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Becoming a Data Scientist: It's More Than Just Coding

2025-01-09

Becoming a Data Scientist: It's More Than Just Coding

This article details the author's 15-year journey to becoming a data scientist, highlighting that communication and curiosity are more crucial than coding skills. Starting from an electrical engineering background, he transitioned through hands-on projects and research, eventually founding his own automated machine learning company. The article outlines essential hard skills (programming, algorithms & mathematics, domain knowledge) and soft skills (communication, curiosity, adaptability) needed to succeed, advocating for a practical, project-based learning approach leveraging platforms like Kaggle.

(mljar.com)

Development career path

Liquid Glass: Apple's UI Design Fail?

2025-06-23

From Mac OS X's Aqua to Windows Vista's Aero, and now iOS's Liquid Glass, translucent UI design has always pursued a "cool" look, sacrificing usability. The author criticizes Liquid Glass for its excessive focus on visual effects, blurring interface elements and reducing readability and usability. Visual design is prioritized over user experience, arguing that it's not a true UI design breakthrough but a misuse of design principles.

(take.surf)

Design

Mistral AI Secures €1.7B Series C Funding Led by ASML

2025-09-09

Mistral AI Secures €1.7B Series C Funding Led by ASML

French AI startup Mistral AI announced a €1.7 billion Series C funding round, reaching an €11.7 billion post-money valuation. The round is led by semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML, with participation from existing investors including DST Global and Andreessen Horowitz. This funding will fuel Mistral AI's cutting-edge research, focusing on solving complex technological challenges for strategic industries. The partnership with ASML aims to create innovative products and solutions for ASML's customers.

(mistral.ai)

AI AI Funding

62-Million-Year-Old Skeleton Reveals Surprising Relative of Humans

2025-03-17

A new study sheds light on *Mixodectes pungens*, a small, tree-dwelling mammal from the early Paleocene of western North America. Analysis of the most complete skeleton ever found reveals details about its anatomy, behavior, and diet. Weighing about 3 pounds, *Mixodectes* was an arboreal leaf-eater, surprisingly closely related to primates and colugos (flying lemurs), making it a relatively close relative to humans. This discovery provides crucial insights into the diversification of early mammals and their adaptation to new ecological niches following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The research significantly refines our understanding of early mammalian evolution.

(www.sciencedaily.com)

Tech mammals

Discuo: A Minimalist Discussion Platform – No Accounts Needed

2025-01-05

Discuo: A Minimalist Discussion Platform – No Accounts Needed

Discuo, initially built for developers to share progress and discuss code, has evolved into a minimalist discussion platform covering diverse topics. Its distraction-free design and infinite thread exploration allow for focused conversation. No account is needed to post or comment, and its categorized structure (Anime & Manga, Gaming, Tech & Dev, etc.) offers a wide range of discussion areas.

(discuo.com)

Misc discussion platform minimalist anonymous

Why I Hate 'AI'

2025-08-31

The author vehemently criticizes the current popular text and image generation tools, arguing they are not true AI but Large Language Models (LLMs). He lambasts OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's comparison of humans to 'stochastic parrots,' deeming it demeaning to the richness of human experience. The author also points out the excessive hype surrounding LLMs, their bland and unoriginal output, and expresses concern over companies using user data without consent to train their models. Ultimately, he voices worry about the future of the internet and the misuse of personal creations, calling for attention to the ethical and aesthetic issues surrounding LLMs.

(ian.mccowan.space)

AI

Intel's Pentium FDIV Bug: A $475 Million Mistake

2024-12-28

Intel's Pentium FDIV Bug: A $475 Million Mistake

In 1993, Intel launched the high-performance Pentium processor. A year later, a flaw in its floating-point division algorithm was discovered, causing incorrect results in rare cases. Initially dismissed by Intel, the bug—dubbed the FDIV bug—quickly gained media attention. The error stemmed from 16 missing entries in the processor's lookup table, with 5 entries directly causing incorrect calculations. Intel ultimately recalled and replaced all affected chips at a cost of $475 million. This article delves into the Pentium's division algorithm, pinpoints the bug's location on the chip, and explains the underlying mathematical error that led to this costly mistake.

(www.righto.com)

Hardware Pentium Hardware error

Sony Quietly Releases Downgraded PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB SSD

2025-09-18

Sony Quietly Releases Downgraded PS5 Digital Edition with 825GB SSD

Sony has quietly released a revised PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (CFI-2116) with a reduced 825GB SSD, down from the previous 1TB. While the price remains the same, this move is speculated to be a cost-cutting measure in response to economic challenges. The change has sparked debate among gamers, with some arguing the 200GB reduction is insignificant, while others worry about the 1TB version's availability. The revised console is currently available on select European Amazon sites, with its future availability in other regions uncertain.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Hardware Hardware Revision

Geizhals Donates $10,000 to Secure the Future of Perl 5

2025-09-18

Geizhals Donates $10,000 to Secure the Future of Perl 5

Geizhals Preisvergleich, a German price comparison website founded in 1997, has donated $10,000 to The Perl and Raku Foundation to support the Perl 5 Core Maintenance Fund. Built on Perl from its inception, Geizhals' donation underscores its commitment to open source and the long-term stability of Perl. The fund addresses critical bug fixes, ensuring Perl remains stable and secure for countless users and organizations. This generous contribution highlights the vital role of community support in maintaining essential open-source infrastructure.

(www.perl.com)

Development Donation

AI-Assisted Coding: Efficiency Gains and Hiring Challenges

2025-02-15

The author shares their experience using AI for coding, highlighting increased efficiency and reflecting on current flaws in software engineer recruitment. AI tools enabled the author to handle more complex code, improve code quality, and reduce tedious tasks. However, the author notes that some companies prohibit AI use during interviews, overlooking engineers' systemic thinking abilities. The author argues that recruitment should focus more on problem-solving skills and imagination, rather than rote memorization and retrieval. The article also discusses strategies for choosing primary keys in different databases and balancing development efficiency with data integrity.

(scott-fryxell.github.io)

Development

NotebookLM Now Offers Multilingual Audio Summaries

2025-04-30

NotebookLM Now Offers Multilingual Audio Summaries

NotebookLM has updated its audio summarization feature, allowing users to select their preferred output language. Whether you upload a Portuguese documentary, a Spanish research paper, or an English study report, the system can generate an audio summary in your chosen language, facilitating the creation of multilingual content or learning materials. For instance, a teacher can share resources about the Amazon rainforest in various languages, and students can upload these and generate audio summaries in their native language, breaking down language barriers and making information more accessible.

(blog.google)

Development audio summarization

Pebble Smartwatches Are Officially Back!

2025-07-26

Pebble Smartwatches Are Officially Back!

The iconic Pebble smartwatch brand, after being acquired by Fitbit and subsequently disappearing, is making a triumphant return! CEO Eric Migicovsky announced the successful recovery of the Pebble trademark, meaning the new watches will officially be called Pebble watches. This is not only a nostalgic nod to the past but also a powerful statement for the brand's comeback. For fans who have been eagerly awaiting its return, this news is the cherry on top!

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Comeback

The Perils of Following Orders: A Programmer's Functional Programming Purgatory

2025-09-21

A programmer, after a coworker complains about their functional programming style, is banned from using it by their manager. To keep their job, they reluctantly rewrite a simple function to list coworkers, using imperative programming. Despite their best efforts to avoid functional paradigms, they struggle to fully comply, facing further challenges during code review and ultimately needing to seek guidance from their manager. This humorous anecdote highlights the absurdity of arbitrary technical decisions in the workplace.

(brianmckenna.org)

Development imperative programming

Giant Bomb Acquired by Longtime Staff: A New Chapter Begins

2025-05-11

Giant Bomb Acquired by Longtime Staff: A New Chapter Begins

Gaming media brand Giant Bomb has been acquired by its longtime staff members, Jeff Bakalar and Jeff Grubb. Fandom, the previous owner, is handing over operations to the veteran duo, marking a new chapter for the brand. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, but Giant Bomb's programming will resume as soon as possible. The new owners stated that Giant Bomb's future rests with its supportive community, and all support will directly benefit the team.

(about.fandom.com)

Game gaming media

Terence Tao on Solving Dynamic Systems

2025-01-29

Renowned mathematician Terence Tao shared his insights on solving problems in dynamic systems on Mathstodon. He highlighted the need to consider the complexity and evolution of such systems, requiring a multifaceted approach utilizing various mathematical tools and real-world context. His post sparked discussion among math enthusiasts, showcasing the ongoing exploration and innovation in the field.

(mathstodon.xyz)

Misc Dynamic Systems

Ethersync: Multiplayer Text Editing, Locally

2025-08-02

Ethersync: Multiplayer Text Editing, Locally

Ethersync enables real-time collaborative editing of local text files without a server, offering encrypted peer-to-peer connections. It supports Linux, macOS, Android, and WSL, with plugins for Neovim and VS Code. Share files via simple command-line commands, allowing multiple users to edit simultaneously, see each other's cursors, and selections. Think of it as multiplayer mode for your text editor! The project is actively developed and welcomes contributions and bug reports.

(github.com)

Development

New Bacteria Discovered on China's Tiangong Space Station

2025-05-22

New Bacteria Discovered on China's Tiangong Space Station

A new bacterium, Niallia tiangongensis, has been discovered on China's Tiangong space station. This rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium is unlike any previously known terrestrial species. It thrives in microgravity and possesses unique adaptations, including the ability to break down gelatin for survival in nutrient-poor environments and to withstand radiation damage. The discovery highlights the potential hazards of space travel and informs the development of improved sanitation protocols for future long-duration missions. While its terrestrial relative can cause sepsis, the potential risk to taikonauts remains unclear.

(www.wired.com)

Tech space bacteria Tiangong space station

AI: The New Executive Buzzword

2025-07-18

AI: The New Executive Buzzword

Executives are increasingly touting the transformative power of AI in their businesses. JPMorgan Chase boasts 450 AI use cases, while Yum! Brands sees AI as the future operating system for restaurants. Booking.com highlights AI's role in enhancing the traveler experience. The prevalence of AI discussion is striking, with 44% of S&P 500 companies mentioning it on earnings calls in Q1 of this year. This suggests a widespread adoption of AI across various industries.

(www.economist.com)

Tech business applications

1744x Speedup: Compiling a Neural Net to C

2025-05-28

The author trained a neural network with logic gates as activation functions to learn Conway's Game of Life's 3x3 kernel. To speed up inference, the learned logic circuit was extracted and compiled into bit-parallel C code (with optimizations to remove redundant gates). Benchmarking revealed a stunning 1744x speedup compared to the original neural network.

(slightknack.dev)

AI

Explore the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel in Minecraft!

2025-05-30

A new Minecraft world data pack lets you experience the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel! Simulate operating gates, pumping water to prevent flooding, and even clean the massive pressure-equalizing tank. This data pack requires Minecraft version 1.21.1 or later and use is at your own risk.

(www.ktr.mlit.go.jp)

Game Simulation Game Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel

Codon Compiler: A Glimpse of Faster Python?

2025-03-16

Codon Compiler: A Glimpse of Faster Python?

Codon is a compiler aiming to dramatically improve Python's execution speed. While the author previously encountered compilation issues, recent updates have resolved them. Although a test script didn't show speed improvements, Codon demonstrated significant performance gains in NPBench NumPy benchmarks, reaching up to 900x speedup, largely due to the Codon team's direct port of NumPy. While the author didn't replicate the benchmark results, a trial of a supposedly 300x faster Python script hints at Codon's potential in specific use cases.

(www.usenix.org)

Development

Tamper-Proof PCR Machine: Ensuring Verifiable Scientific Results

2025-03-02

Tamper-Proof PCR Machine: Ensuring Verifiable Scientific Results

Addressing the rampant problem of data fabrication in biomedicine, researchers have developed a verifiable PCR machine. By integrating cryptographic signing and secure hardware into the PCR machine, the system ensures that experimental results cannot be altered after generation. Using a virtual machine and a trusted execution environment, the PCR software is isolated, preventing malicious modification. This approach enhances data reliability even for older equipment, representing a significant step towards building a system of verifiable scientific research.

(github.com)

Tech

Learning to Love What You Hate: A Self-Experiment

2025-09-02

Learning to Love What You Hate: A Self-Experiment

The author proposes a unique hobby: trying to like things you dislike, using it as a tool to understand human nature. From disliking spinach to appreciating Michael Jackson, and the ongoing struggle with country music and television, the author demonstrates how our aversions often stem from self-perception rather than inherent qualities. Some preferences can be altered, while others are deeply ingrained, depending on the depth of subconscious programming and the difficulty of revising self-concept. The essay uses a lighthearted approach to prompt reflection on personal preferences and understanding.

(dynomight.net)

Misc preference change human nature

Quantum Entanglement Found in CERN's Sheep Flock: Baa-ing the Quantum World

2025-04-01

Quantum Entanglement Found in CERN's Sheep Flock: Baa-ing the Quantum World

Scientists at CERN have made a surprising discovery: evidence of quantum entanglement in a flock of sheep that has grazed on the CERN site for over 40 years. Using sophisticated tracking and modeling, researchers found that the brains of individual sheep exhibit quantum entanglement, explaining their uncanny ability to move and vocalize simultaneously, regardless of distance. This discovery opens a new avenue in quantum physics and ovine research, though further investigation is needed to fully confirm the findings.

(home.cern)

Tech

Micron Unveils Trio of SSDs Targeting Diverse Markets

2025-08-03

Micron Unveils Trio of SSDs Targeting Diverse Markets

Micron announced three new SSDs aimed at different markets: the 9650 (PCIe Gen 6, TLC flash, focusing on speed), the 6600 ION (PCIe Gen 5, QLC flash, emphasizing high capacity up to 122.88TB), and the 7600 (PCIe Gen 5, TLC flash, prioritizing low latency). All three leverage Micron's latest Gen 9 276-layer 3D NAND, along with its own DRAM, NAND controller, and firmware. The 9650 boasts significantly improved performance thanks to its PCIe Gen 6 interface, while the 6600 ION caters to massive data storage needs with its enormous capacity, and the 7600 excels in low latency, ideal for AI and similar applications.

(blocksandfiles.com)

Hardware

Spruce Pine Quartz: The Unexpected Bottleneck in Semiconductor Manufacturing?

2025-09-13

Spruce Pine Quartz: The Unexpected Bottleneck in Semiconductor Manufacturing?

The internet whispers a claim: all semiconductor and solar PV manufacturing relies on ultra-pure quartz from Spruce Pine, North Carolina. This quartz makes crucibles holding molten silicon, later formed into chips. Its purity prevents contamination. While Spruce Pine quartz isn't irreplaceable, alternatives are underdeveloped, inferior, or costly. Disrupting supply wouldn't halt semiconductor production entirely, but would lower yields and raise costs. The industry acknowledges this bottleneck, developing new sources and crucible materials. The real story isn't just Spruce Pine, but quartz crucibles' limitations on silicon ingot manufacturing. A superior alternative would be a major advance.

(www.construction-physics.com)

Tech quartz Spruce Pine

Kanji Amnesia: Why I Remember the Meaning But Not the Writing

2025-08-15

Kanji Amnesia: Why I Remember the Meaning But Not the Writing

The author mastered kanji by first learning their meanings and writing, then pronunciation. Years later, he can't handwrite most kanji. This 'Kanji Amnesia' is common in Japan and China. He explores the brain's separate processes for reading and writing, and his aphantasia (lack of mental imagery) adds to the mystery. Cognitive science suggests this stems from the brain's use of both verbatim and gist memory traces. Reading involves recognizing the gist, while writing activates motor memory of strokes – two distinct skills.

(aethermug.com)

Development kanji

T-Mobile Hits Customers With Another Price Hike

2025-03-14

T-Mobile is raising prices again, adding a $5 per-line increase to some older plans starting in April or May. The increase, announced in an internal memo, won't affect all legacy plans or those with current plans (Go5G, Go5G Plus, Go5G Next), price lock guarantees, or promotional free lines – millions of customers are unaffected. The company cites rising costs as the reason. While the exact number of affected customers remains unclear, those impacted should receive notification by March 13th. Importantly, customers who received a price increase last June will not see an additional increase this time.

(www.cnet.com)

Tech

Conquering ADHD: Strategies and Tactics

2025-08-31

Conquering ADHD: Strategies and Tactics

This post delves into managing ADHD, divided into 'Strategies' and 'Tactics'. 'Strategies' focus on high-level control systems such as medication, memory management, energy allocation, and introspection. 'Tactics' list micro-level improvements, including task selection, visual field management, regular project check-ins, and inbox management. The author emphasizes medication as a first-line treatment for ADHD and shares practical tips based on personal experience, guiding readers to build efficient personal growth systems and ultimately conquer ADHD.

(borretti.me)

Development

When Lore Beat Law: How England's New Year Moved from March 25th to January 1st

2025-01-01

When Lore Beat Law: How England's New Year Moved from March 25th to January 1st

Until the mid-1700s, English law dictated that the New Year began on March 25th (Lady Day), yet the populace celebrated on January 1st. This discrepancy led to dating errors in legal documents and conflicts with Scotland's January 1st New Year. A 1750 Act of Parliament finally shifted the New Year to January 1st, also adopting the Gregorian calendar. This change highlights how enduring custom eventually overruled rigid legal conventions.

(davidallengreen.com)

Misc legal history New Year England

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