1. My favorite Erlang program (2013)
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
The article is a list of various files and tiddlers contained in a TiddlyWiki. It includes file paths and tiddler titles, along with some images and other content.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses a feature in server closure that allows for the server to receive a specific message and change to something new. The article also mentions a conversation with Joe, who expressed disappointment in the degradation of Windows over time and predicted that users would eventually have to watch ads to access their own files. The article notes that this prediction has partially come true with the inclusion of ads in Windows 11, and speculates that it may fully happen by Windows 13.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author expresses a strong fondness for someone named Joe and admires their enthusiasm for improving computing. This enthusiasm has influenced the author’s own approach to technology.
2. Beetle grows ‘termite’ on back to steal food
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses the evolution of termite-mimicking beetles and the factors that contribute to their uncanny resemblance to their hosts. The author ponders the lengthy evolutionary process and the selective pressures that drive these beetles to eventually mimic their host species perfectly. They also question why rove beetles excel at this mimicry compared to other species, such as army ants, suggesting that rove beetles may possess unique evolutionary abilities that allow them to mimic more effectively.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article suggests that termites and a termite mimicry species co-evolved over a long period of time. The early mimicry was not very effective, but neither were the termites’ detection abilities. Through incremental steps over 100,000+ years, both species gradually evolved to believe in this mimicry. However, neither party can fully prevail in this model. They only gain marginal benefits in a predator/prey/host relationship, which affects the cyclical swings in the equilibrium outcome of which species is dominant. This dominance may shift in the next 1000 years.
3. Gaussian splatting is pretty cool
Total comment counts : 15
Summary
The article discusses a paper presented at SIGGRAPH 2023 titled “3D Gaussian Splatting for Real-Time Radiance Field Rendering.” The author expresses interest in implementing the realtime visualization aspect of the paper in Unity and possibly exploring ways to reduce the data size. The article also mentions various related concepts and techniques, such as point-based rendering, spherical harmonics, and tiled rasterization. The author provides a link to their implementation of the visualizer in Unity and suggests that there is room for improvement in terms of performance and memory usage. Lastly, they mention the need to address the large data size of the Gaussian Splatting scene representation and consider the ideas presented in the Dreams talk on this topic.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses excitement about a new technique called Gaussian splatting that can recreate rooms in 3D. They have been taking pictures of their living spaces for years with the intention of recreating them in the future. They look forward to using this technique to revisit their old rooms and experience a wave of nostalgia.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a shift in particle systems in recent games towards a new style that combines point-based rendering with physics systems. Examples of this new style can be seen in games like Hogwarts, Forspoken, Starfield, AC6, and FF16. These games use particles as colored transparent points with physics, creating visually appealing effects while being computationally efficient. The author asks if anyone in the game development community has insight into this trend.
4. Kagi Small Web
Total comment counts : 36
Summary
Kagi Small Web has been launched as part of an effort to humanize the web. The term “small web” refers to the non-commercial aspect of the internet, where individuals can express themselves or share knowledge without seeking financial gain. The concept is reminiscent of the early, less commercialized days of the web. Kagi Small Web curates recently published content from the small web and surfaces it in search results. The initiative began in July and now features a curated list of nearly 6,000 genuine websites. The entire initiative, including the list of curated websites, is open-source and can be found on Kagi’s GitHub. Kagi Small Web results are now integrated into the search index, providing a more diverse and unique flavor compared to traditional search engines. In addition, Kagi Small Web has launched a website that operates without JavaScript and allows users to appreciate posts or leave temporary public notes. The aim of the initiative is to bring a more humane experience to web search and promote genuine content over commercial clutter. Kagi Small Web also features emerging YouTube creators with fewer than 400k subscribers. Real-time updates can be obtained through the RSS feed, and API integration is available at a cost. Users are encouraged to contribute to the curated list and provide feedback and bug reports. The initiative seeks to highlight the human aspect of the web and revitalize it as a space for creativity, self-expression, and meaningful content.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author, Vlad, mentions that the RSS feed for their site broke but is now back up. He explains that he personally worked on the code for the site and admits that he is not a very skilled coder. Despite this, he is pleased with the site’s ability to replace the need for discovery and connect with different writers. He believes there is hope in this concept and that it improves search quality and diversity. The article provides links to the list of included websites and recent posts.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the concept of the “small web” and the impermanence of content on it. It mentions that Kagi, a website, will soon remove its notes, highlighting how content on the small web is transient. The article suggests that Kagi may not want to moderate or store notes permanently, but many small websites do preserve their content. The author argues that content on large platforms also often disappears, even when the creator has not forgotten about it. It concludes by stating that small web websites created by caring individuals have the potential to be more permanent.
5. North Korean campaign targeting security researchers
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) has provided an update on security researcher targeting by North Korean threat actors. TAG has been tracking and disrupting campaigns from these actors who have used 0-day exploits to target security researchers. Recently, TAG discovered a new campaign with similarities to the previous one, and at least one actively exploited 0-day has been used to target security researchers. The vulnerability has been reported to the affected vendor and is being patched. TAG warns the security research community to stay vigilant, as government-backed attackers may target them. The threat actors have used social media sites to build rapport with their targets and then moved to encrypted messaging apps. They send a malicious file containing a 0-day exploit in a popular software package to the targeted researchers. The exploit shellcode sends information back to an attacker-controlled domain. In addition, the threat actors have developed a tool that downloads debugging symbols but also has the ability to download and execute arbitrary code. TAG advises taking precautions if the tool has been downloaded or run. TAG shares its research findings to enhance the safety and security of Google’s products, adds identified websites and domains to Safe Browsing, and sends alerts to targeted Gmail and Workspace users. They aim to raise awareness, improve threat hunting capabilities, and strengthen user protections across the industry.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author has noticed that the getsymbol tool on Github has 214 stars and no indication that it is malicious. They suggest that Github should add a banner or warning dialogue to inform users about the backdoor in this tool and any other software with a known backdoor.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author is questioning how North Koreans, who seem to have unrestricted internet access and knowledge of English, have not come across media that exposes them to information not provided by their state media.
6. Mullvad on Tailscale: Privately browse the web
Total comment counts : 42
Summary
The article discusses a partnership between Tailscale and Mullvad to provide a secure and private browsing experience. Tailscale offers a personal private internet called a tailnet, which allows users to securely connect to services and people from anywhere. Mullvad is a VPN service known for its commitment to user privacy and security. With the partnership, Tailscale users can use Mullvad’s global network of VPN servers as exit nodes, ensuring their internet browsing remains private. Tailscale acts as a coordination layer between devices and Mullvad’s network, allowing traffic to be encrypted and routed through Mullvad’s servers. The partnership allows users to browse the web securely, protect themselves on public Wi-Fi, connect to the internet from various locations, and forward non-standard port traffic through Mullvad’s network edge. The article emphasizes the privacy and encryption guarantees provided by Tailscale and outlines the commercial risks and considerations of offering true anonymity. Mullvad exit nodes are available as a public beta and can be added to any Tailscale plan for an additional cost.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses the evolution of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and their transformation from their original concept to the commercial consumer products available today. It mentions that VPNs were initially intended to provide an encrypted overlay network similar to what Tailscale offers. However, over time, VPNs became associated with accessing corporate internal networks. The article also refers to the idea proposed by John Gilmore to use standardized IPSec VPN technology for securing internet traffic. Overall, the article highlights the convergence and reinvention of VPNs in recent times.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article expresses a contrarian view on the partnership between tailscale and a personal VPN provider. The author believes that this move may signal a defeat in the enterprise space and distract from the larger opportunity for growth. They are skeptical of the idea that this partnership will lead to greater satisfaction for individual consumers, which would in turn drive success in the business-to-business (B2B) market.
7. jq 1.7
Total comment counts : 33
Summary
The article discusses the release of a new version of the jq programming language. The organization behind jq has returned after a five-year hiatus and has brought in new administrators and maintainers. The article expresses gratitude towards various individuals who have contributed to the new release. It also mentions highlights and improvements in the new version, such as customizable object key colors, improved help output, and the addition of new built-in functions. The article provides a comprehensive list of changes and fixes in the release.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s positive experience with JQ, a tool used for data manipulation and filtering. The author implemented a subset of JQ in Clojure and found the process enjoyable. They also share that they were surprised to learn that JQ is a LISP-2 language. The article includes links to Instaparse, a tool the author used, and a page describing JQ’s language description.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author mentions various tools they use for working with data, including jq, JMESPath, yq (along with tomlq and xq), and dasel. They express a wish that hclq was not “so dead.” The article includes several links to more information about these tools.
8. ZX Origins 8x8 bitmap fonts
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
This article discusses the author’s collection of 8x8 bitmap fonts, which are available for use in games in exchange for a mention in the credits section. The author mentions that there have been 199 usages of these fonts in games and tools. The article provides simulated screenshots, backstory, inspiration, tips for usage, variations, and a download zip file containing the fonts in modern TrueType and legacy formats. The author also suggests buying them a coffee as a way of saying thanks.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the impressive design of handwriting-like fonts and outline fonts fitting into an 8x8 format. The reader plans to refer to the article for their future Arduino LED-matrix display project.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discussed a font called “ZX Venice” which reminded the author of the game “Lords of Midnight.” The game was notable for its procedural generation, making it feel much bigger than other games. The author shared their personal experience of playing the game on a Spectrum computer, but was unable to finish it due to technical issues.
9. Microsoft will assume liability for legal copyright risks of Copilot
Total comment counts : 31
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The writer suggests that in order to demonstrate that Copilot is non-infringing technology, Microsoft should release a model that is trained on the internal codebases of Azure, Windows, and Office.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article in question lacks specific details and leaves several questions unanswered. The author wonders if the blog post can be considered a legally enforceable contract and whether Microsoft provides indemnity to all users of Copilot against claims of copyright infringement. The blog post mentions important conditions but it’s unclear if these conditions are exhaustive or if there are additional ones that are not mentioned, such as specific countries where the program applies. The author also questions what guarantees users have that Microsoft will not discontinue the program, especially if they face repeated legal rulings against them.
10. NSO group iPhone zero-click, zero-day exploit captured in the wild
Total comment counts : 33
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article mentions a buffer overflow vulnerability in image decoding, which is similar to a previous vulnerability discovered in 2021. The previous vulnerability involved constructing a CPU using primitives from an obscure image compression format embedded in a PDF file to achieve arbitrary code execution. The article provides a link to the previous vulnerability for more information.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the concept of Lockdown Mode on Apple devices and the emphasis on using it only in specific situations, such as being a journalist or in direct danger. The author finds it interesting how there is minimal functionality difference for the user, except for disabling unnecessary background processes. The author believes that everyone should use Lockdown Mode as it helps to disable unnecessary features and potentially save battery power.