Links für 2024 KW 4#
Meine „Wollte ich noch Lesen“-Liste, zusammengefasst von Neural Chat.
Microsoft Teams went down around the world for over eight hours — it’s better now:
A significant portion of Microsoft Teams experienced an eight-hour long outage affecting users in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The issues included login problems, missing messages, delays in sending and receiving chat messages, and difficulties joining meetings. Microsoft acknowledged a networking issue as the cause and worked on failover operations to address it. The company eventually confirmed that most services were restored or returned to optimal health, bringing an end to the outage. This incident follows previous Microsoft Teams service disruptions experienced in 2021, 2020, and 2019.
In major gaffe, hacked Microsoft test account was assigned admin privileges:
Hackers recently gained access to Microsoft’s network and monitored top executives‘ emails by exploiting an aging test account with administrative privileges. This was a major security blunder on Microsoft’s part, as the test account lacked multifactor authentication. The hackers used password spraying to gain entry and then leveraged the OAuth protocol to create a malicious app that allowed access to all email addresses on Office 365. In its investigation update, Microsoft provided details about Midnight Blizzard, a group of hackers believed to be linked to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. This incident highlights the importance of proper account configuration and adherence to network security practices.
Why Is Game Writing So Terrible?:
The article discusses why storytelling in many games is often considered poor and argues that it has multiple causes. One major reason is the focus on cinematic design, which leads to a game-designer treating writing as just another asset instead of an integral part of the game itself. This results in weak stories with unmotivated characters or plot holes. Another issue arises from publishers aiming for blockbuster status, leading them to push for storytelling without understanding what makes it effective. Furthermore, there’s a lack of appreciation for good writing within the gaming industry, which often overlooks talented writers in favor of other skill sets. The article concludes that the problem is systemic and multifaceted rather than stemming from one individual or group.
The article discusses the consequences of speeding while driving between two cities, considering both the time spent on the road and the potential risk of dying in an accident. It demonstrates how adding more speed could lead to increased chances of death and longer expected trip duration due to the time lost by dying. A rough calculation estimates that if someone has 50 remaining years of life and drives at a certain speed, their optimal speed for reaching their destination as fast as possible is around 62 miles per hour. However, this model is based on simplified assumptions and does not account for all the factors involved in real-world scenarios.
The Source of Europe’s Mild Climate:
The Gulf Stream has long been believed to play a significant role in keeping Europe’s winters mild, but new research suggests otherwise. A study on climate models reveals that the oceanic heat transport does not make as much of a difference in temperature as previously thought. Instead, it is the combined effect of atmospheric heat transport and seasonal heat storage and release that keep the winters outside the tropics warmer than they would be without such processes. The role of the Gulf Stream might be overstated while other factors contributing to mild European winter climate include continental-maritime contrasts, mountain ranges‘ influence on atmospheric circulation, and sea ice. The myth around the Gulf Stream’s importance in determining Europe’s climate has persisted due to lack of understanding about regional climates, misinformation in media, and the absence of a challenge from scientists who either continue to perpetuate the myth or decline to clarify its relative significance.
Vast scale of methane leaks from fossil fuel production and landfill sites exposed:
A recent analysis by Kayrros, using satellite technology to detect methane emissions, has exposed over 1,300 „super-emitters“ of the potent greenhouse gas from fossil fuel production and landfill sites in 2023. Methane is released at a higher rate than carbon dioxide but lasts only around a decade in the atmosphere, making it crucial to address these issues. New regulations in the US aim to reduce methane emissions by up to 58 million tonnes between 2024 and 2038, while the Global Methane Pledge seeks a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Remote work won, don’t let anyone gaslight you to believe otherwise:
The author notes that remote work has become a normal part of many people’s lives since the pandemic and is here to stay. Over 25% of US employees now work remotely in some capacity. A recent Goldman Sachs report indicates that about 20-25% of workers are working from home, below the pandemic peak but higher than previous averages. The article emphasizes that companies like NVIDIA continue to operate successfully with remote teams and argues that those resistant to change or clinging to pre-pandemic methods risk losing competent talent. Ultimately, remote work is seen as an inevitable and beneficial shift in the future of work.
All 7 planets could fit between Earth and the Moon:
This discussion revolves around the idea that if you could put all of Earth’s planets together in a line, starting with Earth and ending with Uranus (excluding Earth), they would fit, but only at their average distances from the Sun. The Moon is particularly far away from the Earth, causing it to appear smaller than expected when seen from our planet. People are amazed by this concept, expressing how vast space truly is even though the planets are relatively small in comparison to their distances.
Android now lets you transfer eSIMs between your phones:
ESIMs are changing the way cell phone coverage shopping works as they eliminate the need for physically removing SIM cards when switching plans. While they simplify carrier changes and plan trials, transferring eSIM plans between devices can be challenging. Google introduced a solution through its new eSIM transfer tool for Android, aiming to let users move their mobile plans easily to new devices without needing physical SIMs. The feature is currently limited to T-Mobile eSIM profiles but seems to work with non-Galaxy devices as well. This development marks a significant step forward in Android’s ability to manage eSIMs, providing better flexibility and convenience for users.
The Needless Bullshit of Having a ‚Mission‘:
The article questions the trend of startups giving themselves lofty missions connected to noble goals, suggesting that it may not actually motivate employees who care more about factors like company structure, product quality, impressive people, and their own work. The author recommends focusing on core business objectives rather than overemphasizing grandiose humanitarian aspirations. Examples of realistic mission statements from companies are also provided as a contrast to the issue.
The given text appears to be a mix of German language and contact details for Mindfactory AG, a company based in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. It expresses gratitude for understanding with warm regards from the Mindfactory team, along with their address, telephone number, fax number, and email address.
Prorussische Desinformation auf X aufgedeckt: 50.000 unechte Profile:
Die Bundesregierung hat eine prorussische Desinformationskampagne entdeckt, bei der über 50.000 gefälschte Accounts mehr als eine Million Tweets in deutscher Sprache veröffentlichten. Sie versuchten, Unmut gegen die deutsche Bundesregierung und die Unterstützung für Ukraine zu verursachen. Diese Kampagne wurde auf der Plattform X entdeckt, deren Zeitraum vom 20. Dezember bis 20. Januar gilt. Die Analysten schließen daraus, dass ein großer Teil der Kampagne automatisiert funktioniert und durch Algorithmen gesteuert wird.
Apples neue EU-Regeln: Müssen Entwickler bald Hunderttausende zahlen?:
Die neuen Regeln für den App Store in der EU sollen die Plattform eigentlich öffnen, können aber teuer sein. Unter diesen Regeln wird es möglich, dass Entwickler, die alternativen App-Stores verwenden oder sich für das neue Gebührsystem entscheiden, eine gebührenfreie Core Technology Fee in Höhe von 50 Cent pro Jahr und über eine Million Installationen hinaus zahlen müssen. Dieser Betrag entspricht 41.667 Euro oder 45.290 US-Dollar für ein kostenloses Programm, das zwei Millionen Installationen im Jahr hat. Entwickler haben sich in sozialen Medien zum Teil skeptisch geäußert und auf mögliche Auswirkungen für kleinere Unternehmen hingewiesen. Apple betont jedoch, dass 99 Prozent der Entwickler unter den neuen EU-Regeln weniger oder dieselbe Provision bezahlen werden.
Der Hackerangriff auf das Netzwerk von Sdwestfalen-IT erfolgte über eine leicht gesicherte „softwarebasierte VPN-Lösung“, die nur mit einem einfachen Passwort geschützt war. IT-Experte kritisierten, dass ein Mehrfaktor-Authentifizierungsverfahren (MFA) eingesetzt werden sollte. Wie aus dem Incident-Response-Bericht hervorgeht, gab es am 6. September einen Patch für die Lücke, an der die Ransomware-Gangs profitieren konnten. Die Hacker konnten sich mit einem passenden Account im VPN als andere Benutzer einloggen. Das Verteilerunternehmen Cisco hatte mehrere advanced next-generation endpoint security solutions von Symantec und Windows Defender eingesetzt, die den Angriff trotzdem erfolgreich verhindern sollten.
The article discusses the German Public Broadcasting (GDL) strike and criticizes its public-law broadcasting for showing a lack of connection with the state. A reader suggests replacing human correspondents with AI to improve the situation, questioning if one has been affected by a particular political party or experiencing some internal issues.
Eine britische Touristenfalle in London besteht darin, dass man bei Luftqualitätsschutzgebieten, in denen nur mit gering-emissionsfähigen Autos gefahren darf, einen Verkehrsbetrugsfall hat. EU-Touristen müssen 10 Tage vor ihrer Ankunft mit dem Auto auf einer ungewöhnlichen Webseite registrieren, was ihnen natürlich niemand sagt. Diese Registrierung ist auch bei Autos erforderlich, die keine Zuzahlung für den Verkehrsbetrug haben sollten. Wenn man das nicht tut, kann man teure Strafen bekommen. Ein belgischer Abgeordneter versuchte zu verstehen, wie die Briten wissen, welche Fahrzeuge zu welchem Auto gehören, und wurde ignoriert. Das ganze System basiert darauf, dass Euro Parking einen lokalen Gerichtsbefehlsbeamten bestocht hat, um Zugriff auf belgische Autodaten zu erhalten. Obwohl die Verbindung geschlossen wurde, ging Euro Parking weiter und nutzte einen Agenten in Italien zum Zugriff auf EU-Lizenzplatten via den Eucaris-System, wobei das Vereinigte Königreich ebenfalls keinen zulässigen Anschluss mehr hat. Die italienische Behörde wurde informiert und der Zugang verboten.
Microsoft’s Dangerous Addiction To Security Revenue:
In January 2024, Microsoft revealed details of a recent breach by Russian intelligence services which targeted its cloud infrastructure and affected emails of key executives using vulnerabilities in Azure Active Directory (AAD) and Microsoft 365. The company announced steps to prevent future attacks and called for better transparency from their tech rivals on how they address security threats. This incident highlights the importance of securing identity-based attacks, investigating compromised accounts, and enforcing on-premises password protection measures, while addressing broader cultural issues within Microsoft related to their approach towards security and product development.
The article discusses how timing, severity and duration of maltreatment play a crucial role in determining its effects on long-term mental health outcomes. It highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between when the maltreatment occurred, its intensity, and when it ended, as well as considering factors like child development, gender, and other risk factors. The article also touches upon possible intervention strategies and the need for further research on this topic.
The things nobody wants to pay for:
The free software community has achieved much, but faces issues in its corporate involvement. While companies contribute financially and work towards projects, they are less inclined to support maintenance, review integration, or long-term driver support. This lack of focus on essential areas can impact the community’s progress, as seen in issues like testing infrastructure for Linux, KDE and Thunderbird desktop software support, and funding for Python repository. Solutions could involve government funding, more inclusive volunteer efforts, or better corporate commitment to supporting the overall ecosystem. The free-software community, known for overcoming challenges, must find a way forward to ensure continued success.
Proposed Top-Level Domain String for Private Use:
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has proposed to reserve „.INTERNAL“ for private use and internal network applications. This decision is under review by ICANN Board, who seeks public feedback on whether it complies with the procedure from SAC113 and if any other concerns arise regarding its suitability. The aim is to prevent misuse of private-use Top-Level Domains (TLDs) as recommended in SAC113:SSACAdvisory on Private-Use TLDs published in September 2020.
Kommentar: Ein offenes Apple iPhone ist kein „Sicherheitsrisiko“:
Der Artikel diskutiert die offenen iOS-Plattformen und ob sie ein Sicherheitsrisiko sind. Es wird darauf verwiesen, dass andere Plattformen wie Android oder macOS ebenfalls keine größeren Sicherheitsprobleme haben. Die Debatte geht hauptsächlich um Geldangelegenheiten für Apple. Der App Store ist ein erfolgreiches Geschäft, und die EU könnte mehr Einfluss auf dieses Gebiet nehmen. Das Artikelauteur fragt sich, ob es sinnvoll ist, dass große Tech-Konzerne solche Monopole oder Duopole bauen und wie das den Fortschritt beeinflusst.
Über Push-Benachrichtigungen: Prominente iOS-Apps spähen heimlich Gerätedaten aus:
Viele prominente iOS-Apps nutzen Push-Benachrichtigungen zur Sammlung von Gerteinformationen wie Systembetriebszeit, Spracheinstellungen und Batteriestatus, um diese an ihre Server weiterzuleiten. Diese Praxis wird möglicherweise durch die Möglichkeit benutzt, nach dem Empfang einer Push-Benachrichtigung für eine begrenzte Zeit im Hintergrund zu aktivieren. Dabei können Nutzerprofile (Fingerprinting) erstellt und Benutzer verfolgt werden. Die Praxis ist unter iOS und iPadOS streng verboten, und ab dem kommenden Frühjahr wird es für Entwickler notwendig sein, zu verzeichnen, warum sie eine bestimmte API verwenden wollen, die sich für das Fingerprinting eignet.
Digital Markets Act: Dreist, dreister, Apple:
Dieser Artikel diskutiert, wie der Digital Markets Act (DMA) von der Europäischen Union versucht, die Macht großer Plattformbetreiber und Konzerne zu brechen. Es wird argumentiert, dass Apple seine Vorschläge zu den DMA-Regeln missbrauchte, um weitere Kontrolle über seine Nutzern zu erhalten. Das Ergebnis ist eine komplexere Umsetzung des DMA mit einer Menge an Gebühren für Entwickler und alternative Appstores. Apple versucht durch diese Maßnahmen, den Einfluss der Regeln auf Nutzer und Anwendungen zu reduzieren. Der Artikel beschreibt auch die Bedenken, dass es schwierig sein könnte, Apps ohne Zustimmung von Apple im iPhone laufen zu lassen.
The Wikipedia article discusses the Big Five personality traits, which are a grouping of five broad characteristics used to study human personality. These traits were developed from psychological trait theory in the 1980s and have been identified through various studies using factor analysis on personality survey data. The five factors include Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. extravagant/careless), Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs. critical/rational), Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. resilient/confident), Openness to Experience (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious), and Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved).
The development of the Big Five model involved contributions from several researchers over time, including Ernest Tupes and Raymond Christal in the 1950s, J.M. Digman, Lewis Goldberg, Cattell, Costa and McCrae, among others. The factors have been associated with various aspects of life such as education, employment, romantic relationships, political identification, religiosity, and more.
The article also discusses the limitations and criticisms of the Big Five model, including its scope, methodological issues, theoretical status, and evidence for six factors rather than five. Some researchers argue that the model does not explain all aspects of human personality or is based on flawed statistical methods. Despite these critiques, the Big Five remains a widely used framework in personality psychology.
Lossy CSS compression for fun and loss (or profit):
A programmer created a proof-of-concept code for a lossy CSS compressor called cssfact that reduces the number of rules in a CSS file while preserving most of its information. The program only works on style rules and leaves non-style rules unchanged. It operates through binary matrix factorization (BMF) which allows it to interpret CSS as binary matrices and reduce complexity by finding optimal decompositions, although this process is NP-hard. While the resulting code may not always be perfect, it can help identify redundancy in CSS codebases and potentially enhance their maintenance.
This article highlights numerous untranslatable phrases and words from different languages, exploring their meanings and contexts. Some examples include: „Untranslatable synalt Spanish Qu apa? used as ‚what’s up?‘ in Panamanian Spanish, derived from changing the order of syllables in ‚Que pas?‘. Dutch has ‚mooi meegenomen‘ which means ‚nice taken with you‘. Other languages featured are Serbian (‚Bogu iza nogu‘ meaning something extremely far away in a comical manner), Finnish (‚kalsariknnit‘, referring to drunkenness at home or hotel rooms), Portuguese, and so on. These phrases provide insights into various cultures‘ expressions and idioms.
Jane Street’s Figgie Card Game:
Jane Street Capital, a quantitative trading firm, created a card game called Figgie in 2013. The game is designed to simulate open-outcry commodities trading and focuses on negotiating trades that benefit both parties involved. Players can enjoy the game by visiting its website at https://figgie.com where they can access rules, videos of example hands, and play against other live and bot players based in different regions. Jane Street is known for its innovative approach to technology and education.
The Bad Economics of wtfhappenedin1971:
The article provides a short summary of a series that debunks the website wtfhappenedin1971.com and its claims regarding society’s issues after the Bretton Woods system ended in 1971. It highlights various flaws and misunderstandings found within the website, focusing on aspects like productivity versus wages, inflation illiteracy, house prices, and the relationship between autism and vaccines. The article concludes by mentioning that the website promotes Bitcoin as a solution to all these problems.
The Rise of Batteries in Six Charts and Not Too Many Numbers - RMI:
The unstoppable rise of batteries leads to a domino effect that puts half of global fossil fuel demand at risk. Battery demand has been growing exponentially as they are used in various applications, leading to significant cost and energy density improvements. This phenomenon is called the battery domino effect, which allows for the rapid phaseout of around 86 exajoules (EJ) from road transport emissions and puts another 23 EJ at risk in shipping and aviation. In addition, batteries help reduce electricity sector fossil fuel demand by 175 EJ, contributing to climate change mitigation. This trend will continue as more drivers of change strengthen, such as technology advancements, policy support, and global competition. However, ongoing efforts are needed to make the transition faster and more widespread.
We’ve Forgotten How to Use Computers:
The 1984 Macintosh helped popularize computer mice for ordinary people, but the device’s dominance faded in the 2010s with the rise of smartphones and laptops with trackpads. Mouses still exist but have adapted to newer forms like scroll-wheel mice, gaming mice, or vertical-style mice catering to specific needs. As computing shifted from desktop screens to mobile devices, the mouse’s traditional actions such as dragging and double-clicking have become less prevalent. This transformation has also impacted how people interact with computers, feeling increasingly distanced from the process.
IBM mainframes were the original onsite private clouds, offering pay-as-you-go elastic scaling. They provided customized solutions with integrated compute and storage, and customers appreciated their high availability. However, as usage increased, costs would rise due to IBM’s control over billing. As applications grew, optimization became crucial for reducing costs. Migrating workloads to other platforms can be costly, and reproducing the non-functional features of mainframes can be challenging. Cloud computing resembles mainframe scenarios, with similar issues predicted. Companies find more value in SaaS services rather than hosting data or virtual machines. For those who haven’t made a significant cloud move yet, there is a high probability of appearing smart compared to peers in the short/medium term.
Google launched its Gemini AI models with a new version of the tensor processing unit (TPU) v5p for AI training and inference. This powerful custom-designed accelerator powers Google’s AI Hypercomputer, a supercomputing architecture focused on running AI applications. TPU v5p has improved scalability, faster training speeds, and increased value compared to previous versions. It competes with Nvidia GPUs in the market and is up to 2.8 times faster at training large language models than its predecessor while offering better value for money. Google’s TPUs are used internally across their products and services, including Gmail, YouTube, and Android.
how Russians squeezed 4 hard drives into one VHS tape in the 90s – Jacob Filipp:
The article is about the ArVid data storage system developed in post-Soviet Russia during the mid to late 1990s. It was a novel solution that used VHS tapes and an ISA expansion card for personal computers to store large amounts of data at a very low cost, making it accessible even for those with limited financial resources.
The system worked by converting digital data into video signals and recording them onto the VHS tape using infrared signals from the remote control to operate the device. The ArVid software allowed users to navigate through files stored on the tape and perform various operations such as writing, reading, and verifying data integrity. It also provided error correction algorithms to ensure reliable storage.
The system was a clever hack that made use of readily available technology in Russia at the time and offered an affordable alternative to traditional storage solutions like hard drives or floppy disks. Despite its limitations and challenges, such as compatibility issues with different VCR models and potential data degradation over time, the ArVid became popular among computer enthusiasts and small businesses due to its high capacity and low cost per gigabyte of storage.
However, with the decline in prices for other storage solutions like hard drives and CD-R drives, the ArVid eventually lost its appeal by the late 1990s. The system was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Russian technologists during a time of economic hardship and political instability following the fall of the Soviet Union.
Essays: Don’t Talk to People Like They’re Chatbots:
As chatbots become more common, they have the potential to subtly reshape how we think about both computers and our fellow human beings. We may ascribe humanity to artificial intelligence systems like chatbots, leading us to treat them with politeness and civility, similar to interactions with other humans. However, this could also result in our conversations with AI being less empathetic, subtle, or nuanced when interacting with actual people. The consequences of these changes on society remain unclear, but they might influence colloquial conversations and affect the way we navigate relationships over time.
Atomkraftwerk Hinkley Point C wird wohl wesentlich teurer als geplant:
Der Bau des neuen Kernkraftwerks Hinkley Point C in England könnte erheblich teurer werden als ursprünglich geplant, wie dem französischen Energiekonzern EDF zugemutmaßt wird. Die Kosten sollen sich bis auf 46 Milliarden Pfund (etwa 53 Milliarden Euro) erhöhen. Ursprünglich waren Baukosten veranschlagt worden, die unter Einbeziehung der Inflation derzeit 34 Milliarden Pfund entsprechen. Der Konzern EDF trägt die Mehrkosten und hat im Gegenzug mit der britischen Regierung einen erhöhten Strompreis vereinbart. Das Kernkraftwerk sollte ursprünglich 2027 in Betrieb gehen, was auf 2031 verschoben werden kann.
Versionierung und Agenten: Vor- und Nachteile von GitOps:
Ein zentrales Konzept von GitOps ist die Automatisierung, um den Bereitstellungsprozess zu optimieren und die Transparenz und Wiederholbarkeit zu erhöhen. Es werden Werkzeuge wie ArgoCD oder Jenkins X eingesetzt, um das automatische Zusammenführen der Konfigurationsdateien für Anwendung und Infrastruktur zu ermöglichen. Dies führt zu einem besseren Betriebsstatus und einem schnelleren Fehlerabbau. Das System ist auf eine große Skalierbarkeit ausgelegt, um zukünftige Entwicklungsanforderungen abzudecken. Zusätzlich erhält jedes Team einen eigenen Repository-Zugriff, wodurch die Autonomie und Selbstverwaltung garantiert wird. GitOps ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil des Cloud-native Computing, um den Effizienzvorteil der Automatisierung zu nutzen.
Zur Besetzung des Datenschutzbeauftragten: „Peinlich für das Parlament“:
Der Artikel befasst sich mit dem Prozess der Neuvergabe des Bundesdatenschutzbeauftragten im Bundestag, nachdem Ulrich Kelbers erste Amtszeit abgelaufen war. Die Verhandlungen scheiterten und das Problem ist darin gelegen, dass die SPD-Bundestagsfraktion vorher nicht über seinen weiteren Einsatz entschied. Durch diese Verzögerung wurde die Akzeptabilität des Parlaments beeinträchtigt. Kelber war 19 Jahre im Bundestag tätig und galt als konkurrenzfähiger Kandidat für eine zweite Amtszeit, da er auf diesem Posten sehr kompetent gearbeitet hat. Das Problem liegt bei der Ampel-Koalition, die Datenschutz als wichtiges Thema in ihren Koalitionsvertrag hatte verankern lassen, aber es wurde von einigen Parteien wenig beachtet. So gilt das Amt des Bundesdatenschutzbeauftragten als unabhängiger Experte im Interesse des Privatmanns und muss unabhängig von politischen Meinungen agieren.
HPV vaccine study finds zero cases of cervical cancer among women vaccinated before age 14:
A recent study in Scotland has revealed no cases of cervical cancer among women born between 1988-1996 and fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at ages 12-13. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published this research, marking the first time a national cohort was monitored over an extended period with no cervical cancer occurrences. Kathleen Schmeler, a professor from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, considers these results extremely encouraging as they demonstrate the effectiveness of HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer. The study emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination and notes that women who received the vaccine before becoming sexually active benefited most significantly. Although some cervical cancer cases were recorded among women who received the vaccine at later ages, the incidence rate was two to three times lower than in unvaccinated women.
After Three Years on Mars, NASA’s Ingenuity Helicopter Mission Ends - NASA:
The historic NASA Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has come to an end after overcoming initial expectations and making numerous extra flights. Despite one or more damaged rotor blades, the helicopter operated for almost three years in Mars‘ harsh conditions and flew much farther than planned, achieving a total of 72 flights. The mission demonstrated controlled powered flight on Mars, paving the way for future exploration of our solar system.
The article summarizes findings from a study that explored the relationship between maternal age and pregnancy outcomes in primiparas (women having their first child), using data from 1990 U.S. natality and mortality records. The study compared outcomes for women with first births aged 16-20 years (when first births typically occur in forager and subsistence groups) with those aged 21-25 years.
The main findings of the study are as follows:
First births entail greater risks, including a higher risk of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), operative delivery, prolonged and dysfunctional labor, and critical cesarian sections (C-sections) for primiparas compared to multiparas. Despite these increased risks, preterm infants with normal birth weights were less likely to die in their first year than those with low birth weights.
Maternal age significantly impacts perinatal outcomes. Compared to primiparas aged 21-25 years, those aged 16-20 and especially those under 16 had more social and behavioral risk factors for negative outcomes. However, when these risk factors were controlled for, younger primiparas generally fared better in terms of infant and labor-and-delivery outcomes.
Nubile (i.e., nulligravidas aged between 15 and 19 years) mothers had lower risks of complications during labor and delivery compared to older primiparas, with a significantly reduced risk of critical C-sections. This suggests that men’s preference for nubility may be due in part to the better reproductive outcomes associated with these younger women.
The study also highlighted the negative consequences of teen pregnancy in contemporary societies, particularly for those under 16 years old. Despite this, the findings suggest that early first pregnancies and a male preference for nubile women were likely advantageous in premodern eras due to their increased likelihood of successful reproductive outcomes.
In conclusion, the study provides evidence supporting an evolutionary explanation for the timing of first births in natural-fertility populations, suggesting that men’s preferences for traits associated with nubility may have been shaped by a higher likelihood of successful reproduction and survival among these younger women.
Japan’s precision moon lander has hit its target, but it appears to be upside-down:
Japan’s first lunar mission successfully targeted a small area on the moon with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) vehicle. Although it landed upside-down due to an issue with one of the lander’s main engines, the robot is still operational and has transmitted images back to Earth. The mission aims to explore the lunar surface and analyze minerals to determine the origin of the moon. This achievement marks a significant advancement in accuracy for spacecraft landing on the lunar surface.
Sports Illustrated Implosion Perfectly Encapsulates The Ugly, Ongoing Collapse Of U.S. Journalism:
Sports Illustrated’s owner, The Arena Group, was involved in an AI-related scandal where they used fake, AI-generated writers to produce clickbait content. The company subsequently failed to make a quarterly payment for the licensing of the Sports Illustrated brand from Authentic Brands Group (ABG), leading to a revocation of its branding license. This has resulted in massive layoffs at the magazine and the decline of the once-prominent sports reporting brand. The situation highlights the struggle within the industry as media companies focus on profit rather than quality journalism, with journalists being the ones to pay the price for their employers‘ mismanagement.
Social Media, AI, and the Battle for Your Brain:
Nita Farahany and Aza Raskin both express deep concern regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and neurotechnology on society. They advocate for a more comprehensive approach in understanding the implications, considering common setbacks in various domains such as privacy and cognitive liberty. The duo emphasizes the significance of self-determination over one’s brain and mental experiences, urging to avoid exploitation or misuse of these technologies by developing purposeful safeguards and regulations. They also propose the concept of cognitive literacy or relational intelligence, envisioning a future where humans can embrace technology for transformative purposes while maintaining a balanced relationship with self.
The author explores the question of whether elephants have souls, drawing on scientific research and philosophical debates about animal cognition and emotions. They discuss various aspects of elephant behavior that suggest they may possess a level of consciousness comparable to humans, including their ability to recognize themselves in mirrors, express empathy towards other animals, and communicate through a variety of vocalizations. The author also delves into the history of human interaction with elephants, from captivity to hunting for ivory, and considers the ethical implications of these practices. Ultimately, they suggest that while it is difficult to definitively answer whether elephants have souls in the traditional sense, their complex behavior and emotional responses indicate a form of consciousness that deserves respect and protection.
4MATIC - Funktion und Vorteile des Allradantriebs von Mercedes-Benz:
The given text appears to be a discussion about the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system in various models and configurations from Mercedes-Benz. It explains how these systems work as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, it offers a breakdown of different types of systems like Torque-on-Demand, permanent Allrad systems for C-, E-, S-, V-class and GLC, 4MATIC in G-Class, AMG models, etc., and provides FAQs related to the subject matter.
Apple thought it dealt with Epic v. Apple — has it really?:
Apple has begun allowing app developers to link to third-party payment processors within their iOS apps, almost three years after a court order. However, its implementation has received backlash as Apple charges up to 27% commission on each purchase - a move labelled „bad-faith“ compliance by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. Developers must also utilize a third-party payment processor that typically requires an additional fee of around 3%. The process creates extra hurdles for users, including warning screens and limitations on alternative payment options within apps.
OpenAI Quietly Scrapped a Promise to Disclose Key Documents to the Public:
In recent years, OpenAI, a nonprofit research lab founded by tech entrepreneurs including Elon Musk, has shifted from transparency to secrecy regarding its financial statements and internal documents. Once promising access to any member of the public upon request, the company now provides limited information only in specific cases. This change in policy obscures details on how the recent near-implosion could affect its mission of ensuring AI benefits all humanity. Some sunlight on OpenAI’s governing documents could reveal if it has made revisions to stabilize its unusual corporate structure and pacify backers like Microsoft.
Which Shows Got Their Finale Right, and Which Didn’t? A Statistical Analysis:
The article gives a short summary of how television show finales have evolved over the years, focusing on various types of endings such as transcendent, satisfying, disappointing, and disaster ones. It analyzes shows that excelled in their final episodes or fell short and discusses some patterns associated with these conclusions. The article also touches upon factors like the impact of streaming services on TV show quality and viewer expectations.
Brains Are Not Required When It Comes to Thinking and Solving Problems–Simple Cells Can Do It:
1. This article discusses the concept of basal cognition, which refers to intelligence existing outside brains in various living organisms such as plants and animals. The focus is on how these entities process information and communicate with each other, largely through bioelectricity. The article explores a variety of cases where this type of cognition has been observed, including amoebas, single-celled organisms like slime mold, sea slugs, worms, frogs, humans, and even robots. It also touches upon the potential applications of basal cognition in medicine, as well as its philosophical implications on human understanding of intelligence and self-awareness.
2. The article emphasizes how living organisms are constantly evaluating their surroundings, making decisions about various aspects such as food intake and repairing themselves, all of which requires cognitive processes. It further highlights the importance of basal cognition in driving evolution and survival.
3. A key finding is that bioelectricity plays a crucial role in coordinating cellular behavior and communication within living beings, enabling them to work together towards common goals. This also opens up possibilities for applications in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence.
4. The article suggests that basal cognition may challenge the traditional view of intelligence by questioning whether it is only found in highly evolved organisms with brain-like structures. Instead, it proposes that intelligence could be ubiquitous among all living things, suggesting that the concept of self might be broader than previously thought.
5. In conclusion, basal cognition offers new perspectives on how intelligence and consciousness evolve and function in various organisms and highlights the importance of further research into this area for better understanding of life and human existence.
Only 90s Web Developers Remember This:
The article takes a nostalgic look at the early days of web development in the 1990s, highlighting various techniques and innovations that defined the era. It discusses the use of HTML tags like <blink> and <marquee>, advanced attributes of images such as 1x1.gif, and the introduction of CSS for style. The piece also praises early browsers like Internet Explorer 4.0 for their unique features and remembers the time when developers wore their accomplishments on their virtual sleeves through various website elements. Overall, it celebrates a simpler era of web development while recognizing its shortcomings.
A California man, Doug McCune, had planned to purchase an electric car but changed his mind after experiencing issues with public charging stations. He borrowed a Mustang Mach-E from Ford and found several chargers malfunctioning or overloaded with waiting cars due to inoperable units. This led him to choose a Volvo plug-in hybrid instead, as he felt uncomfortable with the reliability of the public charging situation. Many other EV owners share this concern regarding the dependability of these stations. A lack of comprehensive data and the absence of ultimate responsibility for managing EV infrastructure also contribute to the problem. As California aims to have 250,000 chargers installed by the end of next year, it is working on gathering more comprehensive data on charger reliability.
The White House has a pharmacy — and it was a mess, a new investigation found:
A Department of Defense report on a White House pharmacy found issues such as controlled medication handling, poor record-keeping practices and $640,000 in wasted taxpayer funds over three years. The office lacked oversight and allowed people to obtain medications without verifying their identities or writing full prescriptions as required by law. Additionally, staff used aliases for VIPs to protect their privacy while accessing healthcare services at military facilities, resulting in improper billing. Improving oversight and implementing clear eligibility policies are among the report’s recommendations.
Inside a Global Phone Spy Tool Monitoring Billions:
An investigation by 404 Media reveals that hundreds of thousands of ordinary apps, including popular ones such as 9gag and Kik, are part of a global surveillance capability via advertisements within the apps. This leads to people’s data being used for mass monitoring through the real-time bidding (RTB) data supply chain involving smaller advertising firms and giants like Google. The surveillance tool called Patternz tracks users‘ physical locations, hobbies, and family members, building billions of profiles.
On „owning“ software - avdi.codes:
The cost of owning software services for teams is not just the initial purchase or licensing, but the ongoing maintenance and support needed to keep these systems running effectively. Options range from hosting a homegrown service, using open-source code with third-party support, or opting for proprietary SaaS offerings. One-off license models are less common as they may not offer the same value over time in comparison to open-source software that can be freely utilized and updated by its community of developers. Regardless of the model chosen, teams need to consider the ongoing costs associated with ensuring a service’s functionality and sustainability, which can have a significant impact on their overall budget and development velocity.
1. Summary: This article talks about the process of reverse engineering and understanding various networking protocols for digital mixers. The author focuses on aspects such as message framing, message decomposition, and application level protocol. The main goal is to use this knowledge in creating a project named DigiMixer which communicates with different mixer brands over IP.
2. Important points: The article discusses the challenges of reverse engineering networking protocols for digital mixers and the importance of understanding message framing, decomposition, and application level protocols. It highlights that the author has been working on creating a project called DigiMixer which supports communication with various mixer brands over IP.
3. Main idea: The author shares his insights and progress in understanding various protocols used for digital mixers while explaining their relevance to his ongoing project, DigiMixer.
Yes, the last 10 years really have been worse for free speech:
A summary of the article discusses a review of David Cole’s analysis of Canceling the American Mind by Lukianoff and Schlott in The New York Review of Books. The authors defend their book against some of Cole’s arguments, clarifying points regarding repression of speech and comparing current situations to the past. They address concerns about the state of free speech and academic freedom on campuses, acknowledging the progress made but also highlighting the ongoing challenges in this area.
Asbestos in drinking water: What does it mean for human health?:
Summary: Concerns are growing about the potential health risks associated with asbestos in aging water pipes. Asbestos-cement (AC) pipes were widely used for delivering drinking water and have been installed around the world since early 1900s. With their lifespan estimated between 50-70 years, many of these pipes are reaching their end, leading to concerns about degradation, breakages, and the possible release of asbestos fibers into drinking water. Health experts and public health campaign groups are debating whether this could pose a risk to human health through ingestion. While the World Health Organization (WHO) does not consider ingestion of asbestos in drinking water as a serious risk, some countries have adopted precautionary approaches, such as Australia replacing pipes and burying the old ones. The issue highlights the need for further research on potential health risks related to ingested asbestos fibers.
Programming Language Checklist | Colin McMillen:
The article presents a comprehensive checklist criticizing the idea of creating a new programming language with certain characteristics. It highlights numerous issues that could arise when attempting to create such a language, including syntax, features, philosophy, implementation flaws, marketing problems and wider ecosystem concerns. The overall message is that inventing a new language without addressing these challenges would likely not be successful.
boss-ve-22-vocal-performer-is-the-latest-high-powered-effects-pedal-for-singers-100024692.html:
TODO
HP CEO Says They Brick Printers That Use Third-Party Ink Because of … Hackers:
HP CEO Enrique Lores addressed the company’s controversial practice of bricking printers when users load them with third-party ink. He claimed that there is a possibility for viruses to be embedded in ink cartridges and spread through printers, ultimately affecting network systems. However, cybersecurity professionals remain skeptical about the potential attack using ink cartridges as entryways into printer networks. HP’s solution has been Dynamic Security, which aims to protect against third-party ink infringement. Despite a security update in 2022 addressing this issue, HP’s firmware updates have led some customers to avoid them due to potential problems with printer functionality.
2nd-hand phone market hurt by users sweating devices longer:
Sales of used and refurbished smartphones continue to rise with a 9.5% increase in 2023, reaching 309.4 million devices globally. However, this growth rate is slowing due to longer refresh cycles for new handsets and various challenges, causing a shortage of inventory in the secondary market. Overall, the global used phone market remains healthy with average growth forecasted between 2022 and 2027. Users are holding onto their devices longer, creating issues for resellers as they struggle to acquire inventory from trade-ins and other sources.
Meta-Learning Is All You Need — James Le:
1. Explain the motivation for meta-learning and give a brief overview of its different approaches.
Meta-learning refers to learning how to learn by incorporating knowledge from previous tasks into new ones, improving generalization capabilities and efficiency in learning. It aims to solve problems where there is limited data available or data has a long tail. Meta-Learning can be categorized into three main approaches:
1) Black-box meta-learning: Here, neural networks are trained to generate the distributionp(|D, ) during the adaptation phase and optimize this function during meta-training. This approach is efficient for various learning settings but has high computational cost since it involves second-order optimization procedures. MAML is a well-known algorithm in this category.
2) Optimization-based meta-learning: The goal here is to infer the task-specific parameters using an optimization procedure. One of the most influential algorithms here is Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML), which is an optimization method that adjusts its inner gradient update for better performance on test data. MAML has been extensively studied and improved upon.
3) Non-parametric meta-learning: This approach does not use neural networks as they are too complex to learn well with a small amount of training data. Instead, it focuses more on similarity between the training and test data using non-parametric methods like k-Nearest Neighbor, decision trees, or support vector machines. Prototypical Networks, Relation Networks, Matching Networks are examples in this category.
2. In your given summary, you mentioned a new paper or method related to meta-learning but did not explicitly mention its details. Can you please provide more information about it?
In the provided article, no specific new paper or method related to meta-learning is discussed apart from the ones already mentioned in the different approaches of meta-learning (black-box, optimization-based, and non-parametric). It covers a general overview of the topic without focusing on any particular advancements or breakthroughs. However, it does mention various examples, algorithms, and challenges associated with each approach of meta-learning.
Ask HN: Any legal way against forced software upgrades and feature removal:
The article discusses how updates for various devices and software often break or remove features without clear communication from companies. It raises concerns about users losing control over their hardware and software as automation becomes more prevalent. Critics argue that these issues are becoming increasingly common in both the tech industry and the open-source world, with some solutions being legal action against certain corporations.
The article focuses on the importance of choosing the right thing to build for successful dev tools startups. It highlights the value of „The Mom Test,“ a short, essential book that teaches how to ask good questions for unbiased feedback. By understanding actual user behavior and checking if solutions already exist or not, dev tools can avoid building unnecessary products. The article also provides examples like Graphite’s journey, PagerDuty, and Merge queues as successful cases where the needs of users were met.
TODO
FragDenStaat und Wikimedia Deutschland haben mit einer Reihe Partner aus der Zivilgesellschaft das transparente Ablaufen der Arbeit der deutschen Bundesregierung verfolgten. Sie haben einen Koalitionstracker entwickelt, mit dem die Regierungsarbeit der Ampel-Koalition live verfolgt werden kann. Dieses Projekt betrachtet rund 250 messbare Vorhaben, um deren Fortschritt zu überwachen und in den einzelnen Bereichen die aktuellen Standards einzuordnen. Die Kooperation mit Experten aus der Zivilgesellschaft soll eine verbesserte Überwachung und Bewertung der Projekte ermöglichen.
The Humble Brilliance of Italy’s Moka Coffee Pot:
The moka pot is an iconic Italian coffee maker that originated from the combination of steam power and pressure to brew strong coffee fast. Created in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, the device gained popularity post-war when Italy experienced an economic boom. Moka pots became popular across many countries with large Italian immigrant populations, as well as Cuba, which had a long history of coffee cultivation. However, the moka pot faced some struggles in the 1990s due to changing American coffee culture influenced by Starbucks and espresso machines. Despite Bialetti’s financial troubles, the device remains an affordable and functional example of mid-century modern design with potential for revitalization in the future.
Schienenverkehr: »Die Gründe für die Misere der Bahn sind teils 120 Jahre alt«:
Short summary: Deutsche Bahn struggles with various issues, including old and inefficient technology, lack of investment over decades, and a complex infrastructure that makes it hard to manage efficiently. Experts suggest extensive changes for a more reliable railway system, starting with modernization and automation in various areas, such as the signaling and train control systems, trains‘ design, and track maintenance. Additionally, a shift from conventional locomotives to electric multiple units would require less personnel and lead to higher efficiency. However, it is essential to tackle these issues gradually without jeopardizing existing infrastructure.
GitHub - rajnandan1/kener: Kener is a Modern Self hosted Status Page with batteries:
This GitHub page presents Kener as an open-source Node.js status page tool for service monitoring and incident handling. It offers various features including real-time monitoring, customization options, incident management through Github Issues integration, accessibility support, user-friendly interface, and responsive design across devices. The roadmap includes additional functionalities like API creation of incidents, a Docker file, notifications, MySQL adapter, and enhancing the existing features.
Identity Crisis: How Modern Applications Generate Unique Ids:
This article discusses the importance of unique identifiers (UIDs) for modern applications that need to scale to large user bases without colliding. UUIDs and GUIDs have issues with size, formatting, language compatibility, and poor randomization leading to collisions and security concerns. Server-managed IDs can cause slow round trips and complicate offline operation. The original Cuid specification addresses many of these issues but falls short on security. The successor, Cuid2, solves security issues by combining multiple entropy sources using a tiny one-way hash function, preventing collisions and protecting user privacy. This makes Cuid2 a secure, collision-resistant, horizontally scalable, offline-compatible solution for generating unique IDs.
A hash function transforms any input into an integer value within a given range and is crucial for efficiently storing and retrieving information. However, it is possible for two different inputs to generate the same hash value, which is known as a hash collision. The probability of a hash collision can be calculated through mathematical formulas and approximations, making it easier to determine when the risk becomes significant. This understanding is vital for various applications where avoiding collisions is critical, like using hash values as identifiers in databases or cryptographic systems.
This article discusses a personal view on politics and economics through the lens of cozy games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The author explains that these types of games demonstrate the fun and motivating nature of market-based systems, without the harshness of real-life capitalism. The core idea is that individuals should be motivated by positive incentives within a just society to participate in activities that benefit themselves and others. Cozy games showcase the potential for a more humane economic model where everyone works together for mutual gain.
NYC-bound flight canceled when passenger notices missing bolts on plane wing:
A New York-bound Virgin Atlantic flight was canceled just before takeoff when a passenger noticed missing screws from the plane’s wing during a safety briefing. The Airbus A330 aircraft underwent maintenance checks, and its safety was not compromised despite the missing fixings. Both Virgin Atlantic and airplane manufacturer, Airbus, stated there was no impact on the flight’s safety due to the issue. Passengers were rebooked onto alternate flights.
The Price Is Not Right - Right to Repair Europe:
The article highlights various issues related to repairing electronic products and appliances. It mentions how high replacement costs and repairs can sometimes outweigh the cost of purchasing a new item, discouraging consumers from attempting repairs. Right to Repair activists have been campaigning for fairer pricing on spare parts but with little progress. The article explores different ways manufacturers maintain monopolies over parts prices, including bundling and restrictive practices like parts pairing that prevent the use of aftermarket or used components. A potential solution is proposed through increased transparency in part costs and competitive regulations to ensure fair pricing for consumers.
The Winlator website introduces an Android app for running Windows (x86_64) applications on the platform using Wine and Box86/Box64. Credit is given to the developers involved in the project, including Wine developers, ptitSeb, and other contributors from open-source projects. Users can download the latest version with links provided for essential components and their respective websites.
Opinion: The return to office fallacy | CNN:
CNN’s national security analyst Peter Bergen reflects on his experience leading a remote work team through the pandemic, highlighting the effectiveness and benefits of remote working in terms of creativity, productivity, and work-life balance. He contrasts this with corporate giants like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Meta demanding employees return to the office, pointing out the lack of empirical evidence supporting claims about the importance of spontaneous idea generation at a physical workspace. Bergen argues that remote working saves time, money, and flexibility for many individuals while contributing to economic growth and lowering pollution levels through reduced commuting. He expresses confusion regarding why some bosses still feel obliged to maintain in-office work environments when there are clear advantages of working remotely.
Internet Protocol version 10 (IPv10) Specification:
17 years ago, a new version of the Internet Protocol was proposed as IPv10 to allow communication between both IPv6-only hosts and IPv4-only hosts. This was done by allowing an IP packet to contain both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in the same header format. The proposal aimed at easing the process of migration from IPv4 to IPv6 and making the address space of both IP versions available for all Internet connected hosts. However, this draft did not become a formal RFC or standard.
The end of „Useless Ruby sugar“: On intuitions and evolutions:
This extensive summary provides an overview of a series on „useless sugar“ features of Ruby, focusing on analysis and exploration of recent syntax elements in the language. The author shares thoughts about the design space for solving problems, syntax evolution, code style changes, and programming language comprehension. Throughout the series, the author reflects on how their thinking process has evolved through writing it and considers aspects related to the future of Ruby, including the potential for a book exploring its history and changes.
The global helium shortage has become a significant issue, affecting various high-tech industries and research institutions. As a limited resource, helium plays essential roles in numerous applications, including medical imaging, chemical analysis, welding, and semiconductor production. To address the crisis, efforts to locate alternative sources of helium, such as drilling sites in Africa, are underway. However, climate-friendly options and renewable sources remain elusive. Recycling and conserving existing helium supplies through recovery systems is another strategy to combat this issue, making it an essential focus for the future.
The Open Source Sustainability Crisis:
This article discusses the concept of Open Source sustainability and its ongoing crisis. It emphasizes the need for individuals to be able to produce Open Source software, receive fair payment, and not have to jump through hoops or engage in activities like selling contracts or becoming tech influencers. The article highlights several examples of people who produce widely adopted Open Source software but struggle with financial sustainability. It argues that platforms such as GitHub Sponsors, Open Collective, Tidelift, Thanks.dev, and Liberapay can help achieve this by providing funding for developers. However, opening corporate floodgates and increasing their support of Open Source remains a challenge, and the author proposes taxation and social pressure could be potential solutions in the future.
In early startup phases, it becomes crucial to introduce basic IT security procedures gradually without slowing down the team’s progress. A simplified set of 10 rules was created to mitigate major IT risks. These rules include using a password manager with company license, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), creating unique and strong passwords, being cautious of phishing emails, encrypting hard drives, watching for phishing emails, storing data on Google accounts, sharing credentials via password managers, regularly updating software, and following security measures in SaaS tools.
The Downward Spiral of Technology:
A recent article discusses how technology seems to be getting worse rather than better, with evidence indicating that upgrades are now actually downgrades. Tech enthusiasts express frustration as new advancements focus on profits and egos instead of creating tools that improve society, leading to an „overgrowth of tools“ phenomenon. The idea of finding smarter ways of arranging what we already have or considering non-technological solutions is emphasized for potential improvements.
What happens when an astronaut in orbit says he’s not coming back?:
1. Taylor Wang’s Depression and Desperation Led to Questions about Space Shuttle Safety Measures Taylor Wang, a Chinese-born American scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, faced a depressive state when his experiment failed during the STS-51-B mission in 1985. His desperate attempts to fix the experiment and concerns about representing his family led to questions about space shuttle safety measures, such as commander locks on hatches to prevent possible disasters.
2. The Commander’s Lock Program: A Secret Method to Secure Hatches in Case of Crew Members‘ Mental State Concerns The commander’s lock program was initiated after Wang’s mission. It allowed commanders to secure the side hatch from being opened by a crew member in case they were concerned about their mental state or actions. This measure was aimed at preventing accidents that could lead to loss of life on the shuttle.
3. Crew Dragon and Other Spaceflight Vehicles Adopted Similar Safety Measures Crew Dragon, which NASA uses for its crewed missions to the International Space Station, has similar safety measures in place as the Space Shuttle did with commander locks. This highlights the need for discussion on how accessibility in space can coexist with safety concerns for all crew members.
Office politics is not optional: learn to play the game or you’ll be …:
This article discusses how office politics is a crucial aspect of career advancement and job satisfaction in many organizations. It emphasizes understanding the dynamics involved, developing strategies such as visibility, confidence, authority, networking, and adapting based on the situation. While not everyone may be comfortable with these tactics, embracing them can help avoid feeling unrecognized or unhappy at work. The author acknowledges that learning from others and finding balance between personal values and career ambitions is essential for a successful journey in the workplace.
Trunk-Based Development (TBD) is a branching model where developers work on a single main branch called the trunk. This approach encourages short-lived development branches and avoids merge conflicts. TBD promotes Continuous Integration, leading to continuous delivery, by ensuring all team members commit to the main branch at least once every 24 hours. While it has been used since the mid-nineties and is popular among large organizations like Google and Facebook, this method remains underutilized in the industry. TBD helps teams maintain a more efficient development process and adapt to different release cadences while keeping the codebase releasable on demand.
Scientists discovered perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo inside fossilized egg:
A perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo was discovered in a Chinese museum storage cupboard after being there for over a decade. The egg belonged to an oviraptorosaur, dating back approximately 72 million years ago and measures 27cm long. This specimen, named „Baby Yingliang,“ is one of the most complete dinosaur embryos ever found. Its bird-like posture was previously unrecognized in non-avian dinosaurs but resembles that of modern-day birds. This discovery supports the theory that many features characteristic of today’s birds first evolved in their dinosaur ancestors, offering insight into their growth and reproduction.
Games don’t need venture capitalism:
This article discusses how making a successful indie game is typically less constrained by funding than other factors, such as the go-to-market (GTM) strategy or publishing process. The focus on venture capital funding in gaming is highlighted as potentially not being the best fit for developers, with publishers, direct-to-consumer methods and crowdfunding alternatives also available. It emphasizes that VCs might not be particularly effective at finding and supporting successful studios due to their industry experience and focus on different aspects of a game’s success compared to traditional game funding models.
Vape-o-nomics: Why Everything is Addictive Now (video):
1. The first part of the video discusses the rise of disposable vapes, specifically Elf bars, which have become ubiquitous in recent years, appearing in stores and public spaces like corner shops and bar gardens. The speed at which they’ve integrated into modern life has left governments scrambling to address their impact on society. Introducing harsh regulations could potentially push users towards illegal markets with unsafe products or traditional cigarettes. Vapes have been successful in hooking non-smokers, creating a bind for public health officials and legislators.
2. The second part delves into the nature of addiction and how companies exploit it to build capitalism around addictive products. Big Tobacco’s pivot to vaping reflects broader industry trends where maintaining an addicted customer base is desirable for business. Historian David Courtright refers to Limb Capitalism, or industries preying on our limbic systems like gambling, alcohol, food, tech, and social media. Addictive behaviors have spread through persuasive design in digital tools. Even non-addictive products use similar tactics, like the razor and blade model where companies create dependence via exclusive ecosystems to avoid competition.
3. The third part addresses the rise of the subscription service model, exemplified by Adobe’s Creative Cloud, transforming one-off purchases into monthly fees. This locks customers in with files in specific formats and muscle memory, making switching costly, thus creating a near-unthinkable customer relationship akin to addiction. It mirrors Limb Capitalism and extends beyond digital to physical goods like socks and beer subscriptions. Companies target younger demographics for lifelong revenue, similar to the gambling and tobacco industry’s youth marketing strategies. The executive summary highlights the evolution of capitalism towards coercive consumer relationships with less choice, where companies control over products and customers is increasing, leading to a future of monthly fees rather than one-off purchases.
Why the Panama Canal is Dying (Video):
The following is the summarized version of the video transcript:
Maritime Crises: There are two major maritime crises happening simultaneously - one at Bab el Mendeb Strait between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, where Houthis have hired hundreds of missiles and drones to attack trade ships; and another in Panama Canal due to a severe drought causing water levels to decrease.
Panama Canal: The canal is the most significant maritime chokepoint that exists in the world, providing a shortcut for ships traveling between East Asia and Europe. It earns around 4.32 billion US dollars annually for Panama’t government as its primary asset. However, due to El Niño causing severe droughts, water levels are decreasing, threatening the canal’s operation.
Alternatives: Four proposed alternatives to the Panama Canal have been suggested - a bi-oceanic corridor in South America connecting Brazil and Argentina; an interoceanic train in Colombia linking its railways between Pacific and Caribbean coasts; a Nicaragua Canal across Nicaragua’s narrow isthmus; and an Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico.
Panama Canal Authority: The canal authority has proposed solutions to fix its water problem, such as damming up Indio River or drilling a channel through nearby mountains for additional reservoirs and replenishing Lake Gatun faster.