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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Racing to Track Asteroid 2024 BX1's Collision Course with Earth
Astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky discovered an asteroid, named 2024 BX1, on a collision course with Earth. The asteroid struck Earth's atmosphere near Berlin, producing a stunning fireball. This is only the eighth asteroid that has been detected before impact. Sárneczky's discovery led to a coordinated global response, with observatories around the world tracking the asteroid. The event highlights the progress in space monitoring technology and the value of international collaboration. The asteroid, approximately one meter in size, posed no significant danger and most asteroids of this size are never detected. The hunt is now on for any potential meteorites that survived the fiery journey through the atmosphere.
Freedom Grants
The author introduces a new opportunity called "Freedom grants" on the website ma.tt. The grants are aimed at open source contributors who feel that their current political environment is not compatible with open source values. The grants are intended to help these individuals get set up in a new environment. The author acknowledges that the details of how the grants will work are still being figured out. The idea for the grants is inspired by the work of the Oslo Freedom Forum.
Tesla Inc. vs. Elon Musk
This web content is a post-trial opinion in the case of Richard J. Tornetta v. Elon Musk and others, filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The plaintiff alleges that Tesla's directors breached their fiduciary duties by awarding Elon Musk a performance-based equity-compensation plan. The plan offers Musk the opportunity to secure 12 tranches of options, each representing 1% of Tesla's outstanding shares. The plan is the largest potential compensation opportunity ever observed in public markets. The court finds that the compensation plan is subject to review under the entire fairness standard and that the defendants failed to prove its fairness. The court also addresses the question of whether Musk controls Tesla and concludes that he does. The defendants were unable to prove that the stockholder vote approving the plan was fully informed. The court finds that the process leading to the approval of the plan was flawed and that the price was not fair. (Summary based on 2% of story text.)
The Theory of Concatenative Combinators
The Theory of Concatenative Combinators introduces two new schemes of combinators: "repn" and "zn". "repn" takes a program and executes it a certain number of times, while "zn" is a series of applicative combinators that can be used to represent numbers. The interesting thing about these combinators is that they can be used to define arithmetic operations. The Church numerals, named after Alonzo Church, are a set of combinators that represent numbers using "zn". However, using "repn" to represent numbers is less elegant because it requires an improper combinator. The article also mentions a program that can search for the smallest constructions of a particular combinator, but it has limitations due to its algorithm. The author suggests improvements to the program to make it more efficient.
Code Coverage for Arbitrary Languages Made Easy [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39203633)
The paper discusses the importance of branch coverage in testing software and the challenges of obtaining branch coverage for less widely used or interpretive languages. It introduces the concept of using source-to-source transformation systems to easily install test probes in software systems, allowing for the creation of branch coverage testing tools for all kinds of software in all kinds of execution environments. The paper highlights the existence of industrial-strength transformation systems that can be used for this purpose, such as REFINE, XT, and DMS. These systems are highly configurable and can be used to define the language syntax of interest. The paper provides examples of source-to-source transformations for achieving test coverage in the C language. (Summary based on 42% of story text.)
Starlab commercial space station to launch on Starship
Starlab Space, a joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus Space and Defence, has chosen SpaceX's Starship to launch the Starlab commercial space station. The agreement between Starlab Space and SpaceX did not disclose the terms or launch date, but Starlab Space is confident that the station will be launched before the decommissioning of the International Space Station in 2030. Starlab, designed to be launched on a single flight, features a large habitation and laboratory module with a smaller service module for power and propulsion. The size of Starlab necessitates the use of Starship, as it is larger than other vehicles currently in service or development. The stainless steel construction of Starlab will be manufactured in a shipyard and integrated on the ground before launch, reducing manufacturing time and launch costs. However, working with SpaceX means dealing with a potential competitor, as SpaceX received an unfunded NASA Space Act Agreement to study the use of Starship as a commercial space station.
Google spent billions of dollars to lay people off
Google spent $2.1 billion on severance and other expenses as it laid off over 12,000 employees in 2023. In just the first month of 2024, the company has already spent $700 million on severance charges for another 1,000-plus roles. Despite the layoffs, Google saw growth in its core business lines, with $86 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023. CEO Sundar Pichai credited the growth to investments in generative AI. Google's search engine business generated $48 billion, while its subscription services and devices segment generated $10.7 billion. The company's cloud division also saw a boost in revenue, reporting $9.19 billion for Google Cloud. However, the layoffs and real estate cutbacks cost Google a significant amount of money, and more layoffs are expected in 2024 as the company continues to invest in AI.
Show HN: Lockbox: forward proxy for making third party API calls
Lockbox is a forward proxy designed to solve the problem of trusting automation or workflow platforms with your third party API keys. Instead of providing your API keys to these platforms, you can run your own Lockbox server. When a workflow platform needs to make an API call on your behalf, it makes a Lockbox API call instead. Lockbox then makes the call to the third party API and returns the result to the workflow platform. The main benefits of using Lockbox are that your API keys are never exposed to the workflow platform, and you have the ability to audit and restrict access to external APIs. The project prioritizes correctness, simplicity, and security.
Linux Pseudo-Random Number Generator Internals
The web content discusses the internals of the Linux Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG). It mentions a weakness in the generator's implementation, which deviates from the assumptions made in the original paper on which it is based. The content provides a study of the PRNG in the Linux Kernel, explaining the fundamentals of Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSR) sequences and their connection to PRNGs. It also discusses Generalized Feedback Shift Registers (GFSR) and the twisted version of GFSR defined in a 1992 paper by Matsumoto and Kurita. The significance of the least significant bit in the twisted GFSR is explained. (Summary based on 17% of story text.)
OpenAI Says ChatGPT Probably Won't Make a Bioweapon
OpenAI conducted a study on GPT-4's potential in aiding the creation of a bioweapon and found that the AI poses only a slight risk. The company assembled a group of biology experts and students and evaluated their ability to create a bioweapon with and without the assistance of GPT-4. The results showed a small increase in accuracy and completeness when using the AI model. However, OpenAI emphasizes that access to information alone is insufficient to create a biological threat, and they did not test how GPT-4 could assist in physically constructing a threat. The company believes further research is necessary to fully understand the implications. While there is concern about AI's potential dangers, OpenAI assures that the risk is minimal.
The End of My Childhood
The author reflects on their experiences in the past two years, particularly in the crypto and hacker community. They discuss how younger individuals are taking on leading roles in various projects, which made them realize that their own role as a "wunderkind" is no longer applicable. The author also explores the concept of life extension and the finite nature of beautiful things in life. They discuss how their thinking has shifted over the years, moving away from mathematics and economics and towards different kinds of arguments. The author also shares personal experiences, including their involvement in the Ukraine government's call for cryptocurrency donations and their realization of personal responsibilities in the crypto space. They conclude by discussing the challenges they face and the need to be intentional in their actions. (Summary based on 36% of story text.)
A roadmap and appeal for help from The Matrix.org Foundation
The Matrix.org Foundation has launched a new fundraising drive and is appealing for help to support its work. Over the past year, the Foundation has seen positive growth, with an increase in annual revenues and a growing user base. However, expenses have exceeded revenue, and the Foundation is now paying its own bills. To continue its work and maintain its current scope, the Foundation projects that it will need to stabilize expenses at over £900K in 2024. The Foundation is calling for more organizations to become members and invest in the Matrix ecosystem to ensure its sustainability.
How We Crowdfunded $750k for a Giant Book about Keyboard History
The article discusses how the author, Marcin Wichary, crowdfunded $750k for a book about keyboard history. It starts with Marcin stumbling upon a typewriter collection in Spain, which sparked his interest in writing a book about keyboards. However, his first draft was too long, so he turned to crowdfunding to bring his vision to life. The article highlights the challenges Marcin faced, such as language barriers and lack of experience in book publishing. It also mentions the strategies he used to build a crowd, including starting a newsletter, creating a website, and engaging with keyboard communities. The author of the article played a role in helping Marcin with logistics and budgeting. (Summary based on 34% of story text.)
How US Protectionism Is Hindering Offshore Wind Ambitions
The United States' offshore wind ambitions are being hindered by a century-old law known as the Jones Act, which requires the use of American ships for transporting goods within the country. This poses a problem for the offshore wind industry as the US lacks the necessary wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) commonly used in other parts of the world. As a result, offshore wind projects are forced to rely on expensive and inefficient workarounds, such as using barges instead of WTIVs. The Jones Act also leads to inflated prices for compliant vessels, as US shipyards enjoy a monopoly. The Biden administration's goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 may be challenging to achieve without addressing the limitations imposed by the Jones Act.
Kayaks vs. Canoes (2010)
The web content discusses how the internet has changed the way people think. It highlights the shift from collecting all available information to discarding unnecessary information and focusing on the shape of knowledge hidden within. The content also mentions how the internet has empowered resourcefulness and critical thinking, making it easier to find information and make better decisions. However, it also acknowledges the frustration when information is not available online. The content further explores the impact of the internet on various aspects of life, such as communication, community, and the concept of expertise. It concludes by discussing the potential future of the internet and its role in scientific research and communication. (Summary based on 26% of story text.)
Spatial Computing
In this article, John Siracusa discusses the concept of "direct manipulation" in computer interfaces and its evolution over the years. He highlights the success of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like the one on the original Macintosh and the iPhone's touch interface, both of which leverage our innate abilities to reason about and manipulate objects in space. Siracusa introduces Apple's new "spatial computer," the Vision Pro, which takes spatial interfaces to the next level by simulating a 3D world. However, he questions whether the Vision Pro's interface, which requires users to look at objects and perform indirect gestures, is as intuitive and efficient as the iPhone's touch interface. The article concludes by acknowledging that the Vision Pro opens the door to new experiences and interfaces but raises doubts about its current interaction model.
Amazon left Roomba with a huge mess to clean up
The article discusses the potential consequences of Amazon backing out of its deal to buy iRobot, the company behind the Roomba robot vacuum. While privacy advocates may see this as a win, it could be detrimental to iRobot's future. The company has been struggling against increasing competition in the robot vacuum market, with its market share steadily declining. Chinese companies like Ecovacs, Anker, Roborock, and Dreame Technology have entered the market with cheaper options. iRobot's innovations, such as auto-empty docks and effective room mapping, have been adopted by competitors. The article highlights iRobot's unique dual rubber roller brush system and its approach to software. However, the company has faced challenges in adopting new technologies and keeping up with competitors' all-in-one solutions. The pandemic has also negatively impacted iRobot's revenue, and it is now facing an operating loss and the need to find additional funding. The company plans to cut staff, shut down offices, and reduce research and development. The article concludes by expressing uncertainty about iRobot's future and the potential for Chinese companies to dominate the market.
Photoshop's "generative expand" tool may have expanded bust and exposed midriff
The digitally altered image of Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, which exposed her midriff and enlarged her bust, has sparked international attention and debate on the reach of generative artificial intelligence. Broadcaster Nine News apologized for the alteration, stating that it occurred due to an "automation by Photoshop" while resizing the original photo. The alteration was made using Adobe Photoshop's "generative expand" tool, which uses AI to make assumptions about how an image should be filled out. Experts say that the explanation provided by Nine News is plausible, but highlight the need for greater regulation and AI literacy to prevent such incidents in the future.
Ubuntu Generic vs. Low-Latency Linux Kernel Benchmarks for HPC and Desktop
This article discusses the performance impact of Ubuntu's low-latency kernel compared to their generic kernel. Ubuntu is considering incorporating the low-latency optimizations into their generic kernel build to simplify maintenance and provide more versatility. However, Canonical kernel engineers have acknowledged that this change could cause performance regressions, particularly in the area of high-performance computing (HPC). The author conducted benchmarks on an AMD EPYC 8534P server and found that the generic kernel was faster by just 1% in most cases. There were only minor differences in a few benchmarks, primarily in Stress-NG micro-benchmarks. The article concludes by noting that it will be interesting to see what decision Canonical makes for the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release.
Hulu is cracking down on password sharing, just like Disney Plus and Netflix
Hulu is joining the ranks of Disney Plus and Netflix in cracking down on password sharing. According to their updated account sharing policy, subscribers are not allowed to share their subscription outside of their household. The term "household" refers to the devices associated with the primary personal residence and used by the individuals residing there. Hulu reserves the right to analyze account usage and take action if they determine a violation of the policy. Subscribers are responsible for any account use by their household.
Strategies of the Request (2011)
The article discusses two sequential request strategies called Foot-In-The-Door (FITD) and Door In-The-Face (DITF) that are used to increase compliance. The FITD technique involves asking for something small first and then asking for something bigger, based on the Consistency Principle. The article cites a study where subjects were asked about soaps they used and later asked if a team could go through their closets, with 22% agreeing. The DITF technique involves making a large request that is likely to be refused, followed by a smaller request, based on the Reciprocity Principle. The article provides an example of a teen asking for a curfew change. The article also mentions that the FITD technique increases compliance by 13%, but it may not work if the initial request is too small or the second request is too big or comes too quickly. The DITF technique works by making the person feel guilty about refusing the first request and then giving them the opportunity to relieve their guilt by agreeing to the second request. The article concludes by mentioning that the DITF technique works best when the request has a socially valid element and is made soon after the first request.
Gnuplotlib: Non-Painful Plotting for NumPy
Gnuplotlib is a Python module that allows numpy data to be plotted using Gnuplot as a backend. It provides an object-oriented interface and global class-less functions for plotting. The module acts as a passive pass-through to Gnuplot, allowing users to leverage the full power and flexibility of the Gnuplot backend. The project offers an alternative to other plotting libraries by providing a simple and intuitive way to plot numpy data using Gnuplot. The readme file provides examples and detailed instructions on how to use the module for different types of plots. (Summary based on 14% of story text.)
Squeezing Last Bit of JavaScript Performance for My Automation Game
The author discusses their experience optimizing the performance of their automation game, Industry Idle, and its spiritual successor, CivIdle. They explain that the main performance issue they encountered was on the rendering side, despite the game's minimalist graphics. The author explores different options for rewriting the game, including using different languages and frameworks, but ultimately decides to stick with TypeScript and the web platform due to the majority of the code being UI-related. They also discuss their choice of the Pixi.JS WebGL renderer for CivIdle and the optimizations they implemented based on lessons learned from Industry Idle. The author then delves into the challenge of offline earning and the need to improve single-thread performance. They identify allocation as a major issue and provide an example of optimizing code by using static cached objects instead of allocating new ones. The author also mentions the potential for memoization to improve performance in certain functions. (Summary based on 42% of story text.)
Servers are (probably) starting to drop serial ports
The author discusses the shift away from using physical serial ports on servers for serial console output. They explain that they have been using a serial console server to collect and log serial console output from their servers, but recently received a mainstream server that does not have a serial port. The only option for a serial console on this hardware is Serial-over-LAN as part of its IPMI implementation. The author notes that this shift is not surprising, as physical serial ports add cost and take up space, and IPMI has supported Serial over LAN for some time. They also mention that this shift is potentially beneficial for them, as their current hardware for the serial console server is becoming outdated.
Apple's Vision Pro battery pack is hiding the final boss of Lightning cables
The Apple Vision Pro battery pack has a hidden surprise - it connects to the battery with what appears to be a larger, 12-pin version of the Lightning connector. This is surprising because Apple had moved away from the Lightning connector last year in favor of USB-C. It is unclear whether Apple intentionally brought back Lightning or if it is simply trolling everyone after being forced to switch to USB-C by the EU. In any case, it is an interesting discovery and adds a humorous twist to the Vision Pro battery pack.
'Black Swan' author Nassim Taleb says the U.S. is in a 'death spiral'
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of "The Black Swan," has warned that the U.S. is in a "death spiral" due to its national debt problem. He believes that the national debt is a "white swan," a risk that is more probable than an unpredictable "black swan" event. Taleb argues that as long as Congress keeps extending the debt limit instead of addressing the issue, a debt spiral will occur. The American national debt currently stands at $34.14 trillion. Other Wall Street figures, such as Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, have also expressed concerns about the debt level. Taleb also criticizes the stock market, stating that analysts have lost sight of how to appropriately value companies, leading to overinflated valuations.
Activist who led ouster of Harvard pres linked to 'scientific racism' journal
The rightwing activist Christopher Rufo has been linked to a self-styled "sociobiology magazine" called Aporia, which focuses on the relationship between race, intelligence, and criminality. Experts have characterized Aporia as an outlet for scientific racism. Rufo, who is known for his opposition to "wokeism," has described his goal as "colorblind equality," but his association with Aporia raises questions about his proximity to extremists. Aporia's editors, including Bo Winegard and Noah Carl, have been involved in controversies related to scientific racism and eugenics. The publication has been criticized for promoting racist propaganda and pseudoscience. Critics argue that Rufo's endorsement of Aporia helps to mainstream these harmful ideas.
Stop KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act)
The website www.stopkosa.com argues against the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), stating that it is a bad bill for two main reasons. Firstly, KOSA would pressure platforms to install filters that censor content deemed inappropriate for minors, potentially restricting important information about suicide prevention and LGBTQ+ support groups. It is also argued that KOSA would allow anti-rights groups to shut down websites covering topics such as race, gender, and sexuality. Secondly, KOSA would increase online surveillance through age verification and parental monitoring tools, which are seen as invasive and a safety risk for young people trying to escape domestic violence and abuse. Numerous LGBTQ+ and civil rights groups oppose KOSA, believing that updates to the bill will not address its major problems. The website encourages visitors to contact their lawmakers to reject KOSA.
CitraVR is a much bigger deal than 3DS emulation on your Meta Quest 3
CitraVR, a 3DS emulator for Oculus Quest headsets, was recently uploaded to SideQuest and has already garnered attention for its impressive performance. The VR version of Citra allows users to experience the stereoscopic 3D effect of 3DS games, unlike the non-VR version. What sets CitraVR apart is that it is independent of the Meta SDK, which means developers can create apps for the platform without having to agree to Meta's SDK license terms. This newfound freedom could lead to innovative VR experiences from developers who previously couldn't or didn't want to comply with Meta's terms. However, the lack of oversight from Meta may make it easier for bad actors to create malware for Quest hardware. To install CitraVR, users need to enable developer mode on their Quest headset and use SideQuest to download and install the app.
People Don't Understand OOP
The author of this blog post discusses Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and addresses some common misconceptions about it. They define objects as collections of operations that share state and explain that objects can be anything with state. The author also mentions that classes are not strictly necessary for OOP and that languages like JavaScript and Lua use prototype-based OOP instead. They discuss the use of inheritance for code reuse and abstraction, as well as the concept of subtyping for polymorphism. The author also explores different approaches to interfaces and encapsulation in OOP. Overall, the post provides a clear and informative explanation of OOP concepts. (Summary based on 55% of story text.)