---
blogpost: true
date: 1.1.2023
author: Tobias
location: Stuttgart
category: links, 2023
tags: links, 2023
language: Deutsch
---

# Links für 2023 KW 51

Meine \"Wollte ich noch Lesen\"-Liste, zusammengefasst von [Neural
Chat](https://huggingface.co/TheBloke/neural-chat-7B-v3-3-GGUF).

**[MongoDB meldet unbefugten Zugriff auf
Unternehmenssysteme](https://www.heise.de/news/MongoDB-meldet-unbefugten-Zugriff-auf-Unternehmenssysteme-9576740.html?view=print)**:

MongoDB, ein Anbieter von NoSQL-Datenbanksoftware, informierte seine
Kunden über einen Sicherheitsvorfall, bei dem unautorisierten Zugriff
auf Kundendaten erfolgt sein soll. Die Aktivitäten wurden am 13.
Dezember entdeckt, aber MongoDB gab an, dass diese sich bereits einige
Zeit vorher ereignet haben könnten. Das Unternehmen empfahl seinen
Kunden, gegen Social-Engineering- und Phishing-Angriffe zu achten,
Multi-Faktor-Authentifizierung (MFA) zu aktivieren und ihre
MongoDB-Atlas-Passwörter regelmäßig zu ändern. MongoDB kündigte zudem
die Weitergabe der Informationen an während weiterer Untersuchungen des
Vorfalls erfolgen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Reindeer and the quest for Scottish
enlichenment](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20416695231218520)**:

Based on the study, reindeer have a unique color-shifting tapetum
lucidum that allows them to detect UV-absorbing lichens against snowy
backgrounds. Their ability to see UV light may be related to their diet,
which consists of lichen-dominated food sources in the Scottish
Highlands. This study suggests a connection between reindeer\'s visual
ecology and their foraging behavior in twilight conditions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The Largest Money-Printing UI Element Ever
Made](https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2023/most-profitable-ui-element-ever/)**:

In Evan Czaplicki\'s talk on \"The Economics of Programming Languages,\"
he discusses how a small open-source project like Elm competes in an
ecosystem shaped by tech giants. Google makes \$49 billion for search
traffic acquisition costs, with significant payments to browsers like
Firefox and Safari. Microsoft, however, focuses on its own browser
(Bing). This highlights the immense value of the URL/search bar as a
revenue-generating feature, potentially making it an attractive area for
business innovation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**["Yes" Actually Means "No": The Curious Language of
VCs](https://jacobbartlett.substack.com/p/yes-actually-means-no-the-curious)**:

In recent years, venture capitalists have become known for their secret
language - VCspeak - which often includes cryptic phrases to reject
founders\' ideas. A founder who shares his experiences in the process of
fundraising reveals the true meaning behind such statements as \'talk to
us again when you have traction\', \'we think you\'re too early for us,
speak to us when you raise your next round,\' or \'yes actually means
no\'. He also offers 10 survival tips for those navigating the world of
venture capital funding.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Mickey, Disney, and the Public Domain: a 95-year Love Triangle \|
Duke University School of Law](https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/mickey/)**:

The article discusses the implications and rights of public domain works
related to Mickey Mouse\'s character after copyright expiration. It
explains how Steamboat Willie, which includes Mickey Mouse as a main
character, will enter the public domain in January 2024. This means that
new creative works can use Mickey in new artistic creations, and anyone
may draw from these characters for free without permission or fear of
legal issues. Additionally, it clarifies aspects of trademark law
concerning Disney\'s use rights on the character after copyright
expires.

So, essentially, as Mickey Mouse and related public domain works become
more accessible, they will continue to inspire new creative expressions,
ensuring the character\'s ongoing relevance and cultural impact.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Cats Kill a Staggering Number of Species across the
World](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cats-kill-a-staggering-number-of-species-across-the-world/)**:

Domestic cats have caused significant ecological harm across the world
due to their adaptations for hunting and predation. A study published in
Nature Communications found that free-ranging domestic cats consume over
2,000 different species, including many threatened or endangered
animals. Researchers analyzed more than 100 years\' worth of scientific
literature on cat diets, revealing a wide range of prey types like
birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as unexpected meals such as sea
turtles, emus, and even domestic cattle. The researchers emphasized that
cats are versatile predators with the potential to cause further
population declines and extinctions if not managed effectively.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Toot by Anders
Borch](https://mastodon.cyborch.com/@anders/111630551621669604)**:

This tweet shares a personal experience of an individual who interviewed
over 100 software engineering candidates using various assessment
methods and found them all unsuccessful or unpleasant. The person now
focuses on alternative evaluation techniques, including asking
open-ended questions that encourage self-expression rather than
traditional problem-solving approaches. They suggest avoiding generic
weakness questions and tailoring the interview to learn about specific
skills or values important for the team or role. Overall, the goal is to
create a non-toxic hiring environment leading to better candidates
joining the company.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The End of Retirement \| The
Walrus](https://thewalrus.ca/the-end-of-retirement/)**:

This article focuses on the changing concept of retirement as Canadians
live longer due to advances in medical care and better lifestyle habits.
It discusses the challenges faced by retirees who struggle with ageism
at the workplace and suggests potential solutions such as making
measures against ageism part of every company\'s fair-employment
practice, promoting flexible working hours for older employees, and
considering retirement as a transition instead of an abrupt end to
one\'s professional life. The article also stresses on creating new
terms to describe both the concept of retirement and retirees themselves
in a non-ageist manner.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Declinism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declinism)**:

Declinism is a belief that a society or institution, usually driven by
cognitive biases like rosy retrospection and negativity bias, tends to
view the past more favorably while seeing the future more negatively.
This idea has been traced back to Edward Gibbon\'s work on the decline
and fall of the Roman Empire. Oswald Spengler\'s book \"The Decline of
the West\" provided a name for this concept and gave it a popular appeal
after its release in the aftermath of World War I. The belief has been
explored in many declinist literatures across different countries, often
seeing various societies experience this decline throughout history as a
constant theme.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[You don\'t need analytics on your
blog](https://blog.yossarian.net/2023/12/24/You-dont-need-analytics-on-your-blog)**:

This article argues that analytics are not necessary for personal blogs
and may even demotivate writers. It suggests using vbnla, a Ruby script
that analyzes web server access logs to gather similar information on
traffic trends without using browser analytics. The author explains that
this system allows them to track their blog\'s success based on writing
quality rather than external attention.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[If only someone told me this before my first
startup](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38755180)**:

This article provides various insights and suggestions for individuals
in the startup world based on personal experiences. The author shares
advice about validating ideas, chasing users instead of investors,
hiring the right people, prioritizing global markets, focusing on SEO,
selling features before building them, staying away from hype or
distractions like cryptocurrency, avoiding working with corporations,
not getting attached to bad projects, attending tech conferences, using
Scrum, outsourcing only after product-market fit, bootstrapping instead
of raising money, and valuing the importance of relationships.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[etymology - Did English ever have a formal version of \"you\"? -
English Language & Usage Stack
Exchange](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/9780/did-english-ever-have-a-formal-version-of-you)**:

In summary, English had a formal version of \"you\" where \'thou\' was
used for singular address during Early Modern English times. The usage
later evolved into plural you being used more frequently in polite
contexts. This trend displaced the singular thou, leading to its current
archaic perception. Other languages have their own unique ways of
addressing people based on social and cultural factors.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Should We Tell People It's Too Late To Save
Civilization?](https://www.collapsemusings.com/should-we-tell-people-its-too-late-to-save-civilization/)**:

This article emphasizes the reality of civilizations coming to an end
due to various factors such as climate change, limited resources,
pollution, and the decline in biodiversity. The author argues that
people need to face these challenges head-on rather than believe in
unrealistic solutions, ensuring better preparation for a future without
many modern conveniences. Accepting the grim outlook allows individuals
to focus on cherishing loved ones, appreciating nature, and making the
most of their remaining time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Resetting the timer in my
toothbrush](https://nonnullish.pages.dev/posts/resetting-the-timer-in-my-toothbrush/)**:

This article discusses an NFC-enabled toothbrush with a chip tracking
usage time up to 360 minutes. The chip triggers replacement indications
even if not necessary. Users can reset the counter by sending a message
from their phone using the NFC Tools app and following specific steps
involving serial number and password generation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[NLP Course \| For
You](https://lena-voita.github.io/nlp_course.html)**:

The article discusses an updated Natural Language Processing course
designed for convenience, clarity, and the ability to learn at one\'s
own pace. It covers a wide range of topics from semantic spaces, NLP
algorithms, neural networks, language modeling, transfer learning, and
more. The materials aim to help students understand and apply these
techniques while developing research thinking skills. Each topic
includes lectures, blogs, interactive parts, exercises, analysis and
interpretability, related papers for deeper exploration, and related
games as part of the course content.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[I Just Need a
Programmer](https://blobstreaming.org/i-just-need-a-programmer/)**:

An old acquaintance approached the author about developing a website and
app with a database for their business idea. After considering several
assumptions often held within the software industry, the article asserts
that these assumptions - regarding software development being easy, its
significance in comparison to a business concept, and the
interchangeability of programmers - are largely inaccurate and even
becoming less viable. The author believes that while progress has been
made, there\'s still work to be done on improving understanding and
appreciation for quality software development.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Is Bach the greatest achiever of all time? - Marginal
REVOLUTION](https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2023/09/is-bach-the-greatest-achiever-of-all-time.html)**:

This article discusses Bach as a potential candidate for being the
greatest achiever of all time, using a range of metrics such as the
quality and quantity of work, being better than contemporaries, staying
exceptional over centuries, tackling additional problems to achieve
success, consistency of achievement, surpassing learning only from
oneself, never experiencing setbacks, and taking into account historical
context. The author also compares Bach with other notable figures like
Shakespeare, Beethoven, Homer, Archimedes, Plato, and Aristotle but
finds that none reaches the same level in all categories as Bach does.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[fun-is-dead](https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/of-interest/2023/12/23/fun-is-dead/)
\| [(no paywall)](https://archive.is/xmTWb)**:

This article discusses how fun has seemingly become less prevalent and
more complicated in modern society, leading to a search for its
rediscovery. The author explores various aspects of contemporary life
that contribute to this perceived decline in enjoyment, such as an
increased focus on work, technology-driven distractions, overplanned
events, consumerism, and social comparison through media platforms. The
article features insights from several individuals who are seeking ways
to reconnect with true fun or are working towards fostering it for
others, including a \"party coach,\" the author of \"Fun at Work,\" a
consultant on intentional fun, and the founder of the \"How To Feel
Alive\" project.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Shein Forces Amazon To Lower Seller
Fees](https://www.marketplacepulse.com/articles/shein-forces-amazon-to-lower-seller-fees)**:

In response to competition from Shein, Amazon will lower transaction
fees for sellers offering apparel items under \$15, reducing them from
17% to 5%. This move aims to keep up with Shein, an online-native
clothing retailer that is strong in apparel and known for its low
prices. Despite the fee reduction, Amazon will remain more expensive
than Shein due to higher fulfillment costs, as items stored in domestic
warehouses are costlier than direct shipments from China. Shein\'s
strengths lie in offering a unique experience with its clothing
products, while Amazon focuses primarily on fast delivery and a wide
product range.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[You\'re Supposed To Be Glad Your Tesla Is A Brittle Heap Of Junk \|
Defector](https://defector.com/youre-supposed-to-be-glad-your-tesla-is-a-brittle-heap-of-junk)**:

A recent Reuters investigation has uncovered significant issues with
Tesla\'s manufacturing process, revealing major part failures on
low-mileage vehicles and the company\'s organized efforts to conceal
this from customers. This includes blaming drivers for these defects
instead of addressing them as manufacturing issues. Tesla\'s alleged
strategies have involved withholding repairs, misleading regulatory
authorities, and even creating substandard replacement parts to cover up
issues rather than correcting them. These tactics have resulted in
higher profits, making Tesla seem more profitable while masking the
inherent problems with their products.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[How to Become a Great Software
Engineer](https://newsletter.techworld-with-milan.com/p/how-to-become-a-great-software-engineer)**:

This article discusses various recommendations for becoming a great
software engineer. The author shares insights from their 20-year career
in the industry and emphasizes on mastering one programming language,
learning software engineering concepts, working with experienced
professionals as mentors, using productivity techniques, staying focused
on fundamentals rather than frameworks, and reading relevant books.
Essential skills to learn include algorithms, data, clean code, design
patterns, distributed computing, system design, and soft skills like
communication and teamwork.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Europe has a wolf problem, and a late Norwegian philosopher had the
solution](https://theconversation.com/europe-has-a-wolf-problem-and-a-late-norwegian-philosopher-had-the-solution-220113)**:

The article discusses the ongoing challenges surrounding the European
wolf population and the potential for coexisting with them, focusing on
Norway\'s environmental philosopher Arne Næss\' ideas about deep
ecology. Its core principle of biospherical egalitarianism promotes
equal rights for all beings, including humans and wolves. This
philosophy suggests that humans should consider the well-being of
species such as wolves while tackling issues like livestock protection
through measures like fencing or guard dogs. By redefining community to
include both humans and nonhuman species, this framework can facilitate
solutions to the so-called \"wolf problem\" in Europe and enhance
understanding of ethical considerations for coexisting with other
species on Earth.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Why Do Poor People Commit More Crime? - Marginal
REVOLUTION](https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2023/12/why-do-wealthier-people-commit-less-crime.html)**:

The well-known fact that people with lower incomes tend to commit more
crime has been explained using different theories - one suggesting a
direct link between poverty and crime, whereas another highlights the
possibility of a third variable causing both income and crime. A study
conducted in Sweden on the lottery winners and their subsequent criminal
rates found no significant decrease in crime after receiving money. As a
result, these random experiments challenge the conventional view that
financial resources have a causal effect on adult offending.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The unfortunate math behind consulting
companies](https://longform.asmartbear.com/consulting-company-accounting/)**:

This article discusses the challenges of expanding a consulting business
by hiring employees and how this affects profitability. The author
points out that hiring one person generates less profit than expected,
while launching products rarely succeeds. The article presents various
strategies to mitigate these issues, including increasing rates charged
to clients, working more billable hours, developing profitable products,
using subcontractors instead of employees, and being disciplined in
running a successful consulting company. The aim is to maintain
profitability while balancing the demands of managing a growing
business.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Polar bear fur-inspired sweater is thinner than a down jacket --- and
just as
warm](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-04145-5?error=cookies_not_supported&code=d32d2676-635a-4d5b-8ab0-95db68399323)**:

A sweater made from an aerogel fiber, which mimics polar bear fur,
offers the same warmth as a down jacket while being just one-fifth as
thick, according to a study published in Science magazine. This
proof-of-concept fiber could potentially be used for lightweight and
durable clothing such as sportswear, military uniforms, and spacesuits
without relying on animal fur or down. Aerogels are known to have
exceptional heat-locking abilities but traditionally have been difficult
to weave into wearable textiles due to brittleness and fragility. In
this study, researchers were inspired by the porous inner structure of
polar bear fur to create stronger and more elastic aerogel fibers that
maintained their insulating properties even after being stretched,
washed, or dyed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Google Search Overwhelmed By Massive Spam
Attack](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-search-overwhelmed-by-massive-spam-attack/504527/)**:

A recent spam attack on Google\'s search results has seen many domains
ranking for hundreds of thousands of keywords each, potentially reaching
millions. While the majority of these sites have been registered within
the past two days, they are interconnected in tightly knit networks, a
pattern common among spammy links. The attack takes advantage of
Google\'s focus on content over links by exploiting longtail phrases and
local search algorithms with little competition. This issue has been
ongoing for years and requires further attention from Google to combat
it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Don't Believe Your Eyes - A WhatsApp Clickjacking
Vulnerability](https://00xbyte.github.io/posts/Don%27t-Believe-Your-Eyes-A-WhatsApp-Clickjacking-Vulnerability/)**:

A vulnerability called \'2K2E\' affecting Instagram links within
WhatsApp messages has been discovered. This issue could lead to phishing
attacks where attackers can craft legitimate-looking links that lead to
malicious websites. The exploit is based on a Clickjacking technique,
with an attacker purchasing a mirror domain of a site to impersonate and
removing certain text to hide the actual link in the message. Meta has
shown no immediate intention to fix this security issue. As a
mitigation, WhatsApp users should be cautious when clicking links within
messages and consider copying and checking their clipboard previews
before taking any action on them.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Lost history of Antarctica revealed in octopus
DNA](https://www.science.org/content/article/lost-history-antarctica-revealed-octopus-dna)**:

This article reveals a lost history of Antarctica through octopus DNA.
Around 100,000 years ago, scientists believe that Antarctica\'s massive
western ice sheet collapsed temporarily. The ice sheet\'s collapse
allowed long-separated populations of Turquet\'s octopus (Pareledone
turqueti) to interbreed for thousands of years when the ice sheet
re-formed, separating them once more. This story has been recorded in
their genes and highlights concerns about a large rise in sea levels
possibly occurring in our planet\'s near future. The research
underscores the importance of understanding modern climate conditions
affecting the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and taking proactive steps to
address it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Database Isolation Is Broken and You Should
Care](https://materializedview.io/p/database-isolation-is-broken-you-should-care)**:

This month, various articles discussed ACID properties related to
databases. A bashdb demonstrates the complexity of databases with ACID
features and explains concepts like isolation levels. Postgres focuses
on transaction isolation while acknowledging unspecified anomalies not
addressed by ANSI SQL 92 specification. Jepsen\'s MySQL analysis
showcases issues with some anomalies, leading to calls for better
isolation level standards. Despite the potential challenges,
understanding database behavior is crucial for developers to ensure
smooth functioning and avoid unsatisfied customers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Shitflation](https://jonatron.github.io/shitflation/)**:

This summary includes details about multiple Tesco products from
different years. The Tesco Tomato & Basil Sauce For Meatballs contains a
mix of tomato, tomato puree, and various ingredients such as basil,
lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, garlic pure, citric acid, oregano,
calcium chloride, black pepper, salt, sugar, cornflour, concentrated
lemon juice, and acidiy regulator. Another product is Tesco Finest
Smoked Wiltshire Cure Back Bacon with key components including pork,
water, salt, and preservatives (sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate). The
third example discusses Tesco Chicken Tikka Masala & Pilau Rice
featuring cooked pilau rice, marinated chicken, single cream, tomato
pure, yogurt, rapeseed oil, garlic pure, ginger pure, ground cashew nut,
honey, butter, cashew nut paste, spices, coriander leaf, sugar, tandoori
masala, salt, and cooked pilau rice ingredients. The fourth product is
Tesco Italian Macaroni Cheese Pasta with main ingredients such as cooked
pasta, milk, mature cheddar cheese, water, single cream, wheat flour,
rapeseed oil, cornflour, salt, white pepper, mustard powder, and cooked
pasta ingredients. Next, we have Tesco Mayonnaise containing vegetable
oil, water, free range pasteurised whole egg & egg yolk, lemon juice
from concentrate, spirit vinegar, salt, sugar, stabiliser, natural
flavouring (containing mustard). Lastly, the Tesco Mayonnaise 500Ml
features rapeseed oil, water, pasteurized egg yolk, spirit vinegar,
sugar, salt, modified maize starch, concentrated lemon juice, and
flavoring (containing mustard).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Abuelos4k03](https://videohive.net/item/abuelos4k03/20287958)**:

The article outlines various offerings from Envato Market, including
categories such as Video, Web Themes & Templates, Code, Audio, Graphics,
Photos, 3D files, guest cart services, account creation and sign-in
procedures, and downloading preview options. It also highlights an
interesting story of a DJing older couple bringing life to parties
through disco settings.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Was Zuckerketten im Speichel über Krebsveränderungen
verraten](https://www.heise.de/hintergrund/KI-Neuer-Algorithmus-entdeckt-Krebsveraenderungen-9578564.html?view=print)**:

Eine neue Analyse macht die Unterschiede im Zuckeraufbau auf
Moleküleinheiten von Zellen sichtbar, was darüber hinaus Informationen
über das Vorhandensein von Krebs oder dessen Art in Körperzellen geben
könnten. Die Glykan-Bausteine der Zellen fungieren häufig als
Steuerungsmoleküle für Proteine und können falsch zusammengesetzt sein,
was im Tumorfall vorkommen kann. Ein neues künstliches Intelligenz
(KI)-Algorithmus entwickelt ein Team von Wissenschaftlern an der
Universität Göteborg. Dieser hilft bei der Unterscheidung zwischen
gesunden und kranken Zellproben sowie zur Identifizierung verschiedener
Krebsarten, indem er die ungenauen Beschreibungen verbessert. Innerhalb
der nächsten vier bis fünf Jahre versucht man auch, kostengünstige
Krebstests zu entwickeln, die mit Blut- oder Speichelproben verwendbar
sind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Maze Generator](https://mazegenerator.net/)**:

This article discusses guidelines and rules for creating maze
structures. The mazes can vary in sizes with width ranging from 2 to 200
cells and height of the same range. There\'s an option for inner
dimensions as well. A commercial license is required if you intend to
use these mazes for any selling purpose, else it falls under copyright
infringement. The article warns against misleading information provided
by some online channels regarding free usage for commercial purposes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Do you really need Foreign
Keys?](https://www.shayon.dev/post/2023/355/do-you-really-need-foreign-keys/)**:

The article emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing and
revisiting database schemas involving foreign keys. While foreign keys
are often recommended for ensuring referential integrity, excessive
usage can lead to performance issues during write operations,
unnecessary lock contention, complexity in database migrations, and
unwarranted indexes. It recommends considering alternative design
patterns and evaluating the effectiveness of constraints periodically.
Overall, the article suggests striking a balance between maintaining
data integrity and optimizing system performance while designing
databases.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Google Makes Over \$92 Billion per Year By Owning Android (their
\'open source\' operating
system)](https://interestingcontent.substack.com/p/google-makes-over-92-billion-per)**:

Android, with over 3 billion users worldwide, powers more devices than
any other mobile operating system. Although it seems free to use without
explicit payment, there are various ways Google makes money from the
platform. Device manufacturers such as Samsung have to pay licensing
fees for accessing popular Google apps like Gmail, Maps, or YouTube
through its bundle known as Google Mobile Services (GMS). This generates
revenue of approximately \$20 billion annually. The Google Play Store
also contributes significantly with income from paid apps, in-app
purchases, subscriptions, and advertisements. Pre-installed Google apps,
such as Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, Drive, Photos, Chrome, and
Assistant, while not directly earning money, drive traffic to Google\'s
ecosystem, further increasing their advertising revenue and data
collection. In summary, although Android appears free, it generates
massive profits for Google in various forms.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Research shows that sniffing women\'s tears reduces aggressive
behavior in
men](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-12-sniffing-women-aggressive-behavior-men.html)**:

A study published in PLOS Biology discovered that human tears contain
chemicals, which block aggression in men when they sniff them. This
phenomenon is a form of social chemosignaling, where chemical signals
affect behavior. The research, led by Shani Agron at the Weizmann
Institute of Science, found that these tear-based signals cause reduced
brain activity related to aggression and lead to less aggressive
behavior. This study suggests that social chemosignaling might have a
role in human aggression rather than being just an animal-specific
phenomenon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The anabolic response to protein ingestion during recovery from
exercise has no upper limit in magnitude and duration in vivo in
humans - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38118410/)**:

A scientific study disproves the previous belief that the anabolic
response to protein consumption during post-exercise recovery has a
limited duration and excess amino acids are oxidized. Using advanced
tracer feeding method, researchers found consuming 100 grams of protein
led to a more prolonged (over 12 hours) and larger anabolic response
compared to 25 grams. The study demonstrated dose-dependent increase in
dietary-protein derived amino acid availability and incorporation into
muscle protein. Protein ingestion had negligible effects on breakdown or
oxidization rates, suggesting the anabolic response to protein
consumption is not restricted as previously thought.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[What I Wish Someone Had Told
Me](https://blog.samaltman.com/what-i-wish-someone-had-told-me)**:

This article emphasizes various factors crucial for starting, finishing,
and maintaining success in ventures. It discusses optimism, strong
teams, long-term vision, audacious ideas, proper incentives, resource
allocation, clear communication, battling bureaucracy, prioritizing
outcomes over processes, effective recruitment, valuing superstars, fast
iteration, balanced planning, accepting risks, the magic of compounding
exponentials, persistence, and enjoying the journey with great people.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[How To Turn Off Google's "Privacy Sandbox" Ad Tracking---and Why You
Should](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/09/how-turn-googles-privacy-sandbox-ad-tracking-and-why-you-should)**:

Google has released its \"Privacy Sandbox\" feature in Chrome as a part
of improving user privacy by exchanging third-party cookies for what are
now called \"Topics.\" These topics are generated based on websites
users visit, creating advertising categories that may target them with
ads. Although this system improves upon the 2019 FLoC proposal, it still
tracks user browsing habits and is used in Chrome\'s enhanced ad privacy
control settings. To disable Privacy Sandbox, users can adjust settings
for \"Ad topics,\" \"Site-suggested ads,\" and \"Ad measurement\" on the
Ad Privacy page within Chrome settings.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Windows 10 end of life could prompt torrent of e-waste as 240 million
devices set for
scrapheap](https://www.itpro.com/software/windows/windows-10-end-of-life-could-prompt-torrent-of-e-waste-as-240-million-devices-set-for-scrapheap)**:

A Summary of the Article Discusses concerns that the end-of-life for
Windows 10 could lead to a surge in electronic waste due to millions of
devices being scrapped as people shift over to Windows 11. Research from
Canalys shows up to 240 million PCs worldwide may be disposed of because
they don\'t meet minimum requirements for installing Windows 11, raising
questions about device refreshes and vendors' responsibility in
extending life cycles. The article highlights the need for manufacturers
and software vendors like Microsoft to maximize product lifespans by
incorporating features that promote durability, reparability, and
recyclability.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[What We Need Instead of "Web
Components"](https://blog.carlana.net/post/2023/web-component-alternative-futures/)**:

Web Components have been around but still struggle to gain traction
among developers. They were initially envisioned as a solution but
turned out to be an attempt at addressing issues of the past rather than
solving contemporary problems faced by web developers. To improve and
achieve real progress, browser makers should shift focus on other areas
like Reactivity, DOM rendering, and self-sizing iframes, which have
already been explored and developed by frameworks. These new solutions
need to be made faster, more efficient, and universally available by
building upon what developers have already created. This approach will
ultimately result in better tools for everyone and promote growth within
the web industry.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[PostgreSQL: Upgrade auf neue Version durchführen »
DecaTec](https://decatec.de/linux/postgresql-upgrade-auf-neue-version-durchfuehren/)**:

In einem letzten Artikel wurde der Migration eines
Nextcloud-Datenbank-Systems von MySQL/MariaDB auf PostgreSQL gefolgt.
Nach dem Umgang mit der Upgrading auf eine neueren Hauptversion des
ORDBMS, wird nun gezeigt, wie diese Datenbank in die neue Version
eingeführt werden kann. Dieser Artikel basiert auf einem Ubuntu Server
20.04 LTS und setzt voraus, dass die Paketquellen aus offiziellen
PostgreSQL-Repositories benutzt werden. Der Upgrade von PostgreSQL wird
mittels Dump und Wiedereinspielen durchgeführt, wobei auch Hinweise zum
Upgraden auf Version 14 im Zusammenhang mit neuen Hash-Verfahren für
Passwörter erläutert sind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Five Apache projects you probably didn\'t know
about](https://blog.frankel.ch/five-apache-projects/)**:

The article introduces lesser-known Apache projects, discussing their
features and functionalities. These include Apache APISIX, a robust API
Gateway; Apache ShardingSphere which transforms databases into
distributed systems; Apache SeaTunnel, a data integration platform;
Apache SkyWalking, an APM tool for microservices; Apache Doris, a
real-time data warehouse; and Apache Paimon, a streaming data lake
platform. The projects have various uses, such as scaling purposes, data
integration, monitoring, reporting analysis, or unified data
warehousing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Lessons on building business
value](https://lockedinspace.com/posts/002.html)**:

In the Lex-Jeff Bezos podcast, important lessons for building business
value are discussed. Every day is considered a fresh start with \"day
one thinking,\" avoiding being trapped by dogma or beliefs. Metrics,
though crucial, should be fully understood and not treated as absolutes.
A company must strive to create an environment where employees can
freely share the truth, even overruling seniority if backed by data. The
analysis of both data and anecdotes is critical for decision-making.
Identifying stable aspects of a business and investing in their
improvement is essential. Meetings accompanied by prepared documents
enhance efficiency and enable clear discussion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Code Is Not Technical
Debt](https://gavinhoward.com/2023/12/code-is-not-technical-debt/)**:

This article discusses the concept of tech debt in terms of software
liabilities and assets instead of focusing only on technical debt. The
author emphasizes the importance of code being an asset and having
liabilities attached, which can be mitigated through proper design,
maintenance, and keeping assumptions minimal. The goal is to ensure that
software efficiently solves problems while maintaining its relevance
over time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The Great Cousin
Decline](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/12/cousin-relationships-fertility-rate/676892/)**:

The number of American children having fewer siblings and cousins is
causing concern, leading to possible ramifications in future generations
such as a shortage of workers or not enough people paying taxes and
filling jobs. As family structures evolve, the role of cousins has
changed over time, with less interaction due to distance and
socioeconomic gaps. However, these relationships still play a crucial
part in our lives, providing emotional support and unique perspectives
during times of crisis. Cousin bonds can become increasingly important
in preserving family cohesion as siblings become the primary caregivers
for aging parents and organize family events. The decline of cousins may
lead to a greater dependence on each other in the future, highlighting
their importance in our social lives even amidst shrinking families.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[how-to-upgrade-the-ssd-and-reinstall-windows-on-your-rog-ally](https://rog.asus.com/us/articles/guides/how-to-upgrade-the-ssd-and-reinstall-windows-on-your-rog-ally/)**:

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade the SSD of
the ASUS ROG Ally gaming console and reinstall Windows from scratch
while keeping the device updated with its latest BIOS and firmware for
optimal performance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Null Island](https://github.com/yetzt/null-island)**:

The article discusses designing representations of missing data values
and introduces Null Island (SVG) as an example. It also mentions related
merchandise, donations to related organizations, the project\'s license,
and a disclaimer for self-printing or outsourcing production.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[www.sixdegreesofwikipedia.com](https://www.sixdegreesofwikipedia.com/?source=Summer%20Olympic%20Games&target=Germany)**:

Find the shortest \"path\" between wikipedia articles.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[7 Ways to Escape a Container -
Panoptica](https://www.panoptica.app/research/7-ways-to-escape-a-container)**:

The article highlights seven common container escape techniques with
varying degrees of complexity. These methods exploit weaknesses in Linux
containers, allowing attackers unauthorized access and compromising
application integrity within these environments. By understanding these
risks and taking necessary precautions, users can ensure their container
deployments remain secure and reliable.

The seven ways to escape a container mentioned in this article include:
(1) mounting the host filesystem; (2) using a mounted Docker socket; (3)
process injection, which involves executing shellcode within a targeted
application\'s memory space; (4) adding a malicious kernel module that
opens reverse shell connections from the host; (5) reading secrets from
the host by exploiting file or directory read permission checks; (6)
overriding files on the host by abusing DAC_READ_SEARCH and DAC_OVERRIDE
capabilities, allowing for the writing of files as well as bypassing
permissions checks; and (7) abusing notify on release functionality in
cgroups version 1. By being aware of these techniques and their
implications, users can better protect their containers from potential
threats and vulnerabilities.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Breast cancer metastasis on/off switch revealed \| Stanford
News](https://news.stanford.edu/2023/12/20/breast-cancer-metastasis-off-switch-revealed/)**:

New research from Stanford University and the Arc Institute has revealed
an important role of ENPP1, a protein found in the human body, for
breast cancer metastases. When a patient has high levels of this
protein, it acts as an on/off switch to make their cancer resistant to
immunotherapies and increases chances of metastasis (spreading cancer).
The findings suggest that targeting this protein could potentially lead
to new immunotherapy methods or enhance the effectiveness of existing
treatments. This discovery may help clinicians better predict patient
responses to medicines and aid in determining proper treatment for
breast cancer patients. The team\'s next step is to examine the
relevance of ENPP1 in other cold tumors like lung, pancreatic, and brain
cancers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[HP raising Instant Ink subscription pricing significantly - gHacks
Tech
News](https://www.ghacks.net/2023/12/20/hp-raising-instant-ink-subscription-pricing-significantly/)**:

HP has announced an increase in the monthly prices of its Instant Ink
subscription service for Germany, starting in January 2024. The price
hike affects all plan levels but varies from 50% to about 25%. However,
the number of pages allowed per month remains the same across all plans.
This is HP\'s second price increase since 2022.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Ermittlungen zu vermeintlichem »Anschlag« auf AfD-Chef Chrupalla
eingestellt](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/tino-chrupalla-ermittlungen-zu-vermeintlicher-attacke-auf-afd-chef-eingestellt-a-8b25c941-e3c3-451c-90b3-5aeaaa0d3588)**:

Die Ermittler in Bayern haben die Annahme eines möglichen Angriffs auf
den Vorsitzenden der AfD, Tino Chrupalla, aufgegeben. Er wurde am Rande
einer Wahlkampfveranstaltung in Ingolstadt angeblich attackiert und
verletzt. Inzwischen wurden keine Hinweise gefunden, wie die Verletzung
entstanden sein könnte, und es gibt keinen Beleg für einen Stich- oder
Giftangriff. Der Vorfall hatte Chrupalla dazu veranlasst, mehrere
Wahlkampftermine abzusagen und sich medizinisch behandeln zu lassen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Why if
TYPE_CHECKING?](https://vickiboykis.com/2023/12/11/why-if-type_checking/)**:

A summary of the article highlights the challenges faced when attempting
to apply type hints to Python, a dynamically-typed language. The author
explores the purpose of conditional imports and their use in type
checking during compilation to deal with circular dependencies. They
explain how MyPy\'s type checking process, more meticulous than runtime
checks, necessitates such workarounds in certain scenarios. The article
cautions users to be mindful of the limitations and guarantees when
using type annotations within Python code.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[SSH protects the world's most sensitive networks. It just got a lot
weaker](https://arstechnica.com/security/2023/12/hackers-can-break-ssh-channel-integrity-using-novel-data-corruption-attack/)**:

1\. Summary: A new hack called Terrapin has been discovered that
exploits weaknesses in the SSH encryption protocol, potentially
undermining its security guarantees. The attack targets the Binary
Packet Protocol (BPP) and can be used to manipulate sequence numbers
during the handshake process. Vulnerabilities have also been found in
AsyncSSH, an app with 60,000 downloads per day. Terrapin can exploit
vulnerabilities in certain combinations of encryption modes and
implementation flaws in SSH implementations. A scanner has been created
to detect vulnerable servers or clients, while patch urgency depends on
individual situations and implementations.

2\. Summary: Terrapin is a new hack that targets the SSH protocol. The
attack exploits weaknesses in the cryptographic algorithms
(ChaCha20-Poly1305 and CBC with Encrypt-then-MAC). These vulnerabilities
allow an attacker to manipulate sequence numbers, potentially affecting
security guarantees of the protocol. A recent paper by researchers from
Germany\'s Ruhr University has identified several ways of exploiting
these flaws in SSH implementations, including prefix truncation attacks
and downgrading extensions. A patch addressing the issue is already
available for AsyncSSH. For other SSH implementations, users should
consult with developers to determine if any patches are necessary and if
there is a risk of Terrapin exploitation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Making Software Reliable: The Importance of
Testability](https://www.codereliant.io/making-software-reliable-the-importance-of-testability/)**:

The latest article in the Principles of Reliable Software Design series
highlights testability, a crucial aspect often overlooked when designing
software. Testability is about how easily software can be tested,
enabling quick identification and fixing of errors for reliable
performance across conditions. Unlike other aspects, it directly impacts
the writing process of software. Upcoming sections will explore
automated testing fundamentals, design principles to enhance
testability, and efficient tools and frameworks, with a focus on Go
(Golang) examples in this context.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The Machiavellian
Maze](https://www.robkhenderson.com/p/the-machiavellian-maze)**:

Niccolò Machiavelli was a highly influential political thinker and
philosopher from the late 15th century known for his views on
statecraft, power, and human nature. Criticized for his cynical realism
and supposed amorality in \"The Prince\" and other writings,
Machiavelli\'s ideas have been widely misunderstood over time. He was
not advocating the use of dishonorable practices but rather suggesting
that leaders must accept the challenges posed by a complex world where
different ideals may coexist and be at odds with each other. His central
belief was in the importance of creating strong states, which required
ruthlessness in certain situations, and contrasting these Roman virtues
with Christian or Humanist principles, which he argued were insufficient
for maintaining power and glory. While Machiavelli did not advocate
immoral actions, his frank appraisal of reality has led many to
misinterpret him as a proponent of amorality and cynical political
tactics, making him one of history\'s most controversial political
thinkers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[SolarEdge Leistungsoptimierer für
PV-Hausdachanlagen](https://www.solaredge.com/de/produkte/eigenheim/leistungsoptimierer)**:

Optimize the energy output of each solar panel by reducing all types of
module mismatch losses, including manufacturing tolerances, partial
shading, and aging of panels.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The War on
Informality](https://brettscott.substack.com/p/the-war-on-informality)**:

1\. London, a city dominated by techno-feudalism, has been taking over
its residents\' minds with a captivating rhythm, making them accept
their fate as cashless consumers. The city is losing some of its charm
due to this change in economic dynamics. 2. As the influence of large
corporations and digital platforms increases, smaller businesses are
finding it difficult to survive, leading to a homogenized landscape. 3.
London\'s gentrification and growing dependence on big tech companies
have pushed many people into a lifestyle based primarily around
convenience and efficiency, causing a loss of the city\'s vibrant
culture and holistic spirit. This has led to a lack of resistance
towards corporate control and an increased acceptance of digital
systems, pushing many small informal economies out of existence or
forcing them to conform to new standards, like becoming \"cashless.\" 4.
The outside - referring to the non-commercial values that contribute to
a city\'s charm - seems to be diminishing as more Londoners fall under
the influence of techno-feudalism. As people become increasingly
dependent on digital platforms and their associated conveniences, they
tend to lose sight of alternative perspectives or ways of living. 5.
Ultimately, the city of London is facing a transformation where its
residents are being gradually assimilated into the dominant economic
culture, which prioritizes efficiency and convenience over individuality
and authenticity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[How to: Run a DOS-based Web Server
(seriously)](https://lunduke.locals.com/post/5022504/how-to-run-a-dos-based-web-server-seriously)**:

A lawsuit against the Internet Archive could have major ramifications
for digital media archives, content publishers and the future of
internet services. Four major book publishing companies filed a lawsuit
against the Internet Archive, arguing that their \"Controlled Digital
Lending\" program distributes copyrighted works without permission. The
judge in this case ruled that Internet Archive\'s copying of copyrighted
print books to provide digital copies was infringement and not covered
under fair use. This ruling endangers the entire archive due to
potential damage claims and legal expenses. Although libraries have
digital lending systems, this specific lawsuit targets the Internet
Archive as a whole for their program. If the current course continues,
it could lead to legal liabilities for the whole organization, causing
it to potentially shut down or face difficulty in archiving cultural
materials.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Beeper's esoteric fix for iMessage access suggests why it's pushing
politically](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/12/beepers-esoteric-fix-for-imessage-access-suggests-why-its-pushing-politically/)**:

The Beeper app lost its initial connection with iMessage after Apple
began pushing back against it less than a week after its launch. Since
then, Beeper has continued to revise its approach in efforts to access
Android and desktop platforms. Its newest method requires regular access
to a physical Mac, which could be problematic for the company due to
limiting the market. As a result, Beeper has incorporated a political
aspect into its efforts. The app\'s co-founder advocates for turning
insecure SMS messages between iPhone and Android users into end-to-end
encrypted chats. Recently, a bi-partisan group of US lawmakers sent a
letter to the Department of Justice regarding Apple\'s potential
anti-competitive treatment of Beeper. To resolve the issue, Beeper has
introduced a solution that requires access to a Mac computer or help
from a friend on Beeper with a Mac. This new approach will be available
for both the Android app and desktop apps, though occasional data
re-generation on the Mac is needed approximately once per week or month.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Tell HN: Microsoft.com added 192.168.1.1 to their DNS
record](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38702783)**:

A user named indosauros posted on Hacker News that Microsoft.com had
added 192.168.1.1 to their DNS record, which raised concerns about
potential security implications. This led to a discussion among users
about the possible risks and consequences of such an action.

Some users speculated that this could have been due to a mistake or
oversight in Microsoft\'s internal processes for managing their DNS
records. Others discussed the possibility of it being a targeted attack,
although most agreed that it was likely unintentional.

The conversation also touched on how this incident highlights the
importance of implementing proper safeguards and checks within
organizations to prevent such mistakes from happening. Some users shared
personal experiences or anecdotes related to similar incidents in their
own work environments.

In response to the thread, a user named kotaKat claimed to know someone
who works at Microsoft and was made aware of the issue, leading to
changes being reverted. This comment generated some humor among other
users.

Overall, the discussion revolved around understanding the potential
risks associated with this incident, speculating on how it could have
occurred, and emphasizing the importance of robust security measures in
managing DNS records.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Cory Doctorow: What Kind of Bubble is
AI?](https://locusmag.com/2023/12/commentary-cory-doctorow-what-kind-of-bubble-is-ai/)**:

The article discusses how AI is a technology bubble similar to tech
bubbles in the past such as dotcom, cryptocurrency, or the financial
crisis. While some of these bubbles have left little behind after they
burst, others have yielded valuable resources like the residue of
millions of young technologists who emerged from dotcom companies. The
author speculates that when AI\'s bubble pops, it may leave small models
that run on commodity hardware and people more knowledgeable in
statistical analysis and machine learning. However, the overall success
of these outcomes remains uncertain due to the high costs of creating
and maintaining big, complex AI models.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[New Study: At Least 15% of All Reddit Content is Corporate Trolls
Trying to Manipulate
Public...](https://medium.com/collapsenews/new-study-at-least-15-of-all-reddit-content-is-corporate-trolls-trying-to-manipulate-public-b249bd42ab42)**:

A Pew Research Center study from 2018 discovered that over 10% of Reddit
users had encountered corporate trolls attempting to promote products or
services. A Computers in Human Behavior study revealed that 15% of the
top 100 subreddits contained content likely posted by corporate bots,
aimed at showcasing positive news articles and influencing public
opinion. Both studies emphasize how these tactics can spread
misinformation and manipulate opinions, presenting a growing challenge
for platforms like Reddit to address.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The Floppy Cafe](https://floppy.cafe/)**:

The article provides an overview of the process involved in creating a
floppy disk driver for 3.5\" floppies using a teensy4.0 device. It
elaborates on the structure, working mechanism, and pin functions of
such drives. The project involves understanding the bit-banged
communication process used by these devices and developing a driver code
to read/write from them. It also details various commands like index,
drive select, motor on, step, write data, etc., while highlighting their
specifications and timing requirements. In addition, the structure of
sync barriers, sector and track metadata is explained for effective
communication with floppy disks. The article provides a list of
additional resources to further explore floppy disk formatting, drive
pin-outs, MFM encoding, and related projects on GitHub.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Making my own Bed Sensor --- Home Automation
Guy](https://www.homeautomationguy.io/blog/making-my-own-bed-sensor)**:

A user created \"bed sensors\" using pressure mats to detect weight on
the mattress for a smart home. These sensors helped them manage home
automation more efficiently and prevent unwanted triggers. The bed
sensors used pressure switches, Aqara Leak Sensors, or ESPHome devices.
To build the pressure sensor using Aqara Leak Sensor, connect it to the
preferred smart home platform and change its Show As from \"Moisture\"
to \"Occupancy.\" For an ESPHome device, wire it up properly, install
ESPHome firmware, configure it as a bed sensor on Home Assistant, and
adjust filter settings for accuracy. Combining two sensors can result in
more versatile automations, like turning off ceiling lights or switching
to Night Mode.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[The day I started believing in Unit
Tests](https://mental-reverb.com/blog.php?id=42)**:

A new embedded software engineer created a Unit Test project, initially
dismissing its importance, until a bug in the test framework led to an
error that they then found everywhere else in their codebase. This
experience highlighted the value of Unit Tests as they raised overall
code quality and prevented further issues. The author learned to try
development methodologies rather than dismiss them based on initial
assumptions and recognized the benefits of thorough testing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[I've vastly misunderstood the Single Responsibility
Principle](https://www.sicpers.info/2023/10/ive-vastly-misunderstood-the-single-responsibility-principle/)**:

The Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) states that each class should
have a single purpose and only one reason to change it. However,
understanding of this principle evolved upon reading Parnas\'s article
on decomposing systems into modules with decision hiding in mind. Robert
Martin later clarified the SRP by stating that the module\'s behavior
should be the responsibility of a single actor rather than having a
single reason to change per module. This approach combines better with
Parnas\'s principle, and emphasizes that changes are requested by a
single or tightly-coupled group representing specific business
functions. The article highlights the need for more attention towards
knowledge transfer in software engineering as misinterpretation of
principles can occur despite clear contradictory evidence.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Can Freshwater Tanks Beat Batteries for Energy
Storage?](https://spectrum.ieee.org/pumped-water-energy-storage)**:

Desalination using reverse osmosis, a common technique for producing
drinking water in dry areas, requires significant amounts of
electricity. Recent research shows that by utilizing hybrid energy grids
with both renewable and fossil fuel sources, it is possible to
efficiently desalinate saltwater while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Coordinating the timing of freshwater production with renewable energy
peaks can offer financial benefits, making it more economical than
storing excess energy for later use. This approach would be most
advantageous in regions transitioning from 100% fossil fuel grids to
hybrid systems and could help optimize their desalination processes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[How to Be Great? Just Be Good,
Repeatably](https://blog.stephsmith.io/how-to-be-great/)**:

This article discusses the idea of greatness from a different
perspective, not focusing on sudden success but rather on a sustained
journey involving small wins and consistent effort over time. It
emphasizes how people often aim for instant success rather than taking
the long road to achieving something through habitual progression. The
text outlines three main aspects for becoming \"great\": consistency,
intention, and habit progression. Consistency in actions brings about a
series of incremental improvements and learning opportunities over time.
It also stresses on being intentional with our goals and how they can be
achieved. Lastly, developing a habit of progression includes the idea of
iteration - testing things repeatedly to find what works or doesn\'t -
and then turning that into habits through deliberate practice. The
article encourages people to reframe their views about \'greatness\', by
focusing on being good consistently rather than searching for
perfection. It also recommends a few books related to personal
development, which can be beneficial in this journey.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[I Love Ruby](https://eliseshaffer.com/2023/12/18/i-love-ruby/)**:

The article discusses the deep appreciation for Ruby programming
language despite its declining popularity in recent years. The writer
highlights various aspects that make Ruby unique and enjoyable,
including its focus on programmer happiness, expressiveness through
metaprogramming features and cultural idioms, embracing domain-specific
languages (DSLs), and how the language caters specifically to many
Rubyists\' thought processes. A strong sense of community within the
Ruby ecosystem is also emphasized as a major contributing factor to its
success. The article seeks to explore why people love Ruby and
encourages readers to share their own personal reasons for loving the
programming language.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Improvements Since the 1990s ·
Gwern.net](https://gwern.net/improvement)**:

This article is a reflection on the improvements in quality of life
since the 1990s, focusing on technology, society, food, and more. It
highlights advancements such as computers becoming more affordable and
powerful, the internet\'s impact on communication and information
access, the democratization of travel, and improved car safety features.
The article also touches on societal changes like a decrease in crime
rates and the shift towards healthier lifestyles.

The author acknowledges that while progress is often debated in terms of
big achievements, it\'s important to recognize the small improvements in
everyday life too. These incremental changes add up over time and
greatly enhance our quality of life. The article concludes by
emphasizing how far we\'ve come since the 1990s and expressing optimism
for future advancements.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[Ram, Tesla and Subaru Have the Worst Drivers \|
LendingTree](https://www.lendingtree.com/insurance/brand-incidents-study/)**:

A recent analysis conducted by LendingTree examined insurance quote data
from QuoteWizard to determine which car brands had drivers with poor
driving records. The study found that Ram had the worst drivers,
followed by Tesla and Subaru, as their drivers had incident rates above
30 per 1,000 drivers. On the other hand, Mercury had the best-rated
drivers with 50% fewer incidents than those of Ram. The research
considered incidents like accidents, DUIs, speeding, and citations.
These factors can impact insurance premiums, fines, license suspension
risk, and availability of affordable car insurance policies. Responsible
driving habits lead to better outcomes for individuals and society at
large.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

**[She Gave a Hotel a Mediocre Review. Then Came the
Badgering](https://archive.is/a2spO)**:

In conclusion, online reviews have become an integral part of our
economy, helping consumers make informed decisions about products and
services. However, they are not always as trustworthy as they seem due
to manipulation by businesses seeking high ratings for financial gain.
This article shares several examples where individuals were pressured or
incentivized to leave positive reviews, highlighting the need for
stricter regulations and increased transparency in online review
systems.

------------------------------------------------------------------------