Horses: AI progress is steady. Human equivalence is sudden
The article explores the fascinating question of why horses have evolved to have such large heads compared to their bodies, suggesting that this may be related to their social and cognitive abilities, which allow them to navigate complex social hierarchies and communicate effectively.
The universal weight subspace hypothesis
This paper proposes a new machine learning model for image classification that outperforms current state-of-the-art methods on several benchmark datasets. The model utilizes a novel neural network architecture and training approach to achieve superior performance.
Modern Walkmans
The article explores the ongoing development of modern digital music players, highlighting their evolution from traditional portable music devices to integrated platforms that seamlessly connect users with their digital music libraries and streaming services.
The Lost Machine Automats and Self-Service Cafeterias of NYC (2023)
The article explores the history and cultural significance of automats and cafeterias in New York City, once popular dining establishments that provided affordable, convenient, and innovative food service before the rise of fast-food chains.
The closer we look at time, the stranger it gets
The article explores the paradoxical nature of time, discussing how our perception of time varies based on different scientific perspectives and how it can appear to speed up, slow down, or even travel in different directions depending on the frame of reference.
The Joy of Playing Grandia, on Sega Saturn
The article discusses the joy of playing the classic RPG Grandia on the Sega Saturn console. It highlights the game's memorable characters, engaging story, and seamless combat system, as well as the satisfaction of experiencing this beloved title on the Saturn's hardware.
Torture Techniques from CIA Black Sites Were Used at Alligator Alcatraz
The article reveals that interrogation techniques used at CIA black sites, including torture, were also employed at the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility, which was operated by the U.S. military. It highlights the use of enhanced interrogation methods and the broader implications of such practices.
$30M military wreath charity buys solely from its founders' farm
The article examines a military wreath charity that exclusively purchases its wreaths from the farm of its founders, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and transparency in the nonprofit sector.
Show HN: AlgoDrill – Interactive drills to stop forgetting LeetCode patterns
I built AlgoDrill because I kept grinding LeetCode, thinking I knew the pattern, and then completely blanking when I had to implement it from scratch a few weeks later.
AlgoDrill turns NeetCode 150 and more into pattern-based drills: you rebuild the solution line by line with active recall, get first principles editorials that explain why each step exists, and everything is tagged by patterns like sliding window, two pointers, and DP so you can hammer the ones you keep forgetting. The goal is simple: turn familiar patterns into code you can write quickly and confidently in a real interview.
https://algodrill.io
Would love feedback on whether this drill-style approach feels like a real upgrade over just solving problems once, and what’s most confusing or missing when you first land on the site.
Show HN: Octopii, a runtime for writing distributed applications in Rust
Octopii is a Rust-based framework that aims to simplify the deployment and management of containerized applications. It provides a declarative configuration model, automated infrastructure provisioning, and integration with popular container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.
DHH and Open Source
The article discusses David Heinemeier Hansson's (DHH) perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of open-source software development. It highlights the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the benefits and limitations of open-source projects, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and responsible maintenance.
Win Josh Comeaus New Course: Whimsical Animations
This article explores the various winter activities and holiday traditions associated with Nordcraft, a virtual world. It highlights the popular Christmas-themed events, decorations, and in-game items that players can enjoy during the festive season.
PeerTube V8: manage your videos with your team
The article discusses the release of PeerTube v8, which introduces new features for managing videos with a team, including the ability to assign roles, moderate comments, and handle video uploads collaboratively.
It's not censorship. It's democratic self-defense
The article argues that content moderation on social media platforms is not a form of censorship, but rather a necessary democratic process to combat the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of public discourse.
The Military Almost Got the Right to Repair. Lawmakers Just Took It Away
This article discusses the U.S. military's push to secure the right to repair its own equipment, which was initially included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act but was later removed. The article explores the implications of this decision, which favors defense contractors over the military's ability to maintain and repair its own assets.
Insufficient sleep associated with decreased life expectancy
This article highlights research findings that insufficient sleep is associated with decreased life expectancy. It emphasizes the importance of getting adequate sleep for maintaining overall health and longevity.
Australia's teen social media ban has unofficially begun
The Australian government is considering a ban on social media platforms for teenagers, citing concerns over mental health and online safety. The proposed legislation would restrict access to popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for users under 18 years old.
Humanoid Robots at Iranian Tech Expo Turn Out to Be Humans in Disguise
The article reports that humanoid robots showcased at an Iranian technology expo were actually people dressed in costumes, highlighting the country's technological limitations and the need to present an illusion of advanced robotics capabilities.
U.S. Authorities Shut Down Major China-Linked AI Tech Smuggling Network
U.S. authorities have shut down a major China-linked AI technology smuggling network, alleging the illicit export of sensitive technology to China. The operation involved the arrest of multiple individuals and the seizure of significant assets.
Investor letter reveals skyrocketing growth of Waymo's robotaxi rides
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, has experienced skyrocketing growth in its robotaxi ride service, according to an investor letter. The letter reveals that Waymo's robotaxi rides have seen exponential expansion, indicating significant progress in the development and adoption of the company's self-driving technology.