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Pomodoro Timer 🍅

A Pomodoro a day keeps the procrastination away.

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The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time-management method for organizing focused work and breaks. In practice, you pick a task, set a timer for a fixed work interval (commonly 25 minutes), and work on that task without interruption. When the timer goes off, you take a short break (usually 5 minutes). This cycle of 25-minute work sessions ("pomodoros") followed by 5-minute breaks continues. After completing four pomodoros, you take a longer break (typically 15–30 minutes) before starting again.

This alternating work-rest structure helps train your attention and prevents burnout. By committing to just 25 minutes of concentrated work, tasks feel less overwhelming, which can reduce procrastination. The planned breaks act as built-in mental rests—research shows that short pauses like these can significantly boost energy and reduce fatigue. In other words, the Pomodoro Technique breaks the workday into manageable chunks, giving you permission to rest regularly and maintain high focus over longer periods.

The Basics

What is the Pomodoro Technique? The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method where you work in fixed intervals of focused effort (traditionally 25 minutes) separated by short breaks. Each 25-minute work interval is called a "pomodoro" (Italian for "tomato"), and after each pomodoro you take a 5-minute break. This cycle repeats, with a longer break (15–30 minutes) after every four pomodoros.
How does the Pomodoro Technique work? You choose a task to work on, set a timer for one pomodoro (usually 25 minutes), and then work on that task without any interruptions. When the timer rings, you stop working and take a short break (about 5 minutes). After the break, you start another pomodoro on either the same task or a new one. After doing four pomodoros, you take a longer break. This pattern of focused work and rest helps structure your day.
What exactly is a pomodoro? In this context, a "pomodoro" simply means one work interval of the set length (typically 25 minutes). It is the basic unit of the technique. After each pomodoro, you take a short break. Tracking the number of pomodoros can help you monitor progress on tasks.
Why is it called the Pomodoro Technique? Pomodoro is the Italian word for "tomato." The name comes from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that the technique's creator used when he first developed this method. In practice, that's why you often see a little tomato icon in Pomodoro apps and resources. The tomato itself isn't mystical—it's just a nickname, like saying "work session."

Timing and Structure

How long are the work intervals and breaks? The classic Pomodoro setup is 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. After four such cycles, you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. The 25/5 split is a guideline, not a law. The idea is to have work intervals short enough to sustain full concentration, and breaks long enough to rest but not so long that you lose momentum.
Why 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break? The 25/5 rule comes from experience: 25 minutes is often just long enough to make meaningful progress but short enough to stay sharply focused without fading energy. This limit helps focus the brain for intense intervals without mental fatigue. Short breaks after each session prevent burnout and maintain a steady work rhythm.
Why take a longer break after 4 pomodoros? After roughly 100 minutes of work (four pomodoros and three short breaks), your brain needs more substantial recovery time. A longer break (15–30 minutes) lets you recharge more fully. Research on breaks indicates that longer pauses can significantly boost performance on demanding tasks. In practice, you might use a long break for lunch, a walk, or another relaxing activity to reset before the next set of pomodoros.
Do I have to strictly use 25 and 5 minutes, or can I change it? You can definitely adjust the timing. The original method suggests 25/5, but many people tweak these intervals. If 25 minutes feels too short to make progress, try 45 or 50 minutes of work with a 10-minute break. If 25 feels too long to stay focused, you could try 20/5 or even 15/5. The important thing is the alternation of work and rest. Adjust the lengths until they fit your attention span and task type.
What if 25 minutes feels too short or too long? If 25 minutes is too short to get into a project, extend your sessions until it feels right. Some people find 50 or 90 minutes better for deep work. Conversely, if 25 minutes feels exhausting, try shorter bursts like 10 or 15 minutes. The goal is finding a balance: work long enough to make progress and short enough to sustain focus.

Managing Breaks

What should I do during the short breaks? Use breaks to relax and recharge. Stand up, stretch, take a quick walk, grab water or a snack, or do deep breathing. The key is to step away from intense thinking—don't dive into another work task or get lost in social media. Even a brief stroll or a few simple stretches can clear your mind and prepare you for the next pomodoro.
What should I do during the longer breaks? During longer breaks (15–30 minutes), engage in more substantial rest or non-work activities. You might have lunch, chat with a colleague, take a longer walk outside, or do something enjoyable. The goal is to give your brain a real rest: avoid thinking about work during these longer breaks. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you fresh for the next round of pomodoros.
Why are short breaks important? Short breaks are crucial because our brains cannot maintain peak focus indefinitely. Studies show that taking regular micro-breaks (5–10 minutes) can boost energy and reduce fatigue during tasks. Those 5-minute pauses help you return to work feeling recharged. Skipping breaks tends to make you feel drained sooner, whereas brief rests help sustain concentration over hours.

Handling Interruptions and Challenges

What if I get interrupted or distracted during a pomodoro? Ideally, you minimize interruptions (turn off notifications, close irrelevant tabs, tell coworkers not to disturb you). But if something urgent comes up, you have options: you can pause or discard the current pomodoro and deal with the interruption, then reset the timer and start anew. Some users treat an interruption as "breaking the pomodoro" and simply begin the next one when ready. The technique isn't meant to cause stress—just do your best to focus, and if reality intervenes, move on without guilt.
What if I finish my task before the timer ends? You can use the remaining time productively. If you wrap up early, you might review your work, plan the next steps, or start a small part of another task. You can also extend into a related task until the timer goes off. Finishing early can be a morale boost—you get some bonus break time. Alternatively, you may simply take the scheduled break a bit sooner. The goal is focus, not rigidly enforcing idle time.
What if I'm in the middle of a task when time's up? Common advice is to stop working and take your break when the timer rings, even if you haven't finished the task. Treat the timer as an unconditional signal to pause. You can quickly jot down where you are so you can resume easily after the break. If it's a critical situation (like a meeting starting), handle it as needed—but then restart the pomodoro sequence afterward. The break is important, so try not to skip it just to finish a few more minutes of work.

Effectiveness and Science

Does the Pomodoro Technique really work? Is there science behind it? There's supportive evidence that scheduled breaks improve well-being and can enhance efficiency. For example, one study found that students who used fixed break schedules (like the Pomodoro approach) completed tasks in similar or shorter time and reported better mood compared to students who took breaks whenever they wanted. Research on "micro-breaks" (short, informal rests) has found they significantly increase vigor and reduce fatigue. Many users of Pomodoro find that it helps them focus and get tasks done, though personal results can vary.
Why is it effective? The Pomodoro Technique works because it leverages how our brains handle focus and rest. By committing to short, predictable bursts of work, it limits the chance to procrastinate or get overwhelmed. The technique helps "demolish the tendency to procrastinate," "reduce distractions born of multitasking," and "push individuals toward completing tasks." Knowing you only have to concentrate for a set time makes it easier to dive in. Frequent breaks then help your brain recover so you can maintain high-quality focus throughout the day.
How does Pomodoro help with focus and concentration? Knowing you have a strict time limit encourages you to work intensely without distraction. During a pomodoro you typically silence notifications and ignore emails or phone calls. This creates a "focus bubble" where only the current task gets attention. Over time, this trains your mind to resist interruptions. Also, because breaks are coming, there's a clear endpoint—you won't have to work indefinitely. Working in blocks with planned breaks helps keep cognitive resources from draining, preserving focus.
How does it help with procrastination? Breaking work into bite-sized blocks makes tasks feel less intimidating. Instead of staring at a huge to-do list, you think "I just need to work for 25 minutes." This can overcome the inertia of procrastination. The technique makes it easier to "get started" because the effort feels finite. Also, the satisfaction of completing a pomodoro and taking a break can create positive momentum: once you finish one interval, you often find it easier to start the next.

Who Should Use It

Who is the Pomodoro Technique best suited for? It works well for a wide range of people: students, writers, programmers, designers, researchers, and generally anyone doing mentally demanding tasks. If you have trouble concentrating, tend to procrastinate, or often lose track of time, the technique's structure can be very helpful. Many students and knowledge workers find it particularly useful. That said, it's adaptable—anyone can tweak it to their needs.
Are there people or tasks for which Pomodoro is not recommended? Some tasks or individuals might need longer uninterrupted focus. For example, creative work or programming sometimes requires entering a deep "flow" state, which can take more than 25 minutes to achieve. Some users find 25 minutes too short to fully get into a project and extend the method to 90-minute work/20-minute break schedules. Also, jobs with unpredictable interruptions (like customer support or emergency response) might find strict Pomodoro sessions hard to follow. The technique is flexible; if the standard lengths don't fit, you can adjust them.
Can the Pomodoro Technique help with attention issues or ADHD? Some people with attention difficulties find structure helpful, and the short intervals can make tasks feel less overwhelming. The frequent breaks can also keep energy levels steady. However, everyone is different. Some with ADHD might find even 25 minutes too long to focus, or breaks too short; they might adapt with shorter intervals. There's anecdotal support that timer-based methods can help focus, but it's always best to tailor the method to your needs.

Practical Applications

Can it be adapted for different tasks or people? Yes—the core idea is alternating focused work and rest, but the exact timing can change. Some people use longer intervals for tasks that need deeper concentration (for example, 50 minutes of work and 10 minutes of break). Others shorten sessions for very repetitive or low-energy tasks. The exact lengths (25/5) are just a starting point. You can experiment to find what helps you focus best. The key is to keep the rhythm of work and break, even if you shift the timing.
Can it be used for physical tasks or exercise? Yes, the principle can apply to any kind of work, including physical chores or practice. For example, you could do 25 minutes of intensive cleaning or exercise, then rest 5 minutes. Athletes use a similar idea called interval training (work and rest). The Pomodoro timing is flexible, so you can choose intervals that make sense for the physical task (e.g., 40 minutes of gardening, 10-minute break). The important part is not to skip breaks—your body, like your mind, needs recovery time too.
Can it be used for creative work like writing or art? Yes, though creative work sometimes involves entering a deep flow state that can take more than 25 minutes. Some artists and writers use Pomodoro to overcome procrastination (e.g., "I'll just write for 25 minutes"), which can get them started. Others might extend the intervals for creativity (for example, doing 50/10 or 60/15 splits). One approach that works well is using 50-minute pomodoros with 10-minute breaks for tasks like research and writing, which require sustained cognitive effort.
How is it used in workplace or team settings? Primarily as an individual tool. However, some teams adopt Pomodoro collectively: for example, a team might agree that for certain hours everyone focuses without meetings (effectively syncing pomodoros), or they use it during solo work sprints. In agile software teams, the idea of a "sprint" is similar. Some groups even do "Pomodoro sessions" together virtually or physically. But mostly, Pomodoro is about personal rhythm rather than group activity.

Integration and Tools

Can Pomodoro be combined with other productivity methods? Absolutely. A common practice is to combine Pomodoro with task lists. For example, you can make a to-do list and estimate how many pomodoros each task will take. Then you focus on one task per pomodoro. After each session, you check off progress. This way, Pomodoro gives structure to your to-do list. You can also integrate it with planning techniques: start your day by listing tasks and then work through them with pomodoros.
How do I track progress or tasks with Pomodoro? Many people keep a written or digital log of pomodoros. For example, you might list the tasks for the day and put a checkmark or tally (🍅) for each completed pomodoro on that task. This serves two purposes: it shows you how much time each task is taking, and it gives a satisfying visual record of your effort. Some apps and tools count pomodoros automatically. The tracking isn't strictly necessary, but it can help you estimate future tasks and see your productivity over time.
Do I need a special timer (like a tomato-shaped timer)? No, you just need any reliable timer. The tomato story is just the origin of the name. You can use a kitchen timer, a stopwatch, your phone's timer app, or any Pomodoro-specific app. The important part is having a clear, visible countdown so you know when the interval ends.
Can I use my phone or a Pomodoro app as a timer? Absolutely. Many people use smartphone apps or desktop apps designed for Pomodoro, which may include built-in short and long break alarms. There are also simple online timers. Using your phone's timer or a Pomodoro app is convenient. Just be mindful not to get distracted by other phone notifications while timing your work session.

Common Concerns and Variations

What if I find the strict timing too rigid? You don't have to follow it to the second. If strict timing feels stressful, treat the Pomodoro as a flexible guideline. You can pause the timer, take an unscheduled break, or extend the break if needed. The method should work for you, not control you. Many people adapt it: some set 60-minute work periods, others do 10/2 splits for certain tasks. The benefit comes from mixing focused time with regular rests, so feel free to soften the edges if rigidity hurts more than it helps.
How do I stay motivated using Pomodoro? Pomodoro can be motivating because it creates mini-goals. Each pomodoro is a short, achievable target (just 25 minutes of work). Completing it gives a small sense of progress. You might even turn it into a game: for instance, aiming to finish a task within a certain number of pomodoros. Tracking your pomodoros and seeing them add up can also be encouraging. Since frequent breaks are built in, you get frequent "rewards" (your break times) throughout the day, which can help sustain motivation.
Does Pomodoro reduce or increase stress and anxiety? Usually, it helps reduce stress by providing structure. Knowing that a break is always just a few minutes away can relieve the anxiety of "working non-stop." The method can make tasks feel less daunting by breaking them into small parts. However, if you use it too rigidly (for example, never allowing exceptions or stressing about every second), it could cause some pressure. The key is to use Pomodoro to support you, not to make you anxious. Listen to your needs and take extra breaks if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Can it help prevent burnout? It can. Burnout often comes from working too long without rest. Pomodoro forces regular pauses, which can prevent the mental exhaustion that leads to burnout. Research on work breaks suggests that even brief rest helps rebuild your energy. By pacing yourself with pomodoros, you give yourself permission to rest on a schedule, which helps keep you energized for more consistent productivity over days and weeks.

Frequency and Volume

Should I do Pomodoro only once a day or multiple times? You can use as many pomodoros as you need in a day. A full workday might involve 6–12 pomodoros (or more), depending on how much time you have and how demanding your tasks are. The technique is meant to guide your whole day (or study session), not just one interval. Spread it throughout your day around all the tasks you need to do.
How many pomodoros are reasonable in a day? This varies by person and workload. Some people routinely aim for around 8 pomodoros (about 4 hours of focused work), while others might do more if their tasks are very segmented or if they work well in high-concentration bursts. The goal isn't to maximize the count, but to maintain productivity. Listen to your energy: if you consistently do only 4 pomodoros before exhaustion, that might be your sweet spot for now; if you find you can do 10, that's fine too. Quality of focus matters more than sheer quantity of blocks.
What if I don't take breaks or skip them? Skipping breaks defeats the purpose of the method. The breaks are as important as the work intervals. If you try to plow through without breaks, you'll likely feel more tired and less focused over time. It's best to stick to the schedule: even a 5-minute pause can reset your mind. If you feel tempted to skip a short break because you're in a groove, remember you still have a longer break coming after four sessions—and regular short breaks will help you maintain that groove in the long run.

Comparisons and Alternatives

How is it different from other time-management techniques? Pomodoro is all about dividing your time into equal work-rest segments. Unlike to-do-list systems (like Getting Things Done) that focus on what tasks to do, Pomodoro focuses on when to work and when to pause. It's a time-boxing method: you dedicate blocks of time to work. Other methods might encourage multitasking or flexible scheduling; Pomodoro explicitly discourages multitasking during intervals. It's also simpler than some techniques—you just need a timer and a task—which is part of its appeal.
What is the Flowtime technique and how is it different? Flowtime is an alternative to Pomodoro. Instead of using fixed 25-minute sessions, Flowtime lets you work in one long session until you feel fatigue, then take a break of your choosing, then resume and repeat. In other words, you "go with the flow" of your concentration. The advantage is more flexibility, but some people find they end up with overly long work periods. Pomodoro is more regimented, while Flowtime is more flexible. You can try both and see which fits your style.
Are there variations of the Pomodoro Technique? Absolutely. Beyond adjusting the interval lengths, some variations include: tracking how many pomodoros a task takes, having set goals per pomodoro (like "finish two pages"), or using visual indicators (like moving a tomato from one side of your desk to another). People have invented many tweaks—such as pairing Pomodoro with to-do lists, or using point systems. The basic cycle (work/rest) remains the same. There are also other named methods like the 52/17 method (52 minutes work, 17 break); these are all in the same spirit of balancing focus and rest.

Getting Started and Assessment

How do I know if Pomodoro is working for me? Try it for a few days and notice how you feel: Are you completing tasks more reliably? Do you feel more focused during sessions and refreshed after breaks? Are you procrastinating less? Improvement might be subtle, like feeling less drained at the end of the day. You can also measure: maybe you get more done (or the same work in less time). There's no one metric, but increased focus, consistent progress, and reduced mental fatigue are good signs it's helping.
What if I'm not good at sticking to timers? It takes some practice to get used to working with a strict timer. Try to commit to one full pomodoro without letting the clock bother you. Some people find that an audible timer or app alert is easier than checking a watch constantly. If you finish early or need to pause, just reset and start again. Over time, it becomes less about the gadget and more about the habit: you'll begin to internalize the rhythm of work/break without obsessively watching the clock.

Potential Downsides

Are there any downsides or criticisms of the Pomodoro Technique? Some people find the 25/5 schedule too rigid. For certain tasks, constantly stopping can break your concentration. Some professionals note that 25-minute blocks are "too short to get into a productivity zone," and 5-minute breaks "too short to relax," so they experiment with longer intervals. Others point out that if you treat it too strictly, you might feel pressured by the timer. Also, it may not suit jobs that require instant availability (like customer service) or very varied tasks. However, most downsides can be mitigated by adapting the technique to your needs.

Broader Context

Is the Pomodoro Technique only for studying, or can professionals use it too? It's useful in any setting that requires concentrated mental effort. Students often use it for studying or homework, but professionals (like writers, programmers, designers, lawyers, researchers, etc.) use it as well. Pomodoro has been popular in software development and other fields as a simple productivity tool. It's not limited to education—anyone with tasks that benefit from focus can try it.
Do any famous people or companies use it? It's popular in tech and academic circles. Some software development teams and tech companies encourage Pomodoro-style focus periods in their culture. Many well-known productivity experts and bloggers recommend it. While famous corporate use isn't formally documented, countless individuals (from writers to students to entrepreneurs) have publicly shared that Pomodoro works for them. It's widely recommended because it's simple and effective for many.
Where can I find tools or apps for Pomodoro? Many apps and websites exist. You can search for "Pomodoro timer app" and find choices like Focus To-Do, Be Focused, or web timers like Tomato Timer. Even a basic kitchen timer or phone timer works fine. Some productivity apps (like task managers) have Pomodoro features built in. Choose a tool that fits your platform (phone, computer) and style. You don't need anything fancy—the technique's power is in the practice, not the gadget.
Is the Pomodoro Technique a myth or a proven method? It's not a myth, but it's also not magic. It's a practical technique with a mix of anecdotal success and some research backing. Studies on breaks and focused work support its core ideas (e.g., scheduled breaks improve energy, planned focus helps task completion). However, productivity is personal. Some find Pomodoro greatly helps their efficiency and focus, while others prefer different rhythms. It's a proven concept in the sense that many people have used it successfully and studies align with its principles, but like any method it works best when tailored to the individual.
,   &  Illya Starikov
Application, Productivity

Blackwell // 2025

Home is where memories eclipse photographs.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting my parent’s home. Ever since I can remember, their place has been a lush, green sanctuary. Quiet—save for the birds, cicadas, and the occasional train rumbling past. No matter how many times I visit, I never feel like I capture enough photos.

One evening, lightning bugs began their dance just as the sun was setting. I tried my best to capture them, but photographs never quite do the moment justice.

I've always admired the clouds here, but this time they were particularly... monumental. The kind that make you stop mid-step and crane your neck back like a kid.

I made sure to walk the property and revisit all the nooks and crannies I'd discovered growing up. It's remarkable how different everything feels as you grow—the trees seem smaller, the distances shorter, but somehow the memories feel bigger.

I found myself thinking about all the animals that have come and gone through our property over the years. Beyond our rotating cast of pets, this land has always been a haven for creatures great and small: cats stalking through tall grass, dogs chasing their tails in circles, chickens pecking at invisible treasures, ducks waddling with important purpose, snakes sunning themselves on warm rocks, spiders spinning architectural marvels between fence posts, turtles making their prehistoric pilgrimages across the yard, birds of every feather, and hummingbirds—those tiny, furious miracles—hovering at the feeders my mother faithfully fills.

I visited the familiar landmarks scattered around our property too. The old shed, the creek bend, that one perfect climbing tree. They all look exactly the same, yet entirely different—like running into someone you knew in high school. You recognize them instantly, but time has added layers you're still trying to read.
Standing there, camera in hand, I realized I'll probably always feel like I haven't taken enough photos of this place. But maybe that's the point. Some things are meant to be felt more than captured—like lightning bugs at dusk, or the way home looks when you're finally old enough to see it clearly.

,   &  Illya Starikov
Travel

Ukrainian Alphabet

33 letters, one language, one millennium.

🇺🇦 🇺🇸 Recommended pronunciation (approx.)
А а A a as in father
Б б B b as in bat
В в V v as in vine (labio‑dental)
Г г H voiced h, like the Ukrainian “h” in Могила—between English h and German g in Tag
Ґ ґ G hard g as in go
Д д D d as in dog
Е е E e as in met
Є є Ye / Ie ye as in Yes at the start of a word; after a consonant = soft e
Ж ж Zh zh as in pleasure
З з Z z as in zoo
И и Y short i as in myth (central, unrounded)
І і I ee as in see
Ї ї Yi / Ï yee as in yeast at the start of a word; inside words like naïve ï
Й й Y / J consonantal y in boy; a quick “y‑glide”
К к K k as in skill (unaspirated)
Л л L light l as in lamp
М м M m as in man
Н н N n as in no
О о O pure o as in more (monophthong)
П п P p as in spin (unaspirated)
Р р R trilled r, like Spanish rápido
С с S s as in sun
Т т T t as in stop (unaspirated)
У у U oo as in boot
Ф ф F f as in fun
Х х Kh guttural ch as in German Bach
Ц ц Ts ts as in bits
Ч ч Ch ch as in church
Ш ш Sh sh as in ship
Щ щ Shch blended shch (say “fresh‑cheese” quickly)
Ь ь soft sign no sound; indicates preceding consonant is soft/palatalised
Ю ю Yu / Iu yoo as in union at word start; after a consonant = softened u
Я я Ya / Ia ya as in yard at word start; after a consonant = softened a

The Story of the Ukrainian Alphabet

The story of Ukrainian letters begins in the 9th century with two enterprising brothers from Thessalonica. Saints Cyril and Methodius created the Glagolitic script to write Old Church Slavonic, bringing the gospel to Slavic pagans in their own tongue. This script—full of curious looped characters—quickly spread to Kievan Rus' after Prince Vladimir's conversion in 988. (The famous Ostromir Gospels of 1056 remain the oldest East Slavic book written in Cyrillic.) Soon a new Early Cyrillic alphabet, adapted by Bulgarian scribes from Greek letters with Glagolitic influences, took root in Eastern Slavic lands. Ukraine's ancestors thus inherited the general shape of Cyrillic letters from Byzantium, even as their spoken language was already diverging from Church Slavonic. While Glagolitic script persisted in some western South Slavic regions, it gradually faded in the East, yielding completely to Cyrillic for both liturgy and secular writing.

Under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which ruled much of Ukraine from the 14th to 18th centuries, diverse spelling traditions flourished. Scholars like Meletii Smotrytskyi (early 17th century) codified Church Slavonic letters, adding new characters like Я, Е, and even Ґ while establishing formal grammar rules. Peter the Great's 1708 Civil Script reform in Russia inevitably influenced Ukrainian literacy as well: it eliminated archaic letters (Ѯ, Ѱ, Ѡ, Ѧ) and westernized letter shapes, spurring Ukrainian intellectuals to develop their own alphabetic responses. Throughout the 1800s, many Ukrainian writers advocated for phonemic spelling—following the example of Serbian reformer Vuk Karadžić—but conservatives (the so-called "Old Ruthenians" and Russophiles) resisted anything that smacked of "vulgar" vernacular. This period earned the nickname "War of the Alphabets," as newspapers and grammar texts battled between Russian-influenced orthographies and emerging Ukrainian systems.

The death blow nearly came in 1876 when Tsar Alexander II issued the infamous Ems Ukaz. This decree banned printing in Ukrainian (Latin script was already forbidden) and forced Ukrainian texts to adopt Russian spelling conventions—the lifeless "Yaryzhka" orthography. Publications using the phonetic Kulishivka orthography were driven underground, and Ukrainian letters teetered on the brink of extinction until the 1905 Revolution loosened restrictions. Meanwhile, in Austrian-controlled Galicia, a more nationally conscious script called the Zhelekhivka (1893) thrived. When Ukraine briefly gained independence during the chaos of 1917–1919 (through the Central Rada, Hetmanate, and other short-lived governments), the nation finally proclaimed its own official Ukrainian orthography.

Soviet power initially brought an unexpected gift: the policy of "Ukrainization." In 1927–28, a major conference in Kharkiv, led by Education Commissar Mykola Skrypnyk, crafted a unified Ukrainian orthography. This Skrypnykivka of 1928 masterfully balanced eastern and western spelling traditions, winning acceptance from both Soviet authorities and the diaspora. For one brief, shining moment, Ukrainian had a spelling system tuned to its own phonetics rather than Russian etymology.

But Stalin had other plans. By 1933, Ukrainization was denounced as a "nationalist deviation," and the alphabet was wrenched back toward Russian norms. The distinctive letter ґ (Ukrainian "ge") was purged, replaced by the Russian-style "г"; native combinations like льо and ля were altered; and older etymological spellings were resurrected. A new official orthography (dubbed the Postyshevka) appeared in 1936, with minor tweaks in 1945 and 1960, systematically erasing Skrypnyk's reforms. (Skrypnyk himself tragically took his own life in 1933 rather than face Stalin's show trials for "alphabet nationalism.") In Western Ukraine and among the global diaspora, however, the 1928 orthography lived on for decades as a symbol of resistance.

During Khrushchev's Thaw and especially under Gorbachev's Perestroika (1986–91), Ukrainian scholars began reclaiming their native letters and rules. In 1990, a new orthography triumphantly reinstated ґ and even reshuffled the alphabetical order (moving the soft sign Ь before Ю). By the time Ukraine declared full independence in 1991, the alphabet had assumed its essentially modern form. Today it contains 33 letters—10 vowels, 21 consonants, and 2 signs—including the distinctive Є, І, Ї, and Ґ that neither Russian nor Belarusian possess.

After 1991, the Ukrainian alphabet transformed from a mere writing system into a powerful symbol of nationhood. Schools and media standardized the post-1990 script, and in 2019 a new round of reforms restored several features from the 1928 Kharkiv orthography. Ukraine's National Orthography Commission explicitly stated that the 2019 edition "brought back" elements discarded during the 1933 Russification. While the practical changes mainly affected foreign name transliterations and pronunciation rules, the reform carried deep cultural significance: Ukraine was reclaiming a heritage long suppressed.

Walk through any Ukrainian classroom today and you'll see children learning their alphabet (called "азбука" or "абетка") with special emphasis on uniquely Ukrainian letters like Ґ and Ї. Every passport, every banknote, every street sign uses this Cyrillic script, asserting continuity with a thousand-year tradition. The alphabet appears everywhere in popular culture—from editions of Taras Shevchenko's immortal "Кобзар" (originally penned in 19th-century orthography) to modern street art celebrating individual letters. The Ukrainian script has become both tool and totem: it has outlived emperors and commissars, bent but never broken, and now stands proudly at the heart of national identity.

,   &  Illya Starikov
Ukraine

Ukrainian Anthem

Ukraine’s glory has not yet perished, nor her freedom.

Ще не вмерла України, і слава, і воля, Ukraine’s glory has not yet perished, nor her freedom,
Ще нам, браття молодії, усміхнеться доля. Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Згинуть наші вороженьки, як роса на сонці, Our enemies will vanish, like dew before the sun,
Запануєм і ми, браття, у своїй сторонці. And we too shall reign, brothers, in our own land.
Душу й тіло ми положим за нашу свободу, We’ll lay down our soul and body for our freedom,
І покажем, що ми, браття, козацького роду. And we’ll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack line.

The Story Behind the Anthem

Ukraine's national anthem began as a poem written in 1862 by Pavlo Chubynsky, a young Ukrainian ethnographer in Kyiv. Its stirring first line – "Ukraine has not yet died" – expressed defiant hope for the nation's future. Legend has it that Chubynsky found inspiration at a student gathering after hearing a Serbian patriotic song. Even Polish patriots note similarities between Ukraine's anthem and their own "Poland Is Not Yet Lost." The poem's powerful message alarmed Tsarist authorities, who exiled Chubynsky as a "dangerous influence" shortly after he penned these verses. In 1863, his poem first appeared in print in the newspaper Meta in Lviv (then part of the Austrian Empire), where people began singing it as a hymn of Ukrainian spirit.

The transformation from poem to song happened quickly. In 1863, Mykhailo Verbytsky, a Ukrainian Greek-Catholic priest and composer from Galicia, created a melody for Chubynsky's words. By 1864, choirs in Lviv were performing the song, and it rapidly spread throughout Western Ukraine. One particularly significant performance occurred on March 10, 1865, during a memorial service for Taras Shevchenko in Przemyśl (now in Poland). This date would later be chosen as Ukraine's annual Anthem Day. The timing was deeply symbolic – Shevchenko, Ukraine's most beloved poet and sometimes called "the Ukrainian Shakespeare," had died in 1861. By featuring the new anthem at his memorial, Ukrainians connected it forever to their cultural revival. From then on, "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina" ("Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished") became the song of choice at patriotic gatherings, spreading among all who dreamed of self-rule.

The anthem's political significance grew during the turbulent years of World War I and its aftermath. Between 1917 and 1919, as Ukraine briefly tasted independence, various Ukrainian states adopted "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina" as their national anthem – including the Ukrainian People's Republic in central Ukraine and the West Ukrainian People's Republic in Galicia. Even tiny Carpatho-Ukraine chose it during its single week of independence in 1939. Under Soviet rule after World War II, the anthem was banned, but Ukrainian partisans sang it in secret while exiles kept it alive abroad.

When Ukraine finally gained independence from the USSR in 1991, reviving this historic anthem was one of the first acts of national renewal. In January 1992, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) officially adopted Verbytsky's music and Chubynsky's words as the State Anthem of Ukraine. Some Ukrainians, however, found the original opening line too somber for a newly independent nation. In 2003, parliament approved a slight revision: "Ukraine's glory and freedom have not yet perished" replaced "Ukraine has not yet died." The modern version uses only the first verse and chorus of Chubynsky's longer poem, but the proud spirit remains unchanged.

Today, Ukraine's anthem stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and national identity. Its words and melody remind listeners that despite centuries of foreign domination, Ukraine's spirit endured. The anthem rings out at government ceremonies, international sporting events, and wherever Ukrainians gather to celebrate their nation. March 10 remains National Anthem Day, commemorating that historic 1865 performance. Ukrainian communities worldwide continue to sing it, testament to its enduring emotional power. At its heart, the anthem tells a story of survival – its opening lines boldly assert that Ukraine as a nation has not perished, a fitting motto for a people who preserved their identity through centuries of struggle. Understanding this history reveals why Ukrainians hold their anthem so dear: it's not just a song, but a declaration of their unbreakable will to exist.

,   &  Illya Starikov
Ukraine

Project Starline takes a cosmic leap forward as Google Beam

Google's AI-first 3D video communication platform.

NOTE 📜 This is a page that talks about my work, please review my Disclosures.

It’s Google I/O time, which means time for product announcements! I was happy to see Starline make the cut within the first ten minutes.

Or should I say, Google Beam? ✨

Instead of a flat webcam view, Beam uses AI with a special curved “light-field” screen and multiple cameras to recreate each person as a life-sized, 3D image. The effect is like talking through a clear window: your remote friend or colleague looks as if they’re really sitting right across from you, not just appearing flat on a screen.

Behind the scenes, an array of six cameras captures you from different angles. And with AI, we can merge these video streams together and render you on a 3D light field display with near-perfect headtracking down to the millimeter and at 60 frames per second, all in real time.

If you would like to know more, here’s the official Blog posts from today’s announcements.

Google Beam: Be there from anywhere with our breakthrough communication technology.
Discover Google Beam and experience the future of communication. Our breakthrough technology is proven to boost memory recall, improve visual attentiveness, and enhance body language. Feel like you’re there, together.
Google Beam: Our AI-first 3D video communication platform
Project Starline is becoming Google Beam, a platform that uses AI to turn 2D video streams into realistic, immersive video calls.
GoogleAndrew Nartker
Google I/O 2025: From research to reality
At our annual developer conference, we announced how we’re making AI even more helpful with Gemini.
GoogleSundar Pichai

Roundup

when you're using Beam the best part of it is that you don't have to wear anything it's not like AR glasses or VR headsets it's just a giant TV with a bunch of custom cameras and sensors that Google has developed and the end experience is that you're looking at a 3D hologram of someone. — The Verge
Google’s 3D video calling tech is finally going to ship this year
Google Beam makes it feel like someone is in the room with you.
The VergeAlex Heath
Project Starline is now Google Beam.
Google’s futuristic conference-calling experiment has been threatening to become commercially available for a while, and Sundar Pichai just said it’s coming this year through devices from HP. And to be fair, “Google Beam” is a less fun but much more Google-y name than Starline. [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Image-1600x1063-1.webp?quality=90&strip=all]
The VergeDavid Pierce
The 15 biggest announcements at Google I/O 2025
Catch up on what you missed.
The VergeEmma Roth
Google CEO Announces Google Beam 3-D Video Conferencing
Google Beam is a “new AI-first video communications platform,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced at the Google I/O developers conference Tuesday. Pichai said the product transforms 2-D video into realistic 3-D renderings. Google Beam has six cameras that captures users from different angles. Using
BarronsTae Kim
Google I/O 2025: Beam announced, aims to make 3D video conferencing a reality
At Google I/O 2025, the company officially announced Beam, a new 3D video conferencing system that aims to make virtual conversations feel much more like real-life meetings.
India TodayAman Rashid
Google’s 3D teleconferencing platform, now called Beam, will ship later in 2025 | TechCrunch
Google is rebranding Project Starline, its corporate-focused teleconferencing platform that uses 3D imaging, and recommitting to shipping it this year.
TechCrunchKyle Wiggers
Project Starline becomes Google Beam, debuts real-time translation
Google’s barrier-breaking Project Starline is stepping aside to make way for Google’s next phase – Google Beam. The new 3D…
9to5GoogleAndrew Romero
Google Beam aims to make video calls less boring and more natural
Giving users the sense that they’re together in person.
Android CentralNandika Ravi
Beam me up: Google’s Project Starline gets a new name and launch window
Google has announced that its changing the name of Project Starline to Google Beam. The project also now has a launch window.
Android AuthorityRyan McNeal
Goodbye Project Starline, hello Google Beam 3D video conferencing
The experimental Project Starline has gone from goals to (corporate) reality.
EngadgetCherlynn Low
Google Beam Promises Futuristic AI-Powered 3D Video Chats
Google Beam uses an AI model that turns video calls into a lifelike 3D experience. It could be the next best thing to being there.
CNETSee full bio
Goodbye Project Starline, hello Google Beam 3D video conferencing
The experimental Project Starline has gone from goals to (corporate) reality.
Yahoo!Cherlynn Low
Google Meet is now able to translate video calls — what you need to know
Video calls with those who don’t speak the other language are about to get a lot easier
Tom's GuideTom Pritchard
Google Beam is poised to bring 3D video conferencing mainstream
Google rebrands Project Starline, adds more AI smarts, and plans to deliver the next-gen collaboration platform to select customers later this year.
ZDNETMaria Diaz
,   &  Illya Starikov
Google

The Zero-Width Space-Place

Nothing to​​ see here​.

Zero‑Width Space

Click the translucent pill (blue dot marks it) or the big Copy button.

What’s Zero-Width Space?

The zero‑width space (U+200B) is a Unicode glyph that renders nothing and occupies zero width. In the right hands, this “invisible ink” changes how software treats text.

Example

Below are seven tricks I actually use, each with a quick demo.

  1. Anchor an Alphabetical List
    Prefix one or more ZWS characters to push an item ahead of "A".
​Newsletter  ← with ZWS
Apple
Zucchini
  1. Break Auto‑Linking
    Drop a ZWS into a URL or email to foil scrapers while leaving it human‑readable.
hello​@starikov.co
https://starikov​.co
  1. Duplicate C++ Identifiers
    ZWS is a valid identifier char in many compilers.
int total = 1;     // normal
int tota​l = 2;     // looks the same, compiles fine
std::cout << total + tota​l; // prints 3
  1. Python Indentation Gremlins
    Slip a ZWS into leading spaces; code looks aligned but crashes.
def hello():
    print("ok")   # four spaces
​    print("boom") # four + ZWS → IndentationError

  1. Hide Easter‑Egg Text
    Insert a binary watermark every 100 chars; humans never see it, diff tools do.

  2. Zero‑Length Social Forms
    Some platforms allow a username, bios, and other forms that is literally just ZWS. Pure minimalism.

  3. Control word‑wrapping
    Add ZWS inside a super‑long URL to let browsers break the line without inserting a visible hyphen.

<span style="word-break:break-all">
    https://example.com/superlong​paththatneverends
</span>
,   &  Illya Starikov
Technology, Easter Egg

RSS: RSS Starter Set 📰

My recommended RSS feeds—thoughtfully curated over a decade of reading.

The skeleton is automatically generated by this script. Import the following OPML into any reader to pull everything at once.

rss_starter_set_2025_5_12
All the feeds, categorized in respective sections.
rss_starter_set_2025_5_12.opml
30 KB
download-circle

Apple🍎

  • Apple | Developer — RSS
    Official notes on software releases, tooling updates and policy changes inside Apple’s developer ecosystem.

  • Apple | Newsroom — RSS
    Corporate statements covering product launches, financial results and wider initiatives.

  • Daring Fireball — RSS
    Commentary and link aggregation focused on Apple and the technology industry.

  • MacStories — RSS
    In‑depth reviews, workflows and analysis for advanced iOS and macOS users.

  • Marco.org — RSS
    Occasional essays on software development, podcasting and independent publishing.

  • Six Colors — RSS
    Reporting and analysis on Apple’s hardware, software and services, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals.

  • The Sweet Setup — RSS
    Recommendations and workflows that enhance productivity across Apple platforms.

Companies🏢

  • Android Developers — RSS
    Technical updates and best practices for building, testing and distributing Android applications.

  • Apple | ML Research — RSS
    Peer‑review‑style summaries of Apple’s research in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

  • AWS Machine Learning Blog — RSS
    Case studies, tutorials and announcements on applying AI services within Amazon’s cloud.

  • Chromium — RSS
    Progress reports from the open‑source browser project that underpins Chrome and Edge.

  • Facebook | Engineering — RSS
    Technical deep dives into infrastructure, data systems and product engineering at Meta.

  • Garmin — RSS
    Product news and usage guidance for navigation, fitness and outdoor devices.

  • GitHub | Engineering — RSS
    Insights into scaling and securing the world’s largest code‑hosting platform.

  • Instagram | Engineering — RSS
    Engineering narratives on delivering social‑media features to a global audience.

  • LinkedIn | Engineering — RSS
    Articles on large‑scale data processing, relevance ranking and platform reliability.

  • Meta — RSS
    Corporate news spanning product releases, policy positions and financial updates.

  • Meta | Research — RSS
    Academic‑style papers exploring computer vision, natural‑language processing and related fields.

  • Microsoft Research — RSS
    Peer‑reviewed research and technology transfers from Microsoft’s global labs.

  • Netflix TechBlog — RSS
    Engineering case studies on content delivery, cloud reliability and data analysis.

  • NVIDIA — RSS
    Updates on graphics, high‑performance computing and AI initiatives.

  • OpenAI — RSS
    Announcements and research summaries related to language models and AI safety.

  • OpenAI News — RSS
    Headline feed distilling OpenAI’s key product and policy updates.

  • Signal — RSS
    Technical and policy discussions on end‑to‑end encryption and secure messaging.

  • Stack Overflow — RSS
    Reflections on software‑developer culture, community trends and platform improvements.

  • TensorFlow — RSS
    Release notes, tutorials and ecosystem news for Google’s deep‑learning framework.

  • Wolfram — RSS
    Essays on computational science, applied mathematics and software innovation.

Computer Science🐛

  • AI Impacts — RSS
    Research exploring the economic and societal consequences of advanced AI systems.

  • AI Weirdness — RSS
    Experiments illustrating both the creativity and the limitations of neural‑network models.

  • And now it’s all this — RSS
    Practical scripting advice and observations on engineering workflows.

  • Andrej Karpathy — RSS
    Essays on deep learning, vision models and large‑scale training techniques.

  • arg min — RSS
    Technical commentary on optimisation, machine learning and data science.

  • Berkeley | AI — RSS
    Accessible summaries of recent artificial‑intelligence research from UC Berkeley.

  • ByteByteGo — RSS
    Illustrated guides to system design, scalable architecture and distributed computing.

  • C++ Stories — RSS
    Modern‑C++ features, guidelines and best practices.

  • CodeProject Latest Articles — RSS
    Community‑authored tutorials covering a broad spectrum of software topics.

  • Coding Horror — RSS
    Essays on software craftsmanship, usability and developer culture.

  • Columbia | Statistical Modeling — RSS
    Discussions on Bayesian statistics, social‑science methods and data communication.

  • Eric Jang — RSS
    Research notes on robotics, reinforcement learning and applied AI.

  • fast.ai — RSS
    Practical deep‑learning instruction aimed at software developers.

  • Hacker News — RSS
    Daily aggregation of technology news, startup announcements and research papers.

  • IEEE Spectrum — RSS
    Engineering‑centric reporting on emerging technologies and industry trends.

  • It Runs Doom! — RSS
    Showcases unconventional devices capable of running the classic video game Doom.

  • James Stanley — RSS
    Personal projects and commentary on security, electronics and software.

  • Joel on Software — RSS
    Classic essays on software management, product design and programming practice.

  • John D. Cook — RSS
    Short, accessible reflections linking mathematics, statistics and software development.

  • Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research — RSS
    Peer‑reviewed papers presenting state‑of‑the‑art advances across all branches of AI.

  • Julia Evans — RSS
    Illustrated tutorials demystifying Linux, networking and debugging techniques for practitioners.

  • Keet — RSS
    Research notes on knowledge representation, ontologies and semantic web technologies.

  • Krebs on Security — RSS
    Investigative reporting on cyber‑crime, data breaches and digital‑fraud trends.

  • learnbyexample — RSS
    Concise command‑line and text‑processing guides for developers honing Unix skills.

  • Lenny's Newsletter — RSS
    Product‑management insights distilled from industry data and operator interviews.

  • linusakesson.net — RSS
    Technical explorations of low‑level electronics, music synthesis and retro computing.

  • Luke Salamone — RSS
    Essays on graphics programming, game‑engine design and related tooling.

  • Machine Intelligence Research Institute — RSS
    Analyses of AI alignment challenges and strategies to mitigate long‑term risks.

  • ML Mastery — RSS
    Hands‑on machine‑learning tutorials emphasising clear code and practical results.

  • Newest Python PEPs — RSS
    Live feed of proposals shaping the future syntax and semantics of Python.

  • sidebits — RSS
    Brief technical notes on performance optimisation, systems programming and Rust.

  • Simon Willison's Weblog — RSS
    Frequent posts on open data, web tooling and practical large‑language‑model experiments.

  • Simplify C++! — RSS
    Guidelines for writing clearer, safer and more maintainable modern‑C++ code.

  • Slashdot — RSS
    User‑moderated headlines covering technology policy, hardware and open‑source news.

  • Swift.org — RSS
    Release notes and evolution proposals for Apple’s open‑source programming language.

  • The Gradient — RSS
    Editorial essays unpacking recent machine‑learning research for a broad technical audience.

  • The Old New Thing — RSS
    Historical and technical commentary on Windows APIs and system design.

  • The Pragmatic Engineer — RSS
    Operational advice on scaling software organisations and engineering careers.

  • The Register — RSS
    Independent technology journalism tracking industry moves, hardware and cybersecurity.

  • Unixmen — RSS
    How‑to articles and reviews focused on Linux administration and open‑source tools.

  • VimGolf — RSS
    Micro‑challenges showcasing efficient command sequences in the Vim editor.

Cooking🧑‍🍳

  • 101 Cookbooks — RSS
    Seasonal, whole‑food recipes emphasising natural ingredients and vegetarian cuisine.

  • David Lebovitz — RSS
    Recipes and culinary observations from a pastry chef living in Paris.

  • Drinkhacker — RSS
    Spirits reviews, cocktail recipes and industry news for enthusiasts.

  • Love and Lemons — RSS
    Plant‑forward dishes presented with bright photography and concise instructions.

  • Pinch of Yum — RSS
    Accessible comfort‑food recipes paired with blogging and photography tips.

  • Serious Eats — RSS
    Evidence‑based cooking guides, equipment reviews and culinary science.

  • smitten kitchen — RSS
    Home‑kitchen recipes designed for reliable results and minimal fuss.

  • Tartelette — RSS
    Pastry and dessert recipes illustrated with professional‑quality photography.

Culture🦠

  • The Substack Post — RSS
    Platform news and commentary on the evolving newsletter ecosystem.

  • XXL — RSS
    Coverage of hip‑hop music, culture and industry developments.

Gaming👾

  • Nintendo Life — RSS
    News, reviews and community coverage centred on Nintendo hardware and software.

  • Nintendo UK — RSS
    Official announcements, release dates and promotional updates for UK audiences.

  • PlayStation — RSS
    Product news, developer interviews and firmware updates from Sony Interactive.

  • Pure Nintendo — RSS
    Independent reporting and opinion on Nintendo gaming and related culture.

Google

  • Google | DeepMind — RSS
    Research highlights and applications from Alphabet’s advanced‑AI division.

  • Google | Developers — RSS
    API changes, tooling updates and developer‑centric announcements across Google platforms.

  • Google | Security — RSS
    Security advisories, vulnerability research and best‑practice guidance from Google.

  • Google | Testing — RSS
    Methodologies and frameworks for building reliable, well‑tested software at scale.

  • Google | Workspace — RSS
    Release notes detailing new features and refinements in Google’s productivity suite.

  • The Keyword — RSS
    Company‑wide announcements spanning consumer, enterprise and research initiatives.

Health⚕️

Interest(ing)⌚️💼

  • Atlas Obscura — RSS
    Reports on unusual places, histories and cultural phenomena worldwide.

  • BOOOOOOOM! — RSS
    Contemporary art, illustration and photography features with international scope.

  • Europe By Rail — RSS
    Practical guidance and commentary on rail travel across the European continent.

  • Field Notes — RSS
    Dispatches on paper goods, analogue tools and design‑focused manufacturing.

  • I Love Typography — RSS
    Articles exploring type design, font history and typographic trends.

  • Naturally Ella — RSS
    Vegetarian recipes highlighting seasonal produce and whole foods.

  • Rands in Repose — RSS
    Essays on engineering leadership, organisational culture and personal productivity.

  • Wait But Why — RSS
    Long‑form explorations of technology, psychology and existential questions.

  • zen habits — RSS
    Minimalist practices aimed at simplifying work, health and daily routines.

News🗞️

Nice🫶

ST̶EM🧬🧑‍🏫💊

  • Big Data, Plainly Spoken — RSS
    Statistical commentary translating complex data into everyday insights.

  • Construction Physics — RSS
    Analytical essays on the economics and engineering of the built environment.

  • FlowingData — RSS
    Data‑visualisation projects and tutorials illustrating societal trends.

  • Girls' Angle — RSS
    Mathematics outreach content aimed at encouraging young women in STEM.

  • In the Dark — RSS
    Commentary from an astrophysicist on cosmology, academia and science policy.

  • Infinity Plus One — RSS
    Expositions on advanced mathematics, including category theory and algebra.

  • Inframethodology — RSS
    Reflections on scholarly writing practices and research methodology.

  • Luca Marx — RSS
    Interdisciplinary essays bridging physics, technology and philosophy.

  • M‑Phi — RSS
    Academic posts on mathematical logic, philosophy of mathematics and related topics.

  • Math ∩ Programming — RSS
    In‑depth articles connecting theoretical mathematics with practical algorithms.

  • NASA — RSS
    Agency news covering missions, scientific discoveries and aerospace policy.

  • Quanta Magazine — RSS
    Explanatory journalism on fundamental research in physics, mathematics and biology.

  • Sabine Hossenfelder: Backreaction — RSS
    Critical analyses of theoretical‑physics claims and broader science communication.

  • What If? — RSS
    Scientific answers to hypothetical questions, presented with rigorous humour.

  • xkcd — RSS
    Webcomic offering concise observations on science, technology and relationships.

  • Your Local Epidemiologist — RSS
    Public‑health analysis interpreting epidemiological data for a general readership.

San Francisco🌉

  • CalMatters — RSS
    Non‑profit journalism examining California policy, politics and social issues.

  • Eater SF — RSS
    Restaurant openings, closures and dining trends in the Bay Area.

  • Mountain View Post — RSS
    Local news and community updates from the heart of Silicon Valley.

  • SF Funcheap — RSS
    Listings of free and low‑cost events across San Francisco.

  • SF Weekly — RSS
    Alternative weekly covering local politics, culture and entertainment.

  • SFGATE — RSS
    Regional news, culture and lifestyle reporting for the broader Bay Area.

  • SFist — RSS
    City‑focused news briefs spanning transit, weather and civic affairs.

  • The SF Standard — RSS
    Data‑driven journalism addressing urban change and local governance.

Tech📲

  • Have I Been Pwned — RSS
    Alerts on newly disclosed data breaches and compromised account details.

  • Internal Tech Emails — RSS
    Curated internal memos offering insight into strategy debates at major tech firms.

  • No Mercy / No Malice — RSS
    Market analysis and commentary on technology, media and economics.

  • Official Android Blog — RSS
    Product releases, operating‑system updates and ecosystem developments for Android.

  • Platformer — RSS
    Independent reporting on social‑media governance and content‑moderation policy.

  • Product Hunt — RSS
    Daily digest of new software tools, hardware gadgets and startup launches.

  • Sandofsky — RSS
    Insights on mobile photography, software design and indie development.

  • Source Code in TV and Films — RSS
    Screenshots highlighting real or spoofed code snippets in visual media.

  • Spotify — RSS
    Company announcements on audio streaming, podcasting and platform expansion.

  • Stratechery — RSS
    Strategic analysis of technology business models and competitive dynamics.

  • The Waving Cat — RSS
    Commentary on the societal impact of connected devices and digital policy.

Україна🇺🇦

,   &  Illya Starikov
Technology

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers are like buttons,
they hold everything together.


Happy Mother's Day.

,   &  Illya Starikov