1. Who lusts for certainty lusts for lies
Total comment counts : 31
Summary
In this article, the author criticizes the reliability of Google Ngram Viewer, a tool that displays the frequency of words in books over time. The author argues that the Ngram Viewer’s data is flawed and misleading due to errors in Google Books’ corpus. The author explains that the database contains a large proportion of academic literature, which skews the results as certain words used frequently in academic writing artificially inflate their scores, while diminishing the scores of other words. The author also mentions other flaws in the Ngram Viewer, such as its inability to recognize variant spellings and misdated files. The article concludes by suggesting that Ngrams should be viewed as decorative or whimsical rather than trusted sources of information. The author encourages readers to rely on more reliable sources, such as Etymonline, which is based on print sources and curated by humans.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author plans to use the title “Those Conversations Definitely Suck for Me” when discussing estimates, specifically in situations where the start and finish dates for a project are uncertain.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article criticizes the use of ngrams, particularly in modern algorithms. It argues that ngrams, which are unreliable and a product of ignorant technology made to sell and distract, are unable to distinguish between “influence” and “inform.” The author believes that the use of ngrams is a reflection of our society’s preference for pictures over words and warns about the negative impact of algorithms that prioritize profit over accuracy. The article also mentions the rise of generative AI, which is said to rely on ngram prediction. Overall, the article expresses concern about the limitations and consequences of relying on ngrams in our increasingly technology-dominated world.
2. FTC sues Amazon for illegally maintaining monopoly power
Total comment counts : 61
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com, Inc., accusing the company of being a monopolist that engages in anticompetitive and unfair practices to maintain its dominant position in the market. The complaint alleges that Amazon prevents rivals and sellers from lowering prices, degrades product quality, overcharges sellers, stifles innovation, and hinders fair competition. The lawsuit seeks to hold Amazon accountable for its monopolistic practices and restore free and fair competition. The FTC and states are seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit Amazon from engaging in unlawful conduct and to restore competition.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article highlights the impact of Amazon’s monopoly power on small businesses, particularly those selling on the platform as FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) sellers. Many mom and pop businesses, ranging from $250k to $5 million in revenue, have been built on Amazon over the past decade. However, these sellers are feeling squeezed with limited online alternatives, especially after the iOS change. Previously, sellers had the option to connect with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok through Shopify, but with that option no longer viable, many have had to fully commit to FBA to survive. The article points out that Amazon’s monopoly power has led to increased inflation and higher prices for FBA, negatively impacting the revenues of these small businesses. Additionally, Amazon’s approach to counterfeits is criticized, as well as their penalization of sellers for attempting to drive sales elsewhere with lower prices on other sites. The article references a Bloomberg write-up on this topic for more information.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Project Nessie is an algorithmic pricing system associated with Amazon. It has been revealed that Project Nessie has extracted a significant amount of money from American households. This contradicts Amazon’s claim of being customer-centric. It is believed that this system may be related to surge pricing, as it monitors spikes or trends. Further details about Project Nessie are redacted in the complaint and more information is sought.
3. Is Math Real?
Total comment counts : 46
Summary
The article contains contact information for the Mathematical Association of America.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses two different views on mathematics: one view sees mathematics as a rigid set of rules and algorithms, while the other view sees mathematics as flexible and based on questioning why it works effectively. The author argues that this dichotomy is not inherent in the historical pursuit of mathematics, as the focus on rigor and accuracy developed gradually in the 19th century due to issues with calculus.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses how a book does not address the question of whether math is empirical or invented. Instead, it recommends another source that explores this question. The book mentioned argues from the perspective of old Pythagorean views.
4. macOS Containers v0.0.1
Total comment counts : 31
Summary
The article announces the release of macOS native containers, which allow users to run macOS inside macOS, build images using Docker, and distribute them using registries. The installation is available via Homebrew. It also notes that Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. and that the website is an independent community initiative not authorized or sponsored by Apple Inc.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is about a GitHub repository titled “macOScontainers/homebrew-formula,” which seems to relate to macOS native containers. The author expresses interest in this topic, but also remarks on a concerning instruction to disable System Identity Protection.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the functionality of containers and their namespace or isolation of operating system interfaces. It mentions that containers allow various OS functions to operate independently without virtualizing the kernel. The article questions if XNU, the kernel used in macOS, has similar namespacing across its interfaces. It also mentions that the existing container ecosystem assumes a Linux syscall interface, which macOS does not provide. The article then explains how Docker Desktop and podman.io implement “containers on macOS” by running a Linux virtual machine that provides the container environment. Finally, it questions how this project could run a macOS container, considering the differences in syscall interfaces between Linux and macOS.
5. Quadlets might make me finally stop using docker-compose
Total comment counts : 29
Summary
The author expresses their love for containers and docker-compose but mentions their interest in exploring quadlets introduced by Podman. Quadlets are a simpler way of managing containers using systemd. In the past, generating systemd unit files through podman was complicated and difficult to edit. Quadlets provide an easier solution with a simple ini-style file. The article includes an example of a quadlet for running WordPress and explains how to set up container dependencies using the Quadlets approach. The author suggests removing docker-compose and leveraging CoreOS’s built-in features. The article provides instructions on how to use quadlets with CoreOS, including setting up necessary files and launching an instance. It also explains how quadlets enable automatic container updates and demonstrates how to make configuration changes and restart containers.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article explains that there is confusion between the requirements for podman quadlets and coreOS concepts. It clarifies that quadlets only require a .container file to be placed correctly in order to create a supervised container using systemd. Additionally, it mentions that this approach also supports per-user rootless containers as described in a linked resource provided.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author of the article started using quadlets for system designs and believes there is no reason to stop using docker-compose if developers are comfortable with it. Quadlets are essentially docker-compose in systemd, and the author plans to continue using it but does not consider it to be magical.
6. The casino in your pocket
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
The article discusses a casino trick used by mobile games, focusing on Wordscapes. The game offers rewards and decorations that can be obtained for free or purchased with in-game currency. It introduces a new feature called “Mt. Fortune,” where players ascend a mountain with 25 steps, choosing cards along the way that may contain rewards or a rock, which halts progress. If a rock appears, the player must pay coins to continue. The author noticed patterns in the appearance of rocks and tested the game for 28 consecutive days to analyze the odds. They found that the percentage of cards with rocks ranged from 25% to 45% and that rocks tended to appear before or after a basecamp. The article concludes that the game is rigged in the house’s favor and that the choice of cards has no impact on the outcome.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses the behind-the-scenes workings of free-to-play (f2p) games, revealing that the reward stream in these games is carefully planned out by developers. The author explains that rewards are determined by loot tables, which often contain more undesirable prizes to manipulate player progression. However, there is a “pity” counter that increases every time a player receives an undesired prize, ensuring that they eventually receive a good item. The article suggests that players should only engage with these games if they understand the monetization tactics and have friends to play with, as there are other hobbies with better uses for one’s money.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author joined a paid accelerator program to create a mobile game with a company’s guidance. However, they were disappointed when they learned that success in the game industry is heavily reliant on manipulation. The game was dumbed down, levels were tweaked to control playtime, and mechanisms were introduced to limit progression without payment. Unfair difficulty spikes and fake promotions were also implemented. The author became disillusioned with the process and lost interest in their game, realizing that creating an exploitative game takes away the enjoyment of game development.
7. John Romero on his book “Doom Guy” and developing games at a small scale
Total comment counts : 13
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article expresses a preference for smaller games or games created by smaller development teams over AAA titles. They believe that AAA games are predictable and mindless, comparing them to going to the movies. The author’s frustration lies in the fact that smaller games often do not receive much attention, even though they can offer unique and enjoyable experiences. They mention that successful games are not solely reliant on their art, but also on gameplay. They provide examples of games like Fez and Doom to support their point. The author encourages aspiring game developers to focus on creating fun games rather than being overly concerned about the visual appearance of their projects. They conclude by praising the art in Commander Keen, with the only criticism being the lack of professional dithering.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article mentioned the book “Doom Guy” and asked for readers’ opinions. The reader felt that the book had too much narrative and drama compared to “Masters of Doom.” They also found it strange that John Romero claimed to have a perfect memory but left out certain important events.
8. The United States of Bed Bath & Beyond
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is described as a narrative looking for a story to support its argument about the actions of powerful and greedy individuals. The author suggests that the narrative could have used different examples from the 1980s or deceptive advertising, but those would not align with the author’s desired portrayal of rulers as reckless and avaricious.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the role of Cohen and how he intends to use low-information meme investors to his advantage. It also highlights the unusual behavior of some individuals who defend Cohen despite conflicting evidence, suggesting a cognitive dissonance.
9. Nuvem, a subsea cable to connect Portugal, Bermuda, and the U.S.
Total comment counts : 9
Summary
Google Cloud has announced the launch of Nuvem, a new transatlantic subsea cable system that will connect Portugal, Bermuda, and the United States. Nuvem, named after the Portuguese word for “cloud,” aims to improve network resiliency and meet the growing demand for digital services. The cable will enhance international route diversity and support the development of information and communications technology infrastructure. Bermuda and Portugal have embraced the opportunity to become hubs for international connectivity and digital transformation. Nuvem will be the first cable to land in Bermuda’s digital Atlantic hub and connect Bermuda with Europe. The cable is expected to be ready for service in 2026 and will increase capacity, reliability, and decrease latency for Google users and Google Cloud customers globally.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Portugal offers excellent consumer Internet access, with 700 Mbit 5G and 300 Mbit wifi available in most cafes, apartments, and hotels. This is beneficial for travelers who rely on a strong Internet connection. However, this positive aspect is offset by the poor customer service provided by TAP Portugal, which may require the use of the reliable Internet to file complaints.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that working with Portugal may have been easier because they own the Azores, a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands serve as a convenient stopover before reaching the main continent.
10. Show HN: Unity like game editor running in pure WASM
Total comment counts : 33
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The person commenting on the article expresses their familiarity and positive experience with Zero Engine, which they used in summer camps at DigiPen. They mention programming in Zilch and even creating an AI for a Galaga clone. They also mention being curious about Zero Engine’s current status and are excited to hear that it will experience a resurgence.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article describes the author’s experience with a concept that causes their GPU and browser to lag. They were able to highlight the starting sphere after multiple attempts, and mentioned that they are using a low-end computer setup.