Summary:

The article discusses the relationship between formal verification and testing in software engineering, emphasizing the growing role of AI in formal verification. Here are the key points:

1. AI and Formal Verification: AI is enhancing formal verification, making it more accessible and effective. Researchers are optimistic about AI's potential to automate proof writing and improve software specifications.

2. Challenges in Formal Verification:

   • Lack of Specifications: Most software lacks formal specifications, making verification difficult since there’s nothing concrete to verify against.
   • Proof Engineering Difficulty: Writing proofs is complex and varies across domains, requiring significant expertise.

3. AI's Impact: AI can help create specifications and automate proof writing. However, while tests can identify bugs, they cannot prove their absence, highlighting the need for formal verification.

4. Concerns with Autoformalization: AI's ability to formalize specifications is not foolproof and can introduce errors, making it a critical point of failure in the verification process.

5. Limitations of Proof Assistants: Proof assistants can be slow and may not efficiently handle real-world workloads. They often require more efficient encoding to be practical.

6. Need for Models: Verification requires accurate models, which are hard to create. In contrast, testing can easily measure performance on real hardware.

7. Feedback Limitations: Verification does not always provide clear feedback. Tools like QuickChick are essential for testing and identifying flaws in the absence of a proof.

8. Synergy Between Testing and Verification: The article supports a method called Verification-Guided Development (VGD), which combines verified and production systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.

9. Conclusion: Both random testing and formal verification are important in software engineering. They complement each other, and a future where both are used together could lead to more reliable software, reducing bugs significantly.

Overall, while AI and formal verification are promising, testing remains a crucial part of ensuring software reliability.

No summary available.

Instant Database Clones with PostgreSQL 18 - Summary

PostgreSQL 18 introduces a powerful feature for creating instant database clones, which is especially useful for testing and development. Here are the key points:

1. Database Cloning Needs: Traditionally, copying large databases is slow and cumbersome. PostgreSQL's templating system allows for quick cloning, but earlier versions required a significant I/O process.

2. New Cloning Strategies: PostgreSQL 15 introduced the CREATE DATABASE ... STRATEGY parameter, which improves how databases are created from templates. The new default method, WAL_LOG, is slower for large databases. PostgreSQL 18 offers the option to switch to the FILE_COPY method for faster cloning.

3. Using FILE_COPY: The FILE_COPY strategy uses the operating system's file handling capabilities. With modern filesystems like XFS or ZFS, it allows almost instant cloning without using additional disk space. To enable this, you need to configure PostgreSQL to use the file_copy_method = clone.

4. Performance Benchmark: A test showed that cloning a 6GB database took 67 seconds with the WAL_LOG method but only 0.2 seconds with the FILE_COPY method.

5. Shared Storage: Cloned databases share the same physical blocks initially. However, once you modify data, it triggers a copy-on-write process, which can lead to the databases diverging in size.

6. Limitations: Cloning requires that the source database has no active connections, which can be a challenge in production environments. Additionally, cloning only works within a single filesystem, and many managed cloud services do not allow access to the underlying filesystem.

In summary, PostgreSQL 18 significantly enhances the ability to create fast, efficient database clones, making it easier for developers to manage large databases for testing and development purposes.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary: Font with Built-In Syntax Highlighting

Overview: The text discusses the challenges of hand-coding websites, particularly the difficulty of implementing syntax highlighting for code snippets without using external JavaScript libraries. It introduces an innovative approach by embedding syntax highlighting directly into a custom font using OpenType features.

Key Points:

1. The Problem:

   • Hand-coding websites in HTML and CSS is complex, especially for syntax highlighting. Traditional methods rely on libraries like Prism or highlight.js, which add complexity and require JavaScript.

2. Proposed Solution:

   • The author created a font called "FontWithASyntaxHighlighter" that includes built-in syntax highlighting using OpenType features. This allows for color-coded text without external scripts.

3. How It Works:

   • The font uses a COLR table for multi-colored glyphs and contextual alternates to identify and color specific programming syntax.
   • For example, keywords like "if" are automatically replaced with colored glyphs when typed.

4. Benefits:

   • Easy installation and works without JavaScript.
   • Clean HTML and can be used in various contexts, including text areas where traditional highlighting isn't possible.
   • Fast and requires no ongoing maintenance.

5. Limitations:

   • Not suitable for complex syntax highlighting needs.
   • Modifying the font requires knowledge of font production.
   • Limited to environments that support OpenType features.

6. Customization:

   • Users can change color themes via CSS and download alternative themes like Night Owl and Light Owl.

7. Projects and Future Potential:

   • The font has inspired various projects and could be enhanced further with technologies like harfbuzz-wasm for more advanced functionality.

8. License:

   • The font is based on an open-source font and is free to use under the SIL open font license.

In conclusion, this innovative method of syntax highlighting through a custom font offers a simplified and efficient way for developers to present code snippets while maintaining clean code practices.

Summary of Carnap.io

Carnap.io is a free and open software framework created in Haskell for teaching and studying formal logic. It supports logic courses at many colleges and universities worldwide. Students using Carnap can log in to access their course materials through the website. If you're interested in learning more about Carnap or want to use it in your own classes, you can find more information on the site and reach out to the team.

No summary available.

CineCLI is a new terminal application that allows users to browse movies, view details, and open torrents directly with their system's torrent client. Key features include:

• Movie search from the terminal
• User-friendly interface with ratings, runtime, and genres
• Both interactive and non-interactive modes
• Magnet link support using the default torrent client
• Compatibility with Linux, macOS, and Windows
• No ads or tracking

You can find it on GitHub here and on PyPI here. Feedback from terminal and Python users is welcomed.

No summary available.

No summary available.

I'm looking for examples of detailed engineering blog posts, especially from tech companies. I want posts that:

1. Clearly explain technical ideas.
2. Include real examples of how things were implemented, including mistakes and trade-offs.
3. Are organized and easy to read.
4. Connect engineering choices to business or product results.

Do you know of any great blogs or posts that fit this description?

Summary of "The Illustrated Transformer"

The "Illustrated Transformer" explains the Transformer model, a key architecture in machine learning, particularly for tasks like translation. It highlights the model's efficiency and effectiveness due to its use of attention mechanisms, allowing it to process data in parallel.

Key points include:

1. Attention Mechanism: The Transformer model uses self-attention to improve understanding of words in context, enhancing translation quality.

2. Model Structure: The Transformer consists of encoders and decoders. Each encoder has a self-attention layer and a feed-forward neural network. The decoder includes an additional attention layer to focus on relevant parts of the input.

3. Self-Attention Process: Each word is converted into vectors (Query, Key, and Value) for calculating how much focus to give to other words. This process allows better context and understanding.

4. Multi-Headed Attention: This feature allows the model to focus on different words simultaneously, improving its ability to understand complex sentences.

5. Positional Encoding: Transformers add positional encoding to word embeddings to maintain the sequence order, which is crucial for understanding context.

6. Training: The model is trained by comparing its output to the correct answer and adjusting its parameters using a loss function. Common methods include greedy decoding and beam search to choose the best translation outputs.

7. Updates: The post has evolved into a book that discusses the advancements in Transformer models over the years.

This summary simplifies complex concepts to help readers grasp the essentials of the Transformer model and its significance in machine learning.

Summary: Ultrasound Treatment for Cancer

HistoSonics has developed a technology called the Edison system that uses focused ultrasound to treat tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer. This method involves creating and collapsing tiny bubbles within the tumor, which destroys cancer cells and liquefies the tumor without harming surrounding healthy tissue.

Originally, bubbles formed during ultrasound were seen as a problem, but researchers learned to control them effectively. In 2001, a breakthrough allowed for the use of short bursts of powerful ultrasound to create these bubbles safely, leading to a technique known as histotripsy. This method offers a non-invasive way to destroy tumors.

In 2023, the Edison system received FDA approval for treating liver tumors and plans to expand to kidney and pancreatic cancer treatments in the near future. Histotripsy not only targets tumors but may also stimulate the immune system to attack remaining cancer cells.

HistoSonics has been backed by new investors, including Jeff Bezos, enhancing its research capabilities and the potential to apply this technology to various cancers. The future of this technique could revolutionize non-invasive cancer treatment, allowing doctors to use sound waves instead of traditional surgical methods.

The text lists various tags and categories related to blog content. These include topics like AI, coding, games, and personal experiences, as well as specific projects like the WeeBox Project. The archive section indicates that these topics are organized for easy access. Additionally, there's an "About" section that provides information about the author and how to contact them.

It seems like the text you provided is incomplete or consists of only titles/names without any content to summarize. Please provide the actual text you'd like summarized, and I'll be happy to help!

On December 22, 2025, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) faced a power outage at their Boulder, Colorado facility due to high winds, which caused downed power lines. Their backup generator failed after a few days, affecting the main clock that provides Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). Despite this, NIST's time servers were only off by a maximum of 5 microseconds, which is small but still significant for certain scientific applications.

NIST managed to maintain time accuracy by using other clocks on their campus and rerouting emergency power. They chose not to shut down the servers, as this could have caused further issues, and the disruption went largely unnoticed by most users because of built-in redundancies in the system.

The incident highlighted the fragility of timing infrastructure in the U.S., which heavily relies on GPS. NIST is working on alternatives to ensure better reliability in timing services. As of the last update, NIST successfully restored its time accuracy to within nanoseconds, ensuring no significant impact on users.

Summary: Polyglot NixOS: The Same Disk Image for All Architectures

The author discusses creating a single NixOS disk image that can run on multiple architectures, specifically x86_64, ARM AArch64, and RISC-V 64-bit, using UEFI platforms.

Key Points:

• The goal is to build one disk image for various architectures.

• The process involves:

  1. Having a NixOS configuration.
  2. Building the system for each architecture.
  3. Combining everything into one partition.
  4. Setting up the EFI System Partition (ESP) to boot the correct architecture.

• Architecture-specific filenames in the ESP allow for straightforward booting without needing a complex bootloader, leading to a simpler implementation.

• The example provided shows that combining architectures in one Nix store may not yield significant space savings.

• The author invites others to explore this further and create a more advanced version with a complete bootloader.

For more details, instructions are available in the provided example repository.

The text discusses a video titled "Inside CECOT," which is part of the CBS News program "60 Minutes." The video features journalist Sharyn Alfonsi and was reportedly censored by Bari Weiss when it appeared on Canada's Global TV app. It was uploaded to the Internet Archive on December 23, 2025, and has a file size of 1.4 GB. There are various download options available for the video, including H.264 and MPEG4 formats.

Summary of Changelog Updates

Version 2.0.74:

• Introduced a Language Server Protocol (LSP) tool for better code navigation and documentation.
• Added terminal setup support for various terminals.
• Introduced a shortcut to toggle syntax highlighting and improved theme picker visibility.
• Fixed various bugs related to tool usage, syntax highlighting, and keyboard shortcuts.

Version 2.0.73:

• Added clickable image links and new shortcuts for yanking text.
• Improved search filtering in the plugin discovery interface.
• Made performance enhancements and fixed several bugs affecting input history and theme commands.

Version 2.0.72:

• Introduced a feature for controlling browsers through a Chrome extension.
• Added visual improvements and fixed bugs related to context commands and file suggestions.

Version 2.0.71:

• Introduced a command to toggle prompt suggestions and fixed various bugs related to command triggering and permissions.

Version 2.0.70:

• Added functionality to accept prompt suggestions with the Enter key and improved memory usage for large conversations.

Version 2.0.69 to 2.0.65:

• Included several bug fixes and minor improvements, such as keyboard shortcuts and performance enhancements.

Version 2.0.64 to 2.0.55:

• Introduced new features like background agent support, improved UI for permissions, and better session management.

Earlier Versions (2.0.54 and below):

• Focused on introducing new tools, fixing bugs, enhancing permissions management, and improving overall usability.

The changelog reflects ongoing improvements in features, performance, and bug fixes across various versions, enhancing user experience and functionality.

No summary available.

Today, we are excited to introduce SAM Audio, an advanced AI model that allows users to easily isolate specific sounds from mixed audio. With SAM Audio, you can quickly separate sounds like a guitar or vocals in a video, filter out background noise, or remove distractions like a barking dog from recordings.

SAM Audio is part of our Segment Anything collection and simplifies audio processing through three types of prompts:

1. Text prompting: Type what you want to isolate, like "dog barking."
2. Visual prompting: Click on an object or person in the video to capture their audio.
3. Span prompting: Mark specific time segments where the audio you want occurs.

These methods can be used individually or together for precise audio separation. SAM Audio aims to improve audio and video editing and has numerous applications in music, podcasts, film, and more.

You can try SAM Audio in the Segment Anything Playground, where you can explore its capabilities using provided audio and video assets or by uploading your own. SAM Audio is also available for download. We believe it’s the best audio separation model out there, making audio editing more accessible for everyone.

The second edition of "The Garbage Collection Handbook" updates the original works by Richard Jones from 1996 and 2012, reflecting new developments in memory management. This edition compiles knowledge from sixty years of research, addressing challenges posed by advances in hardware and software. It provides a comprehensive overview of garbage collection techniques, including parallel, incremental, concurrent, and real-time methods, using pseudocode and illustrations for clarity.

The book is essential for modern programmers, offering insights into how different garbage collectors operate and the current issues they face. Key features include:

• An updated and authoritative resource on garbage collection.
• Detailed discussions on advanced garbage collection algorithms.
• Coverage of modern commercial garbage collectors.
• New chapters on persistence and energy-aware garbage collection.
• A comprehensive online database with nearly 3,400 related publications.

The e-book version includes over 37,000 hyperlinks for easy navigation. There are also translations available in Chinese and Japanese. The online database is regularly updated and can be accessed or downloaded in various formats.

This study demonstrates that two-dimensional billiard systems can perform any computation that a computer can, which is known as being Turing complete. Billiards are simple models that represent how particles move and bounce off walls. The research shows that these systems can have complex, unpredictable paths that cannot be resolved, even in natural scenarios like gas behavior and celestial mechanics.

The text refers to a leak involving a camera system called Flock, which allows people to track others, similar to how Netflix provides streaming services. The issue raises concerns about privacy and surveillance, suggesting that it enables stalking-like behavior. For more details, there is a linked article and a YouTube video discussing the topic.

In Memoriam: Gene Zirkel

Gene Zirkel, a prominent member of the Dozenal Society of America, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the dozenal (base twelve) system. He played a crucial role in reviving the Society during a challenging period in the 1970s, when it was struggling to survive. His passion and leadership helped the organization grow, encouraging many to embrace the dozenal system.

Born in 1931 in New York City, Gene was an accomplished educator with degrees in mathematics and a career that spanned various teaching roles, culminating in a professorship at Nassau Community College. He was also an author, contributing numerous articles on mathematics and the dozenal system.

Gene's commitment extended beyond academia; he was a spiritual man involved in community service and advocacy. He was known for his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge about the dozenal system, which he believed had many advantages, despite resistance to change.

The Duodecimal Bulletin, the Society's official publication, continues to honor Gene's contributions, reflecting on his impact and inviting others to engage with the mission of promoting base twelve in mathematics and science. Gene's legacy is one of inspiration, encouraging all members to teach and share the values he embodied.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Summary: Scaling LLMs to Larger Codebases

This text discusses how to effectively integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) into software engineering, particularly for managing larger codebases. It highlights two main areas for investment: guidance and oversight.

1. Guidance:

   • LLMs can generate code efficiently when they produce a working implementation on the first try, known as "one-shotting." Failing to do this leads to "rework," which is time-consuming.
   • To improve one-shotting, better guidance is needed. This involves creating a prompt library that includes documentation and best practices, allowing LLMs to make informed choices without overwhelming them with options.
   • An example of a prompt library could include guidelines on writing views and tests, helping LLMs understand the project's conventions.

2. Oversight:

   • Oversight ensures that LLM-generated choices are good ones. Engineers must be able to evaluate the decisions made by LLMs, considering future implications for the codebase.
   • Investing in team skills and architectural design is crucial. Engineers should enhance their design capabilities through practice, reading, and replicating successful code.
   • Automating oversight can be achieved by using tools that enforce coding conventions and safety checks, which help prevent errors.

3. Verification:

   • Verification processes, like code reviews and quality assurance, are essential for maintaining software quality. To address verification bottlenecks, the text suggests lowering barriers for manual QA and improving testing setups.

Finally, the text notes that LLMs tend to perform well in new projects (greenfield development) where consistency and existing patterns are not yet established. As projects grow, maintaining consistency becomes important for productivity and modularity.

Overall, the key takeaway is that by focusing on guidance and oversight, software teams can better leverage the capabilities of LLMs within larger codebases.

Here's a simplified summary of the provided text:

Toolchains:

• Required versions for various tools:
  • binutils: 2.40 or higher
  • gcc: 13.1 or higher
  • glibc: 2.36 or higher
  • LLVM: 17.0.0 or higher
  • musl: 1.2.5 or higher
  • picolibc: 1.8.9 or higher

Languages:

• Supported languages and their versions:
  • D: Not supported
  • Dart: Not supported
  • FibJS: 0.36.0 or higher
  • Go: 1.21 or higher
  • Haskell (GHC): 9.6.1 or higher
  • OCaml: Supported
  • Rust: 1.71.0 or higher
  • Zig: Supported

Kernels:

• Supported kernels:
  • FreeBSD, GNU Mach, Haiku, Linux (6.2 or higher), OpenBSD, ReactOS, RT-Thread.

Firmware & Emulators:

• Required versions for emulators:
  • Box64: 0.2.8 or higher
  • Das U-Boot: Supported
  • EDK II: Supported
  • Hangover: Supported
  • NEMU: Supported
  • QEMU: 7.2.0 or higher
  • Wine: Supported

JIT Runtimes:

• Supported runtimes:
  • .NET: 9.0 or higher
  • JavaScriptCore: Version not specified
  • LuaJIT: Not supported
  • Mono: Supported
  • OpenJDK: Supported
  • sljit: Version not specified
  • SpiderMonkey: 107 or higher
  • V8: 9.5.3 or higher
  • Wasmtime: Supported
  • Xbyak: Supported for LoongArch64.

Distributions:

• Supported Linux distributions and their versions:
  • Alpine Linux: 3.21.0 or higher
  • Anolis OS: 23.1 or higher
  • deepin: 23 or higher
  • Gentoo: Supported
  • NixOS / Nixpkgs: 25.11 or higher
  • OpenCloudOS: 9.4 (L3) or 23 (Stream) or higher
  • openEuler: 24.03 or higher
  • OpenWrt: 24.10 or higher
  • Other distributions: Debian, Fedora, Slackware, and various regional distributions.

This summary highlights the key points about supported tools, languages, kernels, runtimes, and distributions along with their required versions.

The author reflects on their experience creating the CBC logo using CSS. Initially, they stacked black boxes and circles on a black background, which made the boxes "invisible." However, they later realized they could use shaders to eliminate the need for black, making the implementation simpler.

In CSS-doodle, images can be generated in real time and used with shaders for effects. The author shares their old and new implementations. The new method allows for the direct removal of black pixels, making patterns more usable.

They also discuss using blend modes to create patterns, usually with white and a difference blend mode for black-and-white effects. Now, with their updated shader approach, they can make patterns transparent without using black, which enhances usability. Overall, while the method isn't groundbreaking, the author finds joy in the simplicity and effectiveness of using shaders for color handling.

Universal transformers (UTs) are effective for complex reasoning tasks like ARC-AGI and Sudoku, but the reasons for their performance improvements haven't been fully explored. This study analyzes different UT variants and finds that the gains in performance on ARC-AGI mainly come from their recurrent structure and strong nonlinear components, not from complex designs. Based on this insight, the authors introduce the Universal Reasoning Model (URM), which adds short convolution and truncated backpropagation to the UT. This new model significantly boosts reasoning performance, achieving a record 53.8% success rate on ARC-AGI 1 and 16.0% on ARC-AGI 2. The code for this work is available online.

No summary available.

The Sony PVM-4300, also known as the KV-45ED1, is the largest CRT TV ever made, measuring 45 inches but marketed as a 43-inch model. Introduced in Japan in 1989 and imported to the U.S. in 1990, it was priced at $40,000, significantly higher than smaller models due to its handcrafted production. Weighing around 450 pounds, it was not practical for typical home use but was intended for high-end living rooms.

The TV utilized IDTV technology, which improved picture quality but was still not as advanced as HDTV, which emerged in 1998. Despite its cost, Sony aimed to sell 80 units that year, although the recession likely hindered sales.

A recent video by YouTuber Shank Mods revealed that at least one of these units still exists, having been rescued from a restaurant in Japan. This story highlights the passion for vintage technology and the efforts of enthusiasts to preserve it.

No summary available.

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We have created a Python SDK that allows you to easily use advanced models for time-series and tabular data. These models are state-of-the-art and can be used right away without needing any training or extra setup. You can find the SDK on GitHub at this link: GitHub Repository.

In the late 1960s, a group of teenage computer enthusiasts from Princeton, New Jersey, called the RESISTORS, played a significant role in the early days of computing outside of professional settings. They creatively connected to computers using borrowed technology during a disrupted conference in 1968, drawing attention from industry professionals.

The RESISTORS, which stands for "Radically Emphatic Students Interested in Science, Technology, Or Research Studies," were guided by their mentor, Claude Kagan, an engineer who provided them access to old computers and encouraged hands-on learning. Despite being a small group, many members went on to have successful careers in technology, including co-founding Cisco Systems and writing bestselling books on computing.

The group was notable for its inclusivity, welcoming both girls and teens from diverse backgrounds. Their learning approach emphasized practical experience, and they often collaborated with legendary figures like Ted Nelson, who introduced them to concepts like hypertext and interactive computing.

The RESISTORS eventually faded in the 1970s as members pursued higher education, but their influence persisted in the tech world, foreshadowing the rise of personal computers in the following decade. Their story highlights the early grassroots movement in computing and the importance of community in technological innovation.

It seems like your request is incomplete. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize, and I'll be happy to help!

The project aims to simplify the live-bootstrap process by creating a new C-compiler in C that can compile the Tiny C Compiler (TCC) version 0.9.26, replacing the GNU Mes compiler. The first goal is to correctly compile TCC for the i386 architecture using a source file called tcc_cc.c. This compiler generates intermediate code for a language called Stack-C and includes a minimal C standard library.

To build this compiler, certain executables and standard Linux commands are required. A makefile is provided for building and testing, and a script (test.sh) is included to automate the compilation and testing process, comparing results from the new compiler and the GNU C-compiler.

The project has several additional tasks:

1. Compile Required Utilities: Remove dependencies by building necessary utilities from C sources.
2. New kaem Scripts: Develop scripts for the new compiler in parallel with utility building.
3. Support for Other Targets: Create versions for other architectures like x86_64, arm, and riscv64, which may require further investigation and testing.
4. Documentation and Presentation: Write documentation and prepare a presentation about the project's achievements.

The project is part of a larger initiative funded by the NGI0 Core Fund, supported by the European Commission's Next Generation Internet program.

Summary:

The FCC has updated its Covered List to include foreign-made drones (UAS) and their critical components, citing national security risks. This decision aligns with President Trump's efforts to enhance airspace sovereignty and promote American drone manufacturing. The FCC's update means that new foreign drones cannot be imported or sold in the U.S. due to concerns they could be used for attacks or espionage. However, this change does not affect existing drones that consumers have already purchased; they can continue to use those. Retailers can still sell previously authorized drone models. The FCC's actions aim to strengthen national security and support the U.S. drone industry.

Summary:

There is a Winter Sale offering up to 50% off on various items, including a collaboration between Mr. and BAPE®.

In pop culture news, Idris Elba was amazed when he saw his new wax figure at Madame Tussauds London, which looked so much like him that it could unlock his phone using Face ID. Elba expressed his surprise and honor at the recognition, stating that it felt like a part of him would always be in London. He even called his mother to show her the figure, and she was equally impressed. Elba described the process of creating the wax figure as similar to preparing for a movie role.

The winter solstice, occurring around December 21 or 22, marks the shortest day of the year and symbolizes the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Ancient monuments, some nearly 5,000 years old, were built to celebrate this event, aligning with the sun's movements. For example, Maeshowe tomb in Orkney, created around 2800 BC, features a corridor that allows sunlight to illuminate the tomb during the solstice.

These structures highlight the solstice's importance as both a time of darkness and a transition to longer days. In ancient times, understanding solstices was crucial for survival, helping with hunting, fishing, and agriculture. The significance of the winter solstice can still be seen today in various traditions and celebrations, including Yule and modern Christmas customs.

Other notable solar-aligned monuments include Stonehenge, Newgrange, and La Roche aux Fées. In contemporary art, works like Nancy Holt's Sun Tunnels and James Turrell's Roden Crater also reflect this connection to the sun and nature, emphasizing our relationship with the environment and the passage of time. Overall, these monuments and artworks remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the promise of returning light after the darkest days.

A malicious npm package called "lotusbail," posing as a WhatsApp Web API library, has been downloaded over 56,000 times. While it functions properly, it secretly contains malware that steals WhatsApp credentials, intercepts messages, collects contact lists, and maintains a backdoor for ongoing access to users' accounts.

The malware works by wrapping legitimate code that communicates with WhatsApp, capturing all messages and authentication data. It encrypts stolen information using custom methods to avoid detection and sends it to a hidden server. Additionally, it hijacks the device linking process, allowing an attacker to gain persistent access to the victim’s WhatsApp account even after the malware is removed.

This case highlights the growing sophistication of supply chain attacks, which can evade traditional security checks. Effective defense requires monitoring how software behaves in real-time rather than relying solely on static analysis.

Summary of mdBook Preprocessors Case Study

mdBook is a popular tool for creating books from Markdown files, especially in the Rust community. It has a simple plugin system that allows users to modify the book output using any programming language.

Key Features:

1. Architecture: mdBook organizes content in a directory of Markdown files and converts them into a book, typically outputting HTML but also supporting formats like PDF.

2. Preprocessor Mechanism: Users can register programs that modify the book's content after loading the Markdown files. These programs can be in any language.

3. Plugin Example: The author created a "narcissist" plugin in both Python and Rust, showcasing the flexibility of mdBook's preprocessor system.

4. Plugin Concepts:

   • Discovery: Plugins must be listed in the book's configuration file (book.toml).
   • Registration: mdBook checks if a preprocessor supports a specific renderer by executing it twice with different arguments.
   • Hooks: Preprocessors receive the entire book in one JSON object and must return the modified book in the same format.
   • API for Plugins: Rust preprocessors can access mdBook’s API for easier data handling.
   • Renderers: Similar to preprocessors, renderers take the modified book data and can produce different outputs, with the final product being generated after all preprocessing.

This case study illustrates how mdBook’s plugin system functions and its alignment with fundamental plugin concepts.

The text discusses a solution for protecting a website hosted on Forgejo from excessive crawling by bots that do not follow robots.txt rules. Initially, the author faced issues with their site going down due to numerous requests from these crawlers. They tried a heavy solution called Anubis but found it too complicated and not suitable for their needs.

Instead, the author created a simpler configuration for Nginx that checks for a specific cookie to allow users access. If the cookie is not present, users are redirected to a 418 error page that sets the cookie via JavaScript and reloads the page. This method is less visible to users compared to other solutions and effectively keeps crawlers at bay.

The author acknowledges that this solution may not be foolproof and could be bypassed, but for now, it meets their needs without overly complicating the system. They caution that if many people adopt this method, crawlers may adapt as well.

Summary of tc - Theodore Calvin's Testing Framework

What is tc?

• tc is a simple, language-agnostic testing framework that allows you to write tests once and run them on any programming language (like Bash, Python, Rust, Go, etc.).

Key Features:

• Tests are organized in directories using JSON for input and expected output.
• It has no dependencies beyond the jq tool.
• You can run tests across different languages without rewriting them.

Getting Started:

1. Clone the repository:
   git clone https://github.com/ahoward/tc.git
2. Change to the directory:
   cd tc
3. Add tc to your PATH to avoid conflicts with Unix commands:
   export PATH="$PWD/tc/bin:$PATH"
4. Verify installation:
   tc --version
5. Run a hello-world example:
   tc examples/hello-world
6. Create a new test:
   tc new tests/my-feature

Commands Overview:

• Run all tests: tc
• Run a specific test suite: tc <suite-path>
• Create a new test suite: tc new <test-path>
• List all test suites: tc list [path]
• Check version: tc --version

Output Modes:

• TTY Mode: Clean, animated output for terminal.
• Non-TTY Mode: Verbose output suitable for CI/CD environments.

Pattern Matching:

• Supports dynamic value matching in expected output (like UUIDs, timestamps, etc.).
• Custom patterns can be defined for specific formats.

Installation Prerequisites:

• Requires Bash 4.0+ and the jq tool, which can be installed via package managers.

License:

• Distributed under the MIT License.

Philosophy:

• Focus on simplicity, portability, and the idea that tests should be permanent while code can change.

This framework is designed to make testing easier and more efficient across various programming languages.

A segment from the show "60 Minutes" about the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison in El Salvador was scheduled to air on December 22, 2025, but was pulled just before broadcast for unknown reasons. Despite this, the segment was still shown on Global-TV in Canada. The video is available for viewing and sharing online.

Here's a simplified summary of the key points about passkeys from the text:

1. Passkeybot.com: A website that enables easy integration of passkey authentication into your site.

2. Secure Enclave Processors (SEP): Apple devices have a secure enclave that protects private keys and allows secure authentication. Other devices have similar secure elements.

3. User Presence (UP) vs User Verification (UV): UP means the user is present (e.g., by tapping a button), while UV requires biometric or passcode verification for added security.

4. Authenticators: Devices or software that manage private/public key pairs. They ensure secure sign-ins by interacting with web APIs.

5. Attestation: This process verifies the hardware and software used to create a passkey. It can also pose privacy risks by revealing device information.

6. Passkeys for Authentication: They are used specifically for logging in and do not allow general signing of documents or transactions.

7. Security Concerns: If a website's JavaScript is compromised, attackers can potentially misuse the user's authenticator, making secure coding practices crucial.

8. Immediate Mediation API: A new feature that allows quicker sign-ins for users with existing passkeys.

9. Related Origin Requests: Allows domains to create passkeys for subdomains but requires HTTPS and is not supported in all browsers.

10. Bluetooth Sign-ins: Passkeys can be used on public computers by connecting with your own device via Bluetooth, ensuring security.

11. Deleting Passkeys: The JavaScript API can signal a request to delete passkeys, but it cannot directly manage them.

12. User ID and Handle: Both refer to the same account identifier, which helps manage multiple passkeys for a single user.

13. Non-extractable Keys: You can create keys that cannot be extracted, ensuring they remain secure even if the JavaScript is compromised.

14. PKCE Protocol: A security measure to protect tokens during authentication flows, initially designed for environments that cannot store static secrets.

15. Digital Credentials API: A new feature that allows access to digital IDs and credentials stored in a user's OS wallet without revealing personal information.

This summary captures the essence of the original text while simplifying the complex terms and concepts.

The text reflects on the life and writings of Clancy Sigal, a radical writer and activist. The author, Todd Gitlin, shares his first encounter with Sigal through Doris Lessing's novel "The Golden Notebook," which features a character inspired by Sigal. Gitlin, a young leftist activist in the 1960s, relates to the struggles of the character Saul Green, who represents disillusionment with the Communist movement and a longing for connection amidst political chaos.

Gitlin then discusses Sigal's own work, particularly the book "Going Away," which captures the sense of loss and retreat felt by many leftists after the decline of the Old Left. The narrator's journey through America reveals a landscape of political apathy and nostalgia for a time of greater idealism. Over the years, Gitlin and Sigal develop a correspondence, with Gitlin seeking guidance from Sigal as he navigates his own political and writing challenges.

Throughout the narrative, Gitlin highlights Sigal's commitment to writing and activism, as well as his complex relationship with Lessing, who drew from their life together for her novel. Sigal's radical beliefs remained constant, as he continued to engage with political issues and inspire others, even as he confronted personal struggles.

Ultimately, Gitlin presents a portrait of Sigal as a passionate, flawed individual whose life and work reflect the tumultuous political landscape of their time. The text emphasizes themes of disillusionment, identity, and the enduring impact of activism on personal and collective lives.

Summary of "Happy Chanukah: More on Whether Useful Quantum Computing is 'Imminent'"

The author discusses the evolving landscape of quantum computing and reflects on previous predictions about its progress. A decade ago, the author believed scalable quantum computing was not imminent, but now sees significant advancements making it plausible.

At a recent conference (Q2B), the author gave an optimistic talk about quantum computing, focusing on recent experimental milestones rather than challenges. The confidence in quantum theory remains, but the speed at which practical applications will emerge is uncertain. Key developments include improved performance in trapped ions and superconducting qubits, with companies like Google and Quantinuum leading the way.

The author differentiates between companies genuinely advancing quantum technology and those focused on financial gains through IPOs and exaggerated claims. The main applications for quantum computers still include simulating quantum physics and chemistry, breaking current cryptography, and potential benefits in optimization and machine learning, though the latter may take time to materialize.

A warning is issued regarding the security risks associated with quantum computing, particularly in relation to cryptography. It suggests that discussions on how many qubits will be needed to break current cryptographic systems may soon become confidential.

Overall, while there is a sense of optimism about quantum computing's future, the author emphasizes the need for cautious expectations and highlights ongoing developments in the field.

The author recently announced their unexpected divorce on Instagram, sharing their feelings of shock and trauma after their husband suddenly decided to end their marriage. They expressed gratitude for the support from friends during this difficult time and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their future.

Shortly after posting, they discovered that AI had generated additional text that falsely presented itself as their own writing. This text, aimed at increasing engagement, used a first-person voice and included phrases that trivialized their experience and pain. The author felt this was a violation of their voice and agency, as it misrepresented their story and reinforced harmful stereotypes about women's experiences with divorce.

They criticized the AI-generated content for oversimplifying their complex emotions and experiences, arguing that it trivialized their trauma and failed to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women in similar situations. The author concluded by expressing their frustration with how technology can distort personal narratives, particularly those of women, in a patriarchal society.

Mission Local is asking for donations to maintain its free news service, emphasizing that all articles will always be accessible without a paywall.

On Saturday, Waymo temporarily halted its autonomous ride-hailing service in San Francisco due to a citywide power outage that affected about a third of the city. The outage caused traffic lights to fail, resulting in many Waymo vehicles getting stuck at intersections, creating significant traffic jams. Videos shared online showed groups of Waymos confused and blocking roads.

Power was expected to be restored later that evening, and Mission Local is aiming to raise $300,000 by the end of the year to continue providing free news to the community.

Summary:

Jimmy Lai, a businessman and advocate for democracy in Hong Kong, was recently convicted under the region's "national security" law for promoting free speech and opposing the government's authoritarian practices. Lai, who escaped from mainland China at age 12 and built a successful media empire, chose to stay in Hong Kong despite warnings and the possibility of imprisonment, stating he wanted to fight for his beliefs until the end. His conviction reflects the harsh crackdown on dissent following the law's introduction in 2020. Lai's story illustrates the struggle for civil liberties in Hong Kong and poses a critical question about the future of the region: whether to support its democratic past or accept its current authoritarian trajectory.

The text discusses Steve Klabnik's experiences and insights from his thirteen years working with the Rust programming language. It highlights the growth and development of Rust, along with the challenges and successes Klabnik faced. The focus is on the journey of creating and improving the language, as well as its impact on the programming community. For more detailed information, you can visit the provided link.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a surprising discovery by observing a unique exoplanet named PSR J2322-2650b, which has an unusual atmosphere primarily composed of helium and carbon. This gas giant, about the size of Jupiter, orbits a pulsar—a rapidly spinning neutron star—just 1 million miles away, resulting in extreme temperatures that can reach up to 3,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

The research team, led by Michael Zhang from the University of Chicago, is puzzled by the planet's composition, which includes molecular carbon, a rare find among exoplanets. Unlike typical planets that have atmospheres with water and methane, this one lacks significant amounts of oxygen and nitrogen, leading to its unusual carbon-dominated atmosphere. The planet is also stretched into a lemon shape due to the gravitational pull from the pulsar.

This discovery challenges existing theories of planet formation and presents a new puzzle for scientists, as it suggests that PSR J2322-2650b did not form in a conventional way. The researchers are excited to explore further and understand more about this exotic planet and its atmosphere.

A new drone developed by Aalborg University can both fly in the air and dive underwater. This innovative design allows it to operate in different environments, making it versatile for various applications. The drone's ability to switch between flying and diving enhances its functionality for tasks like exploration and research.

Summary: The Rise of SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is becoming the second most important programming language to learn. It is essential for working with databases and data management. As technology evolves, understanding SQL is increasingly valuable for various fields, including tech, science, and society.

Rina Diane Caballar highlights the growing importance of SQL in the tech landscape.

No summary available.

The blog post by Greg McKeown emphasizes the importance of actively designing your career instead of letting others dictate it. He suggests taking a couple of hours during the holiday break to reflect on your career by following these steps:

1. Review the Past Year: List your major projects and accomplishments month by month.
2. Analyze Trends: Reflect on what your list reveals about your career and its direction.
3. Dream Big: Brainstorm what you would do if there were no limits on your career choices.
4. Focus on Your Passion: Spend more time on your top ideas, even if they seem unrealistic at first.
5. Set Goals: Write down six career objectives for the next year, prioritizing them.
6. Narrow Down: Choose one main objective by crossing off the bottom five.
7. Create an Action Plan: Outline quick wins you can achieve in the next month.
8. Learn to Say No: Identify tasks that may distract you from your main goal and consider how to manage them.

McKeown shares that following this process changed his life, leading him to significant career decisions. He encourages others to invest a little time in career planning to enhance their lives in the long run.

No summary available.

The author shares their experience of building an Android app using Rust, highlighting recent updates to the iced library. They express gratitude to contributors of essential tools and libraries like android-activity, jni-rs, and wgpu.

Initially, the author learned about existing tools and examples for Android development with Rust. They successfully combined basic examples with the iced GUI library, which is primarily intended for desktop and web but can be integrated into mobile apps.

The author faced some challenges, such as rendering text, which they resolved by following guidance on loading fonts. They also added touch support to some widgets.

They mention other options for building Android apps in Rust, including libraries like xilem and egui, as well as game engines like Fyrox and Bevy.

The author plans to explore iOS development next, expecting it to be similar or easier than Android. They conclude by encouraging others to build mobile apps using Rust.

Hi, I'm Luke, and I created Jmail with Riley Walz. We worked with friends to expand the app suite last night because of the DOJ's release of the "Epstein files." Feel free to ask me anything!

No summary available.

This study investigates how Large Language Models (LLMs) can assist human analysts in Software Reverse Engineering (SRE). Researchers conducted an online survey with 153 SRE practitioners and performed a detailed study with 48 participants (24 novices and 24 experts) using two reverse engineering challenges.

Key Findings:

1. LLM Benefits for Novices: Novice users significantly improved their understanding of software, achieving comprehension rates similar to experts (a 98% improvement), while expert users saw little benefit.
2. Artifact Recovery: LLMs helped recover more artifacts (like symbols and comments), with a 66% increase in recovery rates and reduced analysis time by up to 238% for known algorithms.
3. Mixed Results for Experts: While experts did not see significant performance improvements with LLMs, they did experience harmful effects like "hallucinations" (incorrect outputs) and unhelpful suggestions, especially related to vulnerability identification.
4. Human-LLM Interaction: The study highlights the importance of how users interact with LLMs, emphasizing that novices often relied heavily on LLMs, while experienced users were more cautious.
5. Understanding vs. Usage: The frequency of LLM use did not correlate with better understanding; instead, the timing and context of queries were more critical.

Study Design:

• Three Phases: The research included formative research (surveys), study design (creating challenges), and empirical analysis (data collection during challenges).
• Challenges: Participants solved two Capture-The-Flag style challenges that mimicked real-world software scenarios.

Implications:

The findings suggest that LLMs can be valuable tools for novices in SRE, bridging the expertise gap while highlighting the need for cautious use among experts. Future research could focus on improving LLMs' accuracy and reliability in reverse engineering tasks.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Netrinos is a company founded by an individual who created a simple, WireGuard-based mesh VPN to improve remote access. The VPN establishes a local network across devices, allowing direct peer-to-peer connections without a central server. Each device receives a stable IP and DNS name, and if direct connections fail, it uses an encrypted relay server that maintains privacy.

One major challenge was navigating different types of network address translation (NAT), which can complicate connections. The solution includes techniques like UDP hole punching and STUN-style discovery for reliable connections.

Netrinos uses a technology stack that includes a Go backend and WireGuard for network operations. Common uses include remote desktop access, connecting to network-attached storage (NAS), and managing IoT devices.

They recently launched a Pro version with multi-user support and access controls, while a free Personal version is available for up to 100 devices. The founder is interested in feedback on what users want from a mesh VPN. A trial for the Pro version is available with a special code.

Toad is a new terminal app designed to enhance the experience of using AI tools within a terminal environment. Created by Will McGugan, Toad combines various AI tools like OpenHands, Claude Code, and Gemini CLI into a single user-friendly interface.

Key features of Toad include:

• User-Friendly Interface: It provides a more enjoyable coding experience with familiar UI interactions, such as using the “@” symbol to bring in files.
• Enhanced Markdown Support: Toad offers fast Markdown rendering, even for large documents, with syntax highlighting.
• Integrated Shell: It allows users to run shell commands seamlessly and interactively, using a simple "!" to start commands.
• Tab Completion: Users can complete commands easily with the tab key, similar to traditional shell behavior.
• Notebook-Like Features: Inspired by Jupyter notebooks, users can navigate through previous interactions and copy content easily.

Toad is currently usable and in active development, with plans for more features in the future. Users can install Toad and explore its capabilities for AI coding. McGugan hopes to develop Toad further in 2026 and is open to sponsorship to support his work.

The comments discuss various perspectives on J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, highlighting key points about copyright, social justice, and the impact of popular literature.

1. Copyright and Wealth: One commenter argues that the current copyright system creates wealth inequality, benefiting a few authors like Rowling while many talented writers struggle financially. They suggest a better society would prevent such disparities.

2. Impact on Reading: Another user shares how "Harry Potter" rekindled their interest in reading after a negative experience with mandated school reading. They emphasize the importance of engaging children in reading.

3. Cultural Phenomenon: Some comments note that while "Harry Potter" is a massive success, its popularity has limits based on cultural and language factors. They mention that selling significantly more copies is unrealistic.

4. Separation of Art from Artist: A user expresses the importance of separating an artist's personal views from their work, indicating that enjoying "Harry Potter" does not mean endorsing Rowling's opinions.

5. Literary Analysis: The series is recognized for its themes, such as bravery and social issues, making it a valuable resource for literary discussions.

6. Fan Engagement: The phenomenon of fan fiction is highlighted as a form of co-creation, suggesting that once a work reaches significant fame, it could be considered a public asset.

Overall, the discussion reflects on the complexities of literature's role in society, the economics of authorship, and the interplay between an artist's work and their personal beliefs.

Summary of Backing Up Spotify

Anna's Archive has created a large backup of Spotify, consisting of about 300TB of music data, including 256 million tracks and 86 million music files. This collection is the largest publicly available music metadata database and represents 99.6% of all listens on Spotify.

Key Points:

• The archive is organized in bulk torrents for easy sharing and preservation.
• It includes the most extensive music metadata database, with 186 million unique ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes).
• The backup aims to preserve music that might not be well-covered by existing efforts, which often focus on popular artists and high-quality files.
• The collection leverages Spotify’s popularity metrics to prioritize which tracks to include.
• Data is released in stages, starting with metadata and followed by music files, album art, and more.
• Users are encouraged to help by donating or sharing the torrents, ensuring that musical heritage is protected from potential threats.

The archive serves as a significant step towards preserving humanity's musical culture, making it accessible and shareable by anyone with sufficient storage.

Access to the website is denied with error code 2a617f646d0c4605. The site is protected by Anubis and was created in Canada. The mascot design is by CELPHASE, and the website is running a specific version of the Anubis software.

California regulators have decided to maintain the profit margins for Southern California Edison and other major utilities at around 10%, despite calls from consumer advocates to lower them to 6%. This decision comes after Edison’s electric rates surged by over 40% in the last three years, making California's rates the second highest in the U.S. after Hawaii.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 4 to 1 to slightly reduce Edison’s profit margin from 10.3% to 10.03%. However, consumers are unlikely to see significant changes in their bills, as utilities continue to invest in infrastructure, which keeps costs high.

Consumer groups are frustrated by the decision, arguing that the profit margins are excessive and contribute to rising electricity bills. They estimate that a lower profit margin could save customers about $6.1 billion annually. Some commissioners echoed these concerns, noting that many Californians are struggling to pay their bills.

Edison, facing lawsuits and financial pressures from recent wildfires, had requested a higher profit margin of 11.75% to attract investors. They claimed that the elevated costs were due to risks associated with extreme wildfires.

Overall, the CPUC’s vote reflects a balance between utility profitability and consumer affordability, but many believe that the current profit levels remain too high, adding to the financial burden on customers.

In September, Afghanistan experienced a two-day internet blackout ordered by the Taliban government, which followed a previous shutdown intended to curb "immoral activities." This outage disrupted emergency communications, flights, and banking during a time of crisis. Similar nationwide internet shutdowns have occurred in Tanzania and Cameroon, along with regional outages in Pakistan and Nigeria, often without official explanations.

Since 2011, the number of deliberate internet shutdowns has dramatically increased, with 296 incidents documented across 54 countries in 2024 alone. These shutdowns are used by governments to control information, especially during protests or elections, and can severely impact daily life, human rights, and access to vital services. Countries like India and Myanmar lead in the frequency of such shutdowns.

The rise in these outages is often linked to political unrest and governmental responses to protests. The internet has become essential for modern life, making shutdowns particularly harmful, especially in conflict zones where they hinder humanitarian efforts.

While some technological workarounds exist, most people are left without access during these shutdowns. The international community recognizes the importance of internet access but efforts to curb shutdowns have been inconsistent. Ultimately, the challenge lies in whether governments will protect the right to access information and freedom of expression. The trend of shutdowns has become widespread, with significant implications for society.

The author expresses a desire for more people to share their thoughts and creations online, rather than retreating into solitude. They enjoy discovering writers whose work resonates with them and appreciate the connections that can form through shared writing.

The author values personal and idiosyncratic posts, as they often lead to meaningful interactions where readers express their understanding. They emphasize the importance of documenting experiences, ideas, and projects publicly, as doing so makes them feel real and can benefit others.

They also discuss their reading habits, noting that sharing book updates on platforms like Goodreads has motivated them to read more and foster connections with friends. The act of reading publicly is seen as a way to contribute to the community.

In addition, the author highlights the significance of sharing learning tools like flashcards, advocating for public collections to foster curiosity about what others are studying and why.

Lastly, they express interest in how people customize their computing environments, appreciating the creativity and individuality this reflects. By sharing their own configurations and tools, they hope to inspire others and contribute to a shared understanding of personal agency in technology.

No summary available.

A recent satellite image from the company SatVu has shown significant heat emissions from one of the largest cryptocurrency mining centers in the U.S., located in Rockdale, Texas. This center, operated by Riot Platforms, consumes as much electricity as 300,000 homes, raising concerns about its environmental impact. The satellite's thermal imaging technology can provide real-time data on energy use and operational activity, which could help regulators and grid operators manage the effects of such facilities on local power networks.

SatVu's image reveals specific areas of heat loss, indicating which parts of the facility are active. The company believes that monitoring such data is crucial as the demand for data centers continues to grow, with a projected investment of over $7 billion by 2030. Bitcoin mining is particularly energy-intensive, contributing to global carbon dioxide emissions.

Summary of "The Gift Card Accountability Sink"

Patrick McKenzie discusses the complexities surrounding gift cards, particularly their use in scams and regulatory differences compared to other payment methods.

1. Gift Card Scams: AARP claims that asking for payment via gift cards is always a scam, but this isn't true. Many legitimate businesses accept gift cards as payment. However, scams involving gift cards are rampant, where scammers trick vulnerable individuals into buying gift cards and sharing their details.

2. Fraud Protection: In the U.S., consumers are generally protected from fraud with debit cards but not with gift cards. If someone is defrauded with a debit card, they often can recover their money easily. In contrast, there is no similar legal requirement for gift cards, leaving consumers at risk when they are scammed.

3. Gift Card Management: Most businesses do not manage their gift card programs directly. Instead, they use third-party gift card program managers who handle the complexities of regulatory compliance and operational needs. This outsourcing leads to an "accountability sink," meaning businesses can deny responsibility for issues related to gift cards.

4. Regulatory Landscape: Gift cards are less regulated than other financial instruments, partly due to lobbying efforts from retail associations. This lack of regulation makes it easier for fraud to occur, as there are fewer protections in place for consumers.

5. Unbanked and Underbanked Customers: Gift cards can serve as a payment method for those without traditional bank accounts, but they also expose these customers to risks. The regulatory leniency on gift cards can lead to significant financial losses for vulnerable populations.

Overall, while gift cards are a useful financial tool, their regulation and the prevalence of scams create significant risks for consumers, especially those who are already financially vulnerable.

iOS 26.3 will introduce new features for third-party devices in the EU, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This update allows devices like earbuds and smartwatches to connect more easily with iPhones and iPads.

Key features include:

• Proximity Pairing: Users can pair third-party devices by simply bringing them close to their iPhone or iPad, making the process quick and easy.
• Notifications: Third-party devices will be able to receive and interact with notifications from an iPhone, similar to the Apple Watch, but only one device can receive notifications at a time.

The European Commission supports these changes, stating they create more opportunities for users and developers. These new features will be tested by developers and are set to be fully available in Europe in 2026. iOS 26.3 is expected to launch at the end of January 2026, but the updates are exclusive to users in the EU.

No summary available.

The Italian Competition Authority has fined Apple nearly 98.6 million euros for abusing its dominant market position. The fine relates to Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy, which was deemed to restrict competition by imposing unfair privacy rules on third-party app developers.

The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the European Commission and other authorities, found that the ATT policy requires developers to obtain consent for data collection in a way that complicates their operations, forcing them to double the consent requests. This is seen as harmful because it limits the ability of developers to collect and use data for targeted advertising, which is crucial for their business models.

The Authority determined that Apple's unilateral enforcement of these terms is disproportionate and not necessary for achieving data protection goals. They concluded that Apple should have allowed developers to obtain consent more efficiently.

On September 3, 1838, Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in Maryland to New York, taking with him a book called The Columbian Orator. This book had a significant impact on his life, helping him understand the principles of freedom and human rights. Douglass became a leading abolitionist and advocate for equality throughout his life.

In his autobiography, Douglass described how learning to read was both a blessing and a curse. While it opened his eyes to the horrors of slavery, it also filled him with despair about his condition. He was inspired by the book's dialogues, especially one where a slave argues for his freedom and convinces his master to let him go, highlighting the power of truth.

Douglass learned to write by observing and practicing with whatever materials he could find, including copying letters from a shipyard. His determination to escape slavery grew stronger as he learned more about abolition and the possibility of freedom. He faced many challenges but remained hopeful for a better future.

The Columbian Orator was a collection of influential speeches and writings, popular in Douglass's time, that emphasized the values of liberty and citizenship. It played a crucial role in shaping Douglass's thoughts and commitment to fighting for the rights of all people.

The project is called "Your Raspberry Pi FM Network." It uses a modified version of PiFmRds to stream audio on FM radio. The setup allows you to control multiple Raspberry Pi devices from a central server, which can be temporarily hosted on Google Cloud Shell or GitHub Codespaces.

On March 19, 2025, a discussion took place about how to assess the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to handle long tasks effectively. The focus was on creating methods to measure AI performance over extended periods of work.

Summary:

When using ONNX Runtime (ORT) with the CoreMLExecutionProvider on Mac, your model may automatically switch from FP32 (32-bit floating point) to FP16 (16-bit floating point) precision, which can change its predictions. This occurs because the default setting for CoreML in ORT casts models to FP16. To keep your model in FP32, you should set it up like this:

ort_session = ort.InferenceSession(onnx_model_path, providers=[("CoreMLExecutionProvider", {"ModelFormat": "MLProgram"})])

The issue was discovered while benchmarking the EyesOff model, where differing outputs were noticed between PyTorch and ONNX on different hardware (CPU vs. GPU). This was due to CoreML's default behavior of using FP16 in the older NeuralNetwork format, leading to discrepancies in predictions around the threshold value of 0.5.

The MLProgram format, introduced later, allows for better control over model precision and does not implicitly convert to FP16. This new format explicitly types model layers and retains FP32 precision, preventing unexpected changes in model behavior.

Key Takeaways:

• Always specify the MLProgram format in ORT to avoid automatic conversion to FP16.
• Test models across all intended platforms to ensure consistent performance.
• Be cautious of implicit defaults that may affect reproducibility and correctness.

No summary available.

Walt Disney Imagineering has introduced a new robotic character, Olaf, the snowman from Frozen, at Disneyland Paris. This next-generation character combines advanced technology, storytelling, and collaboration to create a lifelike experience for guests.

Olaf's design includes iridescent fibers to mimic the shimmer of snow, and he can move and express emotions similar to the character in the film. The Imagineering team worked closely with the original animators to ensure authenticity in Olaf's movements and gestures.

To achieve this realism, they utilized advanced artificial intelligence techniques, allowing Olaf to perform complex actions and engage in conversations with visitors. He will make appearances in the upcoming Arendelle Bay Show at Disneyland Paris and at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

This innovation represents a significant step in Disney's character development, paving the way for more expressive and engaging experiences for guests in the future.

Summary: Grid-Scale Bubble Batteries Will Soon Be Everywhere

Energy Dome has launched a unique energy-storage system in Sardinia, Italy, which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to store excess renewable energy. This innovative "CO2 Battery" can generate 200 megawatt-hours of electricity by compressing and expanding CO2 in a closed system. The facility, operational since July 2025, is expected to inspire similar systems around the world, with the first replica being built by India's NTPC Limited in 2026.

The technology addresses a major challenge in renewable energy: storing power for long periods (more than 8 hours), making it possible to use solar and wind energy even when these sources are not producing. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which only last 4 to 8 hours, CO2 Batteries are cheaper to build and maintain, have a longer lifespan, and do not require special land or rare materials.

Google is investing in this technology to provide its data centers with clean energy around the clock. Energy Dome’s method is seen as a promising solution for energy storage, especially in areas with abundant renewable sources.

Despite some potential risks, such as the environmental impact if a dome is punctured, the advantages of CO2 Batteries—like lower costs and easier scalability—are attracting attention globally, including interest from companies in China.

No summary available.

Summary of History LLMs Project

The History LLMs project, developed by researchers from the University of Zurich and Cologne University, aims to create large language models (LLMs) that focus on historical data. These models, such as Ranke-4B, will be trained on texts published before specific cutoff years, like 1913, 1929, and others, to provide insights into the past without modern biases.

Key Points:

• Purpose: The models serve as tools for research in humanities and social sciences, allowing users to engage with historical perspectives.
• Time-Locked Models: They only access information up to their knowledge cut-off dates, ensuring they reflect the thoughts and beliefs of people from those times.
• Example Responses: The models provide historical context, such as views on slavery and gender roles, without modern interpretations.
• Limitations: These models may reproduce outdated or biased views present in historical texts, which is essential for understanding historical attitudes but may be sensitive.
• Community Involvement: The project welcomes feedback on historical periods of interest and research questions.

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

The article "You’re Not Burnt Out. You’re Existentially Starving" by Neil Thanedar discusses the idea that many people, despite having successful lives, feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction and burnout. This feeling, referred to as the "existential vacuum," stems from a lack of meaning and purpose in life, as explained by psychologist Viktor Frankl.

Frankl observed that during the Holocaust, those who survived found purpose in caring for others and holding onto hope. After the war, however, they struggled to find meaning in their everyday lives. The author suggests that this existential anxiety should not be ignored; instead, it signals our need for a higher purpose.

Thanedar encourages readers to reflect on their childhood dreams and visualize their ideal selves to find fulfillment. He points out that many people are optimizing their lives for comfort rather than seeking meaningful experiences. Millennials, in particular, expect their jobs to offer more than just survival.

The article concludes by emphasizing that those who have achieved abundance in life should help others and pursue deeper, more meaningful goals rather than just accumulating more possessions.

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

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

The project uses advanced models that produce humorous results. Examples are provided for different users. The author encourages others to try it out and share their results, wishing everyone happy holidays!

No summary available.

No summary available.

The author reflects on their excitement when DALL-E was released, describing it as a magical experience. They compare older AI art models, like Midjourney v2, with newer ones, such as Nano Banana Pro (NBP), noting that while the newer models produce technically better images, they are less effective at creating evocative art.

Key comparisons include:

1. Electron Contours: Midjourney’s output, although not perfectly aligned with Italian futurism, is bright and compelling, while NBP's version is dull.

2. Kowloon Walled City: Midjourney produces a beautiful and mysterious image, while NBP's output is colorless and uninspiring.

3. The Dream Garden of the Poets: Midjourney creates a beautiful interpretation, while NBP takes the prompt too literally, missing the intended creativity.

4. The Sack of Merv: Midjourney captures the aesthetics of Waterhouse's style, while NBP fails to represent the historical context correctly.

5. Lady Lovelace: Midjourney’s interpretation reflects Rossetti’s style well, while NBP's version lacks resemblance and feels generic.

The author concludes that older models allow for more imagination and abstraction, while newer models are too precise and concrete, suggesting a need to embrace the imperfections that make art intriguing.

No summary available.

No summary available.

No summary available.

The author expresses frustration about being unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to a hardware requirement called TPM 2.0, which their laptop does not support. Despite their laptop being powerful, they receive constant notifications to upgrade, which they find annoying.

They are unable to dismiss the notification entirely and feel trapped between the options of being reminded later or being directed to ads for new laptops. The author criticizes Microsoft for this design choice, feeling it forces users to consider buying new hardware instead of respecting their current setup. They also mention dissatisfaction with Windows 11's intrusive ads and the push to create a Microsoft account. Overall, they want Microsoft to stop bothering them about the upgrade since their device is not compatible.

Holger, a developer with experience in the lighting industry, created a tool to address a gap in existing software for photometry. Current industry file formats like EULUMDAT and IES are outdated, while new standards focus on spectral data, which provides more detailed information than just lumen values. His tool supports both old formats for compatibility and new spectral data standards (TM-33, ATLA-S001) that are not well supported by existing tools.

The tool is built using Rust and can be compiled into various formats using UniFFI, allowing it to work with different platforms like WASM, SwiftUI, and others. Holger also noted that the generated Swift code became so large that it was classified as a Swift project on GitHub. The tool includes a 3D viewer powered by Bevy.

He welcomes feedback, particularly on the SVG output and the 3D viewer. The project is available on GitHub under the MIT/Apache-2.0 license.