Ads Devouring Half Your Mobile Data?

2025-01-05
Ads Devouring Half Your Mobile Data?

A study reveals that online ads consume nearly half of the mobile data used to load a webpage on average. Researchers tested eight popular news sites, finding that ads accounted for 18% to 79% of data transfer. This sheds light on why many users run out of mobile data before the end of the month. While ads are crucial revenue for websites, their high data consumption raises concerns about efficiency, leading users to explore solutions like ad blockers.

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AI-Assisted Coding: The Two Sides of the Coin

2025-01-05
AI-Assisted Coding: The Two Sides of the Coin

The rise of AI-assisted coding tools has revolutionized software engineering, but it's not without its challenges. This article explores two typical AI usage patterns: "bootstrappers" and "iterators." Bootstrappers leverage AI to rapidly build prototypes, while iterators use AI in their daily workflow for code completion, refactoring, and more. While AI significantly boosts efficiency, it also presents the "70% problem": AI quickly handles most of the work, but the remaining 30% of fine-tuning still requires human intervention, especially challenging for inexperienced developers. The article emphasizes that AI is better suited for experienced developers, helping them accelerate solutions to known problems and explore new approaches, rather than completely replacing them. In the future, AI-assisted coding will move toward "intelligent agents" with greater autonomy and multimodal capabilities, but human oversight and guidance will remain crucial. Ultimately, the essence of software engineering remains unchanged, and the demand for experienced engineers may even increase.

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Development AI-assisted coding

60 Years of Space Mission Patches: A Visual History

2025-01-05
60 Years of Space Mission Patches: A Visual History

This article explores the evolution of space mission patches over six decades, showcasing iconic designs from the Soviet Union, NASA, and SpaceX. It highlights the Gemini 5 mission patch as an example of how astronauts infused personal meaning into their designs. The article contrasts the styles of different agencies: NASA patches often include crew names, while NRO patches are enigmatic and humorous, and ESA patches blend European culture and scientific spirit. These patches are not just memorabilia; they encapsulate the history, technology, and human element of space exploration.

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IGNITE: The First All-IGS Art Pack Released!

2025-01-05
IGNITE: The First All-IGS Art Pack Released!

Mistigris art group and Break Into Chat have released IGNITE, the first-ever art pack entirely in the IGS (Instant Graphics and Sound) format. IGS is an obscure graphics protocol for BBSes, and IGNITE is a tribute to its creator, Larry Mears. The pack includes static images and animations on diverse themes and features a web-based IGS drawing tool, JoshDraw, created by the author. IGNITE supports Atari ST and is available in various compatible formats.

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Game art pack

Drone Footage Reveals the Perilous Climb of an 1115ft Radio Tower

2025-01-05

Engineer Aaron Cox recently captured stunning drone footage of a daring antenna inspection on an 1115ft radio tower. The video showcases the meticulous work of professional tower climbers, highlighting their expertise and commitment to safety. This inspection was crucial for maintaining a multi-million dollar antenna system, preventing potential failures that could cause widespread broadcast outages. The tower houses equipment for ten radio stations, demonstrating the complexity of modern broadcast infrastructure. The video provides a rare glimpse into the dangerous world of high-altitude work and the sophisticated technology behind radio and TV broadcasts.

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Waymo Robotaxis: Significantly Safer Than Human Drivers

2025-01-05
Waymo Robotaxis: Significantly Safer Than Human Drivers

Swiss Re, a global reinsurer, analyzed data from Waymo's autonomous driving program and found that Waymo robotaxis are substantially safer than human-driven vehicles, even those equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Across 25.3 million fully autonomous miles, Waymo's system showed an 88% reduction in property damage claims and a 92% reduction in bodily injury claims compared to the expected rates for human drivers. This significant safety improvement surpasses even the benefits offered by modern ADAS features. The research highlights the potential of autonomous vehicles to create safer roads.

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Psychoanalysis in Crisis: Lost in the Therapy Culture

2025-01-05
Psychoanalysis in Crisis: Lost in the Therapy Culture

This article explores the predicament of psychoanalysis within today's therapy-saturated culture. By reviewing Bruce Fink's *Miss-ing* and Darian Leader's *Is It Ever Just Sex?*, the author analyzes the impact of the rise of cognitive behavioral therapy on psychoanalysis and the challenges of psychoanalysis in addressing individual uniqueness. The article highlights the efficiency and outcome-focused nature of cognitive therapies contrasted with psychoanalysis's focus on exploring the unconscious and acknowledging potential therapeutic failures. The author argues that the value of psychoanalysis lies in its challenge to self-understanding and its reflection on the pervasive 'lack' in therapeutic culture.

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US Net Neutrality Rules Struck Down Again

2025-01-05
US Net Neutrality Rules Struck Down Again

A US appeals court has dealt another blow to net neutrality, overturning the FCC's latest attempt to reinstate the rules. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals cited the Supreme Court's Loper Bright decision, arguing the FCC lacked the authority to reclassify internet service providers as common carriers. This decision, based on a Supreme Court ruling limiting agencies' power to interpret laws, effectively kills the FCC's April order. The long-running battle over net neutrality continues, with FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel calling for Congressional action to codify open internet principles into federal law.

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Extracting an AI Model from Microsoft's Seeing AI App

2025-01-05
Extracting an AI Model from Microsoft's Seeing AI App

Security researcher Altay Akkus successfully extracted the currency recognition AI model from Microsoft's Seeing AI app. The app uses the TensorFlow Lite framework, and the model is stored encrypted within the APK file. Using the Frida framework, Altay dynamically injected code to hook the TensorFlow Lite model loading function, successfully dumping the decrypted model file. This demonstrates the vulnerability of even seemingly secure apps to AI model extraction, highlighting the importance of mobile AI model security.

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Level Up Your Skills: A 90s-Style Link List of Learning Resources

2025-01-05
Level Up Your Skills: A 90s-Style Link List of Learning Resources

This blog post presents a curated list of excellent learning materials, formatted as a nostalgic 90s-style link list, for anyone looking to acquire new skills. The resources cover a wide range of topics, including finance, music composition, machine learning, algorithms, optimization algorithms, LLM app development, and JavaScript. Each resource is reviewed, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Andrew Ng's Machine Learning course is praised for its clear explanations and exercises, while "Essentials of Metaheuristics" is recommended for its practical approach and clear explanations. This is a valuable guide for programmers and developers seeking to enhance their skillset.

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Teaching AI to Read Code Like a Senior Dev

2025-01-05

The author recounts how they improved AI code analysis. Initially, the AI acted like a fresh bootcamp grad, linearly processing code. Inspired by senior developers' approaches, they redesigned the AI's analysis: building a mental model of the architecture first, grouping files by functionality, and then delving into details. This drastically improved accuracy and depth, enabling the AI to detect subtle connection errors, performance bottlenecks, and suggest architectural improvements—achieving a senior-level understanding. The key wasn't bigger models but mimicking senior dev thinking: prioritizing context, pattern matching, impact analysis, and historical awareness.

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(nmn.gl)
Development

The Ocean Cleanup's Record-Breaking 2024: Over 11 Million Kilos of Plastic Removed

2025-01-05
The Ocean Cleanup's Record-Breaking 2024: Over 11 Million Kilos of Plastic Removed

In 2024, The Ocean Cleanup achieved unprecedented success in its fight against ocean plastic. They removed over 11 million kilograms of plastic from oceans and rivers—surpassing all previous years combined. This success stemmed from scaling up operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with System 03, and expanding their river cleanup efforts globally with new Interceptors deployed in Thailand, Guatemala, and Jamaica. Beyond cleanup, The Ocean Cleanup is exploring innovative ways to repurpose recovered plastic and continues crucial scientific research to inform policy decisions. 2024's results demonstrate the feasibility of a plastic-free ocean, while highlighting the ongoing need for continued effort.

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World's Largest Hydroelectric Dam Approved in Tibet

2025-01-05
World's Largest Hydroelectric Dam Approved in Tibet

China has approved the construction of the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydroelectric Project, set to become the world's largest hydropower dam complex. Located in Tibet near the India border, it's projected to generate nearly three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam, amounting to 300 TWh annually. While promising a significant boost to renewable energy, the project raises concerns about environmental impact, seismic risks in the region, and potential downstream effects on India.

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Home Server Hacked: A New Year's Surprise

2025-01-05

The author discovered their home server infected with Kinsing malware after Christmas, exploiting an unprotected Docker container to mine cryptocurrency. The attacker repeatedly attempted brute-force attacks. The author closed all external network access to minimize the attack surface. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks of exposing a home server to the internet, highlighting the need for robust security measures even with password protection.

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The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines: From Manual Labor to Automated Factories

2025-01-05
The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines: From Manual Labor to Automated Factories

This article chronicles the century-long evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Starting with Brunel's manual shield in 1825, through Greathead's improvements, Price's mechanized excavation, and culminating in modern slurry and earth pressure balance TBMs, the article details breakthroughs in both soft ground and hard rock tunneling. The article also explores compressed air and slurry support technologies, the advantages and disadvantages of different TBM types, and analyzes Elon Musk's Boring Company and its ambitious—yet currently slow—progress. The Boring Company's vertically integrated structure may ultimately revolutionize the industry.

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The Decline of MSN: A Tech Giant's Fall From Grace?

2025-01-05

Once a dominant force in the internet landscape, MSN has faded into relative obscurity. It holds a significant place in the memories of many, serving as a gateway to the internet for a generation through instant messaging and its portal site. However, the rise of mobile internet and the emergence of new social media platforms led to MSN's decline, highlighting the importance of constant innovation even for industry leaders.

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The Astonishing Maritime Approximation: π Miles ≈ e Nautical Miles

2025-01-05
The Astonishing Maritime Approximation: π Miles ≈ e Nautical Miles

This article explores a fascinating mathematical coincidence: π miles is approximately equal to e nautical miles. Starting with a mention of Randall Munroe's What If?, the author introduces the maritime approximation and delves into the history and definitions of π, e (two transcendental numbers), miles, and nautical miles. The article concludes that while only approximate, this coincidence is still astonishing, highlighting the wonder of mathematics.

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Discuo: A Minimalist Discussion Platform – No Accounts Needed

2025-01-05
Discuo: A Minimalist Discussion Platform – No Accounts Needed

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

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Tailscale's NAT Traversal: A Deep Dive

2025-01-05
Tailscale's NAT Traversal: A Deep Dive

This Tailscale blog post details how their VPN overcomes the challenges of NAT (Network Address Translation) to enable direct device-to-device connections. It explains NAT's workings and various techniques to handle NAT and firewalls, including STUN for discovering public IPs, the birthday paradox for faster port probing, and DERP as a fallback relay. Finally, it introduces the ICE protocol, which automatically tries various methods, selecting the best connection to ensure reliable connectivity.

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Development

Long Polling Beats WebSockets: A Practical Guide to Scalable Real-time Systems

2025-01-05

Inferable's team chose HTTP long polling over WebSockets when building a scalable real-time system using Node.js and TypeScript. Facing challenges of hundreds of worker nodes needing real-time job updates and agents requiring real-time state synchronization, they found long polling surprisingly effective. By keeping HTTP connections open until new data arrives or a timeout is reached, they avoided the complexities of WebSockets, such as authentication, observability, and infrastructure compatibility. The article details their implementation, including database optimization, error handling, and best practices like mandatory TTL, client-configurable TTL, and sensible database polling intervals. The choice stemmed from needing core product control over message delivery, zero external dependencies, and ease of understanding and modification. Alternatives like ElectricSQL are briefly discussed, highlighting scenarios where WebSockets might be preferable.

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Is Adrian Dittmann Elon Musk? A Deep Dive Investigation

2025-01-05
Is Adrian Dittmann Elon Musk? A Deep Dive Investigation

This investigative report details a thorough investigation into the identity of Adrian Dittmann, revealing a surprising conclusion. Through a multi-pronged approach using data breaches, social media analysis, and corporate connections, the authors conclusively demonstrate that Adrian Dittmann is not Elon Musk. The article also recounts the complexities of the investigation, including collaboration with journalist Jackie Sweet and the ultimate lack of proper credit in the published article, prompting a discussion about journalistic attribution and information integrity.

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Navy's New Year's Day Poetry Tradition: A Verse on the Bridge

2025-01-05
Navy's New Year's Day Poetry Tradition: A Verse on the Bridge

The U.S. Navy has a nearly century-old tradition: on the first day of the new year, during the early morning watch, the officer of the deck can record the ship's activities in poetic form in the deck log. This article recounts this tradition and showcases New Year's poems from various Navy ships throughout history, from WWII destroyers to modern ones, highlighting the diversity of naval life and culture. While declining with the rise of electronic devices, this unique tradition remains a cherished memory.

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Interactive CSS Flexbox Learning Tool

2025-01-05

The CSS Flexbox Playground is an interactive online learning tool that lets users adjust various Flex properties to see layout changes in real-time and copy the generated CSS code. It covers key properties like flex-direction, justify-content, align-items, and flex-wrap, providing a visual understanding of Flexbox layout. Hands-on experimentation allows users to quickly master Flexbox and improve web development efficiency.

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Development

Rust Game Dev After a Year: A Tale of Triumphs and Tribulations

2025-01-05
Rust Game Dev After a Year: A Tale of Triumphs and Tribulations

A year after initially documenting the struggles of game development in Rust, the author provides an update. While the Rend3/WGPU/Vulkan graphics stack is now reasonably functional, significant hurdles remain. Several major game projects abandoned Rust in 2024, citing ownership restrictions and lengthy compile times as major deterrents. Key libraries have been abandoned, requiring the author to take on maintenance. Performance is also a bottleneck, with the CPU maxing out at around 25% GPU load. Despite these challenges, progress continues, with plans to release an improved renderer to crates.io in a few months. The post underscores the ongoing difficulties in Rust game development, emphasizing the considerable time investment needed for low-level maintenance and the need to address rendering efficiency and spatial computation.

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Game

FSF Calls for Continued Pressure on Microsoft

2025-01-05

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) published a blog post urging continued pressure on Microsoft to combat its anti-free software practices. The post uses this year's International Day Against DRM (IDAD) as an example, highlighting Microsoft's forced Windows 11 upgrade requiring a TPM module, harming user freedom and digital rights. The FSF encourages switching to GNU/Linux, avoiding new Microsoft software releases, and moving projects off Microsoft GitHub to support the free software movement. Simultaneously, the FSF is conducting its annual fundraiser, seeking support to fight digital restrictions and promote software freedom.

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Development Digital Restrictions

Pulitzer Winner Quits Washington Post After Bezos-Trump Cartoon Rejected

2025-01-05
Pulitzer Winner Quits Washington Post After Bezos-Trump Cartoon Rejected

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the newspaper refused to publish her cartoon satirizing owner Jeff Bezos bowing to Donald Trump alongside other tech CEOs. The Post cited prior coverage of the topic as the reason for rejection, but Telnaes viewed it as censorship and a threat to press freedom. The incident sparked controversy, with the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists accusing the Post of 'political cowardice'.

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