andrewconl.in is tinkering

I read a lot of stuff on the internet. A lot of it I don’t enjoy, or it outright angers me. However, I frequently come across some diamonds in the rough: articles I really enjoy, useful tools and guides, a dearth of blog posts and the ever-present Wikipedia article.

The problem that I face is that all of this consumption is ephemeral. I read an blog post, think to myself Wow that was a really great read and then promptly forget all about it. To resolve this, I am starting (as of right now) a weekly-ish roundup of all the interesting stuff that I’ve read and found. It helps me keep track of all the stuff I have read, and also has the added benefit of sharing it with others.

Without further ado:

• A very interesting philosophy paper on the limits of the human mind. Where can the mind actually be said to end? How is a diary any different from your memories? This is especially potent when considered with the possibility of neural implants and the increasingly common cyborg-fetishism of the ultra-rich. I take extensive notes at work, and it is fun to consider whether they are actually a part of me.

• A bit less heavy, this blog post about a father who built his daughter her own radar app to spot planes together is both heartwarming and technically interesting. I recommend the HN thread where I came across this too, it has some equally nice stories about technology and parenthood.

• This post is in the same vein. A story of family’s beloved app reaching the end of its life, and being manually revived (but only for the family). It has a nice sentiment about software on a small-scale, as something that can be personal, private, and free from corporate interests.

• Here is a useful tool for checking how good your browser setup is for blocking ads and fingerprinting. Pretty happy with 99%, but room for improvement.

• A fun little rabbit hole of a Wikipedia page about approximate measurements. Apparently dash, pinch, smidgen, drop and hint are all quantifiable!

• Another rather techy blog post about why you should write documentation for your house. This currently exists for my partner and I as a couple of binders filled with notes, instruction booklets and takeaway menus, but I am looking forward to a proper setup whenever I get around to it.

• This is a very interesting piece on religion and loss, explored through a relationship to a virtual character. Thought-provoking stuff, especially when confonting how we strive for control in our lives even with death always looming over us. I will certainly never play Red Dead Redemption 2 in the same way.

• And finally (for a happier ending): enjoy these excellent photos of Japanese macaques in a hot spring. I especially like this almost biblical one.

Thanks for reading!
A.