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Message order in Matrix:, we are deliberately inconsistent

The article discusses inconsistencies in message ordering within the Matrix system, highlighting issues with how different APIs return events in varying orders. The author emphasizes the importance of a consistent message order for users, particularly to avoid confusion when using multiple clients or after connectivity issues. They propose that homeservers should prioritize a linear timeline based on event arrival rather than the current implementation, which can result in users seeing messages in a different order. The piece concludes with suggestions on improving order consistency and handling discrepancies in the Matrix framework.

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WASM-4: Build retro games using WebAssembly for a fantasy console

WASM-4 is a platform for developing retro games using WebAssembly in a minimalist environment. It allows for creative game design within 160x160 pixels and 4 colors, supports multiple programming languages, and enables games to run natively on various devices, including low-powered microcontrollers. The platform features fast online multiplayer capabilities and boasts a supportive community of creators.

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Summary: The comments express a mix of enthusiasm and criticism regarding a project related to retro gaming and VR. Users appreciate the project's concept, calling it "very cool" and suggesting the potential for a "VR player for those cartridges." However, there is strong discontent regarding the project's name, with one commenter stating, "wow that is a terrible name," and another comparing it unfavorably to established names like "tic80" and "pico-8." One user likens the naming to "naming a python library 'python'," emphasizing the lack of originality. Overall, the discussion highlights excitement for the project despite disappointment in its branding.

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AggiesBCI – brain-controlled wheelchair converts thoughts to real-world movement

The AggiesBCI team developed a brain-controlled wheelchair that translates thoughts into movement commands. The project involved disassembling a wheelchair controller, training mental commands using an EMOTIV Insight headset, and creating a prototype that won first place at the Aggies Create Innovation Expo. Future plans include refining the design, enhancing modularity, and exploring new applications, such as controlling digital interfaces and creating a mechanical arm for users with mobility issues.

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Summary: The comments reflect a concern about the repetition of a specific project appearing on numerous resumes. The primary theme centers around the question of originality in applicants’ experiences, suggesting that many individuals may rely on this project to bolster their qualifications. One commenter posits, "I have seen this exact project on many resumes," indicating a sense of frustration or suspicion regarding the authenticity of candidates' skills. This repetition could imply a lack of unique contributions or experiences among job seekers, potentially diluting the value of the project itself. Overall, the expressed opinions highlight a desire for more diverse and authentic representations of skills on resumes.

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Bringing K/V context quantisation to Ollama

K/V context cache quantisation has been integrated into Ollama, significantly reducing VRAM usage and enabling users to run larger models or expand context sizes on existing hardware. This advancement allows for up to 66% reduction in VRAM demands with minimal impact on performance and quality. Key features include an interactive VRAM estimator and built-in support for Flash Attention. Limitations include the inability to adjust quantisation levels dynamically within the model settings. The implementation took five months, featuring extensive community testing and feedback.

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Summary: The comments express appreciation for the Ollama community's collaborative efforts, highlighting the value of feedback and assistance in enhancing the project. A user inquires about the best ways to use Ollama with a graphical user interface (GUI) and mentions the OpenWebUI as a viable option. They also explore mobile usage possibilities, questioning if language models can run on Android devices and suggesting a setup that allows GPU utilization via LAN for mobile access. Additionally, there’s a mention of Groq's API, noted for its affordability and ease of use, with a comparison indicating it is "a whole order of magnitude cheaper" than services like OpenAI or Claude, while still offering compatibility through an OpenAI endpoint.

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Certificate Authorities and the Fragility of Internet Safety

The article discusses the crucial role of Certificate Authorities (CAs) in maintaining HTTPS security on the internet and highlights the fragility of internet safety due to mistakes and manipulations by CAs. Critical examples include Symantec's past errors, DigiNotar's hacking incident affecting Gmail users in Iran, and concerns over the ICP-Brasil CA, which may have issued certificates maliciously. The piece warns that trust in these private entities is vital, as any error or ill intent can compromise vast numbers of users, stressing the need for vigilance and improved oversight in the certificate issuance process.

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Summary: The comments emphasize skepticism towards trusted third parties, highlighting concerns about their security vulnerabilities. Users express a unanimous belief that relying on these intermediaries can lead to data breaches or compromised information. One commenter succinctly captures the sentiment with the statement, "Trusted third parties are security holes." This phrase reflects a growing awareness of the inherent risks associated with centralized authorities, as users advocate for more secure, decentralized approaches that minimize potential weaknesses. Overall, the theme revolves around the distrust of entities that purportedly secure user data but are themselves seen as potential threats.

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They don't make them like that any more: the Yamaha DX7 keyboard

The Yamaha DX7 synthesizer greatly influenced 1980s music with its distinctive sounds, particularly through its 32 built-in presets. Released in 1983, it utilized frequency modulation for sound generation, allowing it to create unique tonal qualities. Despite its success and iconic status, the DX7 was difficult to program due to its complex interface. Later models saw diminished popularity as sampling technology advanced, rendering the DX7's mathematical sound synthesis less relevant. Today, emulators and sampling dominate music production, with the DX7 now viewed as a historical curiosity in musical evolution.

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Summary: The comments focus on the evolution and relevance of sound synthesis technologies, particularly contrasting sampling with older methods such as FM synthesis exemplified by the Yamaha DX7. A key theme is the loss of parameter control in sampling compared to synthesizers, as noted: “You can’t tweak the parameters of a filter envelope if it’s 'printed' to a sample." Some participants highlight the unique sound characteristics of FM synthesis, with comments like, “The possibilities are endless. More so than the standard subtractive VA.” However, there’s also recognition of the limitations and complexity of older systems, such as the DX7's "notorious programming UX." While some assert FM's enduring importance, others argue it has been overshadowed by advancements in sampling and physical modeling: “Sampling is a boring, brute-force approach to sound synthesis.” Overall, the discourse reflects a mix of nostalgia and frustration regarding the usability of early synthesizers.

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Oracle Files Notice of Appearance for JavaScript Trademark [pdf]

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Summary: The discussion primarily revolves around Oracle's legal response to Deno's trademark cancellation petition regarding "JavaScript." Comments highlight that Oracle's notice of counsel is a bureaucratic move, indicating their intention to contest the petition. One user noted, “The surprise... is that Oracle wants to fight it,” suggesting Oracle has perceived value in maintaining the trademark despite its diminished relevance. Several comments express skepticism about Oracle’s motives, labeling them as “greedy” and likening the company to a “law firm that happens to sell a database.” Others are curious about Oracle's commitment to trademark enforcement, questioning, “What value do they see in continuing to hold a trademark they aren’t really using?” The commentary also reflects on Oracle's image, with one humorous analogy about not anthropomorphizing corporations, comparing Oracle to a lawnmower that “doesn’t care” about the stakeholders.

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Deploying Containers on NixOS: A Guide

The article discusses deploying containers on NixOS, highlighting the benefits of NixOS's immutable and declarative approach for managing infrastructure. The author shares a step-by-step guide for setting up Podman for container virtualization, adding containers with specific settings (like images and environment variables), configuring private registries, and exposing containers externally. It explains interacting with running containers using systemd and Podman commands for debugging and management. Ultimately, the piece advocates for NixOS as a user-friendly choice for seamless container orchestration on personal servers.

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Summary: The comments discuss the pros and cons of using Kubernetes (k8s), NixOS, and Docker Compose for managing server workloads and configurations. Key themes include: 1. **Preference for Kubernetes**: One user favors Kubernetes for its flexibility in workload management, stating it allows for "easier segregation of workloads." 2. **NixOS Benefits**: NixOS users highlight its advantages in reproducibility and declarative configuration, suggesting it simplifies system management compared to traditional setups. One states, "being able to spin up a new machine quickly with a config you already know works is an awesome feeling." 3. **Docker Compose usage**: There are expressions of contentment with Docker Compose for personal projects due to its simplicity, with one user stating it provides a "consistent interface" across services. 4. **Challenges with NixOS**: Some users find NixOS's documentation insufficient and the learning curve steep, indicating a struggle with its complexities. Overall, the discussion illustrates a divide between those who prefer the orchestration capabilities of k8s and the streamlined management offered by NixOS and Docker Compose for personal use.

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