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Java 25 GA: Performance Boost and New Features

2025-09-16

Java 25 (JDK 25) is now generally available! This release includes 18 JEPs focusing on improvements in areas like cryptographic object encodings, stable values, vector API enhancements, and structured concurrency, aiming to boost performance and developer productivity. Thousands of bugs have been fixed, and JFR has received enhancements. Java 25 is ready for production use, with open-source builds available for download.

(mail.openjdk.org)

Development Performance Improvements

AI's Infinite Loop Problem: The Entanglement of Time, Entropy, and Consciousness

2025-09-16

AI's Infinite Loop Problem: The Entanglement of Time, Entropy, and Consciousness

A malfunctioning AI-controlled jet bridge at Madrid airport highlights a fundamental limitation of artificial intelligence. The article explores the halting problem and the frame problem, arguing that AI systems' susceptibility to infinite loops stems not from insufficient processing power, but from a fundamental difference in how AI and human brains handle time and entropy. The author posits that human consciousness is deeply rooted in time and entropy, constantly battling against the increase in disorder, enabling adaptation to complex environments and avoidance of infinite loops. In contrast, AI algorithms, lacking a sense of time, are prone to such loops. The article concludes by discussing newer AI models, such as those mimicking the human brain and incorporating time and entropy, but doubts these can completely resolve the issue, suggesting this capability may be intrinsically linked to consciousness.

(www.freethink.com)

AI Infinite Loop

Explicit vs. Implicit ODE Solvers: Stability, Robustness, and Practical Implications

2025-09-16

Explicit vs. Implicit ODE Solvers: Stability, Robustness, and Practical Implications

This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of explicit and implicit ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers. While implicit methods are often considered more robust due to their superior stability, the author argues that explicit methods can be preferable for certain problems, especially those requiring the preservation of oscillations. Through linear ODE analysis, the concept of stability regions, and real-world examples (like cooling and oscillatory systems), the article illustrates the performance of both methods in different scenarios. It emphasizes that selecting the appropriate solver requires a nuanced understanding of the problem at hand, rather than a blanket approach.

(www.stochasticlifestyle.com)

Development ordinary differential equations numerical methods stability

DuckDB 1.4.0 “Andium” Released: Database Encryption, MERGE Statement, and Iceberg Writes

2025-09-16

DuckDB 1.4.0 “Andium” Released: Database Encryption, MERGE Statement, and Iceberg Writes

DuckDB v1.4.0, codenamed "Andium," is now available! This LTS release offers one year of community support and includes several key features: database file encryption using industry-standard AES, a new MERGE statement for flexible upsert operations (without requiring primary keys), and support for writing to Iceberg data lakes. Performance improvements, a new window function, and enhanced macOS support are also included. This release marks a significant step forward in DuckDB's capabilities and stability.

(duckdb.org)

Development LTS Release

EU-US Energy Deal: A Farce of Energy Independence?

2025-09-16

EU-US Energy Deal: A Farce of Energy Independence?

The energy deal struck between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Trump administration is facing heavy criticism. The agreement promises massive US LNG exports to the EU, but analysts warn this will create long-term energy dependence on the US, hindering the EU's renewable energy transition. The US Energy Secretary confirmed this is a long-term shift, not a temporary measure. Internal EU concerns are rising, arguing the deal contradicts the EU's energy independence and climate goals, labeling it a “surrender deal.” While the EU has successfully moved away from Russian gas, over-reliance on US energy poses new energy security risks and wastes funds on potentially unnecessary fossil fuel infrastructure.

(davekeating.substack.com)

Tech

Job Search Burnout: From 'Impossible' to Rest and Recharge

2025-09-16

This article details the three phases of a prolonged job search: Phase I focuses on ideal roles, leading to frustration; Phase II explores adjacent possibilities, often with mixed results; and Phase III involves a radical shift towards unconventional options. The author argues that after exhausting phases one and two, the solution isn't more searching, but rest. This rest isn't idleness; it's giving the mind space to explore new avenues and regain energy, ultimately leading to unexpected paths forward. The article also emphasizes the commonality of this experience and the resilience of individuals to overcome unemployment.

(www.jeffwofford.com)

Misc

Viral TikTok: A Basement-Built Replica of NYC

2025-09-16

Joseph Macken spent over two decades painstakingly crafting a 1:50 scale model of New York City in his upstate New York basement. This massive undertaking features hundreds of thousands of buildings, landmarks, and geographical elements, spanning all five boroughs. His TikTok videos showcasing the intricate model have garnered over 20 million views, attracting widespread praise and even sparking discussions with museums about potential exhibitions. Currently on display at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds, Macken's mini-NYC is a testament to dedication and artistry. He's already planning his next project: a miniature Minneapolis, with Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago on his future list.

(gothamist.com)

Misc

Less JavaScript, More HTML: Building Faster, Simpler Web Apps

2025-09-16

Less JavaScript, More HTML: Building Faster, Simpler Web Apps

The author argues that many projects over-rely on JavaScript to generate HTML, resulting in slower loading times, slower execution, increased fragility, and reduced readability. The article advocates for using HTML directly whenever possible, reserving JavaScript for enhancing interactivity. Examples of form submission and API responses illustrate the cleaner and more efficient approach of using HTML. The author concludes that this method leads to faster, simpler, and more reliable applications, although it requires a shift in development workflow towards more backend processing.

(gomakethings.com)

Development

Shopify's Epic React Native New Architecture Migration

2025-09-16

Shopify successfully migrated its massive Shopify Mobile and Shopify POS apps to React Native's New Architecture while maintaining weekly releases and serving millions of merchants. This involved a complex codebase, hundreds of screens and native modules, extensive custom components, and deep integration with first-party libraries like FlashList. The post details their migration strategy, key decisions, and lessons learned, including maintaining development velocity, dual architecture compatibility, and performance/stability parity. Common migration issues like state batching, blank screens, shadow tree manipulation, and view flattening are addressed. The migration resulted in improved app launch times and valuable contributions back to the React Native community.

(shopify.engineering)

Development New Architecture App Migration

Critical Alert: Massive Supply Chain Attack Hits NPM Ecosystem

2025-09-16

Critical Alert: Massive Supply Chain Attack Hits NPM Ecosystem

Over 40 npm packages, including the popular @ctrl/tinycolor package (over 2 million weekly downloads), have been compromised in a sophisticated supply chain attack. The attacker used a self-propagating mechanism to infect downstream dependencies, causing a cascading compromise. The payload is a Webpack-bundled script that steals AWS, GCP, GitHub, and other cloud credentials and sensitive information, establishing persistence via GitHub Actions. The attack has resulted in widespread credential theft; immediate action is required to check affected packages and rotate all credentials.

(www.stepsecurity.io)

Development

UN Report: Israel Guilty of Genocide in Gaza

2025-09-16

UN Report: Israel Guilty of Genocide in Gaza

A UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is guilty of genocide in Gaza, marking the most authoritative statement on the issue to date. The 72-page report details four acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, finding that Israeli leaders intended to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group. This is the first comprehensive legal probe by a UN body, holding significant weight in the ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. The report urges UN member states to take action, including halting arms transfers to Israel and imposing sanctions on those involved in or facilitating genocide.

(www.middleeasteye.net)

Tech Gaza

Equality Saturation Optimizer for Linear Algebra with Egglog

2025-09-16

This tutorial demonstrates building a linear algebra optimizer using Egglog. Starting with simple arithmetic expressions (constants, variables, addition, multiplication), it leverages equality saturation to build optimization rules (commutativity, associativity, constant folding). The tutorial details defining converters, writing rewrite rules, and using `egraph.run()` for optimization, finally verifying expression equivalence, such as the equivalence of 2 * (x * 3) and 6 * x.

(egglog-python.readthedocs.io)

Development Equality Saturation Linear Algebra Optimization

Automating Linux Distro Version Updates in CI

2025-09-16

Automating Linux Distro Version Updates in CI

Manually tracking Linux distro updates and end-of-life versions was a tedious monthly task. Now, we automate this using the endoflife.date API, GitHub Actions, and create-pull-request. A weekly GitHub Action queries the API, updates our CI matrix, and opens a pull request with the changes. Dead Man's Snitch monitors the action to ensure reliability. This frees up engineering time and prevents issues from outdated versions.

(paretosecurity.com)

Development

Reichstag Fire Decree: The Enabling Act's Precursor

2025-09-16

Reichstag Fire Decree: The Enabling Act's Precursor

The Reichstag fire of February 27, 1933, blamed on Dutch communist Marinus van der Lubbe, provided the pretext for the Nazi regime to enact the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State on February 28th. This decree, suspending fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, allowed for the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of political opponents, the suppression of dissent, and the consolidation of Nazi power. It effectively dismantled democratic processes, paving the way for the Enabling Act and the establishment of a totalitarian police state.

(encyclopedia.ushmm.org)

History Reichstag Fire Emergency Decree

Reliving the Dawn of Space Exploration: Restored Mercury and Gemini Photos

2025-09-16

Reliving the Dawn of Space Exploration: Restored Mercury and Gemini Photos

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Gemini missions, a new book, *Gemini & Mercury Remastered*, vividly brings to life the thrilling early days of American space exploration. Featuring 300 meticulously restored NASA photographs from the Mercury and Gemini programs, the book delves into the stories behind the images, showcasing the courage and pioneering spirit of America's first astronauts. Author Andy Saunders discusses his inspiration and favorite stories in an interview, taking us back to the very beginning of human spaceflight and the momentous first escape from Earth.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Historical Photos

ERP Therapy: It Sucks, But It Works

2025-09-16

ERP Therapy: It Sucks, But It Works

After an OCD diagnosis, the author started Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Unlike talk therapy, ERP involves purposefully provoking fear and anxiety, preventing the usual coping mechanisms. The author found it incredibly difficult but effective, suggesting its potential benefits extend beyond OCD. They propose using LLMs to experiment with self-guided ERP and emphasize the value of professional guidance. Despite the unpleasantness, the results are worth it.

(taylor.town)

Misc OCD ERP therapy

Retro Gaming and the Wonders of Debian Sarge (2005)

2025-09-16

The author installed Debian Sarge from 2005 on an old single-core Pentium system with an SSD and fiber connection. The article details experiences with Gnome 2.8, pre-installed software (early Firefox, GIMP, Blender, etc.), and incompatibilities with modern systems, such as outdated SSL and limited video codec support. Despite challenges, the author successfully ran games like TuxKart, finding the experience a nostalgic trip back in time.

(wrongthink.link)

Misc retro OS

AI Boom Creates Hard Drive Shortage

2025-09-16

AI Boom Creates Hard Drive Shortage

The rise of generative AI has created a surge in demand for nearline hard drives, but hard drive manufacturers haven't kept up, leading to a severe shortage. Western Digital has announced price increases across its entire hard drive portfolio, with lead times exceeding a year. This price increase is also impacting the SSD market, with enterprise-grade SSDs likely to see price hikes. While manufacturers are developing more economical nearline SSDs, the storage crunch is expected to continue in the short term, making now a potentially good time for consumers to purchase storage.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech

Microsoft Makes Copilot Chat Free for Business Users

2025-09-16

Microsoft Makes Copilot Chat Free for Business Users

Microsoft is bringing its AI-powered Copilot Chat and agents to all Microsoft 365 business users for free. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote now include a Copilot Chat sidebar for drafting documents, analyzing spreadsheets, and more. While this free version offers helpful features, a $30/month per-user license unlocks premium capabilities such as file uploads, image generation, and access to the latest technology like GPT-5, ensuring faster responses and higher availability. Microsoft will also integrate sales, service, and finance Copilots into the Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription in October, potentially lowering costs for some businesses.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Robinhood Launches Fund to Give Retail Investors Access to Private Startups

2025-09-16

Robinhood Launches Fund to Give Retail Investors Access to Private Startups

Robinhood filed an application with the SEC to launch "Robinhood Ventures Fund I," a publicly traded fund offering retail investors access to pre-IPO startups. The fund plans to invest in sectors like aerospace & defense, AI, fintech, robotics, and enterprise/consumer software. This move aims to address the inequality in access to private market gains currently enjoyed primarily by accredited investors. However, Robinhood's previous attempt at offering access to private companies through 'tokenized' stocks faced criticism for misleading marketing. The new fund employs a more traditional mutual fund structure, with specifics and launch date yet to be revealed.

(techcrunch.com)

Startup Retail Investing

Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: A Leaked Look at the HUD and sEMG Wristband

2025-09-16

Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: A Leaked Look at the HUD and sEMG Wristband

A leaked video reveals Meta's upcoming smart glasses, the 'Meta Ray-Ban Display,' featuring a HUD and controlled by a sEMG wristband. This isn't full AR; the display is monocular and offers limited AI assistance and navigation. While less ambitious than the Orion prototype, the Ray-Ban branding, secured after Meta's €3 billion investment in EssilorLuxottica, significantly boosts market appeal. Expected to launch at Connect 2025 with a starting price of $800.

(www.uploadvr.com)

Tech

Make Software Development Feel Like a Blockbuster

2025-09-16

Tired of mundane software development? This article argues that many everyday development problems are actually full of challenges, just like the thrilling plot of a movie. For example, slow CI/CD, too many database connections, memory leaks, poor code readability, high latency, and slow database batch imports are all waiting for us to solve. The author encourages developers to actively face these "villains," treating them as challenges to overcome, making daily work fun and rewarding. Even if you can't solve all the problems at work, you can practice them in personal projects, creating your own "exciting story."

(iaziz786.com)

Development

The Scientist's Skepticism Forged in a Magician's Workshop

2025-09-16

The Scientist's Skepticism Forged in a Magician's Workshop

Growing up with a magician father instilled in the author a deep-seated skepticism and curiosity. Witnessing his father's illusions sparked a lifelong quest to understand the mechanisms behind seemingly impossible feats. This early training in observation and critical thinking propelled him toward a career in science, where he learned to value evidence over spectacle. His journey, from unraveling magic tricks to studying the complexities of synesthesia, highlights the power of questioning assumptions and seeking truth, regardless of how dazzling the illusion may appear.

(thereader.mitpress.mit.edu)

Misc skepticism perception

Massive Attack's Concert: When Your Face Becomes the Show

2025-09-16

Massive Attack's Concert: When Your Face Becomes the Show

Massive Attack integrated live facial recognition into their recent concert, projecting attendees' faces onto a giant screen as part of the visual experience. This sparked a heated debate; some praised the band for forcing a conversation about surveillance, while others expressed discomfort with the unexpected data collection. The lack of transparency regarding data storage and consent raised ethical concerns. The event highlights the increasingly prevalent and often unnoticed use of facial recognition technology in daily life.

(www.gadgetreview.com)

Tech

My Home, My Server: Reclaiming the Physical Internet

2025-09-16

My Home, My Server: Reclaiming the Physical Internet

The author reminisces about running a speech synthesizer website from their college dorm room in 2000, highlighting the magical feeling of someone remotely accessing their server. Now, they aim to recreate this physical connection, exploring the feasibility of building a reliable and secure home website. The ultimate goal is to blend the virtual and physical worlds, creating a more interactive and personalized online experience. The article prompts reflection on the nature of the internet, user agency, and the future direction of online interactions.

(interconnected.org)

Development physical internet

Unearthing the Legacy of Amiga and LucasArts Artist Avril Harrison

2025-09-16

Unearthing the Legacy of Amiga and LucasArts Artist Avril Harrison

This article unearths the story of Avril Harrison, a largely forgotten artist crucial to the Amiga and LucasArts scenes. Initially resistant to computers, she became a key figure at Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm Games, creating iconic artwork for games like *Prince of Persia* and *The Secret of Monkey Island*. Known for her masterful computer art, especially *Tutankhamun's Mask*, she remained largely unacknowledged until recently, with scattered information piecing together her remarkable life. A 2025 update sadly confirmed her passing in 2019 at the age of 61.

(scanlineartifacts.co.uk)

Game

Goodbye, Java's Hello World: A Programmer's Catharsis

2025-09-16

On September 16th, 2025, Ethan McCue penned a scathing critique of the classic Java "Hello World" program, highlighting its verbose and cumbersome nature. He juxtaposes the old, lengthy code with a streamlined modern equivalent, expressing his relief at its simplification. The article is filled with emotional outbursts, inviting fellow programmers to celebrate the demise of this outdated ritual and share their own memories of wrestling with the archaic code. A humorous anecdote about a former classmate adds a personal touch to the rant.

(mccue.dev)

Development

The Complexity Trap in Software Development: Why We Build 'Code Pyramids'

2025-09-16

The Complexity Trap in Software Development: Why We Build 'Code Pyramids'

This article explores the pervasive issue of complexity in software development. Using the metaphor of pyramids, the author likens complex software systems to impressive but ultimately empty structures, expensive to maintain and lacking substance. From a marketing perspective, complexity is often presented as a high-status symbol, but ultimately simplicity and efficiency reign supreme. The article analyzes various factors contributing to complexity, including the allure of creativity, legacy systems, team dynamics, and the pressure to innovate. It urges developers to strike a balance between simplicity and practicality, avoiding over-engineering and building truly valuable software.

(kyrylo.org)

Development

Run Python like a Local Function in Go: No CGO, No Microservices

2025-09-16

Run Python like a Local Function in Go: No CGO, No Microservices

pyproc is a Go library enabling you to call Python functions as if they were local, eliminating the need for CGO or microservices. Leveraging Unix Domain Sockets for inter-process communication, it offers zero network overhead, process isolation, and true parallelism to bypass Python's GIL. Ideal for integrating existing Python ML models, data processing, and gradually migrating from Python microservices to Go, pyproc boasts high performance handling thousands of requests per second.

(github.com)

Development Inter-Process Communication

The Death of Open Android: A Call for Linux on Mobile?

2025-09-16

This article argues that the Android ecosystem is rapidly closing: reduced AOSP component development, manufacturers disabling bootloader unlocking, mandatory Play Integrity API, and developer verification are severely limiting Android's openness. Open-source projects like SyncThing have already stopped Android development due to Google Play Store policies. The author believes that Google has abandoned competition, open Android is dead, and we need an open alternative, hinting at Linux phones as a potential solution, but stressing that switching isn't immediately necessary.

(feddit.org)

Tech

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