This YouTube video showcases a Toshiba BW-2112, a Japanese typewriter from the 1980s. The video demonstrates the typewriter's various functions, including typing in Japanese using katakana and hiragana, as well as English letters and numbers. The presenter highlights the machine's unique features like the half-space key, margin settings, and correction capabilities. They also demonstrate changing the ribbon and the overall operation of the typewriter, emphasizing its compact and portable design.
The Portland Mercury article argues that Poison Idea, despite their volatile history and lack of mainstream recognition, are the greatest hardcore band of all time. The band's aggressive sound, confrontational lyrics reflecting their bleak Portland surroundings, and relentless touring cemented their influence on countless bands. Frontman Jerry A.'s outsized personality and struggles with addiction, while contributing to the band's instability, also added to their legend. The piece positions Poison Idea not just as a vital part of Portland's music scene, but as a crucial act in hardcore's evolution, inspiring generations with their raw power and uncompromising vision.
HN commenters discuss Portland's hardcore punk scene and Poison Idea's influence. Some debate the band's status as the "greatest of all time," with some suggesting other influential bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. Others reminisce about seeing Poison Idea live, recalling their intense performances and Jerry A.'s powerful stage presence. Several commenters also touch upon the darker aspects of the band and the Portland scene, including drug use and violence, while acknowledging the band's significant contribution to hardcore punk. A few share personal anecdotes about encounters with band members and reflect on the evolution of the hardcore scene.
Common Lisp saw continued, albeit slow and steady, progress in 2023-2024. Key developments include improved tooling, notably with the rise of the CLPM build system and continued refinement of Roswell. Libraries like FFI, CFFI, and Bordeaux Threads saw improvements, along with advancements in web development frameworks like CLOG and Woo. The community remains active, albeit small, with ongoing efforts in areas like documentation and learning resources. While no groundbreaking shifts occurred, the ecosystem continues to mature, providing a stable and powerful platform for its dedicated user base.
Several commenters on Hacker News appreciated the overview of Common Lisp's recent developments and the author's personal experience. Some highlighted the value of CL's stability and the ongoing work improving its ecosystem, particularly around areas like web development. Others discussed the language's strengths, such as its powerful macro system and interactive development environment, while acknowledging its steeper learning curve compared to more mainstream options. The continued interest and slow but steady progress of Common Lisp were seen as positive signs. One commenter expressed excitement about upcoming web framework improvements, while others shared their own positive experiences with using CL for specific projects.
Signal's cryptography is generally well-regarded, using established and vetted protocols like X3DH and Double Ratchet for secure messaging. The blog post author reviewed Signal's implementation and found it largely sound, praising the clarity of the documentation and the overall design. While some minor theoretical improvements were suggested, like using a more modern key derivation function (HKDF over SHA-256) and potentially exploring post-quantum cryptography for future-proofing, the author concludes that Signal's current cryptographic choices are robust and secure, offering strong confidentiality and integrity protections for users.
Hacker News users discussed the Signal cryptography review, mostly agreeing with the author's points. Several highlighted the importance of Signal's Double Ratchet algorithm and the trade-offs involved in achieving strong security while maintaining usability. Some questioned the practicality of certain theoretical attacks, emphasizing the difficulty of exploiting them in the real world. Others discussed the value of formal verification efforts and the overall robustness of Signal's protocol design despite minor potential vulnerabilities. The conversation also touched upon the importance of accessible security audits and the challenges of maintaining privacy in messaging apps.
Driven by curiosity and a penchant for the unusual, the author sampled Honda's rodent-repelling tape, designed to deter critters from chewing car wiring. The tape, infused with capsaicin, delivered a potent, lingering burn that surprised and impressed. Despite the intensity, the author found the experience oddly enjoyable, appreciating the unique flavor and comparing it favorably to spicy candies. Ultimately, they declared their willingness to taste the tape again, emphasizing its effectiveness and unusual culinary appeal.
Hacker News users generally found the article amusing and intriguing. Several commenters discussed their own experiences with rodent problems and various repellents, with some suggesting alternative methods like peppermint oil or Irish Spring soap. Some expressed skepticism about the tape's effectiveness, questioning whether the capsaicin would deter rodents in the long run or simply cause them to chew elsewhere. A few users were concerned about the potential harm to pets, while others joked about the author's dedication to investigative journalism. The most compelling comments offered alternative solutions based on personal experience or questioned the logic of the tape's design, wondering if it would truly solve the underlying rodent problem.
Orson Welles's "Chimes at Midnight" (1966), finally receiving a 4K restoration in 2024 from Janus Films, is a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare's Falstaff plays, focusing on the complex relationship between the aging knight and Prince Hal. The film portrays Falstaff not just as a comedic figure but also a tragic one, grappling with his own mortality and the prince's inevitable rejection. This restoration, supervised by Orson Welles expert and longtime champion Peter Bogdanovich, represents the fulfillment of Welles’s own wishes for the film's presentation and will allow audiences to experience this often-overlooked masterpiece in its intended form.
Hacker News users discussed the seeming paradox of Chimes at Midnight, a small, independent magazine achieving significant cultural impact despite its limited readership. Commenters praised the magazine's high production quality, unique content, and focus on in-depth exploration of niche topics. Some highlighted the power of physical objects and the tactile experience they offer in a digital world. Others drew parallels to the early days of the internet and the close-knit communities that formed around shared interests, suggesting Chimes at Midnight taps into a similar dynamic. The potential for small, focused publications to thrive in the current media landscape was a recurring theme, with several commenters noting the importance of catering to a specific, passionate audience rather than chasing mass appeal. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the magazine's business model, but the overall sentiment was one of admiration and cautious optimism.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43210537
HN users generally enjoyed the video showcasing the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter, praising its design, sound, and the creator's obvious enthusiasm. Several commenters reminisced about using typewriters, highlighting the satisfying tactile experience and the focus they demanded. Some discussed the typewriter's specific features, like the unique key spacing and the half-space key. A few users expressed interest in finding a similar model, and others shared links to resources for typewriter enthusiasts. One compelling comment thread debated the practicality of using vintage typewriters today, considering factors like maintenance, ribbon availability, and the lack of editing capabilities.
The Hacker News post linking to a YouTube video showcasing a Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter has a modest number of comments, offering a mix of appreciation for the machine, personal anecdotes, and technical observations.
Several commenters express admiration for the typewriter's design and functionality. One user praises the "satisfying chunk" of the machine, highlighting the tactile pleasure derived from its mechanical operation. Another describes it as "a beast," acknowledging its robust construction and powerful action. The general sentiment reflects a nostalgia for older, well-built technology.
Some comments focus on specific features of the BW-2112. One user notes the impressive print quality, particularly the sharpness of the characters. Another mentions the typewriter's unique "snap-in" ribbon cartridges, contrasting them with the more common spooled ribbons and highlighting their convenience. The discussion also touches upon the relative rarity of the machine, adding to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
Personal anecdotes add a human dimension to the discussion. One commenter fondly recalls using a similar model during their time in Japan, evoking a sense of nostalgia for both the machine and the associated period. Another shares a memory of encountering Toshiba typewriters in East Germany, suggesting the brand's global reach during that era.
A few comments offer technical insights. One user speculates on the potential for converting the typewriter into a computer keyboard, suggesting a way to repurpose the machine for modern use. Another highlights the engineering challenge of designing a reliable type slug mechanism, demonstrating an appreciation for the complexity of the technology.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a positive reception towards the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter. They combine aesthetic appreciation, technical curiosity, and personal experiences to create a rich discussion around this vintage piece of technology. While not an extensive discussion, it provides a glimpse into the enduring fascination with mechanical typewriters.