1. Debugging Hetzner: Uncovering failures with powerstat, sensors, and dmidecode
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
The article details Ubicloud’s experience with Hetzner’s AX162 server line, which was introduced as an upgrade over the AX161 but turned out to be significantly less reliable. Here are the key points:
Initial Attraction: Ubicloud was initially excited about the AX162 due to its better performance and lower cost.
Reliability Issues: Shortly after deployment, these servers began crashing frequently, with the first crash occurring just three weeks after purchase. The crashes were initially unexplained, with NULL bytes in system logs suggesting abrupt system failures.
Investigation and Hypotheses: Ubicloud conducted extensive tests to identify the cause:
- They considered high CPU load as a potential issue but found crashes occurred even at low loads.
- Temperature was monitored, but no significant correlation with crashes was found.
- Hardware components were compared between failing and non-failing servers, finding no significant differences.
Power Limitation Hypothesis: Ubicloud hypothesized that Hetzner might be limiting power usage to fit more machines into their data centers, potentially causing hardware degradation. This was supported by power consumption measurements.
Data Analysis: Using the Annualized Failure Rate (AFR), Ubicloud determined that AX162 servers were 16 times more likely to crash than other models. They also noted a pattern where servers that crashed once were very likely to crash again soon.
Resolution: After months of troubleshooting and interaction with Hetzner, it was discovered that a batch of motherboards was defective. Hetzner replaced these with a new batch, which resolved the issue for the most part.
Outcome: Ubicloud managed to replace the faulty hardware with minimal disruption as they had already shifted critical workloads off the AX162 servers. However, they remained cautious about fully returning to using these servers for critical operations.
The article highlights the complexities of hardware reliability in data centers and the importance of thorough investigation and collaboration with hardware providers to resolve such issues.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses reliability problems with Hetzner’s AX series servers (models AX42, AX52, and AX102), which are prone to failure due to a faulty motherboard design. Hetzner plans to replace the motherboards in these affected servers within the next 12 months.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses issues encountered with Hetzner servers, particularly frequent CPU fan failures alongside typical hard drive or SSD failures. It highlights the necessity for self-monitoring when using unmanaged servers, which explains why they are less expensive compared to managed cloud services.
2. Multiple Russia-aligned threat actors actively targeting Signal Messenger
Total comment counts : 32
Summary
The Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has noted an uptick in efforts by Russian state-aligned actors to compromise Signal Messenger accounts, particularly those used by individuals of interest to Russian intelligence, driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These actors exploit Signal’s “linked devices” feature by using malicious QR codes that link a victim’s account to an actor-controlled instance, allowing real-time eavesdropping without needing full device access. Tactics include:
- Remote Phishing: Malicious QR codes are disguised as legitimate Signal resources like group invites or security alerts.
- Close-Access Operations: Actors like APT44 use captured devices on the battlefield to link Signal accounts to their infrastructure.
- Phishing Campaigns: Groups like UNC5792 modify Signal group invites to redirect users to malicious URLs that link their Signal accounts to actor-controlled devices.
These methods are not only used against Signal but also other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. GTIG warns of the potential expansion of these tactics to other regions and actors. Signal has responded by enhancing security features in its latest updates to combat these phishing attempts. The article emphasizes the need for awareness and updates to protect against such espionage efforts.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the security vulnerabilities associated with the implementation of linked devices in messaging apps like Signal. Here are the key points:
Historical Concerns: The author previously highlighted issues with Signal’s linked devices feature, especially when compared to criticisms from Telegram.
Academic Research: There has been academic scrutiny on Signal’s linked devices, with a specific paper from 2021 detailing potential problems.
Delay in Real-World Exploitation: The author expresses surprise that it took a long time for these vulnerabilities to be exploited in real-world attacks, given the known risks.
Signal’s Response: Signal has downplayed the severity of these vulnerabilities. When researchers disclosed their findings to Signal in 2020, Signal responded by stating that they do not consider the compromise of long-term secrets as part of their threat model, effectively acknowledging but not prioritizing this issue.
In summary, while Signal’s linked devices feature has been known to have security flaws, the company has not treated these as critical within their security framework, leading to ongoing risks for users.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges and limitations of achieving true end-to-end (E2E) encryption in digital communication services, particularly focusing on the vulnerabilities introduced by the necessity of client-side software:
Client-side Security: The author points out that even with robust encryption protocols, security can be undermined if the client software (like a chat app) includes malicious code or trackers. This could easily leak data despite the encryption on the transmission level.
Verification and Trust: The article emphasizes that for E2E encryption to be truly effective, users must be able to verify and build the client software themselves. However, practical issues like distribution through app stores (e.g., iOS) can introduce risks where the software might be tampered with during the publishing process.
Complexity in Multi-party Systems: In scenarios involving multiple users (like group chats), ensuring all parties are using secure, verified clients adds another layer of complexity and potential vulnerability.
False Security: The author expresses concern that using well-known encrypted services like Signal might actually make users more of a target for surveillance under the assumption that they are secure, which could be a false sense of security.
Discussion Focus: There’s a critique on how security discussions often focus on the theoretical aspects of encryption protocols rather than the practicalities of implementation and potential client-side exploits.
The author concludes with a sense of skepticism about the effectiveness of E2E encryption outside of encrypted storage, suggesting that much of the effort might be undermined by simpler, overlooked vectors for data leakage.
3. Alice Hamilton waged a one-woman campaign to get the lead out of everything
Total comment counts : 22
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
Tamara Rubin, despite lacking formal credentials in medicine or web design, has become a notable advocate for consumer safety by conducting extensive XRF testing for lead in consumer products. Certified in XRF testing, her findings have led to recalls, such as those for baby bottles, highlighting issues with lead contamination even in modern products. Although lead exposure risks are lower today, they still exist, particularly in items like antique dishware and old paint in homes. Rubin’s work underscores the need for stricter safety standards beyond just children’s products. The article suggests shifting towards using materials known to be free of heavy metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and clear glass for cookware and drinkware, and advocates for consuming whole foods to avoid contamination from manufacturing processes. Her website serves as a resource, although it lacks professional design.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a query from someone interested in the accuracy of recent lead test kits, specifically mentioning lumetallix.com and detectlead.com. The individual has used one of these kits and likes it but is unsure about its reliability. They mention having found lead in items like leaded Pyrex glassware.
4. Thoughts on Daylight Computer
Total comment counts : 28
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience with the DC-1, a new piece of technology designed with an emphasis on usability in natural light and outdoor environments. Here are the key points:
Innovative Design for Light: The DC-1 features a screen that’s readable in sunlight, promoting outdoor usage and reducing eye strain from artificial light at night.
Grayscale Limitation: The device operates in grayscale, which means it cannot display all content with the same vibrancy as color devices, potentially limiting its use for certain applications.
Form Factor: It prioritizes a tablet-and-stylus interaction over traditional screen-and-keyboard setups, which might not align perfectly with all users’ needs, particularly those accustomed to typing.
First-Generation Product: As an initial release, the DC-1 has some ergonomic and functional limitations, reflecting the typical challenges of first-generation tech products.
Healthier Tech Interaction: The author appreciates how the DC-1 encourages a healthier relationship with technology, allowing for better screen interaction in natural settings and at night.
Personal Connection: The author expresses enthusiasm for owning this device, despite not being an endorser, and mentions a missed opportunity to work with the company, showing a personal investment in the product’s success.
Future Expectations: There is anticipation for further innovations from Daylight Computer, indicating optimism for future developments in this form factor.
Overall, the DC-1 is portrayed as a promising but imperfect step towards more health-conscious and environmentally adaptive technology.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s dissatisfaction with the DC-1 device. They are considering giving it away because it doesn’t meet their needs effectively. The author finds writing on the device’s screen less preferable than using paper and reading on it less enjoyable than reading books. They also mention a general dislike for the Android operating system, which might contribute to their negative experience with the device.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s dissatisfaction with existing devices like the Kindle and iPad, and their anticipation for a new device, possibly the “Daylight,” which they hope will address some of their needs better:
Kindle: The author finds the Kindle useful only for reading books in bed, criticizing its poor functionality for note-taking, highlighting, and purchasing books, as well as its irrelevant ad targeting.
iPad: Seen as a secondary device, the iPad doesn’t excel in any particular use-case for the author, who prefers a MacBook for stationary use, a large iPhone for on-the-go, and a Kindle for reading. The iPad’s operating system is also critiqued for not being as versatile as macOS in terms of multitasking.
Anticipation for Daylight: The author looks forward to a device that could potentially serve as a better “third device.” This new device is expected to offer light computing capabilities, primarily for reading, with additional features like note-taking, a touch and keyboard interface, improved battery life, and an outdoor-readable screen.
Overall, the author expresses a hope that the new device will fill the gaps left by their current technology, providing a more integrated and practical solution for their needs.
5. Grim Fandango Puzzle Document (1996) [pdf]
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses how the lobby of a favorite game was inspired by the author’s dentist’s office located at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco. The author provides a link to a news post from Double Fine Productions, the game’s developer, which likely elaborates on this inspiration.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article provides a link to a 2008 blog post discussing the puzzle design of the video game “Grim Fandango.” The summary or key points of the blog post itself are not provided, but it is suggested that the post offers historical context or analysis related to the game’s puzzle mechanics.
6. Broken legs and ankles heal better if you walk on them within weeks
Total comment counts : 37
Summary
The article discusses a significant shift in the treatment of broken legs and ankles, moving away from the traditional advice of prolonged immobilization. Here are the key points:
Change in Medical Advice: Traditionally, patients were advised to avoid weight-bearing on broken legs for at least six weeks. However, recent studies suggest that early weight-bearing (within weeks) does not increase complications and might even benefit healing.
Benefits of Early Weight-Bearing:
- Helps in faster healing of bones.
- Improves quality of life by allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
- Prevents muscle atrophy and bone density loss, which can occur with prolonged immobilization.
Scientific Backing:
- The principle of bone adaptation to load, known as Wolff’s Law, supports the idea that bones need stress to heal properly.
- Research indicates that early mobility can lead to better outcomes, especially in terms of bone and muscle health.
Surgical Advances:
- Modern surgical techniques like reduction and fixation (using screws, plates, or rods) stabilize the bone, allowing for early weight-bearing as the bone heals naturally.
Implications for Specific Groups:
- For older patients with hip fractures, early mobility is crucial to avoid severe complications like blood clots, lung weakening, and high mortality rates. Recent studies show that early weight-bearing post-hip surgery can decrease mortality.
Cultural Shift in Medicine:
- There has been a cultural shift from overly cautious treatment to evidence-based practices, recognizing that early mobility can be advantageous for many patients.
The article concludes that while the process of bone healing is consistent across the body, the complications and implications differ, particularly with weight-bearing bones like those in the lower limbs, prompting a reevaluation of standard care practices.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article reflects on the author’s personal experiences with various injuries and health issues, particularly focusing on changes in medical advice regarding recovery. Initially, the approach was to rest and avoid any strain on the injured parts. However, the advice has shifted towards moderate activity rather than complete rest, even when recovering from ailments. The author questions the efficacy of traditional rest when ill, suggesting that light activity like walking could be beneficial instead of staying completely bedridden.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s experiences with breaking their collarbones while mountain biking. Initially, there was a debate among doctors about whether to operate on the first broken collarbone, resulting in a ‘wait and see’ approach, which ultimately did not require surgery and healed well. The author contrasts this experience with their first collarbone fracture, where recovery was slow and involved significant arm atrophy due to lack of proper guidance. However, with the second fracture, with better medical and rehabilitation guidance, the recovery was much quicker with minimal atrophy, allowing the use of the arm within a month.
7. Kafka at the low end: how bad can it get?
Total comment counts : 9
Summary
The article discusses the limitations of using Apache Kafka as a job queue in web applications, particularly focusing on the issue of job distribution fairness among workers:
Problem Description: Kafka, when used as a job queue, can lead to an unfair distribution of work where some workers might be overloaded while others remain idle due to the way Kafka partitions messages.
Example Scenario: If you have a Kafka topic with 16 partitions and currently only 4 consumers, with 5 producers (like web application servers), the worst-case scenario could result in one consumer processing all jobs while others are idle. This happens because of how jobs are assigned based on partitions and the round-robin routing of API calls.
Formula for Unfairness: The article provides a formula
(partitions / consumers) * producersto estimate how many jobs might go to one worker before others get any work. In the example given, this results in potentially 20 jobs going to one consumer.Impact: This unfair job distribution can significantly impact job completion times, especially in low volume or when job run times vary greatly, leading to dissatisfaction among users if the jobs are not evenly distributed.
When It Matters: The author suggests that for peak periods, if the number of jobs exceeds
WorstCaseJobsPerConsumer * Consumers, all workers are likely to be engaged. Below this threshold, the system might not use its resources efficiently.Conclusion: Kafka is not designed for job queues with low volume or where fairness in job distribution is crucial. Its design suits high-volume data streams, not the typical needs of a job queue in web applications. The author looks forward to future updates like Queues for Kafka (KIP-932) which might mitigate some of these issues.
In summary, while Kafka excels in handling vast quantities of data, its use as a job queue can lead to inefficient worker utilization due to its inherent design for different use cases.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article suggests that using Kafka, a distributed streaming platform, for handling small volumes of messages is often seen as an over-engineered solution, primarily aimed at enhancing a resume rather than being a practical choice for the task at hand.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The Kafka protocol functions as a distributed write-ahead log, which is a basic, low-level system. To utilize it as a job queue, one would need to develop additional layers or applications on top of this protocol.
8. Implementing LLaMA3 in 100 Lines of Pure Jax
Total comment counts : 8
Summary
The article discusses implementing the Llama3 model from scratch using JAX, a library known for its functional programming aesthetics and capabilities like XLA for acceleration, JIT compilation, and parallel computing. Here are the key points:
Why JAX?: JAX is chosen for its functional programming paradigm, which ensures code predictability and ease of parallelization. Unlike PyTorch, JAX uses pure functions that always produce the same output for a given input without side effects.
Model Setup: The process begins by setting up the computational device and configuring hyperparameters for training a model with approximately 2 million parameters.
Weight Initialization: Since JAX does not use classes for parameter tracking, weights are initialized and updated manually. Randomness is managed through explicit PRNG keys for reproducibility and parallelism.
Model Architecture:
- Attention Module: Contains four trainable parameters.
- Feed-forward Network: Includes three trainable parameters.
- Transformer Block: Combines weights from attention and feed-forward layers, plus RMSNorm for two layers.
- Weights Management: Weights are managed as key-value pairs in dictionaries.
Tokenization: Uses Byte Pair Encoding (BPE) with the
tiktokenlibrary for tokenizing text into tokens, which are then embedded into a continuous vector space for neural network processing.Embeddings: Dynamic embeddings are used to capture context and overcome the limitations of static embeddings like semantic ambiguity.
Normalization: RMS normalization is used to stabilize training by maintaining a balance in the network’s numerical values.
Positional Encoding: Introduces ROPE (Rotary Position Embedding) to encode positional information into the model, allowing it to understand the order of tokens through rotation of query and key vectors.
The article emphasizes JAX’s unique features for model training, the manual handling of weights, and specific techniques like BPE for tokenization and ROPE for positional encoding, all tailored to create an efficient and scalable model implementation.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses research on speeding up Reinforcement Learning by running simulations on GPUs using the Jax library. It highlights the potential effectiveness of this approach and expresses curiosity about whether a similar acceleration could be achieved using Mojo, another programming language. Links are provided to an arXiv paper and a YouTube video for further information.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the drawbacks of choosing programming languages based on their “cool” factor rather than practical considerations for mass adoption or ease of use. The author cites an example of a hardware company that used Haskell for its codebase, which now poses challenges for those who need to modify or work with the code due to Haskell’s complexities compared to more commonly used languages like C++ or Python. The author suggests that while Haskell might be intellectually appealing, its use can complicate software maintenance and development when broader accessibility and ease of modification are needed.
9. File Pilot: A file explorer built for speed with a modern, robust interface
Total comment counts : 55
Summary
The article introduces FILE PILOT Beta v0.2.8, a new file management software designed for Windows 7+ (64-bit) with a focus on high-speed performance and a user-friendly interface:
Performance: Engineered for light-speed performance, ensuring quick access to files.
Interface: Modern with customizable color themes, layouts, and hotkeys. Supports mouse and keyboard navigation, including a command palette for quick actions.
Features:
- Quick file searching with fuzzy searches and filtering by extensions.
- Ability to view file contents without opening them, including text, images, or folders.
- Batch renaming of files with options for unique IDs or using file dates.
- Easy navigation with auto-completion for system paths and recent folders.
- Customization options for user interface elements like font size, spacing, and animations.
- Global search for actions and customizable hotkeys.
Size and Requirements: The software is relatively lightweight at 1.8 MB and requires a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or later.
The article encourages users to contact the developers for updates or to subscribe for further information, indicating an active development cycle with community engagement.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is a reflection by the developer of a file manager named fman, which took two years to develop and only generated around $35,000 in profits, equating to roughly $10/hour. The developer expresses regret over the time spent due to high opportunity costs in the software development field. Despite this, they still use and appreciate the file manager. The developer wishes the reader more success with their project and advises recognizing when to move on from less profitable ventures. They mention a video detailing their experiences and point to a blog where an article inspired their current, more profitable venture in consulting on automatic updates. They offer to discuss further via contact information available on their website.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article praises a new software application for being fast, lightweight, and memory-efficient, using only 17 MB of memory for handling over 10,000 photos. It contrasts this with the typical Electron-based applications, which are criticized for being bloated. The author expresses a wish for more developers to create similar efficient software.
10. Migraine is more than a headache – a rethink offers hope
Total comment counts : 62
Summary
The article discusses the evolution of migraine treatment and understanding, highlighting a significant advancement with the introduction of a new class of drugs known as gepants. Here are the key points:
New Treatment - Gepants: A woman named Andrea West, who suffered from migraines for 70 years, found relief with atogepant, a new drug approved in the UK, which has significantly improved her quality of life.
Historical Context: Historically, treatments for migraines have ranged from ancient Egyptian remedies to more invasive procedures like skull trepanation in the 17th century. Modern treatments before the 21st century were not effective for everyone.
Medical Advances: Recent decades have brought about a shift in how migraines are viewed and treated, now seen as a manageable condition due to drugs like gepants. Neuropharmacologist Diana Krause notes this change in perception.
Research Insights: Studies have shown migraines involve broader brain activity, not just vascular issues. This includes understanding symptoms like light sensitivity, brain fog, and the premonitory phase where symptoms start before the actual headache.
Changing Views: The field has moved away from the psychological stigma once associated with migraines. Research, including brain scans, has shown that migraines are a biological disease involving various brain regions.
Future Directions: There is a call for new frameworks to understand how the brain triggers migraines, aiming to not just alleviate symptoms but prevent them entirely.
Overall, the article underscores a transformative period in migraine research and treatment, moving towards a more comprehensive understanding and more effective interventions for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article describes the author’s personal experience with using LSD to manage chronic migraines. Previously, the author suffered frequent migraine attacks largely due to stress, exacerbated by the terminal illness of their father. During an LSD-induced psychedelic trip, the author explored deep-seated anxieties, particularly the fear of mortality. This introspection led to a profound realization and acceptance of their own mortality, which seemed to alleviate their stress and subsequently their migraines. Following this experience, the author did not suffer from migraines for several years and felt generally more at peace. Even when migraines returned occasionally, the author learned to manage them by employing deep relaxation techniques learned during the LSD trip. The author cautions that psychedelics are potent and should be approached with care.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article describes an individual’s long-term struggle with migraines, which intensified over time. Despite trying various treatments, the migraines became more frequent and severe. After a particularly bad series of attacks, the person sought help from a headache specialist who prescribed an anti-CGRP medication. This treatment significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of the migraines, dramatically improving the individual’s quality of life.