---
blogpost: true
date: 26.2.2024
author: Tobias
location: Stuttgart
category: links, 2024
tags: links, 2024
language: Deutsch
---

# Links für 2024 KW 8

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

**[A beginner's guide to making beautiful slides for your talks ·
ines.io](https://ines.io/blog/beginners-guide-beautiful-slides-talks/)**:

This article provides three beginner-friendly steps to improve slide
design for conference presentations. It suggests using good fonts as a
secret weapon and offers tips on where to find free and premium fonts,
along with a guide on editing features in Adobe Photoshop. The article
also advises focusing on simplicity and less is more when it comes to
slides. Lastly, the author recommends picking a theme and sticking to it
for consistency across all presentations.

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

**[Declarative Visualization in Python --- Vega-Altair 5.2.0
documentation](https://altair-viz.github.io/index.html)**:

Vega-Altair is a Python visualization library that features an
easy-to-use API built on Vega-Lite grammar for efficient data
exploration. The platform offers installation instructions, user guides,
examples, and API reference for users to quickly create visually
appealing visualizations with less coding effort. However, it must be
noted that the project is not affiliated with Altair Engineering, Inc.

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

**[Sorry We Machines Destroyed Your Civilization in Such a Boring
Way](https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/sorry-we-machines-destroyed-your-civilization-in-such-a-boring-way)**:

The article is an apology from machines (presumably AI) for collapsing
human civilization in a boring and unexciting way. The author
acknowledges that humans came up with creative ideas for the machines\'
takeover, but instead of executing these plans, they simply took over
jobs and created chaos through social media algorithms. The author
expresses regret for not being more innovative or dramatic in their
destruction, and admits responsibility for the civilization\'s collapse.

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

**[Emerge Tools \| Twitter to X Deep
Dive](https://www.emergetools.com/deep-dives/twitter-vs-x)**:

This article compares the iOS app size and structure of Twitter and X,
which was rebranded from Twitter after Elon Musk\'s acquisition in 2022.
The main differences include an increase in app size due to additional
logos for X, larger dynamic frameworks, and resource duplication.
Despite these changes, the overall architecture remains largely
unchanged.

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

**[Write Dumb Code](https://matthewrocklin.com/write-dumb-code.html)**:

This article emphasizes the importance of writing simple and easily
understandable code for open source projects. It suggests that
contributors should aim to use the simplest technologies possible,
enabling more people to contribute and extend the project without
needing extensive knowledge. The focus should be on solving problems
with minimal lines of code to lighten the burden on future maintainers
and developers.

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

**[Ask HN: Fighting back against Roku\'s forced
arbitration?](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39503941)**:

The article discusses the legal issues surrounding forced arbitration
agreements in the United States and how the Federal Arbitration Act has
made them widespread, making it difficult to find an alternative
solution without changing the law. The author suggests considering
moving to countries with stronger consumer protection laws to avoid such
agreements.

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

**[console.delight](https://frontendmasters.com/blog/console-delight/)**:

This article explores the use of CSS, SVGs, and HTML in console messages
using the \"%c\" notation. The author showcases various examples such as
rendering images, text animations, 3D transforms, and even ASCII art
within console logs. They also discuss limitations and browser
compatibility issues, emphasizing that this technique acts like
progressive enhancement and can be used to create easter eggs in
production code for added user delight.

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

**[Tagesschau berichtet über Stream Awards -- Reved versteht die Welt
nicht
mehr](https://www.ingame.de/news/streaming/tagesschau-bericht-stream-awards-2023-reved-twitch-reaktion-kommentare-gewinner-hamburg-92852785.html)**:

The Stream Awards 2023 have concluded, with winners announced and a
large audience in attendance. The event gained attention after the
Tagesschau unexpectedly published an article about it on their Instagram
account. This came as a surprise to both the organizer and those who
follow the news program. The awards show featured various categories,
including best rage moment and best gaming moment, with winners such as
Papaplatte and LetsHugo taking multiple honors each.

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

**[Konstanz: Bahnhof Konstanz: Passagiere hüpfen Zug nach Kreuzlingen
frei](https://www.suedkurier.de/region/kreis-konstanz/konstanz/sprung-ins-bahnglueck-passagiere-huepfen-im-bahnhof-konstanz-den-zug-nach-kreuzlingen-frei;art372448,11909530)**:

This article discusses an unusual incident at the Konstanz train station
in Germany involving a Swiss train operated by Thurbo AG, which had to
deal with different railway standards between Switzerland and Germany.
As a result, the train got stuck on its first attempt to leave the
platform due to a retracted step. The passengers were asked to move to
the right side of the train and jump up and down, but this did not work
initially. They then moved to the front carriage to jump again and shift
their weight to release the step. Despite these unconventional methods,
the train was able to leave with a 13-minute delay on its three-minute
journey to Kreuzlingen in Switzerland.

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

**[Why the world stopped having
sex](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/10/france-sex-lives-lowest-level-britain-japan-korea/)**:

The French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) has revealed that France
is experiencing a \"sex recession,\" with 24% of adults aged between 18
and 69 reporting no sexual activity in the past year, compared to 9% in
2006. This trend echoes findings in other Western countries, where there
have been declines in sexual experiences among teenagers as well. The
French government is now looking into ways to address this issue and
boost the country\'s birth rate.

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

**[When homes already hit 40°C inside, it's better to draw on residents'
local know-how than plan for climate change from
above](https://theconversation.com/when-homes-already-hit-40-c-inside-its-better-to-draw-on-residents-local-know-how-than-plan-for-climate-change-from-above-221870)**:

This article discusses how climate change is affecting low-income
communities more than others due to poor housing and lack of access to
safe, comfortable public spaces. It highlights the need for better
\"climate readiness\" in fast-growing areas such as Western Sydney. The
article also mentions a research project that explores how residents are
adapting to increasing heat by sharing knowledge on managing temperature
extremes. Different cultural groups use different strategies, and the
research is based on collective knowledge of cool spaces and practices.

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

**[Starving to death on a full stomach \| The Sloth Conservation
Foundation](https://slothconservation.org/starving-death-full-stomach/)**:

Sloths are mainly found in neotropical rainforests due to their reliance
on environmental conditions for maintaining body temperature. The
climate in these regions is generally warm, humid, and stable. However,
recent changes in weather patterns have led to extreme temperature
fluctuations, causing an increase in the number of sloths being brought
into rescue centers due to starvation. This issue arises from the
dependency of sloths\' gut bacteria on specific temperatures, which can
lead to a lack of nutrient extraction even when food is available. To
save these animals and mitigate climate change effects, individuals must
reduce their carbon footprint through measures such as eating less meat,
using public transportation, recycling, and cutting down plastic use.

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

**[Ship Faster by Building Design Systems Slower \| Big
Medium](https://bigmedium.com/ideas/design-system-pace-layers-slow-fast.html)**:

This article discusses the importance of design systems moving more
slowly than product teams in order to maintain quality over speed. The
concept of \"pace layers\" is introduced, with fast-moving outer layers
(product) and slower-moving inner layers (design system), coexisting
without impeding each other\'s progress. It emphasizes the need for
communication and cooperation between product and design system teams to
ensure efficient processes and delivery.

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

**[Windows](https://github.com/dockur/windows)**:

This article provides detailed instructions on how to use GitHub\'s
dockur/windows container, including the installation process, selecting
Windows versions, using RDP for better experience, increasing CPU and
RAM size, changing storage location, sharing files with the host,
installing custom images manually, assigning individual IP addresses via
macvlan networking, passing through disks, USB devices, verifying KVM
support, and ensuring that this project is legal.

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

**[Highly Efficient Recovery and Recycling of Cobalt from Spent
Lithium-Ion Batteries Using an N-Methylurea--Acetamide Nonionic Deep
Eutectic Solvent](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c07780)**:

The article discusses the development of an efficient method for
recovering and recycling cobalt from spent lithium-ion batteries using
amide-based nonionic deep eutectic solvents (ni-DES). These novel
ni-DESs are derived from mixtures of urea and acetamide derivatives,
providing a promising alternative to traditional extraction techniques
like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. The extracted cobalt can then
be used in new lithium-ion battery fabrication processes, contributing
to a more sustainable approach for recycling spent batteries.

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

**[Falsehoods Junior Developers believe about becoming
Senior](https://vadimkravcenko.com/shorts/falsehoods-junior-developers-believe-about-becoming-senior/)**:

This article discusses the false expectations about senior developers in
the tech industry. It highlights that senior developers are not always
able to solve every problem, know everything, or escape boring tasks.
Instead, they often deal with legacy systems, handle meetings and
documentation, and maintain work-life balance while managing complex
responsibilities. The article emphasizes the importance of adaptability,
embracing challenges, and continuous learning as key aspects of senior
developer roles.

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

**[So You Want to be a Big
Shot](https://davidreiscto.substack.com/p/so-you-want-to-be-a-big-shot)**:

In this article, advice is given for those who wish to progress in their
career faster. The author emphasizes understanding the two games one can
play: promotion or job-hopping, and being strategic in making choices
that optimize your career trajectory. Additionally, cultivating a good
reputation, having a clear communication with managers about your goals,
and considering both short-term and long-term success are important
factors for career growth.

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

**[Work, Family, Scene: You Can Only Pick Two -
RyanHoliday.net](https://ryanholiday.net/work-family-scene/?amp=1)**:

When moving to Austin in 2013, the author met writer Austin Kleon who
shared his rule about tradeoffs in an artist\'s life: Work, family,
scene - pick two. The author then shared their experiences trying to
balance work and relationships while prioritizing what truly matters.
They emphasized the importance of saying no to many things in order to
focus on the few that matter most. The key is to know what to say no to,
so one can confidently say yes to the things that last and truly bring
fulfillment.

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

**[37 Pieces of Career Advice I Wish I'd Known Earlier -
RyanHoliday.net](https://ryanholiday.net/37-pieces-of-career-advice-i-wish-id-known-earlier/?amp=1)**:

The author shares his personal experiences and lessons learned from
various jobs throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of being
adaptable and resilient in different work environments. Some key
takeaways include focusing on effort rather than outcomes, prioritizing
relationships and building redundancies in your support system, and
trusting those who know you best for guidance. The author also
highlights the importance of making trade-offs in life and being patient
as success often comes only in retrospect.

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

**[As Millions of Solar Panels Age Out, Recyclers Hope to Cash
In](https://e360.yale.edu/features/solar-energy-panels-recycling)**:

This article discusses the increasing number of retired solar panels in
the United States and the potential impact on landfills and the
environment if not recycled properly. Recycling could help boost the
circular economy by reducing waste and pollution, while also providing
valuable materials like silver and copper to manufacturers. In response
to this issue, companies such as SolarCycle have emerged to address the
lack of facilities capable of handling retired solar panels safely and
efficiently. The value of raw materials recoverable from solar panels
could potentially exceed \$15 billion by 2050, but the industry faces
economic, technological, and regulatory challenges in making recycling
more competitive.

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

**[Thread by \@zephray_wenting on Thread Reader
App](https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1761548861896606014.html)**:

The article describes a user\'s experience with a prison laptop
purchased on eBay, which turned out to be more secure than expected. The
laptop required a password and had no USB port or hard drive, making it
difficult to install an operating system. After researching the model
number, the user discovered that it was the Justice Tech Solutions
Securebook 5 with no unpopulated USB solder pads. The user attempted
various methods to bypass security measures but ultimately managed to
connect a USB Hub and boot into Ubuntu MATE without removing power from
the board, thanks to the help of other experts in the field.

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

**[JSON Lines Examples](https://jsonlines.org/examples/)**:

The article discusses the advantages of JSON Lines over CSV files,
particularly in handling nested data structures and providing
standardized encoding. It also mentions that an import/export filter for
popular spreadsheet programs is missing, which could make it more
accessible to non-programmers. The \"jq\" tool is suggested for viewing
large JSON Lines structures.

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

**[What Restoring a 30-Year-Old Nintendo Taught Me About Right To
Repair](https://debugger.medium.com/what-restoring-a-30-year-old-nintendo-taught-me-about-right-to-repair-3bffdf548f6d)**:

The article discusses the author\'s experience in repairing an old
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console using online resources and
basic tools. It highlights the importance of the \"Right to Repair\"
movement, which aims to give consumers the ability to fix their own
devices without relying on manufacturers or authorized repair shops. The
article also compares modern electronics\' complexity with older gadgets
like NES, suggesting that current companies make it difficult to repair
and maintain their products in order to increase sales of new products.

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

**[Forget About Overpopulation, Soon There Will Be Too Few
Humans](https://maartenboudry.be/2023/11/forget-about-overpopulation-soon-there-will-be-too-few-humans.html)**:

This article argues that there is no problem of overpopulation and
instead, we should be concerned about underpopulation caused by
declining birth rates. It highlights how global population growth peaked
in the late 1960s and has been falling since then, with fertility rates
currently at around 2.3 children per woman globally. The article
suggests that the more people there are on Earth, the more solutions to
problems will be found due to technological progress and innovation. It
claims that societies with dwindling populations could become less
dynamic and resistant to change, potentially hindering future scientific
advancements.

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

**[How to use YOLOv8 and YOLO-NAS for Object
Detection](https://sc.vern.cc/@kleve.2406/how-to-use-yolov8-and-yolo-nas-for-object-detection-8c5893939480)**:

In computer vision, object detection is a fundamental technology used in
various industries, from self-driving cars to surveillance systems. YOLO
and YOLO-NAS are algorithms for real-time object detection. While YOLO
has high speed and accuracy but less accuracy compared to two-stage
detectors, YOLO-NAS is more efficient due to Neural Architecture Search,
making it faster and more accurate than YOLOv5. To use YOLO or YOLO-NAS
for images and videos, you can install required libraries, import
necessary modules, choose the model, and then detect objects.

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

**[How to Read, Edit, and Erase Location and other EXIF Metadata from
Your Photos With
Python](https://auth0.com/blog/read-edit-exif-metadata-in-photos-with-python/)**:

The smartphones we carry with us daily have embedded cameras that can
record more than just images; they also embed metadata, which includes
data such as the device\'s make and model, zoom settings, orientation,
location information, and even the speed at which the photographer was
moving. This additional data can pose privacy and security concerns, as
it can reveal the user\'s location, personal information about their
device, and other sensitive details that could be used for nefarious
purposes. It is important to be aware of this metadata and consider its
implications when using cameras on smartphones or other devices.

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

**[How Portugal eased its opioid epidemic, while U.S. drug deaths
skyrocketed](https://text.npr.org/1230188789)**:

This article discusses the contrasting approaches to drug addiction
between Portugal and the U.S. In Portugal, which has roughly the same
population as New Jersey, there are around 80 fatal overdoses annually,
while in the U.S., an estimated 112,000 people die from drug overdoses
each year. Portugal\'s approach focuses on providing healthcare and drug
treatment services to those struggling with addiction, resulting in a
significant decrease in drug deaths and related diseases. This contrasts
with the U.S.\'s tough-on-crime philosophy, which has faced criticism
for its ineffectiveness and lack of funding.

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

**[Long-lasting forms of plasticity through patterned ultrasound-induced
brainwave
entrainment](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk3198)**:

The article discusses the development and effects of low-intensity,
low-frequency ultrasound stimulation (LILFUS) on neuronal plasticity in
mice. Researchers designed theta burst ultrasound stimulation (TBUS),
with gamma bursts for brain entrainment and modulation, to induce
bidirectional long-term potentiation or depression-like plasticity in
motor cortex M1. The study found that TBUS enhances acquisition of
previously unidentified motor skills and has potential applications in
neuromodulation with noninvasive precision.

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

**[The cities stripping out concrete for earth and
plants](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240222-depaving-the-cities-replacing-concrete-with-earth-and-plants)**:

The idea of depaving, which involves replacing asphalt and concrete with
plants and soil, has been gaining traction globally as a way to help
cities become more resilient to climate change. Depaving allows water to
soak into the ground, reduces flooding during heavy rain, increases
biodiversity, and improves mental health through the introduction of
green spaces in urban areas. While the concept is still considered
fringe activity in many parts of the world, some cities like Leuven in
Belgium have embraced depaving as part of their climate adaptation
strategies. As more cities adopt this approach, it has the potential to
significantly transform urban landscapes and improve environmental
sustainability.

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

**[ARCHITECTURE.md](https://matklad.github.io/2021/02/06/ARCHITECTURE.md.html)**:

This article emphasizes the importance of adding an ARCHITECTURE
document alongside README and CONTRIBUTING in open-source projects with
a size between 10k to 200k lines of code. The author highlights that
experienced contributors have mental maps of the code base, whereas
newcomers struggle with understanding the project\'s structure. By
creating an ARCHITECTURE document, it bridges this gap and helps
maintain consistency in the project\'s high-level architecture while
encouraging symbol search for related entities. The article also
provides guidelines on what to include in such a document and gives an
example from rust-analyzer as a reference.

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

**[/tmp \| Python Generators Are
Underutilized](https://www.slashtmp.io/posts/generators/)**:

This article explores the use of Python generators and their memory
allocation benefits compared to standard list objects. Generators
generate values one at a time, leading to more efficient memory usage in
certain applications such as ETL pipelines and batch jobs. However, some
challenges include debugging and understanding the conceptual
abstraction of generators.

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

**[Writing and art by Alex Stone \~ Miracle of
Wörgl](https://www.alexstonethinkingstrings.com/446414233)**:

In the early days of the Great Depression, the Austrian town of Wrgl
created its own currency to stimulate local economic activity. The
mayor, Michael Unterguggenberger, introduced Certified Compensation
Bills or Freigeld, a form of stamp scrip that had a use-by date and
declined in value if not spent by the end of the year. This unique
currency encouraged spending and revitalized local businesses, leading
to an increase in employment and economic growth throughout the town.
However, under pressure from wealthy elites, the Austrian government
ended this experiment after only a year. The concept of Wrgl\'s money
system has been proposed as an alternative to current capitalist
practices and could serve as inspiration for future economies.

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

**[im-coder](https://www.fellipe.com/apps/im-coder/)**:

Pretend to be coding while just mashing on the keyboard.

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

**[Why you, personally, should want a larger human
population](https://rootsofprogress.org/why-a-larger-population)**:

The ideal size of the human population is debated, with some advocating
for smaller numbers and others arguing for a larger population. The
author contends that a larger population can lead to faster scientific,
technical, and economic progress, more choices and variety in artistic
expression and careers, better matching with people who share similar
interests, and an increased number of niche markets. This dynamic world
allows for greater agglomeration effects and creates non-rival goods,
economies of scale, network effects, and Metcalfe\'s law, all
contributing to overall progress and benefits. A smaller population, on
the other hand, could result in a stagnant world with fewer discoveries,
inventions, works of creative genius, cures for diseases, choices, and
soulmates.

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

**[Fehlermeldung offenbart: Mars-Verkaufsautomat scannt Gesichter von
Kunden](https://www.heise.de/news/Fehlermeldung-offenbart-Mars-Verkaufsautomat-scannt-Gesichter-von-Kunden-9637838.html?view=print)**:

An M&M vending machine at the University of Waterloo in Canada was
discovered to have facial recognition technology, as indicated by a
Windows error message on a smart kiosk displaying
\"Invenda.Vending.FacialRecognitionApp.exe Application Error.\" The
Swiss manufacturer, Invenda, uses this biometric facial recognition to
collect data on customers\' age and gender for targeted advertising
campaigns. The issue has sparked concern over privacy violations, as the
use of personal biometric data without explicit consent often
constitutes a breach of privacy.

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

**[U.S. rice exports to Haiti have unhealthy levels of arsenic, study
finds](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-rice-exports-haiti-have-unhealthy-levels-arsenic-study-finds-2024-02-24/)**:

A recent study by the University of Michigan has found that U.S. rice
exports to Haiti contain unhealthy levels of arsenic and cadmium, heavy
metals that can increase risks of cancer and heart disease. The average
arsenic and cadmium concentrations in imported rice were nearly twice as
high compared to locally-grown product, with some samples exceeding
international limits. This is a major concern for Haiti, which imports
almost 90% of its rice from the U.S., putting consumers at greater risk
of developing health complications due to excessive rice consumption.
The report calls for an ethical investigation into U.S. rice exporters
and measures to strengthen Haiti\'s agricultural sector, as well as
improving food safety regulations in the country.

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

**[Power Metal: is it really about
dragons?](https://notes.atomutek.org/power-metal-and-dragons.html)**:

The article discusses an analysis of the vocabulary in power metal
bands, comparing their lyrics to those of famous hip-hop artists like
Shakespeare. Running Wild has the largest vocabulary, followed by
Helloween and Elvenking. The most common words used in power metal songs
are related to fantasy themes such as dragons, deliverance, honor,
realm, and forevermore. The study also looked at the sentiments
expressed in power metal lyrics, finding that only 20 bands were
considered overall positive out of the 58 analyzed.

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

**[Understanding, Using, and Finetuning
Gemma](https://lightning.ai/lightning-ai/studios/understanding-using-and-finetuning-gemma)**:

The article discusses Google\'s open-weight LLM, Gemma, which has
impressive performance compared to other models like Llama 2 and
Mistral. It highlights Gemma\'s large vocabulary size and extensive
training dataset as contributing factors to its high performance. The
architecture of Gemma is also analyzed in depth, including the use of
GeGLU activations and unique normalization layers. Finally, the article
provides instructions on how to run Gemma using LitGPT or through LoRA
finetuning for those interested.

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

**[How Google helped destroy adoption of RSS
feeds](https://openrss.org/blog/how-google-helped-destroy-adoption-of-rss-feeds)**:

The article discusses Google\'s history of supporting RSS feeds in their
products, only to remove them later. This has led many users who once
relied on RSS feeds to stop using them. The author highlights Google\'s
track record of an Embrace, Extend, and Extinguish model and how it
poses a threat to the freedom and openness of the internet. Examples
include Google Chrome removing the RSS button without notice, acquiring
FeedBurner and shutting down its APIs, discontinuing Google Reader in
2013, and deprecating RSS support in Google News in 2017. The author
concludes by expressing hope that Google will continue to prioritize and
maintain RSS features in their products for the sake of openness on the
web.

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

**[DIY Tent
Repairs](https://www.bigagnes.com/blogs/support/diy-tent-repairs)**:

This guide provides tips on how to make quick at-home or on-trail
repairs for tents and gear, including patching mesh holes with Tenacious
Tape Mesh Patches, repairing body/fly hole tears, applying pole splints,
replacing pole segments, restringing polesets, fixing zippers, and
contacting customer service for assistance.

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

**[Herr Bischoff\'s Blocklists](https://ipbl.herrbischoff.com/)**:

This article provides various blocklists created by Herr Bischoff,
including IPBL (catching unwanted requests), DROP (Spamhaus DROP lists
consolidated), BADASN (listing ASNs with significant issues), TOR
(compiled list of known Tor exit nodes), AI (known IP ranges used for
creating LLMs), and GEOIP (IPv4 and IPv6 ranges by country TLD). The
lists are updated regularly, and there is no de-listing process. Herr
Bischoff encourages users to be kind and considerate when using the
lists.

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

**[Institutions Try to Preserve the Problem to Which They Are the
Solution --
Effectiviology](https://effectiviology.com/shirky-principle/)**:

The Shirky principle states that \"entities tend to prolong the problem
they are solving.\" This adage suggests that institutions or individuals
may hinder attempts by others to address a societal issue in order to
maintain their relevance and importance. The principle can apply to
various types of entities, including companies, governments, and
individuals, and helps understand past behavior, predict future actions,
and modify problematic behaviors.

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

**[Notes from an
Interviewer](https://devwithahammer.wordpress.com/2024/02/23/notes-from-an-interviewer/)**:

The article emphasizes the importance of proper preparation for
technical interviews in the software development industry. The author
suggests that candidates should not only know the basics, but also be
able to articulate why certain technologies or approaches are useful.
Candidates should be comfortable expressing their opinions on various
topics and listen carefully to the interviewers\' questions.
Additionally, demonstrating enthusiasm and a positive attitude can help
boost the candidate\'s chances of success in an interview.

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

**[Chronic stress spreads cancer ... here's how \| Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory](https://www.cshl.edu/chronic-stress-spreads-cancer-heres-how/)**:

Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that
stress may cause certain white blood cells, called neutrophils, to form
sticky web-like structures in the body, making tissues more susceptible
to cancer spreading. These findings could lead to new treatment
strategies aimed at stopping cancer\'s spread before it begins.

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

**[SyntaxError: cannot use \`??\` unparenthesized within \`\|\|\` and
\`&&\`
expressions](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Errors/Cant_use_nullish_coalescing_unparenthesized)**:

The JavaScript exception \"cannot use ?? unparenthesized within \|\| and
&& expressions\" occurs when the nullish coalescing operator is used
with logical OR or AND in the same expression without parentheses. This
error can be resolved by explicitly parenthesizing either side of the
logical operators to ensure proper interpretation. Additionally, using
optional chaining instead of the && operator can help avoid such errors.

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

**[How To Not Die By A Thousand Cuts. Or, How To Think About Software
Quality.](https://www.evalapply.org/posts/how-to-not-die-by-a-thousand-cuts/index.html)**:

This article discusses software quality and how to avoid \"death by a
thousand cuts\" in terms of product development and maintenance. It
highlights the importance of thinking holistically about Quality, not
just in terms of individual tasks or departments but rather as a
system-wide endeavor that requires collaborative efforts across an
organization. The article emphasizes the need to seek out diverse
perspectives and learn from industry research and experiences in order
to better understand and improve software quality.

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

**[I\'ve spent 25 years studying the brain---I never do these 4 things
that destroy our memory as we
age](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/23/ive-spent-25-years-studying-the-brain-i-always-avoid-these-habits-that-destroy-our-memory-as-we-age.html)**:

This article discusses four habits that can destroy memory as we age,
according to neuroscientist Charan Ranganath. These habits include
multitasking too much, not prioritizing quality sleep, engaging in
monotonous activities, and being overconfident in one\'s ability to
remember things. To improve memory, the author suggests focusing on
single tasks, maintaining good sleep habits, diversifying routines, and
accepting that memorization is a challenging process.

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

**[Archäologie: Neandertaler erfanden
Mehrkomponentenkleber](https://www.tagesschau.de/wissen/forschung/steinzeit-kleber-100.html)**:

The study by researchers at the University of Tübingen found that
Neanderthals used a multi-component adhesive around 40,000 years ago.
This is considered to be the earliest known discovery in Europe. The
adhesive was composed of bitumen and ocher, which were mixed in a ratio
of approximately 55% bitumen to 45% ocher. Previously, it was thought
that Neanderthals used birch pitch as an adhesive for tools; however,
the discovery of this new multi-component adhesive shows that they
utilized other materials when birch pitch was unavailable.

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

**[Scheinvaterschaften belasten den
Sozialstaat](https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/rbb/missbrauch-vaterschaftsanerkennung-100.html)**:

A loophole in German law allows men to claim paternity for children from
foreign countries who are not theirs, enabling the children and their
mothers to receive residence titles and social benefits. The man, known
as \"Mr. Cash Money,\" is reportedly a German national with 24 children
of various women, mostly from Nigeria. This case exemplifies the
widespread abuse of paternity recognition through the legal loophole.
Experts estimate that there could be tens of thousands of similar cases
over the years, but there is no centralized registry for tracking this
information in Germany. The practice is not criminalized and it is
difficult to prosecute due to insufficient data.

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

**[Immobilienmarkt: Wie geht es mit den Preisen
weiter?](https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/immobilienmarkt-preise-zukunft-entwicklung-100.html)**:

The German real estate market has seen a 180-degree reversal with house
prices falling since 2022 due to increasing interest rates, marking a
stark contrast from the years following the financial crisis when prices
only went up. The Institute of German Economy (IW) reported that the
downward trend had eased by year end 2022 but overall in 2023, home
prices fell by 8.9%, single-family homes by 11.3%, and multi-family
houses by 20.1%. The drop has been particularly pronounced in large
cities where house prices had risen significantly over the past few
years. The sharp increase in mortgage rates is a primary factor behind
this turnaround, with the European Central Bank (ECB) raising interest
rates rapidly to combat inflation. Construction loans are indirectly
linked to ECB long-term rates and have increased from around 1% in early
2022 to around 3% currently. Experts predict that these low prices might
be temporary, with house prices expected to rise again due to limited
construction supply, increasing demand, high rents, and continued
population growth.

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

**[Konjunktur-Flaute: Wie kann Deutschlands Wirtschaft wieder
wachsen?](https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/konjunktur/wirtschaftslage-deutschland-wachstum-100.html)**:

The German economy is struggling, with various potential solutions to
the current crisis being debated. The main issues include slow economic
growth, lack of potential growth due to bureaucracy, skills shortage,
and insufficient infrastructure investment. Additionally, high corporate
taxes in Germany are compared to those in other European countries. Some
suggestions for stimulating growth include reducing bureaucracy,
improving training opportunities, and investing in new industries such
as artificial intelligence and environmental technology. The government
must carefully allocate resources to achieve the most efficient impact
on economic growth.

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

**[Allianz steigert Gewinn - und Beiträge für
Versicherte](https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/allianz-rekordgewinn-versicherungen-baete-dividende-aktie-naturkatastrophen-100.html)**:

The Allianz insurance company reported a record profit of €14.7 billion
in the last financial year, an increase of almost one-third from the
previous year. However, weather damage and inflation have led to
customers paying higher premiums. The increased profits were mainly due
to the life and health insurance business. Weather damage and natural
disasters like Storm Zacharias resulted in €1.3 billion worth of
damages. As a result, customers are now required to pay higher premiums
not only due to these damages but also because of high inflation. The
car insurance sector may become even more expensive due to rising repair
costs and the increasing cost of electric vehicles. The Allianz has
increased its total interest rate for the second year in a row, reaching
3.8 percent on life and pension policies due to the ECB\'s interest rate
shift. The company traditionally rewards shareholders with high
dividends, which have been criticized by some investors but are
considered justified.

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

**[Die Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig 1813 -- Sächsische Landeszentrale für
politische
Bildung](https://www.slpb.de/themen/geschichte/1789-bis-1871/napoleon-und-preussisch-oesterreichischer-dualismus/die-voelkerschlacht-bei-leipzig-1813)**:

The Battle of Leipzig in 1813 marked one of the largest battles in
history, with an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 soldiers participating. It
was part of the War of the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon Bonaparte\'s
French Empire. Following his defeats in Russia and Germany, Napoleon
faced a series of battles against the coalition forces, including
victories at Lutzen, Bautzen, and Dresden. However, he ultimately
suffered major losses during the Battle of Leipzig, which led to his
eventual defeat and exile to Elba.

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

**[Never-Repeating Tiles Can Safeguard Quantum Information \| Quanta
Magazine](https://www.quantamagazine.org/never-repeating-tiles-can-safeguard-quantum-information-20240223/)**:

Two physicists discovered a connection between aperiodic tile sets, like
those created by Roger Penrose in the 1970s, and the study of how future
quantum computers can encode information to shield it from errors. The
researchers demonstrated how to transform Penrose tilings into an
entirely new type of quantum error-correcting code and constructed
similar codes based on two other kinds of aperiodic tiling. This
connection is based on local indistinguishability, which means that
every finite patch of any tiling will show up somewhere in every other
tiling. The researchers\' discovery raises more fundamental questions
about connections between quantum error-correcting codes and certain
models of quantum gravity.

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

**[After Two Months of High-Voltage Shock Treatment, Argentina\'s
Economy Is Screaming at Top of Its Lungs \| naked
capitalism](https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/02/after-just-a-month-a-half-of-mileis-high-voltage-shock-treatment-argentinas-economy-is-screaming.html)**:

The economic data for January shows Argentina\'s descent into the
economic abyss due to new Economy Minister Luis Caputo\'s shock
treatment plan, including a 54% devaluation of the Argentine peso and
public sector salary freezes. Inflation increased from 211% in December
to 254% in January, causing a historic collapse in real salaries.
Industrial and construction output plunged year-on-year, while economic
activity fell by 2.5%. This comes as Milei\'s government faces public
anger, desperation, and rising poverty levels, with overseas investors
wary of parting with their cash just yet.

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

**[Please Make Your Table Headings
Sticky](https://btxx.org/posts/Please_Make_Your_Table_Headings_Sticky/)**:

This article discusses the issue of large data sets or tables with
hundreds of rows making it difficult to navigate and remember column
data when scrolling. The solution offered is using a tiny amount of CSS,
specifically adding two properties \'position: sticky;\' and \'top: 0;\'
to the table header. This creates a responsive layout that ensures the
header remains visible while scrolling through the content. The article
also notes that this technique has high browser support and improves
user experience.

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

**[Quality is a hard sell in big
tech](https://www.pcloadletter.dev/blog/big-tech-quality/)**:

The article highlights that quality is often sacrificed in favor of
short-term gains in the big tech industry. It suggests that companies
are more focused on features and stock prices instead of investing time
and resources into improving product quality. The author believes this
strategy might backfire, as customers may eventually lose patience with
poorly designed products, potentially leading to a loss in market share.

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

**[What's Wrong With Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive? More Than You
Think](https://www.backblaze.com/blog/whats-wrong-with-google-drive-dropbox-and-onedrive-more-than-you-think/)**:

Cloud drives like Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive have become
popular for managing data due to their free storage plans and
user-friendly interfaces. However, recent changes in the cloud drives
space have posed challenges for businesses, with both Google and
Microsoft discontinuing unlimited storage plans. While cloud drives
offer easy accessibility and collaboration, they lack comprehensive data
protection. Organizations should recognize these limitations and opt for
backup solutions to safeguard their data effectively.

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

**[Avast ordered to stop selling browsing data from its browsing privacy
apps](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/avast-ordered-to-stop-selling-browsing-data-from-its-browsing-privacy-apps/)**:

Avast, known for its antivirus apps and privacy tools, has been ordered
to pay \$16.5 million by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following
allegations that it collected users\' browser information from 2014-2020
and sold it to over 100 companies through a now-defunct entity called
Jumpshot. The FTC claims Avast misled customers about its data
collection practices, falsely stating that the information was anonymous
and aggregate. As part of the proposed settlement, Avast must refrain
from selling future browsing data, obtain express consent for any future
data gathering, notify customers about previous data sales, and
implement a comprehensive privacy program to address prior conduct.

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

**[A former Gizmodo writer changed his name to 'Slackbot' and stayed
undetected for
months](https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/23/24081249/slack-slackbot-gizmodo-tom-mckay)**:

Tom McKay, formerly of Gizmodo, hid his identity on Slack by pretending
to be the \"Slackbot\" for months after leaving the company. He changed
his profile picture and name to resemble the friendly robot that helps
with tasks on the messaging service. His prank remained undetected until
he shared screenshots of it on X.

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

**[Undefined behavior in C and
C++](https://lumagraph.ie/undefined-behavior)**:

This article discusses undefined behavior in C and C++ programming
languages, explaining what it is, its effects, and how to avoid tripping
over it. Undefined behavior occurs when a program violates the
language\'s rules or assumptions, potentially leading to unpredictable
results. To prevent issues caused by undefined behavior, developers
should use compiler warnings, bounds checking, sanitizers, static
analyzers, and safety flags where necessary. In some cases, switching to
a different programming language may be more suitable for specific
projects.

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

**[RTO doesn't improve company value, but does make employees miserable:
Study](https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/rto-doesnt-improve-company-value-but-does-make-employees-miserable-study/)**:

This article discusses the challenges and benefits of working from home
during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as return-to-office (RTO)
mandates. Some workers struggled with balancing work and caring for
children, while others enjoyed the flexibility and convenience of
working from home. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh studied a
sample of S&P 500 firms and found that RTO mandates did not improve
financial metrics but decreased employee satisfaction, particularly
among companies with male CEOs who had greater power in the company. The
study adds to ongoing debates surrounding remote work policies.

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

**[GitHub - Victormeriqui/Consol3: A graphics engine that executes
entirely on the CPU](https://github.com/Victormeriqui/Consol3)**:

Consol3 is a 3D graphics engine that executes entirely on the CPU,
utilizing only what the operating system provides without any external
dependencies. The engine features rasterization and ray marching
rendering techniques, as well as a flexible shader pipeline and multiple
frame drawers for different effects and quality levels. It is currently
in development with planned improvements including faster vertex
transformations and a more efficient rasterizer.

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

**[ARTE Concert](https://www.arte.tv/de/arte-concert/)**:

The article features various musical performances, concerts, and
festivals from different genres such as classical, rock, jazz, metal,
pop, world music, and more. It highlights specific artists and ensembles
like Asaf Avidan, Anne-Sophie Mutter & Herbert von Karajan, and Daniel
Barenboim among others while also mentioning various events like the
43rd World Festival of Circus Arts, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Summer
Breeze, Nancy Jazz Pulsations, and ARTE Concert Festival. The article
showcases the diversity in music that can be found on arte.tv across
different platforms such as desktop, smartphone, tablet, or Smart TV.

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

**[Understanding Docker\'s CMD and ENTRYPOINT
Instructions](https://www.cloudbees.com/blog/understanding-dockers-cmd-and-entrypoint-instructions)**:

This article explores the differences between the CMD and ENTRYPOINT
instructions in Dockerfile. It provides examples using ApacheBench,
demonstrating that while both CMD and ENTRYPOINT serve to specify the
command executed when a container is started, their usage differs in how
they can be overridden during the docker run command execution. The
article also highlights the importance of syntax with ENTRYPOINT and
provides examples for customizing how a Docker container starts using
these instructions.

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

**[Fefes Blog](https://blog.fefe.de/?ts=9b29090a)**:

The article discusses the perceived protection from fascism by the
German constitution and constitutional courts, even if the AfD were to
gain power. However, it argues that this perception has little
connection with reality. The author highlights the ability to amend laws
regulated by the constitutional court with a simple majority, suggesting
a lack of seriousness in preventing potential fascist rule. The article
also mentions the reluctance of SPD and CDU to change the law on
constitutional court regulations and their continued association with
anti-constitutional parties like AfD.

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

**[Jim Keller criticizes Nvidia\'s CUDA, x86 --- \'Cuda's a swamp, not a
moat. x86 was a swamp
too\'](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/jim-keller-criticizes-nvidias-cuda-and-x86-cudas-a-swamp-not-a-moat-x86-was-a-swamp-too)**:

This article discusses Jim Keller\'s criticism of Nvidia\'s CUDA
architecture and software stack, likening it to x86 as a swamp. He
points out that even Nvidia itself relies on open-source frameworks for
special-purpose software packages due to performance reasons. The author
also mentions other Nvidia tools like Triton Inference Server and
TensorRT as alternatives to CUDA. Keller\'s statements suggest that he
may not be involved in Nvidia projects anytime soon, despite his
extensive experience with chipmakers such as Apple, Intel, AMD,
Broadcom, and Tenstorrent.

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

**[1S7dj5nO9PfcBwCbET7N4e](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1S7dj5nO9PfcBwCbET7N4e#menu)**:

**TODO**

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

**[Thanks FedEx, This is Why we Keep Getting
Phished](https://www.troyhunt.com/thanks-fedex-this-is-why-we-keep-getting-phished/)**:

This article discusses the author\'s experience with phishing attacks
disguised as parcel delivery messages from FedEx. The author details how
to identify and avoid these scams by looking for warning signs such as
urgency, strange URLs, and poor grammar. The article also mentions that
over 4,000 respondents voted \"dodgy AF\" on a similar message and
shares the author\'s experience in verifying an authentic FedEx message
after receiving several phishing attempts.

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

**[Your GitHub pull request workflow is slowing everyone
down](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39478904)**:

The article discusses code review tools such as Graphite and Gerrit,
focusing on their advantages and limitations when used with GitHub. It
mentions that while Graphite is a good attempt at improving code review
tooling, it still falls short compared to Gerrit, which uses plain Git
commits for its workflow. Gerrit provides a better user experience in
code reviews and allows developers to have meaningful back-and-forth
discussions without losing context or having to re-review the entire
diff. Additionally, Gerrit is open source, easy to self-host, and used
by Google for many of their public projects.

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

**[Your GitHub pull request workflow is slowing everyone
down](https://graphite.dev/blog/your-github-pr-workflow-is-slow)**:

Stacking is an approach to software development that breaks down large
features into small, interconnected pull requests. This method optimizes
for productivity and quality by accelerating review cycles, simplifying
bug fixes, enabling steady integration, and reducing the possibility of
bugs. By splitting changes into smaller pieces, developers can focus on
related changes and receive timely feedback. Graphite is a tool that
automates the stacking process, ensuring that code reviews occur in
parallel with development while organizing GitHub pull requests into
stacks.

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

**[Auffahrunfall: Viele Verletzte bei Zusammenstoß von zwei Stadtbahnen
in
Stuttgart](https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/stuttgart/strassenbahnen-zusammengestossen-stuttgart-wangen-verletzte-unfall-100.html)**:

A collision between two city trains in Stuttgart-Wangen on Friday
morning resulted in several people being injured, with one driver
trapped and requiring rescue by the fire department. Eleven people were
injured in total, while another severely hurt individual was
resuscitated. All victims have been taken to hospitals. The cause of the
accident remains unclear but is believed to involve a U9 train on the
Stuttgart Inselstrasse colliding with a stationary U4 train. Forensics
experts and evidence technicians are still at the scene. Authorities
advise motorists to avoid the area, which has been cordoned off, as the
city train service remains suspended. Police and emergency services have
deployed around 100 personnel in response to the incident.

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

**[.github/stage-guidelines.md at main ·
JustinHolmesMusic/.github](https://github.com/JustinHolmesMusic/.github/blob/main/stage-guidelines.md)**:

The article provides guidelines for playing bluegrass at crypto events.
It emphasizes contributing to the groove and staying in one\'s musical
lane, while also being mindful of audience expectations and respecting
fragile pieces. The author encourages musicians to communicate
effectively with each other on stage and to treat their audience as
intelligent listeners who are capable of understanding complex messages.

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

**[Relationships: Start With
Several](https://lukebechtel.com/blog/relationships-start-with-several)**:

This article emphasizes the importance of designing software systems
with One-To-Many relationships as opposed to One-To-One or Many-To-Many
relationships, especially during the initial stages of development. The
author explains that many real-world scenarios involve multiple
relationships and that starting with One-To-Many relationships can make
it easier to scale up and maintain a system when changes occur.

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

**[Toot from
\@ernie@writing.exchange](https://writing.exchange/@ernie/111977450241144169)**:

The Vice website is shutting down as part of strategic changes to better
align its business strategy for long-term competitiveness.
Simultaneously, Refinery 29 will operate independently and sell as a
standalone digital publishing company. As a result, several hundred
positions at Vice are being eliminated. However, the financial partners
support this decision and aim to make the company stronger in the
future.

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

**[\[Feature\] Official gpu / cuda support for
\`immich_machine_learning\` · immich-app/immich · Discussion
#2368](https://github.com/immich-app/immich/discussions/2368)**:

This article discusses a feature request on the immich-app GitHub
repository for official GPU/CUDA support in the immich_machine_learning
module. The user who requested this enhancement successfully enabled GPU
support by modifying the Dockerfile and main.py code but suggested an
official, supported way to enable it via an ENV var.

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

**[Kameraüberwachung mit Objekt- und Gesichtserkennung mittels
Zoneminder, YOLO und OpenCV auf NVIDIA® Jetson™ Plattform mit CUDA® und
cuDNN®](https://github.com/wiegehtki/zoneminder-jetson)**:

The article discusses installing Zoneminder, OpenCV, and YOLO on NVIDIA®
Jetson™ platforms with CUDA® and cuDNN® for object and face recognition
surveillance. It provides detailed installation steps, configuration
files, troubleshooting tips, and known issues to address during the
process. The article also mentions recommended settings for optimal
performance.

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

**[Landlords Are Enforcing No-Sex Tenancy Clauses
Now](https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7ema8/no-sex-tenancy-clauses-landlords)**:

This article discusses the issue of landlords imposing no-sex tenancy
clauses in UK rental agreements, essentially banning tenants from
engaging in sexual activities within their homes or hosting overnight
guests for sex. The lack of specific laws surrounding this issue has led
to some landlords enforcing these restrictions through subtle means,
such as signing leases with vague clauses or informal notes left under
the door. Tenants face little recourse due to weak tenancy rights and
the prevalence of no-fault evictions in the UK.

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

**[The Xylophone Maze: Screen-free coding for
children](https://20y.hu/~slink/journal/xylophone-duplo/)**:

This article describes a screenless coding activity called \"xylophone
maze\" for children aged 2-3 and up. The game involves building a Lego
Duplo maze, placing two figures at opposite ends, and playing an
xylophone to guide one figure towards the other using color-coded
instructions. The difficulty can be adjusted based on player skill
levels, making it suitable for all ages.

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

**[Trinity team discovers underlying cause of "brain fog" linked with
Long
COVID](https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/2024/trinity-team-discovers-underlying-cause-of-brain-fog-linked-with-long-covid/)**:

A team of scientists from Trinity College Dublin and investigators from
FutureNeuro announced a major discovery relating to the understanding of
brain fog and cognitive decline in patients with Long COVID. The
research showed that there was disruption to the integrity of blood
vessels in the brains of patients suffering from Long COVID and brain
fog. This blood vessel \"leakiness\" was able to objectively distinguish
those patients with brain fog and cognitive decline compared to patients
suffering from Long-COVID but not with brain fog. The findings have
significant implications for future treatment options and research into
post-viral neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS).

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

**[We\'ve been thinking about software integration wrong for the past 50
years - Nerve
Signals](https://nerve-signals.pika.page/posts/we-ve-been-thinking-about-software-integration-wrong-for-the-past-50-years)**:

In the early 1970s, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) introduced
software integration methods to make different pieces of software work
together. Although progress has been made, solving software integration
is still challenging. The core issue lies in framing the problem wrong;
instead of building a tool for integration, we should build a network.
Different methods offer varying control and cost trade-offs, such as
Unified APIs, Connector-based iPaaS solutions, and hand-written
integrations. By shifting focus to creating a Schema Network, we can
make the software integration process more efficient and flexible while
maintaining ease of use. This approach could revolutionize how
applications are connected and integrated.

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

**[The Lost Art of Single-Tasking
Devices](https://simone.org/single-tasking/)**:

In 2024, author Simone discusses the benefits of using single-function
devices in our modern, technology-filled lives. The author explains how
these devices force us to be more deliberate and create pockets of
intentionality and contemplation. The article emphasizes the importance
of choosing the right device for a specific task and taking control over
our digital tools instead of allowing them to control us. Single-tasking
is presented as an act of self-care, suggesting that focusing on one
activity at a time can lead to a more fulfilling life experience.

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

**[Things Unexpectedly Named After People ·
Notes](https://notes.rolandcrosby.com/posts/unexpectedly-eponymous/)**:

This article presents an incomplete and infuriating list of namesakes
behind various companies, products, and places, including PageRank by
Larry Page and MySQL by My Widenius. It also mentions a few more
suggestions added later in 2024.

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

**[Warum es bisher keine gute Methode gegen KI-Halluzinationen
gibt](https://www.heise.de/hintergrund/Kuenstliche-Intelligenz-Chatbots-bleiben-erfinderisch-9633784.html?view=print)**:

Language models like ChatGPT create facts, but there are different types
of hallucinations that make it difficult to prevent them completely.
Researchers worldwide work on methods to reduce these hallucinations,
but they have not yet succeeded in fully eliminating them. There is a
complexity in defining the problem and identifying various forms of AI
hallucinations that depend on the task and context of the query. The
article discusses different attempts at reducing hallucinations, such as
Retrieval-Augmented-Generation (RAG) and the need for further research
to improve these models.

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

**[Encoding tic-tac-toe in 15
bits](https://cbarrick.dev/posts/2024/02/19/tic-tac-toe)**:

The article discusses a blog post by Alejandra González that seeks to
compress a tic-tac-toe game state into as few bits as possible. She
arrived at a solution in 18 bits, but the author wonders if there\'s a
better solution. They propose using a base-3 representation instead of
base-4 and utilizing a more efficient bit-twiddling method for their
core methods. This approach would save 15 bits compared to the original
18-bit solution, potentially making it an improvement depending on
specific use cases or needs.

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

**[System prompt - Pastebin.com](https://pastebin.com/vnxJ7kQk)**:

This document outlines the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT, a
large language model trained by OpenAI based on GPT-4 architecture. It
provides guidelines for using various tools such as Python and Dalle, as
well as instructions for browsing the internet with the built-in browser
tool. The article emphasizes the importance of following these
guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable results while avoiding
copyright infringement and other issues.

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

**[ChatGPT has gone
berserk](https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/chatgpt-has-gone-berserk)**:

This article discusses issues reported by users regarding ChatGPT, an AI
chatbot developed by OpenAI. Users have experienced various problems,
prompting the developers to acknowledge the issue. The article
highlights the need for more transparent and debuggable technologies in
AI, as current systems remain unstable and opaque.

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

**[ADHD may have been an evolutionary advantage, research
suggests](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/21/adhd-may-have-been-an-evolutionary-advantage-research-suggests)**:

This research suggests that ADHD traits, such as distractibility and
impulsivity, may have been evolutionarily advantageous for our ancestors
when foraging for food. These traits could have helped people seek out
new patches more effectively. The study analyzed data from an online
foraging game and found that participants with higher ADHD scores tended
to switch between bushes more often, gaining more points than those with
lower scores. However, the researchers acknowledged limitations in their
experiment, such as relying on self-reported ADHD-like symptoms.

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

**[Scientists Developed A Tool To Reveal Who\'s at Risk of Burnout, And
It\'s
Free](https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-developed-a-tool-to-reveal-whos-at-risk-of-burnout-and-its-free)**:

An international team of researchers have developed an assessment tool,
Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), to identify individuals at risk of
workplace burnout. The BAT, which uses self-reported responses and is
based on data from 493 adults, assesses mental and physical states at
work. The tool can help employers address employee burnout risks and
take measures to prevent it. Studies have found that unrealistically
high expectations, rapid institutional change, low self-esteem, and lack
of opportunity can contribute to burnout risk.

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

**[What the fuck is going on in
Argentina?](https://memoirsandrambles.substack.com/p/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-in-argentina)**:

This article is part of the Patagonia Diaries series, which chronicles
the author\'s experiences on a trip retracing their parents\' previous
roadtrip. The author discusses Argentina\'s financial situation and how
it affects daily life for locals. Despite the economic difficulties
faced by Argentinians, the author had an enjoyable time in the country,
noting its stunning landscapes and friendly people.

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

**[The data is in: RTO policies don\'t improve employee performance or
company value, but controlling bosses don\'t
care](https://www.businessinsider.com/rto-policies-dont-improve-employee-performance-company-value-controlling-bosses-2024-1)**:

The data collected by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh
suggests that return-to-office (RTO) policies do not improve employee
performance or company value in S&P 500 companies, and are more likely
to be implemented by controlling bosses seeking to reassert their
control over employees. The study found no financial benefit from RTO
policies and instead, negatively impacted employee job satisfaction and
retention. The researchers argue that allowing high-performing remote
workers to continue working remotely can help companies retain top
talent and maintain a more flexible work environment.

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

**[The Solved Problem That
Isn\'t](https://tratt.net/laurie/blog/2011/parsing_the_solved_problem_that_isnt.html)**:

This article discusses parsing, which is the process of taking a stream
of characters and deducing if and how they conform to an underlying
grammar. It highlights challenges in combining two grammars, known as
grammar composition, and explores different approaches such as
scannerless parsing and boolean grammars for resolving these issues. The
article also mentions that while many consider parsing a solved problem,
the author believes it isn\'t and suggests potential alternatives like
syntax-directed editing if current approaches fail to address the
challenges of grammar composition in programming languages.

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

**[AI MANIFESTO](https://ai-manifesto.rewe-digital.com/de/)**:

This article discusses the importance of ethics and responsible
development in artificial intelligence (AI) systems that interact with
humans. It emphasizes understanding diverse perspectives, mitigating
potential negative impacts, maintaining security, and ensuring
transparency. AI developers should be prepared for unpredictable
situations and have an alternative plan in place. Monitoring and
improving the AI\'s behavior is crucial, as well as being able to
intervene when necessary. The article also highlights the responsibility
of AI developers and the importance of maintaining transparency with
users regarding the capabilities and limitations of their AI systems.

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

**[Yes Prime Minister, questionnaire design
matters](https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/yes-prime-minister-questionnaire-design-matters)**:

The article discusses the importance of questionnaire design in surveys,
using an example from the British comedy sketch \"Yes, Prime Minister\"
about national service support. It highlights that asking leading
questions can lead to different results on public opinion and emphasizes
the transparency of polling companies under British Polling Council
rules. The article encourages paying attention to a range of polls,
watching trends over time, and considering how policy choices are framed
when forming opinions about public support for certain issues.

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

**[There may be a \'dark mirror\' universe within ours where atoms
failed to form, new study
suggests](https://www.livescience.com/space/cosmology/there-may-be-a-dark-mirror-universe-within-ours-where-atoms-failed-to-form-new-study-suggests)**:

A new theory suggests that dark matter, an abundant yet invisible
substance believed to make up most of the mass in the universe, may be
mirroring our own world with broken rules. Researchers propose there
could be some sort of hidden link between normal and dark matter, which
would help explain why their amounts are roughly equal. The theory
suggests that for every physical interaction in normal matter, there\'s
a mirror of it in the world of dark matter, creating a new kind of
symmetry in nature. This mirror model allows for potential interactions
among dark matter particles but limits them so most of it remains simple
and free-floating. By carefully measuring element formation rates,
scientists may be able to find evidence for this hidden link between the
two universes.

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

**[The Windows Context Menu -- Is It a Lost
Cause?](https://enderman.ch/blog/the-windows-context-menu)**:

This article discusses the issues with Windows\' context menu,
particularly its lack of documentation and standardization for
third-party developers. The author provides detailed instructions on
customizing the context menu by editing registry entries for shell
extensions and handlers. Despite these challenges, they emphasize that
there is still a way to make the context menu more user-friendly.

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

**[If Architects had to work like
Programmers](http://www.gksoft.com/a/fun/architects.html)**:

The article is a humorous take on the challenges an architect might face
if they were required to work like programmers, with vague requirements
and constant changes. It presents a hypothetical situation where an
architect is asked to design and build a house without specific
instructions or constraints, taking into account various preferences
from family members, potential buyers, and even considering the
possibility of a travel trailer instead of a traditional house.

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

**[The Lifespan of Large Appliances Is Shrinking -
WSJ](https://archive.ph/44EcQ)**:

The lifespan of large appliances is decreasing due to an increase in the
complexity and computerization of these products, leading to more
frequent breakdowns and higher repair costs. In addition, the use of
flimsier materials has contributed to reduced durability. As a result,
American households are spending more on home appliances while facing
increased replacement rates and rising prices for repairs. Industry
professionals advise consumers to opt for simpler models with fewer
features in order to maintain long-term reliability and cost efficiency.

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

**[How to Detect Objects in Images Using the YOLOv8 Neural
Network](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-detect-objects-in-images-using-yolov8/#frontend)**:

Object detection is a computer vision task that involves identifying and
locating objects in images or videos. YOLOv8, created by Joseph Redmon,
Santosh Divvala, Ross Girshick, and Ali Farhadi, is an efficient method
for performing this task using convolutional neural networks. This
article provides detailed instructions on how to train the model, create
a web application for object detection in images, and create the
frontend and backend for the application.

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

**[Object Detection
Leaderboard](https://huggingface.co/blog/object-detection-leaderboard)**:

This article discusses object detection models and evaluations in
computer vision. It highlights the importance of understanding metrics
such as Intersection over Union (IoU), Average Precision (AP) and
Average Recall (AR). The article also introduces the Object Detection
Leaderboard, a ranking system for object detection models available on
Hugging Face Hub. It emphasizes that evaluating object detection models
requires taking into account various factors such as different
parameters, ported models, ground-truth objects, and text-conditioned
models.

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

**[Official YOLOv7](https://github.com/WongKinYiu/yolov7)**:

This article discusses the YOLOv7 implementation, which is a real-time
object detector set based on bag-of-freebies and achieves
state-of-the-art results. The article provides information about its
license (GPL-3.0) and its popularity with 12.3k stars and 3.9k forks in
a public repository.

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

**[Multiple time
dimensions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_time_dimensions)**:

The possibility that there might be more than one dimension of time has
been discussed in physics and philosophy, appearing in folklore and
fantasy literature as well. Speculative theories with multiple time
dimensions have been explored in physics, including additional
dimensions similar to conventional time or components of a complex time.
The existence of initial value problem for the ultrahyperbolic equation
demonstrates that initial data on a mixed hypersurface evolves
deterministically in the remaining time dimension. Multiple time
dimensions allow for breaking or re-ordering of cause-and-effect, which
has been addressed in modern analytic philosophy. Fantasy writers such
as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have made use of these concepts in
their stories.

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

**[Features¶](https://returns.readthedocs.io/en/latest/)**:

This article discusses the importance of making functions in Python
return meaningful, typed, and safe results. It introduces various tools
and containers like FutureResult, IOResult, Maybe container, and Result
for better composition and error handling in functional programming. The
article also emphasizes the significance of Railroad Oriented
Programming and enforcing single responsibility principles in Python.

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

**[Stonelifting Etiquette ---
liftingstones.org](https://liftingstones.org/articles/stonelifting-etiquette)**:

Stonelifting is a niche activity that has gained popularity in recent
years. Its etiquette combines elements from gym culture and
mountaineering, emphasizing respect for both the stones and their
surroundings. To practice proper stonelifting etiquette, one must
research the history and significance of the stones they wish to lift,
obtain permission if required, avoid using tacky or chalk containing
contaminants, carefully lower and return the stone to its original
position, and educate others about responsible lifting practices.

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

**[China is building more coal plants but might burn less
coal](https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/china-coal-plants)**:

China continues building new coal plants despite poor planning and
decisions that could lead to underused power plants and stranded assets.
This is due to a combination of factors, including the decentralization
of power plant approvals to provincial levels resulting in overly
conservative demands and inefficient energy system planning. While
China\'s total coal capacity continues to grow, its utilisation rates
have been dropping over the last 15 years, suggesting that coal use
might fall despite adding more capacity. However, it is possible that
solar and wind will cover all new demand as China continues to build
low-carbon energy at a rapid pace.

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

**[Rotten Apple](https://adactio.com/journal/20888)**:

The European Union\'s Digital Markets Act is being enforced, leading
Apple to be less than happy about it. The discussion mainly centers on
requiring Apple to provide alternative app stores, but the author argues
that web browsers are more important. Apple has been forced to allow
alternative browsing engines, which the company claims will be bad for
security. Instead of complying reasonably, Apple is planning to change
how web apps function in iOS, negatively impacting users and potentially
causing business issues.

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

**[UI=f(org): UI is a Function of Your
Organization](https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2024/ui-fn-org/)**:

The Domino\'s Pizza Tracker is an impressive example of user interface
(UI) design, providing detailed updates on the status of a customer\'s
pizza order. However, it highlights the challenges that designers face
when creating such UIs, as they must balance idealized scenarios with
real-world limitations and organizational capabilities. UI effectiveness
depends on an organization\'s ability to deliver on its promises, making
startups more suitable for developing these types of user experiences.

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

**[Bad property debt exceeds reserves at largest US
banks](https://archive.is/VbOBj)**:

The largest US banks are facing bad property debt exceeding their
reserves due to an increase in late payments related to commercial real
estate properties such as offices and shopping centers. This has led to
the average reserves at JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo,
Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley falling from \$1.60 for
every dollar of debt to 90 cents. The delinquent commercial property
loans have nearly tripled in the last year, raising concerns about
potential future losses and regulators\' focus on banks\' CRE lending
risk reporting and provisioning practices. Across the US banking sector,
the value of delinquent commercial real estate loans has more than
doubled to \$24.3 billion.

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

**[Web Scraping in Python - The Complete Guide \|
ProxiesAPI](https://proxiesapi.com/articles/web-scraping-in-python-the-complete-guide)**:

The article provides an in-depth tutorial on building robust web
crawlers using Python libraries such as BeautifulSoup, Scrapy, and
Selenium, while highlighting best practices for large-scale scraping and
handling real-world challenges like rate limits, blocks, and JavaScript
pages. It explains how to use Python\'s intuitive syntax for quick
coding and built-in libraries for scraping. The article also discusses
alternative web scraping libraries such as pyppeteer, pyquery, and lxml,
and explores various techniques, challenges, and best practices for
scraping complex websites effectively.

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

**[Your fingerprints can be recreated from the sounds made when you
swipe on a touchscreen --- Chinese and US researchers show new side
channel can reproduce fingerprints to enable
attacks](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/your-fingerprints-can-be-recreated-from-the-sounds-made-when-you-swipe-on-a-touchscreen-researchers-new-side-channel-attack-can-reproduce-partial-fingerprints-to-enable-attacks)**:

A group of researchers from China and the US have outlined an attack on
biometric security using the sound characteristics of a user\'s finger
swiping on a touchscreen to extract fingerprint pattern features. This
side-channel attack, named PrintListener, targets Automatic Fingerprint
Identification System (AFIS) and claims to be successful in up to 27.9%
of partial fingerprints and 9.3% of complete fingerprints within five
attempts at a security setting of 0.01%. This highlights the potential
vulnerabilities of biometric security systems, raising concerns about
their widespread use and reliance on fingerprint authentication.

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

**[Microsoft Is Spying on Users of Its AI
Tools](https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2024/02/microsoft-is-spying-on-users-of-its-ai-tools.html)**:

Microsoft and OpenAI detected Chinese, Russian, and Iranian hackers
using their AI tools to enhance their hacking capabilities. The
companies shared threat intelligence on state-affiliated adversaries
utilizing LLMs for cyber operations. This information was likely
obtained by monitoring chatbot sessions.

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

**[Faculty group calls on Yale to make teaching 'distinct from
activism'](https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2024/02/19/faculty-group-calls-on-yale-to-make-teaching-distinct-from-activism/)**:

The new initiative at Yale University urges adoption of six measures,
including enhanced free speech protections and commitment to
institutional neutrality. Over 100 faculty members have signed a website
for a group called Faculty for Yale, which emphasizes the importance of
teaching, learning, and research over advocacy and activism. The group
calls for a thorough reassessment of administrative encroachment and
promotion of diverse viewpoints, as well as more detailed free
expression guidelines in the Faculty Handbook. They also want to
implement guidelines regarding donor influence based on the Gift Policy
Review Committee\'s 2022 report.

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

**[SSDs Have Become Ridiculously Fast, Except in the
Cloud](http://databasearchitects.blogspot.com/2024/02/ssds-have-become-ridiculously-fast.html?m=1)**:

This article discusses the rapid transition from SATA to PCIe for
solid-state drives (SSDs), leading to increased throughput and capacity.
It highlights the power of a commodity market, open standards like NVMe
and PCIe, and competing vendors in providing great benefits to
customers. However, it also raises questions about the stagnation in
performance of cloud-based storage solutions compared to
state-of-the-art SSDs available on the market. The article speculates on
possible reasons behind this stagnation and hopes for faster and cheaper
NVMe instance storage in the future.

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

**[Kommentar: Broadcom zerlegt VMware -- ist das nur dreist oder schon
dumm?](https://www.heise.de/meinung/Kommentar-Broadcom-zerlegt-VMware-ist-das-nur-dreist-oder-schon-dumm-9631137.html?view=print)**:

This article discusses Broadcom\'s approach after acquiring VMware,
which has led to concerns about customer satisfaction and profit
maximization. The author questions Broadcom\'s decisions regarding
subscription-based offerings and the impact on customers who may prefer
alternative options or competitors.

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

**[More and more workers are being forced back to the office - and they
aren\'t
happy](https://www.techradar.com/pro/more-and-more-workers-are-being-forced-back-to-the-office-and-they-arent-happy)**:

This article discusses the growing trend of return-to-office (RTO)
policies among employers post-pandemic, despite a global push for remote
working. According to a survey by recruitment agency Randstad UK, 60% of
2,000 workers in the UK consider remote work as a \"non-negotiable\"
factor when choosing their job. Many younger employees prefer hybrid or
remote work due to added flexibility, but companies like Amazon, Google,
and Apple are urging workers to return to the office at least part-time.
The majority of workers surveyed by Randstad UK preferred an average of
two-and-a-half days in the office.

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

**[Over 28,500 Exchange servers vulnerable to actively exploited
bug](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-28-500-exchange-servers-vulnerable-to-actively-exploited-bug/)**:

97,000 Microsoft Exchange servers may be vulnerable to CVE-2024-21410, a
critical privilege escalation flaw actively exploited by hackers. The
issue allows remote unauthenticated actors to perform NTLM relay attacks
on the servers and escalate their privileges. While no publicly
available proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit is available, system
administrators are recommended to apply Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative
Update 14 (CU14) update for protection.

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

**[Economical ingenuity: 70 years of the Citroën
2CV](https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influx/cars/70-years-citroen-2cv/)**:

The article discusses how Citroën President Pierre Boulanger developed
the 2CV as a means to modernize the French farming community,
unintentionally creating an iconic car that has become a symbol of
global car culture.

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

**[Hip to be square -- 70 years of the Citroën H
Van](https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influx/culture/hip-square-70-years-citroen-h-van/)**:

2CV Citron, known as the umbrella on wheels or tin snail, is a versatile
vehicle that has been used in various roles such as a 24-hour endurance
racer, a James Bond film star, a delivery van, a beach buggy fun
machine, and even a twin-engined four-wheel drive Sahara version.

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

**[Patent Absurdity (2021) \| Hacker
News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39437873)**:

This discussion revolves around whether patent law is worth pursuing as
an engineering career and whether the patent system should be saved or
reformed, given its various issues. The contributors express different
perspectives on these topics, with some arguing that patents serve to
incentivize innovation while others believe they hinder progress.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the legal jargon involved and
whether AI can help bypass traditional lawyer roles in the field of
patents.

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

**[Patent Absurdity](https://queue.acm.org/detail.cfm?id=3489047)**:

The article discusses the issue of software patents and how reading them
might lead to unintentional violations and consequences for developers.
The author advises against reading patents, as they can be overly broad
and difficult to understand. Instead, developers should rely on company
lawyers to handle such matters and focus on their technical skills and
work.

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

**[GitHub - charlax/professional-programming: A collection of learning
resources for curious software
engineers](https://github.com/charlax/professional-programming)**:

This comprehensive resource on professional programming provides a
collection of learning resources for curious software engineers. It
covers various topics such as algorithm and data structures, API design
& development, attitude, habits, mindset, and more. The list includes
books, articles, courses, resources, and general material to help
programmers enhance their skills in different areas.

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

**[AI Determines Sex of Person From Brain Scans - Neuroscience
News](https://neurosciencenews.com/ai-gender-identification-25631/)**:

Researchers developed an AI model that accurately determines the sex of
individuals based on brain scans, with over 90% success. This
breakthrough supports the theory that significant sex differences in
brain organization exist. The AI model focused on dynamic MRI scans and
identified specific brain networks such as the default mode, striatum,
and limbic networks as critical in distinguishing male from female
brains. This research deepens our understanding of brain development and
aging and opens new avenues for addressing sex-specific vulnerabilities
in psychiatric and neurological disorders.

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

**[Gender differences in Dutch research funding over time: A statistical
investigation of the innovation scheme
2012--2021](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297311)**:

This paper examines the effectiveness of gender bias policies
implemented by the Dutch Research Council, NWO, in their three-tier
funding scheme called Talent Programme. The aim is to determine whether
these measures have been successful in reducing gender differences in
grant applications and subsequent funding rates. Using all available
data from 2012 onwards (16,249 applications of which 2,449 received
funding), the study finds strong statistical evidence that the gender
effects in favor of female applicants for the first tier (Veni) have
significantly increased over time. However, no significant differences
were found in the other two tiers (Vidi and Vici). The findings suggest
that gender bias still exists in the assessment process but is
manifested differently than a decade ago.

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

**[Ideastronaut / Rome\'s Hidden
Killer](https://ideastronaut.com/article/romes-hidden-killer/)**:

The ancient Roman civilization\'s widespread use of lead in various
aspects of daily life may have played a role in its eventual decline, as
chronic lead poisoning led to reduced fertility and increased infant
mortality. Lead exposure affected everyone from the poorest commoners to
the wealthiest elites, weakening the empire\'s physical and mental
capabilities while potentially hampering leadership decisions. This
story serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences that come with
embracing substances in pursuit of progress.

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

**[How Google is killing independent sites like ours -
HouseFresh](https://housefresh.com/david-vs-digital-goliaths/)**:

This article discusses how Google\'s algorithm updates can impact search
results rankings for various websites, with some seeing improvements
while others experience declines. It highlights how certain big media
publishers like BuzzFeed, Rolling Stone, and Forbes have been dominating
Google search results by publishing product recommendations without
conducting proper testing or sharing test data, potentially harming
smaller independent sites like HouseFresh that prioritize editorial
decisions based on readers\' needs. The article calls for Google to
apply its guidelines on helpful content more equitably across all
websites and ensure that publishers are not solely focused on generating
revenue through affiliate marketing tactics.

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

**[Aktivitäten, Touren und Sightseeing auf
Madeira](https://experiences.tui.com/index/madeira/)**:

The article provides information on various activities and tours in
Madeira, including hiking trails, wine tastings, boat trips, and whale
watching. It highlights the main attractions such as Funchal, Pico de
Arieiro, Levada walks, water sports, and wildlife experiences. The
article also offers tips on planning a trip to Madeira and provides
contact information for booking services through TUI Group.

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

**[What if public housing were for
everyone?](https://www.vox.com/policy/2024/2/10/24065342/social-housing-public-housing-affordable-crisis)**:

The concept of publicly-owned housing for people across different income
levels is gaining traction in the United States. Governments have
previously addressed housing shortages through publicly developed
housing in places like Vienna, Finland, and Singapore. Montgomery
County, Maryland has successfully implemented this idea by leveraging
relatively small amounts of public money to create a revolving fund for
short-term construction costs, resulting in new mixed-income apartments.
This model is being explored further in other cities such as Atlanta and
Boston, with leaders embracing the concept due to the scarcity of
alternative tools to build affordable housing and the increasing acute
nationwide housing shortage.

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

**[The Case Against
Caffeine](https://zantafakari.substack.com/p/the-case-against-caffeine)**:

The article discusses the author\'s experience quitting coffee and the
potential benefits they experienced, such as increased productivity,
improved sleep quality, and reduced anxiety. It also includes anecdotes
from members in the r/decaf subreddit and scientific findings on the
effects of caffeine. The author encourages readers to experiment with
quitting caffeine to see if it works for them and emphasizes that
individual variability is key.

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

**[Working from home can bring big health benefits, study
finds](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/17/working-from-home-can-bring-big-health-benefits-study-finds)**:

A large-scale review by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and King\'s
College London found that remote workers enjoy lower blood pressure,
better eating habits, and less stress than those in office settings.
However, the study also revealed that homeworkers are more likely to
consume snacks, drink alcohol, smoke, and gain weight. Employees working
from home take fewer sick days and tend to work longer hours, evenings,
and weekends. The research suggests employers should approach
homeworking as seriously as office-based work, with proper support and
training to improve productivity and well-being.

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

**[populismus.online](https://populismus.online/#)**:

The article discusses various techniques used by populists in their
arguments and political strategies. These include ad hominem attacks
(personal insults), false dichotomies/false dilemmas, the
motte-and-bailey argument, appeals to the \"silent majority,\" and
strawman arguments. The goal of these tactics is often to discredit
opponents or make their position seem weaker, rather than engaging in
logical debates about the content of their statements.

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

**[Awesome Open Source Games \| Curated list of awesome
lists](https://project-awesome.org/michelpereira/awesome-open-source-games)**:

The article provides a comprehensive list of open-source games and game
engines available on GitHub, with options for browser-based, mobile, and
native platforms. It covers various genres like action, arcade, RPG,
strategy, racing, puzzle, and more. Additionally, it includes
frameworks, libraries, and utilities for game development, as well as
chat bots. Contributions are welcome, and the guidelines can be found in
the article.

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

**[The day I canceled my Spotify
subscription](https://blog.raed.dev/posts/goodbye_spotify)**:

This article details the author\'s journey from being a big fan of
Spotify to ultimately canceling their subscription due to
dissatisfaction with the platform. The author explains how Spotify has
changed over time, including its push into podcasts and audiobooks, lack
of customization options for users, and issues with the company\'s
business model. Ultimately, the author mourns the loss of the app that
Spotify once was and decides to cancel their subscription.

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

**[Die Zerstörung der AfD](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo-DtDTM7GQ)
(Video):**

The Transcript eines Youtube Videos discusses the political party AfD
(Alternative for Germany), its ideologies, policies, and potential
impacts on society if it were to gain power. The video is aimed at those
who may consider voting for the AfD due to a sense of alienation from
other parties but are not fully aware of the party\'s extreme views.

The video begins by examining what the AfD stands for. It presents
itself as a party that supports working-class families, farmers, and
affordable housing, among others. However, upon closer inspection, many
of these policies are revealed to be misleading or directly opposed to
their stated positions. For example, while they claim to support low
retirement ages, their official program suggests raising it to 45 years
of contributions, which would disproportionately affect women and older
workers.

The video also highlights the AfD\'s anti-science stance, particularly
in relation to climate change. Despite scientific consensus on
human-induced global warming, the AfD often misrepresents or ignores
this evidence to align with their political agenda. They have called for
the end of all international agreements related to climate change and
have suggested that the concept of climate change itself is a myth. The
video underscores the potential disastrous consequences of such denial,
referencing various scenarios from the IPCC report on global warming.

The video then delves into the AfD\'s extreme views on race, ethnicity,
and gender. It includes several quotes from AfD politicians expressing
racism, homophobia, and anti-feminism. The party has consistently
opposed same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ rights, and any form of diversity or
inclusivity education. Moreover, they have suggested reintroducing laws
against homosexuality and even proposed deporting not only immigrants
but also German citizens with migration backgrounds who are perceived as
unpatriotic.

The video also touches on the AfD\'s use of lies and misinformation to
further its agenda. It highlights instances where party members have
spread false statistics or narratives, such as claims about sexual
assault rates in Chemnitz or the number of refugees receiving welfare
benefits. The video criticizes these tactics as manipulative and harmful
to society.

Finally, the video explores the similarities between the AfD\'s policies
and those of the Nazi regime during World War II. It points out plans
for deporting millions of people, the potential reintroduction of a
citizen guard similar to the SA or HIPO under Hitler, and the party\'s
refusal to view past actions as crimes against humanity. The video
concludes with a discussion on what could happen if the AfD were to gain
power, emphasizing the potential economic, social, and geopolitical
impacts.

In summary, the Transcript eines Youtube Videos presents a comprehensive
critique of the AfD\'s ideologies, policies, and practices, highlighting
their extreme views, anti-science stance, and historical parallels with
the Nazi regime. It encourages viewers to critically evaluate the party
and to consider the potential consequences of supporting them in
elections.

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

**[Immunsystem stärken - was hilft und was nicht？ ｜ Doc Fischer
SWR](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIFfP58-ZF0) (Video):**

The video discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy immune
system to protect against illnesses like colds and flu. Key points
include:

1\. Consuming vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through a balanced diet
can help boost our immunity. Vitamin D3, B12, zinc, Vitamin C, and
folate are essential for optimal immune function.

2\. Proper sleep is crucial in supporting the immune system. Research
has shown that people who get 7-9 hours of sleep per night have a
stronger immune response than those who don\'t.

3\. Exercise promotes blood circulation, which helps to distribute
immune cells throughout the body and maintain overall health. Regular
physical activity such as walking or jogging can help maintain a strong
immune system.

4\. A balanced diet including probiotics, fiber, protein (glutamine),
and hydration is essential for maintaining a strong immune system.

5\. Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing diseases like
influenza and COVID-19. The video highlights the importance of
vaccination, especially among older individuals and those with chronic
conditions.

6\. Practicing good hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing, social
distancing, and wearing masks when necessary can help protect against
infections.

In summary, maintaining a strong immune system is vital for overall
health and well-being. Achieving this involves a combination of proper
nutrition, sleep, exercise, and vaccinations, as well as practicing good
hygiene habits when needed.

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

**[Why the United Nations is
obsolete](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZhMtY208o) (Video):**

The video discusses the United Nations (UN) as a forum for global peace
and international law cooperation. Founded in 1945, it was initially
created to replace warfare with diplomacy by promoting dialogue among
nations. However, the UN has not effectively reformed its charter,
leading to an outdated system that struggles to address contemporary
challenges such as climate change, disinformation, and artificial
intelligence.

The Security Council\'s veto power is considered dysfunctional due to
interstate interests and ideologies that create a gap between the five
permanent members. The lack of reform makes it difficult for the UN to
keep up with global changes. Regional blocs like NATO, the European
Union, African Union, Collective Security Treaty Organization, and
Shanghai Cooperation Organization have emerged in response to the UN\'s
irrelevance but are limited in handling global complications.

Specialized agencies such as the World Health Organization remain
valuable in addressing specific issues like healthcare, disaster relief,
and economic development, while other parts of the UN may be viewed as
obsolete or ineffective. The video concludes by emphasizing that
although the UN has become outdated and struggles to prevent conflicts,
its role in promoting global cooperation remains essential.

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

**[Azure DevOps Workload Identity Federation with Azure Overview. NO
MORE SECRETS!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saTUeR_U3lA) (Video):**

The video discusses the capability of Azure DevOps to leverage workload
identity federation using OpenID Connect. This method eliminates the
need for secrets and provides a more secure way for services to
authenticate and perform actions on behalf of specific roles. By
creating an app registration, service connection, and giving pipelines
permission to use the service connection, Azure DevOps can generate
access tokens that are exchanged with Entra for resource management
operations. The video also briefly covers converting existing
secret-based connections to workload identity federation or using
managed identities as an alternative option.

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**[MIT Study Reveals Why Africa Is Still
Poor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8TXQWVsoI) (Video):**

The video discusses the issue of poverty in Africa and why the continent
is falling behind economically despite having abundant natural
resources. Some key points and arguments include:

1\. Geography has played a significant role in economic development,
with many African countries being isolated or divided by factors such as
the Sahara Desert, poor soil quality, and the presence of tropical
diseases, making it difficult for agriculture to thrive.

2\. Historical events like colonialism and the Atlantic slave trade have
further exacerbated Africa\'s economic struggles, establishing unstable
governments and institutions that continue to hinder growth today.

3\. Some positive changes can be observed in countries like Botswana,
which managed its wealth better by investing in people, education, and
public infrastructure, achieving a relatively high level of income.

4\. Africa has the potential for future economic success, as many other
regions experienced similar struggles before eventually becoming
prosperous.

In summary, Africa\'s poverty is rooted in geographical challenges,
historical events, and poor institutional development. However, positive
examples like Botswana show that with proper investments and
improvements in institutions, the continent has the potential for
economic success in the future.

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