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The Internet's Missing Piece: A Secure and Simple Identity System

2025-08-18

The Internet's Missing Piece: A Secure and Simple Identity System

This article critiques the internet's flawed design separating identity verification from payments, leading to insecure and complex systems like passwords and third-party accounts. It proposes an ideal system: a single tap verifies identity and enables payments, offering security, ease, and user control. While the concept of 'being your own bank' was initially hampered by high barriers to entry, new tools like social recovery, smart wallets, and passkeys are simplifying secure, self-owned digital identities. The future promises a secure and user-friendly identity system, enabling safe digital lives without requiring users to be crypto experts.

(karimjedda.com)

Tech secure payments passwordless

A Charango, a Father-Daughter Saga

2025-01-20

A Charango, a Father-Daughter Saga

This article explores the complex relationship between the author and her father, using a traditional Andean instrument, the charango, as a narrative thread. The father, a skilled musician, plays stories of love and violence, laughter and tears on the charango. The author recounts her father's strict teachings, the violence in the family, and his musical virtuosity, revealing the intertwined love and hate between father and daughter, and the author's exploration of her own identity.

(longreads.com)

Misc music

Major Math Error Corrected in Black Plastic Study; Authors Say It Doesn't Matter

2024-12-20

Major Math Error Corrected in Black Plastic Study; Authors Say It Doesn't Matter

A study reporting toxic flame retardants from electronics in black plastic household products, including kitchen utensils, contained a significant mathematical error. The initial findings suggested exposure levels were near the safety limit, causing public alarm and prompting articles advising people to discard their kitchenware. A correction revealed the actual exposure is far below the safe limit. While the overall conclusion—that flame retardants significantly contaminate plastic products—remains, the study also found contamination is uncommon, affecting only a minority of products.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech flame retardant black plastic math error correction

Microsoft Claims First Topological Qubit: Breakthrough or Hype?

2025-02-20

Microsoft Claims First Topological Qubit: Breakthrough or Hype?

Microsoft announced the creation of the first topological qubit, sparking significant interest in the tech world. Topological qubits, based on non-Abelian anyons, are theoretically more resistant to errors than traditional qubits. While Microsoft retracted a similar claim in 2018, they now assert a fully functional topological qubit. Though currently not practically useful, this marks a milestone in topological quantum computing, with the future success of this approach compared to traditional qubits still uncertain.

(scottaaronson.blog)

Tech

Ditching Disqus: Building Blog Comments with Mastodon

2025-02-23

Tired of Disqus ads and tracking, the author sought an alternative and chose to build a Mastodon-based comment system using the Mastodon API. The article details the process: obtaining the Mastodon post ID, fetching comment data via the API using JavaScript, generating and embedding HTML into a static site, handling media attachments, and implementing a blacklist. The author also explains their static site generator and how they embed the Mastodon post ID into the HTML. This is a practical guide on building a personalized blog commenting system using open-source technology.

(beej.us)

Development

Microplastics in Drinks: Glass Bottles Surprisingly Higher Than Plastic?

2025-06-21

Microplastics in Drinks: Glass Bottles Surprisingly Higher Than Plastic?

A French ANSES study revealed surprisingly high microplastic contamination in glass bottled drinks compared to plastic or canned counterparts, particularly cola, lemonade, iced tea, and beer. Glass bottles averaged around 100 microplastic particles per liter, while plastic and cans showed significantly lower levels (5 to 50 times less). The source? Microplastics likely originate from the paint on bottle caps, released by microscopic scratches from storage friction. Cleaning caps significantly reduced contamination. The study suggests manufacturers explore altering cap storage or paint composition to mitigate this issue.

(www.anses.fr)

Tech

Rust Prototyping: Debunking the Myths

2025-01-17

Rust Prototyping: Debunking the Myths

This article challenges the common belief that Rust is unsuitable for rapid prototyping. The author argues that Rust's strong type system and tooling actually help developers catch design flaws early, reducing rework later. The article details several Rust prototyping techniques, such as using simple types, leveraging type inference, judiciously using `unwrap`, and utilizing IDE features effectively. Real-world examples illustrate how Rust's type system aids design, leading to robust production-ready code. The author also emphasizes avoiding premature optimization and recommends the `dbg!` macro for debugging. In short, this article provides a practical guide to Rust prototyping, enabling developers to efficiently translate ideas into working code.

(corrode.dev)

Development Prototyping Programming Techniques

Atlassian Integrates Opsgenie into Jira Service Management and Compass

2025-03-06

Atlassian Integrates Opsgenie into Jira Service Management and Compass

Atlassian announced the full integration of Opsgenie's capabilities into its platform to better serve customer needs. Opsgenie's alerting and on-call management features will be integrated into both Jira Service Management and Compass. Jira Service Management will become a complete incident management solution, while Compass will offer context-rich alerting and on-call management. Opsgenie will be end-of-sale on June 4th, 2025, and end-of-support on April 5th, 2027. Customers can choose to migrate to either Jira Service Management or Compass, with Atlassian providing personalized migration tools and support.

(www.atlassian.com)

Development

RealDOOM: Running DOOM on 16-bit Processors

2025-02-22

RealDOOM: Running DOOM on 16-bit Processors

RealDOOM is a work-in-progress port of the DOS version of DOOM (based on PCDOOMv2) to real mode, aiming for accuracy to the original game. Currently supporting DOOM1 and DOOM2 WADs, with plans for Ultimate DOOM. Development focuses on ASM rewrites of the render code and restoring removed features like sound and save games. While there are limitations on texture size and node counts, the project boasts performance benchmarks across various processors and quality settings.

(github.com)

Game

Ransomware Gang Exploits AWS Native Encryption

2025-01-14

Ransomware Gang Exploits AWS Native Encryption

A new ransomware group, dubbed 'Codefinger,' is targeting AWS S3 buckets and leveraging the cloud giant's own server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C) to encrypt victims' data. They use leaked AWS keys to encrypt files with AES-256 and set a 7-day self-destruct timer. This unique approach exploits AWS's own security features, making data recovery difficult without the attacker's key. Security experts recommend restricting SSE-C usage, regularly auditing AWS keys, and implementing the principle of least privilege to mitigate risk.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech ransomware AWS security cloud security

Saying Goodbye to Gmail: My Privacy-Focused Email Migration

2025-08-23

After years of using Gmail, I decided to switch to a more privacy-respecting email provider, Mailbox.org, prioritizing my data security. I chose Mailbox.org for its integrated PGP encryption and compatibility with my preferred Apple Mail app. The migration process, using the imapsync tool, took several hours but successfully transferred 2.14GB of emails. While slightly complex, the effort was well worth it for enhanced privacy.

(giuliomagnifico.blog)

Misc PGP encryption

Egg Prices Soar: A Monopoly's Grip on the American Breakfast

2025-03-09

Egg Prices Soar: A Monopoly's Grip on the American Breakfast

Egg prices in the US have skyrocketed by 53%, but the avian flu isn't the whole story. An investigation reveals a shocking level of industry consolidation. Two companies control chicken genetics, and Cal-Maine Foods dominates egg production and distribution. By artificially restricting supply, they've created a shortage driving massive profits. This article exposes the oligopoly's control of the American egg industry and its complex web of influence, highlighting a growing problem of monopolies in the US economy.

(www.thebignewsletter.com)

Tech egg prices

Git-Who: Track Down Code Ownership Like a Boss

2025-03-18

Git-Who: Track Down Code Ownership Like a Boss

Tired of hunting down the authors of specific code sections? Git-Who, a command-line tool, is your solution! Unlike `git blame`, which focuses on individual lines, Git-Who identifies the key contributors to entire code components or subsystems. Using three subcommands—`table`, `tree`, and `hist`—it presents authorship information in tables, tree structures, and timelines, showing contribution counts, last edit times, lines modified, and more. Filter results by path, branch, tag, or revision range, and use flags for sorting and filtering. Git-Who even respects Git mailmaps, consolidating contributions under varying names or emails. Try Git-Who to get a clear picture of code ownership!

(github.com)

Development code authorship

Gentoo Bans AI-Generated Contributions

2025-09-15

The Gentoo Council voted on April 14th to prohibit contributions created using AI natural language processing tools. This policy addresses copyright, quality, and ethical concerns. While AI-related software packages are permitted, directly using AI-generated code is banned due to potential copyright infringement, the risk of low-quality or nonsensical output, and ethical issues surrounding AI model training (e.g., copyright violations, high energy consumption). The policy aims to maintain the quality and integrity of Gentoo projects.

(wiki.gentoo.org)

Development

The End of the Reading Revolution? The Decline of Reading and the Crisis of Democracy in the Smartphone Age

2025-09-20

The End of the Reading Revolution? The Decline of Reading and the Crisis of Democracy in the Smartphone Age

This article explores the reversal of the reading revolution. The 18th-century reading revolution democratized knowledge, fostering reason and democracy. However, the advent of the smartphone age has led to a sharp decline in reading, with people's attention captured by fragmented information and social media, leading to a decline in critical thinking and cognitive abilities. This not only leads to the loss of knowledge but also threatens the foundation of democratic systems, as democracies require citizens to possess sufficient knowledge and critical thinking skills. The article warns that this trend toward a post-literate society could lead to social regression, returning to a pre-printing era of authoritarianism and superstition.

(jmarriott.substack.com)

Tech

Brisk: A Cross-Platform C++20 GUI Framework for High-Performance Rendering

2024-12-18

Brisk: A Cross-Platform C++20 GUI Framework for High-Performance Rendering

Brisk is a modern, cross-platform C++20 GUI framework built for creating responsive, high-performance applications with ease. Leveraging an MVVM architecture and reactive capabilities, Brisk boasts scalable GPU-accelerated rendering, making it ideal for graphics-intensive projects. It supports multiple backends (D3D11, D3D12, Vulkan, OpenGL, Metal, WebGPU) and features declarative GUI, stylesheets, and full Unicode support. Currently under active development, contributions are welcome.

(github.com)

Development GUI Framework GPU Acceleration

Ente Photos: On-Device Machine Learning for Enhanced Privacy

2024-12-15

Ente Photos: On-Device Machine Learning for Enhanced Privacy

Ente Photos utilizes a unique on-device machine learning approach, running models locally instead of in the cloud to guarantee end-to-end encryption and user privacy. Overcoming challenges of limited compute, diverse platforms, and restricted access to ML libraries, Ente achieves features like image indexing, clustering, semantic search, and face recognition. While local processing presents technical hurdles, Ente addresses them through model optimization, algorithmic refinements, and meticulous image processing, leveraging open-source tools like ONNX Runtime. The result is a consistent and efficient cross-platform experience, allowing users to securely explore and manage their memories.

(ente.io)

AI on-device machine learning

ChatGPT Becomes Default Safari Search Engine via New Extension

2025-02-25

ChatGPT Becomes Default Safari Search Engine via New Extension

OpenAI updated its ChatGPT app with a new Safari extension, enabling users to set ChatGPT Search as their default search engine in Safari. After updating the app, users can enable the extension in Safari settings. All searches typed into the Safari search bar will then be directed to ChatGPT Search instead of Google or their current default. While there's no option to directly set ChatGPT as a preferred search engine, the extension offers a workaround.

(www.macrumors.com)

Tech Safari Extension Default Search Engine

Monorepo Build Tools: Scaling Your Codebase

2024-12-20

Traditional build tools struggle with large codebases (100-10,000 active developers). Monorepo build tools like Bazel and Mill offer solutions by supporting multiple languages, custom build tasks, automatic caching and parallelization, remote caching and execution, drastically improving build speed and efficiency. They also feature dependency-based test selection and build task sandboxing, reducing testing time and non-determinism. While these features might seem unnecessary for small projects, they are crucial for large-scale collaboration and continuous integration in larger projects, preventing build times from becoming a bottleneck.

(mill-build.org)

Development build tools scalability

Shippable Microfactories: Revolutionizing Construction with On-Site Automation

2025-07-26

Shippable Microfactories: Revolutionizing Construction with On-Site Automation

Traditional prefabricated construction faces high capital expenditures and shipping costs. The emerging microfactory model, often the size of a shipping container, addresses these issues by deploying directly to construction sites. This article analyzes the economic viability of microfactories, showcasing AUAR's successful Belgian office building project. AUAR's robotic microfactory prefabricated the building's shell in under 8 hours, highlighting the efficiency gains. Microfactories promise to transform construction by increasing efficiency and lowering costs.

(www.thesisdriven.com)

Tech microfactories prefabricated construction

Brazil Halts Sam Altman's Iris Scan Project

2025-01-26

Brazil Halts Sam Altman's Iris Scan Project

Tools for Humanity, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has been banned in Brazil from offering cryptocurrency incentives for iris scans. Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) argues this practice interferes with individuals' free will, impacting their autonomous decision-making regarding biometric data. This highlights growing global concerns about the collection and privacy of biometric data.

(economictimes.indiatimes.com)

Tech biometric data

Coffeematic PC: A Retro Gaming Rig Cooled by Hot Coffee

2025-08-02

Coffeematic PC: A Retro Gaming Rig Cooled by Hot Coffee

Artist Doug MacDowell built Coffeematic PC, a functional computer housed in a vintage GE Coffeematic drip coffee maker. Uniquely, it uses the brewed coffee to cool its CPU. This isn't the first coffee maker computer, but it's the first to employ this unconventional cooling method. The article explores the history of coffee maker computers, noting a curious 15-year gap in builds, and speculates on the reasons behind it. Coffeematic PC also inspired an art exhibition called Sparklines, showcasing the intersection of art and hacking.

(www.dougmacdowell.com)

Hardware art tech hardware hack

Koko: AI-Powered Mental Health Nonprofit Seeking Technical Leader

2025-03-06

Koko: AI-Powered Mental Health Nonprofit Seeking Technical Leader

Koko, a mental health tech non-profit founded by former MIT and Airbnb engineers, is hiring a technical leader. They're building scalable AI systems to provide immediate online mental health support to young people, integrating their interventions into platforms like TikTok and Discord. Having already helped over 4 million young people across 199 countries, Koko emphasizes data-driven product decisions, A/B testing, and rigorous safety standards. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact using AI for good.

(www.ycombinator.com)

AI Mental Health

White House Seeks Oracle's Help to Save TikTok from US Ban

2025-01-26

White House Seeks Oracle's Help to Save TikTok from US Ban

To prevent a nationwide ban, the White House is negotiating with Oracle and other investors to transfer control of TikTok's algorithm, data collection, and software updates to American companies. While ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, would retain a minority stake, US investors would hold a majority. This aims to comply with US law mandating TikTok's separation from its Chinese parent company. However, the deal faces hurdles, including TikTok's high valuation and securing congressional approval. Recent signals from Chinese regulators suggest they won't block a majority US ownership, but uncertainties remain about the long-term commitment of the Trump administration and the cooperation of Apple and Google.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Bioterrorism: Reclaiming Your Health in a Controlled System

2024-12-29

Bioterrorism: Reclaiming Your Health in a Controlled System

This talk challenges the modern healthcare system's criminalization of self-managed health. Historically, personal health autonomy was the norm; however, today, it requires mediation by state-authorized institutions. The speaker delves into the possibilities of self-compounding medicine and navigating legal risks. The presentation encourages self-medication, offering information on numerous uncommercialized yet self-manufacturable medications, thus challenging the monopoly of the traditional healthcare system.

(media.ccc.de)

Misc bioterrorism self-medication health autonomy

ELIZA Reanimated: World's First Chatbot Restored

2025-01-18

Researchers have successfully resurrected ELIZA, widely considered the world's first chatbot, on a restored CTSS—the world's first time-sharing system (emulated on an IBM 7094). Using original printouts, MAD-SLIP code, and supporting documents found in Prof. Weizenbaum's archives at MIT, they recreated ELIZA and its famous DOCTOR script. The entire project is open-source, allowing anyone with a Unix-like OS to run the groundbreaking chatbot.

(arxiv.org)

AI

Truchet Tiles: Simple Geometry, Infinite Possibilities

2025-07-29

Truchet tiles, simple square tiles with non-rotationally symmetric patterns, create surprisingly complex and captivating visual effects. First described in 1704 by Sébastien Truchet, they're now widely used in information visualization and graphic design. By varying the tile orientations, diverse patterns emerge, even creating labyrinths. Their elegant simplicity extends to programming; a single line of code can generate endless variations, highlighting the beauty of concise algorithms and infinite possibilities. This makes them a prime example of generative art.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Design geometric patterns

EloqKV: Outperforming Redis with Distributed ACID Transactions and Tiered Storage

2025-08-19

EloqKV: Outperforming Redis with Distributed ACID Transactions and Tiered Storage

EloqKV is a high-performance distributed database with a Redis/ValKey compatible API. It offers ACID transactions, full elasticity and scalability, tiered storage, and session-style transaction syntax, all while maintaining Redis' simplicity. EloqKV achieves up to 1.6 million QPS on a c6g.8xlarge instance, exceeding Redis and ValKey's performance. Its distributed ACID transactions eliminate cross-slot errors, and tiered storage automatically offloads cold data to disk, saving up to 70% on memory costs. EloqKV is designed for developers needing a robust database solution for demanding AI applications.

(github.com)

Tech Redis compatible

OpenAI AMA: Admitting Lag, Embracing Open Source?

2025-02-01

OpenAI AMA: Admitting Lag, Embracing Open Source?

In a wide-ranging Reddit AMA, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted that OpenAI's lead in AI is shrinking, partly due to competitors like DeepSeek. He hinted at a shift towards a more open-source strategy, potentially releasing older models. OpenAI is also navigating pressure from Washington, a massive funding round, and the need to build out substantial data center infrastructure. To compete, the company plans to increase model transparency by revealing the reasoning process behind its outputs. Altman expressed optimism about the potential for rapid AI advancement but acknowledged the risk of misuse, particularly in the development of weapons.

(techcrunch.com)

AI AI Race

Siddhartha: A Spiritual Journey of Self-Discovery

2025-02-20

Siddhartha: A Spiritual Journey of Self-Discovery

Hermann Hesse's *Siddhartha* follows the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha in ancient India. Leaving his home to seek enlightenment, he becomes an ascetic, practices intense meditation, and eventually journeys alone after parting ways with his friend Govinda. Experiencing both the lavish life and the depths of despair, he ultimately finds enlightenment by a river, guided by an old ferryman. The novel emphasizes the importance of lived experience in achieving understanding, rather than intellectual pursuits alone.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc spiritual awakening self-discovery Indian philosophy

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