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Procedural Textures with Simple Hash Functions: A Playground of Patterns

2025-04-18

Procedural Textures with Simple Hash Functions: A Playground of Patterns

This article explores the surprising complexity achievable with a simple hash function for generating procedural textures. The core is a concise equation: $(c_x x + c_y y + c_{xy} xy + c_{x^2} x^2 + c_{y^2} y^2) mod m < τm$. By tweaking parameters, a vast array of visually rich patterns emerges. The author delves into the mathematical underpinnings, explaining how different terms influence the resulting texture. An interactive playground allows readers to experiment and create their own designs, making this relevant to game development and digital art.

(douglasorr.github.io)

Game procedural textures

Good Friday: A Comprehensive Guide to the Day of Christ's Crucifixion

2025-04-18

Good Friday: A Comprehensive Guide to the Day of Christ's Crucifixion

Good Friday, a pivotal day in Christianity, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This article details the events leading up to and including his crucifixion: arrest, trial, scourging, crowning with thorns, carrying the cross, and his final words. It explains the origin of the name 'Good Friday', describing diverse global observances, including religious services, processions, and reenactments of the Passion. Unusual customs are highlighted, such as egg divination and planting traditions. Finally, the article explains the annually shifting date of Easter and outlines other Holy Week events, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

(www.historyextra.com)

Misc Good Friday Holy Week

1700-Year-Old Intact Roman Egg Baffles Scientists

2025-04-18

1700-Year-Old Intact Roman Egg Baffles Scientists

Archaeologists in the UK have unearthed a remarkably preserved 1700-year-old egg at the Berryfields site, about 50 miles northwest of London. Found in an ancient well that served as both a water source and ritual site during Roman times, the egg's liquid interior remains intact. The discovery, alongside other artifacts like coins and bones, offers invaluable insights into Roman culture, daily life, and animal introductions. The egg's preservation, its seemingly unbroken state, and its potential connection to Roman rituals make it a truly unique find. Scientists plan to extract the liquid and perform DNA testing to determine the species and origin of the egg.

(www.atlasobscura.com)

Tech Egg

UNESCO Honors Poland's Polonaise: A Dance Through History

2025-04-18

UNESCO Honors Poland's Polonaise: A Dance Through History

Once banned under Russian rule, Poland's stately polonaise dance, a symbol of national spirit, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This 18th-century dance, performed at aristocratic balls and village celebrations alike, inspired composers like Bach and Chopin. Even during Poland's partitions, it fostered a sense of national identity. Today, it remains a significant part of national events, graduations, and weddings, representing cooperation, reconciliation, and equality. Its simple elegance continues to unite people, passed down through generations and performed in streets and schools alike, demonstrating its enduring power.

(apnews.com)

Misc Polonaise Intangible Cultural Heritage

Killing in Combat: Context Matters More Than the Act Itself

2025-04-18

Killing in Combat: Context Matters More Than the Act Itself

A large-scale study of Norwegian soldiers challenges the common belief that killing inevitably harms a soldier's mental health. Researchers compared two groups: soldiers deployed to Afghanistan on combat missions and those serving as peacekeepers in Lebanon. The study found that peacekeepers who had killed someone exhibited higher rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use, and lower quality of life, compared to those who hadn't. However, no such difference was found among the combat soldiers. The study concludes that the context surrounding killing, rather than the act itself, significantly impacts mental wellbeing. The difference likely stems from the distinct mission objectives and rules of engagement between combat and peacekeeping operations. The findings highlight the need for context-specific psychological support and training for soldiers to minimize potential psychological harm.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc war trauma soldier psychology

Tracking Leaked Location Data from Mobile Apps: A Python-Powered Citizen Science Project

2025-04-18

Tracking Leaked Location Data from Mobile Apps: A Python-Powered Citizen Science Project

Following up on a previous post exposing how mobile apps share location data through ads, the author shares a faster, more scalable method using mitmproxy and Python. This allows users to record app traffic and filter for requests containing sensitive data like location information using custom keywords. A GitHub repo with a detailed guide and Python notebook is provided for participation. A crowdsourced spreadsheet collects observations on data sharing behaviors of various apps, encouraging a citizen science effort to uncover app data privacy issues.

(timsh.org)

Tech

Nostalgia Trip: Why Early Computers Were More Fun

2025-04-18

This article explores why older generations find early computers more enjoyable than modern ones. The author argues that the simplicity and limitations of early hardware – slow processors, low resolutions, limited memory – forced creative problem-solving, making the experience more engaging. The largely text-based internet fostered stronger human interaction, lacking the pervasive advertising and passive content consumption of today. The author posits that the appeal lay in the exclusivity; only those truly passionate about computers invested the time, creating a tight-knit community. As computers became ubiquitous and user-friendly, this unique aspect faded, replaced by accessibility but at the cost of depth and challenge.

(www.datagubbe.se)

Misc computer culture

Trek and Electra Raise Bike Prices to Offset Tariffs

2025-04-18

Trek and Electra Raise Bike Prices to Offset Tariffs

Trek and Electra bicycle retailers received an email informing them of immediate price increases on most models due to a 10% tariff surcharge announced on April 2nd. Trek stated they minimized the impact on entry-level models and that the price increase includes backorders to avoid inventory rushes. Retailers will see increased inventory value and profit margins. Specialized Bicycles will separately list the 10% tariff surcharge on B2B invoices after May 1st.

(www.bicycleretailer.com)

Hardware bikes

DEF CON: My Failed Attempt to Hack the Wall of Sheep

2025-04-18

DEF CON: My Failed Attempt to Hack the Wall of Sheep

At DEF CON's Wall of Sheep exhibit, which displays captured login credentials from an insecure Wi-Fi network, I attempted to inject JavaScript via XSS into the login field to display fake credentials. However, my assumption that the wall was a simple web browser rendering was wrong. The process was manually moderated, and the underlying software wasn't what I expected. My attack failed, but I've learned valuable lessons for a future attempt, including better preparation and a more realistic approach.

(honeypot.net)

Tech

Intuit's Lobbying Power Kills IRS Free Tax Filing Program

2025-04-18

Intuit's Lobbying Power Kills IRS Free Tax Filing Program

A decades-long battle culminated in the Trump administration shutting down the IRS's free tax filing program, Direct File, thanks to Intuit (maker of TurboTax)'s massive lobbying efforts and political donations. Despite high user satisfaction, Intuit relentlessly lobbied against Direct File, viewing it as a competitor. Their strategy involved substantial campaign contributions to politicians and hiring lobbying firms to pressure lawmakers. This resulted in the demise of a public service designed to simplify tax filing and save taxpayers money. The incident highlights the influence of money in politics and how corporations leverage their financial power to shape public policy, harming ordinary citizens.

(prospect.org)

Tech Political Donations Taxation

US Customs Changes Cause Shipping Delays

2025-04-18

Due to recent US Customs regulatory updates, shipments to the US with a declared customs value exceeding USD 800 are experiencing multi-day transit delays, regardless of origin. To alleviate customs processing strain, starting April 21st, B2C shipments to US individuals with a declared value over USD 800 are temporarily suspended. B2B shipments and those under USD 800 are unaffected, though delays are possible. This is a result of the new USD 800 formal entry threshold (down from USD 2500), causing a surge in formal customs clearances. This is a temporary measure, and updates will be provided.

(www.dhl.com)

Tech US Customs Shipping Delays

The 50-Year-Old Mystery of Internet Packet Size

2025-04-18

This article delves into the enduring question of optimal internet packet size. From RFC 791's initial suggestion of 576 octets to today's default of 20-1500 octets, packet size has been a key trade-off in network design. Tracing the evolution of Ethernet, it explains the relationship between minimum packet size and collision detection, and the balance between maximum packet size and transmission efficiency. Jumbo frames and Path MTU discovery are also discussed, concluding that 46-1500 octets remains a reasonable range for the public internet, a choice that has persisted for nearly 50 years.

(www.potaroo.net)

Tech packet size

Kagi Search Makes AI Assistant Available to All Users

2025-04-18

Kagi Search is making its AI assistant available to all users across all plans, no additional cost. Previously exclusive to Ultimate subscribers, this powerful tool leverages Kagi's search results to enhance research, respecting user privacy by not using data for AI model training. The rollout is phased, starting in the USA today and completing globally by Sunday, 23:59 UTC. A fair-use policy based on plan value limits AI model usage to ensure sustainability. The AI assistant allows users to interact with various leading LLMs, customize interactions, and refine responses through editing.

(blog.kagi.com)

Tech AI Assistant

Amazon's Secret Vega TV OS is Coming Soon

2025-04-18

Amazon's Secret Vega TV OS is Coming Soon

Amazon is secretly pushing forward with its new Vega TV operating system, planning to release its first non-Android streaming device this year. Vega, a Linux-based OS, may eventually replace Amazon's Fire OS. Despite previous delays to a Vega streaming stick and an update to its Android-based TV OS, leaks and sources confirm that the Vega project is progressing, with the first device imminent.

(www.lowpass.cc)

Tech Vega OS Streaming Device

Truss to Launch 'Uncensorable' Social Media Platform This Summer

2025-04-18

Truss to Launch 'Uncensorable' Social Media Platform This Summer

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss plans to launch an "uncensorable" social media platform this summer, aiming to combat what she calls the "deep state." Announced at CPAC in Washington, where she declared Britain to be in a "Dark Age," the platform promises uncancellable free speech, a counter to what Truss describes as "the West's war against itself." While details remain scarce, Truss confirmed a summer launch, promising further updates soon.

(www.thetimes.com)

Tech Liz Truss

Visualizing Huge Crowds: How Big is a Billion People?

2025-04-18

This interactive web app visualizes massive populations using stadium-sized units of 100,000 people. Users input a number, and the app renders a 3D visualization of stadiums representing that population. Mouse and keyboard controls allow exploration of the vast scale, offering an intuitive grasp of even billions of people.

(davkap92.github.io)

Misc interactive app scale perception

The Chordonomicon: 680,000 Songs Reveal the Evolution of Pop Music Chords

2025-04-18

The Chordonomicon: 680,000 Songs Reveal the Evolution of Pop Music Chords

An analysis of nearly 680,000 songs reveals fascinating trends in chord usage across different genres and decades. G major and C major reign supreme, but genre preferences diverge sharply: country music favors simple major chords, while jazz incorporates more complex seventh chords and others. The study tracks the rise and fall of various chord types, highlighting a decline in unique chord usage in recent decades, suggesting a trend towards simpler, more repetitive chord progressions in pop music.

(www.cantgetmuchhigher.com)

Misc music data analysis pop music

60k Lines of Lua Later: A Game Dev's Reflection

2025-04-18

60k Lines of Lua Later: A Game Dev's Reflection

Oleg from Luden.io interviews Ivan Trusov, lead programmer of the Lua-based game Craftomation 101 (~60,000 lines of code built with the Defold engine), about their experience. Ivan discusses Lua's pros and cons, such as the lack of increment operators and classes, and array indices starting from 1. Despite this, he appreciates Lua's simplicity and flexibility, particularly its powerful 'tables', but notes runtime errors can arise in large projects due to its dynamic typing. He compares Lua to Python and C++, and discusses the potential use of static analysis tools and potential Lua upgrades (like Luau). Ultimately, he finds Lua performs well within Defold, but for the next project, he might consider a more strongly typed language to catch errors at compile time.

(blog.luden.io)

Development

PostgreSQL's Shared Buffer: More RAM, More Problems?

2025-04-18

PostgreSQL's Shared Buffer: More RAM, More Problems?

Machines with hundreds of gigabytes of RAM are commonplace nowadays. PostgreSQL's shared buffer can significantly boost performance, but its workings are less intuitive than you might expect. This article delves into PostgreSQL's buffer replacement strategy, including the clock sweep algorithm and ring buffer strategies. While a larger shared buffer might seem beneficial, performance can degrade beyond a certain threshold (e.g., 64GB) because the algorithm takes longer to scan for replaceable blocks. The article advises carefully sizing the shared buffer based on data size and system memory, avoiding overly large settings that can create bottlenecks.

(pgdba.org)

Development

Secrets of the CN Tower: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Broadcast Facility

2025-04-17

This post offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Toronto's CN Tower, focusing on its broadcast facilities. The author, a former radio station engineer, shares photos from their time working there, showcasing the security office, diesel generator room, Sinclair cavity tuners combining numerous radio signals, vintage and modern transmitters of CKFM and CHUM radio stations, and the massive Marconi combiner. The article also details unique architectural features, such as the now-removed exterior staircase featured in the movie 'Canadian Bacon'. It's a fascinating look at the technology and history behind the CN Tower's broadcast system.

(site.roadwolf.ca)

Tech CN Tower Broadcast Facility

AI is Turning Us Into Glue: A Software Engineer's Anxiety

2025-04-17

The rapid advancement of AI, particularly large language models, is dramatically changing the daily work of software engineers. The author, a software engineer, finds that AI can quickly solve thorny bugs and refactor code, increasing efficiency but robbing him of the pleasure of tackling complex problems and deeply understanding system architecture. The author anticipates AI will excel at most "deep linear thinking" tasks, leaving humans to act as the "glue" connecting AI to the real world, handling mundane tasks like configuring cloud services or wiring hardware. He expresses anxiety about the future, fearing many jobs will disappear and that even new opportunities will likely involve repetitive, unfulfilling "glue" work.

(lincoln.swaine-moore.is)

Development

USPS Postal Facts: You Can Mail Potatoes!

2025-04-17

USPS Postal Facts: You Can Mail Potatoes!

The 2024 edition of USPS Postal Facts reveals some surprising facts. Did you know you can mail a potato without a box? Just write the address and return address on it, weigh it, and apply postage. The document also lists USPS trademarks and several non-postal trademarks. Information can be reproduced for informational purposes, but the USPS advises checking for the latest updates.

(facts.usps.com)

Misc USPS mailing potatoes trademarks

Psychedelics and Breathwork: A New Dawn for Mental Health Treatment?

2025-04-17

Psychedelics and Breathwork: A New Dawn for Mental Health Treatment?

Recent studies have shown promising results for psychedelic-assisted therapies, such as psilocybin and MDMA, in treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Multiple clinical trials indicate substantial and sustained improvements. Concurrently, breathwork therapies, including Holotropic Breathwork, are gaining traction, with research suggesting effectiveness in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression. These therapies appear to work by altering brain activity and neurotransmitter levels, thus impacting mood and mental state. While further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety, these findings offer new hope for mental health treatment and open exciting avenues for exploring the mysteries of the brain and consciousness.

(www.nature.com)

AI psychedelic therapy breathwork therapy mental health treatment

Google Found Guilty of Antitrust Violations Again: Ad Tech Empire Under Siege

2025-04-17

Google Found Guilty of Antitrust Violations Again: Ad Tech Empire Under Siege

A federal judge has ruled that Google illegally exploited its online marketing technology to boost profits, marking the second antitrust violation against the tech giant in less than a year. The ruling centers on Google's dominant position in ad tech, accusing the company of manipulating prices and harming competition. While Google plans to appeal, the decision could force the sale of parts of its advertising technology, significantly impacting its massive advertising empire. This case highlights the complexities of Google's advertising ecosystem built over a decade of acquisitions, with repercussions felt throughout the online advertising industry.

(apnews.com)

Tech Ad Tech

After a Brain Aneurysm, My Inner Monologue Vanished

2025-04-17

After a Brain Aneurysm, My Inner Monologue Vanished

A mishap after a karaoke performance led to the author's brain aneurysm rupturing and bleeding. Upon waking, she discovered she'd lost her ability to read and developed aphasia. Surprisingly, however, she felt no pain or anxiety, instead entering a state of serenity she calls "the Quiet." This "Quiet" wasn't simply silence but a new way of perceiving the world; her perception of her surroundings sharpened, yet lacked specific categories and dimensions. With the help of a speech therapist, she gradually regained her language abilities, but also realized this experience transformed her understanding of herself and the world.

(nautil.us)

Misc brain injury aphasia altered consciousness

Mux: Democratizing Video for Developers

2025-04-17

Mux: Democratizing Video for Developers

Mux is building video infrastructure for developers, aiming to democratize video by tackling the hard problems of video encoding, streaming (Mux Video), and monitoring (Mux Data). Backed by top investors like Coatue and Accel, and boasting a team with experience from Google, YouTube, and Twitch, Mux serves a diverse clientele ranging from startups to established companies like Reddit and Vimeo. They also host Demuxed, the leading conference for video engineers.

(mux.com)

Development video development cloud video video infrastructure

Meta's Antitrust Trial: Redacted Slides Spark Fury From Competitors

2025-04-17

Meta's Antitrust Trial: Redacted Slides Spark Fury From Competitors

Meta's antitrust trial took a turn today as Apple, Google, and Snap expressed outrage over easily removed redactions in slides presented by Meta. The tech giants accused Meta of negligence, jeopardizing confidential information and raising concerns about Meta's commitment to data security. While the revealed information itself wasn't particularly sensitive—internal assessments of user preferences and competitor success—the competitors focused on Meta's apparent carelessness and potential strategic implications. Snap's attorney even hinted at the possibility of Meta using the trial to gain intelligence on its rivals.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Securely Manage Environment Variables with GPG-Encrypted Files

2025-04-17

Securely Manage Environment Variables with GPG-Encrypted Files

This shell tool provides a secure way to manage environment variables using GPG-encrypted files. It addresses the common issue of command-line tools needing environment variables containing sensitive information stored in unencrypted shell files. The tool allows users to read secrets from encrypted files and easily switch between different accounts. It supports nested logins, updates the `SECRET_LOGIN` environment variable, and modifies the shell prompt to display the current login. Autocomplete for available filenames is also included.

(github.com)

Development Shell tool GPG encryption

UniK3D: Universal Camera Monocular 3D Estimation

2025-04-17

UniK3D revolutionizes monocular 3D reconstruction by accurately estimating metric 3D scenes from single images, regardless of camera type. Unlike previous methods reliant on simplified assumptions, UniK3D directly predicts 3D points without extra information. Its key innovation lies in a spherical 3D representation and a novel camera representation, overcoming limitations of traditional approaches in wide-angle and panoramic settings. Zero-shot evaluation across 13 diverse datasets demonstrates state-of-the-art performance in 3D, depth, and camera metrics, particularly excelling in challenging large field-of-view scenarios. Code and models are available on GitHub.

(lpiccinelli-eth.github.io)

AI

Val: An Arbitrary-Precision Calculator Language

2025-04-17

Val: An Arbitrary-Precision Calculator Language

Val is a simple arbitrary-precision calculator language built on top of chumsky and ariadne. It runs on Linux, MacOS, BSDs, and Windows. Installation is easy via Cargo, or pre-built binaries are available. Val features a command-line interface and REPL with syntax highlighting, persistent history, and emacs-style editing. The language supports functions, loops, conditionals, and a rich set of built-in functions covering arithmetic, logical, comparison, and collection operations. Data types include numbers, booleans, strings, and lists.

(github.com)

Development

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