A long-debated anomaly in a photo from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, showing what appears to be a person crawling on the floor in the background of a scene with Danny Torrance, is likely explained as a crew member in an unusual position, possibly operating camera equipment or adjusting the set. Film historian John Fell Ryan used behind-the-scenes photos and meticulous analysis of continuity to determine the figure's position and potential actions, concluding it wasn't a ghost or intentional directorial choice, but rather a member of the production team inadvertently caught in the shot.
Bill Gates reflects on the recently released Altair BASIC source code, a pivotal moment in Microsoft's history. He reminisces about the challenges and excitement of developing this early software for the Altair 8800 with Paul Allen, including the limited memory constraints and the thrill of seeing it run successfully for the first time. Gates emphasizes the importance of this foundational work, highlighting how it propelled both Microsoft and the broader personal computer revolution forward. He also notes the collaborative nature of early software development and encourages exploration of the code as a window into the past.
HN commenters discuss the historical significance of Microsoft's early source code release, noting its impact on the industry and the evolution of programming practices. Several commenters reminisce about using these early versions of BASIC and DOS, sharing personal anecdotes about their first experiences with computing. Some express interest in examining the code for educational purposes, to learn from the simple yet effective design choices. A few discuss the legal implications of releasing decades-old code, and the potential for discovering hidden vulnerabilities. The challenges of understanding code written with now-obsolete practices are also mentioned. Finally, some commenters speculate on the motivations behind Microsoft's decision to open-source this historical artifact.
This paper examines Project Whitecoat (1954-1973), a biodefense medical research program involving Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objectors. Motivated by their religious beliefs against bearing arms, these volunteers participated in studies at Fort Detrick, Maryland, focusing on infectious diseases like Q fever, tularemia, and plague. The research aimed to understand disease mechanisms, develop vaccines, and enhance defensive biological warfare capabilities. The project, while raising ethical questions about human experimentation, offered Adventists an alternative form of national service aligned with their faith. The paper highlights the complexities of balancing scientific advancement, national security, and individual religious freedom during the Cold War.
Hacker News users discuss the ethical implications of Operation Whitecoat, focusing on the informed consent of the Seventh-day Adventist volunteers. Some debate the degree of coercion involved, given the alternative of military service during wartime. Several commenters highlight the potential for subtle pressure and the power dynamics inherent in the doctor-patient (or researcher-subject) relationship, questioning whether truly free consent was possible. Others express admiration for the Adventists' commitment to their beliefs and their willingness to serve their country in a non-combatant role. The lasting impact of these experiments and the potential for long-term health issues are also raised, along with the broader question of whether such research, even with apparent consent, is ethically justifiable.
The Sony FX-300 Jackal, a portable multi-band radio released in the late 1970s, was a groundbreaking device for its time. Its innovative features included direct frequency entry, digital frequency readout, synchronous detection, and coverage of a wide range of frequencies, including shortwave, AM, and FM. While expensive, its impressive performance and compact size made it highly desirable among enthusiasts, solidifying its status as a sought-after classic among radio collectors. The post highlights the Jackal's impressive sensitivity and selectivity, making it a powerful tool for DXing (long-distance radio listening) despite certain design quirks like its somewhat fragile construction.
Hacker News users reminisced about the Sony FX-300, praising its innovative design and impact. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of using the device, highlighting its impressive audio quality for its size and the unique experience of recording on microcassettes. Some discussed its role as a precursor to the Walkman and its influence on portable audio technology. Others corrected details in the original article, such as the availability of various accessories and the actual street price. The general sentiment was one of nostalgia and appreciation for a groundbreaking piece of technology.
"Work at the Mill" tells the story of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) through the lens of its unique and influential culture. From its modest beginnings in a Maynard, Massachusetts wool mill, DEC fostered a highly engineering-driven, decentralized environment that prioritized innovation and individual contribution. This culture, while empowering and productive in its early years, ultimately contributed to DEC's downfall as the company struggled to adapt to the changing demands of the personal computer market. The "engineering first" mentality, coupled with internal politics and a resistance to centralized management, prevented DEC from effectively competing with more agile and market-oriented companies, leading to its eventual acquisition by Compaq. The narrative emphasizes how DEC's initial strengths became its weaknesses, offering a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting to a changing technological landscape.
Hacker News users discuss the changing nature of work and the decline of "lifetime employment" exemplified by DEC's history. Some commenters reminisce about their time at DEC, praising its engineering culture and lamenting its downfall, attributing it to factors like mismanagement, arrogance, and an inability to adapt to the changing market. Others draw parallels between DEC and contemporary tech companies, speculating about which of today's giants might be the "next DEC." Several discuss the broader shift away from paternalistic employment models and the rise of a more transactional relationship between employers and employees. Some express nostalgia for the perceived stability and community of the past, while others argue that the current system, despite its flaws, offers greater opportunity and dynamism. The cyclical nature of industries and the importance of continuous adaptation are recurring themes.
Jo Freeman's "The Tyranny of Structurelessness" argues that informal power structures inevitably arise in groups claiming to be structureless. While intending to promote equality and avoid hierarchy, the absence of formal procedures and explicit roles actually empowers a hidden "elite" who influence decisions through informal networks and pre-existing social capital. This informal power is difficult to challenge because it's unacknowledged and therefore lacks accountability. The essay advocates for consciously creating explicit structures and processes within groups to ensure genuine participation and distribute power more equitably, making decision-making transparent and enabling members to hold leaders accountable.
HN commenters discuss Jo Freeman's "The Tyranny of Structurelessness," largely agreeing with its core premise. Several highlight the inherent power dynamics that emerge in supposedly structureless groups, often favoring those with pre-existing social capital or manipulative tendencies. Some offer examples of this phenomenon in open-source projects and online communities. The "tyranny of the urgent" is mentioned as a related concept, where immediate tasks overshadow long-term planning and strategic decision-making. A few commenters question the binary presented in the essay, suggesting more nuanced approaches to structure and leadership, like rotating roles or distributed authority. The essay's age and continued relevance are also noted, with some arguing that its insights are even more applicable in the decentralized digital age.
Summary of Comments ( 30 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43660419
HN commenters generally agree that the proposed solution to the photo mystery – identifying a specific extra in a similar pose at a different event – is compelling and likely correct. Some praised the meticulous detective work involved. A few expressed continued curiosity about Kubrick's intentions, wondering if the inclusion was deliberate or coincidental, and if it added another layer to the film's unsettling atmosphere. One commenter highlighted the dedication and resourcefulness of internet communities in solving such mysteries, referencing other examples. Some debated the significance of the find, with some suggesting it demystifies the film while others argue it adds to its mystique.
The Hacker News post discussing the mystery photo from The Shining generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters engaging with the proposed solution and offering their own perspectives.
Several commenters expressed satisfaction with the proposed explanation, finding the detective work impressive and the solution plausible. They appreciated the detailed analysis of clothing styles, hairstyles, and the logistics of the event depicted in the photograph, noting how these details aligned with the timeframe and location.
Some questioned the certainty of the "solution," highlighting the inherent difficulty in definitively proving such historical claims based on circumstantial evidence. They acknowledged the compelling nature of the presented arguments but emphasized the possibility of alternative explanations. One user, for instance, pointed out the similarities between the identified individual and another person present at the Overlook Hotel during its opening, suggesting the possibility of misidentification.
A few comments delved into the technical aspects of historical photo analysis, discussing the challenges of verifying old images and the importance of considering potential biases in such investigations. They also touched upon the role of online communities in collaborative problem-solving and the fascinating nature of uncovering historical mysteries.
Several users expressed their continued fascination with Stanley Kubrick's film and its enduring mysteries, with some sharing their own interpretations of the film's symbolism and the director's intentions. The conversation briefly touched upon the nature of "viral" online content and how these kinds of stories capture public attention.
Finally, some comments focused on the specifics of the photograph itself, such as the style of clothing and the expressions on the faces of the individuals depicted. One user pointed out the unsettling nature of the image, regardless of the explanation, contributing to the ongoing intrigue surrounding the film.