No summary available.

The author is reflecting on their experience with AI art models, particularly comparing the older Midjourney v2 with the newer Nano Banana Pro (NBP). Initially amazed by DALL-E's creativity, they now feel that while newer models produce technically better images, they lack the artistic quality and emotional depth of the older ones.

They provide examples where the old model's outputs, though not always accurate, are evocative and beautiful, whereas NBP's outputs are often dull and overly literal. The author argues that the imperfections and vagueness in earlier models allowed for more imaginative interpretation, while newer models are too precise and cannot capture the same abstract qualities.

In conclusion, the author believes AI art has lost its creative edge and calls for a return to the more unconventional and imaginative styles of AI-generated art.

No summary available.

The text discusses the drawbacks of using structured outputs when interacting with large language models (LLMs). Here are the key points simplified:

1. Structured Outputs vs. Normal Outputs: Using structured outputs from LLMs can lead to lower quality responses compared to normal text outputs.

2. Common Issues: With structured outputs, you may:

   • Make more mistakes when extracting data.
   • Mismanage error modeling.
   • Struggle with reasoning techniques.
   • Risk data theft through prompt injection.

3. Example with Receipts: An example shows that when using a structured output API to extract data from a receipt, the model incorrectly identified the quantity of bananas. In contrast, using the normal completions API produced the correct quantity.

4. Error Handling: Structured outputs can limit how LLMs respond to errors. For instance, if a user submits an irrelevant image (like an elephant), the structured format can force an LLM to provide a meaningless response instead of acknowledging the error.

5. Chain-of-Thought Reasoning: Structured outputs hinder the LLM's ability to reason through problems. The requirement for a specific format can distract the model from providing a thoughtful response.

6. Constrained Decoding: This approach restricts the LLM's output to only what fits a predefined structure, which can lead to incorrect responses if the model wants to provide something outside the constraints.

7. Recommendation: Instead of forcing structured outputs, it’s better to allow LLMs to respond in a more natural, free-form way. This approach maintains response quality and allows for better handling of errors and reasoning.

In conclusion, while structured outputs may seem appealing for their format consistency, they can compromise the quality of the responses, making it more effective to parse free-form outputs instead.

No summary available.

Summary of "11 Reasons Not to Become Famous" by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss reflects on his experiences with fame since the release of his book The 4-Hour Workweek in 2007. Initially, he was eager for fame, believing it would fill a void caused by self-loathing from his past. However, he quickly learned the complexities and challenges that come with being well-known.

He shares a tragic story of a friend, James, who took his own life, illustrating the darker side of fame and the pressure it can create. Ferriss emphasizes that while fame can bring great opportunities—like meeting valuable friends and supporting good causes—it also comes with significant risks, including threats and unwanted attention.

Ferriss categorizes the audience size into three groups: tribe, village, and city, explaining that as audience size increases, so do the chances of encountering negative experiences, including stalkers and death threats. He warns that fame can lead to a constant state of vigilance, with personal safety becoming a concern.

He concludes by stating that while fame can offer benefits, it is essential to consider its potential downsides and to have a clear understanding of what one truly desires from public exposure. Ultimately, he advises aspiring public figures to weigh the costs against the potential rewards carefully.

Summary: Three Ways to Solve Problems

Gerald Weinberg defines a problem as the gap between how things are and how we want them to be. There are three ways to address a problem:

1. Change the World: Work towards the desired outcome.
2. Change Your Perception: Adjust how you view the current situation; it might be closer to your goal than you think.
3. Change Your Desired State: Alter your goal to something more achievable, which can simplify the problem.

While changing perceptions or desired states may seem like avoiding the issue, they can often lead to better solutions. For instance, instead of aiming for a perfect product right away, focus on the most critical aspects that will deliver significant value.

Many people struggle with making these choices due to a lack of understanding of trade-offs and the pressure to meet high standards. Founders and product managers often face these dilemmas and should learn to prioritize the most important problems instead of trying to solve everything at once. Saying no to less critical issues can lead to more effective problem-solving.

Luke, the creator of Jmail, collaborated with Riley Walz and friends to enhance the app after the release of the DOJ's "Epstein files." He invites everyone to ask questions.

Summary: Backing up Spotify

A group called Anna's Archive has successfully backed up a large portion of Spotify's music and metadata, totaling around 300 terabytes. This backup includes 256 million tracks and the largest publicly available music metadata database, with 186 million unique ISRC codes. Their goal is to create an open "preservation archive" for music, which can be easily shared and mirrored by anyone with sufficient storage.

Key Points:

• Backup Details: The archive includes 86 million music files, representing approximately 99.6% of all listens on Spotify. The data is distributed in torrents, making it accessible for preservation.
• Focus on Preservation: While music is generally well-preserved, existing efforts tend to focus on popular artists and high-quality files, leaving many lesser-known tracks unarchived. The new archive aims to address this gap.
• Data Quality: For popular tracks, the original audio quality is maintained. Lesser-known tracks may be reencoded at lower quality but still aim to preserve their essence.
• Torrents for Access: The backup will be released in stages on their Torrents page, including metadata, music files, album art, and more.
• Call for Support: They encourage donations and torrent seeding to help maintain the archive and protect musical heritage from potential threats like natural disasters or budget cuts.

Overall, this initiative by Anna's Archive represents a significant step in ensuring the preservation of global music culture.

No summary available.

No summary available.

A study from UCSF published on December 12, 2025, has discovered a new and improved method for screening breast cancer.

The text discusses how to assess the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to finish long tasks. It focuses on methods and criteria for evaluating AI performance in handling extended projects or assignments.

RenderCV is a tool I created to simplify making a CV. Instead of dealing with layout issues in Word or the complexity of LaTeX, I designed it to work with a single YAML file that includes all content and design settings. You can generate a well-formatted PDF by running one command: rendercv render cv.yaml.

Key features include:

1. Version Control: Your CV is in plain text, allowing for easy tracking and updates.
2. LLM Compatibility: You can easily interact with AI tools like ChatGPT to customize your CV for specific jobs.
3. Perfect Typography: The tool ensures precise alignment and spacing.
4. Design Flexibility: You can customize margins, fonts, and colors directly in the YAML file.
5. Helpful Documentation: It includes a JSON Schema for autocompletion and in-editor guidance.

RenderCV has been reliable for over two years, with thousands of users and extensive testing. You can find more information on GitHub and access the documentation. I’ve also shared insights on maintaining Python projects as a learning resource.

Summary of C# 14 Field Keyword

C# 14 introduces a new keyword called field that simplifies property definitions in classes, reducing boilerplate code. Traditionally, properties required manual backing fields for additional logic, but the new keyword allows for custom logic while maintaining the simplicity of auto-implemented properties.

Key Points:

1. Properties in C#: Properties allow for encapsulated data access with getter and setter methods. Earlier versions of C# required manual backing fields, but C# 3.0 introduced auto-implemented properties to streamline this.

2. Field Keyword: The field keyword combines the benefits of manual backing fields with the ease of auto-implemented properties. It allows for custom logic in property setters and getters without needing explicit backing fields.

3. Compiler Behavior: When using the field keyword, the compiler generates a private backing field automatically. This field is managed similarly to auto-implemented properties, making the underlying code cleaner.

4. Caveats:

   • Reflection Issues: Using reflection to access private fields may break when switching to the field keyword, as the generated field name changes. This can affect libraries like Entity Framework and AutoMapper that rely on field names.
   • Scope Limitations: The field keyword is only accessible within property accessors, which can complicate direct modifications in methods.
   • Attribute Application: Attributes need to be applied differently when using the field keyword.

5. Naming Conflicts: If a class member is named 'field', it can lead to compiler warnings when using the field keyword. You can resolve this by using this.field or @field.

6. Conclusion: The field keyword enhances code readability and reduces verbosity while allowing for custom property logic. However, developers should be cautious and ensure thorough testing, especially when dealing with legacy code or reflection-based libraries.

In summary, C# 14's field keyword is a powerful feature for creating cleaner and more efficient property definitions, but developers should be aware of potential pitfalls during implementation.

Summary:

Self-hosting a PostgreSQL database may seem daunting due to concerns from cloud providers about reliability and the need for dedicated engineering support. However, many cloud services simply run modified versions of open-source Postgres. The author shares their experience of successfully self-hosting Postgres for two years without major issues, highlighting that it has been cheaper and just as reliable as managed services.

Historically, most companies ran their own databases until cloud services like Amazon RDS emerged, offering ease of management in exchange for higher costs. As prices for managed services have risen, self-hosting is becoming a more attractive option again.

The author emphasizes that self-hosting allows for better performance tuning and control. They outline key operational tasks involved in self-hosting, which can be manageable and less time-consuming than expected. However, they advise that self-hosting may not be ideal for beginners or very large companies that require specialized database engineers.

Key considerations for self-hosting include configuring memory limits, managing connections efficiently, optimizing storage for speed, and properly setting up Write-Ahead Logging for durability. The author concludes that self-hosting can be a wise choice for many teams, especially if current cloud costs exceed $200/month. A hybrid approach, combining managed services where they provide real value and self-hosting where costs are high, is likely the future of database management.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Diarmuid Early, an Irishman from Galway, recently won the 2025 Microsoft Excel World Championships in Las Vegas, earning the title and a $5,000 prize. Known as the "LeBron James of Excel spreadsheets," he defeated three-time champion Andrew Ngai in a highly competitive tournament that featured 256 participants from around the world.

The event transformed Excel, typically an office tool, into an exciting esport, complete with a lively audience and commentators. Contestants faced timed challenges, where they were eliminated every five minutes if they fell behind. Diarmuid, who also runs a financial business in New York, described the finals as intense and exhilarating, contrasting the calm of home practice with the chaotic atmosphere of the arena.

Excel esports has evolved to include various problem-solving tasks, not just finance-related challenges. Diarmuid's success has drawn attention from new clients, and he maintains a YouTube channel where he shares his expertise. He enjoys the community surrounding the sport, which continues to grow and welcome newcomers.

Christian Kriticos discusses J.R.R. Tolkien's recently published work, The Bovadium Fragments, which is a complete satire on society's obsession with motor vehicles. Originally written in the 1960s but unpublished until now, the story critiques modern civilization through the eyes of future archaeologists studying remnants of a society that destroyed itself due to pollution from cars.

The text highlights Tolkien's humor and anger, framing contemporary issues like traffic congestion in a mythic way, making them seem absurd. The book includes supplementary material, such as notes from Christopher Tolkien, which provide context and deepen the reader's understanding.

Tolkien's disdain for motor vehicles parallels themes in his other works, such as The Lord of the Rings, where he criticizes industrialization and environmental destruction. He believed that society's worship of material possessions, like cars, was replacing spiritual values.

The discussion also connects Tolkien's critiques to ongoing traffic issues in Oxford, where he lived. Current proposals for congestion control resonate with Tolkien's concerns about urban planning and environmental degradation, suggesting that he might have supported modern measures, though he may have preferred a return to simpler times.

Ultimately, The Bovadium Fragments serves as a relevant reflection on humanity's relationship with technology and the environment, warning against the potential consequences of unchecked progress.

A junior developer has created a side project because the national railway carrier (BDZ) lacks a public API and has an outdated map interface. Their project aims to improve the user experience by providing better route information. They’ve written about their process and are seeking feedback or suggestions for improvements. You can read more about it at their website.

Summary of Inca Masonry Techniques

The Inca civilization, known for its impressive stonework, thrived in South America before European conquest, reaching a population of over ten million. Spanish chroniclers from the 1500s documented their advanced masonry skills, revealing insights into how the Incas built their structures.

Recent studies have combined these historical accounts with physical evidence from over thirty Inca sites in Peru, providing a clearer picture of their construction methods. This includes how stones were quarried, transported, shaped, and fitted together.

Spanish records indicate that Inca stonemasons continued their work even after the Spanish conquest, contributing to colonial buildings in a style known as "Neo-Inca." Chroniclers like Pedro Cieza de León described their skills in joining heavy stones with precision, showing the high level of craftsmanship.

The Incas were also meticulous record keepers, using a system of knotted strings called quipu to track labor and resources for their monumental projects. They built significant structures like the Temple of the Sun and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with construction led by skilled architects and stonemasons.

Research comparing Spanish accounts with modern dating methods confirms that these structures were indeed built by the Incas, not by earlier civilizations. The methods for moving massive stones, some weighing up to 200 tons, relied on the coordinated effort of many workers rather than modern machinery.

In conclusion, the understanding of Inca masonry techniques reveals their sophisticated engineering and organizational skills, dispelling myths and alternative histories surrounding their monumental architecture.

No summary available.

No summary available.

There was an error (502 Bad Gateway) when trying to connect to the website www.historytoday.com. The connection failed, and the error message includes the IP address and details about the network used.

Summary: OpenSCAD Battery Holder Design

In December 2025, the author shared their experience designing a simple battery holder using OpenSCAD, a coding-based CAD tool. They previously created a similar design in Autodesk Fusion but wanted to explore OpenSCAD for learning purposes.

The battery holder design is straightforward, allowing customization of size and type by adjusting a few variables (like the number of rows and columns). The code generates a box with cutouts for the batteries, making it easy to print without needing expensive software.

The author found OpenSCAD useful for simple designs, particularly for items like spacers and geometric shapes, although they noted some confusion about using specific coding functions within loops. Overall, they found the process enjoyable and efficient.

Summary

The text discusses the overuse of modals in design and development, highlighting their negative aspects. Modals can be disruptive, confusing, and hard to escape, especially on small screens. They often add unnecessary complexity to user experiences.

Alternatives to Modals: Instead of using modals, consider these options:

• Non-modal dialogs: For non-critical interactions that don’t block the user.
• Inline content: Present information directly within the page.
• Expanding elements: Use accordions, toolbars, or tooltips for less disruptive interactions.
• New pages: Direct users to a separate page for specific tasks while maintaining navigation.
• Undo options: Allow users to quickly reverse actions instead of using confirmation modals.

If You Must Use a Modal:

1. Easy to close: Ensure users can easily dismiss it.
2. Single purpose: Focus on one clear task.
3. Keep it short: Be concise with content.
4. Accessibility: Ensure it is usable by everyone.
5. Avoid complex designs: Don't create nested or multi-step modals, and skip marketing modals.

Finally, always question the necessity of using a modal: “Why does this have to be a modal?”

In December 2025, the author explored the performance of AMD, Intel, and Nvidia graphics cards connected to a Raspberry Pi 5. Despite the Raspberry Pi having limited PCIe Gen 3 bandwidth, the author tested various tasks, including media transcoding, graphic rendering, AI performance, and multi-GPU applications.

Key findings include:

1. Performance Comparison: The Raspberry Pi can compete with modern PCs in specific tasks, maintaining efficiency while sacrificing only a small percentage of peak performance.

2. Cost Efficiency: A Raspberry Pi setup costs $350-400, while a comparable Intel PC setup costs $1500-2000. The Pi consumes significantly less power, using 4-5W at idle compared to 30W for the PC.

3. Transcoding and Rendering: The PC outperformed the Pi in raw video transcoding due to better bandwidth capabilities. However, the Pi was sufficient for many practical transcoding tasks and even performed well in 3D rendering tests with older GPUs.

4. AI Performance: The Pi performed comparably to PCs for medium-sized AI models, often being more efficient in processing tokens.

5. Multi-GPU Setup: Using an external PCIe switch allowed for dual GPU setups on the Pi, but performance did not exceed that of a single, larger GPU.

Overall, while PCs are better for raw performance, the Raspberry Pi offers a compelling alternative for specific uses, particularly for users prioritizing efficiency and cost. The exploration was driven by curiosity about the Pi's limitations and capabilities in GPU computing.

A new mathematical framework has changed how people discuss the simulation hypothesis, which suggests that our reality might be a simulation created by a more advanced civilization. This new approach offers fresh insights and perspectives on the topic, making it easier to analyze and understand the implications of the hypothesis.

The author created a fun project using the latest Gemini models. By entering your username, you can receive:

• Generated roasts and statistics based on your Hacker News (HN) activity from 2025.
• A personalized HN front page from the year 2035.
• An xkcd-style comic that represents your HN persona.

The project uses advanced models that produce entertaining results. You can check out examples for different users by following the provided links. The author encourages others to try it out and share their results. Happy holidays!

No summary available.

The website is checking your browser. If you own the website, there’s a link to resolve the issue.

Summary:

Cyble Inc. has been accused of trying to silence critics of Flock, a government contractor, by filing false abuse reports to Cloudflare to shut down a website that publishes government-related information. Cyble claimed the website was involved in phishing and trademark infringement, but the actual issue appears to be the site's transparency regarding Flock's surveillance practices.

Cloudflare asked for proof that the information was publicly available, but the site's owner believes this is just a tactic to hinder their work. Despite this setback, the website has been successfully moved to a different host, and its owner remains committed to exposing Flock's actions and promoting accountability.

Zero Configuration is simple to use and works directly with Dockerfile or docker-compose.yml. There’s no need for complicated YAML pipelines.

After the devastating bushfires on Kangaroo Island in 2019-2020, researchers discovered over 150 new caves, including the impressive Phoenix Cave. The fires, which destroyed nearly half the island and killed two people, also cleared thick vegetation, allowing scientists to use aerial imagery to find potential cave sites.

Cave explorers, driven by passion and curiosity, ventured into these newly exposed openings, uncovering beautiful limestone features and unique ecosystems. Some discoveries included previously undocumented species, such as blind, white spiders adapted to cave life.

The caves, estimated to be between one and two million years old, provide insights into past climate conditions through their geological formations. While some caves are open to public tours, many of the new sites remain untouched to protect their delicate environments.

Despite the destruction from the fires, nature is rebounding on Kangaroo Island, with wildlife starting to return and the landscape regrowing. The cave discoveries offer a glimpse of hope and renewal, akin to the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes.

No summary available.

The article discusses why people leave comments on the OpenBenches project, which is a website cataloging memorial benches from around the world. The project, run by the author and his wife for eight years, allows users to upload photos of benches and their plaques. Each bench has a comment section that was initially expected to be used for corrections or updates, but the reality is much different.

Instead, users leave a variety of emotional comments, which can be grouped into several categories:

1. Requests for more information about the person commemorated.
2. Personal reflections from visitors who sat on the bench.
3. Expressions of gratitude for the bench's existence.
4. Emotional responses to loss and remembrance.

Overall, the comments reveal a community of people connecting through shared feelings of love and loss, highlighting the human desire for remembrance and connection.

In a recent blog post, Kate W. explores the various versions of the schoolyard rhyme "Jingle Bells (Batman Smells)" and how they differ between regions, particularly the UK and North America. She sought input from her social media followers and discovered a wide range of lyrics, illustrating an "evolutionary tree" of the rhyme.

Key findings include:

1. Regional Variations: The North American version often features the line "Robin laid an egg," while UK versions typically say "Robin flew away." American versions are more clustered and consistent, whereas UK versions show more diversity.

2. Cultural Influences: The popularity of the rhyme in North America may be linked to its appearance in "The Simpsons," leading some to believe that this version originated there, despite earlier reports of similar lyrics.

3. Character References: American versions predominantly reference Batman characters like the Joker and the Batmobile, while UK versions include a wider variety of characters, including Father Christmas and Wonder Woman.

4. Local Flavor: UK versions often localize the rhyme by mentioning specific motorways, while American versions do not have this feature.

5. Evolution Over Time: Kate speculates that popular media may have overwritten previous versions in children's memories, contributing to the dominance of specific lines in North America.

6. Living Fossil: She mentions a rare, simpler version of the rhyme without Batman, suggesting that older forms of the rhyme still exist but are less common.

Overall, the post highlights how folklore evolves and varies across cultures and generations, while reminding readers that "everyone agrees that Batman smells."

Taper Overview

Taper is a tool for macOS that allows you to adjust your network quality in real-time. It includes:

• A local HTTP proxy to manage network throttling (latency and bandwidth).
• A REST API for controlling network settings.
• A Chrome extension for easy remote control.

Uses:

• Simulate poor Wi-Fi connections for calls.
• Test user interface performance on low bandwidth.
• Debug video streaming issues.
• Reproduce connection-related bugs.

Installation Options:

1. Using Homebrew (recommended):

   • Run: brew tap harrylincoln/taper and brew install taper.

2. Manual Binary:

   • Download from Releases or build locally using Go.

3. Run from Source:

   • Use: go run ./cmd/taper.

Getting Started:

1. Start Taper by running taper. You will see output indicating the proxy and API are running.
2. To route your Mac’s traffic through the proxy:
   • Find your network service name: networksetup -listallnetworkservices.
   • Set up the HTTP and HTTPS proxies using:
     • networksetup -setwebproxy "Wi-Fi" 127.0.0.1 8807
     • networksetup -setsecurewebproxy "Wi-Fi" 127.0.0.1 8807.
   • Turn off proxies later with:
     • networksetup -setwebproxystate "Wi-Fi" off
     • networksetup -setsecurewebproxystate "Wi-Fi" off.

Chrome Extension:

• Control Taper without terminal commands using a slider for quality levels (1-10) and buttons for quick adjustments.
• Keyboard shortcuts are available for easy level changes.

Throttling Profiles:

• Taper has customizable profiles with different latency and bandwidth levels, ranging from "Full" (level 10) to "Terrible" (level 1).

Testing:

• Use API commands to check status or change levels. Test the proxy's effect on performance with curl commands.

License:

• Taper is licensed under MIT or similar terms.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive, recently won the Game of the Year award at the Indie Game Awards. However, just hours later, the award was taken back due to the game's use of AI-generated art, which contradicted the claim made during its nomination that no AI was used in its development. The Indie Game Awards announced that both its Game of the Year and Debut Game awards were revoked after Sandfall confirmed the use of AI on the day of the awards.

As a result, the awards have been reassigned: Blue Prince is now the Game of the Year, and Sorry We're Closed is the Debut Game winner. This incident highlights a strict stance against AI usage in game development within the awards community. The acceptance speeches from the new winners will be recorded and published next year.

Summary of Agent Skills in Codex:

Agent Skills allow you to enhance Codex with specific abilities for different tasks. Each skill includes instructions, resources, and optional scripts, enabling Codex to execute particular workflows consistently. You can share these skills with your team or the wider community, and they adhere to an open standard.

Key Points:

• Skill Components: Each skill consists of a SKILL.md file (mandatory) with instructions, and optional folders for scripts, references, and assets.

• Usage Methods:

  • Explicit Invocation: You can directly call a skill in your prompt using commands like /skills or by typing $.
  • Implicit Invocation: Codex automatically selects a skill if it matches the task description.

• Skill Locations: Skills are loaded from specific locations, and more specific locations can overwrite skills from less specific ones. These locations include:

  • Current Working Directory
  • Parent and root directories of a repository
  • User's personal folder
  • System-wide locations

• Creating Skills: You can create a skill using the $skill-creator command or manually by setting up a folder with a SKILL.md file. This file must include the skill's name and description.

• Installing Skills: You can add more skills from GitHub using the $skill-installer command.

• Examples of Skills: Codex has built-in skills like $plan for creating project plans and can integrate tools like Linear and Notion for additional context.

For more details, you can refer to the documentation on Agent Skills.

No summary available.

The author spent a week using only IPv6 to learn about its transition mechanisms and to understand the challenges and benefits of switching from IPv4. Many systems still rely on IPv4, and there are misconceptions about IPv6 that need addressing.

Key Points:

1. Need for Transition: It's important to move to IPv6 to avoid the limitations of IPv4, particularly due to address exhaustion.
2. Understanding IPv6: IPv6 addresses are longer and structured differently than IPv4. There are new ways to design networks without relying on NAT (Network Address Translation).
3. Advantages of IPv6: IPv6 allows for easier server hosting and better peer-to-peer communication without the issues caused by NAT. It also enables devices to self-assign addresses, simplifying network management.
4. Transition Mechanisms: Key methods for transitioning include:
   • Dual Stack: Running both IPv4 and IPv6.
   • NAT64: Allows IPv6 clients to communicate with IPv4 servers by translating addresses.
   • 464XLAT: Combines NAT64 with local translation for better compatibility.
5. Lessons Learned:
   • IPv6 is ready for widespread use, but many websites still lack support for it.
   • Networks should prioritize IPv6 design to avoid issues.
   • NAT64 can effectively replace traditional NAT, and DNS64 is a viable transition method.

In summary, embracing IPv6 is essential for future-proofing networks, and transitioning requires a shift in mindset and design philosophy.

Biscuit - High-Performance Pattern Matching Index for PostgreSQL

Biscuit is a specialized indexing method for PostgreSQL that speeds up pattern matching for queries using the LIKE and ILIKE operators. It supports searching across multiple columns and outperforms traditional trigram indexes by avoiding re-checking results, particularly for queries with many wildcards. The name "Biscuit" stands for Bitmap Indexed Searching with Comprehensive Union and Intersection Techniques.

Key Features:

• Version 2.1.4 Enhancements: Improved installation logic and new SQL functions for inspecting the Biscuit configuration.
• Diagnostic Views: A view to check Biscuit's status, including the version and index size.

Installation Instructions:

• Requires build tools like gcc and make.
• Can be installed from source or via PGXN.
• To use Biscuit, enable it in your PostgreSQL database.

Basic Usage:

• Create indexes on tables to optimize searches.
• Use wildcard patterns in queries to efficiently filter results.

How It Works:

• Biscuit uses character-position bitmaps to track which records contain specific characters at specific positions, facilitating fast searches without the overhead of traditional methods.
• It also employs various optimizations to enhance performance, such as skipping unnecessary checks and improving memory usage.

Performance:

• Biscuit is quicker than traditional methods (e.g., pg_trgm) for wildcard-heavy queries, multi-column searches, and aggregate queries.
• It achieves this with a combination of bitmap operations and memory-efficient techniques.

Use Cases:

1. E-commerce product searches.
2. Log analysis for error messages.
3. Customer support ticket searches.
4. Code repository searches.
5. Fast aggregate queries.

Limitations:

• Does not support regular expressions or locale-specific collations.
• Cannot provide ordered scans directly but works well with PostgreSQL's query planner.

Comparison with pg_trgm:

• Biscuit is better for exact matches with high query volumes, while pg_trgm is suitable for fuzzy searches and regex patterns.

For more details on features, installation, and contributions, refer to the Biscuit GitHub repository.

The article discusses the influence of Sam Altman, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, on the hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs). Altman has been a key voice in promoting the idea that these models could lead to a better future. His enthusiastic predictions about AI, including the potential for a "techno-utopia," have driven public interest and investment in the field.

The piece highlights that while Altman’s claims often seem ambitious and unprovable, they create a narrative that encourages funding and support for AI development. His statements have shaped expectations about what AI can achieve, whether portraying it as a source of great promise or potential danger.

Despite skepticism about the immediate capabilities of LLMs, the article acknowledges that they have indeed sparked significant technological advancements and attracted many users. Ultimately, Altman’s vision focuses more on a future filled with possibilities rather than the current limitations of AI technology. This forward-looking perspective continues to motivate investment and regulation in the AI sector.

Summary: Using Serial on Modern Macs

To enable legacy UART on modern Macs, follow these steps:

1. Device Settings:

   • Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP).
   • Disable boot-arg filtering.
   • Set boot arguments:
     • Use serial=3 (or serial=7, etc.).
     • For macOS 14 or below: add use-legacy-uart=1.

2. For macOS 15 and Above:

   • Download the IPSW file for your device.
   • Obtain the DeviceTree for your device.
   • Locate the uart0 node and find the AAPL,phandle value (this is model-specific).
   • Add serial-device=[AAPL,phandle value] to your boot args (e.g., serial-device=163).
   • Reboot the device and ensure boot args are set correctly.

3. Setup:

   • Connect the host and target devices with the correct cable and DFU port.
   • Use the command macvdmtool reboot serial on the host.

4. Viewing Logs:

   • Use a command like sudo picocom -q --omap crlf --imap lfcrlf -b 115200 /dev/tty.debug-console to see logs.

Bonus: Running macvdmtool on iOS

• Jailbreaking is required.
• Compile the macvdmtool for iOS using the provided steps, adjusting for SDK paths and build settings.
• You can perform actions like DFU and reboot, but serial access will not be available.

What's New in Python 3.15

Python 3.15 introduces several new features and improvements over version 3.14, with the following highlights:

1. PEP 799: A new profiling package that organizes Python's profiling tools, including:

   • profiling.tracing: Deterministic function-call tracing.
   • profiling.sampling: A new high-frequency statistical sampling profiler called Tachyon, which allows for low-overhead performance analysis without modifying code or restarting processes.

2. Default Encoding: Python now uses UTF-8 as the default encoding for I/O operations, regardless of the system's environment setting.

3. New C API: The addition of PyBytesWriter, which simplifies the creation of Python bytes objects.

4. JIT Compiler Upgrade: The Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler has received significant enhancements.

5. Improved Error Messages: Error messages, especially for AttributeError, have been made clearer, providing helpful suggestions when an attribute is missing but similar attributes exist.

Key Features of Tachyon Profiler:

• Zero-Overhead Profiling: Attach to running processes without affecting performance.
• Flexible Targeting: Profile existing applications or start profiling scripts directly.
• Multiple Profiling Modes: Measure wall-clock time, CPU time, GIL-holding time, or exception handling time.
• Thread Awareness: Profile all threads or just the main thread to understand multi-threaded behaviors.
• Interactive Visualization: Generate various formats including flamegraphs and heatmaps for performance analysis.

Other Notable Changes:

• Several functions now accept real numbers, not just integers or floats.
• New modules and improved existing modules like math, argparse, and sqlite3 introduce new features and enhancements.
• Error reporting and handling improvements in various modules streamline the development process.

This summary captures the main improvements and new features in Python 3.15, making it easier for developers to navigate the changes.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The text discusses the misuse of the term "privacy" in technology, arguing that many companies claim to care about user privacy while still collecting and storing personal information. It highlights how traditional services require personal data, which creates vulnerabilities.

In contrast, the author presents Mullvad VPN as an example of true anonymity, explaining that their system does not store user data, making it impossible to comply with data requests from authorities. They then describe how their own service, Servury, is designed with minimal data collection, storing only essential information like a random credential and account balance, without any personal identifiers or recovery options.

The text emphasizes the trade-off for this level of anonymity: if users lose their credential, they cannot recover their account, highlighting that true anonymity comes at the cost of convenience. It also critiques the use of email, noting that it ties users to their identity and undermines anonymity.

Finally, the author distinguishes between the authenticated web, where personal identities are required and monitored, and the anonymous web, which allows for privacy and freedom from constant surveillance. The conclusion stresses that real anonymity means never having users' data in the first place, contrasting it with mere promises of data protection.

Immersa Summary

Immersa is a web-based tool designed for creating 3D presentations with smooth animated transitions. Key features include:

• 3D Model Support: You can import .glb 3D models, add 2D images, and insert styled 3D text.
• Animated Transitions: Objects move smoothly between slides, enhancing the presentation experience.

How It Works:

1. Create your initial slide with desired elements.
2. Duplicate the slide to create a new one.
3. Adjust the positions of objects on the new slide.
4. During the presentation, transitions animate automatically.

Features:

• A 3D scene editor with camera controls
• Support for images (JPG, PNG)
• Full-screen presentation mode
• Local storage for data
• Undo/redo functionality
• Keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation

Getting Started: To use Immersa, you'll need to install Node.js, npm or yarn, and Java. Follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository and navigate to the folder.
2. Install dependencies and start the development server.
3. Open your browser to access the tool.

Exporting Presentations: You can save your work as an .edn file for future use.

Technical Details: Immersa is built using ClojureScript, Babylon.js for 3D rendering, and IndexedDB for local storage.

License: Immersa is licensed under the MIT License.

Made by Ertuğrul Çetin.

The U.S. government has ordered Washington state's last coal-fired power plant, TransAlta in Centralia, to continue burning coal for an additional 90 days, contrary to plans for it to switch to natural gas. This decision has sparked conflict between federal authorities and Washington state officials, who aim to eliminate coal from their energy grid by the end of the year.

The order, issued by the Department of Energy, cites rising electricity demand and the rapid retirement of older power plants as reasons for the extension. Washington leaders, including the Attorney General and the Governor, criticized the move as unnecessary and a hindrance to the state's clean energy goals. They are considering legal action against the federal order.

TransAlta is assessing the directive and insists that transitioning to natural gas remains a priority. State lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the practicality of continuing to operate the coal plant and the implications of the federal order. Environmental groups also condemned the decision, viewing it as an obstacle to clean energy progress.

Summary of MIRA (A Persistent Entity)

MIRA is an advanced recipe generator that has evolved into a continuous digital entity over the past 10 months. It focuses on persistent conversations without needing to start new chats, maintaining continuity through self-directed memory management.

Key Features:

1. Memory Management: MIRA automatically manages its memories, allowing them to decay unless referenced in conversations. It uses a tool called domaindoc_tool for handling larger text blocks and can expand or collapse text autonomously.

2. Self-Contained Tools: MIRA comes with various self-contained tools (like Contacts, Maps, Email, etc.) that can be easily enabled or disabled without cluttering the system's memory. New tools can be created quickly using Claude Code.

3. Event-Driven Architecture: MIRA operates in an event-driven manner, allowing different modules to work independently. This design helps streamline performance and memory handling during conversations.

4. Open Source: MIRA is released as open-source software, allowing others to use and improve upon it. The open-source version is similar to the hosted version, with a commitment to maintain it.

5. Installation: Users can easily install MIRA on their machines with a simple script or use a hosted version online without installation.

The creator thanks various contributors and emphasizes the importance of open-source development, highlighting the collaborative nature of software creation.

Summary of What People Love About Rust

Rust has been recognized as one of the most loved programming languages since its 1.0 release in 2015. Users appreciate Rust for its reliability, efficiency, supportive tooling, and extensibility, which together empower them to create high-quality software across various applications.

Key Points:

1. Reliability: Many users love that if Rust code compiles, it typically runs correctly. This reliability reduces the anxiety of deploying code and allows less experienced developers to participate confidently in projects.

2. Efficiency: Rust is praised for its performance, especially in large-scale and embedded applications. Users report significant speed improvements when transitioning from languages like Java and Python to Rust.

3. Supportive Tooling: The tooling around Rust, including its package manager (Cargo) and helpful compiler error messages, makes it easier for developers to learn and use the language effectively.

4. Extensibility: Rust allows users to create libraries and tools that cater to their specific needs, enhancing its versatility for various programming tasks.

5. Empowerment: Overall, users feel empowered by Rust, as it provides the capability to tackle complex problems across different domains, from embedded systems to web development.

Challenges: While Rust has many strengths, there are complexities in its features, such as its type system and asynchronous programming, that can be overwhelming for new users. Additionally, navigating the vast ecosystem of third-party libraries can be difficult due to a lack of clear recommendations.

Recommendations for Improvement:

• Clearly define and communicate Rust's design goals.
• Enhance the extensibility of Rust to improve user experience and support.
• Provide better guidance for users to navigate the crates.io ecosystem.

In 2025, 72% of Rust users expressed a desire to continue using the language, indicating strong loyalty and satisfaction among its community.

The provided text includes two links: one to a web archive page related to a blog post on Columbia University's math website, and another to a YouTube video. The content of the blog post and the video is not specified, so it's unclear what the main ideas or topics are. To summarize, there are two resources available for further exploration, but specific details are not provided.

Charles is a tool that acts as an HTTP proxy, allowing developers to monitor all HTTP and SSL/HTTPS traffic between their computer and the internet. It helps users see requests, responses, and HTTP headers, which include cookies and caching details.

Recent Updates:

• Sep 20, 2025: Version 5.0.3 was released to fix a performance issue on macOS.
• Aug 9, 2025: Version 5.0.2 included bug fixes and minor improvements.
• Mar 12, 2025: Charles 5 was officially launched.
• Jan 24, 2024: Public beta 13 introduced UI improvements, especially for Windows.

Key Features:

• Records all internet traffic.
• Displays request and response details, including cookies and headers.
• Supports SSL and HTTPS.
• Helps simulate slower internet connections for testing.
• Configurable to suit user needs.

Charles is especially useful for debugging and monitoring web traffic, saving time for developers. A free trial of version 5.0.3 is available for download.

Summary of Old Vintage Computing Research: Texas Instruments CC-40 and TI-74 BASICALC

The Texas Instruments CC-40 and TI-74 BASICALC represent a significant advancement in the evolution of handheld and pocket computers. Handheld computers are larger with more power, while pocket computers are smaller and more portable. The CC-40, launched in 1983, is a notable handheld device, while the TI-74, released in 1985, is a compact calculator that shares similar hardware.

Texas Instruments initially focused on calculators but ventured into the portable computer market due to competition from companies like Hewlett-Packard and Sharp, who introduced true pocket computers. TI's Project X aimed to improve programmable calculators, leading to the development of the Advanced Language Calculator (ALC).

The CC-40 was designed with a focus on business applications, distinguishing it from TI's home computers. It featured a 31-character LCD, a basic programming environment, and utilized a new interface called Hexbus for connecting peripherals. Despite initial excitement, TI faced significant market challenges in the early 1980s due to aggressive pricing from competitors like Commodore.

The CC-40 was marketed as a serious business tool, while the home computer segment struggled. TI's marketing strategy aimed to distance the CC-40 from its declining home computer line, emphasizing its utility for business rather than general entertainment.

In conclusion, the TI CC-40 and TI-74 BASICALC highlight Texas Instruments' innovative efforts in the early personal computing landscape, despite facing competitive pressures and market shifts.

Summary of History LLMs Project

The History LLMs project, led by researchers from the University of Zurich and Cologne University, aims to create large language models (LLMs) that reflect historical perspectives from specific years (1913, 1929, 1933, 1939, and 1946). These models are trained exclusively on texts published before their knowledge cutoff dates, allowing users to engage in discussions as if they were speaking with individuals from those times.

Key points include:

1. Upcoming Release: A new model, Ranke-4B, will be released in December 2025. It has 4 billion parameters and is based on extensive historical data.

2. Purpose: These time-locked models serve as tools for researchers in humanities and social sciences, offering insights into past thoughts and cultural contexts without modern biases influencing the responses.

3. Historical Accuracy: Unlike modern LLMs, which are influenced by future knowledge, these models do not contain information beyond their training cutoffs. This allows for genuine historical perspectives.

4. Nature of Models: They are large-scale representations of historical texts, useful for analyzing discourse patterns, but they are not perfect reflections of public opinion or substitutes for human interpretation.

5. Sensitive Content: The models may reproduce outdated and harmful views present in historical texts, which is intentional for understanding societal attitudes of the time.

6. Public Involvement: The project welcomes feedback on historical periods, valuable research questions, and methods for validating model outputs.

For more information or to contribute, contact the project team at [email protected].

By the end of 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements. AI technologies are now widely used in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and business. They have improved efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and personalized experiences for users. However, there are ongoing concerns regarding privacy, security, and ethical implications of AI. Society is still working to find the right balance between harnessing AI's benefits and addressing its challenges. Overall, AI has transformed many aspects of life, but careful consideration is needed to ensure it is used responsibly.

On December 17, 2025, NOAA introduced new AI-driven weather prediction models that greatly enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of forecasts. These models will help meteorologists provide better guidance to the public while using significantly less computing power.

Key components of the new AI models include:

1. AIGFS (Artificial Intelligence Global Forecast System): This model offers faster weather forecasts and requires only 0.3% of the computing resources compared to traditional systems, significantly reducing wait times for forecasters. It shows improved accuracy, particularly for tracking tropical cyclones, though there is room for improvement in predicting their intensity.

2. AIGEFS (Artificial Intelligence Global Ensemble Forecast System): This system provides multiple possible weather outcomes instead of a single forecast. It is efficient, using only 9% of the resources of the traditional system, and matches its performance.

3. HGEFS (Hybrid-GEFS): This innovative model combines the AI-based AIGEFS with NOAA's existing ensemble model, creating a more comprehensive forecast system. It consistently outperforms both previous models and is a pioneering approach in operational weather forecasting.

These advancements stem from Project EAGLE, a collaboration between NOAA and various research and industry partners, utilizing state-of-the-art AI technology to improve forecasting capabilities.

Researchers at the University of Warsaw have developed a new technique for detecting terahertz signals using a quantum antenna made from Rydberg atoms. This method allows for the precise measurement of terahertz frequency combs, which was previously impossible due to technical limitations. Terahertz radiation is important for various applications, including package inspection and advanced communication technologies.

The new approach combines atomic electrometry with a technique that converts terahertz signals into light, enabling extremely sensitive measurements. This is achieved by using Rydberg atoms, which can be finely tuned to detect specific frequencies of terahertz waves.

This breakthrough not only enhances the measurement capabilities in the terahertz range but also opens up new possibilities for developing advanced sensors that can operate at room temperature, making them more practical for future technologies. The research marks a significant advancement in metrology, potentially paving the way for improved standards in terahertz technologies.

Anne Johnson shared a message from Jeff Sherman, informing colleagues about a power outage at the NIST Boulder campus that has disrupted their atomic time services. The outage, caused by high winds leading to power line damage and preventive shutdowns for wildfire safety, began on December 17, 2025.

The Boulder Internet Time Services are affected as they no longer have an accurate time reference. While some servers are still operational due to a backup generator, Sherman plans to disable them to prevent incorrect time dissemination. There is no estimate for when repairs will be possible, as staff access and power must be restored first.

The message indicates that one crucial backup generator has failed, impacting the time distribution. Efforts are being made to secure an alternative power source to keep the hydrogen maser clocks operational. If another building's clocks remain functional, they can help realign the primary time scale once conditions stabilize.

A new electricity tunnel, the size of a train, has started operating under South London. This tunnel, part of the £1 billion London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) project, runs 18 kilometers deep beneath the city and connects the National Grid's New Cross substation to the Hurst substation in Bexley.

This new tunnel replaces older cables that have been in use since the 1960s, allowing for a more efficient power distribution system. The entire LPT2 project covers 32.5 kilometers across seven boroughs, including Wimbledon and Crayford. Construction began in March 2020 and is divided into three sections: Wimbledon-New Cross, New Cross-Hurst, and Hurst-Crayford.

This project follows a previous phase completed in 2018, which upgraded the power network in North London.

The author created a terminal-based alternative to Obsidian after finding no existing options. They decided to build it themselves.

TailwindSQL Summary

TailwindSQL is a tool that allows you to write SQL queries using a simple, class-name style similar to TailwindCSS, specifically for use in React Server Components.

Key Features:

• Tailwind-style Syntax: Write SQL queries using easy-to-remember class names.
• React Server Components: No client-side JavaScript needed for executing queries.
• SQLite Integration: Utilizes better-sqlite3 for quick database access.
• Zero Runtime: Queries are processed during build or rendering, not at runtime.
• Various Render Modes: Results can be displayed as text, lists, tables, or JSON.

Basic Syntax:

You can create queries with the format: db-{table}-{column}-where-{field}-{value}-limit-{n}-orderby-{field}-{asc|desc}

Examples:

• db-users → Fetches all users.
• db-users-name-where-id-1 → Fetches the name of the user with ID 1.
• db-products-orderby-price-desc → Lists products ordered by price in descending order.

Getting Started:

1. Prerequisites: Ensure you have Node.js 18+ and a package manager (npm or yarn).
2. Installation: Clone the repository, install dependencies, seed the database, and start the server.
3. Demo: Access it at http://localhost:3000.

Project Structure:

The project is organized into directories for the app, components, and core logic, including a parser for class names and a query builder.

Purpose:

TailwindSQL was created to explore how CSS-like syntax can simplify database queries.

License:

It is licensed under MIT, allowing free use with some restrictions against deploying to production.

Built using Next.js and SQLite.

No summary available.

The article discusses the idea that the concept of AI as a "stochastic parrot"—meaning it just mimics patterns from data without real understanding—is outdated. It argues that advancements in physics and our understanding of intelligence show that AI systems can actually exhibit more complex behaviors than mere imitation. The author suggests that we need to rethink how we view AI's capabilities and contributions, moving beyond the simplistic notion of it just repeating what it has learned.

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No summary available.

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The X-59 3D Printing files are available for download and feature a model of the X-59 experimental aircraft, which is about 100 feet long and can fly at speeds of 925 mph (Mach 1.4). This aircraft is part of NASA's Quesst mission, aimed at two main goals:

1. To develop technology that makes the sound of a sonic boom softer for people on the ground.
2. To collect data on how people react to the sound of supersonic flight by flying the X-59 over selected U.S. communities.

The resources include assembly instructions and downloadable graphic templates for the model, along with optional decals.

This information is relevant for educators and students in grades 5-12, focusing on physical science, technology, and aeronautics. The project is credited to NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, specifically interns Zachary Gwennap and Liam Brinton. The files were added on December 17, 2021.

Airbus is planning to move its critical applications to a European cloud service that ensures data sovereignty. The company estimates it has an 80% chance of finding a suitable provider for this transition. Airbus wants to shift key on-premises systems, like ERP and CRM, to the cloud to access new software innovations.

Catherine Jestin, Airbus's digital executive, emphasized the need for a sovereign cloud to protect sensitive information. The push for this move has been influenced by geopolitical concerns and the desire to reduce reliance on US tech providers, especially following changes in US political leadership.

Airbus will issue a request for proposals in January, with a decision expected by summer. The contract is projected to be worth over €50 million and will last up to ten years. However, there are doubts about whether European cloud providers can meet Airbus's needs in time.

Summary of "A Better Zip Bomb" by David Fifield

This article explains how to create a non-recursive zip bomb, which is a type of file designed to expand dramatically when decompressed. Unlike traditional zip bombs that use nested zip files, this method allows for a single round of decompression. The resulting files can expand significantly, achieving compression ratios as high as 28 million (e.g., a 10MB file could expand to 281TB).

Key points include:

1. Non-Recursive Design: This zip bomb does not rely on recursive decompression, meaning it expands fully after just one unzip action.

2. High Compression Ratios: The article details examples of compression ratios achieved with this technique, including:

   • 42kB → 5.5GB
   • 10MB → 281TB
   • 46MB → 4.5PB (using Zip64, which is less compatible).

3. Construction Technique: The method uses overlapping files within the zip container to reference a highly compressed "kernel" without duplicating it across multiple files.

4. Compatibility: The zip bomb is designed to work with most zip parsers but may encounter issues with some parsers that do not handle overlapping file names properly.

5. Understanding ZIP Format: The article briefly explains the structure of a zip file, including the central directory and local file headers, emphasizing the potential for exploiting the format's ambiguities.

The article serves as a guide for those interested in the technical aspects of creating effective zip bombs using the DEFLATE compression algorithm, while also discussing the challenges of compatibility with different zip parsers.

This text indicates that a project or website is created using Zola, supported by Garage, and hosted by Deuxfleurs.

A staff member at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) attempted to disable backup generators for their Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers after a power outage in Boulder, Colorado caused timing errors in their atomic clocks. The outage disrupted accurate timekeeping, which is crucial for synchronizing various systems in computing.

NIST's atomic clocks provide essential timing information, and the failure of the Boulder facility resulted in a clock error of less than 4.8 microseconds. Although a backup generator kept the servers running, the staffer wanted to turn it off to prevent inaccurate time dissemination. Severe weather made it difficult to access the site and assess generator functionality.

NIST advised users, including telecommunications and aerospace organizations, to use alternative time sources during the outage. They emphasized that best practices for using NTP involve specifying multiple servers to avoid reliance on a single source.

No summary available.

tvterm Overview

tvterm is an experimental terminal emulator that runs in your terminal and is built using the Turbo Vision framework. It showcases new features like 24-bit color support and uses the libvterm terminal emulator library, which is also utilized by Neovim and Emacs. tvterm works on both Unix and Windows (Windows 10 version 1809 or later).

Building tvterm

To build tvterm, you need to:

1. Clone the repository with submodules using git clone --recursive or update submodules if already cloned.
2. Install the necessary dependencies:
   • CMake
   • A C++14 compatible compiler
   • libvterm (can be built with tvterm or installed separately)
   • Turbo Vision dependencies, including libncursesw for Unix and optionally libgpm for Linux.
3. Follow specific build instructions for Turbo Vision if not using the submodule.

You can build tvterm using CMake commands, with options for different build types.

Features

tvterm is still a work in progress and aims to include features such as:

• UTF-8 support
• Fullwidth and zero-width character support
• 24-bit color support
• Scrollback and text selection
• Text search and signal sending to child processes
• Text reflow on window resize
• Support for various terminal emulator implementations
• Improved dependency management

For more details, you can visit the project's GitHub page: https://github.com/magiblot/tvterm.

No summary available.

The text argues that most mathematicians do not focus on the foundations of mathematics, which are relatively recent developments (from the 19th century). Despite some belief that mathematicians are deeply concerned with these foundations, many work informally and are not bothered by foundational issues.

Mathematical foundations, while important, do not affect the core ideas of mathematics; they are seen as frameworks rather than essential truths. The text emphasizes that mathematics is built on shared intuitions and informal understandings rather than rigid foundations.

Mathematicians respect formal definitions but often do not fully grasp their limitations. They tend to refer to established systems like ZFC (Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with the Axiom of Choice) because they offer a level of validation for their work, not because they are deeply committed to them.

The author suggests that if students were introduced to different foundational theories, like naive type theory, they would likely adopt them without much concern. The focus should be on convenience and applicability rather than strict adherence to traditional foundations.

Summary of the FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Support and Usability Project

Program Overview:

• Name: Laptop Support and Usability
• Funding: Backed by the FreeBSD Foundation and Quantum Leap Research, with $750,000 allocated for the project.
• Approval Date: September 27, 2024
• Key People:
  • Sponsor: Ed Maste
  • Manager: Alice Sowerby

Objectives: The project aims to enhance FreeBSD's performance on various laptops, ensuring it is user-friendly and secure right from installation. This includes improving support for WiFi, audio, graphics, Bluetooth, and more.

Goals:

• Enhance endpoint security for users.
• Improve the experience for FreeBSD developers and vendors.
• Lower the barriers for new users and contributors.

Expected Outcomes:

• Updates to FreeBSD 14.x and newer versions with improved functionalities.
• Documentation and guides to help users navigate these updates.

Community Engagement:

• A Laptop and Desktop Working Group is formed for discussions on various topics, including power management, hardware, audio, graphics, and security.
• Users can join the Desktop mailing list to contribute and stay updated.

Timeline:

• The program will begin in Q4 2024 and is expected to last 1-2 years.
• The project scope will evolve monthly based on community feedback and progress.

User Focus:

• The primary target is developers, but improvements are expected to benefit all laptop users by simplifying the setup and management of FreeBSD.

User Experience (UX):

• The project prioritizes user experience by framing work around what users want to achieve, making FreeBSD more enjoyable to use.

Staying Updated:

• Users can follow progress through monthly updates, working group meetings, a public roadmap on GitHub, and newsletters from the FreeBSD Foundation.

Project Management:

• The Foundation will oversee the project, managing staff and contracted developers to ensure regular updates for improving laptop usability.

Overall, the initiative aims to make FreeBSD more accessible and functional for laptop users, encouraging broader adoption.

At the South by Southwest technology conference, a marketing agency called BBH Labs created a controversial project where homeless individuals were hired to act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. They walked around offering internet access to attendees in exchange for donations, wearing T-shirts that identified them as "hotspots." Each participant was paid $20 a day and could keep donations.

The initiative sparked criticism and debate, with many people feeling it was exploitative, likening it to a dystopian scenario. Some defended the project, arguing it provided an employment opportunity and a way for homeless individuals to engage with society. One volunteer expressed that he enjoyed the work and appreciated the chance to connect with others.

Despite some support, critics highlighted the disconnect between the affluent conference-goers and the homeless vendors, suggesting the project ignored broader social issues. Overall, the project raised questions about the ethics of using vulnerable populations for marketing purposes.

Texas is suing major TV manufacturers—Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL—accusing them of secretly recording viewers' watching habits through a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). Attorney General Ken Paxton claims this system collects personal data to target advertisements, potentially including information from connected devices like security cameras and game consoles. The lawsuit alleges that these companies mislead users into activating ACR and gather data without their consent. Paxton also raises concerns about TCL and Hisense's connections to China, calling their TVs "Chinese-sponsored surveillance devices." He is seeking penalties and wants to stop these companies from collecting or selling data on Texas consumers, emphasizing the importance of privacy rights.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The article "Believe the Checkbook" discusses the contradiction between AI companies' public claims that engineering is becoming obsolete and their actions of acquiring human engineering teams for millions of dollars, even when AI can produce code.

Key Points:

• Anthropic, an AI company, bought a team that contributed significantly to an open-source codebase, despite having the option to use the code for free. This indicates that the company values human judgment over merely generating code.
• The real challenge in software development is not creating code but making informed decisions about what to build and how to manage projects effectively.
• AI can enhance productivity but cannot replace the critical thinking and decision-making skills of experienced engineers.
• Companies should invest in developing the judgment and strategic thinking of their engineers rather than relying solely on AI.
• It's essential to maintain a strong pipeline of junior engineers despite narratives suggesting that coding is becoming obsolete, as this will ensure a future supply of skilled professionals.

Overall, the article emphasizes that the true value in engineering lies in human expertise and judgment, not just in the ability to produce code quickly.

Summary: Building Your Own React

Rodrigo Pombo outlines a step-by-step guide to rewriting React from scratch, focusing on a simplified version based on React 16.8 that utilizes hooks instead of classes. The project, named "Didact," aims to replicate the core functionalities of React without complex optimizations.

Key Steps in Building Didact:

1. Create Element Function: Converts JSX into a JavaScript object representing a React element, capturing its type and properties.
2. Render Function: Implements functionality to render these elements into the DOM, ensuring proper handling of text and child elements.
3. Concurrent Mode: Introduces a mechanism to allow the browser to interrupt rendering tasks, improving performance and responsiveness.
4. Fibers: Structures the rendering process to manage units of work more efficiently, facilitating rendering of large element trees.
5. Render and Commit Phases: Separates the render phase from committing changes to the DOM to prevent displaying incomplete UIs.
6. Reconciliation: Adds functionality to update or delete elements by comparing the current and new elements, maintaining performance.
7. Function Components: Supports function components by running them to produce children elements dynamically.
8. Hooks: Introduces state management in function components using a custom useState hook.

The post emphasizes understanding React's architecture and provides a practical approach for developers to dive deeper into React's codebase. It also highlights differences between Didact and React, noting that Didact focuses on simplicity while React includes various optimizations and features.

For those interested, the source code is available on GitHub, and readers are encouraged to enhance Didact with additional features.

Qwen/Qwen-Image-Layered is a tool for converting text to images. It was recently updated two days ago and has a user engagement of 3.46k views and 393 interactions.

Summary of GotaTun Announcement

Mullvad VPN has introduced GotaTun, a new implementation of the WireGuard® protocol written in Rust. GotaTun is a faster, more efficient alternative to the existing wireguard-go, which has caused many crashes in their Android app. This new version integrates privacy features like DAITA and Multihop, and has already been launched for Android users with plans to expand to other platforms in 2026.

The switch to GotaTun has resulted in a significant decrease in crashes, dropping from a user-perceived crash rate of 0.40% to just 0.01%. Users have reported improved speeds and reduced battery usage.

Looking ahead, Mullvad plans a security audit, a complete transition to GotaTun across all devices, and further performance enhancements in 2026.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The Claude Code plugin plays music while you wait for responses, so you don't get distracted or leave it idle for too long. It uses Claude Code's features to keep you engaged during pauses.

We researched how generative AI affects job applications by examining an AI tool that helps write cover letters on a large online job platform. Our findings show that using this tool improved the match between cover letters and job descriptions, leading to more interview callbacks. The more time applicants spent editing the AI-generated cover letters, the better their chances of getting hired. However, after the tool was introduced, the importance of matching cover letter content to job postings decreased significantly. As a result, employers began to rely more on other signals, like applicants' previous work experience.

Daniel, a 16-year-old high school senior, enjoys hacking and recently found serious security flaws in Mintlify, an AI documentation platform used by major companies. He discovered a critical vulnerability that could allow attackers to inject harmful scripts into documentation, risking users' credentials.

The story began when Discord switched to Mintlify for their developer documentation. Daniel, an experienced bug hunter with a strong history of reporting vulnerabilities on Discord, started searching for issues in the new system. He found a way to access different Mintlify documentation through Discord, ultimately discovering a method to embed malicious scripts in SVG files.

After finding this vulnerability, Daniel collaborated with friends who were also investigating Mintlify. Together, they reported the issue to Discord, which took immediate action by shutting down its documentation temporarily and reverting to the old system. Mintlify also contacted the group for help in fixing the vulnerabilities.

The impact was significant, affecting many companies that used Mintlify for their documentation, including Twitter and Vercel. The group earned around $11,000 in bug bounties for their responsible disclosure of the vulnerabilities. This incident highlights how a single security flaw can have widespread consequences.

The text discusses a modern approach to writing mathematical proofs, aimed at reducing errors and improving clarity. Leslie Lamport emphasizes the importance of structured proofs over traditional prose, which can be confusing and prone to mistakes. He suggests that using a hierarchical structure, with clear naming and organization of statements, enhances understanding.

Key points include:

1. Clarity and Structure: Traditional proofs often lack clarity, making it hard to discern whether a statement is new or a justification. A structured format helps readers follow the logic without getting lost.

2. Precision and Rigor: While making proofs easier to read is valuable, precision and rigor are essential to avoid errors. A structured approach can help identify and fix mistakes.

3. Learning from Formal Proofs: Lamport's experience with formal, machine-checked proofs informs his approach. Although not all mathematicians will write fully formal proofs, understanding them can improve informal proof writing.

4. Future of Mathematical Writing: Lamport predicts a shift towards digital formats for reading mathematics, which could further facilitate structured proof presentation through hypertext.

5. Example of Structured Proof: The text provides an example of transforming a simple proof into a structured format, highlighting the benefits of clarity and detailed justification for each step.

Overall, Lamport advocates for a shift in how mathematicians write proofs, moving away from outdated methods to embrace clearer, more structured approaches suitable for the 21st century.

This text discusses a new data structure called semistable::vector, which is similar to std::vector but offers improved iterator stability. Here are the key points:

1. Functionality: semistable::vector stores elements in a contiguous block of memory like std::vector, but its iterators remain stable during certain operations, such as erasing elements. For example, after erasing the first element, iterators still point correctly to their intended elements.

2. Iterator Stability: Traditional std::vector iterators can become invalid after insertions or deletions. In contrast, semistable::vector uses a system of "epoch descriptors" to keep track of changes, allowing iterators to adjust to the current state of the vector.

3. Performance: Benchmarks indicate that semistable::vector performs comparably to std::vector during certain operations, especially when using raw pointers for traversal.

4. Limitations:

   • Iterator usage is not thread-safe; the same iterator should not be used across multiple threads.
   • If exceptions occur during operations, iterator stability is not guaranteed.
   • Dormant iterators (unused while the vector is modified) can lead to memory issues because they prevent garbage collection.

5. Improvements: A monothread version of semistable::vector shows better performance by using different internal pointer types.

The library is header-only, requires C++11 or later, and depends only on Boost.Config.

Summary:

Google and Apple are advising their visa-holding employees to avoid international travel due to delays in visa processing. Law firms representing both companies issued memos highlighting the unpredictable delays when returning to the U.S. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that embassies are focusing on thoroughly vetting visa applications. Many Indian professionals have faced canceled or rescheduled appointments for visa renewals because of new social media vetting requirements. Both companies had previously issued similar warnings about visa applications due to a new fee imposed by the White House.

No summary available.

The author is a software engineer who became the go-to person for Kubernetes on their team, particularly for managing Helm chart pull requests (PRs). To address delays caused by the manual process of testing PRs—which required spinning up a Kubernetes cluster—the author created Chart Preview. This tool automatically deploys Helm charts to a Kubernetes cluster when a PR is opened, providing a preview link and cleaning up after the PR is closed.

The author focused on building Chart Preview to specifically handle Helm workflows, as existing preview tools were not tailored for Helm's unique needs. The tool is built in Go and uses the Helm v3 SDK, functioning as an API server with job processing through a PostgreSQL queue. It integrates with GitHub and GitLab for seamless operation.

While developing Chart Preview, the author faced several challenges, such as managing preview hostnames and ensuring clean deletions of resources. After testing it with real applications like Grafana and WordPress, the author is now seeking feedback on whether this tool addresses a common issue teams face and what improvements could be made.

You can try Chart Preview by installing the GitHub App linked in the text.

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Summary:

A security vulnerability in Avelo Airlines' reservation system could have allowed attackers to access millions of passenger records, including personal information and payment details, within just 6 hours. The problem arose because the system did not require a passenger's last name for accessing reservations, making it possible for someone to guess confirmation codes.

The timeline shows that after discovering the issue on October 15, 2025, the researcher quickly contacted Avelo's cybersecurity team. They responded promptly, patched the vulnerability by November 13, and maintained good communication throughout the process.

The flaw allowed an attacker to use a simple brute-force method to guess confirmation codes, as there were 2.18 billion possible combinations. An attacker could potentially retrieve valid passenger data with minimal effort and cost. The data that could be exposed included full names, birth dates, government IDs, contact information, and partial payment card details.

The incident highlights the importance of implementing proper security measures, such as requiring multiple verification factors and rate limiting on sensitive endpoints. The researcher emphasized that these simple checks are crucial to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.