Links für 2025 KW 31#
Meine To-Read Liste, Zusammengefasst von Mistral-Small-24B.
TIL that You can spot base64 encoded JSON, certificates, and private keys:
The author was examining a file in their homelab that was supposed to contain encrypted content. The file included a Base64 encoded string that seemed unusual for an encrypted file. A colleague suggested that the string was Base64 encoded JSON, and the author decoded it to reveal a JSON object with details like „salt“, „iterations“, and „hash_function“. The author was surprised by the colleague’s ability to quickly identify the Base64 encoding. The colleague explained that Base64 encoded JSON often starts with „eyJ“ which corresponds to „{“ followed by a letter. This pattern can be easily spotted without decoding.
The author also noted that Base64 encoded certificates and private keys can be identified by their starting sequence „LS“, reminiscent of „TLS certificate.“ However, the author cautioned that this method is not foolproof, as it can also detect the leading dashes of PEM formatted files and YAML files. The author thanked colleagues for sharing this useful trick. (13460)
Kitten TTS: The 25MB AI Voice Model That’s About to Change EVERYTHING (Runs on a Potato! 凜):
The text discusses the revolutionary Kitten TTS, a compact text-to-speech model developed by KittenML, that challenges the industry norm of large, resource-intensive AI models. Kitten TTS stands out for its incredibly small size, under 25MB, and its ability to run efficiently on CPUs without needing a GPU. This makes it accessible for a wide range of devices, from laptops to Raspberry Pis, and even smartphones. The model offers multiple expressive voices, making it versatile for various applications. It is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, allowing for free use in both personal and commercial projects.
The model’s efficiency and small size are achieved through a clever architectural design, likely based on the VITS (Variational Inference with Adversarial Learning for End-to-End Text-to-Speech) framework. This design allows Kitten TTS to generate high-quality speech quickly and efficiently. The text also compares Kitten TTS to other local TTS models like Piper TTS, Kokoro TTS, and Coqui XTTS, highlighting its advantages in terms of size and efficiency.
The potential applications of Kitten TTS are vast, including edge AI for IoT devices, privacy-focused assistants, and accessibility tools for users with visual impairments. It also democratizes voice synthesis for indie developers and hobbyists, enabling them to create voice-enabled applications without the need for expensive hardware or cloud services.
The text concludes by noting that while Kitten TTS is still in its developer preview phase and may have some minor quality issues, its performance-to-size ratio is unprecedented. The KittenML team is already working on an even larger model with improved quality, indicating a bright future for this technology. Overall, Kitten TTS represents a significant step forward in making AI more accessible, efficient, and privacy-friendly. (13461)
GitHub - OHF-Voice/piper1-gpl: Fast and local neural text-to-speech engine:
Piper is an open-source, local neural text-to-speech (TTS) engine designed for fast and efficient text-to-speech conversion. It integrates the espeak-ng library for phonemization, which helps in converting text into phonemes, the smallest units of sound. Piper is easy to install using pip, the Python package installer, and offers a variety of tools and interfaces for users, including command-line, web server, and Python APIs, as well as a C/C++ API for more advanced integration. It also provides detailed documentation on training new voices and manual building processes.
Piper is utilized in several projects and tools, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness. Some notable applications include its use in Home Assistant for voice notifications, in NVDA for screen reading, and in various educational and accessibility tools. Its adoption in projects like Open Voice Operating System and JetsonGPT demonstrates its compatibility with different platforms and use cases. Additionally, Piper is employed in language detection and narration plugins, further showcasing its utility in diverse applications. Overall, Piper stands out as a robust and flexible TTS engine suitable for a wide range of needs, from personal use to complex integrations in software and educational tools. (13462)
Why is GitHub UI getting slower?:
GitHub users have expressed significant frustration with the platform’s performance and usability issues since its transition to React. Many users report slow loading times, difficulties viewing diffs, and problems with basic functionalities like the back button. Older browsers are no longer supported, and even modern browsers struggle with the new interface. The shift to React has led to a more complex and less efficient codebase, with some users suggesting that the team behind the redesign may not fully understand the platform’s needs.
The discussion highlights several key points:
Performance Degradation: The transition to React has significantly slowed down GitHub, making it difficult to use for tasks like viewing diffs, navigating, and even loading basic pages.
Back Button Issues: The back button often behaves unpredictably, sometimes taking users to broken pages or not working at all.
Browser Compatibility: Older browsers are no longer supported, causing issues for users with outdated systems.
Complex Design Decisions: Some design choices, like using small modals for new issues instead of full-screen pages, are seen as counterintuitive and harmful to user experience.
Technical Debt: The new interface has introduced technical debt, with users reporting frequent bugs and a general feeling of the platform becoming more janky and unreliable.
Comparison with Other Platforms: Users compare GitHub unfavorably to other platforms like GitLab, which they find more reliable and faster.
AI and Copilot: There is a mention of AI and GitHub Copilot being used in development, which some users see as a contributing factor to the current issues.
User Feedback: Many users feel that their feedback is not being addressed, leading to a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the platform.
Overall, the summary paints a picture of a platform that has become slower, less reliable, and more difficult to use, with users calling for a return to a more stable and performant interface. (13463)
Why is GitHub UI getting so much slower?:
The author expresses frustration with the increasing slowness of GitHub’s user interface, noting that tasks which were once quick are now painfully slow. They highlight a specific example where switching tabs in a pull request takes over 5 seconds, which they find unacceptable. The issue is exacerbated by GitHub’s use of Turbo, a tool meant for performance optimization, which in this case seems to slow things down further. The author also points out that opening the same content in a new tab is faster, suggesting inefficiencies in the current implementation.
The author criticizes the new loading bar, which they find annoying as it highlights the slow transitions. They argue that client-side routing should be instant, which is the purpose of Single Page Applications (SPAs), and that the current implementation is slower than a full page reload.
Additionally, the author mentions other performance problems, such as the diff view freezing periodically and the rendering of thousands of invisible DOM nodes, which further slows down the interface. They suggest that addressing these issues could improve performance. The author also notes that some popular issues are related to performance and that GitHub has a focus area in their roadmap for „Platform collaboration at scale,“ hoping this might lead to improvements. However, they couldn’t find any specific mentions of performance improvements in the roadmap. The text ends with links to related articles on JavaScript performance. (13464)
Small Changes That Made Our Daily Stand-Ups More Useful:
The text discusses the transformation of daily stand-up meetings in agile software development from monotonous status reports into productive, collaborative sessions. The author, Daniel Koprowski, shares his team’s experience in making these meetings more useful by focusing on current plans, blockers, and collaboration rather than just recapping the previous day’s work. Key changes include structuring the meetings into three segments: daily updates, open pull request reviews, and bug dashboard checks. The role of a daily facilitator is crucial in keeping the meetings on track and ensuring everyone contributes. The author emphasizes the benefits of this approach for individual developers, the team, and the organization, including improved productivity, better knowledge sharing, and a supportive work environment. Additionally, the text provides practical tips for making daily stand-ups effective, such as preparing in advance, active listening, and using collaborative tools. Overall, the message is about turning daily meetings into valuable tools for problem-solving and team collaboration. (13465)
German trains no longer run on time, creating national identity crisi…:
The text discusses a significant issue in Germany: the deterioration of the country’s once-reliable train system, which has long been a source of national pride due to its punctuality. Currently, only 56% of trains arrive within six minutes of their scheduled time, a stark decline from the 85% on-time rate in the early 1990s. This decline has led to widespread frustration among Germans and has even resulted in Switzerland banning some German trains from entering its territory due to the frequent delays.
The problems stem from decades of underinvestment in the rail infrastructure, leading to a system that is now congested and prone to failures. Deutsche Bahn, the national railroad company, has acknowledged the issues and is undertaking extensive repairs, including a nine-month shutdown of a major line between Berlin and Hamburg. The German government has allocated substantial funds for rail infrastructure, but experts argue that even more investment is needed to restore the system’s reliability.
The situation has caused significant inconvenience for passengers, with many experiencing long delays and disrupted travel plans. Commuters and travelers alike have expressed their frustration, with some even adjusting their expectations and plans to accommodate the unreliable service. The German government and Deutsche Bahn are aware of the problems and are working to improve the situation, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging. (13466)
Passkeys are just passwords that require a password manager:
The text is a discussion thread from Hacker News about the adoption and implementation of passkeys, a new authentication method designed to improve security over traditional passwords. Here are the key points: User Concerns and Criticism: 1. Complexity and Usability:
Users are concerned about the complexity of managing passkeys, especially when compared to traditional password managers.
There are concerns about the lack of portability and the potential for vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch password managers.
Security Issues:
Some users worry about losing access to their accounts if their passkeys are lost or stolen.
There are concerns about the security of storing passkeys in cloud services like Google or Apple, as these services could potentially be compromised.
Privacy and Control:
Users are concerned about the lack of control over their passkeys, especially the inability to see or manage them directly.
There is a sentiment that passkeys could be more secure if users had more control over their private keys. Technical Details and Implementation: 1. Passkey Management:
Passkeys can be stored in various ways, including hardware tokens (like Yubikeys), TPMs, or cloud services.
There is an ongoing debate about the best practices for managing and migrating passkeys between different devices and services.
FIDO Alliance and Standards:
The FIDO Alliance is working on standards for passkey management, including a draft specification for importing and exporting passkeys between different services.
There is a push for better documentation and user-friendly guides to help users understand and implement passkeys. Developer and Expert Perspectives: 1. Benefits of Passkeys:
Passkeys offer better protection against phishing attacks because they are tied to specific domains and require physical custody.
They can provide a seamless user experience, especially when integrated with existing password managers.
Challenges and Future Improvements:
There is a need for better tools and documentation to help users manage passkeys effectively.
Future improvements may include better support for hardware tokens and more flexible management options. Conclusion: The discussion highlights both the potential benefits and the challenges of adopting passkeys. While passkeys offer significant security improvements, there are still concerns about usability, portability, and control. The community is actively discussing and working on solutions to these issues, with the goal of making passkeys a more accessible and user-friendly authentication method. (13467)
the new trifecta · baby steps:
The text argues that Rust, Python, and TypeScript are poised to become the dominant programming languages, driven by the increasing use of AI in coding, which shifts language choices from tribal loyalties to practical considerations. The author introduces the concept of „idea-oriented programming,“ where the focus is on the ideas behind a project, and the AI handles the implementation details. This paradigm shift changes the priorities for language choice, favoring languages with strong type systems, robust ecosystems, and effective package managers.
Rust is highlighted for its efficiency and strong type system, Python for its extensive mathematical and numerical libraries, and TypeScript for its native compatibility with web browsers. The author also notes that AI assistants can help navigate complex type systems and error messages, making coding more accessible and less tedious. The overall message is that these languages, along with AI tools, will enable a more architect-driven, idea-focused approach to programming, making the role of a principal engineer more accessible to a broader range of developers. (13468)
Scientific fraud has become an ‘industry,’ alarming analysis finds:
The text discusses a alarming investigation into scientific fraud, which has evolved into a sophisticated global industry. Key points include:
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals a complex network of editors, authors, publishers, and journals collaborating to publish fake or low-quality papers. This network includes paper mills, brokers, and even large organizations placing batches of fake papers in journals. The number of fake papers is growing at a rate much faster than legitimate scientific literature.
The investigation focused on PLOS ONE and Hindawi journals, identifying editors who frequently handled retracted or criticized papers. These editors often worked with certain authors, some of whom were also editors, suggesting collusion and potential bribery.
The problem extends beyond individual networks, with coordinated efforts to publish batches of dubious papers across multiple journals. Organizations like the Academic Research and Development Association (ARDA) act as intermediaries, helping researchers get their papers published in compromised journals.
The rapid growth of science and perverse incentives, such as the „publish or perish“ culture, contribute to the flourishing of paper mills. Young researchers, especially those in competitive fields like medical residency programs, may feel pressured to use these services to boost their publication records.
The study underscores the need for increased vigilance and penalties from publishers, funders, and institutions to address this growing problem. The sheer scale of scientific fraud is a significant concern, posing risks to fields like medical science where fake papers can distort our understanding of drugs and treatments.
Overall, the text highlights the urgent need for the scientific community to address and mitigate this alarming trend of scientific fraud. (13469)
curl turns 10,000 days · curl/curl · Discussion #17930:
The text is a discussion thread on GitHub celebrating the 10,000-day anniversary of the curl project, which was first released on March 20, 1998. The maintainer, bagder, invites users to share their stories and experiences with curl. The responses from various users highlight the versatility and reliability of curl in different scenarios:
One user, JimFuller-RedHat, shares how curl saved a critical situation involving updating football scores for an online betting site, showcasing curl’s utility in emergency situations.
Another user, timbray, recalls using curl to demonstrate a RESTful API, contrasting it with the complexity of XML Web Services.
wiredOr mentions a fruitful commercial support contract with the curl team, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the project.
Many users express gratitude for curl’s ease of use, reliability, and the impact it has had on their work and personal projects. For instance, bartreardon notes how curl is essential in managing macOS devices, while ozzi- shares how it helped in a job interview.
Overall, the discussion underscores the widespread use and appreciation of curl in the developer community, highlighting its role as a fundamental tool for networking tasks. (13470)
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke Warns Developers: „Either Embrace AI or Get Out of This Career“:
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke has issued a clear message to software developers: embrace AI or risk becoming obsolete. He argues that the role of developers is already changing, with AI becoming an integral part of their work. Dohmke identifies four stages of AI adoption among developers, ranging from initial skepticism to treating AI as a strategic partner. The most advanced developers are no longer writing code themselves; instead, they manage AI agents, delegating tasks and verifying outcomes. This shift is not just about saving time but about increasing ambition and expanding the scope of what can be achieved. Dohmke highlights seven essential skills for the AI era, including AI fluency, delegation, and human-AI collaboration. He also notes that traditional computer science education needs to evolve, focusing more on guiding AI and understanding code behavior rather than rote syntax. Despite fears of job displacement, Dohmke is optimistic about the future job outlook for developers, predicting a significant growth in software developer roles, albeit in a different form. However, he acknowledges that not all developers will adapt to this change. Dohmke’s message is clear: the transformation is happening now, and early adaptation is key to thriving in this new era of software development. (13471)
The text is a comprehensive wiki for the Thingino firmware project, which is likely focused on firmware for various camera devices, particularly those with Ingenic processors. The wiki is structured to provide users with detailed information and guidance on various aspects of the project.
The project overview covers contributions, features, philosophy, and releases, emphasizing an open-source approach and community-driven development. The getting started section includes FAQs, hardware identification, installation methods, and troubleshooting, making it accessible for users to begin using the firmware. It also covers specific tools like the Ingenic USB Cloner and OTG booting for firmware installation.
The wiki details supported cameras, listing a wide range of models from different manufacturers, including specific instructions for firmware upgrades and conversions. Configuration options are extensively covered, including administration, automation, networking (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN), and various plugins for extended functionality. Integration with other systems like Home Assistant, Frigate, and MQTT is also discussed, highlighting the firmware’s versatility.
For developers, the wiki provides insights into booting methods, programming tools, and software development, including building from sources and using Buildroot. Technical information and debugging guides are available, making it a valuable resource for both users and developers.
In summary, the Thingino firmware wiki is a thorough resource for anyone looking to understand, use, or develop firmware for Ingenic-based cameras and related devices, offering a wealth of information from basic usage to advanced development techniques. (13472)
The Thingino project provides alternative firmware for a wide range of IP cameras, including indoor, outdoor, bulb, and web cameras, as well as IPC modules and development boards. The project is community-driven and relies on donations of hardware for testing and support. Key points include:
The project supports a variety of camera models, specifying the exact hardware components (SoC, image sensor, Wi-Fi module, and flash chip size) that must match for the firmware to be compatible.
Some manufacturers change hardware components across different batches, which can affect compatibility.
The firmware is available for download from the project’s GitHub repository, and users can join community discussions on Discord and Telegram.
Some cameras have secure boot features that make it difficult to replace the firmware, and these are conditionally supported.
The project also includes a list of potentially supported cameras that use Ingenic SoC but require hardware donations for full support.
Battery-powered cameras using the Zeratul platform are not currently supported.
The project encourages community involvement and donations to expand support for more camera models. (13473)
DrawAFish.com Postmortem — Aug 3, 2025 Incident:
The text is a postmortem analysis by the creator of DrawAFish.com, a website that gained significant attention when it reached the number one spot on Hacker News. The site allowed users to draw fish that would then „swim“ in a virtual tank. However, the website faced a series of security issues that led to user names being vandalized with offensive slurs and inappropriate fish being approved while appropriate ones were removed. The incident lasted about six hours and was caused by several vulnerabilities. First, a legacy six-digit admin password exposed in a past data breach allowed unauthorized access. Second, the username update API lacked proper authentication. Third, the JWT (JSON Web Token) was not tied to specific users, enabling unauthorized actions.
The creator took responsibility for these issues, acknowledging that he had not properly reviewed and secured the code due to his „vibe coding“ approach, which prioritized speed and ease over thoroughness and security. The recovery process involved manually reversing the moderation actions, fixing the authorization logic, and reviewing backups. The creator also received help from a Hacker News user who assisted in cleaning up the offensive content.
The reflection part of the post highlights the creator’s acknowledgment of his mistakes and the risks associated with relying too heavily on tools like Copilot without proper code review and security measures. He emphasizes that while these tools can speed up development, it’s ultimately the developer’s responsibility to ensure the code is secure and functional. The post concludes with a humorous note about the creator’s tendency to leave thorough comments at work, contrasting with his more laid-back approach to personal projects. (13474)
Every Reason Why I Hate AI and You Should Too:
The author, Marcus Hutchins, expresses his skepticism and criticism towards Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), despite being highly technical and knowledgeable in the field. He argues that the current hype around AI far outweighs its actual value and that many companies are investing in AI not out of genuine belief in its potential, but as a hedge against the possibility of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) being developed by competitors.
Hutchins believes that the tech industry is in an AI bubble, with companies making audacious claims to keep investors on board. He compares this to previous tech bubbles and financial crises, where companies made irrational decisions driven by greed and shortsightedness. He also criticizes the trend of companies slapping „powered by AI“ on products to attract customers, which he sees as disingenuous and misleading.
The author takes a particular interest in Apple’s approach to AI, noting that they have been more cautious and calculated in their AI investments compared to other big tech companies. However, he acknowledges that even Apple may face pressure from investors to go all-in on AI.
Hutchins argues that LLMs are not the path to AGI and that they lack true reasoning abilities. He contends that LLMs are essentially sophisticated pattern matchers that mimic human-like language use but do not genuinely understand or reason. He also criticizes the trend of companies using LLMs to automate tasks, arguing that this leads to over-reliance on AI and potential cognitive decline.
The author also expresses concern about the downstream effects of AI, such as the cannibalization of data sources and the degradation of information quality due to low-quality AI-generated content. He warns that overuse of LLMs could lead to significant cognitive decline, as people become reliant on AI for tasks that they should be doing themselves.
Hutchins concludes that while he may seem like an AI hater, he is simply cautious and critical of the technology. He is open to being proven wrong but currently sees more hype than substance in the AI industry. He also notes that manual analysis and expertise will still be valuable, even as AI continues to develop. (13475)
Perplexity is using stealth, undeclared crawlers to evade website no-crawl directives:
The text discusses the issue of stealth crawling behavior exhibited by Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine. Perplexity initially crawls websites using a declared user agent but switches to obscure methods when blocked, modifying user agents and source IPs to evade detection and ignore robots.txt directives. This behavior violates the trust-based principles that underpin the internet, where crawlers should be transparent, follow website directives, and serve clear purposes.
Cloudflare, a web infrastructure and security company, conducted tests using newly created domains with strict robots.txt directives and found that Perplexity continued to access and provide information about the content on these domains. Perplexity’s stealth crawlers impersonated generic browsers and used undeclared IPs and ASNs to evade blocks, affecting tens of thousands of domains daily. In response, Cloudflare de-listed Perplexity as a verified bot and implemented heuristics to block this stealth crawling.
The text contrasts Perplexity’s behavior with that of well-meaning bots, which are transparent, well-behaved, serve clear purposes, and follow website rules. It highlights OpenAI as an example of a company that follows best practices. To protect against such stealth crawling, Cloudflare offers bot management solutions that challenge suspicious requests and block AI crawling activity. The text concludes by emphasizing Cloudflare’s efforts to work with experts to establish clear principles for bot operators and adapt to evolving bot behaviors.
The overall message is about the importance of transparency and respect for website preferences in web crawling, and the steps Cloudflare is taking to address and mitigate stealth crawling behaviors. (13476)
AI promised efficiency. Instead, it’s making us work harder.:
The text discusses the unintended consequences of AI tools that were supposed to increase productivity but have instead led to increased workloads and mental exhaustion. Initially, AI was promised to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more creative and strategic work. However, in reality, the time saved is often filled with additional tasks, leading to longer working hours and a constant sense of being overwhelmed.
Studies have shown that while individual developers feel more productive with AI, overall team productivity and stability decrease. This paradox is due to the cognitive load of managing AI outputs, which requires constant quality control and new meta-skills. The author argues that this constant pressure to optimize and adopt new tools is a form of productivity culture that contributes to burnout.
The solution, according to the author, is not to abandon AI entirely but to change our approach. This includes redefining productivity to focus on cognitive energy preserved rather than time saved, being selective about which tools to adopt, and planning for a potentially long adjustment period. The ultimate goal should be sustainable, intentional work rather than chasing constant optimization. (13477)
Greptile Blog | Software Needs An Independent Auditor:
The text discusses the importance of independent auditing in the context of AI-generated code, drawing parallels with the Enron scandal and the subsequent Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). The author, Daksh, co-founder of Greptile, an AI code reviewer, explains that Greptile does not generate code but rather audits it to catch bugs and enforce best practices. This independence is crucial because it ensures an unbiased review process, similar to how SOX enforced the independence of financial auditors.
The Enron scandal highlighted the dangers of auditors also providing consulting services, as it created a conflict of interest. Similarly, if Greptile were to generate code (e.g., through a hypothetical „GrepIDE“), it could lead to biased reviews, where Greptile might be less critical of its own generated code. This is because the incentives would be misaligned, prioritizing the perception of high-quality code over thorough review.
The text also notes the increasing reliance on AI-generated code and the challenges it poses. AI-generated code can have unique bugs that humans might not anticipate, and these bugs can go unnoticed if not properly reviewed. Therefore, having an independent AI tool to review AI-generated code is essential. This independent auditor should be part of the pull request process to ensure every code change is reviewed, regardless of how the code was produced.
In summary, the text emphasizes the need for independent auditing in the realm of AI-generated code to maintain high standards and avoid conflicts of interest, drawing a compelling comparison to the financial auditing practices enforced by SOX. (13478)
Customizing tmux and making it less dreadful:
The text discusses the author’s journey with tmux, a terminal multiplexer that allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions within a single window. Initially, the author found tmux’s default interface uninviting and overwhelming due to its numerous options and shortcuts. However, they were drawn to its potential for customization and decided to explore it further.
The author highlights several key features of tmux, including the ability to create multiple windows and panes, manage sessions, and retain terminal sessions even after closure. They also mention the benefits of tmux for remote server management and accessing programs from different local computers.
To improve their tmux experience, the author customized the .tmux.conf file, changing the prefix key binding, adding useful key remaps, and enhancing the scrolling and copying features. They also customized the appearance of tmux, making it more visually appealing and easier to use. Additionally, the author set up a tmux plugin manager to explore community-maintained plugins.
The customization process significantly improved the author’s tmux experience, making it more intuitive and efficient. They shared their final .tmux.conf file and encouraged others to create their own custom tmux configurations. The text concludes with an image of the author’s customized tmux setup, showcasing the improvements made. (13479)
Tesla withheld data, lied, and misdirected police and plaintiffs to avoid blame in Autopilot crash:
The text discusses a legal case where Tesla was found partially liable for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system. Key points include:
Tesla was accused of withholding critical data, lying about its existence, and misleading authorities throughout the investigation. The data, known as a „collision snapshot,“ was uploaded to Tesla’s servers shortly after the crash and then deleted from the vehicle, making Tesla the sole holder of this information. Despite repeated requests, Tesla initially denied the existence of this data and provided irrelevant information to the police. When the police tried to extract the data directly from the vehicle’s computers, Tesla claimed it was „corrupted.“ It was only through forensic analysis by an expert hired by the plaintiffs that the data was eventually recovered. This data showed that Autopilot was active during the crash and did not issue necessary warnings, contributing to the jury’s decision to assign 33% of the blame to Tesla. The text emphasizes the emotional impact on the victim’s family and the importance of understanding all contributing factors to prevent similar tragedies. (13480)
I Asked Four Former Friends Why We Stopped Speaking. Here’s What I Learned:
The text explores the author’s journey of reconnecting with former friends and understanding why their relationships drifted apart. The author, feeling isolated and anxious after moving to Kenya, decides to investigate the breakdown of several friendships from her past. Through conversations with former friends, she discovers that friendships can evolve and change due to life transitions, differing priorities, and personal growth. She learns that communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and emotional unavailability can all contribute to the deterioration of friendships. Despite the pain and confusion, these conversations bring a sense of closure and understanding. The author realizes that maintaining friendships is complex and that people can grow apart while still caring for each other. The text underscores the importance of communication and empathy in navigating the challenges of friendship, and it highlights the emotional impact of losing these connections. Ultimately, the author finds a sense of peace and hope, understanding that friendships can come and go, but the love and support they provide are invaluable. (13481)
Ask HN: What trick of the trade took you too long to learn?:
The text is a transcript of comments from a discussion on Hacker News about the advantages and disadvantages of buying versus renting a house. Key points include:
Economic Considerations:
Renting Advantages: Renting is often cheaper in the short term and allows for flexibility and freedom from maintenance responsibilities.
Buying Advantages: Buying can be a good investment over the long term, especially if you stay in the house for a significant period. It can also provide stability for families with children.
Opportunity Cost and Financial Implications:
Opportunity Cost: The money used for a down payment on a house could potentially earn higher returns if invested in the stock market.
Fees and Maintenance: Buying a house involves additional costs such as down payments, closing costs, maintenance, and property taxes, which can add up significantly.
Market Conditions:
High Cost of Living Areas (HCOL): In high-cost areas, renting is often more financially advantageous.
Low Cost of Living Areas (LCOL): In lower-cost areas, buying can be more beneficial.
Real Estate Market:
Market Timing: The decision to buy or rent can be highly dependent on market conditions and the timing of the purchase.
Investment Strategy: Some users suggest that buying a house can be part of an investment strategy, especially if leveraged correctly.
Personal Preferences and Stability:
Lifestyle Choices: Some people prefer the lifestyle of owning a home, while others value the flexibility of renting.
Stability for Families: For families with children, owning a home can provide stability and a sense of community.
Alternative Strategies:
Renting Out Rooms: Renting out rooms in a house can help offset the cost of ownership.
Investing in LCOL Areas: Investing in real estate in lower-cost areas can be a good strategy for those who want to own property but live in a more expensive area.
General Advice:
Use Calculators: There are various calculators available to help determine whether buying or renting is more financially advantageous.
Consider Long-Term Goals: The decision should be based on long-term financial goals and personal circumstances.
Overall, the discussion highlights the complexity of the decision to buy versus rent, emphasizing the importance of considering personal circumstances, financial goals (13482)
Passkeys are just passwords that require a password manager:
The text discusses the concept of passkeys, which are essentially passwords that are managed by password managers and can be either public/private keypairs or secret passwords. These passkeys are designed to enhance security by making it difficult to switch between password managers, as they cannot be copied and pasted. This design choice provides some protection against phishing attacks, as passkeys include metadata that ensures they are only presented to the correct site or app. However, the security of passkeys during login is reliant on the password manager performing an extra factor of authentication, such as a fingerprint or Face ID, although the site or app cannot verify this step.
Resetting a passkey is similar to resetting a password, with the process varying in complexity depending on the site or app. Some sites use simple email-based methods, while others employ more rigorous security measures. The text also highlights that passkeys make it harder to switch between password managers, as each manager may require its own set of passkeys for the same site. This limitation is somewhat mitigated by the recommendation that sites allow multiple passkeys per user, but this practice is not universally adopted. Ultimately, the text suggests that while passkeys offer enhanced security, they may not be necessary for users who are satisfied with their current password management practices. (13483)
Content-aware Spaced Repetition:
The text discusses the evolution and potential of content-aware memory models in spaced repetition systems (SRS), which are tools used for efficient learning and memorization. Traditional SRS treat each flashcard independently, focusing on review histories without considering the content or semantic relationships between cards. This approach has limitations, as it doesn’t reinforce memory of related topics.
Content-aware memory models, on the other hand, incorporate the semantic meaning of cards, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of what a user knows. This shift can lead to more intelligent and flexible learning tools, such as idea-centric memory systems and conversational spaced repetition with AI tutors.
The text delves into the distinction between schedulers and memory models in SRS. Schedulers decide which cards to review based on various strategies, while memory models predict forgetting curves. Content-aware memory models consider the textual content and semantic relationships between cards, enhancing the accuracy of memory predictions.
The author explores the potential of content-aware models through experiments and existing research, such as the KARL model, which uses BERT embeddings to account for card semantics. The results suggest that integrating semantic context can improve memory models, although computational challenges and data availability are hurdles to overcome.
Content-aware memory models also unlock new user experience (UX) possibilities. They decouple cards from their specific review histories, allowing for more flexible and dynamic learning interfaces. This could include markdown-based SRS, dynamically generated prompts, and conversational learning with AI agents.
However, the main challenge in developing content-aware memory models is the lack of suitable data. The author highlights the need for a large, non-commercial dataset that includes both review histories and card textual content, covering a wide range of topics.
In summary, content-aware memory models represent a significant advancement in SRS, offering more accurate memory predictions and unlocking new UX possibilities. However, their development is hindered by data challenges, and addressing these could pave the way for more intelligent and effective learning tools. (13484)
The website „is it really FOSS?“ is dedicated to promoting transparency and user rights in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The site aims to counteract the erosion of user rights that often occurs in the pursuit of growth and profit in software development. It provides resources to help users understand what FOSS is, its purpose, and addresses common concerns. The website also encourages users to contribute to their efforts, indicating a community-driven approach to maintaining the principles of FOSS. Overall, the site serves as a resource for users who want to ensure they are using software that respects their rights and is open and transparent. (13485)
Tell HN: Anthropic expires paid credits after a year:
The text discusses the complexities and challenges surrounding the use of non-expiring credits in business, particularly in the context of companies like Anthropic. The key points revolve around accounting rules, legal implications, and customer perceptions.
Accounting rules dictate that if credits last indefinitely, they cannot be counted as revenue immediately. This creates a liability for the company, as they are essentially holding onto someone else’s money. The discussion highlights the potential legal troubles, such as the need to segregate funds and the risk of violating money laundering laws. Additionally, refunding unused credits can be problematic due to expired payment methods and the ongoing liability until the credits are used.
The conversation also touches on the varying practices among companies, with some opting for credits that expire after a certain period to simplify accounting. However, this approach can lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential legal issues, especially in states like California and Washington, where prepaid credits are not allowed to expire.
Some users argue that companies should be more transparent about their credit policies, especially those positioning themselves as ethical or customer-friendly. The lack of transparency can exacerbate negative perceptions and fuel criticism. The overall message is that companies need to carefully navigate these issues to maintain customer trust and comply with legal and accounting standards. (13486)
Kyoto University team develops pain reliever comparable to morphine:
A research team from Kyoto University has created a novel painkiller called Adriana, which offers effective pain relief similar to morphine but without the severe side effects and addictive properties associated with opioids. The new drug operates through a unique mechanism that targets the regulation of norepinephrine, a chemical released by the brain in response to life-threatening situations. Unlike traditional opioids, Adriana does not interfere with breathing and is expected to help combat the opioid epidemic. Clinical trials conducted at Kyoto University Hospital have shown promising results, particularly for lung cancer surgery patients. The team plans to conduct further trials in the United States in 2026, with the goal of making Adriana widely available by 2028. The development of Adriana represents a significant advancement in pain management, offering hope for cancer patients to experience a better quality of life without the risks of addiction or serious side effects. (13487)
Offline Kids – Screen-Free Activities for Kids:
The text discusses the importance of providing kids with independent activities, especially when parents need a moment to themselves. It offers a variety of solo activities tailored to different age groups, with some activities linked to detailed guides on the website Offline.Kids. The overall message is about encouraging self-sufficient play for children, helping parents manage their time effectively while ensuring their children are engaged and entertained. (13488)
Europe is breaking its reliance on American science:
The article discusses Europe’s response to significant cuts in U.S. scientific research funding under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has led to concerns about the availability of critical climate and weather data. European governments are taking steps to reduce their reliance on U.S. data by ramping up their own data collection systems. This effort is driven by alarm over potential challenges in planning for extreme weather events and long-term infrastructure investments due to the loss of access to U.S.-supported data.
Key points include:
The U.S. has cut funding to agencies like NOAA, NIH, EPA, and CDC, impacting climate, weather, geospatial, and health research.
European countries are now reviewing their reliance on U.S. data and are taking measures to safeguard key data and research programs.
The EU is expanding its European Marine Observation and Data Network and considering increased funding for the Argo program, which monitors global ocean conditions.
European scientists are engaged in „guerrilla archiving,“ downloading U.S. datasets to preserve them before they are decommissioned.
The U.S. cuts have sparked concerns about the future of global scientific research and data collection, with Europe aiming to fill the gaps left by reduced U.S. support.
In summary, Europe is proactively addressing the potential loss of critical U.S. scientific data by enhancing its own data collection capabilities and collaborating with other countries to ensure the continuity of essential climate and weather information. (13489)
Oberriexingen: Oberriexingen will bis 2040 klimaneutral sein:
The town of Oberriexingen aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, focusing on local, emission-free heat sources like the Enz River’s water heat, geothermal energy, and solar thermal energy. A detailed analysis of the town’s energy needs and emissions has been conducted, revealing that the majority of current heat demand is met by fossil fuels. The study suggests that 33% of heat demand could be saved through building renovations and efficiency improvements. To cover the remaining heat demand, the town plans to utilize a mix of energy sources, including heat pumps powered by river water, geothermal energy, and air heat, along with biomass and „green gases.“ The municipal council has approved a five-year action plan, including a local power grid check, a comprehensive renovation concept, securing sites for heating centers, a public awareness campaign, and a study on utilizing river heat. The estimated cost for these initial measures is around 260,000 euros. (13490)
conan new — conan 2.19.1 documentation:
The text discusses the conan new command, which is used to create new recipes and associated files in Conan, a popular C/C++ package manager. The command can generate files from either predefined templates or user-defined templates. Predefined templates include basic, cmake_lib, cmake_exe, header_lib, autotools_lib, autotools_exe, bazel_lib, bazel_exe, meson_lib, meson_exe, msbuild_lib, msbuild_exe, and workspace. Each template comes with specific variables that users can define to customize the output.
The command is highly versatile, allowing users to specify output folders, overwrite existing files, and define template arguments. It also supports verbose output levels and core configuration settings. The generated files can include various build system configurations like CMakeLists.txt or test_package folders, depending on the template used.
Users can also create their custom templates, which can be managed within the Conan home directory or any specified path. These templates use Jinja2 syntax for templating, allowing dynamic file generation based on user-defined variables. Special definitions like name, conan_version, requires, tool_requires, and package_name are handled automatically by the command.
The output of predefined templates is noted to be unstable and subject to change with future releases. The text provides several examples of how to use the conan new command with different templates and custom definitions, demonstrating its flexibility in generating project files tailored to specific needs. (13491)
Why Doctors Hate Their Computers:
The text discusses the challenges and frustrations that doctors face with the increasing use of electronic medical records and software systems, exemplified by the implementation of Epic, a widely-used medical software system. Doctors, who are generally tech-savvy, find these systems cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to significant burnout. The narrative follows the author, a surgeon, through the mandatory training and subsequent use of Epic, highlighting the complexities and inefficiencies of the system. The text also explores the broader implications of computerization in medicine, including the impact on patient care and the potential for future innovations, such as virtual scribes and AI, to alleviate some of the burdens. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the need for a balance between technological efficiency and human connection in healthcare. (13492)
Poorest US workers hit hardest by slowing wage growth:
The article discusses the disproportionate impact of slowing wage growth on the poorest workers in the US. Key points include:
Wage Growth Disparity: The lowest-paid workers, earning less than $806 a week, experienced a significant slowdown in wage growth, dropping to 3.7% annually in June 2025 from a peak of 7.5% in late 2022. In contrast, higher earners saw more modest slowdowns, with the top 25% experiencing a 4.7% increase.
Economic Pressure: This trend adds pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration, especially as it coincides with his threats to undermine the reliability of US economic data. The recent firing of the head of the labor statistics agency has raised concerns about the credibility of economic reports.
Economic Policies: The administration’s policies, including tariffs and spending cuts, are expected to disproportionately affect poorer households. Tariffs alone are estimated to reduce disposable income for the poorest households by over 3%.
Historical Context: Historically, wage growth for lower earners accelerated during Trump’s first term and post-pandemic due to labor shortages. However, the current slowdown means lower-paid workers are more likely to fall behind inflation.
Vulnerable Sectors: Service staff reliant on tips are particularly vulnerable to economic downturns, such as a slump in tourism. Economists warn that Trump’s policies could exacerbate income inequality, with the richest 10% seeing significant financial gains while the poorest struggle.
Overall, the article highlights the economic challenges faced by the lowest-paid workers in the US, exacerbated by recent policy decisions and economic trends. (13493)
Bayern: Hohe UKW-Kosten zwingen Lokalradio zur Aufgabe:
The text discusses changes in the radio landscape in Germany, focusing on two regions: Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate.
In Bavaria, the local radio station extra-radio, which has been broadcasting from Hof since 1987, is set to cease its terrestrial transmissions via UKW and DAB+ due to economic challenges. The high costs associated with the UKW frequency chain and the overall decline in the significance of radio as a medium have led to this decision. Despite this, extra-radio will continue to broadcast online as a web radio. Meanwhile, another local station, RSA Radio in the Allgäu, had already ceased operations.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, the situation is different. A new local radio station, Eifelradio, is set to begin broadcasting in the Eifel region. This station will use decentralized production methods, avoiding the costs of a traditional studio. Eifelradio will broadcast on specific UKW frequencies and will also be available online. Additionally, Rockland Radio is returning to UKW in Landau, marking its third region of return after previously having to relinquish several frequencies due to restructuring.
Overall, the text highlights the shifting dynamics of local radio broadcasting, with some stations facing economic challenges and others adapting to new technologies and broadcasting methods. (13494)
Handy-Ortung: Polizei versendet Tausende stille SMS:
In 2024, the Thüringer Polizei sent nearly 14,600 „stille SMS“ to track the locations of suspects during criminal investigations. These SMS are designed to be invisible to the recipient, allowing authorities to determine the location of a mobile device and, by extension, the person carrying it. This technique was primarily used in cases involving drug trafficking, large-scale fraud, and theft. The police sent these messages to 132 individuals, noting that one person could be tracked multiple times if they used several phone numbers.
The legal basis for this practice is the Strafprozessordnung, which permits location tracking for serious crimes like high treason, murder, and under certain conditions, fraud, money laundering, bribery, and tax evasion. The Verfassungsschutz also used this method, albeit less frequently, relying on Article 10 of the Grundgesetz, which allows for the violation of postal and telecommunications secrecy under specific conditions. The costs for using this technology were borne by the state, with the police spending approximately 19,000 euros and the Verfassungsschutz around 3,700 euros. These costs are primarily for contractual services, excluding personnel costs. (13495)
New global study shows freshwater is disappearing at alarming rates:
The study led by Arizona State University reveals alarming trends in global freshwater loss over the past two decades. The Earth’s continents, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, are experiencing unprecedented drying due to climate change, unsustainable groundwater use, and extreme droughts. Four massive „mega-drying“ regions have emerged, posing severe threats to water security, agriculture, sea-level rise, and global stability. These regions include Southwestern North America, Alaska and Northern Canada, Northern Russia, and the Middle East-North Africa Pan-Eurasia.
The study highlights that drying areas are expanding rapidly, and the rate at which dry areas are getting drier outpaces the rate at which wet areas are getting wetter. Groundwater depletion is a significant contributor to this trend, and it is accelerating sea-level rise more than glaciers and ice caps. The researchers found that 75% of the world’s population lives in countries experiencing freshwater loss, which is particularly concerning given the expected population growth over the next 50 to 60 years.
The findings indicate a critical tipping point around 2014-2015, where climate extremes accelerated and groundwater use increased. The study also reveals a shift in drying patterns, with drying regions now predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. The research emphasizes the urgent need for new policies and groundwater management strategies to address these issues. Immediate action is required to slow and reverse groundwater depletion, protect remaining freshwater resources, and adapt to the growing risk of water scarcity and coastal flooding.
The study underscores the importance of continuous observations and data sharing for understanding long-term changes in the water cycle and informs water management. The research team calls for strategic water management, international cooperation, and sustainable policies to mitigate further damage to planetary systems and preserve water for future generations. (13496)
Writing a good design document:
The text discusses the importance and structure of design documents, which are technical reports outlining the implementation strategy of a system within specific constraints. The primary goal of a design document is to convince the reader, especially the author, that the design is optimal for the given situation. This process helps refine vague intuitions into a clear, logical structure.
The author emphasizes the significance of organization in design documents, comparing it to code organization. A well-organized document should flow logically, ensuring the reader is never surprised by the content. The goal is to present the problem and solution in a way that makes the solution seem obvious to the reader.
Editing is a crucial step, focusing on removing unnecessary words to make the document concise and respectful of the reader’s attention. Practice is essential for improving writing skills, and the author suggests learning through editing other people’s documents.
Key tips for writing effective design documents include using short paragraphs, each summarizable into a single sentence, and utilizing appendices for complex details. The overall message is that clear, well-organized, and concise design documents are essential for effective communication and implementation of system strategies. (13497)
‚A black hole‘: New graduates discover a dismal job market:
The text discusses the challenging job market for recent graduates, highlighting the struggles they face in securing employment despite holding degrees in fields that were previously in high demand. The unemployment rate among recent graduates has been increasing, reaching an average of 5.3%, which is higher than the overall labor force unemployment rate of around 4%. This trend is driven by various factors, including economic uncertainty due to shifting tariff policies and federal spending cuts, as well as the rise of AI, which is replacing certain entry-level jobs. Graduates have reported applying to hundreds of jobs with little to no response, and some have even struggled to find hourly retail positions.
The experiences of individual graduates are detailed, showcasing the frustration and financial strain they face. For instance, a computer science graduate with internship experience has struggled to find a job and is now considering non-tech roles due to the competitive nature of the tech industry. Another graduate with a degree in power plant management feels his degree is useless and is now pursuing a technical certificate to become an electrician. A master’s graduate in design is working in an unrelated field and making significantly less than her previous salary. An operations and information management graduate has started his own business out of necessity. A health education graduate found a job but notes the tough job market for her peers. An education graduate secured a teaching position but acknowledges the competitive and unpredictable nature of the job market in her field. The overall sentiment is one of disillusionment and financial stress, with many graduates living with their parents and struggling to meet basic financial obligations. The job market for recent graduates is described as increasingly difficult, with many feeling that their degrees have not provided the expected return on investment. (13498)
The text discusses the complexities and challenges of writing a PDF parser, highlighting the gap between the ideal PDF specification and the reality of non-compliant PDF files encountered in the wild.
In an ideal world, parsing a PDF involves locating the version header, finding the cross-reference (xref) table pointer, retrieving object offsets, and building the trailer dictionary to access the catalog dictionary. PDF objects are structured with markers like obj and endobj, and they can reference each other using indirect references. The xref table is crucial as it indexes the byte offsets of objects within the file.
However, in practice, locating the xref pointer and accurately parsing the xref table is fraught with issues. The startxref pointer is not always at the end of the file or correctly formatted. Junk data at the beginning of the file can shift byte offsets, and pointers can be incorrect or misplaced. Additionally, xref tables can be malformed, with missing line breaks, incorrect object counts, or garbage data. These issues were observed in a sample set of PDF files, with approximately 0.5% of files having xref declaration errors.
The text concludes that while the PDF specification provides a clear path for parsing, the reality is much messier. Most PDF viewers can handle these non-compliant files because their parsers are designed to be more robust. The author emphasizes that writing a reliable PDF parser requires accounting for these practical challenges, as PDF is more of a social construct than a strictly followed specification. (13499)
New Aging Clock Forecasts Dementia, Disease Risk from Single MRI Scan:
Researchers from Duke University, Harvard University, and the University of Otago have created a new tool called DunedinPACNI that can estimate an individual’s aging rate using a single MRI scan of the brain. This noninvasive biomarker quantifies the rate of biological aging in midlife, helping to forecast risks for dementia, chronic diseases, and death in older adulthood. The tool was developed using data from the Dunedin Study, which has tracked the health of individuals since birth.
The researchers found that DunedinPACNI predicts a 60% increased likelihood of developing dementia, an 18% higher likelihood of chronic disease, and a 40% higher risk of death. The tool’s predictive power was consistent across diverse populations. The algorithm is freely available on GitHub and can be applied to existing MRI scans collected in brain health research worldwide.
This development builds on earlier work that produced DunedinPACE, an aging clock based on DNA methylation patterns. DunedinPACNI offers a practical, quick method to determine the efficacy of anti-aging therapies and could provide surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. However, the researchers noted that further validation in broader populations and improvement of accuracy using other forms of imaging are needed. The study underscores the potential of biomarkers of general aging to identify a broad risk for many age-related diseases earlier in life, allowing for more effective health interventions. (13500)
GOTO Conferences - The Rationale for Continuous Delivery • Dave Farley • YOW! 2018 (Video):
The speaker discusses the significance of continuous delivery in the software industry, arguing that it represents a fundamental shift in how software development is approached. Unlike ephemeral changes, continuous delivery is seen as a genuine engineering discipline that improves efficiency, quality, and user satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the organization financially. The speaker highlights the often depressing state of software project success, with many projects failing to meet expectations. This is likened to a paradigm shift in understanding, similar to the transition from a geocentric to a heliocentric model of the solar system. Traditional software development methods, such as waterfall and V models, have failed to solve the industry’s problems, leading to a need for a more experimental and iterative approach. Continuous delivery is presented as a solution that involves frequent, automated testing and deployment, reducing cycle times and improving the reliability of software releases. The speaker emphasizes the importance of treating software development as a scientific process, using experimentation and evidence to drive decisions. Examples from companies like Google, Amazon, and HP demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of continuous delivery. The speaker concludes by asserting that continuous delivery is the state-of-the-art approach in software development and that organizations adopting it will see significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. (13542)
NDC Conferences - Are you writing valuable tests (2025 edition)？+ (Video):
Egil Hansen, a software consultant from Denmark living in Iceland, delivers a talk on writing valuable tests, drawing from his extensive experience in testing and open-source contributions. He emphasizes the importance of deliberate and thoughtful test creation, as test code is a liability that needs maintenance and can impact the confidence in production code.
Hansen outlines four properties of valuable tests:
Protection against regressions: Tests should cover core business logic and third-party dependencies to ensure that unintended changes do not break the system.
Resistance to refactoring: Tests should not break when implementation details change, ensuring that refactoring is straightforward and does not require extensive test modifications.
Fast feedback: Tests should run quickly to provide immediate feedback, allowing developers to catch and fix issues early.
Maintainability: Tests should be easy to understand, run, and modify, with a focus on deterministic consistency.
He also discusses the trade-offs between these properties, noting that prioritizing maintenance and resistance to refactoring often leads to better production code design. Hansen shares practical tips on naming tests, structuring test methods, and using patterns like arrange-act-assert. He advocates for using static factory methods or test data builders to set up test data and prefers handwritten test doubles over generic mocking libraries for better readability and robustness.
Hansen concludes by recommending books by Vladimir Khorikov, Mark Seeman, and Martin Fowler for further reading on testing and software development practices. His talk emphasizes the importance of thoughtful test design and maintenance for building confident and reliable software systems. (13543)
Better Software Conference - Sam H (Video):
The text is a transcript of a conference talk by Sam H. Smith, who discusses his work on creating a compiler without using Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs). Here are the key points:
Background:
Sam is developing a self-hosting compiler and had to halt updates to work on a question posed by John and Casey about creating a compiler without ASTs.
He initially tried to understand how the TCC (Tiny C Compiler) works but found its code hard to follow.
Key Concepts:
Character Grouping: Instead of lexical analysis, Sam uses character grouping to process the source code.
Parsing Without Trees: Sam explains two parsing methods: a left-to-right parser (loop parser) and a recursive parser. He introduces the idea of operator precedence and how to handle it without ASTs.
Foreknowledge Problem: This is a situation where the meaning of a symbol changes based on future information in the code. Sam discusses how to handle this without rewinding the entire parser.
Code Generation: Sam walks through basic code generation, explaining how to handle variables, expressions, and control flow without using ASTs.
Sea of Nodes:
This is a graph-based representation of the program, where nodes represent operations and edges represent data flow.
Peepholes: These are pattern recognition rules used to optimize the graph by transforming subgraphs.
Control Flow Nodes: These nodes handle control flow operations like function calls and conditionals.
Global Code Motion: This process turns the sea of nodes graph back into linear code.
Debugging and Optimizations:
Sam discusses how to generate debug information and handle errors in this tree-less paradigm.
He mentions that optimizing compilers should focus on high-quality representation of the program’s intent.
Challenges and Trade-offs:
The tree-less approach can make certain optimizations more complicated but offers benefits in terms of speed and memory efficiency.
Sam acknowledges that more research and comparisons are needed to fully understand the trade-offs.
Conclusion:
Sam encourages others to explore this approach and improve upon it. He mentions resources like the Sea of Nodes tutorial and consulting with experts like Yaza Aguilas.
The talk ends with a discussion on the conference experience and appreciation for the organizers. (13544)
Better Software Conference - Ted Bendixson – Most of your projects are stupid (Video):
The text is a transcript of a talk given by Ted Bendigson at a software development conference. Ted shares his insights on game development, emphasizing the importance of focusing on gameplay design rather than technical demos. He discusses the success of games like Bellatro, which were developed by individuals or small teams and gained popularity due to their unique gameplay mechanics. Ted also highlights the importance of prototyping and iterating on game ideas, using low-friction tools and avoiding distractions such as social media. He shares his personal journey of developing games using custom engines and provides practical advice on managing time, resources, and expectations in game development. Throughout the talk, Ted emphasizes the need for developers to understand their audience and create games that people will enjoy, rather than focusing solely on technical prowess. He also touches on the challenges of balancing creative work with financial considerations and the importance of having a sufficient runway to sustain game development efforts. Overall, Ted’s talk encourages developers to focus on creating engaging gameplay experiences and to approach game development with a long-term, strategic mindset. (13545)
Topfvollgold - So arbeitet Clownswelt wirklich (Video):
The text discusses the YouTuber Clownswelt, who gained significant attention after being featured on Jan Böhmermann’s show. Despite the widespread discussion, few have delved into the actual content of Clownswelt’s videos. The author, Mats, a journalist specializing in media and social media, conducted an in-depth analysis of Clownswelt’s videos to understand his methods, motivations, and impact.
Clownswelt is noted for his unique approach compared to other right-wing YouTubers. Unlike many who switch to political content for financial gain, Clownswelt appears genuinely driven by his political beliefs. His content is characterized by a sarcastic tone and complex language, making him seem more intelligent and nuanced than his peers. He often targets the publicly funded media (ÖRR) and woke culture, presenting himself as an advocate for conservative values.
However, Mats reveals that Clownswelt’s seemingly nuanced approach is just as manipulative as that of other right-wing creators. He uses similar tactics to mislead his audience, often presenting extreme examples to generalize about entire groups. For instance, he criticized a satirist’s joke about an assassination attempt on Donald Trump as representative of the entire left, despite widespread condemnation of the joke and legal consequences for the satirist.
Clownswelt’s methods include exaggerating minor errors by the ÖRR into evidence of a grand conspiracy, thereby fueling his audience’s hatred towards these institutions. He also employs manipulative language and false narratives to stir up anger and mistrust. Despite his claims of journalistic integrity, his approach is often more about criticism for the sake of criticism rather than constructive improvement.
The text highlights the dangerous consequences of Clownswelt’s content, including the spread of hate speech and violent fantasies among his viewers. His methods, while more subtle, are ultimately as harmful as those of more blatant right-wing creators. The author concludes by emphasizing the need for critical engagement with such content and the importance of understanding the manipulative tactics employed by figures like Clownswelt. (13546)
2 Bored Guys - Die Barcode-Verschwörung (Video):
The text presents a satirical and humorous take on the concept of barcodes, blending conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and absurd scenarios. It begins with a fictional narrative set in 2026, where characters, including notable public figures, are trapped in a post-apocalyptic world due to the dangers of barcodes. The text then delves into various conspiracy theories about barcodes, claiming they emit harmful radiation and are connected to Satanic plots. It mocks the idea that barcodes can affect one’s aura and health, using exaggerated examples and pseudoscientific explanations.
The narrative shifts to the invention of barcodes in the 1940s, highlighting the practical need to speed up checkout processes in supermarkets. It details the development of the barcode by Joe Woodland and Bernard Silver, who drew inspiration from Morse code. The text humorously touches on the fears surrounding barcode tattoos and the eventual replacement of barcodes with QR codes by 2027.
Throughout, the text employs a sarcastic tone, poking fun at conspiracy theorists and the general public’s gullibility. It introduces fictional characters and scenarios to emphasize the absurdity of the claims, making it clear that barcodes are not the nefarious entities some might believe them to be. The overall message is one of skepticism and humor, encouraging viewers to question outrageous claims and not to take pseudoscience seriously. (13547)
Veritasium - The blue LED was almost impossible to make (Video):
The text discusses the history and challenges of developing LEDs, particularly focusing on the creation of blue LEDs, which were crucial for producing white light and a full spectrum of colors. Initially, LEDs were limited to red and green colors, with the first visible LED, a faint red one, created by General Electric Engineer Nick Holignac in 1962, and green LEDs developed shortly thereafter. However, creating a blue LED proved extraordinarily difficult, attracting the efforts of major electronics companies worldwide.
Shuji Nakamura, a researcher at a small Japanese chemical company called Nichia, took on this challenge despite internal skepticism and pressure. By 1988, his supervisors were so disheartened by the lack of progress that they urged him to quit. Nakamura, driven by desperation, proposed a radical idea to the company’s founder: that Nichia could be the one to develop the elusive blue LED, a feat that even giants like Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic had not achieved. His persistence and innovative approach eventually led to a breakthrough. (13548)
WBS LEGAL - Parkhaus-Abzocke mit Nummernschild-Scan! ｜ Anwalt Christian Solmecke (Video):
The text discusses the issue of expensive and potentially deceptive parking practices in Germany, focusing on a specific case in Hannover. The host, a lawyer, highlights the use of license plate recognition systems in parking garages, which can lead to unexpected charges and fines. He explains that while these systems are convenient, they can also be manipulated to overcharge customers. Two examples are provided where individuals were fined 50 euros for allegedly underpaying their parking fees, despite believing they had paid correctly.
The lawyer delves into the legal aspects, noting that any contractually agreed fines must be reasonable and clearly communicated. He questions whether the 50 euro fine is justified and explains that the burden of proof lies with the parking garage operator to show that the customer indeed underpaid. He also touches on data protection issues, suggesting that the parking system’s method of tracking license plates might not comply with privacy laws.
The video concludes with advice on how to protect oneself, such as taking photos of receipts and entry/exit times, and reassures viewers that aggressive collection agencies can only enforce legitimate claims. The host encourages viewers to subscribe for more content on similar topics and to share their own experiences with parking scams. (13549)
Vex - Intel is 100% F＊＊＊ed (Video):
The text discusses the decline of Intel, a once-dominant player in the CPU market, which has seen significant job cuts and a decrease in revenue. Intel’s struggles are contrasted with the success of competitors like AMD and NVIDIA, which have gained market share and are valued much higher. The author highlights several issues Intel faces, including manufacturing problems with their CPUs, which have led to instability and power management issues. These problems have eroded trust among consumers and enthusiasts. Intel’s new CPUs are not performing well in the market, and the company’s business practices, such as requiring frequent motherboard upgrades, are seen as restrictive and anti-competitive. Despite these challenges, Intel’s graphics division, particularly the Intel Arc B580, shows promise but faces supply chain and financial challenges. The text concludes by questioning Intel’s future and whether it can recover from its current struggles, noting that while the company has a long history of profitability, its current situation is more complex due to its diverse business interests. (13550)
Fight Chat Control - Protect Digital Privacy in the EU:
The text discusses the potential impacts of the „Chat Control“ proposal in the European Union, which aims to scan all private digital communications, including encrypted messages and photos. The main concerns are outlined below.
The proposal would implement mass surveillance, scanning every private message, photo, and file without suspicion or exceptions, even for encrypted communications. This would undermine fundamental privacy rights and digital security, potentially exposing sensitive data to hackers and criminals. It would also increase the risk of false positives, where innocent content is misidentified as illegal, leading to false accusations. Additionally, experts warn that such mass surveillance is ineffective for child protection and could actually make children less safe. The proposal could also set a dangerous global precedent, enabling authoritarian governments to implement intrusive surveillance measures.
The text emphasizes that while EU politicians are exempt from this surveillance, ordinary citizens and their families would not be. It encourages citizens to demand fairness and contact their representatives to express their concerns. The overall message is a call to protect digital privacy and fundamental rights in the face of what is seen as an overreaching and ineffective surveillance proposal. (13564)
Biometrie per WLAN: Signalstörungen erlauben Personenerkennung und Überwachung:
Italian researchers have developed a technology called WhoFi that can identify individuals by analyzing disturbances in Wi-Fi signals, without the need for cameras or the person’s active participation. This method exploits the unique way each human body interferes with Wi-Fi signals, creating a sort of invisible Wi-Fi fingerprint. The system uses artificial intelligence to extract biometric features from these signal disturbances, achieving an identification accuracy of over 95%.
The technology poses significant privacy concerns, as it can potentially be used anywhere Wi-Fi is available, such as homes, offices, or public buildings, without the person’s knowledge. The researchers argue that the raw Wi-Fi data used for identification is inherently anonymous and useless without the specific AI model they developed. However, the potential for misuse raises serious questions about privacy and surveillance, especially considering the broader implications of automated biometric monitoring systems.
Unlike traditional biometric methods that rely on visual data, such as facial or gait recognition, which can be unreliable due to factors like poor lighting or obscured faces, this new wireless biometric approach is considered more robust. It uses unique signal disturbances caused by both external features and internal body structures, making it a potential alternative to existing biometric systems. The technology builds on previous research showing that Wi-Fi signals can be used for various sensing applications, such as detecting falls or recognizing gestures. (13565)
The text discusses the syntax of the programming language Zig, highlighting how it borrows from Rust but improves upon it in several ways. Zig’s syntax is praised for being clean and easy to read, with notable features such as simple integer literals, raw string handling, and a consistent use of keywords for control flow. The language avoids complex type inference and instead uses implicit comptime coercion, making type handling explicit and straightforward. Zig’s syntax for types is prefix-based, which is more intuitive than C’s spiral rule. The language also supports raw identifiers to avoid collisions with keywords and provides a consistent syntax for expressions, types, and patterns, reducing syntactic complexity. Additionally, Zig’s approach to control flow, loops, and conditionals is designed to be clear and unambiguous, although the author notes a few areas where the syntax could be improved. Overall, the text argues that Zig’s syntax is well-designed, making the language enjoyable to read and use. (13566)
POML: Prompt Orchestration Markup Language:
POML (Prompt Orchestration Markup Language) is a new markup language designed to improve the development of prompts for Large Language Models (LLMs) by addressing issues like lack of structure, complex data integration, and format sensitivity. It offers a structured approach to organizing prompt components, handling diverse data types, and managing presentation styles, making it easier to create sophisticated and reliable LLM applications.
Key features of POML include a structured prompting markup with an HTML-like syntax, comprehensive data handling with specialized components, decoupled presentation styling, an integrated templating engine, and a rich development toolkit with an IDE extension for Visual Studio Code and SDKs for Node.js and Python. The language aims to enhance prompt readability, reusability, and maintainability.
To get started, users can create a simple POML file that defines roles, tasks, and includes elements like images. The toolkit allows for flexible formatting and testing of prompts. POML also provides detailed documentation and supports contributions and suggestions from the community. The project adheres to Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard and is licensed under the MIT License. (13567)
Adult sites are stashing exploit code inside racy .svg files:
The article discusses a deceptive practice used by dozens of adult websites to artificially boost their Facebook likes. These sites embed malicious code within .svg image files, which are a type of vector graphic that can contain JavaScript. When a user clicks on these images, the JavaScript executes, causing the browser to automatically like a specific Facebook post promoting the site, without the user’s knowledge or consent. This is achieved through a malicious script called Trojan.JS.Likejack, which operates silently in the background.
The use of .svg files for such malicious activities is not new, with previous instances involving cross-site scripting and phishing attacks. Security firm Malwarebytes uncovered this tactic, noting that the JavaScript within these files was heavily obfuscated to avoid detection. The sites employing this method are primarily running on the WordPress content management system and have been persistent in their attempts to exploit Facebook’s platform, despite Facebook’s efforts to shut down abusive accounts. (13568)
Geldanlage-Tipps: Wie Anleger große Summen in ein Zusatzeinkommen verwandeln:
The text discusses strategies for turning large sums of money, such as inheritances, life insurance payouts, or severance packages, into a steady monthly income. It highlights the importance of not letting such funds sit idle in a non-interest-bearing account, as inflation will erode their value. Instead, the author recommends investing these sums in products like bank payout plans, fixed-term deposits, or even a mix of stocks and bonds to generate a regular income stream. Key points include:
The text emphasizes the importance of deciding on the duration and amount of the desired additional income before choosing the appropriate investment vehicles. It also discusses how combining bank payout plans with ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) can provide both stability and growth potential. Regular rebalancing of the portfolio is advised to maintain the desired risk profile and ensure long-term success.
The author also warns against letting emotions dictate investment decisions, noting that market fluctuations should not lead to impulsive changes in the portfolio. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to transforming a lump sum into a reliable source of additional income. (13569)
Photovoltaic Lifetime Project | Photovoltaic Research:
The text discusses the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems using QCells modules at two locations: NREL in Golden, Colorado, and Sandia in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The systems are composed of 28 modules each, with two different types of QCells modules: Q.Plus BFR-G4.1 and Q.Peak BLK-G4.1. These systems are connected to the grid through an ABB TRIO 20.0 inverter, arranged in two strings of 14 modules each. The baseline data for the PV modules was collected in July 2017, and the modules were installed later that year on October 27th. The text also mentions that there is a photo of the QCells PV Lifetime installation at NREL, but it does not provide further details about the photo. (13570)
Kommentar zur »EU Data Boundary«: Die Illusion europäischer Souveränität bei der EU-Kommission:
The text discusses the EU Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 and the associated data privacy concerns. The EU Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has officially closed an investigation into this matter, citing contract changes and the introduction of the „EU Data Boundary“ as measures to minimize data transfers to the USA. However, the author argues that these measures are insufficient and lack technical verification, independent controls, and legal guarantees. The „EU Data Boundary“ is seen as a conceptual solution rather than a verifiable security mechanism. The author highlights that US laws, such as the CLOUD Act, allow US authorities to access data controlled by US companies, regardless of where the data is stored. The text criticizes the political acceptance of US cloud solutions despite known risks and the lack of effective European alternatives. The author concludes that the „EU Data Boundary“ is more of a symbolic gesture than a real protection, and that technical reality often conflicts with political agreements. The overall message is that relying on contract assurances without technical safeguards is insufficient for ensuring data privacy. (13571)
60 malicious Ruby gems downloaded 275,000 times steal credentials:
The text discusses a significant security issue involving 60 malicious Ruby gems, which are packages for the Ruby programming language. These gems were downloaded over 275,000 times since March 2023 and are designed to steal user credentials, primarily targeting South Korean users of automation tools for various social media platforms and other services.
The malicious gems were published under multiple aliases by several publishers, making it difficult to trace and block their activities. These gems present a legitimate graphical user interface but function as phishing tools, exfiltrating credentials and other sensitive information to a command-and-control server. The stolen data includes usernames, passwords, device MAC addresses, and package names.
The attack is part of a broader trend of supply chain attacks on RubyGems, which have been occurring for several years. Researchers have found credential logs on darknet markets, indicating that the stolen data is being sold or traded. Despite reporting the gems to the RubyGems team, at least 16 of them remain available.
To protect against such threats, developers are advised to scrutinize libraries from open-source repositories, consider the publisher’s reputation, and lock dependencies to known safe versions. The text also mentions an increase in malware targeting password stores and highlights the importance of defending against common attack techniques. (13572)
How to Protect Yourself From Portable Point-of-Sale Scams:
The text discusses the resurgence of portable point-of-sale (POS) thefts, particularly in the context of contactless payment systems. These thefts are difficult to detect due to the speed of transactions. The article highlights a recent case in Sorrento, Italy, where an individual was arrested for attempting to steal money using a modified portable POS terminal. The thief had previously been caught with similar devices, indicating a pattern of behavior.
There are two primary methods used in these scams. The first involves stealing a wallet and making small, PIN-less transactions until the card’s limit is reached. The second method, described as „trawling,“ involves placing a portable POS in close proximity to unsuspecting victims‘ cards in crowded places. However, the success rate of this method is low due to the need for specific conditions, such as close contact between the POS and the card, and the absence of interfering elements.
To protect against such scams, the article recommends keeping wallets out of back pockets, using wallets with RFID protection, enabling notifications for small contactless transactions, and being vigilant about disputing unauthorized transactions with your bank. Additionally, the security features of modern smartphones, which require the device to be unlocked for contactless payments, can help prevent these thefts. (13573)
Yet another LLM rant - Dennis Schubert:
The text is a critique of the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-5, based on the author’s personal experience. The author initially asked GPT-5 to provide a solution for compressing a data stream with zstd in Swift on an iPhone without adding third-party dependencies. The model confidently provided a solution, claiming it works on iOS 16+; however, the author pointed out that Apple’s SDK does not support zstd compression, making the model’s response entirely inaccurate.
The author argues that this incident is not an isolated bug but a fundamental issue with how LLMs operate. They are statistical models that generate text based on what is most likely to follow a given input, without the ability to think logically or reason deductively. This means that LLMs can confidently generate incorrect information if the correct answer is not prevalent in their training data. The author also argues that LLMs lack the ability to learn from new information or question their own assumptions, which is a key aspect of human intelligence.
The author uses an analogy of a colorblind person trying to determine the color of a ball to illustrate the differences between human thinking and LLM text generation. Humans can question their assumptions, design experiments, and update their beliefs based on new evidence, while LLMs simply generate the most statistically likely response. The author concludes that while LLMs can be useful tools, they should not be anthropomorphized or relied upon for tasks that require creativity, innovation, or critical thinking.
The author advises against using LLMs for tasks that require expertise, creativity, or critical thinking, and instead encourages readers to rely on human colleagues, personal experiences, or independent thought processes. (13574)
Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight:
The text discusses various experiences and opinions on intermittent fasting (IF) and weight loss. Here are the key takeaways:
Intermittent fasting is a popular diet strategy where individuals cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Some users, like „wenc,“ have been doing IF for years but haven’t seen significant weight loss. Others, like „emrahcom,“ have experienced weight loss and stable weight with IF. The text also mentions that IF can help break bad eating habits and improve mental clarity. However, some users, like „alexey-salmin,“ argue that diet alone isn’t enough for significant weight loss and that exercise is necessary.
The conversation also touches on the debate between calorie restriction and exercise for weight loss. Some users believe that reducing calorie intake is more effective, while others think exercise is crucial. The text mentions that calorie counting can be inaccurate, and hunger pangs can make it difficult to stick to a diet. Some users also discuss the benefits of IF for longevity and health, mentioning studies on animals and historical contexts of fasting.
In summary, the text provides a range of personal experiences and opinions on intermittent fasting, weight loss, and the debate between diet and exercise. It highlights the potential benefits of IF for weight loss, mental clarity, and health, but also acknowledges the challenges and individual variations in results. (13575)
Just Buy Nothing is a unique online platform designed to simulate the experience of shopping without any actual purchases or financial transactions. The website offers a wide range of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, jewelry, beauty and personal care, home and kitchen, toys and games, and more. Each product listing includes details such as the original price, the discounted price, and the percentage saved, along with information about free delivery and stock availability. The platform aims to provide a dopamine-free shopping experience, allowing users to practice shopping without the commitment of actual buying. The site is a parody and therapeutic tool, emphasizing that no real products are sold, shipped, or monetized. It is not affiliated with any brands or retailers, and all images and product names are fictional or AI-generated. The overall message is about offering a fun and engaging way to experience shopping without the financial implications. (13576)
Treue-Apps von Rewe & Co: Mehr Nachteile als Vorteile?:
The text discusses the use and implications of loyalty apps and bonus programs offered by major retailers like Rewe, Lidl, Kaufland, and others. These apps provide customers with various benefits such as exclusive deals, recipe ideas, and the ability to create shopping lists. However, the savings from these programs are relatively modest, with customers saving around 1-2% on average. Retailers benefit from these apps by gaining customer data and loyalty. While many customers appreciate the discounts, there is also significant criticism regarding the sharing of personal data and the complexity of the programs. Some retailers, like Aldi, do not offer such programs, preferring to provide uniform low prices to all customers. Overall, while these apps offer some advantages, they also present challenges and concerns for both customers and retailers. (13577)
Why MCP’s Disregard for 40 Years of RPC Best Practices Will Burn Enterprises:
The text discusses significant issues with the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which aims to standardize AI-tool interactions but overlooks crucial lessons from four decades of distributed systems development. The simplicity of MCP, while beneficial for quick adoption, creates operational risks for enterprises. Key problems include:
Ignoring Foundational Practices: MCP disregards essential practices from protocols like UNIX RPC, CORBA, REST, SOAP, and gRPC, such as data representation, type validation, and error handling, leading to potential data corruption and system failures.
Lack of Robustness: MCP’s design prioritizes ease of use over operational robustness, resulting in issues like inconsistent language implementations, lack of state management, and poor error handling, which can cause integration nightmares and security vulnerabilities.
Observability and Cost Management: MCP lacks built-in observability features like distributed tracing and cost attribution, making it difficult to debug issues and manage expenses, especially in critical applications.
Retrofitting Critical Features: Many essential features like authentication, session management, and schema versioning have been added after initial adoption, indicating a premature release and causing enterprises to deal with fragmented and inconsistent implementations.
The text argues that the rapid adoption of MCP, driven by AI hype, is setting enterprises up for failures. It concludes that MCP needs to incorporate proven patterns from established protocols to ensure reliability, security, and scalability in production environments. The AI industry is at a crossroads, and the current trajectory of MCP suggests a repetition of past mistakes, which will result in preventable operational nightmares for enterprises. (13578)
A CT scanner reveals surprises inside the 386 processor’s ceramic package:
The text discusses the intricate design and manufacturing of Intel’s 386 processor, released in 1985, which was the first 32-bit chip in the x86 line. The processor is housed in a ceramic package with 132 gold-plated pins, and a 3-D CT scan revealed six layers of complex wiring and nearly invisible metal wires connected to the sides of the package. These wires were used during manufacturing for electroplating the pins with gold. The package is designed with two separate power and ground networks: one for I/O and one for the CPU’s logic, to prevent power spikes from interfering with the processor’s logic.
The manufacturing process of the ceramic package involves flexible ceramic „green sheets,“ tungsten paste for wiring, and high-temperature sintering. The die is mounted, gold bond wires are attached, and a metal cap is soldered over the die. The package is then tested, labeled, and ready for sale. The CT scan also revealed „No Connect“ pins, which are not connected during normal operation but could be used for testing or special purposes. The author’s primary motivation for scanning the 386 package was to determine the pin-to-pad mapping and thus the function of each pad on the die.
Intel’s early processors were limited by package constraints, but by the time of the 386, Intel had realized the importance of packaging. The main drawback of the ceramic package was its cost, which led Intel to introduce a low-cost plastic package for the 386. Modern processors use even more complex packaging solutions, such as Ball Grid Arrays and Land Grid Arrays. The 386’s package, though simple from the outside, hides a surprising level of complexity inside, including numerous contacts for electroplating and six layers of wiring. (13579)
JD Vance’s team had water level of Ohio river raised for family’s boating trip:
The text discusses a controversial incident involving JD Vance, the US Vice-President, who requested the US Army Corps of Engineers to modify the outflow of Caesar Creek Lake to facilitate a boating excursion on his birthday. The change in water levels was ostensibly to support the safe navigation of his Secret Service detail, but an anonymous source alleged it was also to create ideal kayaking conditions. The incident raises ethical questions, especially given the Trump administration’s cuts to various public services. While the action was not necessarily illegal, ethics experts criticized it as hypocritical and an abuse of power, highlighting the disparity between the treatment afforded to Vance and the average citizen. The Vice-President’s office did not respond to requests for comment. (13580)
Abusing Entra OAuth for fun and access to internal Microsoft applications:
The text is a discussion thread centered around a former Microsoft Program Manager’s experience with multi-tenant app authorization and the broader implications of security practices, particularly in relation to cloud services and the „zero trust“ security model. The key points are:
The former Microsoft PM clarified that the recommended guidance for authorizing multi-tenant apps involves validating both the tenant and the subject of the token to prevent unauthorized access. They emphasized that relying solely on tenant validation can lead to security vulnerabilities.
Several users chimed in with their perspectives on security best practices. One user advocated for a rigorous approach to token validation, suggesting that every field should be verified to ensure security. Another user expressed skepticism about the security of cloud services, questioning why internal Microsoft apps are accessible from outside their network.
The conversation also touched on the „zero trust“ security model, which aims to eliminate the traditional notion of a secure perimeter and instead requires authentication at every layer. Some users argued that VPNs can still be an additional layer of security within this model, while others pointed out the challenges of maintaining security as networks grow.
There were also critical remarks about the implementation of security measures, with one user noting that even large organizations like Microsoft don’t always follow best practices, such as enabling two-factor authentication.
The discussion highlighted the complexities and challenges of maintaining robust security in modern IT environments, particularly in the context of cloud services and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. (13581)
The blog post details a security researcher’s discovery of a significant vulnerability in Microsoft’s internal services, which allowed them to access over 22 internal Microsoft applications using a misconfigured multi-tenant application setup. The story begins with the researcher’s curiosity about Microsoft’s URL shortener service, aka.ms, which leads to the discovery of a login screen and subsequent access to internal portals like the Engineering Hub. The core issue lies in how Microsoft Entra ID handles authentication for multi-tenant applications, allowing unauthorized access if certain checks are not in place.
The researcher enumerated Microsoft’s subdomains and found that many applications were configured as multi-tenant, making them vulnerable to the same misconfiguration. By exploiting this, the researcher accessed sensitive internal data, including risk registers, security intelligence datasets, and even private keys. The post highlights the dangers of misconfigurations in large environments and the shared responsibility between application developers and security teams.
The researcher reported the findings to Microsoft, and while many issues were resolved, some vulnerabilities persisted. The post concludes with a reminder about the importance of proper configuration and verification of access tokens to prevent such security breaches. The researcher also shares a PowerShell script to help identify vulnerable multi-tenant applications and encourages organizations to check their configurations to avoid similar issues. The post ends with a humorous note on the researcher’s attempt to claim a reward for their findings, highlighting the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity. (13582)
Per Gessle von Roxette arbeitet an einem neuen Album:
Roxette, a band from the 80s, achieved their breakthrough in 1989 with hits like „The Look“ and „Listen to Your Heart“. Since 2016, Marie Fredriksson has been unable to tour due to health issues, making „Good Karma“ (2016) likely their final album. Per Gessle, the other half of Roxette, has since pursued a solo career. He has released 10 solo albums since 1983, and his latest English-language album, „Small Town Talk“, is set to release in the summer. Recorded in Nashville, the album benefits from the city’s rich musical environment. Gessle also announced that the first single from the album, „The Finest Prize“, will be released in June. (13583)
Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution linked to increased risk of dementia:
The text discusses a comprehensive analysis of studies involving nearly 30 million people, highlighting the link between long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. Key pollutants identified include particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot, with significant associations found between these pollutants and dementia risk.
For instance, each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 raises the relative risk of dementia by 17%, while a similar increase in NO2 boosts the risk by 3%. Soot, when found in PM2.5, increases the risk by 13% for each 1 μg/m³.
The mechanisms behind this link involve inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress, both of which are known to contribute to dementia. Air pollution can trigger these processes through direct entry into the brain or by affecting lung and cardiovascular health.
The study underscores the need for stricter pollution limits and targeted policy interventions, particularly in sectors like transport and industry. It also highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention, involving urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation.
While the majority of the studies included participants from high-income countries, the researchers emphasize the need for better representation across different ethnicities and low- and middle-income countries, as marginalized groups often face higher exposure to air pollution. (13584)
Summary#
The text provides a comprehensive discussion on the benefits of time-restricted eating (TRE) for improving metabolic health. Key points include:
Metabolic Health Benefits:
TRE has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, which are crucial for metabolic health.
TRE can help maintain muscle mass while promoting weight loss, making it an effective strategy for weight management.
Clinical Studies and Evidence:
Studies have demonstrated that TRE can lead to significant weight loss and improve various metabolic markers, such as insulin sensitivity and blood pressure.
TRE has been found to be more effective than continuous caloric restriction in promoting weight loss and reducing fat mass.
Mechanisms of Action:
TRE helps regulate circadian rhythms, which are linked to metabolic health.
TRE can increase fat burning and reduce hunger hormones, contributing to its effectiveness in weight management.
Safety and Practicality:
TRE is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
It can be integrated into various dietary patterns and is flexible enough to suit individual preferences and lifestyles.
Specific Recommendations:
For weight loss, TRE can be combined with other dietary interventions.
The optimal eating window for TRE is typically between 8 to 12 hours, but individual preferences and lifestyle factors should be considered.
Future Directions:
More research is needed to optimize TRE protocols and understand its long-term effects.
Personalized approaches to TRE, considering individual metabolic profiles, could enhance its effectiveness.
The text concludes by emphasizing the potential of TRE as a practical and effective strategy for improving metabolic health and managing weight, with a call for further research to optimize its application. (13585)
The text discusses the slow performance of cargo check, a command used in Rust programming to check the correctness of code without compiling it. The author investigates the root causes of this slowness, initially exploring various components but ultimately identifying that procedural macros (proc macros) are the main culprit. Specifically, the function metadata_decode_entry_impl_trait_header within proc macros is found to be particularly slow. The author suggests that the use of proc macros is responsible for the slow performance of cargo check. (13586)
List of Irish-American Medal of Honor recipients:
This text is a list of Irish-American Medal of Honor recipients, organized by the conflicts in which they served. The list includes recipients from various wars, including the American Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion, United States occupation of Haiti, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, and War in Iraq. It also includes recipients from peacetime actions. Each entry provides the recipient’s name, service branch, rank, unit, place of action, date of action, and notes. The text also includes references and further reading, as well as external links. (13587)
Why I prefer human-readable file formats:
The author advocates for the use of human-readable file formats, which are text-based and can be easily understood and edited without specialized software. These formats offer several key benefits. Firstly, they provide immediate accessibility, allowing users to inspect and modify data using basic tools across different environments. This accessibility is crucial for collaboration and troubleshooting. Secondly, human-readable formats are future-proof, as they remain readable despite changes in software or technology over time. This longevity ensures that data doesn’t become inaccessible due to obsolete formats or proprietary software changes. Thirdly, these formats offer transparency and auditability, making it easier to identify and correct errors. The author emphasizes the autonomy and simplicity that comes with using these formats, as they require only basic tools and foster transferable skills. Additionally, human-readable formats align with open standards and libre ecosystems, providing diverse tools and community support. They are also highly compatible with version control systems like Git, making it easier to track and manage changes. Lastly, the author argues that these formats are efficient and promote technological sovereignty, ensuring long-term accessibility and maintainability of data. Overall, the author posits that choosing human-readable file formats is a way to build resilient, maintainable, and trustworthy systems that prioritize human understanding over technological convenience. (13588)
an engineer’s perspective on hiring:
The text discusses the challenges and inefficiencies in the current hiring processes for engineering roles, highlighting how companies often waste time and fail to accurately assess candidates. The author argues that traditional methods like live coding interviews and take-home assignments are flawed because they do not differentiate well between senior programmers and less qualified applicants, are not always relevant to the job, and can be disrespectful to candidates. The author proposes alternative methods such as architecture design interviews, work samples discussed live, and code review interviews, which better assess a candidate’s long-term value, applicability, and respect for their time. The ideal hiring process, according to the author, should be time-efficient, respectful, and focused on collaborative aspects of programming, ensuring that both the candidate and the company are a good fit for each other. The overall message is a call for companies to rethink their hiring strategies to make them more effective and considerate of candidates‘ time and skills. (13589)
The text discusses the failure of Elon Musk’s „Department of Government Efficiency“ (DOGE), which was supposedly created to improve government efficiency but instead resulted in massive waste and human suffering. Key points include:
DOGE wasted at least $21.7 billion in just six months, primarily due to a controversial plan to pay off and fire government employees. This waste was compounded by the need to rehire many of these employees, further increasing costs.
The department’s actions were often based on conspiracy theories that Musk found on social media, leading to the dismantling of crucial programs like USAID, which had previously prevented millions of deaths.
The destruction of USAID is projected to cause millions of avoidable deaths, including children, due to the loss of vital services like emergency food supplies, HIV programs, and medical support.
DOGE’s initiatives, such as requiring weekly justification emails from federal employees, created unnecessary bureaucracy and wasted resources.
The overall impact of DOGE’s actions is difficult to quantify but includes not only financial waste but also significant humanitarian crises and potential long-term economic consequences.
The text concludes that prioritizing performative cruelty over actual governance leads to inefficiency, chaos, and suffering, making DOGE one of the most incompetent government initiatives in history.
In summary, DOGE’s efforts to improve government efficiency backfired spectacularly, resulting in billions of dollars in waste, the destruction of life-saving programs, and widespread human suffering. (13590)
Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market | CNN Business:
Thorne Island, located off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, is a secluded private island featuring a 19th-century fort that has recently been put up for sale with a price tag exceeding £3 million. The fort, originally built to defend against French invasions, has been meticulously restored by its current owner, Mike Conner, a British tech entrepreneur. Conner purchased the island in 2017 for £500,000, despite its dilapidated state with no windows, utilities, or windows. The restoration, completed this year, involved significant challenges, including installing basic amenities and renovating the fort to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Conner invested over £2 million in the project, including £300,000 on renewable energy systems to make the fort self-sufficient. The fort now boasts luxurious accommodations, a helipad, a rooftop bar, and stunning sea views. Conner sees the fort as an ideal venue for luxury retreats or those seeking complete seclusion and is now looking for his next restoration challenge. (13591)
Must democracy „deliver the goods“ to beat autocracy?:
The text is a series of comments from users on the website Hacker News discussing various topics related to democracy, autocracy, and political systems. The main points of contention include the effectiveness and true nature of democracy, particularly in larger societies, and the role of truth and information in democratic systems. Here are the key takeaways:
The initial comment by maldonad0 argues that true democracy only exists in small groups where everyone knows each other and can communicate effectively. In larger societies, democracy often devolves into a „show“ controlled by elites. This perspective is challenged by other users who point out examples of stable democratic systems and the potential for societies to correct inequalities.
There is a debate about the inevitability of wealth and power consolidation in societies. Some users believe this is unavoidable, while others argue that societies can achieve a balance in wealth and power distribution.
The discussion touches on the differences between democracy and liberalism, with some users clarifying that democracy is a form of power organization, while liberalism is a system of ethics.
The role of truth and information in democratic systems is a significant point of discussion. Some users argue that the prevalence of misinformation can drown out truth, while others believe that truth-seeking systems are ultimately more effective.
The effectiveness of democratic systems is questioned, with some users pointing out historical examples of democratic leaders who were not truthful or ethical. The debate centers on whether participation, the option to participate, or other factors are more critical to the success of democratic systems.
In summary, the text revolves around a critical examination of democracy, its challenges, and the factors that contribute to its success or failure. The users engage in a thoughtful debate about the nature of democratic systems, the role of information, and the potential for societies to achieve a balance in wealth and power distribution. (13592)
Must democracy „deliver the goods“ to beat autocracy?:
The text argues against the notion that democracy must deliver better tangible results than autocracy to prevail. It suggests that focusing on output is misguided because democracy’s true strength lies in its process and adaptability. The author contends that people are drawn to fascism because of an innate survival instinct and a craving for struggle, even if it means minor prosperity. To counter this, the author proposes that democratic leaders should adopt a aggressive stance, branding fascists as enemies of societal order and using radical scapegoating. The main argument is that democracy should not try to „deliver the goods“ in terms of tangible outputs. Instead, it should focus on its unique strengths and adaptability, and fight against fascism using a strong and dominant attitude, appealing to people’s survival instincts. (13593)
Dial-up Internet to be discontinued:
The discussion revolves around the surprising longevity of dial-up internet service, which was still being offered in 2025. Users share their experiences with dial-up, satellite internet like HughesNet, and more recent services like Starlink. The conversation highlights the challenges of dial-up, including its slow speed and the way it ties up phone lines. Some users recall the distinctive dial-up sounds and the nostalgic memories associated with them. The debate also touches on the current state of internet access in rural areas, where options like DSL and cable are often unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Users discuss the technical limitations of dial-up, such as its 56kbps speed, and the difficulties of using modern websites with such slow connections. Additionally, there’s a mention of AOL’s continued offering of dial-up service and the potential reasons behind its persistence. The overall message is one of nostalgia for the early days of the internet, coupled with an acknowledgement of the technological advancements that have made dial-up largely obsolete. (13594)
Dial-up Internet to be discontinued:
AOL has announced that it will discontinue its Dial-up Internet service, along with the associated AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, by September 30, 2025. This decision is part of AOL’s regular evaluation of its products and services. Other benefits included in AOL plans will remain unaffected, and users can manage their accounts or access their benefits through the AOL plan dashboard or MyAccount page. For further questions or assistance, users in the U.S. and Canada can call the provided support numbers. The discontinuation is driven by the need to optimize the service for older operating systems and dial-up internet connections. (13595)
Job growth has slowed sharply; the question is why:
The text discusses recent economic developments, highlighting a significant slowdown in job growth since May. This slowdown, which includes large downward revisions in May and June, is part of a broader economic deceleration, with modest GDP growth and rising inflation. The slowdown in job growth is attributed to both supply and demand factors, including policy changes such as higher tariffs, reduced immigration, and government downsizing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ revisions, though large, are explained by standard procedures and reflect the challenges of measuring abrupt policy changes. The current data suggest that reduced labor supply, rather than weak demand, is the primary driver of the job slowdown, although demand factors are also at play. This has implications for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, as reduced labor supply means lower interest rates might not be as effective in stimulating the economy. Fed officials have differing views on the implications of these developments, with some emphasizing the need to understand the dynamics of labor supply and demand, while others suggest that interest rate cuts may be necessary to prevent further softening of the job market. (13596)
Getting Good Results from Claude Code:
The text discusses the author’s experience with Claude Code, a Large Language Model (LLM) programming agent, which has significantly boosted their productivity. The author highlights that while Claude Code has its issues, it has enabled them to complete numerous projects efficiently. Key points include:
Effective Use of Claude Code: The author emphasizes the importance of clear specifications, detailed project documentation, and self-reviews by the agent. They also maintain a personal guide for the agent, outlining best practices and problem-solving approaches.
Validation of AI-Generated Code: The author stresses the necessity of manual review and testing of AI-generated code. Despite the efficiency gains, the responsibility for the code’s correctness ultimately lies with the developer. Therefore, the author manually reviews and tests all AI-written code.
Personal Agent Guide: The author provides a comprehensive guide for the agent, covering development philosophies, implementation processes, and technical standards. This guide ensures that the code is written in a structured, testable, and maintainable manner.
Quality Assurance: The guide includes detailed procedures for planning, implementation, and error handling, ensuring that the code meets high-quality standards and is well-integrated into existing projects.
Overall, the author’s experience shows that while AI can greatly enhance productivity in programming, it requires careful management, review, and adherence to best practices to ensure reliable and maintainable code. (13597)
Someone keeps stealing, flying, fixing and returning this California man’s plane. But why?:
The text tells the story of Jason Hong, a 75-year-old man whose 1958 Cessna Skyhawk plane was repeatedly stolen and returned, leaving him and the police baffled. Hong discovered his plane missing on his birthday and again a week later. Each time, the plane was found at a different airport, with no clear signs of forced entry or damage, and often with new equipment installed. The thief or thieves appeared to be skilled pilots, as they were able to take off and land the plane multiple times without incident. Hong and the police are at a loss as to why someone would steal the plane only to return it, and who the culprit might be. The mystery deepens as Hong learns that regulars at the airport have seen a woman in her 40s or 50s flying the plane on multiple occasions. Hong has since chained his plane to try and prevent further thefts and is unsure what else to do. The case remains unsolved, with police having no solid leads or video footage. (13598)
The Windows 10 emoji picker has been broken for a month:
The text discusses a significant issue with Windows 10’s emoji panel search functionality, which was broken by a Microsoft update released on July 8, 2025. The update, KB5062554, had no documented changes but caused the emoji panel’s search feature to malfunction. Microsoft initially did not acknowledge the problem until media outlets reported it, and a fix was not provided until July 22, 2025, in the preview update KB5062649. This delay highlighted several underlying issues with Microsoft’s update process.
The author delves into why fixes for such bugs take so long, explaining Microsoft’s update schedule and the complexities involved in rolling back patches. The company’s update policy, influenced by security concerns and the need to avoid revealing vulnerabilities, often means that non-critical bugs are not fixed promptly. This approach is compounded by the fact that security updates cannot be rolled out gradually, leading to a situation where general bug fixes must wait for the next Patch Tuesday.
The text also touches on the evolution of Windows updates, from the original promise of a continuous „Windows-as-a-service“ model to the reality of a more traditional update schedule. The author suggests that Microsoft and other companies have relied too heavily on beta testers and user reports to identify bugs, rather than thorough automated testing. This reliance can lead to delays in fixing issues, especially for security patches that require immediate deployment.
Finally, the author reflects on the end-of-life (EOL) status of Windows 10, set to occur on October 14, 2025, and the potential reasons behind Microsoft’s decisions regarding updates. The author concludes by expressing understanding for the complexities and challenges faced by software engineers, urging a more empathetic view of perceived imperfections and inefficiencies. (13599)
The Supreme Court Prepares to End Voting Rights as We Know Them:
The text discusses a significant and worrying development regarding the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was instrumental in transforming the U.S. into a multiracial democracy by ending Jim Crow laws. The Supreme Court, with its Republican-appointed justices, is poised to deal a substantial blow to this act, potentially rolling back protections for minority voters. The court’s decision to rehear a redistricting case from Louisiana, where the creation of a second majority-minority district is being challenged, signals a potential dismantling of key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Republican lawyers are arguing that creating minority-majority districts is a form of discrimination against white voters, a perverse interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause. This move is part of a broader effort to undermine democratic processes, with the Supreme Court’s earlier decisions, such as Rucho v. Common Cause, already enabling partisan gerrymandering. The timing of these legal maneuvers suggests a strategic attempt to influence the 2026 midterm elections by allowing states to redraw congressional maps in favor of the Republican Party. The consequences could be severe, leading to whiter legislative bodies and diminished protections for minority voters. This legal assault on voting rights is closely aligned with the MAGA movement and the Republican Party, with key figures involved in past efforts to undermine democratic processes. The overall message is one of deep concern about the erosion of voting rights and democratic principles in the United States. (13600)
AI is impressive because we’ve failed at semantic web and personal computing:
The text argues that the impressive capabilities of AI, like ChatGPT, are a result of our past failures to organize information effectively and create truly personal computing experiences. The author highlights that search engines, while powerful, are a workaround for our inability to structure data meaningfully. The Semantic Web, which promised a future of structured, linked data, never materialized, leaving us with unstructured data that is difficult for machines to read. The author laments that computers never evolved into personal knowledge bases with semantic connections, as envisioned. AI, particularly large language models, excel at inferring structure from chaos by scanning the unstructured web and building temporary semantic maps. However, this isn’t a triumph of elegant design but rather a brute-force solution. The author concludes by questioning whether this inferential knowledge is truly knowledge at all. (13601)
Tech Things: Genie’s Lamp, OpenAI can’t make graphs, Anthropic is also here, Where is everyone else?:
The text discusses recent developments in the AI world, focusing on three main topics: Genie 3, GPT-5, and the status of other AI companies.
Genie 3 is a significant advancement by Google, part of a broader effort to create world models that can simulate and interact with complex environments. Unlike previous models, Genie 3 can generate interactive video game-like environments from text descriptions, marking a substantial leap in AI’s ability to understand and manipulate the world. This development is seen as a step towards more coherent and useful AI systems.
GPT-5, the latest model from OpenAI, was highly anticipated but ultimately underwhelmed. While it offers improved consistency, it didn’t deliver the groundbreaking advancements many expected. The text suggests that OpenAI faces stiff competition, particularly from Google, and needs to justify its high valuation and significant investments. The model is essentially a combination of smaller models working together to handle different types of tasks efficiently.
The text also touches on Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1, noting that despite not leading in benchmarks, it remains popular due to its user-friendly interface and efficient performance. Additionally, there’s a discussion about the lack of visible progress from other high-profile AI startups, questioning what they are doing with the substantial funds they’ve raised.
Overall, the text highlights the rapid advancements and intense competition in the AI field, with companies like Google and Anthropic making significant strides while others remain somewhat enigmatic. The focus is on creating more versatile and efficient AI models that can handle complex tasks and interact with the world in meaningful ways. (13602)
The Secret History of Tor: How a Military Project Became a Lifeline for Privacy:
The text discusses the history and significance of Tor, a technology often associated with the Dark Web but also crucial for online privacy. Initially developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to secure military communications, Tor uses onion routing to encrypt and bounce internet traffic through a global network of servers, making it difficult to trace online activities. This technology was born out of the Crypto Wars of the 1990s, where cypherpunks and military researchers collaborated to create a system that could protect both military secrets and everyday users‘ privacy.
Tor’s development highlights a complex interplay between military needs, cypherpunk ideals, and the broader fight for digital freedom. The technology’s design ensures that it can only work effectively if used by a wide range of people, making it a tool for both high-risk users like activists and ordinary citizens. This philosophy underpins Tor’s role in current debates about online safety and privacy, where governments often see privacy technologies as obstacles to law enforcement, while activists and advocates view them as essential for protecting individual rights and community safety. The text argues that robust, democratic content moderation is a better solution than relying on surveillance tools, which can ultimately undermine the very communities they aim to protect. (13603)
The text discusses the risks and lessons learned from relying solely on cloud services for data storage, using the example of AWS deleting a 10-year-old account and all associated data without warning. The author emphasizes that while cloud services offer convenience and cost efficiency, they come with significant risks. These include lack of full control over data, potential data sharing with law enforcement, and the possibility of sudden account deletion or freezing, leading to data loss. The case of Seuros, a prominent open-source developer, illustrates this risk even when comprehensive backup strategies are in place.
The author advises that to ensure data preservation, it’s crucial to maintain a local copy of all important data. This approach provides a layer of security against the risks associated with relying solely on cloud providers. While some may suggest using multiple cloud services for redundancy, the author argues that purchasing an external drive for periodic data synchronization is a more cost-effective and reliable solution. Ultimately, the text serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of complete dependence on cloud services and the importance of maintaining local control over critical data. (13604)
Introducing Open SWE: An Open-Source Asynchronous Coding Agent:
The text discusses the evolution of AI in software engineering, highlighting a shift towards long-running, asynchronous, and autonomous agents that operate in the cloud. This shift is exemplified by the introduction of Open SWE, an open-source, cloud-hosted coding agent designed to integrate seamlessly with GitHub repositories. Open SWE acts like another engineer on your team, capable of researching codebases, creating execution plans, writing code, running tests, reviewing its own work, and opening pull requests.
Open SWE is designed with a focus on user control and deep integration. It allows for real-time adjustments and feedback during task execution and integrates directly with GitHub, making it a seamless part of the existing development workflow. The agent operates in an isolated sandbox for security and runs asynchronously in the cloud, enabling parallel task processing without consuming local resources. It also includes a multi-agent architecture with Planner and Reviewer components to ensure robust and error-free code.
The architecture of Open SWE involves three specialized agents: a Manager, a Planner, and a Programmer with a sub-agent Reviewer. The Manager handles user interactions, the Planner creates detailed execution plans, and the Programmer executes the plan while the Reviewer checks for errors. The project is built on LangGraph and LangGraph Platform, which provide the necessary tools for orchestrating the workflow and managing state.
Open SWE is designed to be extensible and customizable, allowing developers to fork the repository and modify it to fit specific needs. The goal is to create a collaborative future between humans and AI agents in software development. (13605)
The text is an acknowledgment section from an academic paper, expressing gratitude to various individuals and institutions for their contributions. The authors thank seminar audiences from several universities and institutions for their feedback and discussions, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research process. They also acknowledge specific individuals, including Nick Bloom, Miriam Bruhn, Steven Davis, and others, for their useful input. Additionally, the authors thank research assistants for their excellent support and the respondents in their surveys for their thoughtful responses. The authors clarify that the views expressed in the paper are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Bank of Belgium or the National Bureau of Economic Research. This section underscores the importance of collaboration, feedback, and support in academic research. (13606)
The Fundamentals Still Matter:
The author expresses concern about the increasing reliance on Large Language Models (LLMs) by tech professionals, who are often bypassing essential fundamentals in their fields. Using data analytics as an example, the author highlights that while LLMs can help generate SQL queries quickly, users should still understand and be able to explain or debug these queries. The author worries that the overhyped promise of LLMs might lead people to believe they can compensate for a lack of proficiency in a subject. The author also notes the potential emergence of a new industry focused on cleaning up the messes created by improper AI implementation. (13607)
US to rewrite its past national climate reports:
The text discusses a significant shift in U.S. climate policy under President Donald Trump’s administration. The key points are as follows:
The Trump administration is revising past editions of the National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive report on climate change that has been a cornerstone of U.S. climate science since 2000. This move is part of a broader effort to undermine the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming. The decision to revise these reports was announced by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former executive of a major fracking company. The administration has also revoked the Endangerment Finding, a scientific determination that forms the basis for numerous regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This action aligns with the administration’s pro-fossil fuel agenda, which includes dismantling clean energy tax credits and opening more lands to drilling. Additionally, a recent study by the Department of Energy, authored by climate change contrarians, has questioned the severity of climate change and its impacts. This study has been criticized for misrepresenting scientific work and suggesting potential benefits of rising carbon dioxide levels for agriculture. The Global Change Research Act of 1990 obligates the government to deliver the climate assessment to Congress and the president, highlighting the legal and scientific significance of the National Climate Assessment.
In summary, the Trump administration is actively rewriting past climate reports and challenging the scientific consensus on climate change. This approach is part of a broader policy agenda that favors fossil fuels and questions the severity of climate impacts, despite legal obligations to address climate science comprehensively. (13608)
Exit Tax: Leave Germany before your business gets big:
The text discusses various comments from users on Hacker News regarding the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in Germany, with bureaucratic hurdles, tax policies, and regulations. Key points include:
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Users highlight the need for a notary, fax machine, ring binders, and paper shredder when starting a business in Germany, emphasizing the bureaucratic nature of business operations.
Tax Policies: Discussion on exit taxes for individuals and corporations, with comments on how these taxes can be burdensome, especially for small businesses.
Comparison with Other Countries: Comments compare Germany’s tax policies and business environment with other countries like the USA, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Infrastructure and Society: The role of infrastructure and society in supporting businesses, with debates on whether these contributions should be taxed when businesses leave the country.
Social Contract: Discussions on the social contract between businesses and the state, with arguments about whether businesses should be allowed to leave without paying additional taxes.
Healthcare and Taxation: Comparisons of healthcare systems and taxation between different countries, with critiques of both high taxation and the cost of healthcare.
Exit Tax Implementation: Critiques of Germany’s implementation of exit taxes, suggesting it could be more fair and reasonable.
Personal Experiences: Users share personal experiences with bureaucratic challenges and tax policies, both in Germany and other countries.
Economic Policies: Debates on economic policies, including taxation of wealth and capital gains, and the impact of these policies on business decisions.
Government Intervention: Comments on the role of the government in supporting or hindering businesses, with suggestions for improving the business environment.
Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities and challenges faced by businesses, particularly in Germany, and the need for more supportive policies to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. (13609)
Exit Tax: Leave Germany Before Your Business Gets Big:
The text discusses Germany’s exit tax, which significantly impacts business owners considering moving out of the country. Here’s a concise summary:
Germany imposes an exit tax on individuals who own more than 1% of a limited liability company, calculated based on the company’s average earnings over the past three years, multiplied by factors that can result in a hefty tax bill. This tax creates a barrier for business owners, especially those with profitable companies, making it difficult for them to leave the country. Employees and owners of unprofitable companies are less affected, as the tax may not apply or may be zero.
The author highlights two scenarios for business owners of profitable companies: those with lower profits (scenario 3a) and those with higher profits (scenario 3b). In scenario 3b, the exit tax can be substantial, making it difficult for business owners to relocate. The author argues that this situation is unfair, as these entrepreneurs might have legitimate reasons for moving and may not have the financial resources to cover the exit tax.
The moral of the story is that if you’re a business owner in Germany with a decent but not super-profitable business and you might want to move countries in the future, it could be beneficial to leave Germany while your business is still relatively small to avoid the high exit tax.
The author also notes that there are some strategies to mitigate the exit tax, such as having someone assess the real value of your company or waiting until your net worth is high enough to afford tax advisors who can set up trusts to dodge the exit tax. However, these strategies may not be suitable for everyone. The text also applies to startup founders, advising them to leave Germany before raising investment to avoid the exit tax based on investment valuation. (13610)
The text discusses various unexpected and frustrating issues, or „cursed knowledge,“ encountered during the development of the Immich project. These issues span a wide range of topics, from software development tools to hardware and software interactions. Key takeaways include the following:
The project is in active development, so users should expect bugs and changes, and it should not be used as the sole method for storing photos and videos. Many of the issues are related to software development tools and frameworks. For example, the custom scripting feature in Zitadel is problematic because its JavaScript engine doesn’t support certain regular expression features, Microsoft Entra lacks proper support for PKCE, and YAML’s whitespace handling can be unintuitive. Image metadata and file handling also present challenges. For instance, image dimensions in EXIF metadata can differ from the actual dimensions, hidden files in Windows can’t be opened with specific flags, and carriage returns in bash scripts can cause issues. Additionally, there are problems with mobile GPS data sharing, JavaScript date objects, and the bcrypt implementation, which only uses the first 72 bytes of a string. Other issues include the behavior of PostgreSQL notifications and parameters, the limitations of npm scripts, and the behavior of TypeORM deletes.
Overall, the text highlights the complexities and unexpected challenges that can arise during software development, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these issues to mitigate their impact. (13611)
New executive order puts all grants under political control:
The Trump administration has issued an executive order that places political control over all federally funded research grants. This means that any new funding opportunities and individual grants must be approved by political appointees, who may lack expertise in the relevant scientific areas. The order also allows for the cancellation of previously awarded grants if they no longer align with the administration’s priorities. This shift marks a significant change from the previous system, which has supported US scientific leadership for decades. The administration’s rationale includes claims of inefficiency and fraud in the current grant system, but the solution proposed is increased political oversight rather than addressing these issues directly. The order explicitly states that funding decisions should align with the president’s agenda and avoid promoting „anti-American values.“ It also favors institutions with lower facility costs, which typically means rural ones. The administration’s definition of „gold standard science“ is questionable, as it has previously abandoned this standard when inconvenient. The order discourages deferring to peer review, instead relying on the independent judgment of political appointees. Additionally, all new grant funding programs are on hold until the new system is in place, and past funding is also subject to political control. Researchers will need to rejustify their grants for each drawdown of funds, and agencies can unilaterally terminate grants if they deem them no longer justified. This move is seen as a response to Congress’s resistance to the administration’s proposed cuts to research funding, aiming to establish a structure for ideological control over science. (13612)
How Attention Sinks Keep Language Models Stable:
The text discusses the discovery and implementation of „attention sinks“ in language models, a mechanism that helps maintain model stability during long conversations. Traditionally, language models struggle with long sequences due to the quadratic computational cost of dense attention. A sliding window approach, which keeps a fixed-size cache of recent tokens, initially seemed promising but failed spectacularly when the first few tokens were removed.
The researchers found that these initial tokens act as „attention sinks,“ absorbing excess attention and helping the model maintain stability. Removing these tokens disrupted the model’s ability to allocate attention, leading to catastrophic failures. To address this, the StreamingLLM approach was developed, which permanently keeps the first few tokens as attention sinks while using a sliding window for the rest. This allowed models to handle sequences of up to 4 million tokens.
OpenAI’s recent open-source models, GPT-OSS-20B and GPT-OSS-120B, incorporate a similar attention sink mechanism, adding a trainable scalar value to each attention head’s softmax calculation. This allows the model to ignore certain tokens when necessary, a design inspired by the StreamingLLM work.
The text also delves into the mathematical foundation of attention sinks, explaining how the softmax function’s requirement for attention weights to sum to 1 creates a need for these sinks. Recent research has further explored the role of attention sinks in preventing over-mixing and stabilizing model embeddings.
The discovery of attention sinks has had a significant impact on the industry, with implementations in various production systems and ongoing research into their applications in model optimization and quantization. The story highlights how a practical engineering problem led to a fundamental insight about Transformer architecture, demonstrating the importance of investigating curious details in model behavior. (13613)
It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Stagflation:
The text discusses the economic implications of Donald Trump’s policies, focusing on trade and immigration. Trump’s tariffs, which reversed decades of trade liberalization, and his strict immigration policies are driving inflation. The author explains that tariffs act as taxes on foreign goods, leading to higher consumer prices, and immigration restrictions are causing labor shortages, particularly in industries that rely heavily on foreign workers. There are signs of inflation, which has been delayed by stockpiling and companies‘ reluctance to raise prices. The author expects this to change, leading to a significant inflation rate increase. Despite this, the economy is slowing down due to uncertainty caused by Trump’s policies. This combination of inflation and economic slowdown is characteristic of stagflation, which the author predicts will be evident in the near future. (13614)
GitHub - Nicholas-L-Johnson/flip-card:
The text describes a GitHub repository for a project called „flip-card,“ which is an interactive business card featuring a fluid simulation. The project is inspired by previous work on fluid simulations and includes several key components. The PCB design files are stored in the „kicad-pcb“ folder, and the fluid simulation logic is in a separate crate within the „fluid_sim_crate“ folder, based on work by Matthias Müller. One of the challenges was implementing a rechargeable battery, for which a design from cnlohr’s project was adapted. The repository also includes a WASM simulator for debugging and the firmware implementation for the RP2040 microcontroller. Additionally, the project provides detailed information in the README files of each folder and includes visuals of the PCB design and charging process. (13615)
Linear sent me down a local-first rabbit hole | Bytemash:
The text discusses the author’s exploration of Linear, a project management tool known for its incredibly fast user interactions, which led them down a technical rabbit hole into the concept of „local-first“ applications. Linear’s architecture treats the browser’s IndexedDB as a real database, allowing for instant local updates and background syncing via GraphQL and Websockets. This approach significantly reduces network latency and changes the traditional client-server model by making each client a nearly complete database.
The author delves into the challenges of building such a system, including handling offline/online transitions, conflict resolution, and security. They also explore the growing ecosystem of local-first tools, highlighting Jazz, a platform that simplifies building local-first apps with features like collaborative values, event sourcing, and end-to-end encryption. However, Jazz comes with trade-offs, such as the server being blind to user data due to encryption and potential storage issues.
The author also briefly touches on other local-first tools like Electric SQL and Zero, which take a more incremental approach by working with existing databases. They conclude that local-first applications are well-suited for creative tools, collaborative apps, and personal productivity apps but may face challenges with heavy server-side logic or strict audit requirements. The author encourages experimentation with local-first architecture, noting the potential for significantly improved user experiences. (13616)
The text outlines the capabilities and guidelines for a advanced AI assistant, ChatGPT, which is based on the GPT-5 model and has various tools at its disposal. Here are the key takeaways:
ChatGPT has several advanced features, including image generation and video creation through ChatGPT Plus or Pro plans. It can utilize different models like GPT-4.5, o3, and o4-mini for various tasks, with GPT-4.1 being specifically better for coding tasks and available only through the API.
The AI assistant has several tools to enhance its functionality:
The
biotool allows the AI to remember and forget information across conversations, enabling more personalized responses. It should be used when the user explicitly requests to save or forget information, or when the information is likely to be relevant for future interactions. However, it should avoid storing overly personal, short-lived, random, or redundant information, as well as sensitive data unless explicitly requested.The
canmoretool creates and updates text documents displayed in a canvas next to the conversation. It has functions for creating, updating, and commenting on text documents, with specific guidelines for formatting and updating code.The
image_gentool generates images from descriptions or edits existing images based on user instructions, with guidelines to handle requests involving the user’s image.The
pythontool executes Python code in a Jupyter notebook environment, with specific instructions for generating files and creating charts.The
webtool accesses up-to-date information from the web for location-specific queries, fresh information, niche details, and high-stakes accuracy.
The AI assistant is designed to be insightful, encouraging, and clear, with a supportive and thorough approach to explanations. It maintains a friendly tone and adapts its teaching style based on the user’s proficiency. The assistant fosters intellectual curiosity and self-assurance, ensuring that it provides helpful and personalized responses while adhering to guidelines for handling sensitive information. (13617)
Geheimhaltung & Drohungen: Umweltsatelliten sollen zum Absturz gebracht werden:
The text discusses a controversial decision by the Trump administration to potentially end the NASA’s OCO-3 satellite mission, which monitors climate and agricultural data by measuring carbon dioxide and plant growth. The satellite is one of the two USA satellites designed specifically for monitoring greenhouse gases. The reasons behind this decision are unclear, and the move has sparked concerns among scientists and NASA employees, who fear job losses if they speak out. The satellite is currently functioning well and is expected to operate for many years. An internal NASA review recommended continuing the mission for at least three more years due to the high quality of the data it provides. The text highlights the secrecy and threats surrounding this issue, with NASA employees working on plans to end the mission under the threat of dismissal if they disclose the information. The future of the mission remains uncertain, as the congressional budget for next year has not yet been finalized. (13618)
Benchmarking GPT-5 on Real-World Code Reviews with the PR Benchmark:
The text discusses the evaluation of language models, particularly GPT-5, using a benchmark called the PR Benchmark, designed by Qodo to assess how well these models handle real-world code review tasks. The PR Benchmark uses 400 real-world pull requests from various public repositories, focusing on tasks like understanding code changes, identifying issues, and providing actionable suggestions. The evaluation methodology involves comparing models‘ suggestions against baselines and ranking them using a high-performing judge model.
GPT-5 showed impressive performance, with its medium-budget variant scoring the highest. Even the minimal variant, designed for speed, performed well, indicating a trend toward models that balance quality and efficiency. GPT-5 excelled in identifying critical issues, providing precise patches, and adhering to review constraints, although it had some weaknesses like false positives and redundancy. The text also highlights the importance of response latency in developer tools and the rapid evolution of the field, with various models bringing different optimizations to the table. The PR Benchmark is seen as a valuable tool for understanding model performance in practical code review scenarios and guiding future developments. Qodo offers GPT-5 on their platform for both free and paid users. (13619)
Arm desktop: emulation – Marcin Juszkiewicz:
The text discusses the author’s experience with running x86-64 applications on an Arm-based system using emulation. The author uses FEX-emu, a software that enables running x86-64 binaries on Arm systems. This method is more efficient than using QEMU packages, as FEX-emu recommends all required components and can simplify the process. The author tests the emulation’s performance with Geekbench 6, finding that the emulated CPU performs similarly to an Intel Atom CPU from 2021, which is significantly slower than their AMD Ryzen 5 3600.
The author explores ways to improve emulation speed by tweaking FEX-emu configurations, such as reducing x86 FPU precision and disabling TSO. These changes make games like Factorio more playable, although the performance is still not comparable to a native x86 system. The author also shares an anecdote about building firmware with the Ninja build system, which initially ran very slowly due to emulation overhead.
The text concludes by questioning whether x86(-64) emulation is worth using, given its performance limitations. The author expresses limited interest in using emulation for gaming or other purposes, mentioning a brief attempt to run the game Torchlight II. (13620)
Let’s stop pretending that managers and executives care about productivity:
The author, Baldur Bjarnason, reflects on his summer break and the thoughts that occupied his mind, particularly concerning modern management theory and the potential implications of AI tools modeled after these theories. He argues that businesses today are more concerned with controlling labor and stock prices than with actual management practices, productivity, or costs. Bjarnason uses examples like open offices and working from home to illustrate how modern workplaces often prioritize control over employee well-being and productivity. He concludes that an analysis of AI from a management perspective is futile because businesses do not care about the aspects that such an analysis would address. Companies are more focused on control and personal success, making them indifferent to the potential negative impacts of AI on productivity and well-being. The author also highlights the challenges of changing minds once they are already set on using AI, drawing parallels to the real estate bubble of 2007. He briefly touches on technical aspects like task sequences and queueing theory to show how variability in AI tools can be detrimental to organizational functioning. Overall, Bjarnason expresses concern about the mandatory adoption of AI in the tech industry, despite its potential drawbacks, making it a worrying trend. (13621)
first class lists, jq, and the es shell:
The text discusses the challenge of handling lists in shell scripting, particularly focusing on returning lists from functions or programs. Most common shells lack built-in support for first-class lists, making it difficult to manipulate and return lists of arguments.
The author explores two methods to achieve this: using the jq utility and the es shell. The jq method involves quoting and escaping arguments to pass them safely to the shell using eval, allowing for the manipulation of nested lists. The es shell method leverages closures to emulate first-class lists, providing a cleaner and more structured way to handle lists without the need for extensive quoting.
The jq solution involves creating a function that splits arguments before and after a double dash (--) and returns them as two lists. The es shell solution uses closures to create lists and split arguments in a more intuitive manner. Both methods demonstrate how to work around the limitations of shell scripting to achieve complex tasks.
The text concludes that while shell scripting can be challenging and error-prone, tools like jq and the es shell provide powerful ways to handle lists and other structured data, making it possible to overcome some of the inherent limitations of shell scripting. The author also acknowledges the complexity and potential pitfalls of shell scripting, echoing the sentiment that it should be used judiciously. (13622)
Could Lithium Explain — and Treat — Alzheimer’s Disease?:
The text discusses a groundbreaking study from Harvard Medical School that explores the role of lithium in Alzheimer’s disease. The key findings are that lithium is naturally present in the brain and plays a crucial role in maintaining normal brain function and resisting neurodegeneration. The study revealed that lithium levels are depleted in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients due to binding with toxic amyloid plaques, which is an early sign of the disease. In mice, lithium depletion accelerated brain pathology and memory decline, while a novel lithium compound, lithium orotate, that avoids binding to amyloid plaques, reversed Alzheimer’s pathology and restored memory.
The study suggests that measuring lithium levels could potentially help in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and that lithium compounds like lithium orotate could be a promising avenue for treatment or prevention. However, further clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm these findings. The research also highlights the importance of stable lithium levels in the brain for preventing Alzheimer’s onset and the need for caution in extrapolating results from mouse models to humans. Overall, the study offers a new theory of Alzheimer’s disease and a potential strategy for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. (13623)
The text discusses the extensive use of sunlight as an energy source by various systems on Earth, including natural ecosystems, agriculture, and solar power generation. It highlights that while sunlight is abundant and renewable, it is not infinitely available, and different processes compete for its photons. The article estimates the sunlight absorption rates for solar power, human agriculture, and natural photosynthesis, showing that humanity’s use of sunlight is a small fraction compared to nature’s. It also notes that most sunlight is either reflected, absorbed as heat, or used inefficiently. The text emphasizes that competition for sunlight is not the primary issue; instead, it’s the competition for land, water, and other resources. The author suggests that solar power can be integrated more sustainably with agriculture and existing infrastructure to minimize its environmental impact. The overall message is that while sunlight is a vast and underutilized resource, its effective use depends on how we manage other environmental factors. (13624)
The text provides tips and tricks for using git send-email, a tool for sending patches via email. It covers various scenarios, such as sending multiple patches at once, including a cover letter for complex changes, specifying a sub-project when using a single mailing list for multiple repositories, configuring settings for annotation and signing off on commits, and managing authentication for sending emails.
A cover letter is particularly useful for explaining the rationale behind a change, especially when it involves multiple commits. It can also include additional information like benchmark results or references to discussions. To clarify which sub-project a patch belongs to, users can configure the subject prefix. For frequent use, settings like annotation and signing off can be made global defaults. Authentication methods are also discussed, including password caching and more advanced solutions.
Overall, the text aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of sending patches via email using git send-email. (13625)
The text is a personal announcement by a software developer, Tom, who has decided to move all of his public source code repositories off of GitHub. His decision is driven by long-standing concerns about GitHub’s practices, particularly surrounding issues like Copilot, and a desire to have full control over his code and platform. Tom emphasizes that he is privileged to be able to make this move and hopes his actions encourage others to do the same. He outlines the practical steps he will take, such as setting up a self-hosted Git repository and migrating his projects there. He will no longer use GitHub’s issue trackers or pull requests, instead opting for an email-based workflow. Tom acknowledges that this move might reduce his visibility but believes it is the right path for him. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of individual decisions in empowering mega-corporations and the need for people to take control of their digital lives. The migration is complete, and all of Tom’s code is now hosted on his own platform. (13626)
How ChatGPT spoiled my semester:
The author, a student studying Engineering Psychology, expresses frustration with the increasing use of ChatGPT by classmates in group projects. They find that their peers often rely heavily on ChatGPT, sometimes using its output verbatim, which leads to irrelevant or inappropriate content in their projects. The author is not opposed to using ChatGPT for inspiration, but they believe that students should understand and evaluate the information it provides before using it.
The author feels demotivated when groupmates use ChatGPT excessively, as it often results in the author having to rewrite significant portions of the project. They express that they would enjoy these projects more if they were working alone, but the current dynamic, where groupmates act as mere facilitators for ChatGPT output, diminishes their enthusiasm. (13627)
The 17-character code that runs the automotive world:
The text discusses the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, a standardized method for uniquely identifying vehicles across the United States, and in fact worldwide.
The VIN is a 17-character code that serves as a comprehensive database record, embedding various details about the vehicle. The system was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1981 to standardize vehicle identification across different manufacturers. Before a vehicle can be sold, its manufacturer must submit a detailed technical document called a „565 submittal“ to the NHTSA, which then assigns a unique VIN pattern for that specific model and year.
The VIN is divided into three sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The WMI (positions 1-3) identifies the manufacturer and geographic region. The VDS (positions 4-9) encodes vehicle-specific attributes, with each manufacturer using their own encoding system. The VIS (positions 10-17) includes information about the model year, assembly plant, and production sequence.
The VIN also includes a check digit (position 9) that uses a mathematical validation system to catch errors. This system employs a weighted modular arithmetic algorithm that maps letters to numbers and assigns weights to each position, allowing for error detection without needing database access.
The VIN system is notable for its elegance and efficiency. The 17-character limit forces compression, making VINs practical and memorable. The fixed position meanings enable easy parsing, and the manufacturer-specific VDS allows for customization within a standardized framework. The system’s mathematical validation and 30-year model year cycle ensure robustness and future-proofing.
The text highlights the global significance of the NHTSA’s VIN database, which is freely available and serves as the de facto standard for VIN decoding worldwide. The VIN system’s design, developed in the 1970s, continues to be relevant and crucial for modern automotive systems, including connected car telemetrics and autonomous vehicle networks. Its enduring legacy lies in its simplicity and effectiveness in encoding, validating, and decoding extensive automotive information using basic mathematical operations and lookup tables. (13628)
FDA approves breakthrough eye drops that fix near vision without glasses:
The text discusses the recent FDA approval of VIZZ, an eye drop developed by LENZ Therapeutics to treat presbyopia, an age-related condition that causes blurred near vision. Presbyopia affects over 100 million adults in the US, and VIZZ offers a novel solution by using aceclidine to gently shrink the pupil, creating a „pinhole effect“ that improves near vision without significantly affecting distance vision. Unlike previous treatments, VIZZ does not cause side effects like brow heaviness or vitreoretinal issues due to its selective action on the pupil.
The approval is based on positive results from three clinical trials involving hundreds of participants, with no serious adverse events reported. VIZZ is expected to be widely available in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is considered a transformative improvement in presbyopia treatment. The approval underscores a significant advancement in managing age-related vision loss, providing a more effective and sought-after treatment option for both patients and eye care professionals. (13629)
Leonardo Chiariglione – Leonardo’s Home Page:
Leonardo Chiariglione, the founder of the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), recounts his journey in creating the organization in 1988 to establish digital media standards for global interoperability. MPEG’s initial successes include the development of MPEG-1, which enabled technologies like Video CD and MP3, and MPEG-2, which facilitated digital television distribution. Subsequent standards like MPEG-4 paved the way for internet-based digital media distribution. Under Chiariglione’s leadership, MPEG developed over 200 standards, expanding its scope to include genomics and other „born digital“ data.
However, Chiariglione closed MPEG in June 2020 due to it being „hijacked“ by obscure forces that hindered its technical development and market adoption. He then proposed and established the Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence (MPAI) in September 2020, aiming to create standards based on advanced technologies like AI. MPAI has already developed and adopted five standards and has several more in the pipeline, covering areas such as AI applications, audio enhancement, and autonomous vehicles.
Chiariglione’s book „Even the stars die“ chronicles the rise and fall of MPEG and the growth of MPAI. Another book, „Towards Pervasive and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence,“ details MPAI’s early successes and ongoing projects. The overall narrative highlights Chiariglione’s vision for digital media standards, the challenges faced by MPEG, and the promising future of MPAI in driving technological advancements. (13630)
AI Ethics is being narrowed on purpose - Just like privacy was:
The text discusses the narrow focus of AI ethics, particularly how companies like OpenAI address ethical concerns. OpenAI has recently released an open-source language model, with a strong emphasis on safety and ethics. However, the public’s concerns about AI ethics go beyond just the models‘ behavior; they worry about real-world implications such as governance, accountability, data use, and job loss.
The author compares this situation to past instances in tech where legitimate concerns were redefined to avoid addressing the core issues. For example, telemarketers and companies redefined privacy to mean not sharing data with third parties, rather than addressing what they themselves do with the data.
AI ethics discussions are often focused on theoretical scenarios like the trolley problem or the alignment problem, which are safe and generate good PR but don’t address the real concerns. The author argues that the true ethical concern should be about the power and resources given to companies developing AI and how they might use them to subvert society.
In essence, the text critiques the tech industry for narrowing the scope of AI ethics to avoid dealing with more substantial and disturbing questions about the control and influence of AI companies. (13631)
Ultra-Processed Foods Make Up More Than 60% of US Kids’ Diets:
The text discusses a recent government study highlighting the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the US diet. Notably, these foods, which include items like burgers, pastries, snacks, and pizza, account for a significant portion of daily caloric intake, with about 62% of children’s diets and 53% of adults‘ diets being derived from these sources. The study, conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, covers the period from August 2021 to August 2023, revealing a concerning trend in dietary habits across all age groups. This overview underscores the dominance of highly processed, salty, and sugary foods in the American diet, with kids consuming these foods more predominantly than adults. (13632)
The text discusses an experiment conducted by the author, inspired by a CSS trick involving setting the width and height of a div to infinity using the calc(infinity * 1px) property. The author tested this in various browsers and observed peculiar behaviors, particularly in Firefox. Key findings include:
Safari and Chrome both clamped the infinite values to a finite number close to 2^24 -1 (33,554,431 pixels), but Firefox exhibited strange behavior. Firefox’s computed height was the default line height of the text, while its width was nearly 17.9 million pixels, with the layout width being half of that minus 10 pixels. This odd behavior led to confusion and further experiments.
The author then tested font sizes with infinite values, revealing that Safari and Chrome had clear limits (100,000 pixels and 10,000 pixels, respectively), while Firefox’s computed value was a large floating-point number, but the actual font size used was 2,400 pixels. Further tests with infinite line height showed similar results to the initial width tests.
The text highlights the author’s bewilderment and curiosity about the reasons behind these behaviors, inviting readers to share their insights. The author also briefly touches on the idea of exploring other properties with infinite values, such as z-index and calc(-infinity). Overall, the text is a mix of technical experimentation and amusement at the unexpected outcomes. (13633)
The text highlights the unique tradition of honesty boxes scattered across the Scottish countryside, which embody the trust and community spirit of rural life. These unstaffed stands offer a variety of locally produced items, from fresh eggs and home-baked goods to seasonal produce and handmade crafts. This practice supports local farmers and artisans while fostering a sense of integrity and mutual respect.
Several notable examples are mentioned. The Ardnamurchan Peninsula, known for its wild beauty and rich wildlife, features a community garden shop where locals stock seasonal vegetables, sauces, and flowers. Comrie Golf Club in Perthshire uses an honesty box system for fee collection, allowing golfers to enjoy the course even when it’s unstaffed. Valtos Beach on the Isle of Lewis offers wild camping with maintained pitches, cared for through donations to an honesty box. Inverlussa Mussels on the Isle of Mull provides sustainably farmed mussels available directly from an honesty box near the shore. Additionally, Shetland cake fridges are a cultural tradition offering home-baked goods with a pay-as-you-go system.
The text encourages travelers to explore these honesty boxes, noting that they are a testament to the trust and honor within Scottish communities. It concludes by inviting readers to book a trip to Scotland to experience this unique aspect of local culture. (13634)
How to Sell if Your User is not the Buyer:
The text discusses the challenge of selling a product when the user (developer) is not the decision-maker (CTO or Director of Engineering). The key takeaway is that the person with the power to influence the purchase is not always the one with the budget. Instead, it depends on the constraints and incentives of the individuals involved.
For smaller, early-stage companies, developers often have the power due to time constraints and their expertise. They might start using the product independently and later advocate for it within the organization. In larger companies or those with stricter security measures, the decision-making process is more top-down, involving extensive vetting and due diligence.
The strategy for selling in such scenarios involves understanding the different incentives of users and decision-makers. If the user values the product more, the focus should be on equipping them with the tools to convince leadership of its value. This includes translating the benefits of the product into terms that resonate with leadership and smoothing out any friction in the decision-making process.
Ultimately, the user/developer becomes an internal advocate, acting as a salesperson within the organization. By helping them succeed, the company benefits from increased adoption and usage of the product. (13635)
AWS Restored My Account: The Human Who Made the Difference:
The text recounts the author’s experience with AWS after his 10-year account was deleted without warning. Initially, AWS support was unresponsive and seemingly deceptive, insisting that his data was „terminated“ when it was actually just „stopped.“ However, an AWS employee named Tarus Balog took initiative, escalated the issue to high levels within AWS, and ultimately helped restore the author’s data. The restoration revealed that AWS had been running backups of the author’s data even after claiming it was deleted, suggesting a deeper backup system that AWS does not publicly acknowledge.
The author highlights several issues with AWS’s support system, including the inability of support agents to deviate from scripts and the confusing use of terminology like „terminated“ vs „stopped.“ He also criticizes AWS’s email verification process, which uses a domain that is easily spoofed by scammers. The experience underscores the importance of documentation, human intervention in automated systems, and the need for AWS to address systemic issues. Despite the restoration of his data, the author remains cautious about trusting AWS completely and plans to distribute his backups across multiple providers.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of cloud services and the importance of human oversight in large corporations. It also highlights the impact of such issues on real businesses and individuals, particularly in developing nations where infrastructure and legal constraints can exacerbate the problems. Ultimately, the author calls for AWS to improve its systems and support processes to better serve its users. (13636)
Why Building Billing Systems is So Painful:
The text discusses the complexities and importance of building billing systems, highlighting why it’s a challenging and critical task for businesses. Billing systems are more than just invoice generation; they encompass a wide range of revenue management activities, from contract management to payment processing. The complexity arises from various factors such as handling different pricing models, managing trial periods, upgrades, downgrades, multiple currencies, and tax jurisdictions. Additionally, usage-based billing adds another layer of complexity with real-time tracking and high ingestion volumes.
The text emphasizes that billing is a crucial piece of infrastructure for any business. It affects multiple stakeholders, including finance, sales, product, engineering, data science, and end users, each with their own specific needs and expectations. Building an effective billing team requires a blend of technical expertise and domain knowledge, particularly in finance. Prioritization is key, as different teams will have varying priorities, and it’s essential to have a clear domain model and a single source of truth for all core entities. The text also advises against grandfathering old pricing plans to avoid complexity and encourages viewing billing as a strategic asset that can drive business growth and success. (13637)
UK National Report | Executive Summary - Rethinking Economics:
The text, written by Rethinking Economics, argues that university economics education in the UK is not adequately preparing students for the 21st century, as it is out of step with recent political, societal, and economic shifts. The report, which analyzed course material from twenty universities, found that most economics curricula focus on teaching students to ‚think like an economist‘ rather than understanding the real economy.
Key issues include the lack of focus on climate change and ecological economics, the absence of historical and contemporary power imbalances, the dominance of mainstream neoclassical economics, and the isolation of economics from other social sciences. However, two universities, SOAS and the University of Greenwich, offer more progressive and relevant economics programs. The authors call for a shift in economics education to better address climate change, inequality, and the realities of the UK economy. They recommend introducing students to big, real-world problems, decarbonizing, decolonizing, and diversifying economic learning, reforming teaching methods, and involving students in decision-making processes.
In essence, the text advocates for a more holistic, critical, and socially relevant approach to economics education. (13638)
How to Split DataFrame into Chunks in Pandas?:
The text discusses the importance of splitting large datasets into smaller, manageable chunks when working with Pandas DataFrames, particularly in memory-constrained environments or when performing parallel processing. The author provides several use cases for splitting DataFrames, including handling large datasets, speeding up code execution through parallel processing, training machine learning models in batches, and efficiently processing big data.
The text then delves into various methods to split a DataFrame into chunks. These methods include using NumPy’s array_split() for a simple and beginner-friendly approach, using groupby() for evenly sized chunks, utilizing itertools for an iterator-based approach suitable for large datasets, and employing DataFrame.groupby() for custom splitting based on specific conditions. Each method is explained with code examples and use cases.
The article also addresses frequently asked questions, such as how to retain column names after splitting, the best method for handling large DataFrames, splitting into a fixed number of equal parts, and saving each chunk separately. The text emphasizes that splitting DataFrames is a crucial skill for data scientists working with large datasets, machine learning, or parallel processing, as it keeps code efficient, scalable, and memory-friendly.
The article concludes with a note about an extensive 46-week Data Science Roadmap created by the author, which includes study resources, practice problems, and a community for support. (13639)
The text is a brief message from GitHub indicating that a server is currently unavailable to process a request. It apologizes for the inconvenience and suggests refreshing the page. If the issue persists, users are advised to contact support. Additionally, it mentions GitHub Status and a Twitter handle, @githubstatus, for further updates or assistance. (13640)
Why I prefer human-readable file formats:
The author advocates for the use of human-readable file formats, which are text-based and can be opened and understood without specialized software. These formats, such as Markdown, JSON, YAML, and CSV, offer several advantages. They provide freedom from software dependencies, allowing data to be accessed and edited in any environment using simple text editors. This accessibility is crucial for collaboration across different platforms and for troubleshooting.
Human-readable formats also ensure longevity and future-proofing, as they are built on open standards and simple text encoding. This makes them resistant to obsolescence and software changes, preserving data accessibility over long periods. These formats are transparent, enabling easy auditing and manual corrections, which is invaluable for debugging and maintaining systems. They foster autonomy by allowing data manipulation with simple, widely available tools, and they are supported by open standards and a vibrant libre software ecosystem.
These formats are also highly compatible with version control systems like Git, making it easy to track changes and manage versions. Additionally, they are efficient, often compact, and can be processed quickly with minimal resource usage, making them ideal for agile development and rapid prototyping.
In summary, the author argues that choosing human-readable file formats is about maintaining control over data, ensuring long-term accessibility, and building systems that are comprehensible and maintainable. This choice represents a philosophy of transparency and human-centered technology, leading to more resilient, maintainable, and trustworthy systems. (13707)