Interesting dive into the technology, troubleshooting, and process behind stabilizing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

In the 90's, engineers discovered that the tower was extremely close to collapse, within just a few % of the structural limit. They spent a decade researching, experimenting, and developing a solution to permanently stabilize the tower, while also preserving it's unique features.

The highlight of the research is that Apple users were less likely to be victims of financial fraud after Apple implemented the App Tracking Transparency policy. The results showed a 10% increase in the share of Apple users in a particular ZIP code leads to roughly 3% reduction in financial fraud complaints.

While the scope of the data is small, this is the first significant research we’ve seen that connects increased privacy with decreased fraud. This should matter to all of us. It reinforces that when companies take steps to protect our privacy, they also help protect us from financial fraud. This is a point we made in our Privacy First whitepaper, which discusses the many harms that a robust privacy system can protect us from. Lawmakers and regulators should take note.

A brief history of how lettering on technical documents went from handwritten, difficult to read lettering to interesting an unique templates before computer created documents were possible.

Added about 5g of MSG to my sourdough. Did not reduce any other ingredients.

Interesting flavor, 5g is probably too much, will try 3g next time.

Definitely added a "meaty" flavor without reducing any of the other flavors of the sourdough. It's unique.

8/10 - will try again (with a little less MSG).

First loaf in a few weeks, looking pretty good. I left it in the oven a few extra minutes uncovered to get a darker crust.

The Float Life tries out the new GT firmware and are unimpressed.

Curious what others experiences are here, because they're going to be looking at it from a perspective of a group of people who push the limits and understand how to deal with the consequences. How would a regular user who uses it as daily transportation see the update?

Instead, the NSF announced this week they have chosen four institutions to transition the site from its historic hub of astronomical research to a STEM educational outreach center, with a seeming focus on biology. A biomedical laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York along with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the University of the Sacred Heart, both in San Juan will oversee the new education center.

Planetary astronomer and native Puerto Rican and Edgard Rivera-Valentín told us last year that he was heart-broken by the decision.

“Arecibo’s role in inspiring generations of Puerto Ricans centered on the fact that we had a world-class facility doing cutting-edge science in our home,” said Rivera-Valentín. “When I had the privilege of working at the observatory, as the first Arecibeño scientist to do so, I saw how it continued to serve that important role. But it did so because we were doing great science with the telescope. It did so because scientists at the observatory could be mentors and role models to students. Without the telescope, without the scientists, I don’t personally see how going to the visitor center won’t be like going to a memorial.”

NSF says the STEM education research and skill building will include school field trips and summer camps, professional development in education and data science, interactive exhibits, and public science programs and areas for conferences, workshops, and meetings. The center’s new director, astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced, has said there will be an exhibit about the historical importance of Arecibo’s astronomy research.

After messing with the moisture content, I think a slightly dryer loaf is getting me the results I'm looking for. Firmer crust and better definition in the scoring.

100g starter + 100g strong flour + 100g water
Let sit 2-9 hours

Add 400g strong flour + 250g (ish) water + 12g (ish) salt
Mix well and adjust water as needed for a relatively dry dough
Let sit 2-20 hours

Fold/roll into a loaf
Proof in fridge 8-48 hours.

Bake 28 minutes at 260c covered in dutch oven
Bake 3 minutes 260c uncovered