Stratoshark: Extending Wireshark to the Cloud

2025-01-22

Stratoshark is an open-source tool bringing the power of Wireshark's network analysis capabilities to cloud environments. It captures system calls and log activity, offering advanced features for troubleshooting and analysis. Sharing the dissection engine and much of the UI with Wireshark, and supporting the same file format as Falco and Sysdig CLI, Stratoshark allows seamless workflow between tools. Available for Windows, macOS, and via source code, it provides an unprecedented view into application activity in your cloud.

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Generative AI and Fair Use: A ChatGPT Case Study

2024-12-14

This article examines whether generative AI models, particularly ChatGPT, qualify for fair use of copyrighted material. The author analyzes the four factors outlined in Section 107 of the US Copyright Act: purpose and character of use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount and substantiality of the portion used, and effect on the market. Through a case study of ChatGPT, the author argues that ChatGPT's use of its training data likely constitutes copyright infringement. ChatGPT's commercial nature and its failure to transform the training data, coupled with market harm to original works, contradict the principles of fair use.

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Parkinson's Law: Set Deadlines, Boost Efficiency

2024-12-12
Parkinson's Law: Set Deadlines, Boost Efficiency

Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. James Stanier, writing from an engineering management perspective, argues for the importance of setting challenging yet achievable deadlines. Using the 'Iron Triangle' (scope, resources, time), he demonstrates how deadlines prevent scope creep, improve efficiency, and spark innovation. He also highlights the implementation of weekly reporting to encourage proactive task completion, ultimately leading to higher efficiency.

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Internet Archive: A Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

2024-12-22

The Internet Archive is a non-profit organization dedicated to universal access to knowledge. It provides a massive digital library of websites (via the Wayback Machine), books, movies, music, and more, offering a free and easily accessible resource for researchers, educators, and the public. Users can freely browse and download these materials, exploring the history and cultural diversity of the internet.

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C's Overlooked Improvements: Compile-Time Function Execution and Module Importing

2025-01-12

This article highlights long-standing shortcomings in C, such as the inability to execute functions at compile time, redundant declarations, and cumbersome header file management. The author, leveraging ImportC (a C compiler embedded within the D language compiler), demonstrates solutions to these issues. These include enabling compile-time function execution for unit testing, allowing arbitrary ordering of global declarations, and the ability to directly import C source files. These improvements significantly enhance development efficiency and code maintainability, showcasing the potential of modern compiler technology to address historical C language limitations.

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Development

MIT Study Unveils Why Laws Are Written in Incomprehensible Legalese

2024-12-17
MIT Study Unveils Why Laws Are Written in Incomprehensible Legalese

A new study from MIT cognitive scientists reveals why legal documents are notoriously difficult to understand. Contrary to the belief that complexity stems from iterative edits, the research suggests that convoluted legalese serves to convey authority, akin to a 'magic spell'. Experiments showed that even non-lawyers instinctively use complex language structures when writing laws. This finding could inspire lawmakers to simplify legal language for better public comprehension.

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Reverse Engineering Elgato's Stream Deck Plus: Breaking Free from Proprietary Software

2024-12-26
Reverse Engineering Elgato's Stream Deck Plus: Breaking Free from Proprietary Software

Den Delimarsky successfully reverse-engineered the Elgato Stream Deck Plus and shared the detailed process. Using tools like Wireshark, he captured and analyzed the USB communication between the Stream Deck Plus and a computer, revealing the workings of buttons, screen, and knobs. This includes the image transfer protocol, button status feedback, and screen touch event coordinate data. He then updated the DeckSurf SDK with a C# example, enabling developers to control the Stream Deck Plus without relying on Elgato's software.

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Hardware hardware hacking

Displaying Website Content on an E-Ink Display: A Family Tech Solution

2024-12-15
Displaying Website Content on an E-Ink Display: A Family Tech Solution

To address the inconvenience of checking the school timetable, the author designed a low-power e-ink display that automatically fetches and displays the school website's timetable. The project overcame challenges of website login and API absence by using Playwright for web scraping, and a server-side application to generate the image, which is then displayed on the e-ink screen. This solution tackles a family's daily problem and showcases the combined application of low-power hardware and web scraping technologies. The project initially explored MicroPython, but ultimately utilized the Arduino library for better reliability and functionality.

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Fern, a YC-backed Startup, is Hiring a Senior Frontend Engineer

2024-12-14
Fern, a YC-backed Startup, is Hiring a Senior Frontend Engineer

Fern, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is seeking a Senior Frontend Engineer with a salary of $168,000-$192,000 plus equity. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, this in-person role requires 4+ years of experience in frontend development, proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and Next.js. Responsibilities include streamlining developer experience, managing frontend infrastructure, building user-facing features, and fostering strong customer relationships. Fern simplifies API usage and counts Cohere, ElevenLabs, Webflow, and Merge.dev among its clients.

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Development Frontend Engineer

Minimizing Wifi Battery Drain in IoT Projects

2024-12-22
Minimizing Wifi Battery Drain in IoT Projects

In the early development of PetDrifts, an IoT device using an ESP32 C3, battery life was a major challenge, lasting only a day. The culprit was identified as high power consumption during HTTP POST requests every 15 minutes. To address this, the team explored two solutions: switching from TCP to UDP to reduce network overhead, and adopting MQTT for persistent connections and lower power usage. While improvements were observed, the battery life wasn't sufficient. Ultimately, they opted for a Bluetooth MCU to achieve significantly longer battery life.

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Development IoT Power Optimization

KV Cache Tricks for Faster Language Models

2025-01-28
KV Cache Tricks for Faster Language Models

The slow speed of large language models (LLMs) in text generation stems from the computational complexity of self-attention. This article explores KV caching and its optimization techniques. KV caching stores key-value pairs for each token to avoid redundant computation, reducing complexity from O(n³) to O(n²); however, memory consumption remains substantial. The article delves into 11 papers proposing optimizations: token selection and pruning based on attention scores, post-hoc compression techniques, and architectural redesigns such as Multi-head Latent Attention (MLA). These aim to balance memory usage and computational efficiency, ultimately making models like ChatGPT generate text faster and more efficiently.

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The PHP Static Typing Debate: Flexibility and Efficiency of Dynamic Languages

2024-12-14

In this article, Tony Marston vehemently criticizes the enforced static type checking changes introduced in PHP 8.1. He argues that this change violates the core design principles of PHP's dynamic typing, clashing with PHP's long-standing flexible approach to data type handling and imposing a significant workload on developers. The article delves into the advantages of PHP's dynamic type system, such as automatic type conversion and flexible data handling, pointing out that the performance benefits of static typing are negligible in modern hardware, while hindering development efficiency. Marston contends that PHP's dynamic type system is better suited for handling HTML frontend and SQL backend data, and that enforcing static type checking is counterproductive, negatively impacting the PHP community.

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The Cyclic Identity for Partial Derivatives: Unraveling the Mystery of -1

2024-12-16
The Cyclic Identity for Partial Derivatives: Unraveling the Mystery of -1

This article explores the cyclic identity for partial derivatives: ∂z/∂x * ∂x/∂y * ∂y/∂z = -1, rather than the intuitive 1. Through examples and various proof methods, including differential forms and geometric interpretations, the article reveals the mathematical principles behind this seemingly counterintuitive identity. The author also discusses its applications in physics and offers intuitive explanations.

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A 1920s Art Party with Tamara de Lempicka: A Glimpse into Decadence

2025-01-26
A 1920s Art Party with Tamara de Lempicka: A Glimpse into Decadence

Imagine a glamorous 1920s party hosted by the iconic Tamara de Lempicka. This article vividly portrays the era through descriptions of Lempicka's art and the party's attendees. From Lempicka herself, arriving in her green Bugatti, to fashionable flappers in loose dresses, a guitarist in a blue satin gown, gossiping ladies in red hats, and androgynous figures like the Duchess de la Salle, the piece captures the unique fashion, art, and social atmosphere of the 1920s. Lempicka's artistic style is woven into the narrative, highlighting her use of classical references and her distinctive portrayal of modern women.

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Tesla Light Show: A Guide to Custom Light Shows

2024-12-27
Tesla Light Show: A Guide to Custom Light Shows

Tesla has released a custom light show feature allowing users to create and play personalized light shows on 2021 and later Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles via a USB drive using the xLights software. This guide details the steps to create and run custom light shows, including software installation, file format requirements, light effect control, and troubleshooting, and provides a validation script to help users check if their light show files meet Tesla's requirements.

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Misc Light Show

Don't Use Cosine Similarity Carelessly!

2025-01-14
Don't Use Cosine Similarity Carelessly!

This article explores the risks of over-relying on cosine similarity for vector comparisons in data science. The author argues that while computationally simple, cosine similarity often fails to capture semantic similarity and can be easily misled by superficial patterns like writing style and typos. The article uses examples to illustrate this problem and proposes several improved methods, including: directly using LLMs for comparison, fine-tuning or transfer learning to create task-specific embeddings, pre-prompt engineering, and text preprocessing. The author emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate similarity metrics based on specific needs, rather than blindly using cosine similarity.

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Walmart Pilots Body Cameras for Employee Safety

2024-12-20
Walmart Pilots Body Cameras for Employee Safety

Walmart is testing body cameras for its employees in select stores to deter conflict and theft. While the company won't disclose specifics, photos have emerged showing employees wearing the cameras and charging stations in stores. The initiative, currently a pilot program in one market, prioritizes employee safety over loss prevention. This follows a trend among retailers to enhance security, with companies like TJX and Greggs also adopting similar measures. The move comes after over 200 violent incidents at Walmart stores in 2023, according to a worker rights group.

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One Year of YouTube: A Journey of Creation and Reflection

2025-01-12

In 2024, two friends embarked on a YouTube journey, documenting their experiences in this article. From initial creative videos like skydiving with Apple Vision Pro to later attempts such as blindfolded hiking and AI-planned vacations, they encountered various challenges and learned valuable lessons. The article details the creation process, problems encountered, and data analysis for each video, sharing improvements to their workflow, such as the 'Title Tournament' brainstorming method. While the channel hasn't yet achieved massive success, they remain optimistic for the future.

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PQConnect: A New Layer of Internet Security Against Quantum Attacks

2024-12-27

PQConnect is an easy-to-install layer of internet security that allows you to immediately address the threat of quantum attacks on your computer without waiting for application upgrades. It automatically applies end-to-end post-quantum cryptography between computers running PQConnect, adding cryptographic protection to unencrypted applications, working with existing pre-quantum applications to add post-quantum protection, and adding a second application-independent layer of defense to applications with application-specific post-quantum protection. Unlike VPNs, which only protect traffic between your computer and VPN proxies, PQConnect automatically detects and transparently encrypts traffic to servers supporting PQConnect. System administrators can easily configure server names to announce PQConnect support. Separate installation instructions are provided for users and system administrators.

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Xiaomi Tightens Global Bootloader Unlock Policy: One Device Per Year

2025-01-02
Xiaomi Tightens Global Bootloader Unlock Policy: One Device Per Year

Xiaomi has recently changed its global bootloader unlock policy, limiting users to unlocking only one device per year, down from the previous three. This move has sparked outrage among developers and power users. The new policy may stem from security concerns, abuse prevention, and a push for improved software stability. However, it will significantly impact custom ROM development, device customization, and user experience. Many users are voicing their intention to switch brands.

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Control Your iTerm from LLMs with iterm-mcp

2025-01-30
Control Your iTerm from LLMs with iterm-mcp

iterm-mcp is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server providing LLM access to your iTerm session. It features efficient token usage by only reading the output the model needs; natural integration allowing LLMs to interact with iTerm, answering questions or performing tasks; and full terminal control with REPL support. Easy to install via npx and integrate with clients like Claude Desktop, it prioritizes simplicity. However, it lacks built-in safety restrictions, requiring users to monitor model activity and exercise caution.

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Development

Gates-Backed Advanced Nuclear Plant Gets Wyoming Permit

2025-01-15
Gates-Backed Advanced Nuclear Plant Gets Wyoming Permit

TerraPower's Natrium advanced nuclear power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, has cleared a major hurdle, receiving a construction permit from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. This marks the first-ever state permit for a commercial-scale advanced nuclear project in the US. While the nuclear components still await approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the permit allows non-nuclear construction to begin, thanks to Natrium's unique design. The plant, slated to begin generating electricity in 2030, is expected to power around 250,000 homes and create roughly 1,600 jobs. Backed by Bill Gates and the US Department of Energy, the project leverages existing coal plant infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pave the way for global deployment.

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Mastodon Discussion on Melbourne Train Control System Glitch

2024-12-29

A Mastodon user, Dervishe the Grey, posted about a glitch in the Melbourne Train Control System. The post highlights the system's issues and suggests users enable JavaScript or use native Mastodon apps. This sparked a conversation about system stability and user experience, showcasing the impact of public transport technology failures and social media's role in information dissemination.

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Medicare to Negotiate Prices for 15 Popular Drugs

2025-01-17
Medicare to Negotiate Prices for 15 Popular Drugs

The Biden administration announced that 15 commonly used drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, will be included in Medicare's price negotiation program. This marks the first time the U.S. government will directly negotiate drug prices with manufacturers, and is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars. While Ozempic and Wegovy have drawn scrutiny for their high costs, Medicare currently only covers them for diabetes treatment, not weight loss. The incoming Trump administration will decide whether to implement a proposed rule to cover these medications for obesity. This brings the total number of drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations to 25, covering a third of prescription drug spending. The pharmaceutical industry has sued over the program, but groups like the AARP say they will fight to uphold the law.

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Purelymail: Dirt Cheap Email – Is It Worth It?

2025-01-27

Purelymail offers incredibly cheap email hosting, significantly undercutting competitors like Protonmail, Fastmail, and Google Workspace, especially for multiple users. It's IMAP and POP3 compatible, allows custom domains, and boasts unlimited users and storage. While lacking features like calendar syncing and boasting a somewhat unpolished UI, it's generally reliable (running on AWS), promises no data selling, and is surprisingly affordable. Currently in beta, it's a strong contender if you need simple, cheap, and reliable email.

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Animal Adoption: A Balancing Act of Genes and Emotion

2024-12-13
Animal Adoption: A Balancing Act of Genes and Emotion

A lioness adopting a leopard cub sparks a fascinating exploration into the world of animal adoption. This article delves into the evolutionary mechanisms behind this behavior, examining kinship selection, environmental pressures, individual differences, and maternal instincts. Research suggests that animal adoption isn't solely an evolutionary strategy, but also reflects animal emotions and individual variations, challenging traditional evolutionary explanations.

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Vim: A Programming Language Beyond an Editor

2024-12-15

Vim is more than just a text editor; it's a language for interacting with your computer. Its concise and efficient command structure is easy to learn and remember, and also easy for a computer to interpret. While Vim itself is powerful, its core strength lies in the fact that its mode has been integrated into almost every mainstream code editor, allowing developers to flexibly choose their preferred editor interface while retaining Vim's efficient command language. Therefore, NeoVim, as the most complete and consistent implementation of the Vim language, is valuable for providing this efficient editing language, not just the editor itself.

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Development editor

The Undocumented 68030 Instruction That Saved the Mac Classic II

2025-01-25

While debugging a Macintosh Classic II in MAME, the author discovered a bus error causing a 'Sad Mac' in 32-bit addressing mode. Reverse engineering revealed an out-of-bounds jump in the ROM, leading the CPU to execute an undocumented 68030 instruction. Surprisingly, this instruction corrected the value of register A1, preventing a crash and allowing the Classic II to boot successfully. The author validated this by repairing a vintage Classic II and modifying its ROM. This case highlights the power of emulators in uncovering hardware quirks and showcases how a software bug was inadvertently fixed by hardware.

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Hardware

Russian Threat Actors Exploit Microsoft Device Code Authentication in Widespread Attacks

2025-02-15
Russian Threat Actors Exploit Microsoft Device Code Authentication in Widespread Attacks

Volexity has uncovered multiple Russian threat actors employing sophisticated social engineering and spear-phishing campaigns to compromise Microsoft 365 accounts via Device Code Authentication phishing. These attacks exploit the less-familiar Device Code Authentication workflow, making them difficult for users to recognize as phishing attempts. The campaigns, often politically themed (e.g., focusing on the US administration), impersonate individuals from organizations like the US Department of State and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, luring victims into fake Microsoft Teams meetings or application access. Volexity is tracking three threat actors, one potentially linked to CozyLarch (overlapping with DarkHalo, APT29). The effectiveness of this attack stems from exploiting users' unfamiliarity with device code authentication, bypassing traditional security measures. Volexity recommends organizations block device code authentication via conditional access policies and enhance user security awareness training.

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