Links für 2023 KW 35
Zusammengefasst von LlongOrca.
This article discusses the set of guiding principles used by the HTML Working Group for the development of HTML5. The principles cover areas such as compatibility, utility, and interoperability, with a focus on ensuring that features work well across different platforms, devices, and media, enabling universal accessibility, and addressing security considerations directly in the specification.
You’re probably using the wrong dictionary:
The article discusses the author's experience with using various dictionaries and highlights the difference between Webster's Dictionary (1828 edition) and modern dictionaries like New Oxford American Dictionary and Google's dictionary. The author argues that modern dictionaries are utilitarian, lacking in beauty, playfulness, and delight of language. In contrast, Webster's Dictionary is described as rich, alive, and full of vivid words that enhance the writer's prose. John McPhee, a nonfiction writer and known for his prose style, used Webster's Dictionary to find unusual words and phrases, which contributed to his work. The article suggests using Webster's Dictionary as an alternative to modern dictionaries to explore and savor the language and its nuances.
The boiling frog of digital freedom:
The article presents a timeline of events that envision a future where various digital technologies and platforms evolve, adapt to government regulations, or lose relevance altogether. Highlights include mandatory approval for messaging apps in 2035, the eventual disappearance of support for Linux by Chrome, and the rise of WEI (Web Environment Integrity) checks on browsers. The timeline concludes with various legislative proposals that may potentially impact users' access to content and devices.
Mercedes-Benz 250 T – der Vater der Lifestyle-Kombis (Fahrzeugberichte):
The article discusses the history and features of the Mercedes-Benz T-Series, specifically focusing on the 250 T model from the 1979 S123 Baureihe (Wagon/Kombi) series. The T-Series was known for its practicality and adaptability, offering four or six cylinders and ranging in power and comfort options. With a history of luxury and utility, this iconic wagon has made an impact on the automotive world since its introduction in 1976.
The article discusses the importance of measuring developer productivity and shares a story about the worst programmer the author knew, Tim Mackinnon. The company where they worked introduced individual performance metrics for appraisal and personal development purposes but later changed it to team accountability as measuring the contribution of individual pistons in a complex adaptive system was flawed. The article highlights how Tim's approach to working with other developers, pairing with them and sharing his knowledge, made the entire team more effective, productive, aligned, fun, and delivered better software.
This article discusses the notorious cold case of the 43 college students in Mexico who were shot by police, forced into patrol cars, and handed over to a drug cartel before disappearing. The text messages and investigative files suggest that almost every part of government in southern Mexico had secretly been working for the criminal group at the time.
This article provides a breakdown of various types of files and their sizes on the Python Package Index (PyPI). It highlights that binary files make up nearly 75% of uncompressed content on PyPI. Additionally, it emphasizes that advanced machine learning models predict a significant growth in package numbers within eight years, which could surpass human populations. The article also presents data about popular projects and their unique file counts, total lines, and sizes.
The DOS Game Club has decided to accept voice messages from listeners for future episodes. The show focuses on discussions and inviting people interested in their month's game. This feature allows listeners who do not wish to participate in-person to share their opinions, experiences, or trivia about the games covered. To send a voice message, simply record it and email it to the provided address.
Calibre replacement considerations - anarcat:
Thank you for the summary! It seems like Calibre is a versatile software, but has its share of issues and potential replacements. Let's discuss some of them briefly:
1. ebook viewer: KOReader on e-readers and Atril on the desktop could be possible alternatives for this functionality. Sioyek could be a more powerful and keyboard-driven alternative for viewing PDF (and ePUB!) files.
2. ebook editor: Sigil can be a potential replacement for ebook editing purposes.
3. File converter: There doesn't seem to be an alternative for this particular functionality in Calibre.
4. Collection browser: Liber or Trantor could act as possible alternatives for this feature, along with bookmark management and organization.
5. ebook web server: Liber or Calibre-web can be considered options for this functionality.
6. Metadata editor: No good alternative appears to exist for this feature in Calibre.
7. Device synchronization: Syncthing can handle device synchronization.
8. RSS reader: Feed2exec followed by Wallabako could be a combination for this functionality.
It's essential to test and compare these alternatives, considering the specific needs of one's e-book library management system. Keep in mind that each alternative might have its own set of strengths and weaknesses. As always, user experience, feature richness, and security should be carefully evaluated before making a decision.
This article introduces a video game where players are dropped into a virtual world and must use their surroundings to figure out their location. The objective is to make an accurate guess, with points awarded for correctness. More precise guesses result in higher scores.
For to withhold is to perish – Ergodicity economics:
The article discusses the concept of spontaneous altruism in evolutionary biology, and how it can be understood using the ergodicity concept. Ergodicity suggests that it's not about zero-sum giving and receiving, but rather behaving in a way that benefits everyone in the long run. Using a simple coin toss model, the article shows how cooperation leads to better results than individual play. This highlights the value of cooperation, even if there are no new functions emerging from interactions.
Not a single emperor penguin chick survived spring in parts of Antarctica:
The world's hottest year on record has led to a catastrophic decline in emperor penguin populations in the Antarctic, with no chicks surviving the spring of 2022 in four out of five colonies. This is attributed to the impacts of climate change and declining sea ice coverage, which are vital for their breeding process. Scientists have noted that while there have been small rebounds in recent years, they remain far below the record high of 2014. The consequences of this loss may have longer-term and far-reaching effects on the region's ecology, including melting ice shelves and rising sea levels.
Slava Akhmechet - Linear Algebra for programmers, part 1:
This blog post explains the basics of linear algebra, including matrix-vector multiplication and how to understand it in different notations. It also provides an intuitive understanding of how matrix operations are associated with function composition. The post also introduces type systems for matrices and explores how different matrix dimensions determine the type of its input and output. The author intends to continue covering topics such as linear combinations, vector spaces, linear maps, and linear independence in future posts.
the-problem-of-creeping-commercial-surveillance:
This article discusses the shift from McDonald's sticker-based loyalty program to an app, which requires customers to provide personal information such as financial data and location in exchange for rewards. The author argues that creeping surveillance is becoming normalized, with users giving up their privacy willingly for various perks offered by apps. The article calls for businesses to let people choose their level of data collection, fostering trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Taking dietary supplements full of antioxidants could actually help cancerous tumors grow:
A study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet found that taking excessive amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, selenium, and zinc, can stimulate blood vessel growth in cancer. This discovery is contrary to prior studies, which indicated antioxidants were protective. Although natural levels of antioxidants in food are considered safe, excessively high doses in dietary supplements may fuel tumor growth and contribute to the disease's spread. The study suggests that this finding could be applicable to all cancers and their spread.
The article discusses various mathematical concepts, theorems, and geometrical shapes such as pentagons, tilings, triangles, circles, spheres, and many more. It covers a range of topics from spherical geometry to isoscelizing and curvature calculations. Additionally, it introduces readers to the works of mathematicians like Archimedes, Pappus, and Carnot, along with their respective contributions to these fields.
TODO
We migrated 50,000 lines of code to React Server Components | Mux:
React Server Components (RSCs) are a powerful tool that can help improve the performance and functionality of web applications by allowing components to run on the server instead of the client. By dividing your codebase into Server Components and Client Components, RSCs can optimize data fetching, improve load times, and ensure that only necessary data is sent to users' browsers.
However, there are some challenges associated with adopting RSCs, such as compatibility issues with CSS-in-JS frameworks and the need to manage complexities arising from code splitting and server-side rendering. Developers should consider these factors when deciding whether or not to use React Server Components.
In summary, React Server Components offer significant performance benefits but come with added complexity and challenges that developers must weigh against their application's specific requirements.
TODO
Wii Architecture | A Practical Analysis:
Thank you for providing this detailed summary of the Wii's hardware and security features. It is interesting to see how Nintendo implemented various levels of encryption and authentication throughout their consoles, along with some flaws that allowed homebrew development to flourish.
Internationales Straßenmusikfestival – Ludwigsburg:
During the Whitsun weekend, Ludwigsburg will once again be fully dedicated to street musicians and their audience. This marks a special continuation of their relationship, as the quality of the festival has spread among artists and visitors alike.
Mastodon is Rewinding the Clock on Social Media — in a Good Way:
The article discusses a user's experience with switching to Mastodon and finding it a refreshing alternative to mainstream social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The author highlights how Mastodon offers a more personalized content flow, by following tags or handles to see only the desired content linearly, unlike algorithms found in modern social media. Additionally, the platform allows users to easily check activity levels of tags, helping them target their content effectively. Furthermore, privacy settings in Mastodon are simpler compared to those in mainstream platforms, making it a more intuitive and user-friendly social media experience.
Managed to death: How Canada turned its forests into a carbon bomb:
TODO
FCC says “too bad” to ISPs complaining that listing every fee is too hard:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected requests from five major US broadband providers to eliminate a requirement that internet service providers list all of their monthly fees. The trade groups argued that listing every fee imposed an administrative burden on ISPs. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated that consumers need transparent information when choosing internet services and that no one wants unanticipated charges. While the order largely affirms existing rules, it does make some revisions and clarifications regarding provider record-keeping requirements.
The article discusses the importance of privacy in conjunction with security. It explains that a server scan is available to analyze the security of your ownCloud or Nextcloud server and provides an overview on what aspects can be improved. The security summary shows the percentage of servers with inadequate security, while it is based strictly on publicly available information about known vulnerabilities and any applied hardenings/settings. However, the author notes that no system can ever be fully secure due to potential unknown issues and determined attackers. This rating should not substitute for a thorough understanding of your own environment's security risks.
VM's and Containers I am Running - 2023:
This article provides a comprehensive list of the various software and applications running on virtual machines and containers in the author's setup. The focus is on self-hosted applications that offer backups, storage management, file syncing, media streaming, security tools, monitoring solutions, and network management tools.
Das Armutszeugnis ist euer Verständnis vom Rechtsstaat:
The article discusses the case of Rammstein singer Till Lindemann, whose legal proceedings were stopped by the court. The author criticizes media coverage and the focus on cases involving sexual crimes, questioning if the aim is to increase click rates and readership. It is highlighted that the decision was expected and based on insufficient evidence to prove any crime took place. The article also states that many of the accusations in similar cases are either hearsay or unrelated stories, and that convictions should be based on concrete proof rather than public opinion.
Ein Jahr Nord Stream-Aus: Hinweise auf Verbindung zur Ukraine verdichten sich:
In September 2022, Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines were damaged by a bomb attack, causing them to cease natural gas transport from the Baltic Sea. A year ago, gas deliveries through Nord Stream 1 were halted and never returned with Russian natural gas. First, Russia reportedly stopped all gas deliveries from Nord Stream 1 in August for alleged maintenance before an unknown party sabotaged the pipeline connecting Russia to Germany weeks later at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. The events began a year ago when gas transportation was suspended. According to a media report, there is increasing evidence suggesting that the sabotage came from Ukraine's territory.
For Germany, this topic is also diplomatically challenging. The relationship with Russia has reached an all-time low as they were once partners in energy supply. Despite Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Germany helped return a repaired turbine for Nord Stream 1 from Canada back to Russia around a year ago due to sanctions against Russia. However, the turbine was reportedly still stored in Mülheim an der Ruhr today. Even though Russia showed no eagerness to use it again after the explosion, it was sealed off (5).
If Ukraine is indeed responsible for the sabotage of the pipeline, this could negatively impact Germany's relationship with Ukraine, which relies on Western weapons supplies. The investigation into the pipeline explosions has been slow and criticized as such. According to research by ZDF and Spiegel, prosecutors are still investigating „unknown individuals“ (6), and there is no conclusive evidence pointing towards false-flag operations in Russia implicating Ukraine.
The investigators continue to assume that a six-person team aboard the chartered sailboat Andromeda from Germany set off on a trip with stops at Denmark's Bornholm island, where divers placed explosives (HMX, Octogen) at a depth of 70 meters in late September 2022. They conclude that members of the group had stayed in Ukraine before and after the sabotage. The basis for these findings is technical data that has not been disclosed publicly. Officially, investigative authorities remain silent.
Secret services warned The basis for the trail includes intelligence information that was already available before the attacks took place. For example, the Dutch military intelligence service knew about the plans months in advance. The US also provided similar warnings. According to the Washington Post, the sabotage plans are attributed to Ukraine's top commander, General Valerii Saluzhnyi. Ukraine denies any involvement.
So What if Google Sends me Targetted Ads?:
This article discusses an email exchange between two individuals about the topic of digital privacy and de-Googling, exploring reasons for de-Googling and alternatives to Google services. The author expresses concern about big tech companies' control over user data and their potential misuse, suggesting that users should be allowed to opt out by default instead of being forced into a trade-off between privacy and service quality. They also discuss various alternatives such as using different operating systems like Linux, open-source software like LibreOffice, and apps like Organic Maps based on Open Street Map.
The article discusses the author's statement that „Scrum is a cancer“ and highlights various reactions from the Internet community. Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters strongly defend Scrum, while others argue it has no correct implementation or is superior to Waterfall methods. The comparison of Scrum to communism also triggers responses from those who view communism positively despite not having lived in a communist society. Overall, most people seem to dislike Scrum.
The labor movement is concerned with improving the lives of working people by tackling broader issues such as racial discrimination, better public schools, and addressing housing crises that affect their lives. The cost of housing has become a significant economic issue for many in America, leading to wage increases being used primarily for housing rather than personal gains. Unions need to support bills that facilitate more housing construction to alleviate this crisis and improve the overall living standards of working people.
Intel Shows 8 Core 528 Thread Processor with Silicon Photonics:
At Hot Chips 2023, Intel showcased a direct mesh-to-mesh optical fabric technology, aimed at the DARPA HIVE program for hyper-sparse data. The technology features an 8-core processor with 66 threads per core, utilizing a RISC ISA rather than x86. The design incorporates 16 sockets in a single OCP compute thread, and includes high-speed I/O chips to bridge electrical and optical capabilities of the chip. Intel's approach uses silicon photonics engines, allowing direct connections between cores even if not within the same chassis without additional switches or NICs. This technology is currently being developed on a TSMC 7nm process node and may provide significant advantages for parallel workloads.
I’m so sorry for psychology’s loss, whatever it is:
This article discusses recent allegations of fraud in papers co-authored by Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino and Duke University professor Dan Ariely. It highlights the lack of scientific impact on our understanding of psychology despite these scandals, as well as pointing out issues within the field that might be hindering progress. The article suggests that immortal paradigms, such as studying cognitive biases and „picking a noun,“ may contribute to the slow pace of advancement in psychological research. Instead, new ideas are needed for significant breakthroughs in understanding the human mind.
Apple: Using cash is “clearly reckless”:
The Vexl Foundation sponsors projects promoting personal and financial freedoms through Bitcoin. Their flagship project, the Vexl app, allows users to exchange cash for bitcoin with peers in their social circle, preserving privacy. The non-profit never interferes with any transactions or collects data on them. After months of development and multiple reviews by Apple, they were initially rejected due to the app encouraging „reckless“ activity, specifically cash exchanges. However, the Vexl Foundation stands behind their belief in individual freedoms, privacy, self-determination, and the right to transact freely.
Floridians should avoid wrestling armadillos unless necessary:
The article discusses the reemergence of leprosy in America, a disease that has become rare due to modern medicine and public health initiatives. Dermatologist Charles Dunn emphasizes the need for increased awareness among medical professionals so that they can diagnose and treat patients correctly. This latest outbreak seems to indicate that leprosy is now endemic in some areas, particularly Florida. Historically, leprosy has been stigmatized and feared due to its visible symptoms and effects on the nervous system. In the Bible, it is associated with sin, but modern science suggests that people catch leprosy through prolonged contact with a contagious person. Today, there is an effective cure for leprosy provided by the World Health Organization.
Wing Programming Language for the Cloud:
Wing Cloud has raised $20M in seed funding for the development of a unified programming and operational experience for the cloud. Wing combines infrastructure and runtime code into one language, enabling developers to create better software faster and more securely. The platform is designed to support AWS, GCP, Azure, Terraform, CloudFormation, Pulumi, and Kubrnetes, with customizable infrastructure through plugins.
When did people stop being drunk all the time?:
The article discusses historical alcohol consumption in England and other pre-industrial societies, particularly focusing on beer and wine consumption. It compares the average alcohol intake of people during those times to that of modern beer-drinking countries, revealing that consumption was much higher historically. Furthermore, it points out that industrialization led to a decrease in alcohol consumption and that cultural changes accompanied these economic transformations. The article also mentions that wine may have been the main factor causing high historical rates of alcohol consumption in some regions, such as Italy and France.
TODO
Habitual social media users post real and fake news mindlessly:
USC Dornsife researchers conducted a study comparing habitual and nonhabitual social media users' behavior. They found that frequent users are less responsive to social rewards compared to infrequent users. This suggests that modifying platform structures may help reduce negative habits. Habitual users often form associations tied to specific context cues, leading them to post quickly without much consideration for the consequences. Changing platforms' structures might be an effective way to address issues such as misinformation and hate speech among habitual users.
Why you should divide your life into semesters, even when you’re not in school:
The article suggests using a semester-based approach to set goals and organize time in adulthood. By dividing the future into 15 to 17 week periods, people can set and achieve short-term minigoals that contribute towards their larger ambitions. This approach is modeled after educational systems and offers motivation through specific deadlines for achieving these goals. Reflecting on progress at the end of each semester allows individuals to adjust expectations or move onto different objectives, ultimately keeping them engaged in their long-term growth.
layerform/blog/source-available-is-not-open-source.md at main · ergomake/layerform:
The article discusses the „layerform“ project on GitHub, which has been publicly shared and has received 15 forks and 813 stars. The project appears to be available for modifications and collaborations from the community.
Writing Linux Modules in Ada - Part 1:
This article documents the author's attempts to write Linux modules using the Ada programming language, which is designed for embedded safety-critical applications. The author discusses preparations, strategy, and specific code examples before concluding with future plans to develop more complex kernel modules.
Santiago on X: "Scrum is a cancer
Scrum, a popular project management framework used in software development, has been criticized by an experienced software developer who claims it renders teams useless. The author shares their 25 years of experience and presents various examples to illustrate how Scrum hinders productivity. These include pointless meetings like stand-ups, groomings, planning, retrospectives, and Scrum of Scrums, a focus on estimating story points over writing software, using t-shirt sizes for estimation, measuring costs in terms of story points, unnecessary hierarchical roles such as manager, scrum master, product owner, and tech lead, and paying people to monitor the speed at which teams „burn down“ story points. The author argues that these issues make Scrum a tool for managers rather than developers and suggests it's not suitable for all teams.