Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

LinkedIn: A Breeding Ground for Toxic Mediocrity?

2025-08-17

LinkedIn, intended as a convenient resume platform, has devolved into a social media swamp of "toxic mediocrity." Users post vapid, overproduced content in pursuit of personal branding, yet often see minimal returns. The author argues that instead of churning out low-quality posts for LinkedIn's algorithm, individuals should focus on creating in-depth, valuable content, such as through personal blogging. While this might garner fewer views initially, it elevates writing skills and attracts a more engaged audience.

(www.elliotcsmith.com)

Misc

AI Political Compass Test: A Different Perspective

2025-08-17

This article discusses the widely-known Political Compass test, a tool that measures political beliefs using a consistent set of questions over decades, allowing for comparisons across time. The author encourages readers to take the test and compare their results to those of AIs, suggesting it's reasonably accurate. Readers are also invited to suggest alternative, superior quizzes.

(www.trackingai.org)

Misc political compass test

Rope: From Mocha Dick to Industrial Production

2025-08-17

This article explores the crucial role of rope in maritime history, particularly in whaling, and its evolution towards industrial production. Starting with Jeremiah Reynolds' 1839 account of the legendary white whale "Mocha Dick", it highlights the immense demand for rope in the whaling industry. The article details the 18th-century revolution in rope-making technology, including the invention of the register plate and forming tube, the rise and development of ropewalks, and concludes by emphasizing rope's importance as "naval stores" and its indispensable role in seafaring and shipbuilding.

(lithub.com)

Misc rope

Love: The Foundation of Morality? Iris Murdoch's Perspective

2025-08-17

Philosopher Iris Murdoch argues that love is central to morality. She posits that morality hinges on how we perceive the world, and that 'attentive love' helps overcome self-centered biases, allowing for clearer understanding of others and more ethical actions. Murdoch uses the example of a mother-in-law's prejudiced view of her daughter-in-law to illustrate that even without outward actions, biased perceptions constitute a moral failing. Overcoming this requires attentive love, which redirects us from self-focus towards others, leading to a truer grasp of reality.

(aeon.co)

Misc Iris Murdoch

The Math Behind the Perfect Onion Dice

2025-08-17

Millions of YouTube views prove it: dicing an onion perfectly is a common quest. This article dives into the optimal onion-cutting technique, using mathematical modeling and standard deviation calculations to reveal that radial cuts, aimed at approximately 96% of the onion's radius, yield the most uniform pieces, outperforming vertical cuts. While perfect uniformity might not drastically improve your cooking, the study offers a fascinating example of applying mathematics to everyday problems.

(pudding.cool)

Misc onion optimal cutting technique

Guid Smash: A Long Shot at a Collision

2025-08-17

Guid Smash is a website running an experiment to generate a GUID matching a specific target: 6e197264-d14b-44df-af98-39aac5681791. Despite the astronomically low probability of a collision (approximately 1 in 2^122), the site generates and compares GUIDs at a rate of 467,074 per second, aiming to demonstrate this improbability. As of now, billions of GUIDs have been checked without a match, vividly illustrating the uniqueness of GUIDs and the nature of probability in action.

(www.guidsmash.com)

Misc

James Baldwin: From Literary Decline to Modern Sainthood

2025-08-16

This essay explores the fluctuating reputation of James Baldwin. While reaching the peak of his career in the 1960s, his fame later waned. However, recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in his work, particularly with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, giving his writings new relevance. The piece reviews several recent books on Baldwin, some praising his literary achievements and profound insights into humanity, others criticizing the politicization of his work. Baldwin's complexity and unique perspective on identity ensure his continued relevance and ongoing discussion.

(hudsonreview.com)

Misc James Baldwin Black Lives Matter

Air Travel: Safer, Cheaper, But Less Reliable?

2025-08-16

In recent years, anecdotal evidence suggests a decline in air travel reliability. This analysis uses US Department of Transportation data to reveal a complex picture. While air accidents are declining, significant flight delays are increasingly common, with 3+ hour delays four times more likely in 2024 than in 1990. Airlines are masking this by artificially inflating scheduled flight times. Airfare has become cheaper over the past decade, but this comes at the cost of reliability. Contributing factors may include changes in airline financial models, airport infrastructure saturation, and understaffing of air traffic control.

(www.maximum-progress.com)

Misc air safety airfare prices

Prime Grid: A Visual Exploration of Prime Numbers

2025-08-16

Prime Grid creates a simple, adjustable grid plotting prime numbers in a left-to-right, top-to-bottom layout. Use it to find interesting visual patterns, do some math, or maybe uncover the secret code to the cosmos (or something). Created by Danny Duplex, who claims to solve the world's least important problems.

(enda.sh)

Misc

The Invisible Barriers Holding You Back

2025-08-16

A story about a dog confined by a defunct electric fence highlights the invisible barriers we create in our lives. These self-imposed limitations, often rooted in past hurts or societal conditioning, prevent us from connecting with others. The author argues that reaching out, despite fears of appearing needy or weak, is a sign of strength and courage. Breaking free requires just twenty seconds of bravery to send a message, make a call, or express care—a small act with significant liberating power.

(soonly.com)

Misc

2000+ Occult Texts Now Online Thanks to Dan Brown

2025-08-16

Amsterdam's Ritman Library, a treasure trove of pre-1900 books on alchemy, astrology, magic, and other occult subjects, has digitized 2,178 of its rare texts thanks to a generous donation from Dan Brown, author of *The Da Vinci Code*. The "Hermetically Open" project makes these books, written in various European languages (primarily Latin, with specialized jargon), freely accessible online. The collection isn't limited to the occult; it also includes works bridging philosophy, theology, medicine, and science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of scholarship in the era.

(www.openculture.com)

Misc Occult Ritman Library

70s Extreme Sports: Evel Knievel and the Reckless Childhoods We Miss

2025-08-15

The 1970s saw a level of childhood freedom unseen today. This piece uses the iconic Evel Knievel, a daredevil motorcyclist who jumped 13 double-decker buses and more, to illustrate the era's adventurous spirit. Knievel's death-defying stunts not only captivated audiences but paved the way for future extreme sports. Modern athletes like Danny Way acknowledge Knievel's profound influence. The article prompts reflection on differing safety standards and celebrates the courage of pursuing dreams.

(flashbak.com)

Misc 1970s culture

World Bank Raises Extreme Poverty Line to $3 a Day: A Deeper Dive into the Data

2025-08-14

The World Bank's increase of the international poverty line from $2.15 to $3 per day resulted in a 125 million person increase in extreme poverty estimates. This doesn't signify global impoverishment, but rather reflects a higher poverty standard. The adjustment accounts for inflation, but also incorporates changes in low-income countries' own poverty lines. While extreme poverty numbers rose, the data concurrently reveals higher-than-expected incomes among the world's poorest. The article details the definition of the international poverty line, the reasons behind the World Bank data changes, and their implications for understanding global poverty.

(ourworldindata.org)

Misc World Bank international poverty line

The Soviet Hobbit: Bilbo and Gollum Behind the Iron Curtain

2025-08-14

A unique 1976 Soviet edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" featured illustrations by M. Belomlinskij. This illustrated children's book presented Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum, and Smaug in a precise yet charmingly cartoonish style, offering a distinctly Soviet take on the classic tale.

(mashable.com)

Misc Illustrations

AI Tool Anxiety: The Illusion of Efficiency?

2025-08-14

The author recounts their personal experience with the rapid pace of AI tool updates, leading to anxiety and a feeling of constantly falling behind. The article critiques the excessive marketing and anxiety-mongering surrounding AI tools, advocating for a more rational approach. It calls for selective adoption and a return to human-centered thinking, arguing that the illusion of efficiency often masks increased workload and stress.

(luolink.substack.com)

Misc AI Anxiety

Why Apprenticeships Trump Classrooms

2025-08-14

This article argues that apprenticeships are superior to classroom learning. Apprenticeships emphasize hands-on learning through 'learning by doing' and 'learning by watching,' overcoming the disconnect between theory and practice common in classrooms. The author highlights that humans primarily learn through observation and practice, while classrooms focus on abstract theories, hindering knowledge transfer. Many theories are also inherently flawed, making practical experience more reliable. The article suggests learners should start with specific goals, build theory on practice, and immerse themselves in expert practice ecosystems to improve learning efficiency.

(www.scotthyoung.com)

Misc apprenticeships knowledge transfer

Colombia's Amazonian Rock Art: Echoes of a Lost Civilization

2025-08-13

In the Colombian Amazon rainforest, the massive sandstone mesas of Serranía de la Lindosa conceal prehistoric rock art dating back over 12,000 years. While not a recent discovery, these paintings have only recently become widely studied due to decades of conflict in the region. The art depicts the lives of early hunter-gatherers, potentially including now-extinct megafauna, offering invaluable insights into early American civilizations. While some paintings date back 12,000 years, not all are that old. The article details three major sites – Cerro Azul, Nuevo Tolima, and Raudal Angosturas – and explores the cultural significance of the art and the ongoing debate surrounding depictions of megafauna.

(www.earthasweknowit.com)

Misc Prehistoric Rock Art Colombia

Sweden's Saturday Candy Tradition: From Health Recommendation to National Craze

2025-08-13

Sweden's "Lördagsgodis" (Saturday candy) tradition originated from a 1959 experiment studying the relationship between sugar and tooth decay. Initially, the experiment's conclusion led to a health recommendation of eating candy only on Saturdays. However, over time, it evolved into a national craze. Today, buying loose candy on Saturdays has become a Swedish custom, resulting in Sweden becoming one of the highest per capita candy consumers globally. In recent years, the government has expressed concern over high candy consumption's impact on public health and is considering regulating this tradition.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc Swedish culture candy consumption

The Exploding Cucumber: A Botanical Curiosity

2025-08-13

Cyclanthera brachystachya, also known as the exploding cucumber (though not to be confused with Ecballium elaterium), is a fascinating vine native to Central and South America. This unusual plant, reaching up to 3 meters in length, produces spiky, 2-4cm fruits that explode when ripe, scattering their seeds. While the small, immature fruits can be eaten raw in salads, the larger, mature ones are typically cooked. Growing it is similar to other cucurbits, thriving in warm, humid climates. Its unique properties make it a curious and edible addition to any garden.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc exploding fruit cucurbit

The Surprisingly Long History of a Simple Joke: 'From Here?'

2025-08-13

This article traces the surprisingly long history of the simple yet effective joke, "From here?" Initially appearing in the 1974 TV series *Porridge*, it later found its way into *Never Say Never Again*. The author meticulously investigates its appearances in other shows, including *Man About the House* and Tom O'Connor's album, ultimately tracing it back to a 1966 medical journal. This journey reveals the evolution and spread of jokes and the fascinating nature of cultural transmission.

(www.dirtyfeed.org)

Misc Joke origin Cultural transmission Television

The End of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum: 4000 Banned Books and Their Stories

2025-08-13

In 1948, the Catholic Church published the final 32nd edition of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a 508-page catalog that, since its first edition in 1559, listed nearly 4000 books banned for heresy, moral deficiency, sexual explicitness, political incorrectness, and more. Notable figures like Erasmus, Voltaire, and Sartre were included, alongside philosophers who believed in God, such as Descartes and Kant. Primarily intended for priests, this index reflects the Church's long history of controlling ideas and restricting intellectual freedom.

(historyofinformation.com)

Misc Index Librorum Prohibitorum

The Dark Side of Rationalism: When Good Intentions Go Wrong

2025-08-12

This article explores the emergence of dysfunctional and even cult-like groups within the rationalist community. Through interviews with individuals connected to these groups, the author reveals instances of violence, abuse, and mind control. The article argues that some groups exploit rationalist principles, such as 'taking ideas seriously' and 'agency,' to justify harmful actions. Social isolation, groupthink, and extreme interpretations of consequentialism are also implicated. The author concludes that the rationalist community needs to critically examine its culture and values to prevent similar incidents.

(asteriskmag.com)

Misc

Global Country Codes and OTP Verification

2025-08-12

This list contains nearly all country calling codes worldwide. Below, an OTP verification feature allows users to verify their phone number by entering a received code. If the code isn't received, users can click 'Resend OTP'.

(www.githubstatus.com)

Misc phone number verification

Teen Influencer Stranded in Antarctica After Illegal Landing

2025-08-12

American teen influencer Ethan Guo's ambitious solo flight across seven continents to raise money for cancer research took a disastrous turn. He illegally landed in Chilean Antarctic territory after providing false flight plan information, leading to charges of providing false information and unauthorized landing. To avoid trial, he agreed to a deal involving a $30,000 donation to a children's cancer foundation and a three-year ban from re-entering Chile. He remains stranded in Antarctica, awaiting approval for his departure, hoping to resume his mission.

(www.independent.co.uk)

Misc illegal landing

Starbucks Korea Cracks Down on 'Cagongjok'

2025-08-12

Starbucks Korea has updated its policy to prohibit large work equipment like desktop computers and printers, addressing the issue of customers using its cafes as extended office spaces. This follows the increasing prevalence of 'cagongjok,' individuals who work long hours in cafes, often consuming minimal coffee. High office rental costs in Seoul and a post-pandemic shift to remote work have driven many to seek affordable alternatives, creating tension between cafes and customers. While Starbucks aims to be a welcoming 'third place,' this policy change reflects a shift in approach to manage space and customer experience.

(fortune.com)

Misc Starbucks Cagongjok

Wikipedia's Biggest Self-Promotion Operation: The David Woodard Case

2025-08-12

In late 2024, a relatively unknown artist, David Woodard, unexpectedly held the record for the Wikipedia article with the most language versions—a staggering 335. An investigation revealed a decade-long, massive self-promotion scheme involving over 200 accounts and numerous proxy IPs. The operation involved creating and translating articles across various Wikipedia projects, using multiple accounts and IPs to add fabricated photos and information. The Wikipedia community responded with coordinated efforts, deleting most of the fraudulent entries and thwarting this elaborate self-promotion campaign. This case raises questions about the integrity of information on Wikipedia and the challenges of combating sophisticated manipulation.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc Self-promotion

Institutional Forgetting: The Silent Killer of Organizations

2025-08-12

From VW's 1973 emissions scandal to the Challenger and Columbia Space Shuttle disasters, and even a blocked canal, this article explores the devastating consequences of institutional forgetting. It argues that loss of knowledge, fading experience, and the disappearance of crucial information can lead to catastrophic events. The author emphasizes the importance of knowledge preservation and experience retention to avoid costly mistakes stemming from forgetting.

(timharford.com)

Misc institutional forgetting

Four Verbs: A Simple Daily Rhythm for Sustainable Productivity

2025-08-11

In a world obsessed with hacks, the author proposes a simpler approach: a daily rhythm built around four verbs: learn, reflect, act, prepare. This isn't a productivity system, but a living experiment focusing on consistent learning, thoughtful reflection, mindful action, and proactive planning. The author shares their experience of how this simple framework helps maintain a calm and productive lifestyle.

(opuslabs.substack.com)

Misc

Overprotective Neighbors Weaponize CPS Against Virginia Mom

2025-08-11

Emily Fields, a Virginia mom, faced repeated investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) for letting her children play unsupervised in her backyard and neighbors' yards. Authorities even claimed children couldn't be alone, even in their own bedrooms, until age 13. This highlights the pervasive mistrust of parents and children and the misuse of power by some neighbors. Fields partnered with Let Grow to advocate for and successfully pass Virginia's Reasonable Childhood Independence law. However, even with the new law, her children still face interference, leading her to create 'licenses' for them to deter unwarranted interventions.

(reason.com)

Misc parental rights overprotection

A Lavish 16th-Century Christening: A Pictorial Record

2025-08-11

The christening of Princess Elisabeth von Hessen-Kassel in 1596 was a four-day extravaganza featuring fireworks, knightly tournaments (among the last in Europe), and elaborate pageantry. Engineer-engraver Wilhelm Dilich commemorated the event with his richly illustrated work, *Historische Beschreibung der Kindtauf des Fräuleins Elisabeth zu Hessen* (Description of the Christening of Lady Elisabeth of Hesse). The images depict the four-day celebration and showcase the participants' costumes, drawing on mythological, allegorical, and historical figures: Hannibal, Impudence, Alexander the Great, Jason, Perseus, Fortune, and Julius Caesar all make appearances.

(publicdomainreview.org)

Misc celebration

Category: Misc