Hasty Briefsbeta

Celadon Production Fueled by Methanol vs. Liquefied Petroleum Gas at Scale
2 days ago
- Methanol flame is deeper in color, more transparent, and hotter than LPG flame, with greater stability across firing stages.
- Methanol-fired kiln achieves a 17.4% reduction in total firing time compared to LPG-fired kiln.
- Methanol combustion reduces pollutant emissions significantly: NO by 70.89%, SO2 by 37.43%, CO by 93.67%, CO2 by 45.07%, and CH4 by 85.89%.
- Celadon fired with methanol has a more uniform and vivid glaze color, smoother surface, and denser microstructure with minimal bubbles.
- Elemental analysis shows higher potassium and silicon content and lower iron and aluminum content in methanol-fired celadon, aligning with high-quality celadon characteristics.
- Mechanical properties of celadon produced using methanol and LPG are comparable.
Reading Zanzibar
2 days ago
- Google's Zanzibar is a global authorization system designed for flexibility and scalability.
- Zanzibar's features include objects, users, namespaces, usersets, and userset rewrite rules for flexible authorization.
- The system uses a configuration language to define access rules, making authorization more manageable than embedding it in queries.
- Zanzibar is built for Google's scale, utilizing Spanner for distributed consistency and TrueTime for accurate timestamp ordering.
- Key components include aclservers, watchservers, and the Leopard indexing system to handle scalability and hot-spot issues.
- Zanzibar's implementation includes zookies for consistency, ensuring clients don't receive stale data.
- Several companies and open-source projects have been inspired by Zanzibar, with varying degrees of adherence to its original concepts.
- For smaller-scale needs, Zanzibar's complexity may be overkill, leading to a desire for simpler, library-based solutions.
Planetary Realism
2 days ago
- The article explores the concept of 'Being-on-a-Planet' through the lens of Planetary Realism, emphasizing Earth's complexity beyond just a 'whole' to a system of interconnected spheres.
- Key spheres discussed include the Lithosphere (Earth's crust and geological history), Biosphere (global ecosystems), Atmosphere (protective gaseous layer), Technosphere (human-made technological systems), and Noosphere (sphere of human thought and knowledge).
- Planetary Realism advocates for sensory scaffolds—tools in art, science, and technology—to perceive and interact with Earth's processes that are beyond immediate human perception.
- The Technosphere is highlighted as having its own agency, with examples like Starlink satellites showing how human exclusion zones operate independently of direct human intervention.
- The Noosphere is presented as the sphere of planetary cognition, where human and machine intelligence contribute to Earth's self-awareness, with emerging discussions on Planetary Sapience and the role of AI.
- The article concludes with a vision for the future where interdisciplinary collaboration enhances planetary awareness, leading to policy and infrastructural interventions based on sensory scaffolds.
"Silent Spring" remains a rousing call to action (2022)
2 days ago
- Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' (1962) kickstarted the environmental movement in America.
- The book opens with a fable about a town where harmony with nature is disrupted by human actions.
- Other topics include weekend entertainment options like period gangster flicks with vampires and celebrity cooking shows.
- The six best screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels are highlighted for an enjoyable evening.
- Ryan Coogler’s film 'Sinners' explores vampires and the blues, focusing on genre uses and abuses.
- Two books detail the rise and fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as 'Putin’s chef' and leader of a notorious private army.
- Robert Macfarlane and James Scott examine the lessons rivers can teach humanity.
- An analysis of how the greatest civilizations of the past 3,000 years began and ended, contrasting with MAGA ideologies.
The Impossible Contradictions of Mark Twain
a day ago
- Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, became an iconic American author and humorist, known for works like 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
- Twain's upbringing in Hannibal, Missouri, exposed him to slavery and Black culture, which influenced his later writings, though he initially held no aversion to slavery.
- He began his career as a printer and typesetter before becoming a steamboat pilot, a role that inspired his pen name, 'Mark Twain,' meaning safe water depth.
- Twain's writing career took off with 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' and 'The Innocents Abroad,' which established his unique voice and humor.
- Despite his literary success, Twain was a restless entrepreneur, investing in failed ventures like the Paige Compositor, which led to financial troubles.
- Twain's personal life included marriage to Olivia Langdon, who became his editor and confidante, and the tragic loss of his son and two daughters.
- In his later years, Twain became a public figure, known for his white suits and sharp wit, but also faced controversies, including his relationships with young girls he called 'angelfish.'
- Twain's legacy is complex, blending humor, social critique, and contradictions, with 'Huckleberry Finn' remaining a contentious yet seminal work in American literature.
- Recent reinterpretations of Twain's characters, like Jim from 'Huckleberry Finn,' continue to spark discussions about race, freedom, and storytelling in America.
Elm Test Distributions
3 days ago
- Property-based tests can miss interesting cases if the distribution of generated values is not carefully considered.
- Using `Fuzz.examples` allows visual inspection of generated values to ensure coverage.
- The `Test.reportDistribution` function provides a histogram of how often different cases are tested.
- `Test.expectDistribution` can enforce minimum coverage requirements for specific test cases.
- Labeling examples with `Fuzz.labelExamples` helps identify which cases are being tested.
- Combinations of labels can overlap, and more specific combinations take precedence in counting.
- Enforcing distributions with `Test.expectDistribution` can fail tests if coverage is insufficient, even if the test logic passes.
- The Elm testing library's `Test.Distribution` module is inspired by Haskell's QuickCheck and similar tools.
- John Hughes' talk on property-based testing provides deeper insights into effective test case generation.
A proof of concept tool to verify estimates
a day ago
- Symbolic math software lacks sophisticated tools for verifying asymptotic estimates, particularly functional estimates.
- A proof-of-concept tool was developed to verify inequalities involving positive real numbers using arithmetic operations.
- The tool uses brute force case splitting and linear programming to verify inequalities.
- Future goals include handling more complex estimates, integrating with platforms like SageMath, and generating formal proof certificates.
- Collaboration between mathematicians and programmers is suggested to enhance the tool's capabilities.
Images of Soviet Venus lander falling to Earth suggest its parachute may be out
a day ago
- Cosmos 482, a former Soviet Union Venus probe launched in 1972, failed to reach Venus and remains in Earth orbit.
- The spacecraft's lander module, designed to survive Venus' atmosphere, may also survive Earth reentry intact.
- Satellite tracker Marco Langbroek predicts reentry around May 10, with a margin of plus/minus 3.1 days.
- Ralf Vandebergh captured high-resolution images of the capsule, describing it as a 'compact ball'.
- The capsule is approximately 80 miles closer to Earth than a Starlink satellite bus.
- Some images show an elongated structure, speculated to be a parachute, though more analysis is needed.
- Vandebergh suggests the object might be tumbling, making the parachute intermittently visible.
Doom GPU Flame Graphs
3 days ago
- AI Flame Graphs are now open source with Intel Battlemage GPU support.
- FlameScope enables subsecond-offset heatmap visualization for CPU and GPU utilization.
- CPU analysis reveals shader compilation and NIR preprocessing as key performance factors.
- GPU flame graphs highlight stalls in rendering, postprocessing, stenciling, and sprites.
- GZDoom used as a test case due to its open-source nature and Linux compatibility.
- Intel's iaprof tool requires Linux with root access and specific kernel/driver setups.
- Future work includes broader hardware support and overhead reduction.
- Open sourcing aims to improve performance analysis despite current setup complexities.
Businesses are rerouting shipments to Canada
2 days ago
- Businesses are rerouting U.S.-bound shipments from China to Canada to avoid high tariffs amid the trade war.
- Flexport reported a 50% spike in shipments from China to Canada in mid-April.
- Companies are storing goods in Canadian bonded warehouses to defer duty payments, hoping for tariff rollbacks.
- Experts warn of potential market flooding, increased competition for warehouse space, and threats to Canadian manufacturers.
- Storage costs could outweigh tariff savings, with some estimates at $200-$250 per container daily.
- Limited bonded warehouse capacity in Canada may not sustain the influx long-term.
- Seasonal items like apparel may lose value if tariffs persist, forcing discounted sales in Canada.
- Trade war resolution could lead to a surge in shipments, spiking international shipping costs.
- Some products destined for the U.S. may not be suitable for the Canadian market, leading to potential waste.
Tortoise Mode vs. Hare Mode
2 days ago
- The author reflects on childhood memories of a ride-on lawnmower with tortoise and hare speed modes, symbolizing different approaches to life and work.
- Tortoise mode is described as slow, contemplative, and deliberate, exemplified by writing with a fountain pen and drinking tea while listening to Mozart.
- Hare mode is energetic, fast-paced, and action-oriented, associated with early mornings, sleep deprivation, and high-energy activities.
- The author discusses the importance of balancing both modes, likening it to running a wood stove without burning down the house or letting soot build up.
- Hare mode is necessary for execution and getting things done, while tortoise mode is for vision and contemplation.
- The author shares personal experiences of success stemming from tortoise mode activities, such as writing in notebooks and meditative bike rides.
- The pitfalls of hare mode include addiction to manic energy and the risk of burnout, while tortoise mode can lead to sluggishness and irrelevance if overdone.
- Anecdotes about Mustangs and racing illustrate the idea that the loudest or most visible efforts aren't always the most effective.
- The author emphasizes the value of 'going smart' over 'going fast,' using examples like finding information through human connections rather than technology.
- The essay concludes with a metaphor of pistons firing and resting, highlighting the need for rhythm and balance in life and work.
The History of Album Art
a day ago
- Early vinyl records in the 1900s could only hold up to four minutes of music per side and had utilitarian packaging.
- Columbia Records pioneered 'record albums' by bundling discs in photo album-like packages to protect and increase sales.
- Technological advancements led to longer-playing records (33 rpm) and more durable vinyl replacing shellac.
- Alex Steinweiss, considered the father of album art, designed eye-catching covers for Columbia Records starting in 1940.
- Steinweiss's covers increased sales significantly, like Bruno Walter’s Beethoven recording by 895%.
- Blue Note Records focused on jazz and innovative album art, with Reid Miles designing iconic covers using bold typography and candid photos.
- Reid Miles's designs for Blue Note emphasized photography and typography, breaking conventions of how black musicians were portrayed.
- S. Neil Fujita, hired by Columbia, integrated abstract art into covers, notably for Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck's albums.
- Fujita's covers for 'Mingus Ah Um' and 'Time Out' reflected the music's complexity and helped jazz gain commercial success.
- Album art evolved with gatefold designs, booklets, and elaborate covers like The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
- Famous artists like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali contributed to album art, making it an integral part of music culture.
Show HN: I built a synthesizer based on 3D physics and launched the product
a day ago
- Anukari is a 3D physics-based software synthesizer and effects processor.
- Allows drag-and-drop of physics components like masses and springs to create custom 3D instruments or effects.
- Currently in Beta, available for purchase at a 50% discount.
- Supports MIDI and MPE (Midi Polyphonic Expression) for versatile control.
- Features real-time 3D interface for intuitive instrument design and visualization.
- Processes audio on GPU, freeing up CPU resources for other tasks.
- Can be used as a VST3, AU, AAX plugin or in standalone mode.
- Includes powerful modulation options like LFOs, envelopes, and MIDI control mapping.
- Offers unique reverb and delay effects through 3D physics simulation.
- Supports custom 3D visuals and skyboxes for enhanced user experience.
- Compatible with Windows 10+ and macOS 11+ (Apple Silicon only).
Rams is a documentary portrait of Dieter Rams (2018)
a day ago
- Dieter Rams is one of the most influential designers alive, known for his work at Braun and Vitsoe.
- His design ethos and 'Ten Principles of Good Design' emphasize simplicity, honesty, and restraint.
- Rams' work has significantly influenced modern consumer products, including Apple devices.
- Despite his success, Rams now regrets contributing to the proliferation of unnecessary products.
- The documentary 'Rams' explores his life, philosophy, and concerns about over-consumption and sustainability.
- Directed by Gary Hustwit, the film includes original music by Brian Eno.
- Rams advocates for environmental consciousness and long-lasting, meaningful design.
- The documentary premiered on the BBC and is available for digital streaming.
Show HN: Blast – Fast, multi-threaded serving engine for web browsing AI agents
a day ago
- BLAST is a high-performance serving engine for web browsing AI with an OpenAI-compatible API.
- It supports concurrency, streaming, automatic caching, and parallelization to optimize costs and performance.
- BLAST can be used locally, ensuring it stays under budget and doesn't hog memory.
- Install via `pip install blastai` and run `blastai serve` to start the server.
- It provides a drop-in replacement for OpenAI's API, enabling seamless integration.
- Features include high performance, automatic parallelism, prefix caching, and real-time streaming.
- Supports concurrent users with efficient resource management.
- Documentation and contributing guidelines are available for further learning and collaboration.
London's National Gallery purchases a painting by an unknown artist for $20M
2 days ago
- The National Gallery acquired a mysterious altarpiece, 'The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret and Two Angels,' for over $20m.
- The artist remains unknown, with debates on whether they were Netherlandish or French.
- The altarpiece was previously owned by descendants of Henry Blundell and kept in Dorset.
- It was likely commissioned for the abbey of Tronchiennes in Ghent, Belgium, where it was recorded in 1602.
- The painting features unusual iconography, including a slobbering dragon and a scatological depiction of a putto farting.
- The composition includes symbolic elements like a goldfinch (symbol of martyrdom) and nail studs (alluding to the Cross).
- Dendrochronology dates the oak panel to around 1500-10, aligning with stylistic analysis.
- The altarpiece is in excellent condition after conservation efforts.
- Specialists remain divided on the artist's identity, with no consensus yet.
- The painting will be displayed in Room 53 at the National Gallery starting 10 May.
Why Is the Kiwi's Egg So Big?
2 days ago
- The kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird with fur-like feathers and nostrils at the tip of its beak.
- Kiwis lay eggs that can weigh up to a quarter of their body mass, the largest proportionally of any bird.
- Previous theories suggested the kiwi's large egg was a holdover from larger ancestors, like the moa.
- New DNA research shows the kiwi's closest relative is the tinamou, not the moa, debunking the big-bird-big-egg theory.
- The kiwi likely evolved its large egg as an adaptation, providing chicks with enough yolk to survive without immediate feeding.
- This adaptation may help kiwi chicks evade predators by being more precocious at birth.
The end of compounded GLP-1 drugs leaves many patients in a 'lose-lose' position
2 days ago
- The availability of compounded GLP-1 drugs is ending as regulators no longer consider branded drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro to be in shortage.
- Patients who relied on compounded versions are now facing disruptions in care, with companies altering prescriptions, adding ingredients, or disappearing entirely.
- Brand-name GLP-1 drugs cost around $1,000 per month, though Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly now offer them at $350-$700 per month—still unaffordable for many who paid $200 for compounded versions.
- Pharmaceutical companies are fighting compounders in court, citing safety concerns and viewing them as a threat to their obesity drug market, projected to reach $100 billion annually by 2030.
- The FDA has received over 700 adverse event reports linked to compounded GLP-1s, though causality remains unclear.
NIH to end billions of dollars in foreign research grants
2 days ago
- NIH's new policy ends billions in funding to foreign labs and hospitals, affecting global-health projects and clinical trials.
- Foreign researchers must now apply for grants directly, with the policy citing national security and transparency concerns.
- The change could lead to lapses in funding for ongoing clinical trials abroad by October unless new funding is secured.
- Former NIH director Francis Collins warns of tragic consequences, including increased deaths from diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.
- The policy affects all foreign subawards, regardless of the country, and could terminate projects dependent on such funding.
- Global-health research, including on cancer and infectious diseases, will be significantly impacted, with potential long-term negative effects.
- Experts argue that cutting-edge research on diseases like malaria requires international collaboration and cannot be done solely from the US.
- Cancer research, especially on rare cancers, relies on international data pooling, which could be hindered by the new policy.
Reconstructing dopamine's link to reward (2024)
2 days ago
- Dopamine's role in reward prediction error (RPE) theory is being reevaluated due to new data showing diverse responses in dopamine neurons.
- Nathaniel Daw and colleagues found that dopamine neurons respond to various stimuli (visual cues, movement, cognitive tasks), challenging the classic RPE model.
- A new model proposes that dopamine neurons encode prediction errors but are specialized for specific stimuli, preserving the core RPE concept while accounting for heterogeneity.
- Alternative theories suggest dopamine signals salience, novelty, or retrospective learning rather than reward prediction errors.
- Advanced tools and experiments reveal dopamine's involvement in non-reward contexts, such as threat avoidance and spontaneous movements.
- Debates persist over whether to refine or abandon RPE, with some researchers advocating for policy learning or adjusted net contingency models.
- The field acknowledges the need for naturalistic studies to understand dopamine's broader role beyond traditional reward contexts.
- Despite challenges, many researchers believe RPE remains a useful framework but requires refinement to integrate new findings.

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About Login

Hasty Briefsbeta

Celadon Production Fueled by Methanol vs. Liquefied Petroleum Gas at Scale

Reading Zanzibar

Planetary Realism

"Silent Spring" remains a rousing call to action (2022)

The Impossible Contradictions of Mark Twain

Elm Test Distributions

A proof of concept tool to verify estimates

Images of Soviet Venus lander falling to Earth suggest its parachute may be out

Doom GPU Flame Graphs

Businesses are rerouting shipments to Canada

Tortoise Mode vs. Hare Mode

The History of Album Art

Show HN: I built a synthesizer based on 3D physics and launched the product

Rams is a documentary portrait of Dieter Rams (2018)

Show HN: Blast – Fast, multi-threaded serving engine for web browsing AI agents

London's National Gallery purchases a painting by an unknown artist for $20M

Why Is the Kiwi's Egg So Big?

The end of compounded GLP-1 drugs leaves many patients in a 'lose-lose' position

NIH to end billions of dollars in foreign research grants

Reconstructing dopamine's link to reward (2024)