Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Six Months In: My Year-Long Project on Building Friendships

2025-03-23

This post summarizes the author's sixth month of a year-long project focused on building and maintaining friendships. Key takeaways from eight books on the subject include: strong friendships improve health, even weak ties are valuable for opportunities, building friendships requires significant time investment, genuine interest is more effective than self-promotion, and declining social capital poses risks. The author found the topic far more complex than anticipated and will share personal reflections next week.

(www.scotthyoung.com)

Misc social skills

Ernst Fraenkel's The Dual State and the Trumpian Warning

2025-03-23

This article revisits Ernst Fraenkel's *The Dual State*, written before his escape from Nazi Germany. The book describes how the Nazi regime maintained a facade of normalcy in its capitalist economy while simultaneously operating a 'prerogative state' of unchecked violence. The author argues that dictatorships don't abolish existing laws but create a lawless zone alongside the 'normative state.' Actions by the Trump administration, such as abuses of power and suppression of dissent, mirror this 'dual state' model, serving as a warning against such systemic risks.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc

The Millennial Barnacle Goose Myth: From Ancient Legends to Scientific Explanation

2025-03-23

This article delves into the enduring myth of the barnacle goose, a belief that certain geese originated from barnacles. The myth, rooted in a lack of understanding of bird migration patterns, spread widely through monastic manuscripts and bestiaries in the Middle Ages. The article traces the myth's origins, from an 11th-century riddle to a misattributed reference in Pliny the Elder's Natural History, and examines Emperor Frederick II's skepticism and the (debated) involvement of the medieval Church. The Renaissance saw the myth persist in Scottish and Irish writings, until 19th-century zoological advancements, particularly Darwin's research on barnacles, provided a scientific refutation. The article also explores the myth's presence in Jewish literature.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc Myth Ornithology

The Truth About Anger: Beyond Retribution, Towards Cooperation

2025-03-22

This essay explores the nature and destructiveness of anger. Starting with Aristotle's definition, the author argues that anger stems from significant damage to something one cares about, coupled with a desire for retribution. However, this desire for payback is deemed irrational, as it fails to restore what was lost. Retribution only makes sense when anger focuses on status rather than justice, a narrow and self-centered perspective. The author advocates a 'transition' from retribution to focusing on the future, resolving issues through cooperation and reason. Nelson Mandela's life serves as a powerful example of this transition's importance in both personal and political life.

(aeon.co)

Misc retribution cooperation

Oaxaca's Paradise Lost: A String of Disappearances Rocks Mexico's Coast

2025-03-22

The idyllic beaches of Oaxaca, Mexico, have been rocked by a series of disturbing disappearances. Ten young adults from Tlaxcala state, aged 19-29, vanished from Zipolite and Huatulco, with nine bodies later found in an abandoned car hundreds of miles away. The case highlights potential links to drug trafficking, real estate development, and possible police involvement, alongside alleged government attempts to downplay the incidents. This tragedy not only threatens the region's vital tourism industry but also raises serious questions about security in Mexico.

(english.elpais.com)

Misc Mexico disappearances drug crime tourism safety

NYU 2024 Admissions Data Leak: Analysis of Admission Standards Post-Affirmative Action Ban

2025-03-22

A top-secret leak of New York University (NYU) 2024 admissions data reveals that NYU may have continued using race-based admissions criteria after the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action in college admissions illegal. The leaked data, including average SAT, ACT, and GPA scores for different racial groups, raises questions about the fairness of college admissions. The data has been mirrored on Proton and MEGA.

(web.archive.org)

Misc data leak college admissions affirmative action

The Shocking Origins of Modern Education: Students on an Assembly Line?

2025-03-22

This article exposes the origins of the modern education system, revealing its purpose wasn't to foster learning and creativity, but to mold docile factory workers. From the 18th-century Prussian model to the funding from industrialists like Rockefeller, the system was designed to instill obedience, repetitive work, and discipline, not critical thinking and independent thought. The article argues this "factory model" of education is outdated in today's world and explores the rise of homeschooling and alternative education.

(www.thesouljam.com)

Misc education system industrialization

The Illusion of Winning: Society's Hidden Agenda

2025-03-22

Our society is structured like a lottery, rewarding a select few while encouraging millions to compete. While this competition drives progress, the author argues that the individual often sacrifices well-being for a statistically improbable win. Instead of chasing societal approval, the article advocates for focusing on personal fulfillment, enjoying life's simple pleasures, and creating 'infinite games' – pursuits driven by intrinsic motivation, not external validation. The true victory, it suggests, is finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

(invertedpassion.com)

Misc

Privacy Concerns: Privacy-Focused Browser Accused of Telemetry Issues

2025-03-22

A user reported multiple privacy and telemetry issues with a browser version 1.8.2b on macOS aarch64. The browser is marketed as privacy-focused, yet the user claims telemetry appears to be enabled and the documentation lacks details on fingerprinting and other privacy-related practices. The user demands transparency, requesting either a detailed explanation of data collection methods or a cessation of privacy-focused marketing if the claims are unsubstantiated.

(github.com)

Misc telemetry

The Waterloo Grind: A Memoir of Survival and Friendship

2025-03-22

This is a personal account of navigating the challenging ECE program at the University of Waterloo during the 2008 financial crisis. The author recounts the intense academic pressure, including brutal midterm exams and the cutthroat internship hunt. Despite facing numerous setbacks and failures, the author forged strong friendships and learned valuable coping mechanisms. The experience, though arduous, ultimately shaped the author's character and perspective on life.

(intention.bearblog.dev)

Misc University experience Academic pressure Friendship

Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76

2025-03-22

George Foreman, the charismatic boxer and infomercial icon, passed away Friday at age 76. A two-time Heavyweight Champion, Foreman transcended the boxing world, becoming a pop culture figure thanks to his wildly successful George Foreman Grill. His life story is one of remarkable resilience: from impoverished beginnings to Olympic gold, world champion, and eventually a business mogul. A near-fatal boxing experience in 1977 led him to faith and a career as an ordained minister, only to shockingly return to boxing in 1987, reclaiming the Heavyweight title in 1994. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on.

(variety.com)

Misc entrepreneur

43 Years Later, Recreating My Father's Epic Canoe Trip

2025-03-22

In 1974, the author's father and uncle embarked on an epic canoe journey down the Inside Passage, a challenging adventure that became a family legend. Years later, the author creates a documentary about this trip, ultimately joining his father, uncle, and brother to complete the unfinished journey. This recreation wasn't just about reliving the past; it was a profound exploration of family legacy, personal identity, and the enduring power of shared experience.

(paddlingmag.com)

Misc legacy

Hollywood Director Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

2025-03-22

Hollywood filmmaker Carl Erik Rinsch was arrested and charged with defrauding Netflix out of $11 million. He was producing a sci-fi series, "Conquest," but allegedly misused the funds for cryptocurrency speculation, luxury hotels, and high-end cars. The director's erratic on-set behavior and subsequent divorce from his wife contributed to the unraveling of the project. Despite claiming Netflix owed him money after the show's cancellation, an arbitrator ruled against him, ordering him to repay $11.8 million.

(www.npr.org)

Misc

The Suburban Lawn Wars: America's Obsession with Perfect Lawns vs. Ecological Disaster

2025-03-21

The American obsession with perfect lawns is causing conflict in suburbs across the nation. This article details several families' battles with HOAs over planting native plant gardens, highlighting the clash between the cultural ideal of a manicured lawn and the environmental damage it causes. Evolving from European aristocratic traditions and popularized through government loans and suburban development, the perfect lawn has become a symbol of the American Dream. However, this devotion to a monoculture of grass leads to biodiversity loss, resource waste, and pollution. Growing numbers are questioning this tradition, advocating for more natural, eco-friendly gardening practices, but change is difficult, facing resistance from entrenched cultural norms and influenced by current political and economic factors.

(www.noemamag.com)

Misc lawn culture neighborhood disputes

The Enduring Myth of the Celts: A Modern History

2025-03-21

Ian Stewart's 'The Celts: A Modern History' unravels the complex and often contradictory history of Celtic identity. From 18th-century scholarly rediscovery to the influence of nationalism and racism, and the rise of Pan-Celticism, Stewart traces the evolving image of the Celts. Challenging the notion that 'Celts' are a mere invention, the book explores how this identity has been shaped by academic debates, political movements, and social forces, revealing its enduring power and multifaceted nature.

(www.historytoday.com)

Misc nationalism

Visualizing Wealth: From a Penny to a Nation's GDP

2025-03-21

This article creatively quantifies different wealth levels using everyday items and resource quantities. From a small paperclip to a nation's GDP, each level is vividly described with concrete examples, helping readers intuitively understand the vast differences in wealth. For instance, level 0 corresponds to dollar store items, while level 10 represents the scale of giant tech companies like Meta and Tesla. This article is not only entertaining but also highly educational, providing a deeper understanding of wealth accumulation and distribution.

(taylor.town)

Misc wealth

From Beach to Museum: The Epic Journey of Art the Whale

2025-03-21

The story of Art the Whale begins with the discovery of a 40-foot California Gray Whale carcass. What follows is an incredible journey: dismemberment, clandestine burial, and eventual reconstruction by scientists. Art, now the centerpiece exhibit at the Sierra Natural History Museum, went by eight different names throughout his post-mortem journey, reflecting the various stages of his transformation. This article recounts the museum team's resourcefulness and dedication in acquiring this complete whale skeleton at minimal cost, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

(ejournals.sierracollege.edu)

Misc museum

FBI's Illegal Seizure: Violating the Fourth Amendment and Due Process

2025-03-21

Four years ago, the FBI raided U.S. Private Vaults (USPV) in Beverly Hills, seizing tens of millions of dollars in cash, valuables, and personal items, including Linda Martin's $40,200 life savings, without charging her with a crime. The FBI's actions were found to violate the Fourth Amendment, yet they refused to return the property. Only after Martin filed a nationwide class-action lawsuit did the FBI return her money, but she continues her suit to prevent future similar actions. The core issue is the FBI's failure to state reasons for the seizure in its notice, violating due process. This case highlights the government's abuse of civil forfeiture, with 93% of federal forfeitures never reaching court, allowing the FBI to keep the money without justification.

(reason.com)

Misc Civil Rights Civil Forfeiture

Boycott IETF 127: Safety Concerns in the US

2025-03-21

The IETF's decision to hold its 127th meeting in San Francisco has sparked a boycott due to serious safety concerns for attendees traveling to the US. The article highlights numerous documented cases of individuals, including scientists, tourists, and even those with green cards, being detained and subjected to inhumane conditions at the US border due to their nationality, political beliefs, or other factors. Citing RFC 8718 and RFC 9137, which emphasize inclusivity and safety in venue selection, the call to boycott aims to pressure the IETF to relocate the meeting. Hundreds have already signed in support, including those unable to travel, those refusing attendance, and those voicing solidarity.

(boycott-ietf127.org)

Misc Boycott US Safety

Trump's Executive Order Aims to Dismantle the Department of Education

2025-03-21

President Trump signed an executive order seeking to close the U.S. Department of Education, transferring authority to states and local communities. This controversial move has drawn criticism for potentially harming vulnerable students and lowering education quality, while supporters argue it will increase efficiency. The order's legality is questionable, requiring Congressional approval for the department's closure. Significant layoffs have already begun at the Department of Education, amidst widespread opposition.

(www.npr.org)

Misc

South Korean Presidential Officials Accused of Prior Knowledge of Martial Law

2025-03-21

Lee Gwang-woo, head of the South Korean presidential security office, is accused of searching for terms like "martial law" on ChatGPT at 8:20 PM on December 3rd, two hours before the emergency martial law declaration. While Lee claims this was a time error in the forensic process, it raises suspicions he may have known about the plans beforehand. Separately, another presidential official, Kim Seong-hun, is accused of destroying evidence. Both will face pre-arrest investigations on the 21st.

(www.hani.co.kr)

Misc South Korean Politics Martial Law Evidence Destruction

Former Michigan Football Coach Indicted on Hacking Charges

2025-03-21

Matt Weiss, a former Michigan football assistant coach, was indicted on federal charges for allegedly hacking into university computer systems over eight years. He's accused of stealing the identities of over 3,300 student athletes, mostly women, to obtain their private photos and videos. Weiss allegedly gained access by first compromising accounts of university staff with higher-level access, then using that information to break into student accounts managed by a third-party vendor. The indictment details his extensive efforts to track and target female athletes, noting he kept detailed records of his victims. If convicted, Weiss faces a significant prison sentence.

(www.freep.com)

Misc identity theft college sports

From 15 Years of Celibacy to Dating Success: A Practical Guide

2025-03-20

A 34-year-old author, after 15 years of celibacy, shares his journey to dating success by treating it as a special interest. He details practical advice, emphasizing self-improvement, confidence, honesty, and vulnerability. The guide covers optimizing dating app profiles, effective communication, and navigating casual vs. serious relationships. It stresses dating as a team sport, not a battle, highlighting the power of authenticity in attracting compatible partners and ultimately finding lasting love.

(fantasticanachronism.com)

Misc dating tips

Toxic Legacy: Dried-Up Reservoir Reveals a Health Crisis

2025-03-20

Jesús displays infected spots on his hands caused by water pollution at the completely dry Endhó Dam reservoir. Independent scientific reports reveal the nearby soil contains numerous toxic substances dumped by chemical plants, causing skin allergies among residents. These include heavy metals like lead and mercury, arsenic, cyanide, nitrates, and other pollutants far exceeding environmental limits. Data suggests at least two generations of locals suffer from serious health issues, including cancer, kidney, and lung diseases.

(mexicocitywater.longlead.com)

Misc health crisis

Unresolved Mystery in the Sequence of Last Two Digits of 2^n

2025-03-20

Mathematicians have investigated the sequence of the last two digits of 2^n, finding that 2^n only conforms to this sequence when n takes specific values (congruent to 3, 6, 10, 11, or 19 mod 20). No additional conforming numbers have been found for n up to 50000. Further research reveals that checking digits from right to left until an odd digit is found requires checking at most the 18th digit. This discovery sparks further thought about the underlying pattern of this sequence and offers new avenues for mathematical exploration.

(oeis.org)

Misc sequence

Hardened by the Rails: A Canadian Railroad Memoir

2025-03-20

At 19, the author, encouraged by his parents, takes a job with Canadian National Railways. Expecting a cushy groundman position, he becomes a lineman instead, embarking on a challenging and transformative experience. The memoir vividly details his grueling work in a remote Saskatchewan town, his relationships with a rough-and-tumble crew, and his unexpected growth amidst harsh conditions. It's a compelling story of youth, self-discovery, and becoming a man, infused with humor and reflection.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Misc memoir railroad coming-of-age

Website Cookie Policy Explained

2025-03-20

This website uses cookies to optimize its website and service. Technical storage or access is necessary to enable the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the user, or solely for transmitting communication over an electronic communications network. Cookies are also used to store preferences not requested by the user, for statistical purposes (including anonymous statistics), and to create user profiles for advertising or tracking user activity across websites for similar marketing purposes.

(9to5linux.com)

Misc

Plex Announces Price Hikes and Paid Remote Playback

2025-03-19

Plex is increasing Plex Pass subscription prices and introducing a fee for remote playback of personal media, effective April 29, 2025. Lifetime subscribers are unaffected, but existing and new monthly/yearly subscribers will see price increases. Remote playback will require either a Plex Pass or a new, cheaper Remote Watch Pass subscription. These changes aim to fund future development and improvements, including a planned integration with Common Sense Media for parental controls. The mobile app activation fee is being removed.

(www.plex.tv)

Misc Remote Playback

69 and Still Washing Dishes: A Glimpse into America's Aging Workforce

2025-03-19

Sixty-nine-year-old Walter Carpenter washes dishes at Mad River Glen, a Vermont ski resort, despite suffering from peripheral neuropathy and needing knee and hip replacements. Lacking sufficient retirement savings, he's forced to continue working. His situation highlights a growing problem in America: millions of older adults are unable to retire, working to make ends meet due to inflation, changes in pension systems, and a prevalence of low-wage jobs. The article explores contributing factors and potential solutions, such as auto-IRAs. Carpenter's story represents a broader struggle, raising concerns about ensuring older Americans' financial security and preventing economic hardship in an aging population.

(time.com)

Misc aging workforce retirement

Phish: How a Jam Band Built a $120 Million Empire on Live Music

2025-03-19

Phish, a seemingly unassuming jam band, has generated over $120 million in ticket sales in just four years, surpassing many more mainstream artists. Their success story isn't built on album sales or radio play, but rather on a decade of relentless practice and organic growth cultivated in Vermont bars. They built a fiercely loyal fanbase through immersive live performances, unique improvisational jams, and a deep connection with their audience. This dedication, combined with a bootstrapped approach to the business, resulted in a sustainable and highly profitable model centered around live music experiences, making Phish a unique case study in the music industry.

(priceonomics.com)

Misc live music

Category: Misc