If you think making a lathe at home is difficult, this might just encourage you to have a go. This is a true testament to human ingenuity.
Zilog declared the Z80 CPU end-of-life, prompting the open-source community to develop a FOSS Z80 using OpenROAD and Skywater PDK for production. The initial FOSS Z80 design, due for fabrication in June 2024, mimics the original Z80 layout, enabling cheaper chip manufacturing.
The article discusses advanced PostgreSQL schema migration challenges and solutions, including the author's experience with 1000+ migrations and the development of Database Lab Engine for testing changes. It emphasizes the importance of testing migrations in large-scale environments to prevent common mistakes.
News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times, the worldʼs leading global business publication
The individual found Google Docs inadequate for handling a 30 MB doc file due to performance issues, leading them to switch to LibreOffice, which worked smoothly. This experience prompted them to question the efficiency of modern software development and the trend towards high-spec hardware for web applications.
Dotenv loads environment variables from a .env file into a script; install it with a C compiler and make. It supports key-value pairs, ignores whitespaces, and allows comments with a hash sign.
The Princeton Companion to Applied Mathematics is a comprehensive reference edited by Higham and others, with notable inclusions on solving the Smale conjecture. It's well-regarded in reviews and features selected articles in "The Best Writing on Mathematics 2016."
TfL's introduction of a pop-up message on ticket machines suggesting contactless payment has reduced paper ticket sales by a third. This aims to save customers money and streamline operations, aligning with TfL's goals of minimizing magnetic stripe ticket use.
The FTC has asked for a $3.18 million fine against Williams-Sonoma for falsely claiming its products were "Made in USA". Despite a 2020 order and a $1 million fine for similar violations, the company continued with deceptive claims.
The article explores Zed's data structure, the rope, revealing its advantages over strings for memory efficiency and editing large text files. Zed's rope enables concurrent access and efficient editing operations by updating the tree, not the text.
Meta's Llama 3 is the most advanced open LLM currently, while Dolphin Llama 3, built on it by Eric Hartford, has diverse skills. Qwen 110B, exceeding 100B parameters, excels in tests.
The article explores the evolution and impact of Personal Library Science and draws parallels with the rise of Personal Computing, highlighting the journey from corporate technology to individualized solutions driven by the needs of users, and envisioning a future where personal libraries are integral to data interaction and legacy.
Our mission is to build best-in-class quantum computingError correction is the fundamental requirement for creating a truly useful quantum computer. It enables the scale required to perform complex calculations. for otherwise impossible problems.
LoRA's inefficiency in finetuning wide models is improved by adjusting learning rates of adapters A and B in LoRA+, which enhances performance and finetuning speed.
The Cessna 185 Skywagon, modified with floats and other kits, crashed due to the pilot’s mismanagement during take-off, resulting in one death from drowning. Despite his experience, the pilot lacked stall recovery practice and the aircraft's extensive modifications were not fully documented.
Pdf.tocgen uses embedded font attributes and positions to generate ToCs for PDFs and works with software-generated PDFs, not scanned ones. It's open-source, Python 3 compatible, and its workflow involves the commands pdfxmeta, pdftocgen, and pdftocio.
The author transitioned from non-interactive to interactive tutorials on pathfinding, maintaining both styles. They explore flow field pathfinding and its connection to distance fields, continuously updating their work with new findings.
mise is a polyglot tool version manager. It replaces tools like asdf, nvm, pyenv, rbenv, etc. mise allows you to switch sets of env vars in different project directories. It can replace direnv.
The author analyzes the RISC-V specification, noting its division into multiple parts and suggesting integration of its various artifacts for coherence. They recommend the use of machine-readable formats for architecture information to streamline code generation for future extensions.
Reentry simulates spaceflight with realistic and fictional missions, teaching how to operate spacecraft systems in an immersive environment. Players learn through manuals and checklists, experiencing the balance between authenticity and playability.
California's SB 1047, backed by Effective Altruists, could impose severe restrictions on AI research with potential legal repercussions for developers. An urgent call for action is issued to oppose the bill through submission of position letters and public advocacy.
Station wagons and sedans are disappearing in the U.S., replaced by heavier SUVs and trucks, contributing to more traffic fatalities and higher emissions. Federal policies have incentivized larger vehicles, with standards and tax loopholes favoring them over smaller, more efficient cars.
See the ISS on a beautiful 3D globe, with live video
Claude Émile Jean-Baptiste Litre, introduced by Kenneth Woolner, is a fictitious person linked to the use of 'L' for litres. Litre's false history, used to address confusion over the letter 'l', was part of an April Fools' joke later retracted after being wrongly published as fact.
Installing new software is a universal concern for users across different operating systems, and tools that simplify this process, like asdf.vm, are highly valued. Programmers face challenges in managing software compatibilities, and runtime managers like asdf.vm and others facilitate development by managing multiple environments efficiently.
The article describes the observable details of a transistor under a microscope, highlighting the clear division between p and n+ areas and the requirement of a polysilicon wire crossing the active zone for the presence of a transistor. It also touches on the function of logical gates in processors, notably the inverter and NOR gates, and explains how data flow is controlled by transfer gates ...
The article criticizes the evolution of invasive workplace surveillance technology, demonstrating how it descended from monitoring marginalized groups to targeting higher-status workers, undermining productivity by favoring metrics over meaningful work. It also comments on the pervasive issue of bossware, highlighting its backfire in reducing job efficiency and raising ethical concerns.
Former US President Jimmy Carter reported a UFO sighting in 1969; it was observed by several witnesses and later investigated, with some attributing the sighting to a misidentified Venus or a high-altitude barium cloud launched from a military base. Carter's experience influenced his views on UFO transparency during his political campaign, but once elected, he cited defense concerns for not ...
Google Domains' sale to SquareSpace has led to DNS issues post-migration, and customer support responds with time-consuming solutions without effective resolution, prompting a recommendation to move domains away from SquareSpace.
Professor Juan Manuel Corchado, the only candidate for rector of the University of Salamanca, is accused of inflating his academic credentials through dubious self-citations. Despite denial of wrongdoing, evidence suggests a pattern of artificially boosting metrics.
Intel's 8088 microprocessor was introduced in 1979 as a critical component of the IBM PC in 1981, solidifying the x86 architecture's success. IBM selected the 8088 for its familiarity and 8-bit bus compatibility, which allowed for intricate timing and efficient memory operation through a complex six-step bus cycle, including two undocumented steps.
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A virtual DEC PDP-1 emulator runs the original "Spacewar!", a pioneering video game, with added support for gamepads for an authentic experience; it is maintained with historical code versions and provides various gameplay options and settings.
The author explores the customized keyboard layout they created, including the ergonomic and aesthetic reasons for its design, and details the practical process of iteration and adaptation using a moonlander keyboard. They emphasize the placement of special characters and modifiers for efficient typing, especially for coding, and provide insight into their personal layout preferences and the ...
The article contrasts two APL programmers' styles, procedural (do-y) and declarative (is-y), emphasizing that declarative programming often results in more stable code. It advocates thinking in arrays to leverage APL's strengths and discusses the shift towards functional programming.
The FDA approved Wegovy to reduce cardiovascular risks in overweight individuals with heart disease, inviting Medicare coverage. An estimated 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could benefit, impacting drug accessibility and costs.
The article discusses a tool called docker-phobia that visualizes the contents of Docker images, showing folders and files as rectangles sized by the space they occupy, with colors indicating layers.
Recent advancements in language models like the release of OpenAI's GPT-4 have shown significant progress in coding abilities. These developments suggest that soon, non-programmers could easily create or modify software, potentially transforming how software is created and used.
Alphabet, Google's parent, hit a $2-trillion market cap fueled by AI and stock jumps, joining an elite club post strong quarterly results. It also announced a cash dividend, as shares spiked and analysts raised price targets.
Barry, an IT intern, encountered an architect unable to move his mouse pointer beyond screen's midpoint because he didn't know to reposition it. This incident highlighted that one must never assume user knowledge.
Microsoft is criticized for its approach to selling essential security features as premium services, despite frequent security incidents, and makes E5 subscriptions a requirement for advanced tools. Some customers adapt by fully licensing E5, while others piece together security components, now costlier due to price hikes.
OSWorld, a novel environment for multimodal agents, supports diverse, open-ended computer tasks across OS platforms and comes with 369 benchmark tasks. Despite extensive evaluations, current models show limited ability in comparison to human performance.
The article discusses an Anglo-Saxon perspective on life's transitory nature, using the term 'læne' (akin to 'loan' in modern English) to describe earthly life and possessions as temporary, emphasizing the wisdom in recognising the instability of worldly things. The metaphor extends to legal concepts of land tenure, comparing ephemeral life on earth to leased land and eternal life to ...
The article introduces and discusses "FC8", a new data compression scheme optimized for 68K CPUs, prioritizing decompression speed while maintaining strong compression density. It also explores the trade-offs between compression density and decompression speed, and details the author's experimentation with various approaches to optimize both.
Despite advancements in graphical output, input handling from devices like mice and keyboards remains unchanged, relying on an outdated event-and-callback system. Various input handling methods, including polling and process-oriented approaches, offer different pros and cons.
FAISS uses a flat index for brute force search in memory, while Haystack stores data on disk and also uses brute force. Batch B+Tree insertion improves insertion performance. Point-in-time backups and rollback are currently destructive, with a nondestructive version planned for future development.
The article suggests real estate may no longer be a reliable investment due to reversing trends that previously drove price increases, such as urbanization and population growth. Technology's influence on transportation and remote work also means these trends could lead to decreased demand and more supply, potentially lowering housing prices.
The article reflects on the author's personal and cultural connection to handwriting and the choice of writing instruments. It ties the act of writing to the identity and psyche of a writer, and examines the sentimental value of penned words in an increasingly digital age.
GPS systems rely on various antennas for transmitting navigation and timing signals from satellites to receivers, which have evolved over generations to improve functionality and signal quality. These antennas are crucial for the operation of GPS-enabled devices and require clear sky access for optimal reception.
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The article describes the process and challenges faced while creating casting patterns from plywood and paneling material for stability. It also details how to achieve a straight and robust casting bed through scraping and preparation, despite initial casting failures due to insufficient heat.
The article describes integrating Grafana Cloud with Kubernetes using the Grafana Operator to manage resources efficiently, maintaining configurations in one place. It provides a step-by-step guide on setting up Grafana operators and managing Grafana instances within Kubernetes.
Bloomberg provides swift, comprehensive business and financial news globally. Oracle Corp. relocates from Austin to Nashville, amidst a backdrop of rising office vacancies and declining real estate prices in Austin.
The study investigates the impact of kefir on ADHD symptoms, sleep, and gut microbiota in children, using a 6-week randomized, controlled trial. Results may improve understanding of dietary effects on ADHD but require further research for confidence.
The NYSE is considering 24/7 stock trading, inspired by crypto markets and increased retail trading, with a survey seeking market input. 24 Exchange is pursuing SEC approval for a full-time bourse despite concerns like liquidity and settlement risks.
Magellan's fleet, unaware of the Portuguese naval ambush orchestrated by King Manuel, sailed for the Canary Islands as a fast and well-prepared Portuguese fleet set out to block them. Amidst this, Magellan maintained discipline and shipshape routines during the voyage's early leg, while fostering camaraderie among the crew.
A reflection on personal technology highlights how earlier generations were awed by rudimentary devices, while today's youth view technology as ubiquitous. The generational shift in the perception of personal devices indicates a deeper, evolving relationship with technology.
Mark Gurman anticipates Apple will announce new iPad Pro models with an M4 chip and an AI-focused Neural Engine, and a haptic Apple Pencil at the "Let Loose" event on May 7. There's also buzz about a 12.9-inch iPad Air and a revamped Magic Keyboard.
The inaugural A2RL race saw autonomous cars struggle during trials but complete an eight-lap race, with Tum winning after the Polimove car spun out and obeyed a yellow flag. Autonomous racing is in its nascent stages, with room for improvement and growth.
PostgreSQL's table bloat issue can be mitigated by pg_repack or pg_squeeze; the former allows for organised data clustering, the latter offers less disruptive maintenance via logical decoding. Each tool has different requirements and impacts, tailored to specific operational needs.
The author describes replacing their old monitor with a new one which simplified their desk setup by eliminating two cables, and then offers details on the effectiveness and personal preference of their desk equipment. They highly recommend their chair, desk mat, and microphone arm, and share the evolution and satisfaction with their work setup.
The article discusses the IETF's principle of 'rough consensus,' emphasizing that it's not about majority votes but about addressing and accommodating all issues to achieve a working agreement. It also elaborates on the nuances of building consensus, specifying that lack of strong disagreement is more vital than full agreement for progress.
The Willard Asylum artifacts were discovered and cataloged, leading to a museum exhibition and public engagement. Use of the patients' belongings illuminated personal histories, changing their narrative from forgotten to recognized.
George Stephenson was pivotal in the development of the railway system and was dubbed the "Father of Railways." His standard rail gauge and the locomotive designs, including the Locomotion No. 1, significantly advanced rail transport during the Industrial Revolution.
A virus causes people to contemplate altering the moon's orbit; technically, it's improbable with current tech or nuclear bombs, requiring an astronomical amount of resources and efficiency beyond our capability.
The BioNutrients project has engineered microbe-based food to sustain astronauts with nutrients and medicine for long space missions. Bioreactors developed can rehydrate and grow vital compounds, with a demonstrated shelf life up to 3.9 years on the ISS.
BlockStar is an advanced A* algorithm created to streamline the process of repositioning blocks in a genetic algorithm setting. Its results improve efficiency and inform a transformer-based language model that interprets block movements.
The article presents two interpretations of Shakespeare's "Hamlet": one philosophical about imitation and lack of inherent desires, the other referencing Scientology's body thetans. The author argues the former, like the latter, lacks plausibility in explaining human behavior and violence.