1.Publish on your own site, syndicate elsewhere(Publish on your own site, syndicate elsewhere)
Summary of POSSE (Publish on your Own Site, Syndicate Elsewhere)
POSSE is a method for sharing content where you first publish on your own website and then share links or copies on other platforms (like social media). This approach allows you to control your content, ensure ownership, and provide a direct link back to your original work.
Key Benefits:
- Control and Ownership: By posting first on your own site, you maintain ownership and avoid reliance on third-party services.
- Better Visibility: Linking back to your original content helps improve its searchability and ranking, making it easier for others to discover your work.
- Engagement: You can connect with friends on platforms they prefer while guiding them back to your main content.
How to Implement POSSE:
- When you create content, ensure it is also shared on selected social media platforms, linking back to your original post.
- Automate the process to reduce manual work, providing a seamless experience for users.
Popular Platforms for POSSE:
- Twitter: A common destination for sharing updates from your own site.
- Facebook: Can be used for manual or semi-automatic sharing.
- Medium and WordPress: Support posting through APIs or import functions.
Alternative Concepts:
- COPE (Create Once, Publish Everywhere): Focuses on posting content directly to multiple platforms without an original source.
- PESOS (Post on External Site, Syndicate to Own): Involves posting first on social media and then to your own site, which lacks the ownership benefits of POSSE.
POSSE emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over your content while still engaging with audiences on their preferred platforms. This method is part of the broader IndieWeb movement, which advocates for individual ownership of online content.
2.X-Clacks-Overhead(X-Clacks-Overhead)
The author, a fan of Sir Terry Pratchett, added a special detail to their blog called the X-Clacks-Overhead HTTP header, inspired by Pratchett's novel "Going Postal." This header serves as a tribute, sending the message "GNU Terry Pratchett" to honor the author. The blog is hosted on Cloudflare Pages, which allows for custom HTTP headers through a specific file. This header is included in every request for the site's static assets and HTML. While it doesn't improve performance or functionality, the author believes small touches like this enhance the internet experience.
3.Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro captured after strikes(Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro captured after strikes)
No summary available.
4.Daft Punk Easter Egg in the BPM Tempo of Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger?(Daft Punk Easter Egg in the BPM Tempo of Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger?)
The article discusses the tempo of Daft Punk's song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger," which is generally listed as 123 BPM (Beats Per Minute). However, the author, John Scalo, argues that the actual BPM is 123.45, suggesting that this may have been a playful choice by the band.
Scalo explains how he uses an app he developed to analyze music tempos accurately, noting that most tempo detection tools can struggle with precision. He details the process for measuring BPM manually, which involves counting beats between two clear points in the song.
Through his analysis, he finds that both versions of the song he tested yield tempos very close to 123.45. The author also explores whether the technology Daft Punk used could have supported such precise BPM measurements at the time they created the song, noting that one of their tools, Logic, did support four decimal places.
Ultimately, he concludes that the specific BPM of 123.45 might have been an intentional joke by Daft Punk, leaving a hidden detail for listeners to discover.
5.Of Boot Vectors and Double Glitches: Bypassing RP2350's Secure Boot(Of Boot Vectors and Double Glitches: Bypassing RP2350's Secure Boot)
The RP2350 is a new microcontroller released by Raspberry Pi in August 2024, which includes a challenge to test its secure boot feature. This challenge concluded in January 2025, revealing five different attacks on the secure boot process, including methods like fault injection and double glitches. The talk will detail these attacks, explain how they bypass the secure boot, and discuss the lessons learned in enhancing the chip's security. The RP2350 has built-in protections against such attacks, but real-world testing showed vulnerabilities. The open security ecosystem promoted by Raspberry Pi allowed for transparency and collaboration with researchers to improve the chip's security in future revisions. This talk is relevant for chip designers, manufacturers, hobbyists, and hackers, highlighting the importance of security through transparency.
6.IPv6 just turned 30 and still hasn't taken over the world(IPv6 just turned 30 and still hasn't taken over the world)
IPv6, the successor to IPv4, was introduced in the 1990s to address concerns about running out of IP addresses. It expanded the address space significantly from 4.3 billion to over 340 undecillion addresses, aiming to future-proof the internet. However, despite its potential, less than half of internet users utilize IPv6 today.
One reason for this slow adoption is that IPv6 did not offer significant improvements over IPv4, leading many to stick with the older protocol. Additionally, the introduction of Network Address Translation (NAT) allowed multiple devices to share a single IPv4 address, making the existing system more efficient and delaying the need for IPv6.
Experts argue that while IPv6 hasn’t replaced IPv4 as expected, it has been successful in allowing the internet to grow without breaking. The design of IPv6 supports innovation in various fields, including mobile networks and the Internet of Things.
Despite challenges, some organizations are now encouraged to develop plans for migrating to IPv6, especially as IPv4 addresses become scarcer. However, the relevance of IPv6 may be diminishing as new technologies and approaches to network architecture emerge.
7.A Beginner's Two-Component Crystal-Style Wi-Fi Detector(A Beginner's Two-Component Crystal-Style Wi-Fi Detector)
No summary available.
8.Profiling with Ctrl-C (2024)(Profiling with Ctrl-C (2024))
Summary of "Profiling with Ctrl-C"
The author reflects on the effectiveness of using Ctrl-C in a debugger for profiling programs, especially for simple problems. Initially skeptical of this method, they later recognize its utility, particularly for individuals facing common issues in challenging environments.
The text discusses two main examples:
-
Slow Program Startup: The author discovers a JSON parser causing long startup times by using Ctrl-C to check the call stack. This leads to a fix by changing the parser or optimizing the code.
-
Linker Performance: While switching to a faster linker, the author encounters slow performance in gdb. By using Ctrl-C during the debugging process, they identify issues related to DWARF data handling between different linkers.
The author highlights that while Ctrl-C profiling is simple and often effective for straightforward problems, it may not capture small performance changes or issues in multi-threaded environments.
In conclusion, Ctrl-C profiling is endorsed as a low-effort, practical approach to debugging, often yielding surprising results compared to more complex profiling tools. The author suggests that sometimes, simple methods can be more effective than sophisticated solutions.
9.ParadeDB (YC S23) Is Hiring Database Engineers(ParadeDB (YC S23) Is Hiring Database Engineers)
No summary available.
10.2026 will be my year of the Linux desktop(2026 will be my year of the Linux desktop)
In 2026, the author declares it will be their "Year of the Linux Desktop." They haven't used Windows in over three months and plan to switch their computer's drives to Linux, specifically Fedora. The author finds Windows 11 increasingly frustrating and feels that Linux has improved while Windows has deteriorated due to poor updates and design choices by Microsoft. They believe Linux is now suitable for everyday users, as it offers a better experience and uses system resources more efficiently. The author also mentions they can customize their Linux setup, including integrating a language model themselves, and appreciates the transparency of error messages in Linux.
11.Tomasf/Cadova: Swift DSL for parametric 3D modeling(Tomasf/Cadova: Swift DSL for parametric 3D modeling)
Cadova Overview
Cadova is a Swift library designed for creating 3D models, particularly for 3D printing. It offers a coding-based alternative to traditional CAD tools, allowing users to create precise models using Swift's programming capabilities.
Key Features:
- Code-Based Modeling: Models are entirely written in Swift, making them easy to manage and reuse.
- Cross-Platform: Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Getting Started: A guide is available for new users, along with more documentation in the Wiki.
Example Code: An example shows how to create a hex key holder with different sizes using Cadova's features.
Related Projects:
- Cadova Viewer: A 3MF viewer for macOS.
- Helical: A library for creating customizable threaded parts.
Versioning: Cadova is currently in pre-release, with ongoing changes. Users can start using it now, and feedback is encouraged.
Contributions: The project is open to contributions. Users can report issues or suggest improvements on GitHub.
License: Cadova is licensed under the MIT license.
For more details, visit the official documentation and code examples.
12.Clicks Communicator(Clicks Communicator)
No summary available.
13.Offline tiles and routing and geocoding in one Docker Compose stack(Offline tiles and routing and geocoding in one Docker Compose stack)
The author is developing Corviont, a self-hosted offline maps tool that includes map tiles, routing, and search functions for devices used on-site or at the edge.
Key features include:
- Local vector tiles (using PMTiles)
- Local routing (using Valhalla)
- Offline geocoding/search capabilities (using SQLite Nominatim)
- A user interface from MapLibre connected to local services
After the initial setup, Corviont can operate completely offline without needing external API calls. The author is also considering adding a feature for updating regional datasets on the device.
They are seeking feedback on the importance of offline mapping, routing, and search, as well as any challenges users face regarding hardware, fleet size, update schedules, regions, or deployment methods.
For more information, there are links to a demo, a self-hosting guide, and documentation.
14.Who is hiring? (January 2026)(Who is hiring? (January 2026))
Here’s a simplified summary of the text:
- Job postings should include the location, with "REMOTE" for remote work, "REMOTE (US)" for country-specific remote work, and "ONSITE" if remote work is not allowed.
- Only employees from the hiring company can post jobs, no recruiters or job boards, and only one post per company. If the company isn’t well-known, include a brief description of what it does.
- Posts should be made only if the company is actively hiring and will respond to applicants.
- Commenters should not complain about job posts.
- Readers should only email if they are genuinely interested in the job.
- Job seekers can find more resources at various linked websites for job hunting.
- There is also a related thread titled "Who wants to be hired?" for job seekers.
15.Expository/Succinct Books on Modern Physics(Expository/Succinct Books on Modern Physics)
The text discusses recommendations for books that provide a comprehensive overview of Modern Physics and Physics in general, suitable for undergraduate students.
Key points include:
-
Suggested Authors and Books:
- John Dirk Walecka: His series from World Scientific Publishing covers various topics in Modern Physics, including Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and General Relativity.
- Robert Sproull: Dover’s book "Modern Physics" is noted but considered somewhat outdated.
- S.H. Patil: The book "Elements of Modern Physics" from Springer is modern and up-to-date.
-
Seeking Experiences: The author is looking for feedback from those who have studied or taught using these books.
-
Additional Recommendations: The author is also interested in suggestions for other books that cover similar material and for those that provide necessary mathematical background.
-
Personal Recommendation: The author finds the Soviet-era book "Fundamentals of Physics by Ivanov" quite helpful for getting an overview.
Overall, the text is a search for quality physics textbooks that are clear, mathematically rigorous, and suitable for beginners.
16.How Smell Guides Our Inner World(How Smell Guides Our Inner World)
The article "How Smell Guides Our Inner World" by Yasemin Saplakoglu explores the complex nature of human smell and its connection to emotions and memories. Here are the key points:
-
Understanding Smell: Scientists are gaining insights into how odor molecules enter the nose and are processed by neurons in the brain to create our sense of smell.
-
Emotional Connection: Smells are strongly linked to emotions and memories. For example, the scent of a green tomato can evoke childhood memories, highlighting how personal and emotional our sense of smell is.
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Ancient Sense: Smell is one of our oldest senses, but historically, humans have been considered poor smellers. This belief originated from a misunderstanding in the late 19th century, which has been challenged by recent research.
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Research Advances: New databases and studies are being developed to better understand how different molecules smell to humans, revealing that our sense of smell is more sophisticated than previously thought.
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Neuroscience of Smell: Smell information travels directly to the brain's emotional and memory centers, bypassing the thalamus, leading to strong emotional reactions to scents.
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Individual Perception: Smell perception varies greatly among individuals, influenced by personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. This variability is being studied to enhance our understanding of olfaction.
-
Future Applications: Researchers are working on digital "noses" that could help detect subtle odors related to health and assist those who have lost their sense of smell, improving their quality of life.
In summary, smell plays a crucial role in our emotional and social lives, and ongoing research is uncovering its complexities and potential benefits.
17.Linux kernel security work(Linux kernel security work)
The text discusses the Linux kernel security process, specifically how the Linux kernel security team addresses reported security bugs and the distinction between this team and the CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) team. Key points include:
-
Kernel Security Team's Role: The team reacts to reported security issues, aiming to fix them quickly without making public announcements. They operate independently and handle reports via plain text emails only.
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Reporting Bugs: When reporting a potential security bug, users should send a simple, plain text email without attachments or encryption. The security team may involve subsystem maintainers if they lack expertise in a specific area.
-
Bug Fix Process: Once a bug is reported and addressed, the fix is merged into the kernel without any embargoes longer than seven days. The kernel security team doesn't announce these fixes; the CVE team handles CVE assignments later.
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No Announcements: The security team does not announce fixes or maintain a pre-announcement list, as all bug fixes are treated equally, and any bug can be a potential security issue.
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Historical Context: The process for reporting kernel security issues has evolved since 2005, when a centralized email alias was established to streamline communications.
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Hardware Issues: For hardware-related security issues, a special encrypted email list may be used, allowing for limited embargoes, though this process is seen as cumbersome.
Overall, the Linux kernel security policy emphasizes quick resolution of known bugs and maintaining user privacy regarding specific vulnerabilities, reflecting the complexity and variability of how Linux is used across different systems.
18.UK company sends factory with 1,000C furnace into space(UK company sends factory with 1,000C furnace into space)
A UK company called Space Forge is making progress in space manufacturing by launching a small factory that can produce semiconductors in orbit. They successfully tested a furnace that reaches temperatures of about 1,000°C, which is ideal for creating high-quality materials. Semiconductors made in space can be up to 4,000 times purer than those made on Earth due to the unique conditions in space, such as weightlessness and a vacuum that prevents contamination.
The company's mini-factory was launched on a SpaceX rocket, and the team is currently testing its systems. They plan to build a larger factory capable of producing enough semiconductor material for 10,000 chips. To bring the materials back to Earth safely, they will test a heat shield named Pridwen.
Experts believe that in-space manufacturing is a promising field that could lead to products benefiting people on Earth. Other companies are also exploring similar opportunities in space for various applications.
19.Jank Lang Hit Alpha(Jank Lang Hit Alpha)
Summary of Jank
Jank is a programming language that combines features of Clojure and C++. It runs on LLVM instead of the JVM, allowing it to interoperate with C++ rather than Java. Jank is designed to be easy to use, interactive, and efficient, focusing on functional programming and immutability.
Key Features:
- Immutable Data: All built-in data structures are persistent and cannot be changed.
- Functional Style: Functions can produce side effects, but they do not alter the original data.
- C++ Interoperability: Jank allows seamless integration with C++ code.
Jank is currently in its early development stage (alpha). For more information, users can refer to the documentation and the jank book.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Individuals or companies can sponsor the project for at least $25/month to have their names or logos featured.
Recent News: Highlights include events like Clojure Conj 2023 and various discussions about the language.
20.Recursive Language Models(Recursive Language Models)
We explore a new way for large language models (LLMs) to handle very long prompts by introducing Recursive Language Models (RLMs). This method allows the LLM to break down long prompts into smaller parts and analyze them effectively. Our findings show that RLMs can manage inputs that are much longer than what typical models can handle. Additionally, for shorter prompts, RLMs significantly improve the quality of responses compared to standard LLMs and other long-context techniques, while also being equally or less expensive per use.
21.A Basic Just-In-Time Compiler (2015)(A Basic Just-In-Time Compiler (2015))
Summary of "A Basic Just-In-Time Compiler"
The article discusses the creation of a simple Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler to handle a programming challenge involving recurrence relations. Instead of interpreting the operations step by step, the author opted to compile them into machine code for better performance.
Key Points:
-
Challenge Overview: The challenge involves defining a recurrence relation, starting from an initial term and applying a series of operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to compute subsequent terms.
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JIT Compiler Benefits: By using a JIT compiler, the program translates operations into native machine code, allowing the hardware to execute them efficiently.
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Memory Management: Modern operating systems protect memory with various permissions (read, write, execute). The author uses
mmap()(orVirtualAlloc()on Windows) to allocate memory for executable code. Memory permissions are adjusted usingmprotect()on POSIX systems orVirtualProtect()on Windows. -
Instruction Handling: The JIT compiler builds a buffer for machine code instructions. The code is assembled and inserted into this buffer, which is then made executable.
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Calling Conventions: The compiler adheres to the System V AMD64 ABI calling convention, using specific registers for function arguments and return values.
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Instruction Generation: The author uses an assembler to generate the machine code for operations and inserts this code into the buffer. The operations are performed on values passed to the JIT-compiled function.
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Execution: After generating the code, the buffer is finalized to become executable, and the function pointer is called to compute values based on the defined recurrence relation.
Overall, the article provides insight into the basics of creating a JIT compiler, including memory management and instruction generation, while highlighting the advantages of compiling code for performance.
22.Hacking VBA to support native scripting runtime with no COM dependencies(Hacking VBA to support native scripting runtime with no COM dependencies)
Advanced Scripting Framework (ASF) Summary
The Advanced Scripting Framework (ASF) is a powerful tool that enhances classic VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) by adding modern scripting capabilities. It allows users to write more complex scripts without needing external components, making it easy to integrate into existing Office applications.
Key Features:
- Modern Language Features: ASF introduces features like first-class functions, closures, arrays, and objects, making it easier to write and manage complex logic.
- No External Dependencies: It runs directly on VBA, using a compact interpreter, which simplifies setup and reduces compatibility issues.
- Rich Functionality: It supports a variety of programming constructs including control flow statements (if, for, while), array methods (map, filter, reduce), and string manipulation functions.
- Native Regex Support: There's a built-in regex engine that provides advanced string processing capabilities.
- Readable Design: The framework allows users to inspect and debug the generated code easily, enhancing the development experience.
- Interoperability: Users can seamlessly call existing VBA functions within ASF scripts.
Getting Started: To use ASF, you need to import specific modules into your VBA project and can then compile and run scripts with simple commands.
Examples of Usage:
- Mapping Arrays: You can transform arrays with custom functions.
- Chaining Methods: Multiple array operations can be chained together.
- String Manipulation: Easy replacement and concatenation of strings.
Testing and Contributions: ASF includes a comprehensive test suite to ensure reliability. Users can contribute by reporting issues or suggesting features.
Licensing: ASF is released under the MIT license, making it accessible for various uses.
In summary, ASF modernizes VBA scripting, allowing for more efficient and powerful code development within the Office ecosystem.
23.uvx ptn, scan a QR, get a terminal in your phone(uvx ptn, scan a QR, get a terminal in your phone)
You can scan a QR code to access a web terminal that allows you to code from your bed. This mobile-friendly terminal is set up using Cloudflare Quick Tunnel, and it doesn't require any port forwarding. Your feedback is appreciated!
24.IQuest-Coder: A new open-source code model beats Claude Sonnet 4.5 and GPT 5.1 [pdf](IQuest-Coder: A new open-source code model beats Claude Sonnet 4.5 and GPT 5.1 [pdf])
No summary available.
25.Who wants to be hired? (January 2026)(Who wants to be hired? (January 2026))
If you're searching for a job, please share your information using this format:
Location:
Remote:
Willing to relocate:
Technologies:
Résumé/CV:
Email:
Only individuals looking for work should post. Agencies, recruiters, and job boards are not allowed.
If you're a reader, please only email the provided addresses to discuss job opportunities.
You can find these posts at wantstobehired.com.
26.Fighting Fire with Fire: Scalable Oral Exams(Fighting Fire with Fire: Scalable Oral Exams)
Summary: Scalable Oral Exams with Voice AI
A computer scientist shares insights from using a voice AI agent for oral exams in a business school class. The initiative was inspired by the realization that students could submit polished written work but struggled to explain their ideas verbally.
To address this, they implemented oral exams using ElevenLabs' Voice AI, which could efficiently handle the logistics of questioning students. The exams consisted of two parts: discussing a student's project and answering questions about case studies from class.
Key findings included:
- The AI system cost only $15 for 36 students, a significant saving compared to traditional grading methods that would require 30 hours of human time.
- Students found the AI's voice intimidating and the questioning style challenging, leading to adjustments in pacing and tone for future exams.
- Feedback from the AI was more structured and actionable than that from human graders, highlighting strengths and weaknesses clearly.
- Analyzing student performance revealed gaps in teaching, particularly in experimentation topics, prompting a review of the curriculum.
Overall, while students preferred traditional exams, many acknowledged that the AI format tested their understanding effectively. The experiment demonstrated the potential of AI to create scalable, meaningful assessments that encourage real-time reasoning and comprehension. Future improvements will focus on refining the AI's interaction style, enhancing question delivery, and ensuring fairness in grading.
27.Accounting for Computer Scientists (2011)(Accounting for Computer Scientists (2011))
Summary of "Accounting for Computer Scientists"
The author emphasizes the importance of understanding basic accounting, similar to other essential fields like math and science. However, he finds that many accountants struggle to explain their work clearly, often using complex jargon.
He simplifies accounting by comparing it to graph theory, where accounts are nodes and transactions are edges connecting them. This method helps visualize money flow and account balances. Each account starts with a balance of zero, and transactions adjust these balances based on money coming in or going out.
Key concepts include:
- Accounts and Transactions: Transactions are represented as edges between nodes (accounts) in a graph.
- Balancing: Each transaction is recorded twice, ensuring that the total balance remains zero, which helps verify accuracy.
- Financial Statements: The article explains how to derive a profit and loss statement (P&L) and a balance sheet from the graph. The P&L lists revenues and expenses over a period, while the balance sheet summarizes what the company owns (assets) and owes (liabilities).
The P&L indicates profitability, while the balance sheet shows the company’s current financial position. Understanding these concepts helps entrepreneurs manage their finances better and communicate effectively with investors.
Overall, the author aims to demystify accounting for those with a background in computing, making it more accessible and intuitive.
28.Adventure 751 (1980)(Adventure 751 (1980))
Summary of Adventure 751 (1980)
Adventure 751 is a popular variation of the classic Crowther/Woods Adventure game that was available on CompuServe in the early 1980s and recently rediscovered. The game combines elements of fantasy adventure, where players explore a magical cave while avoiding dangers like a dragon.
The University of Arizona played a significant role in early computing, creating an Analog Computer Laboratory in 1958 and later developing hybrid computers that combined analog and digital components. A notable project was the ASTRAC series, which supported advanced calculations for the Air Force and NASA.
In the late 1960s, students at the university considered starting a time-sharing company, which eventually led to the founding of CompuServe by Jeff Wilkins and his colleagues. CompuServe quickly grew, offering time-sharing services and later adapting to the rising popularity of personal computers in the late 1970s.
Wilkins launched MicroNET in 1978 to connect microcomputer users and offered various services, including games. CompuServe’s gaming catalog featured popular titles like Star Trek and Adventure, leading to significant revenue growth.
Adventure 501, a version created by David Long, was developed in the late 1970s and later sold to CompuServe. It featured improvements in game mechanics and a more advanced parser compared to earlier versions.
The game includes various puzzles and treasures, as well as a unique blend of environments, from caves to forests. Adventure 751 is characterized by its clever design, with playful elements like unexpected exits and hidden treasures. The game has been preserved and is now playable, rekindling interest in classic interactive fiction and game preservation efforts.
29.The rsync algorithm (1996) [pdf](The rsync algorithm (1996) [pdf])
The report titled "The rsync algorithm" by Andrew Tridgell and Paul Mackerras, published in June 1996, introduces a method for efficiently updating files between two computers connected by a slow communication link.
Key Points:
-
Purpose: The rsync algorithm aims to make files on one machine identical to files on another without transferring all data, focusing instead on transferring only the differences between them.
-
How It Works:
- The algorithm identifies parts of the source file that match the destination file and only sends the parts that differ.
- It uses a rolling checksum technique to quickly find matching blocks in the files without having both files available at the same location.
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Steps Involved:
- The destination file is split into fixed-size blocks.
- The algorithm generates checksums for these blocks and sends them to the source machine.
- The source machine then searches for matching blocks using these checksums.
- Only the differing parts of the source file are sent over the link, reducing the amount of data transferred.
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Efficiency:
- The algorithm works best when the files are similar but can still function well with quite different files.
- It minimizes latency by requiring only one round trip for communication to update the files.
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Testing and Results:
- The report includes tests comparing the rsync method to traditional file copying methods, showing significant reductions in data transfer, especially for large files with minor changes.
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Availability:
- The rsync tool has been implemented and is available for download, providing a user-friendly interface similar to the UNIX command
rcp.
- The rsync tool has been implemented and is available for download, providing a user-friendly interface similar to the UNIX command
In summary, the rsync algorithm is a smart way to sync files over slow connections by sending only the necessary differences, making file updates faster and more efficient.
30.The Cost of a Closure in C: The Rest(The Cost of a Closure in C: The Rest)
Summary of "The Cost of a Closure in C, The Rest"
This article continues the exploration of performance benchmarks for closures in C and C++ by introducing new testing categories. The focus is on assessing the performance of various function types in C, especially regarding how extra arguments can impact speed.
Key Points:
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Benchmarking Changes: The recent benchmarks were run with greater repetitions (150) to provide more accurate performance data across different function types.
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New Function Categories:
- Normal Functions: Regular C functions with an additional argument for data.
- Normal Functions (Rosetta Code): Similar to normal functions but using a pointer to an existing value.
- Normal Functions (Static): Uses a static variable for context; not thread-safe.
- Normal Functions (Thread Local): Similar to static but thread-safe.
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Performance Insights:
- There's a notable performance difference between different function types, particularly when comparing normal functions to those using pointers.
- Using direct variable access (like integers) rather than pointers can significantly improve speed.
- Lambdas (function-like structures) perform best due to their encapsulation and type preservation.
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Drawbacks of Static and Thread Local Variables: Both have performance overhead, especially when compared to regular functions. The use of thread-local variables generally slows down execution further.
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Critique of GNU Nested Functions: These functions demonstrate poor performance, which raises questions about their integration into standard compilers.
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Final Conclusions:
- Lambdas and the proposed capture functions provide the best performance.
- Type erasure (hiding type information) can lead to performance costs in C.
- The article suggests that while certain approaches exist for closures, they often come with trade-offs that affect speed.
Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of function design in C programming, particularly in relation to performance, while highlighting the advantages of lambda functions over traditional methods.
31.Unix v4 (1973) – Live Terminal(Unix v4 (1973) – Live Terminal)
No summary available.
32.TinyTinyTPU: 2×2 systolic-array TPU-style matrix-multiply unit deployed on FPGA(TinyTinyTPU: 2×2 systolic-array TPU-style matrix-multiply unit deployed on FPGA)
TinyTinyTPU Summary
TinyTinyTPU is a small, educational implementation of Google's TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) architecture, designed for FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) deployment. It features a 2×2 systolic array for matrix multiplication with four processing elements and supports multi-layer MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron) inference.
Key Features:
- Architecture: 2×2 systolic array for efficient data flow, including post-processing stages like activation, normalization, and quantization.
- Deployment: Runs on a Basys3 FPGA board using Xilinx Artix-7.
- Resource Usage: Utilizes approximately 1,000 LUTs (Logic Units), 1,000 Flip-Flops, and 8 DSP slices, with an estimated gate count of 25,000.
Components:
- Systolic Array: Data flows horizontally (activations) and vertically (partial sums).
- Weight Loading: Implements diagonal wavefront loading for timing efficiency.
- MLP Pipeline: Handles multi-layer processing with double-buffered activations.
Setup Requirements:
- Simulation: Verilator, Python, and GTKWave.
- FPGA Build: Xilinx Vivado or open-source tools (Yosys/nextpnr).
- Inferences: Requires a Basys3 board and Python for communication.
Usage:
- Users can run tests and simulations, load weights and activations, and execute inferences via a Python interface.
- The project includes example scripts for basic inference and gesture recognition.
Development and Contributions: TinyTinyTPU encourages contributions for improvements in testing coverage, performance, and documentation. It serves as a learning tool for understanding TPU architectures and FPGA prototyping.
Overall, TinyTinyTPU provides a simplified platform for exploring machine learning inference on hardware.
33.Einstein Probe detects an X-ray flare from nearby star(Einstein Probe detects an X-ray flare from nearby star)
No summary available.
34.Assorted less(1) tips(Assorted less(1) tips)
Summary of Less(1) Tips by Tim Chase
Tim Chase shares tips on using the less command, a tool for viewing text files in the terminal.
-
Opening Files: You can open multiple files directly with
less, for example:less README.txt file.c *.md -
Adding Files: While reading, add another file to the list with
:e file.h. -
Navigating Files: Use
:nto go to the next file,:pfor the previous file, and:xto return to the first file. -
Removing Files: Use
:dto delete the current file from the list if you're done with it. -
Jumping to Lines: Type
countGto go to a specific line (e.g.,3141Gfor line 3141). -
Searching: Use
/patternto search forward and?patternfor backward. You can use modifiers like!to find lines that don't match the pattern. -
Filtering Lines: Use
&patternto show only matching lines, or&!patternto exclude them. -
Bookmarking: Mark locations with
mfollowed by a letter and return to them with'followed by the same letter. -
Bracket Matching: Typing an opening bracket will jump to its matching closing bracket.
-
Toggling Options: Change options like word-wrap or search highlighting without restarting
lessby typing-option. -
Running External Commands: Use
!to run commands like!date. -
Setting Default Options: You can set default options for
lessin your shell configuration file. -
Miscellaneous:
lesssupports tags for navigation, allows editing the current document withv, and can log output usingo.
These tips help improve efficiency when using the less command in the terminal.
35.Punkt. Unveils MC03 Smartphone(Punkt. Unveils MC03 Smartphone)
No summary available.
36.Website that plays the lottery every second(Website that plays the lottery every second)
No summary available.
37.HPV vaccination reduces oncogenic HPV16/18 prevalence from 16% to <1% in Denmark(HPV vaccination reduces oncogenic HPV16/18 prevalence from 16% to <1% in Denmark)
No summary available.
38.Chain Flinger(Chain Flinger)
No summary available.
39.FracturedJson(FracturedJson)
Summary of FracturedJson
FracturedJson is a set of tools designed to format JSON data in a way that is easy for humans to read while still being compact. Key features include:
-
Readability: It keeps simple arrays and objects on a single line unless they are too complex. Similar lines are aligned like a table for better visibility.
-
Multiple Formats: There are options for different output formats, including:
- Inlined: Simple objects are written in one line.
- Compact Multiline Array: Arrays are displayed with multiple items per line across several lines.
- Table Format: Similar items are organized in a table layout for easy comparison.
- Expanded: More complex items are spread across multiple lines with clear indentation.
-
Settings: Users can adjust various settings to control how the output looks, but default settings usually provide good results without needing changes.
-
Compatibility: FracturedJson can be used in different programming environments, including .NET, JavaScript/TypeScript, and as a Visual Studio Code extension.
Overall, FracturedJson aims to improve JSON readability without sacrificing compactness, making it easier for users to work with JSON data.
40.Uxn32: Uxn Emulator for Windows and Wine(Uxn32: Uxn Emulator for Windows and Wine)
Summary of Uxn32 - Uxn Emulator for Windows and Wine
Uxn32 is a user-friendly emulator for the Uxn virtual machine that works on various Windows versions (from Windows 95 to 11) and with Wine on Linux.
Key Features:
- Compatibility: Supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems across multiple Windows versions and Wine.
- Simplicity: It is a single executable file with no installation or additional dependencies.
- Functionality: Includes a debugger, high DPI support, and pre-emptive execution to prevent freezing during long processes.
- Easy Use: To get started, download the Uxn32 Essentials Pack, unzip it, and run the executable.
Controls:
- Use keyboard shortcuts for various functions like zooming, debugging, and resetting ROM files.
Building the Emulator:
- For Windows, use Visual C++ or CMake. For Linux, Winelib allows development using GCC or Clang.
- Building is straightforward, with minimal setup required.
Future Improvements (TODO List):
- Features like drag-and-drop ROM loading, audio output, and a graphical debugger are planned.
- Enhancements for user preferences and performance indicators are also in the works.
License:
- Some files are all rights reserved, while others are under the MIT license.
Overall, Uxn32 is a versatile and easy-to-use emulator suitable for various operating systems and users.
41.A small collection of text-only websites(A small collection of text-only websites)
No summary available.
42.39th Chaos Communication Congress Videos(39th Chaos Communication Congress Videos)
No summary available.
43.Tally – A tool to help agents classify your bank transactions(Tally – A tool to help agents classify your bank transactions)
Summary:
Bank transactions can be confusing because they use vague categories like "Shopping" instead of more specific ones like "Kids > Clothing" or "Home > Furniture." This makes it hard to track different types of expenses, such as distinguishing "Coffee" purchases from "Fast Food."
44.ThingsBoard: Open-Source IoT Platform(ThingsBoard: Open-Source IoT Platform)
ThingsBoard is an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) platform designed for collecting, processing, visualizing data, and managing devices. Here are the key points:
-
Installation Options: You can install ThingsBoard on your own server, use the cloud version, or try a live demo.
-
Getting Started: A guide and video are available to help you learn how to:
- Connect devices to ThingsBoard
- Send data from devices
- Create real-time dashboards
- Manage customers and assign dashboards
- Set up alerts and notifications via email, SMS, or apps.
-
Features:
- Device Management: Easily manage and monitor your IoT devices and assets.
- Data Collection and Visualization: Gather and display data using customizable dashboards.
- SCADA Dashboards: Monitor industrial processes in real-time.
- Data Processing: Set up rules to process data and trigger alarms based on specific events.
-
IoT Rule Engine: Create complex rules to handle data from devices based on specific needs.
-
Real-Time Dashboards: The platform is user-friendly and adaptable, helping you quickly implement solutions for various applications like smart energy, fleet tracking, and smart farming.
-
Support and Licensing: For help, visit their GitHub page. The platform is released under the Apache 2.0 License.
For more details, you can check their website or documentation.
45.If you care about security you might want to move the iPhone Camera app(If you care about security you might want to move the iPhone Camera app)
John Graham-Cumming's blog discusses a security concern with the iPhone Camera app. If you lightly touch the Camera app icon without opening it, the camera activates briefly, which can confuse users into thinking their camera is being used without permission. This triggers the green dot indicator on the iPhone, causing unnecessary worry for security-conscious users.
To confirm the source of the issue, Graham-Cumming used Apple's App Privacy Report, which showed the camera was indeed being used by the Camera app due to accidental touches. He resolved the concern by moving the Camera app icon to a less accessible location, significantly reducing these accidental activations.
He emphasizes that understanding and managing such quirks is essential for maintaining security, as overlooked odd behaviors could mask real threats.
46.10 years of personal finances in plain text files(10 years of personal finances in plain text files)
In January 2026, I will celebrate 10 years of using Beancount to manage my personal finances. Each month, I spend about 30-45 minutes downloading my bank statements and importing them into my Beancount ledger. Over the past decade, I've recorded over 45,000 lines of entries in 16 plain text files, totaling around 10,000 transactions and 20,000 postings.
My Beancount ledger includes about 1,086 virtual accounts for various expenses and income sources, and I have attached around 500 documents, like receipts, to my transactions for easy tax preparation. The year 2023 has been my busiest with 2,651 postings.
My monthly routine involves downloading my bank statements in CSV format, using an importer to convert this data for Beancount, and then manually balancing the entries to ensure they sum to zero. At the start of each year, I archive the previous year's transactions into separate files for better organization.
Since I use banks in Germany, I developed custom importers for several banks to facilitate this process. Initially, I found Beancount's documentation challenging, which inspired me to write a guide for newcomers that has received positive feedback.
Overall, keeping my finances in plain text files on my own machine feels valuable and secure, ensuring that I have control over my data. This milestone of 10 years highlights the power and longevity of plaintext accounting.
47.James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies(James Moylan, engineer behind arrow signaling which side to refuel a car, dies)
Jim Moylan, a former Ford engineer, passed away at the age of 80. He is best known for creating the "Moylan Arrow," a simple indicator on cars that shows which side the gas tank is on. This idea came to him in 1986 after he parked on the wrong side of a gas pump during a rainstorm. Frustrated, he proposed adding an arrow near the fuel gauge to help drivers. By 1989, the Moylan Arrow was included in Ford vehicles and became widely adopted across the automobile industry. Moylan worked at Ford for many years, starting as a draftsman in 1968 and retiring in 2003. His contribution has made refueling easier for countless drivers.
48.Going immutable on macOS, using Nix-Darwin(Going immutable on macOS, using Nix-Darwin)
Summary of "Going Immutable on macOS"
Overview: The article discusses the author's transition from using Homebrew (an imperative package manager) to Nix (an immutable package manager) on macOS, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this change.
Key Points:
-
The Problem with Homebrew:
- Homebrew is a popular package manager, but it changes the system's state in an unpredictable way, making it hard to replicate setups. Over time, this can lead to a "broken" system.
-
Nix and System Immutability:
- Nix offers a solution by treating the system as a pure function of its configuration. Key benefits include:
- Reproducibility: Each package has a unique hash, allowing multiple versions to coexist without conflict.
- Rollbacks: Users can revert to previous system states easily.
- Flakes: This feature allows users to pin configurations to specific versions, ensuring consistency across systems.
- Nix offers a solution by treating the system as a pure function of its configuration. Key benefits include:
-
The "Get and Forget" Workflow:
- Nix allows users to create temporary environments for testing without affecting the main system, providing a clean and conflict-free way to run applications.
-
Learning Curve:
- Transitioning to Nix can be challenging due to its complex concepts and the need to learn a new domain-specific language. Users may need to troubleshoot to get applications working correctly.
-
Hybrid Approach:
- While Nix is powerful, it may not be suitable for all applications, especially GUI ones that expect to update themselves. The author suggests a hybrid approach, using Nix for core components and Homebrew for GUI applications.
-
Getting Started:
- To transition to Nix, users should:
- Install the Determinate Nix Installer.
- Set up Flakes and home-manager for configuration.
- Organize configurations modularly (system settings, development tools, GUI apps).
- Version everything and commit the flake.lock file.
- To transition to Nix, users should:
Conclusion: Although switching to Nix requires more initial effort, it provides a stable and predictable environment for managing macOS, defined by code rather than manual commands.
49.Parental controls aren't for parents(Parental controls aren't for parents)
No summary available.
50.Matz 2/2: The trajectory of Ruby's growth, Open-Source Software today etc.(Matz 2/2: The trajectory of Ruby's growth, Open-Source Software today etc.)
On New Year's Eve 2024, the final broadcast of the year features an interview with Yukihiro Matsumoto, known as Matz, the creator of the Ruby programming language. The discussion highlights Ruby's journey, including the first Ruby conference in America, the rise of Ruby on Rails in 2004, and Ruby's popularity among startups like GitHub.
Matz shares his experiences as an open-source software developer and expresses concerns about the new generation's understanding of open-source principles. The conversation covers his connections with renowned developers like Dave Thomas and Linus Torvalds, and discusses the friendly nature of the Ruby community, which Matz credits to cultural influences.
Throughout the interview, Matz reflects on his favorite programming languages, his modest demeanor, and the importance of community support in Ruby's success. The episode concludes with Matz wishing everyone a Happy New Year and expressing gratitude for the Ruby community's warmth and creativity.
51.List, inspect and explore OCI container images, their layers and contents(List, inspect and explore OCI container images, their layers and contents)
Summary of cek Utility
Cek is a command-line tool that allows users to explore OCI container images without actually running them. It helps you browse files, read their contents, and inspect image layers directly from local containers (like Docker or Podman) or by pulling from remote registries. Key features include:
-
No Root Privileges Needed: Cek runs without requiring admin access and supports any OCI-compliant image registry.
-
Installation: You can install cek using Go with the command
go install github.com/bschaatsbergen/cek@latestor build it from source. -
Image Inspection: You can view image metadata (like size and layers) using
cek inspect <image-name>. -
File Listing: The command
cek ls <image-name>lists files in the image, showing a merged view of all layers. -
Reading File Contents: Use
cek cat <image-name> <file-path>to read file contents directly without creating a container. -
Image Comparison: The
cek compare <image1> <image2>command allows you to see differences between two image versions. -
Tag Listing: You can list available image tags from the remote registry with
cek tags <image-name>. -
Exporting Images: Cek can export images to tar files for easy sharing and backup with the command
cek export <image-name> -o <file-name>. -
Directory Tree Visualization: The command
cek tree <image-name>visualizes the filesystem structure of an image. -
Container Daemon Support: Cek can connect to local container daemons to access cached images and avoid rate limits.
-
Pull Policies: It defaults to using local cached images to prevent unnecessary network calls but can be configured to always pull from the registry or only use local caches.
Cek is useful for inspecting, comparing, and managing container images efficiently without the overhead of running them.
52.What you need to know before touching a video file(What you need to know before touching a video file)
Key Points to Know Before Working with Video Files
-
Understanding Video Files:
- Video files come in different formats (like .mp4, .mkv), which are called container formats. These containers hold encoded video and audio streams but do not determine how the video is compressed.
- The actual encoding formats (like H.264, H.265) do the heavy lifting of compressing the video.
-
Remuxing vs. Reencoding:
- Remuxing: Changing the container format (e.g., from .mkv to .mp4) without altering the video quality. It's simpler and faster.
- Reencoding: This changes the actual video data, which can degrade quality and requires more processing power.
-
Video Quality Misconceptions:
- Video quality is not solely determined by resolution, file size, or format. It is influenced by encoding settings and the original footage.
- The encoding tool and its settings (like CRF for constant rate factor) are crucial for maintaining quality.
-
What Affects Quality:
- Resolution: Higher resolution does not guarantee better quality. It can actually lead to inefficiencies in encoding.
- Frame Rate: Changing the frame rate can introduce issues; stick to standard rates unless necessary.
- Colors and Sharpness: Adjusting brightness or adding sharpness can distort the original artistic intent of the video.
-
Choosing the Right Tools:
- Use x264 or x265 for encoding to achieve the best quality.
- Avoid tools like Handbrake for basic conversions without understanding their settings.
-
Recommended Practices:
- Always remux when possible to avoid quality loss.
- Keep encoding to a minimum; do it primarily at the end of your workflow.
- If hardsubbing, do it from a lossless source to minimize quality degradation.
-
Evaluating Video Quality:
- Look for artifacts in dark areas, sharp lines, and areas with high contrast to assess quality loss.
- Use tools like MediaInfo to inspect video files and understand their properties.
By understanding these principles, you can avoid common mistakes and work more effectively with video files while maintaining quality.
53.One Number I Trust: Plain-Text Accounting for a Multi-Currency Household(One Number I Trust: Plain-Text Accounting for a Multi-Currency Household)
Summary: One Number I Trust: Plain-Text Accounting for a Multi-Currency Household
In this article, the author describes their personal finance system built using plain-text accounting principles and a Python library called Beancount. The system is designed for managing finances across 18 accounts, three currencies, and two people, focusing on achieving a trustworthy net worth number.
Key Points:
-
Background: The author faced chaos during tax season while computing capital gains, leading them to seek automation for simplicity. Initial attempts using scripts failed due to complexity and errors.
-
Double-Entry Bookkeeping: The author adopted double-entry bookkeeping, which ensures every transaction is balanced, making it easier to understand financial flows and track net worth accurately.
-
Plain Text Accounting: The system uses plain text files for transactions, enabling easy editing, version control, and privacy. This approach allows for better auditability and flexibility compared to traditional apps.
-
Beancount Tool: Beancount was chosen for its strictness, flexibility, and the ability to automate processes. It offers a web UI (Fava) for visualizing financial data, generating reports, and managing transactions.
-
Automation: The author prefers importing transactions from bank statements (especially PDFs) into the system, highlighting the reliability of PDFs over CSVs. They automate the parsing and categorization of transactions using custom scripts.
-
Investment Tracking: Investments are treated as commodities, allowing for detailed tracking of capital gains and dividends. The author emphasizes the importance of tracking at a granular level for accurate reporting.
-
Multiple Views: The author created different views for daily use and tax time, allowing for easy aggregation and transformation of transactions without duplicating data.
-
Household Finances: After getting married, the author developed a system to manage individual and shared finances without losing track of household net worth.
-
Weekly Maintenance: Maintaining the system requires about 20 minutes a week, involving importing statements, categorizing transactions, and checking balances.
Overall, the author stresses the importance of a customizable, transparent, and reliable financial tracking system that evolves with life changes, promoting better control and understanding of personal finances.
54.Steve Jobs, Atari Employee Number 40 (2011)(Steve Jobs, Atari Employee Number 40 (2011))
Informa PLC operates a vast network of over 220 online properties that cover more than 10,000 topics, reaching an audience of over 50 million professionals. They provide original and reliable content to help businesses make informed decisions.
The text also discusses Steve Jobs’ early career at Atari, where he worked as a technician despite having little experience. Jobs was known for his unusual habits and abrasive personality but showed potential. After a brief period away to seek spiritual enlightenment in India, he returned to Atari, where he collaborated with Steve Wozniak on the game Breakout. Jobs managed to secure a financial reward by having Wozniak do most of the engineering work. Eventually, Jobs and Wozniak went on to create Apple Computer, marking a significant turn in technology history.
55.Standard Ebooks: Public Domain Day 2026 in Literature(Standard Ebooks: Public Domain Day 2026 in Literature)
Public Domain Day 2026 Overview
Public Domain Day is celebrated on January 1st, marking the day when older works lose copyright protection and become free for everyone to use. In the U.S., works published in 1930 will enter the public domain on January 1, 2026. This includes famous books by authors such as William Faulkner, Franz Kafka, Agatha Christie, and Langston Hughes.
Key Points:
- Copyright was originally intended to be short-lived to encourage creativity, but it has been extended many times, resulting in a long wait for works to enter the public domain.
- 2019 marked a significant moment as many works finally entered the public domain after nearly a century.
- A selection of notable books from 1930 will be available for free, including:
- The Castle by Franz Kafka
- The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
- As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
- Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes
- The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
- Several Nancy Drew novels by Carolyn Keene
Standard Ebooks has prepared 20 new free ebooks to celebrate this occasion. The aim is to promote free access to literature and encourage creativity.
56.Miri: Practical Undefined Behavior Detection for Rust [pdf](Miri: Practical Undefined Behavior Detection for Rust [pdf])
Summary of Miri: Practical Undefined Behavior Detection for Rust
Miri is a tool developed to detect Undefined Behavior (UB) in Rust programs, particularly those using unsafe code where memory safety cannot be guaranteed. Rust is a programming language known for its strong type system that ensures safety, but it also allows for unsafe operations that can lead to serious bugs if misused.
Key Points:
-
Undefined Behavior (UB): UB occurs when a program violates the assumptions made by the compiler, leading to unpredictable results and potential security vulnerabilities. It is a major concern for developers using unsafe Rust, as a single error can cause significant issues.
-
Miri's Capabilities: Miri can identify de-facto UB in deterministic Rust code by simulating the Rust Abstract Machine. It includes features like:
- Tracking pointer provenance (the origin of pointers).
- Validating Rust type invariants.
- Detecting data races and memory errors.
- Supporting basic OS functionalities to run real-world Rust code.
-
Performance and Integration: Miri has been integrated into the development processes of the Rust standard library and many libraries, successfully executing over 70% of tests from more than 100,000 Rust libraries. It has already identified numerous bugs and prevented them from being merged into codebases.
-
Testing Approach: Instead of trying to prove that a program is free of UB in all cases (which is complex), Miri focuses on dynamically testing specific executions to catch UB during program runs. This practical approach allows for effective detection of many common errors.
-
Examples of Errors Detected:
- Uninitialized Memory: Miri detects when uninitialized memory is incorrectly accessed.
- Use-After-Free Errors: It identifies when a program tries to use memory that has already been freed.
- Data Races: Miri can find unsynchronized access to shared data between threads.
- Memory Leaks: It reports when memory is not properly released after use.
-
Architecture: Miri operates as an interpreter using an intermediate representation of Rust code (MIR), allowing it to track additional state information essential for detecting UB, such as whether memory is initialized and the provenance of pointers.
In summary, Miri is a practical tool that helps Rust developers detect and prevent dangerous programming errors that can lead to Undefined Behavior, enhancing the safety and reliability of Rust applications.
57.Why users cannot create Issues directly(Why users cannot create Issues directly)
In the Ghostty project, users cannot create issues directly in the repository. Instead, they must first create a discussion. This method helps keep the issue tracker focused and organized, ensuring that every issue is actionable and ready to be worked on.
Ghostty prefers discussions for feature requests and questions, while issues are reserved for confirmed problems. This approach is based on experience, as many reported issues are often misunderstandings or user errors rather than actual bugs. If a discussion clearly identifies a reproducible problem, a maintainer will convert it into an issue.
For more information, users can refer to the project's contributing guidelines.
58.FreeBSD: Home NAS, part 1 – configuring ZFS mirror (RAID1)(FreeBSD: Home NAS, part 1 – configuring ZFS mirror (RAID1))
This article discusses setting up a home Network Attached Storage (NAS) using FreeBSD, focusing on configuring a ZFS mirror (RAID1). The author plans to use a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s, which can accommodate multiple SSDs.
Key points include:
-
Setup Overview: The setup will use UFS for the NVMe SSD and ZFS with RAID1 on SATA SSDs.
-
Installation Method: The installation will be done using SSH in a virtual machine environment, specifically FreeBSD 14.3.
-
Configuration Steps:
- Configure SSH for remote access.
- Use
bsdinstallfor the installation process, including disk partitioning. - Create necessary partitions:
freebsd-boot,freebsd-swap, andfreebsd-ufsfor the system.
-
Creating ZFS RAID:
- Using
gpart, create GPT partition tables on the SATA drives. - Set up a ZFS pool named “tank” in a mirror configuration (RAID1) with the two SATA partitions.
- Using
-
Final Configuration:
- Enable compression for the ZFS pool.
- Modify system configurations to ensure ZFS loads on boot.
The article concludes with a successful setup verification, stating that the ZFS pool is online and ready for further configuration, such as datasets and snapshots. Future posts will cover additional topics like firewall setup and VPN configuration.
59.I wrote a batch script to keep my 2011 ThinkPad alive for 24/7 streaming(I wrote a batch script to keep my 2011 ThinkPad alive for 24/7 streaming)
The code helps resolve audio issues and CPU slowdowns in VLC when streaming video on older or low-end devices. Before you start, be sure to read the instructions in the readme.txt file.
60.Why 451 Is Good for You – Greylisting Perspectives from the Early Noughties(Why 451 Is Good for You – Greylisting Perspectives from the Early Noughties)
Summary of "Why 451 is Good for You - Greylisting Perspectives From the Early Noughties"
In this article, Peter N. M. Hansteen discusses issues with a software vendor (SWCrafters) that failed to deliver license keys to customers, which were worth thousands of dollars. Hansteen references a complaint he drafted back in 2010 about the vendor's email system, which did not comply with Internet standards for email delivery.
He explains that their email software did not handle temporary delivery failures properly; instead of retrying later, it discarded undelivered messages immediately. This poor handling conflicts with the Internet's best practices, which require that senders retry sending messages after a failure.
Hansteen emphasizes the importance of complying with these standards, especially when dealing with valuable information like software license keys. He also mentions greylisting, a technique that helps filter spam by expecting senders to respect temporary delivery errors.
In conclusion, the article highlights the need for reliable email practices and the effectiveness of greylisting in ensuring proper email delivery.
61.Late night pizzeria nearby The Pentagon has suddenly surged in traffic(Late night pizzeria nearby The Pentagon has suddenly surged in traffic)
No summary available.
62.Proving Liveness with TLA(Proving Liveness with TLA)
Summary: Proving Liveness with TLA
The TLA Toolbox now allows for proving liveness properties, which ensure certain actions will eventually occur. The author explores this by applying it to the Xen vchan protocol.
Key Points:
-
Background: The vchan protocol facilitates communication between Xen virtual machines. Previous work involved creating a TLA+ specification and proving data integrity, but proving availability (that data will eventually arrive) was initially not feasible due to limited support for temporal logic in TLAPS.
-
Liveness Property: A property called "Liveness" is defined, stating that if a certain number of bytes are sent, they will eventually be received.
-
Model Specification: The model consists of a sender and receiver with a shared buffer. The initial state and actions (sending and receiving data) are outlined, along with invariants that must hold true.
-
Temporal Logic: This is a type of logic used to reason about propositions qualified in terms of time. For instance, it allows statements about what will always be true or what will eventually be true.
-
Proving Techniques: The process involves defining actions that lead to the desired properties, and using the model checker (TLC) to verify behavior on smaller models before proceeding with proofs.
-
Real Protocol Challenges: The author updates the vchan specification to include liveness proofs for the actual protocol, which is more complex due to its operational details.
-
Conclusions: While using TLC for checking specifications is quick and effective for finding bugs, proving correctness with TLAPS is more challenging and time-consuming. It may not reveal as many bugs but can identify crucial mistakes in definitions, like the author's initial flawed definition of availability.
In essence, the exploration emphasizes the importance of understanding and verifying system behavior to ensure reliable operations in complex protocols.
63.Contact the ISS(Contact the ISS)
Summary of ISS Amateur Radio Operations
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) occasionally make random radio contacts with amateur radio operators, known as "hams." These interactions usually happen during breaks, before sleeping, and on weekends, with crew members primarily available between 0730 and 1930 UTC.
The ISS has radios that allow for different types of communication, including voice, packet radio, and Slow Scan Television (SSTV). Hams can contact the ISS using specific frequencies, such as 145.80 MHz for voice downlink and 145.20 MHz for uplink in Europe.
Amateur radio operations on the ISS utilize Kenwood radios with the capability to support both FM and packet operations, with output power limited to 25 watts. The radios are located in different modules of the ISS.
There are also special features, like the packet digipeater that allows hams to send messages, and SSTV capabilities for transmitting images from space. To track the ISS and know when it is in range, operators can use orbit prediction software available online.
Overall, the ISS supports a variety of amateur radio activities, providing a unique opportunity for hams to communicate with astronauts and receive images from space.
64.Happy Public Domain Day 2026(Happy Public Domain Day 2026)
Every January 1st marks Public Domain Day, when various works enter the public domain, meaning they are no longer under copyright. This year, notable authors whose works are now accessible include Wallace Stevens, Thomas Mann, Hannah Arendt, and Albert Einstein. In the U.S., several significant books have joined the public domain, including:
- William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying - A Southern Gothic novel about a family's journey to fulfill a dying wish.
- Langston Hughes' Not Without Laughter - A semi-autobiographical story of African-American life in early 20th century Kansas.
- Agatha Christie's The Murder at the Vicarage - The first novel featuring Miss Marple, a detective story set in a quiet village.
- Hermann Hesse's Narcissus and Goldmund - A tale of a young man's search for meaning in life.
- Robert Musil's The Man Without Qualities - An unfinished modernist work exploring existential themes in pre-World War I Austria.
Public domain works vary by country, with different copyright laws governing when works enter the public domain. Today’s newly available works include those by authors who died in 1955 in countries with a "life plus 70 years" rule and those published in 1929 in the U.S.
The text also mentions other notable entrants like Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome and All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 film). The summary highlights the diversity of literature and thought that becomes available each year, enriching culture and knowledge.
65.Global software engineering job postings outlook – 2026(Global software engineering job postings outlook – 2026)
Summary of Global Software Engineering Jobs – January 2026
- Total Jobs: 105,115 (Remote: 13,985, On-site: 91,130)
Key Specializations:
- Business Software Applications: Most job openings (20,248), showing high demand for business-focused software development.
- Software Engineering: Core development skills remain essential (16,992 jobs).
- Cybersecurity Engineering: Significant demand for security expertise (11,476 jobs).
- Leadership Roles: Opportunities in management and senior positions (10,608 jobs).
- Data Analytics & AI: Growing focus on data insights and automation (10,379 jobs in Data Analytics and 8,793 in AI/ML).
- Full Stack & Java Engineering: Important technical roles for application development (8,369 in full stack and 8,114 in Java).
- Quality Assurance & DevOps: Emphasis on reliability and efficient deployment (6,250 in QA/testing and 5,381 in DevOps).
In-Demand Skills:
- Top Skills: Python (12,575), AWS (7,566), SQL (7,383), and CI/CD (7,252).
- Other Notable Skills: Kubernetes, Java, Docker, Agile, and DevOps methodologies show strong employer interest.
AI Skill Signals:
- Broad demand for AI skills (21,477 jobs), particularly in generative AI (4,887) and large language models (LLMs) (4,376).
Seniority Levels:
- Mid Level: Largest category with 59,260 positions.
- Senior: 24,137 positions.
- Leadership Roles: Fewer opportunities (Lead: 6,721, Manager: 5,882, Principal: 3,416).
Geographic Hotspots:
- Top Locations:
- Bengaluru, India: 6,808 roles.
- United States: 5,079 roles.
- Other key cities include Hyderabad, Pune, New York City, and San Francisco.
Overall, the tech job market shows a strong demand for software development, cybersecurity, AI skills, and leadership roles, with significant opportunities in various global tech hubs.
66.Google Skills(Google Skills)
Summary:
Google offers a learning platform to help you build your AI skills, whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge. AI is a significant part of today's technology, and Google is here to support you in this field.
Key offerings include:
- AI Learning Resources: Access courses on various AI technologies like Vertex AI and AutoML.
- Community Support: Join the Google Cloud Innovators program for hands-on learning and monthly credits.
- Instructor-led Training: Many learners prefer guided training, which has higher completion rates and can improve employee retention.
- Career Development: Obtain Google credentials through certificates and skill badges to unlock new career opportunities and demonstrate your expertise.
Start enhancing your skills today with Google Skills!
67.Blob Opera, Community Edition(Blob Opera, Community Edition)
No summary available.
68.Rope science, part 11 – practical syntax highlighting (2017)(Rope science, part 11 – practical syntax highlighting (2017))
This post discusses an efficient incremental algorithm for syntax highlighting in code editors, emphasizing its performance in terms of speed, memory, and power consumption. The algorithm allows editors to highlight code dynamically, rather than processing files from start to finish, which is beneficial for large files.
Key points include:
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Incremental Algorithm: The algorithm processes changes (deltas) and updates the highlighting efficiently, enabling quick responses in editors like xi.
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Basic Syntax Highlighting: The syntax highlighting function typically uses a state-based approach, allowing it to handle complex grammars.
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Batch vs. Incremental Processing: The simplest method processes each line in order, which works well for initial loads but is not suitable for interactive editing. Incremental processing, aided by memoization and caching, improves performance during editing.
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Cache Management: A cache is used to store intermediate results, balancing speed and memory usage. The cache must be carefully managed to ensure that editing a line doesn’t invalidate too many entries.
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Handling Edits: The algorithm efficiently marks cache entries as valid or invalid when changes occur, allowing the editor to revalidate only affected parts.
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Cache Tuning: Different access patterns (sequential, local, and random) affect cache performance. The proposed hybrid eviction policy helps optimize for these patterns by balancing the trade-offs between speed and memory usage.
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Implementation Considerations: The suggested cache size is around 10,000 entries for optimal performance, and a simple data structure is preferred for efficiency.
Overall, this algorithm is designed to enhance the user experience in code editing by minimizing latency and memory overhead while maintaining robust functionality for syntax highlighting.
69.HTML Changes in ePub(HTML Changes in ePub)
Summary: How HTML Changes in ePub
ePub is a standard format for ebooks, allowing users to create self-contained documents that work on low-power devices and adapt to different screen sizes. While ePubs use HTML, they actually utilize XHTML, which has specific requirements like valid XML markup. This means you need to follow strict syntax rules to avoid errors in e-readers.
CSS in ePub is similar to regular CSS but has limitations due to the basic nature of e-reader software. Some modern CSS features might not be supported, so it's wise to keep layouts simple.
ePubs can also incorporate other XML languages, like MathML and SVG, through a process that requires defining namespaces. The ePub specification includes special attributes (like epub:type) to enhance functionality, such as creating endnotes.
To create an ePub, you need a specific structure, including a container file and a package file that lists your content. Tools like Standard Ebooks can help you build ePubs easily.
Overall, creating ePubs is a valuable skill that builds on existing web development knowledge.
70.Round and Round(Round and Round)
In the story, a person shares their experience of playing hide-and-seek with a squirrel hiding behind a tree in a glade. They tried to see the squirrel by circling around the tree four times, but the squirrel kept moving and stayed hidden. A listener points out that since the person circled the tree, they technically circled the squirrel too. However, the person argues that they never saw the back of the squirrel, so they didn't really circle it. The discussion turns into a debate about whether circling someone while only seeing their front counts as circling them. The listener insists that it does, while the person remains unconvinced. The conversation highlights different perspectives on what it means to "circle" something.
71.Uxn/Varvara ecosystem is a personal computing stack(Uxn/Varvara ecosystem is a personal computing stack)
The Uxn/Varvara ecosystem is a personal computing system centered around a small virtual machine that allows applications to run on different platforms. It is designed for graphical applications and is open for anyone to use. Uxn uses a unique programming language similar to sharing classic game ROMs.
To run Uxn programs, you need an emulator compatible with your operating system. Emulators are available for major platforms like Linux, Mac, and Windows, and you can also create your own by following the specifications provided.
Once you have an emulator, you can explore various applications and tools such as games, a text editor, a drawing program, and more. Uxn can run on various devices, including classic consoles and modern electronics.
To get started, you may need to install the SDL2 library and launch the Uxn emulator (uxnemu) to run .rom files. Controls and launching methods are provided for ease of use.
For help and resources, you can visit online communities or check out tutorials and references related to Uxn.
72.C –> Java != Java –> LLM(C –> Java != Java –> LLM)
The text discusses the differences between software development using programming languages and the role of Large Language Models (LLMs) in that process.
Key points include:
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Comparison to Programming Languages: While LLMs are compared to advancements in programming languages, there is a crucial difference: the output of software development (binaries) has not changed significantly, but the intermediate product (source code) has evolved with new programming languages.
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Source Code as Intermediate Product: The intermediate goal of software development is to create maintainable source code, which remains the same regardless of using LLMs. LLMs generate source code in existing languages like Java, C, or Python, rather than producing code directly in English.
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Continued Human Involvement: Until LLMs can operate completely autonomously, human oversight will still be needed in the coding process, meaning traditional methods of collaboration and code management will largely remain the same, though LLMs will enhance efficiency.
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Future Trends: There may be a shift towards using dynamic interpreted languages, allowing for real-time changes to programs based on prompts, which could streamline the coding process even further.
In summary, while LLMs enhance software development, they do not fundamentally change the source code creation process, and human involvement remains crucial.
73.Pebble Round 2 – The Most Stylish Pebble Ever(Pebble Round 2 – The Most Stylish Pebble Ever)
Summary of Pebble Round 2 Announcement
Pebble is relaunching its iconic watch, the Pebble Time Round, now improved as the Pebble Round 2. This new version features a full 1.3” color e-paper display without a bezel, resulting in a sleek design. It offers a two-week battery life, thanks to advancements in Bluetooth technology, and is made from stainless steel available in three colors: matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold.
Key features include:
- 1.3” display with 260 x 260 pixels
- Health tracking for steps and sleep
- Water resistance up to 30 meters
- Dual microphones for voice input
- Compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones
The Pebble Round 2 is priced at $199 and is available for pre-order on rePebble.com, with shipping starting in May. It comes with a silicone band, and accessory bands will also be available. Pebble watches are known for their long battery life, always-on screens, and a vast selection of apps and watch faces.
Pebble will showcase the Round 2 at CES and invites attendees to visit their booth for a closer look.
74.The Kimwolf Botnet Is Stalking Your Local Network(The Kimwolf Botnet Is Stalking Your Local Network)
Summary of Kimwolf Botnet Vulnerability
As of January 2026, a significant security threat has emerged from a botnet named Kimwolf, which has infected over 2 million devices worldwide, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Brazil, India, and the United States. Most of these infections are found in Android TV boxes that lack proper security features.
Key Points:
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Vulnerability Overview: The Kimwolf malware is exploiting weaknesses in residential proxy networks, allowing attackers to infiltrate local networks behind firewalls and infect more devices.
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Spread of Kimwolf: The malware spreads mainly through compromised Android TV boxes and other devices like digital photo frames. Many of these devices come pre-loaded with malware or require users to download unsafe software.
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Technical Exploits: Attackers can manipulate DNS settings to communicate directly with devices on local networks, evading security measures meant to prevent such actions.
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ADB Security Flaw: Many infected devices have the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) feature enabled by default, allowing unauthorized access for malicious purposes.
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Rapid Growth: The botnet's size has doubled recently, primarily through the abuse of proxy networks like IPIDEA, which were found to have security gaps.
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Advice for Consumers: Users are cautioned to avoid purchasing untrusted Android TV boxes and should be aware of the risks associated with allowing devices on their home networks. It's recommended to use guest networks for visitors to prevent potential infections.
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Ongoing Monitoring: Security firms like Synthient are actively tracking Kimwolf's activities and have alerted affected proxy providers to the vulnerabilities.
This summary highlights the urgent need for awareness and action regarding the security of household devices and the potential risks posed by unapproved technology.
75.A website to destroy all websites(A website to destroy all websites)
Summary: A Website to Destroy All Websites
The text discusses the current state of the internet and how it has shifted from a space of creativity and community to one dominated by commercial interests and algorithms.
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The Internet is Bad: The author reflects on how the internet, once a place for self-discovery and genuine connections, has become a platform for mindless scrolling and content that lacks depth. Instead of fostering meaningful interactions, it has turned users into "clout-chasers" and creators of shallow content.
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Historical Context: The piece draws parallels between the internet and the automobile's evolution. Initially, both offered freedom and convenience, but over time, they became systems that require significant societal adjustment and resources, often benefiting only a privileged few.
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Tools for Conviviality: Referencing philosopher Ivan Illich, the text highlights the idea that technology should enhance human freedom and creativity. However, as tools become industrialized, they often dominate society instead of serving it, leading to a loss of personal agency.
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The Web We Want: The author envisions a return to a more personal and autonomous internet experience. This would involve creating blogs and personal websites that allow users to share ideas and connect without the constraints of large platforms.
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Moving Forward: The text encourages individuals to start small, embrace creativity, and reduce barriers to publishing online. By using tools from the IndieWeb, people can take control of their online presence and build meaningful connections.
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Conclusion: The author acknowledges the current frustrations with the internet but emphasizes the potential for reclaiming it as a space for personal expression and community building through personal websites.
In essence, the text advocates for a shift back to a more individualized and creative internet, away from the commercialized and algorithm-driven spaces that dominate today.
76.Microsoft kills official way to activate Windows 11/10 without internet(Microsoft kills official way to activate Windows 11/10 without internet)
No summary available.
77.Joseph Campbell Meets George Lucas – Part I (2015)(Joseph Campbell Meets George Lucas – Part I (2015))
No summary available.
78.The Tyranny of Categorization. We must redefine our relationship with boundaries(The Tyranny of Categorization. We must redefine our relationship with boundaries)
Summary: The Tyranny of Categorization
Dominic Hofstetter discusses how humans have a strong tendency to categorize things, which helps simplify our complex world but can also hinder our ability to tackle important issues, like climate change. He works for EIT Climate-KIC, an organization focused on climate change through innovative systems, and finds that its complex mission is often misunderstood because people prefer simple, clear categories.
While categorization can create order and identity, it also poses risks when it leads to narrow thinking. For example, climate change is often viewed only through the lens of technology, economics, or politics, depending on the analyst’s background. This limited perspective can result in ineffective solutions.
Hofstetter argues that dissolving rigid boundaries and embracing a more interconnected view would help us see relationships and interdependencies, encouraging collaboration and new ideas. He suggests that education systems, management practices, and media narratives should promote interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork.
Ultimately, he encourages everyone to question their categorization habits and consider multiple perspectives to better address complex challenges. By doing so, we can move beyond rigid boxes and explore innovative solutions together.
79.Finland detains ship and its crew after critical undersea cable damaged(Finland detains ship and its crew after critical undersea cable damaged)
No summary available.
80.Go-Highway – Portable SIMD for Go(Go-Highway – Portable SIMD for Go)
Go 1.26 introduces native SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) support with the GOEXPERIMENT=simd setting. This allows code to run efficiently on different hardware (like AVX2 and AVX-512) or fall back to simpler methods if needed. The update includes a library inspired by Google's Highway C++ library, providing vectorized math functions such as exp, log, sin, tanh, sigmoid, and erf, which are commonly used in machine learning and scientific applications. The feature requires Go version 1.26 release candidate 1, and feedback is encouraged.
81.Where Does Cloudflare Think I Am?(Where Does Cloudflare Think I Am?)
No summary available.
82.Worlds largest electric ship launched by Tasmanian boatbuilder(Worlds largest electric ship launched by Tasmanian boatbuilder)
Incat, an Australian boatbuilder based in Tasmania, has launched Hull 096, the world's largest electric ship, designed for the South American ferry operator Buquebus. This vessel will operate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Hull 096 is notable for its advanced battery system, featuring over 250 tonnes of batteries and a capacity four times larger than previous ships. Incat's chairman, Robert Clifford, described the project as the company's most ambitious and significant effort to promote sustainable shipping. The launch is seen as a major step toward reducing emissions in the global shipping industry, which contributes 3% of worldwide emissions. The ship's operation on a regular ferry route will provide valuable insights into electric shipping technologies.
83.Cameras and Lenses (2020)(Cameras and Lenses (2020))
Summary of Camera and Lens Functionality
Cameras have evolved from early art forms to modern digital technology, allowing us to capture images of our world. This article explains how cameras work, focusing on key components like sensors and lenses.
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Recording Light:
- Digital cameras use sensors made of photodetectors that convert light (photons) into electrical signals, which create images. More light results in brighter images, while too little light causes underexposure.
- To capture color, sensors use filters (like the Bayer filter) that separate light into red, green, and blue components. The process of reconstructing full color from this data is called demosaicing.
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Pinhole Camera Concept:
- A simple camera can be built using a light sensor inside a box with a small hole (pinhole). This setup limits the light entering the sensor, producing inverted images.
- The size of the hole and its distance from the sensor affect image clarity and field of view.
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Using Lenses:
- To improve image quality, convex lenses are used to focus light. The distance between the lens and the sensor must be carefully adjusted for sharp images.
- The focal length of a lens determines how much of a scene is visible and how objects appear in size.
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Controlling Light and Focus:
- Apertures (adjustable openings in lenses) control the amount of light hitting the sensor and affect depth of field, which is the range in focus in an image.
- Smaller apertures increase depth of field but may lead to a pinhole effect, making images less sharp.
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Lens Aberrations:
- Real lenses have imperfections (aberrations) that can affect image quality, such as spherical aberration and chromatic aberration.
- High-quality lenses often use multiple glass elements to minimize these issues and enhance optical performance.
Overall, understanding how cameras and lenses manipulate light helps us appreciate the technology behind photography. The art of capturing images involves both science and creativity, as we frame and focus our view of the world.
84.2025: The Year in LLMs(2025: The Year in LLMs)
Summary of Key Points from "2025: The Year in LLMs"
Overview: The year 2025 saw significant advancements in large language models (LLMs) with various trends and developments.
Key Trends:
- Reasoning Models: OpenAI pioneered reasoning in models, which improved their ability to solve complex tasks and debug code.
- Agents: LLMs evolved into agents capable of performing multi-step tasks, particularly in coding and search.
- Coding Agents: The introduction of tools like Claude Code allowed for LLMs to write and execute code effectively.
- Command-Line Interfaces (CLI): Developers embraced LLMs on the command line, leading to high revenue for CLI tools.
- Image Editing: Prompt-driven image generation became popular, contributing to massive user growth for models like ChatGPT.
- Chinese Models: Chinese AI labs released competitive open-weight models, challenging existing leaders in the field.
- Long Task Execution: Models improved their capability to handle longer tasks that typically took humans hours to complete.
- Subscriptions: A new pricing model emerged with premium subscriptions around $200/month for advanced features.
- Security Concerns: Issues like prompt injection and the normalization of risky behaviors in AI systems became prominent discussions.
- Local vs. Cloud Models: While local models improved, cloud-based models continued to outpace them in performance.
Notable Events:
- OpenAI and Google’s models excelled in prestigious academic competitions.
- The launch of new asynchronous coding agents and image generation tools made significant impacts on user engagement and application development.
- Environmental concerns regarding data centers grew, with increasing public backlash against their expansion.
Innovations and Terminology:
- New terms like "vibe coding," "lethal trifecta," and "conformance suites" emerged, reflecting evolving practices and challenges in AI development.
Conclusion: 2025 was a transformative year for LLMs, marked by technological breakthroughs, competitive pressures, and an ongoing dialogue about the implications of AI in society.
85.WebAssembly as a Python Extension Platform(WebAssembly as a Python Extension Platform)
Summary: WebAssembly as a Python Extension Platform
WebAssembly (Wasm) is becoming a viable extension platform for Python, allowing developers to use various programming languages for extensions. Traditionally, Python extensions required native code, but now it's possible to use Wasm, which can be shipped as architecture-independent binaries within Python libraries.
Key Points:
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Wasm Benefits: Wasm extensions can improve performance and allow the integration of code from other languages without needing a native toolchain.
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Preferred Runtime: The recommended Wasm runtime for Python is wasmtime-py, which is easy to install and does not require a C toolchain, unlike other options like wasm3.
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Performance: Using Wasm can lead to significant speed improvements (up to 10x) for computationally intensive Python functions, making it a practical choice for optimization.
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Interface Challenges: There are some complexities in using Wasm with Python, such as the need for careful management of memory and pointers. Errors can occur if pointers are not handled correctly, particularly with negative indices.
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Practical Use Cases: Examples discussed include using Wasm for cryptographic operations via libraries like Monocypher. The integration allows for secure and efficient operations without exposing sensitive data.
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Final Thoughts: While there are challenges with wasmtime-py, its ease of use and performance benefits make it a compelling tool for extending Python with Wasm.
Overall, Wasm is positioned as a powerful tool for enhancing Python applications, especially when performance is a concern.
86.Dell's version of the DGX Spark fixes pain points(Dell's version of the DGX Spark fixes pain points)
On December 26, 2025, Dell provided two GB10 mini workstations for testing. This summary focuses on the first system.
Key points include:
- The GB10 is not a competitor to mini PCs like the Mac mini or gaming machines. It is aimed at developers working with Nvidia's ecosystem, priced over $4,000.
- It features a better power supply and quieter thermal design compared to the DGX Spark.
- The GB10 includes high-speed networking ports that are beneficial for developers but may not be useful to everyone.
- The system has a powerful Arm CPU with a decent GPU, making it good for AI development and general tasks, although it has higher idle power consumption than some competitors.
- Nvidia's DGX OS, based on Ubuntu, has limited support, guaranteeing updates for only two years.
- While the GB10 performs well in AI tasks, claims about its performance (like achieving a petaflop) are nuanced and depend on specific conditions.
- Initial gaming tests showed satisfactory performance but not enough to recommend it as a gaming device.
- The system excels in prompt processing for AI models, making it suitable for developers in the AI space.
Overall, the GB10 is designed for specialized AI development rather than general use or gaming. More comprehensive testing and comparisons will be shared in future updates.
87.C-events, yet another event loop, simpler, smaller, faster, safer(C-events, yet another event loop, simpler, smaller, faster, safer)
Summary of the Events Library
The Events Library is a lightweight and fast event loop designed for handling non-blocking file I/O across different operating systems, such as Linux and Windows. It builds on the previous picoev project and incorporates features for better performance and compatibility.
Key Features:
- Event Handling: Allows execution of callback functions when specific events occur, such as file descriptors being ready for reading or writing, timeouts, or receiving signals.
- Cross-Platform Support: Utilizes epoll (Linux), kqueue (BSD), and IOCP (Windows) through a common interface (wepoll).
- User-Friendly API: Provides simple function calls to register events and manage a thread pool for handling tasks efficiently across platforms.
Basic Functionality:
- Initialization: Set up the event loop with
events_init()and create a loop withevents_create(). - Event Registration: Use
events_add()to register file descriptors with specific events and associated callback functions. - Event Monitoring: Call
events_once()to check for any ready events and execute their callbacks. - Task Management: Supports asynchronous tasks, allowing for non-blocking operations using
async_read()andasync_write().
Design and Implementation:
- The library is designed for minimal overhead, focusing on effective use of system resources.
- It aims to provide a simpler alternative to existing libraries like libuv, while still offering fine-grained control for developers.
- The system includes support for coroutine-like behavior to handle concurrency effectively.
Installation:
To install, users can build the library from source using CMake, with specific commands provided for Linux and Windows systems.
Contribution and Licensing:
Contributions are welcome, and the library is licensed under the MIT License, encouraging open collaboration.
Overall, the Events Library aims to simplify event-driven programming while ensuring high performance and cross-platform compatibility.
88.Build a Deep Learning Library(Build a Deep Learning Library)
Summary: Build a Simple Deep Learning Library
This project focuses on creating a deep learning library from scratch, using only a blank file and NumPy. We will develop an autograd engine and various layer modules, ultimately applying them to train models on the MNIST dataset, a simple CNN, and a simple ResNet.
The book is available for free online, and readers are encouraged to support it by paying what they wish on Gumroad. For questions or feedback, you can contact the author at [email protected].
89.Can Bundler be as fast as uv?(Can Bundler be as fast as uv?)
The text discusses the performance of Bundler, a Ruby dependency manager, in comparison to uv, a faster package manager. The author reflects on a question posed at RailsWorld about why Bundler isn't as fast as uv and shares insights from Andrew Nesbitt's post on uv's speed.
Key points include:
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Performance Potential: The author believes Bundler can achieve similar speeds to uv by addressing certain bottlenecks. They emphasize that the design choices and optimizations, rather than just the programming language (Rust), are critical to uv's performance.
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Optimizations for Bundler:
- Parallel Downloads: Bundler currently downloads gems sequentially, which slows down the process. A redesign could allow for parallel downloading and installation, significantly speeding up the process.
- Global Caching: Implementing a shared cache for gems could reduce redundancy and save time.
- Improved Dependency Handling: Bundler could benefit from relaxing certain dependency checks, which could streamline installations.
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Technical Improvements: The author suggests changes like separating gem downloading and installation processes, using hardlinks to manage installations efficiently, and optimizing the way version numbers are handled to improve performance.
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Legacy Concerns: The text highlights the challenge of maintaining backward compatibility while trying to improve Bundler's performance. The author sees potential for significant improvements without needing to rewrite Bundler in Rust.
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Future Outlook: The author plans to delve deeper into specific performance issues in Bundler in a follow-up post, suggesting optimism about enhancing its speed while preserving existing functionality.
Overall, the author is hopeful about making Bundler faster by implementing modern techniques and optimizations while navigating the complexities of legacy code.
90.Extensibility: The "100% Lisp" Fallacy(Extensibility: The "100% Lisp" Fallacy)
The article discusses the misconception of "100% Lisp" in the context of extensibility in editors like Lem, which is promoted as fully customizable because it is written entirely in Common Lisp. Here are the key points:
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Misleading Argument: Claims that a "100% Lisp" editor is easier to customize overlook the complexities involved. While Lem has a lot of Lisp code, it may not support all features necessary for extensibility that Emacs does.
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Reality of Extensibility: No editor can truly be "100% Lisp" because they need to interact with the operating system and hardware, which requires non-Lisp code. This limits how much can be customized.
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Workarounds: Many editors use creative solutions to extend functionality despite limitations. For example, users find ways to implement features like scrollbars in Neovim using other tools or languages.
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Complexity of Extensions: Extending functionality in a Lisp editor can be complicated by existing code and conventions. Changes might not work as intended, and patching can introduce new issues.
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Effort Required: True extensibility doesn't come from simply using Lisp; it requires thoughtful design, understanding user needs, and significant effort in coding. The "100% Lisp" claim is seen as an oversimplification.
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Conclusion: The discussion is not against Lem but emphasizes that a Lisp-based editor's extensibility depends on more than just the language it’s written in. Good design and user-focused development are crucial for creating extensible systems.
91.All my Deutschlandtickets gone: Fraud at an industrial scale [video](All my Deutschlandtickets gone: Fraud at an industrial scale [video])
The text is asking for assistance in enhancing the quality of subtitles.
92.TIL: I am an open-source contributor(TIL: I am an open-source contributor)
No summary available.
93.AI results can be manipulated(AI results can be manipulated)
Summary of "AI Misinformation Experiment" by Mateusz Makosiewicz
Mateusz Makosiewicz conducted an experiment to test how AI handles misinformation using a fake luxury paperweight brand called Xarumei. He created a website and generated false information about the brand, then asked various AI tools about it. The results showed that most AI tools preferred detailed fake narratives over vague truths, often repeating the fabricated information confidently.
Key findings included:
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Fake Brand Creation: The author created a fictitious luxury brand and generated misleading stories about it, which many AI tools accepted as fact.
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AI Responses: Different AI models (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) were tested with misleading questions. Some models confidently repeated false details, while others hesitated or correctly identified the brand as non-existent.
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Manipulating AI with Misinformation: By publishing conflicting fake sources online, the author observed that many AI models chose to believe the fabricated narratives over official clarifications provided on the brand's website.
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Concerns About AI Credibility: The experiment highlighted that AI systems struggle to discern credible sources from misleading information. This poses risks for real brands, as negative or false narratives can overshadow their official content.
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Strategies for Brands: To combat misinformation, brands should create clear, detailed FAQs, publish official content, and monitor their online presence to ensure accurate representation in AI responses.
In conclusion, as AI tools become common for finding brand information, maintaining a strong and clear online presence is crucial for brands to guard against misinformation.
94.BYD Sells 4.6M Vehicles in 2025, Meets Revised Sales Goal(BYD Sells 4.6M Vehicles in 2025, Meets Revised Sales Goal)
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95.I built a clipboard tool to strip/keep specific formatting like Italics(I built a clipboard tool to strip/keep specific formatting like Italics)
Joseph, a solo developer, created CustomPaste to solve the problem of traditional clipboard tools that only allow users to either keep all formatting or strip it down to plain text. He found that using "paste as plain text" often removes important elements like hyperlinks and bold text when he just wanted to simplify the formatting.
CustomPaste offers a solution by allowing users to create "Recipes" that define how text should be pasted. This tool processes the clipboard content and transforms it according to user-defined rules.
Key features include:
- Smart Preservation: Users can keep certain styles like bold and italics while changing font families and sizes.
- Structure Control: Tables can be preserved while removing images.
- Data Cleanup: It can eliminate duplicate lines, sort lists, and remove extra blank lines.
- Text Fixes: It cleans up formatting issues from AI-generated content and adjusts text casing.
The app runs locally on your computer, ensuring privacy without any cloud processing or data collection. It is available as a one-time purchase with a free trial for the first 100 pastes. Joseph is seeking feedback on the "Recipe" feature and any other text pasting challenges users may face.
96.Can I throw a C++ exception from a structured exception?(Can I throw a C++ exception from a structured exception?)
On July 31, 2017, Raymond Chen mentioned that redirection can happen at any point in a line of code, so it's important to be careful about spaces.
97.Linux is good now(Linux is good now)
The article discusses the growing popularity of Linux as a desktop operating system, particularly for gaming. The author, Joshua Wolens, expresses his frustration with Windows and highlights his positive experiences with Linux, specifically a gaming-focused distribution called Bazzite.
Key points include:
- Linux usage among gamers is increasing, reaching 3.2% of Steam users, which is higher than Mac users.
- Wolens finds Linux, especially Bazzite, easier to use than he previously thought, with many games running smoothly.
- He appreciates Linux for allowing more control over his computer and the ability to uninstall unwanted software, unlike Windows.
- While there are still some challenges, such as issues with HDR and anti-cheat software for certain games, improvements are being made.
- The author encourages others to try Linux in 2026, suggesting it may be a more user-friendly experience than expected.
Overall, the article conveys optimism about Linux's potential as a viable alternative to Windows for gamers and PC users.
98.Bluetooth Headphone Jacking: A Key to Your Phone [video](Bluetooth Headphone Jacking: A Key to Your Phone [video])
Summary of "Bluetooth Headphone Jacking: A Key to Your Phone"
This presentation by Dennis Heinze and Frieder Steinmetz discusses security vulnerabilities found in Bluetooth audio chips made by Airoha, which are used in many popular headphones and earbuds. They identified three critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to completely compromise these devices.
Key points include:
- The vulnerabilities can be exploited to attack paired devices, such as smartphones, due to their trust relationship with the headphones.
- They provide examples of affected brands and models, including Sony, Marshall, Beyerdynamic, and Jabra.
- The researchers discovered a powerful Bluetooth protocol called RACE, which allows full control over the headphones, including reading and writing to the device's memory.
- The goal is to raise awareness among users about these security issues and to provide technical information for further research.
- They also discuss the broader implications of compromising Bluetooth peripherals, as attackers may target them instead of smartphones.
The presentation aims to inform users about potential threats and to encourage device manufacturers to better communicate security updates. Tools will be released to help users check if their devices are affected.
99.Pokémon Team Optimization(Pokémon Team Optimization)
The author shares their journey as a Pokémon fan, reflecting on their childhood experiences with the franchise and their recent return to playing the games as an adult. As an adult, they found themselves overly focused on optimizing Pokémon teams for the best performance rather than enjoying the game as a child would. This led them to create a tool to help design an optimized Pokémon team using mathematical concepts.
Key points include:
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Objective: The goal is to create a balanced Pokémon team of up to 6 Pokémon that maximizes overall base stats and includes Pokémon resistant to various types.
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Constraints: Teams must have at least one Pokémon and at most six, and each Pokémon can only be selected once. The team should also cover type resistances.
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Optimization Approach: The problem is formulated as a Mixed-Integer Problem (MIP) and can be solved using operations research methods. The author explains how to set up the problem, including defining decision variables and constraints.
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Implementation: The author uses the PuLP library in Python for solving the optimization problem. They provide example code to illustrate how to define the problem, add constraints, and solve it.
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Results: The optimal team often includes powerful legendary Pokémon due to their high base stats. The author also explores team compositions without legends and highlights the importance of type resistance.
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Conclusion: The project demonstrates the application of operations research methods to Pokémon team optimization. The author encourages others to explore customizing their own teams using the provided tools.
The full code and further details can be found in the author's GitHub repository.
100.Children and Helical Time(Children and Helical Time)
The text discusses how our perception of time changes as we age, particularly highlighting how children experience time differently than adults. For young children, time feels much longer because each year is a significant portion of their life. As we grow older, time seems to speed up, leading to a logarithmic view of life where childhood takes up half our existence.
The author emphasizes the importance of valuing childhood and making it enriching, suggesting that adults should avoid wasting children's time. For adults, seeking new experiences can help slow down the perception of time, but a more fulfilling way to reconnect with that sense of wonder is to invest in the lives of children, either by having their own or by being involved in the lives of others.
Children bring a fresh perspective and allow adults to relive experiences, creating new memories together. Traditions and holidays gain new meaning when shared with kids, as they help adults reconnect with the joy of childhood. The author notes that raising children allows adults to leave a legacy and create a meaningful life, as they pass down experiences and traditions.
Ultimately, the text conveys that life is about creating childhoods, both for ourselves and for the next generation. By embracing this, we can make the most of our time and ensure it is well spent.