kottke

kottke , 2 days ago to random

I Will Fucking Piledrive You If You Mention AI Again. “…spending half of the planet’s engineering efforts to add chatbot support to every application under the sun when half of the industry hasn’t worked out how to test database backups regularly.” https://ludic.mataroa.blog/blog/i-will-fucking-piledrive-you-if-you-mention-ai-again/

kottke , 4 days ago to random

Unhoused participants in the Denver Basic Income Project used their $1000/mo to find jobs & housing, spent less time in ERs, and reported improved mental health. “A year later, nearly half of participants had housing.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/denver-gave-people-experiencing-homelessness-101802213.html

kottke , 16 days ago to random

The kids who were 1st graders when 20 of their classmates were murdered in Newtown, CT are graduating from high school. “There is a whole chunk of our class missing.” More than 4200 mass shootings in the US since then, several of them at schools. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg33zqd5wyeo

kottke , 18 days ago to random

The myth about cars that’s hurting cities. “In study after study in city after city around the world, researchers have found that merchants exaggerate the share of patrons who arrive by car and undercount those who walk, bike, or ride transit.” https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/354672/hochul-congestion-pricing-manhattan-diners-cars-transit

kottke , 19 days ago to random

The 4K remasters of Aliens & True Lies are bafflingly bad, ruined by AI. “You could argue that it’s impressive the AI cleans up such old footage this well. You could also argue that it looks like creepy, uncanny, digital shit.” https://kottke.org/24/06/ai-can-ruin-movies-now-too

kottke , 24 days ago to random

In the last 10 years, Paris has closed 100 streets to cars, removed 50,000 parking spots, tripled parking fees for SUVs, and built more than 800 miles of bike lanes. “Those changes have contributed to a 40% decline in air pollution.” https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/paris-olympics-city-reduce-air-pollution-rcna153470

kottke , 27 days ago to random

The Hydrant Directory is a collection of colorful fire hydrants where “each hydrant has been processed into color palettes for free use by artists and designers”. I love stuff like this. https://kottke.org/24/06/the-colorful-fire-hydrant-directory

kottke , 1 month ago to random

Scientists have figured out why killer whales are smashing up luxury yachts: it’s a new fad among teen orcas. “A combination of free time, curiosity and natural playfulness has led to young orcas adopting this ‘trend’ of boat-bumping.” https://newatlas.com/biology/orcas-killer-whales-boats/

kottke , 1 month ago to random

A Massachusetts “millionaire’s tax” (extra 4% tax on $1M+ incomes) has earned the state more than $1.8 billion in income for fiscal 2023. That’s about double the estimates and the funds will be spent on education and transportation. https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2024-05-21/millionaires-tax-revenue-reaches-1-8-billion-on-pace-to-double-estimates

kottke , 1 month ago to random

Incredible fact: none of the Big Three US automakers makes a sedan anymore. “That decision is bad news for road users, the environment, and budget-conscious consumers — and it may ultimately come around to bite Detroit.” https://www.fastcompany.com/91123174/detroit-killed-the-sedan-we-may-all-live-to-regret-it

kottke , 1 month ago to random

Seabike is an “underwater mobility device” that can propel you through the water at “superhuman speed”. You pedal with your feet, driving a small propellor. https://newatlas.com/marine/seabike-swimming-propeller/

kottke , 1 month ago to random

The Flashlight Gun Is Peak WTF America. How does a police officer “accidentally” shoot his gun thinking it’s a flashlight? Because they put a second trigger on the gun for the light, right below the first trigger!!! https://kottke.org/24/05/the-flashlight-gun-is-peak-wtf-america

kottke , 2 months ago to random

“I blame Facebook for January 6.” Aaron Sorkin is writing a sequel to The Social Network. “There’s supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isn’t. It’s just growth.” https://variety.com/2024/film/news/aaron-sorkin-social-network-2-sequel-january-6-facebook-1235983390/