This is great: https://blog.trailofbits.com/2025/11/25/constant-time-support-lands-in-llvm-protecting-cryptographic-code-at-the-compiler-level/

LLVM 21 (and presumably all the subsequent versions) now have a constant time select intrinsic to enable cryptography algorithms to tell the compiler […]

Please report any account that tells you that you need to verify your #mastodon account to continue using it through a private message. It is a scam. We do not require identity verification. Real staff accounts either have a special role badge on their profile or are verified through the […]

Here's a thoughtful essay about what AI is doing to college education. In short, it's taking away from students the process of struggling to learn. That process, where you figure it out and skill up, just doesn't happen to AI-dependent students, and wow will they hit a wall when they're actually […]

I feel anxious for stepping away from teaching just as AI assistants have swept through the education system. This piece, linked below, is a thoughtful look at what we're giving up, for junior developers who rely on AI rather than having to actually think through the problem and understand the […]

Here's an amazing dance video, only a minute and a half. It's a Japanese dance troupe, Beat Surf Tendo. The choreography is by the woman in the middle in the yellow pants, Moga Almeri. It's hip hop-ish dancing to James Brown (Funky Good Time) with elements drawn from other dance styles. For […]

I looked at the news this morning, and there was a story about Panama. Every time this happens, David Lee Roth immediately shouts "way-ooooooh" and I've promptly got Van Halen in my head, rent free. Again.

Happy new year!

https://tenor.com/buJY1.gif

Coffee nerding: decaf edition.

Coffee YouTuber James Hoffman organized a cool thing: he bought several tons of a specific single origin bean and then divided it four ways. Three went to different decaffeination plants, one normal as a control. Then they […]

[Original post on discuss.systems]

Meanwhile, at Casa Wallach.

Hey #infosec folks, if you've bridged your account to #bluesky using BridgyFed (https://fed.brid.gy/) let me know so I can add that bridged account to a starter pack there. 👍

Would be great to highlight the infosec people who are here, over there.

Boost around so I can nab everyone! 🚀