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The Exhausted Artist and the Quiet Prairie: A Reflection on Rest and Creation

2025-08-03
The Exhausted Artist and the Quiet Prairie: A Reflection on Rest and Creation

A self-employed artist, perpetually working at a frenetic pace, reaches a breaking point, realizing that the thrill of success is intertwined with an endless pursuit. A trip to Morocco reveals the importance of rest, and inspiration is found in a poem by Emily Dickinson: creation doesn't always require strenuous effort; quiet contemplation can also yield abundant results. The author concludes by announcing an August break, urging readers to value rest and find new inspiration in stillness.

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(theisolationjournals.substack.com)
Misc

Taking Control of Your EFI Secure Boot Keys: A Deep Dive

2025-07-23

This article provides a comprehensive guide to taking full control of your computer's EFI Secure Boot keys. It details the four Secure Boot key types (Database Key, Forbidden Signature Key, Key Exchange Key, Platform Key) and the role of Machine Owner Keys, outlining steps for generating custom keys, signing EFI binaries, and deploying keys on single or multiple machines. The article covers using KeyTool and LockDown tools, managing keys from Linux, and updating the dbx to address security vulnerabilities like Boot Hole. While complex, this process significantly enhances system security.

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(www.rodsbooks.com)
Development

Clojure: Why a Niche Language Reigns Supreme

2025-02-23
Clojure: Why a Niche Language Reigns Supreme

This article delves into the strengths of the Clojure programming language, with Gaiwan, a Clojure consultancy, sharing their reasons for choosing it. They highlight Clojure's superior developer productivity, exceptional long-term maintainability, and vibrant community culture. Key features discussed include interactive development, stability, robust information system representation, functional programming style, concurrency handling, local reasoning, ease of testing, and positive hiring outcomes. The article also emphasizes Clojure's flexibility and Java interoperability. In short, despite its niche status, Clojure offers unique advantages making it a compelling choice for specific applications.

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(gaiwan.co)
Development

Streets GL: An Open-Source Real-time 3D Map Engine

2025-01-07

Streets GL is a powerful open-source real-time 3D map engine offering developers the tools to build stunning virtual worlds. Leveraging WebGL, it boasts exceptional performance, smoothly rendering massive geographic datasets and supporting custom materials, lighting, and effects. Whether creating city simulators, game maps, or immersive VR applications, Streets GL handles it all. Its open-source nature makes it a valuable community resource, constantly updated and improving.

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(streets.gl)
Development 3D Map Open-Source Engine

Efficient Collaborative Text Editing: A CRDT Implementation

2025-08-20

This article presents a collaborative text editing algorithm based on CRDTs, similar to approaches used in popular libraries like Yjs and Automerge. Each character is assigned a unique identifier (site ID and clock), and a tree-based index with counters orders characters. Deletion involves adding the character's identifier to a deleted set (tombstones). Efficiency is boosted by optimizations such as merging successive inserts, storing blocks contiguously, and using a range-based representation for the deleted set. This ensures efficient handling of large text pastes and simultaneous edits.

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(madebyevan.com)
Development

XYplorer: A Top-Rated File Manager Written in 'Dead' VB6

2025-01-11

XYplorer, a globally popular file manager, is surprisingly written in the outdated VB6 programming language. The article addresses the misconception that VB6 is inherently inferior, showcasing XYplorer's efficiency and extensive features as proof. While acknowledging limitations like the lack of multi-threading and 64-bit compilation, the author argues that these don't detract from its widespread use and positive reviews. Using the analogy of a coffee machine, the piece highlights that a product's functionality and performance outweigh the language it's built in.

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(www.xyplorer.com)
Development file manager

FBI's Illegal Seizure: Violating the Fourth Amendment and Due Process

2025-03-21
FBI's Illegal Seizure: Violating the Fourth Amendment and Due Process

Four years ago, the FBI raided U.S. Private Vaults (USPV) in Beverly Hills, seizing tens of millions of dollars in cash, valuables, and personal items, including Linda Martin's $40,200 life savings, without charging her with a crime. The FBI's actions were found to violate the Fourth Amendment, yet they refused to return the property. Only after Martin filed a nationwide class-action lawsuit did the FBI return her money, but she continues her suit to prevent future similar actions. The core issue is the FBI's failure to state reasons for the seizure in its notice, violating due process. This case highlights the government's abuse of civil forfeiture, with 93% of federal forfeitures never reaching court, allowing the FBI to keep the money without justification.

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(reason.com)
Misc Civil Rights Civil Forfeiture

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

Cosmoe: A BeOS UI Library Needs Stability and Compatibility Improvements

2025-06-21

Cosmoe, a BeOS UI library built on Wayland, needs further improvement in stability and compatibility despite significant progress in integrating BeOS class libraries with Wayland. Crashes and incorrect behavior remain, hampered by Wayland's complexities. Cosmoe currently implements about 95% of the BeOS API, but crucial features like "offscreen" BBitmaps for accelerated drawing and BFilePanel (Open/Save dialogs) are still missing. Some file-related classes are only partially implemented. Additionally, Wayland's security restrictions prevent certain window actions, like positioning and centering. Refer to the Cosmoe repository's TODO file for more details.

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(cosmoe.org)
Development

S-expr: A Peculiar S-Expression Parser

2025-06-18
S-expr: A Peculiar S-Expression Parser

S-expr is an S-expression parsing library featuring unique extensions to S-expression syntax. It supports single-line and multi-line strings and comments, and introduces a novel concept called "transposed blocks." Transposed blocks allow code to be written with rows and columns swapped, enhancing readability for complex nested expressions. This design aims to balance the simplicity of S-expressions with improved code readability and expressiveness. While more complex than traditional Lisp, it prioritizes a balance between simplicity and usability.

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(gist.github.com)
Development S-expressions Code Readability

LL3M: Revolutionizing 3D Modeling with Large Language Models

2025-08-17

LL3M is a groundbreaking 3D modeling system that uses a team of large language models to write Python code for creating and editing 3D assets in Blender. From simple text instructions, it generates expressive shapes from scratch and performs complex, precise geometric manipulations. Unlike previous methods focused on specific subtasks or constrained procedures, LL3M creates unconstrained assets with geometry, layout, and appearance. Its iterative refinement and co-creation pipeline allows for continuous high-level user feedback and further editing via clear code and parameters.

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(threedle.github.io)
AI

Massive NPM Package Supply Chain Attack: Millions of Downloads Compromised

2025-09-09
Massive NPM Package Supply Chain Attack: Millions of Downloads Compromised

A significant supply chain attack targeted the npm ecosystem, compromising multiple packages with over 2.6 billion weekly downloads. Attackers used phishing emails to gain access to a maintainer's account, subsequently injecting malware into several widely used packages. This malware intercepts cryptocurrency transactions in the browser, redirecting funds to attacker-controlled wallets. While some malicious versions have been removed by the NPM team, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities of software supply chains and the growing threat of phishing and browser-based attacks. The impact was mitigated somewhat as it only affected users with fresh installs during a narrow time window.

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(www.bleepingcomputer.com)
Development

UK Tightens Online Safety Act to Combat Self-Harm Content

2025-09-09
UK Tightens Online Safety Act to Combat Self-Harm Content

The UK government has announced urgent action to strengthen the Online Safety Act, designating content encouraging or assisting serious self-harm as a priority offense. This move aims to protect users of all ages, requiring tech companies to proactively remove such harmful material instead of reacting passively. New regulations will compel platforms to use advanced technology to actively find and delete this content before it reaches users, preventing irreparable harm. This change reflects the government's commitment to online safety and mental health and will significantly impact tech companies.

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(www.gov.uk)
Tech self-harm

DeepCode: Revolutionizing Code Generation with Multi-Agent Systems

2025-08-23
DeepCode: Revolutionizing Code Generation with Multi-Agent Systems

DeepCode is a revolutionary AI-powered code generation platform leveraging multi-agent systems to transform research papers, natural language descriptions, and even URLs into production-ready code. It automates complex algorithm implementation, front-end and back-end development, dramatically reducing development time. DeepCode achieves this through intelligent document parsing, code planning, reference mining, and more, ultimately generating high-quality code, test suites, and documentation, significantly boosting developer productivity. Its modular design and rich toolset make it easily extensible and integrable into various development workflows.

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(github.com)
Development automated development

Global Temperatures Hit 1.5°C: Paris Agreement Target Breached Early?

2025-02-15
Global Temperatures Hit 1.5°C: Paris Agreement Target Breached Early?

June 2024 marked the first time in recorded history that global mean surface temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 12 consecutive months. While the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C, this refers to the long-term average. Researchers used climate model projections, combined with observations, to assess whether the long-term average temperature has already exceeded 1.5°C. Results suggest the Paris Agreement target may have been reached earlier than expected, potentially linked to the strong El Niño event. However, the models may be missing some drivers, such as the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption and the 2020 shipping regulations, which could bias the results. Future efforts should incorporate updated forcings more rapidly into operational modeling for more accurate predictions.

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(www.nature.com)
Tech global warming

Brain's Symphony: Neural Synchrony Linked to Cognitive Abilities

2025-06-17
Brain's Symphony: Neural Synchrony Linked to Cognitive Abilities

A new study from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals that under pressure, the brain's neural signals synchronize like a well-rehearsed orchestra. This neural synchrony dynamically adjusts to different situations and is closely linked to cognitive abilities. Researchers used EEG to show that individuals with higher cognitive abilities exhibit stronger theta wave synchronization in the midfrontal brain region, especially during demanding reasoning tasks. This enhanced synchronization allows for better focus and distraction filtering. The study provides crucial groundwork for understanding intelligence at a neural level.

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(www.sciencedaily.com)
Tech neural synchrony

Japanese City Proposes Smartphone Usage Limit: Two Hours a Day

2025-08-23
Japanese City Proposes Smartphone Usage Limit: Two Hours a Day

Toyoake City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is drafting an ordinance recommending residents limit their smartphone use to two hours daily outside of work and school. This would be Japan's first such municipal regulation, aiming to address concerns about excessive technology use impacting health and family life. The proposed ordinance, effective October 1st, urges children to stop using smartphones by 9 p.m. (elementary school) and 10 p.m. (junior high and older). While penalties aren't included, the city hopes to encourage reflection on smartphone habits and will collaborate with schools and parents to promote healthy device use.

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(english.kyodonews.net)
Misc smartphone usage limit

The Amazing Journey of a File: From Bits to Bytes and Back Again

2025-05-20

This article takes you on a captivating journey into the heart of your computer's file system. By tracking a simple text file, the author uses Linux tools to pinpoint its physical location on the hard drive, deciphering the inode structure and transforming abstract bits into meaningful file information. This engaging exploration proves the seemingly simple concept that disks and memory are merely 'bunches of bits', demystifying the process with hands-on experimentation.

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(www.cyberdemon.org)
Development file system

Undersea Cables Become Ocean Sensors: Monitoring Currents and Climate

2025-07-17
Undersea Cables Become Ocean Sensors: Monitoring Currents and Climate

Scientists have ingeniously repurposed existing transatlantic fiber-optic cables as ocean sensors, developing a new instrument that measures subtle changes in light signals to monitor water temperature and pressure. Without disrupting their primary function, the system uses reflections from repeaters spaced every 50-100 kilometers along the cable to measure variations in light travel time, inferring data such as daily and weekly water temperature and tide patterns. This groundbreaking research offers a cost-effective way to monitor the ocean environment, improving our understanding of ocean currents, climate change, and natural hazards like tsunamis.

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(phys.org)
Tech Fiber Optic Sensors Submarine Cables

Microsoft: A 'Bad Actor' in the Software Supply Chain?

2025-09-17
Microsoft: A 'Bad Actor' in the Software Supply Chain?

This article revisits software supply chain security issues, from Internet Explorer to npm, arguing that Microsoft's insufficient efforts to secure npm have led to rampant malware, threatening software development companies. The author points out critical security vulnerabilities in npm's postinstall scripts, easily exploited for attacks, while Microsoft, as the owner of npm, has taken little action. This makes software development less fun and more of a chore. The article calls for industry-wide efforts to build a secure software supply chain.

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(tane.dev)
Development

Vlang: A Multifaceted Language Showcase

2025-08-30

This code snippet demonstrates V's versatility, ranging from simple loops greeting developers across various domains (game, web, etc.) to handling log files, making network requests, parsing and manipulating JSON data, and array deduplication. It covers I/O operations, string manipulation, network programming, JSON handling, and array manipulation, showcasing V's concise and elegant syntax and powerful standard library.

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(vlang.io)
Development Vlang programming example

Washington Post Cartoonist Quits Over Censorship

2025-01-04
Washington Post Cartoonist Quits Over Censorship

Veteran editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after a cartoon criticizing the cozy relationship between tech giants and President-elect Trump was killed. She views this as an attack on press freedom and vows to continue holding power accountable through her art. The incident sparks a debate about news organizations' responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity and the influence of tech giants on politics.

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(anntelnaes.substack.com)
Tech press freedom tech giants political censorship

AWS's Systems Correctness: A Multifaceted Approach

2025-04-01

Amazon Web Services (AWS) employs a robust system correctness strategy combining formal and semi-formal methods to deliver reliable services. Initially relying on TLA+ for modeling critical systems, AWS identified and eliminated subtle bugs early in development. The introduction of the P programming language, a more developer-friendly state machine language, further enhanced their approach, playing a crucial role in migrations like Amazon S3's move to strong consistency. Lightweight methods such as property-based testing, deterministic simulation, and fuzzing are also widely used. AWS further bolstered resilience with the launch of FIS (Fault Injection Service). For critical security boundaries, formal proofs, as seen in the development of Cedar and Firecracker, guarantee correctness. This multifaceted approach not only ensures reliability but also drives performance optimization and cost reduction.

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(queue.acm.org)
Development System Correctness Formal Methods

Debugging a Full-Viewport HTML Dialog Modal

2025-03-16
Debugging a Full-Viewport HTML Dialog Modal

The author encountered a height issue while using the HTML `` element to create a side panel: a gap appeared at the bottom, preventing it from taking up the full screen height. The debugging process involved various methods, including consulting AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT. The culprit was a default Chrome style applied to the `` element: `max-height: calc(100% - 2em - 6px);`. Adding `max-height: inherit` or `max-height: 100vh` resolved the problem. Further investigation into the HTML specification revealed this default style was added to fix a previous bug, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of web standards.

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(til.simonwillison.net)
Development

Microsoft's Phased Open-Sourcing of WinUI: A Six-Month Roadmap

2025-08-02
Microsoft's Phased Open-Sourcing of WinUI: A Six-Month Roadmap

Microsoft announced a phased approach to open-sourcing WinUI, the user interface framework for Windows 11. Due to WinUI's complexity and deep integration with Windows, open-sourcing won't be a simple switch flip. Microsoft plans a four-phase rollout: Phase 1 increases GitHub mirroring frequency; Phase 2 allows external developers to build locally; Phase 3 enables external contributions and testing; and Phase 4 establishes GitHub as the primary development platform. This will be an incremental process, and Microsoft encourages developer feedback and contributions.

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(www.neowin.net)
Development

The Game of Life: A Six-Decade Chronicle of Engineering Innovation

2025-03-19
The Game of Life: A Six-Decade Chronicle of Engineering Innovation

This article explores the nearly six decades of 'meta-engineering' development in Conway's Game of Life. The author traces the innovation arc from simple static structures to complex computational machines, analyzing the roles of 'invention' and 'discovery' (corresponding to manual construction and algorithmic search, respectively), and exploring concepts like modularity and computational irreducibility. By analyzing the evolution of various structures like oscillators, gliders, and glider guns, the article reveals patterns in Game of Life engineering innovation and compares it to biological evolution, offering a unique perspective on the nature of technological progress.

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(writings.stephenwolfram.com)
Tech Game of Life meta-engineering

Academic Fights Back Against Online Harassment with Kindness

2025-05-04
Academic Fights Back Against Online Harassment with Kindness

Dartmouth College professor Sachi Schmidt-Hori, a narrative consultant on Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Mirage, faced a torrent of online harassment from gamers angered by the inclusion of a Black samurai character. Instead of ignoring the hate, she responded with kindness, inviting her harassers to Zoom calls. This unexpected approach led to some apologies and the removal of negative content. Her actions highlight the potential of empathy in combating online toxicity and sparked a discussion about representation in video games and online hate.

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(apnews.com)
Game video game controversy kindness

Building a Wind Model from Cheap ADS-B Data

2025-08-02
Building a Wind Model from Cheap ADS-B Data

Using a sub-$100 RTL-SDR dongle and antenna, the author received ADS-B messages from aircraft and built a simplified meteorological model. By analyzing the difference between aircraft heading, airspeed, and ground speed, the model infers wind speed and generates visualizations using data from numerous aircraft. While the accuracy is slightly lower than professional meteorological models, the model successfully simulated high-speed air currents over the Mediterranean, showcasing the innovative potential of using publicly available data.

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(obrhubr.org)
Tech Meteorological Model

Tech's Quiet War on Effort

2025-07-26
Tech's Quiet War on Effort

We're systematically destroying the biological reward system that makes effort feel worthwhile. Instant gratification technologies, like 8-minute biryani, AI-generated writing, and AI art generators, eliminate the need for effort. However, the effort itself is crucial for dopamine release and the resulting sense of accomplishment. We've become accustomed to convenience, losing the joy of effort and even the ability to experience fulfillment. The author argues this isn't a problem with technology itself, but rather our misuse of it; we try to eliminate effort, overlooking its inherent value.

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(anushkakarmakar.substack.com)
Tech value of effort
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