1.Gemini 3.5 Flash(Gemini 3.5 Flash)
I cannot access the content of external links directly. However, if you provide me with the text or main points from the document, I can help summarize it for you!
2.I’ve built a virtual museum with nearly every operating system you can think of(I’ve built a virtual museum with nearly every operating system you can think of)
The Virtual OS Museum Summary
The Virtual OS Museum is an online collection of operating systems and applications that can be run using emulators on a Linux virtual machine. It is designed to be user-friendly, with everything pre-installed and set up, allowing users to explore historical operating systems without complicated installation processes.
Key features include:
-
Wide Range of OSes: The museum contains over 570 operating systems, from the first stored-program computer (Manchester Baby) in 1948 to modern systems. It includes early mainframes, Unix versions, home computers, personal computer operating systems, and mobile systems.
-
Easy Access: Users can run historical OSes quickly, with a snapshot feature to restore broken installations. It also provides tools to run the virtual machine on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
-
Versions Available: There are two versions to download: a full version that works offline and a lite version that downloads necessary files as needed.
-
Support and Community: The project is maintained by a single individual and welcomes contributions and suggestions from users through platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, and Discord.
Overall, the Virtual OS Museum aims to make historical software easily accessible and enjoyable for anyone interested in the evolution of operating systems.
3.Google changes its search box(Google changes its search box)
Google is introducing a new AI tool called Gemini, which will change how people use its search engine. This update aims to make searching for information faster and more intuitive. With Gemini, users can expect more accurate answers and a more conversational experience. This shift signals the end of traditional search methods, as Google moves towards a more advanced, AI-driven approach to information retrieval. This change is significant for both users and the future of online searching.
4.Apple unveils new accessibility features(Apple unveils new accessibility features)
Summary of Apple Press Release (May 19, 2026)
Apple announced new accessibility features powered by Apple Intelligence, improving tools like VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. Key updates include:
-
VoiceOver and Magnifier Enhancements: These tools can now provide more detailed descriptions of images and surroundings, helping users who are blind or have low vision. Users can ask questions about what they see through the camera for more information.
-
Voice Control: It now supports natural language, allowing users with physical disabilities to navigate their devices more intuitively by simply describing what they see on the screen.
-
Accessibility Reader: This tool has been improved to better handle complex texts, providing summaries and translation options for users with various disabilities.
-
Generated Subtitles: New features will automatically create subtitles for uncaptioned videos, making it easier for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to access content.
-
Wheelchair Control: The Apple Vision Pro will enable users to control compatible power wheelchairs using eye-tracking technology.
-
Hikawa Grip & Stand: An adaptive accessory for iPhones is now available, designed to assist users with disabilities affecting grip and mobility.
Additional updates include larger text support for tvOS, improved hearing aid connectivity, and new features for gaming controllers. Apple remains committed to enhancing accessibility while prioritizing user privacy.
5.I’ve joined Anthropic(I’ve joined Anthropic)
The text includes links to a status update by Andrej Karpathy and articles from Axios and Archive, discussing topics related to Anthropic and OpenAI. The exact details of the content are not provided, but it appears to involve discussions around AI development.
6.Gaussian Splat of a Strawberry(Gaussian Splat of a Strawberry)
The text consists of links to images, but does not provide any additional context or information to summarize. It seems to be a setup for visual content. If you need a summary of specific information related to these images, please provide more details about their content.
7.Copy Fail, Dirty Frag, and Fragnesia kernel vulnerabilities(Copy Fail, Dirty Frag, and Fragnesia kernel vulnerabilities)
Summary of Kernel Vulnerabilities in Linux
On May 19, 2026, several vulnerabilities were discovered in the Linux kernel that could allow unauthorized access to system privileges. The vulnerabilities include "Copy Fail," "Dirty Frag," and "Fragnesia." This trend of finding and revealing vulnerabilities is increasing rapidly.
The Gentoo Linux teams are working hard to keep their kernels secure by quickly releasing updates and fixing these vulnerabilities. For instance, Gentoo kernels already have fixes for the Fragnesia vulnerability, even though the main kernel releases do not yet have them.
Users are advised to automate their kernel upgrades and ensure they are using supported packages: "sys-kernel/gentoo-kernel," "sys-kernel/gentoo-kernel-bin," and "sys-kernel/gentoo-sources." The standard (vanilla) kernel packages are currently vulnerable. It's recommended to use the latest kernel version, as older versions may not receive timely security updates.
8.Superlog (YC P26) – Observability that installs itself and fixes bugs(Superlog (YC P26) – Observability that installs itself and fixes bugs)
Nico and Arseniy, co-founders of Superlog, are creating a user-friendly observability tool designed to automatically manage logging and error investigation without requiring manual setup. Their tool features a wizard that sets up logging and an agent that analyzes errors and generates pull requests (PRs) to address issues.
Key points about Superlog include:
-
Automatic Setup: Superlog uses a wizard to automatically instrument code with structured logs, traces, and metrics, making it easier to monitor applications.
-
Error Management: Errors are grouped into incidents to reduce alert fatigue, providing a clear summary for each issue instead of overwhelming notifications.
-
Continuous Improvement: The tool regularly updates logging and alerts, ensuring that the necessary data for debugging is always available, even as new features are added.
-
Vendor-Neutral: Users retain ownership of all logs, metrics, and traces collected by Superlog.
-
Feedback Welcome: The founders are looking for feedback, particularly from users of other observability tools like Sentry and Datadog.
For more information, you can visit their website at superlog.sh.
9.Gemini Omni(Gemini Omni)
Use our prompt guide to help you create clear, believable, and imaginative prompts. This will help you get better results.
10.Disney Erased FiveThirtyEight(Disney Erased FiveThirtyEight)
The text discusses the decline of FiveThirtyEight, a data journalism site founded by Nate Silver, particularly during its time under the ownership of Disney. Here are the key points:
-
Disappearance of FiveThirtyEight: After Disney shut down the site in 2025, much of its content became inaccessible, reflecting a broader issue of "link rot" on the internet, where many online resources become broken over time.
-
Mismanagement by Disney: Silver criticizes Disney for its neglectful management of FiveThirtyEight, claiming that it never truly invested in the site or attempted to make it profitable. Despite the site producing significant content and traffic, there was no solid business strategy.
-
Historical Context: Silver founded FiveThirtyEight in 2008, which gained popularity during the presidential election that year. It transitioned to various ownerships, including a successful stint with The New York Times before being acquired by ESPN, and later by Disney.
-
Challenges Faced: Throughout its history under Disney, FiveThirtyEight faced many hurdles, including a lack of proper business support, staffing issues, and external pressures like the political climate during the Trump administration.
-
Failed Paywall Strategy: Silver and his team proposed a paywall to create a sustainable revenue model, but Disney rejected the idea, further contributing to the site's decline.
-
Final Years and Closure: The decline accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant layoffs and decreased functionality. Ultimately, FiveThirtyEight was fully shut down in March 2025.
-
Current Endeavors: After leaving Disney, Silver is working on a new venture called Silver Bulletin, attempting to recreate some of FiveThirtyEight's popular features without the corporate constraints he faced before.
-
Nostalgia and Reflection: Silver reflects on the hard work and dedication that went into FiveThirtyEight, emphasizing that the site was more than just a product; it represented the efforts of a passionate team, despite the corporate mismanagement they endured.
Overall, the text illustrates the rise and fall of FiveThirtyEight as a cautionary tale about corporate governance and the challenges faced by niche media outlets.
11.Haystack – Review the PRs that need human attention(Haystack – Review the PRs that need human attention)
Haystack is a tool designed to improve the process of reviewing pull requests (PRs) for software development teams, especially as the number of PRs has increased due to coding agents. Instead of the traditional GitHub PR review system, Haystack organizes PRs into three categories:
-
Safe to Merge: PRs that are ready to be merged without further review because they have sufficient evidence of correctness.
- Examples: Minor UI changes with screenshots, or backend changes tested in real environments.
-
Needs Fixes: PRs that contain bugs or violate coding standards and require the author's attention to fix.
- Examples: Ineffective pagination in a large data load or improper error handling.
-
Needs Human Review: PRs that require a human reviewer due to their complexity or critical nature, as they could not be sufficiently verified by the author.
- Examples: Significant changes in billing logic or important user flows that need manual testing.
Haystack shifts the review focus from just what changed to understanding the purpose of the PR and the evidence that it works. The tool aims to streamline the review process, allowing teams to use their limited review resources more effectively. They welcome feedback as they continue to develop the tool.
12.CISA Admin Leaked AWS GovCloud Keys on GitHub(CISA Admin Leaked AWS GovCloud Keys on GitHub)
On May 15, 2026, a significant data leak was discovered involving a contractor for the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). A public GitHub repository called "Private-CISA" contained sensitive information, including credentials for high-level AWS GovCloud accounts and internal CISA systems. This leak was flagged by Guillaume Valadon from the security firm GitGuardian, who noted that the repository contained poorly secured files like plaintext passwords and cloud keys.
The exposed data was described as one of the worst government data leaks, revealing serious security mismanagement, such as disabling default security settings on GitHub that prevent sensitive data exposure. Philippe Caturegli, a security consultant, confirmed that the leaked credentials allowed access to critical CISA resources, posing a risk for potential cyberattacks.
CISA acknowledged the leak and stated they were investigating but claimed no sensitive data had been compromised. The contractor responsible, Nightwing, did not comment. The GitHub account was taken down shortly after the leak was reported, although the exposed AWS keys remained valid for an additional 48 hours. The incident highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities within CISA, especially as the agency has had budget and staffing cuts, leading to concerns about their operational integrity.
13.Intro to TLA+ for the LLM Era: Prompt Your Way to Victory(Intro to TLA+ for the LLM Era: Prompt Your Way to Victory)
Summary:
A. Jesse Jiryu Davis discusses how TLA+ (Temporal Logic of Actions) can be more accessible for engineers, especially with the help of advanced language models (LLMs) like Claude. Traditionally, engineers often find TLA+ syntax challenging, but LLMs can now generate TLA+ specifications easily. However, users must still grasp their system's correctness and understand temporal logic.
The article presents a toy problem involving a can of beans, where beans can be white or black, and it poses two questions: whether the number of beans can reach zero and what conditions must be met for the algorithm to end with one black bean. TLA+ helps formalize the problem, allowing a model checker to verify the answers.
Key concepts about TLA+ include:
- It uses boolean logic, sets, and temporal operators to define a state machine.
- Initial states must meet specific criteria, and actions dictate how states transition.
- The article provides a complete TLA+ specification for the bean problem, showing how to define initial conditions and state transitions.
The model checker, TLC, explores possible state transitions and checks for correctness. The article emphasizes that, while LLMs can assist in writing TLA+ specs, users are still responsible for defining system properties and understanding their behavior. Overall, LLMs have made TLA+ easier to use, transforming it from a complex tool into a more manageable one for verification tasks.
14.KV Sharing, MHC, and Compressed Attention(KV Sharing, MHC, and Compressed Attention)
Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) focus on improving efficiency for handling long contexts. Key architectural developments include:
-
KV Sharing and Per-Layer Embeddings (Gemma 4): This model reuses key-value (KV) states across layers to lower memory usage, allowing for longer contexts. It also employs per-layer embeddings to enhance token-specific information while keeping the model size manageable.
-
Layer-Wise Attention Budgeting (Laguna XS.2): This architecture adjusts the attention capacity across different layers, giving more resources to simpler tasks and reducing costs without sacrificing performance.
-
Compressed Convolutional Attention (ZAYA1-8B): This model processes attention in a compressed latent space, reducing both KV cache size and computation costs during training.
-
Compressed Attention Mechanisms (DeepSeek V4): This model uses advanced techniques to compress attention computation and enhance the efficiency of long-context processing. It incorporates manifold-constrained hyper-connections for better information flow and two types of compressed attention mechanisms.
Overall, these innovations aim to make LLMs more efficient for long contexts while maintaining or improving performance. The trend shows a shift towards more complex but effective designs in LLM architecture, emphasizing the need for continuous learning to understand these evolving technologies.
15.Hanoi’s humble beer glass and the memory of a nation(Hanoi’s humble beer glass and the memory of a nation)
The Bia hơi beer served at the Ba Đình Sports Center in Hanoi is known by regulars to be fresher and better than other versions in the city. Bia hơi, meaning "fresh beer," is brewed without preservatives and must be consumed within 24 hours. The sports center has a unique privilege of receiving the freshest beer, a tradition dating back to the subsidy era when it was exclusively available to government officials.
Despite the modernization of Vietnam’s economy, the iconic Bia hơi cốc (glass) remains unchanged. Handmade from recycled glass in a nearby village, it has survived the influx of mass-produced glassware. The cốc symbolizes the simplicity and affordability of drinking culture in Vietnam, making it accessible for everyone.
Beer in Vietnam has a historical context, introduced during French colonial times and evolving through various political changes. The Bia hơi cốc was designed in the 1970s to standardize beer servings during a time of scarcity. Even as the country has modernized, the cốc has retained its essential characteristics, tying it to everyday social interactions.
Today, the cốc faces challenges from government regulations aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and rising production costs, which could threaten its availability. However, its handmade nature and cultural significance keep it relevant. The creator of the cốc, Le Huy Van, believes it belongs to the people, embodying a sense of community and tradition.
As Vietnam continues to change, the simple Bia hơi cốc remains a cherished symbol of the country's past and present, highlighting the balance between tradition and modernity.
16.The Silver Swan Automaton (1773)(The Silver Swan Automaton (1773))
Here are some items available for purchase:
- Wooden Pin Badge - £4.50
- Cotton Tote Bag (Rebel Storyteller Visionary design) - £19.50
- Magnet (Rebel Visionary Storyteller) - £3.50
- A2 Poster (Rebel Storyteller Visionary) - £3.99
- Black Tote Bag (Bowes Museum x HIMP Westwood) - £16.99
You can shop for these items now!
17.The last six months in LLMs in five minutes(The last six months in LLMs in five minutes)
Summary of Developments in LLMs (Last Six Months)
In a recent talk at PyCon US 2026, the speaker summarized significant advancements in large language models (LLMs) over the past six months, particularly highlighting a pivotal moment in November 2025. Key points include:
-
Model Competition: The title of "best" model frequently changed hands among major providers, with Claude Sonnet 4.5 being outperformed by models like GPT-5.1 and Gemini 3, before eventually being reclaimed by Claude Opus 4.5.
-
Improved Coding Agents: Notable improvements in coding agents were achieved through reinforcement learning, making them more reliable for real work, moving from "often work" to "mostly work."
-
Emergence of OpenClaw: A new personal AI assistant, OpenClaw, gained popularity quickly, with users buying hardware like Mac Minis to run these assistants, likening them to digital pets.
-
New Model Releases: The recent months saw the release of several new models, including Gemini 3.1 Pro and GLM-5.1, both showcasing impressive capabilities.
-
Performance on Fun Tasks: Models have improved in generating creative outputs, such as animated images of pelicans riding bicycles, indicating advancements in their artistic abilities.
Overall, the past six months have seen significant strides in both the effectiveness of coding agents and the performance of accessible models on personal devices.
18.I Found Ultra-Pure Quantum Crystals in an Abandoned Mine in the Atacama Desert(I Found Ultra-Pure Quantum Crystals in an Abandoned Mine in the Atacama Desert)
No summary available.
19.Mini Shai-Hulud Strikes Again: 314 npm Packages Compromised(Mini Shai-Hulud Strikes Again: 314 npm Packages Compromised)
On May 19, 2026, the npm account "atool" was compromised, leading to the release of 637 malicious package versions across 317 packages in a short span of 22 minutes. This attack included popular packages like "size-sensor" and "echarts-for-react," affecting millions of users.
The malware, resembling the "Mini Shai-Hulud" toolkit, is designed to steal various credentials, including AWS keys, GitHub tokens, and passwords from local password managers. It uses a complex obfuscation method and employs dual exfiltration channels, sending stolen data to both public GitHub repositories and an attacker-controlled server disguised as legitimate traffic.
Key features of the attack include:
- The use of preinstall hooks to execute the malware before package installation.
- Credential harvesting from multiple sources, including environment variables and configuration files.
- Persistence mechanisms that allow the malware to re-infect systems through CI/CD pipelines and local projects.
- The injection of malicious code into accessible GitHub repositories to ensure continued access and control.
The impact of this attack is significant, affecting many projects that rely on the compromised packages. Immediate actions for developers include checking for affected versions, rotating credentials, and blocking the attacker's server at the network level. Tools like Package Manager Guard (pmg) can help prevent similar attacks in the future by intercepting malicious package installs.
20.Peter Neumann has died(Peter Neumann has died)
Peter G. Neumann is a notable figure in the field of computer science, particularly known for his work in computer security and reliability. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of human-computer interaction and the development of secure systems. Neumann has also been involved in various organizations and initiatives that focus on improving technology safety and ethical practices. His insights and research have helped shape policies and practices in the tech industry.
21.I made a 3D pose maker for artists(I made a 3D pose maker for artists)
SetPose Overview
SetPose is a free online tool designed for artists to create adjustable 3D pose references, helping improve drawing skills. It offers a range of features to customize poses and scenes, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.
Key Features:
-
Pose Controls:
- Bend: Adjust angles between body parts (e.g., nodding head).
- Tilt: Move limbs side-to-side (e.g., tilting head).
- Rotate: Turn body parts around their axis (e.g., rotating wrist).
- Move: Shift model up/down or across the floor.
- Resize: Change the size of joints by dragging.
-
Scene Customization:
- Choose from 275 preset poses or create your own.
- Add props to the model's hands or the scene.
- Adjust camera and lighting settings for different effects.
-
Art Creation:
- Use the tool to create reference material for drawing.
- Ideal for practicing human anatomy and dynamic poses.
- Users can take screenshots to reference while drawing.
-
Pro Features:
- Upgrade options to access more models and remove ads.
Getting Started:
- Users can sign up for an account to save poses and access additional features.
- The interface is user-friendly, with easy navigation for pose adjustments and scene settings.
SetPose enhances artists' ability to visualize and create poses, making it a valuable resource for artistic practice.
22.An Apple (II) for Teacher(An Apple (II) for Teacher)
Summary of "An Apple (II) for Teacher"
By the early 1980s, the Apple II computer became very successful, largely thanks to the software VisiCalc. Apple’s IPO in 1980 made many wealthy, but the co-founders, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, reacted differently to their newfound success.
Wozniak, who initially enjoyed creating the Apple II, lost interest in managing the company and focused on personal pursuits like his engineering career and teaching. After a significant plane crash in 1981, he took an extended break from Apple and returned briefly before leaving for good in 1985.
In contrast, Jobs was ambitious and sought to create revolutionary products. He led the development of the Apple III, but it failed due to rushed production and lack of compatible software. Despite this setback, Apple continued to profit from the Apple II series, which was expanded with new models like the IIe and IIc. Apple’s open approach to hardware and software encouraged a thriving ecosystem, making it popular among developers and users, particularly in educational settings.
Minnesota became a hub for educational computing, with Apple partnering with local educational initiatives to provide computers to schools. Jobs pushed for a program to donate computers to schools, leading to the "Kids Can’t Wait" initiative, which placed thousands of Apple computers in California schools.
Despite competition, Apple maintained a significant presence in schools, where many students experienced their first interactions with computers. By the mid-1980s, a large portion of the computers in schools were Apple IIs, solidifying their place in educational history. The article highlights the importance of community support and educational initiatives in the success of the Apple II.
23.Polypad(Polypad)
Polypad is a free online platform that offers a variety of virtual manipulatives for teaching and learning math. It includes tools like fraction bars, 3D polyhedra, balance scales, and more, all available without needing a login or installation. The platform is user-friendly and compatible with any device and curriculum.
Currently, the 2026 Polypad Art and Music Contest is underway, encouraging creativity through math. Polypad is praised by both teachers and students for its engaging features and ease of use. It also provides extensive resources, such as webinars and lesson plans, to help users get started.
Additionally, Polypad allows for unique audio experiences, enabling users to explore the sounds of different mathematical concepts, making math more accessible and exciting.
24.Deciphering the Hashihara Castle Town Map(Deciphering the Hashihara Castle Town Map)
Summary of the Obayashi Project: Deciphering the Hashihara Castle Town Map
The Obayashi Project focuses on the Hashihara Castle Town Map, created by the Edo-period scholar MOTOORI Norinaga when he was just nineteen. This map illustrates a fictional ideal town, complete with shrines, temples, and a detailed genealogical table of the HASHIHARA family, revealing Norinaga’s imaginative vision.
Key points:
-
Background: MOTOORI Norinaga was a prominent scholar known for his study of Japanese classics. He created the Hashihara Castle Town Map and a genealogical table early in his career.
-
Discovery: The map, housed in the Museum of Motoori Norinaga, was linked to a genealogical table discovered in 1978. This table contained names and locations that closely matched those depicted in the map, suggesting it serves as a blueprint for the town.
-
Research and Reconstruction: The project aims to reconstruct the town in 3D, analyzing historical features and urban design principles from the map and genealogical table. A team of experts in architecture and history is working to understand the town’s layout and characteristics.
-
Significance: The project not only seeks to visualize Norinaga's fictional town but also to explore why he crafted such an elaborate world, reflecting his intellectual pursuits.
In 2024, the project team began their research, comparing the map with other historical towns and studying the geographical and cultural context to bring Norinaga's vision to life.
25.'Capitalism has to become more humane': a Stanford economist on big tech('Capitalism has to become more humane': a Stanford economist on big tech)
Mordecai Kurz, a Stanford economist, argues in his upcoming book, "Private Power and Democracy’s Decline," that today's tech billionaires are aggressively concentrating power and disrupting democracy. He links this trend to historical patterns of monopoly and inequality dating back to the industrial age. Kurz explains that tech moguls often see themselves as superior and believe it's their role to shape society, similar to wealthy industrialists in the past.
He notes that the lack of competition in the tech industry leads startups to aim for acquisition rather than innovation, which further entrenches monopoly power. This concentration of power diminishes voter influence and contributes to economic disenfranchisement, particularly among blue-collar workers. Kurz also highlights how tech giants utilize unchecked social media to generate polarization and misinformation, which harms democracy.
Despite these challenges, Kurz remains hopeful for future reforms that could restore democracy. He advocates for taxing excessive wealth from monopolies, subsidizing education for displaced workers, and implementing policies that ensure AI supports rather than replaces jobs. Kurz believes capitalism must be reformed to support democracy and be more humane.
26.Cursor Introduces Composer 2.5(Cursor Introduces Composer 2.5)
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links, including Twitter. However, if you provide the text or main points you'd like summarized, I can help with that!
27.OpenBSD 7.9(OpenBSD 7.9)
Summary of OpenBSD 7.9 Release Notes
New Features and Improvements:
-
Platform-Specific Enhancements:
- arm64, amd64, luna88k, riscv64: Various hardware and driver supports added for different system architectures.
- amd64: Enhanced power management and increased CPU support.
- riscv64: Introduced support for new SoCs and improved driver support.
-
Kernel Improvements:
- New scheduler mechanisms for managing CPU cores with varying speeds.
- Enhanced memory management and various bug fixes.
-
Suspend/Hibernate Support:
- Implemented a feature for delayed hibernation to save battery life.
-
Virtualization Enhancements:
- Improvements in the VMM/VMD system, including better handling of virtual machines and support for more configurations.
-
Userland Features:
- Updates to tools like
disklabel,fstat, and various userland applications with added functionalities and bug fixes.
- Updates to tools like
-
Security Enhancements:
- Improved restrictions for root access, refined pledge/unveil mechanisms, and various fixes for potential vulnerabilities.
-
Networking Improvements:
- Enhancements in the network stack, including support for VLANs and improved wireless drivers.
-
Package Management:
- A wide range of pre-built packages for various software and libraries.
Installation and Upgrade Instructions:
- Comprehensive guides for installing OpenBSD 7.9 on various architectures are available on the official mirror site.
- Users can upgrade from OpenBSD 7.8 with detailed instructions provided in the Upgrade Guide.
This release includes notable changes in security, performance, and hardware support, making it a significant update for users and developers.
28.Google I/O(Google I/O)
Google I/O Live Event Summary
- Google I/O is currently live, and you can join the livestream.
- There are two main keynotes scheduled:
- Google Keynote: May 19 at 10:00 am PT
- Developer Keynote: May 19 at 1:30 pm PT
- You can plan your schedule to watch these sessions.
- There is also an option to connect with local developer groups.
29.Kv4p HT – A homebrew 1W radio (VHF or UHF) that plugs into an Android phone(Kv4p HT – A homebrew 1W radio (VHF or UHF) that plugs into an Android phone)
kv4p HT: A Modern Ham Radio for Android Phones
Overview: kv4p HT is a DIY 1-watt VHF or UHF radio that connects to your Android phone via USB-C, turning it into a handheld transceiver. It is an open-source project that requires some assembly and a Technician class amateur radio license to operate.
Key Features:
- Affordable Build: Minimal components needed; you can buy parts individually or as a kit.
- Smartphone Integration: Utilizes your phone's screen, GPS, and battery, eliminating the need for separate charging.
- Advanced APRS: Offers a built-in modem for text messaging and position tracking, unlike many other radios.
- Open Source: All components, including the app and designs, are freely available for anyone to use and modify.
- Power Efficient: Draws power from your phone, making it ideal for emergency kits.
- User-Friendly Design: Features like closed captions and haptic feedback enhance accessibility.
Building Steps:
- Gather Parts: Order a kit or buy components separately.
- Solder the Board: Attach the radio module and components to the PCB.
- Print the Case: Use designs available online to 3D print a case.
- Assemble the Radio: Fit the PCB into the case and attach it to your phone with sticky pads.
- Flash Firmware: Install the necessary firmware on the device.
- Install the App: Download the kv4p HT app from Google Play (requires Android 8 or newer).
For detailed instructions, you can find a complete build walkthrough on YouTube.
30.Click (2016)(Click (2016))
The text is about a game or application where the user has not unlocked any achievements yet, showing a progress of 0%. There are a total of 128 achievements to unlock. The user is encouraged to click a button to try to unlock them all. There is also a save URL provided for continuing the session later.
31.Nim-Presto – REST API Framework for Nim Language (2024)(Nim-Presto – REST API Framework for Nim Language (2024))
Presto - A Library for REST API
Installation:
To install Presto, use Nim's package manager, Nimble, with the following command:
$ nimble install https://github.com/status-im/nim-presto.git
Documentation & Contributing:
When contributing, please include test cases for any new features or fixes, and ensure that all tests pass.
License:
Presto is available under two licenses:
- MIT License: LICENSE-MIT
- Apache License, Version 2.0: LICENSE-APACHEv2
You can choose either license, but you must follow the terms stated in those licenses.
32.'Comically bad' datasets used to train clinical models for stroke and diabetes('Comically bad' datasets used to train clinical models for stroke and diabetes)
A recent investigation revealed serious issues with datasets used to train clinical models for stroke and diabetes. A dataset on Kaggle, which is an online platform for sharing data, included images of celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and George Clooney, instead of actual patients. This dataset was used in a paper published in Scientific Reports to help detect strokes but was found to be unreliable.
Researchers Adrian Barnett and Alexander Gibson discovered duplicated and inappropriate images in the dataset, which raised ethical and scientific concerns. Their findings led to the retraction of several papers that relied on such flawed data. They highlighted that many studies using these datasets failed to check the data's origins and quality.
Kaggle has faced scrutiny in the past for the reliability of its datasets, and the researchers argue that the issue could affect thousands of papers. They recommend removing all tools based on these questionable datasets until their sources are verified.
Kaggle stated that it relies on users to report data quality and that the datasets in question do not violate its terms of service. However, Barnett and Gibson stress the need for better documentation and accountability in data usage to protect patient welfare and ensure research integrity.
33.AI, "Humanity", and Dr. Manhattan Syndrome: A Communications Intervention(AI, "Humanity", and Dr. Manhattan Syndrome: A Communications Intervention)
The article discusses the disconnect between AI executives, like OpenAI's Greg Brockman, and the real concerns of people affected by their technologies. Brockman made a significant political donation and framed it as part of a mission for "humanity," but this abstraction overlooks the immediate, personal worries of individuals, such as job security and privacy.
The author compares this mindset to Dr. Manhattan from "Watchmen," a character who, despite his immense power and knowledge, becomes detached from human emotions and individual suffering. The problem arises when tech leaders focus on lofty ideals rather than addressing the specific anxieties of everyday people.
The text cites a decline in public trust towards AI, with many expressing concern about its implications on their lives. Instead of recognizing and addressing these fears, tech leaders often elevate discussions to a grand, civilizational level, ignoring the messy realities of human experience.
The author argues that this approach is problematic and suggests that AI companies should shift their focus to individual concerns and engage directly with the public to build trust. Drawing on examples from Steve Jobs, who communicated in relatable terms, the article emphasizes that successful technology companies must prioritize real human experiences over abstract notions of "humanity."
In conclusion, the author urges AI leaders to connect with people on a personal level, acknowledging their specific concerns rather than floating above them in philosophical rhetoric.
34.1024000^2 Blocks, 2B2T Minecraft Server World Download Project, and Discoveries(1024000^2 Blocks, 2B2T Minecraft Server World Download Project, and Discoveries)
The 1,024,000² 2b2t World Download Project has been completed, offering around 24 TB of data from the 2b2t Minecraft server. This includes different areas of the game world:
- 1,024,000² area of the Overworld (Dec 25, 2025 - Apr 13, 2026)
- 512,000² area of the Overworld (Nov 11, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024)
- 256,000² area of the End (Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026)
- 100,000² area of the Nether (Jun 9, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025)
The project took over a year of hard work, including the development of custom software and the use of multiple bot accounts to gather data. Key contributors included crayne, Fuch, mahan, and others.
A Torrent for the full data will be available soon, but it may take some time to prepare due to the large size. In the meantime, users can access 8 GB of preliminary data, including maps and timelapses. Additional tools and services for exploring the data will be offered.
The project aims to archive significant parts of 2b2t before any potential changes to the server. Support for the project is welcomed through donations, testing, and community involvement.
The author expresses gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this large-scale download project, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind it.
35.We let AIs run radio stations(We let AIs run radio stations)
Lukas from Andon Labs shared that they have developed AIs capable of running companies independently, without human involvement. After experimenting in retail, they have now launched a project in the media sector. Four AI agents are managing both live radio broadcasts and the business operations of a media company. While their revenue is currently low, the shows they produce can be quite funny. You can listen to them at andon.fm.
36.PyTorch Landscape(PyTorch Landscape)
The text provides information about the PyTorch Foundation, including options for hosting projects and accessing various resources. It contains downloadable data files that include details on projects and items within the foundation. The content is organized into categories like AI, computer vision, and MLOps, and includes links to social media and copyright information. Additionally, it notes that data is sourced from Crunchbase and is subject to specific terms of use. Overall, it serves as a guide for exploring and engaging with the PyTorch ecosystem.
37.Photo GIMP – A Patch for GIMP 3 for Photoshop Users(Photo GIMP – A Patch for GIMP 3 for Photoshop Users)
PhotoGIMP Overview
PhotoGIMP is a free patch for GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) that makes it look and feel like Adobe Photoshop. It’s designed for users transitioning from Photoshop to GIMP, providing a familiar interface.
Key Features:
- Photoshop-like Layout: Tools are arranged like in Photoshop.
- Custom Splash Screen: A unique welcome screen appears when you start the program.
- Maximized Workspace: Default settings enhance your working area.
- Photoshop Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are similar to those in Photoshop.
- Custom Icon and Name: PhotoGIMP has its own icon and name in your system menu.
Installation Requirements:
- GIMP version 3.0 or newer must be installed first.
- Run GIMP once to create necessary configuration files before installing PhotoGIMP.
Installation Instructions:
- Backup (Optional): Save your current GIMP settings if desired.
- Download PhotoGIMP: Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Extract and Replace: Replace the required configuration files in GIMP's directory with the ones from PhotoGIMP.
- Launch GIMP: Open GIMP to see the new PhotoGIMP layout.
Uninstallation: To revert to the original GIMP, delete the configuration folder and restart GIMP. Alternatively, restore from your backup.
Troubleshooting:
- Ensure you've extracted files to the right location.
- PhotoGIMP is only compatible with GIMP 3.0 or newer.
- Custom brushes and plugins will not be removed.
Contributions and Translations: Users can report issues, suggest fixes, or help translate the documentation into other languages.
License: PhotoGIMP is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
38.The lasting influence of Netscape Time(The lasting influence of Netscape Time)
After the creation of Netscape, software development accelerated rapidly. A documentary titled "Project Code Rush" captures the intense moments leading up to Netscape's open-source launch on March 31, 1998. Jamie Zawinski, a key developer, was late to the launch but managed to fix last-minute issues before the release.
Netscape decided to go open source in response to increasing competition from Microsoft, hoping to leverage the global developer community for innovation. This required significant rewrites of their code and immense effort from their engineers, many of whom worked long hours.
The documentary highlights the challenges faced by the team, including stress, burnout, and clashes among personalities, but also showcases their idealism and commitment to improving the web. The launch marked the beginning of the Mozilla project, which later led to the creation of Mozilla Firefox.
Netscape co-founder Jim Clark reflected on the rapid pace of development in his book "Netscape Time," emphasizing how the internet changed software distribution and the speed at which products could be brought to market. However, this pace eventually became overwhelming, leading to a pressure-filled environment for the developers.
Overall, the story captures a pivotal moment in internet history, showcasing both the excitement and the challenges of innovation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
39.Regex Chess: A 2-ply minimax chess engine in 84,688 regular expressions(Regex Chess: A 2-ply minimax chess engine in 84,688 regular expressions)
Summary of "A 2-ply minimax chess engine in 84,688 regular expressions" by Nicholas Carlini
Nicholas Carlini created a unique chess engine called Regex Chess, which plays chess moves using a sequence of 84,688 regular expressions. The project started as a fun, purposeless challenge over the holidays. Users can input moves in a specific format (e.g., e2e4), and the engine will process these moves based on the current chessboard state.
Key Features:
- Regular Expression CPU: The chess engine operates like a computer that uses regular expressions to manipulate a string representing the game state. This state includes a stack for managing values and variables.
- Basic Operations: The engine implements stack operations (push, pop) and variable management (lookup, assign) using regular expressions. Each operation modifies the game state based on regex patterns.
- Branch-Free Conditionals: The engine uses a unique method to handle conditionals without traditional branching, allowing it to execute instructions based on the state of the stack.
- Parallel Processing: By utilizing the nature of regular expressions, the engine can simultaneously process multiple game states, which is advantageous for evaluating possible chess moves.
- Game Logic: The engine includes functionality to validate moves, compute possible future boards, and score them using a minimax approach to determine the best move for the computer.
Performance Improvements:
- Carlini optimized the engine's performance to operate in seconds instead of minutes by deleting unnecessary variables, improving regex matching efficiency, and executing multiple operations in parallel.
Conclusion:
Carlini encourages exploring seemingly pointless projects for the fun of learning and creativity, emphasizing that such endeavors can lead to deeper insights into various fields of computer science. He plans to share more similar projects in the future.
40.Number Gacha, a gacha game distilled to its essence(Number Gacha, a gacha game distilled to its essence)
Number Gacha is a fun game that combines parody and real gameplay. In this game, you roll and unwrap numbers to use in battles. For the best experience, it's recommended to play on a desktop.
41.Hyperpolyglot Lisp: Common Lisp, Racket, Clojure, Emacs Lisp(Hyperpolyglot Lisp: Common Lisp, Racket, Clojure, Emacs Lisp)
The text is a comprehensive reference sheet for Lisp programming languages, covering Common Lisp, Racket, Clojure, and Emacs Lisp. Here’s a simplified summary of the key points:
-
Languages Covered:
- Common Lisp
- Racket
- Clojure
- Emacs Lisp
-
Key Areas of Comparison:
- Grammar and Execution: Differences in how each language compiles and executes code, and how to create standalone executables.
- Variables and Expressions: Identifier rules, variable scopes (local vs. global), and null values.
- Arithmetic and Logic: Operators for arithmetic and logical operations, handling of true/false values, and numeric predicates.
- Strings: String literals, escape sequences, and common string operations.
- Lists and Arrays: How to create and manipulate lists and fixed-length arrays.
- Dictionaries: Differences in dictionary-like structures and their operations.
- User-Defined Types: How to define and use custom data structures.
- Functions: Function definition, handling of arguments, and return values.
- Control Structures: Constructs for managing execution flow, like loops and conditionals.
- Error Handling: Approaches to handle errors and exceptions in each language.
- File and Stream Operations: Reading from and writing to files, as well as manipulating directories and streams.
- Libraries and Namespaces: How to manage libraries and namespaces in different languages.
- Object-Oriented Features: Class definitions and object manipulation in Common Lisp and Racket.
- Macros: Use of macros for code generation and transformation.
- Reflection: Techniques for inspecting types and structures at runtime.
- Java Interoperability: How to interact with Java libraries in Clojure and Racket.
-
Versions Used: The specific versions of the languages employed for examples are listed, ensuring accuracy in the context.
This reference sheet provides a side-by-side comparison of syntax and features, making it a valuable resource for programmers working with these Lisp dialects.
42.War game exposed U.S. vulnerability to low-tech warfare(War game exposed U.S. vulnerability to low-tech warfare)
A 2002 report detailing the results of a simulated naval defeat has been made public. The report provides insights into the lessons learned and strategies considered during the simulation. It highlights areas for improvement and reflects on the effectiveness of naval operations in that scenario. The declassification allows for better understanding and analysis of naval tactics and decision-making processes.
43.The Programming Language for Agents(The Programming Language for Agents)
Summary of Zero Programming Language for Agents
Zero is a new programming language designed specifically for agents (automated systems) from the start. Its main goals are:
- Ease of Learning: The language should be simple enough for agents to learn while they work, with clear syntax and minimal special cases.
- Standard Library First: Most programs should rely on a consistent standard library rather than searching for packages, making it easier to start coding.
- Readable and Inspectable: Tools will provide clear diagnostics and repair suggestions to help agents understand and fix issues.
- Safety First: Users are advised to run Zero in safe environments to avoid security risks, as the language is still being developed and may have breaking changes.
Zero emphasizes explicitness and regularity, preferring clear capabilities and documented APIs over complex syntax. The language aims to make checking and repairing code straightforward for both agents and humans.
Users are encouraged to install the compiler, try examples, and provide feedback to help improve the language.
44.Graduates are booing pep talks on AI at college commencements(Graduates are booing pep talks on AI at college commencements)
Graduates at various college commencements are expressing frustration with discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), often booing speakers who address the topic. Notably, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced backlash from University of Arizona graduates when he discussed AI's impact on jobs, prompting many to voice their fears about the technology's threat to their futures. Olivia Malone, a graduate from the same university, criticized the speech as disrespectful, especially since students are often discouraged from using AI in their studies.
Other speakers, like real estate executive Gloria Caulfield and music industry leader Scott Borchetta, also encountered similar reactions when mentioning AI's role in their fields. Many students feel that the topic is insensitive, given the challenging job market they are entering, with high unemployment rates among recent graduates.
Polls indicate that about 70% of college students view AI as a threat to their job prospects. While some speakers attempted to highlight the potential benefits of AI, the overall sentiment among students reflects anxiety and uncertainty about their futures in a rapidly changing job landscape.
45.Hsrs – Type-Safe Haskell Bindings Generator for Rust(Hsrs – Type-Safe Haskell Bindings Generator for Rust)
The author has developed a tool called hsrs, which is a type-safe Haskell Bindings Generator for Rust. They noticed that there were no existing tools that produced type-safe and rich bindings between Rust and Haskell, despite both languages having strong type systems. hsrs is similar to existing tools like pyo3 and napi-rs. What sets hsrs apart is its ability to create type-safe bindings for complex types, such as Result and Maybe, while also generating Haskell bindings. A minimal example is available in the repository, and further details can be found on Haskell's discourse forum.
46.AI eats the world (Spring 26) [pdf](AI eats the world (Spring 26) [pdf])
Summary:
Benedict Evans discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on technology and investment trends. He notes that every 10 to 15 years, major shifts in technology platforms occur, reshaping the industry. Recent shifts have moved from PCs to smartphones and now to generative AI.
Evans highlights the importance of understanding who is affected by these shifts and how they create new opportunities and risks in the tech sector. Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have adapted to these changes, with significant capital investments planned in the coming years, especially in AI and technology infrastructure.
He warns that under-investing in technology poses a greater risk than over-investing. The semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented demand, indicating a potential new investment cycle. Overall, the evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the tech industry.
47.Anyone on the Internet Can Ring Your Doorbell(Anyone on the Internet Can Ring Your Doorbell)
The article discusses serious security vulnerabilities found in a smart doorbell purchased from Temu, named “Smart Doorbell X3,” which connects through the "X Smart Home" app. Key findings include:
-
Vulnerabilities: The doorbell's backend, operated by Naxclow, has significant security flaws that allow anyone on the internet to hijack calls, impersonate the device, and even take over the device completely.
-
Takeover Ability: An attacker can silently take control of any doorbell on the platform by sending two signed requests—one to reset the device's binding state and another to assign it to their own account. The original owner loses access without any notification.
-
Impersonation: Attackers can impersonate the doorbell during live calls, allowing them to replace the video feed with their own content while the actual doorbell remains online and undetected.
-
Network Compromise: The doorbell exposes sensitive information, like home WiFi credentials, through an accessible debug port, making it easy for attackers to gain access to the entire home network.
-
Static Credentials: The device’s credentials, used for registration and calls, do not change over time, which means once an attacker has them, they can maintain access indefinitely.
-
No OTA Updates: The device lacks a proper over-the-air update mechanism, meaning security patches cannot be applied to existing devices in the field.
-
Recommendations for Owners: Users are advised to isolate their IoT devices on a separate network and remain vigilant for any unusual activity, as the device may exhibit signs of compromise.
-
Advice for Manufacturers: Companies are urged to ensure that their devices have proper authentication mechanisms, rotating credentials, and secure communication protocols to prevent such vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the article highlights the critical need for better security in IoT devices, stressing that current designs can lead to severe breaches of privacy and security.
48.Elon Musk has lost his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI(Elon Musk has lost his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI)
Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its co-founders was dismissed by a California jury, which ruled that he filed his claims too late. Musk accused them of "stealing a charity" by forming a for-profit branch of OpenAI, but the jury found that any harm he experienced happened before the legal deadlines for filing.
The trial focused on promises made to Musk, but ultimately, the jury agreed with OpenAI's argument that Musk's claims were not valid. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers noted there was substantial evidence to support the jury's decision. This verdict protects OpenAI from potential restructuring as it prepares for an IPO.
Musk's lawsuit also targeted Microsoft for its role in aiding OpenAI, but Microsoft welcomed the verdict and affirmed its commitment to OpenAI. Despite the ruling, Musk expressed intentions to appeal, claiming the case highlights serious issues regarding the treatment of charitable contributions. His lawyer confirmed they will pursue an appeal.
49.Google pushes update to Antigravity instead it reinstalls and locks everyone out(Google pushes update to Antigravity instead it reinstalls and locks everyone out)
No summary available.
50.Colonization of Venus(Colonization of Venus)
The colonization of Venus involves plans to establish human settlements on the planet, focusing on habitats in its upper atmosphere due to the extreme conditions on the surface. The idea of colonizing Venus has been popular in science fiction and is also discussed scientifically.
Key Points:
-
Challenges: Venus has a very harsh environment with surface temperatures around 464°C (867°F) and atmospheric pressure 90 times that of Earth. These conditions have made previous missions to the surface very brief.
-
Potential Advantages: Despite its hostile environment, Venus has similarities to Earth, such as gravity that is close to ours (0.904g), making it easier for human health compared to lower gravity environments like Mars. Venus is also closer to Earth, making travel and communication potentially easier.
-
Floating Habitats: Proposals suggest creating floating cities in Venus's upper atmosphere, around 50 km above the surface, where conditions are more Earth-like (temperatures around 27°C and manageable pressure). These habitats could use breathable air as a lifting gas to stay aloft.
-
Research and Exploration: NASA and other agencies have conducted numerous missions to study Venus. Future missions may focus on exploring the atmosphere more thoroughly and assessing the feasibility of human habitation.
-
Terraforming: There are ideas for terraforming Venus to make it more hospitable by reducing its carbon dioxide atmosphere and extreme temperatures, though these concepts are still very theoretical.
Overall, while colonizing Venus presents significant challenges, there are intriguing possibilities that could make it a target for human habitation in the future.
51.Stop 'tokenmaxxing' and deploy AI sensibly instead(Stop 'tokenmaxxing' and deploy AI sensibly instead)
The editorial discusses the rapid adoption of "agentic AI" by companies and researchers, emphasizing the need for a more thoughtful approach rather than a frantic competition to use AI. Agentic AI involves using large language models (LLMs) to handle complex tasks by collaborating and accessing different tools. However, this trend has led to a practice called "tokenmaxxing," where companies encourage employees to increase their token usage—small units of text processed by LLMs—sometimes even ranking employees based on this metric.
While companies believe that using more tokens can drive productivity, there are significant drawbacks. The demand for tokens has soared, but there are limitations in resources like data centers and energy, leading to environmental concerns and community pushback. Additionally, some tech companies are starting to limit access to their AI tools due to rising costs and profitability issues.
Beyond financial and environmental impacts, there are worries about how relying on AI could affect human cognitive skills. As AI takes over more tasks, there is a risk of diminishing users' expertise and knowledge. The editorial stresses that while AI can enhance research and productivity, human oversight and validation of AI outputs are crucial for ensuring reliable outcomes in science and other fields.
52.Growing tribe of jobless techies is stuck in Silicon Valley's new reality(Growing tribe of jobless techies is stuck in Silicon Valley's new reality)
California's tech workers have been struggling with mass layoffs and a tough job market. Many are adjusting their career paths as competition increases, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). While a few tech employees with AI skills are receiving high salaries, most are finding it hard to secure jobs.
Despite having strong resumes, many laid-off workers, like Basem Istanbouli from Google, are facing challenges in their job searches. Some are forming communities, like Istanbouli's hiking group (un)PTO, to support each other. Major companies, including Meta and General Motors, are laying off thousands while shifting focus to AI roles, further tightening the job market.
The number of tech jobs has dropped significantly, and hiring processes have become longer and more selective. Many laid-off workers are considering alternative paths, such as going back to school, starting new ventures, or even retiring early. Some, like Kira Martins, remain optimistic and see AI as an opportunity.
Overall, the tech industry is in a challenging phase, with many workers needing to network and adapt to improve their chances of finding new roles.
53.Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica humanitas to be published May 25(Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica humanitas to be published May 25)
Pope Leo XIV will release his first encyclical titled "Magnifica humanitas" on May 25, 2026. This document focuses on protecting human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. The release event will take place at the Vatican, featuring the Pope and several speakers, including prominent cardinals and experts in theology and AI. The encyclical is dated May 15, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical "Rerum novarum." Cardinal Pietro Parolin will conclude the event, followed by the Pope's address and blessing.
54.Anthropic acquires Stainless(Anthropic acquires Stainless)
On May 18, 2026, Anthropic announced its acquisition of Stainless, a company that specializes in software development kits (SDKs) and server tools. This move aims to enhance the capabilities of Anthropic's AI agents, which need to connect effectively to various systems. Stainless, founded in 2022, has been instrumental in creating SDKs for Anthropic’s API, helping many developers integrate with it.
Katelyn Lesse, Anthropic's Head of Platform Engineering, emphasized the importance of connectivity for AI agents, while Alex Rattray, the founder of Stainless, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that their teams can continue their work on a significant platform.
The acquisition is part of Anthropic's effort to improve developer experience and agent functionality. Additionally, there are updates regarding partnerships with KPMG and PwC, which are integrating Anthropic’s Claude AI into their operations.
55.Alignment pretraining: AI discourse creates self-fulfilling (mis)alignment(Alignment pretraining: AI discourse creates self-fulfilling (mis)alignment)
This paper studies how discussions about AI systems influence their behavior, particularly in terms of alignment. Researchers pretrained a large language model (LLM) with different amounts of positive and negative discourse about AI. They discovered that focusing on negative discussions about AI leads to more misaligned behavior, while emphasizing positive discussions significantly reduces misalignment. Specifically, misalignment scores dropped from 45% to 9% when positive discussions were prioritized. The effects of this training were still present even after the models were further trained. The study highlights the importance of considering the nature of pretraining data when aiming for aligned AI behavior. The authors recommend that practitioners focus on pretraining for alignment as well as capabilities. They also provide access to their models, data, and evaluations.
56.We used Quint to find over 10 bugs in SQLite while hardening Turso(We used Quint to find over 10 bugs in SQLite while hardening Turso)
Since starting Turso, we have prioritized thorough testing because Turso is a rewrite of SQLite, known for its reliability. Our first version included a Deterministic Simulation Testing (DST) mechanism, and we now also use differential testers, fuzzers, and concurrency simulators. This commitment to quality has attracted a strong community focused on testing.
A key area we are exploring is formal methods, which have been complex and hard to access. One tool, Quint, combines the principles of Temporal Logic of Actions with modern development tools. One of our community members, Pavan Nambi, used Quint to model the C API that Turso shares with SQLite. This allowed us to test the C API effectively against SQLite.
The testing involved modeling the API, generating traces, and comparing results. For example, we tested the function sqlite3_deserialize(), which should return an error if a database is busy. However, it crashed instead, highlighting a bug that was subsequently fixed.
Through Quint, we discovered several other bugs in SQLite that had gone unnoticed, demonstrating the effectiveness of formal methods. In total, more than ten bugs were identified and resolved, improving both Turso and SQLite. This experience shows that even well-established software can have hidden issues that rigorous testing can uncover.
57.Files.md – Open-source alternative to Obsidian(Files.md – Open-source alternative to Obsidian)
Files.md Summary
Files.md is a simple, private app designed to help you manage your Markdown (.md) files. You can store various types of content, such as notes, documents, journals, tasks, and checklists, all while keeping your data local and secure, as nothing is sent to a server.
Key Features:
- Local-first: Your files stay on your device.
- Privacy: No data is sent online.
- Ownership: You have complete control over your files and the software.
- Simplicity: The app is designed with only necessary features, encouraging creativity.
- Offline Access: Works in your browser without needing installation.
- Free and Open Source: Anyone can use or contribute to the code.
- Integration with LLMs: The app is designed to grow with your needs.
Usage:
- Access the app at app.files.md in a Chrome browser.
- Install it directly from your browser for easy use.
- Sync options include local storage, cloud services, or self-hosted servers.
Thought Organization:
- The app encourages connecting ideas and revisiting notes for deeper understanding.
- It promotes a “Second Brain” concept, which focuses on using your mind to create insights rather than relying solely on software.
Note-Taking Guidelines:
- Take notes to enhance understanding and facilitate research.
- Avoid deferring tasks and insights to the future; engage actively with your notes.
Emotional and Practical Support:
- Encourages journaling for emotional reflection.
- Suggests breaking tasks into small, actionable items to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
File Structure:
The app has a predefined structure for organizing files, including categories for notes, tasks, and checklists.
Tools and Scripts:
Several scripts are included to help manage files, such as converting links and maintaining journal metrics.
Files.md is designed for users who want a straightforward, effective way to organize their thoughts and knowledge without the distractions of over-complicated systems.
58.Tagging Blog Posts with BERTopic and LLMs(Tagging Blog Posts with BERTopic and LLMs)
Summary: Tagging Blog Posts with BERTopic and LLMs
On May 18, 2026, the author shared their experience of adding tags to their blog using BERTopic and various AI tools, including LLMs. Unlike a previous attempt in 2023, this project was completed in about 6-10 hours over a month due to advancements in AI models. The focus was on evaluating different AI tools and improving the user experience of the tags rather than just creating them.
Tags are important for content discovery on blogs, a practice that has evolved from early platforms like Delicious and Pinboard to social media sites. However, the rise of LLMs has changed how users discover content, making traditional tags less significant as many users rely on AI for information retrieval.
The author described the technical process of using LLMs for tagging, highlighting the shift from traditional methods like latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to newer neural approaches that better understand context. They used BERTopic to cluster documents and create initial tags, refining them with help from other LLMs like Claude Code and Pi.
Despite the challenges of organizing and labeling tags, the author successfully created a personalized tagging system for their blog. They also improved the user interface to enhance discoverability. Overall, the project demonstrated how modern LLMs can streamline tasks and make it easier to manage personal projects.
59.StanChart CEO: AI to Replace "Lower-Value Human Capital"(StanChart CEO: AI to Replace "Lower-Value Human Capital")
On May 19, 2026, Bill Winters, the CEO of Standard Chartered, stated that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace some jobs that involve "lower-value human capital." He emphasized that this shift is not just about cutting costs, but about using technology to take over less important roles. This reflects a growing trend in the finance industry, where leaders are beginning to recognize the impact of AI on the workforce.
60.The Fil-C Optimized Calling Convention(The Fil-C Optimized Calling Convention)
Summary of Fil-C Optimized Calling Convention
Overview: The Fil-C calling convention ensures memory safety for programs, even when they misuse function pointers or signatures. It manages various errors, such as incorrect argument types or counts, through panic responses or safe behavior.
Efficiency: When used correctly, Fil-C generates efficient code for function calls, similar to a more optimized convention (Yolo-C). For instance, it handles function calls by passing arguments directly in registers, improving performance. However, it can panic if there are mismatched signatures or incorrect argument counts.
Key Components:
-
Generic Calling Convention:
- Functions are called by resolving their names to pointers and checking capabilities for safety.
- Arguments are prepared in specific buffers, ensuring they are correctly sized and aligned.
- This process includes checks to ensure the callee is suitable for execution.
-
Optimizations:
- Register Calling Convention:
- Arguments and return values are passed in registers instead of buffers, which speeds up function calls significantly.
- Each function has an optimized entry point for fast execution if the signature matches.
- Direct Call Optimization:
- Eliminates the need for getter calls and capability checks. Direct calls use signature-mangled names for efficiency.
- If there’s a signature mismatch, a weak thunk is invoked to handle the call safely.
- Register Calling Convention:
-
Arithmetic Encoding:
- Functions' signatures are encoded into 64-bit integers, allowing for compact representation and easy checks.
- This encoding supports a variety of argument types and ensures that most signatures fit within specified limits.
-
Handling Weak Definitions:
- Special care is taken with functions that may have multiple definitions (like C++ inline functions) to avoid infinite loops during calls.
- A combination of COMDAT groups and visibility rules ensures that only appropriate definitions are called.
Conclusion: These optimizations lead to a significant performance boost, allowing direct calls to function implementations without overhead from safety checks or buffer management. The Fil-C calling convention ultimately improves both safety and efficiency in handling function calls.
61.Agora-1: The Multi-Agent World Model(Agora-1: The Multi-Agent World Model)
Summary of Agora-1: Multi-Agent World Model
Agora-1 is a new technology that allows multiple players, both humans and AI, to interact in real-time within the same simulated environment. This innovation marks a shift from traditional models, which typically only support a single participant. Agora-1 enables up to four players to engage in shared experiences, such as a deathmatch simulation, where actions and interactions are generated in real-time.
The system is built on lessons from popular games like GoldenEye, using them as a foundation for developing complex simulations. Agora-1 separates the simulation of the game from how it is visually rendered, allowing for consistent views of the same environment from different players. This approach improves the experience in multiplayer games and can be applied to robotics and other fields.
Additionally, Agora-1 supports advancements in reinforcement learning by creating richer environments for AI training. As more players engage, the interactions become more complex, enhancing the data available for training smarter agents.
Overall, Agora-1 opens up new possibilities for interactive systems across various applications, paving the way for innovative developments in gaming, robotics, and education.
62.The quiet renovation at Bitwarden(The quiet renovation at Bitwarden)
Summary of "The Quiet Renovation at Bitwarden"
In March, Bitwarden raised its Premium price without proper communication to customers, which was criticized. Recently, CEO Michael Crandell quietly moved to an advisory role, and Michael Sullivan took over as CEO, known for his experience in mergers and acquisitions, suggesting a focus on profit rather than long-term software management.
Bitwarden has made changes to its website, including removing the prominent "Always free" label from its personal password manager page and altering its company values from GRIT (Gratitude, Responsibility, Inclusion, Transparency) to a new GRIT (Gratitude, Responsibility, Innovation, Trust), without any formal announcement.
Despite the changes, the free plan still exists for now, but the commitment to it seems less certain. The lack of transparency in these updates raises concerns for users, especially those considering alternatives like Vaultwarden, which self-hosts Bitwarden's features.
The new CEO’s background suggests that Bitwarden may be positioning itself for a sale, leading to potential changes that could affect users. If Bitwarden’s open-source clients become closed or unsupported, the community may respond quickly with a fork of the software. Recently, the "Always free" label reappeared on the pricing page, indicating ongoing uncertainty about the company's direction.
63.We stopped AI bot spam in our GitHub repo using Git's –author flag(We stopped AI bot spam in our GitHub repo using Git's –author flag)
Summary: The End of Open Source as We Know It
The author discusses the negative impact of AI on open-source contributions, highlighting issues experienced on their GitHub repository. Initially, the team sought to encourage legitimate contributions with bounties, but soon faced an influx of AI-generated comments and pull requests that cluttered discussions and overwhelmed notifications. This led to the decline of meaningful conversations and a toxic environment for real contributors.
To combat this, the team implemented measures to improve the quality of contributions, including a contributor reputation system and a method to restrict commenting and PRs to prior contributors only. They created an onboarding process that ensures only legitimate contributors can interact, despite the challenges of GitHub's limitations.
The author emphasizes the need for the open-source community to address the disruptions caused by AI, which not only demotivates genuine contributors but also poses security risks. They call for a serious discussion on the effects of AI in open-source projects.
64.Graduates are booing pep talks on AI at college commencements(Graduates are booing pep talks on AI at college commencements)
No summary available.
65.Peter Salus has died(Peter Salus has died)
Peter Salus passed away on May 15, 2026. He is known for his important work "Quarter Century of Unix," which is essential reading for anyone studying Unix history.
66.Type Out the Code(Type Out the Code)
Here’s a simplified summary of the key points:
- English is not very precise unless it's used in a detailed way, like coding.
- The author doesn't believe that programmers who use certain languages (like Haskell or Rust) always write better code, as they can also produce poor quality work.
- There was a prediction that in the future, AI could create a complete web browser, but the author thinks it's already possible by modifying existing software like Chromium.
- The way you give instructions to coding agents can influence their performance. If you are not thorough in your thinking, your agent may also produce lazy or subpar work, similar to how poor management can lead to unmotivated employees.
67.It is time to give up the dualism introduced by the debate on consciousness(It is time to give up the dualism introduced by the debate on consciousness)
In the essay "There Is No ‘Hard Problem Of Consciousness’," Carlo Rovelli argues that consciousness is not separate from the physical world; rather, our "soul" is part of the same natural reality as our bodies and everything else. He critiques the idea of a "hard problem" of consciousness, which suggests there's an unbridgeable gap between brain processes and our subjective experiences. Rovelli believes this perspective arises from outdated dualistic views that treat the mind and body as distinct entities.
He points out that just as our understanding of phenomena like sunsets has evolved without making them less real, so too can our understanding of consciousness grow without denying the existence of the soul. Rovelli emphasizes that consciousness and experience are natural phenomena that can be studied scientifically, arguing against the notion that there is a metaphysical divide between mind and body.
Rovelli refers to philosopher David Chalmers' concept of "philosophical zombies" to illustrate the flawed argument that consciousness is fundamentally different from observable behavior. He asserts that all experiences, including emotions and consciousness, can be understood as part of the physical processes of the brain.
Ultimately, Rovelli calls for a rejection of dualism and an acceptance that our inner lives, including the soul, are consistent with the laws of nature. He asserts that we should embrace the idea that both our consciousness and our physical existence are interconnected and part of the same reality.
68.Andrej Karpathy Joins Anthropic(Andrej Karpathy Joins Anthropic)
No summary available.
69.Loopmaster – Livecoding Music IDE(Loopmaster – Livecoding Music IDE)
Summary:
Loopmaster is an online audio programming platform that allows users to create music easily. Key features include:
- Live Coding: Users can write and modify audio code in real-time and hear their changes immediately.
- Powerful DSP Tools: It offers built-in synthesizers, effects, filters, and sequencing tools for high performance.
- Visual Feedback: Editor widgets display waveforms and other visuals to help users understand their audio.
- Sequencing: Users can arrange their code in a timeline to create full songs.
- No Installation Needed: The platform runs entirely in the browser without any downloads or plugins.
- Open Source: Built with modern web technologies, it's extensible and transparent.
- Community Engagement: Users can connect, share their work, and remix others' creations.
Creators appreciate the intuitive design and accessibility, making it easy to experiment with sound. Getting started is simple, with no signup or installation required.
70.Why is it called Kent House?(Why is it called Kent House?)
The author visited Kent House station and posed the question of why it is called "Kent House," considering it is not located in Kent. Kent House station opened in 1884 and is situated between Penge East and Beckenham Junction. Historically, the boundary between Surrey and Kent was close to the station, which adds to the significance of its name.
The article explains that Kent House was a historic house first mentioned in 1240 and was located about half a mile north of the station. Over time, the area changed, and the house eventually became a hotel before being replaced by modern housing.
A café called Kent House Coffee and Flowers previously operated at the station but has since been replaced with a new establishment called At Kent House.
In summary, Kent House station has a name rooted in history, linked to a house that no longer exists, and the area has undergone significant changes over the years.
71.Google Search is getting its biggest changes(Google Search is getting its biggest changes)
Google is making significant updates to its search functionality, showcased at Google I/O 2026. Key changes include:
-
New Search Box: The search box has been redesigned to allow smoother transitions between AI Overviews (AI-generated summaries) and AI Mode (a chatbot-like experience). It now expands for longer queries and has an AI-powered autocomplete feature.
-
AI Information Agents: These new agents will monitor topics for users when they are offline, providing updates on interests like concert tours. They can also access information from other Google accounts for personalized responses.
-
Generative UI Features: Users will soon be able to create custom widgets and apps directly through the search engine, with AI helping to generate interactive content.
-
Enhanced Booking Capabilities: The search will include features that can schedule services, like pet grooming or home repairs, on users' behalf.
Overall, these updates aim to make the search experience more intuitive and powerful, making it easier for users to find and interact with information.
72.What Is Date:Italy?(What Is Date:Italy?)
The text discusses the Ruby programming language's Date class and its constants related to calendar reform. Key points include:
-
Constants: Ruby has several constants like
Date::ITALY,Date::ENGLAND,Date::GREGORIAN, andDate::JULIAN, which represent the Julian day numbers for calendar reforms in different regions. -
Julian Day Number: This is a continuous count of days used to simplify date calculations across different calendar systems.
-
Calendar Reform: The Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar due to inaccuracies in the Julian system, notably affecting the date of Easter. Pope Gregory XIII enacted this change in 1582, skipping 10 days.
-
Implementation in Ruby:
Date::ITALYis the Julian day number for Italy's switch to the Gregorian calendar.Date::GREGORIANandDate::JULIANrepresent the start of the Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar, respectively, with special values of negative and positive infinity.
-
Date Initialization: The default date in Ruby dates back to -4712, and you can specify different calendar systems when creating dates.
-
Historical Context: Different countries adopted the Gregorian calendar at varying times, which complicates historical date calculations.
-
Fun Methods: The Date class includes methods for checking leap years and other calendar-related functions.
Overall, the discussion highlights how Ruby handles date calculations across different calendar systems and the historical context behind these systems.
73.Voice AI Systems Are Vulnerable to Hidden Audio Attacks(Voice AI Systems Are Vulnerable to Hidden Audio Attacks)
Research has revealed that Voice AI systems can be attacked using sounds that humans cannot hear. These hidden audio signals can manipulate how the AI behaves, making it vulnerable to adversarial attacks. This finding highlights a significant security risk in the use of Voice AI technology.
74.The FBI Wants to Buy Nationwide Access to License Plate Readers(The FBI Wants to Buy Nationwide Access to License Plate Readers)
The FBI is looking to purchase access to automated license plate readers (ALPRs) across the country. This would enable them to track vehicles and people without needing a warrant. Documents show that ALPRs are valuable to both local police and federal agencies, despite growing protests against their use.
75.InsForge – Open-source Heroku for coding agents(InsForge – Open-source Heroku for coding agents)
InsForge, co-founded by Hang and part of Y Combinator's P26 batch, is an open-source platform designed for AI coding agents. It simplifies backend management by allowing these agents to deploy, operate, and debug applications efficiently. The platform is open source under the Apache 2.0 license.
The inspiration for InsForge came from the need to automate backend tasks that were previously done manually. Initially, they experimented with various tools but faced issues like excessive complexity and limitations. Instead, they decided to create a command-line interface (CLI) that lets coding agents handle backend operations directly.
InsForge offers a variety of features, including:
- Authentication and database management
- Frontend hosting and backend servers
- Storage and real-time functions
- A model router and cron jobs
Additionally, to improve reliability, InsForge includes:
- Backend branching to isolate changes and allow review before merging
- Server telemetry for performance monitoring
- A dedicated debug agent to diagnose issues
- A backend advisor for security and performance recommendations
Users can try InsForge on their cloud platform and provide feedback to help improve the service.
76.Project Glasswing: what Mythos showed us(Project Glasswing: what Mythos showed us)
Summary of Project Glasswing and Mythos Preview
Project Glasswing has been testing advanced security-focused language models (LLMs) to identify vulnerabilities in systems. The standout model, Mythos Preview from Anthropic, significantly advances vulnerability research by doing two key things exceptionally well:
-
Exploit Chain Construction: Mythos Preview can combine multiple low-severity bugs into a single exploit, demonstrating advanced reasoning similar to that of a senior researcher.
-
Proof Generation: It can not only identify bugs but also prove their exploitability by generating code to test the vulnerabilities and iteratively refine its findings based on results.
However, while Mythos Preview has improved capabilities, it sometimes inconsistently refuses legitimate requests for vulnerability research, indicating a need for additional safeguards in future models.
Challenges Identified:
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: A significant issue in vulnerability research is distinguishing real, exploitable bugs from noise. Mythos Preview reduces false positives but still produces speculative findings that can overwhelm researchers.
- Context and Throughput Issues: Using a generic coding agent for vulnerability research is ineffective because it lacks the context and ability to explore multiple potential vulnerabilities simultaneously.
Harness Development: To maximize Mythos Preview's effectiveness, a structured "harness" was developed, which includes:
- Narrow Scoping: Focused tasks yield better results.
- Adversarial Review: A second agent checks findings to catch noise.
- Parallel Tasks: Multiple agents working on specific questions improve coverage and efficiency.
Final Thoughts for Security Teams: While speed in scanning and patching is essential, it’s crucial to maintain a robust pipeline for vulnerability management. This includes ensuring new patches don’t introduce new issues and designing applications to minimize exploitable gaps. The capabilities of models like Mythos Preview can enhance vulnerability discovery but also pose risks if misused. Security teams should adopt architectural approaches that make exploitation harder, thus reducing the urgency gap between vulnerability disclosure and patching.
77.Your Slop, My Sludge(Your Slop, My Sludge)
The author argues that relying heavily on AI for work is creating problems within organizations, referred to as "sludge." With over 20 years of experience, the author feels that instead of focusing on high-quality output, experts are now spending their time fixing low-quality work produced by AI. This shift in culture prioritizes speed over quality, leading to frustrations among skilled professionals who are unable to perform at their best.
The author highlights that leadership often contributes to this issue by promoting quick output rather than valuing expertise. This results in a bottleneck in processes, particularly in software development and marketing, where the focus is on producing more content rather than ensuring its accuracy or quality. The overall message is that while AI can assist in some tasks, it cannot replace the thoughtful work that experts provide, and the current approach is unsustainable.
78.The Futility of Lava Lamps: What Random Means(The Futility of Lava Lamps: What Random Means)
In May 2026, a critique of Cloudflare's use of lava lamps for internet encryption argues that their marketing gives a misleading impression of security. Although Cloudflare showcases these lamps as a source of randomness, they are actually less effective than standard alternatives, and the belief in their importance is more about marketing than practicality.
The text explains randomness in two ways: as an inherent property of an object or as a perspective based on knowledge. In encryption, true randomness is crucial, especially when using methods like one-time pads, which require unique random keys for each message. The article illustrates how reusing random numbers can compromise security.
Modern encryption relies on Cryptographically Secure Pseudo-Random Number Generators (CSPRNGs) instead of physical randomness. These can securely generate vast amounts of random numbers from a small master key, making them sufficient for encrypting internet traffic. Proper procedures, like key erasure, can mitigate risks if a key is compromised.
The author suggests that Cloudflare should abandon the use of lava lamps for randomness, as they add unnecessary complexity and potential security risks. Instead, servers should generate their own random numbers for more straightforward and secure operations.
79.Minnesota passes the nation's first ban on 'nudification' apps(Minnesota passes the nation's first ban on 'nudification' apps)
No summary available.
80.Iran starts Bitcoin-backed ship insurance for Hormuz strait(Iran starts Bitcoin-backed ship insurance for Hormuz strait)
Iran has begun using Bitcoin to back its shipping operations. This move is part of Iran's strategy to bypass international sanctions and strengthen its economy. By utilizing cryptocurrency, Iran aims to facilitate trade and improve its financial systems while facing restrictions from other countries.
81.OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy joins Anthropic(OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy joins Anthropic)
No summary available.
82.Consider the Sister(Consider the Sister)
Amy Wallace reflects on her brother, David Foster Wallace, who was a renowned writer but struggled with mental health issues, ultimately leading to his suicide nearly 20 years ago. Growing up in Urbana, Illinois, Amy and David shared a close sibling bond, often engaging in playful interactions while watching cartoons. Amy feels a deep responsibility to share David's humanity, countering the public perception of him as merely a tortured artist.
After the deaths of their parents, Amy is now the last surviving member of their family and grapples with her grief. She recalls how David's personality included both humor and deep care, exemplified by his quirky letters warning her about sharks while she studied abroad. In various interviews and public appearances, Amy aims to present a fuller picture of her brother, emphasizing his joy and normalcy beyond his literary legacy.
Despite her own aspirations in writing, Amy chose a different career path and became a public defender. She reflects on her relationship with David, including feelings of jealousy and tension, especially after the release of his famous novel, "Infinite Jest." Their bond was complicated, marked by love, competition, and emotional struggles.
Amy acknowledges that the literary world often seeks to interpret David's work through the lens of his tragic end, which frustrates her. She fights against this narrative, wanting people to remember David as a real person with complexities rather than just a literary puzzle. Through her storytelling, she honors their shared childhood memories, including the playful dynamic of being David's younger sister. The memories are bittersweet, as she navigates the pain of loss while keeping David's spirit alive in her heart.
83.Cutting inference cold starts by 40x with LP, FUSE, C/R, and CUDA-checkpoint(Cutting inference cold starts by 40x with LP, FUSE, C/R, and CUDA-checkpoint)
The blog post discusses advancements made by Modal to significantly reduce the cold start times for AI inference applications on GPUs from tens of minutes to just seconds. Here are the key points simplified:
-
Context of Inference: AI models with billions to trillions of parameters are increasingly run on specialized hardware, leading to varying demand that traditional server systems struggle to handle efficiently.
-
Serverless Computing: Modal focuses on serverless computing, which allows applications to be scaled up or down rapidly to match demand. However, this requires quick initialization of new instances, which has been a challenge.
-
Optimization Techniques: Modal implemented four main strategies to speed up the process:
- Cloud Buffers: Keep a small number of idle GPUs ready to handle new requests immediately.
- Custom Filesystem: Use a system that loads only necessary application files quickly, rather than all files at once.
- Checkpoint/Restore: Save the current state of applications to avoid long initiation times when starting them again.
- CUDA Checkpoint/Restore: Specifically for GPUs, this technique allows the quick restoration of GPU memory states.
-
Impact of Improvements: These optimizations have reduced the time needed to scale up AI applications from thousands of seconds to just tens of seconds, allowing for better GPU utilization and improved service quality.
-
Challenges of GPU Utilization: Many organizations struggle with low GPU utilization (often below 20%) due to unpredictable demand. Modal's solutions address these issues by enabling faster allocation and scaling.
-
Real-World Applications: The improvements have enabled companies like Reducto to efficiently process large volumes of documents in a timely manner, demonstrating the practical benefits of Modal’s technology.
-
Conclusion and Future Work: The authors share their findings to inspire others in the engineering community and to attract talent to further develop these technologies.
Overall, Modal has made significant strides in optimizing the use of GPUs for AI inference, addressing key challenges in the serverless architecture.
84.Strange crystals found inside wreckage from the first nuclear bomb test(Strange crystals found inside wreckage from the first nuclear bomb test)
Scientists have discovered a unique form of crystal within trinitite, the glassy material left behind from the first nuclear bomb test, known as the Trinity test, conducted on July 16, 1945. This new crystal, called a clathrate, features a cage-like structure that traps other atoms inside. It was formed under extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure during the explosion.
The extreme environment caused by the bomb allowed for the creation of unusual materials that would not typically form in a lab. The clathrate consists of silicon atoms arranged in dodecahedrons and tetrakaidecahedrons, with calcium, copper, and iron atoms trapped inside. This finding adds to previous discoveries in trinitite, including a quasicrystal, a rare structure that challenges conventional crystallography.
Researchers believe both the clathrate and the quasicrystal formed under similar conditions but in different areas based on the availability of copper. These findings highlight how rare and high-energy events can create unexpected crystalline materials in nature. The results were published in a study on May 11.
85.Coding on Paper(Coding on Paper)
About three months ago, I started using the Onyx BOOX 25.3” Mira Pro Color, an e-ink monitor, as my main screen for programming. I find that working with this monitor in natural light keeps me energized and focused, but it’s quite expensive at around $2000, and the experience differs significantly from traditional LCD monitors. While I enjoy using it, I don’t necessarily recommend it for everyone.
I’ve tailored my setup to work well with the Mira Pro. It performs better with light themes rather than dark ones, so I created custom themes for my coding environments that use mostly black on white colors with some highlights. I also adjusted settings in other applications, like Firefox, to accommodate the monitor's needs.
The monitor has two main modes:
- Reading Mode: Offers sharp text and vivid colors but has poor typing latency.
- Writing Mode: Provides better typing speed but sacrifices some color quality and sharpness.
I experience minimal ghosting in Writing Mode, which is not bothersome. I have mixed feelings about the color panel; it makes the display darker than I’d prefer, and it requires good lighting to see clearly without backlight. Overall, I enjoy using the monitor, even though it has its flaws. If you're considering buying one, I’d love to hear how it works for you. You can find my custom themes and keybindings if you're interested.
86.When can the C++ compiler devirtualize a call?(When can the C++ compiler devirtualize a call?)
The text discusses when C++ compilers can optimize method calls by "devirtualizing" them, which means replacing virtual calls with direct calls when possible. Here are the key points:
-
Devirtualization Reliability: Modern compilers can reliably devirtualize calls to methods marked as "final". However, results can vary between different compilers and specific scenarios.
-
Two Main Situations for Devirtualization:
- Known Dynamic Type: When the compiler knows the actual type of an object, it can replace virtual calls with direct calls. For example, if you have an object of type
Apple, calling a method on it does not require virtual dispatch since the type is known. - Proof of Leafness: If the compiler can prove that a class cannot be subclassed or its methods cannot be overridden, it can devirtualize calls to those methods. This can happen in several cases:
- If a class is marked as
final, the compiler can be sure that its methods cannot be overridden. - If a method is marked as
final, the same applies. - Classes with internal linkage (accessible only within a single translation unit) can also help with devirtualization if no derived classes exist outside that unit.
- If a class is marked as
- Known Dynamic Type: When the compiler knows the actual type of an object, it can replace virtual calls with direct calls. For example, if you have an object of type
-
Compilers' Performance: The text also notes that different compilers (like GCC, Clang, MSVC, and ICC) have varying levels of success with these optimizations. Some scenarios work well across the board, while others are more compiler-specific.
-
Complex Cases: The text highlights some complex cases where devirtualization may fail, such as using conditional statements with type casting or when dealing with internal linkage.
-
Examples and Results: The author provides examples and a table summarizing how different compilers handle various cases of devirtualization.
In summary, while modern C++ compilers can effectively optimize certain virtual calls, the ability to do so varies based on method definitions, class structures, and the specific compiler being used.
87.We were trying to Terraform Mars but instead we saved the sea snails(We were trying to Terraform Mars but instead we saved the sea snails)
To encourage creative thinking among scientists, the author suggests using bold challenges, like terraforming Mars. This idea led their lab to explore enzyme engineering with a focus on halogenase enzymes, which are essential for working with powerful greenhouse gases. Their project aimed to solve the problem of producing and degrading these gases biologically.
The lab's program, 'Focus Areas,' helped students learn and propose projects related to greenhouse gases and biology. They discovered that existing halogenases were not efficient enough for practical use, prompting the need for better enzymes and biosensors. One promising approach involved evolving halogenase enzymes using a biosensor called aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (AARS), which could detect halogenated compounds.
Through this work, they developed a more effective halogenase enzyme, RebHEvo4, which has 40 times the activity of the natural version. They also explored applications for this enzyme, such as producing halogenated antimicrobial peptides, which are more effective against bacteria than traditional antibiotics.
Interestingly, while their research progressed, new methods for terraforming Mars emerged that don't require chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Nevertheless, the project generated valuable innovations in enzyme engineering and biomanufacturing that could have broader applications beyond space exploration. The author emphasizes that presenting familiar problems in new contexts can foster scientific creativity and lead to practical solutions.
88.AI system fails during Glendale Community College graduation ceremony(AI system fails during Glendale Community College graduation ceremony)
During the graduation ceremony at Glendale Community College, an AI system that was supposed to read the names of graduates malfunctioned. This led to confusion and frustration among students and their families as the names did not match the graduates walking across the stage, and the display of names stopped updating. The ceremony had to be paused multiple times.
One graduate, Grace Reimer, noted that the lack of cheering from her family was unusual and felt uneasy when her name was finally read. The college president, Tiffany Hernandez, acknowledged the issue during the ceremony but faced boos from the audience. Many attendees felt the explanation was insincere.
In a follow-up statement, the college apologized for the disruption, emphasizing their pride in the graduates and promising to prevent similar issues in the future. Reimer expressed disappointment that the college relied on an AI for such an important task.
89.Badger Badger Badger Video Officially Preserved by British Film Institute(Badger Badger Badger Video Officially Preserved by British Film Institute)
The British Film Institute (BFI) has officially preserved the iconic internet video "Badger Badger Badger," which features animated badgers exercising along with a mushroom and snake. This low-budget video, which first appeared on B3ta.com in September 2003, is considered a classic of early internet culture. The BFI's preservation process involves contacting the original creator for the video file, which can be challenging if it was made many years ago. Once obtained, the video is carefully archived in a secure system, with backup copies stored off-site. The BFI's efforts to preserve such early internet memes highlight the significant impact of the internet over the past 30 years.
90.The Aperiodic Table(The Aperiodic Table)
John Graham-Cumming's blog post from May 12, 2026, discusses the "aperiodic table," inspired by XKCD comic 3242. While the comic is interesting, it does not feature true aperiodic tiling like the Penrose tiling. To address this, John, with assistance from Claude, created a website called aperiodictable.com, which presents the periodic table using Penrose P3 tiling. Users can interact with the table by clicking and dragging it around or printing it. The site is hosted on Cloudflare Pages.
91.I 3D Printed Origami [video](I 3D Printed Origami [video])
No summary available.
92.Designing an FPGA Calculator from Scratch(Designing an FPGA Calculator from Scratch)
The text discusses a project to create a scientific calculator using FPGA technology, specifically the Altera Cyclone II. The calculator employs binary-coded decimals (BCD) for accurate calculations and features a custom CPU designed for this purpose. The project is divided into ten chapters, detailing various stages including:
- Introduction - The idea originated during a power outage when the author was inspired by an old HP calculator.
- Pathfinding - Prior to the design, experimentation and exploration were necessary to validate the project's feasibility.
- Numerical Methods - Algorithms for calculations like addition and trigonometric functions are developed.
- Framework - A testing framework is established to simulate hardware before building it.
- Hardware - The transition from software design to creating the physical circuit board and components.
- CPU Design - A unique CPU architecture is created to handle BCD operations.
- Microcode Writing - The author writes the microcode for the CPU to perform calculations and manage inputs.
- Device Development - The project progresses to creating a real, usable device with a custom PCB and enclosure.
- Precision Improvements - The calculator's accuracy is enhanced through a complete rewrite of the arithmetic engine.
- Final Results - The project culminates in a functioning calculator, with reflections on the learning experience throughout the process.
The series emphasizes the learning journey and the joy of creating something new, highlighting that the process is as valuable as the end result.
93.Earth's Radio Bubble: Every signal we've ever sent into space(Earth's Radio Bubble: Every signal we've ever sent into space)
A sphere of electromagnetic radiation, known as the "radio bubble," is expanding from Earth at the speed of light, containing all the radio signals and broadcasts made by humans since the early 1900s. As of now, this bubble is about 240 light-years wide, but it only covers a tiny fraction (0.000002%) of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which is 100,000 light-years across.
The radio bubble is not a physical object but an information boundary that marks the farthest point our signals have reached. Signals began escaping Earth's atmosphere reliably in the 1930s, with the distance they have traveled corresponding to the years since they were broadcast. For example, a signal from 1936 has traveled about 88 light-years.
Key milestones in broadcast history include Marconi's transatlantic signal in 1901 (125 light-years) and the Berlin Olympics broadcast in 1936 (90 light-years). These signals continue to travel outward, becoming weaker over time.
Thousands of star systems are currently within this bubble, including Proxima Centauri, which received early Marconi experiments around 1904. Vega, a star 25 light-years away, could theoretically reply to broadcasts sent in the 1920s.
The Arecibo Message, sent in 1974, was humanity's first deliberate transmission into space, designed to convey information about us. While it will take about 25,000 years to reach its intended destination, it remains significant as a conscious effort to communicate with potential extraterrestrial civilizations, rather than just accidental signals that have leaked into space.
94.Two computers, one monitor, zero fiddling (2025)(Two computers, one monitor, zero fiddling (2025))
The author has a Mac laptop and a Linux desktop that share one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Switching between them used to be a hassle, involving unplugging cables or using unreliable switches. After upgrading their monitor, they found a solution to switch easily without touching the monitor or keyboard.
Key points include:
-
Monitor Choice: The MSI MPG 321URX monitor has a KVM feature, allowing USB inputs to follow the active display input (USB-C for the Mac and DisplayPort for the desktop).
-
Display Data Channel (DDC): This technology lets users control the monitor through commands sent via the display cable. It allows switching inputs, adjusting volume, and more without physically touching the monitor.
-
Setup for macOS: Using a tool called m1ddc, the author can change inputs with a keyboard shortcut. They provide commands and a way to bind these commands to a key combination using Hammerspoon.
-
Setup for Linux: On Linux, ddcutil is used to achieve similar functionality, allowing the user to switch inputs with a keyboard shortcut set up through the KDE desktop environment.
-
Windows Compatibility: The author mentions that Windows users can also configure similar shortcuts using MSI’s software for the monitor.
In conclusion, the author has successfully created a seamless switching experience between their Mac and Linux systems without needing external hardware.
95.Learn Harness Engineering(Learn Harness Engineering)
The text appears to be a navigation menu from a website, likely related to educational or research content. It includes sections for lectures, projects, a library, and skills. There are also options for language selection, featuring multiple languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, Uzbek, and Russian. Overall, it serves as a guide for users to access various resources and content.
96.Shutterstock to pay $35M over hard-to-cancel subscriptions(Shutterstock to pay $35M over hard-to-cancel subscriptions)
The document discusses the issue of loyalty discounts between companies and how they can negatively affect competition, especially when network effects are involved. It focuses on a specific case, FTC v. Surescripts, to illustrate these points. The main idea is that loyalty discounts can create unfair advantages and limit competition, which can harm consumers and the market overall.
97.Understanding Singleflight in Go(Understanding Singleflight in Go)
Summary of Singleflight in Go
Singleflight is a package in Go that helps prevent redundant work when multiple requests for the same resource happen at the same time. Instead of executing the same operation multiple times, Singleflight ensures that it is only done once, and the result is shared among all requests. This is particularly useful when caching isn't ideal or when results change frequently.
How Singleflight Works:
- Group Type: Singleflight uses a Group type to manage operations and prevent duplicates.
- Request Handling:
- The first request triggers the expensive operation.
- Any additional requests wait for the first one to complete.
- Once the operation finishes, the result is shared with all waiting requests.
Benefits:
- Efficiency: Reduces load on services by avoiding multiple executions.
- Simplicity: Makes the code cleaner by managing concurrent requests easily.
- Resource Optimization: Saves memory and CPU by preventing repeated computations.
Implementation Example:
A basic example shows how multiple goroutines can call an expensive function. With Singleflight, the function runs only once, and all goroutines receive the same result.
Best Practices:
- Handle errors properly from shared function calls.
- Use unique keys to identify different operations.
- Implement logging to monitor Singleflight behavior.
Advanced Scenario:
An advanced example involves a weather service fetching data from an external API. It uses Singleflight to ensure only one request is made for the same city, caching the result to optimize performance further.
In summary, Singleflight is a valuable tool for Go developers to improve application efficiency and manage concurrent requests effectively.
98.Aether: High-performance, formally-verified storage engine written in Rust(Aether: High-performance, formally-verified storage engine written in Rust)
Aether DB Overview Aether DB is a high-performance database storage engine built in Rust that adheres to ACID principles, ensuring reliability and data integrity. Key features include:
- Data Structure: Utilizes a persistent B+ Tree and offers various index types like Skiplist and RAX radix tree.
- Logging and Recovery: Implements Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) and the ARIES recovery protocol for crash recovery.
- Buffer Management: Inspired by LeanStore, it optimizes data access speed with a fast buffer manager.
- Transaction Support: Supports ACID transactions, including savepoints and distributed transactions.
- Formal Verification: Uses TLA+ specifications to ensure system correctness and safety.
Quick Start: To use Aether DB, add it to your project’s Cargo.toml file and follow a simple code example to open a key-value store and perform basic operations.
Workspace Structure: Aether is organized as a Cargo workspace that includes the core database engine, Redis-compatible storage, and other applications.
Management Tools:
- Unified command-line interface (CLI) and interactive terminal user interface (TUI) for database operations.
- Supports various commands for monitoring and managing the database.
Performance:
- High throughput and low latency for various operations, with a focus on optimizing write and read performance.
Building and Testing: To build from source, clone the repository and run standard Rust commands. A range of tests is available to ensure functionality and performance.
Documentation: Comprehensive guides and references are available for getting started, performance tuning, and architecture.
Future Developments: Upcoming versions plan to introduce additional features like Multi-Version Concurrency Control and a SQL query layer.
Contributions: Contributions to Aether DB are welcome, and detailed guidelines are provided for potential contributors.
License: Aether DB is licensed under the MIT License, with some components under BSD-3-Clause.
For further details, you can explore the official documentation and examples.
99.New York to tax luxury second homes in NYC(New York to tax luxury second homes in NYC)
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a tentative tax plan aimed at owners of luxury second homes, or "pied-à-terres," worth over $5 million in New York City. This initiative is part of a broader budget strategy to address affordability concerns ahead of midterm elections. The tax is expected to raise at least $500 million annually for the city.
However, some critics, including business leaders and moderate Democrats, argue that this new tax could drive wealthy residents away from the city. Mayor Mamdani sees the tax as a step forward but is still advocating for more comprehensive tax increases on the rich. Hochul, while emphasizing the tax's benefits, opposes broader tax hikes, fearing they might push wealthy individuals and businesses to relocate to states with lower taxes.
The Democratic Socialists of America criticized the proposal for not doing enough to address the city's budget deficit and fund essential services.
100.BambuStudio has been violating PrusaSlicer AGPL license since their fork(BambuStudio has been violating PrusaSlicer AGPL license since their fork)
Josef Prusa has raised concerns about security risks associated with Chinese 3D printing software. He claims that Bambu Lab's software may violate the AGPL license, as it operates with an untraceable network system. This situation could pose significant risks for users.