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  • Proof or Bluff? Evaluating LLMs on 2025 USA Math Olympiad

    2 days ago
    • Current benchmarks for large language models (LLMs) like MathArena focus on numerical answers but neglect rigorous reasoning and proof generation.
    • A new evaluation tested state-of-the-art reasoning models on the 2025 USAMO problems, revealing they struggled significantly with less than 5% average performance.
    • Detailed analysis of reasoning traces identified common failure modes and unwanted artifacts from model training strategies.
    • The study concludes that current LLMs are inadequate for rigorous mathematical reasoning, highlighting the need for improvements in reasoning and proof generation.

  • Google Gemini is shaking up its AI leadership ranks

    a day ago
    • Google is replacing the leader of its consumer AI apps, shifting focus from underlying models to AI products.
    • Sissie Hsiao, who led Google's AI chatbot (Bard/Gemini), steps down; Josh Woodward takes over.
    • Woodward will continue leading Google Labs while shaping the future of the Gemini app.
    • Hsiao described her tenure as 'chapter 1' of Bard and will return to Google in a new role after a break.
    • Google faced criticism for Bard's 'hallucinations' and Gemini's image generation issues but overcame them with successful launches.
    • Gemini 2.5 outperformed competitors in benchmarks and led in Chatbot Arena.
    • Google Labs, under Woodward, developed NotebookLM and Project Mariner, showcasing rapid AI product prototyping.
    • The leadership change reflects a new phase in the AI race, emphasizing product development around AI models.
    • Google's early focus on multimodal AI and custom chips could provide a competitive edge in future AI products.

  • Django 5.2 Released

    2 days ago
    • Django 5.2 has been released with new features.
    • All models are automatically imported in the shell by default.
    • Django now supports composite primary keys with django.db.models.CompositePrimaryKey.
    • Overriding a BoundField is now easier and can be set on form, field, or project level.
    • Django 5.1 has reached the end of mainstream support, with the final bug fix release 5.1.8 issued.
    • Django 5.0 has reached the end of extended support, with the final security release 5.0.14 issued.
    • Users are encouraged to upgrade to Django 5.1 or later for continued security fixes.

  • Kindle as a High-Contrast GPS

    2 days ago
    • Use an ebook device (Kindle, Kobo, Sony, iPad, tablet) as a GPS with the help of your Android phone.
    • Install two free apps on your phone: KickWeb server (or any PHP-supporting webserver) and BlueNMEA.
    • Download and place specific files in the htdocs folder on your phone's SD card for the web page setup.
    • Optional: De-optimize battery usage for the apps to keep them running in the background.
    • Activate your phone's WiFi hotspot, connect the ebook reader, and open the two apps (Kickweb server and BlueNMEA).
    • Access the phone's IP address via the ebook's web browser to use the GPS functionality.
    • If the connection stops, relaunch the apps due to Android's aggressive optimization.
    • Customize the GPS display by editing the index.php file, even without prior JavaScript knowledge.

  • US labour watchdog halts Apple cases after US picks group's lawyer for top job

    2 days ago
    • US labor watchdog halts Apple cases after Donald Trump appoints group’s lawyer for top job.
    • The article promotes FT subscriptions for insights into Trump’s second term, trade wars, and US politics.
    • Offers digital access to FT journalism with expert analysis and discounts for annual payments.

  • Show HN: I made Confetti: a configuration language file format

    4 days ago
    • Confetti is a configuration language combining Unix file readability with S-expression flexibility.
    • It is minimalistic, untyped, and unopinionated, with schema validation handled by user applications.
    • Confetti competes with INI, not JSON or XML.
    • Example features include comments, custom keywords, and hierarchical structures.
    • The canonical implementation is in C11, available on GitHub.
    • Confetti's philosophy emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and typeless design.
    • Notable features: unopinionated keywords, localization friendliness, and encouraged extensions.
    • Comparison table highlights Confetti's advantages over INI, JSON, and TOML.

  • Nuclear power is officially a clean energy source in Colorado

    2 days ago
    • Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 1040, adding nuclear energy to the state's clean energy resources list.
    • The bill opens up funding opportunities for future nuclear projects but does not mandate their development.
    • Nuclear energy's inclusion as 'clean energy' is controversial due to uranium mining, waste storage, and past environmental impacts.
    • Supporters argue nuclear can replace coal and gas, providing stable power without greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Opponents worry nuclear's 'clean' status could divert funding from renewable projects like solar and wind.
    • Communities facing coal plant closures see nuclear as a potential economic lifeline for jobs and tax revenues.
    • Environmental groups highlight the health and environmental risks of uranium mining and nuclear waste.
    • The debate reflects Colorado's challenge in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables while maintaining grid stability.

  • Facebook Is Hiding Heather Cox Richardson's Posts

    2 days ago
    • Heather Cox Richardson's Facebook posts disappeared without explanation on March 31, 2025.
    • The missing posts included one about allegations of Trump administration discussing military strikes on Yemen.
    • Readers confirmed the posts were gone, raising concerns about algorithmic control and censorship.
    • Richardson urged followers to subscribe to her Substack for uncensored updates.
    • The incident highlights broader issues of content moderation and the erasure of historical documentation.
    • The disappearance of posts without notification raises concerns about freedom of speech and truth.

  • Why resume writing is snake oil

    a day ago
    • The global resume writing industry is valued at $1.37 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 5.2% through 2033.
    • Recruiters spend an average of 30 seconds skimming resumes, primarily looking for recognizable companies and schools.
    • A fake resume with outrageous content achieved a 90% callback rate, highlighting recruiters' reliance on brand recognition over details.
    • Resume writers are largely unnecessary; optimizing for recruiter skimming (e.g., highlighting top brands) is more effective than rewriting content.
    • Job seekers without top brands on their resumes should focus on outreach to hiring managers instead of resume polishing.
    • Side projects are generally ineffective for getting interviews but can improve practical skills for certain roles.

  • Publishers trial paying peer reviewers – what did they find?

    5 days ago
    • Research suggests paying peer reviewers around $250 speeds up the review process without affecting quality.
    • Some journals have experimented with payment systems, including retainers and per-review payments, showing varied results.
    • Concerns exist that paying reviewers could impact review quality or have unforeseen consequences on research.
    • Experiments by Critical Care Medicine and Biology Open indicate payment can increase acceptance rates and speed up reviews.
    • Despite potential benefits, the decision to pay reviewers remains complex due to varying motivations and values among scientists.

  • "Fiume O Morte " Brilliantly Dramatizes the Rise of a Demagogue

    a day ago
    • Filmmakers often overestimate their ability to depict lives and histories outside their own experience, leading to fabrication.
    • Igor Bezinović's film 'Fiume o Morte!' uniquely blends nonfiction and fiction, revealing the process of historical reenactment.
    • The film focuses on Gabriele D’Annunzio's 1919-1921 dictatorship in Rijeka (Fiume), highlighting his oppressive rule and its global impact.
    • Bezinović uses nonprofessional actors, archival materials, and local dialects to authentically recreate historical events.
    • The film humorously and critically examines the process of historical reenactment, including casting locals to play historical figures.
    • Bezinović replicates original compositions from archival photos, some taken by D’Annunzio's propaganda team, adding ethical complexity.
    • The film connects past events to the present, showing how historical tensions persist in modern-day rivalries and nationalism.
    • D’Annunzio's regime promoted racial hatred and ethnic cleansing, which the film dramatizes at actual historical sites.
    • The film uses contemporary footage, like soccer rallies, to show how nationalism is still weaponized today.
    • D’Annunzio's downfall is depicted starkly, contrasting his earlier martial pomp with the bloody aftermath of his failed war declaration.
    • The film serves as a cautionary tale about demagoguery, showing how easily power can be seized by exploiting division and complacency.

  • How Google built its Gemini robotics models

    a day ago
    • Google DeepMind developed a new family of Gemini Robotics models, specifically designed for robots.
    • The models are multimodal, building upon Gemini 2.0 and fine-tuned with robot-specific data to enable physical actions alongside text, video, and audio outputs.
    • A bi-arm ALOHA robot successfully performed novel tasks like placing pens inside a shoe and executing a slam dunk with a toy basketball, demonstrating the model's adaptability.
    • Gemini Robotics models are highly dextrous, interactive, and general, allowing robots to react to new objects, environments, and instructions without additional training.
    • Two main functions are essential for robots: understanding and decision-making (handled by Gemini Robotics-ER) and taking action (handled by Gemini Robotics).
    • Gemini Robotics-ER excels in embodied reasoning, detecting objects, and generating code for actions, while Gemini Robotics advances dexterity and multi-step task completion.
    • The models adapt to various robot embodiments, from academic robots like ALOHA to humanoid robots like Apollo, enabling diverse applications.
    • Potential future applications include complex industrial settings and human-centric spaces like homes, though widespread adoption is still years away.

  • Show HN: Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin: Mermaid.js Diagrams in Visual Studio Code

    a day ago
    • Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin allows editing Mermaid.js diagrams directly in VS Code.
    • No account needed for basic editing; supports .mmd and .md files with syntax highlighting.
    • Real-time diagram rendering with pan and zoom features.
    • Embed diagrams in Markdown files for seamless documentation.
    • Cloud integration enables team collaboration and diagram linking.
    • Flexible editing options: local in VS Code or via Mermaid Chart's visual editor.
    • Offline editing supported with Git-based version control.
    • AI-powered diagram generation from source code using GitHub Copilot.
    • Use cases include DevOps diagramming, API flow visualization, and microservice documentation.
    • Install from VS Code Marketplace; advanced features require login.

  • Sailing from Berkeley to Hawaii in a 19ft Sailboat

    a day ago
    • A consulting geologist recounts his 24-day solo sailing voyage from Berkeley, California to Hilo, Hawaii in a West Wight Potter 19 sailboat named 'Chubby'.
    • The voyage covered 2142 nautical miles, with preparations including safety modifications, provisioning, and route planning based on Jimmy Cornell's World Cruising Routes.
    • Key modifications to the boat included additional cockpit drains, raised cabin freeboard, and multiple jacklines for safety and cargo security.
    • The journey faced initial calms and light winds but later benefited from steady trade winds, averaging 12-16 knots.
    • Navigation relied on GPS units, paper charts, and celestial navigation, with backup safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and VHF radios.
    • Provisions included 40 days of food and water, with a reverse osmosis water maker for emergencies.
    • The boat performed well in open ocean conditions despite being designed as a coastal cruiser, with no major mishaps.
    • The author reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of battery checks, backup power, and professional weather routing.
    • Acknowledgments are given to supporters, including the boat's manufacturer, friends, and his wife Naomi, who surprised him by meeting him in Hilo.

  • Matrix.org Will Migrate to MAS

    a day ago
    • Matrix.org homeserver's authentication system will migrate to MAS (Matrix Authentication Service) on April 7, 2025, at 7am UTC.
    • The migration will cause up to one hour of downtime.
    • MSC3861 and related MSCs have progressed, with all in or past Final Comment Period (FCP) and set to merge.
    • New features include a dedicated account management interface at account.matrix.org, improved security, and a better registration experience.
    • MAS enhances security by ensuring only the server sees account credentials and restricts sensitive operations.
    • Current sessions will remain active post-migration, with backward compatibility for existing clients.
    • MAS is part of a multi-year project funded by Element and customers like BWI, enabling new authentication flows like QR-code login.
    • The Matrix.org Foundation, a non-profit, relies on donations to maintain the Matrix Specification and related services.

  • The timeless genius of a Atari developer and his swimming salmon masterpiece

    2 days ago
    • Bill Williams created 'Salmon Run' for the Atari 800 in 1982, a game metaphorically representing life's struggles.
    • The game features Sam the Salmon swimming upstream, dodging obstacles and predators like bears, fishermen, and birds.
    • Williams' personal battle with cystic fibrosis added deep, authentic meaning to the game's theme of perseverance.
    • The game's audio design was notably advanced for 8-bit hardware, creating realistic water sounds.
    • Salmon Run resonates today as a symbol of navigating life's relentless pressures and challenges.
    • Personal anecdotes highlight the unpredictability of life and the importance of perseverance despite odds.

  • Jack London, Jack Johnson, and the Fight of the Century

    5 days ago
    • Jack London's involvement in boxing journalism, particularly his coverage of the 1910 Jack Johnson vs. Jim Jeffries fight, highlights his complex and contradictory views on race.
    • London's early boxing writings used racialized and animalistic language to describe fighters, regardless of their race, showcasing his fascination with the 'abysmal brute' concept.
    • Despite initially rooting for white fighters like Jim Jeffries as the 'Great White Hope,' London ultimately praised Jack Johnson's skill and dominance in the ring.
    • London's racial rhetoric evolved over time, with his later writings showing a more nuanced, albeit still problematic, approach to race and boxing.
    • Jack Johnson's victory over Jeffries led to widespread racial violence and legal changes, including bans on fight films, reflecting the deep racial tensions of the era.
    • London's legacy in boxing journalism is intertwined with the racial dynamics of the sport, influencing later writers like Hemingway and Mailer.
    • Johnson's life and career were marked by racial discrimination, including legal persecution and exile, yet he remains one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history.
    • London's contradictory views on race—sometimes racist, sometimes progressive—reflect the broader societal struggles with race during his time.
    • The concept of the 'Great White Hope' persisted in boxing long after Johnson's era, resurfacing in matches involving Black champions like Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes.
    • London's boxing writings, though often overshadowed by his fiction, played a significant role in shaping the literary and cultural discourse around the sport.

  • Parcae Ocean Surveillance Satellites

    2 days ago
    • The PARCAE satellites were developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for ocean surveillance, first launched in 1976 and operational until 2008.
    • Preceded by GRAB and POPPY satellites, PARCAE was designed to locate ships at sea by detecting radar emissions, using precise clocks for signal triangulation.
    • PARCAE satellites were launched in clusters of three, deployed via a Multi Satellite Dispenser (MSD) atop Atlas rockets, a system developed by NRL engineers.
    • The program's name, PARCAE, references Greek mythology, symbolizing the satellites' role in determining the fate of Soviet warships during the Cold War.
    • Innovations like the Living Plume Shield (LIPS) repurposed discarded spacecraft components into communication relays, enhancing naval intelligence dissemination.
    • PARCAE's data was processed through ground stations worldwide, part of the CLASSIC WIZARD network, and later integrated directly into naval warfare systems via TADIXS-B.
    • Improved PARCAE satellites, launched in the 1990s, featured advanced capabilities like onboard processing for real-time data relay to military units globally.
    • The program evolved to support 'sensor-to-shooter' concepts, directly feeding satellite data into weapon systems for targeting, a shift from traditional intelligence reporting.
    • Despite initial secrecy, PARCAE's existence was revealed in the 1970s, with details emerging over decades as the program was declassified.
    • PARCAE's legacy includes the foundation of modern ocean surveillance systems, merging with other intelligence satellites to form a comprehensive global monitoring network.

  • We Moved Off Next.js

    a day ago
    • Documenso initially chose Next.js for its SSR, easy routing, and vibrant community.
    • Early adoption of Next.js's App Router and Server Actions led to debugging and build issues.
    • Switched to tRPC for simplicity but faced worsening developer experience with slow HMR times.
    • Attempted Turbopack to resolve issues but encountered errors, making it unusable.
    • Decided to migrate to React Router for its straightforward and transparent routing.
    • Leveraged Vite for bundling, resulting in faster development and better productivity.
    • Client-side data fetching improved loading states and perceived performance.
    • Next.js is still suitable for docs and content-driven sites but not for full-scale applications.
    • Documenso is now excited about its future with React Router and Vite.

  • Yes, some of China's educated youth just asserted sovereignty over Australia

    2 days ago
    • Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea without notifying Australia, sparking tensions.
    • Online nationalist fervor in China saw claims of sovereignty over Australia, gaining millions of views.
    • Traditional Chinese territorial claims focus on nearby regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
    • A new wave of pan-Asianism, inspired by a novel, promotes industrial capacity and regional dominance.
    • Online discussions among Chinese youth include extremist views on racial and historical justifications for expansion.
    • Some quasi-official statements reflect aspirations for Chinese leadership in Asia, though unlikely to become policy.
    • Pan-Asianist rhetoric includes radical ideas like annexing Australia for its resources, though not yet mainstream.
    • Risks exist as grassroots pan-Asianist ideology could influence future policymakers in China.
    • China's Wolf Warrior diplomacy aligns with rising internet nationalism, complicating foreign relations.
    • Educated Chinese youth show potential for both progressive reform and aggressive nationalism.
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