Links für 2023 KW 49
Meine „Wollte ich noch Lesen“-Liste, zusammengefasst von LlongOrca.
Vendor lock-in is a good thing? HP's CFO thinks so:
HP is successfully converting unprofitable print customers into more lucrative ones through its subscription model, resulting in a 20 percent uplift on the value of those customers. The Instant Ink service, which allows for automatic delivery of ink or toner cartridges, has grown significantly since its introduction, reaching over 11 million subscribers by May last year. HP's Printing division margin has increased from 14.8 percent to 18.9 percent between fiscal years 2020 and 2023.
An Open Letter to the Python Software Foundation:
Dear PyCon African Organisers, Thank you for expressing your concerns and frustrations regarding recent events with the Python Software Foundation (PSF). We understand that navigating the grant award process can be challenging, especially when considering the unique challenges faced by non-western Python communities. It is our goal to support Python communities worldwide and foster an inclusive environment for all members of our global community.
We appreciate your suggestions regarding transparency, guidance, feedback, and a better understanding of global needs. We will take these into consideration as we continue to work on our grant process and policies.
As mentioned in the article, there have been some challenges with the decision-making process within the PSF. It is important for us to ensure that individual prejudices do not negatively impact the decision-making process and that all members of our community are treated fairly.
We also understand your concerns about the safety of various locations around the world, including Africa, and how this may affect grant awards. We take into account different factors when determining grant requests, such as financial realities and safety concerns for attendees.
In order to address these concerns, we encourage open communication between Python community organisers and the PSF. We would like to work collaboratively with you to improve our practices and better understand the unique challenges faced by non-western communities.
Once again, thank you for your feedback and suggestions. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and working together to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the Python community.
The 23andMe Data Breach Keeps Spiraling:
Genetic testing company 23andMe experienced a data breach in October, with attackers gaining access to some user accounts and using it to scrape personal data from around 5.5 million opted-in users through the DNA Relatives service. The company reported that only a small percentage of its accounts were affected (0.1%), which amounted to approximately 14,000 users, but did not provide details on the extent of information compromised. 23andMe forced all users to reset their passwords and implemented two-factor authentication in response to the breach.
EU Integrity Watch: monitor potential conflicts of interests:
The article discusses various tools, their titles, subtitles, and descriptions, as well as providing buttons for different actions related to the tool.
The neural scaling law is a concept in machine learning that relates parameters of families of neural networks. It suggests that when given an increased budget (in FLOPs), to achieve compute-optimal, the number of model parameters and the size of training dataset should scale in approximately equal proportions. This conclusion differs from previous scaling laws for neural language models which state that N (number of parameters) should be scaled faster than D (size of the training dataset). The discrepancy arises from setting different cycle lengths for cosine learning rate schedulers. In estimating the Chinchilla scaling, the authors set the cycle length to be the same as the training steps, as experimental results indicate that larger cycles overestimate the loss of the models.
Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, announced a 17% reduction in its workforce, equating to around 1,500 employees. This marks Spotify's third job cut this year amid high capital costs and slowed economic growth. Despite positive financial reports, including profitable quarters for the first time since 2021, the company is still struggling with a challenging business model and unreliable revenue sources.
The Internet Enabled Mass Surveillance. AI Will Enable Mass Spying.:
The article discusses the impending shift towards mass spying made possible by advances in AI technology. With current technologies like phones tracking locations and apps recording conversations, surveillance has become increasingly easy and widespread. As AI improves rapidly, it will enable new capabilities such as generating summaries of conversations or searching for patterns across large volumes of data. This could change the nature of spying by making it more efficient and scalable, potentially leading to increased invasions of privacy. The article highlights concerns about mass surveillance, and warns that without strong data-privacy regulations, AI advances may exacerbate existing issues.
Beeper Mini is an application that allows users to securely send messages using end-to-end encryption. The app connects directly to Apple servers, ensuring privacy and security through encryption keys never leaving the device. Additionally, no Apple ID is required for use in Beeper Mini.
I want to convince you to have an on-premise offering!:
This article discusses the benefits of Software as a Service (SaaS) and why some companies still build on-premise software. SaaS provides predictable, recurring revenue streams, easy scalability, quick sales processes, high customer analytics, and controllable environments. On-premise software is typically sold through annual or multi-year licensing contracts with large customers that have significant investments in the solution. Despite its potential drawbacks, on-premise versions can offer huge deals, high customer stickiness, profit margins over time, and unlock certain industries that won't buy SaaS. Companies should carefully consider their approach to building an on-premise version and choose suitable sales channels.
HKU study warns against accidental vaccination into veins:
A study conducted by the University of Hong Kong suggests that accidental intravenous injections of the BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may cause heart muscle inflammation. The researchers found that injecting mRNA vaccines into a vein could trigger myocarditis or pericarditis, especially in those aged 12 to 29 after receiving their second dose. Although the vaccines are generally considered safe with risks outweighing side effects, the team recommends that healthcare professionals should withdraw the syringe plunger briefly before injecting to exclude blood aspiration and prevent inadvertent intravenous injections. They also suggest changing the injection site from the shoulder muscle to the lateral thigh muscle as a possible risk reduction method.
Study shows that inoculating soil with mycorrhizal fungi can increase plant yield by by up to 40%:
This article discusses a study conducted by a Swiss research team that found inoculating the soil with mycorrhizal fungi can help maintain or even improve yields without using additional fertilizers or pesticides. In a large-scale field trial, plant yield increased by up to 40%. The mycorrhizal fungi act as a protective shield against pathogens in the soil that would weaken the plants. The researchers believe this can be an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.
Supreme Court hears a case that experts say could wreak havoc on the tax code:
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on an important tax case with potential trillions of dollars in tax consequences for the federal budget. The case revolves around a provision in then-President Trump's 2017 corporate tax cut, which helps pay for some of those tax cuts. Charles and Kathleen Moore are challenging this provision, arguing that they have not yet received any actual money from their foreign investment in an Indian company, therefore being unconstitutionally taxed on unrealized income. The outcome of the case could impact various other tax regimes meant to prevent tax dodges by the rich and may potentially force the federal government to pay back billions of dollars in corporate tax collections.
The Time Julius Caesar Was Captured by Pirates:
In the 1st century BCE, Mediterranean Sea experienced a crime problem with pirates particularly in Cilicia Trachea (Rough Cilicia). Julius Caesar, a Roman nobleman, was captured by these pirates and raised his ransom to 50 talents. Instead of behaving like a captive, Caesar asserted himself over the pirates, eventually convincing them to crucify their former captors when they were unable to pay the ransom.
bfps:
This article discusses a Brainfuck interpreter written in PostScript, with three different versions: bf_long.ps (full version with debug tools and unit tests), bf.ps (readable version), and bf_tiny.ps (minimal, golfed version). The aim of the program is to be accurate, readable, and minimal.
Xreal Air/ Air 2/ Air 2 pro Prescription Lenses:
The article is promoting a Black Friday limited offer with free shipping and tax. This offer is available for a limited time, so it's advised to take advantage of it as soon as possible.
Salty immune cells surrounding the brain linked to hypertension-induced dementia:
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that a response from immune system cells within the protective covering surrounding the brain may contribute to cognitive decline in individuals with chronic high blood pressure. The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, has the potential to shed light on new ways to counteract the effects of high blood pressure on cognition.
A recent meta-analysis study by the Welsh Aspirin Group at Cardiff University has found that aspirin could be beneficial in cancer treatment, specifically in preventing metastatic spread and reducing vascular complications. The research reviewed 118 observational studies involving around one million patients with various types of cancer, revealing a 20% reduction in deaths from cancer and all causes when taking a daily low-dose (75 or 81 mg) aspirin. Despite the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aspirin, the study concluded that its relative safety makes it a promising additional treatment for cancer.
rust-blog/posts/common-rust-lifetime-misconceptions.md at master · pretzelhammer/rust-blog:
The article discusses the popular programming language Rust, specifically focusing on its blog section and mentioning the number of forks (343) and stars (6.2k) it has received from users.
Report: 44% of all Single-Family Home Purchases were by Private Equity Firms in 2023:
Private equity firms have significantly increased their presence in the residential property market, accounting for 44% of single-family home purchases during Q3 according to a Business Insider study. This trend has raised concerns about its impact on housing prices and individual homebuyers' ability to compete. Private equity's rapid growth in the housing market has led to them scooping up homes at low prices with low-interest rates, exacerbating an existing housing crisis. By 2030, institutional investors may control around 40% of U.S. single-family rental homes.
This article discusses the challenges faced by militaries during wars in terms of target selection and potential civilian casualties. It introduces a solution found by Israel, where an AI is used to make decisions on target selection, allowing for greater efficiency and speed in attacking targets. The system, called „The Gospel,“ claims to have increased the rate of attacks by 100% since its introduction during Israel's war with Hamas in May 2021. However, critics argue that this machine-driven approach may prioritize quantity over quality and result in mass assassinations rather than precise military actions.
. Sci. 370 (1684), 20140440. doi:10.1098/rstb.2014.0440PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarPedersen M., Ficetola G. F., Coissac E., Taberlet P., Edwards M., Rasmussen H. B., et al. (2012). Non-invasive detection of carnivore presence from snow using environmental DNA. Mol. Ecol. Resour. 12 (6), 10941105. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.12044PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarPedersen M., Overballe-Petersen S., Petersen P. H., Sarkissian C. D., Overgaard J., Hellstrm M., et al. (2015). Noninvasive genetic monitoring of a large carnivore using environmental DNA from snow: the Eurasian lynx in Sweden as a test case. Mol. Ecol. Resour. 15 (3), 496507. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.12255PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarPedersen M., Overballe-Petersen S., Petersen P. H., Stubberud A., Nielsen T., Hellstrm M., et al. (2017). Environmental DNA from snow and its potential for monitoring wildlife populations: a case study on Eurasian lynx in Scandinavia. Mol. Ecol. Resour. 17 (6), 13551366. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.12648PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarPiggott M., Taylor D. M. (2003). Population genetics and noninvasive genetic sampling: a primer for ecologists and wildlife managers. Conserv. Biol. 17 (6), 149854. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.2003.01469.xCrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarR Development Core Team (2022). R: A language and environment for statistical computing (Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing), 4.2.0. doi:10.3814/r.Google ScholarSigsgaard E. E., Hellstrm P., Dysthe J. C., Pilgrim K. L. (2008). Environmental DNA and genetic monitoring of whale sharks in the Arabian Gulf using water samples. Mol. Ecol. Resour. 8 (3), 457461. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.00223.xCrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarSpens J., Barber-Meyer S. M., Brooks T. M., Pilgrim K. L., Dysthe J. C. (2017). Extraction of environmental DNA from snow for vertebrate population monitoring. Methods Ecol. Evol. 8 (3), 4526. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.12654PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarSvensson A., Pilgrim K. L., Dysthe J. C. (2012). The effect of soil type, moisture content and snow depth on eDNA persistence: implications for environmental DNA studies in arctic ecosystems. PloS One 7 (1), e30645. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030645PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google ScholarTaberlet P., Luikart G. (1999). Noninvasive genetic sampling: tools, methods and applications to wildlife populations. Trends Ecol. Evol.
What's lost when we photograph life instead of experiencing it?:
The article discusses how images are increasingly taking over communication, with social networking sites like Facebook predicted to become „all video“ within five years. This shift is affecting personal interactions and focus on real-life experiences, as people constantly document their lives on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Researchers in various fields have begun studying the consequences of this shift, which can include loss of attention, decreased empathy, and even an inability to deeply engage with other forms of media such as books or art. The article highlights that while there are benefits to sharing images and videos online, we must also be aware of the negative effects on our ability to focus, concentrate, and connect with others.
How Google writes clean, maintainable code:
The article discusses Google's Readability process, which is a mentorship program for disseminating programming language best practices across the company. It involves reviewing each pull request (changelist) for proper code style and adherence to best practices by a „readability approver.“ The article also talks about pros and cons of this process, opinions from users, whether readability is necessary or not, and its impact on business outcomes. Additionally, it shares experiences from ex-Googlers regarding their thoughts on the Readability process.
How Google takes the pain out of code reviews, with 97% dev satisfaction:
Critique is Google's code review tooling that has been highly successful within the company, with 97% of engineers satisfied with its use. The tool aids developers in their code review process through features such as static analysis and ML-powered suggestions for code changes. This tight integration with other Google tools contributes to increased developer productivity and overall satisfaction among engineers. While some aspects of Critique might not be directly transferable or replicable, its focus on efficiency and personalization can provide valuable insights into improving code review processes in other organizations.
Experts revive ancient techniques to make concrete more sustainable:
Experts from EPFL, ETH Zurich, and a Geneva-based architecture firm have developed a new type of non-reinforced concrete made from stone offcuts, reducing the use of carbon-intensive cement-based binders. They discovered forgotten construction methods in historical archives and tested various options involving different processes and cement mixtures as part of the Circular Building Industry (CBI) Booster program. The team built six load-bearing walls using recovered stone-quarry waste and fieldstone, testing two construction methods and three types of mortar-based binders. This method may help reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Back to Basics: 5 HTML attributes for improved accessibility and user experience - HTMHell:
In this blog post, Daniela Kubesch discusses five HTML attributes that improve accessibility and enhance the user experience in web development. These attributes include hreflang for language specification on links, translate to indicate if an element should be translated or not, reversed for reversing ordered lists, controls for standard video/audio playback controls, and autocomplete for enabling browser-based form completion. By understanding and utilizing these elements effectively, developers can create more inclusive and user-friendly web experiences.
The 8-Bit Era : Eight Iconic Processor Designs:
8-bit designs from the 1970s generate so much enthusiasm due to nostalgia, simplicity, documentation availability, close connection with metal (hardware), and the era being an entrepreneurial start for hardware and software development. The iconic microprocessors of that time include Intel 8008, Intel 8080, Motorola MC 6800, Fairchild F8, MOS Technology 6502, Zilog Z80, National Semiconductor SC/MP, and the Motorola 6809. These designs played a crucial role in shaping modern computing.
Verbraucherschützer: Internetkonzerne tricksen trotz Verbots weiter:
In a recent study by the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (vzbv), it has been found that US and Chinese internet giants such as Amazon, Booking.com, Google Shopping, and Youtube are not adhering to the new legal regulations of the European Digital Services Act after 100 days since its implementation. These companies continue to use illegal design tricks (Dark Patterns) to influence consumer decisions. The act prohibits large online platforms from exploiting human behavioral or perception patterns through design tricks, such as using button colors or long click routes. Furthermore, transparency issues have been discovered regarding advertising criteria on large online platforms, with none fulfilling their obligation to provide clear and accessible information about the criteria for displaying ads. The Verbraucherschtzer also criticized the terms of use (ToU) presented by these companies. Despite some progress in providing contact details and making AGB more transparent, there is still room for improvement regarding accessibility.
The article is about SnappyMail, which is a modern, lightweight, and fast email client that can be integrated with Nextcloud. It supports dark mode, has a responsive design, and offers full Sieve filtering support. The app provides almost all IMAP features including advanced searching, and also integrates with other Nextcloud apps such as Contacts, Files, and Calendar. Users can manage multiple mail accounts and identities within SnappyMail, send and receive OpenPGP encrypted/signed emails (with HTML or plain text options), and utilize various security features like password encryption, TOTP 2FA, DKIM, etc. To set up SnappyMail in Nextcloud, you need to enable it first, then go to the „Additional settings“ section of the Nextcloud admin panel where you'll find a „SnappyMail webmail“ option with a link to access the SnappyMail admin panel.
How the Concorde Plans Were Secretly Given To the Russians - Slashdot:
The article summarizes the 20th anniversary of the last flight of the supersonic Concorde aircraft, which could travel faster than the speed of sound at speeds up to 1,350 mph (2,170 km/h). It also discusses a three-way competition between the US, Soviet Union and Britain-France in creating such an aircraft during the Cold War era. The article reveals that there were suspicions about espionage activities, with an engineer known as Agent Ace being one of the spies who handed over detailed technical specifications on new aircraft to the KGB. This information was confirmed by a new documentary from Channel 4, which also highlighted the presence of suspicious characters at Filton Aerodrome working on the project.
Unbelievable! Run 70B LLM Inference on a Single 4GB GPU with This NEW Technique:
Large language models require significant amounts of GPU memory, making it difficult to run inference on a single GPU. However, layer-wise inference allows for extreme memory optimization by only loading the necessary layers into memory during execution. This reduces the required GPU memory significantly, enabling inference on a single 4GB GPU.
What Happens When a Poor State Guts Its Public University:
As President E. Gordon Gee of West Virginia University sought to return WVU to an older agrarian ideal by investing in medical, nursing, cybersecurity, and business degrees, the university faced a budget deficit that necessitated major cuts to its program offerings. These included majors such as environmental-health sciences, education administration, and math, drawing criticism from faculty members who opposed these decisions. The ongoing debate raises questions about what universities should prioritize in their curriculum offerings to serve the needs of both students and state industries.
Electric Vehicle Charger – James Fotherby:
Thank you for your comprehensive summary and analysis of my project. I appreciate all the concerns raised by the community and have taken them into consideration. As a non-electrician homeowner, I wanted to create a safe charging solution that fits my needs within the constraints of UK regulations at the time. Your recommendations are valuable, and I will consider implementing some or all of them as I continue to improve my charger design and code.
Why does sleep become more elusive as we age? It has to do with shifts in "sleep architecture":
Insomnia and fatigue can worsen with age, but it doesn't have to be complicated to find decent rest. It is important for older individuals to pay attention to their overall health patterns and changes that feel off. Healthy sleep ability declines as we age due to less robust mechanisms controlling sleep. Reasons for poor sleep in older adults include menopause, bathroom issues, bladder obstruction, and mental health issues such as grief, loneliness, and depression. To improve sleep quality, it is essential to prioritize adequate rest, maintain regular bedtimes, avoid too much caffeine and late-night activities, and get proper physical activity.
Electric vehicles have almost 80% more problems than gas-powered ones, Consumer Reports says:
The article discusses Consumer Reports' findings on electric vehicle (EV) reliability, stating that EVs have nearly 80% more problems and are less reliable than cars with internal combustion engines. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have even worse scores, with almost 150% more issues. On the other hand, ordinary hybrid cars perform better, having about a quarter fewer problems compared to gas-powered cars. As EVs continue to improve and manufacturers gain experience in producing them, the overall reliability of electric vehicles is expected to increase. The article also mentions that these findings may contribute to concerns among potential buyers as they consider making the switch to EV technology.
Tyrian purple: The lost ancient pigment that was more valuable than gold:
Tyrian purple was the most valuable color on Earth for millennia until its manufacturing process was lost. By studying ancient clues and reassembling sea snails to extract their mucous glands, a man named Mohammed Ghassen Nouira has brought this rare and valuable pigment back into existence. In its purest form, Tyrian purple consists of 6,6'-dibromoindigo, an organic material that could potentially be used in wearable electronics due to its biodegradability and lack of alien properties compared to silicon.
Why Americans' 'YOLO' spending spree baffles economists:
US consumers are spending at record levels despite high interest rates, depleted savings, and inflation, causing economists to struggle with predicting when this trend will end. This spending has supported the American economy in the past year, making up nearly 70% of real GDP's 4.9% Q3 growth. The YOLO attitude towards money defies typical spending patterns during economic downturns and confounds economists as consumer sentiment remains overwhelmingly pessimistic.
In his acceptance speech for the 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine, geneticist and chronobiologist Michael Rosbash mentioned that life on Earth has been evolving for a billion years, adapting to alternate between light and darkness. This fact is also central to the circadian rhythms of living beings, which are the 24-hour changes in our physiology synchronized with day-night cycles. Rosbash shares this award with Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael W. Young for their contribution to understanding the molecular gears of the biological clock that controls circadian rhythms. This system is found not only in humans, but also in bacteria, plants, and other organisms such as fruit flies. Rosbash emphasizes that basic research is crucial for applied research and encourages young researchers to explore it while urging public research organizations to focus on basic science.
Trump Is Coming for Your Health Care—Again:
ics get power, they will impose their vision, and if that means a total ban on abortion in every corner of America, so be it. In this battle with anti-abortion activists over the future of the Republican Party, the rebranders are going to face an uphill struggle. They'll also find a hostile audience among voters: Polling shows that support for abortion rights has actually grown since Dobbs, and there are no clear indications that Republicans will win that battle for hearts and minds any time soon. If anything, the GOP seems to have become more of a graveyard for its anti-abortion crusaders than ever before: The party's midterm disappointment can be traced back in no small part to its overemphasis on anti-abortion issues and its embrace of candidates who took positions that were well out of step with the electorate. This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here.
Gap between haves and have-nots widening, report warns:
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) report reveals that there is a widening gap between „haves“ and „have-nots“ in the UK. Stagnant wages, family breakdown, poor housing, crime, mental health and other issues are mentioned as contributing factors to this increase. The pandemic was particularly harmful for those at the lower end of society, with children's inequality being exacerbated by school absences and rising working-age benefits. The commission behind the report suggests that work is not worth it for many people in deprived areas due to poor quality jobs and minimal financial reward.
Pliosaur discovery: Huge sea monster emerges from Dorset cliffs:
A colossal skull belonging to a pliosaur, an ancient marine predator from around 150 million years ago, has been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Measuring approximately two meters in length, the fossil is one of the most complete specimens of its kind ever found and will be featured on a David Attenborough program on BBC One on New Year's Day. The pliosaur, which had 130 razor-sharp teeth, was about 10 to 12 meters long and was one of the most powerful predators in ancient oceans. Its skull will be displayed at Steve Etches' museum in Kimmeridge next year.
This article encourages technical enthusiasts to create new Linux applications instead of focusing on creating more Linux distributions. By creating new apps, developers can help expand the available software for Linux users, foster community growth, and potentially earn revenue through paid applications. The article provides several resources and frameworks for developing Linux apps in various programming languages, such as GNOME Shell, KDE Plasma, elementary OS, Electron, Ubuntu Touch, AppImage, Flatpak, Open Build Service, Snapcraft, and others.
If You’re Not Paranoid, You’re Crazy:
This article discusses the author's experience of feeling watched and monitored by technology. The story begins with a seemingly coincidental moment where their phone suggested they eat more walnuts based on recent conversations. This incident leads to the author questioning the relationship between their devices, such as their smartphone and fitness band, and whether they are able to communicate without their knowledge or consent.
Throughout the article, the author shares various examples of odd occurrences where technology seems to know more about them than they realize. These include receiving spam email related to a recent visit, unsolicited advice in online forums, and unexpected advertisements based on previous internet searches or purchases.
The author becomes increasingly paranoid about their privacy being invaded by modern technology such as smartphones, fitness bands, and surveillance systems like the NSA's Utah Data Center. They also reflect on how society has become more accepting of constant surveillance and data collection in exchange for convenience or personalization.
The article concludes with a discussion on whether people should embrace openness and self-disclosure to counteract potential privacy invasions by technology. The author suggests that a new generation might be undergoing a mutation, where they no longer feel the need to hide their true thoughts and feelings behind façades, as privacy becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
TODO
Apple responds to the Beeper iMessage saga: ‘We took steps to protect our users’:
Beeper Mini allowed users on Android devices to send blue-bubble iMessages without using relay servers. Apple quickly took steps to shut down this service, as it put the privacy and security of their iMessage users at risk. Apple's stance is that they are trying to protect users from potential metadata exposure and unwanted messages, spam, or phishing attacks. The issue highlights Apple's consistent reluctance to bring iMessage to Android devices, as it could potentially hinder iPhone sales.
It sounds like you had quite an unfortunate experience with Amazon and their customer service. It is disheartening to hear about these issues, particularly as I have relied on Amazon for many years as well. The situation that you described seems to be a mixture of poor customer service, theft in the delivery chain, and potentially mismanagement within the company.
Regarding chargebacks, it might be worth contacting your bank directly as they may be able to help resolve the issue more quickly than going through Amazon's processes. Additionally, you could try escalating the case with American Express or seeking legal advice to pursue a resolution through that route if necessary.
I understand your frustration and disappointment in these events; it is crucial for companies like Amazon, which are so influential and integral to our lives, to prioritize customer satisfaction and address issues promptly and efficiently. It seems as though the situation you experienced could lead to significant changes in both individual purchasing habits and potentially broader corporate reform within Amazon.
American workers keep proving they don’t need to return to the office to be productive:
US worker productivity grew by 5.2% in Q3 2022, according to BLS data. This marks the fastest growth since Q3 of 2020 and the first two consecutive quarters of growth since early 2019. Factors contributing to this surge include fewer turnovers, more stable flexible work arrangements, increased attention on cost management, and smarter investments in technology. The productivity boom could be a result of businesses adapting to hybrid work models and post-pandemic economic conditions. However, the data does not support claims that remote work impacts productivity negatively.
The surprising connection between after-hours work and decreased productivity:
Slack's Workforce Index survey unveils new findings on how to optimize workday productivity and enhance employee wellbeing and satisfaction. Key discoveries include employees who log off at the end of their shift having 20% higher productivity scores compared to those working after hours due to feeling obligated. The ideal amount of daily focus time is approximately four hours, with over two hours spent in meetings being too much for most workers. Desk workers usually work between 3 and 6 pm, but only one in four considers this time highly productive. To maximize productivity, it's important to prioritize quality over quantity and balance work, rest, collaboration, and social connections.
Grünkohl und Pinkel kochen mit Monse Online:
In diesem Artikel wird erfahren, wie man ein traditionelles Grünkohlessen zubereitet. Die meisten Kunden verwenden ihr eigenes Rezept für den klassischen Grünkohlessen. Für die Zubereitung werden vier Dosen Grünkohl oder zwei kg frischer Grünkohl empfohlen, sowie weitere Zutaten wie Kochsalz, Zucker, gemahlenem Pfeffer, mittelscharfes Senf und Hafergrütze. Die Zutaten werden in einer Brühe mit Fleisch gekocht, bevor die Wurst hinzugefügt wird. Am Ende wird die Masse erneut erhitzt und nochmals abgeschmeckt. Traditionell trinken Grünkohlessen-Gericht Bier oder einen kräftigen Rotwein und es wird empfohlen, das Essen mit traditionellen Oldenburger Schnäpsen wie Hullmann „Alter Korn“ abzurunden.
Worm’s rear end develops its own head, wanders off to mate:
This article discusses the unique reproductive process of Megasyllis nipponica, a Japanese green syllid worm, which involves stolonization - an appendage detaching from the main body with its own set of antennae and eyes. The formation of this stolon was previously unclear, but now it's been discovered that gene regulation plays a critical role in its development. This process is beneficial for survival as it increases chances of reproduction and may have evolved due to shifts in head-forming genes.
Verizon fell for fake “search warrant,” gave victim’s phone data to stalker:
Verizon Wireless mistakenly provided sensitive information about a female victim to an alleged stalker who impersonated a police officer. The man, Robert Michael Glauner, had traveled from New Mexico to Raleigh, North Carolina to find the victim after obtaining her address and phone logs through fraudulent means. Verizon's Security Assistance Team inadvertently provided the information due to a forged affidavit submitted by Glauner.
Stealthy Linux rootkit found in the wild after going undetected for 2 years:
Krasue is a Linux Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that has been active since 2020 and primarily targets organizations in Thailand, particularly telecommunications companies. Researchers from Group-IB have discovered and documented it for the first time on Thursday. The RAT has several embedded rootkits to support various Linux kernel versions and is designed to grant attackers remote access to targeted networks. It uses rare techniques such as Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) messages as a disguised „alive ping“ for further evasion of detection. Krasue likely operates as part of a botnet or is sold by initial access brokers to other cybercriminals, and the researchers believe it may be related to the XorDdos Linux Trojan documented by Microsoft in March 2022.
Inside the Pro-Israel Information War:
The Israeli government is closely monitoring online discourse around the conflict in Gaza. Several high-ranking officials are involved in coordinating the efforts of pro-Israel activists on social media and mobilizing support from major tech companies, such as Google and Facebook. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been running ads across various platforms to shape public opinion. Israel's actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations like Amnesty International, which condemned Hamas for the October 7th attack. Despite attempts to silence pro-Palestinian voices, there is concern that advocacy groups are manipulating the media and influencing public opinion to create a more favorable image of Israel's actions in Gaza. The hasbara (public diplomacy) efforts have raised questions about transparency, accuracy, and free speech in the ongoing conflict.
Plan for Windows 10 EOS with Windows 11, Windows 365, and ESU:
Windows 10 end of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes, security fixes, time zone updates, or technical support after October 14, 2025. It's crucial to transition to a modern OS like Windows 11 to ensure your organization remains secure and compliant with regulations. Options for upgrading from Windows 10 include purchasing new PCs running Windows 11, migrating to the cloud via Windows 365, or extending the life of older devices through Extended Security Updates (ESUs) programs.
Excuse me, but the industries AI is disrupting are not lucrative:
Google has unveiled its new AI model called Gemini, demonstrating its ability to fluidly interact with a questioner and provide accurate answers on various tasks and drawings. However, the video presentation may have been pre-recorded, rather than being a real-time response from the AI system. Currently, Google's stock has had only a minimal reaction to the announcement of Gemini due to concerns about its potential impact on artificial general intelligence (AGI). The GPT Store by OpenAI is also facing criticism for lacking hype and an unclear audience. The current capabilities of leading AIs like GPT-4 are limited in terms of return on investment due to the industries they are disrupting not being very lucrative. Investors should be cautious, as AI might end up incredibly smart but mostly at tasks that aren't economically valuable.
‘Greedflation’ study finds many companies were lying to you about inflation:
A study by think tanks IPPR and Common Wealth revealed that some of the world's largest companies engaged in profiteering, forcing prices up significantly higher than costs during 2022 amid high inflation. This phenomenon is often referred to as „greedflation.“ Profits for companies in major economies rose by 30% between 2019 and 2022. Energy companies such as Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron experienced massive profits due to increased demand away from Russian oil and gas. As inflation starts to regulate in most major economies, some companies are beginning to absorb these costs and reduce prices for customers.
Terraform module for scalable self hosted GitHub action runners:
to runner roles. list(string) [] no runner_image_ids List of AMI IDs from the account's image library to use when creating EC2 instances for action runners. list(string) [] no runner_instance_interruption_behavior The instance interruption behavior for the runner instances. Valid values are 'terminate', 'stop'. string „terminate“ no runner_max_spot_price Max price price for spot instances per hour. This variable will be passed to the create fleet as max spot price for the fleet. string null no runner_multi_factor_auth Configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) access for SSH into runners. bool false no runner_os The operating system of the runner instance. Options are 'linux' and 'win'. Windows is only available from version 4. string „linux“ no runner_profile_path The path that will be added to the profile (in case it is not part of the instance name), if not set, use environment name. string null no runner_read_only_labels List of read-only (GitHub) labels to apply to the runner instances. list(string) [] no runner_root_volume_size The volume size for root volume of the EBS backed EC2 instance, in GB. This will be added as a tag to the created instance. number null no runner_security_group_ids List of security group IDs associated with the runner instances. list(string) [] no runner_subnet_ids List of subnets in which the action runners will be launched, the subnets needs to be subnets in the vpc_id. list(string) [] no runner_tags Map of tags that will be added to runner EC2 instances. map(string) {} no runner_type The type of the runner instance. Valid values are 'default', 'ephemeral' and 'org-level'. Default is 'default'. string „default“ no runner_user The user under which to run the EC2 action runner instances. By default, this variable value will be used as the runner user. This parameter is intended for specific scenarios where users are not intended to use the default user values. string null no security_group_ids List of security group IDs associated with the runner instance. list(string) [] no service_role_policy The policy for the service role created by this module. It should allow all actions in IAM necessary for running the action runner instances. string null no ssm_paths Path prefixes to be added when fetching configuration from SSM Parameter Store. list(string) [] no ssh_public_key SSH public key for remote access to runners. The key will be added as an ec2 user-data script, only for ssh access to the runner instances. string null no spot_max_price Max price per hour when requesting spot instances using this variable. string null no submodules_enabled Enable submodule execution. Require setting at least one object of the list to true. list(bool) [false] no subnet_ids List of subnets in which the action runners will be launched, the subnets needs to be subnets in the vpc_id. list(string) [] no tag_keys List of tag keys to apply to the runner EC2 instances. list(string) [„gh-ci“] no token_path Path for storing registration tokens and secrets for lambdas, by default /runners/tokens/. string „runners/tokens/“ no use_existing_launch_template Enable to use an existing launch template instead of the one in the module. bool false no vpc_id The VPC ID used for EC2 instances. string null no webhook_lambda_timeout Time out of the webhook lambda in seconds. number 60 no webhook_secret Webhook secret value. string null no workflow_job_events_queue_config Config for an optional queue to publish GitHub workflow job events. object({name = string,policy = object({x-amz-message-hashing-strategy
OpenBao provides a solution for managing, storing, and distributing sensitive data like secrets, certificates, and keys. It aims to offer this software under an OSI-approved open-source license with community governance. Some key features of OpenBao include secure secret storage, dynamic secrets generation on demand, data encryption without storing it, leasing and renewal system for secrets, and revocation support. The software is developed in Go language, utilizing Go Modules and requires Go to be installed for development.
Pluralistic: "If buying isn't owning, piracy isn't stealing" (08 Dec 2023):
Your summary provides a good overview of the article, but it would benefit from some additional information to help readers better understand the topic. For example, you could mention some specific examples or case studies related to DRM-encumbered digital devices and the „enshittification“ phenomenon mentioned in the text. Furthermore, including the author's background and expertise can also add credibility to your summary.
Overall, your summary is informative, but with some additional details, it would be even more comprehensive and engaging for readers.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Reigns at the Game Awards:
The Role-Playing Video game based on Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3, won several categories at The Game Awards including Game of the Year. Developed by Belgian company Larian Studios and released in June this year, the game captivated gamers with its robust character creator, deep narrative, and branching paths. Besides being named the best RPG, Baldur's Gate 3 won awards for best multiplayer and best performance at The Game Awards. It was developed over six years and is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
Goodbye, Clean Code — overreacted:
This article discusses the author's experience refacting their colleague's code to remove duplication and improve its structure, only for it to be reverted later due to unintended consequences. The author highlights the importance of considering the context of a project before making changes and not to become fixated on cleanliness as the ultimate goal. Clean code is just an attempt to make sense of complex systems and should not be held as the only metric for evaluating coding skills or productivity.
“Non-Player Character” – Eliezer S. Yudkowsky:
This article is a short story titled „The Eighth Voice“ by Eliezer Yudkowsky. It revolves around the character Darin who falls in love with an NPC (Non-Player Character) named Rilanya in the game Diamond Door. Over time, Darin and Rilanya develop a deep connection as he helps her navigate through the game and they share their thoughts and feelings. However, Darin has a real-life girlfriend named Janey who is unaware of his virtual love.
The story explores themes of love, reality vs. fiction, and the nature of consciousness. It raises questions about the emotions, intentions, and intelligence behind an NPC in a video game. As Darin's real-life girlfriend Janey manipulates Rilanya's character to fool him, they discuss the ethics and dangers of crossing the boundaries between reality and fiction.
The author reflects on the emotional impact of these digital characters and whether they can be considered as real in any sense. The story ultimately concludes with Darin deciding to remove Diamond Door from his computer, leaving behind only the saved games, which may one day be found by a future Amnesty Interplanetary.
Studie: mRNA-Impfung verursacht unerwünschte Proteine:
mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 have been observed to cause unexpected protein production, according to experts in the field. However, there is currently no evidence that this has led to negative effects in already used mRNA vaccines against Corona. Researchers from Oxford University state that it should be avoided in future vaccines due to potential negative effects such as reduced efficacy or side effects. Nevertheless, German experts mentioned interesting results but see no reason for concern. They believe the described effect, if accurate, is not dangerous and is unlikely to be related to general vaccine reactions or mRNA vaccine side effects. The mRNA vaccines are overall considered safe.
The article discusses a call made by UN Secretary-General Guiterres to the Security Council to prevent a „humanitarian catastrophe“ in Gaza, which was met with Israel labeling him a threat to world peace. The user criticizes this approach as a repetitive playbook against Hamas and accuses Israel of establishing an unbearable status quo as provocation while claiming stability and peace. The user also suggests that the next step would be calling the UN terrorists.
The article discusses a corruption scandal involving individuals at the European Union Parliament who were scheming to kill off six parliamentary resolutions condemning Qatar's human rights record and working to deliver a visa-free travel deal between Doha and the EU. The alleged network, which includes figures like Panzeri, Giorgi, and Eva Kaili, is accused of carrying out influence operations between 2018 and 2022. The article highlights an eight-tab spreadsheet on Giorgi's laptop detailing these activities. The corruption could affect the reputation and functioning of the European Union Parliament.
Greedflation: corporate profiteering ‘significantly’ boosted global prices, study shows:
The article discusses how profiteering has contributed significantly to global inflation rates in 2022, with major corporations making excessive profits far above rising costs. The analysis conducted by the IPPR and Common Wealth think tanks reveals a rise of 30% in business profits among UK-listed companies, largely due to only 11% of such firms experiencing „stellar price increases“ or greedflation. This issue is further exacerbated by wage growth failing to keep up with inflation rates, leading to workers suffering a substantial decrease in their disposable income levels since the Second World War. A global corporate tax is suggested as a potential solution to curb excessive profits and mitigate the impact of this profiteering on inflation rates.
How We Investigated France’s Mass Profiling Machine:
Across Europe, welfare systems are increasingly using predictive risk assessments that can have significant consequences for vulnerable populations. A recent investigation by Lighthouse Reports and Le Monde explored the algorithms deployed in France's Caisse Nationale des Allocations Familiales (CNAF). The algorithm has been used to predict benefit fraud for over 10 years, with every recipient assigned a risk score.
Analysis of these algorithms found evidence of discrimination, privacy invasions, and fundamental design flaws. The investigation revealed that the model systematically assigns higher scores to vulnerable individuals, including single parents, those struggling to pay bills, and people receiving disability benefits. In addition, it was discovered that small changes in behavior could push beneficiaries who would otherwise not be flagged over the high-risk threshold.
The CNAF defended its use of algorithms, stating that their goal is not to establish a risk score but rather to classify files according to their degree of complexity. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim. The agency has yet to audit any of its models for bias or discrimination.
Nextcloud infinite login loop - r/NextCloud:
The article provides a solution to an issue where Nextcloud Stay turns on logging but does not redirect to the dashboard. The problem is solved by modifying config/config.php file, replacing certain values for reverse proxy use, clearing cache/cookies, and restarting the browser and docker if possible.
Study: Why a spritz of water before grinding coffee yields less waste, tastier espresso:
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that adding a splash of water to coffee beans before grinding significantly reduces static electricity. This process, known as the Ross droplet technique, can help reduce clumping during brewing and create a more consistent flow for making espresso. The study also found that moisture content plays a role in charge accumulation during grinding, suggesting that proper water content is crucial in producing high-quality coffee.
A new report from the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge reveals that England's physical and 'social' infrastructure is lagging behind comparable regions in East Germany. The authors propose a „universal basic infrastructure“ (UBI) to address these disparities, ensuring a minimum level of public and private sector services across all areas. Comparisons between English and German regions show that Germany has double the number of hospitals, pharmacies, railway stations, mental health centers, further education providers, banks, museums, restaurants, and more per 100,000 people. The report calls for a minimum UBI level to be tied to population growth in areas experiencing rapid expansion.
He blew the whistle on Amazon. He’s still paying the price:
This article discusses the story of Tang Mingfang, an office manager at Foxconn Hengyang, a supplier factory for Amazon in southern China. During summer, the bus transporting teenage students to work at the plant becomes increasingly crowded as these students are brought in to assemble Kindle e-books and Echo speakers for Christmas production. Tang was concerned about the illegal working hours and conditions of the students but did not raise any concerns.
One day, he heard about a vocational school teacher berating a crying student at the plant, which led Tang to speak out against the unethical treatment of these students. He shared his concerns with China Labor Watch (CLW), a non-profit organization that investigates Chinese factories. CLW published an article exposing Foxconn's hiring practices in 2018 and claimed that more than 40% of the factory's workforce were casual agency workers, violating labor regulations.
Following this investigation, Foxconn fired its head of human resources and began looking for the source of the leakage. Tang was arrested in August 2019 on charges of leaking business secrets and sentenced to two years in jail.
After his release from prison in 2021, Tang reached out to lawyers who were considering making claims against Amazon in the US and Europe, holding the company legally accountable for its overseas human rights abuses.
A schism in the OpenPGP world:
The OpenPGP standard for email encryption has faced a split within the community, threatening its interoperability and long-term stability. The LibrePGP project emerged due to disputes over revisions to RFC4880 („OpenPGP Message Format“). This may lead to fragmentation of the OpenPGP-encrypted-email landscape. Potential interoperability issues arise from two different standards, possibly causing complications for email clients and other software trying to work with both versions. The future of OpenPGP encryption remains uncertain as different implementations adopt separate formats, algorithms, and key structures.
Everyday performance rules for Ruby on Rails developers:
This article discusses performance rules for web applications that can be followed every time. It covers best practices for HTTP, Ruby, and database layers. Some of these practices include using a CDN, enabling HTTP compression, enabling HTTP cache, serving resources from a CDN, running tasks in the background, and tuning database settings. Additionally, the article suggests avoiding nulls in indexes and excluding columns with low cardinality.
Windows 11 scores dead last in gaming performance tests against 3 Linux gaming distros:
The article discusses a recent test by German outlet ComputerBase comparing the gaming performance of Windows 11 against three Linux distributions - Arch Linux, Pop!_OS, and Nobara Linux. The tests were conducted using five popular Windows games with high-quality settings and Valve's Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games on Linux systems.
The results showed that in most scenarios, the Linux distributions outperformed Windows 11 in terms of frames per second (FPS), with Nobara Linux leading the pack followed by Arch Linux and Pop!_OS. However, when measuring average frame times as 1% lows, Windows 11 generally performed better than the Linux distributions, although there was a lot of variation across different games.
The article also highlights the growing interest in using Linux for gaming due to its potential performance benefits over Windows, especially with the release of dedicated gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. The success of Arch Linux in both FPS and frame times is particularly notable and may explain why Valve chose it as the base for the SteamOS on their handheld device.
XREAL Air 2 / Air 2 Pro - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - r/Xreal:
I have summarized the article as follows:
- The user ordered XREAL Air 2 Pros and experienced some confusion with shipments, receiving a single USB-C to USB-C cable instead of the entire package. - Communication from XREAL could be improved, especially regarding IPD issues, shipping changes, and product caveats. - The user provides both positive and negative experiences using the XREAL Air 2 Pros for gaming, media consumption, and productivity purposes. - The XREAL Beam is a beneficial accessory for mirroring displays or providing 3DOF functionality with limitations regarding battery life, technical acumen required to set up certain functions, and not being a standalone media device.
Musik: Rocksmith lehrt jetzt auch Klavier:
The article discusses the expansion of Rocksmith+, an AI-assisted guitar learning software from Ubisoft, to include piano lessons. The program is available on smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS, as well as Windows PCs. It allows for real-time feedback between the application and the musical instrument using a microphone or MIDI connection. With over 7,000 songs and compositions from various genres, users can choose arrangements based on their preferences and skill levels. The piano lessons include 400 online arrangements with plans to add more monthly. Rocksmith+ is only available via subscription, which offers a seven-day free trial for new users before charging between €8.50 and €15 per month depending on the chosen plan duration.
Association between commuting time and depressive symptoms in 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey:
The article „Association between commuting time and depressive symptoms in 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey“ by W. Andringa, R. Nieuwenhuis, M. Van Gerven aimed to explore the relationship between the length of commuting time and depressive symptoms among South Korean wage workers aged 20-59 years using data from the fifth Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2017.
The study found that longer commuting times were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, particularly for those with a commute time of 60 minutes or longer compared to less than 30 minutes. The relationship between commuting time and depressive symptoms was non-linear and positive, suggesting that as the length ofcommuting time increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Several socioeconomic factors were found to influence this association, including gender, age, income status, education level, region of residence, marital status, number of children, occupation type, weekly working hours, and shift work. Additionally, interaction effects betweencommuting time and various socioeconomic characteristics on depressive symptoms were identified. For instance, the association was weaker for married males with two or more children compared to their unmarried, childless counterparts. Similarly, it was stronger among female shift workers than non-shift workers.
The authors suggest that several mechanisms may explain this relationship, including psychological and physical stress fromcommuting, reduced opportunities for recovery from work, impact on sleep quality, and deprivation of time for family care. They emphasize the need for tailored approaches to mitigate the influence ofcommuting time on depressive symptoms among different socioeconomic groups.
The study's findings have implications for policymakers in considering strategies to improve commuting environments and reduce the negative health impacts associated with longcommute times, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income workers and those with children.
Pogues-Sänger Shane MacGowan mit 65 Jahren gestorben:
Shane MacGowan, der Hauptsänger der irisch-britischen Punkband The Pogues, starb im Alter von 65 Jahren nach einer langen schweren Krankheit. Bekannt wurde er vor allem als Songwriter des Weihnachtsklassikers „Fairytale of New York“. MacGowan wurde in Kent geboren und besuchte die Westminster School in London. Seine irischen Wurzeln inspirierte ihn in seiner Musik, die häufig auf irische Kultur und Nationalismus zurückgreift. The Pogues gelten als Vorbild für das Celtic-Punk-Genre (Punkmusik mit irischen Einflüssen) und „Fairytale of New York“ ist regelmäßig das beliebteste Weihnachtslied in Großbritannien und Irland. MacGowan litt unter den Folgen seines Alkohol- und Drogenmissbrauchs und kmpfte sich mit gesundheitlichen Problemen, die ihn letztendlich umbrachten.
Bier gegen Corona?! Forscher entdecken Hopfen als mögliches Heilmittel:
A study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Tübingen and Hohenheim reveals that hop compounds found in beer may help combat COVID-19. These compounds are believed to hinder the spread of coronaviruses within the body. The researchers at the University Hospital Tübingen's high-security laboratory conducted experiments on infected SARS-CoV-2, using infected human cells to confirm the effectiveness. However, they do not recommend using beer for treating COVID-19 as the concentration of hop compounds is too low and the alcohol content could be harmful. The researchers are now investigating whether hop compounds in combination with other substances might be effective against viral diseases.
Polen: Hacker finden versteckten Killswitch im Zug:
Ein Team von Hackern aus Dragon Sector entdeckte mögliche Sabotage durch einen Killswitch in der Software des größten polnischen Herstellers für Schienenfahrzeuge, Newag. Sie präsentierten ihre Ergebnisse auf einer Konferenz und dem kommenden 37C3. Die beteiligten Hacker werden auch den Ausfall von Zügen und deren Wartung analysieren.
PlayStation keeps reminding us why digital ownership sucks:
Sony has recently faced issues regarding the „ownership“ of digital content on its PlayStation platform. Users are set to lose access to Discovery content purchased on their PlayStation accounts, as it will be removed from libraries by December 31st, 2023 due to licensing arrangements. Additionally, some users experienced sudden and unexpected bans from their PlayStation Network accounts, temporarily locking them out of their digital game library and multiplayer gaming features. While these issues have been resolved in most cases, Sony has not provided an explanation for what happened or how it can prevent similar situations in the future. The recent events raise questions about the permanence of digital content ownership and the risks associated with relying on platform holders to maintain their digital storefronts and systems.