1. Picotron Is a Fantasy Workstation
Total comment counts : 31
Summary
The article discusses the introduction of Picotron, a new software that is still in the early stages of development. The runtime and API of Picotron are nearly complete and it allows users to edit code, graphics, maps, and sound, as well as export them to .p64.png format to share on the BBS. Web exporters will be added in the near future. Currently, Picotron is available for purchase at a discounted price of $11.99 until the end of March. After that, the price will increase to $19.99, or $11.99 when purchased with other fantasy consoles. The software includes all future updates and is DRM-free, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article enjoyed using PICO-8, a retro gaming platform. However, they have now moved on to using “genuine” retro hardware like CX16, Mega65, or Agon Light. These new machines have tighter specifications and can achieve more within those specifications. The author suggests that using Lua, a programming language, might be too slow on real 8-bit hardware, but it can be used as the base for a cross-compiler instead. They propose creating an ultimate development environment that generates precise code for specific types of projects. This approach has been seen in highly optimized PICO-8 games as well as newer demos for platforms like C64, Spectrum, and A800. The “big hardware” is being leveraged to defy assumed paradigms.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article explains that the subject being discussed is a fun but somewhat flawed and unstable project. The author mentions that although it is possible to understand the project’s intention, there is also an air of mystery surrounding it. Furthermore, it is noted that there is a lack of API documentation, forcing users to print all the global lua tables to figure out how to use certain features. The author also highlights that while the current version has less issues compared to a previous version, there are still some problems to be resolved in the upcoming version.
2. Chronos: Learning the Language of Time Series
Total comment counts : 14
Summary
The article discusses arXivLabs, a framework that allows collaboration and development of new features for the arXiv website. It states that both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs share the values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy that arXiv is committed to. The article also mentions the option of receiving status notifications for arXiv via email or Slack. Overall, arXivLabs is a platform for developing useful projects that benefit the arXiv community.
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The article discusses the comparison between open source timeseries strategies and traditional methods. It mentions that ML methods have struggled in the M-Competitions, which are a benchmark for timeseries forecasting. Linear models have performed well, and ML models that have succeeded tend to be variants of older tree-based methods. The article also expresses curiosity about whether the Transformer architecture will bring significant advancements in this field.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author, who has a background in finance, is skeptical about using large pre-trained models on financial time series. While they see the value of such models in areas with clear stationary patterns, they believe that financial data processes are highly non-stationary and chaotic, making it difficult to apply pre-trained models effectively.
3. How Chain-of-Thought Reasoning Helps Neural Networks Compute
Total comment counts : 17
Summary
Researchers have discovered that asking language models to generate step-by-step solutions, a technique called chain-of-thought prompting, enables the models to solve complex problems. By using techniques from computational complexity theory, researchers have explored the power of chain-of-thought reasoning to understand the capabilities and limitations of language models. Large language models are built using artificial neural networks that perform operations on strings of numbers representing words. The introduction of transformer networks in 2017 allowed for the scaling up of language models, leading to improved performance.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author discusses their experience with interacting with chain-of-thought and points out that it should not be compared to rigid chains of logic or math. They mention that step-by-step reasoning by models does not provide the same level of rigidity as human logic and math. The strength of the chain lies in the related contexts it considers, which is much weaker than human logic and math. The author argues that AI models do not make the necessary tight connections taught in basic math, and they observe how models fail in ways that humans past a certain age would not. Instead, models search for related contexts, which is powerful but different from human logical reasoning. Humans can reason starting with very few concepts and reach ironclad conclusions, which models are not capable of doing. Models, on the other hand, leapfrog through context. The author acknowledges that it is difficult to describe this succinctly, but it is not hard to see.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article explains that transformer models only perform computations when they generate tokens. Generating more tokens using CoT provides more time for the model to think. However, this explanation does not cover all the details.
4. Implementing Vertical Form Controls
Total comment counts : 8
Summary
Safari 17.4 has introduced support for vertical writing mode in form control elements across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. This feature is particularly useful for East Asian languages like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Mongolian, which are written vertically and read top-to-bottom. While vertical writing mode has been available in browsers for some time, support for form controls has been inconsistent. As part of Interop 2023, the industry committed to improving support for vertical writing mode in form controls, and Safari 17.4 now brings this support to all Safari users. Adding vertical form controls is simple with the CSS writing-mode property. Safari supports right-to-left block flow direction with “writing-mode: vertical-rl” and left-to-right block flow direction with “writing-mode: vertical-lr.” The supported form control elements include buttons, textarea, progress, meter, input, and select. WebKit is committed to supporting vertical writing modes for any new controls in the future. However, popup UIs associated with form controls, like menus and color pickers, are still displayed horizontally. Implementing vertical writing mode in WebKit required making changes to the user-agent stylesheet and custom layout code. Additionally, rendering form controls with vertical writing mode required unique changes depending on the control and system capabilities. Overall, Safari’s inclusion of vertical writing mode support aims to improve internationalization and empower authors to create better content for local and global communities.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s fascination with the rethinking of rendering and interaction models for form controls in programming. They mention how this process involves making meaningful changes to long-standing rendering logic. The author expresses curiosity about the extent of code that had to be redone and provides a link to a GitHub commit for further exploration. They comment that the changes include converting heights to logical heights and replacing “Right” with “end,” finding the overall process intriguing.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author is seeking feedback from East Asian people on the usefulness of a proposed change regarding vertical text orientation. They express concern about potential bugs and developers lacking preparation to handle vertical text correctly. They mention that while vertical orientation may be suitable for poetry or prose, most signs, subtitles, and other elements in Japan, China, and Korea are left-to-right. They question the introduction of an antiquated custom to override past imperial influences from Russia and China. The author is open to hearing from native individuals on this matter and does not want to come across as ignorant or xenophobic.
5. Mapping almost every law, regulation and case in Australia
Total comment counts : 30
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s passion for making maps of things that are not usually mapped. They mention one of their popular creations, the Music-Map. The author reveals their desire to make a map of the internet and explains that they have already registered the domain web-map.com for this purpose. They have conducted experiments and built a custom crawler and algorithm to find related websites quickly. However, the author is hesitant to pursue this project further as they have multiple experimental maps and have not yet found a business model for “making maps of everything.”
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that while Australian case law appears to be a continuum, it may actually be a result of factors such as projection and similarity metrics. The author acknowledges that the map can still be informative, but cautions that it may not accurately reflect the true knowledge structure of the documents. Overall, the article commends the documentation of the project and praises it for offering a unique perspective on the Australian legal landscape.
6. Atari Falcon030
Total comment counts : 25
Summary
The article discusses the Atari ST computers, which were released in the 1980s. It highlights the transitions in computer technology during that time, such as the shift from 8-bit to 16-bit computers and from text to graphical user interfaces. The article mentions that while there were initially many companies making computers, by the end of the 80s, there were only four major computer lines in the US: PCs, Apple Macintosh, Commodore Amiga, and Atari ST. It also notes that Atari and Commodore were not able to succeed in the long-term. The article then focuses on the last Atari computer, the Falcon030, which was introduced in 1992. The Falcon030 had improved graphics capabilities and a variety of color options, but its hardware design, particularly its case, was considered a disappointment. Despite its flaws, the Falcon030 was more powerful than previous Atari models.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article expresses their fondness for the Falcon 030 computer, which they used primarily for music production in the 90s. They highlight the integrated digital signal processor (DSP) and the faster 68030 processor of the Falcon 030, which allowed for 8 track hard-disk recording integrated into a MIDI sequencer at a lower price than alternatives like Macintosh Sound Tools/Pro Tools systems. The DSP also offered some effects like reverb, although the quality was not as high as today’s standards. Overall, the Falcon 030 was considered one of the first affordable digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Top 2 Comment Summary
By the end of the 1980s, there were four major computer lines in the US: PCs and their clones, Apple Macintosh, Commodore Amiga, and Atari ST. NeXT, although initially promising with its innovations and charismatic leader, was not able to survive as a hardware platform and was seen more as a competitor in the market for Unix workstations rather than consumer lines.
7. On limitations that hide in your blindspot
Total comment counts : 10
Summary
The article discusses the concept of identifying and overcoming limitations to achieve personal growth. The author shares examples of how his wife, Johanna, improved her knowledge and skills by identifying her blind spots and constantly seeking self-improvement. The author also highlights the importance of collaboration and explicitly defining the creative process in order to recognize and address limitations. Johanna’s habit of taking note of subtle feelings of something being “off” helps her uncover areas that need improvement. Overall, the article emphasizes the need to be aware of and actively work on overcoming limitations in order to reach one’s full potential.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s enjoyment of an essay that made them reflect on the idea of “Escaping Flatland.” The essay provides observations and insights, particularly focusing on the exhilaration of a love story. The author shares their realization that they have always been attracted to partners who are smarter than them, but the essay helped them understand the importance of finding someone who makes them better at becoming better. The article highlights the transformative nature of such a relationship and the joy and possibilities that true love can bring. The authors’ ability to evoke a sense of magic in their writing is also praised.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the difference between knowledge and intelligence, using the example of a person named Johanna. Despite her lack of knowledge in certain areas, Johanna is noted for her sharp attention and curiosity. The author emphasizes that knowledge and intelligence are separate and should not be confused with one another.
8. The Origins of the Generic Mapping Tools
Total comment counts : 3
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
This article highlights the importance of understanding computer mapping in a project, particularly referencing GMT and its history. The author expresses gratitude for the article, which provides a solid foundation for integrating the Unified Forecast System. The author also mentions finding another article interesting as it explores the evolution of data processing tools from punch cards to real-time processing. A link to the Unified Forecast System Community website is provided.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author reminisces about using GMT (Generic Mapping Tools) for summer research in 2002/2003. They describe it as useful and versatile, being their first experience with command line interface (CLI)/pipeline style coding. They express pleasure in learning more about the history of GMT and are glad to see it still being used.
9. Meteorite Self-test check-list
Total comment counts : 7
Summary
This article explains the formation and characteristics of fusion crusts on meteorites. When small rocks from space, called meteoroids, enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, the air in their path becomes compressed and heats up, causing the outer layer of the meteoroid to melt. This molten material ablates, or sloughs off, and is replaced by new molten material underneath. As a result, the meteoroid loses most of its mass and forms a thin, glassy coating called a fusion crust. Fusion crusts are usually 1-2 mm thick and can have flow features or regmaglypts. The process of atmospheric entry also shapes the meteorite into a rounded and aerodynamic shape. Fusion crusts remain shiny even after being on Earth for a long time, although in temperate environments where it rains frequently, they may not be as shiny. The fusion crust is made of glass, while the underlying material is crystalline and sometimes weaker. Therefore, fusion crusts may break away over time, which helps in identifying them as meteorites.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is a short dialogue consisting of three statements. It mentions being in the Antarctic, spotting a stone on top of snow and ice, and identifying it as a meteorite.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article mentions the term “JAR” (Just A Rock) as a common reference for objects that are simply rocks, such as arrowheads.
10. Why is it so hard to build an airport?
Total comment counts : 44
Summary
Airports are crucial for economic activity and air travel, with aviation contributing to 8% of global GDP and 25% of companies’ sales relying on air transport. However, building airports is challenging and often met with opposition. Despite the increasing demand for air travel, the US has only built three major commercial airports in the past 50 years. The difficulty in building airports stems from various factors, including opposition from interest groups and the need for extensive infrastructure to accommodate jet aircraft. Jet airliners require longer runways and produce louder noise, which has been a major concern for residents near airports. Despite efforts to educate and promote acceptance of aircraft noise, building airports that can accommodate jet aircraft remains a challenge.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article mentions that Narita Airport (NRT) in Tokyo is located quite far from the city. While violence is uncommon in modern Japan, the airport has been the site of resistance over several decades. This includes opposition forces killing police officers, rioting on multiple occasions, and constructing a 200 ft tower to interfere with test flights. Numerous acts of vandalism have occurred at the airport over the years. The article provides a link for more information.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the debate surrounding the location of the “next” airport in the Seattle region. It mentions that there is a general consensus that nobody wants a new airport. The State Legislature created a commission to identify potential sites, but due to strong public opposition, they submitted their final report without making any specific recommendations. One idea that has been proposed is to build a high-speed rail to Moses Lake Airport in Central Washington and expand it. However, the author expresses doubt that this will happen as it would involve constructing both a major airport and a new train.