Benjamin Zalasky

Building intelligent systems with uncompromising craftsmanship. JavaScript · Python · Scala · AI · design systems · data visualization.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@kunchenguid Too many tests simply mirror implementation rather than assert observable behavior and side effects. Good tests document a contract for what must remain true as requirements and dependencies evolve. Their long-term value is something a one-shot benchmark cannot measure.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

Similar pattern... X, Facebook, anything with a feed flashes an interesting post (previously loaded), then buries it as new content loads in. If you’ve shown it to me, let me act on it.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

Few UI patterns annoy me more than opening Hulu, picking something in the first row, and having a new row load below it just as I click. The selection jumps and I open something I never intended to watch.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

Built a little browser game with AI, inspired by the first game I ever made (with Visual Basic). It’s called Gemdrift. Dodge asteroids, collect gems, and see how long you last.

Give it a try and share your high score...
https://t.co/ZKcATBgqcW

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@jacksettleman Gary Gallagher does a great job explaining the broader Civil War politics in this Lex Fridman episode: https://t.co/cOlr0fpQrf

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@jacksettleman Even the mascots tell a more complicated story. The Jayhawk comes from those Kansas free-state and guerrilla bands, while Mizzou’s Tigers were named for the Columbia home guard formed to protect the town from Confederate guerrillas.

[Colin Gardiner @ColinGardiner]

https://t.co/SHjWopYZXX

[Olivia Moore @omooretweets]

We have reached the "YC partners in crab suits" phase of the agent hype cycle

[Bobby Weir @BobWeir]

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. We send him off the way he sent so many of us on our way: with a farewell that isn’t an ending, but a blessing.  A reward for a life worth livin'. https://t.co/2qdBbh80v1

📸 Chloe Weir

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@STLLEGEND @MichaelWBratton Fair enough. Here are the stats for reference…
- Michigan ’25 #71 scoring (27.6) / #57 yards (398.9)
- Mizzou ’25 t-#29 (32.2) / #25 (429.3)
- UNC ’23 t-#20 (34.5) / #7 (491.2)
- UCF ’22 #31 (32.9) / #16 (469.6)

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@STLLEGEND @MichaelWBratton Where's the lie? UNC in 2023 had 491.2 yards/game, #7 nationally. UCF in 2022 had 228.36 rushing yards/game, #10 nationally. Michigan had young starters (similar to how it looks for Mizzou next year atm), so play calling was probably more conservative this past year.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@tlhkc1 @ESPNU The first 10 minutes were on one of the other ESPN channels. I just got super confused when the game cut over to South Carolina after 10 minutes.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@mg When I think of minimalist sites where I love the design, it tends to come down to typography and color. https://t.co/oHGeNLJa2w has a great collection of sites with striking typography.

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

@MichaelWBratton LFG! MIZ!

[Benjamin Zalasky @bzalasky]

MIZ!

[no more docile users @WTTDOTM]

Lawyers are expensive, but *looking* like you have a lawyer is free.

Today, I'm happy to announce my latest project, Heavyweight! Heavyweight lets you take any complaint you have, and make it look like a scary legal document without ever actually claiming to be from a lawyer.