-$3 billion): Billionaires who use tax strategies.
11. Multi-Billionaire ($3 billion-$30 billion): Extremely wealthy individuals with vast resources.
12. Ultra-Billionaire ($30 billion+): The richest individuals globally, often with generational wealth.

The text highlights how wealth levels have changed over time and their significance in understanding social class and economic status.

Every minute, nine different AI models create a new clock.

Malcolm Cowley was a significant literary critic and editor who played a crucial role in promoting American literature in the 20th century. In the mid-1940s, he helped revive the works of William Faulkner, persuading Viking Press to include a Faulkner volume in its Portable Library series when most of Faulkner's books were out of print. Cowley’s efforts contributed to Faulkner's recognition, including his Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949.

Known for discovering young talent, Cowley published the first short story by John Cheever and supported other writers like Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey. He aimed to elevate American literature to stand on its own, distinct from British literature. Cowley believed in the importance of understanding the context of literary works, contrasting with the more formal approaches of his time.

His own experiences, including serving in World War I and the subsequent literary scene in Paris, shaped his perspective. Cowley’s influential works, such as "Exile’s Return," explored the challenges faced by American writers. Despite some political misjudgments, including naivety about Stalinism, Cowley's literary contributions helped define a generation.

Throughout his career, Cowley sought to connect literature with the broader American experience, advocating for a national literary tradition. He recognized the emergence of significant works like "Moby-Dick" and the impact of modernist writers. Though not as esteemed as some contemporaries, Cowley's multifaceted role in literature was vital in shaping American literary heritage.

No summary available.

Coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) is important for creating powerful ultrashort light sources. This study introduces a method to generate CSR using a technique called generalized superradiance, which utilizes surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the inner surface of a microtube. A strong, circularly polarized laser pulse travels along the microtube, exciting SPPs and producing rotating electromagnetic fields. These fields help accelerate surface electrons, causing them to emit CSR at specific angles.

By improving the symmetry of the electron motion, the method allows for CSR emission in various directions, resulting in stronger radiation intensity even when there is some loss of coherence. Simulations show that this technique can produce X-rays that are significantly more coherent than traditional methods. However, there are challenges to implementing this in experiments, such as needing high-quality lasers and precise microtube construction, but these are achievable with current or near-future technology.

The text discusses the differences between childhood experiences in traditional societies, like the BaYaka hunter-gatherers in the Congolese rainforests, and modern Western childhood. The BaYaka children grow up exploring independently in nature, while statistics reveal that many American children (ages 8-12) have limited freedom and mobility, relying heavily on technology for social interaction.

Key points include:

• BaYaka children have a rich, autonomous childhood, spending time in nature and developing skills without adult supervision.
• In contrast, Western children are often sheltered, with many not engaging in independent play or exploration. They spend excessive time on screens, with many expressing a desire for more in-person interactions.
• The decline in children's independence is attributed to parental fears, urbanization, and societal changes, rather than just technology.
• Children are drawn to digital spaces because they offer a semblance of the independent peer cultures that are missing in their physical environments.
• There’s concern about the negative effects of digital spaces on children's mental health and well-being.

The author suggests that if we cannot provide safe, physical spaces for children to explore, we need to create better digital environments that allow them to form peer cultures without the dangers of current online platforms.

This text lists various JavaScript engines, providing details like their names, scores, programming languages, target ECMAScript versions, contributors, licenses, and brief descriptions. Here are the key points:

1. JavaScript Engines: The document includes a variety of JavaScript engines such as V8 (used in Chrome and Node.js), JavaScriptCore (Safari/WebKit), SpiderMonkey (Firefox), and many others.

2. Details Provided: Each engine is accompanied by:

   • Score: Performance or quality metric.
   • LOC: Lines of code.
   • Language: Programming language used to write the engine.
   • JIT: Indicates if it uses Just-In-Time compilation.
   • Years Active: Timeframe of development.
   • Target ECMAScript Versions: The ES versions the engine supports.
   • Stars and Contributors: Community engagement metrics on platforms like GitHub.
   • License: The type of license under which the engine is released.
   • Description: A brief overview of what the engine does.

3. Diversity of Engines: The engines vary widely in purpose, from those optimized for web browsers to lightweight engines for microcontrollers or specific platforms like mobile apps.

4. Recent Developments: Some engines are still being actively developed, while others are outdated or marked as "unfinished."

Overall, the list highlights the variety of JavaScript engines available, their capabilities, and their intended use cases.

In medieval times, alchemists aimed to turn lead into gold, believing that if they could create gold, they would become wealthy. However, the writer argues that this idea was flawed because if gold became too common, its value would decrease.

Today, a similar pursuit is happening with AI-generated art, where people think they can easily create valuable content. Initially, there was excitement about AI art, but as it flooded the market, its perceived value has plummeted. Many people can now recognize AI-generated art and often reject it because it lacks the human touch and story that make traditional art meaningful.

The writer emphasizes that art's value comes from the unique, human process behind its creation, which AI cannot replicate. Even though AI may displace some creative jobs, it cannot fully replace human creativity because if art becomes too easy to produce, it loses its worth. Essentially, just like with alchemy, the more artificial "gold" (AI art) is made, the less valuable it becomes.

The text is a dialogue between two characters, Argle and Bargle, discussing the existence and nature of holes, particularly in relation to a piece of cheese.

1. Argle's View: Argle believes that only concrete objects exist and initially argues that holes aren't real entities, but rather just describe the absence of matter in something, like cheese.

2. Bargle's Counterargument: Bargle challenges Argle's thinking, asserting that if there are holes in the cheese, then holes must exist as entities, even if they are not made of matter.

3. Definition of Holes: Argle eventually concedes that holes can be considered material objects, arguing that they are defined by their surrounding matter, which he calls "hole-linings."

4. Concept of Co-Perforation: The discussion shifts to how many holes are present based on their relationship to the cheese and other objects, leading to the concept of "co-perforation," where different hole-linings can be seen as representing the same hole.

5. Philosophical Disagreement: The dialogue highlights their differing philosophical views—Argle's nominalism versus Bargle's belief in the existence of abstract entities. They agree to disagree on many points, acknowledging the complexity of their philosophical discourse.

6. Conclusion: They recognize that their debate serves as a broader illustration of their philosophical disagreements, yet they appreciate the clarity and depth of their discussion.

In essence, the dialogue explores deep philosophical questions about existence, nature, and language through a playful examination of everyday objects like cheese and holes.

The article discusses the limitations of educational technology in monitoring student behavior, from a seventh-grader's perspective. The author, Micah Blachman, highlights that while schools use tools like Securly to block gaming sites, students often find ways to bypass these restrictions. For instance, websites used for coding classes or educational quizzes can be misused for gaming.

Micah points out that blocking sites can lead to students discovering loopholes and sharing unblocked game links quickly. Even if certain sites like YouTube are blocked, teachers can still access educational content through teacher accounts. The author argues that simply blocking sites may not be effective long-term and suggests that schools should focus on teaching responsible technology use and trusting students, rather than relying solely on restrictions.

A new nuclear power station is set to be built at Wylfa on Anglesey, north Wales, marking the UK's first small modular reactor (SMR) plant. Construction will begin next year, aiming to generate power by the mid-2030s and potentially create up to 3,000 jobs with a £2.5 billion government investment. This facility could provide energy for about three million homes.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of this project for revitalizing areas like Anglesey, which have faced years of neglect. The SMRs are smaller than traditional reactors, making them easier to construct. However, there are concerns about the long-term storage of nuclear waste and the effectiveness of investing in SMRs compared to renewable energy sources.

Local leaders see the project as beneficial, but some critics argue it may not provide sufficient power compared to larger plants. The UK government aims for energy independence with this initiative, despite some opposition from groups advocating for renewable energy solutions.

Summary: Building a High-Performance Home

In 2018, the author decided to build a high-performance home and moved to the East Coast due to land acquisition challenges in the Bay Area. They sought a walkable location and eventually found a suitable property in Boston.

Key Steps in the Building Process:

1. Finding an Architect and Builder:

   • Initially researched zero energy home builders and sought recommendations.
   • Hired a drafter after an architect could only consult.
   • Faced delays due to contract issues with the builder, leading to the search for another builder.

2. Planning and Design:

   • Collaborated with architects and HVAC experts for energy-efficient designs.
   • Created detailed building plans and sought builders familiar with high-performance construction.

3. Excavation and Foundation:

   • Experienced issues with builder compliance with engineered plans.
   • Made a costly decision to use Superior Walls instead of insulated concrete forms.

4. Framing and Insulation:

   • Chose double stud walls for better insulation.
   • Encountered problems with improper insulation installation and had to intervene multiple times.

5. Windows and Doors:

   • Searched for high-performance windows, ultimately choosing less satisfactory options.
   • Installed triple-locking doors for better air sealing but faced installation issues.

6. HVAC and Plumbing:

   • Hired an HVAC expert to design the system but encountered installation problems.
   • Managed plumbing fixtures independently, leading to some complications.

7. Electrical and Technology:

   • Integrated a low-voltage electrical system but faced delays and confusion during installation.

8. Final Touches:

   • Faced issues with drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and tile installation.
   • Despite many challenges, the home was completed with several high-tech features.

Conclusion: The author learned valuable lessons about hiring competent builders, the importance of detailed contracts, and being proactive in overseeing construction. They recommend working closely with experienced professionals and being well-informed throughout the building process. Future plans include building an environmentally friendly home inspired by innovative designs.

The text discusses the complexities of decompiling Java class files, particularly focusing on handling exceptions in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Here are the key points simplified:

1. Decompiling Java: The author initially tried to improve decompilation methods for Java class files. While they succeeded in decompiling basic control flow, handling exceptions proved much more challenging.

2. JVM Basics: The JVM uses a stack-based approach for executing instructions. Most operations affect the stack directly, but exceptions introduce implicit control flows that are more difficult to manage.

3. Exception Handling: In Java, a try block is designed to catch any exceptions that occur within its scope. This is managed through an exception table that maps instruction ranges to their corresponding exception handlers.

4. Complexities of Exception Tables: The exception table can have overlapping or intersecting ranges, complicating the decompilation process. Properly interpreting these ranges is crucial for accurately reconstructing the original code.

5. Try-Finally Blocks: The behavior of try-finally blocks adds another layer of complexity, as the finally block must execute regardless of whether an exception is thrown. The JVM handles this by duplicating the finally logic at each exit point.

6. Throwing Instructions: Any JVM instruction can potentially throw an exception, making it difficult to predict which instructions need to be included in the exception handling logic. This includes conditions where returns or other control flow mechanisms could result in exceptions.

7. Type Checking: The JVM has two ways of checking types in bytecode, which can affect how exceptions are handled. This can lead to confusion in old class files where type validation may not be as strict.

8. Ranges of Exception Handling: The text emphasizes that not all parts of a method are covered by exception handling, which can complicate how a decompiler interprets the code.

9. Conclusion: The author notes that while they have a basic understanding of how to handle these complexities in their decompiler, there is still much to learn and refine.

Overall, the article highlights the intricate details of Java exception handling in the context of decompilation and the challenges faced in accurately reconstructing Java code from bytecode.

To win the game, you need to flip tiles so that all of them are white. You can select square areas of tiles that are at least 2x2 in size. When you flip a tile, white tiles turn black, and black tiles turn white. Good luck!

Summary of One-Handed Keyboard Project

A person reached out for help to create a one-handed keyboard for his daughter, who lost the use of her right hand after an accident. The keyboard is a mechanical design with a trackball and uses QMK firmware.

Key Features:

• The keyboard design is open-source and includes three types of PCBs for both left and right hands.
• It contains all necessary resources, including firmware files, design documents, and model files.

Components:

• The hardware uses FR-4 material and has specific thicknesses and configurations for different parts.
• Various buttons and controls are designed for ease of use, with specific instructions for assembly and wiring.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Connect small PCBs to the main PCB.
2. Install key switches, the trackball, and the scroll wheel.
3. Follow a specific order for placing components in the base and secure them with screws.
4. Program the firmware using a specific button press method.

The project encourages feedback and contributions as it is the first open-source initiative of its kind.

The author discusses the challenges of branch prediction in programming, particularly in a financial system where most transaction requests are abandoned, making speed for successful requests critical. In their example code, they illustrate a function that decides whether to send or abandon a transaction based on a condition.

The problem arises because the branch predictor is likely to assume that most requests will be abandoned, which can slow down the process when a transaction needs to be sent. The author explores low-level solutions to influence branch prediction, noting that while some older x86 processors allow for branch prediction hints, modern ones do not. They also mention that C++20 attributes meant to optimize branch prediction have limited effectiveness on modern x86 CPUs.

Instead, the author suggests a higher-level approach: filling the system with mock transactions that are likely to be sent. This primes the branch predictor to favor the send path, resulting in faster execution. They reference a talk by Carl Cook, who used this method to achieve significant speed improvements in his trading system. The author concludes that this approach may be more effective than trying to manipulate branch prediction directly.

The author, who runs a vintage computing blog, faced a frustrating situation when UPS charged him nearly $700 in tariffs for $355 worth of vintage computer parts. Initially, the tariff seemed excessive and was nearly double the item's value. The author, based in California, typically prefers to buy parts from US sellers to avoid such issues, but he needed specific old parts from a seller in the European Union.

After paying the unexpected high tariff, the author disputed the charges with UPS. He found that the tariff was incorrectly assessed, and after several communications, UPS corrected the error, resulting in a lower final tariff of $51.30. The author expressed dissatisfaction with UPS for their initial mistake and the late notification of the charges, highlighting poor customer service.

He advised others facing similar situations to pay any tariffs first to avoid additional storage fees and then dispute the charges later. Overall, while the situation was resolved, the experience left the author unhappy with UPS's handling of the matter.

The text outlines a user interface for a digital platform, likely related to gaming or software. Key sections include:

• Store: Features like Home, Discovery Queue, Wishlist, Points Shop, News, and Stats.
• Community: Options for Home, Discussions, Workshop, Market, and Broadcasts.
• About: General information about the platform.
• Support: Assistance options for users.

Additionally, there's a code snippet for a tooltip feature on the global header, enhancing user interaction. The platform supports multiple languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and various European languages.

The text discusses how a carboxylic group (CO*) relaxes when it is attached to a Zirconium atom from a specific Zr3Sc structure. This process is important for converting CO2 into fuel.

Lawmakers in Wisconsin and Michigan are trying to implement strict age verification laws that could ban the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These laws, aimed at "protecting children," require websites to verify users' ages and block VPN access, which is technically challenging and could have widespread consequences.

The proposed Wisconsin bill, A.B. 105/S.B. 130, expands the definition of "harmful to minors" to include a wide array of content, potentially censoring educational materials and discussions about human anatomy and sexuality. This could affect not only adult content but also basic scientific and medical information, impacting many websites.

VPNs are crucial for various users, including businesses, students, journalists, and vulnerable individuals, as they protect privacy and secure data. Blocking VPNs could force people to submit personal information to websites without proper protections, increasing the risk of data breaches.

The law is unlikely to be effective, as users can find ways around these restrictions. Instead of addressing online safety, lawmakers are attacking privacy tools. A better approach would focus on education and support for parents, not infringing on digital privacy. If you're in Wisconsin, consider contacting your Senator to oppose this legislation, as it threatens both privacy and freedom online.