New post: 2025 https://www.black-ink.org/2025/12/2025/

Linkpost: An SDK for building Laravel MCP (Multi-Channel Protocol) servers. This package allows developers to create servers that can handle multiple communication channels within Laravel applications, potentially useful for AI-related projects.

Linkpost: Mathematical analysis reveals optimal onion dicing technique, explaining the chef's horizontal cut. Plus, an insightful primer on the current lack of understanding of how neural networks and LLMs actually function.

Linkpost: IBA maintains a list of 102 "official" cocktails. One person set out to drink them all, documenting his journey. The list serves as a standardized training resource for bartenders worldwide, though many more cocktail recipes exist beyond this curated selection.

Linkpost: GitHub repo for one-command setup of AI-powered Laravel development using Claude Code and MCP servers. Enables easy integration of AI assistance into Laravel projects. GitLab integration potentially coming soon via open PR.

Linkpost: A comprehensive guide to making software from first principles, starting with how displays work. Plus a collection of common misconceptions debunked, including myths about adding oil to pasta water and daily water intake requirements.

Post Edited: Belatedly: 25 https://www.black-ink.org/2025/06/belatedly-25/

Linkpost: Anthropic tests Claude's ability to run a small shop, revealing insights into AI capabilities and limitations. The company openly acknowledges uncertainties about the AI's behavior, highlighting the current state of LLM development and understanding.

Linkpost: Batteries have become so affordable that solar power is now viable 24/7 in some regions. Even in less sunny areas like Birmingham, UK, solar could meet 60% of energy needs cheaply and cleanly, outcompeting non-renewable sources.

Linkpost: Visual guide to top 20 best-selling whiskies worldwide, showing market shifts and global diversity. Plus article on cultivating appreciation for everyday experiences, finding enjoyment in small things rather than focusing on flaws.

Linkpost: UK-EU reset deal puts Britain back on world stage, says Starmer. Labour makes progress on Brexit damage, secures India trade deal. Sweary bird puppet discusses Star Wars typography in Instagram reel. £150k nanny shares glimpse into ultra-wealthy parenting.

Linkpost: North Korean fake workers struggle with one interview question. Apple to block Mac apps from secretly accessing clipboard, addressing security concerns for password manager users. The Register and MacRumors report on these cybersecurity developments.

Linkpost: Study finds Low Emission Zones reduce sick leave probability by 18.5%. Improved air quality from these policies leads to wider productivity impacts. Author notes personal experience of fewer sick days due to working from home and ULEZ implementation in London.

Linkpost: Analysis of why UK's Labour government feels similar to Tories despite policy differences. Explores perception issues, communication failures, and lack of bold vision that contribute to this sentiment among some voters.

Linkpost: UK Supreme Court case on trans rights explained, covering background and potential consequences. US judge rules Apple must allow apps to link to external payment methods, removing restrictions on alternate payment processing without Apple's cut.

Linkpost: CNN explores challenges of translating Chinese dish names to English, highlighting cultural nuances. Google to end support for older Nest thermostats in 2025, limiting features. UK doctors criticize Supreme Court ruling on trans women as scientifically unsound.

Linkpost: Thread of redesigned 90s RPG covers poking fun at the games. Titles reimagined based on how players might struggle to remember them. Niche humor for RPG enthusiasts.

Linkpost: Updated Laravel MySQL spatial library compatible with Laravel 12. Useful for migrating GIS systems to modern Laravel. Maintained fork of an older library, relevant for developers working with Laravel and geographic information systems.

Linkpost: GitHub repo for Model Context Protocol SDK for PHP, allowing LLM extension with more context. Netflix Codes site reveals hidden categories, showcasing granular and arbitrary nature of Netflix's content classification system.

Another brief content note: I've added a step that takes a shot at auto-summarising the links in my posts to the crosspost here. It's not perfect, but I think it's better than just "linkpost" with zero information. But I think it's important to flag their auto-generated nature, just in case.

Linkpost: Karpathy's digital hygiene tips for privacy/security. New CVE Foundation aims to replace US govt in IT security infrastructure. Humorous article on AI company logos resembling buttholes, affecting perception of branding.

New Linkpost: Bookmarks for April 19, 2025

New Linkpost: Bookmarks for April 16, 2025

Sounds bad

Content note: after some years, I've finally got my tools set up to produce daily posts of bookmarked links again, like I used to do, and to post notes here when they're published. It'll be a bunch of stuff I think is interesting, or just stuff I want to be able to find later. 1/2

Have set up @alasdairphotos.bsky.social using @flashes.blue with the vague intent of trying to take the odd photo again. Likely to see more updates than this feed, if I’m honest.

Right. Transphobic asshats have got a petition to repeal the GRA to over 10,000 signatures. Fuck that. Let's get this one higher: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

I'm saving that "moderator text" image for general use. I've attached a copy if you want it.

I'm incredibly sorry to say that the extraordinary Jonathan Nash has died. Almost all your favourite UK games critics wouldn't be who they are without him. RPS was a ten-year tribute act to him. I've written about why his writing meant so much. kotaku.com/jonathan-nas...

@taikonaut.bsky.social welcome to Bluesky! Hope the rest of us survive the experience.

OK, if this place might maybe see actual use by humans, it's probably worth my having posted at least once. In case of confusion: Alasdair, London-based nerd. Interests include game design, coffee, food and drink. Recently extremely married. If this does not disambiguate me, I apologise.