Hacker News
1We were wrong about GPUs
- The article discusses Fly.io's experience with GPU Machines, a project they invested in to provide GPU capabilities to their cloud platform. While they correctly predicted AI/ML's importance, their product didn't fully align with market needs, as developers primarily wanted LLM APIs rather than direct GPU access.
Developer split on infrastructure
Discussion of growing divide between developers who want to understand low-level infrastructure vs those who prefer abstractions and "magic", with AI/LLMs accelerating this divide in approaches to development.Local LLM hardware challenges
Debate around limitations of consumer GPUs for running LLMs locally, with discussion of alternatives like Mac Studios and cloud solutions, and challenges of VRAM requirements vs cost tradeoffs.GPU market fit
Analysis of why Fly.io's GPU offering didn't succeed - their typical customers want managed solutions rather than raw GPU access, and their pricing wasn't competitive for those who do want dedicated GPU resources.
2The hardest working font in Manhattan
- This article explores the history and ubiquity of Gorton, a unique industrial font originally designed for engraving machines in the early 1900s. The font appeared on keyboards, signage, industrial equipment, and even space missions, chosen for its durability and practicality despite its unconventional aesthetic characteristics.
Font's historical significance
Discussion of how this industrial font has become associated with seriousness and safety through its widespread use in technical and industrial applications, evoking feelings of permanence and authorityDrafting and lettering evolution
Debate about whether the font originated from drafting practices vs company design, with insights into how technical lettering was taught and evolved from hand-drawing to mechanical toolsGenerational perspectives
Discussion sparked by assumption about author's age, leading to debate about how different generations and professionals perceive the font's aesthetics based on their exposure and expertise
3A decade later, a decade lost (2024)
- A parent reflects on the profound grief of losing their daughter a decade ago, just before her sixth birthday. They contemplate what she might have been like at sixteen today, while grappling with ongoing feelings of loss and the weight of memories that continue to grow heavier with time.
Parents losing children
Multiple stories shared about the profound grief of losing children, with comments noting how the pain never truly goes away and how having kids makes such stories hit harder emotionally.Eric Meyer's story
Discussion of Eric Meyer's daughter Rebecca who died in 2014, his public sharing of grief, and how her memory lives on through "rebeccapurple" CSS color.Historical context
Reflections on how child mortality was much higher historically, with families expecting to lose children, though the emotional impact remained devastating even when it was more common.
4The 20 year old PSP can now connect to WPA2 WiFi Networks
- A new update for PSP custom firmware (ARK) now enables the handheld console to connect to modern WPA2-encrypted WiFi networks, thanks to the wpa2psp plugin developed by Moment. This brings back internet connectivity functionality to the classic gaming device that was previously incompatible with current WiFi standards.
Technical details of WPA2 patch
Discussion of how WPA2 support was added to PSP, with experts explaining that Sony's WiFi chip likely supported WPA2 but needed userspace patches to enable itPSP nostalgia and impact
Users share memories of PSP's groundbreaking graphics, features and games, debating whether it lived up to the hype, with many citing its influence on their interest in programmingPSP homebrew scene
Discussion of PSP's vibrant homebrew community, custom firmware development, and ongoing efforts to extend device capabilities, with many crediting it for inspiring their interest in development
5Carbon capture more costly than switching to renewables, researchers find
- A study reveals that transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower by 2050 would be more cost-effective and beneficial than implementing carbon capture technologies, reducing energy costs by 60% while improving air quality and public health, and helping combat climate change.
Carbon capture inefficiency
Consensus that carbon capture is thermodynamically inefficient and costly compared to renewable energy, requiring more energy to capture CO2 than was gained from burning fossil fuels, with current technologies being impractical at scaleFossil fuel industry influence
Discussion of how carbon capture serves fossil fuel industry interests through subsidies, enhanced oil recovery, and multiple hidden costs including health impacts, pollution, and military expenditure to protect oil assetsAlternative solutions
Debate around combining approaches like renewables deployment, point-source capture at industrial facilities, and organic capture methods, with acknowledgment that some sectors will be harder to decarbonize than others
6Jane Street's Figgie card game
- Jane Street's Figgie is an interactive trading simulation game that teaches market dynamics. Players can learn the rules and practice in learning mode. FAQs are available for guidance, and Jane Street welcomes feedback to improve the game's documentation.
Game design and strategy
Discussion of Figgie's gameplay mechanics, optimal strategies, and comparisons to poker. Players debate approaches like buying low/selling high vs deducing goal suits, and whether the speed element is appropriate for financial training.Technical implementation
Comments about the app's React Native implementation, UI issues, and suggestions for physical card game versions. Discussion includes bugs, rendering problems and ways to organize real-card gameplay.Max Chiswick tribute
Users share appreciation for Ross Rheingans-Yoo's eulogy of Max Chiswick, noting their contributions to poker/trading education and Chiswick's unique approaches to various aspects of life.
7Dust from car brakes more harmful than exhaust, study finds
- Brake dust from car brake pads may be more harmful to human health than exhaust emissions, according to new research. While newer brake pads avoid asbestos, they contain copper which can worsen asthma. Electric vehicles with regenerative braking could help reduce this pollution.
Pollution near roads
Multiple users describe black dust/grime accumulation near roads affecting plants, buildings, and furniture. Concerns raised about health impacts from living near high-traffic areas and accumulation of pollutants.Electric vs gas vehicles
Debate over EVs' environmental impact, focusing on regenerative braking benefits vs increased weight. Discussion shows EVs generate less brake dust but may cause more tire wear, though studies are contested.Brake and tire pollution
Discussion of brake dust toxicity compared to exhaust emissions, with focus on metal particulates' health effects. Includes debate on measurement methods and broader environmental impacts of different pollutant types.
8My Life in Weeks
- Gina presents a visual life map where each box represents a week of her life, allowing viewers to explore her experiences chronologically. Inspired by Wait But Why and adapted from Buster Benson's code, this ongoing project tracks her journey through life, guided by Winnie the Pooh's wisdom about moving forward.
Life's brevity
Discussions about how short life is, with many referencing visual representations like weeks fitting on an A4 paper, leading to existential reflections and desires to optimize remaining time.Work-life balance
Debate over work's role in life satisfaction, with some advocating focus on relationships over productivity, others defending meaningful work, and discussions about early retirement and high-income pursuit.Time tracking
Various approaches to recording and remembering life events, from weekly memory logging to detailed data tracking, with observations about memory gaps and challenges of consistent documentation.
9If you ever stacked cups in gym class, blame my dad
- An unemployed clown and his wife invested their life savings of $43,000 to buy 120,000 specialized plastic cups from Hasbro in Japan, bringing them to their Denver home. They successfully turned this seemingly risky venture into a phenomenon by introducing "cup stacking" as a PE activity in schools across America.
Origin and business story
Discussion of how sport stacking began, the entrepreneurial journey of its founders, and the business risks taken with cup manufacturing that ultimately proved successfulParent company interaction
Debate around the interpretation of interaction between founder and sport's originator Wayne Godinet regarding the $20,000 product offer and sample sets responseSport's cultural impact
References to sport stacking's influence on pop culture, including the Skrillex sample, its adoption in schools, and its spread internationally as a competitive activity
10The New York Stock Exchange plans to launch NYSE Texas
- The New York Stock Exchange announced plans to launch NYSE Texas, a fully electronic equities exchange based in Dallas. The move reflects Texas' status as home to the largest number of NYSE-listed companies, with over $3.7 trillion in market value. NYSE Chicago will reincorporate in Texas and be renamed NYSE Texas.
Exchange operations
Discussion of how NYSE Texas will function, including connectivity between exchanges, trading systems location (likely remaining in NJ), listing requirements, and regulatory compliance under Reg NMS.Competition with TXSE
Debate about NYSE Texas competing with planned Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), with focus on listings business, market positioning, and potential challenges for both exchanges to attract companies.Business motivations
Analysis of reasons for NYSE's Texas move, including regulatory environment, political considerations, and potential risks/benefits of looser oversight compared to New York.