No summary available.

The article discusses the resurgence of personal blogs and the potential revival of niche blogs. It emphasizes that while blogging has few rules, meaningful content is essential, and individuals define what is meaningful to them. In the past, niche blogs, like Darren Rowse's Problogger, thrived by focusing on specific topics, and many people aimed to monetize their blogs.

However, personal blogs, which often cover a range of topics, have recently gained popularity again, partly as a reaction against social media dominance. The author believes there's a need for quality, topic-focused niche blogs to provide reliable information, countering the misinformation prevalent on social media and AI-generated content. The goal is to create a vibrant web that offers accessible and trustworthy resources while compensating independent writers.

In summary, the article advocates for the return of niche blogs alongside the revival of personal blogging to improve the quality of information available online.

Kodak secretly operated a nuclear device in its basement for over 30 years, using it to produce neutrons for research. This device, called a californium neutron flux multiplier (CFX), was designed to provide neutrons for two main purposes: testing chemicals for impurities and conducting neutron radiography, which is better than X-rays for seeing lighter materials.

The CFX used a small amount of californium-252, which emits neutrons, and combined it with highly enriched uranium to increase the neutron output. It was engineered to remain safe and not produce a chain reaction, ensuring it was a controlled and non-threatening operation.

Although the device was not widely known until a 2012 report, it was subject to strict government regulations and oversight. Kodak maintained it until 2006, and the decommissioning process in 2007 was carefully managed to avoid risks. Overall, the story of Kodak's CFX is more about innovative engineering during a time of nuclear exploration than about any hidden dangers.

Summary: Helping Valve to Power Up Steam Devices

Valve recently announced three new gaming devices: the Steam Frame (a wireless VR headset), the Steam Machine (a gaming console), and the Steam Controller (a handheld controller). These devices will run on SteamOS, developed with the help of Igalia, which has focused on enhancing performance and compatibility.

The Steam Frame uses an ARM-based CPU, making it challenging to play games designed for x86 CPUs. To address this, a translation layer called FEX allows x86 games to run on ARM by converting their code. Igalia engineers have faced significant challenges in ensuring that this translation works smoothly, often requiring extensive manual testing.

Additionally, the Steam Frame features a Qualcomm Adreno 750 GPU, which needed a reliable Vulkan driver called Mesa3D Turnip to function properly. Igalia has improved this driver significantly, ensuring better performance and fewer bugs compared to previous versions.

Igalia also contributes to the Vulkan graphics standards, helping ensure that their developments benefit not only Valve's devices but also the broader Linux gaming community. They are working on optimizing power management for the Steam Frame and enhancing the display drivers for the Steam Machine.

Overall, Igalia's collaboration with Valve focuses on delivering high-performance gaming experiences while supporting open-source software improvements that benefit all users.

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Three brothers discovered a highly valuable Superman comic while cleaning their late mother's attic in California. The comic, an original June 1939 first edition, was in excellent condition and sold for a record-breaking $9.12 million at auction, making it the most expensive comic book ever sold. The brothers found the comic among other old newspapers and had been unaware of its value until they contacted Heritage Auctions.

Their mother had kept the comics since buying them during the Great Depression and World War II, and the cool climate helped preserve them. The Superman #1 comic received a high rating of 9.0 from a grading service, surpassing the previous record of 8.5. This sale price exceeded the previous highest comic sale by $3 million. The youngest brother reflected on how the box of comics was forgotten over the years, emphasizing the connection to family and memories.

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The creator of Wealthfolio shares that the app has greatly improved since its initial release a year ago. Key updates include:

1. Multi-platform Support: Wealthfolio is now available on mobile (iOS), desktop (macOS, Windows, Linux), and as a self-hosted Docker image, with an Android version coming soon.

2. Addons System: Users can now add extensions to customize the app and create their own integrations.

The app continues to prioritize privacy, transparency, and open-source principles.

The paper discusses the development of weight-sparse transformers that have interpretable circuits, aiming to improve our understanding of how language models operate. Here are the key points:

1. Goal of Interpretability: The authors aim to create circuits in language models that are easier for humans to understand. They do this by training models where most of the weights are set to zero, allowing each neuron to have only a few connections.

2. Circuit Isolation: They isolate circuits for specific tasks by pruning the model, which helps identify the neurons and connections responsible for particular functions. These circuits often reflect simple, understandable concepts.

3. Scaling Challenges: While making models sparser increases interpretability, it can decrease performance. Scaling these sparse models beyond a certain size while maintaining interpretability remains a challenge.

4. Model Training: The models are trained with a focus on reducing the number of nonzero weights. The authors present a novel pruning method to extract small circuits necessary for task performance.

5. Preliminary Results: The authors also explore adapting their methods to explain existing dense models, suggesting that their approach could yield insights into how these models work.

6. Interpretability Metrics: They introduce metrics to measure the interpretability of the circuits and demonstrate that their weight-sparse models produce much smaller circuits compared to dense models for similar tasks.

7. Future Directions: The authors acknowledge that while their method is promising, there are limitations, such as the inefficiency of training sparse models and the need for further research to scale their findings to more complex models and tasks.

Overall, the paper highlights an innovative approach to enhancing the interpretability of language models through the use of weight-sparse transformations.

Summary: Moss Survives 9 Months in Space Vacuum

Scientists have found that moss can survive harsh conditions in space. They tested a small moss species called Physcomitrium patens by placing its spore capsules on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months. Despite facing extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum conditions, over 80% of these spores germinated successfully when returned to Earth.

Researchers were surprised by the high survival rate, as they expected most spores to perish. The moss showed only minor changes, indicating it was not significantly stressed by its time in space. This resilience is linked to the moss's ancient evolutionary history, which has equipped it to withstand tough environments.

These findings suggest that moss could play a role in future space exploration and experiments on the Moon or Mars, as it requires minimal soil and can extract nutrients from rock. Scientists hope this research will help in creating ecosystems in extraterrestrial settings.

Diffusion language models can generate text quickly, while autoregressive (AR) models usually produce higher quality results. The challenge is to combine the speed of diffusion with the quality of AR models. Current methods either sacrifice efficiency for quality or use inefficient techniques that don’t fully utilize the advantages of diffusion.

To address this, we introduce TiDAR, a new model that combines both approaches. TiDAR drafts tokens using diffusion techniques and then samples the final output with autoregressive methods, all in one step. This innovative design uses specific attention masks to optimize GPU performance, achieving an effective balance of speed and quality.

We tested TiDAR against various AR models and other diffusion techniques. It showed better throughput and efficiency, outperforming models like Dream and Llada in both speed and quality. Notably, TiDAR significantly closes the quality gap with AR models while producing 4.71 to 5.91 times more tokens per second.

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Insect populations are declining rapidly worldwide, which threatens global food supplies. This decline, often referred to as the "insect apocalypse," is caused by factors like climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. For example, many insect species have seen significant reductions in their numbers, with studies showing up to a 76% loss of flying insects in some areas.

Insects are crucial for pollinating crops, with about 75% of the foods we eat relying on them. The decline in pollinators could lead to food shortages and economic issues in agriculture. Restoring insect populations is essential, and experts suggest that coordinated efforts at local and federal levels, alongside individual actions, can help.

Creating insect-friendly habitats, reducing pesticide use, and supporting conservation efforts are key steps individuals can take. Even small actions, like planting native flowers in gardens or around farms, can significantly benefit local insect populations. While the situation is concerning, there are success stories of insect recovery through dedicated conservation efforts. Overall, immediate action is needed to protect and restore insect biodiversity for future food security.

Summary: How I Learned Vulkan and Built a Game Engine

In just three months, I learned Vulkan and created a small game engine with two game demos. The code is available on GitHub.

Key Points:

1. Learning Journey:

   • I started with OpenGL before transitioning to Vulkan.
   • I recommend beginners to learn OpenGL first due to its simpler nature.

2. Development Process:

   • I focused on creating a small game first, then extracted reusable components into the engine to avoid over-engineering.
   • The engine is tailored for smaller, level-based games.

3. Vulkan vs. Other APIs:

   • Vulkan provides more control and better performance but is more complex than OpenGL or other engines like Godot and Unreal.
   • I chose Vulkan for its open standards and future capabilities, despite its steep learning curve.

4. Learning Resources:

   • I used various online guides and books, including vkguide and TU Wien's Vulkan lecture series, to understand Vulkan better.
   • Essential tools like vk-bootstrap and Vulkan Memory Allocator simplified initial setup.

5. Engine Features:

   • The engine supports features like dynamic rendering, compute skinning for animations, and efficient handling of textures through bindless descriptors.
   • I implemented a simple UI system inspired by Roblox's API.

6. Challenges and Solutions:

   • Synchronization and memory management were complex but manageable through careful design.
   • I avoided unnecessary complexity by focusing on what was needed for the game.

7. Future Plans:

   • I aim to enhance the engine with new features, such as animated characters, advanced lighting, and improved rendering techniques.

Overall, switching to Vulkan was challenging but rewarding, providing a deeper understanding of graphics programming and a solid foundation for future projects.

Summary:

Researchers at Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new physics-based model for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that improves how we understand the interaction of contrast agents with water molecules. This model, called the NMR eigenmodes framework, offers a more accurate way to explain how these agents enhance image quality in MRI scans.

Previously, models used to describe the relaxation of water molecules around contrast agents were overly simplified. The new approach uses the Fokker-Planck equation to capture the full range of molecular motion, allowing for a detailed understanding of relaxation processes. This is compared to playing a full musical chord rather than just a few notes.

The findings, published in The Journal of Chemical Physics, could lead to better contrast agents for medical imaging and applications in other fields, such as battery design and fluid behavior studies. The research team has made their code available for others to use and improve upon.

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Summary of ADHD and Monotropism

The theory of monotropism explains autism as a tendency to focus attention on a few interests, leaving little for everything else. This perspective helps understand the unique social and sensory experiences of autistic individuals. Recently, it has become evident that many people with ADHD also relate to monotropism, prompting exploration of how autism and ADHD traits overlap and differ.

ADHD is typically viewed as an attentional issue, while autism is seen as a social one. Despite these differing definitions, many autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD, suggesting a possible shared cause, such as monotropism. Both conditions can exhibit a wide range of traits, including impulsivity and hyperfocus, which may stem from similar cognitive processes.

Impulsivity in ADHD could arise from shifting attention away from interests, while hyperactivity might relate to a need for physical movement similar to stimming in autism. However, this can create confusion, as ADHD may appear to involve more flexible attention, while monotropism suggests a fixed focus.

Research indicates that people's ability to achieve a state of deep focus can vary, potentially influencing how traits are expressed. Some individuals may experience a mix of attention styles, complicating the traditional understanding of ADHD and autism.

Overall, while it's premature to definitively state that ADHD and autism share a common root in monotropism, their overlapping characteristics warrant further investigation. More research is needed to deepen our understanding of these conditions and their connections.

The post is about concrete shipbuilding in Argentina, dated November 7, 2025. It discusses the topic of concrete ships in Argentina and South America.

Summary:

The Arduino Team has updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and addressed community concerns about these changes. They emphasize their long-standing commitment to open-source principles, which remain unchanged despite Qualcomm's acquisition. Key points include:

• Open-source projects and tools will continue to be available as before, with specific restrictions on reverse-engineering related to cloud services.
• Users retain ownership of their published content on the Arduino platform.
• Enhanced protections for minors' data have been implemented, including stricter data retention policies.
• The updates aim to improve clarity, legal compliance, and support new product features, like AI tools.
• Changes also clarify billing and refund processes for Premium Services.

Arduino reassures users of its dedication to transparency and the open-source community. For more details, users are encouraged to read the full Terms and contact Arduino with any questions.

Summary:

TUXEDO is halting the development of an ARM notebook using Qualcomm's Snapdragon X1 Elite SoC due to various challenges. The X1E chip turned out to be less compatible with Linux than anticipated, facing issues like inadequate battery life, lack of BIOS update options, and limited virtualization support. With the release of the newer Snapdragon X2 Elite expected in 2026, the company may revisit the project if the X2E meets Linux compatibility standards.

TUXEDO appreciates the collaboration with Linaro and plans to share their work to enhance Linux support for devices like the Medion SUPRCHRGD.

For customer support, TUXEDO offers various services including hardware advice, technical support, and self-help resources. Customers can reach the support team Monday to Friday and are encouraged to provide detailed information for quicker assistance.

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Summary of Pixar: The Early Days

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, a previously unreleased interview with Steve Jobs from November 22, 1996, has been shared. Toy Story was the first full-length computer-animated film and became a huge success, leading to Pixar going public shortly after its release. The company's stock nearly doubled, valuing it at about $1.5 billion, making it the largest IPO of 1995. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards and won a Special Achievement Oscar.

In the interview, Steve discusses Pixar's unique business model that empowers artists and engineers, drawing from lessons learned at Disney about focus and discipline. He talks about the challenges of leading such a talented team and the incentives that keep employees motivated. Steve emphasizes Pixar's mission to create lasting stories and meaningful contributions to culture.

During this time, Pixar's team grew significantly, and A Bug’s Life was in production. Steve’s experiences at Pixar influenced his leadership style when he returned to Apple, focusing on blending timeless ideas with innovative technology.

The author discusses a critique of matrix multiplication made by journalist Stephen Witt in an article about artificial intelligence. Witt claims that matrix multiplication lacks beauty and symmetry, comparing it to a man hammering a nail. The author disagrees, arguing that matrix algebra is essential and elegant in mathematics, particularly in its role in transformations and symmetry.

The author highlights that order matters in transformations, just like in composition of actions (e.g., making a salad). They explain that matrix multiplication is a way of composing transformations, and while tedious, it is not inherently ugly. The author suggests Witt's misunderstanding stems from conflating tedious calculations with the elegance of the underlying mathematical concepts. Ultimately, they defend matrix multiplication as a sophisticated and beautiful area of mathematics, one that is vital in various fields, including artificial intelligence.

Summary of Interview with Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg

In a recent Stratechery interview, Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg discussed his career focused on turning around struggling companies. Bromberg, who took over Unity in 2024, previously worked at notable companies such as Zynga, EA, and AOL. His insights revolve around learning from failures and the importance of understanding customer needs.

Bromberg shared his background, which includes a mix of interests in athletics and complex systems, as well as a degree in literary theory that helped shape his analytical thinking. His career shifted from aspiring to be a college professor to working in technology and eventually gaming.

Key points from the interview include:

1. Lessons from AOL: Bromberg learned to structure partnerships effectively and emphasized the significance of maintaining good relationships with stakeholders, which he applied during his time at EA and Zynga.

2. Challenges at EA: He turned around the troubled game "Star Wars: The Old Republic" by focusing on community-building and social connections, rather than just addressing player churn.

3. Reviving Zynga: At Zynga, he discovered that cultural change was vital for success, emphasizing the need for clear communication of values and trust among team members.

4. Current Focus at Unity: Bromberg believes Unity can thrive again by understanding and serving developer needs better. He aims to improve their advertising business by integrating game creation with advertising strategies, emphasizing the connection between engaging games and effective advertising.

5. Runtime Fee Controversy: The recent runtime fee implemented by Unity caused backlash from developers, seen as a sign of the company's insecurity about its product offerings. Bromberg is focused on reversing this decision and enhancing the product's value instead.

6. Future Vision: He sees opportunities in democratizing game development and utilizing AI to enhance game experiences. Bromberg believes that successful interactive entertainment will hinge on personalization and understanding consumer behaviors.

Overall, Bromberg's approach combines lessons from past experiences with a focus on community and value delivery to drive Unity's future success.

Summary: Self-Hosting a NAT Gateway

In this article, Sid Premkumar discusses the benefits and experiences of self-hosting a NAT Gateway, despite societal perceptions that it is risky or irresponsible.

What is a NAT Gateway? A NAT Gateway allows secure internet access for private subnets without allowing external traffic in, acting like a one-way door. However, it can become a bottleneck for internal services that rely on it for internet communication.

The AWS Situation: AWS provides NAT Gateway services but charges high fees, which can be a burden for organizations. The author suggests that self-hosting could significantly reduce these costs.

Why Consider Self-Hosting? The motivation for self-hosting arises from high NAT Gateway costs, especially for organizations with heavy internet traffic, like those using GitHub Actions. Reducing these costs by 10-15% is appealing.

Options for Self-Hosting:

1. Fck-NAT: A simplified solution with a maintained AWS image, easy to set up using Terraform.
2. AlterNAT: A more complex and robust solution that ensures uptime through multiple EC2 instances and Lambda functions, providing a fallback to AWS NAT Gateways if needed.

Implementation Experience: The author decided to implement Fck-NAT to cut costs in a development environment, resulting in a significant reduction in both NAT Gateway hours and bytes used. They achieved about a 70% cost savings overall.

Conclusion: Self-hosting a NAT Gateway can be beneficial for organizations looking to reduce costs, especially in low-stakes environments like development or staging. It is simpler than expected, thanks to resources from the open-source community. The author encourages others to consider this approach as a viable option.

The author discusses the common complaint about dating apps, which is that they often don't help users find long-term relationships. This is because if they succeed, users will stop paying. The author argues that this issue isn't unique to dating apps; many businesses have similar incentives to provide lower-quality products or services.

Key Points:

1. Incentives to Cut Quality: Businesses might make their products worse to maximize profits, as improving quality often costs more money. This applies to various industries, such as restaurants, cars, and streaming services.

2. Market Dynamics: While businesses may want to charge high prices for low-quality products, consumers also desire high value for low cost. This tension leads to a balance where businesses must offer something acceptable to attract customers.

3. Reasons for Poor Quality:

   • Consumer Cost Sensitivity: People often prefer cheaper options, even if it means lower quality.
   • Information Gaps: Consumers may not have enough knowledge to distinguish between high and low-quality products, allowing inferior options to thrive.
   • Taste Differences: Sometimes consumers simply don't appreciate better options.
   • Lack of Competition: Companies with significant advantages may not feel pressured to improve their products.

4. Conclusion: The author suggests that if dating apps are indeed failing users, it's important to understand why they can get away with it—either due to a lack of viable alternatives or because consumers may not prioritize a better experience.

Summary of Shop Sans Typeface

Shop Sans is a new typeface designed for text on curves and circles. It features a variable font called 'Curve' that allows users to adjust the font for smooth bending on both upward and downward curves. There is also a static version for flat text.

Key features include:

• A variable font with 21 different settings for curves.
• A static font for regular use.
• Stylistic alternate glyphs.

The font is designed so that its capital letters match the assigned font size, making it easier to use with curved text paths.

Current price: $60 for desktop use with 3 users and up to 15,000 web visitors.

Future updates will include:

• Curving functionality for numbers and other characters.
• More character support and variations in weight and width.
• Improved outline and kerning adjustments.

Currently, the font includes uppercase Latin letters, some special characters, and unique diacritics, but it is still in the early stages of development. Users may need to adjust spacing and kerning manually for the best results.

Summary: Solving Fizz Buzz with Cosines

The Fizz Buzz game is a popular programming exercise where players count numbers from 1 to 100, replacing multiples of 3 with "Fizz," multiples of 5 with "Buzz," and multiples of both with "FizzBuzz." The article explores how to express the Fizz Buzz sequence using trigonometric functions, aiming to create a more complex solution.

Key Points:

1. Fizz Buzz Rules: Players say numbers, saying "Fizz" for multiples of 3 and "Buzz" for multiples of 5.
2. Python Example: A simple Python program demonstrates the basic Fizz Buzz logic.
3. Trigonometric Approach: The author considers using trigonometric functions to create a formula that can represent the Fizz Buzz rules.
4. Symbol Functions: Four functions are defined to correspond with the outputs: the number itself, "Fizz," "Buzz," and "FizzBuzz."
5. Index Function: An index function determines which output to use based on the number's divisibility by 3 and 5.
6. Indicator Functions: These functions identify if a number is divisible by 3 or 5 and help build a closed-form expression.
7. Final Formula: The Fizz Buzz function is expressed using cosines, resulting in a complex formula that combines periodic functions.
8. Python Implementation: The final program is provided, which calculates the output based on the derived cosine-based formula.

The article concludes that while the Fizz Buzz challenge remains straightforward, the exploration into Fourier analysis and trigonometric functions adds complexity and mathematical depth to the problem.

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The given text is a simple Java program called HelloWorldFlow.

Key points:

• It has a method sayHello() that calculates a sum by calling another method say() five times.
• In each call to say(), it prints a greeting with the name "World" and the current count (from 0 to 4).
• The say() method returns the current count value.
• Finally, sayHello() prints the total sum of the counts.

In summary, this program greets "World" five times, counts each greeting, and shows the total count at the end.

No summary available.

Summary of XBMC 4.0 Release

A new version of Xbox Media Center (XBMC), version 4.0, has been released, marking a major update since 2016. This version modernizes the original media center for the Xbox, which first became popular in 2002. XBMC has a rich history and has evolved into Kodi, a leading media application today.

Key Features of XBMC 4.0:

• Modern Interface: It introduces the Estuary user interface, enhancing navigation and usability while maintaining compatibility with the original Xbox hardware.
• Expanded Game Support: A new games library system allows users to display game metadata like artwork and descriptions, similar to how movies and music are organized.
• Metadata Scrapers: Full functionality for online metadata scrapers is restored, enabling rich media libraries for movies and TV shows.
• Improved Performance: Enhancements in task scheduling allow for multitasking, improving the user experience on older hardware.
• Music Features: The update supports high-quality audio playback and includes various audio visualizers.
• Add-ons and Customization: Python-based add-ons are supported, allowing users to enhance functionality with additional features.

The update aims to preserve the legacy of the Original Xbox while making it relevant for modern users. The development team plans to continue improving XBMC, with updates expected to come frequently. The project is open-source, welcoming contributions from developers and users alike.

For more information and to download, users can visit the project's GitHub page.

JSLegendDev shares insights on developing a small RPG, inspired by classic games. Initially hesitant due to time constraints, they drew inspiration from older RPGs, particularly the first Dragon Quest, which simplified gameplay and created a sense of exploration with its overworld map.

They decided to innovate by allowing players to choose when to engage in battles, rather than facing random encounters. This player agency became a key feature. Instead of a traditional turn-based system, they opted for a real-time, action-oriented combat system, influenced by games like Undertale and Elden Ring.

The game will feature an overworld for exploration and a battle scene where players dodge projectiles and attack enemies. Players can upgrade their stats using experience points gained in battles, and healing will cost currency, adding a strategic layer.

To develop the game, JSLegendDev chose JavaScript and the KAPLAY game library for their familiarity and ease of use. They focused on creating an engaging battle experience, implementing mechanics that reward players for skillful play and encouraging exploration for lore and upgrades.

As development progresses, they are also considering the game’s title, suggesting "Hydralia: Donovan's Demise," and invite feedback from the community. For those interested in game development, JSLegendDev encourages subscribing to their updates.

McDonald’s, which has been a staple for low-income customers since it opened in the 1950s, is now seeing a significant decline in traffic from this demographic due to rising fast-food prices. As costs for essentials like housing, clothing, and childcare have increased, many low-income consumers are struggling to afford even basic menu items.

In the early 2000s, McDonald’s successfully turned its fortunes around with a Dollar Menu that appealed to budget-conscious customers. However, inflation has made such low prices unsustainable, leading to menu item price hikes of about 40% from 2019 to 2024. For example, the price of a Big Mac rose from $4.39 to $5.29. This has caused a shift, with higher-income customers increasingly replacing lower earners.

Economic experts note that many low-income households are facing severe financial strain, with rising delinquency rates on consumer credit and a growing number of renters spending over 30% of their income on housing. For instance, renters earning under $30,000 now have only $250 left each month after paying for housing, a 55% decrease since 2001.

McDonald’s and other fast-food chains are grappling with the impact of these economic pressures. While the company has attempted to introduce new, value-based promotions, its sales have fluctuated, reflecting the broader economic divide between low-income and wealthier consumers.

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Summary of the Blog Post

The blog, written by Bruce Dawson, highlights various topics he has covered over the years, focusing on both personal stories and technical investigations. He shares human interest stories like his experiences with grief, losing his ear, and challenges during his commutes.

Dawson also discusses significant technical issues he uncovered while working on Windows, including:

1. Desktop Icon Bug: A bug that caused Windows to freeze for up to 10 seconds due to the number of desktop icons. This was fixed in Windows 11 after his investigation.

2. Gmail Memory Issue: He identified a performance bug affecting Chrome and Gmail that caused them to hang, which led to a memory-saving fix that benefited all users.

3. Chrome Build System Crash: He diagnosed a rare bug in Windows that caused crashes during Chrome's build process. His insights helped Microsoft resolve the issue, improving reliability for developers.

4. Mouse Movement Issue: He discovered that loading a specific library caused significant delays in mouse responsiveness on powerful computers. His workaround improved performance during Chrome builds.

His most popular post, with over 400,000 readers, is a guide on comparing numbers on computers, illustrating that technical topics can attract a broad audience.

Overall, Dawson aims to make his technical writing accessible to non-experts while sharing his pride in the impact of his work.

No summary available.

PolyGPT is a desktop app designed to help users easily compare responses from three AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Instead of switching between them, you can enter a prompt once and see all their answers at the same time. This is helpful for:

• Comparing technical explanations
• Getting different viewpoints on coding issues
• Fact-checking responses

The app is free, open source, and runs locally, meaning your data stays private. You can download it at polygpt.app and find the source code on GitHub. The creator seeks feedback on additional features that could enhance its usefulness.

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No summary available.

The text discusses a bug related to how EXIF orientation information in PNG images is handled by web browsers. The bug was reported five years ago and closed two months ago, confirming that Firefox and Chrome do not respect EXIF orientation data in PNGs, leading to inconsistencies in image display.

Key points include:

• The bug was categorized under layout issues for images and HTML frames.
• The issue arose because PNGs with EXIF data at the end are not properly rendered, affecting their orientation.
• Other browsers like Safari handle the orientation correctly if the EXIF data is placed before the image data.
• The bug was marked as a duplicate of another bug (1682759), which suggests it has been addressed already.

Overall, this highlights a technical issue in web image rendering that affects how images appear across different browsers.

Experts are advising against the use of Prozac (fluoxetine) for treating depression in children, as recent research indicates it is no more effective than a placebo. A study reviewed data from 12 large trials and found that while Prozac was thought to help, the improvement in depressive symptoms was minimal and not clinically meaningful. The risks of side effects, such as weight gain, sleep issues, and increased suicidal thoughts, outweigh any potential benefits.

Currently, guidelines in the UK and other countries still recommend Prozac for children with moderate to severe depression, despite evidence suggesting it is not effective. Experts argue that treatments should not expose young people to unnecessary risks when alternatives, like psychological therapies, are available.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) acknowledges the importance of mental health but maintains that a range of treatment options is essential. However, professionals emphasize the need for updated guidelines that align with the latest evidence to protect young patients.

This article, aimed at experienced 3D printing enthusiasts, explores advanced techniques for using "vase mode" in 3D printing, which typically prints a seamless spiral path ideal for items like vases. The author discusses the limitations of vase mode, such as its single perimeter, lack of internal geometry, and inability to support disconnected areas.

The article introduces unconventional methods to enhance vase mode, including:

1. Internal Geometry with Slits: By creating thin slits in the model, users can add internal structures to improve strength while maintaining the vase mode benefits. Adjusting specific slicer settings is necessary for this to work properly.

2. Double Walls: This technique allows for two outer perimeters by creating slits that connect to the inner walls, providing additional strength.

3. Extrusion Width: Increasing the extrusion width up to twice the nozzle diameter can enhance strength without sacrificing quality.

4. Fake Vase Mode: If traditional vase mode isn't possible, users can manually mimic its benefits by adjusting slicer settings, allowing for more flexibility in design while still achieving some of the weight and time-saving advantages.

A case study demonstrates how these techniques were applied to create functional parts, highlighting the potential for efficiency and reduced material use. The author concludes that these advanced methods can significantly improve the utility of vase mode for various applications, especially for larger prints.

A cheat sheet summarizing key techniques and settings is also provided for quick reference.

Summary of Nano Banana Pro Launch

Google DeepMind has introduced Nano Banana Pro, a new image generation and editing tool based on the Gemini 3 Pro model. This advanced tool allows users to create high-quality visuals with accurate and legible text in multiple languages. Here are the key features:

• User-Friendly Design: Easily visualize ideas, create infographics, and convert notes into diagrams.
• High-Fidelity Visuals: Offers advanced creative controls, enabling users to produce images in up to 4K resolution while maintaining consistent branding.
• Multilingual Text: Generates text in various languages, making it ideal for international content and mockups.
• Enhanced Capabilities: Uses advanced reasoning and real-world knowledge to create context-rich visuals and educational content. It can connect to Google Search for real-time information.
• Flexible Use: Available across Google products like the Gemini app, Google Ads, and Google AI Studio, with options for both casual users and professionals.

To ensure transparency, all AI-generated images will include a digital watermark (SynthID) to identify them as AI-created. Users can start using Nano Banana Pro now across various Google services.

Summary of "Machine Logic: Set Theory with Types"

The text discusses the relationship between set theory and type theory in mathematics, emphasizing the lack of consensus on what set theory truly is. NG de Bruijn, in his 1973 paper, critiques the dominance of Zermelo-Fraenkel (ZF) set theory, which suggests that "everything is a set." He argues that this view is problematic and that a more intuitive approach is to think of sets based on specific types or classes.

De Bruijn's work led to the development of the AUTOMATH language, a form of dependent type theory. He believes that a simpler, typed set theory can express most of mathematics without the complications of ZF set theory, such as paradoxes and overly complex coding tricks.

Higher-order logic (HOL), which descends from the early work of Whitehead and Russell, provides a framework where sets can be treated as functions, offering another perspective on set theory that can be more intuitive. The text also touches on how typed set theory avoids issues present in ZF by ensuring that elements belong to sets of matching types.

The author notes that while typed set theory is simpler, ZF concepts still arise in some areas of mathematics, and there are ways to integrate ZF into HOL. The text emphasizes the utility of hereditarily finite sets in modeling finite structures, which can be useful in programming and theoretical computer science.

In conclusion, the article advocates for a clearer understanding of type theory as a viable alternative to set theory, highlighting its benefits in mathematical practice.

Summary of Infinibay LXD Deployment

Overview: Infinibay uses LXD for containerization in its VDI management platform, allowing for efficient and secure virtual machine (VM) management.

Current Status:

• Production Ready: The system supports automated provisioning and orchestration across different Linux distributions.

Key Features of LXD:

• Runs VMs in containers without needing privileged mode.
• Supports KVM and systemd.
• Offers better security and minimal performance overhead.

Supported Operating Systems:

• Automatically detects and uses appropriate package managers for various Linux distributions (Debian, RHEL, openSUSE, Arch, etc.).

Directory Structure:

• Contains scripts and configuration files for managing the LXD containers.

Container Architecture:

• Deploys four containers:
  1. infinibay-postgres: PostgreSQL database
  2. infinibay-redis: Redis cache
  3. infinibay-backend: Node.js API
  4. infinibay-frontend: Next.js web interface

Quick Start Steps:

1. Clone the repository and navigate to the LXD directory.
2. Run the setup script to install necessary components.
3. Activate the LXD group in your session.
4. Configure environment variables, especially the ADMIN_PASSWORD.
5. Deploy Infinibay by running the run.sh script.

Common Commands:

• ./run.sh: Does everything in one command (creates, provisions, and starts containers).
• ./run.sh redo: Destroys and recreates all containers.
• ./run.sh status: Checks container status.

Troubleshooting:

• Ensure you are in the LXD group if facing permission issues.
• Use the status command for checking individual container states.

Recommendation: For production deployments, use the native installer until LXD's provisioning is fully automated.

Contributing: Refer to the installation guide for development workflows.

Last Update: November 21, 2025.

The author shares their passion for old rotary phones and meetings, often expressing frustration with the latter. Inspired by a comment during a meeting, they decided to create a project using a rotary phone to hang up on virtual meetings. They used a Siemens rotary phone and designed a connector to avoid permanent modifications.

The project involved integrating electronics, including a microcontroller (RP2040) to act as a keyboard and sound card. Initially, they aimed to program the RP2040 to serve both functions but faced challenges. After spending money on coding assistance, they switched strategies to use a USB hub with separate devices for the sound card and keyboard.

They sourced a low-cost USB sound card from AliExpress, modified it to fit the phone, and successfully integrated it with the RP2040 for handling calls and sending keystrokes. The project was completed with some trial and error, resulting in a functional setup that allows the rotary phone to be used for virtual meetings. The code for the project is available on GitHub.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary:

Android and iPhone users can now easily share files with each other, starting with the Pixel 10 family. A new feature called Quick Share allows file transfers between Android and iOS devices, making sharing simpler. This update focuses on security and has been tested by independent experts. The feature is expected to expand to more Android devices in the future. A video demonstration is available for users to see how it works.

No summary available.

Oxford recently implemented a £5 congestion charge for passenger cars in the city center, but some vehicles, like taxis and emergency vehicles, are exempt. A question arose about whether an ox-drawn cart would incur this charge since it is technically zero emissions.

Upon research, it appears that the congestion charge applies to "Class M1 vehicles," which are defined as motor vehicles with four wheels, a certain weight, and intended for carrying passengers. However, an ox-drawn cart doesn’t qualify as a "motor vehicle" since it isn't mechanically propelled in the way required by law. Therefore, it would not be subject to the congestion charge.

Additionally, ox-drawn carts don’t have number plates, which makes it unlikely they would be monitored for congestion charges by cameras. Consequently, you can freely bring your ox into the city without worrying about the charge.

Overall, ox-drawn carts are exempt from the congestion charge, highlighting the importance of accessible legal information in understanding such regulations.

Faster Workflows Summary

• Automation: Streamline frame editing and enhance reference-based animation with precise editing, segmentation, and styling.
• No AI Risks: Avoid issues like art copying and inconsistent results. You have complete control over each frame, and everything is processed locally—no cloud or servers involved, and no subscription needed.
• Download Options: Available for Windows (CPU and GPU) and macOS.
• Feedback: The tool, called Lester, is continuously improving, and user feedback is welcome. Report issues or suggest features on its GitHub page.
• Further Information: To learn more about Lester and its role in rotoscoping, check out the official press release.

Summary of Homeschooling Trends

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., with a growth rate of 5.4% in the 2024-2025 school year, nearly three times the pre-pandemic rate of about 2%. This rise in DIY education is a response to dissatisfaction with traditional public schools, which many families view as rigid and ineffective.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families turned to homeschooling due to school closures and poor remote learning experiences. Although there was a brief decline in homeschooling after the pandemic, interest surged again, with many states reporting their highest numbers of homeschooled students ever.

Currently, around 6% of U.S. students are homeschooled, up from about 3% before the pandemic. This shift reflects a broader trend where families are moving away from public schools toward alternatives like homeschooling, driven by frustration with school quality and curriculum issues.

Research shows that many parents feel K-12 education is heading in the wrong direction, with dissatisfaction higher among public school parents compared to those in private, charter, or homeschooling settings. The trend toward homeschooling appears to be lasting, indicating a significant change in how American families approach education.

rrule_plpgsql Overview:

This library provides a pure PL/pgSQL implementation of iCalendar RRULE (RFC 5545) for PostgreSQL, which means it doesn't require any C extensions or compilation, making it easy to use across various environments.

Key Features:

• No C Extensions: Works on any PostgreSQL setup without the need for external tools.
• Timezone Support: Handles daylight saving time, ensuring scheduled times remain accurate.
• Consistency: Same implementation across different environments (development, production, etc.).
• Performance: 50-75 times faster than Node.js for recurrence calculations.
• Production-Ready: Comes with a comprehensive test suite to ensure reliability.
• Managed Service Compatibility: Works with services like AWS RDS, Azure Database, and more.

Advantages of This Approach:

• Integration: Processes data directly where it resides, enhancing performance.
• Batch Processing: Efficiently handles multiple schedules in one query.
• Memory Efficiency: Returns results incrementally, saving system memory.

Installation Options:

1. Via npm for TypeScript/Node.js users.
2. Direct SQL Installation using psql or curl for quick setup.

Supported Frequencies and Modifiers:

• Core frequencies include daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
• Additional options (hourly, minutely, secondly) are available but disabled by default for security.

Documentation and Support:

• Provides comprehensive guides on installation, usage, API functions, and troubleshooting.
• Encourages contributions and offers a performance optimization guide.

Requirements:

• Requires PostgreSQL version 12 or higher, with no additional dependencies.

This library is ideal for anyone needing reliable and efficient recurrence rule handling directly within PostgreSQL.

The author received a $250 Claude Code credit but didn’t use it all. Over the weekend, they decided to use it mostly on their phone to create a Prolog interpreter. Now, they are exploring how much they can accomplish with it.

Summary of Olmo 3: Advancing Open-Source AI

Olmo 3 is a new open-source AI model that emphasizes transparency and adaptability in AI development. Unlike traditional models, which are often seen only as finished products, Olmo 3 opens up its entire development process, known as the "model flow." This flow includes every stage of the model's lifecycle, allowing users to understand, modify, and enhance the model effectively.

Key Features of Olmo 3:

1. Complete Model Flow Access: The entire process from pretraining to post-training is shared, making it easier for researchers and developers to customize the model for specific tasks.

2. Powerful Model Variants: Olmo 3 features different models like Olmo 3-Base (for general use), Olmo 3-Think (for reasoning tasks), Olmo 3-Instruct (for conversational tasks), and Olmo 3-RL Zero (for reinforcement learning).

3. Strong Performance: Olmo 3 has been benchmarked against other models and shows strong results in areas like programming, math, and reading comprehension, often outperforming comparable open-weight models.

4. Efficient Training and Data Use: The model is trained using a vast dataset and incorporates new methods for data curation and processing, ensuring high quality and relevance.

5. Tools for Transparency: Olmo 3 includes tools like OlmoTrace, which allows users to see how training data influences model behavior, promoting accountability.

6. Open Access to Resources: All components, including datasets and training checkpoints, are available for public use, fostering community collaboration and innovation.

By focusing on openness and transparency, Olmo 3 aims to build trust in AI systems and encourage responsible AI development, allowing users to understand and improve the models that shape our digital landscape.

No summary available.

Summary

Hernando Barragán explains his contributions to the development of Wiring and Arduino. He aims to clarify misconceptions about his role and the history of these projects, particularly in light of recent legal disputes involving Arduino LLC and Arduino S.R.L.

1. Background and Purpose of Wiring: Barragán created Wiring in 2003 as part of his Master's thesis at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea, to simplify electronics for artists and designers. The project received positive attention and evolved into a user-friendly platform for programming microcontrollers.

2. Development Process: Barragán details the design process for Wiring, including the development of a simple programming language and multiple hardware prototypes. He emphasizes the importance of open-source principles in both the software and hardware aspects of Wiring.

3. Transition to Arduino: In 2005, Massimo Banzi and others forked Wiring to create Arduino, adding support for cheaper microcontrollers. Barragán expressed surprise that he wasn’t included in this new project, despite having planned to contribute.

4. Recognition Issues: Barragán highlights that Arduino has not adequately acknowledged Wiring's contributions, leading to misconceptions in various media about the origins of the project.

5. Misleading Information: He criticizes several articles and documentaries for misrepresenting the history of Wiring and Arduino, often failing to fact-check or include his perspective.

6. Conclusion: Barragán stresses the importance of recognizing the origins of technological developments and encourages curiosity and deeper inquiry into the history of open-source projects. He expresses gratitude for the impact of Wiring on the global maker community.

This summary reflects Barragán's desire to set the record straight regarding the contributions he made to Wiring and Arduino, as well as to encourage proper acknowledgment of collaborative efforts in technology development.

Nicolas Guillou, a French judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been sanctioned by the USA, leading to significant limitations in his digital life. This action stems from the ICC issuing arrest warrants against Israeli officials for war crimes, which the USA opposed. As a result, Guillou's accounts with major US companies like Amazon and PayPal were closed, and he cannot engage in e-commerce or use popular banking services, as US companies hold a dominant position in these areas.

Guillou describes his situation as a regression to the pre-internet era and emphasizes the need for Europe to gain more digital and banking sovereignty. He calls on the EU to activate a regulation that would protect its interests against US sanctions, arguing that without such sovereignty, the rule of law in Europe is at risk.

In November 2025, Fred Vogelstein discusses the rapid rise and potential risks of the AI industry, likening it to the internet bubble of 1999. In just three years, AI has transformed from a novelty to a global phenomenon, prompting debates about whether we are experiencing a technology bubble.

Vogelstein notes that significant investments in AI have surged past $600 billion this year, with projections for total spending reaching $1.5 trillion by 2025. However, many companies have not yet proven that AI can generate sufficient profits to justify this spending, leading to concerns of overspending and potential financial instability.

Key vulnerabilities in the AI market include excessive spending, high leverage among companies, questionable investment deals, and competition with China. Major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI are heavily investing in AI infrastructure but may be overextending themselves financially. There is also worry that China could surpass the U.S. in AI development, which adds urgency and risk to the situation.

Overall, while the AI revolution promises substantial advancements, the current market dynamics suggest that it may be more precarious than many realize, with the potential for a significant downturn similar to past technology bubbles.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary: Hilbert Space: Treating Functions as Vectors

Hilbert space is a mathematical framework that allows us to apply linear algebra concepts to functions, treating them as infinite-dimensional vectors.

1. Functions as Vectors:

   • A vector can be seen as an ordered list of numbers. For example, a vector in three-dimensional space can be represented as a function with specific indices.
   • By extending this idea, we can represent functions as vectors where the indices can be any real number, allowing us to express them as functions from real numbers to real numbers (e.g., ( f:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R} )).

2. Vector Spaces of Functions:

   • Functions can form a vector space with addition and scalar multiplication defined properly. This allows us to work with functions in a structured way.

3. Square Integrable Functions:

   • To move toward Hilbert space, we focus on square integrable functions (denoted as ( L^2 )), which have a finite integral of their square. This is akin to measuring their "length" in a vector sense.

4. Inner Product and Norm:

   • An inner product for functions in ( L^2 ) is defined using integrals, allowing us to measure angles and lengths. This leads to defining norms, which measure the size of the functions.

5. Completeness:

   • For ( L^2 ) to be a Hilbert space, it must also be complete, meaning that all sequences within it converge to a limit that also lies in ( L^2 ). This property is established by the Riesz-Fischer theorem.

6. Applications:

   • Fourier Series: The concepts of Hilbert space enable the definition of Fourier series, which express functions as sums of basis functions. This is foundational in analysis.
   • Quantum Mechanics: In quantum mechanics, particle states are described by wavefunctions in a Hilbert space, allowing the use of linear algebra in infinite dimensions.

In summary, Hilbert space provides a powerful structure for working with functions using the tools of linear algebra, facilitating advanced mathematical applications in various fields.

Recently, Germany celebrated the discovery and performance of new pieces by the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. These newly identified works have excited musicians and music lovers alike, as they add to Bach's already rich legacy. The performances showcased the beauty and complexity of these pieces, highlighting Bach's talent and creativity.

The author shares their experience trying to implement a programming challenge using AWK, a language they found challenging due to its limitations. They struggled with tasks like managing arrays and states, which are easier in modern programming languages.

The author dreams of a more advanced version of AWK that includes features like first-class arrays, functions, lexical scope, and better handling of global variables. They suggest these enhancements could make the language more functional and user-friendly.

Instead of building this improved version of AWK themselves, the author used a large language model (LLM) to help create a new interpreter called FAWK. They were surprised by the LLM's ability to implement complex features and test the code effectively.

While the LLM's assistance was impressive, the author expresses concern about their lack of familiarity with the code, which may hinder their ability to make future changes. They also acknowledge potential performance issues but plan to use FAWK for quick tasks without significant performance needs.

The author ends with an invitation to explore FAWK, available on GitHub, while they continue to work on programming challenges.

No summary available.

Summary: When Functions Dissolve

This post discusses how the concept of functions changes when high-level programming languages are converted to assembly code, affecting program modularity.

1. Functions and Modularity: Functions in programming are designed to isolate logic and perform specific tasks. They can be thought of as building blocks to create modular code. However, when multiple programs run on the same computer, sharing memory can lead to errors that spread across programs (weak modularity) versus programs running in separate processes (strong modularity), where errors are contained.

2. Functions vs. Subroutines: In high-level languages, functions encapsulate complexity and can handle errors effectively. However, when compiled to assembly, they become subroutines that share memory and lack the isolation of functions. This makes subroutines less modular, as they cannot have their own local memory.

3. Tail Call Optimization: In assembly, a tail call occurs when a subroutine ends by calling another subroutine. This can be optimized so that the return address of the first subroutine is not needed, effectively turning the call into a jump and reducing overhead.

4. Coroutines: Coroutines are an advanced concept where multiple entry points exist within a single function. They can maintain state and are often used in modern programming languages for tasks like generators.

5. Conclusion: The author reflects on how understanding assembly code can change one's perspective on functions, revealing a more fluid and interconnected nature of code that contrasts with the structured view of functions in high-level languages. This understanding helps in reasoning about parallel programming and optimizing code.

The Tibetan Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1913. In this declaration, the Dalai Lama addressed the Tibetan people, emphasizing the historical relationship between Tibet and China, which was based on a patron-priest dynamic rather than subordination. He described efforts by Chinese authorities to colonize Tibet and his subsequent escape to India for safety.

Upon returning to Tibet, the Dalai Lama urged the preservation of Buddhism and its institutions, fair governance, and the protection of citizens' rights. He prohibited harsh punishments and corruption among officials, and emphasized the importance of developing the country while maintaining its independence. He urged citizens to work together for the welfare of Tibet and allowed land cultivation without immediate taxation. The declaration called for the fulfillment of these duties to ensure peace and progress in Tibet.

Summary of Lions Operating System (LionsOS)

LionsOS is an experimental operating system still in development by the Trustworthy Systems research group at UNSW Sydney. It is based on the seL4 microkernel and aims to provide high performance, security, and reliability.

Currently, LionsOS is not stable and lacks verification, but it is available for experimentation. It is different from traditional operating systems, as it consists of modular components that can be combined to create custom systems for specific tasks, using a tool called Microkit.

Key features of LionsOS include:

• Components communicate via lock-free queues.
• Each component typically performs a single function, such as drivers that connect hardware to the system.
• There are components called virtualisers for managing control and address conversions.
• Information sharing is limited to what is necessary.
• The system is static, meaning it doesn't adapt to hardware changes or load components while running, though it can swap similar components for updates.

More components are needed for further development, and contributions are encouraged.

Summary of Minecraft in Astral

Playing games on a homebrew operating system like Astral is a significant achievement, indicating that the system can handle graphics, input, and stability. While Doom and Quake are common starting games, the author chose to port Minecraft, a game they enjoyed in their youth.

Challenges of Running Minecraft:

• Minecraft is complex to run as it requires Java (via OpenJDK) and OpenGL, along with several Java libraries.
• The OpenJDK port in Astral had issues due to bugs, but these were resolved.

Choosing a Version:

• The author selected Minecraft version Alpha 1.2.0 for its simplicity and fewer dependencies.

Fixing OpenJDK:

• The author fixed the segmentation fault issues in OpenJDK that arose from how values were handled in the code.

Porting LWJGL2:

• LWJGL2 is a library used by Minecraft, and porting it required cross-compiling native libraries. The author faced challenges with the build system but succeeded in adding support for Astral.

Running Minecraft:

• After setting everything up, the author debugged issues that arose when launching Minecraft, including missing symbols and errors related to the game's graphics library. They made necessary code fixes that ultimately led to successfully loading the game.

Playing Minecraft:

• After resolving the final issues, the author successfully played Minecraft, marking a milestone as the first hobbyist OS to run the game.

Future Plans for Astral:

• The focus is now on improving stability, usability, and functionality, with plans for a package manager and further enhancements. There are also intentions to work on Wine and possibly WebKitGTK ports.

This achievement demonstrates that it's possible for a hobbyist operating system to run complex games, paving the way for others in the OS development community.

Summary:

Private equity firms, particularly Black Bear Sports Group, are taking over the youth sports industry in the U.S., which is valued at $40 billion. They are banning parents from recording their children's games unless they pay for a costly streaming service. This move is seen as a way to maximize profits, with fees for streaming sometimes exceeding those for professional sports.

Black Bear Sports, which owns many hockey rinks, has implemented strict recording policies that threaten parents who try to film their kids' games. The company justifies these rules by citing safety concerns but is also criticized for price gouging and making youth sports less accessible to lower-income families.

Costs for participating in youth sports have skyrocketed, with families now spending an average of $1,016 annually per child, a 46% increase since 2019. Hockey, in particular, is becoming increasingly exclusive, with average costs reaching $2,583.

The rise of corporate ownership in youth sports is causing concerns that sports are becoming a privilege for the wealthy, hindering access for those who can't afford the rising fees. Legal experts warn that this trend could lead to further exploitation and reduced quality of youth sports.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The text talks about a tool called Port ofContext that allows users to replace an LLM (Large Language Model) tool with a Code Mode in secure environments. It emphasizes connecting AI agents to the real world using a strong and open-source framework. There's also a mention of a waitlist for PCTX Cloud, inviting users to learn more.

Gitlogue Summary

Gitlogue is a tool that visually represents your Git commit history in the terminal, making it look like an animated story. It features realistic typing animations, syntax highlighting for various programming languages, and a visual file tree.

Installation Options:

1. Recommended: Using an install script
   • Run: curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/unhappychoice/gitlogue/main/install.sh | bash
2. Homebrew: brew install unhappychoice/tap/gitlogue
3. Cargo: cargo install gitlogue
4. Arch Linux: pacman -S gitlogue
5. From Source: Clone the repository and install using Cargo.

Key Features:

• Animated commit replay with realistic effects.
• Supports syntax highlighting for 26 languages.
• Displays project file tree and change statistics.
• Screensaver mode for continuous commit playback.
• Offers 9 themes with customization options.
• Fast and lightweight, built with Rust.

Main Uses:

• Screensaver for a stylish coding display.
• Educational tool to show code evolution.
• Presentations to demonstrate commit histories.
• Content creation for recording demos.
• A decorative element for your terminal.

Important Notes:

• Gitlogue does not function as a traditional screensaver (no power management).
• Static displays may cause burn-in on OLED screens.

Quick Commands:

• Start screensaver: gitlogue
• View a specific commit: gitlogue --commit abc123
• Adjust typing speed and theme, and list available themes.

Configuration:

• Customize settings in ~/.config/gitlogue/config.toml.

Supported Languages: Includes Rust, TypeScript, Python, Java, and more.

Documentation & Contribution:

• Guides available for installation, usage, and configuration.
• Contributions are welcome under the ISC license.

Author: @unhappychoice

Simon Business School focuses on using careful analysis in various areas like markets and management. Both researchers and students work together to create ideas that can make a real difference in the world. They aim to improve business practices at the University of Rochester.

Waymo has received approval to operate driverless autonomous vehicles in California. The approved vehicle models include the Jaguar I-Pace (2021 and 2024) and Zeekr RT (2022 and 2025).

Key points include:

• Hours of Operation: Vehicles can operate at any time, day or night.
• Weather Conditions: They are approved to drive in various weather conditions, such as rain and fog.
• Speed Limits: Vehicles can operate at all speeds.

The approved testing and deployment areas cover numerous cities and counties across California, primarily in Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yolo counties.

I improved a Markov chain text generator by training it on a scientific article by Uri Alon and colleagues. The generated text performs similarly to small language models like NanoGPT.

Here’s a brief summary of the article's key points:

• The aging cell model needs detailed data on diseases linked to aging, such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.
• The model predicts that the number of aging cells affects disease risk, simulating how these cells increase with age.
• The research analyzed various diseases and found that treatment targeting aging cells could improve health outcomes.
• A two-parameter model was used to describe age-related diseases, showing a strong correlation with disease codes.
• The model also suggests that immune cells can help remove aging cells, which may impact cancer growth and treatment effectiveness.

This research highlights the connections between aging, disease risk, and potential treatments.

No summary available.

The article discusses concerns about the sustainability of the AI industry, suggesting that it may be in a "bubble" that could burst. Here are the key points:

1. Historical Context: The author compares the AI landscape to past tech bubbles, noting that like the internet bubble in 2001, AI startups are currently struggling to achieve profitability despite significant funding.

2. Profitability Issues: AI companies, such as OpenAI, have raised enormous amounts of money (around $60 billion) but have not shown profits, raising doubts about their long-term viability.

3. Contrast with Successful Startups: Historically, companies like Google and Facebook became profitable much sooner than current AI startups, highlighting a troubling trend in the AI sector.

4. Corporate Hesitance: Many corporate AI initiatives fail to deliver returns on investment, as traditional business practices focus on profitability, leading to limited funding for AI projects.

5. AI in Software Development: While AI is popular in software development, the improvements in revenue per employee are often attributed to layoffs rather than genuine AI-enhanced productivity.

6. Customer Support Challenges: AI's role in customer support has led to poor service experiences, as companies replace human workers with bots, which can degrade customer satisfaction.

7. Content Generation Limitations: The proliferation of AI-generated content does not translate into increased engagement or profitability, as human attention is limited.

8. Human Connection: The fundamental issue is that AI applications often diminish social connections, which are crucial for human interaction and business success. This disconnection undermines the sustainability of AI business models.

9. Conclusion: The author argues that due to these factors, the AI industry is overstretched and unlikely to sustain its current growth, predicting that the AI bubble will eventually burst. Some companies may succeed, but the industry as a whole is at risk.

Overall, the article emphasizes the need for AI companies to focus on profitability and human connection to ensure long-term success.

Inspired by a project in New York called All Text in NYC, I wanted to create a similar tool for London. This tool allows users to search and explore text found in Google Street View images of London, including shop signs, posters, graffiti, and van numbers.

Summary: Building a Monophasic TENS Device for the Hand

I recently created a monophasic TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device designed specifically for hand use.

Key Components:

1. Power Supply:

   • Used a 3.7V LiPo battery and MCP73831 charger for USB-C charging.
   • Needed two voltage rails:
     • +3.3V for the microcontroller
     • ~32V for stimulation pulses, achieved with a TPS55340 boost converter.

2. Control Stage:

   • Chose the ATmega32U4 microcontroller for its USB capability and PWM outputs.
   • It generates monophasic pulses with adjustable frequency and duty cycle.

3. Output Stage:

   • Utilized N-Channel MOSFETs and BJTs to control the high-voltage pulses delivered to finger electrodes.
   • Designed for one-way current flow, simplifying the setup.

4. Electrode Layout:

   • Each finger (Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring, Pinky) has its own channel, with the palm as a common ground.
   • This setup allows for targeted stimulation of different fingers.

Conclusion: The project combined electronics design with user needs, ensuring simplicity and functionality. It cost less than $100 and serves as an effective tool for hand rehabilitation.

FEX 2511 Tagged

Despite working on it regularly, there’s always more to do with the emulator. Here’s an update on what has changed this month!

Francesco Piacenti, known as FR3NKD, is establishing a tradition of testing Blender's capabilities with each major release. He recently showcased a sculpting performance test for Blender 5.0, which features Vulkan support, successfully handling 50 million triangles without performance issues. Using an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 and an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, he demonstrated the software's progress, even though Blender is not primarily designed to compete with ZBrush. Additionally, he offers a Ucupaint course for texturing in Blender. For more content, readers are encouraged to explore new digital art courses and follow 80 Level on various social media platforms for updates and artwork.

Slavoj Žižek discusses the rapid impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives, emphasizing that we are already being influenced and regulated by AI systems without fully realizing it. He argues that while we might think we have time to prepare for AI's effects, the reality is that these changes are happening much quicker than we perceive. He warns that our interactions with AI, like ChatGPT, can lead to a blurring of lines between human and machine communication, which raises fears about AI's human-like capabilities.

Žižek critiques the way we engage with AI, suggesting that people often deny the true nature of these machines to make their interactions feel more comfortable. He also touches on the increasing prevalence of bot-to-bot interactions, which can dominate our digital experiences without our awareness.

The text also addresses the darker side of digitalization, including online scams and the potential for AI to manipulate human behavior. Žižek highlights concerns about a "dead internet," where bots and AI dominate communication and information exchange, leading to distrust and self-censorship among users.

He warns that the ideal of a fully automated society might be misleading, as it could lead to a reduction in human involvement and a dangerous reliance on AI. Ultimately, Žižek raises existential questions about the relationship between humans and machines in a rapidly digitalizing world, suggesting that our understanding of reality is being reshaped by these technologies.

Summary: The Qtile Window Manager

This article details the author's transition from using XFCE to Qtile, a tiling window manager built with Python. The content covers the installation, configuration, and personal experiences with Qtile.

Key Points:

1. Journey to Qtile: The author was initially drawn to tiling window managers and eventually found Qtile, which allows for powerful Python-based configurations.

2. Installation Process:

   • The author emphasizes isolation when installing Qtile, using a virtual environment to avoid conflicts.
   • They created a custom session entry for Qtile to be used at login.

3. Configuration:

   • Qtile's configuration file is written in Python, making it flexible and powerful.
   • The author suggests starting with the default settings and gradually customizing them.

4. Current Setup:

   • The setup includes a modular design, smart key bindings, and visual consistency.
   • Key features include smart mouse movement between monitors, hardware-aware widgets, and dynamic screen configurations.

5. Lessons Learned:

   • The author highlights the power of Python for configuration and the importance of adapting to hardware capabilities.
   • They recommend starting simple and iterating on the configuration.

6. Future Plans: The author aims to enhance their setup with custom widgets and better multi-monitor support.

Conclusion: Qtile has positively impacted the author's productivity, offering a user-friendly experience for those familiar with Python. The ability to tailor the window manager to specific needs makes it a strong choice for Linux users.

The text explains the complex terminology and structure of CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), which is NVIDIA's platform for parallel computing on GPUs. Here are the key points:

1. CUDA Terminology: The term "CUDA" can mean different things, including:

   • Compute architecture
   • Instruction set
   • Source language
   • CUDA Toolkit
   • CUDA Runtime

2. Components and Definitions: The CUDA ecosystem consists of various components, each with its own versioning and compatibility rules. The main components include:

   • Driver: Software that allows the operating system to communicate with the GPU.
   • CUDA Kernel: A function that runs on the GPU, not to be confused with the operating system kernel.

3. Versioning: There are multiple versioning schemes in CUDA:

   • Compute Capability: Defines the GPU's instruction set.
   • Driver Version: Indicates the GPU driver’s capabilities.
   • CUDA Toolkit Version: Represents the version of the development tools and libraries.
   • Runtime API Version: The version of the runtime library used by applications.

4. Compatibility Rules:

   • CUDA drivers are forward-compatible (older versions can run newer APIs) but not backward-compatible.
   • Applications must meet two conditions to run: the driver API version must be equal to or greater than the runtime API version, and the application must contain compatible GPU code.

5. Common Issues: The text outlines scenarios where version mismatches can cause errors, such as:

   • A runtime version exceeding the driver version.
   • The compiled code requiring a higher compute capability than the GPU supports.

6. Diagnostic Tools: Tools like nvidia-smi, nvcc, and PyTorch commands can help check driver versions and compatibility.

7. Best Practices: Developers are advised to specify required driver versions, bundle the necessary runtime components, and compile for multiple compute capabilities to ensure broader compatibility.

In conclusion, understanding CUDA's layered architecture, precise terminology, and versioning rules is crucial for effective development and troubleshooting in GPU computing.

No summary available.

Summary: Sweeping Async Tasks Under a Postgres Table

1. Simplicity in Server Design: The author prefers simple servers that execute straightforward database queries. Fast queries lead to better website performance.

2. Using a Task Table: Instead of performing complex operations directly (like sending emails), the author proposes queuing tasks in a database table. This allows for tasks to be processed later while providing immediate feedback to users.

3. Database Transactions: Writing to multiple locations simultaneously can lead to errors. Using a single database like Postgres ensures consistency and simplifies error handling, avoiding the complications of multiple systems.

4. TODO-Driven Development: Implementing a system that logs tasks can help track incomplete workflows without relying on external tools like Jira. Tasks can be retried automatically, making it easier to manage errors.

5. Human vs. Computer Handling: Humans should not be burdened with retry loops for tasks that can be managed automatically by computers. Efficiently delegating responsibilities can improve user experience and system reliability.

6. Task Table Structure: The author provides a sample structure for a task table that includes task type and parameters. A task worker processes these tasks, ensuring that failed operations are retried.

7. Error Handling and Parallel Processing: The worker code is designed to handle errors effectively, using transactions to ensure that tasks are retried if they fail. It also allows for multiple workers to run simultaneously without conflicts.

In essence, the author advocates for using a single database system to manage tasks asynchronously, ensuring simplicity, reliability, and a better user experience.

Summary: Basalt Woven Textile

• Category: Natural stones
• Code: NST088
• Brand: Vulkan Europe
• Country: Netherlands

Basalt Woven Textile is a unique material made from basalt, a natural stone. The production process involves melting basalt at 1,400 °C (2550 °F) and forming it into filaments, resulting in strong basalt fibers.

Key Features:

• Strength: Basalt fibers have a tensile strength more than twice that of steel.
• Resistance: They are highly resistant to chemicals, including salt and acid solutions, and can withstand temperatures up to 700 °C (with some types reaching 800 °C).
• Electrical Properties: Basalt fibers are good insulators for electricity, suitable for both low and high-voltage applications.
• Durability: The textile has good resistance to fire, UV light, weather, and scratches, while being lightweight.

Overall, Basalt Woven Textile combines strength, durability, and thermal stability, making it a versatile material for various applications.

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The author created a simple ARMv7 emulator named "stinkarm" using Rust, consisting of about 1,300 lines of code without any external dependencies. This emulator can parse and validate ARM binaries, map memory segments, decode some ARM instructions, and handle syscalls, allowing it to run a basic ARMv7 "hello world" program in 1.9 milliseconds. This performance is significantly slower than native ARM execution, but the author aimed to understand the ELF binary format, ARM assembly, and improve their programming language's JIT compiler.

To build the emulator, the author wrote a minimal ARM assembly program and a script to convert it into an executable ELF file. The implementation involved parsing ELF headers, mapping segments, and emulating the ARM CPU's state and registers.

The author also discussed the ELF file format, explaining its structure and key components, which are crucial for the emulator to function correctly. The project emphasizes the author's goal of learning and experimenting with low-level programming concepts in Rust.

No summary available.

Adish and Kyle from Mosaic have developed a new way to edit videos using a multimodal AI tool. Unlike traditional editing software, Mosaic features a node-based canvas that allows users to create and run video editing agents. This innovation was inspired by their frustration with existing video editors, which often have hidden features and complex interfaces.

The duo initially created a prototype that could automatically add text overlays and analyze video content, which simplified their editing tasks. After user feedback, they realized a chat interface was slow and not efficient for longer videos, leading them to redesign the tool.

Mosaic’s canvas allows users to configure editing operations easily. It automates much of the editing process, getting users about 80-90% of the way there, after which they can make final adjustments in a timeline editor. The tool supports exporting to traditional editing programs like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro.

Mosaic also incorporates advanced visual understanding, helping the AI understand video elements like emotions and actions. Users can utilize it for various tasks, including creating clips from longer videos, optimizing content for social media, and generating motion graphics.

Currently, users can try Mosaic for free, upload videos, and create workflows. There are costs associated with more extensive model usage, and they welcome user feedback on the platform.

Microsoft, in collaboration with Team Xbox and Activision, has made the source code for the classic games Zork I, II, and III available as open source under the MIT License. This initiative aims to preserve important gaming history and provide students, teachers, and developers with the opportunity to study and enjoy these pioneering games.

Zork was revolutionary for its time, relying solely on text to create immersive worlds, thanks to its innovative Z-Machine engine. This engine allowed the game to be cross-platform, running on various computers without needing to be rebuilt for each one.

The preservation effort includes submitting updates to historical repositories, ensuring the source code is documented and accessible. The release focuses on the code itself and does not include commercial packaging or trademarks.

Today, Zork remains popular and can be played easily through various platforms, including modern interpreters. Microsoft encourages contributions to the project to keep it educational and exploratory, celebrating the creativity behind Zork and honoring its original creators.