What happens when chatbots shape your reality? Concerns are growing online
What happens when chatbots shape your reality? Concerns are growing online
As people turn to chatbots for increasingly important and intimate advice, some interactions playing out in public are causing alarm over just how much artificial intelligence can warp a user’s sense of realityAngela Yang (NBC News)
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Judge denies government's request to unseal grand jury material in Ghislaine Maxwell case
Washington — A federal judge on Monday denied a request from the Trump administration to unseal grand jury material in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, saying there is nothing in the grand jury record that would shed new light on the case.
The Government's invocation of special circumstances, however, fails at the threshold," Engelmayer wrote. "Its entire premise — that the Maxwell grand jury materials would bring to light meaningful new information about Epstein's and Maxwell's crimes, or the Government's investigation into them — is demonstrably false."
Judge denies government's request to unseal grand jury material in Ghislaine Maxwell case
A federal judge on Monday denied a request from the Trump administration to unseal grand jury material in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell.Jacob Rosen (CBS News)
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Judge denies government's request to unseal grand jury material in Ghislaine Maxwell case
Washington — A federal judge on Monday denied a request from the Trump administration to unseal grand jury material in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, saying there is nothing in the grand jury record that would shed new light on the case.
The Government's invocation of special circumstances, however, fails at the threshold," Engelmayer wrote. "Its entire premise — that the Maxwell grand jury materials would bring to light meaningful new information about Epstein's and Maxwell's crimes, or the Government's investigation into them — is demonstrably false."
Judge denies government's request to unseal grand jury material in Ghislaine Maxwell case
A federal judge on Monday denied a request from the Trump administration to unseal grand jury material in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell.Jacob Rosen (CBS News)
Ukraine ready to give up lost territories to settle conflict
Ukraine ready to give up lost territories to settle conflict
TEHRAN, Aug. 12 (MNA) – Ukraine may give up the territories it had already lost in order to end the war, a British newspaper wrote.Mehr News Agency
Ukrainian prisoners of war demanded an “honest” exchange from Zelenskyy
Ukrainian prisoners of war demanded an "honest" exchange from Zelenskyy
More than a thousand Ukrainian prisoners of war have appealed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy to establish a systematic exchange.newsmaker newsmaker (English News front)
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Uso da Inteligência Artificial na Administração Pública de SC em pauta na ALESC
Está em pauta hoje (13/8), na ALESC – Assembleia Legislativa de Santa Catarina, um Projeto de Lei de autoria do deputado Mário Motta que dispõe sobre “os princípios e diretrizes para o uso da Inteligência Artificial no âmbito da Administração Pública Estadual“, e estabelece outras providências. O texto do PL pode ser acessado aqui (arquivo PDF).
O PL estabelece critérios importantes, como “não discriminação”, “transparência” e “auditabilidade”, mas conta com o seguinte texto no Art. 7°: “O Poder Público facilitará a adoção de sistemas de inteligência artificial na Administração Pública e na prestação de serviços públicos, visando à eficiência e à redução dos custos”. Como seria essa facilitação? Como comentou o amigo e engenheiro de dados Cudo, essa “redução de custos” também é outro ponto que precisa de mais atenção, pois pode até gerar mais custos, além de questões como a necessidade de capacitação dos servidores.
Mas o que mais me chamou a atenção é a necessidade de priorizar (ou até condicionar) o uso de IAs desenvolvidas no Brasil e, de preferência, em código aberto, que é auditável de fato e transparente, já que se trata da utilização de informações estatais. Em tempos de debate sobre a soberania digital, seria um ponto fundamental.
O ideal mesmo seria realizar uma audiência pública com pesquisadores, representantes da academia e organizações do terceiro setor dedicadas ao assunto.
Início - Soberania Digital
Rede para debates, trocas de informações e organização de ações pela Soberania Digital. Sua participação é fundamental para construirmos um futuro digital!Diego (Soberania.digital)
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I started losing my digital privacy in 1974, aged 11
We already live in a world where pretty much every public act - online or in the real world - leaves a mark in a database somewhere. But how far back does that record extend? I recently learned that record goes back further than I'd seriously imagined.On my recent tour of the United States (making it through immigration checks in record time, thanks to facial recognition), I caught that bug, the same one that brought the world to a halt half a decade ago. But I caught it early, so I knew that I could probably get some treatment.
That led to a quick trip to an 'Urgent Care' - the frontline medical center for most Americans. At the check-in counter, the check-in nurse asked to see some ID, so I handed over my Australian driver's license. The nurse looked at the license and typed some of the info on it into a computer, then they looked up at me and asked: "Are you the same Mark Pesce who lived at...?" and then proceeded to recite an address that I resided at more than half a century ago.
Dumbstruck, I said, "Yes...? And how did you know that? I haven't lived there in nearly 50 years. I've never been in here before - I've barely ever been in this town before. Where did that come from?"
"Oh," they replied. "We share our patient data records with Massachusetts General Hospital. It's probably from them?"
I remembered having a bit of minor surgery as an 11 year old, conducted at that facility. 51 years ago. That's the only time I'd ever been a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Good thing we're paying for all these data centers!
I started losing my digital privacy in 1974, aged 11
Column: An encounter with the healthcare system reveals sickening decisions about dataMark Pesce (The Register)
Can i customize LibreWolf like this?
Here's how LibreWolf currently looks for me. Aside from the sidebar and some stuff removed from the toolbar, it's pretty standard.
And here's how i'd like it to look, with no toolbar and less stuff in the sidebar.
The back/forward/reload buttons are moved to the top of the sidebar. The window controls are moved to the bottom of the sidebar. Settings & history are replaced by bookmark and menu. And keyboard shortcuts exist to access the address bar, like in Links.
This layout saves space for the content of pages and relies more on keyboard shortcuts and less on the mouse.
Is this possible without making my own Firefox fork?
More tools -> Customize toolbar you can set up that layout AFAIK.
[Episode] Turkey! Time to Strike • Turkey! - Episode 6 discussion
Turkey!, episode 6
::: spoiler Alternative Names
ターキー!
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::: spoiler Additional Links
- Info - AniList
- Info - Kitsu
- Info - MyAnimeList
- Info - Official Site (Japanese)
- Social - Twitter (Japanese)
- Streaming - Crunchyroll
:::
All discussions
| Episode | Link |
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Turkey!
At the bowling club of Ikkokukan High School in Nagano Prefecture, Mai, the club captain, prioritizes everyone's enjoyment over winning. However, her passionate junior, Rina, declares, "I want to win.MyAnimeList.net
What's up with this straight up pro-china and pro-russia stuff on Lemmy lately?
What's up with this straight up pro-china and pro-russia stuff on Lemmy lately?
It's not even praising the people of China and Russia, but rather their gov directly.
Obviously the states have problems, and the EU to a lesser degree, but they at least have some human rights.
Is this some kind of organized disinformation campaign?
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Archaeologists Uncover Majestic Eastern Baths in Ancient Roman Ilici
Archaeologists Uncover Majestic Eastern Baths in Ancient Roman Ilici
After nearly a decade of meticulous research, the archaeological team from the University of Alicante (UA) hasGuillermo Carvajal (La Brújula Verde)
China's green energy boom could spell the end of the fossil fuel age
ABC News
ABC News provides the latest news and headlines in Australia and around the world.Jo Lauder (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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Oh come on! Cheetolini knows best that fossil fuels are the future. All this woke green energy talk.
~I'm case I have to spell it out, I'm being sarcastic.~
Vanishing Culture: Why Preserve Flash? [Internet Archive Blogs]
Flash flew across the mid-2000s internet sky in a blaze of glory and unbridled creativity. It was the backbone of menus and programs and even critical applications for working with sites. But by 2009, bugs and compatibility issues, the introduction of HTML5 with many of the same features, and a declaration that Flash would no longer be welcome on Apple’s iOS devices, sent Flash into a spiral that it never recovered from.But thanks to the Archive’s emulation, Flash lives again, at least as self-contained creations you can play in your browser.
What emerges, as thousand of these Flash animations and games arrive, is what part it played in the lives of people now in their twenties and thirties and beyond. “Almost like being given a moment to breathe, or to walk into a museum space and see distant memories hung up on walls as classic art,” our patrons wrote in.
Book Talk: Lucky Day with Chuck Tingle (IN-PERSON)
The Internet Archive is thrilled to host Chuck Tingle and his upcoming novel Lucky Day, for a book talk presented by The Booksmith! We can\'t wait to see you there, […]\nblog.archive.org
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Gaming on Linux hasn't been great so far...
tl;dw their performance numbers don't match up to what we've seen in the past. Some pretty significant decreases in performance over Windows. I think there's clearly some sort of configuration error there. They also ran into the old dual-boot problem where Windows overwrites the Linux partition.
In my opinion this is lazy and irresponsible reporting. I don't at all mean to discount his experience, they are legitimate concerns, and it's fine to show the struggles of using Linux, but it's very clear he (admittedly) doesn't know what he's doing, and they need to consult an expert (or even a casual user) to figure out what the problem is before reporting. He said in the last video that Bazzite reached out to him to let them know if he has any problems so they could help but he obviously did not do that. As is, it just makes Linux/Bazzite look bad.
I hope he follows up with another video discussing the solutions.
What do you think?
- YouTube
Profitez des vidéos et de la musique que vous aimez, mettez en ligne des contenus originaux, et partagez-les avec vos amis, vos proches et le monde entier.www.youtube.com
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they should buy a second ssd if they want to dual boot Linux
It's actually not necessary, I've been dual-booting on the same system drive for years without any issues at all.
The only thing that's strictly necessary in that case is knowing darn well what you're doing.
Are these two rar files malware? (virustotal results)
Does anyone know if these two files are considered malware?
I see a lot of things in the behavior tab that seem suspicious (but then again, I have no idea, and am relatively new/dumb).
Here are the images of the virustotal results I am referring to:
Also, I did see there was an noticeable slowness to my pc after I extracted the rar files (I was in a VM).
Thank you.
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There are some suspicious things going on like the qcloud and counter-strike domains, as well as the 7zip extract being run.
I would probably get rid of it.
Malware or not, remember to update WinRAR
arstechnica.com/security/2025/…
High-severity WinRAR 0-day exploited for weeks by 2 groups
Exploits allow for persistent backdooring when targets open booby-trapped archive.Dan Goodin (Ars Technica)
OneXPlayer Super X: New AMD Strix Halo gaming handheld teased with convertible design
OneXPlayer Super X: New AMD Strix Halo gaming handheld teased with convertible design
The OneXPlayer Super X has been officially teased. Sticking with a similar design to the other X-series devices, it's a convertible gaming handheld but with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which brings the powerful Radeon 8060S iGPU.Abid Ahsan Shanto (Notebookcheck)
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Are distros really different or is it more about preference?
I've been working and testing to switch my main PC (used for work like audio recording, music, and general multimedia) and have been playing with Ubuntu Studio on my laptop. Loving it so far but I keep seeing people talk about CachyOS, Bazzite, or the new Debian Trixie.
I'm having trouble finding what's really different about all these distros aside from how they look or slight changes in how they do things (I know Ubuntu Studio has a low latency kernel which seems important for what I need to do). Is there a big difference? Like, if I go with Ubuntu Studio am I gonna end up wiping everything and installing CachyOS or Bazzite or something in a month because it's better? Or are all these distros basically the same thing with a different look and feel and as long as I choose one that gets regular updates, it doesn't matter fundamentally?
I'm trying to grasp the Linux concept but being a Windows user my whole life I'm struggling to 'get it'. Instead of trying to understand in the contex of Windows or Mac, is a better comparison Apple/Android? Like iPhones would be similar to both Mac and Windows (you don't get to choose much) and Android would be Linux (I know it's built on it haha) and it's really just a bunch of different options to do the same thing?
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Really they all work the same as long as they're based on the same OS. I've done a lot of distro hopping and the only real difference I've seen is the desktop environment, package managers(sometimes), and pre-installed applications.
Even then, all of these can be changed. I would suggest picking a distro that best suits your needs by default and then add what you need from there.
I personally have been really happy with Linux Mint.
EnteAuth (and a bunch of other FOSS) take Microsoft's "free" money
cross-posted from: lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/51040952
I'm moving away from using products by big tech and I recently started using EnteAuth for 2FA. Today I got an email from them saying that they received money as part of GitHub's secure open source fund. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but I do not like this at all. Microsoft is not altruistic I don't care what anyone says. There has to be an ulterior motive for this. With even the recent news that github won't be so independent anymore and they're getting folded into the Microsoft umbrella this has me worried. But let's be real github was never independent just look at copilot being forced down everyone's throat. That's why I personally stopped using it.
According to the fund
Throughout this program, each project receives $10,000 USD via GitHub Sponsors (which breaks down to $6,000 USD during the sprint and $2,000 USD at 6- and 12-month security check-ins). Projects are also invited to a new security focused community, and office hours with the GitHub Security Lab, that they can take advantage of during the full 12 months. They also receive security resources to immediately implement in their project and Azure credits for cloud infrastructure.
Those sponsors include
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, American Express, Chainguard, Datadog, Herodevs, Kraken, Mayfield, Microsoft, Shopify, Stripe, Superbloom, Vercel, Zerodha, 1Password
Projects that are part of this even include nodejs, nvm, log4j, JUnit, and Matplotlib. Taking cybersecurity seriously is great but this just seems like a way to sucker them into their ecosystem to get them dependent on their products. Like I said maybe I'm being paranoid but I wouldn't be surprise when Microsoft suddenly buys these projects and we lose what made them so great.
Securing the supply chain at scale: Starting with 71 important open source projects - The GitHub Blog
Learn how the GitHub Secure Open Source Fund helped 71 open source projects significantly improve their security posture.Kevin Crosby (The GitHub Blog)
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You may as well just stop using computers all together, bud 🤣
I don't mean to ruin your world view, but there are no ways to run anything you want to run by focusing on "altruistic companies", however you may subjectively define that.
Look, you're focusing on the wrong thing here. Maybe you didn't know this, but the massive majority of FOSS projects get funded by companies - either for consulting, feature bounties, IC development - and is a main driving force for the ecosystem.
Many in this ecosystem would even tell you that every single project is massively UNDERfunded by said companies, and they should kick in more to help keep these projects secure and in good standing. They make billions and billions of dollars off people's work, and it surely seems they should kick some of that back to the projects.
Whatever Microsoft's involvement is here, it's not going to be changing the direction of any of the projects mentioned. If for some reason something untoward starts happening with any project: boom, fork and new community. It's that simple.
In short, these people getting funding for their work is a good thing. If you take issue with who is providing that money, you're going to be digging a deep, deep hole in your research, and if you're running down the dep chain, you'll find out that all of the things you use have some funding by companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, IBM, Red Hat, Amazon, Alibaba, Halliburton, Qualcomm...I could keep going on and on.
but there are no ways to run anything you want to run by focusing on "altruistic companies", however you may subjectively define that.
I think you misunderstood OP. their complaint is not that these projects should search an altruistic donor... but that Microsoft is suspicious in doing this, because arguably they rarely have good intentions.
Whatever Microsoft's involvement is here, it's not going to be changing the direction of any of the projects mentioned.
let's hope so
If for some reason something untoward starts happening with any project: boom, fork and new community. It's that simple.
easier said than done.
In short, these people getting funding for their work is a good thing.
I think OP (and me too) is worried about the terms. like, can these projects abandon github without repercussions? can they start using another code forge in parallel?
Uhhh, repercussions like what?
sudden closure of donated azure services without prior notification and time to move off.
having to pay back some of the money.
the project planning with the promised donations as a given (they don't get all of it upfront, but as they get the most of it it's actually fair) and microsoft either using it as leverage or just carelessly terminating the contract to save money.
in extreme case banning the project from microsoft owned services, including github.
any of that in decreasing order of probability if implementation is different from expected (like not baking in specific security tools to the project) and the parties cannot agree on a solution.
Uhhh, repercussions like what?
sudden closure of donated azure services without prior notification and time to move off.
having to pay back some of the money.
the project planning with the promised donations as a given (they don't get all of it upfront, but as they get the most of it it's actually fair) and microsoft either using it as leverage or just carelessly terminating the contract to save money.
in extreme case banning the project from microsoft owned services, including github.
any of that in decreasing order of probability if implementation is different from expected (like not baking in specific security tools to the project) and the parties cannot agree on a solution.
oh and I must also live in texas, right?
I wouldn't even recognize their voice or face.
In terms of the open source community Microsoft has been significantly less sketchy than usual for about a decade now. For those of us that are old enough to remember the halloween files it's hard to let go of that paranoia, particularly with the sketchy shit MS has been doing with their proprietary stuff lately, but near as I can tell they've been above board on their open source stuff.
I wouldn't go so far as to say blindly trust them at this point, but I wouldn't just assume with no evidence at all that there has to be something nefarious going on either.
Whether it's good or bad is not determined by the fact that it's corporate money, but how that money impacts development, the devil's in the details, not just in a company donating lots of money.
Open source in general is very dependent on corporate sponsors. The linux kernel wouldn't exist had companies not invested in it.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to assess the potential pitfalls here, so I will be cautious but not paranoid, and continue to pay attention to discussions on how FOSS projects are run 🤷♂️
Germany: ING Bank to introduce Wero this month
Bezahldienst: Bezahlen in Echtzeit: ING führt Paypal-Konkurrent Wero ein
Frankfurt/Main - Der noch junge europäische Paypal-Konkurrent Wero bekommt weitere Unterstützung: Europas größte Direktbank ING will den BezahldienstSTERN.de
"I support it only if it's open source" should be a more common viewpoint
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How the world "should" respond to the thing we care about is an actively counter-productive thing to get hung up on.
Its much important how they do respond to it, and how we can reach those who don't connect with it
(And that doesn't just lecturing people and trying to brow beat them into caring about it, which seems like the default approach for a lot of foss folks 🥲 thats the opposite or reaching people, that's alienating them)
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I’m an open source developer who’s put thousands of hours of work into my open source projects.
- Amount of money I’ve made from writing and maintaining open source projects: $0
- Amount of money I’ve made from writing and maintaining closed source projects: idk exactly, but probably close to $1,000,000 (over ten years of working in big tech)
I get wanting to use open source software. I want to use open source software. I want to write open source software. I do write open source software. But please understand that I only do that because I enjoy it. I also need to pay the bills, and there’s not much money in writing open source software.
If you value an open source project, especially if it’s just a small development team that doesn’t sell anything, please donate to them.
Right now, I run an email service, port87.com/, and it is technically closed source. But it’s built on my open source projects, Svelte Material UI, Nymph.js, and Nephele. Probably about 70% of the code that makes up Port87 is open source, and if you use Port87, you’re helping me continue to develop those open source projects. So even if you don’t donate to open source projects, there are other ways to contribute. Support companies who support open source projects.
This sort of thing can't really be done in capitalism at all. Open Source (as it was advanced by Eric S. Raymond and the Mozilla Project back in the late 90s) was always stuck in a capitalist way of thinking.
In a society where everyone has their basic needs met and people are expected to contribute what they can, writing FOSS can be your contribution.
The early mobile phone apps conditioned people to expect things free.
I donate to any project, open or closed source if it's worth it.
How language is hiding the real internet from you
How language is hiding the real internet from you
Most of the internet is out of your reach, but the barrier isn't just algorithms. In another language, the same platforms turn into to whole other worlds.Ryan McGrady (BBC)
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Dutch Signal Group
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Attic Insulation Installers: What You Need to Know for a More Comfortable Home
If you’ve ever stepped into your attic and felt like you were walking into a furnace—or a freezer, depending on the season—you’re not alone. In a climate like Scottsdale’s, where temperatures often soar above 100°F in summer, your attic plays a huge role in determining your home's comfort and energy efficiency. That’s where professional attic insulation installers come in. Whether you're building a new home, upgrading an older one, or just looking to cut down those soaring energy bills, installing or updating your attic insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about attic insulation installation, from why it matters to how to choose the right installer in the Scottsdale area.
Why Is Attic Insulation So Important?
Attic insulation acts as a thermal barrier between your home and the outside environment. In the intense Arizona heat, proper insulation prevents the sun’s radiant heat from penetrating your living spaces. During the cooler months, it works in reverse—keeping the heat inside where it belongs.
Here’s how attic insulation benefits your home:
Lower energy bills – By reducing the amount of heat entering in summer and escaping in winter, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
Improved indoor comfort – No more drastic temperature swings between rooms or floors.
Extended HVAC lifespan – Less strain on your heating and cooling systems means fewer repairs and a longer operational life.
Environmental benefits – Reduced energy use means a smaller carbon footprint.
Types of Attic Insulation
Before diving into the installation process, it’s helpful to understand the types of attic insulation available:
- Blown-In (Loose-Fill) Insulation
This is one of the most common types for attics. It’s made of fiberglass or cellulose and is ideal for irregular or hard-to-reach areas. It's fast to install and great for topping off existing insulation. - Batt (Roll) Insulation
Typically made from fiberglass, batt insulation comes in pre-cut panels. It works well in attics with standard joist spacing and few obstructions. - Spray Foam Insulation
This option offers superior thermal performance and air sealing but tends to be more expensive. It's especially useful if your attic is prone to air leaks or moisture problems.
Why Hire Professional Attic Insulation Installers?
You might be tempted to tackle attic insulation as a DIY project, but here’s why working with professionals—like our team at Scottsdale Attic Insulation—makes a big difference:
- Accurate Assessment
A certified installer will assess your current insulation, check for air leaks, and identify moisture issues before recommending a tailored solution. - Proper Installation
Even the best insulation materials won’t perform well if they’re improperly installed. Professionals ensure coverage is consistent and complete, avoiding gaps that reduce effectiveness. - Safety First
Working in an attic can be dangerous. Trained installers have the equipment and experience to avoid injury, electrical hazards, and exposure to insulation materials. - Building Code Compliance
Insulation requirements vary by region. A licensed installer ensures your home meets Scottsdale’s building and energy codes, which is especially important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
What to Expect During the Installation Process
At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. Here’s what typically happens:
Inspection & Evaluation – We start with a thorough inspection of your attic to evaluate current insulation levels, ventilation, and potential problem areas.
Custom Recommendations – Based on your home’s specific needs, we recommend the best insulation type and R-value (thermal resistance).
Prepping the Space – We seal any air leaks, repair damage, and ensure the attic is clean and safe for installation.
Insulation Installation – Whether it’s blown-in fiberglass or spray foam, our team installs your new insulation with precision and care.
Final Inspection – After installation, we double-check everything to ensure maximum performance and customer satisfaction.
Questions to Ask Your Attic Insulation Installer
Choosing the right contractor matters. Here are a few questions to ask before hiring someone:
Are you licensed and insured?
What type of insulation do you recommend for my home, and why?
How long will the installation take?
What R-value do you suggest?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?
Why Choose Scottsdale Attic Insulation?
We’re a local team that understands the unique challenges of insulating homes in the Sonoran Desert climate. Our focus is on high-quality materials, expert installation, and honest service. When you work with us, you're not just improving your home's comfort—you’re investing in long-term energy savings and peace of mind.
Ready to Make Your Home More Efficient?
If you’ve been noticing higher utility bills, hot or cold spots in your home, or if it’s just been a while since your attic insulation was evaluated, now’s the perfect time to schedule an inspection. At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we’re here to help with friendly, professional service every step of the way.
5-Star Attic Insulation Installers in Scottsdale | Expert Service
Need top attic insulation installers in Scottsdale? Our expert team offers efficient, cost-effective insulation solutions to enhance energy savings and comfort.https://scottsdaleatticinsulation.com
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Blown In Insulation: Everything You Need to Know for a More Comfortable Home
If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale or the surrounding areas, you probably already know how critical proper insulation is to maintaining comfort and reducing energy bills. But if your attic insulation is outdated, compressed, or simply insufficient for our intense Arizona climate, your home could be losing a lot of energy—and money. One of the best solutions to upgrade your home's energy efficiency is blown in insulation.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about blown in insulation, from how it works and what materials are used, to its many benefits and why it's such a smart investment for Scottsdale homes.
What Is Blown In Insulation?
Blown in insulation—also known as loose-fill insulation—is a type of insulation made from small particles of material that are blown into place using specialized equipment. This allows the insulation to fill cavities and cover irregular spaces more completely than traditional batts or rolls.
There are two main types commonly used in attics:
Cellulose – Made from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants.
Fiberglass – Made from spun glass fibers and also treated for fire safety.
Both types are highly effective at creating a thermal barrier that helps keep indoor temperatures stable all year round.
How Is It Installed?
The process is quick, clean, and minimally invasive—making it a favorite among homeowners and insulation pros alike.
Assessment: A professional will inspect your attic to determine how much insulation is needed and identify any issues like leaks, pests, or inadequate ventilation.
Preparation: If existing insulation is damaged or needs to be removed, that step comes first.
Installation: A blowing machine is used to distribute the loose-fill material evenly across the attic floor, filling every nook and cranny.
Finishing Touches: The insulation is leveled to a consistent depth to ensure optimal performance.
For most standard-size homes, the entire process can often be completed in just a few hours.
Why Scottsdale Homes Need Blown In Insulation
Arizona’s climate poses unique challenges—especially the extreme summer heat. Blown in insulation can significantly improve your home’s ability to withstand these temperatures. Here’s how:
Improved Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated attic can lower your cooling bills by up to 20%. Blown in insulation helps create a strong thermal barrier that keeps your AC from working overtime.
Year-Round Comfort: While summers get all the attention, Scottsdale can also see chilly desert nights in the winter. Blown in insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures in all seasons.
Moisture and Mold Resistance: When properly installed, blown in insulation can also help reduce the risk of moisture buildup—especially with cellulose, which is treated to resist mold and pests.
Environmentally Friendly: Cellulose is made from recycled materials, and fiberglass has a relatively low environmental footprint. Both options contribute to greener living.
The Benefits of Blown In Over Other Insulation Types
You might be wondering how blown in insulation compares to traditional batt or spray foam insulation. Here's a quick breakdown:
Feature Blown In Insulation Batt Insulation Spray Foam
Coverage Excellent – fills gaps completely Good – may leave gaps Excellent
Installation Speed Fast Moderate Slower
Cost Affordable Affordable Higher
Sound Dampening Great Moderate Good
Best Use Attics, retrofits Walls, new construction Sealing air leaks
For many Scottsdale homeowners, blown in insulation offers the best combination of performance, affordability, and ease of installation—especially for upgrading attics.
How Long Does It Last?
When professionally installed and maintained, blown in insulation can last 20 to 30 years or more. It doesn't settle as quickly as many people assume, especially modern fiberglass versions, and remains effective for decades. Regular inspections can help ensure it maintains its depth and effectiveness over time.
When Should You Consider Upgrading?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to upgrade your attic insulation:
High energy bills, especially in summer
Uneven indoor temperatures
Drafts or hot spots in the home
Old or damaged insulation
Preparing to sell your home and want to improve energy ratings
Upgrading to blown in insulation is not only practical but also one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency and resale value.
Why Work With Scottsdale Attic Insulation?
At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we specialize in helping local homeowners stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and save money all year round. Our experienced technicians use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your blown in insulation is installed perfectly the first time.
We understand the unique needs of homes in the Scottsdale area and take pride in providing honest, friendly service with results you can feel.
Final Thoughts
Blown in insulation is a simple yet powerful upgrade that offers immediate and long-term benefits for homeowners in Scottsdale. Whether you’re dealing with rising energy costs, uneven temperatures, or just want to make your home more eco-friendly, blown in insulation is a smart, effective solution.
Ready to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency? Contact Scottsdale Attic Insulation today for a free consultation and find out how blown in insulation can make a big difference in your home.
Top Blown In Insulation in Scottsdale | Save 30% on Bills
Professional Blown In Insulation in Scottsdale for better energy efficiency and comfort. Trusted installers delivering quality service. Call 602-483-4042!https://scottsdaleatticinsulation.com
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Billy Bragg - Tooth & Nail (2013)
Come già in parte è avvenuto con Mr. Love and Justice, anche in Tooth and Nai, Billy Bragg abbandona il suo "essere" cantautore militante politico e sociale in favore di un suono e quindi di un risultato molto più riflessivo e intimo... Leggi e ascolta...
Billy Bragg - Tooth & Nail (2013)
Come già in parte è avvenuto con Mr. Love and Justice, anche in Tooth and Nai, Billy Bragg abbandona il suo “essere” cantautore militante politico e sociale in favore di un suono e quindi di un risultato molto più riflessivo e intimo. E' evidente che in questi cinque anni di silenzio ha maturato esperienze personali, uno sguardo, un vissuto e un riequilibrio interiore che probabilmente negli anni passati aveva lasciato in stand-by. Una sfera “bragghiana” mi si passi il termine, non nuova quindi ma sicuramente più profonda e matura. Lo si sente subito fin dai primi brani a cominciare dalla voce che, come non mai, raggiunge vertici di espressione notevoli... artesuono.blogspot.com/2014/10…
Ascolta: album.link/i/1173762551
Home – Identità DigitaleSono su: Mastodon.uno - Pixelfed - Feddit
Billy Bragg - Tooth & Nail (2013)
di Silvano Bottaro Come già in parte è avvenuto con Mr. Love and Justice, anche in Tooth and Nai, Billy Bragg abbandona il suo "es...Silvano Bottaro (Blogger)
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Online Safety Act - shutdowns and site blocks
Online Safety Act - shutdowns and site blocks
Report incorrectly blocked sites on UK ISP and mobile networks.Report mobile and Internet Service Providers blocking sites
Now you see me, now you don’t: how subtle ‘sponsored content’ on social media tricks us into viewing ads
Now you see me, now you don’t: how subtle ‘sponsored content’ on social media tricks us into viewing ads
Scientists find that people mostly avoid social media ads when they see them, but many ads blend in seamlessly.Angharad Brewer Gillham (Frontiers | Science news)
Couchpotato, sonarr alternatives in 2025
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Ett av de projekt som Föreningen för Digitala Fri- och Rättigheter (DFRI) driver är att ta fram en ny och bättre digital legitimation. Anledningen till varför det behövs en bättre e-legitimation anger de tydligt i projektbeskrivningen.
blog.zaramis.se/2025/08/13/for…
För en bättre e-legitimation - Svenssons Nyheter
För en bättre e-legitimation. Ett av de projekt som Föreningen för Digitala Fri- och Rättigheter (DFRI) driver är att ta fram en nyAnders_S (Svenssons Nyheter)
Serving a simple website from a Jail with Bastille
In this short little howto we will be setting up a simple Jail via Bastille and host a static website.
Beware: The article assumes that sudo is configured. You can of course also use doas or switch to root, if you so desire. Some commands need root rights to work – keep that in mind as you go along!
First, we need to install Bastille itself.
$ sudo pkg install -y bastille
After installing, we enable the bastille service.
$ sudo sysrc bastille_enable=YES
And finally we start it.
$ sudo service bastille start
The next step on the list is to acually alter the bastille config to adapt it to our needs. Beware that in this guide I assume that you’ve installed FreeBSD with ZFS – or that you have a ZFS pool on hand that we can leverage. By default FreeBSD calls this pool zroot (Which can be altered during the install of FreeBSD). If you do not use ZFS be sure to not alter the variables below – the default is not leveraging ZFS.
Edit the configuration file.
$ sudo vim /usr/local/etc/bastille/bastille.confbastille_tzdata="Europe/Berlin"...bastille_zfs_enable="YES"bastille_zfs_zpool="zroot"...
In my case, as you can see, I’ve adapted the timezone and set up ZFS for the coming Bastille Jails. Be sure to alter the timezone according to your needs.
Next up is creating a loopback interface.
$ sudo sysrc cloned_interfaces+=lo1$ sudo sysrc ifconfig_lo1_name="bastille0"
Start the newly created interface after creating it.
$ sudo service netif cloneup
Now we can move on to the bootstrap phase. The following command will get the newest release (As of this time) and prepare the environment.
$ sudo bastille bootstrap 14.3-RELEASE update
Alright, with that done we can create our first Jail.
The command given will create a Jail named “web” and give it the IP address of 10.0.23.60. Also specifying the interface after the IP address is important.
Note: Be sure to alter the given address to your own needs!
$ sudo bastille create web 14.3-RELEASE 10.0.23.60/24 vtnet0
So far so good. Check if the Jail is created with the “list” option to bastille.
$ sudo bastille list
If the output shows our newly created Jail called “web” we are good to go.
Now we want to enter our freshly created Jail to continue the setup.
$ sudo bastille console web
First, let’s install pkg and update the repository.
# pkg# pkg update
Next we’ll install the needed software (Webserver) to host our website. We also install a editor – pick the one your prefer (In this example we’ll use vim).
# pkg install -y lighttpd vim
Enable Lighttpd and start it afterwards.
# sysrc lighttpd_enable="YES"# service lighttpd start
We could now configure Lighttpd to our needs and change quite some settings. But in the interest of keeping it simple we will use the default configuration for now. If however you want to change things you can always take a look into the configuration directory which can be found under /usr/local/www/lighttpd (Multiple config files).
By default Lighttpd serves the directory /usr/local/www/data (Document Root). This is where we will put the needed files of our little website.
But, the directory “data” is not yet created. So let us just do that.
# cd /usr/local/www/# mkdir data# chown www:www data
Make sure the owner is set correctly since Lighttpd will by default leverage the user www and group www.
Final stretch ahead. Let’s cd into the directory and clone a simple website from git – After installing git of course.
# pkg install -y git-lite# cd data# git clone github.com/jhx0/bsd-website.gi… mv bsd-website/* .
Our frehsly cloned site should now be moved into the data directory.
The only thing left to do is opening your webbrowser of choice on our client system and navigation to the IP address previously configured.
$ firefox 10.0.23.60
Finsihed!
Beware: This is a default setup – There are many ways to improve this!
Look into the configuration of Lighttpd, esp, considering security related alterations.
Have fun everyone.
Stay Open!
Streamio whilst traveling
Hello me hearties.
I have a question about the Streamio app/Service.
I travel full time and with all the paid streaming services requiring a 'home' IP address I'm now looking for alternatives.
Streamio seems to fit the bill, however I have one question. Although I will be streaming to one or maybe 2 devices, I would probably like to use REAL DEBRID, But, Can I use different IP addresses, for example, one week I might be in Japan, the next week I'll be in Thailand.
In my case would it be best to purchase my own private IP from a VPN provider?
Any advice would be awesome.!
Thank you
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This might be of use?
stremio-addons.net/addons/aios…
"AIOStreams consolidates multiple Stremio addons and debrid services into a single, easily configurable addon. It allows highly customisable filtering, sorting, and formatting of results and supports proxying all your streams through MediaFlow Proxy or StremThru for improved compatibility and IP restriction bypassing."
I use this addon, but not for the proxy stuff.
Do not use Real Debrid and use TorBox, do not make problems with IPs as explained here:
support.torbox.app/en/articles…
I use it and now it works very well, first I used Real Debrid.
if you want my referral:
torbox.app/subscription?referr…
Can I Use My Account With Many Different IP's? | TorBox Help Center
TorBox can be used anywhere!support.torbox.app
Wildlife team 'devastated' by Holt Heath fire animal deaths
A group that has been searching the burnt remains of a heath fire for surviving animals has said it is "devastated" by the loss of wildlife.
The Dorset Heaths Partnership is made up of 10 organisations working together to protect and enhance the Dorset heathlands
Paul Attwell is the partnership's team manager and said the blaze, which started at Holt Heath near Wimborne in Dorset on Saturday morning, was "horrendous".
Wildlife team 'devastated' by Holt Heath fire animal deaths
The Dorset Heaths Partnership found more than 50 dead reptiles on Tuesday.Curtis Lancaster (BBC News)
Rare Sowerby's Beaked Whale washes up in Norfolk
A Sowerby's Beaked Whale, a poorly known deep sea species, has perished after washing up on a beach in Norfolk.
The animal was found in The Wash near Holme-next-the-Sea on Wednesday 6 August by a member of the public, who alerted it to British Divers Marine Life Rescue. By the time a BDMLR representative arrived at the scene, the whale had died, according to Wild Ken Hill on Facebook.
The whale was found to be a female. At this time of year females move south from Arctic breeding grounds – and it may be that this individual was with a young animal.
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Who said you can move furniture with a bike?
I saw this bike made by an independent bike shop for himself.
It's an electric longtail and can carry a 300kg europallet, plus the toolbox on the front, plus an extra person or material on the bike rack!
Here is the link to the shop website: cycles-penet.fr/
Cycles Penet Frères – Fabrication de vélos rallongés personnalisés
Artisan assemblant des vélos longtails, robustes et durables au meilleur prix du marché.www.cycles-penet.fr
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Musk threatens Apple and calls OpenAI boss a liar as feud deepens
Musk threatens Apple and calls OpenAI boss a liar as feud deepens
Relations between the two tech bosses have soured amid a slew of lawsuits and social media digs.Liv McMahon (BBC News)
AI companion apps are on track to generate $120M+ in revenue in 2025, and in H1 there were 60M downloads of this kind of app, up 88% YoY
Holy shit. And I thought I was alone.
Where the hell are we heading as humanity?
AI companion apps on track to pull in $120M in 2025 | TechCrunch
The number of AI companion apps has grown more than 60% since 2024.Sarah Perez (TechCrunch)
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China has built the world’s largest bullet-train network
China has built the world’s largest bullet-train network
And there’s a lot more to come. But is it a waste of money?The Economist
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New Uvalde Records Reveal Details About School Safety Concerns and Shooter’s Behavioral Issues
The release is part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit that news organizations brought against state and local governments. The fight continues to get the Texas Department of Public Safety to release its own records.
35 Union Pacific train cars derail near Texas town, no injuries reported
Authorities say 35 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed near a small Texas town but there were no injuries reported and no evacuations ordered.
https://apnews.com/article/train-derailment-texas-union-pacific-f9682fd217599b61291b672f20d36692
Brazilian Court Allows Boeing to Continue Hiring Local Engineers
A Brazilian court has ruled that Boeing can continue hiring engineers, rejecting a lawsuit that sought to limit the US planemaker's recruitment practices.
Brazilian Court Allows Boeing to Continue Hiring Local Engineers
A Brazilian federal court has rejected a lawsuit seeking to restrict Boeing's recruitment of local engineers, allowing the US planemaker to continue its hiring practices in the country.Prachi Patel (Simple Flying)
UK | Government expands police use of live facial recognition vans
The Home Office says the technology helps locate suspects but civil liberties groups warn of heightened surveillance.
Melvin_Ferd
in reply to return2ozma • • •Right, I see a handful of articles about the same handful of people. The hysteria is the media. Absolutely floored how no one else sees that the media is driving a weird campaign against AI. It's creating opinions.
I'm not saying AI is great. But I am saying fucking media is doing a thing and more people should be asking why
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deegeese
in reply to Melvin_Ferd • • •Why is the media reporting on a thing that’s happening?
Why are multiple sites writing about the same topic?
Must be an anti-AI conspiracy.
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Melvin_Ferd
in reply to deegeese • • •FaceDeer likes this.
deegeese
in reply to Melvin_Ferd • • •like this
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Melvin_Ferd
in reply to deegeese • • •Devolution
in reply to Melvin_Ferd • • •Fear mongering at its best but honestly, the fear of AI is warranted. Especially when goat fuckers like Musk are central in their creation.
Grok anyone?
Melvin_Ferd
in reply to Devolution • • •Yea I agree fully that having individuals that own the one or two platforms is bad.
I don't think much of the fear and panic is warranted though.
Honestly view these headlines the same way you'd view headlines about any other bullshit hysteria that media drums up. It's all so weirdly familiar.
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Devolution
in reply to Melvin_Ferd • • •The media hasn't been legitimate since 2010.
Example: CNN = Breaking News! Cow sneezes on side of road.
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CodexArcanum
in reply to Melvin_Ferd • • •I don't necessarily think the MM is intentionality going against AI, they're just following what drives engagement and the mainstream tide is turning against AI (again, AI winter 3.0, here we go).
However, I did see that "AI causes delusions" article in the NYT together with the very hilarious conflict of interest notice: "The NYT is currently suing OpenAI for copyright infringement."
So who knows? It is entirely in the MM's interests to both write about AI (hot topic, much engagement) and also to make the AI companies look incompetent, reckless, and dangerous because that bolsters their cases against them.
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