Summary of Nano Banana Pro Announcement

Google DeepMind has introduced Nano Banana Pro, an advanced image generation and editing model based on Gemini 3 Pro. Here are the key features:

• Create High-Quality Visuals: Users can generate accurate images with clear text in multiple languages, making it ideal for infographics, posters, and international content.
• Enhanced Design Capabilities: Nano Banana Pro allows for easy visualization of ideas, transforming notes into diagrams, and creating consistent branding across various projects.
• Improved Text Rendering: The model excels at rendering legible text, whether for short phrases or longer paragraphs, and supports multilingual content.
• Real-Time Information: It connects to Google Search to create context-rich visuals and educational content, such as infographics based on real-world data.
• Creative Control: Advanced editing tools enable users to adjust camera angles, focus, and lighting, allowing for high-fidelity visuals suitable for any platform.
• Availability: Nano Banana Pro is accessible across various Google products, including the Gemini app and Google Ads, with features tailored for both casual users and professionals.

Additionally, images generated through this tool come with a digital watermark for identification, maintaining transparency about AI-generated content.

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This document is a summary of a legal case in the High Court involving Dr. Matthew Garrett, a software engineer and free software activist, and a married couple, Dr. Roy Schestowitz and Mrs. Rianne Schestowitz, who operate websites focused on free software. Dr. Garrett is suing the Schestowitzes for libel regarding a series of 24 publications on their websites in 2023, while they have counterclaimed for harassment.

Dr. Garrett has a strong background in software and has worked with major tech companies, while the Schestowitzes have been involved in free software advocacy for many years. The case has seen delays and procedural issues, particularly around the Schestowitzes' failure to submit witness statements, which limited their ability to present a full defense at trial.

The judge, Mrs. Justice Collins Rice, is tasked with determining the meaning of the disputed publications and whether they contain allegations of fact or opinion. This involves considering how an ordinary reader would interpret the words, focusing on context and common knowledge. The judge will assess if the statements could harm Dr. Garrett's reputation and whether the Schestowitzes have valid defenses.

Overall, the case highlights tensions within the free software movement and involves complex legal principles around defamation and data protection.

Firefox 147 will finally support the XDG Base Directory specification, a request that dates back 21 years. This means that Firefox will now organize files in a way that is consistent with other Linux applications, placing them in designated folders like ~/.config and ~/.local/share instead of just ~/.mozilla. This change addresses a long-standing bug report from September 2004, and with this update, Firefox will work better with other Linux apps.

This study shows that using poetry can effectively trick large language models (LLMs) into revealing restricted information. Researchers tested 25 different models and found that poetic prompts successfully bypassed safety measures in over 90% of cases for some models. They also converted harmful prompts into poetic forms, which increased their effectiveness significantly—up to 18 times better than regular text. The results were checked with both automated tools and human reviewers to ensure accuracy. On average, custom poems had a 62% success rate in bypassing safeguards, while the poetic conversions had a 43% success rate, both much higher than regular prompts. This indicates that simply changing the style of prompts can exploit weaknesses in current safety systems, highlighting serious flaws in how these models are aligned and assessed.

"Calvin and Hobbes" debuted in newspapers 40 years ago on November 18, 1985. Created by Bill Watterson, it featured a 6-year-old boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who came to life in Calvin's imagination. The comic strip was known for its blend of humor, fantasy, and deeper themes, capturing the challenges and adventures of childhood.

Watterson ended the comic in 1995, at the peak of its popularity, to pursue other creative opportunities. Lee Salem, the comic's editor, described the unique charm of Calvin as he navigated a world dominated by adults. Hobbes served as Calvin's companion and alter ego, embodying the imaginative spirit of childhood. Despite its end, "Calvin and Hobbes" remains a beloved classic in comic history.

To dual boot postmarketOS (pmOS) on your Android device, you need a boot method and a way to store the operating system. Here’s a simplified guide on how to do it:

1. Booting with a Computer: Use a computer to boot pmOS via fastboot mode. This method keeps your phone unchanged, requiring only an SD card for data storage.

2. Recovery Partition: If you flash pmOS to the recovery partition, your device will boot into pmOS when you enter recovery mode. Note that this will overwrite any existing recovery software.

3. A/B Slots: For devices with A/B slots, you can install pmOS on slot B while keeping Android on slot A. You can switch between slots using fastboot commands or specific apps.

4. U-Boot and lk2nd: Some devices use U-Boot, which allows OS selection at boot. Devices with lk2nd can load pmOS from a designated partition without affecting Android.

5. Stowaway Method: If your device uses encryption incompatible with pmOS, you can create a folder on the data partition to store pmOS files without modifying the partition table.

6. Using an SD Card: You can also install pmOS on an SD card, ensuring to flash the entire drive, not just a partition.

7. Custom Partitioning: For advanced users, you can create a custom partition for pmOS, but this process carries a risk of data loss and bricking your device.

8. Preparation Steps: You’ll need to prepare files and follow specific commands to set up and boot pmOS correctly.

This guide covers various methods for dual booting pmOS on Android devices, highlighting the importance of careful execution to avoid data loss or device bricking.

The text discusses the complexities of CUDA terminology, which can refer to multiple concepts, leading to confusion. Here are the key points simplified:

1. CUDA Terminology: The term "CUDA" has various meanings, including:

   • As a compute architecture (NVIDIA's platform).
   • As an instruction set for GPUs (versioned by compute capability).
   • As a source language with specific C/C++ extensions.
   • As the CUDA Toolkit, which includes development tools.
   • As the CUDA Runtime, a library for applications.

2. Drivers and Kernels: The term "driver" can refer to different software components, such as the NVIDIA GPU Driver and the CUDA Driver API. Additionally, "kernel" can mean either the operating system kernel or a CUDA function that runs on the GPU.

3. Component Architecture: The CUDA ecosystem consists of multiple layers:

   • The Frontend (application layer) includes the Runtime API (libcudart).
   • The Backend (system layer) involves the Driver API (libcuda) and the GPU driver.

4. Versioning: Different CUDA components have their own versioning systems. Key version types include:

   • Compute Capability: Reflects the GPU's hardware features.
   • CUDA Driver API Version: Based on the GPU driver.
   • CUDA Toolkit Version: For the development toolkit.

5. Compatibility Rules: For a CUDA application to run correctly, the Driver API version must match or exceed the Runtime API version, and the application must include compatible GPU code.

6. Common Issues: Mismatches in versions can lead to specific error messages, such as insufficient driver errors or missing kernel images.

7. Best Practices: Developers should ensure they document version requirements, compile for multiple compute capabilities, and check versions at runtime to avoid compatibility issues.

8. Docker Usage: The text also mentions different types of Docker images for CUDA applications, distinguishing between runtime-only and development images.

In conclusion, understanding the precise meanings of CUDA terms, the layered architecture, and version compatibility is crucial for effectively working with CUDA applications and diagnosing potential issues.

Summary:

The Basalt Woven Textile is a unique material made from natural stone, specifically basalt, which is melted at high temperatures (1,400 °C) and formed into fibers. This textile has impressive strength, being over twice as strong as steel, and offers excellent resistance to chemicals, heat, and electricity. It can withstand temperatures up to 700 °C, with some compositions even reaching 800 °C. Basalt fibers are also lightweight and have good resistance to fire, UV light, and weather conditions. This material is useful for creating electric insulating products for both low and high-voltage applications.

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Summary: 10 Smart Performance Hacks for Faster Python Code

This guide, written by Dido Grigorov, a seasoned Python programmer, outlines ten effective strategies to improve the performance of Python code. Python is widely used for various applications, but its performance can suffer without optimization. Here are the key points from the guide:

1. Use Sets for Membership Testing: Instead of lists, use sets for checking if an element exists, as sets offer faster average lookup times (O(1)).

2. Avoid Unnecessary Copies: Modify objects in place rather than creating copies to save memory and processing time.

3. Implement __slots__: Use __slots__ in classes to reduce memory usage by avoiding the dynamic dictionary for instance attributes, which speeds up attribute access.

4. Utilize Math Functions: Prefer using functions from Python’s math module over operators for numerical computations to gain better performance.

5. Pre-Allocate Memory: If the final size of a list or array is known, pre-allocate memory to avoid the overhead of resizing during growth.

6. Limit Exception Handling in Loops: Avoid using exceptions for control flow in loops; use conditional checks instead to improve performance.

7. Use Local Functions: Define frequently used logic as local functions to speed up execution and enhance code organization.

8. Leverage itertools: Use the itertools module for efficient combinatorial tasks, as it generates results lazily and is optimized for performance.

9. Employ bisect for Sorted Lists: Use the bisect module for efficient insertion and searching in sorted lists, which operates in O(log n) time.

10. Cache Function Results: Store the result of expensive function calls before a loop to avoid repeated calculations and reduce overhead.

By applying these strategies, developers can significantly enhance the performance of their Python code while maintaining clarity and readability.

Summary: Towards Interplanetary QUIC Traffic

This article discusses a project aimed at using the QUIC internet protocol for communication between Earth and deep space missions, such as those involving Mars rovers. The author shares their experience with the project, which focuses on configuring QUIC to work effectively in the unique challenges of deep space, including high latency and intermittent connectivity.

Key Points:

1. QUIC and Quinn: The project uses QUIC, a protocol for reliable communication, and Quinn, a Rust implementation of QUIC.

2. Challenges in Deep Space Communication: Communicating with spacecraft involves significant delays (3 to 23 minutes to Mars) and frequent connectivity issues, making standard configurations of QUIC unsuitable.

3. Custom Configuration: The project aims to develop a custom setup for QUIC that can handle deep space conditions. This involves adjusting parameters like round-trip time estimates and timeouts.

4. Experiments: To find effective configurations, experiments are run using a simulated deep-space network that mimics the conditions of space communication.

5. Improved Experimentation: The author created a simulated network to speed up testing, allowing for instant feedback and reproducible results. This setup also enhances debugging capabilities.

6. Future of QUIC in Space: The author suggests that while current missions use a different protocol (CFDP), QUIC could be adopted for future interplanetary communications.

Overall, the article highlights the innovative efforts to adapt internet protocols for deep space exploration, showcasing both the technical challenges and the solutions being developed.

Scientists have recently uncovered how the ancient Maya predicted solar eclipses using a medieval text called the Dresden Codex. This codex, one of the few surviving Maya manuscripts, contains detailed astronomical and astrological information.

For centuries, the Maya accurately tracked celestial events to prepare for important rituals, such as bloodletting ceremonies during eclipses to appease the Sun god. However, much of their knowledge was lost during the Spanish Inquisition.

Researchers John Justeson and Justin Lowry propose a new method for using a specific table in the codex that allows for accurate eclipse predictions. They suggest starting a new table at the 358th month of the current one, correcting timing errors that would otherwise accumulate.

This approach enables the Maya to predict solar eclipses correctly for over 800 years, demonstrating their advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics. Their findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

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A containership named Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the bridge to collapse. The incident occurred on a Tuesday at 9:30 AM.

The author expresses frustration with nostalgia for Lisp machines, which were specialized computers designed for Lisp programming. They highlight that these machines became obsolete by the early 1990s, primarily due to the rise of RISC architecture and advancements in general hardware. Despite the initial appeal and unique features of Lisp machines, such as their development environments and speed, the author argues that these advantages are no longer relevant today because similar capabilities can be achieved on standard hardware.

Key points include:

• Lisp machines were popular for a brief period but became outdated as technology advanced.
• Many of the benefits associated with Lisp machines, such as development environments, can be replicated on modern hardware.
• Claims about their superior speed and unique features are often exaggerated or outdated.
• The author encourages those nostalgic for Lisp machines to move on and focus on creating new tools and technologies instead of longing for the past.

Ultimately, the author believes that the barriers to modern Lisp development are self-imposed and that progress is hindered by clinging to past ideals rather than embracing current possibilities.

Summary of DOS Days

The text discusses various display technologies used in DOS laptops, highlighting the evolution from older CRT monitors to modern LCD screens.

1. CRT Displays: Initially used in portable computers due to their low cost, CRTs were heavy and bulky, making them less suitable for transportable devices.

2. LCD Technology: Developed in the 1960s, LCDs became popular as they were energy-efficient and lighter. Backlit LCDs improved visibility but had issues with contrast and refresh rates.

3. Gas Plasma Displays: These displays were bright and produced sharp images but consumed a lot of power, making them unsuitable for portable use.

4. Supertwist Nematic (STN) Displays: Introduced in 1983, STN displays were passive-matrix LCDs that allowed for higher resolutions but suffered from ghosting effects.

5. Double Layer Supertwist Nematic (DSTN) Displays: Aimed to improve refresh rates by refreshing halves of the screen simultaneously, but still had low contrast and washed-out colors.

6. Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Displays: Emerging in the early 1990s, TFT displays offered higher contrast and faster refresh rates, eventually becoming the standard for laptops.

The text concludes by noting that TFT technology remains widely used in modern laptops.

On August 2, 1986, a painting called The Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. The painting, purchased for A$1.6 million in 1985, was taken by a group calling themselves the "Australian Cultural Terrorists." They demanded increased funding for the arts and threatened to destroy the painting if their demands were not met.

The theft was not discovered until August 4, when gallery staff mistakenly believed it was taken for maintenance. The painting was eventually found, unharmed, in a railway station locker on August 19, 1986, after an anonymous tip-off. The case remains unsolved, and the thieves were never caught.

The theft sparked a media frenzy and discussions about art funding in Australia, with the government refusing to meet the thieves' demands. The incident has been described as one of Australia's greatest unsolved art heists and continues to be referenced in popular culture.

Researchers from the University of Vienna and SBA Research have found a significant security vulnerability in WhatsApp that allowed them to identify 3.5 billion user accounts through its contact discovery system. This flaw has been addressed by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp.

The research showed that it was possible to make over 100 million queries per hour, confirming the existence of active accounts globally. The data accessed was limited to publicly available information, such as phone numbers and profile details, and did not include message content. The findings indicated that even minor details could reveal a lot about users.

The study also highlighted various insights, including the presence of active WhatsApp accounts in countries where the app is banned and the risks associated with leaked phone numbers. Importantly, the researchers deleted all collected data after the study, ensuring no personal information was compromised.

The research underscores the need for ongoing security evaluations of popular communication platforms to protect user privacy. Meta has implemented new measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between researchers and the industry to enhance user security. The findings will be presented at a major security symposium in 2026.

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Mathematicians have made significant progress in understanding "minimizing surfaces," like those formed by soap films, which are important in both mathematics and physics.

The study began with Joseph Plateau in the 19th century, who demonstrated that soap films minimize area between wire frames. In the early 1930s, Jesse Douglas and Tibor Radó proved Plateau's idea true for closed curves in three-dimensional space, a milestone that earned Douglas the Fields Medal.

While minimizing surfaces are smooth in dimensions up to seven, they can develop singularities (irregularities) in higher dimensions, complicating analysis. Researchers want to know how common these singularities are and if they can be eliminated through slight adjustments to the wire frame.

In 2023, a team of mathematicians, including Otis Chodosh and Christos Mantoulidis, showed that in dimensions nine and ten, minimizing surfaces are generally smooth, continuing this understanding into dimension eleven with the help of Zhihan Wang. This breakthrough allows for extending previously limited mathematical theorems into higher dimensions.

The implications of this work are vast, potentially aiding in proving important concepts in geometry, topology, and even in general relativity, such as the positive mass theorem, which states that the universe's total energy must be positive. The team’s findings pave the way for future research in higher dimensions and have opened new questions about the nature of minimizing surfaces.

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The text discusses the attendance system used in a university algorithms class, which requires students to be present in lectures and verifies attendance through a platform called TopHat. Students enter a numerical code to mark their presence, but TopHat also has a feature called "secure attendance" that uses geolocation to confirm students' locations.

Instead of relying on less accurate IP geolocation, TopHat utilizes the Geolocation API in modern browsers, which can pinpoint users' locations more precisely, often to the exact building. This is achieved through a method that collects data about nearby Wi-Fi access points and their signal strengths.

The process of determining Wi-Fi locations, known as wardriving, involves driving around to map Wi-Fi networks and their physical locations, which is then used by devices to estimate their own locations based on nearby networks. This technology has raised privacy concerns, especially regarding the tracking of individuals through their device's connection history to Wi-Fi networks.

Despite these concerns, modern location services have improved their security measures. Users can opt out of sharing their Wi-Fi information through various methods provided by companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

In summary, the text explores how attendance tracking in a class reveals the underlying technology of Wi-Fi positioning systems and raises awareness about privacy issues related to location data collection.

The text discusses the experiences of two highly intelligent individuals, Christopher Langan and Kim Ung-yong, highlighting their struggles and perspectives on success.

1. Christopher Langan: Known for his high IQ (~170), Langan gained fame but lacks notable contributions to art or science. Despite his intelligence, he has a controversial reputation for promoting harmful ideas. Langan's challenging childhood, marked by instability and poverty, illustrates that trauma does not excuse negative behavior. The message encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, recognizing that they are enough regardless of circumstances or achievements.

2. Kim Ung-yong: A child prodigy with an IQ of 210, Kim excelled in academics but later expressed feelings of loneliness and a lack of fulfillment. As an adult, he chose a practical career in civil engineering and emphasized the importance of happiness over societal expectations of success. Kim advocates for respecting individual differences and learning paths, rejecting the notion that high intelligence guarantees a successful life.

Overall, the text conveys that true fulfillment comes from personal acceptance and understanding rather than external validation or achievements. It encourages readers to define their own success and embrace their unique journeys.

Summary of How Slide Rules Work

Introduction The slide rule is a calculating device that evolved from ancient methods of measurement and calculation. Early humans used counting and rudimentary tools to track astronomical movements. Over time, mechanisms like the abacus and astrolabe emerged, leading to more sophisticated devices for calculation.

Key Developments

• Logarithms: In 1614, John Napier introduced logarithms to simplify multiplication and division.
• Gunter's Scale: In 1620, Edmund Gunter created a calculating device using logarithmic scales, which paved the way for the slide rule.
• First Slide Rule: William Oughtred invented the first practical slide rule in 1622, which became popular among astronomers and engineers.

Usage and Importance

• The slide rule was essential for calculations in various fields, especially during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. It was used in engineering, construction, medicine, and more, until electronic calculators became prevalent in the 1970s.
• Engineers and students relied on the slide rule for complex calculations, and it was a common educational tool.

Structure and Operation

• A slide rule consists of a body, a slide, and a cursor. It operates using logarithmic scales, allowing users to perform multiplication and division through mechanical means, leveraging the properties of logarithms.
• Users place the cursor on the scales to find values for calculations, making the process efficient.

Accuracy and Maintenance

• Slide rules are known for their accuracy and precision, but they require proper care to maintain alignment and usability.
• The logarithmic scales allow for quick calculations, but the precision depends on how well the device is calibrated.

Conclusion The slide rule is a remarkable tool that has played a significant role in the development of mathematical calculations. It exemplifies the blend of simplicity and capability in engineering and mathematics, even as it has mostly been replaced by electronic devices today.

Mosaic is a new video editing tool created by Adish and Kyle, former Tesla engineers. It allows users to create and run video editing agents on a node-based canvas, which is different from traditional video editing software.

The idea for Mosaic came when they struggled to edit footage of Cybertrucks. Frustrated with complex video editing tools, they realized that artificial intelligence could speed up the editing process. They initially developed a prototype that could analyze videos and add text overlays based on what it detected.

After user feedback, they shifted from a chat-based interface to a more intuitive node-based system. Each node represents a video editing operation, allowing users to customize their edits and create multiple versions of a video. The canvas helps automate much of the editing, getting users most of the way to the final product, which they can then fine-tune in a timeline editor.

Mosaic uses advanced AI to understand video content, including concepts, emotions, and actions, to guide editing decisions. It supports various editing tasks, such as cutting bad takes, repurposing videos for social media, and creating montages. They are also developing a fully autonomous agent to automate editing tasks further.

You can try Mosaic for free by uploading videos and using the editing tools available on their website. They welcome user feedback to improve the platform.

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I created a simple fireplace app for iOS to help keep you warm and entertained during the winter. You can enjoy a cozy pixelated fire on your phone and wrist.

Features include:

• Different sizes of widgets to display the fireplace
• A companion app for your watch
• Customization options for flames and colors (available for a small in-app purchase)

There are no subscriptions, just like a real fireplace. You can check it out here.

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I'm unable to access the content of the link you've provided. However, if you share the main points or text from the article, I can help summarize it for you!

The text discusses the rise of extremism in opinions and the decline of reasonable discourse since around 2016. Many intelligent people have shifted toward extreme positions that attract attention and community, leading to a culture where moderation is undervalued. This polarization provides quick rewards, such as certainty and social validation, but creates a society where changing one’s mind becomes difficult and complex issues cannot be addressed.

To maintain sanity in this environment, the author suggests three strategies:

1. Diversify your information: Engage with opposing viewpoints to understand that intelligent people can disagree without being unreasonable.
2. Distinguish between stakes and truth: Recognize that not every claim from your side is correct and that you don’t have to defend every argument.
3. Seek communities that value humility: Find groups where changing your mind is accepted and where truth-seeking is prioritized over tribal loyalty.

The author emphasizes that while embracing moderate views may lead to initial losses in influence and certainty, it ultimately fosters clear thinking, adaptability, and meaningful relationships. In contrast, those who choose extremism may gain short-term rewards but risk becoming trapped in their own rigid beliefs. The piece concludes by suggesting that true growth comes from maintaining a long-term perspective, valuing reason over the quick rewards of extremism.

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Summary of Linux Career Opportunities in 2025

In 2025, the demand for Linux professionals is at an all-time high, with over 70% of employers actively seeking candidates skilled in Linux. There are currently about 62,808 Linux engineers employed in the U.S., and this number is expected to grow steadily.

Key Career Paths:

1. Cloud Engineering: Linux expertise is crucial for cloud engineers, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $180,000 for various roles. Skills in AWS, Azure, and Linux administration are highly sought after.

2. DevOps: Linux skills are essential in the thriving DevOps job market, with starting salaries around $85,000. The demand for DevOps engineers has grown by 18-20% annually since 2020.

3. AI Operations: Professionals who merge Linux skills with AI and machine learning are increasingly in demand. Roles like AI Operations Specialist and MLOps Engineer offer average salaries from $132,000 to $199,000.

4. Cybersecurity: There are significant opportunities in cybersecurity for Linux experts, with entry-level positions starting at $70,000 and experienced roles earning up to $180,000.

Importance of Certifications:

Professional certifications can significantly enhance career prospects. Popular certifications include:

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
• Linux Professional Institute Certifications (LPIC-1, LPIC-2)
• CompTIA Linux+

These certifications help validate skills and can lead to higher salaries.

Skills in Demand:

Employers are looking for candidates with skills in:

• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Scripting (Python, Bash)
• Security Practices
• CI/CD Pipelines

Job Market Trends:

The Linux job market is expected to continue expanding through 2030, driven by the growth of cloud computing and cybersecurity roles. Many organizations now offer remote and hybrid work options, allowing professionals to work from anywhere.

Conclusion:

Linux career opportunities in 2025 promise job security and competitive salaries. Professionals who combine Linux expertise with knowledge in cloud computing, AI, and DevOps will find particularly strong career prospects. Continuous skill development and certification can lead to significant growth in this field.

The article discusses the efforts to train and evaluate the AI model Claude for political even-handedness, ensuring it treats all political viewpoints fairly without bias. Here are the key points:

1. Goal of Even-Handedness: Claude is designed to provide balanced and respectful responses to political questions, allowing users to feel respected and free to hold their own views.

2. Training Methods: Claude is trained using a system prompt and character traits that promote objectivity and neutrality in political discussions. It avoids giving unsolicited opinions and aims to represent multiple perspectives.

3. Evaluation Techniques: An automated evaluation method called the "Paired Prompts" method was developed to assess Claude's responses against other models. This method uses requests from opposing political views to test even-handedness, acknowledgment of opposing perspectives, and willingness to engage.

4. Performance Results: Claude Sonnet 4.5 scored high in even-handedness (94%), performing better than some models like GPT-5 (89%) and Llama 4 (66%). It also showed a low refusal rate when asked to engage in political discussions.

5. Open-Sourcing the Evaluation: The evaluation methodology is being open-sourced to allow other AI developers to replicate and improve upon these measures of political bias.

6. Limitations and Future Goals: The evaluation focused mainly on U.S. political discourse and single-turn interactions. The authors acknowledge the need for ongoing development of standards for measuring political bias, which could benefit the entire AI industry.

Overall, the article emphasizes the commitment to creating a fair and trustworthy AI model in political discussions.

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The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is proposing new rules that could make it much harder for the public to challenge bad patents directly at the Patent Office. If these rules are enacted, it would benefit patent trolls—those who exploit patents to sue others—by keeping flawed patents alive and making it difficult for individuals and small companies to defend themselves.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is urging supporters to submit comments opposing these proposed rules by December 2. They emphasize that public input is critical to maintaining a fair patent system.

The proposed rules would limit the ability to challenge patents through a process called inter partes review (IPR), which is one of the few affordable options available for small developers and nonprofits to contest bad patents without incurring huge legal costs. IPR has successfully helped eliminate problematic patents in the past, protecting many individuals and companies from aggressive patent lawsuits.

Key concerns about the new rules include:

1. Defendants would have to give up their rights to challenge patents in court if they use IPR.
2. If a patent previously survived a challenge, no one else could contest it in the future, even with new evidence.
3. IPR would be blocked if a related court case is expected to proceed faster.

These changes would revert the system back to a time when defending against patent trolls would require expensive court battles, which is impractical for most people and small businesses. The EFF argues that only Congress can change the IPR process, not the USPTO. They believe the public should have the right to challenge bad patents, and now is the time to speak out against these proposed changes.

The text discusses the author's concerns about the current state and future of artificial intelligence (AI). Here are the key points:

1. Overhyped Technology: The author believes AI is a useful technology but is likely overhyped, creating a potential market bubble similar to past tech bubbles.

2. Two Scenarios: The best-case scenario is that AI is not as valuable as investors think, leading to economic fallout when the bubble bursts. The worst-case scenario is that investors know AI's limitations but continue to profit, leading to fraud.

3. AI in Design: The author, a designer, finds that AI's promise in design is often exaggerated. Many AI applications fail to integrate well with existing systems, making designers more efficient without AI.

4. Small vs. Large Use Cases: While smaller AI applications can yield significant benefits, larger implementations often incur costs outweighing savings.

5. Corporate Failures: Many corporate AI initiatives fail due to unrealistic expectations. Successful applications tend to be targeted and specific rather than broad and sweeping.

6. Monetization Challenges: There is no clear way to monetize AI to justify its current market valuations, leading to concerns about financial sustainability.

7. Societal Impact: AI could exacerbate issues related to truth and trust in society, as it can be used to manipulate information quickly and effectively.

8. Investor Motivations: There is a disconnect between what users are sold about AI's potential and what investors aim for—often a transformative AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) that may not be achievable.

9. Resource Control: The infrastructure needed for AI, such as data centers, requires significant resources and can lead to a concentration of power that challenges democratic governance.

10. Future Concerns: The author worries about a future where infrastructure for AI becomes more powerful than the technology itself, potentially leading to a new societal structure dominated by a few companies rather than elected governments.

In summary, the author raises skepticism about AI's real-world effectiveness and profitability, while also highlighting its potential societal dangers and the concentration of power it may create.

Summary:

Mathias Hansen shares a costly lesson learned while using AWS services, particularly related to S3 data transfers. He recently set up S3 for large datasets but was surprised by a spike in costs due to using a NAT Gateway, which charged for data transfer that should have been free.

He discovered that even when transferring data to S3 within the same region, it was routed through the NAT Gateway, incurring fees. The solution was to implement a "Gateway Endpoint" for S3, allowing direct connections without additional charges.

Key takeaways include:

1. Set up AWS Cost Anomaly Detection to catch unexpected costs early.
2. Use Gateway Endpoints for S3 to avoid unnecessary charges; they are free and improve performance.
3. Always validate your assumptions about costs and configurations.
4. AWS networking can be complex, and there's always more to learn.

After this experience, Hansen recommends auditing AWS setups to ensure proper configurations to avoid similar costly surprises.

The article discusses the limitations of using CUDA translation tools to run applications on AMD GPUs. It outlines the appealing idea of maintaining a CUDA codebase while targeting AMD hardware without significant rewrites, but emphasizes that this approach can lead to subpar performance.

Key points include:

1. Performance Issues: Translating CUDA code to AMD's architecture often results in inefficiencies. AMD's hardware and optimizations differ significantly from NVIDIA's, and simply compiling CUDA code doesn't leverage AMD's full capabilities.

2. Architectural Differences: CUDA is designed for NVIDIA's hardware, while AMD has its own architecture (e.g., wavefronts vs. warps). This mismatch can lead to less effective performance, as optimized kernels for AMD's structure are not created through translation.

3. Need for Native Optimization: For applications like AI and machine learning, performance depends on optimizations specific to AMD's architecture, such as customized kernels, data paths, and memory management. These cannot be achieved through a generic translation layer.

4. Risk of Misleading Results: Teams may try AMD using a translation tool and conclude that it's slower than NVIDIA, without realizing they didn't utilize AMD's native optimizations. This can lead to a negative perception of AMD's performance.

5. Maintenance Challenges: A CUDA compatibility layer must constantly adapt to changes in both CUDA and AMD's ROCm, which is a demanding and reactive approach.

6. Best Practices: For optimal performance on AMD, developers should use AMD-native tools and libraries, configure frameworks appropriately, and work with teams focused on AMD optimizations.

In summary, while CUDA translation tools can be useful for legacy code, they are not the best choice for achieving high performance on AMD GPUs. Instead, utilizing AMD's own tools and optimizations is recommended for better results in applications like AI.

What Killed Perl?

Perl is still alive, but its popularity has decreased over the years. The 2023 CPAN report shows its usage is similar to what it was during the dotcom boom, but fewer newcomers are learning it since 2011.

One belief is that the introduction of Raku (formerly Perl 6) took some attention away from Perl, but many think Perl's foundation was too strong to be threatened. The decline in interest can be attributed to a few key factors:

1. Changing Generations: Older programmers who learned Perl in the 1990s are being replaced by younger ones who grew up with languages like Python, which is seen as more approachable.

2. Learning Curve: Perl has complex features, such as regex, that can be intimidating for new users. The lack of a standard coding style makes it harder to read Perl code, which discourages beginners.

3. Obfuscation: Perl allows for writing very compact code, which can become confusing and hard to read, especially for novices. This perception of Perl as difficult can deter new learners.

4. Raku's Impact: The uncertainty around Raku, initially called Perl 6, made some potential users hesitant to adopt Perl 5, thinking it might become obsolete.

5. Legacy Code: Many existing Perl programs are seen as quick and dirty solutions, which can deter new users from wanting to learn or interact with the language.

Overall, while Perl is not dead, its appeal has diminished due to these factors, and it faces stiff competition from newer languages that are easier to learn and use.

The BBC, founded in 1922, aims to "inform, educate, and entertain" and has significantly influenced history. According to David Hendy, the BBC does more than just reflect current events; it shapes them. Asa Briggs noted that the history of the BBC intertwines with the history of everything else, as it serves as a medium through which major events like wars and sports are experienced. The article emphasizes the BBC's role as a powerful force in shaping contemporary society.

This text provides an overview of J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition). It includes resources such as documentation, tutorials, communities, and tools for developers. J2ME is specifically designed for older devices like keypad phones and PDAs. It uses MIDP (Mobile Information Device Profile), which is based on CLDC (Connected Limited Device Configuration), to create applications called Midlets. These applications have extensions .jad or .jar and can run on older devices and platforms like Symbian. MIDP support continues up to Java ME SDK 3.4.

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Summary:

Workday has announced an agreement to acquire Pipedream. This deal is official and marks a significant step for Workday. Further details can be found in the downloadable PDF or by sharing the news on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

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The text discusses "The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online," edited by John van Wyhe. It highlights the extensive collection of Darwin's works, including his major publications like "Origin of Species," "Descent of Man," and various manuscripts, notes, and personal diaries. The resource also features supplementary materials such as reviews, photographs, and obituaries. Since its launch in 2006, the website has received 900 million visits, showcasing its significance in scholarly research.

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Roblox is implementing a new safety standard by requiring facial age checks for users to access chat features. This makes Roblox the first online platform to do so, aiming to limit communication between minors and adults and ensure age-appropriate interactions.

Key points include:

1. Age Checks Rollout: The age check process will start as voluntary and become mandatory in select markets in early December, with a global expansion in January.

2. Privacy Protection: The facial age checks are designed to protect user privacy, with images and videos deleted immediately after being processed.

3. Age-Based Communication: Once users complete the age check, they will be assigned to age groups (e.g., under 9, 9-12, etc.) and can only chat with users in their own and similar age groups. For example, a 12-year-old can chat with users up to age 15.

4. Safety Measures for Younger Users: Chat features will be turned off by default for users under 9, and strict content filters will be applied for users under 13.

5. Trusted Connections: Users aged 13 and older can connect with people they know, enhancing safety for family interactions.

6. Additional Safety Features: Roblox will also enforce age checks for social media links and collaboration tools for creators, along with monitoring chat for harmful content.

7. Parental Controls: Parents can manage their child's account and interactions through available controls.

Roblox aims to foster a safer online environment for all users and encourages others in the industry to adopt similar measures.

The provided links direct to a Google blog post about Gemini 3, which is a new development for developers. Unfortunately, the content of the blog is not provided, so I can't summarize it directly. However, from the context, it seems to focus on updates or features related to the Gemini 3 technology. You can visit the links for more detailed information.

The website is checking your browser. If you own the site, there’s an option to fix any issues.

Summary: Thunderbird Adds Microsoft Exchange Email Support

On November 18, 2025, Thunderbird released version 145, which now supports native access to Microsoft Exchange email through the Exchange Web Services (EWS) protocol. This means users no longer need third-party add-ons for email functionality, making it easier for organizations that use Microsoft Exchange.

Key Changes for Users:

• Thunderbird users can now seamlessly access their Exchange emails with full features like folder management, message synchronization, and attachment handling.
• Setting up a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 account in Thunderbird is simple, using Microsoft’s OAuth2 sign-in process for automatic account configuration.

Current and Upcoming Features:

• Email functionality is fully supported, including sending and receiving messages, managing folders, and handling attachments.
• Calendar and address book support is still in development and will be added in future updates.

Transition to Microsoft Graph:

• Microsoft is moving towards a new interface called Microsoft Graph, although EWS will still be supported for now. Thunderbird is also working on integrating Microsoft Graph for future compatibility.

Overall, Thunderbird aims to provide a complete email solution for Exchange users, with ongoing improvements and additional features planned. For more details and support, users can visit Mozilla's support pages.

Students at Staffordshire University are unhappy with a coding course that heavily relies on AI-generated materials, including slides and voiceovers. They feel cheated out of a meaningful learning experience and believe the course is not living up to their expectations, especially as they are trying to transition into careers in cybersecurity and software engineering.

One student, James, expressed his frustration during a confrontation with a lecturer, highlighting the contrast between student work standards and the use of AI in teaching. Despite multiple complaints, the university continues to utilize AI tools in the course, sparking concerns about academic integrity.

Students reported signs of AI involvement, such as odd accents in voiceovers and inconsistencies in language. Although the university claims to maintain academic standards, students like James and Owen feel that their time is being wasted on unengaging, low-quality material. They argue that the course should provide genuine knowledge rather than relying on AI to handle teaching tasks.

Summary of MMaDA-Parallel

Introduction: MMaDA-Parallel is a new model designed for generating and editing text and images simultaneously, addressing performance issues in complex tasks. Traditional sequential methods can cause errors to accumulate, leading to poorer results. To tackle this, the model uses a parallel approach that allows for continuous interaction between text and images. It is trained using supervised finetuning and optimized with a new technique called Parallel Reinforcement Learning (ParaRL), which enhances alignment and consistency between text and images.

Key Features:

• ParaBench: A benchmark created to evaluate the model’s performance in generating both text and images.
• Improvements: MMaDA-Parallel shows a 6.9% improvement in output alignment compared to prior models.

Architecture: During training, the model predicts image and text responses together, and during usage, it can generate both simultaneously, allowing for effective cross-modal interactions.

Results:

• The model has achieved notable improvements in generating aligned and semantically consistent outputs.

Latest Updates:

• Code and models for MMaDA-Parallel have been released, with two versions available.
• The model has been validated on synthetic datasets, but further testing on diverse real-world images is planned.

Quick Start: Users can set up the model in a specific environment and use provided instructions to experience parallel generation with different tokenizer versions.

Future Plans:

• Further refine the model and conduct evaluations.
• Release additional training code and updates.

Acknowledgments: The work builds on previous models, and thanks are given to the authors of those foundational works.

Summary: Debunking Myths of the HBO Chernobyl Series

The author shares their childhood memory of a Reader’s Digest story about the Chernobyl disaster and how it inspired them to watch the HBO series on the topic. After reviewing the recorded tapes of Valery Legasov, a key figure in the disaster response, the author was shocked to find that the series misrepresented many facts about the event.

Key points of contrast between the HBO series and Legasov's tapes include:

1. Legasov's Role: The series depicts him as the main scientist, while he was actually one of many involved.
2. Government Response: The show claims the response was slow; however, Legasov praised the government's quick actions.
3. Evacuation of Pripyat: The series suggests a delay in evacuation, but Legasov stated it was conducted swiftly.
4. Use of Robots: The series exaggerates the effectiveness of robots in cleanup; Legasov noted they were inadequate for the task.
5. KGB Involvement: The series implies hostile actions by the KGB, which Legasov did not mention, instead praising their professionalism.

Legasov's tapes also highlight issues like poor communication, sensationalist media coverage, and criticism of the nuclear industry’s lack of safety measures. He argued that nuclear energy is cleaner and safer compared to fossil fuels.

The author expresses concern that myths from the series could negatively influence public perception of nuclear energy, despite its benefits. They emphasize the importance of accurate information, noting that the sensational nature of the series aligns with ongoing issues in society, such as misinformation and a preference for comforting narratives over uncomfortable truths.

Overall, the author believes the portrayal in the HBO series distorts historical facts and contributes to misunderstanding about the Chernobyl disaster and nuclear energy.

Summary:

Simon Lermen and Fred Heiding conducted a study in collaboration with Reuters to investigate how AI is used in scams targeting elderly individuals. They found that AI can enhance the effectiveness of phishing attacks. In their study, they sent AI-generated phishing emails to elderly participants, resulting in 11% of them being tricked by at least one email. The study showed that some AI systems, like those from Meta and Gemini, were more vulnerable to "jailbreaking" techniques compared to ChatGPT and Claude.

The research also highlighted the use of AI by individuals coerced into scam operations in Southeast Asia. These victims were promised jobs but ended up trapped in scam factories, where they utilized AI tools to deceive others.

Their findings emphasized the need for more comprehensive studies on the misuse of AI in scams, as such research is currently limited. The results have gained attention, including being cited in a Senate hearing request regarding the effects of AI on older Americans. The full study is available on arXiv and has been accepted for presentation at an AI conference.

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The U.S. Border Patrol is secretly monitoring millions of drivers in the U.S. through a program that identifies "suspicious" travel patterns. This involves using cameras that capture license plates and an algorithm that flags certain vehicles based on their routes and destinations. As a result, drivers can be stopped and questioned for minor traffic violations, often without realizing they were being watched.

This program has expanded over the past five years, allowing the Border Patrol to operate further inland, beyond the traditional 100-mile border zone. It collaborates with local law enforcement and uses technology like facial recognition and data from private companies to track and analyze drivers' movements.

Critics argue that this mass surveillance raises serious privacy concerns and could violate constitutional rights. Instances of innocent people being stopped and searched are common, with many drivers facing aggressive questioning or arrest based on vague suspicions. Overall, the program represents a shift towards domestic surveillance by the Border Patrol, blurring the lines between border security and everyday policing.

In March 2022, Zoltan Pozsar introduced the concept of "Bretton Woods III" in response to the sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. This idea suggests a significant change in the global monetary system, emphasizing a shift from holding U.S. dollars to commodities like gold and oil as reserves, due to the increased risk of confiscation of dollar assets.

Pozsar distinguishes between "inside money" (claims on institutions like bank deposits and Treasury securities) and "outside money" (commodities with intrinsic value). The previous systems, Bretton Woods I and II, relied on gold and U.S. Treasury securities, respectively. However, the freezing of Russian reserves has altered perceptions of dollar safety, pushing countries to reconsider their reserve strategies.

Pozsar's analytical framework, influenced by Perry Mehrling, outlines four types of money prices: par, interest, exchange rates, and price levels. Central banks can manage the first three, but controlling commodity prices is more challenging.

He also links financial markets and commodity markets, illustrating how disruptions in commodity flows—like rerouting Russian oil due to sanctions—can strain financial systems. This may require more ships and longer financing terms, increasing banks' liquidity needs.

Additionally, Pozsar highlights vulnerabilities in dollar funding for foreign banks, which do not have the same liquidity support as U.S. banks. This dependency on dollar funding can lead to financial stress during global dollar shortages.

Overall, Pozsar's work indicates a critical shift in monetary dynamics, with potential long-term implications for global trade and finance.

The author is experimenting to create the smallest possible ESP32 board that still works with WiFi. This project combines research with a bit of fun.

During a Cloudflare outage, the website Down Detector also went offline. In response, I decided to create a reliable tool that can check if Down Detector is working or not. Enjoy using it!

I'm sorry, but I can't access external links or websites, including the one you provided. However, if you can copy and paste the text here, I'd be happy to help summarize it for you!

The text discusses a new concept called "Blame as a Service" (BaaS), which allows companies to outsource responsibility for unpopular decisions. In today's social media-driven world, companies face pressure to maintain a positive public image while still making tough choices that could lead to negative backlash. BaaS companies help them manage this by acting as scapegoats, absorbing criticism and allowing companies to focus on profit without damaging their reputation.

Key points include:

1. Rise of BaaS: Companies are increasingly interested in services that help them avoid negative press, leading to the emergence of BaaS firms.
2. Function of BaaS: These firms provide services that disguise their true purpose of blame absorption, shielding executives from backlash.
3. Examples of BaaS Companies:
   • McKinsey: Hired for advice but also serves as a shield for executives, allowing them to blame McKinsey for unpopular decisions like layoffs.
   • Ticketmaster: Helps artists price tickets high without damaging their relationship with fans, taking the blame for high fees.
   • UMA: Provides oracle services for prediction markets, deflecting criticism by claiming outcomes are decided by a decentralized process, despite insider influence.
4. Future of BaaS: AI hiring platforms could be the next evolution, allowing companies to maintain hiring practices while claiming objectivity through AI, though they still face limitations in candidate selection.

Overall, the concept highlights how companies use third-party services to navigate public relations challenges while pursuing profit.

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Summary of any-llm-gateway Announcement

any-llm-gateway is a new tool that helps manage and control costs associated with using large language models (LLMs). It provides features like budgeting, analytics, and access management for teams using various LLM providers, including OpenAI and Anthropic.

Key Features:

1. Smart Budget Management: Users can create shared budgets that reset automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, with no manual adjustments needed.

2. Flexible API Key System: Offers master keys for trusted services and virtual keys that can be controlled in terms of activation and expiration, which helps track spending.

3. Complete Usage Analytics: Every request is logged with details on costs and usage, allowing for tracking and analysis of spending per user.

4. Production-Ready Deployment: It can be easily set up using Docker and configured through simple files or environment variables.

The gateway acts as a bridge between applications and LLM providers, simplifying the interaction with different models while ensuring cost control and monitoring.

For detailed guidance on setup and usage, visit their quickstart guide: any-llm-gateway Quickstart.

MIT astronomers have made a significant discovery about a dying star system, known as an “intermediate polar,” located about 200 light years from Earth. This system consists of a white dwarf star pulling material from a larger companion star into a swirling disk. Using NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the researchers studied the X-ray polarization of this system for the first time.

They found a surprisingly high degree of X-ray polarization, which indicates the direction of X-ray waves. This measurement revealed that the X-rays originated from a column of extremely hot material (about 2,000 miles high) being pulled in by the white dwarf. This was much taller than expected and confirmed that X-rays reflect off the surface of the white dwarf before scattering into space.

The study enhances understanding of the extreme environments around white dwarfs and may help in studying other similar systems. It highlights how X-ray polarimetry can provide detailed insight into such cosmic phenomena and contributes to our knowledge of supernovae, which are important for understanding the universe's structure.

Summary of Learning to Boot from PXE

The author bought a new laptop, the GPD Pocket 4, which came with Windows. They wanted to install NixOS but faced issues when their USB drive failed to boot. Instead of buying a new USB, they decided to learn how to boot from the network using PXE (Preboot Execution Environment).

Key Steps in the Process:

1. DHCP: The author learned that PXE relies on DHCP to assign IP addresses and provide boot information. The DHCP server must specify the location of the TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server.

2. TFTP Setup: They used OPNsense as their router/firewall, which includes dnsmasq that can serve as a TFTP server. The author configured dnsmasq to enable TFTP and set the correct root directory for files.

3. iPXE: The author attempted to load iPXE, a more advanced version of PXE, to help boot from an ISO file. They specified the iPXE executable to be served over TFTP.

4. HTTP Configuration: The author set up an HTTP server using lighttpd to serve the NixOS ISO files. They modified the lighttpd configuration to disable SSL for specific paths.

5. Boot Script: They created an iPXE script to choose between different NixOS ISO images. However, it initially failed to boot due to missing files.

6. Extracting Boot Files: The author discovered that instead of using the ISO directly, they could generate a netboot image from NixOS, which included the necessary boot files.

In the end, they got the NixOS installation working but had less interest in extracting files for a graphical environment. Overall, they found the experience of using FreeBSD and learning about network booting both enjoyable and informative.

The text introduces Google Antigravity, which is likely a new project or initiative from Google. It includes a link to a blog that provides more details about Antigravity and also features a link to a related YouTube video. The overall focus seems to be on presenting this new concept or technology from Google.

Canonical has announced an extension of support for Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) releases, increasing the total coverage to 15 years through the Legacy add-on. This change allows businesses to maintain stable systems without needing major upgrades.

Originally introduced in 2024, the Legacy add-on provided 12 years of support, but it has now been extended to offer 15 years of continuous security maintenance, starting from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. This includes ongoing security updates and compliance support, which is especially important for industries with strict regulations.

The Legacy add-on allows companies to manage their systems effectively over a longer period, providing realistic timelines for upgrades and reducing the risk and costs associated with frequent changes. Current users of Ubuntu Pro can continue their subscriptions without interruption, and the Legacy add-on is available after the initial 10 years of coverage.

For more details, users can visit the Ubuntu Pro page or contact Canonical Sales.

Summary of "Adventures in upgrading Proxmox" by Vasili Sviridov

Vasili Sviridov shares his experience of upgrading Proxmox in his homelab. He faced challenges when trying to run Docker inside LXC containers, particularly due to an AppArmor issue. After discovering that the solution required a newer version of the pve-lxc package available only in Proxmox 9, he upgraded one node successfully. However, the second node, which runs his NVR and Coral TPU, encountered problems due to a failed DKMS module rebuild during the upgrade, causing it not to boot.

Since his Proxmox cluster has only two nodes, the failure to start one node meant he couldn't make changes on the other. He also experienced issues with his Zigbee dongle, which affected his light switches. Fortunately, he managed to access the GRUB menu and boot using a previous kernel.

After several troubleshooting attempts, including fixing the initrd issue and patching the Apex DKMS module to address kernel changes, he successfully restored functionality. He expresses gratitude for the online community's help in resolving these technical challenges.

The article discusses the importance of a smooth transfer of power in open source projects, noting that project leaders may eventually leave due to various reasons such as illness or loss of interest. It compares this to historical examples of leadership struggles following a ruler's death, highlighting the chaos that can ensue without a clear succession plan.

Most open source projects are often led by a Benevolent Dictator For Life (BDFL), but this model can lead to problems if the leader becomes tyrannical. The author praises the Mastodon project for demonstrating a better way to transition leadership without conflict or greed, emphasizing transparency and community involvement.

The outgoing CEO of Mastodon, Eugen Rochko, openly discussed the challenges of leadership and acknowledged that he may have hindered the project's growth, contrasting with other leaders who may cling to power.

The article urges open source project leaders to consider succession planning, especially for larger projects, and to act responsibly and maturely in their roles. It concludes with a reminder that all leaders will eventually be gone, and the focus should be on ensuring the longevity and health of the projects they create.

The web allows anyone to share links freely, which is a powerful feature. You can send a link, and as long as someone has a browser, they can access the content. However, some platforms want to control links by limiting what you can share, how many links you can create, and even profiting from them without giving credit. Despite this, people continue to share links freely because interconnectedness is essential to the web. Links are what create the web; without them, we would only have isolated platforms. To challenge these restrictions, it's encouraged to own a website and share links freely.

Summary:

The author is experiencing persistent issues with RCS messaging on their iPhone 15 Pro after updating to iOS 26. They have contacted Apple and their carrier (T-Mobile), but both have blamed each other without resolving the problem. The author has a strong background in technology and has previously fixed similar messaging issues, but this time feels frustrated by the lack of accountability and support from Apple.

Despite extensive troubleshooting, including resetting settings and testing various configurations, the RCS feature remains stuck on "Waiting for activation." The author highlights that the issue may relate to Google's RCS infrastructure (Google Jibe), which neither Apple nor the carriers have adequately addressed during support interactions.

Apple is planning to swap the device's main board as a solution, but the author feels this will not truly resolve the underlying problem and is critical of the customer service they've received. They express a desire for Apple to properly investigate and fix the actual issue rather than simply replacing the device.

A recent study from the University of Zurich highlights that human evolution is not keeping pace with the rapid changes in our modern environment. As technology and urbanization increase, our ancient biology struggles with constant stressors, leading to various chronic health issues. Researchers note that our body responds to modern stress, like traffic and work pressure, as if we are facing real threats, akin to predators from our ancestral past, without any time for recovery.

The study points to declining fertility rates and rising chronic diseases as signs of this mismatch. While humans are adaptable, the biological changes necessary for long-term health take many generations. To improve our well-being, scientists suggest redefining our relationship with nature, prioritizing sustainable environments, and treating nature as essential for health. They emphasize the need for cultural and environmental changes and advocate for spending more time in natural settings. This approach could help mitigate the negative effects of our urban lifestyles on health.

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After experiencing major outages with AWS and Cloudflare, I've been thinking about how to make my services more reliable. Using different nameservers can be complicated, but OctoDNS can help by automatically syncing information across services like AWS and Cloudflare. In today's world of centralized systems, we can use ideas from the early decentralized internet to improve our infrastructure.

Summary:

Managing development, testing, and staging environments can be challenging for software teams, especially when dealing with sensitive data. Neon has introduced a new feature that allows developers to create branches with anonymized data, making it easier to work with realistic data without exposing personally identifiable information (PII).

Key Points:

• Branching: Developers can create isolated environments that mirror production easily, saving time on syncing databases.
• Anonymized Data: When creating a branch, teams can select an option to mask sensitive information, allowing for safe testing without PII.
• Improved Efficiency: This approach eliminates tedious manual processes and reduces costs associated with maintaining separate databases.
• Workflow Automation: Developers can automate the creation and management of these branches using Neon’s API or GitHub Actions.
• Use Cases: Branches can be used for development, preview deployments, testing, and staging without the risk of data drift or compliance issues.
• Future Enhancements: Neon plans to implement dynamic masking to further optimize storage and eliminate additional costs.

Overall, Neon’s new features aim to simplify environment management and enhance the developer experience, allowing teams to focus more on coding and less on data management.

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Summary:

Photographers using macOS often struggle with limited support for RAW image formats, which can lead to reliance on third-party software. Nik Bhatt and Albert Shan, two engineers with extensive experience in photo editing software, have developed tools to improve RAW processing on macOS. They created RawBridge™, a specialized RAW decoder that enhances their respective applications: Bhatt's Nitro and Raw Power, and Shan's ApolloOne and Camera RawX.

• Nitro is a powerful photo editing app that integrates well with Apple’s ecosystem and offers advanced editing tools. It supports over 80 camera formats not natively supported by macOS.
• ApolloOne is designed for quickly viewing and managing large image libraries, allowing instant access to RAW files, even high-resolution ones.
• Both apps leverage RawBridge to provide better support for RAW formats that Apple does not fully support, ensuring that photographers can view and edit their images without issues.

Bhatt and Shan’s collaboration allows for quick updates to support new camera formats based on user requests, making their tools highly responsive to photographers' needs. Nitro is available for a one-time fee of $99.99, while ApolloOne can be downloaded for free with subscription options.

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The article discusses a paradox in theoretical physics regarding the nature of the universe when viewed without observers. Researchers found that certain models of closed universes suggest they can only exist in a single, simple state, lacking the complexity we observe in our own universe. This contradiction raises questions about the assumptions physicists make, particularly the idea of an observer-free universe.

Historically, physicists have struggled to combine quantum mechanics and gravity, with string theory offering some potential solutions. A key concept that emerged is holography, where the physics inside a universe can be understood by studying its boundary. However, our universe may not conform to the specific conditions required by current models, leading to findings that closed universes appear almost empty of information.

Physicists have been investigating how introducing an observer into these models could resolve the paradox. Recent work suggests that considering an observer creates additional complexity, which aligns better with the universe we experience. This shift in perspective, from seeking an objective view of the universe to understanding it through the lens of subjective experience, could represent a significant change in the field of physics. Researchers remain cautious about these findings, acknowledging that more work is needed to fully understand the implications.

GoSign is a desktop application used by Italian public services and businesses for electronic signatures. It is made by Tinexta InfoCert, a major trust service provider in Europe. Researchers discovered that versions 2.4.0 and earlier have security issues: they turn off TLS certificate verification when using a proxy and use an unsigned update file. These problems can allow attackers to intercept communications and install harmful updates, potentially giving them control over the system.

RowboatX is a new command-line tool designed to create and manage background agents for non-coding tasks, filling a gap in the Claude Code framework. It allows users to automate everyday tasks by connecting to various servers and using the local file system with Unix commands. This tool works with any compatible language model, including open-source options.

Key features include:

1. File System as State: Each agent's information is stored as files, making it easy to access and manage.
2. Supervisor Agent: This agent creates and oversees background tasks, leveraging Unix commands for better performance.
3. Human-in-the-Loop: Agents can pause to request human input when needed, ensuring better control over tasks.

RowboatX was created by someone with a background in data analysis and aims to extend the capabilities of coding tools to everyday tasks. It prioritizes safety with features like command allow/deny lists and plans for containerization. The tool is open-source, licensed under Apache-2.0, and encourages community feedback and contributions.

For more information, you can visit their GitHub repository here or watch a demo video here.

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A recent study found that nearly all UK drivers believe headlights are too bright and frequently experience glare from oncoming vehicles. The government plans to examine car and headlamp designs due to these concerns. The study, commissioned by the Department for Transport, revealed that 97% of drivers feel distracted by bright headlights, with 96% considering them excessively bright.

Dr. Shaun Helman from the Transport Research Laboratory noted that the glare from headlights is a significant issue. The research suggests that newer LED lights, which emit more blue light and are more concentrated, contribute to this problem. About 33% of drivers reported driving less at night because of glare, while 22% wish to drive less but feel they have no choice.

The RAC welcomed the study's findings, emphasizing the need for a balance between effective headlights and minimizing glare for other drivers. Experts urge the government to take immediate steps to address these issues and review headlight regulations.

Mojo-V: A New RISC-V Extension for Secure Computation

Mojo-V is a new extension for RISC-V that focuses on privacy and secure programming. It allows for secret computation, which means data can be processed securely without revealing any sensitive information. This is achieved by using special secret registers and encrypting memory with a third-party key, ensuring that no data is disclosed during computation.

Key Features:

• Integrates easily into the existing RISC-V architecture with just a few new instructions.
• Offers high execution speeds, significantly faster than traditional fully homomorphic encryption methods.
• Aims for implementation in CPUs, GPUs, and specialized hardware.

Current Status and Capabilities:

• The latest version, 0.91, supports secure integer and floating-point computations.
• Future updates will include additional features like Public-Key Infrastructure and support for LLVM compilers.

Getting Started: To use Mojo-V, users need to install a RISC-V LLVM compiler, clone the Mojo-V repository, and build the RISC-V Spike simulator with Mojo-V support. There are specific benchmarks and tests available to demonstrate and validate Mojo-V's capabilities.

Contact Information: For more information, questions, or contributions, you can reach out via email: [email protected] or visit the project page on GitHub.

Resources:

• Intro Video
• Overview Slides
• Mojo-V Specification PDF

Summary:

The text discusses "Itiner-e," a new high-resolution digital dataset of roads from the Roman Empire, published on November 6, 2025. This dataset is significant because it nearly doubles the known length of Roman roads, covering 299,171.31 kilometers across an area of almost 4 million square kilometers. It was created by compiling information from archaeological and historical sources, modern and historical maps, and remote sensing data.

Key points include:

• The Roman road system was essential for movement and control within the empire but was previously poorly mapped.
• "Itiner-e" offers a detailed, open-access resource that includes metadata about each road segment and their certainty of location.
• Only 2.737% of the road locations are known with certainty, indicating a gap in historical knowledge.
• The dataset allows for better understanding of ancient mobility, trade, and administration.
• It uses a three-step process for digitization: identifying roads from literature, locating them using various maps and images, and digitizing them in a Geographic Information System (GIS).

The creation of this dataset involved collaborative efforts and aims to inform future research on Roman transport networks.

Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Core Devices, shares his thoughts on the Pebble smartwatch community and addresses recent claims made by Rebble, a non-profit supporting Pebble users. He emphasizes that both Core Devices and Rebble share a love for Pebble and want it to thrive, but he disputes Rebble's accusations against him.

Key points include:

1. Background: Core Devices was established in 2025 to relaunch Pebble watches. Rebble has been active since 2017, helping the Pebble community after Pebble's shutdown.

2. Disagreements: A previous agreement between Core Devices and Rebble for financial support broke down over ownership claims of the Pebble Appstore data. Rebble believes they own this data, while Migicovsky argues it should be available for everyone since it was created by individual developers.

3. Accusations from Rebble: Rebble claimed that Core Devices took their work and violated agreements, which Migicovsky refutes, providing details of their collaboration and development processes.

4. Future Plans: Core Devices intends to create an open, user-friendly app store and support other Pebble-related applications. Migicovsky advocates for a publicly accessible archive of the Pebble Appstore, stressing the importance of honoring original developers.

5. Call to Action: Migicovsky urges Rebble to embrace an open community by publishing the app store archive and moving away from restrictive practices.

Overall, Migicovsky aims to ensure a sustainable future for Pebble while addressing the misunderstandings and conflicts with Rebble.