Hacker News Reader

srs_sputon Exponentially faster language modelling

Thanks!

srs_sputon Ask HN: How to overcome stage fear / social anxiety

I would suggest talking to a therapist about how you are feeling. A therapist can work with you on strategies to overcome this.

srs_sputon Israel, Cyprus and Greece agree to link power grids via subsea cable

Underwater high power cables are a mature technology. The operators would have equipment distributed across the line to monitor the cable. Any shorts or opens would be detected and breakers would be used disconnect the section of the cable.

srs_sputon Google contractors in Pittsburgh vote to unionize

Labor unions are the reason why we have paid time off and 40 hour work weeks in the US. Unions in the US have a lot more negative press compared to other unions in the developed world. Big business has spent decades convincing Americans that unions are bad because for large corporations, they can make more money by reducing benefits and pay for their workers.

I would say in general, unions in Europe are viewed in a much more positive light. Collective bargaining allows for workers from blue collar to white collar work receive their fair share from the company.

I would try reading more about the labor movement in the US: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_history_of_the_United_St...

Please try and broaden your views. HN is an anti union echo chamber for the most part.

srs_sputon Schools Are Deploying Digital Surveillance Systems

Also a link to the non mobile site please

srs_sputon Public's Dread of Nuclear Power Limits Its Deployment

One of the most interesting things I've learned this past week is that Ukraine generates almost 50% of it's electricity from nuclear reactors.

I think it's impressive a country can suffer the worst nuclear accident but still overcome the fear of using it.

srs_sputon Kickstarter’s staff is unionizing

I feel so confused by the large negative reaction to this thread.

The unions in other countries have done great things for workers. In Germany, most employed individuals get 6 weeks of vacation and 35 to 40 hour a week contracts.

People are scared they're salary is going to go down the hole for some reason. A tech union can exist with pay scales that match current peoples compensation.

Articles like this really put into perspective how strong the American perspective is here.

srs_sputon The Diverse Pleasures of the All-Day Café

From my experience, this is quite common in Europe. I can't think of a cafe that I have been to that I ever felt rushed. I have always needed to call the server over to get my check to leave.

The cafes are where people relax and people watch. No need to rush.