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Cautious Embrace of BlueSky: A Social Media Strategy to Avoid Getting Burned

2024-12-29
Cautious Embrace of BlueSky: A Social Media Strategy to Avoid Getting Burned

As many users migrate to BlueSky, the author shares a cautious approach to joining the platform. The core argument is to avoid building all your value on platforms controlled by others. Using the metaphor "Don't build castles in other people's kingdoms," the author advocates for creating maximum value in self-controlled spaces, leveraging other platforms to drive attention and value to those spaces. Viewing BlueSky as a platform potentially disappearing within three years, the author focuses on personal websites and self-built communities to ensure long-term value accumulation. This approach prioritizes controlling one's own data and online presence over relying on third-party platforms.

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(chrisholdgraf.com)
Misc platform strategy

10 Essential Django Tools for Enhanced Performance, Security, and Productivity

2024-12-29

This article explores ten indispensable tools for your next Django project, covering dependency management, performance profiling, and more to boost development efficiency, security, and performance. From Poetry for dependency management to Silk for performance profiling, each tool—including Django Extensions, Django REST Framework, djangorestframework-camel-case, Django Storages, django-simple-history, django-otp, Celery, and Gunicorn with Uvicorn Workers—is explained with comparisons to alternatives like Pipenv, FastAPI, and django-reversion. These tools help build faster, more secure, and efficient Django applications.

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(thinkingbytes.co.uk)
Development Tools

A Once-Forbidden Fruit: The Secret Ingredient to Delicious Christmas Punch

2024-12-29
A Once-Forbidden Fruit: The Secret Ingredient to Delicious Christmas Punch

Making the traditional Mexican Christmas punch, Ponche Navideño, was once hampered by import restrictions on a key ingredient: tejocotes. These small, golden fruits, with their unique aroma and high pectin content, give the punch its distinctive flavor and thickness and are considered a symbol of Christmas in Mexico. For a long time, US customs prohibited their import due to concerns about fruit flies, leading to a black market for the rare fruit. However, in 2015, the USDA finally lifted the ban, making this festive drink much easier to make in the US. Now, tejocotes are readily available across the US, allowing people to enjoy this unique Christmas beverage that blends flavors from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

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(www.atlasobscura.com)
Misc Christmas Punch Tejocotes Mexican Culture

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.

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(media.ccc.de)
Misc bioterrorism self-medication health autonomy

Life After the Newag DRM Disclosure: A 38C3 Report

2024-12-29
Life After the Newag DRM Disclosure: A 38C3 Report

Following the disclosure at 37C3 of remote failure simulation code in Newag trains, security researchers faced a backlash. This update details the aftermath, including legal battles with Newag and train operators, media interactions, and multiple official investigations. The report also reveals new cases from different train operators, illustrating the challenges faced by security researchers when confronting powerful adversaries.

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(media.ccc.de)
Tech security research legal battles

Tetris in Conway's Game of Life: A Collaborative Epic

2024-12-29
Tetris in Conway's Game of Life: A Collaborative Epic

A team of programmers collaborated for a year and a half to successfully simulate Tetris within Conway's Game of Life. Instead of directly coding Tetris in Life, they used a layered abstraction approach, culminating in a computer built using metapixels and VarLife, programmed in QFTASM assembly language. This computer boasts a 16-bit asynchronous RISC Harvard architecture with numerous instructions and addressing modes. The final Tetris program runs within a massive Game of Life pattern, showcasing an impressive feat of computational power.

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(codegolf.stackexchange.com)
Game Conway's Game of Life metapixels Tetris

SQLite3: The Unsung Hero of Databases

2024-12-29

SQLite3 is a powerful, lightweight embedded database that quietly handles data for billions of deployments. Unlike its louder, more complex counterparts, SQLite3 operates as a single file, requiring no server setup. It boasts full SQL functionality, outperforming direct file I/O in speed, and managing databases up to 281 terabytes. From phones to websites, its stability, ease of use, and robust features make it an ideal choice for many projects, particularly those with moderate data needs or simpler database management requirements.

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(calmlog.medium.com)
Development embedded database

GitHub Open Source Project libsearch: Index-Free Full-Text Search for JavaScript

2024-12-29
GitHub Open Source Project libsearch: Index-Free Full-Text Search for JavaScript

libsearch is an open-source JavaScript full-text search library on GitHub that allows for fast text searching without requiring a pre-built index. It leverages the highly optimized regular expression engine of modern JavaScript engines, transforming query strings into regular expression filters for searching and employing an approximate TF-IDF algorithm for ranking. This library is suitable for simple applications that don't require complex indexing, especially useful for rapid prototyping and small web apps.

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(github.com)
Development open-source library

Is It Possible To Improve Our Memories As We Age?

2024-12-29
Is It Possible To Improve Our Memories As We Age?

A New Zealand Herald article explores the possibility of improving memory as we age. Experts and individuals share insights, revealing that memory isn't fixed. Strategies discussed include maintaining social connections, regular exercise, managing cardiovascular risks, and engaging in cognitive stimulation. Memory training techniques, like the memory palace method, are also highlighted. The article emphasizes proactive brain engagement through learning new skills, reading, and more to combat age-related memory decline.

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(www.nzherald.co.nz)
Misc cognitive training

38C3: Illegal Instructions - Chaos Communication Congress Explores Tech and Society

2024-12-29

The 38th Chaos Communication Congress (38C3), themed "Illegal Instructions," will take place in Hamburg from December 27th to 30th, 2024. This four-day conference, organized by the Chaos Computer Club (CCC), will feature talks and workshops on technology, society, and utopia. Topics range from hardware hacking and security to ethical and political discussions surrounding technological advancements. From liberating Wi-Fi on ESP32 to breaking Apple's new iPhone remote control feature and examining the EU's digital identity systems, 38C3 promises a diverse program sparking debate about technological ethics and societal responsibility.

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(media.ccc.de)
Tech Society

Intel 8080: The Microprocessor That Changed the World

2024-12-29
Intel 8080: The Microprocessor That Changed the World

Fifty years ago, the Intel 8080 microprocessor launched, marking a pivotal moment in computing history. Unlike its predecessors designed for specific clients, the 8080 was the first truly general-purpose microprocessor. Its efficiency, power, and flexible 40-pin configuration made it easier to connect to other components and integrated functions previously requiring multiple chips. Priced at just $360, the 8080 democratized computing, making it accessible to businesses and individuals alike. This spurred the mass adoption of personal computers, created new categories of silicon-powered devices, and boosted programming as a crucial skill. Its legacy continues today; the 8080 directly inspired the x86 architecture, now the world's most widely used computing architecture.

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(www.intel.com)
Tech Microprocessor x86 architecture

Can LLMs Accurately Recall the Bible?

2024-12-29
Can LLMs Accurately Recall the Bible?

This article investigates the ability of Large Language Models (LLMs) to accurately recall biblical scripture. The author devised six tests evaluating different sized LLMs' ability to accurately reproduce verses. Larger models (Llama 405B, GPT 4o, and Claude Sonnet) performed best, accurately recalling verses and even entire chapters. Smaller models (7B parameter range) frequently mixed translations or hallucinated text. Medium-sized models (70B range) generally preserved the meaning but often blended translations or paraphrased slightly. The author concludes that for accurate biblical quotations, larger models are preferable, supplemented by verifying against an actual Bible.

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(benkaiser.dev)
AI Bible Accuracy

America in 2024: A Year of Rage and Confusion

2024-12-29
America in 2024: A Year of Rage and Confusion

The year 2024 in America was marked by a stark contrast between widespread anger and elite confusion. Soaring homelessness, particularly among families, fueled public resentment. This anger manifested in various ways, from schadenfreude towards the Titan submersible victims to support for Trump and outrage over the murder of a healthcare CEO. The elite, however, struggled to understand this anger, resorting to ineffective security measures like a CEO crisis hotline, further alienating the public. Senator Warren's attempt to articulate the root of the anger was stifled, highlighting a critical communication breakdown.

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(www.kenklippenstein.com)
Misc American society inequality political unrest

Programmer's Revenge: The Tribulations of Running HelloWorld on z/OS

2024-12-29
Programmer's Revenge: The Tribulations of Running HelloWorld on z/OS

A programmer, once dismissive of operating system interaction in graduate school, found herself grappling with IBM's z/OS system years later for a blog post. z/OS, vastly different from modern software engineering environments, presented numerous challenges with its text-based interface, JCL scripts, and IBM's unique naming conventions. The article details her struggles in creating files (datasets), using the ISPF editor, allocating datasets, compiling, linking, loading, and handling output with SPOOL. It shares practical tips and lessons learned, a testament to the challenges of working with legacy systems.

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(medium.com)
Development

WebGL Fluid Simulation App Launched: Experience Realistic Fluid Effects!

2024-12-29
WebGL Fluid Simulation App Launched: Experience Realistic Fluid Effects!

The "Try Fluid Simulation" app has arrived! Leveraging WebGL, it delivers stunningly realistic fluid simulations right in your browser. Experience the mesmerizing movement of liquids, the ebb and flow of waves, and more, all with simple controls. Create fluids of various shapes and textures with a few clicks, witnessing the power of physics engines in action. This app is perfect for developers learning WebGL and enthusiasts fascinated by computer graphics and fluid simulation. Dive into this mesmerizing world of fluids!

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(paveldogreat.github.io)
Development Fluid Simulation

Unique Visual Challenges for Astronauts at the Lunar South Pole

2024-12-29
Unique Visual Challenges for Astronauts at the Lunar South Pole

NASA's Artemis program, aiming for a permanent lunar base at the South Pole, faces a unique challenge: the harsh lighting environment. The low solar elevation angle creates extreme variations in light and shadow, severely impacting astronaut vision and task performance. Unlike previous missions where helmet design alone sufficed, Artemis requires innovative vision support systems. These systems, encompassing helmets, windows, and lighting, must ensure clear vision in diverse lighting conditions, protecting astronauts' eyes from injury. NASA is developing various simulation techniques to address this challenge, paving the way for successful lunar exploration.

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(phys.org)
Tech Lunar South Pole Vision Challenges Artemis Program

resizer2: Manage Windows Like KDE/i3 with Win+Mouse

2024-12-29
resizer2: Manage Windows Like KDE/i3 with Win+Mouse

resizer2 is a Windows window manager that lets you resize and move windows using Win key + mouse, similar to KDE or i3 window managers. It offers features like moving, resizing, opacity adjustment, minimizing, and maximizing windows, even across multiple monitors. While it requires administrator privileges to move system windows and has some known quirks (like incompatibility with certain fullscreen apps), resizer2 provides a more efficient and convenient window management experience for Windows users.

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(github.com)
Development window management productivity tool

Setting up a Personal Mail Server on OpenBSD

2024-12-29

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide to setting up a personal mail server on OpenBSD. The author details the process, using Opensmtpd, Dovecot, DKIMProxy, and Spamd, offering solutions for common issues like Dovecot's open file limit. The guide covers server selection, system configuration, security measures, and detailed component setups, making it a valuable resource for users with some Linux experience.

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(nicolascarpi.github.io)
Development Mail Server Server Setup

Breakthrough in Optimal Space Complexity for Frequency Moment Estimation

2024-12-29

A paper by Mark Braverman and Or Zamir proves an optimal space lower bound of Ω(log(nε²)/ε²) for estimating frequency moments, where ε = Ω(1/√n). This research solves a long-standing problem in computational complexity, matching the classic Alon-Matias-Szegedy upper bound within a certain range. For smaller values of ε, the paper also introduces an improved algorithm that further refines the space complexity of frequency moment estimation. This breakthrough provides crucial theoretical guidance for stream data processing and algorithm design.

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(eccc.weizmann.ac.il)
AI frequency moment estimation space complexity stream data processing

Global Shift in Happiness: Young Adults Now Least Happy

2024-12-29
Global Shift in Happiness: Young Adults Now Least Happy

A groundbreaking global study reveals a stunning reversal in the long-held U-shaped curve of happiness across the lifespan. Previously, midlife was associated with the lowest happiness levels, but now young adults are the least happy. Analyzing millions of data points from 82 countries, researchers found a sharp decline in well-being among young people, particularly young women, starting around 2017. This shift is reflected not only in happiness scores but also in increased anxiety, depression, and suicide rates. The researchers emphasize this isn't just an American phenomenon, but a worldwide trend requiring further investigation into its underlying causes.

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(www.afterbabel.com)
AI happiness youth mental health global trend

Hackers Reveal Vulnerability in Europe's Remotely Controlled Power Grid

2024-12-29
Hackers Reveal Vulnerability in Europe's Remotely Controlled Power Grid

A significant portion of Europe's renewable energy production is remotely controlled via longwave radio. While designed to stabilize the grid, this system, using unencrypted and unauthenticated Versacom and Semagyr protocols, is vulnerable to abuse. Researchers analyzed these protocols and demonstrated how vulnerabilities could be exploited to remotely control streetlights, power plants, and potentially cause large-scale blackouts. They also showcased the possibility of using this vulnerability to create a city-wide light art installation.

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(media.ccc.de)
Tech grid security remote control

What Happens If You Make a Planet Out of Fish?

2024-12-29

This scientific article explores a whimsical thought experiment: what would happen if you created a planet entirely out of fish? Using principles of physics, the author meticulously traces the process. From the expansion of fish in a vacuum, their collision and aggregation into asteroids, to the eventual formation of an Earth-like planet named "Rockfish" with a diamond core, a metallic mantle, and vast oceans, and even a star "Starfish" and a black hole "Blackfish", the article is full of fun and explores the possibility of life's emergence, showcasing the charm of physics in exploring absurd scenarios.

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(james-simon.github.io)
Misc planet formation scientific thought experiment

Hidden Features of Animal Crossing's NES Emulator Discovered and Exploited

2024-12-29

A hacker named jamchamb reverse-engineered Nintendo's GameCube game, Animal Crossing, uncovering a hidden NES emulator. This emulator not only played the game's built-in NES titles but also allowed loading custom ROMs from a memory card. Further exploitation revealed a method to inject custom code into the game via modified memory card files, ultimately achieving arbitrary code execution and unlocking the game's developer mode. This opens doors for game modification and homebrew content, highlighting the power of reverse engineering and its potential applications in game development.

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(jamchamb.net)
Game game modification NES emulator

NASA and Axiom Space Alter Commercial Space Station Assembly Order

2024-12-29
NASA and Axiom Space Alter Commercial Space Station Assembly Order

NASA and Axiom Space have revised the assembly sequence for Axiom Space's commercial space station. The new plan prioritizes launching the Payload, Power, and Thermal Module first, enabling Axiom Station to become a free-flying destination as early as 2028, independent of the International Space Station (ISS). This accelerates Axiom Station's operational capabilities, reduces reliance on the ISS, and prepares for the ISS's decommissioning no earlier than 2030. NASA continues to support the R&D of multiple commercial space stations to maintain US leadership in microgravity research and to serve future space exploration goals.

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(www.nasa.gov)
Tech Commercial Space Station

Convoy Ditches UUIDv4 for ULIDs: Efficiency and Scalability in the Big Data Era

2024-12-28

During a database migration from MongoDB to Postgres, Convoy decided to replace UUIDv4 with ULIDs as unique identifiers. The article compares UUIDv4 and ULIDs, highlighting ULID's advantages: lexicographical sortability, URL friendliness, and improved database indexing efficiency, albeit with slightly slower generation and insertion speeds. Convoy chose ULIDs primarily to solve pagination performance issues with large datasets. While ULIDs are marginally slower to generate, the performance gains, especially for large-scale data processing, are deemed worthwhile. The article also discusses potential time information leakage risks and user data implications of ULIDs, and briefly mentions the potential future adoption of UUIDv7.

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(jirevwe.github.io)
Development

4x 4090 GPUs: Training Your Own LLMs Locally

2024-12-28
4x 4090 GPUs: Training Your Own LLMs Locally

An AI enthusiast built a local rig for training Large Language Models (LLMs) using four NVIDIA 4090 GPUs, costing around $12,000. This setup can train models up to 1 billion parameters, though it performs optimally with around 500 million. The article details the hardware selection (motherboard, CPU, RAM, GPUs, storage, PSU, case, cooling), assembly process, software configuration (OS, drivers, frameworks, custom kernel), model training, optimization, and maintenance. Tips include using George Hotz's kernel patch for P2P communication on 4xxx GPUs. While highlighting the benefits of on-premise training, the author acknowledges the cost-effectiveness of cloud solutions for some tasks.

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(sabareesh.com)
AI GPU Training Local AI

Joco's Comeback: From Near-Death to Profitable E-bike Delivery Service

2024-12-28
Joco's Comeback: From Near-Death to Profitable E-bike Delivery Service

Joco, an e-bike sharing startup, launched in NYC in 2021 and nearly failed. Initially aiming to compete with Citi Bike, a lawsuit from the NYC Department of Transportation forced a pivot to last-mile delivery services. This proved pivotal. Joco now provides rentals, maintenance, battery-swap cabinets, and community hubs offering riders rest and charging. They've achieved profitability, partnering with major logistics firms like Grubhub across New York, Chicago, and Miami. Their success stems from customer-centric service, exceeding expectations, and financial prudence—avoiding early marketing spend.

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(techcrunch.com)
Startup e-bike sharing delivery services

Fish Shell 4.0: An Epic Rewrite from C++ to Rust

2024-12-28

The Fish shell team completed a massive undertaking: rewriting Fish shell from C++ to Rust over nearly two years. Driven by limitations in C++'s tooling, compiler/platform differences, ergonomics, and thread safety, the team chose Rust to enhance performance, security, and developer experience. Employing a "Ship of Theseus" approach, they incrementally replaced components, ensuring stability throughout the process. While challenges arose, such as compatibility issues with autocxx, the team successfully released the Fish 4.0 beta, boasting performance improvements, new features, and easier-to-install statically linked versions.

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(fishshell.com)
Development
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