Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Before CGI: How Filmmakers Created Epic Battle Scenes

2025-01-07

This article explores how filmmakers crafted epic battle scenes before the advent of CGI. It examines the techniques employed by various directors, from D.W. Griffith's innovative use of montage and smoke effects to Sergei Eisenstein's masterful manipulation of camera angles and post-production to create the illusion of massive armies. The article contrasts different interpretations of Tolstoy's War and Peace, showcasing the challenges and creative solutions involved in depicting large-scale battles with limited resources. While historical accuracy sometimes suffered, the ingenuity and scale of these pre-CGI efforts are remarkable.

(battlefieldanomalies.com)

Misc War Films Film Techniques

Is America in Decline? Or is it an Information Warfare?

2025-01-07

This article examines the paradox of America's seemingly prosperous economy juxtaposed against widespread public anxiety, distrust in government, and pessimism about the future. The author argues this isn't a genuine decline, but rather the result of information warfare waged by external forces, linked to Russia. These forces utilize disinformation campaigns, social media manipulation, and other tactics to sow discord and instability. The article highlights the role of 'anti-cult' organizations employing information terrorism, demonizing groups through media, fostering division, and even contributing to extreme events like school shootings. The ultimate goal, the author claims, is to incite civil war. The article calls for vigilance against disinformation, exposure of anti-cult organizations, and measures to safeguard American stability.

(actfiles.org)

Misc Information Warfare Social Anxiety Anti-Cult Organizations

Alcohol-Free Booze: A Booming Business

2025-01-07

Dry January is driving growth in the alcohol-free beverage market. More people are choosing to abstain from alcohol or reduce their consumption, leading to increased demand for non-alcoholic beers, spirits, and other alternatives. These drinks cater to health-conscious consumers while offering a taste profile similar to their alcoholic counterparts. While improvements in taste remain a goal, the market shows significant potential for future expansion.

(www.economist.com)

Misc alcohol-free drinks health-conscious consumers consumer market

Are All Clocks 30 Seconds Behind?

2025-01-06

The author proposes a seemingly crazy idea: all clocks are 30 seconds behind. This isn't about time zones, leap seconds, or relativity; it's about everyday clocks. Through calculation, the author shows that because most clocks only display minutes, ignoring seconds, the average error is 30 seconds. They argue that if clocks rounded instead of truncating, the average error would be 0. The author further explores how people perceive and express time at different scales (years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds), noting that at the minute scale, intuition leans towards rounding, which conflicts with clocks' truncation. Therefore, they believe all clocks are 30 seconds slow.

(victorpoughon.fr)

Misc time perception clock error

Engineer's $2.50/Day Efficient Eating Experiment

2025-01-06

An engineer documented a 46-day experiment where he aimed to spend less than $2.50 a day on food. The blog details his daily meals, costs, culinary science, and the fun of the challenge. From tomato soup and grilled cheese to homemade cabbage rolls, salmon, pork tacos, ramen, potato pea soup, and fried chicken, he showcased impressive cooking skills and a passion for food. He shared recipes, techniques, and emphasized planning, thriftiness, and waste reduction. The experiment successfully demonstrated that delicious and healthy eating is achievable on a very limited budget.

(futureboy.us)

Misc eating experiment frugal cooking recipes

Kentucky Cops Kill Innocent Man in Wrong Raid

2025-01-06

Kentucky police fatally shot 63-year-old Douglas Harless during a botched raid on the wrong house. Despite dispatchers providing the correct address at least five times, officers raided 511 Vanzant Rd. instead of the intended 489 Vanzant Rd., resulting in Harless' death. Police claim Harless brandished a weapon, but the incident raises serious questions about police procedure, lack of pre-raid surveillance, and echoes the Breonna Taylor case, sparking renewed concerns about police brutality.

(atlantablackstar.com)

Misc police brutality wrongful death police misconduct

Kakizome: A Japanese New Year's Tradition of Reflection and Intention

2025-01-05

Kakizome is a Japanese New Year's tradition where one writes calligraphy expressing their aspirations for the year. The author shares their family's practice and connects it to CGP Grey's idea of setting yearly themes instead of resolutions, focusing on long-term trends. Their 2025 theme, "温故知新" (onkochishin – learning new things based on the past), reflects a commitment to revisiting fundamentals amidst information overload. This post blends cultural insights with practical advice on goal setting and self-improvement.

(harimus.github.io)

Misc Japanese Culture New Year's Tradition Goal Setting

My Simpsons Fan Site, Twenty Years Later

2025-01-05

The author excitedly republishes their Simpsons fan site, originally created twenty years ago. This isn't just a website relaunch; it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a heartfelt tribute to the past. The post details the site's creation and the dramatic changes in technology and the internet landscape over two decades, showcasing the author's enduring love for The Simpsons.

(www.bingeclock.com)

Misc nostalgia fan site The Simpsons

The Salem Tomato Trial: How a Fruit Was Once Considered Sinful

2025-01-05

For centuries, the tomato wasn't the beloved kitchen staple we know today. In Europe, it was associated with sin and poison, partly due to lead leaching from pewter plates reacting with the tomato's acidity. The misconception linked it to mandrake, a plant with aphrodisiac properties in folklore. This changed in 1820 when Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson famously ate a tomato in Salem, New Jersey, to dispel the myth and pave the way for its widespread acceptance in American cuisine.

(www.thevintagenews.com)

Misc tomato history food culture historical misconception

Psychoanalysis in Crisis: Lost in the Therapy Culture

2025-01-05

This article explores the predicament of psychoanalysis within today's therapy-saturated culture. By reviewing Bruce Fink's *Miss-ing* and Darian Leader's *Is It Ever Just Sex?*, the author analyzes the impact of the rise of cognitive behavioral therapy on psychoanalysis and the challenges of psychoanalysis in addressing individual uniqueness. The article highlights the efficiency and outcome-focused nature of cognitive therapies contrasted with psychoanalysis's focus on exploring the unconscious and acknowledging potential therapeutic failures. The author argues that the value of psychoanalysis lies in its challenge to self-understanding and its reflection on the pervasive 'lack' in therapeutic culture.

(sydneyreviewofbooks.com)

Misc psychoanalysis psychotherapy cultural critique

7-Year-Old Boy Miraculously Survives Five Days Lost in Lion-Infested Zimbabwe Park

2025-01-05

Seven-year-old Tinotenda Pudu miraculously survived five days lost in Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park, a lion-infested area. Using his knowledge of the wild, he survived by eating wild fruits and digging for water, evading lions and elephants. His rescue highlights remarkable survival skills and the power of community collaboration.

(news.sky.com)

Misc

The Decline of MSN: A Tech Giant's Fall From Grace?

2025-01-05

Once a dominant force in the internet landscape, MSN has faded into relative obscurity. It holds a significant place in the memories of many, serving as a gateway to the internet for a generation through instant messaging and its portal site. However, the rise of mobile internet and the emergence of new social media platforms led to MSN's decline, highlighting the importance of constant innovation even for industry leaders.

(www.msn.com)

Misc internet history technological change

The Astonishing Maritime Approximation: π Miles ≈ e Nautical Miles

2025-01-05

This article explores a fascinating mathematical coincidence: π miles is approximately equal to e nautical miles. Starting with a mention of Randall Munroe's What If?, the author introduces the maritime approximation and delves into the history and definitions of π, e (two transcendental numbers), miles, and nautical miles. The article concludes that while only approximate, this coincidence is still astonishing, highlighting the wonder of mathematics.

(kevlinhenney.medium.com)

Misc approximation units of measurement

Discuo: A Minimalist Discussion Platform – No Accounts Needed

2025-01-05

Discuo, initially built for developers to share progress and discuss code, has evolved into a minimalist discussion platform covering diverse topics. Its distraction-free design and infinite thread exploration allow for focused conversation. No account is needed to post or comment, and its categorized structure (Anime & Manga, Gaming, Tech & Dev, etc.) offers a wide range of discussion areas.

(discuo.com)

Misc discussion platform minimalist anonymous

JavaScript Required for Full Website Functionality

2025-01-05

This website requires JavaScript to be enabled for full functionality. Instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your web browser are provided.

(osf.io)

Misc Website Functionality Browser Settings

Navy's New Year's Day Poetry Tradition: A Verse on the Bridge

2025-01-05

The U.S. Navy has a nearly century-old tradition: on the first day of the new year, during the early morning watch, the officer of the deck can record the ship's activities in poetic form in the deck log. This article recounts this tradition and showcases New Year's poems from various Navy ships throughout history, from WWII destroyers to modern ones, highlighting the diversity of naval life and culture. While declining with the rise of electronic devices, this unique tradition remains a cherished memory.

(www.twz.com)

Misc Naval tradition Deck log Poetry

Pulitzer Winner Quits Washington Post After Bezos-Trump Cartoon Rejected

2025-01-05

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the newspaper refused to publish her cartoon satirizing owner Jeff Bezos bowing to Donald Trump alongside other tech CEOs. The Post cited prior coverage of the topic as the reason for rejection, but Telnaes viewed it as censorship and a threat to press freedom. The incident sparked controversy, with the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists accusing the Post of 'political cowardice'.

(www.abc.net.au)

Misc cartoon censorship Jeff Bezos

ABBA: An Enduring Legacy of Melancholy Pop

2025-01-04

This article chronicles the rise and fall of Swedish pop group ABBA. From their Eurovision victory to global superstardom, ABBA's music blended Swedish folk, Italian opera, French chanson, and more, cleverly masking sadness within upbeat melodies. However, they faced criticism from Sweden's cultural elite, viewed as capitalist puppets. The article delves into ABBA's musical style, the complexities of their relationships, and their lasting impact on pop music, culminating in their virtual concert 'ABBA Voyage', showcasing the band's enduring appeal.

(www.lrb.co.uk)

Misc Pop Music

Four Years of All-Sky Astrophotography: Cees Bassa's Stunning Timelapse

2025-01-04

Astrophotographer Cees Bassa has been capturing breathtaking all-sky images for four consecutive years, creating a stunning timelapse of the cosmos. His dedication showcases the beauty and wonder of the night sky.

(astrodon.social)

Misc astrophotography nightsky timelapse

My Year of Therapy: Lessons Learned and Growth Achieved

2025-01-04

This post details the author's takeaways from a year of therapy. Initially skeptical, the author found the experience profoundly beneficial. Key lessons include the importance of finding a good therapist, asking oneself 'How do you feel about it?' to better understand emotions, expressing feelings kindly, and stepping outside one's comfort zone to confront challenges. The author emphasizes that consistent self-reflection and practice are crucial for personal growth.

(cauldron.life)

Misc mental health therapy

Scientists Crack the Code of the Perfect Cacio e Pepe

2025-01-04

A team of scientists delved into the culinary arts, specifically the classic Italian dish Cacio e Pepe, to uncover the secrets behind its perfect creamy texture. Their research revealed starch concentration as the key factor influencing sauce stability. Starch levels below 1% (relative to cheese mass) lead to clumping, a phenomenon dubbed the "Mozzarella Phase," resulting in a separated and unpleasant sauce. The study also explored the impact of cheese-to-water ratios at a fixed starch level, observing a lower critical solution temperature and developing a minimal effective free-energy model to explain it. Ultimately, they presented a scientifically optimized recipe guaranteeing consistently flawless Cacio e Pepe.

(arxiv.org)

Misc food science culinary

LiveYou: Revolutionizing Learning with Real-time Interaction

2025-01-04

LiveYou is a groundbreaking online learning platform offering real-time interaction between students and instructors across any subject. Breaking free from traditional learning constraints, LiveYou provides a flexible, personalized learning experience. Users can select instructors and courses tailored to their needs, receiving personalized feedback and guidance through real-time interaction. This platform hints at a potential revolution in online education, offering learning unbound by time and location.

(tma.live)

Misc online education real-time learning personalized learning

Canada Joins the EU? A Surprising Proposal

2025-01-03

The Economist proposes a bold idea: Canada should join the European Union. The article uses the forty-year "Whisky War" between Canada and Denmark as a springboard, cleverly contrasting their peaceful approach to resolving a territorial dispute. It argues that Canada and the EU offer mutual benefits; the EU needs Canada's vast land and resources, while Canada needs the EU's labor market and economic dynamism. This article is not just political analysis but a thought-provoking case study in international relations, sparking discussion about new models of future international cooperation.

(www.economist.com)

Misc Canada International Cooperation

What Is To Be Done?: The Book That Helped Spark the Russian Revolution

2025-01-03

This article explores Nikolai Chernyshevsky's influential novel, *What Is To Be Done?*, a book that profoundly impacted the course of Russian history. The novel critiques Tsarist authoritarianism and societal inequalities, proposing a utopian society based on cooperative principles, led by an educated elite. From Lenin to Xi Jinping, leaders have drawn inspiration from its radical ideas. The article analyzes the novel's characters, its views on art's role in society, and compares its concept of the 'new human' with Ayn Rand's interpretation. Ultimately, *What Is To Be Done?* endures due to its unwavering belief in societal transformation and its call for a better future, making it not just a novel, but a revolutionary social manifesto.

(onepercentrule.substack.com)

Misc Russian Literature Social Change

Calculator Puzzle: Four-Digit Numbers Always Divisible by 11?

2025-01-03

A blog post presents a mathematical puzzle involving a standard calculator keypad. The puzzle challenges players to press four digit keys forming the corners of a square or rectangle, creating a four-digit number. The post elegantly proves that regardless of the chosen square or rectangle, the resulting four-digit number will always be divisible by 11. Multiple proof methods, including algebraic and pattern-based approaches, are explored, sparking an engaging discussion on mathematical patterns.

(aperiodical.com)

Misc math puzzle calculator

QuicklyPDF: Your All-in-One Online PDF Solution

2025-01-03

QuicklyPDF is a free and easy-to-use online platform offering a comprehensive suite of PDF tools. From basic operations like merging, rotating, deleting, reordering, compressing, and extracting pages, to advanced features such as grayscale conversion and PDF repair, QuicklyPDF handles it all. It supports conversions between PDF and various formats including JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, Word, PowerPoint, TXT, and Excel. Security features include password protection and unlocking. Whether you're an individual or a business, QuicklyPDF streamlines your PDF workflow.

(quicklypdf.com)

Misc PDF tools online tools PDF conversion

BlogScroll: A GitHub-Hosted Directory of Personal Blogs and Sites

2025-01-03

BlogScroll is an open directory of personal websites and blogs, entirely maintained on GitHub. Created to highlight the often-overlooked digital gardens individuals cultivate outside the major tech platforms, it champions a decentralized internet. With categories spanning design, photography, and technology, and an RSS feed for updates, BlogScroll offers a valuable resource for discovering unique online voices and content.

(blogscroll.com)

Misc Personal Blogs Site Directory

400 Years of Zildjian: The Secret Behind the Cymbal Dynasty

2025-01-02

For over 400 years, the Zildjian family in Massachusetts has guarded a secret: the recipe for their world-renowned cymbals. From its origins in 17th-century Constantinople, where Avedis I accidentally created a unique copper-tin alloy while attempting to make gold, the family's legacy continues. Collaborations with legendary musicians like Gene Krupa and Ringo Starr propelled Zildjian to global fame. Today, while embracing innovation with electronic drums, the company fiercely protects its core secret, ensuring the distinctive Zildjian sound resonates for generations to come.

(www.wbur.org)

Misc cymbals

The Wizard of Oz: A Populist Allegory?

2025-01-02

In 1964, historian Henry Littlefield proposed a groundbreaking interpretation of L. Frank Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, arguing it's not just a children's story but a veiled allegory for the 1890s Populist movement. He connected Dorothy to the average American, her silver shoes (silver in the book, not ruby) to the free silver movement, the yellow brick road to the gold standard, and the Emerald City to Washington D.C. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion were interpreted as representing farmers, factory workers, and William Jennings Bryan respectively. Littlefield's analysis sparked renewed interest in the Populist movement and highlights the book's deeper engagement with economic and political themes.

(americanhistory.si.edu)

Misc Wizard of Oz Populism Political Allegory

Accidental Invention: The Centennial Snow Globe's Legacy

2025-01-02

The Perzy family of Vienna accidentally invented the snow globe. In 1900, Erwin Perzy I, attempting to improve operating room lighting, accidentally created a glass globe filled with water and white particles that floated like snow. He had a brilliant idea, placing a miniature model of the Mariazell Basilica inside, creating the first snow globe. This accidental invention unexpectedly swept the world, weathering wars and economic depressions, and through generations of the Perzy family, became a Christmas classic, still produced by the family business at a rate of 300,000 per year.

(www.smithsonianmag.com)

Misc invention story family business Christmas

Category: Misc