--- blogpost: true date: 19.2.2024 author: Tobias location: Stuttgart category: links, 2024 tags: links, 2024 language: Deutsch --- # Links für 2024 KW 7 Zusammengefasst von [LlongOrca](https://huggingface.co/TheBloke/LlongOrca-13B-16K-GGUF). **[There Is No Piracy Without Ownership - Aftermath](https://aftermath.site/there-is-no-piracy-without-ownership)**: In recent popular culture news, rights holders have been treating creative works as disposable tax breaks, leading to the cancellation or removal of various projects and media. This trend highlights the shift towards streaming services and digital purchases, which strip consumers of ownership. As companies prioritize short-term profits over long-term growth, there is a need for a reevaluation of how we treat modern media piracy in light of these changes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[It Is Somebody\'s Moral Imperative To Leak Coyote vs Acme To The World - Aftermath](https://aftermath.site/coyote-vs-acme-fuck-david-zaslav)**: An excellent report on The Wrap revealed that Warner Bros. is planning to delete the completed film Coyote vs Acme, despite having paid for it and being ready to be seen by audiences. This decision comes down to potential tax savings rather than the quality of the movie. In light of this situation, it is suggested that anyone with access to the movie should leak it to save a piece of art that many people invested their time and effort into creating. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Why induced demand is fake](https://www.bensouthwood.co.uk/p/why-induced-demand-is-fake)**: This article defends the notion that induced demand is not a helpful concept. Induced demand claims that building extra road infrastructure will simply fill up with new traffic, and thus, extra roadspace has no impact on relieving traffic congestion. The article argues that this theory is false, as more roadspace means more journeys. Roads are important for transportation and agglomeration, even though they have downsides such as noise pollution and space-hungriness. However, the author acknowledges that we should also consider alternative forms of transportation in some areas, such as low-traffic neighborhoods and pedestrianization. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[stable-audio-demo](https://stability-ai.github.io/stable-audio-demo/)**: This article discusses the use of Stable Audiostable-audio-tools to generate stereo music at 44.1kHz, as well as stereo sound effects. It explains that these generated sounds can be used for various purposes and can provide a high-quality experience. The paper also includes qualitative studies using prompts/audios generated by the model, such as commercial music loops, idling engine noise, and bird chirping sounds. The article concludes with a comparison of ground truth recordings versus autoencoder reconstructions to evaluate audio fidelity capabilities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[AMD Quietly Funded A Drop-In CUDA Implementation Built On ROCm: It\'s Now Open-Source](https://www.phoronix.com/review/radeon-cuda-zluda)**: AMD has been working on making it easier for developers to port NVIDIA\'s CUDA API to run atop HIP/ROCm, with recent efforts focusing on binary compatibility and open-source development. ZLUDA, a project initially created to enable CUDA support on Intel graphics, was adapted for use on AMD GPUs and is now available as an open-source library. This allows many CUDA software programs to run on HIP/ROCm without any modifications, providing a potential solution for end-users who want to run CUDA-enabled software without developer intervention. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Tech Strikes Back](https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/tech-strikes-back)**: A new ideology called \"effective accelerationism\" (e/acc) has gained popularity within the tech community, encouraging more ideas, growth, and competition while pushing back against AI safety and effective altruism. e/acc aims to counterbalance concerns about the risks posed by the tech industry at large and promote action over caution in technological development. The ideology emerged from a group of tech figures who were concerned with the impact of big tech companies on society, and has grown to include venture capitalists, startup founders, engineers, and others. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Slut-onomics: How the scarcity of sluts tears the social fabric apart](https://woodfromeden.substack.com/p/slut-onomics-how-the-scarcity-of)**: This article discusses the issue of promiscuous women and how they have always been in high demand. It talks about slutshaming as a way for men to handle their limited supply of these women, and highlights that only a small percentage of men have access to this minority group. The article also mentions intra-male jealousy and the competition among men for these women, and suggests that slutshaming has played a role in maintaining peace between them. It concludes by stating that post-slutshaming, relationships are becoming more personal and bitter, with rejection being seen as purely due to personal reasons rather than predefined categories of \"good\" or \"bad\" women. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[How Two Irish Businessmen Almost Took Nigeria for \$11 Billion](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/magazine/nigeria-corruption-michael-quinn-brendan-cahill.html)**: Michael Quinn and Brendan Cahill, Irish oil-and-gas men, had spotted an opportunity in Nigeria to create a \"gas leaning\" plant that would transform waste gas into fuel, and founded Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P.&I.D.) for this purpose. They proposed the project to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, with P.&I.D. constructing a \$500 million facility in exchange for no-cost wet gas from Nigeria, processing it into lean gas and keeping valuable byproducts for sale at profit. The proposal was submitted with bribes paid to ministry lawyer Grace Taiga, but the deal ultimately became an explosive scandal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Questioning "The Value of Open Source Software"](https://openpath.chadwhitacre.com/2024/questioning-the-value-of-open-source-software/)**: The article discusses a Harvard Business School working paper titled \"The Value of Open Source Software\" authored by Manuel Hoffmann, Frank Nagle, and Yanuo Zhou. The research is funded by the Linux Foundation and builds on the Census II project. The authors argue that if open-source software (OSS) did not exist, companies would spend 3.5 times more on software than they currently do. However, the article\'s author, Chad Whitacre, criticizes this conclusion as flawed due to methodological issues and questions the inclusion of Go programming language in their research. Instead, he proposes making a better case for using the labor market approach or revising the working paper to make the goods market approach primary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The Value of Open Source Software](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4693148)**: The article discusses the difficulty in measuring the value of open-source software (OSS) due to its non-pecuniary nature and lack of centralized usage tracking. By using unique global data from two sources, the authors estimate the supply-side value at \$4.15 billion and the demand-side value at \$8.8 trillion. They find that firms would need to spend 3.5 times more on software without OSS, with the top six programming languages contributing 84% of the demand-side value. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The cruelty of crypto in its promise to revive the American dream \| Aeon Essays](https://aeon.co/essays/the-cruelty-of-crypto-in-its-promise-to-revive-the-american-dream)**: The 2021 Crypto.com ad, starring actor Matt Damon, featured a message urging viewers to embrace opportunities and commit to risks, using the phrase \"Fortune favors the brave.\" The ad was removed from Crypto.com channels in 2022, and an analysis of its impact shows that those who bought \$1,000 worth of bitcoin on the day the ad aired would only have \$400 left two years later. The article discusses how dreams of financial security and the pursuit of wealth have evolved since the global financial crisis in 2008, with more people turning to high-risk investments such as cryptocurrency in search of a stable future. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[It Can Be Done](https://multicians.org/andre.html)**: In the article, Andr Bensoussan worked on the Multics operating system with the author at Honeywell in Cambridge. They collaborated to design and implement the VTOC manager, a subsystem for managing file description information between disk and memory. Despite using only a pencil and paper for designing, implementing, and testing the code, Andr managed to create a near-perfect program with only one bug found in it later on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[ControlNet v1.1: A complete guide - Stable Diffusion Art](https://stable-diffusion-art.com/controlnet/)**: ControlNet is a neural network that controls image generation in Stable Diffusion by adding extra conditions. It allows you to use it for various tasks such as specifying human poses, copying the composition from another image, generating similar images and turning a scribble into professional images. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to install ControlNet, its settings and usage with Stable Diffusion models and preprocessors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[No focus, no fights, and a bad back -- 16 ways technology has ruined my life](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/17/no-focus-no-fights-and-a-bad-back-16-ways-technology-has-ruined-my-life-tim-dowling)**: This article discusses how technology has both improved our lives and caused several negative consequences. The author highlights 16 ways in which technology has ruined their life, including decreased concentration, impact on posture, proving they are not a robot, constant meetings, loss of arguments in pubs, difficulties turning things on, exposure to unfiltered opinions of stupid people, feeling obligated to monitor bad news, fear of being scammed, defiance of password rules, needing to be forewarned and forearmed, rising levels of digital disorganization, helplessness without technology, and the world\'s dependence on it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Epic Games CEO suggests Apple broke iPhone web apps in the EU for anticompetitive reasons \| TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/16/epic-games-ceo-suggests-apple-broke-iphone-web-apps-in-the-eu-for-anticompetitive-reasons/)**: This article discusses Apple\'s decision to break web apps for customers in the EU due to compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney suggests that Apple\'s decision might be more about protecting its business than customer security. Apple claims it had to support other browser engines besides WebKit for DMA compliance, but has not provided a technical solution despite acknowledging one exists. The article also notes that PWA adoption was growing, potentially posing a threat to Apple\'s App Store revenue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Fefes Blog](https://blog.fefe.de/?ts=9b2f39ad)**: The article discusses how the documentary \"2000 Mules\" claimed that an organization named \"True The Vote\" received \$10 for each fraudulently cast absentee ballot during the 2020 US elections, leading to the reduction of dropboxes in Black counties and increasing them in white counties. However, the Republican-controlled Georgia state Election Board denied these claims, but the damage had already been done. The article highlights how politicians use such stories for political gain despite lacking evidence. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[GitHub - CorsixTH/CorsixTH: Open source clone of Theme Hospital](https://github.com/CorsixTH/CorsixTH)**: This article discusses CorsixTH, an open-source project that is a clone of the 1997 business simulation game Theme Hospital. It supports modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD. The article highlights its features, what\'s missing or needs improvement, and how to contribute to the project as either a coder or non-coder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Security Check](https://www.reichelt.de/aktiv-optisches-hdmi-kabel-aoc-4k-20-m-tme-c508-20m-p320789.html?&nbc=1&trstct=adw_164332)**: The Maxtrack C 508-20 M is an active optical HDMI cable (AOC), supporting 4K@60Hz resolution, YUV 4:4:4 color depth, 3D, HDR and HDCP 2.2 as specified in HDMI 2.1 standards. It has a high-quality glossy metal connector with gold-plated contacts and measures only 4.5mm in diameter. The cable is flexible, easy to install, and features multimode LWL wiring. An active optical converter is integrated into the design for optimal performance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Question: How long does your disk installations take?](https://old.reddit.com/r/PS5/comments/t6nfyl/question_how_long_does_your_disk_installations/)**: This Reddit thread discusses an issue where PlayStation 5 installations take longer than expected, particularly for games like Gran Turismo 7. Users have suggested disconnecting from the internet to force the console to use the game disc instead of downloading content during installation. Some users report that this method significantly reduces the time taken for installation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[CCS Redux: \"Best\" Carbon Capture Facility In World Creates 25x More CO2 From Use Of Product - CleanTechnica](https://cleantechnica.com/2024/02/15/ccs-redux-best-carbon-capture-facility-in-world-creates-25x-more-co2-from-use-of-product/)**: The CCS Redux series is republishing old articles on carbon capture and sequestration, highlighting that the problems still exist, and alternatives are better. This article discusses the scale problem of carbon capture and sequestration technologies, the potential for use being minuscule, and how direct air capture\'s scale problem illustrates that it is not a solution to global warming. It also mentions the Norwegian Equinor Sleipner facility in the North Sea as an example but points out that its CO2 emissions are still significantly higher than sequestration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Nach Bombendrohungen gegen Schulen: Indien droht Proton Mail mit Sperre](https://www.heise.de/news/Nach-Bombendrohungen-gegen-Schulen-Indien-droht-Proton-Mail-mit-Sperre-9630442.html?view=print)**: India\'s government has ordered the blocking of Swiss email provider Proton Mail due to false bomb threats sent to multiple schools in Chennai via registered Proton Mail addresses. The threats were investigated by India\'s IT Ministry, and the blocking request was made by Tamil Nadu police. Proton Mail denies involvement and claims it would only harm innocent users. The decision is yet to be implemented as the company promises cooperation in finding a solution for the situation in Tamil Nadu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Releasing my tools under the MIT License was probably a mistake](https://donatstudios.com/License-Grumbles)**: This article discusses the author\'s preference for MIT Licenses over copyleft licenses and their experiences with open-source projects. The author shares how websites re-hosting their tools have been popping up without proper attribution or source code, which goes against their intentions of promoting community contributions. They are considering relicensing their tools under an Attribution-ShareAlike license to ensure modifications and improvements are shared alike while still promoting community collaboration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Johann Tetzel - Der Schurke der Reformation](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/johann-tetzel-der-schurke-der-reformation-100.html)**: The article discusses the historical woodcut \"Tetzel\'s Absolution Cart\" by Johann Tetzel (1460-1519), who was involved in the sale of indulgences, and how he may have been robbed due to his own business model. The 500-year-old wooden chest is currently on display at the Braunschweig State Museum in Germany, with some speculating that it might be one of Tetzel\'s storages for hidden money. The article also mentions various legends about Tetzel and his involvement in selling indulgences to fund the construction of St. Peter\'s Basilica in Rome, but ultimately highlighting the mystery surrounding him and how he has become a symbol of corruption. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Ohne Beichte gleich zur Absolution mit Ablassbrief zum ausdrucken](https://www.prixton.org/de/ablass.php)**: This article discusses the online absolution service provided by Prixton Church International, a religious community with members worldwide. They believe in forgiveness and acceptance regardless of religion or race. The article explains the concept of absolution (absolution), which is the forgiveness of sins after confession, and that this can be obtained through an online service provided by Prixton Church International. It also mentions the importance of confidentiality during confessions, known as the seal of confession, and its legal protection under German law. Finally, the article emphasizes that absolution is a satirical piece and not to be taken seriously. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Ein Ablassbrief aus Gutenbergs Druckerei](https://www.hab.de/ausstellungen/reformstau/kapitel02/bild01.html)**: In the mid-15th century, Paulinus Chappe, an envoy of King John II of Cyprus, traveled through Europe and printed a greater number of indulgences at Johannes Gutenberg\'s workshop. These indulgences were granted by Pope Nicholas V a year prior to their printing. The 30-line Ablassbrief zur Befestigung des Kampfes gegen die Türken und der Verteidigung von Zypern was a standardized, one-sided text on parchment that allowed the believer to simply insert their names, dates, and signatures upon purchase in order to receive forgiveness of sins during confession. The two documents mentioned were issued in Braunschweig and Goslar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Inner-platform effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner-platform_effect)**: The inner-platform effect is the tendency for software architects to create overly customizable systems that resemble their development platform, often resulting in inefficiency and considered an anti-pattern. This phenomenon can be seen in plugins such as FTP clients or file browsers, where developers replicate OS functions on a restricted platform. It is more efficient to leverage the benefits of databases, XML, or other platforms instead of reinventing the wheel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The game theory of seduction and marriage... with Jane Austen](https://www.optimallyirrational.com/p/the-game-theory-of-seduction-and)**: The article discusses Jane Austen as an insightful writer on love and seduction, emphasizing her understanding of the complexities people face when making decisions in these domains. The author uses game theory to explain the strategic layers of romantic situations and the psychology of protagonists involved in such interactions. They argue that despite changes in courtship rules over time, the underlying logic still follows many of the same principles as described by Austen\'s novels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[So Long, and Thanks for All the Bytes](https://chethaase.medium.com/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-bytes-02a4ef972f65)**: This article discusses the author\'s departure from Google and the tech industry after nearly 14 years, as they are pursuing an MFA in comedy screenwriting. The author reflects on their time at Google, working on various projects and teams within Android, and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences. They also mention the possibility of continuing to give talks related to tech and comedy in their new life as a writer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Considerations for a long-running Raspberry Pi \# Chris Dzombak](https://www.dzombak.com/blog/2023/12/Considerations-for-a-long-running-Raspberry-Pi.html)**: This article is part of the Raspberry Pi Reliability series and discusses various issues that can arise when using Raspberry Pis. The author shares their experiences and offers tips on how to prevent problems, such as WiFi connection failure, software service stoppage, hardware/firmware/driver instability, SD card wear, and more. They emphasize the importance of monitoring and weighing risks when choosing solutions for each issue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Microsoft bets on Germany in 3.2 bln euro AI push](https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-invest-32-bln-eur-germany-ai-push-2024-02-15/)**: Microsoft plans to invest 3.2 billion euros in Germany over the next two years, with most of the funding going towards artificial intelligence (AI). The tech giant intends to double its AI and data center infrastructure capacity and expand training programs during this period. This move is seen as a vote of confidence in Germany\'s economy, which has been facing slower growth globally. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledges the significance of attracting foreign investment, particularly in key industries like AI and technology. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[From engineer to manager: what I love, what I hate](https://thoughtspile.github.io/2024/02/16/eng-to-em/)**: The author shares their experience of transitioning from an individual contributor (IC) engineering role to a management position in the software industry. They highlight both the positive and negative aspects of the change, including the broader impact on the product and team, transferable skills for career opportunities, less knowledge rot, and new challenges. However, they also mention dealing with corporate BS, awkward social situations, office hours, and a long feedback loop as downsides. Overall, it\'s an insightful look at management from the perspective of someone who has experienced both roles in the tech industry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Wirebonding Is Here To Stay](https://semiengineering.com/wirebonding-is-here-to-stay/)**: Wirebonding, a semiconductor manufacturing process for connecting devices to their packages, has remained a cornerstone in the electronics industry since its beginning. Over time, wirebonding technologies have evolved to accommodate shrinking architectures and chip complexity while new materials like copper, copper alloys, and silver replaced traditional gold wires due to cost and performance benefits. Wirebonding is still used in over 80% of semiconductor packages today, as its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and established manufacturing processes make it a suitable solution for chips not requiring ultra-high densities of interconnects. The wire bonder equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% between 2022 and 2027 due to increasing electronics content in automotive applications and rapid growth of the OSAT industry, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Understanding the Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect: The Intersection of Knowledge, Media, and Belief](https://wmathison.substack.com/p/understanding-the-gell-mann-amnesia)**: The Gell-Mann Amnesia effect, coined by author Michael Crichton, describes the tendency for individuals to doubt news stories about subjects within their field of expertise but readily accept the veracity of articles on topics outside their expertise. This phenomenon highlights inconsistencies in our approach to media and questions our perception of knowledge and credibility. It is rooted in cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and the Dunning-Kruger effect, and has been amplified by the internet and social media age. The implications include skewed public opinion and the need for more critical media engagement. Countering the Gell-Mann Amnesia effect requires fostering critical thinking and media literacy through questioning sources, seeking evidence, and being aware of biases. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[advice on how to work 100+ hours per week](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WvUXLII8ffYXFN4Cjn19YKYyU_RrJV42/view?pli=1)**: The article discusses working long hours without the use of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. It outlines six key strategies to maintain focus, including eliminating caffeine, waking up at the same time every day, adjusting eating habits, drinking plenty of water and electrolytes, exercising daily, and avoiding alcohol. The author emphasizes that these steps can help unlock one\'s second wind, improving mental focus and overall well-being during long work hours. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Big Pharma spends billions more on executives and stockholders than on R&D](https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/big-pharma-spends-billions-more-on-executives-and-stockholders-than-on-rd/)**: The Senate HELP Committee hearing highlighted the issues with high prescription drug prices in the US, particularly focusing on pharmaceutical companies\' spending habits and practices. Pharmaceutical companies are accused of spending billions more on executive compensation, dividends, and stock buyouts than they do on research and development for new drugs. The hearing also exposed the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), but their profiteering is considered a small fraction compared to pharmaceutical company profits. A major concern raised in the hearing was the drug pricing practices of three large pharmaceutical companies - Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol Myers Squibb. The report emphasized that the root of the problem lies in pharmaceutical greed, patent gaming allowing drug makers to maintain monopolies, and powerful lobbying. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Why diets backfire: A year or more after weight loss, the desire to eat grows stronger](https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-weight-loss-hunger-20180202-story.html)**: A new study has found that individuals who lose significant amounts of weight may struggle with hunger and increased desire to eat for at least a year after transitioning from weight loss to weight-loss maintenance. This phenomenon is believed to be the result of the body\'s adaptations to protect against wasting away during times of famine, but can be detrimental in societies where food is readily available. The findings emphasize the need for continued support and coping strategies to help individuals maintain their weight loss long-term. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Popular git config options](https://jvns.ca/blog/2024/02/16/popular-git-config-options/)**: This article discusses the popular Git config options as suggested by users on Mastodon. The most popular options include pull.ff only or pull.rebase true, merge.conflictstyle zdiff3, rebase.autosquash true, push.default simple, init.defaultBranch main, commit.verbose true, rerere.enabled true, help.autocorrect 10, and more. The article also provides explanations for these options and their benefits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Universal Basic Income Has Been Tried Over and Over Again. It Works Every Time.](https://gizmodo.com/universal-basic-income-has-been-tried-over-and-over-aga-1851255547)**: This article discusses universal basic income (UBI) pilot programs that have been conducted around the world, with some being successful in improving the well-being and health of participants. Examples include Nixon\'s UBI program from 1969, Alaska\'s Permanent Fund, various US cities during Covid-19, Stockton, California\'s SEED program, Finland\'s basic income experiment in 2017, and the Compton Pledge in Los Angeles. These pilot programs have shown that UBI can help participants meet their basic needs and even encourage entrepreneurship and economic resilience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Plastic industry deceived the public about recycling, report reveals](https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/02/16/plastic-industry-knew-recycling-was-a-farce-for-decades-yet-deceived-the-public-report-rev)**: A new report by the Center for Climate Integrity Research (CCI) reveals that big oil companies and the plastics industry have known for decades that recycling is not a viable solution to manage plastic waste, yet they continued promoting it as such. The report suggests that plastic producers should be held accountable for their deceptions and pay for the damage they\'ve caused. Despite knowing recycling is not an effective long-term solution, companies pushed forward with campaigns promoting recycling to expand their industry without facing regulations addressing waste and pollution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[This Is Why Tesla\'s Stainless Steel Cybertrucks May Be Rusting](https://www.wired.com/story/this-is-why-teslas-stainless-steel-cybertrucks-may-be-rusting/)**: During Tesla\'s Cybertruck unveiling in 2019, CEO Elon Musk claimed that its stainless steel body might be \"literally bulletproof.\" However, recent reports suggest the truck\'s exterior panels are prone to rusting and discoloration when exposed to water pistols or rain. Some owners have experienced corrosion on their vehicles after just 11 days of rain in Los Angeles. Tesla uses proprietary stainless steel, but it can still be affected by external factors such as cheaper steel fittings beneath the panels reacting with the material. The Cybertruck manual provides specific care instructions to prevent damage and discoloration, including not using hot water or washing in direct sunlight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Ofenkartoffel ca.6- 8 Stk 2,5kg Gelbfleischige Bernina](https://www.fruchtversand24.de/Ofenkartoffel-bernina)**: The article discusses privacy settings and the storage of user preferences in local storage, with options to change them at any time (fingerprint icon). It also outlines information about cookies\' duration and details on essential cookies. The article explains that users must provide consent for data sharing and storage from third-party providers such as YouTube, Vimeo, Google Analytics 4, Google Ads Conversion Tracking, PayPal Express Checkout, and Ratenzahlung to access various services and offers. Users can modify their preferences at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Fefes Blog](https://blog.fefe.de/?ts=9b318b79)**: A security researcher known as CtrlAlt has reportedly discovered a vulnerability in the eID function of new German ID cards, allowing them to open an account at a large German bank in someone else\'s name. The Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI) acknowledged the vulnerability and defended their position by stating that it is the user\'s responsibility to maintain the security of their client devices. Despite following all BSI recommendations, the attack remains successful, demonstrating poor security practices among users. The researcher emphasized that a non-replaceable code should be required for trusted devices, likening them to analog telephones or supermarket cash registers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[German credit agency earns millions through unlawful customer manipulation](https://noyb.eu/en/german-credit-agency-earns-millions-through-unlawful-customer-manipulation)**: Noyb has filed a complaint and report against German credit agency SCHUFA, accusing it of making millions of euros by selling people their own data. SCHUFA allegedly misleads customers into purchasing paid services, concealing their legal right to free access to their data under the GDPR. The complaint claims that SCHUFA has violated multiple articles of European data protection law and hinders customers\' ability to exercise their rights. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Chinese workshops recondition Nvidia\'s old flagship gaming GPU for AI --- RTX 2080 Ti upgraded to 22GB for \$499](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/chinese-workshops-recondition-nvidias-old-flagship-gaming-gpu-for-ai-rtx-2080-ti-upgraded-to-22gb-for-dollar499)**: The GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card, once among the best for gamers, is experiencing a resurgence in China as companies repurpose it into AI accelerators by doubling its memory from 11GB to 22GB. Due to US export bans on Nvidia\'s AI products, Chinese workshops have turned to recycling and modifying older graphics cards like the RTX 2080 Ti for use in artificial intelligence projects. The modified card is claimed to be supported by Nvidia drivers without vBIOS modifications. While this may offer a budget alternative for students and startups interested in AI workloads, it comes with potential risks related to warranty and long-term stability. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Forgetting the history of Unix is coding us into a corner](https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/16/what_is_unix/)**: The article discusses the history and evolution of Unix and its various branches, emphasizing the importance of understanding its heritage and avoiding reinventing it poorly. It highlights generational gaps in Unix projects and examines the third line of descent post-Seventh Edition. The article questions whether modern graphical interfaces and networking support are truly part of traditional Unix design and suggests reexamining some original ideas from its creators. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[How much electricity does AI consume?](https://www.theverge.com/24066646/ai-electricity-energy-watts-generative-consumption)**: Machine learning consumes significant energy, with estimates indicating that training AI models is very energy intensive and can consume up to 130 times more power than streaming Netflix. However, exact figures are difficult to pin down due to the variability in model configurations and a lack of transparency from companies like Meta and OpenAI. Researchers are now attempting to estimate the energy costs of specific AI tasks, such as image generation, but these estimates may not be fully representative of real-world deployment. The potential for efficiency gains through more efficient hardware and software remains uncertain in the face of increasing demand for larger models and greater data use. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Smoking has long-term effects on the immune system](https://www.pasteur.fr/en/home/press-area/press-documents/smoking-has-long-term-effects-immune-system)**: A recent study conducted by scientists at the Institut Pasteur revealed that smoking has long-term effects on immune responses, even after quitting the habit. The research used the Milieu Intrieur cohort to analyze the impact of various factors on immunity in 1,000 healthy volunteers. The study found that smoking, alongside latent cytomegalovirus infection and body mass index, had significant influence on immune responses comparable to age, sex or genetics. Smoking disrupts not only innate immune mechanisms but also some adaptive immune mechanisms, with long-term effects lasting up to 10 to 15 years after cessation. The study suggests that smoking can induce persistent changes in the immune system through epigenetic mechanisms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[How to keep engineers out of meeting hell](https://morethancoding.com/2024/02/16/how-to-keep-engineers-out-of-meeting-hell/)**: Meetings can be challenging for engineers as they often lack tangible impact compared to coding and cause interruptions that require context switching. To make meetings more engaging, ask the team to define an outcome for each meeting, lean into \"decision meetings,\" carefully choose when and who attends, and use alternative communication methods when possible. Encourage engineers to evaluate meeting value through nano-retrospectives and only run a meeting if no better alternatives exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Dear writers: Delete your Findaway Voices account NOW](https://mwl.io/archives/23448)**: The article discusses the changes in licensing terms by Spotify after acquiring Findaway Voices. These changes grant Spotify wide-ranging rights to use authors\' content, including for AI training and creation of derivative works. Authors are advised to be cautious and potentially consider removing their content from distribution platforms like Findaway. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Härle: Damals & Heute](https://www.haerle.de/damals-heute)**: The article discusses the history and development of the Clemens Hrle brewery in Oberschwaben, which has been in operation since the late 19th century. The brewery was founded by four brothers who learned the trade in Oberdischingen near Ulm. Over the years, the company has grown and evolved, with each generation contributing to its success and expansion. Today, the brewery employs around 50 people and produces approximately 42,000 hectoliters of beer annually, as well as various types of soft drinks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Einsatzprotokolle zu „Tag X": Chaos und Widersprüche zum Leipziger Polizeikessel](https://fragdenstaat.de/blog/2024/02/12/chaos-und-widerspruche-zum-leipziger-polizeikessel/)**: In June 2023, over 1300 people were detained in Leipzig for more than 11 hours during a police operation following a demonstration that turned violent. Critics have accused the police of mistreating the detainees and failing to provide adequate food, water, and sanitation facilities. Internal police documents released later revealed that the force had failed to maintain an overall view of the situation and contradicted some public reports made by officers. The incident led to a lawsuit against the city\'s police department and calls for increased transparency in their operations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Passing Stars Changed the Orbits of Planets in the Solar System](https://www.universetoday.com/165727/passing-stars-changed-the-orbits-of-planets-in-the-solar-system/)**: The Earth\'s orbit around the Sun changes due to gravitational forces from the Moon and other planets, affecting climate. The orbital motion can be traced back in time using Newtonian mechanics, but uncertainties in current solar system positions and measurements limit accuracy. A recent study highlights the impact of passing stars on Earth\'s orbit, making it difficult to confidently trace Earth\'s past orbit beyond 50 million years, affecting paleoclimate studies and understanding orbital evolution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The Three Virtues of a GREAT Programmer](https://thethreevirtues.com/)**: The article discusses the three virtues of a great programmer as identified by Larry Wall, the original author of Perl programming language. These virtues are Laziness, Impatience, and Hubris. Laziness encourages developers to create labor-saving programs that help others save time and energy, while impatience drives them to write programs that anticipate user needs. Lastly, hubris pushes programmers to write high-quality code that maintains a positive reputation among users. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **['They lied': plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/15/recycling-plastics-producers-report)**: Plastic producers have known for decades that recycling is not an economically or technologically feasible solution for plastic waste management, according to a report by the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI). The industry has obscured this information in its marketing campaigns, focusing on disposable single-use plastics and promoting recycling as a solution. This deception may have broken laws designed to protect the public from misleading marketing and pollution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Apple confirms it\'s breaking iPhone web apps in the EU on purpose \| TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/15/apple-confirms-its-breaking-iphone-web-apps-in-the-eu-on-purpose/)**: This article discusses how Apple updated its website to explain that the new EU regulation, the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is causing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to break in the EU. The complexities involved with allowing different browser engines are cited as the root cause. Developers have experienced issues such as data loss and notifications not working due to this change. Apple\'s response states that addressing these security concerns would require building an entirely new integration architecture, which was not practical given other demands under the DMA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Nitter Instance Health](https://status.d420.de/)**: The article provides information on various Nitter instances and their performance, including response times (ms) and the percentage uptime. It also includes details about the version of the software used for each Nitter instance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[How I Got Scammed Out of \$50,000](https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-scam-call-ftc-arrest-warrants.html)**: On October 10th, a New York Magazine journalist was scammed out of \$50,000 in an elaborate scheme that played on her fears and vulnerability. The scammers used social engineering techniques to manipulate the victim into believing she had been charged with crimes and needed to cooperate with them. They convinced her that they were from government agencies like the FTC and CIA, and had her withdraw \$50,000 in cash which was then taken by an undercover agent. The incident highlights the dangers of scams and the importance of staying vigilant against potential threats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[How to copy a file between devices?](https://grdw.nl/2022/10/03/how-to-copy-a-file-between-devices.html)**: The article discusses the challenges of file sharing between devices and explores different options, such as WeTransfer, Google Drive, Bluetooth, and Apple\'s Airdrop. The author then proposes a solution using websockets to stream bytes between clients without leaving junk in the middle. However, they note that this may be too complicated for non-technical users and suggest considering paid or free alternatives like Socketsbay or Postman Websockets as server solutions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[the lost treasure of language design](https://michael.orlitzky.com/articles/greybeards_tomb:_the_lost_treasure_of_language_design.xhtml)**: The article \"Michael Orlitzky { Greybeard\'s tomb: the lost treasure of language design}\" discusses various aspects of programming languages, emphasizing the importance of having a formal specification, compilation to machine code, and preventing vendor lock-in. The author also compares popular programming languages such as C, Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Assembly based on these criteria and highlights the significance of stability in language design for long-term success. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Unity in power, power in unity: why the EU needs more integrated electricity markets](https://www.bruegel.org/policy-brief/unity-power-power-unity-why-eu-needs-more-integrated-electricity-markets)**: This article highlights the importance of energy market integration in providing resilience to the European electricity markets during the ongoing energy crisis. It emphasizes that greater collaboration among EU countries can lead to significant benefits, such as reduced costs, increased efficiency, and enhanced security of supply. The article argues that despite these benefits, governments face challenges related to distributional effects within and between nations, which may hinder progress in market integration. To achieve the desired results, it suggests that a vision for appropriate degree of integration must be established, along with proper implementation and governance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Can you sanitize the inside of your nose to prevent COVID? Nope, FDA says.](https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/can-you-sanitize-the-inside-of-your-nose-to-prevent-covid-nope-fda-says/)**: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter against Nozin, an alcohol-based nasal sanitizer claiming to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The FDA deemed the product unapproved and misbranded, as there is no high-quality clinical data proving its safety and effectiveness for use inside nostrils. This warning letter comes amidst a series of dubious nasal products claiming to prevent or treat COVID-19, with none having been approved by the FDA so far. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Reverse-engineering an encrypted IoT protocol](https://smlx.dev/posts/goodwe-sems-protocol-teardown/)**: In this article, the author reverse-engineered the encrypted protocol used by GoodWe smart meters and solar inverters to send metrics to the cloud. They then built a Prometheus exporter that allowed them to gather data from the devices locally while still allowing it to be visible on the SEMS Portal for installers and troubleshooting purposes. The author found several security issues with the GoodWe devices, such as hardcoded default passwords, Telnet debug interfaces left enabled in production firmware, and an overall lack of good cybersecurity practices. The article concludes with advice on how to secure GoodWe devices, along with a discussion on their Cyber Security claims and the potential risks associated with remote administration capabilities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Carbon capture tech a \'complete falsehood\', says Fortescue Metals chairman](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/carbon-capture-tech-complete-falsehood-says-fortescue-metals-chairman-2024-02-13/)**: In an address at the 50th anniversary meeting of the International Energy Agency, Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, criticized carbon capture technology as \"a complete falsehood.\" He argued that political leaders need to provide real commitments and clear disincentives for fossil fuels in order to encourage investment in green energy. Forrest emphasized the importance of phasing out fossil fuel use and called on policy makers not to be \"the next idiot waiting\" for carbon sequestration, which he believes has failed for 75 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/america-decline-hanging-out/677451/)**: The article discusses the decline in social interactions and face-to-face communication among Americans, especially teenagers, due to the increasing use of digital devices and social media. This has led to increased loneliness, anxiety, and depression among people. The author suggests that we should care for our relationships as we would for our physical health, emphasizing the importance of in-person interactions and face-to-face communication for overall well-being. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Gitlab Meeting Simulator 2024](https://benjamin-brady.github.io/gitlab-simulator/)**: The article discusses \"Gitlab Meeting Simulator 2024,\" an application that simulates working from Gitlab, allowing users to maintain the perception of being employed while still having personal time at home. The user shares their experience using it to deter their family\'s interference when they are not ready to share their resignation with them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Duolingo Sucks, Now What?: A Guide](https://ruhua-langblr.tumblr.com/post/739086003139149824/duolingo-sucks-now-what-a-guide)**: This article discusses various alternative language learning apps to Duolingo, including Busuu, Language Transfer, Pimsleur, Glossika, Mango, Transparent Language, AnkiDroid, and AnkiApp. The article also mentions SkillChineseSkill and Bunpo for specific languages. It encourages users to explore these resources as a way to enhance their language learning experience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Let Me Tell You A Secret](https://blog.glyph.im/2024/02/let-me-tell-you-a-secret.html)**: The article discusses the secret of software technology consulting, highlighting how companies often need help with people problems rather than technical ones. It suggests that clients should first ask their ICs for honest feedback and listen to their concerns before hiring a consultant. This way, they can gain credibility and improve morale within their organization. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Commercial Real Estate Market Plunge Has Lenders Facing a Brutal Reality](https://www.science.org/content/article/x-ray-survey-bolsters-prevailing-theory-of-universes-expansion)**: The first x-ray survey in decades has cataloged and measured the biggest lumps in the cosmos, clusters of hundreds or thousands of galaxies. Their masses show how fast matter clumped together over cosmic history, supporting the prevailing theory of the universe\'s expansion. eROSITA, a German instrument launched in 2019 onboard a Russian satellite called Spektr-RG, has cataloged 900,000 sources across half the sky and measured 5259 galaxy clusters, confirming that the universe is about as lumpy as the standard cosmological theory predicts. The survey also provided values for other cosmological numbers including w, a parameter that describes dark energy\'s strength. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[DNSSEC vulnerability puts big chunk of the internet at risk](https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/13/dnssec_vulnerability_internet/)**: The KeyTrap vulnerability, discovered by researchers at German National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity (ATHENE), allows attackers to exploit a design flaw in the DNSSEC specification, causing a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on vulnerable DNS servers. This could potentially take down unpatched DNSSEC-validating DNS resolvers and disrupt internet connectivity for users relying on those services. The researchers have given this flaw a CVSS severity rating of 7.5 out of 10, making it an important issue to address. Patches are being issued by various vendors and major public DNS providers to mitigate the risk posed by KeyTrap. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[announcing freenginx.org](https://mailman.nginx.org/pipermail/nginx-devel/2024-February/K5IC6VYO2PB7N4HRP2FUQIBIBCGP4WAU.html)**: Maxim Dounin announces the creation of Freenginx.org, an alternative project to maintain and develop Nginx independently from F5\'s management. The goal is to keep Nginx development free from arbitrary corporate actions, while continuing to support community involvement and contributions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[unprecedented slap in the face of tech regulation -- games fray](https://gamesfray.com/apple-effectively-kills-numerous-browser-games-in-the-eu-unprecedented-slap-in-the-face-of-tech-regulation/)**: The article discusses Apple\'s fight against the European Union\'s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by limiting web apps in the EU only, rather than treating them differently across all jurisdictions. It highlights how Apple is purposefully sabotaging web apps in the EU and not allowing them to run on alternative browsers, effectively reducing competition. This behavior raises concerns about the company\'s intentions and whether it is adhering to antitrust laws. The article also suggests that the EU should consider adding measures like Most Favored Nations rules to combat Apple\'s anti-competitive practices and ensure a fair market for all app developers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Frontiers \| Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/full)**: This article discusses the importance of handwriting in improving learning and memory, particularly for children and students. It highlights the potential benefits of handwriting over typing, including increased brain connectivity, enhanced sensorimotor integration, and better formation of neural network connections. The article presents research findings which show that handwriting has a positive impact on the brain\'s connectivity patterns related to learning and remembering. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Protein biomarkers predict dementia 15 years before diagnosis -- according to new study](https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/?newsItem=8a17841a8d79730b018d9e2bbb0e054b)**: A recent study from The University of Warwick and Fudan University, Shanghai, has demonstrated the ability of protein biomarkers to predict dementia 15 years prior to diagnosis. By analyzing blood samples from over 50,000 participants in the UK Biobank, researchers identified 11 proteins that accurately predicted future dementia when combined into a panel. This machine learning-aided approach has an accuracy rate of over 90%, indicating its potential use in community-based dementia screening programs. The early detection of dementia is crucial for the effectiveness of new drug treatments, such as lecanemab. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Bioluminescent petunias now available for U.S. market - Lawn & Garden Retailer](https://lgrmag.com/news/light-bio-to-introduce-bioluminescent-petunias-into-u-s-market/)**: Synthetic biology startup Light Bio has announced the commercialization of its bioluminescent petunias in the U.S., with support from NFX and Ginkgo Bioworks. The company has achieved up to 100 times brighter glowing plants through genetic modifications, which have been optimized using genes isolated from various luminous mushrooms. In April, Firefly Petunias will be available under the brand name Light Bio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Not all TLDs are Created Equal](https://www.hezmatt.org/~mpalmer/blog/2024/02/13/not-all-tlds-are-created-equal.html)**: The Taliban\'s cancellation of the queer.af domain registration highlights the fragility and risks associated with country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Unlike generic TLDs that have rules created and administered by ICANN, ccTLDs are given out to countries to manage as they please. This has led to numerous issues in the past, including price hikes and domain cancellations. It is recommended to avoid using ccTLDs due to these risks and instead opt for generic TLDs such as .com or .org. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Fehlende Funktionen in Prime Video: Amazons Verschleierungstaktik geht nicht auf](https://www.golem.de/news/fehlende-funktionen-in-prime-video-amazons-grosse-verschleierungsaktion-ist-gescheitert-2402-182152.html)**: The article discusses Amazon\'s unclear communication strategy regarding the launch of Prime Video with ads, resulting in frustration for both existing and new subscribers. Customers have been left in the dark about the differences between the old and new versions of Prime Video, as well as the functionalities removed in the new version. The article raises concerns over Amazon\'s lack of transparency regarding the changes made to Prime Video with ads, leaving customers unsure about what they are subscribing to. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Someone is going to dim the sun, and it will be soon.](https://climate.benjames.io/someone-is-going-to-dim-the-sun/)**: The article discusses the potential of artificially dimming the sun using sulfur particles as a method called Solar Radiation Management (SRM) within the next ten years. It mentions that 100 planes injecting sulfur particles into the stratosphere could cool the Earth by about 1C. The article also explores the controversies surrounding SRM, such as not addressing the root cause of global warming and potentially causing unintended consequences. Despite these concerns, geoengineering is becoming more widely discussed due to increasing interest from billionaires and institutions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Mastering Programming](https://tidyfirst.substack.com/p/mastering-programming)**: This article discusses common patterns observed in effective programmers\' workflows, emphasizing the importance of scaling the brain, slicing projects, concentrating on one thing at a time, isolation, baseline measurement, and learning techniques. The article also highlights the benefits of transcending logic, symmetry, aesthetics, rhythm, tradeoffs, risk-taking, feeding ideas, and managing time effectively. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[A Fossil Fuel Economy Requires 535x More Mining Than a Clean Energy Economy](https://www.distilled.earth/p/a-fossil-fuel-economy-requires-535x)**: This article discusses the mining requirements for transitioning to clean energy and compares them to those of the fossil fuel economy. Decarbonization needs an increase in minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt but would still require less mining compared to the current fossil fuel industry. In 2020, around 7 million tons of minerals were mined globally for low-carbon energy, while the fossil fuel economy mines about 15 billion tons annually. The main difference is that clean energy infrastructure requires less ongoing input and doesn\'t need constant fuel burning like fossil fuel plants. However, the environmental impacts of mining these minerals cannot be ignored, prompting the need for socially and environmentally responsible mining practices. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Falsehoods programmers believe about time zones](https://www.zainrizvi.io/blog/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-time-zones/)**: The author discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding time zones and time conversions, particularly focusing on issues with UTC offsets, DST, and different names for the same time zones across countries. They also mention that there are many ways to represent time zones and that existing libraries may only support one standard. The author concludes by saying they hope their list of misconceptions will help others avoid similar mistakes in developing time zone conversion tools. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The 'queer.af' Mastodon instance disappeared because of the Taliban](https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/12/24071036/queer-af-mastodon-taliban-shut-down-afghanistan)**: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has shut down the \".af\" domain extension, including queer.af Mastodon instance, which was used by queer and queer-adjacent people for a more pleasant social media experience since July 2018. The Afghanistan Ministry of Communications and IT suspended the domain, and Gandi domain registrar has stopped registering, renewing, transferring, or restoring .af domain names. This incident highlights the potential downstream effects of using country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) outside their countries of origin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[It's not just you: Alicia Keys' Super Bowl halftime show got changed for YouTube](https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/12/24071248/alicia-keys-vocals-changed-super-bowl-2024-usher-halftime-performance)**: This article discusses Alicia Key\'s brief cameo during Usher\'s Super Bowl 2024 performance, where she sang a portion of her hit song \"If I Ain\'t Got You.\" However, there is no evidence of this moment in the official NFL video posted after the event. The article suggests that this may have been an intentional edit to remove Alicia Key\'s voice cracking during her performance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Why I threw away your resume (from the world\'s crankiest recruiter) - bloomberry](https://bloomberry.com/why-i-threw-away-your-resume-from-the-worlds-crankiest-recruiter/)**: The tech job market is experiencing high demand, with many applicants receiving over 500 applicants for one position. This article highlights five common reasons why recruiters might reject resumes and cover letters, including not sending a personalized cover letter, having an uninspiring mission statement, listing experiences without specific outcomes, submitting long resumes, and having numerous short-term positions in their work history. The author emphasizes the importance of tailoring resumes to each job application and providing clear, concise information about one\'s skills and experience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The ever-growing problem of ever-growing codebases](https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/12/drowning_in_code/)**: This article discusses the issues facing the computer industry due to physics, legacy technology, and inertia. It highlights that computers are not getting much faster nowadays and argues that there is an urgent need for smaller, simpler software. The author suggests taking a minimum viable product approach and reconsidering what is essential to avoid bloatware and other complications. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Lies, Damned Lies, and Manometer Readings---Asterisk](https://asteriskmag.com/issues/05/lies-damned-lies-and-manometer-readings)**: The article discusses issues with indoor air quality and HVAC systems in the United States. It highlights how technicians often struggle with routine maintenance and installation, leading to poor performance of equipment such as air conditioners. Additionally, there is a lack of clear standards, cost of implementation, and difficulty changing regulation and public attitudes, which contribute to the problems faced by HVAC systems. The author suggests possible interventions, including using carbon dioxide monitors for indoor air quality monitoring, improving transparency in necessary HVAC work, and pushing for adoption of improved or less failure-prone technology. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Violent crime is dropping fast in the U.S. --- even if Americans don\'t believe it](https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics)**: In 2020, the United States experienced an increase in crime rates with a nearly 30% surge in murders and a 5% rise in violent crimes. However, by 2023, these rates started to decline across various cities. Despite this decrease, a Gallup poll revealed that 77% of Americans believed there was more crime in the country than the previous year. The reasons for the drop in crime are not entirely clear, but factors such as better policing initiatives and economic improvements could be contributing factors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[The myth of big salaries (it's all marketing)](https://seths.blog/2009/03/the-myth-of-big-salaries-its-all-marketing/)**: This article discusses the high salaries and bonuses paid to bankers on Wall Street. The author argues that these figures are not justified and are more of a marketing tool than an accurate representation of what is necessary to recruit top talent. The article suggests that organizations should instead focus on innovation, fast-moving, respectful environments as a means to attract talent. Additionally, the author believes that market forces should be allowed to drive salaries in the private sector while encouraging responsible practices for publicly owned or taxpayer-funded companies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Stone age wall found at bottom of Baltic Sea 'may be Europe's oldest megastructure'](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/12/stone-age-wall-found-at-bottom-of-baltic-sea-may-be-europes-oldest-megastructure)**: A stone-age wall discovered off Germany\'s Baltic coast may be the oldest known megastructure built by humans in Europe. The wall, named Blinkerwall, was spotted using sonar and is believed to have been constructed by hunter-gatherers around a lake or marsh over 10,000 years ago. It is thought to have served as a driving lane for hunters pursuing herds of reindeer. The size and shape of the wall suggest it was not formed through natural processes, but rather built intentionally with smaller stones connecting larger boulders. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Coal Plants Staying Online Because AI Needs So Much Power](https://futurism.com/the-byte/coal-plants-ai)**: The booming AI industry is putting immense strain on the US\'s electricity grid as energy companies struggle to power data centers, causing coal plants once set for retirement to remain online and more to follow. This highlights AI\'s concerning environmental footprint that sometimes goes overlooked. Nationwide, the AI industry\'s energy demand is expected to triple by the end of the decade, equaling a third of total homes in the US or 7.5% of projected national energy demand. The lack of transmission lines connecting renewable sources like wind and solar farms exacerbates this issue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[What If I'm Wrong? - By Daniel Dennett - Behavioral Scientist](https://behavioralscientist.org/ive-been-thinking-daniel-dennett-what-if-im-wrong/)**: The article discusses the author\'s shift from being a conscientious scholar to outsourcing understanding when encountering difficult texts. The author emphasizes the importance of distributed understanding and collaboration in knowledge-building, as well as the value of questioning one\'s own ideas and seeking feedback from others. The article also highlights the role of skepticism and humility in intellectual growth and the potential for valuable insights to emerge from attempts to refute established theories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Six months in, journalist-owned tech publication 404 Media is profitable](https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/02/six-months-in-journalist-owned-tech-publication-404-media-is-profitable/)**: 404 Media, a news outlet founded in August 2021, is requiring readers to provide their email addresses to access stories due to concerns about content being scraped and paraphrased by AI text \"spinners\" on other websites. The company\'s goal is to cover the impacts of technology on users in ways that are accessible, transparent, and relatable. Revenue streams include advertising, podcast ads, donations, merchandise, and paid subscriptions. 404 Media aims to grow its audience organically through platforms like TikTok and Instagram while maintaining its focus on reporting and storytelling. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Planito](https://sprain.ch/planito/)**: Planito is a system aimed at fostering a healthy balance between work and personal life by reducing daily work hours by 20% and ensuring regular three-day weekends. It offers uninterrupted time for focused work by rearranging the workdays and weekends differently from the traditional week. The system consists of 6 short workdays followed by a 3-day weekend, with each workday requiring 20% fewer hours than a typical Monday-to-Friday schedule. Planito is suitable for individuals who can set their own work schedules and require focused time without distractions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[France uncovers a vast Russian disinformation campaign in Europe](https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/02/12/france-uncovers-a-vast-russian-disinformation-campaign-in-europe)**: Russia has been detected by French authorities as preparing a large disinformation campaign across Europe, particularly targeting France, Germany, and Poland in connection with the second anniversary of Putin\'s invasion of Ukraine and the upcoming European Parliament elections. The Kremlin is suspected to be behind this campaign through its use of bot farms, which are set to release misleading or false content concerning the war in Ukraine. This disinformation campaign aims to undermine support for Ukraine within Europe and exploits vulnerabilities ahead of crucial political events. France has faced multiple disinformation efforts from Russia over recent years, including fake news about intercommunal tensions in Paris. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **[Nvidia Is Now More Valuable Than Amazon And Google](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/02/12/nvidia-is-now-more-valuable-than-amazon-and-google/)**: Nvidia\'s market value surpassed those of Amazon and Alphabet, reaching \$1.83 trillion after its shares rose nearly 3% to an all-time high above \$740. This remarkable growth can be attributed to Nvidia\'s strong position in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the increasing interest in AI from investors. The company now ranks as the fourth most valuable public company, behind Microsoft, Apple, and Saudi Aramco. ------------------------------------------------------------------------