Random Musings
RainwHappywSat, September 26, 2026

Everyday Updates

I recently added a weekly literature roundup to my website and updated a couple of small tools. I also watched a talk that really got me thinking, and tinkered with how I use my phone and computer. Here’s a roundup of those updates, along with a few notes on Duolingo, an exhibition, and food.

A new “Weekly Literature Roundup” section on the site

I recently added a “Weekly Literature Roundup” section to the site. It’s updated every Monday with the papers I added to Zotero the previous week.

I save useful articles to my library as I come across them, and this is a chance to share them with everyone. If you’re interested in these topics, take a look.

Older notes
Anno
2026
1 letter
Sat, August 29
CloudyHappy

Recent Updates: Codex, New Devices, and Life

The author reflects that even in the AI era, one should keep recording, since the content may be cited by AI. He used Codex to resolve database, WebSocket, and other issues in a website upgrade, and developed several small tools, stressing the importance of setting up Git repositories and making good use of plan mode. Due to a vulnerability in the Nezha panel, he reinstalled his server, switched monitoring to Komari, and switched his email to Feishu. He purchased a used M1 Max MacBook Pro and an iPhone 17 Pro Max to boost efficiency, and finally recommends Space Launcher as the most cost-effective choice.

Letter №1Read full note →
Anno
2025
2 letters
Thu, October 9
Random MusingsSunnyAnxious

Long Time No See

The author reflects on the anxiety sparked by AI’s rapid progress: machines far surpass individuals in knowledge and efficiency, so the real competitive edge lies in choosing the right questions, having access to exclusive data, conducting experiments and validating results, executing across disciplines, and adjusting course in time. The author is still exploring how AI can advance academic work and wonders whether to change careers, but sees recognizing the problem and trying to adapt as progress in itself. Attending CCP4 Shanghai School deepened their understanding of crystallography, though they feel they have little to share and that the official tutorials are already comprehensive. Professionally, the author believes that structural biology alone offers too little of a competitive edge. Without straying from their core work, they plan to use AI to explore computational biology, including molecular dynamics, docking, and virtual screening.

Letter №137Read full note →
Sat, April 19
Random MusingsOvercastHappy

The Start of 2025

In recent months, the author has experienced several significant events, particularly regarding their academic journey. They initially accepted an offer from a supervisor but faced a setback due to an application error. Later, they learned their supervisor was leaving, but another professor offered assistance, resulting in a new offer. The author is awaiting group assignment confirmation. They also discussed their personal website, considering focusing on academic content but ultimately decided to integrate various topics. Additionally, the author shared their experience with photo printing, using a printer gifted by their girlfriend, and plans to create an album. Lastly, they encountered a technical issue with their MacBook's Type-C port but have not yet resolved it, as it currently does not hinder usage.

Letter №136Read full note →
Anno
2024
6 letters
Sat, September 7
Travel NotesSunnyHappy

Danyang

The author plans to replace their old glasses due to poor anti-smudge capability and scratches. Previously, they bought glasses online with Zeiss blue-light lenses and a Sloar pure titanium frame for around 750 yuan. They heard that Danyang offers affordable glasses with the benefit of trying them on in-store. The trip costs about 160 yuan round-trip from Shanghai. The author considered photochromic lenses for outdoor use but eventually chose basic lenses and a titanium alloy frame for around 300 yuan. For daily use, they opted for Essilor lenses, known for durability and quality similar to Zeiss but at half the price. The total cost, including a titanium frame, was reduced to 800 yuan. Their parents needed reading glasses, which they purchased with Kemi lenses and titanium frames for 455 yuan. The in-store eye exam focused more on optical aspects than the hospital's pathological tests. The author found that frames are often pricier than lenses in Danyang.

Letter №131Read full note →
Sat, May 25
Travel NotesSunnyHappy

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

The school organized a visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai, where students learned about coffee bean origins and processing, espresso preparation, roasting and quality control, and the four steps of coffee tasting. The Reserve coffee beans roasted and packaged at the Roastery are supplied to Starbucks stores across China. The visit also introduced how Starbucks blends coffee beans to create natural flavors. The author believes this store, which brings together national and local culture, is well worth a visit for coffee lovers and offers a valuable opportunity to learn about coffee and its culture.

Letter №129Read full note →
Sun, May 12
Travel NotesCloudyHappy

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

With the Shanghai Iveny card they bought last year about to expire, the author spent the weekend at Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Returning to the zoo after many years felt different from childhood visits. It was their first time seeing flamingos, and they were lucky enough to spot a peacock displaying its feathers as soon as they entered. The author feels that zoos are best experienced in person, since photos can’t capture the sense of interaction, and shares pictures of flamingos, peacocks, gorillas, fennec foxes, penguins, and other animals.

Letter №126Read full note →
Fri, May 3
Travel NotesCloudyHappy

Wenling & Linhai

The author visited Taizhou during the May Day holiday period, traveling off-peak and spending three days exploring the coast of Wenling and the ancient city of Linhai. Wenling’s small fishing villages were quiet and offered a close-up look at local life, making them a good choice for a weekend by the sea. However, transport was inconvenient, roads were narrow, attractions were limited, and the experience depended heavily on the weather. Overall, the trip was only so-so, and renting an electric scooter was recommended. In Linhai, a day was enough to visit East Lake, the ancient city wall, and Ziyang Street. East Lake was scenic, while the imposing wall involved a climb. Ziyang Street was crowded and noticeably commercialized during the holiday. The local snacks and seafood were hit-or-miss: some dishes left the author unimpressed, but the barbecue and snacks were enjoyable, and prices in the small city were reasonable.

Letter №120Read full note →
Sat, April 20
Travel NotesSunnyHappy

31st TAS

The author attended the free 31st Shanghai International High-End Audio Show and found that online reviews can’t replace hearing audio equipment in person. There was a wide range of exhibits, most of them unreleased products. The large speakers were imposing, but the venue was noisy, and the author wasn’t keen on their coloration. The most anticipated products were Genelec studio monitors, which made a powerful impression. Designed for individuals and small studios, they’re something the author hopes to buy someday. New Audioengine products in the desktop setup section were another pleasant surprise, with good sound and a provisional price of under 3,000 yuan. After spending hours trying out a wide range of gear, the author says the show is a rare opportunity and strongly recommends listening for yourself.

Letter №119Read full note →
Fri, April 5
Travel Notes

Shanghai Pujiang Country Park

A camera outing to Shanghai Pujiang Country Park during the Qingming holiday, where admission costs 50 yuan and the park is bustling with visitors. Along with enjoying the spring blooms, the post shares photos of pansies, viburnum, tulips, and the Pixel Building and castle.

Letter №115Read full note →