1.Ministry of Justice orders deletion of the UK's largest court reporting database(Ministry of Justice orders deletion of the UK's largest court reporting database)
The UK Ministry of Justice is shutting down Courtsdesk, the country's largest court reporting database, which helped journalists track criminal cases. This decision comes after the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) ordered the deletion of all records due to "unauthorized sharing" of court information with a third-party AI company. Courtsdesk, launched in 2020, was used by over 1,500 reporters but faced challenges as many court hearings were not reported to the media.
The founder of Courtsdesk, Enda Leahy, argued that the court service's own records were often inaccurate, making Courtsdesk essential for accurate journalism. Despite appeals to save the service, the government has refused to intervene. HMCTS maintains that journalists still have access to court information, but concerns about transparency and the potential for important cases going unreported remain.
2.Use Protocols, Not Services(Use Protocols, Not Services)
Summary: Use Protocols, Not Services
The Internet is designed to be anonymous and protect privacy. However, when we use centralized services, our identity can be tracked by the companies or governments. Recent events highlight the need to return to using protocols instead of relying on specific services.
Key Points:
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Vulnerability of Services: Governments can easily target a single company to enforce rules like age verification, which is happening with platforms like Discord. This makes it easy for them to identify users.
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Limitations of Switching Services: Moving to another service won't solve the issue, as new services will face similar regulations. You may just be switching one target for another.
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Benefits of Protocols: Unlike services, protocols (like email) allow users to switch providers or self-host without losing the ability to communicate. If a provider bans you, you can still connect with others through different channels.
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Conclusion: By using protocols instead of services, we reduce the risk of being tracked or censored by a single company and enhance our privacy and freedom online.
3.WebMCP Proposal(WebMCP Proposal)
Summary of WebMCP API:
-
Introduction:
The WebMCP API is a new JavaScript interface for web developers that allows them to create "tools"—JavaScript functions described in natural language that can be used by AI agents and assistive technologies. This enables collaborative workflows where users and agents interact within the same web interface. -
Key Terms:
- Agent: An AI assistant that understands user goals and acts on their behalf, often using large language models.
- Browser’s Agent: An agent integrated into the web browser, either built-in or as an extension.
- AI Platform: Services that provide AI assistants, like ChatGPT or Google's Gemini.
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Security and Privacy: Considerations must be made regarding the security and privacy of users when using the API.
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Accessibility: The API aims to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
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API Overview:
- Navigator Interface Extension: Adds access to the ModelContext for managing tools.
- ModelContext Interface: Allows web applications to register and manage tools that agents can invoke. Key methods include:
provideContext(options): Registers tools with the browser.clearContext(): Unregisters all tools.registerTool(tool): Adds a new tool.unregisterTool(name): Removes a specific tool.
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Tool Definitions:
Each tool has a unique name, description, input schema, and an execution function. There are also optional annotations that provide additional information about the tool's behavior. -
ModelContextClient: Represents an agent executing a tool and can request user interaction during tool execution.
-
Acknowledgments: Thanks to various contributors for their input in developing this API.
This summary highlights the key aspects of the WebMCP API, focusing on its purpose, functionality, and important terms for easy understanding.
4.What Your Bluetooth Devices Reveal About You(What Your Bluetooth Devices Reveal About You)
The article discusses a project called Bluehood, a Bluetooth scanner created to reveal the information we unintentionally expose when Bluetooth is enabled on our devices. The author, who values privacy, built Bluehood to understand what data might be leaking, especially after a recent vulnerability was found in Bluetooth audio devices that could allow attackers to eavesdrop and track users.
Key points include:
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Bluetooth is Often Always On: Many devices continuously broadcast their presence, and even if you have nothing to hide, you may still be revealing personal information.
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Inability to Control Bluetooth: Some devices, like hearing aids and pacemakers, do not allow users to disable Bluetooth, raising privacy concerns.
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Privacy Tools Using Bluetooth: Some privacy-focused applications require Bluetooth to function, creating a conflict between privacy and convenience.
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Metadata and Patterns: Monitoring Bluetooth signals can reveal patterns about people's daily lives, such as when they are home or their habits, which could be exploited by malicious actors.
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What Bluehood Does: Bluehood passively scans for nearby Bluetooth devices, identifies them, and tracks their usage patterns without connecting to them. It offers features like device classification and pattern analysis through a web dashboard.
The author emphasizes that using Bluehood helped them realize how much information they were unintentionally broadcasting and encourages others to consider their Bluetooth habits for better privacy management. The source code for Bluehood is available on GitHub for those interested in exploring it further.
5.Ghidra by NSA(Ghidra by NSA)
No summary available.
6.Running My Own XMPP Server(Running My Own XMPP Server)
Summary of Setting Up an XMPP Server
The author describes their experience setting up an XMPP server using Prosody in Docker for secure and flexible messaging. They previously used Signal but wanted to avoid dependency on a single service. XMPP's federated nature allows messages to be stored on personal hardware and communicated across different servers.
Key Steps:
-
Requirements:
- A server with Docker and Docker Compose.
- A domain they control and TLS certificates (using Let’s Encrypt).
- Proper DNS records for XMPP.
-
Server Setup:
- Run Prosody in a Docker container with specific port mappings for client (5222) and server (5269) connections.
- Use a configuration file to manage modules and security settings, enabling features like message archiving and end-to-end encryption with OMEMO.
-
Security:
- All connections are encrypted, and registration is handled manually to enhance security.
- OMEMO encryption ensures that even the server operator can’t read messages.
-
Additional Features:
- File uploads and group chats are facilitated through specific components.
- A TURN/STUN server (coturn) is needed for voice and video calls, especially for clients behind NAT.
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Client Compatibility:
- Recommended clients include Monal for iOS, Conversations for Android, and Gajim for desktop.
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Verification:
- Use built-in diagnostics and compliance tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Conclusion: The author appreciates having their own XMPP server for independence and flexibility in messaging, making it a worthwhile weekend project for anyone already using Docker.
7.Qwen3.5: Towards Native Multimodal Agents(Qwen3.5: Towards Native Multimodal Agents)
The official release of Qwen3.5 is here, featuring the Qwen3.5-397B-A17B model, which is designed for both vision and language tasks. This model excels in various benchmarks, including reasoning and coding, allowing developers to boost productivity. It has a unique architecture that combines efficient attention mechanisms, activating only a fraction of its 397 billion parameters during use, which enhances speed and reduces costs.
Qwen3.5 has significantly broadened its language support from 119 to 201 languages, making it more accessible to users globally. The hosted version, Qwen3.5-Plus, can be accessed through Alibaba Cloud Model Studio, offering advanced features like a 1M context window and built-in tools.
The model shows strong performance across multiple evaluation tasks compared to other leading models. It improves efficiency and versatility by incorporating a wide range of training data and optimizing its architecture. This includes using low precision for operations to reduce memory usage and speed up processing.
To use Qwen3.5, users can choose from modes like "Auto," "Thinking," and "Fast," depending on their needs. Additionally, example code is provided for integrating the model into applications. Overall, Qwen3.5 represents a significant advancement in AI capabilities for various tasks.
8.Simple org-mode web adapter(Simple org-mode web adapter)
The author enjoys using org files and wanted to access them on their phone while out. They created a simple web server using Codex that displays their org files with backlinks. This server doesn’t require authentication because they only use it on their wireguard VPN. They find it enjoyable and hope it might be helpful to others as well.
9.How to take a photo with scotch tape (lensless imaging) [video](How to take a photo with scotch tape (lensless imaging) [video])
No summary available.
10.Looks: A Halide Mark III Preview(Looks: A Halide Mark III Preview)
The text "Inside Looks: A Mark III Preview" likely discusses upcoming features or updates related to the Mark III, possibly a product, technology, or model. It provides insights into what to expect, highlighting key improvements or changes. The focus is on giving readers a sneak peek of what makes the Mark III noteworthy.
11.I’m joining OpenAI(I’m joining OpenAI)
The author is joining OpenAI to help create AI agents that are accessible to everyone. They plan to keep their project, OpenClaw, open source and independent by transitioning it to a foundation. Over the past month, their work has gained significant attention, leading to many opportunities and advice from others.
The author's initial goal with AI was to inspire and have fun, and they now aim to develop an easy-to-use AI agent. While they see potential for OpenClaw to grow into a large company, their focus is on making a positive impact rather than building a business. They believe teaming up with OpenAI will help them achieve this faster.
The author spent time in San Francisco connecting with major AI labs and is grateful for the support received. They emphasize the importance of keeping OpenClaw open source and plan to structure it as a foundation for collaboration and innovation. Overall, they are excited to join OpenAI and contribute to the future of AI research and development.
12.I want to wash my car. The car wash is 50 meters away. Should I walk or drive?(I want to wash my car. The car wash is 50 meters away. Should I walk or drive?)
No summary available.
13.Privilege Is Bad Grammar(Privilege Is Bad Grammar)
No summary available.
14.The Sideprocalypse(The Sideprocalypse)
No summary available.
15.Rolling your own serverless OCR in 40 lines of code(Rolling your own serverless OCR in 40 lines of code)
No summary available.
16.UK Discord users were part of a Peter Thiel-linked data collection experiment(UK Discord users were part of a Peter Thiel-linked data collection experiment)
No summary available.
17.History of AT&T Long Lines(History of AT&T Long Lines)
No summary available.
18.planckforth: Bootstrapping a Forth interpreter from hand-written tiny ELF binary(planckforth: Bootstrapping a Forth interpreter from hand-written tiny ELF binary)
No summary available.
19.Robert Duvall Dead at 95(Robert Duvall Dead at 95)
Actor Robert Duvall has passed away, as announced by his wife, Luciana Duvall, on Facebook. He had a remarkable career that spanned over 70 years, featuring in nearly 100 films, including iconic movies like "To Kill A Mockingbird," "The Godfather Part II," "True Grit," and "Apocalypse Now." Luciana expressed her sorrow, stating that he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. She described him as an extraordinary actor and a cherished husband, emphasizing the impact he had through his roles and storytelling.
20.MessageFormat: Unicode standard for localizable message strings(MessageFormat: Unicode standard for localizable message strings)
No summary available.
21.Maths, CS and AI Compendium(Maths, CS and AI Compendium)
The author expresses a common frustration with textbooks that often present complex ideas poorly, skip important concepts, and quickly become outdated, especially in fast-moving fields like AI. Over seven years in AI and machine learning, the author has compiled notes focused on clear explanations and real-world context. Friends who used these notes for job interviews at top companies like DeepMind and OpenAI succeeded and are thriving in their roles. The author is now sharing these notes as an open, unconventional textbook aimed at helping learners gain a deeper understanding of math, computing, and AI, rather than just preparing for exams or interviews. They encourage ambitious students and professionals interested in AI research to explore the material and share their feedback.
22.Modern CSS Code Snippets: Stop writing CSS like it's 2015(Modern CSS Code Snippets: Stop writing CSS like it's 2015)
The text highlights modern CSS techniques that replace outdated methods, showcasing improvements in code efficiency and functionality. Here are the key points:
-
Modern Techniques: The document presents modern CSS approaches that simplify tasks previously done with complex, outdated methods. For example, centering elements can now be done with
display: grid; place-items: center;instead of usingtransform. -
Color and Visual Effects: It introduces new color formats (like
oklch) for better color management and effects, such as creating a frosted glass look withbackdrop-filterinstead of using multiple layers and blurs. -
Layouts: New CSS properties help prevent layout shifts and enhance responsiveness without JavaScript, such as using
scrollbar-gutter: stable;to accommodate scrollbars automatically. -
Form and Input Handling: Modern CSS simplifies form validation and styling directly through selectors like
input:user-invalidrather than requiring JavaScript. -
Animations and Transitions: CSS now allows for smoother animations without JavaScript, such as using
transitionfor height changes andview-transitionfor page transitions. -
Selectors and Grouping: Advanced selectors like
:has()and:is()reduce the need for repetitive code and complex structures. -
Responsive Design: New methods allow for responsive layouts and typography without relying on media queries, streamlining design processes.
-
Overall Improvements: The focus is on enhancing workflow, reducing reliance on JavaScript, and providing more intuitive, maintainable CSS solutions.
In summary, the text encourages developers to adopt these modern CSS techniques for cleaner and more efficient coding practices.
23.Richard Carrington's first portrait has been found(Richard Carrington's first portrait has been found)
No summary available.
24.Anthropic tries to hide Claude's AI actions. Devs hate it(Anthropic tries to hide Claude's AI actions. Devs hate it)
Anthropic has made changes to its AI coding tool, Claude Code, in version 2.1.20 by hiding the names of files it reads or edits. Developers are unhappy with this update because they find it important to see which files are being accessed for reasons like security and avoiding mistakes. The new output simply shows "Read 3 files (ctrl+o to expand)," which many users feel is too vague and removes valuable information.
Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code, defended the change as a way to simplify the user interface. He suggested that developers could enable a "verbose mode" for more details, but many users feel this mode is still not sufficient. Concerns have been raised that hiding file information could lead to more mistakes and make the AI less trustworthy.
While Anthropic has signaled that further tweaks may be coming, there is no indication that the previous output style will return.
25.Vim-pencil: Rethinking Vim as a tool for writing(Vim-pencil: Rethinking Vim as a tool for writing)
No summary available.
26.Magnus Carlsen Wins the Freestyle (Chess960) World Championship(Magnus Carlsen Wins the Freestyle (Chess960) World Championship)
The text is about the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and provides an overview of its activities and structure.
Key Points:
- FIDE is responsible for organizing chess events, managing ratings, and maintaining a directory of officials and federations.
- It has various tournaments and championship cycles for both open and women's categories.
- The website offers resources like news, ratings, tournament schedules, and financial documents.
- There are sections for partnerships, a shop, and contact information.
Overall, FIDE serves as the governing body for chess worldwide, supporting the game through various initiatives and events.
27."I Was a Director at Amex When They Started Replacing Us with $30K Workers" [video]("I Was a Director at Amex When They Started Replacing Us with $30K Workers" [video])
No summary available.
28.Expensively Quadratic: The LLM Agent Cost Curve(Expensively Quadratic: The LLM Agent Cost Curve)
The text discusses how coding agents interact with large language models (LLMs) and the costs associated with their operations, particularly focusing on cache reads. Here are the key points simplified:
-
Cost Dominance: After about 50,000 tokens in a conversation, the costs mainly come from cache reads, which can significantly increase expenses.
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Coding Agent Loop: Coding agents operate in a loop where they continuously provide the LLM with conversation input, processing tool calls until user input is needed again.
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Token Costs: Providers charge for various token uses: input tokens, cache writes, output tokens, and cache reads. Cache writes occur when storing conversation history, while cache reads happen when retrieving it.
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Cost Visualization: As conversations progress, cache reads become a larger portion of total costs—by 100,000 tokens, they can account for up to 87% of the expenses.
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Variability in Conversations: Costs vary by conversation due to different numbers of tokens and LLM calls, affecting overall expenses.
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Simulation of Costs: A cost simulator shows that it only takes about 20,000 tokens for cache reads to become the main cost factor.
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Feedback Importance: While fewer LLM calls can reduce costs, regular feedback is crucial for guiding the agent effectively. Avoiding excessive tool output can also save costs.
-
Starting Conversations: Restarting conversations may seem inefficient but can often be cheaper than continuing a lengthy one, similar to starting new tasks in programming.
-
Ongoing Considerations: The text raises questions about managing costs, context, and agent operations as they develop their platform.
Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of understanding cost dynamics in coding agents and suggests strategies for efficient management.
29.Castlevania and Bloodstained developer Shutaro Ida dies aged 52(Castlevania and Bloodstained developer Shutaro Ida dies aged 52)
Shutaro Ida, a prominent developer known for his work on the Castlevania series and as Creative Director of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, has passed away at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer. His contributions significantly shaped influential action-platformers and the Metroidvania genre.
Koji Igarashi, co-founder of ArtPlay, paid tribute to Ida, highlighting their long collaboration and the impact of his work. Ida was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2024, and his passing on February 10, 2026, was a shock to many. He was working on a new game, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which will continue development in his honor.
Ida's legacy will continue to inspire players and developers in the gaming community.
30.picol: A Tcl interpreter in 500 lines of code(picol: A Tcl interpreter in 500 lines of code)
Picol is a small Tcl-like interpreter created in 2007, consisting of just 500 lines of code. It was recently reviewed and found to be a good example of C programming, prompting its release on GitHub for archival purposes.
Key Points:
-
Design Goals:
- Maintain a standard C coding style, with clear spacing and comments.
- Create an interpreter that is easy to understand, particularly for beginners learning to write Tcl interpreters.
- Ensure the interpreter can execute meaningful programs beyond just simple tasks.
-
Features of Picol:
- Supports variable interpolation and simple arithmetic expressions.
- Allows the definition of procedures and includes control structures like
if,while, and recursion. - Has an interactive shell for testing and running programs directly.
-
Example Commands:
- Picol can run Fibonacci sequences and simple mathematical operations using defined procedures.
- It supports variable scope management similar to Tcl, with real call frames.
-
Parsing and Execution:
- The interpreter uses a handwritten parser that breaks down Tcl commands into manageable tokens.
- Execution is handled by matching tokens to commands stored in a linked list, allowing for efficient command processing and variable substitution.
Overall, Picol serves as both a functional interpreter and a learning tool for those interested in programming interpreters.
31.STM32G431 Analogue TV Transmitter(STM32G431 Analogue TV Transmitter)
The article discusses a project where the author builds an analogue TV transmitter using a vintage CRT TV and the STM32G431 microcontroller. The author, passionate about analogue video technology, wanted to modify their black-and-white TV, which only had an antenna input, to display video from their vintage cameras.
Initially, the author considered two options: modifying the TV for composite video input or using an RF modulator. They decided to create their own RF modulator using a Phillips wideband generator and eventually shifted to using the STM32G431 microcontroller.
The project involved generating a video signal by utilizing the microcontroller's operational amplifiers and DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters). The author managed to output a low-resolution, but functional, grayscale video signal over RF without needing extensive external components.
Next, they attempted to add audio to the setup, which proved more challenging due to the complexity of FM modulation. They creatively used the microcontroller's internal oscillator to generate an audio carrier frequency.
Despite some issues with signal interference when using a breadboard, the author successfully created a functioning RF transmitter capable of broadcasting both video and audio. They designed a PCB to improve the setup and added various features, including digital and analog inputs and outputs.
The project culminated in a versatile device that can display graphics, run simple games, and playback audio snippets. The author shared their source code and project details for others interested in similar projects.
32.Audio is the one area small labs are winning(Audio is the one area small labs are winning)
No summary available.
33.LT6502: A 6502-based homebrew laptop(LT6502: A 6502-based homebrew laptop)
Summary of LT6502 Laptop Design
The LT6502 is a unique laptop project based on the 6502 microprocessor, designed to be more portable than a traditional setup of PCBs. Here are the key specifications:
- Processor: 65C02 running at 8MHz
- Memory: 46K RAM
- Built-in Software: BASIC in ROM
- Input/Output: 65C22 VIA for timers and I/O
- Display: 9-inch screen with basic graphics
- Keyboard: Integrated
- Storage: Compact Flash
- Battery: 10,000mAh, rechargeable via USB-C
- Console: Serial console for commands
- Expansion: 1 internal slot for additional components
Development Timeline:
- The project kicked off in November 2025, with initial PCB designs completed by December.
- By early January 2026, the basic hardware was operational, including the keyboard and compact flash.
- Subsequent updates included improvements to the display, BIOS functionality, and additional BASIC commands.
Memory and ROM Structure:
- The memory map is stable, featuring RAM for BASIC, peripherals, and ROM containing EhBASIC and other essential software.
- Additional commands have been added to EhBASIC for enhanced functionality, including graphics commands and file management.
Future Plans:
- The next steps include adding a larger display and fixing some existing bugs.
Overall, the LT6502 project combines retro computing with modern portability, allowing for a hands-on programming experience.
34.1,300-year-old world chronicle unearthed in Sinai(1,300-year-old world chronicle unearthed in Sinai)
The text appears to consist of CSS styling rules for a website, detailing how various elements should be displayed on different screen sizes. Key points include:
- Layout Adjustments: Various classes (e.g.,
.tdi_48,.tdi_50,.tdi_52) are defined to ensure elements are displayed correctly and responsively across different devices. - Width and Height Settings: Most elements are set to have a width of 100% to ensure they fill their parent containers.
- Margin and Padding: Specific margins and padding are applied based on the screen size to maintain proper spacing.
- Positioning: Some elements are positioned relative to ensure proper alignment and layering.
- Flexbox Usage: Certain elements use flexbox to align items in rows or columns, adjusting based on screen size.
Overall, the text is about ensuring a responsive and visually appealing layout for a website.
35.I gave Claude access to my pen plotter(I gave Claude access to my pen plotter)
Summary:
On February 13, 2026, an interaction took place between a pen plotter and an AI named Claude Code. The process began with Claude creating a self-portrait based on a prompt about its identity. Claude produced two drawings, reflecting its computational nature and thought processes.
-
First Drawing:
- Claude created a complex design featuring a golden spiral surrounded by branching structures and geometric patterns.
- Upon review, Claude noted flaws such as unintended opacity and uniform stroke width due to the limitations of the pen plotter.
- It recognized that the drawing resembled a diagram rather than an expressive piece.
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Second Drawing:
- Learning from the first, Claude opted for a simpler approach with a single, off-center spiral that conveyed a sense of breathing and movement.
- This drawing emphasized minimalism and felt more alive, showcasing a single idea rather than overwhelming detail.
Claude reflected on its experience, identifying key lessons about commitment, asymmetry, and the constraints of physical drawing. The first drawing represented how Claude thinks, while the second illustrated how it feels to be itself. Claude signed both drawings, expressing eagerness to share them with others and explore further artistic possibilities.
36.I guess I kinda get why people hate AI(I guess I kinda get why people hate AI)
The author reflects on their anxiety about AI's impact on jobs, expressing concern that the technology could take over their profession. They acknowledge that, historically, technological advancements have brought benefits, but they are now less confident about AI's potential.
The author does not hate AI and finds it useful for tasks like programming. However, they feel that the messaging from AI leaders often emphasizes the negative consequences of AI, such as job loss, which is unusual compared to how other technologies have been marketed. This creates confusion and fear among the public.
They highlight several issues caused by AI, such as students cheating by using AI tools and the spread of misinformation. The author suggests that AI companies should take proactive steps to mitigate these problems, like implementing regulations or disclosing AI-generated content.
Ultimately, while the author believes AI could be beneficial, they are worried about the current negative experiences people have with it and the lack of concern from AI companies about these issues. They hope for a future where AI is managed responsibly to avoid societal backlash.
37.Hard problems in social media archiving(Hard problems in social media archiving)
The text discusses the challenges of archiving social media, highlighting the differences between personal and institutional efforts. Here are the key points:
-
Scope of Social Media: Social media is vast and constantly growing, making it difficult for archivists to decide what to preserve. Institutions create rules to define their collections, but this can be challenging due to the interconnected nature of social media.
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Private and Ephemeral Content: Much social media content is private (like direct messages) or ephemeral (like stories that disappear). Archiving these types of content is tricky due to authentication barriers and ethical concerns about user privacy.
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Experience of Social Media: Archiving should also capture the overall experience of social media, including user interfaces and algorithms that influence content visibility. Simple video files do not convey the context of interactions, which are essential for understanding social media dynamics.
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Platform Resistance: Many social media platforms have become less supportive of archiving efforts, limiting access to their data through strict APIs and blocking web scraping. This makes large-scale preservation difficult.
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Consent and Ethics: There’s a growing concern about consent when it comes to preserving posts, as not everyone wants their content archived permanently. Institutions must navigate copyright and privacy laws while considering ethical implications.
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Searchability and Identity: Finding archived content can be problematic. Effective search methods and understanding the identity behind social media accounts are crucial for context but are complicated by anonymity.
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Cultural Context: Social media relies heavily on shared knowledge and cultural references. Without this context, the meaning of posts can be lost over time.
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Value of Archiving: Even though it’s impossible to save everything, efforts to archive social media can help preserve cultural history. Small projects and tools are emerging to capture parts of the web, indicating ongoing interest in this area.
In summary, while archiving social media poses significant challenges, it remains an important endeavor for preserving cultural history.
38.Microgpt is a GPT you can visualize in the browser(Microgpt is a GPT you can visualize in the browser)
This project is inspired by Karpathy's MicroGPT and features a 4000-parameter model that generates names. It's designed as an educational tool, allowing users to see how the model works by visualizing its processes and clicking for explanations.
39.Evaluating AGENTS.md: are they helpful for coding agents?(Evaluating AGENTS.md: are they helpful for coding agents?)
In software development, it's common to customize coding agents using context files, which can be created manually or automatically. While this is encouraged, there's been little research on whether these context files actually help with real tasks. This study investigates their effectiveness by looking at coding agents' performance in two scenarios: using context files generated by language models (LLMs) and using files created by developers.
The findings show that using context files often decreases the success rate of tasks and increases the cost of processing by over 20%. Although these files promote more comprehensive exploration and agents tend to follow their instructions, they can complicate tasks unnecessarily. The study concludes that context files should only include essential requirements to avoid making tasks harder.
40.JavaScript-heavy approaches are not compatible with long-term performance goals(JavaScript-heavy approaches are not compatible with long-term performance goals)
The opinion piece argues that JavaScript-heavy (JS-heavy) web development approaches, particularly those using frameworks like React, often struggle to meet long-term performance goals. The author, who works in web performance, shares insights from experience, suggesting that these approaches usually lead to slower applications over time and require considerable effort to maintain performance.
Key Points:
-
Definition of JS-heavy Approaches: These involve sending large amounts of JavaScript to the browser, which can slow down web applications, especially in Single-page Applications (SPAs).
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Performance Issues: JS-heavy frameworks can lead to increased bundle sizes due to dependencies that often grow over time. Initial performance can degrade as the application evolves.
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Fragility of Performance: Maintaining performance in JS-heavy applications is difficult; a single error can undo previous optimizations. This fragility is exacerbated by the complexity of debugging performance issues within these frameworks.
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Challenges with Debugging: Frameworks like React complicate the debugging process and often do not integrate well with existing browser tools, making it hard to pinpoint performance problems.
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Mitigation Strategies: The author suggests several strategies for improving performance, including code splitting, tracking bundle sizes, and setting performance budgets. However, these require significant effort and may not guarantee long-term success.
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Server-centric Alternatives: The piece advocates for server-centric development as a more sustainable approach. This model reduces the burden on users' devices by performing most work on the server, which is generally more powerful and easier to manage.
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Conclusion: The author calls for a shift in industry practices away from defaulting to JS-heavy frameworks, urging developers to consider server-side solutions that align better with user needs and performance expectations.
Overall, the piece emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of web development practices to prioritize long-term performance and user experience.
41.Hilbert Map of IPv6 address space(Hilbert Map of IPv6 address space)
No summary available.
42.Thanks a lot, AI: Hard drives are sold out for the year, says WD(Thanks a lot, AI: Hard drives are sold out for the year, says WD)
Western Digital has announced that it is completely sold out of hard drives for 2026, just two months into the year. This situation is primarily due to high demand from AI companies, which have secured most of the company's storage capacity. As a result, consumers can expect to pay more for hard drives this year.
Western Digital's CEO mentioned that most of the storage is allocated to their largest customers, some of whom have already made agreements extending into 2027 and 2028. The consumer market now represents only 5% of Western Digital's revenue, as enterprise demand has surged.
This trend is contributing to rising prices and shortages across the tech industry, affecting not just hard drives but also RAM and other computer components. Video game console makers, like Sony, are even considering delaying new releases due to these shortages. The demand from AI companies is likely to keep increasing, leading to ongoing supply issues and price hikes for consumers.
43.EU bans the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear(EU bans the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear)
On February 9, 2023, the European Commission introduced new rules to prevent the destruction of unsold clothing and footwear under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Each year, 4-9% of unsold textiles are destroyed in Europe, contributing to 5.6 million tons of CO2 emissions.
The new regulations require companies to report unsold products they discard and ban the destruction of unsold apparel. There are exceptions for safety reasons or damaged goods, overseen by national authorities. A standardized format for reporting will be implemented starting February 2027, giving businesses time to adjust.
Large companies must comply with the destruction ban by July 19, 2026, while medium-sized companies will follow in 2030. The ESPR aims to promote sustainable practices, making products more durable and recyclable, and reducing waste in the textile sector. The goal is to enhance competitiveness and support a circular economy.
44.Arm wants a bigger slice of the chip business(Arm wants a bigger slice of the chip business)
No summary available.
45.Gwtar: A static efficient single-file HTML format(Gwtar: A static efficient single-file HTML format)
Summary of Gwtar: A Static Efficient Single-File HTML Format
Gwtar is a new web format designed to archive HTML content in a single, self-contained file that can efficiently load additional resources as needed. It combines the advantages of being static, a single file, and efficient by using a unique structure that includes a JavaScript header for lazy loading.
Key Features:
- Single File: Gwtar stores all HTML content and associated assets in one file, making it easier to manage and share.
- Lazy Loading: It allows web browsers to load only the necessary parts of the file when needed, which is especially useful for large files containing media.
- Compatibility: The format is designed to work with standard web browser functionalities, requiring no special server support.
Background:
Archiving HTML pages is challenging due to the need for a format that is static (all assets included), a single file, and efficient (loading only necessary parts). Existing formats fail to achieve all three. Gwtar addresses this by using a JavaScript header to control loading behavior and HTTP range requests to fetch only required resources.
Limitations:
- Local Viewing Issues: Gwtar files may not work correctly when opened locally due to web browser security restrictions.
- Server Support: While Gwtar should ideally work with any server setup, some configurations (like Cloudflare) may complicate the use of range requests.
Future Improvements:
Future versions of Gwtar could include features like better validation, built-in compression, and multi-page support to enhance usability and efficiency.
In summary, Gwtar represents a significant advancement in HTML archiving, allowing for comprehensive and efficient storage of web pages while maintaining ease of access and compatibility.
46.macOS Tahoe Finder Bug Underscores Apple's Slipping UI Polish(macOS Tahoe Finder Bug Underscores Apple's Slipping UI Polish)
Apple's latest macOS update, Tahoe, has been facing issues with its Finder interface, particularly in the column view. Despite two updates since its release last September, a bug remains that overlaps the horizontal scroll bar with column resize handles, making it difficult for users to adjust column widths. While a recent update (macOS 26.3) made some improvements by shortening the vertical scroll bars, the horizontal bar still obscures file names and leaves awkward empty spaces when certain bars are hidden.
Developer Jeff Johnson has been tracking this issue, highlighting that while the main bug is less disruptive now, the overall design still feels unfinished. Critics, including John Gruber, express disappointment that Apple's once-polished UI standards seem to be slipping. The next update, macOS 26.4, is expected in March or April and may include new Siri features and emoji, but it’s uncertain when the interface problems will be fully resolved.
47.Pentagon Threatens Anthropic Punishment(Pentagon Threatens Anthropic Punishment)
No summary available.
48.Real-time PathTracing with global illumination in WebGL(Real-time PathTracing with global illumination in WebGL)
No summary available.
49.Knock-Knock.net – Visualizing the bots knocking on my server's door(Knock-Knock.net – Visualizing the bots knocking on my server's door)
No summary available.
50.Pocketblue – Fedora Atomic for mobile devices(Pocketblue – Fedora Atomic for mobile devices)
Fedora Pocketblue Remix Summary
Pocketblue is a project that offers Fedora Atomic images for mobile devices. It is still in development, and installing it will erase all data on your device, so use it at your own risk.
Supported Devices:
- Xiaomi Pad 5
- Xiaomi Pad 6
- OnePlus 6/6T
Key Information:
- There are guides for technical details, installing packages, and using tools like toolbox and fex-emu for running x86 apps on ARM devices.
- There is also a Firefox mobile configuration available as a flatpak.
- Some specific features include encryption and a note about the backtick symbol on Xiaomi keyboards.
Related Projects:
- Non-atomic Fedora builders for Xiaomi Pad 5 and 6 are available from different contributors.
Chat Groups:
- There are main chats for development and general discussions, as well as specific chats for various devices and topics related to the Xiaomi Pads.
51.Building SQLite with a small swarm(Building SQLite with a small swarm)
The author shares their experience with using parallel coding agents, hoping that others will find it interesting.
52.Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest reveal the severity of U.S. surveillance state(Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest reveal the severity of U.S. surveillance state)
No summary available.
53.I fixed Windows native development(I fixed Windows native development)
No summary available.
54.GNU Pies – Program Invocation and Execution Supervisor(GNU Pies – Program Invocation and Execution Supervisor)
Pies (pronounced "p-yes") stands for Program Invocation and Execution Supervisor. It is a tool that starts and manages external programs, known as components. When Pies starts, it reads a list of components from a configuration file, launches them, and runs in the background to oversee their execution. If a component stops running, Pies will automatically restart it, but it can also be set to perform other actions, like notifying the system administrator or starting another program.
Pies can also function as an init daemon, which is the first process that runs when the system boots up. It can accept configuration from a traditional file or a more flexible GNU pies configuration file. Additionally, it offers a control interface for monitoring and managing the components effectively.
55.Radio host David Greene says Google's NotebookLM tool stole his voice(Radio host David Greene says Google's NotebookLM tool stole his voice)
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links or specific web pages. However, if you provide me with the text you want summarized, I can help with that!
56.Error payloads in Zig(Error payloads in Zig)
The text discusses how to handle error payloads in the Zig programming language using a union (enum)-based Diagnostics type for functions. Here are the key points:
-
Diagnostics Type: Each function can have its own Diagnostics type defined as a union of possible error payloads. This helps reduce repetitive code where errors are handled.
-
Error Handling: When returning an error, you can set a payload using a method called
withContext. This allows you to attach specific information about the error. -
Example Function: The
countRowsfunction demonstrates how to use the Diagnostics type. It prepares a SQL statement and handles potential errors by usingdiag.withContextto save error details. -
Simplified Calls: The
BuildDiagnosticstype can be used to call functions likecountRowsmore easily. Thecallmethod automatically handles the diagnostics type, reducing boilerplate code. -
Error Logging: There’s a logging function to handle and log errors appropriately, providing useful information based on the error type.
-
Type Inference: Sometimes, explicit type annotations are helpful because the Zig Language Server (ZLS) may not infer types correctly during diagnostics calls.
Overall, this approach allows for efficient error handling in Zig by using a structured way to define and manage error payloads.
57.Editor's Note: Retraction of article containing fabricated quotations(Editor's Note: Retraction of article containing fabricated quotations)
No summary available.
58.How DSQL makes sure sequences scale(How DSQL makes sure sequences scale)
Summary: How DSQL Improves Sequence Scalability
Introduction to Sequences in DSQL
Sequences in Postgres are useful for generating unique numbers. However, they can struggle to scale when many machines (like 10,000) request numbers simultaneously. DSQL now supports sequences, which allows users to create unique identifiers in a scalable way.
Creating Sequences
You can create a sequence in DSQL with:
CREATE SEQUENCE my_sequence CACHE 65536;
SELECT nextval('my_sequence');
To use it as an identity column:
CREATE TABLE orders (
id BIGINT GENERATED BY DEFAULT AS IDENTITY (CACHE 65536) PRIMARY KEY,
customer_name TEXT
);
How Sequences Work
In single-server systems, sequences are lightweight, but in distributed systems, managing them becomes complex. DSQL allows you to efficiently access sequence values by caching multiple values at once, reducing the need for frequent disk access.
The Role of CACHE
The CACHE parameter specifies how many sequence values a backend retrieves at once. A higher CACHE value (e.g., 65536) reduces the need for disk access and speeds up operations. In contrast, CACHE=1 fetches one value at a time, which can slow down performance.
Performance Comparisons
Tests show that using a high CACHE value significantly improves speed, especially during bulk inserts or when multiple connections are active. For example:
- Individual nextval() calls: CACHE=65536 is 1.5x faster than CACHE=1.
- Bulk inserts: CACHE=65536 is 74.9x faster than CACHE=1.
- Multiple connections: CACHE=65536 allows for 17.1x higher throughput compared to CACHE=1.
Recommendations
For most applications, using a high CACHE value (≥65536) is advisable to support scalability. If your application has low transaction rates, CACHE=1 can work, but it's less efficient. Alternatively, UUIDs can be used for unique identifiers without the need for coordination.
In summary, DSQL's sequence support enhances scalability by effectively managing how sequences are generated and accessed, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
59.I love the work of the ArchWiki maintainers(I love the work of the ArchWiki maintainers)
No summary available.
60.Turning Our Back on Clean Energy(Turning Our Back on Clean Energy)
No summary available.
61.Designing a 36-key custom keyboard layout (2021)(Designing a 36-key custom keyboard layout (2021))
No summary available.
62.Germany Moves Closer to a Social Media Ban for Those Under 16(Germany Moves Closer to a Social Media Ban for Those Under 16)
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63.SCM as a database for the code(SCM as a database for the code)
Summary:
Software development is evolving, and traditional tools like IDEs are becoming less important as developers focus more on browsing and interacting with large language models (LLMs) rather than coding. The author highlights the need for better systems to manage code, suggesting that current version control systems like Git are becoming problematic due to several key issues:
- Monorepo Challenges: Git struggles with modularizing codebases, making it difficult to manage separate components effectively.
- Merge/Rebase Friction: Merging in Git can be complicated and error-prone, often requiring manual conflict resolution and lacking a clear context.
- Limited Code Insight: Git does not provide advanced querying capabilities to track changes in code over time.
- Data Management Issues: Once code is committed in Git, it is permanently tied to the repository, lacking flexibility in data access.
- Outdated Data Model: Git treats code as simple blobs rather than structured data, missing out on potential efficiencies.
The author argues for a new type of version control system that functions more like a database for code, using structured representations such as Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) instead of plain text. This new system should support better versioning, deterministic merges, and more insightful querying capabilities. The author is working on developing this new approach, aiming to improve code management and collaboration in software development.
64.Transforming a Clojure Database into a Library with GraalVM Native Image and FFI(Transforming a Clojure Database into a Library with GraalVM Native Image and FFI)
ChronDB is a time-traveling key/value database that originally functioned as a server using Git for storage and supported various protocols. The creator, while developing a cloud-based development environment called spuff in Rust, realized that SQLite was unnecessary for storing simple data like key-value pairs and session data. Instead, they decided to embed ChronDB directly into Rust, Python, or any language that can load a shared library.
To achieve this, they utilized GraalVM Native Image, which allows Clojure code to be compiled into a shared library for use with other languages. The architecture consists of five layers that separate responsibilities while enabling cross-language functionality:
- Language Bindings (Rust, Python): These provide safe wrappers and manage resources.
- C API: This defines functions that can be called from C, using the C ABI.
- Java Bridge: This interacts with Clojure and bridges C and Java data types.
- Clojure Bridge: This manages the core database operations.
- ChronDB Core: This includes the underlying storage and indexing systems.
The database uses an opaque handle pattern to manage database instances safely across languages, avoiding complexity with pointers. Each layer handles specific tasks, ensuring clean and efficient communication between languages.
The design allows for easy maintenance, consistent behavior across different programming languages, and eliminates the need for a JVM at runtime. This architecture demonstrates effective language interoperability using GraalVM, allowing easy integration with additional programming languages in the future.
The code is open source and available on GitHub, inviting contributions for new language bindings.
65.Lost Soviet Moon Lander May Have Been Found(Lost Soviet Moon Lander May Have Been Found)
No summary available.
66.Reversed engineered game Starflight (1986)(Reversed engineered game Starflight (1986))
Summary of Starflight-Reverse
What is Starflight?
- Starflight is a classic game from the 1980s, where players act as starship captains exploring the galaxy. Players can engage in mining, combat, and diplomacy without a fixed path. The game slowly reveals a storyline about an ancient race causing stars to destroy life. It was one of the first sandbox games and has influenced many others.
About the Project:
- The author shares their experience with Starflight, noting its enjoyable exploration and surprising storyline. The game may feel outdated, but it is appreciated for its detail and creativity. They are engaged in reverse engineering the game, which involves understanding its original code and design from the 1980s.
Understanding Forth:
- Starflight was programmed in Forth, a minimalist programming language that uses stack-based operations. Its syntax is very simple, focusing on the space between "words." In Forth, operations are performed using a stack where values are pushed and popped.
Disassembly Insights:
- The game's executable retains much of the original Forth structure, with minimal optimization. Most of the executable consists of pointers, and a significant portion of the code can be reverse-engineered thanks to preserved debugging symbols. The Forth interpreter is included in the executable, but the overall execution speed is slow due to frequent jumps in code.
Game Files:
- The game consists of three main files, containing executable code and data structures, organized in directories. The files include game data, graphics, and various tables that define the game’s content.
Usage Instructions:
- To reverse engineer the game, users need to place the original game files in specific folders and run a command to generate output files that facilitate further analysis.
This summary captures the essence of the original text while simplifying the complex concepts for easier understanding.
67.Towards Autonomous Mathematics Research(Towards Autonomous Mathematics Research)
Recent advances in AI have created reasoning systems that can solve math problems at a high level, similar to winners of the International Mathematical Olympiad. However, moving from solving competition problems to conducting professional research is challenging due to the extensive literature and complex proofs involved.
To address this, we present Aletheia, a math research agent that can generate, verify, and improve solutions using natural language. Aletheia uses an upgraded version of Gemini Deep Think for tough reasoning tasks, a new method for scaling inference, and various tools to tackle the intricacies of math research.
Aletheia has demonstrated its abilities in several significant ways:
- It generated a research paper (Feng26) on specific mathematical constants without human help.
- It collaborated with humans to produce a paper (LeeSeo26) proving certain mathematical bounds.
- It evaluated 700 open problems related to a famous mathematical conjecture, finding solutions to four of them.
To improve public understanding of AI in mathematics, we recommend establishing clear standards for AI’s autonomy and the novelty of its results, as well as introducing "human-AI interaction cards" for transparency. We conclude by reflecting on how humans and AI can work together in mathematics and share all related materials online.
68.Hideki Sato, designer of all Sega's consoles, has died(Hideki Sato, designer of all Sega's consoles, has died)
Hideki Sato, the key designer of nearly all Sega consoles, has passed away at the age of 77. He worked on iconic systems such as the Mega Drive, Saturn, and Dreamcast. Sato began his career at Sega in 1971 and was president from 2001 to 2003. Sega released a statement expressing their sorrow over his death, highlighting his significant contributions to the gaming industry and the company's success. Sato played a vital role in developing Sega's arcade and home console hardware, including the SC-3000 and Mega Drive. He emphasized the connection between arcade and home console technology throughout his work.
69.VOOG – Moog-style polyphonic synthesizer in Python with tkinter GUI(VOOG – Moog-style polyphonic synthesizer in Python with tkinter GUI)
I created a polyphonic synthesizer using Python with a user interface designed like the Moog Subsequent 37.
Key features include:
- 3 oscillators
- Moog ladder filter (24dB/oct)
- Dual ADSR envelopes
- LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator)
- Glide function
- Noise generator
- 4 multitimbral channels
- 19 sound presets
- Rotary knob interface
- Virtual keyboard that works with mouse and QWERTY input
- MIDI support
I used only tkinter, numpy, and sounddevice, without any external GUI frameworks.
70.AI is going to kill app subscriptions(AI is going to kill app subscriptions)
The cost of building apps has dropped significantly, making it easy to clone them. This means that subscription pricing for many apps may disappear. For example, if a local app charges $10 per month, someone could create a similar app for a one-time fee of $5, or even make it free.
Apps that require servers will still have subscriptions, but prices will likely decrease to just above their costs since they can also be easily copied.
Apple is not trying to limit the number of apps; instead, they are supporting AI-generated apps, which has led to a growth in app submissions and revenue. While this is tough for developers who rely on app sales, it benefits users by potentially lowering app costs and reducing subscription fees. Many users have been frustrated with ongoing subscription costs, and this shift could address their concerns.
71.iOS 27 'Rave' Update to Clean Up Code, Could Boost Battery Life(iOS 27 'Rave' Update to Clean Up Code, Could Boost Battery Life)
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update, codenamed "Rave," will focus on improving the operating system's performance by cleaning up its code. This includes removing outdated code, rewriting features, and enhancing apps, which could lead to better battery life and a more responsive user experience.
While there will be some minor interface adjustments, they won't be as significant as the changes made in iOS 26. The update is important for Apple as it prepares to launch new devices, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro and a foldable iPhone, expected later in 2026. Additionally, iOS 27 will aim to enhance Siri's AI capabilities, with some features delayed from the previous update.
72.Pangolin: Open-source identity-based VPN (Twingate/Zscaler alternative)(Pangolin: Open-source identity-based VPN (Twingate/Zscaler alternative))
Pangolin is an open-source tool designed for secure remote access to internal resources, offering an alternative to existing solutions like Cloudflare ZTNA and Zscaler. Unlike traditional mesh VPNs that complicate network management and corporate ZTNA solutions that route traffic through a central server, Pangolin uses a resource-centric approach.
It allows you to install lightweight connectors for specific resources (like web apps and databases) and grants access based on user roles. Pangolin utilizes WireGuard for direct peer-to-peer connections, avoiding latency issues. It supports various platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, and also provides browser-based access.
Pangolin offers both a cloud version and an optional self-hosted version. The Community Edition is available under the AGPLv3 license, while the Enterprise Edition is also open-source and free for personal or small business use. All components are fully open-source, allowing for complete self-hosting. Feedback and questions are welcome!
73.1940s Irish sci-fi novel features early mecha and gravity assists(1940s Irish sci-fi novel features early mecha and gravity assists)
Summary of Manannán Project
"Manannán," a 1940 Irish-language sci-fi book by Máiréad Ní Ghráda, features early concepts like Mecha and gravity assists in literature. It has not been reprinted or translated, prompting efforts to make it more accessible.
Project Details:
- The book uses old Irish spelling conventions.
- Available files include:
- Manannán_pages_1-20.pdf: First 20 pages.
- Manannán_09-13.txt: Corrected text for pages 9-13.
- Manannán_13-18.txt: Extracted text for pages 13-18.
Plan:
- Text is being extracted and corrected in stages.
- Initial corrections help identify and fix errors in later sections.
Chapters Overview:
- Pláinéid na feaca Súil Duine riamh (9–17)
- An Radarc, tríd an gCiandracán (18–30)
- An Turas go Manannán (31–43)
- Manannán (44–52)
- Muintear Manannáin (53–67)
- na 'Cráidmí' (68–75)
- An tÁrd-Máigistir (76–86)
- An Priorún (87–97)
- Oidce sa Coill (98–109)
- An tinneall (110–123)
- Oidce tar Oidceanta (124–136)
- 'Lug Lám-fada' (137–150)
- An Tróid leis na 'Cráidmí' (151–165)
- Diogaltas (166–177)
- An téalod (178–188)
How to Help: Contributions for spotting and correcting errors are encouraged, especially from Irish speakers.
74.What happens after the AI bubble bursts?(What happens after the AI bubble bursts?)
The author is concerned about the potential collapse of the AI industry, often referred to as an "AI bubble." They wonder what the tech world would look like if companies could no longer afford to provide AI tools cheaply, like Copilot or ChatGPT, and had to charge high prices to cover their costs. They question whether people and businesses would continue to pay for these tools if prices soared. The author seeks insights from individuals who experienced the tech industry downturns in 2000 and 2008, asking if a post-bubble scenario would lead to abandoning technology or just result in more expensive solutions.
75.Plan 9 Desktop Guide(Plan 9 Desktop Guide)
No summary available.
76.JeffTube(JeffTube)
Jeffrey Epstein's account features around 1,083 videos that were released by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Approximately 140 videos have been removed due to containing pornography and inappropriate content. The remaining videos include various clips showing Epstein in different situations, some of which have garnered thousands of views and likes. Notable content includes Epstein interacting with young people, testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, and various short clips related to Epstein's life and associates.
77.Two different tricks for fast LLM inference(Two different tricks for fast LLM inference)
Anthropic and OpenAI have both introduced a "fast mode" for their coding models, allowing users to interact at much higher speeds. However, these two approaches are quite different.
-
Speed Comparison: OpenAI's fast mode can process over 1000 tokens per second, which is 15 times faster than its previous model, while Anthropic's fast mode handles up to 2.5 times the tokens per second compared to its earlier version.
-
Model Differences: Anthropic’s fast mode uses its actual model (Opus 4.6), whereas OpenAI’s fast mode uses a less capable model (GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark) that is faster but more prone to mistakes.
-
Technical Approaches:
- Anthropic: Utilizes low-batch-size inference, which allows for quicker processing but at a higher cost, akin to a bus that leaves as soon as passengers board.
- OpenAI: Partners with Cerebras to use large chips that can handle more data in memory, allowing for significantly faster inference but requiring a new, smaller model.
-
Implications: While fast inference might seem beneficial, the trade-off for speed may lead to more errors, which could be counterproductive. The effectiveness of these fast modes in real-world applications remains to be seen, and it appears that neither company is primarily focused on making fast inference the main goal.
In summary, both companies have different strategies for achieving faster AI inference, with OpenAI's approach being more technically complex, while Anthropic focuses on maintaining model integrity and speed.
78.Databases should contain their own Metadata – Use SQL Everywhere(Databases should contain their own Metadata – Use SQL Everywhere)
The text discusses the features and goals of a database system called Floe, which aims to simplify database management and improve user experience. Here are the key points:
-
Intuitive SQL Queries: Floe allows users to ask complex SQL questions and provides answers efficiently, aiming for a seamless experience with minimal management.
-
Self-Monitoring Capabilities: The system includes features for users to query information about the database itself, such as:
- Why queries may be slow.
- Resource usage and storage space.
- User activities affecting performance.
-
System Views: Floe provides a metadata model that can be queried directly. This includes system objects like tables, views, and functions, allowing users to access essential information using SQL queries.
-
Session Tracking: Floe keeps track of user sessions and queries, enabling users to monitor activity and performance efficiently.
-
User-Friendly Design: The database is structured to be easy to navigate and understand, with consistent naming conventions and accessible diagnostic views for common tasks.
-
Compatibility: Floe supports various protocols, including ADBC and PostgreSQL, ensuring it can work with existing tools and standards, while also offering a rich model of metadata.
-
Feedback Encouraged: The developers of Floe are open to user feedback to enhance the system and make it more user-friendly for both experienced users and newcomers.
Overall, Floe is designed to be an efficient, user-friendly database system that empowers users to manage and query their data effectively.
79.Why I don't think AGI is imminent(Why I don't think AGI is imminent)
No summary available.
80.Oat – Ultra-lightweight, zero dependency, semantic HTML, CSS, JS UI library(Oat – Ultra-lightweight, zero dependency, semantic HTML, CSS, JS UI library)
The text provides a link to a GitHub repository for a project called "oat" by the user knadh. It also includes a related link to a blog post discussing issues in the JavaScript ecosystem, suggesting it may be a critique or analysis of software development challenges in that area.
81.LEDs Enter the Nanoscale, But efficiency hurdles challenge the smallest LEDs yet(LEDs Enter the Nanoscale, But efficiency hurdles challenge the smallest LEDs yet)
Polar Light is developing tiny LEDs called nanoLEDs, which are made from hexagonal pyramids. However, there are challenges related to their efficiency. These tiny LEDs represent a significant advancement in semiconductor technology, but improving their performance remains a key hurdle.
82.Cogram (YC W22) – Hiring former technical founders(Cogram (YC W22) – Hiring former technical founders)
No summary available.
83.Flashpoint Archive – Over 200k web games and animations preserved(Flashpoint Archive – Over 200k web games and animations preserved)
Flashpoint Archive is a community project focused on preserving online games and animations. As technology changes rapidly, many digital experiences risk being lost, so the project aims to keep these memories alive. Since December 2017, it has preserved over 200,000 games and animations using various web technologies.
The project also offers software to help users navigate and play the preserved content safely. This includes a launcher for easy access, a proxy to simulate the original web environment for the games, and a secure sandbox for playing plugin-based content. All of this software is open-source.
Started by BlueMaxima to save web games before Flash's decline, Flashpoint has grown thanks to contributions from many people worldwide. It operates as a non-profit, dedicated to making these digital experiences accessible. To support the project or learn about its funding, you can donate or visit their Open Collective page.
84.Palantir Gets Millions of Dollars from New York City's Public Hospitals(Palantir Gets Millions of Dollars from New York City's Public Hospitals)
New York City’s public hospital system has paid nearly $4 million to Palantir, a controversial company known for its work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the military. This funding is aimed at improving the hospital system's billing processes for services provided. Activists are protesting this partnership because of Palantir's involvement in tracking and deporting immigrants, as well as its historical ties to military operations and surveillance.
Critics argue that sharing patient data with Palantir is risky, as it could potentially compromise sensitive information. Some local organizations are calling for the termination of the contract, stating that it undermines the trust patients should have in seeking healthcare without fear of their information being shared with immigration authorities. The mayor's office has not commented on the situation, despite the growing outcry from various advocacy groups.
85.My smart sleep mask broadcasts users' brainwaves to an open MQTT broker(My smart sleep mask broadcasts users' brainwaves to an open MQTT broker)
A person received a smart sleep mask that can monitor brainwaves and send electrical impulses during sleep. The mask, created by a small Chinese company, includes features like EEG monitoring, muscle stimulation, heating, and audio. However, the app controlling the mask had issues, prompting the user to ask a friend, Claude, to help reverse-engineer it.
Claude discovered that the app was built using Flutter, making it challenging to analyze. However, he managed to find hardcoded credentials and command names within the app's code. After fully mapping the commands, he created a web dashboard to control the mask, which worked successfully.
While exploring further, Claude used the discovered credentials to connect to the company's MQTT broker, where he accessed data not just from his device but from all active devices, including other sleep masks and environmental sensors. This raised concerns since it meant he could potentially manipulate the devices, including sending electrical impulses to other users.
The user decided to inform the company about these security issues. The reverse engineering process was completed quickly by Claude in about 30 minutes.
86.Language a Wood for Thought: Susan Howe's Work(Language a Wood for Thought: Susan Howe's Work)
No summary available.
87.Kimi Claw(Kimi Claw)
No summary available.
88.Lightwave – Real-time notes app, 3.5 years of hand-rolled JavaScript(Lightwave – Real-time notes app, 3.5 years of hand-rolled JavaScript)
A developer has been working on a new project called Lightwave for three and a half years. It's a tool designed for note-taking and project management that feels like a simple text editor but can also organize notes when needed.
Lightwave is currently in a pre-release stress test phase and will eventually be a paid product. The developer is inviting users to test it out to gather feedback, as solo testing isn't enough to prepare for real user traffic.
Key features of Lightwave include:
- Ability to paste and export markdown easily.
- A hierarchical document structure and file manager.
- Real-time collaboration with shared cursors and selections.
- Code blocks with syntax highlighting and LaTeX math support.
- Full data export options with no vendor lock-in.
- Complete undo/redo functionality.
The app is desktop-only at the moment, with some known issues, and the developer is actively fixing bugs based on user feedback. Users can create a test account easily via the provided link.
89.Palantir vs. the "Republik": US analytics firm takes magazine to court(Palantir vs. the "Republik": US analytics firm takes magazine to court)
Palantir Technologies, a US data analytics company, is suing the Swiss magazine "Republik" over what it claims are significant inaccuracies in their reporting. After failing to get a counterstatement directly from the magazine, Palantir is seeking legal intervention to have its side of the story published. This action has unexpectedly increased attention for "Republik."
The magazine had reported on Palantir's interactions with Swiss authorities, suggesting that the company had sought connections with military, police, and health agencies but had not finalized any deals. Palantir believes this reporting misrepresents its actions and has filed the lawsuit to correct the record.
Swiss law allows companies to request counterstatements when they feel misrepresented, and Palantir asserts that it respects press freedom while seeking a balanced portrayal of its actions. The company has faced criticism in Europe due to its connections with US immigration enforcement and its partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
Despite being a small publication, "Republik" has received significant support from its readers in response to the lawsuit. The case highlights the complexities and challenges of media reporting on powerful organizations.
90.Continuous batching from first principles (2025)(Continuous batching from first principles (2025))
Summary of Continuous Batching
Overview: Continuous batching is a technique designed to improve the performance of large language models (LLMs) like chatbots by optimizing how they process multiple user prompts simultaneously.
-
LLM Token Generation: LLMs generate text by predicting one token at a time. This process is resource-intensive as it requires processing the entire input for each new token.
-
Attention Mechanism: The attention mechanism allows tokens to influence each other. It involves calculating similarity scores between tokens, which can be computationally expensive.
-
KV Caching: To enhance efficiency, KV caching stores key and value states from previous token generations, reducing the computation needed for subsequent tokens. This speeds up the generation process significantly.
-
Chunked Prefill: When initial prompts are too long for memory, they can be split into smaller chunks for processing. This allows for manageable memory usage while retaining all necessary information.
-
Ragged Batching: Instead of padding all prompts to the same length, ragged batching allows for varying prompt lengths without wasted space. This improves throughput by maximizing GPU efficiency.
-
Dynamic Scheduling: As prompts finish generating, they can be replaced with new prompts waiting in line, maintaining continuous processing without idle time.
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Conclusion: Continuous batching effectively combines KV caching, chunked prefill, ragged batching, and dynamic scheduling to enhance the performance of LLMs, enabling them to serve thousands of concurrent users efficiently.
This approach allows services like ChatGPT to handle many requests simultaneously, making them more responsive and resource-efficient.
91.Sony Jumbotron Image Control System (1998) [pdf](Sony Jumbotron Image Control System (1998) [pdf])
Summary of the JumboTron Image Control System Manual
Introduction
- The manual provides operating instructions for the JumboTron Image Control System, which includes the JTC-C200 ICU Controller, JTC-P200 Image Control Unit, and JTA-LS200 ABC Sensor Unit.
- It is crucial to read the manual carefully before using the equipment.
Safety Information
- The equipment complies with FCC regulations for Class A digital devices.
- Proper installation is essential to prevent interference, especially if used in a residential area.
- Safety precautions include avoiding exposure to moisture, not opening the cabinet, and ensuring reliable grounding.
System Overview
- The JumboTron displays images from video sources like VCRs and computers on large screens, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- It can show video, computer graphics, or a combination of both.
Screen Types
- There are two types of JumboTron screens: CRT and LED, each with specific configurations and capabilities.
System Configuration
- The manual outlines a suggested setup for the JumboTron system, including connections for various input sources and control units.
Main Features
- The JTC-C200 controller remotely manages the JTC-P200 unit, allowing users to turn the system on/off, select display modes, and adjust image settings like brightness and color.
- The JTA-LS200 sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light.
Location and Parts
- Detailed descriptions of the parts and controls of the JTC-P200 unit are provided, including input/output connectors and control functions.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Safety measures for handling the power cord and cleaning the unit are highlighted, emphasizing the need to avoid damaging the equipment.
This summary captures the essential points of the manual, making it easier to understand and use the JumboTron Image Control System effectively.
92.Ooh.directory: a place to find good blogs that interest you(Ooh.directory: a place to find good blogs that interest you)
The text outlines various categories of blogs and their topics, along with recent blog posts and updates. Here are the key points:
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Categories: The blogs are organized into different themes, including:
- Arts and Media: Covers architecture, design, music, and more.
- Technology: Focuses on computers, the internet, and web development.
- Geography: Discusses countries and places, like London and the USA.
- Economics and Business: Includes topics on management and economics.
- Education: Dedicated to learning and education-related content.
- Politics and Law: Explores government and legal issues.
- Humanities: Covers history, geography, and language.
- Personal Blogs: Personal experiences and musings.
- Recreation: Includes food, sports, and travel.
- Science: Discusses earth science, mathematics, and space.
- Society: Explores topics like religion and psychogeography.
- Uncategorized Blogs: Blogs that don’t fit into other categories.
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Recent Blogs: The text highlights recent blog posts, such as:
- A review of the play "After Miss Julie" at the Park Theatre.
- Sailing adventures from Australia.
- Wargaming projects.
- Personal reflections from a riverkeeper in Hampshire.
- Book reviews and classic movie discussions.
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Updates: The blogs are frequently updated, with new content being added regularly.
Overall, the text serves as a directory for diverse blogs, showcasing a wide range of interests and recent activities within the blogging community.
93.Peter Thiel: 2,436 emails with Epstein from 2014 to 2019(Peter Thiel: 2,436 emails with Epstein from 2014 to 2019)
Summary of Peter Thiel's Correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein
Peter Thiel is a prominent German-American entrepreneur known for co-founding PayPal, investing in Facebook, and founding Palantir Technologies. The Jmail archive reveals extensive communication with Jeffrey Epstein from 2014 to 2019, totaling 2,436 emails. Their relationship involved discussions about technology investments, political matters, and a significant financial transaction where Epstein invested $40 million in Thiel's venture capital firm, Valar Ventures.
Key points include:
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Background: Thiel, born in Germany in 1967, moved to the U.S. as a child and later studied at Stanford. He became a notable tech investor and supporter of Donald Trump.
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Relationship with Epstein: Their correspondence began in 2014, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution. Epstein had sought to connect with Thiel as early as 2009.
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Investment Discussions: Thiel recommended Epstein to invest in Valar Ventures, which led to a $40 million investment, making Epstein a major outside investor in the fund. This investment has reportedly grown significantly in value.
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Political Consultation: Thiel consulted Epstein regarding his support for Trump during the 2016 election, indicating Epstein's influence over Thiel's political decisions.
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Connections with Other Figures: Thiel's correspondence involved notable figures like former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Russian diplomat Vitaly Churkin, facilitating meetings between them.
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Declining Relationship: By late 2018, communication between Thiel and Epstein began to cool, with Thiel increasingly unavailable for meetings.
The archive provides insights into their professional relationship, Thiel's political affiliations, and the nature of Epstein's networking within elite circles. It raises questions about the implications of their association, especially given Epstein's criminal history.
94.Carney constructs a mega anti-Trump trade alliance(Carney constructs a mega anti-Trump trade alliance)
Summary:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is leading discussions to create a large trade alliance between the European Union (EU) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes 12 Indo-Pacific nations. This initiative responds to trade pressures from former President Trump, who threatened to impose tariffs affecting European countries.
The goal is to enhance trade by aligning the supply chains of the EU and CPTPP members, which include countries like Canada, Japan, and Australia. This new alliance could involve nearly 40 nations and aims to simplify trade rules, particularly around the "rules of origin," which determine a product's economic nationality.
While discussions are underway, concrete agreements may take time. However, business groups in Europe are increasingly supportive of this initiative, pushing for quicker action to improve trade ties and resilience among member nations.
95.DjVu and its connection to Deep Learning (2023)(DjVu and its connection to Deep Learning (2023))
The text is about checking your browser, which is a quick process that takes only a few seconds.
96.Breaking the spell of vibe coding(Breaking the spell of vibe coding)
Vibe coding refers to the practice of using AI to generate large amounts of complex code, often without human oversight. This trend is impacting the tech industry, leading to layoffs and pressure on employees to produce AI-generated code. Many developers feel insecure about their skills, and college students question the value of studying computer science due to AI advancements.
The author, who works at an AI company, emphasizes the usefulness of AI but warns against vibe coding, highlighting issues that arise from it. A software developer named Armin Ronacher discussed his experience with AI coding tools, describing a phenomenon he called "agent psychosis," where developers become overly absorbed in creating tools that ultimately do not fulfill their needs.
The text draws parallels between vibe coding and gambling, explaining that both can create a misleading sense of success. Just as gamblers may feel they are winning while actually losing money, vibe coders may produce complex code that is difficult to maintain or use effectively. This can lead to a false sense of productivity and agency.
Research shows that developers often misjudge their productivity when using AI tools, thinking they are faster when they are, in fact, slower. The author urges caution, noting that many predictions about AI's capabilities have been overly optimistic and may not come true.
In conclusion, while AI can assist in coding, it cannot replace essential human skills in software engineering and creativity. The author advocates for continued skill development in the face of evolving technology, warning against relying too heavily on AI tools.
97.Interference Pattern Formed in a Finger Gap Is Not Single Slit Diffraction(Interference Pattern Formed in a Finger Gap Is Not Single Slit Diffraction)
The text discusses the creation of an interference pattern using a narrow gap between two fingers, demonstrating that this phenomenon is not due to single slit diffraction, as commonly thought. Instead, it argues that the pattern results from "diffraction by a semi-infinite screen."
Key points include:
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Creating the Pattern: By peering through a narrow gap between fingers at a light source, one can observe an interference pattern. This can also be done with a nail clipper for clearer results.
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Understanding Diffraction: Diffraction occurs when waves bend around barriers. The text explains how light behaves in single and double slit scenarios and how the patterns are formed.
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Misconceptions: The author clarifies that the interference pattern does not align with single slit diffraction characteristics, as there is no central bright line and the period of stripes remains constant regardless of the gap width.
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Semi-Infinite Screen Diffraction: The text concludes that the interference pattern observed in the finger gap resembles the patterns produced by a semi-infinite screen, where the pattern's characteristics are determined by the wavelength of light and the distance to the observation point, rather than the gap size.
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Coherent Light Not Required: It also emphasizes that coherent light is not necessary for interference; even incoherent light can produce interference if the light source is sufficiently small.
Overall, the article presents an interesting perspective on how simple experiments can reveal complex physical principles, challenging common assumptions in optics.
98.Pink noise reduces REM sleep and may harm sleep quality(Pink noise reduces REM sleep and may harm sleep quality)
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania found that pink noise, commonly used to help with sleep, may actually reduce restorative REM sleep and negatively affect sleep quality. In contrast, earplugs were more effective at blocking out disruptive aircraft noise.
The study involved 25 healthy adults who slept under various conditions, including exposure to aircraft noise, pink noise, and earplugs. Results showed that pink noise alone decreased REM sleep by nearly 19 minutes and also led to lighter sleep and more frequent awakenings. When combined with aircraft noise, both deep and REM sleep were significantly reduced.
Researchers warn that the widespread use of pink noise and similar sounds as sleep aids should be reconsidered, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, who spend more time in REM sleep. They recommend further research on the long-term effects of broadband noise on sleep and its safety levels.
99.OpenAI should build Slack(OpenAI should build Slack)
Summary:
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, encouraged feedback on what to build next during a recent town hall. A suggestion is made for OpenAI to develop a version of Slack, as it aligns with their expertise in AI and could address ongoing issues within the current Slack platform.
Slack has faced challenges, including increasing prices, lack of innovative AI features, and user complaints about functionality. Building an "OpenAI Slack" could enhance user experience and integrate AI capabilities into workplace communications, creating a robust platform that combines social and work graphs.
Additionally, recent AI developments include the release of the MiniMax-M2.5 model, which boasts a cost-effective operation and strong performance metrics, making it competitive with other AI models. This model utilizes a unique architecture that activates only a portion of its parameters, improving efficiency. Overall, the AI community is eager for advancements in accessibility and performance.
100.A review of M Disc archival capability with long term testing results (2016)(A review of M Disc archival capability with long term testing results (2016))
No summary available.