1. Continuous Diffusion Language Models (CDLM's) (sander.ai)

Fully discrete methods dominated for a few years, but language models based on continuous diffusion are making a comeback.

Language models using continuous diffusion are gaining traction again after a period of dominance by fully discrete methods. Discover what this shift means for the future of language processing.

3. Defrag98: Windows 98 Disk Defragmenter Simulator Online (defrag98.com)

A free, browser-based simulator of the classic Microsoft Windows 98 Disk Defragmenter. Pick a drive, cue the HDD sounds, and relive the nostalgia of 1998.

Experience a nostalgic trip back to 1998 with this free online simulator of the Windows 98 Disk Defragmenter. Choose a drive, listen to the classic HDD sounds, and reminisce about the early days of computing.

4. Electric rain can eat through metal (www.scientificamerican.com)

New research shows that water becomes electrified as it slides down smooth surfaces, leading to corrosion

Recent research reveals that electrified water sliding down smooth surfaces can cause significant corrosion, effectively allowing rain to eat through metal. This finding highlights the potential implications for infrastructure and materials exposed to the elements.

5. Automating Immersive Reading (smoores.dev)

How Storyteller’s forced alignment algorithm works.

Learn how Storyteller’s forced alignment algorithm enhances the immersive reading experience by synchronizing text with audio, making it easier for users to follow along. Discover the technology behind this innovative approach to storytelling.

9. Orbs (ampcode.com)

Everything has changed for us with orbs. How do I make you believe me?

A mysterious phenomenon involving orbs has transformed the author’s life, prompting a quest to convey its significance. The piece raises intriguing questions about belief and perception in the face of the unknown.

11. Algorithmic Rent-Pricing Litigation Expands Under New State and Local Laws (www.morganlewis.com)

A new wave of litigation focused on violations of municipal regulations is emerging against multifamily housing landlords, many of whom are facing antitrust litigation targeting their use of certain revenue management products. The new regulations may potentially provide a simpler path to liability and the possibility of significant penalties.

Multifamily housing landlords are increasingly facing lawsuits related to their pricing strategies, as new state and local regulations create clearer pathways to liability. These legal challenges could result in hefty penalties for those using controversial revenue management tools.

12. Benjamin Franklin's Alter Egos Gave Him the Most Freedom (www.smithsonianmag.com)

Silence Dogood. Richard Saunders. Benevolus. Sidi Mehemet Ibrahim. All were pen names that allowed Franklin to say things he couldn’t have otherwise said

Benjamin Franklin used various pen names to express controversial ideas and opinions that he couldn’t share openly. This article highlights how these alter egos provided him with the freedom to challenge societal norms and engage in public discourse.

13. Benchmarking Pocket-Scale Inference (artificialanalysis.ai)

Benchmarking of language model inference on mobile phones. We measure output speed, latency and memory use across local models.

The article measures the performance of language model inference on mobile devices, focusing on key metrics like output speed, latency, and memory usage for local models. It provides insights into how well these models perform in a pocket-sized format, which is crucial for developers and users alike.

15. One Nix flake to rule them all (fzakaria.com)

Flakes are undoubtedly here to stay, and I’ve made my opinion on them well-known: they are β€œmeh”.

The author expresses a lukewarm opinion on the future of flakes in Nix, suggesting they might not live up to the hype. Readers interested in Nix’s evolving features will find this perspective worth considering.

16. When Fruit Is Scarce, These Monkeys Hunt Animals (www.smithsonianmag.com)

The bearded capuchins of northeastern Brazil typically eat plant-based foods, but they turn to small vertebrates when those sources are limited. Our ancestors may have done the same, eventually allowing predatory behaviors to be more frequently passed on in our lineage

Bearded capuchins in Brazil adapt their diet by hunting small animals during fruit shortages, suggesting a link to the dietary shifts of early human ancestors. This behavior highlights the flexibility and resourcefulness of these primates in challenging environments.

19. Fair Work Commission condemns 'plain wrong' AI legal advice (www.abc.net.au)

The Fair Work Commission will soon require applicants to disclose any AI use with consequences for failing to be transparent.

The Fair Work Commission is implementing new rules that mandate applicants disclose their use of AI in legal advice, with penalties for non-compliance. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in legal processes involving artificial intelligence.

20. Open Oscar Server: open-source server compatible with AIM and ICQ clients (github.com)

Self-hostable instant messaging server compatible with classic AIM and ICQ clients written in golang. (Independently developed, not affiliated with or endorsed by AOL) - mk6i/open-oscar-server

A new open-source instant messaging server allows users to self-host their own service compatible with traditional AIM and ICQ clients, built using golang. This project offers a way to revisit classic messaging experiences while maintaining control over your data.

23. Commercially Available Bike Generators Are Not Sustainable (solar.lowtechmagazine.com)

The present approach to pedal power results in highly inefficient machines.

Current bike generators on the market are proving to be inefficient, raising concerns about their sustainability. This analysis highlights the shortcomings of existing pedal power technology and its impact on energy efficiency.

24. Synchronisation and SMPTE timecode (time code) (www.philrees.co.uk)

Technical description of SMPTE time code - a signal which encodes time information for synchronisation purposes, usually on a recording tape.

Learn about SMPTE time code, a crucial signal that encodes time information for synchronization, primarily used in recording applications. This technical overview highlights its importance in ensuring accurate timing across various media formats.

25. monty-go: Pure-Go wrapper for Pydantic's Monty Python Interpreter (github.com)

Pure-Go wrapper for Pydantic Monty Python interpreter via WASM + wazero - fugue-labs/monty-go

A new Pure-Go wrapper allows developers to use Pydantic’s Monty Python interpreter through WebAssembly with wazero. This integration could enhance Go applications by enabling Python-like data validation features.

26. Daycare Pseudoscience (worksinprogress.co)

If it had a clear effect on children we would know by now.

Research suggests that many popular beliefs about daycare’s impact on children lack solid evidence. The article questions widely held claims and encourages a critical look at the science behind daycare practices.

29. Storm Summoner, a MIDI controller for effects pedals (kabaragoya.com)

The MIDI controller, reimagined as an instrument. Twelve zones of capacitive touch. Forty-plus assignable actions. An onboard database of every major MIDI pedal.

The Storm Summoner redefines MIDI controllers with twelve touch-sensitive zones and over forty customizable actions. It also features an extensive database of major MIDI pedals, making it a versatile tool for musicians looking to enhance their performances.

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