it

Reader Squee: It's a Hard Life

Kerkopithekion says: "Our 14-week-old puppy Storm living the hard life of sofa naps and belly rubs."

Oh, what a hard life! I do not envy him... just kidding, I totally do.

-Sally Squeeps

Do you have a squee pet that you want to share with the world? Send us your pet pictures and stories, and they could end up on Daily Squee!







it

What Security Software Do You Recommend? (2024 Q4 update)

Here are my latest recommendations for specific security software and techniques.

What Security Software Do You Recommend? (2024 Q4 update) from Ask Leo!.
Get the Confident Computing weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.askleo.com





it

Charter Schools II: Choice & Quality

Embed from Getty Images In the previous essay on charter schools I considered the monopoly argument in their favor. On this view, charter schools break the state’s harmful monopoly on education and this is a good thing. It is worth …Read more »




it

Charter Schools IV: Profit

While being a charter school is distinct from being a for-profit school, one argument in favor of charter schools is because they, unlike public schools, can operate as for-profit businesses. While some might be tempted to assume a for-profit charter …Read more »




it

So Not Worth It

A family friend asked me to work on her home computer.

Friend: “If you can’t fix it, I assume you messed it up beyond repair and will owe me a new computer.”

I stopped then and there.




it

Makes You Want To Throw The Book At Him. Literally.

My boss is a seventy-something-year-old man with barely a clue on how to get a computer to boot. He gave me an old book and wanted me to convert it into an ebook to sell. And mind, this was a thick, large-format book chock-full of maps and other illustrations with tiny blackletter script.

Me: “Sure, I can do it, but I’d have to scan it in a massive resolution so the detail isn’t lost. The final file would be massive; it wouldn’t be practical to download it, and a normal ebook reader wouldn’t be able to display it correctly.”

Boss: “So, we’d have to make it less detailed.”

Me: “How do you mean?”

Boss: “It wouldn’t be possible with the illustrations; you’ll just have to make the writing bigger on all the pages.”

Me: “…”

Boss: “As for the pages with only text on them, you will just convert them into a Word document.”

Me: “That’s not how that works.”

Boss: “Why not?”

Me: “It’s just straight-up not possible, at least not with the software we have.”

Boss: “Can you do it on the Internet?”

Me: “No.”

Boss: “How do you know?”

Me: “I know.”

Boss: “Show me.”

I showed him that it’s not possible to convert a scanned book page into a text document on some random converter found on page one on Google.

Boss: “Okay, so you will instead cut the text out in Photoshop, make it larger, and arrange it on a new Photoshop file the same size, with less of a rim around it so the number of pages doesn’t get much higher.”

I flat-out refused, telling him it would be months of absolutely pointless work. He didn’t believe any of my claims, anyway, so I just converted the whole d*** thing into an ebook, which, in the end, was like 8GB in size. Since our server had 10TB, he also didn’t believe me when I tried to tell him that it was an absurdly massive file that few people would want to buy on that account.

Ah, well. At least I didn’t have to rearrange like 300 pages of text.




it

Wait Until They Find Out About The "It's A Free Country" Part

Me: “I’ve looked at the brief and it’ll cost [total].”

Client: “I thought you were a freelancer.”

Me: “I am.”

Client: “No, you’re not. You’re a chargelancer!”




it

There will probably be a physical Rita 3.

Categories: Blog

So. First off, a big thanks to everyone who weighed in with their opinions in the previous post. The results are as follows: Fifteen people are okay with there being no volume 3. Eleven people would be unhappy with me skipping to the omnibus, and might not buy it, and might wait for the omnibus […]

(Read more...)




it

CABN modular homes will be part of a net-zero community

Where modern design, affordable living and sustainability meet, there is CABN. The first home of this project has just been created and soon, CABN's design will be the basis of a 67-home, net-zero community. If this is what the future looks like, there is hope that humans will actually have a healthy, happy future on this planet.[...]




it

Sleek school building is made with low-carbon concrete

The ways buildings are constructed has to change. It has become something else instead, something more sustainable, something newer. And it doesn't get much more modern than buildings that can actually move and adapt at will.[...]




it

Tesseract home has views of the mountain and city

The spirit of sustainability and being eco-friendly is all about using what's already there. Use a piece of land the way it is, without hanging it to suit the needs of a building. In the spirit of reclaiming wood, repurposing furniture and making use of everything the Tesseract was created. This home is a beautiful reboot of a former bachelor pad turned beautiful multi-person home. It's warm, inviting and modern.[...]




it

Colorado house becomes the first net-zero home in its city

Fargo is a house located in Louisville, Colorado and is designed for a former high-level design engineer at Apple. Despite the project's modern aesthetic, it blends into the historical neighborhood and meets multiple spatial criteria set by the client. These include a detached studio garage, an indoor-outdoor kitchen and easy access to the outdoors. The overall goal for DAJ Design was to incorporate these design elements while achieving net-zero energy consumption.[...]




it

Yoga Design Lab combines mindfulness with eco-friendly

As our awareness of how our actions impact the environment grows, it becomes increasingly important to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our lives. This includes the materials we choose for yoga gear. Yoga Design Lab offers a range of products that not only enhance the yoga experience, but also prioritize eco-friendly materials.[...]




it

Cleanup plastic pollution with the easy Pixie Drone

Plastic and floating debris are part of a problem that is rapidly growing. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is just one example of how water pollution and trash dumping are spiraling out of our control. Big, floating heaps of debris like the GPGP require interventions that are on a larger scale. This includes those carried out by The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization that removes floating ocean debris. However, what about smaller-scale solutions? Coastlines and local waterways also suffer from water pollution as a result of littering. This threatens biodiversity by causing illness and reproductive issues, particularly when aquatic[...]




it

What can you do in your own home to improve air quality?

If you live in an urban area with cars, industry and unpleasant city smells, you might retreat to your house for safety from environmental pollutants. But how good is your air quality at home?[...]




it

A natural personal care brand that gives back to communities

Soapbox is a company dedicated to providing meticulously-crafted personal care products that focus on the health of humans and the environment. [...]




it

Water catchment home in Africa wins special recognition

A water catchment house design in Africa won Special Recognition in the Architectural Design category at the Design Educates Awards 2023. The design by Hong-En, Lin addresses the challenges of water scarcity and pollution in Africa by using local materials and traditional weaving techniques to create a clean and sustainable water source.[...]





it

Wood furniture made from waste creates a circular economy

Wood is one of the most common materials used for manufacturing and construction. Despite it being a natural resource with potential for reuse and its biodegradable qualities, the wood used in the industry is far from circular. In fact, each year, millions of tons of this precious material are wasted. To prevent this, a group of designers from the firm Disrupt.Design Lab (D.DLAB) have been exploring the development of circular solutions for wood. By developing new techniques that combine advanced fabrication and traditional methods, the team aims to contribute to the development of zero-waste industries.[...]




it

All-encompassing hotel in San Francisco is quality ecotourism

San Francisco has long been a destination for those who enjoy natural wonders. The incredible bay and sandy beaches, the towering redwoods, the mountains, it all gives this city a look that no other place has. And now, finally, the Bay Area will have a sustainable hotel that celebrates the environment of San Francisco with 1 Hotel San Francisco.[...]




it

Did you know dairy products can be made without cow or nuts?

From cows to goats to sheep, the availability of dairy is ubiquitous. But with copious environmental and health issues around traditional dairy products, alternatives are in the spotlight more than ever. Now there’s a way to enjoy yogurt, cheese and ice cream without a heavy reliance on animals or nuts. It’s called Precision Fermentation, and it puts an old technology to new use. [...]




it

A passive design home that is built with forever in mind

Electrical grids in cities and countries are overburdened all over the country. Load reduction is no longer an idea, it's a necessity. Phuis is a nonprofit organization that is creating healthier buildings that are better for the planet and the people on it. They use passive building techniques and innovative design ideas to create energy-efficient homes, offices and public buildings. This breathtaking New York Forever House by Christina Griffin is an example of how Phuis is using its retrofit program to make homes from any era more eco-friendly for the modern homeowner.[...]




it

Save water on your home garden with these helpful tips

The weather blocking patterns created by climate change have caused increasing challenges for home gardeners. They have to deal with drought for extended periods even if they don't live in a traditionally dry climate, and then flooding next. Moreover, the pest pressure alone can be frustrating in these situations. But you can do quite a few things to save water when taking care of your home garden, even when the weather is extreme. Here are some tips on how to save water on your home garden, year round and in all climates.[...]




it

New Washington library is encompassed in sustainability

Sustainable construction and design have become a trendy topic in real estate, with homebuyers now proudly showing off their graywater systems and solar panels. But the new Mount Vernon Library Commons by HKP Architects in Mount Vernon, Washington proves that sustainable design can be used by any company, any government and anyone who wants to make an impression.[...]




it

The largest wooden city in Sweden will be built in 2025

Among the oldest tools that human hands ever created are axes, used to chop wood for fires and buildings. Wood is truly the mother of sustainable resources, a material that will grow back again and again. And now, wood is becoming the "it" design material. Sweden is starting an ambitious new project called Stockholm Wood City that will demonstrate the majesty of wood, and the possibilities it represents in sustainable building. [...]




it

Find out what it takes to be an ecotourist

Vacations are an integral part of every person’s life. Following long seasons of hard work, it is well deserved to get away from busy schedules and enjoy nature. The tourism industry is fully built around the need for vacations. While tourism is good, it has its dark side. The entire industry thrives on the existence of nature, yet it tends to erode away what is left of natural resources.[...]




it

GAF creates innovative cooling solutions for overheated cities

With climate change ramping up and an El Nino weather pattern in effect for the western hemisphere, heat island effect has become a real problem for cities sweltering under the summer sun. GAF created a product called Streetbond Pavement Coating that aims to turn that heat island effect around by reflecting heat back into space. [...]




it

The first agricultural community of its kind in Ontario

Humans living in harmony with nature and with each other is really the goal of sustainable, environmentally-friendly design. And it is hardly a hip and modern idea, not unless you think the Stone Age is trendy. Long ago, people banded together in groups to live and work together as one community, rather than as individuals. Now, Castlepoint Numa is bringing this ancient idea into the modern era with an innovative design.[...]




it

Biophilic building enhances biodiversity in the neighborhood

Kaiserstraße is a new residential building currently under construction in Blumenau, Brazil. The project is designed by Alencar Arquitetura and aims to harness connections between residents and the natural world.[...]




it

University Mass Timber Pavilion was designed by students

Nestled on the Rice University campus, amid multiple microhabitats and surrounded by green, you will see a small pavilion that looks a bit like an ancient Greek temple. But this pavilion was carefully crafted to have a modern design. It's sustainable, beautiful and an example that might just inspire campuses around the world.[...]




it

A Connecticut home with a green roof and minimal site impact

Meeting the challenge to gently place a home into a valley below the access road and adjacent to a scenic river, Weston Residence is both a primary residence and an award-winning example of minimal site impact architectural design. [...]




it

From the urban tapestry of Los Angeles to a sustainable city

Los Angeles, often hailed as the entertainment capital of the world, is not only a hub for the film and music industries but also a fascinating canvas of urban design. The city's architectural landscape reflects a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation. As one navigates the vast expanse of Los Angeles, it becomes apparent that the city's design is a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity.[...]





it

Never Discuss Politics At Family Reunions

divine creation evolution discussing politics during a family reunion is never a good idea




it

It's A Date!

So, it's settled. Tea at my house later ... Bring the whip...





it

Untitled




it

Neither Edwin nor Lucinda wanted to be the first to admit they couldn't see a thing in the magic eye picture






it

It's Worse Than We Thought!

We're gonna need a bigger hankie!




it

I like to drink when I work out...I call it Bacardio




it

IT'S NOT THE HEAT

It's the humidity




it

Noncomformity Through The Ages

Beggin' your pardon sir, but if we're all dressed differently, exactly why is it called a uniform?