IT'S MONDAY, AND THIS IS DIGITAL POLITICS. I'm Mark Scott, and, thankfully, I am not in Davos this week. For those of you who are, #thoughtsandprayers. I can only hope you have secured the right badge.
— As EU-US tensions hit boiling point, the faltering relationship between the world's most important democracies will be felt in the online world.
— There is a month to go before India's AI Impact Summit. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the circus arriving in New Delhi.
— The results are in: Australia crunched the numbers on how many under-16 year olds were booted from social media since December.
We are always amused that we can run emulations or virtual copies of yesterday’s computers on our modern computers. In fact, there is so much power at your command now that you can run, say, a DOS emulator on a Windows virtual machine under Linux, even though the resulting DOS prompt would probably still perform better than an old 4.77 MHz PC. Remember when you could get calculators that ran BASIC? Well, [Calculator Clique] shows off BASIC running on a decidedly modern HP Prime calculator. The trick? It’s running under Python. Check it out in the video below.
Think about it. The HP Prime has an ARM processor inside. In addition to its normal programming system, it has Micropython as an option. So that’s one interpreter. Then PyBasic has a nice classic Basic interpreter that runs on Python. We’ve even ported it to one or two of the Hackaday Superconference badges.
If you have a Prime, this is a great way to make it even easier to belt out a simple algorithm. Of course, depending on your age, you might prefer to stick with Python. Fair enough, but don’t forget the many classic games available for Basic. Adventure and Hunt the Wumpus are two of the sample programs included.
Silicone bakeware has become a staple in many kitchens due to its flexible, yet temperature-tolerant nature. New research from Canada shows it could be causing trouble for your liver and lungs, however.
The siloxanes that make up silicone bakeware can target “the liver through oral exposure, as well as the liver and lungs through inhalation exposure.” The fat content of the food being baked is also a factor as these compounds are lipophilic, so higher fat foods will absorb more siloxanes than lower fat foods.
Don’t throw out all your silicone yet, though. The researchers say, “the results showed a consistent decreasing trend in migration levels across consecutive weekly baking sessions, with no increase after the seven-month interval.” So, that dingy looking silicone mat you’ve used a hundred times is safer than a brand new, brightly-colored one.
If you ever built a line following robot, you’ll be nostalgic about [Jeremy’s] light-seeking robot. It is a very simple build since there is no CPU and, therefore, also no software.
The trick, of course, is a pair of photo-sensitive resistors. A pair of motors turns the robot until one of the sensors detects light, then moves it forward.
This is a classic beginner project made even easier with a 3D printer and PCB to hold the components. You might consider using an adjustable resistor to let you tune the sensitivity more easily. In addition, we’ve found that black tubes around the light sensors in this sort of application give you a better directional reading, which can help.
The robot only has two wheels, but a third skid holds the thing up. A freely-rotating wheel might work better, but for a simple demonstration like this, the skid plate is perfectly fine.
This is a good reminder that not every project has to be fantastically complex or require an RTOS and high-speed multi-core CPUs. You can do a lot with just a handful of simple components.
If you want to follow a line, the basic idea is usually the same, with perhaps some different sensors. Usually, but not always.
How do you go about making a mirror with 128 segments, each of which can be independently angled? That was the question that a certain bloke over at [Time Sink Studio] found himself pondering on, to ultimately settle on a whole batch of mini-actuators bought through AliExpress. These stepper-based actuators appear to be akin to those used with certain Oppo smartphones with pop-up camera, costing less than half a dollar for a very compact and quite fast actuator.
The basic design is very much akin to a macro version of a micromirror device, as used in e.g. DLP projectors, which rely on a kinetic mirror mount to enable precise alignment. With the small actuators travelling up to 8 mm each, the mirrors can cover 73 mm at a distance of 4 meters from a wall.
With the required angle of the mirror being effectively just the application of the Pythagorean theorem, the biggest challenge was probably calibrating these linear motors. Since they’re open loop devices, they are zeroed much like the steppers on 3D printers, by finding the end limit and counting steps from that known point. This doesn’t make drift impossible, but for projecting light onto walls it’s clearly more than good enough.
Syringes are pretty ergonomic, but when manually dispensing flux and solder paste it doesn’t take long before one wants a better way. [Elektroarzt]’s flux and solder paste dispenser design uses 3D-printed parts and minimal hardware (mostly M3x20 screws, and an optional spring) to improve handling and control. The operating principle is very similar to how a hot glue gun feeds a stick of glue. How does it work? The ratcheting lever mechanism is similar to that of a hot glue gun, where an arm slips into notches in a rod when pressed down, driving it forward and never backward. In the process, a larger lever movement is translated into a shorter plunger travel, enhancing control.
The types of syringes this tool is meant to be used with have a plunger tip or piston (the rubber stopper-looking part, in contact with the liquid) inside the loaded syringe, but no plunger shaft attached to it. This is common with syringes meant to be loaded into tools or machines, and [Elektroarzt]’s tool can be used with any such syringe in a 10 cc size.
It’s an attractive design, and we like the way syringes top-load as well as the way the tool is made to lay flat on a tabletop, with the lever pointed up.
Get a handle on this bad boy! Okay, so those voids are really more for airing out your palms, I’d imagine, because palm sweat sure is real — you should see the pads of my Kinesis. This kind of looks like two sawed-off machine guns kissing, and I mean that in the best possible and non-violent way.
Image by [ntc490] via redditSo, [ntc490] has been on Team Special Keyboard for eight years now and decided it was time to design one. The goal was to make something semi-portable, super ergo, and as easy/cheap to build as possible, which, honestly, that sounds like one of those pick-two situations.
And yet, pricing (oh yeah, this is gonna be A Thing You Can Buy) will be around $115-155, depending upon whether you want the base kit, or the add-ons, too, minus switches and key caps.
So let’s get into the particulars here. As you can see, there are key wells and thumb clusters, inspired by other keyboards including your bog standard Maltrons, Kinesis Advantages and more modern, open-source takes like the Dactyl. [ntc490] loves the key well-thumb cluster combination, and I do, too (hello from the Glove80). And miraculously, the keys are hot-swappable via sockets.
Image by [ntc490] via redditThat novel tenting mechanism is adjustable, rugged, and portable. You can tent it near-vertical, lay it flat, or take it apart if you wish. The thing is modular for future expansion options such as wrist rests and displays.
So please do go visit the thread if this keyboard appeals to you at this price point. I love it, but I would need more rows of keys, personally. The top reddit comment mentions this as well, and [ntc490] says that because the thing is modular, it can easily accommodate more keys in both the wells and the thumb clusters. I seriously want one of these. Just with a few more keys.
Open-Sourcing the Ultimate Portable Split
Remember [kleshwong]’s PSKEEB5 from a couple of Keebins ago, right before Christmas? He was going to open-source it if there was enough interest? Well, it seems that [kleshwong] decided to do it anyway and has since provided some new videos if you want to build one for yourself.
Image by [kleshwong] via GitHubThe first one covers the reasoning behind the reconsideration as well as the BOM and the case. The next video is the complete soldering tutorial, which clocks in at a very watchable fifteen minutes. Finally, [kleshwong] spends another fifteen on assembly and flashing the thing.
As a refresher, this thing has some really neat features like swing-out tenting feet, a pair of trackpoints, rotary encoders, and a carrying case that doubles as a laptop stand.
For the internals, any nice!nano-compatible boards will do. You’ll also need Kailh hot-swap sockets, among other things, naturally. If you have any trouble sourcing like the trackpoints for instance, you’re in luck, because [kleshwong] recently opened an online store. Go forth and build the ultimate portable split!
The Centerfold: Glove80 Looks Good In Wood
I’m using my MoErgo Glove80 pretty hardcore these days, driving them all crazy down at the library. But hey, it’s quieter than the big, echo-y Kinesis Advantage, even though they both have browns.
Once I saw the upcoming Go60 by MoErgo, though, I knew I simply needed wooden palm rests for the Glove80. So, over the course of two days, my father-in-law and I fabricated these fetching zebrawood rests, first from pink foam, then from poplar, and finally from book-matched zebra. I think we have a real conversation piece here.
Do you rock a sweet set of peripherals on a screamin’ desk pad? Send me a picture along with your handle and all the gory details, and you could be featured here!
Historical Clackers: a 3D-Printed Index Typewriter!
I was sorry to hear that [Keenan Finucan] had to submit this twice in order to get my attention. But here we are, with what is probably the world’s first 3D-printed index typewriter. So, why is this filed under Historical Clackers? Because I said so, and because it’s based on a real antique index typewriter, the AEG Mignon Model 4. This first model of Mignon was designed between 1901-1903 by German company AEG. Mignons were produced until 1932.
Image by [Keenan Finucan] via ThingiverseI suppose I don’t have to explain what an index typewriter is at this point. Besides, it seems pretty obvious in this design, but maybe I’m biased. Essentially it’s like a label maker, the old ka-chunk kind. You squeeze out one character at a time, then you move the index to the next character.
I think this looks fabulous overall, and I rather like the way the index is laid out, which is decidedly non-alphabetical and, surprisingly, does not mirror the AEG index.
[Keenan] reports that thanks to months of work and revisions, this project is as accessible and repeatable as possible. You don’t even need any glue, and non-printed items are at a minimum. You will need a minimum XYZ build volume of 250 x 210 220 mm, TPU or other flexible filament, some springs, a bit of coat hanger wire, and a universal 1/2″ typewriter ribbon, which is pretty widely available.
Finally, $2K Keyboard Computer Is a Return to Form
Alright coders, designers, and engineers: this elegant hunk of metal is for you. What we’ve got here is Caligra’s c100 Developer Terminal. Described as a “computer for experts”, this is not meant for scrolling social media, although what developer can get through the day without a reddit break or three? Image via Yanko Design Let’s talk about that body. It’s entirely CNC-milled from a solid block of aluminium, which makes me think of the Icebreaker keyboard we saw here almost exactly a year ago. Both double as handy bludgeoning devices, but this one is decidedly more attractive. The bead-blasted finish of the c100 does simultaneously evoke modern and industrial design, so I’ll agree with Yanko on that note.
The coolest part is half-evident in the picture I chose. There’s a central magnetic pivot structure, and this lets you detach and fold the thing up even smaller, without any external hinges. Note the fuzzy texture. Image via Yanko Design I thought the storage compartment gimmicky at first, but I’ve grown to like the idea of having a place for pens and whatnot. Yanko almost threatens to call it subversive in the face of what tech companies probably do not want you doing: opening the thing up. You are supposed to tinker with this one.
For some reason, the num pad is on the left, though I suppose this solves the distance-to-mouse problem. Yanko says the design uses Fitts’ law to accelerate task management, and this is supposed to explain why the keys are clustered the way they are. Basically, the placement of each key has been optimized for both speed an minimal hand movement. The wired mouse looks a bit uncomfortable, however.
This thing ships with Workbench OS, which is Linux-based and built specifically for technical work. There are no pop-ups in Workbench OS, which sounds amazing. So I would think that c100 is for writers, too, provided the keyboard clacks nicely.
Although arguably redundant on a typical computer keyboard, the idea of embedding small screens into the buttons on devices like audio production gear that often have so many buttons can make a lot of sense. As exemplified by devices with a UX that regularly degrades into scrolling through options on a tiny screen. This was basically the impetus for [Craig J Bishop] a few years ago to set out on a design project called the SoundSlabaudio sequencer/sampler/synthesizer and slab that would make those buttons much more functional.
Obviously, the right way to start the project is to bulk buy hundreds of 0.85″ 128×128 LCDs so that you’re firmly locked into that choice. Fortunately, it turned out that the most annoying part of this LCD was the non-standard 0.7 mm pitch on its flat flex cable (FFC). This was worked around with an PCB adapter milled out of some copper-clad FR-1, which gave it a convenient PMOD interface for straightforward hook-up to a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA board.
The buttons themselves were designed as 3D printed key caps for the LCDs that clipped onto typical Cherry MX-style mechanical keys. This also revealed that the original FFCs were too short, so they had to be replaced with new FFCs, that also adapted it to a standard 0.5 mm pitch. With this a 4×4 button prototype board could be constructed for testing.
Since that prototype [Craig] has built a full-sized SoundSlab grid, with a custom FPGA board and HDMI input, of which a preview can be seen in the post, along with a promise by [Craig] to soon post the rest of the SoundSlab development.
Il Garante è come la moglie di Cesare, non può essere sospettabile. E in questo momento non può permettersi di essere meno che assolutamente autorevole, per questo Scorza ha fatto la scelta giusta. Se gli altri non si fanno indietro da soli, li si convinca. Ricambio completo del Collegio, subito!
Si è concluso ieri a Roma il convegno “L’evangelizzazione itinerante” (16-18 gennaio) promosso dai missionari vincenziani d’Italia e dedicato a missionari, consacrati e laici della Famiglia vincenziana impegnati nell’annuncio del Vangelo.
Il Papa ha ricevuto in udienza Petr Pavel, presidente della Repubblica Ceca, il quale, successivamente, si è incontrato con il cardinale Segretario di Stato, Pietro Parolin, accompagnato da mons.
“Vivere la vostra spiritualità senza mai separarvi dal resto del corpo ecclesiale, come parte viva della pastorale ordinaria delle parrocchie e delle sue diverse realtà, in piena comunione con i fratelli e in particolare con i presbiteri e i vescovi”…
“Vivere l’esperienza del Cammino Neocatecumenale e portare avanti la missione esige anche, da parte vostra, una vigilanza interiore e una sapiente capacità critica, per discernere alcuni rischi che sono sempre in agguato nella vita spirituale ed eccl…
“Profondamente rattristato nell’apprendere la dolorosa notizia dell’incidente ferroviario ad Adamuz, Cordova, che ha provocato numerose vittime e ferite”, il Papa “offre suffragi per l’eterno riposo dei defunti e fa arrivare il suo sentimento di vici…
“Ordine e sicurezza sono doni che costano sacrificio a chi li garantisce e che però contribuiscono notevolmente al bene di tutti: in questo caso non solo allo svolgersi pratico delle attività nel rispetto delle norme, ma anche al loro collocarsi in u…
“Desidero particolarmente ringraziarvi per quanto avete fatto nel corso del Giubileo appena concluso, come pure in occasione della morte del mio compianto Predecessore, Papa Francesco, dei suoi funerali e del Conclave”.
“In un’epoca in cui la gente è spesso tentata da un senso di disperazione, la nostra missione, come cristiani messaggeri di speranza, è portare la luce del Signore negli angoli più bui del nostro mondo”.
“Rafforzare, in questi giorni, la preghiera per la piena unità visibile di tutti i cristiani”. È l’invito del Papa, al termine dell’Angelus di ieri in piazza San Pietro.
Tra la Riforma e il Concilio Vaticano II, lo sguardo della Chiesa sul mondo sconta il disagio verso una modernità che si fatica a capire, con chiusure e condanne che passano anche dal pensiero sulla società e l’economia.
[…] In questo clima, Gioacchino Pecci, non ancora Leone XIII, nella lettera per la Quaresima del 1877 scriveva: «Una parola di cui tanto abusano gli scredenti … è la parola Civiltà. Questa parola è diventata un flagello» (Lettere del cardinale G. Pecci, 1880, pp. 119-120). E alla vigilia della Rerum novarum, così leggiamo su la Civiltà Cattolica (un testo anonimo, ma probabilmente di M. Liberatore): «Non vi è uomo di senso il quale non preveda che, di questo passo, l’Europa traboccherà negli orrori del nichilismo» (Anno 1889, p. 257). […]
The Vatican newspaper has published a contribution to the discussion of the meaning of ordo amoris [order of love], nearly a year after US Vice President JD Vance spoke about the concept and Pope Francis wrote about it in a letter to the bishops of the United States. In “Farsi «attivamente prossimi» dell’altro: L’«ordo amoris» visto da una prospettiva biblica“ [Becoming “actively close” to the other: The “ordo amoris” seen from a biblical perspective], Father Jean-Pierre Sonnet, SJ, examined the parable of the Good Samaritan and other biblical passages.
Spyware is one of the most serious threats to fundamental rights, democracy and civic space across Europe. This document pool brings together EDRi’s analysis, advocacy, research, and curated third-party resources as part of our push for a full EU-wide ban on spyware.
Il caso CRIF dimostra: I registri pubblici sono sempre più utilizzati in modo improprio Una nuova revisione del Noyb, che ha coinvolto più di 2.400 persone interessate, mostra che le principali fonti di dati del CRIF accedono a registri pubblici come i registri delle società e dei terreni. mickey20 January 2026
January 19 – Today is MLK Day, in which we celebrate the “birthday” of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (which was actually four days ago on the 15th) and remember him as a nonviolent activist and hero of Civil Rights.
To take a moment of reflection, I think it is especially important to remember the life, work and legacy of MLK Jr. for everything that it was. Martin Luther King Jr. is a figure that fills a hole I believe is deeply missing in today’s day and age.
Many people might overlook the fact, or write it off as a mere footnote, that Dr. King was a Reverend. But you shouldn’t overlook that fact.
Dr. King was apart of what we will boil down for simplicity purposes as “the Christian Left”.
What we are seeing in today’s day and age is the continual bastardization of Christian imagery in order to progress an agenda of “Christian Nationalism”. While Civil Rights should rightfully be recognized as Dr. King’s legacy, his role as a prominent Christian and the undeniable role his Christianity had on his words and actions must be acknowledged.
“Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”
Because Christian Nationalists of 2026 use phrases such as “Christ is King”, many from left-of-center to far-left tend to completely disregard religion as toxic, antiquated, oppressive or even “opiate of the masses”.
They should not.
It is fine if you personally are non-religious, but many folks do take their faith seriously. It is central to their lives and often influences their day-to-day decisions.
The Reverend Dr. King is no exception, and to lessen that idea his motives were deeply Christian would be to belittle his legacy entirely.
For those of you who consider themselves “on the left”, it is important you do not forget or belittle the impact faith and religion has on people. Furthermore, it is important that you be not afraid of speaking loudly and proudly your faith, but to never force that faith upon other people.
It does not need to be limited to Christianity. Malcolm X, upon returning from his pilgrimage to Mecca, immediately saw the brotherhood of all races as possible and even emphasized the need for the United States to understand Islam in order to address its racial issues.
Even Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor of New York City, has made no secret of his being Muslim as well as a Democratic Socialist. Even in the face of Islamophobic slander, Zohran has not wavered on his faith and his ideological beliefs. So much so that they have spawned “Socialist Jihadist” at him, which is certainly a buzzword.
Zohran Mamdani is not forcing everyone in the New York City to revert to Islam or pay the jizyah. His faith drives his actions and his actions thus become his word.
What Christian Nationalists are attempting to do is force the idea of “we are a Christian nation”, in which Christianity is the law of the land and Christians are first-class citizens. A Christian Republic.
That is an idea and concept Dr. King could not get behind.
Dr. King was openly and proudly Christian, and on the day in which he remember and celebrate the good Reverend, I ask that people of all faiths remember his message of love, justice and equality for all of the people on earth. “All of God’s Children”, if you will.
The United States Pirate Party is a secular organization, and I don’t wish to let this religiously themed post convince you all we are taking a religious approach.
But individuals in the party, myself (Captain Jolly Mitch) included, are believers of some kind. It is the individual, not the movement, who should keep and live by their faith. If your faith is what brings you to do good for the world, then is that not reason enough to hold it proudly?
Remember, and Dr. King was the exemplar of this: faith without works is dead.
@Notizie dall'Italia e dal mondo Si cerca di dipingere la gestione della presidente Delcy Rodríguez come una "svendita", ma la realtà è ben diversa scrive Geraldina Colotti da Caracas L'articolo ANALISI. Strategia delle calunnie per mostrare un Venezuela debole e arrendevole
Just watched British TV segment on Starmer being "diplomatic" and "soft" on Trump compared to Macron and there was defence by some of his ministers of this "power of diplomacy" strategy.
But on January 20th, Trump goes after the UK, insulting them. How much longer will Starmer remain "diplomatic" with the demented dangerous idiot?
@jfmezei ... non trascurerei il "demented" che precede il "dangerous idiot": in tre parole la quintessenza del narcidista maligno che sta mandando il mondo in malora.
Arizona – the Arizona Pirate Party is seeking volunteers to assist with signature collecting for the Blase Henrycampaign. If you are interested in helping Blase get on the ballot, check out their website or join their Discord to get in direct contact.
Pennsylvania – Drew Bingaman will be hosting campaign meet and greets for those in his district on February 2nd and 19th. Those interested can find out more by visiting his Facebook page and checking out “Events”
Conference News – The conference, scheduled for Boston on June 6th, 2026, has been penciled in to be a two day conference, with the final conference business wrapping up on Sunday, June 7th.
In addition, discussions have begun over the theme/tagline for the 2026 conference. Further information such as keynote and guest speakers, as well as discussion topics, will be revealed in the coming weeks. The determination of the theme/tagline may come as soon as next week’s meeting. Discussions and suggestions are currently open on our Discord server.
Young Pirates USA – In accordance with their new bylaws, YPUSA have opened up nominations for Secretary, Signal Officer and Treasurer. A nomination form has been provided to YPUSA members and will close on January 27th, immediately before their next meeting. The Young Pirate’s will have a proper election come the June conference.
@Notizie dall'Italia e dal mondo Ahmad al Sharaa parla di diritti riconosciuti ai curdi ma le sue truppe sono lanciate all'attacco. Assalto alle prigioni con i miliziani dell'Isis L'articolo ROJAVA. Tregua con Damasco inesistente, curdi pronti a resistere. Gli Usa tacciono
La scommessa di OpenAi è trovare un involucro fisico per ChatGpt e tutte le sue innumerevoli declinazioni smart: farlo dipendere via via sempre meno dagli smartphone e trovare un prodotto proprietario che la clientela corra ad acquistare per
@Giornalismo e disordine informativo articolo21.org/2026/01/polvo-s… Tra il teatro-danza di Pina Bausch e l’intimità di interpretazioni monumentali, Carlos Marqués-Marcet firma un musical audace sul fine vita, in arrivo nelle sale italiane dal 22 gennaio con Movies Inspired.
@Giornalismo e disordine informativo articolo21.org/2026/01/ricorda… Il 19 aprile del 1972 moriva a Roma nella sua abitazione di via Isonzo, solo e dimenticato da tutti, una delle figure più brillanti della cultura italiana: Ezio d’Errico. Talento poliedrico senza
RFanciola
in reply to Max - Poliverso 🇪🇺🇮🇹 • • •