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19 reviews
July 15,2025
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The folks at MIT know how to have fun.

They are not just all about serious studies and intense research. In fact, they have a wide range of activities and events that bring joy and entertainment to their campus life.

There are parties, clubs, and various social gatherings where students can let loose and enjoy themselves.

They also organize sports competitions, musical performances, and art exhibitions.

The students at MIT understand the importance of balancing work and play.

They know that having fun helps them relax and recharge, which in turn enables them to be more productive in their academic and professional pursuits.

So, while MIT is known for its academic excellence, it also has a vibrant and lively social scene that makes it a great place to be.

July 15,2025
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It is an interesting idea to catalogue and even physically document MIT hacks. There are various hacks, some of which are rather stupid while others are truly brilliant. It would be great if the photographs were of better quality and had captions to provide more context. Additionally, there seems to be some repetition in the documentation. This could potentially be improved to make the collection more engaging and easier to understand. By enhancing the visual aspects and reducing the repetition, the catalogue could become a more valuable resource for those interested in the world of MIT hacks.

July 15,2025
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Hacking has a long and rich tradition of elaborate pranks at MIT.

This book not only delves into the hacks themselves but also explores some of the culture that enables them to flourish.

It is truly impressive that the hacking culture takes pride in both its anonymity and its commitment to ensuring that its hacks cause no harm.

This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why they have been so successful.

The writing style can be a bit dry at times, but my main gripe is that there aren't more pictures of the hacks.

Although there are a fair number of them, it would have been great to have even more visual representations to bring the hacks to life.

Overall, this book provides an interesting and informative look at the world of MIT hacking.
July 15,2025
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I received "Nightwork: A History of Hacks and Pranks at MIT" as a birthday present from my brother.

It is a relatively slim (173 pgs) oversized volume. In this book, Peterson delves into the tradition of pranking, or "hacks" as they are known, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. What sets MIT apart from many other colleges is its strict hack code. No permanent damage is to be inflicted, hacks must always remain anonymous, and there is typically an element of both parody and the absurd. Moreover, technology and creativity play a crucial role in these hacks.

The hacks are categorized by type, and black and white photos (unfortunately of varying quality) are interspersed throughout the text. A nice section of color photos is included in the middle of the book. One of the last chapters features essays on hacking written by professors, administrators, students, and alumni. Additionally, a glossary of slang and a sources list (which could be more detailed) are also provided.

Overall, it is a fun read for anyone interested in the more sophisticated form of college tomfoolery. It offers a fascinating insight into the unique culture and creativity that exists within the walls of MIT.
July 15,2025
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I bought this gem for my father last year. It was a truly wonderful choice. The moment I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for him. The gem has a unique beauty that catches the eye instantly. Its colors are vivid and rich, as if it holds a story within. The craftsmanship is also excellent, with every detail carefully雕琢. When my father received it, he was overjoyed. He couldn't stop looking at it and showing it off to everyone. It has become one of his most precious possessions. I am so glad that I was able to find such a great gift for him. The photos I took of the gem do not do it justice. In person, it is even more breathtaking. I highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a special and meaningful gift.

July 15,2025
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MIT hackers have a reputation for being creative and mischievous.

They don't engage in typical pranks like throwing pies or wrapping underwear around statues. Instead, they come up with elaborate stunts that involve making large objects seem to appear in impossible locations.

They might also rewire lecture hall blackboards to malfunction when the instructor attempts to use them.

Another favorite trick is to replace the chiseled wisdom on friezes with silly sayings, using a script that looks identical.

These pranks are so cleverly executed that it often takes a team of trained rappellers to take them apart.

Samuel Jay Kaiser's description in 1996 sums up the contents of the book beautifully.

As an engineer, cracker, and hacker myself, I found this book to be extremely entertaining.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the world of hacking and mischief.

Give it a read and prepare to be amazed!
July 15,2025
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It is described the expression to hack onto the surrounding observed reality, in theory and practice.

In theory, hacking onto the surrounding observed reality involves a deep understanding of the underlying systems and technologies that govern our perception and interaction with the world. It requires knowledge of computer science, neuroscience, and psychology to be able to manipulate and interface with these systems.

In practice, however, hacking onto the surrounding observed reality is a much more complex and challenging task. It involves developing advanced technologies and techniques that can interface with the human brain and nervous system, as well as with the physical environment. This requires a high level of technical expertise and a significant amount of research and development.

Despite the challenges, the concept of hacking onto the surrounding observed reality has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world and with each other. It could lead to new forms of communication, entertainment, and even medical treatments.

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