Starbucks and Sunbeds at this charging stop - https://chargingabout.org.uk/posts/2026-02-13-sunderland.html

Deep in the bowels of the Vulkan API today. Looking at geometry shaders for the first time.

I think this sums up what programming in the realms of LLM A.I. tools is like for me, and I suspect many others - https://www.jamesdrandall.com/posts/the_thing_i_loved_has_changed/

Go draw a horse and watch it run - this is the kind of silliness the internet was originally made for ...

https://gradient.horse/

@chainq Regardless, I'm sorry you feel that way. I think I feel the same about it. I'm not entirely sure how I'll weather the change. I'm still going with a bucket-list-hobby project I want done, but I'll likely shift to a security or science role for a job instead of programming. It'll suck for a bit but there will be a silver lining somewhere I think :)

@chainq I disagree completely with the democratisation though. Programming has been _very_ democratic for a long time. The barriers to entry are very low (books, internet, cheap raspberry pi etc). Like writing or drawing, you can just do it. The _only_ barrier is commitment and a willingness to accept a challenge. What's different is that unlike art, the _human voice_ isn't really that important in code. folks just want it to work :/

@chainq This rings quite true to me. I've never had the joy of anyone using the tools I've made - I've never managed to submit anything to a FOSS project sadly. But connection and being valued is super important yes. That relationship might change. I suspect a lot of use technical folk might have to go more sysad, security or similar to keep these connections maybe?

@chainq your comment about average (I read non-programmers) creating things they couldn't before reminds me of something Trent Reznor said about electronic music. "The tools are better and theres a lot more music, but is there more _good_ music? No." Youtube is also a good example - the majority is awful but the good stuff relies on a _deeper_ knowledge of the craft.

Hear me out: Antiques Roadshow, but for cursed objects.

#AntiquesRoadShowCursedObjects

@chainq I suppose change is inevitable and sometimes good. This change feels bad. Seems like software engineering and programming was mostly a mess, then A.I. threw petrol on that fire. I do wonder about our Artist and Writer friends who've already been facing this A.I. change for a while now.

@chainq do you program for a job? I've been wondering about a serious career change which adds a layer of worry on top. I know that A.I isn't going to stop senior software dev work (which was never 100% about programming) but this idea of craft, care and thought does seem to be going away. I don't know if it's better or worse that it's my job as oppose to hobby. Perhaps it will just become a hobby? Either way, you are not the first person I've heard who has voiced these concerns

Hello folks. Does anyone here have an #emf #tilda badge mke 0.3333 - the red swirly one from 2014 they'd be willing to sell me please? One of the ones I use for my beescales has gone on the blink (and not the arduino blink)

We get some fun and odd things at the Dairsie Repair Cafe sometimes. This is apparently a champagne fountain. #repairReuseRecycle #repaircafe #repairCafes

I wonder... would it be possible to get the QMK firmware ( or something like it) running on the #emf 2018 badge? The phone bit is unusable as a phone but there's a lot of nice buttons on there. Reckon I could add a dial or two? https://archive.org/details/emf2018_badge_guide

Puddle Watch - Wapping

So it officially puddle season in the UK, and I get so excited hunting for leaks especially in stations that are underground.

I couldn't resist capturing this reflection at Wapping London Overground station.

It's here! All power assets are now live on my GB Renewables Map ⚡

That's right, it's not just wind farms any more. Now you can see live and historic data for gas power plants, nuclear, grid batteries, biomass, pumped hydro and even a bit of solar.

Wind farms are still the default for now, though you can enable as many or as few of the other fuel types and your selection will be remembered when you come back to the website.

It's already live so go play for yourself:
https://renewables-map.robinhawkes.com/

Progress is being made on the case for my #LT6502 project.
I’m quite proud of it so far, the top needs a few tweaks.
Then I need to design the case for the screen.

here is your vitamin C 🍊 #pixelart #MastoArt #art

Hello folks. If one wanted to build a home lab for red-teaming, forensics or preparing for OCSP or similar certifications, what sorts of things should one have? Are there any good resources out there I can read please? Cheers!

Really keen to catch up on FOSDEM talks but the site is really struggling. Anyone know of a mirror for the talks at all please?