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Waymo's Northeastern Expansion: Road Trips to NYC and Philly

2025-07-08
Waymo's Northeastern Expansion: Road Trips to NYC and Philly

Waymo initiated road trips to Philadelphia and New York City, marking its expansion efforts into Northeastern markets. These trips involve mapping the cities using human-driven vehicles equipped with Waymo's autonomous driving system, followed by autonomous testing with a safety driver present. Similar trips have previously led to commercial launches in other cities. While Waymo applied for a permit to test driverless vehicles in NYC, approval is pending, and commercial deployment remains a long-term goal. Waymo's broader strategy centers on expanding its commercial robotaxi services, with planned launches in Miami this year and Washington, D.C., in 2026.

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(techcrunch.com)
Tech Market Expansion

Apple Paper Exposes Limits of Scaling in Large Language Models

2025-06-14
Apple Paper Exposes Limits of Scaling in Large Language Models

An Apple paper highlighting limitations in the reasoning capabilities of large language models (LLMs) has sparked a heated debate in the AI community. The paper demonstrates that even massive models struggle with seemingly simple reasoning tasks, challenging the prevalent 'scaling solves all' hypothesis for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). While some attempted rebuttals emerged, none proved compelling. The core issue, the article argues, is LLMs' unreliability in executing complex algorithms due to output length limitations and over-reliance on training data. True AGI, the author suggests, requires superior models and a hybrid approach combining neural networks with symbolic algorithms. The paper's significance lies in its prompting a critical reassessment of AGI's development path, revealing that scaling alone is insufficient.

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(garymarcus.substack.com)
AI

Cache-Aware Programming in Python: A Surprisingly Significant Performance Difference

2025-04-05

This post investigates the impact of cache-aware programming on Python performance through experiments. Results show that random access to list elements in Python is consistently slower than sequential access, especially when data size exceeds CPU cache. This suggests that even in interpreted environments, cache-aware programming can improve Python program performance. Experiments also compare the performance difference between native Python lists and NumPy arrays, showing NumPy arrays have a significant performance advantage due to their more compact memory layout.

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(lukasatkinson.de)
Development Python performance cache-aware programming

Building a Custom In-Memory Table Access Method for Postgres

2025-08-08

This post details the author's journey building a custom PostgreSQL table access method, effectively creating a simple in-memory storage engine. Starting with a debug build of PostgreSQL, the author incrementally implemented the various functions of the table access method API, culminating in a fully functional system capable of creating tables, inserting data, and querying results. The process involved overcoming numerous challenges, including debugging and understanding PostgreSQL internals, which were addressed through logging and iterative debugging. This serves as an excellent example of PostgreSQL extension development, providing valuable experience and guidance for other developers.

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(notes.eatonphil.com)
Development Extension Development

Sidekick: A Powerful, Locally-Run LLM App for macOS

2025-03-11
Sidekick: A Powerful, Locally-Run LLM App for macOS

Sidekick is a native macOS LLM application that runs entirely locally, accessing your files, folders, and websites without needing extra software. Utilizing RAG technology, it handles vast datasets, supports multiple reasoning models including a code interpreter, generates images, and boasts advanced Markdown rendering capabilities, plus built-in writing assistant tools. Sidekick prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, operating entirely offline, with no conversation tracking, and an open-source approach for transparency.

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(github.com)
Development local LLM

Space Factories: Trillion-Dollar Space Economy on the Horizon

2025-01-03
Space Factories: Trillion-Dollar Space Economy on the Horizon

The space manufacturing industry is booming, leveraging the unique environment of space (zero gravity, vacuum, etc.) to produce materials and products difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth, while also supporting space exploration. From advanced materials to large structures, biotech products to microdevices, the potential is immense, promising a trillion-dollar market. This not only addresses Earth's pollution problems but also fuels space colonization, ushering in a new era of human interstellar civilization.

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(www.factoriesinspace.com)
Tech Space Manufacturing Space Economy NewSpace Economy

Ricochet: Anonymous Messaging You Can Trust

2025-02-14
Ricochet: Anonymous Messaging You Can Trust

Ricochet is an experimental peer-to-peer instant messaging system built on the Tor Network. It protects your identity, contact list, and communications without relying on any central servers or operators. Your login is your hidden service address, and contacts connect directly to you via Tor. This makes it extremely difficult to trace your identity. Available for Windows, OS X, and Linux, Ricochet is open-source and user-friendly, but users should carefully assess their risks.

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(github.com)
Development anonymous communication Tor network

C++ shared_ptr's Non-Atomic Reference Counting: A Microbenchmark Surprise

2025-08-31
C++ shared_ptr's Non-Atomic Reference Counting: A Microbenchmark Surprise

A microbenchmark comparing Rust and C++ data structures revealed unexpected behavior in C++'s `shared_ptr`. In single-threaded environments, GNU libstdc++ optimizes `shared_ptr`'s reference counting to be non-atomic if `pthread_create` isn't imported. This performance optimization, while generally safe, can lead to issues in uncommon scenarios, such as when a dynamically linked library is loaded by a statically linked program. The author investigated other C++ implementations (libcxx and Visual C++) and ultimately resolved the performance discrepancy by referencing `pthread_create` in their benchmark. The discovery highlights the complexities of low-level optimizations and their potential unintended consequences.

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(snf.github.io)
Development

The Wrong Bird in Charlie's Angels: A 20-Year Ornithological Mystery

2025-05-23
The Wrong Bird in Charlie's Angels: A 20-Year Ornithological Mystery

This article details the author's deep dive into a bird-related error in the movie Charlie's Angels. A pivotal scene uses the wrong bird species, appearance, and sound. Through interviews with the screenwriter, animal trainer, sound editor, and director, the author unravels the reasons behind the mistake: from the initial accurate bird selection in the script to later sound modifications to match the actor's performance, and multiple factors including legal regulations and shooting conditions. Ultimately, using professional bird sound identification software and expert assistance, the author successfully identifies the bird sound as originating from a thick-billed fox sparrow from Oregon. The story showcases the complex interplay of various factors in filmmaking, and the balance between pursuing perfection and compromising with reality.

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(slate.com)
Misc

Compressing Icelandic Name Declension into a 3.27kB Trie

2025-08-02
Compressing Icelandic Name Declension into a 3.27kB Trie

Displaying Icelandic names in UIs is tricky due to declension. This article details a JavaScript library that solves this by using a trie data structure. The trie is built from public Icelandic name data and cleverly compressed to under 4.5kB gzipped. The author explains the process, from data acquisition and preprocessing to trie construction and compression techniques like merging subtrees and sibling leaves. Testing reveals high accuracy even for unseen names. The final result is a remarkably compact 3.27kB trie, showcasing efficient data representation and algorithmic optimization.

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(alexharri.com)
Development Icelandic Trie

Pi is not Constant: Exploring π in Non-Euclidean Spaces

2025-09-15
Pi is not Constant: Exploring π in Non-Euclidean Spaces

This article explores the value of pi (π) in various metric spaces. By altering the distance formula in Euclidean geometry, a series of non-Euclidean spaces are constructed, and the ratio of circumference to diameter of 'circles' in these spaces is calculated. The results show that while in standard Euclidean space (n=2), π is approximately 3.14159, its value changes in other spaces. For instance, in taxicab geometry (n=1) and Chebyshev distance (n→∞), π equals 4. This demonstrates that π's value isn't constant but depends on the underlying geometry of the space.

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(lcamtuf.substack.com)
Misc Non-Euclidean Geometry

Understanding the 'Quality World' in Choice Theory

2025-02-11
Understanding the 'Quality World' in Choice Theory

This article explores the concept of the 'Quality World' within Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. Using engaging examples like the parable of the blind men and an elephant, and a classroom exercise, the author illustrates how each individual's perception of reality is unique, forming a personal 'Quality World' comprised of images fulfilling their basic needs (love/belonging, power/self-worth, freedom, fun, physical survival). These images shape behavior, and understanding and supporting another's 'Quality World' is key to building strong relationships. The article also touches upon how unmet needs can lead to negative behaviors, highlighting the importance of accessing an individual's 'Quality World' to help them make more life-sustaining choices.

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(thebetterplan.org)
Psychology Choice Theory Reality Therapy Quality World

PICO-8 Palette and Pixel Mapping Algorithm

2025-09-11

This code defines the 16-color palette of the PICO-8 game console and provides several color distance calculation methods (Euclidean distance, weighted RGB distance, HyAB distance and its variants), along with a function that maps image pixels to the closest palette color. It leverages NumPy for efficient color data handling and allows users to customize the distance function for different color matching strategies. This is highly useful for pixel art game development and image color quantization.

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(30fps.net)
Game

Contracts for C: A Proof of Concept

2025-09-09
Contracts for C: A Proof of Concept

This article explores bringing the concept of contracts from C++ to the C language. The author proposes a solution using `contract_assert` and `contract_assume` macros for precondition and postcondition checks respectively. The `defer` macro and C23's `unreachable` macro simplify postcondition expression. The article demonstrates how inline functions and helper functions can add contract checks without altering core function implementations, leveraging compiler optimizations. While further interface specification refinement is needed, this article provides a viable proof of concept for contracts in C.

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(gustedt.wordpress.com)
Development Contracts

Video Game History Foundation Launches Massive Digital Archive!

2025-02-04
Video Game History Foundation Launches Massive Digital Archive!

The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has launched early access to its digital archive, a treasure trove of video game history materials. This includes development documents, behind-the-scenes content, rare game magazines, and more. Highlights include the Mark Flitman papers, offering a glimpse into the business of game production, and over 100 hours of footage from the making of the Myst series. The archive is a collaborative effort, incorporating materials from the gaming community, and features a powerful search engine for easy research. Free and accessible to all, this resource promises to revolutionize how people study video game history.

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(gamehistory.org)
Game game history

Linux Gaming Anti-Cheat: Why It's So Difficult

2025-08-23
Linux Gaming Anti-Cheat: Why It's So Difficult

The Steam Hardware Survey shows a slow but steady increase in Linux users playing games, but many popular multiplayer titles (like Valorant and League of Legends) remain unplayable due to anti-cheat limitations. This article delves into how modern anti-cheat solutions work, particularly how kernel-level drivers prevent processes from accessing game memory. The author explains why this approach is ineffective on the open Linux system and suggests alternatives for mitigating cheating on Linux, such as improved networking code and code obfuscation. While Linux gamers hope to see wider game support, the technical challenges make this unlikely in the near future.

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(tulach.cc)
Game

Public Outpouring Funds Bionic Arm for Child After Insurance Denial

2024-12-30
Public Outpouring Funds Bionic Arm for Child After Insurance Denial

Nine-year-old Remi, born without a left hand, was denied a $24,000 bionic arm by her health insurance company, Select Health, who deemed it 'cosmetic.' Devastated, her parents launched a GoFundMe campaign, exceeding their goal within days thanks to public outrage over the denial. Remi, touched by the support, decided to donate the excess funds to another child, Tyraun, facing the same situation. The incident highlights criticism of the American healthcare system.

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(www.yahoo.com)
Misc bionic arm GoFundMe

arXivLabs: Experimenting with Community Collaboration

2025-05-20
arXivLabs: Experimenting with Community Collaboration

arXivLabs is a framework enabling collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Individuals and organizations working with arXivLabs embrace our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only partners with those who share them. Got an idea for a project that will benefit the arXiv community? Learn more about arXivLabs.

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(arxiv.org)
Development

Shooting ISS Transits: A Photographer's Guide

2025-07-13
Shooting ISS Transits: A Photographer's Guide

This article details the author's process for capturing images of the International Space Station (ISS) transiting the sun or moon. It starts with using transit-finder.com to locate optimal viewing spots and times. Next, it outlines necessary equipment, including a long telephoto lens, a tracking mount (optional), a remote shutter, and a fast memory card. The author stresses meticulous pre-planning, including arriving early to test equipment and account for potential timing discrepancies. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of continuous shooting before and after the predicted transit time, followed by checking the results. A successful image is shown as an example.

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(cosmicbackground.io)
Misc

Tailscale on Plan 9: An April Fool's Prank That Actually Worked

2025-04-02
Tailscale on Plan 9: An April Fool's Prank That Actually Worked

Tailscale's April Fool's Day announcement wasn't a joke: they actually ported Tailscale to the Plan 9 operating system. The journey was fraught with challenges, including outdated Go compiler support for Plan 9, kernel issues, and inter-process communication bugs. The team even fixed a decades-old bug in the Plan 9 kernel. The project, initially a naive undertaking, evolved into a significant effort, culminating in a working demo running Tailscale on Plan 9, even showcased on a web browser. This wasn't just a prank; it was a testament to the team's technical prowess and a fascinating exploration of a niche OS.

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(tailscale.com)
Development

Debuggers: A Deep Dive into the Architecture of a Software Debugging Tool

2025-06-11
Debuggers: A Deep Dive into the Architecture of a Software Debugging Tool

This is the first in a series of posts on debugger architecture. The author, drawing on years of experience building debuggers, explores the core principles and importance of this often-overlooked tool. More than just a tool for fixing bugs, a debugger provides deep insights into program execution and allows for verification of code correctness. The post details how debuggers work, including kernel interaction, CPU debugging features, breakpoint implementation, and stepping through code. Future posts will explore more advanced topics and the direction of debugger development.

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(www.rfleury.com)
Development

OpenAI Considers Antitrust Suit Against Microsoft: A Nuclear Option?

2025-06-17
OpenAI Considers Antitrust Suit Against Microsoft: A Nuclear Option?

OpenAI is reportedly considering filing an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, its largest investor, according to The Wall Street Journal. The potential lawsuit alleges that Microsoft is leveraging its cloud dominance and contractual power to stifle competition. This move could shatter a key AI partnership, which began with a $1 billion investment in 2019 and has since grown to billions more, including Microsoft's exclusive rights to host OpenAI models on Azure. The conflict stems from OpenAI's restructuring and disagreements over Microsoft's equity stake and exclusive cloud hosting rights.

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(arstechnica.com)
Tech

Artist Trains Rats to Predict Forex Markets

2024-12-19
Artist Trains Rats to Predict Forex Markets

Austrian conceptual artist Michael Marcovici's project, "Rat Traders," trained rats to predict foreign exchange futures prices. He converted price fluctuations into piano notes, and the rats predicted subsequent note changes. Surprisingly, trained rats seemingly outperformed human traders after months, though this lacked rigorous statistical testing. Marcovici's project satirizes the belief in market prediction and the human desire for shortcuts to profit in a chaotic system. The project ultimately ended due to rats' limited trading capacity, highlighting the unreliability of market prediction.

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(www.theatlantic.com)
Misc finance

FileDB: A Zig Implementation of a Bitcask-Inspired Key-Value Store

2025-06-14
FileDB: A Zig Implementation of a Bitcask-Inspired Key-Value Store

FileDB is a Zig implementation of a key-value store inspired by Riak's Bitcask paper. It uses a log-structured hash table for metadata and appends records to disk files for high throughput. Periodic compaction and syncing ensure data durability. Benchmark tests of its Redis-compatible client show read speeds exceeding 100,000 requests per second and impressive write performance.

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(github.com)
Development key-value database

The Curious Case of "Try and"

2025-08-10

This paper delves into the origins and properties of the English grammatical construction "try and." Often considered non-standard, "try and" boasts a surprisingly long history, potentially predating "try to." The paper analyzes its syntactic peculiarities, such as its disregard for the Coordinate Structure Constraint, its resistance to reordering or modification by "both," and its dialectal variations in inflection. Finally, it compares "try and" to similar pseudo-coordinate structures like "be sure and" and "go and," highlighting their grammatical and semantic differences.

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(ygdp.yale.edu)
Misc syntactic analysis

The Loss of Interstitial Time: How Smartphones Are Killing Boredom and Creativity

2025-05-05
The Loss of Interstitial Time: How Smartphones Are Killing Boredom and Creativity

This article explores the impact of smartphones and social media on our lives, particularly the erosion of 'interstitial time' – those small pockets of time between activities. The author argues that these moments, once used for reflection, conversation, or daydreaming, are now consumed by our phones, leading to decreased attention spans, impatience, and reduced creativity. The constant pursuit of instant gratification diminishes the value of waiting and boredom, impacting our anticipation of the future and our overall life experience. The article calls for a renewed appreciation of interstitial time, encouraging the cultivation of patience and creativity for a more fulfilling life.

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(www.afterbabel.com)
Misc attention span

Hacking Your Clock for Focus: A Simple Bash Script for Improved Concentration

2025-05-12
Hacking Your Clock for Focus: A Simple Bash Script for Improved Concentration

Frustrated with constant distractions, the author created a clever hack using the GNOME Panel Date Format extension and a simple bash script on Ubuntu. This transforms the computer's clock into a persistent focus reminder. The script allows setting a current focus task, which is displayed alongside the time. This method requires zero willpower, leveraging the natural tendency to glance at the clock frequently for subtle, yet effective, focus enhancement without interrupting workflow.

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(www.paepper.com)
Development GNOME extension bash script

Microsoft's Open Source PostgreSQL Extension Challenges MongoDB's Dominance

2025-02-11
Microsoft's Open Source PostgreSQL Extension Challenges MongoDB's Dominance

Microsoft's release of an open-source extension stack for PostgreSQL to handle document-style data is not only a challenge to MongoDB's NoSQL dominance but also blurs the lines between relational and non-relational databases. This move, from a company built on proprietary software, aims to attract developers with its lightweight approach. The extensions, pg_documentdb_core and pg_documentdb_api, support BSON and provide MongoDB-compatible commands. They work with FerretDB, an open-source MongoDB alternative. Experts see this as document databases becoming features within relational systems. MongoDB dismissed the move, while FerretDB sees it as an opportunity to build a stronger, collaborative foundation for MongoDB alternatives. The move highlights the evolving landscape of database technology and the increasing convergence of relational and NoSQL approaches.

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(www.theregister.com)
Tech

DOJ Claims Money Isn't Property: A Legal Absurdity

2025-01-31
DOJ Claims Money Isn't Property: A Legal Absurdity

In a shocking legal argument, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) claimed that confiscating $50,000 from a small business owner, Chuck Saine, didn't violate his property rights because money isn't property. Their reasoning? The government creates money, can tax it, and the Constitution allows spending for the 'general welfare'. This absurd claim challenges fundamental property rights and has sparked outrage. The case will be decided in court, but the DOJ's argument raises serious concerns about governmental overreach.

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(reason.com)
Misc property rights government overreach
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