---
blogpost: true
date: 22.7.2024
author: Tobias
location: Stuttgart
category: links, 2024
tags: links, 2024
language: Deutsch
---

# Links für 2024 KW 29

Zusammengefasst von
[LlongOrca](https://huggingface.co/TheBloke/LlongOrca-13B-16K-GGUF).

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

**[PgManage](https://github.com/commandprompt/pgmanage)**:

The article discusses pgmanage, a public fork from
pgsql-io/omnidb-ngNotifications. It mentions that users must be signed
in to change notification settings and has received 10 forks, with 249
stars and 438 forks overall. Additionally, it describes the web tool as
a command prompt database management solution.

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

**[Remove PDF password protection using qpdf and
AppleScript](https://www.sheshbabu.com/posts/remove-pdf-passwords-using-qpdf-and-applescript/)**:

This article explains how to remove password protection from a PDF using
the qpdf tool instead of bloated applications. By installing qpdf
through HomeBrew and creating an Automator Quick Action called \"Remove
Password,\" users can decrypt a password-protected PDF file right from
Finder without needing to open Terminal or use a separate application.
The decrypted file will be saved in the user\'s Downloads folder.

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

**[Table of
Contents](https://github.com/trimstray/linux-hardening-checklist)**:

The article discusses a simple checklist designed to help users deploy
essential elements of GNU/Linux production systems, with the list
currently being a work in progress. It is licensed under the MIT license
and has received 1.4k stars and 177 forks on GitHub.

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

**[Don't underestimate the importance of oral
health](https://peterattiamd.com/importance-of-oral-health/)**:

A recent meta-analysis investigated the impact of toothbrushing
interventions on hospital-acquired infections, particularly
hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The study found that subjects
randomized to a toothbrushing intervention had a 33% lower HAP risk
compared to controls. Additionally, toothbrushing was associated with
shorter ICU stays and reduced ICU mortality. These findings highlight
the importance of oral hygiene for overall health, as poor oral health
has been linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and
Alzheimer\'s disease.

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

**[Joe Biden stands down as Democratic
candidate](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41026741)**:

The article summarizes the reactions and implications of Joe Biden\'s
decision not to run for a second term as President of the United States
in the upcoming 2024 election, as well as his reasons for making this
choice. The author also discusses potential candidates who could be
considered by the Democratic Party for the 2024 presidential race.

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

**[Tabletop game forumite achieves posting godhood, emerging from the
void after 100,000 hour 11 year ban to continue the same argument from
2013](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/something-awful-forumite-achieves-posting-godhood-emerging-from-the-void-after-100000-hour-11-year-ban-to-continue-the-same-argument-from-2013/)**:

PC Gamer is a publication under the international media group and
digital publisher Future plc. The corporate site can be found at Quay
House in Bath, England with company registration number 2008885 and
registered in England and Wales.

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

**[\"Maxwell\'s equations of software\"
examined](http://www.righto.com/2008/07/maxwells-equations-of-software-examined.html?m=1)**:

In 1961, Alan Kay referred to Lisp as the \"Maxwell\'s Equations of
Software,\" highlighting the importance of its half-page code that
defined a universal Lisp function evalquote. This code could evaluate
any given function. The Lisp 1.5 Manual, written by John McCarthy et
al., is available at softwarepreservation.org and contains this
essential code. Lisp\'s M-expression meta-language and S-expression data
coincide, making code and data the same thing in Lisp. A basic Lisp
interpreter can be defined using a few primitives (car, cdr, cons, eq,
atom).

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

**[Let\'s blame the dev who pressed \"Deploy\" - Dmitry
Kudryavtsev](https://yieldcode.blog/post/lets-blame-the-dev-who-pressed-deploy/)**:

This article discusses how software engineers should not be held solely
responsible for bugs and outages that occur due to system failures,
pointing out that multiple factors contribute to these issues. The
author argues that blaming developers is unjustified, as they are often
pressured by the company\'s management or regulatory requirements to cut
corners in their work. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the
broken organizational practices and policies that lead to such problems.

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

**[Ask HN: Where to find the cheapest proxies for web
scraping?](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41023251)**:

The article discusses the challenges of finding cheap, reliable proxy
services for web scraping. Many suppliers are untrustworthy and based in
Eastern Europe or Hong Kong, while others use shady methods like
dropping SDKs into apps. One legitimate option is Oxylabs, which allows
users to invoice without using crypto. Additionally, Scrapingfish
provides insight into how proxies are sourced and offers information on
building a mobile proxy pool for better reputation IPs. However,
there\'s a debate over whether web scraping is inherently shady or not,
with some arguing that using proxies to hide one\'s address can harm
others.

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

**[england - What is the significance of the character \"j\" at the end
of a Roman Numeral? - Genealogy & Family History Stack
Exchange](https://genealogy.stackexchange.com/questions/3748/what-is-the-significance-of-the-character-j-at-the-end-of-a-roman-numeral)**:

The provided text does not contain a sufficient amount of content to
create a summary for the given article.

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

**[Missing Link: Wie Millionen Bundesbürger kommerziell auspioniert
werden](https://www.heise.de/hintergrund/Missing-Link-Wie-Millionen-Bundesbuerger-kommerziell-auspioniert-werden-9805284.html?view=print)**:

This article discusses the international trade in location data, despite
strict privacy regulations such as GDPR. Reporters from Bayerischer
Rundfunk and Netzpolitik.org gained access to a dataset of 3.6 billion
location data points linked to Mobile Advertising IDs (MAIDs), which are
used to identify users on smartphones and desktop computers for targeted
advertisements. This dataset was provided by the US company Datastream
Group, who obtained it through a Berlin-based data marketplace named
Datarade.

The article also mentions previous reports about location data trade by
the New York Times in 2019 and Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. In
January, Dutch radio station BNR discovered the same marketplace and got
access to 80 gigabytes of data from Dutch smartphone users. These
incidents have brought attention to a practice that experts have long
known but has been largely unknown to the general public.

The article raises concerns about the privacy implications of location
data collection, such as the granularity of information that can be
gleaned from metadata analysis and how it can reveal personal details
like where individuals live, work, and socialize. It also highlights the
potential dangers for people working in sensitive positions or those
involved in covert activities, as location data could be used by
entities such as repressive governments and intelligence agencies.

The article then explores how this international trade works, with data
usually obtained through software development kits (SDKs) integrated
into apps on Android and iOS devices. These SDKs can easily collect
location data and sell it to advertisers for a profit. The marketplace
Datarade offers real-time updates of location data, which is available
to anyone willing to pay.

The article concludes by addressing why existing privacy regulations
like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) do not seem to be
able to prevent such practices, and calls for stronger regulations that
would restrict or prohibit tracking individuals for advertising
purposes.

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

**[Crowdstrike-Debakel: IT-Firmen müssen stärker für ihre Fehler
haften](https://www.heise.de/meinung/Fatales-Crowdstrike-Update-Wir-brauchen-mehr-Herstellerhaftung-9807499.html?view=print)**:

A faulty Crowdstrike update caused numerous Windows systems to crash,
resulting in significant disruption for many companies. The update
blocked devices running the company\'s Falcon platform, causing
widespread IT outages across various sectors such as airlines, banks,
and retailers. Although it is unclear whether or not Microsoft\'s cloud
services were affected, the common issue seems to be a lack of quality
in software updates. The article calls for increased responsibility from
companies like Crowdstrike, urging them to invest more in product
quality and ensuring they are held accountable for the consequences of
their actions.

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

**[Open-source collaborative wiki and documentation
software](https://docmost.com/)**:

The GithubInstallation Guide highlights the features of a real-time
collaborative rich-text editor, which includes support for tables, math
(LaTex), and callouts. The article emphasizes the robust permissions
system that ensures information security and accessibility to the right
people. Spaces are used to organize content into dedicated teams,
projects, or departments. Groups manage user permissions, while an
integrated inline commenting system facilitates discussions directly on
pages. Page history tracks edits over time and allows reverting to
previous versions. The search function uses Postgres full-text search
for quick information retrieval across all pages. Nested pages offer
reordering and management via drag-and-drop functionality, while
attachments can be added effortlessly using clipboard functionality.

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

**[Butts Are Difficult \|
buttplug.io](https://docs.buttplug.io/docs/dev-guide/intro/buttplug-ethics/)**:

The article discusses the challenges faced when applying technology,
specifically Buttplug, a library used in sex tech applications. It
emphasizes the importance of considering user experience, designing with
safety and ethics in mind, and addressing issues unique to sex tech
projects. The article highlights the need for developers to plan ahead
and be responsible for their actions while creating these applications.
Additionally, it provides advice on handling contributions, choosing a
Code of Conduct, and thinking about personal goals as a developer.

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

**[Teaching Programming with
BASIC](https://lackofimagination.org/2024/07/teaching-programming-with-basic/)**:

The article discusses the author\'s experience with programming in
GW-BASIC on an IBM PC clone running MS-DOS. It highlights the simplicity
of the language, its line-oriented text editor, and the learning process
it provides for beginners. The author suggests that BASIC is a good
starting point for understanding how computers work but recommends
moving to modern languages as one becomes more experienced.

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

**[Human parasites in the Roman World: health consequences of conquering
an empire \| Parasitology \| Cambridge
Core](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/human-parasites-in-the-roman-world-health-consequences-of-conquering-an-empire/6464BDBB5D4B8EC0B08C503B6ECD1B7B)**:

This article discusses parasites in European populations from prehistory
to the industrial revolution, focusing on their impact on human health
and sanitation practices over time. It examines ancient latrine systems
and intestinal parasites in past populations, including historical
records of parasitic worm eggs found in cesspools and latrine sediments.
The article highlights the importance of paleopathology research to
better understand the genetics of infectious diseases and the evolution
of human health over time. It also explores the prevalence of intestinal
parasites in Africa and the Middle East prior to 1500, as well as the
role of sanitation and latrines in controlling the spread of these
parasites. Additionally, the article discusses various methods for
extracting parasitic eggs from archaeological sites and examines how
ancient hygiene practices contributed to the health and survival of past
populations.

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

**[Are people too flawed, ignorant, and tribal for open
societies?](https://www.conspicuouscognition.com/p/are-people-too-flawed-ignorant-and)**:

This article discusses a two-week summer school in Budapest focusing on
\"The Human Mind and the Open Society\" organized by Thom Scott-Phillips
and Christophe Heintz. The event explores how understanding the human
mind can inform our understanding of open society ideals, such as
commitments to the rule of law, freedom of association, democratic
institutions, and the free use of reason and critical analysis. The
author argues that large societies have positive epistemic consequences
but may face challenges in terms of complexity, invisibility, ignorance,
and tribalism. They also discuss motivated cognition, coalitional
psychology, advocacy-biased cognition, and social signalling as factors
that can influence political beliefs and decision-making within open
societies.

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

**[Young Adulthood Is No Longer One of Life's Happiest
Times](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/young-adulthood-is-no-longer-one-of-lifes-happiest-times/)**:

The midlife crisis, characterized by a dip in happiness around age 50,
has been observed across multiple studies and even in nonhuman apes.
However, recent research suggests that younger generations are
experiencing more unhappiness, with mental health issues such as stress
and depression becoming increasingly common among young people. The
findings challenge the traditional U-shaped curve of happiness and
emphasize the need for solutions to address the decline in well-being
among young adults.

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

**[Early riser: The sun is already starting its next solar
cycle---despite being halfway through its current
one](https://phys.org/news/2024-07-early-riser-sun-solar-halfway.html)**:

The first signs of the sun\'s next 11-year solar cycle, Cycle 26, have
been detected in sound waves inside our star, even though it is only
halfway through its current one, Solar Cycle 25. Researchers from the
University of Birmingham found these indications by studying the sun\'s
internal sound waves to measure its rotation and comparing it with data
from previous solar cycles. The faster-rotation belts tend to appear
before a new cycle begins. These findings are significant, as they could
help improve understanding of how plasma and magnetic fields interact
during the solar cycle.

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

**[PKGW: What TeX Gets
Right](https://newton.cx/~peter/2024/what-tex-gets-right/)**:

In this article, the author discusses why TeX/LaTeX continues to be
relevant in today\'s technological landscape despite its age and the
advancements in computing technology since it was first developed. The
author argues that TeX is excellent at handling mathematics equations
and creating bibliographic references with the help of tools such as
BibTeX. Additionally, the author highlights the open-ended language
structure of TeX, which allows for more flexible typesetting
capabilities compared to other document creation tools. While the
article admits there are situations where TeX may not be the best
choice, it encourages building on TeX/LaTeX rather than starting fresh
with a new technology.

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

**[BIERSCHISS: Das macht der Alkohol mit unserer
Verdauung!](https://www.heimgourmet.com/artikel-3124-bierschiss-das-macht-der-alkohol-mit-unserer-verdauung.htm)**:

The Heimgourmet-Redaktion article discusses what happens to our
digestion when we consume alcohol, specifically focusing on the effects
of drinking beer. When alcohol reaches our stomach, a portion of it is
absorbed by the mucous lining, while the rest moves into the small
intestine. There, the alcohol enters our bloodstream and affects our
mood. The remaining alcohol in the small intestine is eventually
expelled as \"beerschiss,\" which may resemble cow dung rather than a
healthy bowel movement due to several factors. Alcohol, especially beer,
speeds up digestion by producing excess stomach acid, and white beer has
a stronger effect due to its yeast content.

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

**[No Uptime Hosting - Guaranteed Server
Downtime!](https://nouptime.com/)**:

This article discusses various hosting plans and features, such as
storage, bandwidth, programming languages, databases, dedicated support,
and uptime guarantees from a web hosting provider. The company claims to
host over 5 million websites since 1969 and strives to improve server
downtime and provide customer satisfaction through its services.

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

**[Bourton-on-the-Water model
village](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourton-on-the-Water_model_village)**:

Bourton-on-the-Water model village is a scale model village in the
grounds of the Old New Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire,
England. One of the first model villages in the country, it was started
in 1936 and completed in 1940. The model represents the core of
Bourton-on-the-Water as it appeared in 1936 in 1:9 scale. The model
village contains around 100 buildings and is open to the public with
exhibitions of other models on smaller scales. Construction began in
1936 by Mr C A Morris, who commissioned eight local craftsmen to
construct scale replicas of around 100 structures using methods similar
to those used for real buildings. The model village was the first
tourist attraction in Bourton-on-the-Water and has since become one of
the main tourist destinations in the Cotswolds.

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

**[how to pwn a billion dollar vc firm using inspect element - eva\'s
site](https://www.kibty.town/blog/a16z/)**:

The article describes a situation where the author discovered a
vulnerability in portfolio.a16z.com, a website managed by venture
capital firm A16Z Crypto. By using a tool called Lunchcat to scan the
site for sensitive information, the author found that the process.env of
a Heroku instance was embedded within the site\'s JavaScript code. This
exposed a list of services, including database access, AWS credentials,
Salesforce API keys and more. The author believes that this
vulnerability could have led to potential privacy issues and
unauthorized access to sensitive data. A16Z Crypto did not reward the
author with a bug bounty due to their public disclosure of the issue
instead of attempting private contact.

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

**[Never update anything \|
blog.kronis.dev](https://blog.kronis.dev/articles/never-update-anything)**:

The article discusses the idea of never updating software, questioning
whether updates are actually useful or if they just cause more problems
than they solve. It suggests that a more finely grained versioning
scheme could benefit software by focusing on stability and backwards
compatibility. The author believes that having a framework version that
is supported for 10-20 years and remains stable throughout its expected
lifetime would be ideal.

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

**[Donald Trump: Taiwan soll die Verteidigung durch die USA
bezahlen](https://www.golem.de/news/donald-trump-taiwan-soll-die-verteidigung-durch-die-usa-bezahlen-2407-187218.html)**:

Der ehemalige US-Präsident Donald Trump fordert, dass Taiwan für seine
Verteidigung gegen China selbst zahlen soll. Er begründet dies mit
Falschbehauptungen über die taiwanische Halbleiterindustrie. Trump
sagte, dass Taiwan nichts gibt und erklärte, es sei unglaublich reich,
weil es den US-Chipgeschäften gestohlen habe. Die USA haben sich bisher
verpflichtet, Taiwan zu verteidigen. Die taiwanische Halbleiterindustrie
ist weltweit führend und profitiert vielen großen US-Unternehmen wie
Apple, Amazon, Google und Microsoft. Eine Verteidigung Taiwans ohne
militärische Mittel und US-Truppen könnte weitreichende Folgen für die
USA und die globale Wirtschaft haben.

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

**[Umstieg von Windows auf Linux: Ich schließe das
Fenster](https://www.golem.de/news/umstieg-von-windows-auf-linux-das-fenster-geht-zu-2407-186932.html)**:

In diesem Erfahrungsbericht beschreibt der Autor seine Probleme beim
Übergang von Windows auf Linux Mint und die Lösungen, die er dafür
gefunden hat. Der Autor entschied sich für Linux Mint als eine
Benutzerfreundliche Distribution mit einer umfangreichen
Anwendungsbibliothek. Die Installation verlief reibungslos, und der
Autor konnte schnell mit den vorinstallierten Apps wie dem
Firefox-Browser und Libreoffice vertraut werden. Allerdings hatte er
Schwierigkeiten bei der Desktop-Konfiguration und der Integration von
Hardware. Dennoch bleibt er bei Linux Mint und plant, seine
Windows-Virtuelle Box zu nutzen, um die Notwendigkeit für
MS-Office-Formate und -Anwendungen abzudecken.

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

**[E-Fuel-Förderung: Die billige Logik des Christian
Lindner](https://www.golem.de/news/e-fuel-foerderung-die-billige-logik-des-christian-lindner-2407-187209.html)**:

The German government is promoting cars that don\'t yet exist for a fuel
that doesn\'t yet exist in an effort to create false incentives for
inefficient technology. In its growth initiative, the federal government
has decided to retroactively grant a special depreciation for new fully
electric and comparable zero-emission vehicles from July 1, 2024, which
will apply until the end of 2028. Additionally, the growth initiative
proposes taxing exclusively E-Fuel vehicles with eco-friendly benefits
equivalent to those granted to electric cars. However, no such vehicles
currently exist and there is no klimaneutral fuel available at filling
stations. Critics argue that this incentive may benefit industry but
could be expensive for consumers and potentially harm climate protection
efforts.

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

**[Strategizing Your Preparation for Machine Learning
Interviews](https://mlengineerinsights.substack.com/p/strategizing-your-preparation-for)**:

This article discusses strategies for tailored preparation to help
individuals succeed in Machine Learning (ML) job interviews, focusing on
understanding the broad spectrum of ML roles and core responsibilities.
It highlights the importance of researching company blogs and papers,
tracking progress, and understanding the specific technical skills
needed for different specializations within the field. The article also
provides a breakdown of common types of ML interview rounds and offers
tips for tailoring interview preparation based on targeted roles.

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

**[Life was dirty, difficult, and dangerous for almost everyone who ever
existed](https://www.freethink.com/society/techno-humanist-manifesto-chapter-1)**:

The article, \"Chapter 1: Progress Needs a Defense\" from the book \"The
Techno-Humanist Manifesto,\" by Jason Crawford, discusses how industrial
civilization has become a victim of its own success. It highlights that
people in wealthy countries often take for granted the incredible
benefits brought about by technology and industry, such as more than
twenty-fold increase in GDP per capita in developed nations and
reduction in extreme poverty from 80% to less than 10%. However, due to
these advancements, many have lost awareness of how they were achieved.
The author emphasizes the importance of remembering the hardships people
faced before and being grateful for the progress made by scientists,
inventors, and entrepreneurs.

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

**[Don\'t ask me to embarrass
myself.](https://basta.substack.com/p/dont-ask-me-to-embarrass-myself)**:

This article discusses the author\'s frustration with the referral and
patent systems in the tech industry, as they feel misled by companies
promising rewards for their efforts. The author shares their personal
experiences at Box, Uber, and Stripe, where none of their referrals led
to hires, despite putting in a lot of effort. They also express
disappointment over not receiving any bonus or recognition for the
patents they were granted. They emphasize that these experiences are
common among people in the industry and urge companies to reevaluate
their systems and reward employees more fairly.

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

**[How Game Theory and AI Have Raised the Stakes in Top-Level
Poker](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-nash-equilibrium-is-the-optimal-poker-strategy-expert-players-dont-always-use-it/)**:

The article discusses the use of game theory, probability tables, and AI
algorithms in Texas Hold\'em poker strategy, focusing on the question of
whether to prioritize \"game theory optimal\" play or exploitative
strategies based on opponents\' weaknesses. Game theory is a
mathematical approach that analyzes competitive interactions between
rational decision-makers, and it has applications beyond traditional
games. In Texas Hold\'em poker, AI algorithms have become increasingly
sophisticated in predicting optimal strategies for players. However,
exploitative play can be effective when opponents deviate from the Nash
equilibrium, which is a state where no player would benefit by deviating
from their chosen strategy, assuming others don\'t deviate from theirs.
The article suggests that a blend of game theory\'s optimal and
exploitative play may be necessary to remain competitive at high-level
poker games.

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

**[Ryanair -- when every page is a dark
pattern](https://hallofshame.design/ryanair-when-every-page-is-a-dark-pattern/)**:

This article highlights how Ryanair employs various manipulative
techniques called \"dark patterns\" to increase its profits. Some
examples include default sign-up for promotional materials, misdirection
dark patterns to upsell customers on additional services, and using
prominent buttons to promote fast track options. The website repeats
these practices throughout the booking process to make it harder for
customers to resist impulse purchases or accidental clicks. These
techniques are a cause for concern, as they aim to deceive customers and
increase profits for Ryanair.

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

**[Trump shooter used Android phone from Samsung; cracked by Cellebrite
in 40 minutes -
9to5Mac](https://9to5mac.com/2024/07/18/trump-shooter-android-phone-cellebrite/)**:

The FBI accessed Thomas Matthew Crooks\' locked phone, which was used
during a Trump rally shooting. It was initially unsuccessful in
unlocking the phone but later succeeded with the help of Cellebrite
software and new tools developed specifically for this purpose. The
device turned out to be an Android-based Samsung model. The FBI found
photos on Crooks\' phone of President Joe Biden, as well as searches
related to major depressive disorder.

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

**[1877388 - Telekom Security: Revocation delay for TLS certificates
with basicConstraints not marked as
critical](https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1877388)**:

The article discusses a debate on whether Telekom Security, a public CA,
chose customer convenience over obedience to the rules when deciding not
to revoke some certificates. Critics argue that the CA had the power to
revoke but decided against it due to discomfort and convenience for the
customers. In response, Telekom Security defends its decision as
necessary to prevent harm to critical infrastructures and denies
accusations of ignoring established rules. The article highlights
ongoing discussions about potential solutions in CA/Browser Forum
mailing lists or working groups but doesn\'t provide a concrete
resolution.

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

**[Overcoming the limits of current
LLM](https://seanpedersen.github.io/posts/overcoming-llm-limits)**:

Large language models (LLM) have several limitations, such as
hallucinations, lack of confidence estimates, and lack of citations.
Hallucination refers to the generation of content that appears factual
but is ungrounded or incorrect. Confidence estimates help in estimating
the factuality of an answer, while citations provide sources for the
information presented. To improve LLMs, researchers suggest addressing
these limitations by focusing on consistency bootstrapping, which
involves excluding contradictory data and curating a high-quality text
corpus based on undisputed, well-curated Wikipedia articles and
scientific literature. This could lead to the development of more
accurate language models that are less prone to hallucinations and
inconsistencies.

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

**[Vaccines Significantly Reduce the Risk of Long Covid, Study
Finds](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/17/health/long-covid-vaccines.html)**:

A large study has shown that Covid-19 vaccinations significantly reduce
the risk of developing long Covid, providing some of the strongest
evidence yet. Researchers found that during the first two years of the
pandemic, the percentage of vaccinated people who developed long Covid
was lower than that of unvaccinated individuals. However, it should be
noted that vaccination did not completely eliminate the risk of
developing the condition.

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

**[Self-Awareness Might Not Have Evolved to Benefit The Self After
All](https://www.sciencealert.com/self-awareness-might-not-have-evolved-to-benefit-the-self-after-all)**:

Despite being a vibrant area of neuroscience with numerous theories on
consciousness, there is still no definitive scientific explanation for
how brain tissue generates or maintains subjective experience. The
consensus among most neuroscientists is that it is a product of brain
processes. Intuition plays a powerful role in the debate over
consciousness and has shaped our understanding of its nature. However,
intuition can be wrong and interfere with scientific literacy.
Consciousness presumably evolved as part of the evolution of the nervous
system to facilitate key social adaptive functions rather than helping
individuals survive. Subjective awareness lacks any independent capacity
to causally influence other psychological processes or actions, but this
does not deny its reality or value. A more scientific explanation for
subjective awareness may require accepting that biology and culture work
collectively to shape how brains evolve.

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

**[Collection of Dark Patterns and Unethical
Design](https://hallofshame.design/collection/)**:

The article discusses various dark patterns and deceptive practices used
by companies, including Lyft\'s misleading 60% off promotion, TikTok\'s
nagging dark patterns, Redis.com\'s \"free\" ebooks, and Samsung forcing
promotional emails. Other examples include Oodie\'s online shopping
guilt, Wish.com\'s Confirmashaming dark pattern, and DoorDash\'s
subscription cancellation process. The article highlights the use of
these tactics by various companies to manipulate customers into making
decisions that may not be in their best interest.

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

**[So you want to compete with or replace open
source](https://drewdevault.com/2024/07/16/2024-07-16-So-you-want-to-compete-with-FOSS.html)**:

The open source movement has experienced a significant boom, primarily
due to its collaborative nature and the economics that come with it.
However, while open source software is profitable for the software
industry as a whole, it can be challenging for individual businesses to
profit from it. Many startups have struggled to find success in this
model, leading to some efforts to change the commercial dynamic of
source-available software. Open source advocates argue that these new
movements should not attempt to reform or redefine open source but
rather create something new while still embracing collaboration and
sharing market opportunities with other entities.

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

**[Many Australian towns are contaminated by lead, but sparrows can
predict if kids have lead
poisoning](https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2024-07-18/sparrows-lead-poisoning-children-blood-levels-health-mining/104075894)**:

The house sparrow can help monitor lead exposure in children by
accurately predicting high lead levels in areas with contamination,
according to a study published in the journal Environmental Sciences &
Technology. Researchers from Macquarie University found that where lead
exposure was highest in sparrows, it was also highest in local children
in two Australian towns affected by mining. The birds are often regarded
as pests and forage for seeds, insects, and food scraps in the red dirt,
which exposes them to lead-contaminated soil and dust. By collecting
blood samples from sparrows and comparing their results with children\'s
blood lead data, researchers discovered a correlation between high
levels of lead exposure in both birds and humans. This method could
prove useful for identifying contamination hotspots and monitoring other
heavy metals and \"forever chemicals\" in the environment.

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

**[Ask HN: Skills to Learn for
Wartime?](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40996703)**:

The article discusses how skills and jobs become relevant during
wartime. It suggests that IT and general computer science skills, as
well as accounting, medicine, mechanical skills, cybersecurity,
drone-related stuff, logistics, and dual citizenship options can be
beneficial during both peace and war times. The article also mentions
the importance of staying physically fit and having medical conditions
to avoid being sent to the frontlines in wartime.

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

**[I Gave Myself a Month to Make One New Friend. How Hard Could That
Be?](https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a61536364/one-friend-in-one-month/)**:

The article is about the author\'s experience trying to make a new
friend in a month as a social experiment. The author faces challenges,
like overcoming fear of rejection, understanding the true meaning of
friendship, and realizing that making a friend takes a lot of time,
energy, and vulnerability. The author also discusses how friendships
change with age, and the importance of maintaining and creating
connections in daily life. In the end, the author acknowledges that
making a friend requires bravery, energy, and work, and that the rewards
of friendship are worth the effort.

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

**[Transcribro](https://github.com/soupslurpr/Transcribro)**:

Transcribro is a private and on-device speech recognition keyboard and
service for Android, utilizing whisper.cpp and Silero VAD for voice
activity detection. The keyboard allows users to type with speech and
can be used by other apps. The app can be downloaded from Accrescent or
GitHub releases.

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

**[Wing‐slapping: A defensive behavior by honey bees against
ants](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4372)**:

Based on the information you provided, it seems that the Japanese honey
bee, Apis cerana japonica, employs a new defensive behavior called
wing-slapping to repel invasive ants like the Japanese pavement ant.
This behavior involves direct contact between the bee\'s wings and the
ant, followed by flicking the ant away. While the success rate of this
behavior varies across different ant species, wing-slapping appears to
be a relatively low-energy defense mechanism that could evolve among
honey bees to protect against ant incursions. Further research could
investigate the innate aptitude of individual bees for this behavior and
the effects of invasive ants on honey bee populations.

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

**[Fats from thin air: Startup makes butter using CO2 and
water](https://newatlas.com/technology/savor-butter-bill-gates/)**:

Bill Gates has invested in Californian startup Savor, which aims to
create a rich, fatty spread similar to butter using carbon dioxide and
hydrogen. The San Jose company uses a thermochemical process to produce
animal-like fats without the environmental footprint of dairy or
plant-based alternatives. Gates believes that this technology has the
potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, and he hopes his
support will help bring these products to market at an affordable price
for consumers.

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

**[We Love Writing Software So Much, We're Willing To Do It For
Free](https://news.alvaroduran.com/p/we-love-writing-software-so-much)**:

The article discusses the common belief among open source maintainers
that offering something for free entitles them to a portion of their
users\' money. This notion has led some to compare open source software
to the struggle against slavery throughout human history. Despite
acknowledging personal preference for using tools with full control, the
author emphasizes that not everyone is persuaded by those who release
software for free and guilt trip people into paying. The article
highlights how open source software contributes to career enhancement
and can provide an emblem of technical prowess. However, it also
criticizes the sustainability of relying on free labor in this context
and suggests that open source maintainers should focus on making their
job easier instead of promoting a selfless narrative.

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

**[Camping Stein am Simssee](https://www.camping-stein.de)**:

The article discusses a campground near Chiemsee and the Alpenland,
offering comfortable pitches with direct lake access, mountain views,
and various amenities like electricity, fresh water, and waste disposal.
It mentions a large detour on the approach road from Prien,
Mauerkirchen, and Riedering-Moosen but states that vehicles up to 12
tons can still enter the premises. The campground is located 15 km from
Rosenheim and about an hour\'s drive from Munich and Salzburg via car or
train. The website offers online booking options for various
accommodations, including pitches or houses near the lake. Additionally,
a live HD webcam shows the view of the campground towards the lake and
mountains.

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

**[Als Kostprobe: Händler liefert Standortdaten von Millionen deutscher
Nutzer](https://www.golem.de/news/als-kostprobe-haendler-liefert-standortdaten-von-millionen-deutscher-nutzer-2407-187097.html)**:

Anhand von Daten war es möglich, Bewegungsprofile zu erstellen und
mehrere Personen zu identifizieren, einschließlich eines deutschen
Geheimdienstmitarbeiters. Es wurde bekannt, dass Standortdaten von
Millionen von Menschen aus Deutschland verkauft werden, wobei diese
Informationen Rückschlüsse auf den Wohnort, Arbeitsplatz oder
Freizeitaktivitäten der Betroffenen erlauben. Die Daten stammen nicht
von einem klassischen Datendiebstahl, sondern wurden gezielt von
Smartphone-Apps gesammelt und gemäß deren Datenschutzbestimmungen
weitergegeben. Diese Praxis wurde als \"relevantes Sicherheitsproblem\"
sowie \"untragbarer Zustand\" bezeichnet, während einige Politiker für
ein Verbot des kommerziellen Datenhandels plädierten.

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

**[The Ultimate Resource for Elizabethan Drama \|
ElizabethanDrama.org](http://elizabethandrama.org/)**:

This article discusses Elizabethandrama.org, a website that presents
easy-to-read, fully annotated Elizabethan plays for the first time ever.
The website\'s goal is to inspire readers to explore the great works
from the Elizabethan era and make them accessible through modern edits
and annotations. The plays on this site are unique as they contain
comprehensive annotations directly next to the lines, making it a smooth
and enjoyable reading experience. In addition, these plays are available
for free and can be used by directors and performers in their
preparation for productions.

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

**[Attempting to stop Microsoft users sending \'reactions\' to email
from me by adding a postfix
header](https://neilzone.co.uk/2024/07/attempting-to-stop-microsoft-users-sending-reactions-to-email-from-me-by-adding-a-postfix-header/)**:

The article discusses how the author has been receiving more email
replies in the form of \"reactions\" from people outside their Microsoft
ecosystem and wants to disable them. They found that Microsoft has a
specific header, x-ms-reactions: disallow, which can be added to
outgoing emails to suppress reactions on its clients\' systems. The
author explains how they modified their mail server\'s configuration to
add this header for all emails sent from any account or device and
tested its effectiveness with various recipients. While the method did
prevent some of the unwanted \"reactions\" emails, it still didn\'t
provide a perfect user experience.

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

**[Why German Strings are
Everywhere](https://cedardb.com/blog/german_strings/)**:

This article discusses different ways that programming languages
implement strings and introduces a custom string type called \"German
Strings.\" German Strings are highly optimized for data processing and
have been adopted by several systems, including DuckDB, Apache Arrow,
Polars, and Facebook Velox. The main advantages of German Strings
include performance improvements due to space savings and reduced
allocations and data movement. They also make it easier to parallelize
string handling code. However, there are challenges in using German
Strings, as developers must consider the lifetime and storage class of
their strings.

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

**[Data Broker Files: How data brokers sell our location data and
jeopardise national
security](https://netzpolitik.org/2024/data-broker-files-how-data-brokers-sell-our-location-data-and-jeopardise-national-security/)**:

The AdTech industry in Germany is causing privacy concerns for millions
of people while posing a threat to national security. Data brokers are
selling location data without sufficient control, leading to an
international problem as similar issues have been identified in the USA,
Norway, Netherlands, and Switzerland. These brokers obtain this
information from mobile apps that pass on GPS data for advertising
purposes. The investigation highlights the need for regulation of data
marketplaces and sellers, as well as better enforcement of data
protection laws.

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

**[In den Datenstrom eintauchen: Ein Werkzeugkasten für Analysten von
Android-Apps](https://www.kuketz-blog.de/in-den-datenstrom-eintauchen-ein-werkzeugkasten-fuer-analysten-von-android-apps/)**:

The article discusses how to analyze Android apps for potential data
leakages and privacy concerns. It describes the use of tools such as
Frida, mitmproxy, BurpSuite, and others for intercepting and analyzing
network traffic and bypassing certificate pinning. Additionally, it
mentions projects like Tweasel and PiRogue that can help identify
tracking and data security violations in mobile apps. The author also
highlights the cat-and-mouse game between developers and analysts to
bypass app security measures and emphasizes the importance of
interpreting and understanding the captured data for thorough analysis.

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

**[Tagesschaukommentar zur Chatkontrolle: Empörte
Ahnungslosigkeit](https://www.kuketz-blog.de/tagesschaukommentar-zur-chatkontrolle-empoerte-ahnungslosigkeit/)**:

The article discusses the failure of the so-called \"chat control\" and
highlights the clash between privacy and child protection. A journalist
from ARD argues that the German data protection (pure data protection)
is preventing the protection of children on the internet, framing it as
a conflict between two fundamental rights. The article criticizes the
simplistic view that prioritizing privacy over child protection is
wrong, suggesting both are essential for protecting children from sexual
abuse online.

The article also discusses the potential risks and collateral damage of
mass surveillance, such as false positives and infringements on privacy
rights. It questions whether we are willing to accept certain
restrictions and sacrifices in order to put an end to child sexual
exploitation material (CSAM).

In conclusion, the article highlights the complexity of finding a
balance between data protection and child protection online and
emphasizes that the EU\'s proposed chat control is flawed as it
prioritizes surveillance over other solutions.

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

**[Firefox: Datensendeverhalten Android-App (F-Droid-Version) --
Browser-Check
Teil6](https://www.kuketz-blog.de/firefox-datensendeverhalten-android-app-f-droid-version-browser-check-teil6/)**:

The article discusses the data transmission behavior of Firefox
(Fennec), a browser version for Android available on F-Droid. It is
based on Firefox and has proprietary bits removed, but still connects to
various Mozilla and Google services that can track users. By default,
Google is set as the search engine, which is not privacy-friendly. The
article recommends using a different search engine like Startpage or
disabling auto-suggestions. Firefox (Fennec) does not track its user but
has some concerns regarding connections to Mozilla and Google services.
Add-ons are supported in this version, but there is a smaller selection
compared to the desktop version. The article concludes that F-Droid\'s
Firefox variant presents a relatively privacy-friendly impression
overall.

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

**[For advertising: Firefox now collects user data by
default](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40974112)**:

This article discusses Mozilla\'s decision to introduce a new feature
called \"Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement\" (PPA) in its Firefox
browser, which has raised privacy concerns among users. The feature is
designed to provide advertisers with information about the performance
of their ads while maintaining user privacy. However, the implementation
of PPA as an opt-out setting rather than an opt-in one has been
criticized by many users and industry experts. Mozilla\'s CTO addressed
these concerns on Reddit, explaining that they believe in better
defaults for users and that more communication should have been done
about the feature. The article also mentions alternative browsers like
Ladybird and Servo, which aim to provide a more privacy-focused browsing
experience.

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

**[Blocked](https://old.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/1e43w7v/a_word_about_private_attribution_in_firefox/)**:

This article discusses the blockage of a user\'s request due to network
policy restrictions. The user is advised to log in or create an account,
use unique developer credentials, and ensure their User-Agent string is
accurate. If still blocked, they should file a ticket with their IP
address and Reddit account information for further assistance.

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

**[For advertising: Firefox now collects user data by
default](https://www.heise.de/en/news/For-advertising-Firefox-now-collects-user-data-by-default-9801345.html?view=print)**:

Firefox 128 has been released with new data protection controversies.
Users accuse Mozilla, the developer, of deceiving them by introducing
Privacy-Preserving Attribution (PPA) technology for anonymized
measurement of advertising and its performance without their consent.
The issue lies in automatic activation of PPA rather than user opt-in
and Mozilla\'s potential intentions to improve cash flow through this
feature. Firefox users are concerned about data collection and question
the trustworthiness of a browser provider that emphasizes data
protection but resorts to such measures.

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

**[The Engineer's Guide To Deep Learning](https://www.interdb.jp/dl/)**:

This article discusses the current golden age of AI and highlights the
Transformer model as a groundbreaking breakthrough in AI technology. The
Transformer model was initially developed as a machine translation model
but has since permeated nearly every field, making it essential
knowledge for modern engineers. The article provides concise information
on neural networks, recurrent neural networks, natural language
processing, and the Transformer model, with working Python code examples
to enhance comprehension. It also offers references for further
exploration in AI technologies and encourages readers to use the
provided documentation that caters to their preferences.

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

**[Why I Hope Rust Does Not Oxidize
Everything](https://gavinhoward.com/2024/07/why-i-hope-rust-does-not-oxidize-everything/)**:

The author expresses their concerns about the potential monopolization
of the programming language industry by Rust and argues that a
programming language monoculture would be disastrous for the industry.
They highlight several reasons why they believe Rust is not suitable for
everything, including its syntax, async fractures, complexity, compile
times, static analysis, and build times. The author advocates for
diversity in programming languages and warns against relying solely on
Rust or allowing it to dominate the industry.

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

**[Fransenflügler --
Wikipedia](https://wikiless.funami.tech/wiki/Fransenfl%C3%BCgler?lang=de)**:

The article is about Fransenflügler, also known as Thysanoptera or
thrips, which are small insects with four wings and long beak-like
mouthparts used for feeding on plants. They belong to the order
Thysanoptera within the class Insecta. There are approximately 5,500
known species of Thysanoptera worldwide, with around 400 in Central
Europe and 230 in Germany.

The article provides information on their physical characteristics,
including their external and internal anatomy. The external anatomy
includes the head, thorax, wings, legs, and abdomen, while the internal
anatomy covers the nervous system, digestive system, and respiratory
system.

Thysanoptera have a wide distribution due to their ability to be
transported by air currents over long distances. They are found in
various habitats around the world, except for polar regions. Their life
cycle consists of eggs, larvae, pre-pupae, pupae, and adults, with some
species having multiple generations per year.

Some Thysanoptera species can be pests to crops by causing damage to
plant leaves and flowers or acting as vectors for plant viruses.
However, other species are used in biological pest control due to their
ability to feed on other harmful insects. The article also discusses the
use of chemicals and natural predators to control Thysanoptera
populations.

The history of research into Thysanoptera is briefly mentioned, with
early descriptions dating back to the 17th century by Filippo Bonanni
and Carl de Geer. The current classification system for Thysanoptera is
complex due to the large number of species and the lack of comprehensive
genetic studies.

Finally, the article mentions a song titled \"Gewittertierchen\"
dedicated to Thysanoptera in the music industry.

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

**[Gewittertierchen: Was hilft gegen Gewitterfliegen? \|
BR.de](https://www.br.de/radio/bayern1/gewittertierchen-100.html)**:

The article evaluates the average rating of 3.02 out of 5 based on 216
votes. It discusses the issue of small insects called Gewittertierchen
or Gewitterfliegen in homes, which become more prevalent during humid
weather due to air pressure pushing them downward. These tiny creatures
belong to the category of air plankton and consist of around 500
different subspecies. They are not considered harmful to plants but can
be a nuisance when they gather indoors. To prevent or eliminate their
presence, it is recommended to remove standing water near the house,
seal cracks in windows, and clean regularly.

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

**[controversial oluv\'s gadgets
reviews?](https://old.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1105o9n/controversial_oluvs_gadgets_reviews/?tl=de)**:

The discussion revolves around a YouTuber called \"oluv\'s gadgets\" who
reviews headphones and earphones, comparing their frequency responses
and overall sound quality. It is noted that Oluv often finds that
popular brands like Sony, Bose, etc. do not meet his standards for sound
quality, with the exception of some cheaper, lesser-known brands like
Earfun. Oluv\'s gadgets reviews have sparked debate on whether his
opinions are genuine or exaggerated, with some people praising his
honesty while others accuse him of being a shill for the brands he
collaborates with.

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

**[Is there a way to prevent Spotify connect from hijacking the volume
buttons on my android phone? -
r/truespotify](https://redlib.seasi.dev/r/truespotify/comments/i1ikfq/is_there_a_way_to_prevent_spotify_connect_from)**:

The article discusses an issue where having both Spotify running on a
media PC and its Android app in the background causes phone volume
buttons to control the PC\'s Spotify volume, rather than the ringtone
volume when not using the Spotify app. The user is seeking a way to
disable this behavior.

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

**[The Stratocaster turns 70: An ode to the world\'s greatest guitar
design](https://newatlas.com/music/stratocaster-70-fender-factory/)**:

Leo Fender\'s first solid-body electric guitar design, the Telecaster,
was an absolute plank that could be used to row a boat or dig a hole.
His follow-up, the Stratocaster, unlocked new sounds and remains one of
the icons of 1950s design. Launched in 1954, it pioneered
automotive-inspired paint jobs that became part of its legend. The
three-pickup guitar has an iconic out-of-phase sound that was
accidentally discovered when the switch was jammed halfway. The
Stratocaster\'s success is attributed to Leo Fender and his team, as
well as his 50/50 partner Don D. Randall who named every Fender product
except the Precision Bass.

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

**[Inside the Mafia of Pharma
Pricing](https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/inside-the-mafia-of-pharma-pricing)**:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report that shows the
role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in inflating drug prices, such
as the case of Gleevec. PBMs are responsible for price and handling
payments for pharmaceuticals between doctors, pharmacies, and patients,
but have been found to redirect vast amounts of money to themselves
instead of lowering drug prices. This has led to concerns about their
monopolistic power in the healthcare market. The FTC\'s report indicates
that they may sue PBMs over high prices they foster for insulin,
potentially changing the entire drug claims system and bringing down
prices drastically.

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

**[Opinion: We built our world for a climate that no longer exists \|
CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/12/opinions/climate-crisis-change-extreme-weather-infrastructure/index.html)**:

The Third Avenue Bridge in Manhattan had to be closed due to swelling
metal from extreme heat, highlighting the need for infrastructure
adaptation to climate change. This issue is not limited to New York
City - Houston\'s electric grid faces blackouts due to its antiquated
design, while wildfires in California and lack of air conditioning in
European cities leave people vulnerable during heatwaves. As the world
warms, the current infrastructure, economic systems, and cultural
practices are becoming increasingly outdated and dangerous. Although
technology can help adapt to these changes, a rebuilding of our world is
necessary for a sustainable future.

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

**[Strategy for EU Bootstrapping Hardware Startups: Don\'t Sell to
Anyone in
EU](https://flyingcarcomputer.com/posts/strategy-for-eu-bootstrapping-hardware-startups/)**:

The article discusses the author\'s journey in creating a new type of
personal computer called Flying Car. They mention encountering
difficulties during the process, such as challenges in obtaining CE
certification for selling products in the EU and complexities in
navigating EU taxation and regulations. As an alternative solution, they
propose incorporating in Estonia to avoid certain legal and tax
headaches and potentially access larger markets outside the EU. The
author is currently running tests and sanity checks on this plan with
hopes of launching their product soon.

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

**[PyTorch Lightning: A Comprehensive Hands-On
Tutorial](https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/pytorch-lightning-tutorial)**:

In this article, you learned about PyTorch Lightning, a popular wrapper
for PyTorch that simplifies the deep learning model development process.
You were guided through the installation and setup of Lightning and
PyTorch, setting up a PyTorch Lightning environment, defining a model
architecture, training and validating a model, and optimizing the code
with Lightning-specific best practices and tips. Furthermore, you
learned about data modules, which help in organizing data-related
operations to maintain clean model logic. The article also discussed the
advantages of using PyTorch Lightning in a collaborative project, and
the benefits of using Lightning compared to classic PyTorch.

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

**[SCALE documentation](https://docs.scale-lang.com/)**:

SCALE is a GPGPU programming toolkit that allows CUDA applications to be
natively compiled for AMD GPUs without the need for modification. It
supports AMD gfx1030 (Navi 21, RDNA 2.0) and AMD gfx1100 (Navi 31, RDNA
3.0) GPU targets and is currently working on supporting AMD gfx900 (Vega
10, GCN 5.0). SCALE aims to be fully compatible with NVIDIA CUDA,
offering some opt-in language extensions that can make writing GPU code
easier and more efficient for users who wish to move away from nvcc.

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