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Gleam v1.7.0 Released: Performance Boosts and Publishing Enhancements

2025-01-10

Gleam v1.7.0 Released: Performance Boosts and Publishing Enhancements

Gleam, a type-safe and scalable language for the Erlang VM and JavaScript runtimes, has released version 1.7.0. This release boasts a range of performance improvements, including monomorphisation of record updates, significantly boosting performance and allowing changes to the parameterized types of generic records. Other enhancements include improved package manager credential handling, added code actions for generating dynamic decoders, and stricter checks on package namespaces and semantic versioning. The language server also received enhancements, featuring new code actions, improved hover information, and better error messages.

(gleam.run)

Development

MCP: The Accidental Universal Plugin Ecosystem

2025-06-29

MCP: The Accidental Universal Plugin Ecosystem

This article explores the unexpected uses of MCP (Model Context Protocol). Initially designed to enhance AI assistants, its ability to "provide a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools" transcends the AI realm. Like a USB-C port that can connect a toaster to a monitor, MCP has become a universal plugin ecosystem. Developers can create functional plugins without needing to understand other applications' inner workings. This dramatically enhances app functionality, creating unexpected applications. A task management app, for example, can use MCP servers for spell check, automated coffee ordering, and more.

(worksonmymachine.substack.com)

Development plugin ecosystem

1000 Days Sober: A Victory Over My Past Self

2025-06-30

The author celebrates 1000 days of sobriety, reflecting on their past struggles with alcohol abuse and sharing insights into their recovery journey. They believe true recovery begins with forgetting past pain and no longer understanding the logic of their past self's actions. The author likens their past self to a fair match, ultimately defeated by their sober self.

(andrew-quinn.me)

Misc sobriety self-recovery

Budapest's Telefon Hírmondó: The First Telephone Newspaper?

2025-08-09

Budapest's Telefon Hírmondó: The First Telephone Newspaper?

In 1893, Budapest gave birth to the Telefon Hírmondó, the world's first and longest-lasting telephone newspaper. Engineer Tivadar Puskás, aiming to overcome the slow update speed of traditional newspapers, created this system, delivering news and entertainment to subscribers via telephone lines. Though technical limitations confined its reach to Budapest, it predated radio broadcasting by three decades, achieving electronic distribution of audio programming. The Telefon Hírmondó offered diverse content, from news and plays to concerts, attracting a wide audience including the Emperor and Prime Minister. It underwent several transfers and improvements, ultimately succumbing to destruction during WWII. This history isn't just a significant technological leap, but a testament to the power of innovation in overcoming limitations.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Tech telephone newspaper

Nonlinear Trends in Molar Fractions of a Gaseous Mixture

2025-07-04

This data reveals the molar fraction distribution of three gases (H2, H2O, N2) at varying total mole numbers. The change in molar fraction for each gas isn't linear as the total mole number increases; instead, it exhibits a complex, nonlinear pattern. For instance, the molar fraction of H2 increases with total moles but at a decreasing rate. This suggests potential interactions or reaction mechanisms within the gaseous mixture, warranting further investigation.

(dlr-institute-of-future-fuels.github.io)

Tech gaseous mixture molar fraction nonlinear trend

Requirements Change Until They Don't: Formal Methods and System Evolution

2025-04-28

Requirements Change Until They Don't: Formal Methods and System Evolution

This article explores how to handle constantly changing requirements in software development. While extensive upfront formal modeling might be impractical with frequent changes, the author argues that formal methods become crucial when systems reach scale or undergo architectural shifts (phase transitions). Formal specification and verification ensure that improvements don't break existing functionality. Using the example of switching from synchronous to asynchronous updates, the author demonstrates how formal methods can verify that a new system satisfies old requirements, highlighting the importance of software maintenance and preventing the silent failure of features.

(buttondown.com)

Development requirements change

Windows 10 System Settings Secretly Phoning Home?

2025-06-07

A blogger discovered that simply viewing the Windows 10 System Settings triggers DNS queries and data transmission to bing.com and cxcs.microsoft.net. Using Nir Sofer's DNSLookupView and TcpLogView, the blogger confirmed that Windows 10 secretly collects user data in the background. The article explores various methods to block this behavior, including modifying router DNS settings, using tools like Pi-hole or NextDNS, and modifying the hosts file. The author ultimately recommends network-wide blocking of www.bing.com and lists other Microsoft domains worth blocking.

(www.michaelhorowitz.com)

Tech Windows 10 Privacy

350-Million-Year-Old Reptile Footprints Rewrite Evolutionary History

2025-05-22

350-Million-Year-Old Reptile Footprints Rewrite Evolutionary History

Scientists in Australia have unearthed the oldest known reptile footprints, dating back approximately 350 million years. This discovery predates the previously oldest known footprints by 32 million years, suggesting that the transition of vertebrates from ocean to land happened much faster than previously thought. The footprints, exhibiting clawed feet, confirm the animal's complete terrestrial adaptation, as claws only evolved in fully land-dwelling creatures. Estimated to be about 2 1/2 feet long, the reptile likely resembled a modern monitor lizard. This remarkable find significantly alters our understanding of early vertebrate evolution and provides crucial insights into the history of life on Earth.

(apnews.com)

Tech reptiles

AI: Revolutionizing Education, One Classroom at a Time

2025-06-26

AI: Revolutionizing Education, One Classroom at a Time

A growing number of K-12 teachers in the US are leveraging AI tools to enhance their teaching, using platforms like ChatGPT to create lesson plans, grade assignments, and boost efficiency. A recent survey reveals that 60% of teachers utilized AI tools in the past year, saving approximately six hours per week and mitigating burnout. While some states have issued guidelines on AI's classroom use, challenges remain in preventing AI from replacing teacher judgment and in educating students on responsible AI usage. Many teachers are cautiously incorporating AI, using it only in later stages of projects and ensuring students retain core skills. AI is transforming education, but the crucial role of teacher judgment and students' critical thinking skills remains paramount.

(apnews.com)

Tech teacher efficiency classroom applications

Startup Exploitation: 11 Months of Pain and Lessons Learned

2025-04-28

Startup Exploitation: 11 Months of Pain and Lessons Learned

A young developer's advisory role at a startup quickly turns into a cautionary tale of exploitation and disillusionment. Fixr, a car repair platform, had languished for three years with no traction, despite burning through funding. The author poured immense effort into the project, only to discover internal conflict, incompetent founders, and manipulative equity dealings. After 11 months, he left, gaining valuable lessons about startup red flags and the importance of due diligence.

(blog.jacobstechtavern.com)

Development Career

Equatorial Guinea Cuts Internet to Annobón Island After Protest Over Dynamite Blasting

2025-09-14

Equatorial Guinea Cuts Internet to Annobón Island After Protest Over Dynamite Blasting

Following a protest by residents of Annobón Island, Equatorial Guinea, against dynamite explosions by a Moroccan construction company, Somagec, the government responded by cutting off internet access to the island. Dozens of protesters were imprisoned for nearly a year. The internet shutdown has crippled banking and emergency medical services, leaving residents reliant on expensive phone calls. The government and Somagec deny involvement in the shutdown, but the action is seen as another instance of government repression. Despite the island's mineral wealth, residents live in poverty and have sought independence for years, with this internet outage exacerbating tensions.

(apnews.com)

Tech government repression Equatorial Guinea

Were Earth's Ancient Oceans Green?

2025-04-27

Were Earth's Ancient Oceans Green?

A new study published in Nature Geoscience challenges our understanding of Earth's oceans. Researchers suggest that billions of years ago, the oceans were green, not blue! High iron dissolution from continental rocks led to iron-rich oceans, making green light dominant underwater. Early cyanobacteria adapted by evolving pigments that absorbed green light, resulting in a green ocean. This research reveals a fascinating chapter in Earth's history and hints at the possibility of future ocean color shifts.

(newatlas.com)

Tech Earth Science Ocean Cyanobacteria

Nepal Blocks Facebook, X, and YouTube Over Registration Failure

2025-09-05

Nepal Blocks Facebook, X, and YouTube Over Registration Failure

Nepal's government has blocked major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, for failing to comply with registration regulations. The government claims repeated notices were ignored. While some platforms like TikTok and Viber, having registered, remain operational, the move has sparked concerns over freedom of speech and accusations that the accompanying bill is a tool for censorship and suppressing dissent.

(apnews.com)

Tech Nepal

Pluto: A Supercharged Lua Dialect

2025-07-01

Pluto: A Supercharged Lua Dialect

Pluto is a powerful dialect of Lua designed for general-purpose programming. It boasts accelerated development through an enhanced standard library and new syntax features like switch statements, compound operators, and ternary expressions. While largely compatible with Lua 5.4, a compatibility mode resolves potential conflicts from new keywords. Pluto executes Lua bytecode and most Pluto features generate Lua-compatible bytecode. Comprehensive documentation, tooling, and details on improvements are available on its open-source website. Try it out in the interactive browser playground or download pre-built binaries.

(github.com)

Development

Breaking into the Game Industry: A Veteran's Advice

2025-08-29

A seasoned game developer shares their journey from learning game development in the 1990s to offering advice for aspiring game developers today. The article stresses the importance of self-learning and leveraging modern tools like ChatGPT for efficient learning. It also advises focusing on mastering a specific skill and shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of indie game development, including platform selection (Steam, Roblox, Fortnite). Finally, it provides career advice, emphasizing showcasing value and proactive job hunting.

(garry.net)

Game

American Airlines CEO: No AI-powered Price Gouging

2025-07-25

American Airlines CEO: No AI-powered Price Gouging

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated that the company will not use AI to manipulate ticket prices in a way that would deceive customers. This contrasts sharply with Delta Air Lines' approach of using AI to optimize pricing. Isom emphasized the importance of consumer trust and stated that American Airlines will not employ bait-and-switch tactics. While AI will be used to improve operational efficiency, it will not be used for price manipulation. Currently, American Airlines shares are down 8%, and have lost about one-third of their value this year.

(finance.yahoo.com)

Tech

Local Social Spending Mitigates the Impact of Economic Hardship on Political Dissatisfaction

2025-02-27

This study investigates the impact of economic hardship on political dissatisfaction in the Netherlands and whether local social spending can mitigate this effect. Using data from the Netherlands Longitudinal Life Course Study, the research finds that economic hardship does increase political dissatisfaction, but higher levels of local social spending significantly reduce this effect, particularly for those experiencing long-term hardship. This may be attributed to feelings of gratitude for received benefits or positive evaluations of government responsiveness. The study also highlights that persistent economic hardship and an accumulation of economic problems exacerbate political dissatisfaction.

(www.frontiersin.org)

Misc political dissatisfaction economic hardship social spending

ISS Leak Mystery Delays Ax-4 Mission: A New Twist in an Old Problem

2025-06-29

ISS Leak Mystery Delays Ax-4 Mission: A New Twist in an Old Problem

A slow leak from a Russian module on the International Space Station (ISS), ongoing for years, has recently stopped, raising concerns. This could be due to successful repairs, or a new leak may have formed internally, potentially affecting the entire station's air pressure. The private Axiom Space Mission 4 (Ax-4) was delayed as a result, while NASA and Roscosmos investigate. Disagreements persist on the safety risk assessment. Ax-4 includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to visit the ISS. Despite the ongoing leak issue, the Crew-11 mission is still scheduled for July.

(www.cnn.com)

Tech leak

The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of Literary Criticism

2025-05-29

The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of Literary Criticism

This essay explores the current state of literary criticism, tracing its lineage back to Henry James's sharp critiques of authors like Dickens. James believed that good criticism stems from a deep understanding and unique perspective on the work, not from superficial praise. The article points out that today's book reviews often lack depth and critical thinking, which not only harms the literary works themselves but also hinders further literary development. The author calls for a return to the Jamesian critical spirit: to examine works with professionalism and a unique perspective, thereby promoting literary prosperity.

(www.metropolitanreview.org)

Misc novel art

Indian Court Orders Block of Encrypted Email Provider ProtonMail

2025-04-29

Indian Court Orders Block of Encrypted Email Provider ProtonMail

An Indian court has ordered a nationwide block of the encrypted email service ProtonMail following a complaint from a design firm alleging obscene emails were sent via the platform. The firm claims ProtonMail refused to cooperate in identifying the sender. This is not the first attempt to block ProtonMail in India; last year, a similar attempt was thwarted by Swiss authorities. ProtonMail argues that blocking the service doesn't stop cybercrime but harms legitimate users' ability to communicate securely.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

FCC Investigates EchoStar's 2GHz Spectrum Use Amidst SpaceX and VTel Disputes

2025-05-14

FCC Investigates EchoStar's 2GHz Spectrum Use Amidst SpaceX and VTel Disputes

SpaceX's apparent lack of due diligence regarding EchoStar's extensive use of the 2GHz band has prompted an FCC investigation. EchoStar claims over 80% US population coverage with 23,000+ 5G sites deployed. However, VTel Wireless petitioned the FCC, arguing that granting EchoStar more time to complete its 5G network violates prior commitments made during the T-Mobile/Sprint merger. The FCC is now seeking public comment on EchoStar's 2GHz spectrum usage and VTel's petition for reconsideration.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Spectrum Dispute

TVMC: Time-Varying Mesh Compression using Volume-Tracked Reference Meshes

2025-04-10

TVMC: Time-Varying Mesh Compression using Volume-Tracked Reference Meshes

The TVMC project introduces a novel approach to time-varying mesh compression. It leverages volume-tracked reference meshes, employing a multi-step pipeline including ARAP volume tracking, MDS for reference center generation, transformation quaternion computation, creation of a volume-tracked self-contact-free reference mesh, mesh deformation, displacement field computation, and Draco-based compression and evaluation. The project supports Windows and Ubuntu, offering detailed Docker build and run instructions alongside instructions for running on a local machine.

(github.com)

Development mesh compression volume tracking

Challenging AI with Number Theory: A Reality Check

2025-06-18

Challenging AI with Number Theory: A Reality Check

A mathematician challenges the true capabilities of current AI in mathematics, arguing that existing AI models are merely parroting, not truly understanding mathematics. To test this hypothesis, he's initiating an experiment: creating a database of advanced number theory problems and inviting AI companies to solve them using their models. Answers are restricted to non-negative integers, designed to assess whether AI possesses genuine mathematical reasoning or simply relies on pattern matching and internet data. This experiment aims to differentiate between AI 'understanding' and 'mimicry,' pushing for a deeper evaluation of AI's mathematical abilities.

(xenaproject.wordpress.com)

AI

Building Effective AI Agent Evaluation: From E2E Tests to N-1 Evaluations

2025-09-04

This article explores building efficient AI agent evaluation systems. The author stresses that while models constantly improve, evaluation remains crucial. It advocates starting with end-to-end (E2E) evaluations, defining success criteria and outputting simple yes/no results to quickly identify problems, refine prompts, and compare different model performances. Next, "N-1" evaluations, simulating previous user interactions, can directly pinpoint issues, but require maintaining updated "N-1" interactions. Checkpoints within prompts are also suggested to verify LLM adherence to desired conversation patterns. Finally, the author notes that external tools simplify setup, but custom evaluations tailored to the specific use case are still necessary.

(aunhumano.com)

AI agent evaluation

12,795 Objects: A Photographer's Intimate Inventory

2025-01-01

Belgian photographer Barbara Iweins meticulously documented 12,795 objects in her home over four years, creating the project 'KATALOG'. From her daughters' socks to her anxiety medication, the project transcends a simple inventory, becoming a deeply personal exploration of her life, emotions, and memories. It reveals a unique perspective on the profound meaning hidden within everyday belongings.

(www.katalog-barbaraiweins.com)

Art photography self-exploration

Pornhub Blocked in France, Proton VPN Sees 10x Registration Spike

2025-06-07

Pornhub Blocked in France, Proton VPN Sees 10x Registration Spike

Following Pornhub's blocking of French users due to a new age-verification law, VPN service Proton VPN saw a 1000% increase in registrations within 30 minutes. This surge surpasses the growth seen when TikTok was briefly banned in the US. A Proton VPN spokesperson noted that while their initial aim was to assist users in countries with online censorship, this demonstrates VPN's use in bypassing regional restrictions. The article discusses the controversies surrounding age-verification laws, highlighting potential privacy and free speech concerns, and suggests more effective technical solutions for controlling children's access to adult content.

(mashable.com)

Tech Online Censorship

Fenster: A Minimal Cross-Platform 2D Canvas Library

2025-08-26

Fenster: A Minimal Cross-Platform 2D Canvas Library

Fenster is a minimalistic cross-platform 2D canvas library reminiscent of Borland BGI or QBASIC graphics. It offers a single application window, a 24-bit RGB framebuffer, cross-platform keyboard/mouse input, and audio playback—all with minimal code. A simple polling API avoids callbacks or multithreading. It boasts C99, Go, Zig, and Lua bindings, and yes, it can even run Doom!

(github.com)

Development 2D graphics

From Jobless to $250K/Year: A SaaS Startup Story Built on Microsoft Teams

2025-04-30

From Jobless to $250K/Year: A SaaS Startup Story Built on Microsoft Teams

After losing his job in 2020, Ilia capitalized on the remote work boom by developing apps for Microsoft Teams. Following an initial failed attempt with a translation app, he identified a gap in the market: the inadequacy of Teams' built-in Wiki. He created Perfect Wiki, a simple, user-friendly knowledge base tool. Its seamless integration with Teams and focus on user needs led to rapid adoption, generating $250,000 in annual revenue within five years with a team of only two. This success story highlights the importance of focusing on niche markets and building simple, effective products.

(habr.com)

Startup

Shipping Regulations Halved Lightning Strikes Over Busy Singapore Strait

2025-08-23

Shipping Regulations Halved Lightning Strikes Over Busy Singapore Strait

A new study reveals that the International Maritime Organization's 2020 regulations reducing sulfur emissions from ships led to a nearly 50% decrease in lightning strikes over the busiest shipping lane near Singapore. Researchers believe ship emissions influence ice crystal formation and collisions within clouds, impacting lightning generation. This unplanned experiment highlights the significant, previously underestimated impact of human activity on thunderstorms and offers crucial insights into the effects of human emissions on climate change.

(theconversation.com)

Tech shipping emissions

Outdated Laws Fuel Anti-Immigrant Violence in UK: Social Media's Role in the Southport Tragedy

2025-04-14

Outdated Laws Fuel Anti-Immigrant Violence in UK: Social Media's Role in the Southport Tragedy

A parliamentary investigation reveals how outdated laws hampered police efforts to counter disinformation on social media, exacerbating anti-immigrant violence in the UK last summer. Following the stabbing deaths of three children in Southport, false reports portraying the attacker as a recent Muslim migrant fueled days of rioting by far-right activists. Contempt-of-court rules and restrictions on naming underage suspects hindered the police's ability to correct misinformation, allowing false narratives to spread rapidly. The committee calls for government support to monitor social media and review contempt of court laws to address the challenges of the social media age.

(www.independent.co.uk)

Tech anti-immigrant violence

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