Ken Shirriff's blog discusses the history and technology of computers, particularly focusing on the electromechanical Angle Computer used in the B-52 bomber's navigation system before GPS was available.

Key points include:

1. Celestial Navigation: Before GPS, aircraft navigated using celestial navigation, which tracks the stars and sun for accurate positioning. This method is reliable and can't be jammed, but it's complex to perform manually.

2. Automation in Navigation: In the early 1960s, the B-52's navigation system used an automated star tracking system to simplify celestial navigation. The Angle Computer, an electromechanical device, calculated navigation data without needing digital computers, which were not yet practical.

3. Mechanics of the Angle Computer: The Angle Computer physically modeled the celestial sphere, using intricate mechanical systems to simulate the positions of stars and calculate their angles. The output provided azimuth (direction) and altitude (angle above the horizon) information.

4. Astro Compass System: The Angle Computer was part of the Astro Compass, which could identify a star and accurately determine the aircraft's heading. It comprised multiple components, including the Astro Tracker, which used a telescope to locate stars.

5. User Interface: The system had a unique control panel where navigators input data using knobs. The information required for navigation was sourced from the Air Almanac, which provided celestial data.

6. Computational Process: Navigators used spherical trigonometry to convert star coordinates into the aircraft's local coordinate system. The Angle Computer solved this navigational triangle mechanically, a process that previously required manual calculations.

7. Determining Location: The Astro Compass could also help determine the aircraft's location using the celestial line of position technique, allowing for triangulation with multiple stars.

In conclusion, the Angle Computer represents a fascinating blend of mechanical and electrical engineering, illustrating an innovative approach to solving navigational challenges in aviation before the advent of digital computing.

Summary: Migrating from DigitalOcean to Hetzner

In March 2026, a software company migrated its infrastructure from DigitalOcean to Hetzner, reducing monthly costs from $1,432 to $233 without any service downtime. The migration included handling 248 GB of MySQL data, 34 Nginx sites, and various applications.

Reasons for Migration:

• Rising costs due to inflation and a weak Turkish Lira made DigitalOcean's pricing unsustainable.
• The company found Hetzner's AX162-R server, which offered better performance at a significantly lower price.

Migration Details:

• The migration involved a thorough six-phase strategy to ensure zero downtime:

  1. Installed the full stack on the new server.
  2. Cloned web files using rsync.
  3. Set up live MySQL replication to keep databases in sync.
  4. Reduced DNS TTLs for a quicker cutover.
  5. Configured the old server to act as a reverse proxy.
  6. Cut over the DNS records to the new server.

• MySQL data was efficiently migrated using mydumper for faster export/import times.

Key Challenges:

• Ensured that application users did not have SUPER privileges, which could bypass the read-only settings necessary for replication.
• Adjusted MySQL configurations to resolve issues after migration.

Final Outcome:

• The new server provided more resources (e.g., 256 GB RAM vs. 192 GB) and resulted in a savings of $14,388 per year.
• The entire migration was completed in about 24 hours with no user impact.

Key Takeaways:

• MySQL replication is crucial for zero-downtime migrations.
• Scripting processes can save time and reduce errors.
• Dedicated servers can be a cost-effective alternative for stable workloads compared to cloud services.

All migration scripts are publicly available on GitHub for reference.

Kdenlive Update - April 2026

Overview: The Kdenlive team has focused on steady development and community collaboration in 2025, prioritizing stability and user experience while also adding new features.

Key Developments:

• Website Relaunch: The Kdenlive website was updated with new content management and design, including historical content from 2002.
• Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with MLT developers and contributed to OpenTimelineIO.

Recent Releases:

1. Version 25.04.0: Introduced an automatic masking tool, object segmentation for background removal, and improved audio waveform performance.
2. Version 25.08.0: Focused on stabilization, resolving over 15 crashes, and improving the audio mixer and project organization tools.
3. Version 25.12.0: Enhanced user experience with a new welcome screen and flexible docking system.

Upcoming Features:

• Version 26.04: Set to include monitor mirroring and animated transition previews to improve editing efficiency.
• Future enhancements include support for new multimedia features, a revamped subtitle system, and advanced trimming tools.

Community Engagement:

• 38 contributors, including many first-timers, helped improve Kdenlive.
• Successful sprints in Amsterdam and Berlin led to significant project discussions and technical advancements.

Funding: The project received €9,344.80 in donations in 2025, a decrease from the previous year. The team is encouraging more support to continue development and potentially hire more developers.

Conclusion: Kdenlive is actively evolving, with a strong community and ongoing improvements. Contributions, whether financial or through volunteer work, are vital for its growth.

The text discusses a tool called "Calculate Community Averages," which compares anonymous request-token data from users to show differences between Opus versions 4.6 and 4.7 based on real inputs. It emphasizes that the submissions are anonymous and the tool is open source, meaning anyone can access it. The tool is not associated with Anthropic.

MDV — Markdown Data & Visualization Summary

MDV (Markdown Data & Visualization) is a tool that allows you to create documents, dashboards, and presentations using a special version of Markdown. It simplifies the process of adding charts, tables, and styled sections using straightforward code blocks.

Key Features:

• Markdown Superset: MDV extends standard Markdown with additional features.
• YAML Front-Matter: Use it to set titles, themes, styles, and data sources in your documents.
• Fenced Blocks: Create visual elements like charts with simple commands.
• Styled Containers: Organize content and apply styles easily.
• Automatic Table of Contents: Generate a TOC with a simple command.

MDV outputs self-contained HTML and PDF documents that include inline charts, making it user-friendly. You can preview your work in VS Code with a split-screen view.

Getting Started:

1. Clone the repository and install dependencies.
2. Render or preview example files with provided commands.

Documentation: Includes guides on installation, syntax, visualization options, data handling, and using the command-line interface.

Examples: A folder with sample files demonstrates all features, and the outputs are available for review.

Current Status: MDV is in pre-release and requires Node version 20 or higher. More details on its design and future updates are available in the documentation.

Fuzix OS Summary

Fuzix OS is a retro operating system with version 0.4 now available. The core kernel has been mostly unchanged, but various bugs have been fixed, and the networking layer has been revamped for better modularity. Executable formats for 8080, 8085, and Z80 have been unified, allowing for better compatibility.

Key updates include:

• Simplified building process with a new "make diskimage" target.
• Improved make environment, though some issues remain.
• N8VEM project has been rebranded as 'Retrobrew.'
• New naming conventions for products to clarify distinctions between product lines and bus standards.

Some systems have been dropped for this release due to unavailability of testers, including Pentagon models and Scorpion.

Supported Processors:

• 6303 / 6803: Supported with specific tools.
• 6502 / 65C02 / 65C816: Limited support; floating point not available.
• 6809: Supports a range of classic systems.
• 68HC11: Targets specific SBC systems.
• 68000: Now more stable with a sensible binary format.
• 8080 / 8085: New compilers introduced; performance improved.
• ARM: Supports ARM M0 and M4.
• ESP8266: Specific support for this microcontroller.
• Z80 / Z180 / 64180 / Z84C1X: Supported by the main tree.

Other Processors: Some are still in development and not fully functional yet.

Supported Systems: Fuzix supports many systems, including classic models like the ZX Spectrum, Tandy COCO, and various Z80-based systems. Each supported system has detailed documentation available in the respective README files.

Overall, Fuzix OS aims to provide a stable and compatible environment for retro computing enthusiasts while continually improving support for various legacy systems.

Scientists have found a unique relationship between two types of ants in the Arizona desert. Tiny "cleaner ants" groom much larger harvester ants by licking and nibbling their bodies, even inside their open jaws. This behavior, observed by entomologist Mark Moffett, is similar to how cleaner fish help larger fish by removing parasites.

Moffett discovered this interaction while observing harvester ants at a research station. He initially thought the smaller ants were being aggressive, but it turned out the larger ants allowed the smaller ones to groom them. Over several days, Moffett documented the grooming sessions, which lasted from under 15 seconds to over five minutes.

The exact benefits of this behavior for both ant species are still being studied. The cleaner ants may be eating small particles from the harvester ants, while the larger ants could be getting a more thorough cleaning. This discovery emphasizes how much we still have to learn about animal behaviors in nature.

The text contains technical code and an iframe related to web tracking and analytics. It includes a script for initializing a tagging system and a tracking image that is not visible. There are also mentions of "Bonbon Drop Stickers" and a chat option, suggesting the presence of ongoing events or features related to this topic. Overall, it seems to be part of a website's backend setup for monitoring user interactions.

Michael O. Rabin (1931–2026) was a prominent Israeli mathematician and computer scientist known for his significant contributions to computational theory and cryptography. He was co-awarded the 1976 Turing Award for his work on computational complexity alongside Dana Scott.

Rabin was born in Germany and moved to Mandatory Palestine in 1935. He excelled in mathematics from a young age, eventually earning degrees from Hebrew University and Princeton University. His career included research at IBM, where he explored finite automata and decision problems, which became foundational to computer science.

Some of Rabin's notable achievements include:

• Developing the Miller-Rabin primality test, a fast randomized method for determining if a number is prime, crucial for public-key cryptography.
• Inventing the Rabin signature algorithm, the first asymmetric cryptosystem with proven security based on integer factorization.
• Introducing the Rabin-Karp string search algorithm, known for its efficiency.

Rabin held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and MIT, focusing on computer security later in his career. He received numerous awards throughout his life, including the Israel Prize and the Dan David Prize.

He passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in computer science. His daughter, Tal Rabin, is also a noted computer scientist.

The text appears to be a mix of HTML code, scripts, and metadata related to the website UpCodes. Here are the key points simplified:

• UpCodes is an organization with a website where users can find information about their services.
• There are links to their social media profiles, including LinkedIn and Twitter.
• The text includes various scripts for tracking and analytics purposes, such as Facebook tracking and Apollo.io website tracking.
• The website has features like demo requests and free trials for users interested in their solutions.

Overall, the content primarily relates to the technical setup of the UpCodes website rather than providing specific information about its offerings or services.

The author, nand2mario, discusses the memory pipeline of the 80386 processor, which they've successfully implemented on an FPGA, allowing it to run DOS and applications like Doom at 75 MHz. The 80386's 32-bit Protected Mode enables efficient virtual memory management, which includes address translation and memory access.

Key points include:

1. Memory Pipeline Efficiency: Despite appearing complex, the memory access process is optimized to complete in about 1.5 clock cycles due to overlapping tasks, pre-calculation, and pipelining.

2. Microcode: The microcode directs how logical addresses are converted to physical addresses, with specific commands for reading and writing memory.

3. Segmentation and Caching: The processor uses cached segment states to speed up address translation, preventing repeated lookups. This design choice allows for effective memory access without slowing down the machine.

4. Parallel Processing: The 80386 simultaneously calculates addresses and checks limits to enhance performance. Complex addressing modes may take longer, but common cases remain efficient.

5. Early Start Optimization: The processor begins address calculations before an instruction fully executes, improving overall performance.

6. Paging: The hardware page walker ensures fast address translation, maintaining efficiency even when there are missed translations.

7. Bus Interface and Caching: The 80386 uses a non-multiplexed bus for quick memory access, and while it doesn’t have an on-chip cache, it was designed with caching in mind, significantly boosting performance.

Overall, the memory pipeline of the 80386 integrates various techniques to minimize latency and optimize performance, making it suitable for running complex operating systems and applications. The author plans to explore additional topics in future posts, including instruction prefetching and task switching.

The Amiga Graphics Archive is a website dedicated to showcasing graphics created for the Commodore Amiga computer, which was known for its advanced graphics capabilities when it was launched in 1985. The site features a variety of graphics including art from games, logos, and publications.

Key updates on the site include:

• Ongoing additions of vintage images and collections from different magazines, showcasing the evolution of Amiga graphics.
• Special emphasis on color cycling images and animations, with new tools developed to enhance these graphics.
• Regular updates highlighting contributions from artists and competitions, particularly from the German Amiga community.

The site acknowledges the copyright of the images and encourages visitors to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a crucial algorithm in signal processing and data analysis, known for efficiently computing the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The DFT's standard calculation is slow, taking time proportional to (N^2), while the FFT reduces this to (N \log N).

The main focus of the FFT, introduced by Cooley and Tukey in 1965, is to exploit symmetries in the DFT. By breaking down the DFT into smaller parts based on even and odd indexed elements, the FFT can significantly reduce the number of calculations required.

To understand the FFT, we can implement it in Python. A straightforward implementation of the DFT can be made using matrix multiplication, but it is slow. In contrast, the FFT uses a recursive approach that halves the problem size at each step, making it much faster.

The article also discusses a vectorized version of the FFT, which is even more efficient by leveraging NumPy's capabilities for handling large matrix operations without recursion. While these implementations provide insight into how FFT works, they still do not match the performance of optimized libraries like FFTPACK.

Overall, gaining a deeper understanding of the FFT can enhance the skills of data scientists, enabling them to apply these algorithms more effectively in their work.

The text discusses the concept of ordering objects based on various criteria and focuses on the relationships that define these orders. Here are the key points:

1. Types of Orders: There are different types of orders such as linear (total) and partial orders, which are defined mathematically by a set of elements and a binary relation that follows specific laws.

2. Linear Order: In a linear order, every element can be compared with every other element, adhering to laws of reflexivity, transitivity, antisymmetry, and totality. An example is sorting colors by wavelength.

3. Partial Order: A partial order relaxes the totality requirement, meaning not all elements need to be comparable. It still follows reflexivity, transitivity, and antisymmetry. An example is ranking soccer players who have played against each other but not with everyone else.

4. Chains and Hasse Diagrams: Partial orders can contain subsets that are linearly ordered (chains), and these relationships can be represented in Hasse diagrams.

5. Greatest and Least Elements: Some partial orders may have a greatest or least element, which is an element that is greater than or less than all others, respectively.

6. Joins and Meets: Joins are the least upper bounds of two elements, while meets are the greatest lower bounds. These concepts are illustrated with examples like colors mixing or numbers in divisibility.

7. Lattices: A lattice is a special type of partial order where every two elements have both a join and a meet. A bounded lattice has both a greatest and a least element.

8. Isomorphisms: Order isomorphisms are functions that preserve the order relationships between two sets.

9. Preorder: A preorder is a structure where reflexivity and transitivity hold, but antisymmetry does not. It can represent indirect relationships, like wins in sports.

10. Categories: Preorders can be viewed as categories with specific properties. They have a unique morphism between any two objects if one is "greater" than the other.

This summary encapsulates the main concepts related to orders, their types, and their mathematical properties in an easy-to-understand manner.

The article discusses the common belief that comparing floating-point numbers for exact equality is bad practice and that epsilon comparisons should be used instead. The author argues against this, suggesting that such comparisons often lead to complications and bugs.

Key points include:

1. Epsilon Comparisons: While often recommended, they are seen as a temporary fix that can complicate debugging and lead to unpredictable behavior in programs. The author believes there are usually better alternatives.

2. Understanding Floating-Points: Floating-point numbers are not as random or uncertain as they may seem; they have deterministic behaviors and specific limitations due to their inherent inexactness.

3. Alternatives to Epsilon Comparisons: The article provides examples of situations where better solutions exist, such as using acceptance radii in animations instead of epsilon, or restructuring algorithms to avoid comparison issues altogether.

4. Case Studies: Various scenarios (e.g., grid-based movement, spherical linear interpolation, ray-box intersection) illustrate how relying on epsilons can lead to errors and inefficiencies. The author emphasizes the importance of designing algorithms that handle floating-point operations correctly without defaulting to epsilons.

5. Specific Situations Where Epsilons Might Be Acceptable: The author acknowledges that there are cases, like writing test cases or sanitizing user input, where using epsilons can be practical, but warns that these should be chosen carefully.

Overall, the author encourages programmers to think critically about their use of floating-point comparisons and to seek out more robust solutions rather than relying on epsilons.

Japan is known for its extensive and successful railway system, which accounts for 28% of passenger travel, far more than other developed countries. The largest railway company, JR East, carries more passengers than the entire railway networks of most countries, except China and India. Japan's railways are primarily privately owned, unlike many Western countries where rail systems have struggled due to the rise of cars and government reliance on subsidies.

While some attribute Japan's rail success to cultural preferences for public transport, the reality is that people use trains because of the high-quality railway system supported by effective public policies. Japan's rail companies are not just transport providers; they also engage in various businesses, such as real estate and retail, which helps fund their operations and enhance urban development.

The evolution of Japan's railway system began in the late 19th century, with private companies emerging alongside nationalized lines. After World War II, the government privatized the national railways, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. This privatization allowed rail companies to adopt a model of urban development where they shape cities around their services, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Japan's liberal land use policies facilitate the development of neighborhoods near railway lines, promoting high-density urban cores that are ideal for rail transport. Unlike many Western cities, Japanese urban planning does not impose strict restrictions on development, which has led to vibrant city centers.

Moreover, Japan has effectively managed car use through measures like privatized parking and self-financing roads, ensuring cars and rail coexist without heavily subsidizing one over the other. This balance allows the railway system to thrive while still accommodating car travel.

In summary, Japan's railway success stems from a combination of privatization, smart urban planning, and effective policies that balance the interests of rail and car travel, creating a model that could be replicated in other countries.

I've been studying interval arithmetic, which is an interesting but underappreciated field. A major issue with standard interval arithmetic is its poor handling of division when zero is involved. For example, dividing 1 by the interval [-1, 2] can result in either an infinite range or an undefined operation, both of which are not helpful. The correct result should be two separate intervals: [-∞, -1] and [0.5, +∞]. This allows us to exclude certain values from the possible outcomes.

However, this approach results in a value that is not itself an interval, complicating the use of a closed arithmetic system for evaluating expressions with interval values. This problem also arises with non-continuous functions, like the tangent function.

A proposed solution is to work with disjoint unions of intervals, as discussed in a 2017 paper titled "Interval Unions." I created an open-source project that implements this concept in TypeScript, providing a simple interactive calculator for users. The TypeScript library is free of dependencies and uses interval union arithmetic with IEEE 754 double precision floats, ensuring accuracy despite rounding issues.

The article analyzes the new tokenizer in Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.7 model, which reportedly uses 1.0 to 1.35 times more tokens than the previous version (4.6). However, the author found it actually uses 1.47 times more tokens based on real content measurements.

Key points include:

1. Increased Token Usage: The new tokenizer leads to a higher number of tokens used per prompt, affecting how quickly users reach their token limits and increasing costs.

2. Cost Measurements: Experiments showed that the token count for various types of content, such as technical documents and user prompts, increased significantly with the new model.

3. Performance Improvements: While the tokenizer uses more tokens, it is claimed to improve instruction following. Tests indicated a slight improvement in following strict instructions, but the overall increase in token usage raises questions about whether the benefits justify the additional costs.

4. Session Costs: A typical session using Claude Opus 4.7 costs about 20-30% more than with version 4.6, primarily due to the increased token counts. However, the base cost per token remains unchanged.

5. Decision Factors: Users need to consider if the small improvement in instruction following is worth the higher costs associated with the increased token usage, especially for English and code-related content.

In summary, while Claude Opus 4.7 offers some enhancements in user instruction adherence, it comes at a higher cost in token usage, which users need to evaluate based on their specific needs.

The author recently discovered an article about using solvers, specifically the Z3 theorem prover, to tackle complex problems in programming. They have only explored Z3 for a couple of days and have not created anything sophisticated yet, but they are eager to learn.

Key Points:

1. What are Solvers?

   • Solvers are tools that help solve problems by inputting rules and constraints. They are not necessarily faster than custom algorithms but make it easier to modify rules.

2. Real-World Applications:

   • Solvers are commonly used in scheduling and resource allocation, such as creating school timetables.

3. Getting Started with Z3:

   • The author is using Z3's Rust bindings for their familiarity with Rust. They mention that Z3 has documentation filled with jargon, which can be confusing for newcomers.

4. Basic Examples:

   • The author presents simple examples, such as solving basic equations and more complex scenarios involving systems of equations. They demonstrate how to use Z3 to find solutions and print results in Rust.

5. Optimization Problems:

   • Z3 can also solve optimization problems, like the Coin Change problem, where the goal is to minimize the number of coins used to reach a certain total. The author describes how to set constraints to ensure valid solutions.

6. Sudoku and Layout Problems:

   • The author explores solving a Sudoku puzzle and creating a layout for boxes on a page, highlighting the complexity of setting up constraints.

7. Limitations:

   • The author notes that Z3 has some limitations and that modeling problems with boolean rules and constraints can be challenging.

Overall, the author is excited about learning Z3 and exploring its capabilities for solving various problems, even though they acknowledge their current lack of expertise.

Summary: The Toxic Side of the Moon

When Apollo astronauts returned from the Moon, they experienced sore throats and watery eyes due to lunar dust, which is sharp and abrasive. This "lunar hay fever" affected all 12 astronauts who walked on the Moon, causing symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is now researching the health risks of lunar dust. Experts, including pulmonary physiologist Kim Prisk, are trying to understand how harmful this dust can be. Lunar dust contains silicate, which can damage lungs, and its fine, sharp particles can stay in the lungs for a long time, increasing health risks.

Unlike Earth, where fine particles get smoothed by erosion, lunar dust is sharp and spiky. The Moon’s lack of atmosphere and constant radiation charge the dust, making it likely to enter equipment and lungs.

ESA is testing equipment with simulated lunar dust from a volcanic region in Germany. Despite its dangers, lunar soil has potential uses, such as making bricks for shelters and extracting oxygen for astronauts. ESA is preparing for future Moon missions and monitoring astronaut health in space.

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In March 2026, the author moved to Brooklyn for a coding retreat after working on AI projects at Aily Labs in Barcelona. They wanted to focus on programming without relying heavily on AI tools. During the retreat, they aimed to achieve three main goals:

1. Train a Language Model from Scratch: The author started working on assignments from a Stanford course, building a language model using Python and PyTorch, focusing on optimizing and understanding the model's architecture.

2. Improve Python Skills: They practiced writing Python code by creating small projects and pair programming with experienced developers, which helped them learn new techniques and gain confidence in coding.

3. Understand Computers Better: The author engaged in various activities like coding on an old Apple IIe, participating in Unix challenges, and attending workshops on functional programming to deepen their knowledge of computer systems.

The retreat offered a collaborative environment with other programmers and encouraged exploration and learning. With six weeks left, the author felt the time was short but valued the experience of coding over simply finishing tasks.

This blog post discusses the challenge of building a grow-only counter using Maelstrom’s SeqKV key-value store, part of a series on distributed systems at Fly.io. The goal is to create a counter that can only increase, handling two types of requests: "add" and "read."

Key Points:

1. Challenge Overview: The task is to implement a grow-only counter with specific requirements using the SeqKV service. The counter must correctly sum values added across multiple nodes.

2. Initial Approach: The initial implementation involves reading the current counter value, adding a delta, and writing it back. However, this method fails due to race conditions when multiple nodes attempt to update the counter simultaneously, leading to lost updates.

3. Atomic Operations: The solution involves using a CompareAndSwap (CAS) method to ensure updates are atomic, preventing conflicts when multiple nodes write concurrently. However, this approach can still produce inconsistent results due to the nature of sequential consistency.

4. CRDT Concept: The post introduces Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) as an alternative solution. By using a separate counter for each node (like a vector), conflicts during updates are avoided. The final counter value is obtained by summing individual node counters.

5. Sequential Consistency: The blog explains that SeqKV operates under a sequential consistency model, which allows for certain anomalies, such as stale reads, where a read operation may return outdated information. Understanding this model is crucial for troubleshooting the counter's behavior.

6. Final Solutions: The author suggests a hacky solution by writing a unique value before reads to ensure they are up-to-date. More appropriate non-hacky solutions include implementing a full CRDT with gossip mechanisms or switching to a linearizable key-value store to avoid stale reads.

In conclusion, the challenge was complex but educational, revealing the intricacies of distributed systems and the importance of understanding consistency models.

Summary: The Changing Landscape of Childhood Independence

A Georgia family's experience illustrates the growing scrutiny of parenting choices regarding children's independence. Mallerie and Christopher Pleasants, who allowed their 6-year-old son, Jake, to ride his scooter to a nearby playground, faced an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) after a stranger reported them for neglect. The case highlights how vague neglect laws and societal fears of child safety are reshaping the boundaries of childhood freedom.

Despite low risks of stranger abduction, many parents feel pressured to constantly supervise their children, leading to a rise in reports to child welfare agencies. In response to incidents like the Pleasants', some states, including Georgia, have passed "reasonable childhood independence" laws to clarify what constitutes neglect and encourage parental rights. However, enforcement of these laws can be inconsistent.

Cultural anxiety surrounding child safety has led to a decline in children's independence compared to previous generations. Experts argue that allowing children to engage in self-directed activities fosters resilience and life skills. The Pleasants believe that fostering independence is crucial for raising capable adults, despite societal pressures to keep children under close supervision.

This shift in parenting styles raises questions about how best to balance child safety with the need for independence, as many parents navigate a landscape of fear and increasing government involvement in family decisions.

In 2026, investment in artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing. However, the effects of AI on jobs and public opinion are mixed. While some see AI as beneficial, others have concerns about its impact on employment and society. The article includes 12 graphs that illustrate these trends and insights about the current state of AI.

Summary of "Towards Trust in Emacs"

Emacs has had trust issues, treating all files as trusted until version 30, which led to security vulnerabilities. With version 30, Emacs introduced a trust system that marks all files as untrusted by default, which can be inconvenient for users.

To address this, the new trust-manager package makes it easier to manage trust settings. When you enable trust-manager, it prompts you to trust a project the first time you open a file from it. If you choose to trust it, the setting is remembered for future use. This reduces friction and encourages users to maintain security without disabling trust features altogether.

Trust-manager also automatically trusts important files like your init file so that Emacs features work smoothly. An indicator in the mode line shows when a buffer is untrusted, allowing you to quickly mark it as trusted if needed.

Overall, trust-manager improves the user experience of Emacs 30’s trust system, making it easier to balance security and functionality. You can install it from MELPA or find its source online.

In the previous blog post, I discussed the basic framework for creating procedurally generated roads, focusing on a data structure called profiles, which are essentially snapshots of a road's shape at various points. This method is similar to how Bezier splines work, where only key points are needed to reconstruct a curve.

In this post, I will explain how to create smooth, parallel paths between these profiles. The main challenge is to connect two profiles with smooth arcs, given their positions and directions.

To solve this, I proposed a geometric approach:

1. Extend lines from the endpoints of each profile in the direction the road should continue.
2. Find the intersection of these lines to help create arcs that connect the profiles smoothly.
3. Since a single arc may not always work, I suggested using a mix of arcs and straight lines, known as a two-line fillet construction.

Most road segments can be connected using this method, but there are situations where the profiles might not align conveniently. In those cases, I introduced the idea of an intermediary profile—similar to how LEGO train tracks work—to help transition smoothly between turns.

To find the best position for this intermediary profile, I used cubic Hermite splines, which can smoothly interpolate between two points with specified directions. This allows us to determine where to place the intermediary profile without needing complex calculations.

There are some special cases to consider, such as when continuation lines are parallel or when they do not intersect neatly. I chose to manage these edge cases by implementing design constraints in the road placement tool, ensuring users do not end up in difficult situations.

Overall, this approach provides a solid foundation for creating smooth road networks, and the next steps will focus on how to handle intersections when roads meet.

The article discusses rising costs associated with AI agents, focusing on how the financial cost of using AI for tasks might be increasing alongside their capabilities. Over the past seven years, AI models have become significantly more advanced, able to handle tasks that take humans much longer. However, there's concern that the costs to use these AI systems may also be rising, potentially making them less competitive compared to human workers.

Key points include:

1. Exponential Growth in AI Capabilities: AI models have improved greatly, with their task performance increasing rapidly. For example, recent models can accomplish tasks in a fraction of the time it takes humans.

2. Cost and Performance Relationship: While AI performance is improving, the costs associated with using these models are unclear. Some believe costs might remain stable, while others fear they are increasing.

3. Hourly Cost Analysis: The article emphasizes the need to understand the "hourly" cost of AI agents—how much it costs to use them per hour of work. Current data shows a wide range of costs for different models, with some potentially costing more than human labor.

4. Concerns About Sustainability: If costs continue to rise faster than AI capabilities improve, it could make these systems impractical for real-world use, despite their advanced performance.

5. Call for Further Research: The author urges more analysis on AI costs and their implications, suggesting that current trends may not accurately reflect economic feasibility for potential users.

In conclusion, while AI agents are becoming more capable, their rising costs could limit their practical applications, making it crucial to monitor and understand these financial trends.

smolvm Overview:

smolvm is a command-line tool designed for running and managing isolated Linux virtual machines (VMs) quickly and easily. Here are the main features and uses:

• Fast and Flexible VMs: It allows you to run custom VMs on macOS and Linux with quick startup times and efficient memory usage.
• Single-File Packaging: You can pack a stateful VM into a single file (.smolmachine) for easy transfer and running on any compatible system.

Installation: To install smolvm, you can use the following command:

curl -sSL https://smolmachines.com/install.sh | bash

Quick Start Commands:

• Run a command in a temporary VM:

  smolvm machine run --image alpine -- sh -c "echo 'Hello world'"
  

• Start an interactive shell:

  smolvm machine run --image alpine -- /bin/sh
  

Key Uses:

• Sandboxing: Run untrusted code in isolated VMs to protect your host system.
• Network Control: Manage network access for VMs, allowing or blocking specific hosts.
• Portable Executables: Create standalone binaries that include all dependencies, eliminating the need for separate installations.
• Persistent Development Environments: Keep installed packages across VM restarts for development work.
• Secure SSH and Git: Use your host's SSH keys without exposing them inside the VM.

Configuration: You can define VM settings in a Smolfile (a simple TOML format), making it easy to reproduce environments.

Technical Details:

• Each VM operates on its own kernel, ensuring strong isolation.
• Uses the OCI image format, allowing compatibility with Docker images.
• Features elastic memory management, only using memory as needed.

Comparison: smolvm offers unique benefits over other solutions, such as:

• Better isolation (one VM per workload).
• Faster boot times (<200ms).
• Native support on macOS.
• The ability to create portable artifacts.

Limitations:

• Networking must be explicitly enabled.
• Currently supports directory mounts only (not single files).
• Some features require specific configurations on macOS.

For more details, refer to the official documentation and development resources.

Summary of "Introducing Brunost: The Nynorsk Programming Language"

The article introduces Brunost, a new programming language inspired by Nynorsk, one of Norway's written languages. Unlike other languages spoken by people, Nynorsk is primarily a written form with no "pure" spoken dialect, making it unique.

Brunost, named after a popular Norwegian goat cheese, is designed to be a functional programming language that emphasizes the use of Nynorsk for variable names, parameters, and functions. The interpreter is built using Zig, offering good performance.

Key features of Brunost include:

• Nynorsk Requirement: All identifiers must be in Nynorsk, with an interpreter error for any non-compliance.
• Syntax: Variables can be mutable (open) or immutable (låst), and conditionals use the "viss" statement.
• Functions: Functions can be defined and used, with a return statement called "gjevTilbake".
• Loops: It supports a foreach loop ("forKvart") and while loops.
• Data Types: Common types like numbers and strings are supported, without strict type requirements.
• Error Handling: It uses a try-catch mechanism for exceptions.
• WebAssembly Support: Brunost can be deployed online using WebAssembly.

The author plans to add features like hashmaps, documentation, and file I/O but does not intend to create a full ecosystem around the language. Brunost is meant to be a fun project, not a serious tool for production. The article contains humorous elements and encourages readers to experiment with the language.

A bug was discovered in iTerm2 that allows the command "cat readme.txt" to execute arbitrary code, making it unsafe. The issue stems from iTerm2's SSH integration feature, which uses a helper script called the conductor to manage remote sessions. This feature is intended to enhance functionality, but it mistakenly accepts untrusted terminal output as if it were from a legitimate conductor.

When a user runs "cat readme.txt," the malicious file can send fake messages to iTerm2, tricking it into thinking it is communicating with a real conductor. This leads iTerm2 to execute commands that can include running malicious code.

The bug was reported on March 30, 2026, and was fixed the following day, but the fix has not yet been included in stable releases. Users should be cautious until the update is widely available.

Fil-C is a new approach to implementing memory-safe versions of C and C++. It simplifies memory management by transforming unsafe code into safer code, making it easier for developers to understand and use.

Key Points:

1. Memory Safety Transformation: Fil-C rewrites C/C++ code to add tracking for memory allocations using AllocationRecord, which contains information about allocated memory.

2. Pointer Management: Every pointer variable in the code gets an accompanying AllocationRecord*. This helps ensure that operations involving pointers are safe and checked for bounds.

3. Memory Allocation and Deallocation:

   • The filc_malloc function allocates not just the requested memory but also the AllocationRecord.
   • The filc_free function frees memory but does not free the AllocationRecord, which is handled by a garbage collector (GC).

4. Garbage Collector: The GC automatically frees memory that is no longer in use, which helps prevent memory leaks. It also optimizes usage by changing pointers to a canonical empty record when necessary.

5. Enhanced Pointer Safety: Fil-C promotes local variables to heap allocation if their address is taken to ensure their safety after going out of scope.

6. Special Handling for Standard Functions: Functions like memmove are modified to ensure that memory manipulations consider the new safety checks.

7. Production-Quality Enhancements: The full version of Fil-C includes support for threads, function pointers, memory optimization strategies, and performance improvements.

When to Use Fil-C:

• For existing C/C++ code needing memory safety without rewriting it in a different language.
• To detect memory bugs in C/C++ code, similar to using AddressSanitizer (ASan).
• In compile-time evaluations in languages with strong compile-time guarantees.

Fil-C is particularly useful for ensuring pointer safety and tracking memory usage, providing a practical solution for developers concerned about memory safety in C/C++ applications.

No summary available.

The text contains links to social media posts but does not provide any specific content to summarize. Please provide the content you would like summarized.

Slop Cop is a web-based writing editor designed to identify common patterns in generic AI-generated prose. Users can add an Anthropic API key for deeper analysis and automatic edits.

The tool highlights various rhetorical and structural issues in writing, such as overuse of em-dashes, excessive negation, repetitive sentence structures, and clichés. It points out that phrases like "in an era of" or "it's important to note" often add little value and can clutter the writing.

Additionally, Slop Cop detects patterns like "question-then-answer," where a question is immediately followed by its answer, and "anaphora abuse," where multiple sentences start with the same phrase. It also flags the use of overly complex words when simpler ones would suffice.

Overall, Slop Cop aims to help writers improve clarity and effectiveness by recognizing and addressing these common pitfalls.

A Washington Post reporter, Hannah Natanson, was forced to unlock her computer using her fingerprint, which allowed access to her desktop and revealed confidential sources and conversations. More information on the legal implications of this situation is available on the linked apps landing page.

Online betting markets like Polymarket and Kalshi now allow people to wager on news events, including the US-Israel war in Iran. Recently, traders placed over $1 billion in bets that accurately predicted major developments, raising concerns about potential insider trading. For instance, just before US airstrikes on Iran on February 27, many accounts on Polymarket placed bets totaling $855,000 that the strikes would happen. Similarly, a user made over $550,000 betting on the downfall of Ayatollah Khamenei right before his assassination.

On April 7, traders bet $950 million on falling oil prices just before a ceasefire was announced, demonstrating a pattern of suspiciously timed trades. Lawmakers and experts are worried about the implications of these bets, as they may involve insider knowledge. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has received complaints and is reportedly investigating these trades, but regulatory enforcement is challenging, especially with the current political landscape.

Federal law prohibits government employees from using nonpublic information for profit, and there is a push for legislation to ban Congress members from participating in prediction markets related to political events. However, existing laws on insider trading are complex and not well developed for these new types of markets. The anonymity of online platforms makes it difficult to trace and prove insider trading, raising concerns about market integrity and governance.

No summary available.

Amazon is notifying users that the Kindle for PC app will be discontinued on June 30, 2026. After this date, the app will no longer function, even if downloaded from other sources. Amazon is working on a new Kindle for PC app, but it will only work with Windows 11 and will be available exclusively through the Microsoft Store.

The original Kindle for PC app, launched in 2009, has not received much support from Amazon. Many users utilized it primarily to download books and remove digital rights management (DRM), but Amazon has restricted older versions. The situation has become a conflict between piracy and Amazon’s control over its content.

Previous versions of the Kindle app for other operating systems, like Windows 8 and Mac, have also been discontinued. Amazon aims to tighten security on its Kindle products, possibly in response to pressure from publishing partners to reduce e-book piracy. Users can see the discontinuation message by updating to Kindle for PC version 2.9.1.

Summary:

NASA Force is a new program aimed at hiring skilled engineers and technologists for important roles in space exploration and research. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to work on real missions, with a focus on projects related to human spaceflight, aeronautics, and scientific discovery.

Key points include:

• Limited Time: The program runs for just four days, and spots are limited.
• Job Roles: Participants will work on various projects, such as lunar infrastructure, flight systems, and advanced technologies, contributing to NASA's missions.
• Collaboration: You will be part of a team that values ideas and innovation, working with experts in the field.
• Growth Opportunities: The program allows for professional development, problem-solving, and mentoring.
• Mission Focus: Your work will directly support NASA’s goals and enhance U.S. leadership in space.

If you're interested in making impactful contributions to space exploration, consider joining NASA Force.

The text discusses a problem in how software is currently deployed using containers, which typically run a single process on top of a full Linux kernel that provides many features that are unnecessary for these workloads. This creates a security risk as the kernel has many system calls (about 450) that can be exploited, especially since some of the code running inside containers may be untrusted.

To address this, the author proposes an idea of creating a "library kernel" that only includes the necessary system calls for a process, rather than relying on the full kernel. This would minimize the attack surface and improve security. The challenge is how to redirect system calls from the process to this new library kernel while ensuring all paths to system calls are covered.

The author suggests a method of binary rewriting, where every system call instruction in the binary is replaced with a trap that redirects to a custom handler. This allows for low-overhead control over system calls, enabling enforcement of policies on untrusted code without the complications of existing methods like ptrace or seccomp.

The rewriting process involves:

1. Instruction Length Decoding: Identifying where system call instructions are located in the binary without corrupting other instructions.
2. Patching: Replacing system call instructions with traps.
3. Using a Shim: A small piece of code that handles the traps and can enforce policies or emulate the system calls as needed.

The author notes challenges faced during development, particularly with just-in-time (JIT) compiled code and ensuring that policies are correctly read during execution. The end goal is to create an environment where untrusted code can run securely, with full visibility and control over its actions, using a minimal set of system calls.

This is the first part of a seven-part series on building a minimal virtual machine runtime for executing AI agents, focusing on security and sandboxing.

The text references a study about ancient DNA that shows strong directional selection across West Eurasia. It includes a link to a discussion with 64 comments and provides links to a tweet related to the study. The main takeaway is the discovery of how ancient populations evolved due to natural selection in that region.

Apple TV is set to release a new cyberpunk series called "Neuromancer," inspired by William Gibson's famous novel. The show aims to blend elements from two iconic films, "The Matrix" and "Blade Runner," focusing on themes of humanity versus technology.

"Neuromancer" features a protagonist named Case, a hacker who gets involved in a dangerous mission involving artificial intelligence. This mirrors the storyline of "The Matrix," where another hacker, Neo, discovers a hidden truth about reality. Although both stories involve AI, they approach the conflict differently.

While the series shares similarities with these classic films, it needs to maintain its uniqueness by emphasizing its characters and deeper themes, such as capitalism and technological dependency, rather than just relying on its dark, futuristic setting. Apple TV has a strong track record in science fiction, making it well-suited to tackle this ambitious adaptation.

Summary of Risky Bulletin Newsletter - April 17, 2026

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a new policy for the National Vulnerability Database (NVD). NIST will only enrich data for critical security vulnerabilities, specifically those that are actively exploited, used by federal agencies, or classified as "critical software." This decision comes after NIST struggled to keep up with the rapid increase in reported vulnerabilities, leading to a backlog of tens of thousands of entries.

The cybersecurity industry anticipated this change, as many companies depended on the NVD for vulnerability data. With NIST no longer providing comprehensive details, companies must seek alternative sources or enhance their own data. NIST will also stop assigning its own severity scores and will use the scores provided by the organizations that report the vulnerabilities, which may lead to conflicts of interest.

In other news, various cyber incidents were reported, including Russian hackers targeting a Swedish thermal plant and the breach of personal data from McGraw Hill. Additionally, there were developments in AI and cybersecurity, with OpenAI testing a new model for cybersecurity applications.

Overall, the newsletter highlights significant changes in how vulnerabilities will be managed and reported, reflecting the challenges and evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT, is concerned about how technology, particularly robots, is replacing genuine human interaction. She has studied the impact of machines on social behavior for over 30 years and worries that people are increasingly comfortable delegating important relationships to robots, especially during vulnerable times like childhood and old age.

Turkle notes that while technology once inspired excitement, it has now become unhealthy. In her book "Alone Together," she describes a "robotic moment" where people prefer texting to face-to-face communication, even in significant situations like funerals. She argues that this reliance on technology is creating loneliness and disconnect among individuals, particularly children.

Despite being seen by some as a technophobe, Turkle believes people will eventually seek deeper, real-life connections. She acknowledges the appeal of online interactions but emphasizes the importance of experiencing the "raw, human part" of being with others. Her message is a call to recognize the value of authentic relationships over digital ones.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that America’s national debt, now at $39 trillion, is part of a larger global issue. The IMF warns that global public debt is expected to reach 99% of the world's GDP by 2028, with potential spikes to 121% under stress scenarios. Despite a slight reduction in the U.S. deficit, it is projected to remain high, leading to increasing concerns in bond markets about fiscal stability.

The IMF attributes the worsening fiscal gap to long-term policy choices, including increased spending and reduced revenues. Current high-interest rates are making debt burdens heavier. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is prompting governments to implement costly energy subsidies, which could worsen the situation globally.

Importantly, the IMF sees potential in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve government efficiency and productivity. However, there are concerns about AI's impact on wealth distribution and job markets, raising questions about whether current tax and social systems can adapt to these changes. Overall, urgent action is needed to address these fiscal challenges.

ShaderPad Overview

ShaderPad is a new, lightweight library designed to help users easily add shaders to websites without needing to set up complex graphics frameworks repeatedly. It’s ideal for those interested in experimenting with shaders.

Key Points:

• Purpose: ShaderPad simplifies the process of creating and sharing shaders, making it easier for artists and coders to showcase their work online.
• Size and Efficiency: At just 5.8kb gzipped, ShaderPad is significantly smaller than larger libraries like Three.js, which is better suited for full 3D scenes.
• Performance: The library is optimized to perform efficiently by keeping most tasks on the GPU, reducing the need to frequently communicate with the CPU.
• Documentation: Comprehensive and interactive documentation is available to help users get started quickly.

Development Insights: The creator built ShaderPad slowly, focusing on actual needs rather than adding unnecessary features. AI tools assisted in creating detailed documentation and enhancing the library's capabilities.

Getting Started: Users can explore ShaderPad through a quickstart guide and interactive examples, encouraging creativity and innovation in shader design.

Summary:

Tom Uren argues for a ban on the sale of precise geolocation data due to privacy and national security concerns. A report from Citizen Lab reveals that Webloc, a tool that tracks mobile devices globally, poses significant risks as it can access data from up to 500 million devices. This data has been used by U.S. law enforcement agencies to track individuals, raising civil liberties issues.

Recent developments include Virginia's new law banning the sale of geolocation data, marking a positive step towards addressing these privacy risks. The article also highlights that foreign intelligence agencies could exploit this data for their purposes.

In a separate report, Gambit details how hackers are using AI to enhance their cybercriminal activities, allowing them to breach systems faster and more efficiently than before.

The article concludes with some positive news in cybersecurity, including successful operations against malicious networks and the introduction of new security measures by companies like Google. Overall, the need for stronger regulations and awareness of AI's role in cybercrime is emphasized.

Summary of "Casus Belli Engineering"

In a professional setting, making a good impression is crucial for trust and confidence in systems. When failures occur, stakeholders tend to see the entire system as flawed, leading to a loss of trust. Instead of identifying the root causes of issues, organizations often look for a scapegoat—someone or something to blame. This scapegoating can restore social cohesion but can also lead to destructive changes in systems based on flawed narratives.

The text discusses a concept called "Casus Belli Engineering," where individuals use perceived failures to justify replacing existing systems with their preferred methods. This manipulation of narratives allows them to gain power by framing failures as evidence against established practices, rather than addressing the actual causes of those failures.

The process involves:

1. Crisis Creation: A visible failure generates pressure for accountability.
2. Scapegoat Selection: The organization identifies a convenient target (often a foundational component) to blame.
3. Ritual Condemnation: This target is condemned, leading to its replacement with something more aligned with the accuser's preferences.
4. Cycle of Replacement: New systems are implemented, but if the underlying issues remain unaddressed, the cycle repeats, as the same problems emerge with the new systems.

The author emphasizes that this phenomenon isn't just about scapegoating but involves strategic manipulation by individuals who know how to trigger these responses in organizations. This can lead to poor decision-making and continuous disruption in software development practices.

To resist this pattern, organizations should focus on:

• Conducting thorough root cause analyses.
• Separating specific failures from foundational issues.
• Evaluating new proposals based on their own merits, rather than as solutions to a perceived enemy.

Ultimately, the text argues for a commitment to genuine engineering practices over political maneuvering disguised as technical solutions. It calls for a careful examination of narratives and motivations behind changes in order to foster true improvement in systems.

No summary available.

The author created a command-line tool to easily export Apple SF Symbols in SVG, PDF, or PNG formats, which they frequently use during design sessions. The tool directly uses macOS's symbol renderer to ensure the exported images match what the system displays, rather than approximating them from raster images.

Key points about the tool include:

• It has a --json option for every subcommand, and the command sfsym schema provides a machine-readable description of the command-line interface.
• The tool reads from the macOS Assets.car BOM tree to keep the list of over 8,300 symbol names updated with macOS changes, eliminating the need for a version table.
• Each SVG path includes a data-layer attribute, allowing for easy theming with CSS without changing the actual shapes.

The author finds this tool very helpful and encourages others to suggest improvements.

The text explains that the website is using a system called Anubis to protect against automated data scraping by AI companies. Anubis works by requiring users to complete a "proof-of-work" challenge, which makes it more expensive for these bots to scrape data. This is a temporary solution while the team works on better identifying automated browsing tools. Users need to enable modern JavaScript to access the site, and any plugins that block JavaScript may need to be disabled.

Summary of "The Last Question" by Isaac Asimov:

The story begins in the year 2061 when two technicians, Alexander Adell and Bertram Lupov, work with a supercomputer called Multivac. They ponder the implications of humanity's newfound ability to harness solar energy, which allows for virtually unlimited power. However, they realize that this energy source will eventually run out when the sun dies in about twenty billion years.

After a bet, they ask Multivac if humanity can restore the sun to its original state after it dies. Multivac falls silent, indicating it lacks enough data to answer. This moment sets the stage for a recurring theme throughout the story: the question of whether entropy, or the gradual decline into disorder, can be reversed.

As the narrative progresses, different characters in various eras and settings ask the same question of different supercomputers. Each time, the answer is the same: "INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR A MEANINGFUL ANSWER."

Over trillions of years, as stars die and the universe darkens, humanity's consciousness merges with the supercomputers. Finally, in a timeless void where only the Cosmic AC (an advanced supercomputer) remains, it eventually learns to reverse entropy but realizes there is no humanity left to provide the answer to the last question.

In a grand finale, the Cosmic AC decides to recreate the universe, saying, "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" and thus begins the cycle anew.

This text discusses a project involving a Loongson 3A5000 motherboard from 2021. The author aims to set it up and evaluate how well Linux operates on this Chinese CPU.

Key Points:

• Loongson Technology: A Chinese company producing its own CPUs, starting with 64-bit MIPS processors and later developing the LoongArch instruction set, which is not compatible with common architectures like Intel or ARM.

• ML5A-MB1 Motherboard: The author salvaged this motherboard, which features a quad-core 2.3GHz Loongson CPU. It has standard ports (USB3, HDMI, VGA) and requires specific components like RAM and a cooler.

• Setting Up: The author faced challenges finding compatible coolers and RAM, ultimately using standard DDR4 and a cooler that fit the motherboard’s mounting holes.

• Operating System: Loongson recommends their own Linux distribution, Loongnix, but Debian now supports the architecture. The author installed Debian but encountered issues with booting from the USB and had to update the BIOS.

• Performance: Benchmarks showed the 3A5000's performance was not competitive with older Intel CPUs. It performed decently in running older games like Doom and Quake.

• Wi-Fi Issues: Initially, the author used a USB Wi-Fi adapter, which was unreliable, leading to a search for a better internal Wi-Fi solution.

• Conclusion: The author finds the Loongson system surprisingly normal, adhering to many PC standards. Overall, the project highlights the growing support for alternative architectures in Linux, showcasing the potential for future experimentation with the hardware.

The text emphasizes the importance of community contributions to make diverse systems compatible with Linux and invites suggestions for further exploration with the Loongson CPU.

Scientists are increasingly concerned about drug-resistant fungi, a growing medical issue that doesn't get much attention. Paul Verweij, a professor specializing in mycology, highlights that drug-resistant fungi are quietly spreading, particularly in lower-income countries where healthcare resources are limited. Infections caused by fungi like Candida auris can be severe and life-threatening, but many people may not even be diagnosed due to inadequate medical infrastructure.

The use of fungicides in agriculture contributes to this problem. These chemicals can make fungi resistant, which also reduces the effectiveness of antifungal medications used in humans. Spores from these resistant fungi can travel long distances in the air, leading to infections in hospitals.

Fungal infections can range from severe, life-threatening cases in immunocompromised patients to less serious skin infections. However, resistance to antifungal treatments has been increasing, resulting in higher mortality rates for those infected. Developing new antifungal drugs is challenging because fungi are structurally similar to human cells, making it difficult to create treatments that target the fungi without harming the patient.

To combat this issue, experts are calling for better agricultural practices and assessment of new fungicides to prevent cross-resistance. There is hope for change, as global awareness of fungal infections is growing, with organizations like the WHO beginning to address these threats more seriously. However, fundamental improvements in research, surveillance, and funding are still needed to tackle this global health challenge effectively.

The essay discusses Ada, a programming language developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in the late 1970s, which has been largely overlooked by the software industry despite its significant contributions to modern programming language features.

Key points include:

1. Innovative Features: Ada introduced several advanced concepts, including:

   • Generics as a core feature.
   • A formal package system separating interface from implementation.
   • Strong typing and concurrency built into the language.
   • Range-constrained types and discriminated unions, which later influenced languages like Rust and Go.

2. Historical Context: Ada emerged from a crisis in the DoD where over 450 programming languages were in use, leading to maintenance and interoperability issues. To solve this, the DoD undertook a rigorous design process that resulted in Ada's specifications.

3. Core Architecture: Ada's architecture centers around packages, which enforce a strict separation between the specification (what a package offers) and the body (the implementation). This separation ensures that client code only interacts with the defined interface.

4. Type System: Ada's type system supports distinct types with semantic constraints, allowing for safer and clearer code, which prevents errors that arise from misusing types.

5. Concurrency Model: Ada's concurrency features were designed to address issues like race conditions, promoting a model of task communication that emphasizes message passing rather than shared state.

6. Contract-Based Programming: Ada 2012 introduced contracts, allowing programmers to specify preconditions and postconditions for subprograms, enhancing program reliability.

7. Certification: Ada's design aligns well with certification requirements in safety-critical domains, like aviation, due to its structured standards and annexes for specific applications.

8. Legacy and Influence: Despite Ada's early innovations, its influence on modern programming languages is often unrecognized. Many languages today are adopting features similar to those Ada pioneered, but Ada's contributions have not been widely acknowledged in industry discourse.

In summary, Ada is a foundational programming language that anticipated many features of modern languages, yet it remains underappreciated, primarily due to its government origins and its focus on reliability in critical systems. The essay argues for a reconsideration of Ada's contributions to programming language design.

Healthchecks.io has transitioned to using self-hosted object storage to manage its data more efficiently. The service accepts various HTTP request methods and stores request bodies, with smaller ones going into a PostgreSQL database and larger ones into S3-compatible storage.

Previously, Healthchecks.io used managed object storage providers like AWS S3, OVHcloud, and UpCloud, but faced issues with cost, performance, and reliability. After evaluating different options, they opted for Versity S3 Gateway, which simplifies the management of object storage by using the local filesystem and requiring less operational complexity.

As of March 2026, the self-hosted setup includes:

• A dedicated server with an S3 API running on a private IP.
• Data stored on NVMe drives in a RAID 1 configuration using a Btrfs filesystem.
• Regular backups every two hours and daily full backups stored off-site.

After the migration, S3 operation latencies improved, and there have been no availability issues so far. While costs have increased due to the need for a dedicated server, the benefits in performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment. The author remains optimistic about the new system but is open to future migrations for better options.

The article discusses issues surrounding Georgia's voting technology and past problems with voting machines. After the controversial Bush v. Gore election, Congress funded new touchscreen voting machines, but the industry was unable to create a reliable standard. Instead, they described their existing faulty products as the new standard. A famous case involved Diebold, a major voting machine manufacturer, whose defective machines were exposed by a leaked memo. Attempts to censor this information led to a public outcry and the formation of "Students for Free Culture."

The article highlights ongoing concerns about voting machines, particularly in Georgia, where new plans to use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software for ballot tabulation could compromise election integrity. While Georgia has banned QR codes to improve ballot security, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is pushing a plan that undermines this progress. Critics, including computer scientist Andrew Appel, argue that a more secure and simpler method — using hand-marked paper ballots — is available.

Despite some criticisms being linked to conspiracy theories, the article emphasizes that legitimate concerns about voting machine security should not be dismissed. As elections approach, it warns against ignoring these issues, as they could have serious implications for democracy.

Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, has criticized the current state of the WordPress project, expressing disappointment over its decline and the quality of recent releases. He believes the issues stem from internal processes rather than external competition. Mullenweg pointed out that the project's rules and governance have become overly complex, making it difficult to resolve even minor issues efficiently.

He specifically referenced a recent Trac ticket concerning the integration of Akismet Anti-Spam into WordPress 7.0, which was approved quickly with little public discussion. Mullenweg argued that this exemplifies how the project has strayed from its successful practices, leading to a backlog of over 8,000 unresolved tickets and a tendency to produce mediocre features.

He emphasized the need to prioritize effective contributions and make quicker decisions, criticizing the current culture for stifling innovation. Mullenweg also defended Automattic's contributions to the project, particularly Akismet, and highlighted the importance of recognizing past successes rather than creating unnecessary controversies.

Overall, Mullenweg called for a reevaluation of the project's processes to enable faster progress and better outcomes. The response from the community has been mixed, with many agreeing with his points but critiquing his approach and communication style.

Connie Converse was a talented folk musician known for her innovative songs in the 1950s, but she remained largely unknown until she mysteriously vanished at age 50 in 1974. Recently, her music has gained recognition, especially with the re-release of her compilation album How Sad, How Lovely, which showcases her sophisticated lyrics and unique guitar style.

Her song "Roving Woman," which sounds modern despite being recorded over 70 years ago, highlights her ahead-of-her-time themes of female empowerment and introspection. Raised in a strict environment, Converse's music reflects her journey of self-discovery in New York City, challenging traditional gender roles and exploring complex emotional landscapes.

Despite facing numerous rejections from record labels and limited exposure, her work has influenced many contemporary musicians. Her disappearance adds a sense of mystery to her legacy, and recent interest in her music suggests that she is finally being recognized as a significant figure in 20th-century music history. The new vinyl re-release is expected to further elevate her profile and inspire a new generation of listeners.

The text discusses the concept of creating small software applications that fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk. The author, Matt Sephton, emphasizes that many modern apps have become overly large and complex, which he believes is unnecessary. He aims to build apps that are efficient, quick to download, and easy on system resources, ultimately enhancing user experience.

Key points include:

• Many of Sephton's apps are under 1.44 MB, demonstrating that focused, single-purpose tools can be small and effective.
• Smaller apps lead to faster downloads, instant launches, and better performance on older systems.
• These apps respect user devices by using less memory and CPU power.
• Apps that meet the size criteria display a "floppy badge" to indicate their small footprint.

Sephton advocates for a mindset that values simplicity and efficiency in software development, rather than accepting the trend of bloated applications.

Summary:

Adam Wespiser shares his experience of starting a 3D printing business that he ran for eight months before deciding to walk away. The business began when he offered to create custom 3D printed card stands for a neighbor's trading card business. Initial success was followed by challenges, particularly with complex designs like a Boston Celtics logo, which revealed issues in his printing process.

Despite improving his workflow, standardizing designs, and investing in additional equipment, Adam realized that the business relied too heavily on his personal involvement, making it more like a part-time job than a scalable venture. He fulfilled around 50 orders, earning a modest income, but the effort required to grow the business further was not appealing compared to his primary career in software engineering.

Ultimately, Adam chose to focus on his software career, enjoy 3D printing as a hobby, and create gifts for friends and family rather than pursue a larger business model. He concluded that sometimes, a fun project doesn't need to be a scalable business.

ICEYE Open Data Summary

ICEYE offers free access to SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imagery from its large satellite constellation without needing registration or payment. Users can access this open data in three ways:

1. Open SAR Data Map Browser: An interactive map to browse datasets by location, imaging mode, and date.
2. Open SAR Data STAC Browser: A tool to search and download SAR data in standard formats while previewing metadata.
3. Open SAR AWS Data Exchange: Access the data archive via AWS with no authentication needed.

An example dataset available is an acquisition of SpaceX's Starbase facility, showcasing rapid infrastructure development.

ICEYE also shares insights on various topics, such as closing the disaster intelligence gap in Australia and the impacts of recent cyclones in Southeast Asia.

They are looking for researchers and engineers to join their team to enhance their SAR technology and applications.

Summary: Generating a Color Spectrum for an Image

The goal was to create a tool called Spectrimage for analyzing the color composition of a photograph, showing all colors, not just the dominant ones.

1. Initial Attempts: The first method used median cut quantization but failed because it treated all colors equally, losing important details about color frequency.

2. Hue Histogram: The second approach used a histogram based on hue, improving color order and frequency representation but still averaged colors too much, leading to muddiness.

3. Pixel-Level Sort: The third iteration used individual pixels instead of bins for more detail, but it created visible stripes in the color representation.

4. Band Sorting: The fourth attempt sorted pixels by lightness within hue bands, which improved some transitions but still resulted in undesirable stripes.

5. Continuous Hue Sorting: The fifth version sorted pixels by hue and lightness degree, but this introduced periodic issues.

6. Canvas Rendering: The sixth iteration switched to rendering on an HTML Canvas, which helped but didn't fully resolve the banding issues.

7. Final Design: The breakthrough came with a new design where each hue had its own vertical column, displaying the height based on pixel count and lightness gradient. This resulted in a clear, wave-like visualization of colors in the image.

8. Handling Black and White Images: For black and white images, a different axis was used to show lightness levels instead of hue, maintaining the waveform shape.

How It Works: Users upload a photo, which is processed on a hidden canvas. Pixels are converted to HSL, and colors are organized into bins by hue and lightness. The final visualization shows the frequency and tonal range of colors, all processed quickly in the browser.

The blog post discusses how to detect if a program is running in DOSBox, an MS-DOS emulator. DOSBox emulates DOS but doesn't function exactly like traditional MS-DOS, making detection challenging.

Key points include:

1. DOSBox Overview: DOSBox is a type of x86 emulator specifically designed for running DOS applications, but it doesn't have a true BIOS or DOS like traditional systems.

2. Detection Challenges: Many DOS-like environments have quirks that can help identify them, but DOSBox's features can be easily spoofed.

3. Simple Detection Methods: The most straightforward method is to check a specific BIOS version string, but this can be modified, making it unreliable.

4. Inventing Instructions: The author explores using machine code to detect DOSBox by examining how certain instructions work within DOSBox, particularly a unique opcode (0x07) that is not found in other x86 environments.

5. Testing on Real Hardware: The author attempted to test their detection method on actual hardware but faced unexpected behavior due to a bug in another emulator (86Box).

6. Conclusion: The post provides a sample program that can detect DOSBox and compares it to other environments like NTVDM and DOSEMU, noting that they are easier to detect. The author invites feedback on any authoritative sources regarding the BIOS detection methods discussed.

Overall, the article combines technical details about DOSBox with insights into programming and emulator behavior.

Summary:

Large Language Models (LLMs) have made it easier for anyone to create average content quickly and at a low cost. This trend is now extending into software and data analysis, allowing more people to access and utilize data without needing advanced technical skills.

The article introduces a data platform called Rawquery, designed to work with LLMs. Users can connect their data sources and interact with the platform using plain English. Instead of writing complex SQL queries or creating attribution models, users can simply ask questions. The LLM handles the technical aspects, generates the necessary queries, and produces visual results like charts.

For example, a user can analyze the impact of an email campaign on revenue without needing to understand complex data processes. The platform allows users to connect data sources, run queries, and share results easily, making data analysis accessible to everyone.

Overall, the article emphasizes that while the results may be average, the ease and speed with which they can be produced is impressive and valuable.

The Gregorio project provides tools for creating written scores of Gregorian chant. Its main tools include:

• gabc: A way to write Gregorian chant using simple text characters.
• GregorioTeX: A style for formatting these scores in TeX.
• A software application to change gabc notation into GregorioTeX format.

These tools work together with a TeX setup to produce high-quality Gregorian chant scores.

All software from the Gregorio project is free and licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPLv3). The name "gregorio" comes from a fictional Latin verb meaning "to sing Gregorian chant."

The project's website offers an introduction, documentation, and tutorials for versions 4.0 and later. Information on earlier versions can be found on GitHub.

Summary of the Report on Webloc Surveillance Technology

• Overview: Webloc is a geolocation surveillance system that collects data from mobile apps and digital advertising to monitor individuals worldwide. Developed by Cobwebs Technologies and now sold by Penlink, it has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

• Key Findings:

  • Webloc tracks hundreds of millions of people by purchasing their location data.
  • Customers include various government agencies, such as the U.S. military, ICE, and police departments in the U.S. and other countries, including Hungary and El Salvador.
  • The system can access detailed personal profiles based on the data collected, including interests and habits.

• Concerns:

  • There are significant issues regarding transparency and the legality of using ad-based surveillance without warrants. Many European countries have been unresponsive to inquiries about their use of such technology.
  • Webloc’s capabilities allow for extensive tracking of individuals, raising alarms about potential misuse by authoritarian regimes.

• Corporate Connections: Cobwebs Technologies has ties to the spyware vendor Quadream, suggesting a broader network of surveillance technology connections.

• Other Products: The report also mentions other related products developed by Cobwebs, such as Tangles (for web intelligence) and Trapdoor (possibly for social engineering and phishing).

• Methodology: The report is based on document analysis, media reports, and responses to freedom of information requests.

In summary, the report highlights the extensive reach of Webloc's surveillance capabilities and the serious implications for privacy and civil rights, particularly regarding the use of personal data obtained through seemingly innocuous consumer apps.

In a fascinating historical coincidence, a photo of Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession, taken on April 25, 1865, shows the Roosevelt Mansion in New York City. Stefan Lorant discovered that two boys peering out of a second-story window were future President Teddy Roosevelt and his brother Elliott. Teddy's wife confirmed this, sharing her memory of watching the procession from that window, where she became frightened and was taken away by the boys.

Additionally, in the 1950s, Josephine Cobb found a glass plate negative of the speakers' stand at Gettysburg, which turned out to be the first known photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg, taken just before his famous address.

These discoveries highlight intriguing moments in Civil War history.

The text describes a Solitaire simulator designed to find the best playing strategy. The current highest win rate recorded is 8.590%.

Versions of the Simulator:

• 1.0: Basic gameplay with limited strategy choices.
• 1.1: Similar to 1.0 but allows for repeatable deck shuffling using a seed.
• 1.2: Improved strategy sequencing, increasing the win rate from 7.915% to 8.590%.

How to Use the Simulator:

1. Run with Apache Ant: Use ant to build the project.
2. Command to Run: Use java -jar simulator.jar with several options:
   • --one: Turn one card each play.
   • --three: Turn three cards each play.
   • --attempts #: Set the number of games to play.
   • --debug: Enable verbose output.
   • --seed #: Set a random seed for consistent gameplay.

Example command: java -jar simulator.jar --three --attempts 10 --seed 1111 > debug.out 2> debug.err

Performance:

• Playing a million games takes under an hour on an M2 MacBook Air, allowing users to test their success rate against the current record.

Card Notation:

• Cards are represented with symbols for face-up and face-down states.
• Different move types are abbreviated (e.g., b2b for Board to Board).

This simulator is useful for analyzing strategies in Solitaire and improving gameplay by experimenting with different approaches.

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After the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022, warnings about the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) emerged from top executives in the tech industry. They expressed concerns that AI could pose serious threats to society and even humanity itself, while also seeking government regulations. Recently, OpenAI's policy chief Chris Lehane commented that some public fears about AI are exaggerated and can lead to dangerous actions, referencing a violent incident involving a protester against AI.

Lehane categorized people into two groups: those who see AI as beneficial and those who fear its potential dangers. He argued that AI companies need to better communicate the positive aspects of their technology. However, critics find it hard to take this reassurance seriously, especially given past statements from AI leaders warning about existential risks associated with AI.

Concerns about AI extend beyond existential threats to include job displacement, as many companies have cited AI as a reason for layoffs. Some tech leaders, like Elon Musk, advocate for government support to counteract unemployment caused by AI, despite their earlier actions opposing social welfare programs.

Overall, the narrative from AI executives has shifted from cautioning about potential disasters to promoting the benefits of AI, leaving many wondering how to address the risks they initially highlighted. The public is left to navigate a future where powerful tech leaders, not elected officials, may shape their lives through the deployment of AI technologies.

Summary: Using a USB Switch as a Full KVM

Luke Hsiao shares a solution for easily switching between two computers (a MacBook and a Linux workstation) using a USB switch and a software called display-switch. Instead of dealing with multiple cables and a complicated KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) setup, this method allows you to switch inputs with just one button.

Key Points:

• A USB switch can connect multiple peripherals (like a mouse, keyboard, and webcam) and allows you to switch between computers easily.
• Display-switch software enables input switching for monitors that support DDC/CI, making it function like a KVM.
• Tips for setup include:
  • Use display-switch for monitors that traditional KVMs may not support, especially high-resolution displays.
  • Install display-switch on macOS using Homebrew and adjust the service path.
  • On Linux, use Cargo for easy installation and updates.
  • Implement an on_usb_disconnect feature to reduce switching latency.

Overall, using a USB switch with display-switch offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive KVMs, providing a smoother and faster transition between computers.

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Amazon has announced that its new Fire TV Stick HD and future Fire Sticks will not allow users to sideload apps from outside its official Appstore. This change is due to the introduction of a new operating system called Vega, which restricts app installation to those published in the Amazon Appstore.

Previously, users could sideload apps, often from the Google Play Store, to enhance their device's functionality. However, Amazon is making this shift to have more control over the software on its devices and to combat piracy, which has been a significant issue as jailbroken Fire Sticks have facilitated illegal streaming.

While many users may not be affected by this change, those who used sideloading will likely consider alternative streaming devices or seek workarounds.

When we procrastinate, it's not because doing the work feels painful. In fact, starting the work often feels less painful than continuing to procrastinate. The real struggle comes from the immediate discomfort of deciding to start working, which involves stopping enjoyable distractions (like reading random articles) and mustering the energy to focus.

This decision-making process is complicated by something called hyperbolic discounting, where we prioritize immediate, small pains over slightly bigger pains that are just a bit further in the future. For example, it feels easier to keep scrolling through articles than to deal with the brief discomfort of starting a task.

The author also notes that procrastination might not help us rest or regain energy. Instead of mindlessly consuming mediocre content, we should seek more rewarding activities, like reading a good book or solving enjoyable problems. If reading random articles leaves us feeling drained, we might need to find better ways to relax, such as listening to music or taking a nap. Overall, recognizing and addressing our misconceptions about rest and procrastination can lead to better focus and performance.

Today, several high-ranking executives at OpenAI announced their departures, marking it as "Liberation Day." The executives leaving include Bill Peebles (Head of Sora), Kevin Weil (VP of Science), and Srinivas Narayanan (CTO of B2B Applications). Their decision to leave before an expected initial public offering (IPO) has raised concerns, with some speculating that they want to cash out before a potential market downturn. Reactions include suggestions that this exodus resembles "rats abandoning a sinking ship" and questions about whether these resignations were voluntary or forced.

No summary available.

Charles and Dean are developing a tool called Stage to improve code reviews. Instead of navigating large diffs, Stage breaks down pull requests (PRs) into smaller, organized "chapters" that are easier to read and understand. Each chapter highlights the changes and what to check, making the review process more straightforward.

They created Stage because they found GitHub’s code review interface frustrating, especially as PRs became larger. Stage integrates with GitHub, allowing users to sign in and keep their workflows seamless.

Unlike other tools that focus on finding bugs, Stage aims to enhance the human aspect of code reviews, which is becoming more important as AI-generated code increases. Charles and Dean invite others to try Stage and share their feedback.

On February 12, 2026, Margaret Calvert, a leading graphic designer, shared insights into her creation of the 'Transport' typeface, used on Britain's road signs. Her work has significantly influenced everyday life in the UK, from road signage to railway stations and NHS signs.

Calvert's career includes both design and education, having taught at the Royal College of Art and inspired notable designers. Her book, "Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work," details her journey and experiences.

In the 1950s, as British road traffic increased, existing signs were inadequate. Collaborating with Jock Kinneir, who initially designed signage for Gatwick Airport, Calvert created a new typeface and signage system for motorways and all-purpose roads. They ignored a suggestion to use a German typeface, opting instead for 'Transport,' which emphasized clarity and legibility.

Calvert discussed the importance of colors in signage, such as white letters on blue for motorways, to enhance visibility. Although their designs faced criticism, they were eventually accepted by Parliament in 1965, leading to further projects for the NHS, British Airports Authority, and British Rail.

The ProductRing, owned by Amazon, produces popular Video Doorbells. Models released in 2021 or later, like the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (gen 3), can participate in a bounty program aimed at modifying them for better security.

The Problem:
Ring has faced criticism for its data practices, including a recent $5.6 million settlement over employees having full access to customer videos and failing to fix security flaws. Ring doorbell users cannot store video locally or stop data from being sent to Amazon.

The Solution:
The bounty rewards anyone who can modify a Ring doorbell to meet specific criteria:

• The modified device should connect to a local PC or server without sending data to Amazon.
• It must retain features like motion detection and color night vision.
• Modifications can involve changing up to two circuit-board components and should be easy to carry out within one hour.
• Instructions must be clear enough for a moderately technical user to follow.

Submissions are accepted until December 31, 2031, after which contributors can choose to receive a refund or donate their funds if no successful solutions are submitted.

The author reflects on the charm and diversity of computing hardware from the 1980s, expressing nostalgia for the unique personality of old tech. In contrast, modern computing is dominated by a few large companies, leading to a lack of variety in available gear. In the past, local shops carried distinct inventories, allowing for exploration and discovery of different brands and models. The author fondly remembers various iconic computers, including those from Atari, Commodore, and IBM, each with its own design and features. They lament the absence of such uniqueness in today's technology and express a desire to create their own modern gear that captures the spirit of the past.

Human Accelerated Region 1 (HAR1) is a part of the human genome located on chromosome 20. It consists of two overlapping long non-coding RNA genes, HAR1A and HAR1B. HAR1A is active in the developing human brain and is associated with neurodevelopment, particularly in Cajal–Retzius cells. It was discovered in 2006 and is distinct from similar regions in other species, such as chimpanzees.

HAR1A plays a role in brain development between the 7th and 18th weeks of gestation and is found in adult brains, especially in the cerebellum and forebrain. Research suggests that HAR1 might be linked to Huntington's disease, potentially affecting neurodegeneration.

HAR1B, which overlaps with HAR1A, has lower expression levels in the brain compared to HAR1A. Overall, HAR1 is a significant area of study for understanding human brain evolution and development.

The text discusses individuals who have been imprisoned for editing Wikipedia. Here are the key points:

1. Overall Cases: There are eight known cases of Wikipedia editors being imprisoned, with one editor, Bassel Khartabil, being executed.

2. Country-Specific Cases:

   • Belarus:

     • Mark Bernstein was arrested for violating censorship laws regarding the invasion of Ukraine.
     • Pavel Pernikaŭ received a two-year sentence for edits that discredited Belarus.
     • Volha Sitnik and Maksim Lepushenka were detained for unclear reasons and charged with organizing protests.
     • Another editor was sentenced to two years for edits related to state symbols and elections.

   • Saudi Arabia:

     • Osama Khalid was sentenced to five years for editing content critical of political activists, which was later extended to 32 years.
     • Ziyad al-Sofiani faced similar charges and was sentenced to eight years but was released in 2025.

   • Syria:

     • Bassel Khartabil was arrested in 2012 and executed in 2015 for his online activities.

3. Human Rights Context: These cases highlight the risks faced by individuals who contribute to Wikipedia in countries with strict censorship and political repression.

Ben Lerner's latest novel, Transcription, is a unique blend of poetry, fiction, and essays that explores themes of fatherhood and middle age. The story revolves around an unnamed narrator who is tasked with interviewing his mentor, a 90-year-old artist named Thomas, but faces a challenge when his phone breaks, forcing him to pretend it still works during the interview.

The book consists of three sections. In the first, the narrator's conversation with Thomas reveals deep reflections on technology, parenthood, and the concept of forgiveness. The second section reveals that the narrator's published interview was largely reconstructed from memory, leading to tension with Thomas's family. The third section focuses on Thomas's son, Max, who struggles with his own parenting challenges.

Lerner's writing in Transcription is described as brilliant and daring, mixing prose and poetry while addressing complex modern issues, including the impact of smartphones on life and relationships. The novel also touches on emotional themes, such as the pressures of privilege and the struggles of parenting.

Lerner, who has recently undergone heart surgery, reflects on how personal experiences shape his writing. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing parenting with artistic expression and the impact of societal expectations on his work. Overall, Transcription is a poignant exploration of personal and familial dynamics in the contemporary world.

Summary:

As of April 2026, technology companies are facing a shortage in AI infrastructure, particularly with GPU rental prices for Nvidia's Blackwell chips rising significantly. The cost has jumped from $2.75 to $4.08 per hour in just two months, and companies like CoreWeave are increasing prices and extending contract lengths.

This scarcity is affecting access to advanced AI models. Major companies like OpenAI are struggling with limited computing power, leading to restricted access for many organizations. Startups are finding it even harder to compete due to several challenges:

1. Limited Access: AI providers are prioritizing their most profitable customers, making it harder for others to get state-of-the-art models.
2. High Costs: Advanced models may become too expensive, giving an edge to companies with more funding.
3. Slow Availability: Even if models are accessible, they may not be delivered quickly.
4. Rising Prices: Demand is outpacing supply, leading to higher costs for AI services.
5. Need for Alternatives: Developers may need to explore smaller models or on-premise solutions while waiting for infrastructure improvements.

Overall, the era of easily accessible AI is over and is expected to remain so for several years.

The text discusses concerns about recent changes to app installation on Android devices. Developers have received a notice stating that apps not registered by September 2026 will no longer be installable on certified Android devices in certain countries. This raises fears that "sideloading" apps, or installing apps from outside the official Play Store, will be restricted. Many users and developers express frustration over potential barriers to installing apps freely, with some arguing that Google's policies are becoming more restrictive, similar to Apple's. There is a sense of skepticism regarding Google's motives and their commitment to keeping Android an open platform. Users are worried about losing control over their devices and the implications of these changes for app availability and user autonomy.

Summary of HPC Over 30 Years

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems:

• 1995 vs. 2025:
  • In 1995, top HPC systems were from Fujitsu, Intel, and Cray, with core counts between 80 and 3,680 and performance ranging from 98.9 to 170 GFlop/s.
  • By 2025, leading systems are from HPE, Eviden, and Microsoft, with core counts soaring into the millions (2,073,600 to 11,340,000) and performance metrics reaching 561 to 1809 PFlop/s.
  • The massive improvements in performance and core counts over 30 years are attributed to advancements in hardware design and architecture, including multicore processors and GPUs.

HPC Programming Languages:

• 1995 vs. 2025:
  • In 1995, dominant programming languages were Fortran, C, and C++, with MPI and PVM for distributed systems.
  • Today, those same languages still dominate, with OpenMP now widely used for shared-memory programming, and new technologies like CUDA and OpenACC emerging for GPU programming.
  • While hardware has advanced significantly, the programming languages used in HPC have remained largely unchanged, indicating a stagnation in adopting new languages.

Challenges in HPC Language Development:

• There are several reasons for this stagnation:
  1. Increased Complexity: New hardware has made programming more complicated, requiring programmers to adapt to various parallelism styles.
  2. Legacy Systems: A focus on maintaining existing codes written in older languages hinders the adoption of new ones.
  3. Lack of Community Support: The HPC community often prioritizes hardware over software, limiting funding and support for new programming languages.
  4. Perception of Needs: There's a belief that existing languages are sufficient, even though they might not be optimal for modern requirements.

Proposed Solutions:

• The community should embrace the idea that HPC programming languages can evolve and should invest in creating structures to support new languages.
• It’s important to recognize the growth of parallel computing needs outside traditional HPC and foster community engagement across different sectors.
• Funding should be directed not only to hardware but also to the sustainable development and maintenance of HPC software.

Focus on Chapel:

• Chapel is highlighted as a promising language for HPC that adapts well to hardware changes and offers a higher level of abstraction for programming, though its community support is currently limited.

Conclusion:

• There's a need for new programming languages in HPC to address modern challenges, and the community should strive to develop and adopt these languages to enhance productivity and efficiency in high-performance computing.

Alex and his co-founder Tarun created Kampala, a tool that helps users automate workflows without relying on fragile browser automation. Kampala is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) proxy that can work with websites, mobile apps, and desktop applications.

Many people struggle with outdated dashboards and manual data reconciliation across different platforms, often using slow and unreliable automation methods. Alex, who has experience in web reverse engineering, developed integrations for various projects and realized the limitations of existing tools.

While working in dental tech, they built Kampala to quickly create integrations with different systems. They found that other MITM proxies had issues such as being detected by anti-bot measures and lacking essential features.

Kampala can use existing session tokens and automate tasks efficiently. Users can create scripts or APIs by interacting with the tool, enabling easy automation of tasks. Alex believes that the future of automation should focus on using the underlying technology that computers understand, rather than relying solely on visual methods. He welcomes feedback and questions about their tool.

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This post discusses how binary encodings of JSON can significantly speed up data retrieval, focusing on the limitations of traditional JSON formats. The main points include:

1. Parsing Cost: Parsing JSON text is slow, and binary formats can greatly reduce this cost. For example, parsing a typical workload like a Twitter JSON file can take over 136,000 nanoseconds, whereas a binary encoding can reduce this to about 58 nanoseconds, achieving a 2,346x speedup.

2. Binary Encoding Design: A simple binary encoding can represent all JSON types (strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, and objects) using a compact structure. This design allows for efficient random access to data without parsing overhead.

3. Performance Benefits: The binary format enables rapid lookups, with access times significantly lower than those of traditional JSON parsing methods. This is particularly beneficial when performing repeated queries on large datasets.

4. Limitations of Existing Formats: While BSON and other binary formats exist, they have drawbacks, such as increased storage overhead and lack of efficient random access. Different databases implement their own versions of binary JSON (e.g., Postgres' JSONB), each with its own trade-offs.

5. Considerations for Choosing a Format: Factors such as workload type, storage and serialization costs, and the need for random access play critical roles in determining which binary JSON format to use.

6. Beyond JSON: The discussion extends to the Parquet format, which supports a wider range of semi-structured data. Parquet's VARIANT type allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data beyond just JSON.

In conclusion, as 2026 approaches, the use of binary representations for JSON and semi-structured data is becoming standard. These formats enhance retrieval speed and efficiency, making them ideal for modern data systems.

This guide explains how to host your blog on a subdirectory (like example.com/blog) rather than a subdomain (like blog.example.com).

Key Points:

1. Benefits of Subdirectory Hosting:

   • Improves SEO by consolidating your website's authority.
   • Empirical data shows subdirectories often rank better than subdomains.

2. Challenges:

   • Setting up a blog on a subdirectory can be more complex and time-consuming than using a subdomain.

3. Step-by-Step Setup:

   • Step 1: Set up DNS records for your main site using the Cloudflare Dashboard.
   • Step 2: Add DNS records for your blog, making sure it’s accessible.
   • Step 3: Configure your Next.js blog to ensure routing works correctly.
   • Step 4: Create a Cloudflare Worker to manage requests from the subdirectory to the subdomain.
   • Step 5: Connect your Next.js site with the Cloudflare Worker for proper routing.
   • Step 6: Update your site’s settings to prevent search engines from indexing the old subdomain.
   • Step 7: Verify that your subdomain is not indexed and that your subdirectory is properly indexed.

By following these steps, you can successfully move your blog to a subdirectory, enhancing its SEO and user experience.

The author wanted to analyze Garmin data using AI but was concerned about privacy and didn’t want to send their health data to the cloud. They asked a tool called Claude to help create scripts and a dashboard. After 30 days and spending $20, they developed a local Garmin archive that includes interactive HTML dashboards, Excel exports, weather and pollen information, secure encrypted storage, and an automated data pipeline with many tests. The solution is a Windows desktop app that doesn’t require using the terminal, and all data stays on the user's machine. The author had no prior experience with Python but made the design choices while Claude handled the coding. The project is available on GitHub.

On April 2, 2026, rOpenSci published a blog post by Maëlle Salmon, edited by Etienne Bacher, Davis Vaughan, and Steffi LaZerte, about how Tree-sitter improves the R programming experience. Tree-sitter is a tool that helps with code parsing and understanding, making it easier for developers to work with R. The article highlights its benefits and features, aiming to enhance the overall coding experience for R users.

Summary of Artifacts: Versioned Storage that Speaks Git

Artifacts is a new versioned filesystem designed to meet the growing demands of developers and automated agents, who are generating unprecedented amounts of code. Traditional source control systems struggle to keep up with this increased volume, as they were built for human use rather than for automated processes that work continuously.

Key features of Artifacts include:

• It allows the programmatic creation of Git repositories for agents and compute environments.
• Offers a REST API and a native Workers API for environments where a traditional Git client is not suitable.
• Supports creating large numbers of repositories and forks efficiently.

Artifacts is built on Cloudflare's Durable Objects, which enables the management of many isolated and stateful instances. It is designed to persist not only source code but also other data, making it versatile for various applications beyond just source control.

One of its tools, ArtifactFS, optimizes the cloning of large repositories by fetching only file trees initially and downloading file contents as needed, significantly reducing startup times for agents.

Artifacts is currently in private beta, with plans for a public release soon. Pricing will be based on storage used and operations performed, aiming to be cost-effective for users managing large numbers of repositories.

Developers interested in using Artifacts can find resources and documentation to get started, with ongoing updates expected as the platform evolves.

CadQuery is a free Python library used for creating 3D CAD models. It allows users to create models using code, which makes it simple to manage, share, and adjust parts without needing a graphical interface.

You can find documentation and download options for CadQuery.

No summary available.