Pets for Cursor is a simple web app that adds a small animated pet to follow your mouse cursor around the screen. Choose from a variety of animals, including a cat, dog, duck, and hamster, each with their own unique walking animation. The project is open-source and easily customizable, allowing users to add their own pets by providing a sprite sheet. It's a fun, lightweight way to personalize your browsing experience.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 freeway in Los Angeles has reached a major milestone with the completion of its bridge structure. This project, the world's largest wildlife crossing, aims to provide safe passage for mountain lions and other animals, connecting fragmented habitats and promoting genetic diversity. While the bridge itself is finished, significant work remains, including landscaping with native vegetation and installing sound walls and fencing to guide animals toward the crossing. Funding also needs to be secured for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to evaluate the crossing's effectiveness.
HN commenters largely praised the wildlife crossing project, viewing it as a positive step towards mitigating human impact on animal populations and ecosystems. Some expressed hope that it would serve as a model for similar projects elsewhere. A few questioned the long-term effectiveness and pointed to the need for more comprehensive habitat restoration, arguing that crossings alone wouldn't fully address the root issues of habitat fragmentation. Some discussion also revolved around the types of animals expected to use the crossing and how its success would be measured. One commenter highlighted the project's funding model, emphasizing the significant private contribution which they found encouraging. There was a brief exchange about the potential for increased roadkill on smaller nearby roads due to animals funneling through the crossing.
This Mister Rogers' Neighborhood episode explores the world of computers and how they work. Mr. Rogers visits a computer lab and learns about inputting information using punch cards and a keyboard. He demonstrates how computers process information and produce output, emphasizing that they only do what they're programmed to do. Connecting this to emotions, he highlights that feelings are valid even if a computer can't process them, and encourages viewers to express their own feelings creatively, whether through drawing or talking. The episode also features a segment with François Clemmons making a clay mouse, reinforcing the theme of creativity and contrasting handmade art with computer-generated output.
Hacker News users discuss the Mister Rogers episode about computers and mice, praising its gentle introduction to technology for children. Several commenters highlight the episode's emphasis on the human element of computing, showcasing how people program the machines and how computers ultimately serve human needs. The nostalgic value of the episode is also a recurring theme, with many users fondly recalling their childhood experiences watching Mister Rogers. Some commenters delve into technical details, discussing early computer graphics and the evolution of input devices, contrasting them with modern technology. Others appreciate the episode's broader message of accepting new and potentially intimidating things, a lesson applicable beyond just technology. A few users also share personal anecdotes about their early introductions to computers, inspired by the episode's themes.
A new model suggests dogs may have self-domesticated, drawn to human settlements by access to discarded food scraps. This theory proposes that bolder, less aggressive wolves were more likely to approach humans and scavenge, gaining a selective advantage. Over generations, this preference for readily available "snacks" from human waste piles, along with reduced fear of humans, could have gradually led to the evolution of the domesticated dog. The model focuses on how food availability influenced wolf behavior and ultimately drove the domestication process without direct human intervention in early stages.
Hacker News users discussed the "self-domestication" hypothesis, with some skeptical of the model's simplicity and the assumption that wolves were initially aggressive scavengers. Several commenters highlighted the importance of interspecies communication, specifically wolves' ability to read human cues, as crucial to the domestication process. Others pointed out the potential for symbiotic relationships beyond mere scavenging, suggesting wolves might have offered protection or assisted in hunting. The idea of "survival of the friendliest," not just the fittest, also emerged as a key element in the discussion. Some users also drew parallels to other animals exhibiting similar behaviors, such as cats and foxes, furthering the discussion on the broader implications of self-domestication. A few commenters mentioned the known genetic differences between domesticated dogs and wolves related to starch digestion, supporting the article's premise.
The author recounts their experience creating a Mii of their cat on their Wii, a process complicated by the limited customization options. They struggle to capture their cat's unique features, ultimately settling on a close-enough approximation. Despite the imperfections, the digital feline brings them joy, serving as a constant, albeit pixelated, companion on their television screen. The experience highlights the simple pleasures found in creative expression, even within the constraints of a limited platform, and the affectionate bond between pet and owner reflected in the desire to recreate their likeness.
Hacker News users generally found the story of the author's cat, Mii, to be heartwarming and relatable. Several commenters shared their own experiences of deep bonds with their pets, echoing the author's sentiments about the unique comfort and companionship animals provide. Some appreciated the author's simple, honest writing style, while others focused on the bittersweet nature of pet ownership, acknowledging the inevitable grief that comes with losing a beloved animal. A few comments humorously related to the cat's name, connecting it to the Nintendo Wii, and some questioned the veracity of certain details, suggesting parts of the story felt embellished. Overall, the discussion was positive and empathetic, highlighting the shared experience of pet love and loss.
Diamond Geezer investigates the claim that the most central sheep in London resides at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) grounds. He determines the geographic center of London using mean, median, and geometric center calculations based on the city's boundary. While the HAC sheep are remarkably central, lying very close to several calculated centers, they aren't definitively the most central. Further analysis using what he deems the "fairest" method—a center-of-mass calculation considering population density—places the likely "most central sheep" slightly east, near the Barbican. However, without precise sheep locations within the Barbican area and considering the inherent complexities of defining "London," the HAC sheep remain strong contenders for the title.
HN users generally enjoyed the lighthearted puzzle presented in the linked blog post. Several commenters discussed different interpretations of "central," leading to suggestions of alternative locations and methods for calculating centrality. Some proposed using the centroid of London's shape, while others considered population density or accessibility via public transport. A few users pointed out the ambiguity of "London" itself, questioning whether it referred to the City of London, Greater London, or another definition. At least one commenter expressed appreciation for the blog author's clear writing style and engaging presentation of the problem. The overall tone is one of amusement and intellectual curiosity, with users enjoying the thought experiment.
Rafael Araujo creates stunning hand-drawn geometrical illustrations of nature, blending art, mathematics, and biology. His intricate works meticulously depict the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci sequence found in natural forms like butterflies, shells, and flowers. Using only compass, ruler, and pencil, Araujo spends hundreds of hours on each piece, resulting in mesmerizing visualizations of complex mathematical principles within the beauty of the natural world. His work showcases both the inherent order and aesthetic elegance found in nature's design.
HN users were generally impressed with Araujo's work, describing it as "stunning," "beautiful," and "mind-blowing." Some questioned the practicality of the golden ratio's influence, suggesting it's overstated and a form of "sacred geometry" pseudoscience. Others countered, emphasizing the golden ratio's genuine mathematical properties and its aesthetic appeal, regardless of deeper meaning. A few comments focused on the tools and techniques Araujo might have used, mentioning potential software like Cinderella and GeoGebra, and appreciating the dedication required for such intricate hand-drawn pieces. There was also discussion of the intersection of art, mathematics, and nature, with some users drawing connections to biological forms and patterns.
Greenland sharks, inhabiting the frigid Arctic waters, are the longest-lived vertebrates known to science, potentially reaching lifespans of over 400 years. Radiocarbon dating of their eye lenses revealed this astonishing longevity. Their slow growth rate, late sexual maturity (around 150 years old), and the cold, deep-sea environment contribute to their extended lives. While their diet remains somewhat mysterious, they are known scavengers and opportunistic hunters, consuming fish, seals, and even polar bears. Their flesh contains a neurotoxin that causes "shark drunk" when consumed, historically making it useful for sled dog food after a detoxification process. The Greenland shark's exceptional longevity provides a unique window into past centuries and offers scientists opportunities to study aging and long-term environmental changes.
HN commenters discuss the Greenland shark's incredibly long lifespan, with several expressing fascination and awe. Some question the accuracy of the age determination methods, particularly radiocarbon dating, while others delve into the implications of such a long life for understanding aging and evolution. A few commenters mention other long-lived organisms, like certain trees and clams, for comparison. The potential impacts of climate change on these slow-growing, long-lived creatures are also raised as a concern. Several users share additional information about the shark's biology and behavior, including its slow movement, unusual diet, and symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent copepods. Finally, some commenters note the article's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling.
While squirrels are typically known for their herbivorous diet of nuts and seeds, recent observations and studies have confirmed that they also consume meat. Documented instances include squirrels preying on small animals like birds, snakes, and insects, sometimes even engaging in cannibalism. This carnivorous behavior, though surprising to some, is not entirely new and is likely driven by nutritional needs, especially protein scarcity during certain times of the year. These findings highlight the adaptable nature of squirrels and their broader role within the ecosystem.
Several Hacker News commenters point out that squirrels eating meat isn't novel or surprising. Many share personal anecdotes of observing squirrels consuming meat, including baby birds, roadkill, and even leftover chicken wings. Some highlight that squirrels are rodents, and rodents are opportunistic omnivores, so this behavior is expected. A few commenters criticize Gizmodo's reporting, suggesting the headline is sensationalized and misleading. Others discuss the adaptability of squirrels and their ability to thrive in various environments, with their diet reflecting available resources. Finally, some users humorously compare squirrels' opportunistic eating habits to their own scavenging for leftovers.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43555820
The Hacker News comments on "Show HN: Pets for Cursor" are generally positive and intrigued by the project. Several commenters express interest in trying it out or appreciate the novelty. Some suggest improvements like different pet options, customizable animations, and the ability to toggle the pet on/off. A few commenters raise potential downsides, such as the pet being distracting or interfering with clicking. One commenter notes the similarity to a previous project called "Cursorcerer," which was received favorably by their team. Overall, the comments indicate that while a simple idea, "Pets for Cursor" has sparked interest and discussion around its potential utility and entertainment value.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Pets for Cursor" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of positive feedback, constructive criticism, and tangential conversations.
Several commenters expressed their enjoyment of the project, finding it cute and fun. Some appreciated the simplicity and whimsical nature of having a small pet follow their cursor. One user even suggested it could be a good way to introduce children to programming concepts.
A recurring theme in the comments was the performance aspect. Multiple users pointed out that the pet's movement appeared jerky or laggy, particularly on certain websites or with specific browser extensions. This led to suggestions for optimization, including using hardware acceleration or different animation techniques. One commenter offered specific advice related to requestAnimationFrame and reducing redraws.
The discussion also delved into the technical implementation of the project. Commenters inquired about the choice of JavaScript library and discussed alternative approaches. There was a brief exchange regarding the use of CSS transforms versus canvas for rendering the animation.
Beyond the technical aspects, the conversation touched on the broader implications of such cursor modifications. One commenter expressed concern about the potential for distraction or annoyance, particularly in professional settings. Another user raised the issue of accessibility, questioning whether the pet might interfere with assistive technologies.
Some commenters shared similar projects or resources, including browser extensions that offer cursor customization. This broadened the discussion to include different approaches to cursor enhancements and the potential use cases for such tools. There was even a brief detour into the history of cursor customization and the popularity of animated cursors in the early days of the internet.
While many appreciated the project's lighthearted nature, some commenters questioned its practical value and suggested potential improvements or alternative applications. For example, one user proposed using the pet as a visual indicator for loading or processing tasks. Another suggested integrating it with other browser functionalities, such as highlighting links or displaying notifications.
Overall, the comments reflect a general appreciation for the project's creativity while also acknowledging its limitations and suggesting areas for improvement. The discussion provided valuable feedback for the creator and sparked a wider conversation about cursor customization and its potential uses.