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Study Reveals Misperception of Opposite-Sex Facial Preferences

2024-12-13
Study Reveals Misperception of Opposite-Sex Facial Preferences

A PLOS ONE study reveals that both men and women overestimate the opposite sex's preference for sexually dimorphic facial features (masculine or feminine traits). Using interactive 3D head models, participants chose their own ideal face shape and the face shape they believed the opposite sex would find most attractive. Women overestimated men's preference for feminine faces, while men overestimated women's preference for masculine faces. This misperception correlated with the discrepancy between participants' own and ideal facial dimorphism (an index of appearance dissatisfaction). The study suggests that misperceiving opposite-sex preferences contributes to appearance dissatisfaction.

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(journals.plos.org)
3
AI facial attractiveness sexual dimorphism appearance dissatisfaction

From pyenv to uv: My Python Environment Management Upgrade

2025-03-12

Tired of the cumbersome configuration of pyenv, pipx, and other tools? This blog post details a smooth transition from pyenv to uv, a single tool consolidating the functionality of pip, pyenv, pipx, and more. The author meticulously documents uninstalling pyenv, installing uv, installing Python versions, creating symlinks, and using `uv tool install` to manage packages, including a workaround for tox. The result is a streamlined Python environment managed by uv, with plans to remove .python-version files and update project documentation.

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(bluesock.org)
Development environment management

Snowflake's Growth Bottlenecked by On-Prem Renewal Cycles

2025-06-02
Snowflake's Growth Bottlenecked by On-Prem Renewal Cycles

Snowflake's growth in the large enterprise market is hampered by the renewal cycles of older, on-premises data warehouse and analytics technology, according to its VP of Finance, Jimmy Sexton. While Snowflake's Q1 revenue hit nearly $1 billion, up 26 percent year-over-year, and they secured two deals exceeding $100 million in the financial services sector, growth is constrained by the lengthy migration process from on-prem systems. Customers typically only initiate migrations near contract renewals, limiting Snowflake's ability to rapidly expand in this market segment. This reliance on renewal cycles applies to various legacy systems, not just Teradata, hindering faster adoption.

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(www.theregister.com)
Tech

Running Fennel from Emacs: A Powerful Extension

2025-07-23
Running Fennel from Emacs: A Powerful Extension

This article introduces `require-fennel.el`, an Emacs extension that enables running Fennel (a Lua dialect) within Emacs. It achieves this by communicating with a Fennel REPL, allowing data conversion and function calls between Emacs Lisp and Fennel. The author demonstrates loading Fennel modules, calling Fennel functions, and using Fennel data structures in Emacs Lisp. Furthermore, the extension supports calling Emacs Lisp functions from Fennel, enabling two-way interaction. This allows developers to leverage Fennel's conciseness and Emacs's power for a more robust Emacs environment.

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(andreyor.st)
Development

Operational PGP: A Guide to Secure Email Communication

2024-12-24
Operational PGP: A Guide to Secure Email Communication

This guide isn't about installing or using PGP; it's about using it securely. It emphasizes operational security beyond just encrypting email content, covering email composition, storage, key management, and more. It recommends composing emails in a text editor, avoiding saving drafts in email clients; generating and destroying keys frequently; avoiding publishing keys to keyservers; keeping email subjects blank to minimize metadata leakage; using the `gpg --throw-keys` option during encryption; enabling encryption by default and explicitly choosing whether to sign emails. The goal is maximizing PGP's security potential.

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(gist.github.com)
Development Email Security Key Management

A Calculational Approach to Type Checker Design

2025-03-18

This paper presents a calculational approach to designing type checkers, deriving them from behavioral specifications using equational reasoning. The authors simplify calculations using an algebraic approach based on fold fusion and further improve it with a constraint-based approach to solving and composing fusion preconditions. The methodology is illustrated with three examples of increasing complexity: a simple expression language, one with exceptions, and a version of the lambda calculus.

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(bahr.io)
Development

Trump's AI-Powered Surveillance State: A Techno-Dystopia Unleashed

2025-06-08
Trump's AI-Powered Surveillance State: A Techno-Dystopia Unleashed

Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the US government has ramped up mass surveillance using AI, targeting immigrants, foreign nationals, and students. This involves unauthorized social media scanning, biometric data analysis, phone interception, and more, all without judicial oversight. Trump and Elon Musk, along with private sector players like Palantir and Anduril, are driving this expansion. Agencies such as DHS and ICE utilize tools like Babel X and SocialNet, collecting data from various sources including social media. The government even uses social media activity as grounds to deny asylum or citizenship. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) collects sensitive citizen data, feeding a new deportation platform. Experts warn of human rights violations and the expansion of this surveillance to Europe.

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(english.elpais.com)
Tech Techno-Surveillance

AI to Write All Code Within a Year? Anthropic CEO's Bold Prediction

2025-08-16
AI to Write All Code Within a Year? Anthropic CEO's Bold Prediction

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts that within a year, AI will replace software developers, writing all software code. He foresees AI writing 90% of code in three to six months, and essentially all code within a year. While human developers will still play a role in the short term, designing features and conditions, Amodei believes AI will eventually handle all tasks currently performed by humans, impacting all industries. This prediction is supported by Y Combinator president Garry Tan, who reported that 25% of their Winter 2025 batch used AI to generate 95% of their code. The managing director of the IMF also noted AI's potential impact on roughly 40% of global jobs.

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(www.businessinsider.com)
Development

Replacing Restic's REST Server with Nginx for Backups

2025-06-08

The author cleverly uses Nginx to replace Restic's REST server backup solution, creating two Nginx virtual hosts: append-only and admin. The append-only host prevents data deletion, while the admin host allows management operations. The configuration uses Nginx's DAV and LUA modules, employing several tricks to handle HTTP methods and response codes, and using regexes to modify the autoindex's JSON output. While the approach is somewhat hacky, it's effective and efficient. The author also discusses security concerns and mentions plans to simplify the configuration in the future.

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(www.grepular.com)
Development

Polygon Sold to Valnet, Massive Layoffs Ensue

2025-05-01
Polygon Sold to Valnet, Massive Layoffs Ensue

Gaming news website Polygon has been sold to click-farm giant Valnet, resulting in significant layoffs. Many employees have expressed shock and concern on social media about losing their jobs. Polygon co-founder and former editor-in-chief Chris Plante confirmed his departure. The sale price was undisclosed, and the press release made no mention of the layoffs. Some editors reportedly remain. Valnet, known for operating numerous content aggregation sites, has previously faced accusations of exploitative content practices. The acquisition has raised concerns about the future of gaming journalism.

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(kotaku.com)
Game gaming journalism

Turbulent February: A Global Roundup of Conflicts and Events

2025-02-23

February 2025 saw a turbulent global landscape. The Gaza war continued, marked by hostage crises and fluctuating ceasefires; conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and elsewhere persisted. Multiple significant violent incidents occurred, including several shootings in the US, a Brazilian court's suspension of Rumble, and the apprehension of suspected criminals. News this month covered international conflicts, crime, politics, and technology, reflecting the complex challenges facing the world.

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(en.wikipedia.org)
Misc international conflicts violent incidents political instability

Royal Society's 1958 Southern Chile Expedition: Darwin's Legacy and an Antarctic Frontier

2025-05-09
Royal Society's 1958 Southern Chile Expedition: Darwin's Legacy and an Antarctic Frontier

In 1958-59, to commemorate the centenary of Darwin's *On the Origin of Species*, the Royal Society mounted an expedition to Southern Chile. A team of scientists from Britain and New Zealand retraced Darwin's steps and explored the islands of southern Chile, including Chiloé and Wellington Island. Their research, focusing on the similarities of species across the southern temperate zone, contributed to our understanding of plate tectonics. The expedition, documented through photographs and diaries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and discoveries of the journey, showcasing the unique landscapes and indigenous cultures of 65 years ago.

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(royalsociety.org)
Tech scientific expedition South America

The Kelly Criterion: A Mathematical Approach to Insurance Decisions

2024-12-21

This article explores how the Kelly criterion can be used to make rational decisions about insurance. The author debunks common misconceptions about insurance, arguing it's a mathematical, not philosophical, problem. The core idea is that insurance prevents significant wealth drawdown, accelerating compound interest growth. A formula is presented to calculate the value (V) of insurance, considering current wealth, premium, accident probability, and cost. Motorcycle and helicopter insurance examples illustrate the calculations and deductible's impact. The author explains how insurance companies profit and the relativity of costs.

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(entropicthoughts.com)
Misc Insurance Risk Management

Google's Iconic 'G' Logo Gets a Refresh After a Decade

2025-05-13
Google's Iconic 'G' Logo Gets a Refresh After a Decade

After nearly 10 years, Google has updated its iconic 'G' logo. The update blends the previously distinct color sections for a smoother, more vibrant look. The new icon is already rolling out to the iOS Google Search app, and has arrived on Android with Google app 16.18 (beta). This subtle but noticeable change reflects Google's ongoing commitment to modernizing its brand identity, aligning with the gradient style seen in Google Gemini AI.

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(9to5google.com)
Design Logo Update Brand Design

Oracle's Shady JavaScript Trademark Maneuvering

2025-02-04
Oracle's Shady JavaScript Trademark Maneuvering

Deno filed a petition to cancel Oracle's "JavaScript" trademark, alleging fraud in their renewal application. Oracle used a Node.js website screenshot as proof of use despite having no connection to the project. Oracle's defense claims a second specimen justifies the Node.js screenshot, ignoring the core issue of whether "JavaScript" is a generic term. This tactic is viewed as a deliberate delay, avoiding a discussion on the trademark's validity. The incident raises concerns about corporate trademark abuse and the fairness of the trademark system itself.

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(deno.com)
Development

Automattic Reverses Course, Re-engages with WordPress Development

2025-05-30
Automattic Reverses Course, Re-engages with WordPress Development

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has surprisingly reversed its decision to pause contributions to the WordPress project. This follows last month's announcement that 2025 would only see the release of version 6.8. Internal communications reveal CEO Matt Mullenweg's desire for a 6.9 release this year, incorporating an admin refresh and AI features. Speculation abounds regarding the motives behind this U-turn, with some suggesting pressure, reputational concerns, or a direct link to Automattic's ongoing legal battle with WP Engine. Automattic accuses WP Engine of profiting from WordPress without contributing back, while WP Engine counters that Automattic misunderstands trademark law. The reasons remain unclear, but Automattic's renewed commitment adds a significant twist to the WordPress narrative.

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(techcrunch.com)
Development

Smaller Research Groups Yield More Stable Academic Careers

2025-03-07
Smaller Research Groups Yield More Stable Academic Careers

Analysis of over one million early-career researchers reveals that postdoctoral students, graduate students, and junior scientists from smaller research groups are more likely to remain in academia. While researchers from larger groups who stay in academia achieve greater success, they also exhibit higher dropout rates. This study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, offers valuable insights into the academic exodus and mental health crisis among PhD students, and provides guidance for prospective PhD candidates.

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(www.nature.com)
Tech research group size academic career paths attrition

Go Upgrade Checklist: Lessons Learned from Upgrading 150+ Services

2025-01-02
Go Upgrade Checklist: Lessons Learned from Upgrading 150+ Services

This post details the experience of upgrading 150+ Go services from 1.17 to 1.20 at Lyft. The author stresses the importance of meticulous planning and outlines a step-by-step process including reading release notes, checking tools, running unit tests, and code linting. Automation is key, leveraging existing build, CI/CD, and deployment pipelines. Lyft completed the upgrade in 3-4 weeks with minimal production issues. The post also addresses potential pitfalls such as linter support, changes in sorting algorithms, and handling deprecated functions, highlighting the importance of a rollback plan.

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(hakann.substack.com)
Development Go upgrade

Woz Explains Why the Original Apple II Didn't Have Lowercase Letters

2025-05-10

Steve Wozniak reveals the surprisingly simple reason behind the original Apple II's lack of lowercase letters: a tight budget. The cost of a full keyboard was prohibitive in the early 1970s, leading Wozniak to utilize a cheaper uppercase-only teletype keyboard. Coupled with hand-coding the entire system and a lack of funds for a timeshare assembler, adding lowercase would have been a massive undertaking, making the decision economically and practically impossible.

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(www.vintagecomputing.com)
Tech Steve Wozniak

YC Startup Craniometrix Seeking Founding Full-Stack Engineer (CTO Track)

2025-01-14
YC Startup Craniometrix Seeking Founding Full-Stack Engineer (CTO Track)

Craniometrix, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is hiring a Founding Full-Stack Engineer (with a path to CTO) to build a one-stop care platform for Alzheimer's patients. With millions in funding and contracts secured, they aim to simplify care for patients and their families. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of software development experience, strong React/TypeScript and Python skills, and familiarity with DevOps and HIPAA compliance. This is a chance to make a real impact on healthcare and potentially become CTO.

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(www.ycombinator.com)
Startup Alzheimer's

Revolutionary Keyboard: Markov Chain-Based Dynamic Layout

2024-12-19
Revolutionary Keyboard: Markov Chain-Based Dynamic Layout

Tired of static keyboard layouts? The MarkovKeyboard project revolutionizes typing! It uses a Markov chain algorithm to dynamically adjust the keyboard layout based on your typing habits, moving frequently used keys closer to the home row. This Emacs library updates the layout with each keypress. While currently supporting only letters, it dynamically adapts. You can use a pre-trained model or train your own data for a personalized layout.

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(github.com)
Development Markov chain dynamic keyboard

uscope: A Native Code Graphical Debugger for Linux

2025-01-31
uscope: A Native Code Graphical Debugger for Linux

uscope is a native code graphical debugger and introspection toolchain for Linux, currently in early development. The author plans to add features such as support for multiple programming languages (C, Zig, C++, Go, Rust, Odin, Jai, etc.), multi-threaded program debugging, code navigation, remote debugging, and more. The project aims to build a flexible, extensible debugging system with a user-friendly interface. The author also plans to build it as a library so other developers can build more interesting tools on top of it.

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(github.com)
Development native code

Regex Isn't Hard: Mastering the Core Concepts for Efficient Text Processing

2025-04-21
Regex Isn't Hard: Mastering the Core Concepts for Efficient Text Processing

This article argues that regular expressions aren't as complex as many believe. By focusing on core concepts—character sets, repetition, groups, and the |, ^, $ operators—one can easily master the power of regex. The article explains these core concepts in detail and suggests ignoring less-used shortcuts to avoid unnecessary complexity. The author emphasizes that regex allows for a lot of text processing with minimal code, far more efficiently than traditional procedural code.

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(timkellogg.me)
Development

Oscars: Thanking God or Weinstein? Data Reveals the Truth

2025-02-27
Oscars: Thanking God or Weinstein? Data Reveals the Truth

This article analyzes 1,884 Oscar acceptance speeches to uncover the unspoken rules and relationships behind the Academy Awards. The data reveals a growing trend of winners thanking more people over time, with actresses thanking the most on average. While Harvey Weinstein was once perceived as having immense influence at the Oscars, the data shows that God was thanked far more often than Weinstein. However, Steven Spielberg even surpassed God in thanks during certain periods, reflecting his immense influence in Hollywood.

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(stephenfollows.com)
Misc Oscars

AI Revolutionizes Physics: From LIGO to Novel Quantum Entanglement Experiments

2025-07-22
AI Revolutionizes Physics: From LIGO to Novel Quantum Entanglement Experiments

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing physics research. This article details AI's application in enhancing LIGO's sensitivity, discovering symmetries in Einstein's relativity from Large Hadron Collider data, and even finding a new equation for dark matter clumping. Most impressively, AI-designed quantum entanglement experiments, surpassing previous designs in simplicity and efficiency, have been successfully validated in China, showcasing AI's immense potential in experimental design and data analysis.

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(www.quantamagazine.org)
Tech

Cell Phone OPSEC at Borders: Data Deletion and Recovery

2025-04-05

Concerns are rising about stricter electronic device checks at US borders. The author asks about securely deleting data (files, photos) from phones to prevent recovery. Does a factory reset truly erase data, or is it recoverable? This question hinges on whether the reset removes the encryption key or just the access password. The article stresses the growing need for enhanced phone security globally, given increasing risks for those opposing state power.

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(www.schneier.com)
Misc phone security border security

Newton's Method Gets a Modern Upgrade: A Faster, Broader Optimization Algorithm

2025-03-25
Newton's Method Gets a Modern Upgrade: A Faster, Broader Optimization Algorithm

Over 300 years ago, Isaac Newton developed an algorithm for finding the minimum values of functions. Now, Amir Ali Ahmadi of Princeton University and his students have improved this algorithm to efficiently handle a broader class of functions. This breakthrough uses higher-order derivatives and cleverly transforms the Taylor expansion into a convex sum-of-squares form, achieving faster convergence than traditional gradient descent. While currently computationally expensive, future advancements in computing could allow this algorithm to surpass gradient descent in fields like machine learning, becoming a powerful tool for optimization problems.

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(www.quantamagazine.org)
AI optimization algorithm Newton's method

Regolith: A Linear-Time Regex Library Preventing ReDoS Attacks

2025-08-27
Regolith: A Linear-Time Regex Library Preventing ReDoS Attacks

Regolith is a server-side TypeScript and JavaScript library built with Rust to prevent Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) attacks using a linear regex engine. Unlike the default RegExp in TypeScript and JavaScript (which has exponential worst-case time complexity), Regolith boasts linear worst-case complexity, effectively mitigating ReDoS vulnerabilities. Designed as a drop-in replacement for RegExp, it minimizes migration effort, allowing developers to easily build ReDoS-resistant software. Still early in development, Regolith welcomes community contributions.

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(github.com)
Development Regular Expression

Neanderthal 'Fat Factory' Rewrites Understanding of Ancient Resource Management

2025-07-07
Neanderthal 'Fat Factory' Rewrites Understanding of Ancient Resource Management

A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances reveals that Neanderthals in central Germany 125,000 years ago employed sophisticated techniques to extract bone grease from large animals using water and heat. Discovered at the Neumark-Nord 2 site, this 'fat factory' demonstrates a level of nutritional planning and resource management previously unseen in Neanderthals. The findings challenge the stereotypical image of brutish cavemen, portraying Neanderthals as capable of complex social organization and advanced survival strategies with long-term environmental impacts.

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(archaeologymag.com)
Tech
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