The blog post humorously explores the perceived inverse relationship between kebab quality and proximity to a train station. The author postulates that high foot traffic near stations allows kebab shops to prioritize quantity over quality, relying on transient customers who are unlikely to return. They suggest that these establishments may skimp on ingredient quality and preparation, leading to inferior kebabs. The post uses anecdotal evidence and personal experiences to support this theory, while acknowledging the lack of rigorous scientific methodology. It ultimately serves as a lighthearted observation about urban food trends.
The interactive map on Subwaysheds.com visualizes how far you can travel on the New York City subway system within a 40-minute timeframe from any given station. By selecting a station, the map reveals a shaded area encompassing all reachable destinations within that time limit. This allows users to quickly grasp the relative accessibility of different parts of the city from various starting points, highlighting the subway's reach and potential travel limitations. The map demonstrates how travel times vary greatly depending on the station's location and the interconnectedness of the lines, with some stations offering access to a much wider area than others within the same 40-minute window.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the visualization and the technical execution of the "Subway Sheds" project, finding it both interesting and well-designed. Several appreciated the choice of 40 minutes as a relatable timeframe for commute planning. Some discussed the limitations of the visualization, noting it doesn't account for transfer time or walking to/from stations, and pointed out discrepancies with their own commute experiences. A few commenters offered suggestions for improvements, such as incorporating real-time data, displaying route options, and allowing users to input their own starting points and timeframes. Others shared anecdotal experiences of their commutes in different cities, comparing and contrasting them with the NYC subway system's reach as depicted in the visualization. A technical discussion also emerged regarding the algorithms and data used to generate the sheds, including the choice of using walking distances instead of incorporating bus routes.
The DM50 Calculator is a web-based tool designed for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition players to quickly calculate common dice rolls. It simplifies complex calculations involving multiple dice, modifiers, and advantage/disadvantage, providing an expected value result as well as a detailed breakdown of probabilities. This allows players to quickly assess the likely outcome of their actions, particularly useful for planning strategies and estimating damage output. The calculator covers various scenarios, from attack rolls and saving throws to spell damage and healing.
HN users generally praised the DM50 calculator's simple, clean design and ease of use, especially for quick calculations. Some appreciated its keyboard-driven interface and considered it a superior alternative to built-in OS calculators. A few pointed out minor UI/UX suggestions, such as improving keyboard navigation or adding a button to clear the current input. Others noted the potential for expanding its functionality with features like history, memory, and more advanced mathematical operations. Several commenters discussed its implementation details, including the choice of SvelteKit and the handling of keyboard input. The discussion also touched on the broader topic of minimalist web apps and the appeal of single-purpose tools.
Summary of Comments ( 64 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43165112
HN commenters generally agree with the premise of the "kebab theorem," sharing their own anecdotal evidence supporting the correlation between proximity to transportation hubs and lower kebab quality. Several suggest this applies to other foods as well, especially in tourist-heavy areas. The methodology of the "study" is questioned, with some pointing out the lack of rigorous data collection and potential biases. Others discuss the economic reasons behind the phenomenon, suggesting higher rents and captive audiences near stations allow lower quality establishments to thrive. A few comments mention exceptions to the rule, highlighting specific high-quality kebab places near stations, implying the theorem isn't universally applicable.
The Hacker News post "The closer to the train station, the worse the kebab" – A "Study" sparked a lively discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters engaged with the premise of the linked article, which proposes a correlation between kebab quality and proximity to train stations.
Several users pointed out the inherent limitations of the "study" due to its subjective nature and lack of rigorous methodology. One commenter highlighted the difficulty in objectively measuring "kebab quality," suggesting that personal preferences and cultural differences play a significant role. Another user echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of considering factors beyond proximity, such as local competition and target demographics. The lack of a clearly defined metric for kebab quality was a recurring theme in the discussion, with some users questioning the validity of the entire premise.
Another prominent line of discussion revolved around the economic incentives at play. Some commenters argued that businesses closer to train stations might prioritize convenience and speed over quality, catering to a transient customer base less likely to become repeat customers. Others countered this argument, proposing that high foot traffic near train stations could also attract established, high-quality kebab shops due to the potential for greater revenue.
The discussion also touched upon the generalization of the "kebab" category. Some users pointed out the vast variations in kebab preparation and ingredients across different cultures and regions, arguing that lumping them all together into a single category made meaningful analysis difficult. This led to discussions about specific regional kebab styles and their perceived quality relative to their location.
Several commenters offered anecdotal evidence, sharing their personal experiences with kebabs near train stations. Some corroborated the article's claim, recounting instances of disappointing kebabs purchased in close proximity to transportation hubs. Others offered counter-examples, describing excellent kebabs found near train stations, further highlighting the subjective nature of the "study" and the complexity of the factors influencing kebab quality.
Finally, some users injected humor into the discussion, with lighthearted comments about the inherent absurdity of trying to quantify kebab quality and the overall "study" itself. Despite the humorous undertones, these comments also served to underscore the limitations of the original premise.