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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Following lawsuit, rep admits "AI" George Carlin was human-written
The estate of George Carlin has filed a lawsuit against the comedy podcast Dudesy for selling an hour-long comedy special that was presented as an AI-generated impression of the late comedian. However, a representative for one of the podcast hosts has admitted that the special was actually written by a human. The lawsuit argues that the use of Carlin's material without permission and the unauthorized use of his name and likeness for promotional purposes harm Carlin's reputation and legacy. The controversy lies in the fact that the special was not actually created by AI, as claimed, but by human writers. The lawsuit seeks to have the special removed and punitive damages awarded.
IPv6 Buddy – The essential tool for IPv6 engineers
IPv6 Buddy is a must-have tool for IPv6 engineers. It simplifies the process of working with IPv6 addresses by providing convenient shortcuts. With the Tab key, engineers can easily switch between fields, making data entry faster and more efficient. The Forward slash key allows for quick input of CIDR notation, saving time and reducing errors. The Double action colon key is a unique feature that automatically fills in zeros for IP addresses with consecutive zeros, making it even easier to work with zero-laden IPs. IPv6 Buddy is a clever and essential tool that streamlines the work of IPv6 engineers.
Show HN: Python 3 port of Umbra, a free Lovecraftian CRPG from 2001
This project is a Python 3 port of an open-source computer RPG called Umbra, originally developed by Mark Hughes in 2001-2002. The game is set in a world influenced by Lovecraftian themes and features a randomly-generated environment. While the game is unfinished and lacks a complete story progression, players can explore the game world, engage in combat, buy and sell items, learn skills, and level up. The port has been tested on various operating systems and can be played in either graphics mode or text mode. The project is licensed under zlib.
Judge your Resume with AI: What's the worst that can happen?
The article discusses using AI to judge resumes and provides an example of how the AI system can change its persona to be more critical. The AI system is asked questions about a person named David's resume, such as whether he would be suitable for a chief of analytics position for an NFL team and what his weaknesses are. The AI system provides brutally honest assessments, pointing out that David's skills may not be directly applicable to the needs of an NFL team and highlighting potential weaknesses in time management, delegation, adaptability, communication, and work-life balance. However, the AI system also acknowledges David's strong background and previous success, ultimately betting on his success with his current venture, NeuML. The article highlights the surprising ability of AI to provide critical feedback and its potential usefulness in evaluating resumes.
The State of the 7,168 Living Languages: 14% are dying
This article discusses the state of the world's living languages, revealing that 43% of them are at risk of being endangered. It highlights that a language dies off every 40 days and that Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to losing their languages and the culture and knowledge they contain. The article presents data from Ethnologue, classifying languages into different states of vitality, such as endangered, stable, and institutional. It also mentions that over 88 million people speak endangered languages, with Oceania having the largest density of endangered languages. The article concludes by mentioning initiatives to preserve languages, such as government efforts and advancements in AI translation tools.
Dying people explain what matters
The web content features personal stories from individuals who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses and how it has changed their perspectives on life. The individuals emphasize the importance of spending time with loved ones, pursuing meaningful experiences, and finding joy and purpose in life. They prioritize relationships, personal fulfillment, and gratitude for the present moment. The content highlights the transformative power of facing mortality and encourages readers to prioritize what truly matters in their own lives. (Summary based on 35% of story text.)
Serious New Warning as Google AI Targets Billions of Private Messages
Google has announced a new AI upgrade for Android called Bard, which will analyze and read users' private messages. Bard is designed to enhance messaging experiences by understanding the context, sentiment, and relationship dynamics of conversations. However, this raises concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data. While Google claims that Bard's analysis will occur on the user's device and offers control over data analysis, there are still worries about leaks, biases, and hidden data sharing practices. The deployment of Bard is part of the larger shift towards directed search and raises questions about the quality of search results. Users are advised to carefully consider the potential benefits and privacy concerns before enabling message analysis.
Microsoft CEO calls for tech industry to 'act' after AI photos of Taylor Swift
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has called on the tech industry to take action after AI-generated pornographic photos of Taylor Swift circulated online. In an interview with Lester Holt, Nadella expressed grave concern and urged the industry to protect people from AI-related issues. He emphasized the need for a safe online world for both content creators and consumers and called for collaboration between the industry, law enforcement, and tech platforms. While some advocates are calling for strict content moderation and legislation, Nadella believes that with the right norms and governance, the industry can make a significant impact. The White House has also promised to get involved in addressing the issue.
Show HN: Cloudftp.ai for transferring data using FTP
Cloudftp.ai is a user-friendly and powerful SFTP solution specifically designed for Google Cloud. It offers secure and reliable file transfers using Google Cloud's robust security infrastructure and industry-leading encryption. With a cloud-native stack, it can handle large file transfers and fluctuating workloads seamlessly. The platform eliminates the need for complex server setups and maintenance, making it easy to manage. Additionally, Cloudftp.ai offers a co-pilot feature for configuration and data insights. It provides two pricing tiers, with the enterprise tier offering white glove service for setting up accounts. Cloudftp.ai is a product of love from San Francisco.
Show HN: Dead Horse, a real time online text adventure
"Dead Horse" is a real-time online text adventure game where players take on the role of a dead horse. The game starts with a simple prompt to type 'introspect' to begin. Players can also type 'help' for a list of commands or 'guide' for the game manual. The game is created by Eurydice and is made with love. The website features a unique and clever design with ASCII art and a horse-themed interface.
Show HN: Livro.ink – easily share text privately with a single link
Livro.ink is a website that allows users to easily share text privately with a single link. By using the website, users can share their text online by simply inputting the text and generating a link. The text is then saved securely and can only be accessed by those with the link. The website also provides a private option for added security. The unique feature of Livro.ink is its ability to share text privately with a single link, making it convenient and efficient for users.
Growing number of apps help automate pro-Israel activism online
The article discusses the growing use of apps that automate pro-Israel activism online during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These tools allow users to mass report pro-Palestinian content and flood the comments of such posts with pro-Israel messaging. The use of these apps has raised concerns about the influence they have on online discussions and the emergence of citizen-led propaganda campaigns. While the apps do not violate platform rules against coordinated inauthentic behavior, they have an impact on the perception of the war online. The article also highlights the controversy surrounding the apps and their potential to chill free speech and target content creators.
Sane C++ Libraries
The Sane C++ project is a set of C++ platform abstraction libraries for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The project aims to provide fast compile times, bloat-free code, and easy integration. It does not use the C++ Standard Library, exceptions, or RTTI, and prefers to use OS APIs instead of third-party dependencies. The project includes various libraries such as Algorithms, Async, Build, Containers, File, File System, File System Iterator, File System Watcher, Foundation, Hashing, Http, Plugin, Process, Reflection, Serialization Binary, Serialization Text, Socket, Strings, Testing, Threading, and Time. The project is still in development, with some libraries in draft state and others more usable. The author provides documentation, blog posts, and videos on the development process.
Hello IPv6: a minimal tutorial for IPv4 users
The web content is a tutorial for IPv4 users who want to learn about IPv6. The author explains the basic concepts of IPv6 and how they differ from IPv4. They cover topics such as Ethernet frame types, IP addressing, subnet prefixes, interface identifiers, and address scopes. The author also provides examples and command outputs from Ubuntu Linux. The tutorial is aimed at home and small office networks and is meant to provide a practical understanding of IPv6 basics. It is not a comprehensive guide to IPv6 and does not cover multicast addresses. (Summary based on 26% of story text.)
Unrwa Ties to Oct. 7 Massacre Exposed – US Suspending Funding
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Finland, and Australia have all suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following allegations that UNRWA employees were involved in a terror attack on Israel on October 7. The US State Department has expressed deep concern over the allegations and is reviewing the steps the UN is taking to address them. UNRWA has terminated the contracts of the accused employees and launched an investigation. Critics argue that the funding pause should be permanent and that UNRWA has long been involved in antisemitism and supporting terrorism.
Garry Tan, tech CEO, wishes death upon San Francisco politicians
Garry Tan, the CEO of startup accelerator Y Combinator, faced backlash after making a drunken online tirade in which he wished death upon seven San Francisco supervisors. Tan's since-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) expressed his anger towards the supervisors and included explicit language. The supervisors condemned Tan's comments, calling them violent and unacceptable. Tan later apologized, claiming he was referencing a rap lyric but acknowledged that it was still inappropriate. Tan is known for his involvement in local moderate campaigns and his opposition to the city's progressive faction. This is not the first time his posts have caused controversy.
Solid-State EV Batteries Now Face "Production Hell"
Recent announcements by Volkswagen, QuantumScape, Toyota, and NIO regarding solid-state batteries have generated excitement in the electric vehicle market. Solid-state batteries, which use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid, offer advantages such as greater safety, faster recharge times, and higher energy density. However, experts caution that the road to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries is long and challenging. The technology must undergo engineering validation in terms of safety, performance, life, cost, and environmental impact. Additionally, concerns remain about the ability of solid-state batteries to withstand shock and vibration. Experts predict that it could take seven or more years for solid-state batteries to be fully validated and ready for production.
Dr. Mark Trozzis License Stripped for "Misinformation" & Criticizing CPSO Policy
Dr. Mark Trozzi's medical license has been revoked by the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal for spreading misinformation about Covid-19 and criticizing public health policies. Dr. Trozzi plans to appeal the decision, arguing that he has the right to express his opinions. The Tribunal rejected the notion that Canadians have an absolute constitutional right to express minority opinions. The ruling also cited a prior discipline hearing where it was found that Dr. Trozzi had caused harm by spreading misinformation, although no evidence was presented that his statements had harmed patients or the public. Dr. Trozzi's supporters can donate to his cause.
Hermit crabs are using trash as shells
Hermit crabs all over the world are increasingly using plastic waste as shells instead of natural snail shells, according to a study based on photos taken by wildlife enthusiasts and published online. The study found that two-thirds of hermit crab species were pictured in "artificial shells" made of discarded plastic items. It is not yet clear whether these materials are harmful or helpful for the crabs. The researchers also want to understand how the use of plastic shells might affect the crabs' evolution and whether they will fight over them. The study highlights the extent of plastic pollution in the marine environment.
The West halts UN funding for Palestine over claims of UNRWA links with Hamas
The US, UK, and other western nations have decided to freeze funding for the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, due to allegations of links between the agency and Hamas. The investigation was launched after 12 UNRWA staff members were accused of participating in an attack led by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,140 people. The decision to suspend funds has been criticized by Palestinians and aid workers, who argue that it will worsen the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA has struggled to raise funding in recent years, and the funding freeze could have catastrophic consequences.
U.S. to reportedly announce billions of dollars in subsidies for advanced chips
The Biden administration is set to announce billions of dollars in subsidies for top semiconductor companies, such as Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), to help build new factories in the United States. These subsidies aim to boost the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors used in smartphones, artificial intelligence, and weapons systems. The announcements are expected to be made before President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on March 7. Other contenders for the subsidies include Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology, Texas Instruments, and GlobalFoundries. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Intel, and TSMC have not yet commented on the matter. In December 2023, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced the first funding award of over $35 million to a BAE Systems facility as part of the "Chips for America" subsidy program.
Philadelphia Jury Hits Monsanto with $2.25B Roundup Verdict
A Philadelphia jury has ordered Monsanto to pay $2.25 billion in damages to a couple who claimed that the company's Roundup weedkiller caused their cancer. This is the third consecutive trial loss for Monsanto, which is facing thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States. The jury found that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about the potential cancer risks associated with Roundup. The verdict is expected to have significant implications for future lawsuits against the company.
Show HN: Offline Notes Chrome Extension
The "Offline Notes Chrome Extension" is a simple Chrome extension that allows users to take notes offline. The notes are saved in the browser's local storage, ensuring privacy and security. The extension also provides features such as emailing notes to oneself, downloading notes as a text file, and clearing all notes and email after confirmation. The author emphasizes that the extension is not visually appealing but it is functional. The project differentiates itself by being lightweight, with less than 100 lines of code, and requiring no permissions. The author also mentions that they do not intend to actively maintain the project.
Show HN: Running WebGL in browser using TinyGo
This project is a modified version of the gowebapi/webapi demo that works with TinyGo. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate how to run WebGL in a browser using TinyGo. It can be used to solve the problem of running WebGL applications in a more efficient and lightweight manner. The author mentions that this project is different from others because it specifically focuses on using TinyGo, which is a compiler for Go that produces small and fast WebAssembly binaries. The readme file provides instructions on how to install the necessary prerequisites and how to compile and run the project.
Show HN: Srgn, AST-aware text manipulation
Srgn is a code surgeon tool that allows for precise text and code manipulation. It is designed to solve problems where regular expressions are not sufficient, editor tools are too specific, and precise manipulation is required. The tool is AST-aware and supports language grammar-aware scopes, making it possible to manipulate specific parts of the code. It also supports advanced regex features, Unicode handling, and ASCII symbol replacement. The author emphasizes that srgn combines the power of regular expressions and parsers, making it a unique tool for surgical operations on code. The readme file provides installation instructions and examples of different actions that can be performed with srgn. (Summary based on 29% of story text.)
Show HN: WAYF – A Simple Scheduling App
WAYF is a simple scheduling app designed to make organizing meetups a breeze. With WAYF, you can easily coordinate with friends, colleagues, or any group of people to find the perfect time and place for your get-togethers. The app offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to create events, invite participants, and suggest multiple date and time options. Participants can then vote on their preferred choices, making it easy to find a consensus. WAYF also integrates with popular calendar apps, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page. Say goodbye to endless back-and-forth messages and hello to efficient event planning with WAYF.
Rising Leqembi Prescriptions Are Straining Clinic Capacity
The rise in prescriptions for the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab is putting strain on clinic capacity in the U.S. While the rollout of the drug has been smooth so far, demand is increasing and specialized dementia clinics may soon be unable to accommodate new patients. General neurology clinics will need to step up to meet the demand, but they have less experience with immunotherapy and will need to learn how to identify the right patients and manage safety monitoring. The drug's high cost and potential side effects, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), are also factors that patients and physicians consider when deciding on treatment. (Summary based on 55% of story text.)
In case you missed it: America just effectively got much bigger
In December 2023, the United States effectively expanded its territory by adding approximately 1 million km2 of maritime area to its extended continental shelf (ECS). This expansion, the largest since the Alaska Purchase in 1867, was made possible through a 20-year data-collecting project conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The ECS consists of seven distinct maritime areas, with the Arctic ECS being the largest and most strategically important due to its resource potential and its role in global shipping. While the expansion may invite counterclaims from countries like Canada, Japan, and the Bahamas, the U.S. has stated its claim within the framework of international maritime law.
Microsoft explains how Russian hackers spied on its executives
Microsoft has provided an initial analysis of how Russian state-sponsored hackers gained access to its corporate systems and spied on its executives. The hackers, known as Nobelium or "Midnight Blizzard," used a password spray attack to breach a non-production test tenant account that did not have two-factor authentication enabled. From there, they compromised a legacy test OAuth application, which allowed them to create malicious OAuth applications and access Microsoft's corporate environment and Office 365 Exchange Online service. Microsoft has not disclosed the exact number of email accounts targeted or the duration of the spying. This incident follows previous cybersecurity attacks on Microsoft, including the SolarWinds attack and the hacking of email servers in 2021. The lack of two-factor authentication on a key test account has raised concerns in the cybersecurity community. Microsoft is expected to provide further explanations and demonstrate improvements in its security measures.
Show HN: Psc: Programmable Synth Controller
The author introduces the Programmable Synth Controller (psc), which is an interface for a synth that allows it to be controlled by a computer using MIDI. The psc uses a microcontroller and a DAC to convert MIDI messages into voltage levels that control the synth modules. The author explains the selection of the MCP4728 DAC for its resolution and the use of an MCP23017 port expander chip for digital outputs. They also mention the inclusion of an AY-3-8910 chip for additional noises and the possibility of running the psc autonomously without a connected computer. The author discusses different ways to get MIDI notes as input, including MIDI over Bluetooth, MIDI over WiFi, and MIDI over USB serial. They also mention the development of a music programming language called pscs for autonomous music production. The author concludes by mentioning the inclusion of a display and providing a parts list for the first iteration of the psc. (Summary based on 42% of story text.)