Instead of simply discarding incoming phishing emails from APT actors, I decided to make sure it was loud and clear in mail logs that I discarded them - with attribution.
Network Updates
Everything on the network is finally done. Oh who am I kidding? Things change constantly between software and hardware updates and upgrades. This just documents a small part of it.
The Latest Solar Project Part 3
A seemingly small project turned into an 11 month journey with so many weird turns and gotchas that it was at times maddening. But new panels are in place and functioning.
The Home Assistant Migration
It was a backup, drive wipe, reload, and restore the backup. I expected the worse, but what happened surprised me.
Bash Themes
In early 2025 I started fiddling around with minor bash prompt tweaks, then slowly developed themes, until it got out of hand….
Ultimate Encryption Solution
I wrote the ultimate encryption implementation, wow it is so good! However as far as usability for the average person (or even ultra nerd) leaves a lot to be desired. A WHOLE lot.
Using AI Responsibly
I wanted to use AI but in a way that was responsible, didn’t dig into my privacy, and helped me to get what I want. One might say I am “hacking” AI. Maybe I am. I’m trying to get it to do what I want it to do on my own terms - the essence of hacking. But first, I had to devise a test. Granted, this test is for my needs, but maybe you might find it interesting as well.
Tracking Advanced Port Scanning
I’ve noticed ports scans. A lot of them. However these are different, these are all scans from a seemingly distributed scanning network spread out over multiple IP addresses.
The Latest Solar Project Part 2
Wow, when things go sideways, they go sideways. Back to square one with my solar panel expansion plans.
Fail2ban for Sendmail AUTH
Mail server admins always notice when spammers try to use an AUTH command to try to relay spam through a mail server. But when they start hammering away with a much more sophisticated botnet, things start to get serious - especially for the paranoid.
LGBTQ+
I was asked by a friend why I was a supporter of the gay community. I didn’t realize I was, I thought I was just being accepting to everyone.
The Latest Solar Project Part 1
You make long term plans. Then an election happens, and you find yourself making changes to those plans - basically turning them into short term plans. My latest solar addition is in the works.
Edge Case
Perspective is everything. Looking at anything, tech-related or not, from a different perspective can be eye opening. I give a few really weird scenarios I’ve tried, and some are extreme.
Using AI Code Generation Securely
I did a bit of an experiment with several LLMs and code generation, and one of them actually seemed to perform slightly better from a security perspective.
Texas and Winter Storms
Since the winter of 2021 I’ve been preparing a bit better for winter storms. I blog about it, and wouldn’t you know the week I decided to auto-publish the blog it is during a winter storm.
Network Review 2025
Unsurprisingly to other techies my server rack has changed over the past year and few months. Warning, nerd territory ahead.
Random News
Things have been a bit quiet lately on the blog front, in spite of me being quite busy. Here’s an update.
Server Upgrades
Upgrading the operating system of a server can be easy, and it can be painful. I upgraded four of them, and as only three had issues, I consider myself lucky. Nonetheless, this wasn't easy.
Energy Monitoring Part Three
Getting better monitoring is good, until it uncovered failing equipment and you have to fix it.
Energy Monitoring Part Two
Finally! I get the monitoring in place so I can see everything on one screen. But it wasn’t easy…