Posts

My Experience as a Juror on a Cold Case Rape Trial

My experience serving as a juror on the 2026 cold case rape trial of Maurice Muhammad in Richmond, VA, where DNA evidence from a 1992 rape kit identified the defendant more than 30 years after the crime.

I Was Called for Jury Duty in Richmond, VA. Here's What I Wish I'd Known.

What to actually expect when you're called for jury duty in Richmond, VA, from the confusing mail instructions to voir dire and everything in between.

My Smart Home Setup 2026

I created a slash page for my smart home setup! Check it out if that's your jam.

My AI Manifesto

Good grief, I'm thinking and talking about AI too much. Sorry about that. I, too, am exhausted by it and after this, I will try my very best to stfu about it in public channels.

Re: No AI Badges

Exploring where to draw the line on AI use when it comes to displaying 'No AI' badges on your website.

Meet Mac!

Meet Mac, our adventurous orange tabby who climbs roofs, breaks through locked cat doors, and supervises fish tank maintenance.

Sorry folks, you can't avoid AI

I consider many people on the Fediverse to be my tribe, and they largely reject AI. I think they have it wrong.

Please meet our cat Polly

Meet Polly Pockets, our timid, snuggly, crawl-space-dwelling calico with a parrot complex and a permanent RBF.

Re: The Good & Not Good

Reflecting on religion, morality, and where goodness actually comes from.

More blog updates! Feeds, books and watch log oh my!

I've added a few more features to my site. A book log, a watch log and the feeds to go with them.

Site Redesign Complete

I've finished redesigning my website with a minimalist approach, updated my RSS and JSON feeds, brought back Open Graph tags, and refreshed my favicons.

Re: Self-hosting versus lots of small indieweb providers

Pondering the IndieWeb: Why true data portability and identity ownership matter more than just self-hosting, and why email is still the gold standard.

How to Use Multiple Temperature Probes with the Apollo Automation TEMP-1

Use Dallas indexing to connect multiple temperature probes to a single Apollo Automation TEMP-1 sensor in Home Assistant with ESPHome.

What I’ve Learned About Cycling Freshwater Aquariums

Sharing my experience cycling a freshwater aquarium and the lessons I learned along the way.

So I guess I'm into aquariums now

Rediscovering my love for aquariums after 30 years, I’ve gone from one small tank to several thriving freshwater setups—and I’m documenting the journey.

Re: Digital hygiene: Passwords

My take on password managers, MFA, and recovery code storage in response to Herman’s post on digital hygiene.

Re: Thanks for the Referrals

Sharing insights on how I use Fathom Analytics and webmaster tools to understand site traffic, improve posts, and debunk mobile-first design assumptions.

Road Trip to Omaha

A spring road trip from Richmond to Omaha for the NFL Draft, van camping in a Pacifica, testing gear, visiting family, and driving 2,600+ miles frugally.

Re: Mastodon Exit Interview

Reflecting on Mastodon’s limitations around account control, portability, and federation—why it still doesn’t quite feel like owning your identity online.

Two Weeks with the Pixel 9 Pro XL

First impressions of switching from iOS to Android with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL—what works well, what doesn't, and whether it's worth the trade-offs.

Please meet our cat Lily

Meet Lily, our aloof yet loving feline matriarch: smart, sassy, laptop‑perching shadow who rules kittens with bops and selective affection daily.

Re: Your Phone Should Be Distributed, Not Centralized

Responding to frustrations with app store monopolies. Exploring vendor lock-in, the challenge of avoiding Big Tech (Google/Apple), and finding peace.

On choosing an Android phone over an Apple phone

I chose a Google Pixel over an iPhone to escape Apple's walled garden, reduce vendor lock-in, and regain control--despite Google's own privacy trade-offs.

Looking for non-Amazon reading workflows—recommendations welcome

I'm looking to move away from Amazon for reading. Here's my current setup. Please recommend a non-Amazon, open-source-friendly workflow.

Open Source, Privacy, and Sanity: Learning from My Mistakes

After burning out on my quest to ditch big tech, I''m ready to try again—this time with balance. Here''s how I plan to reclaim tech freedom without the frustration.

The Real Value of Car Tech: A Minivan Owner's Perspective

A personal perspective on modern car technology, contrasting the auto industry's push for self-driving cars with practical features that actually matter to everyday drivers, based on experience with a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica.

How to Fix the “ESP Does Not Have Enough Space” Error When Flashing Athom Human Presence Sensors with ESPHome

Learn how to resolve the "ESP Does Not Have Enough Space" error when flashing Athom Human Presence Sensors with ESPHome. This step-by-step guide breaks down the solution to help you overcome OTA file size issues and successfully flash your devices.

Remembering our cat Oliver

Oliver, a cherished cat, passed away suddenly due to complications from diabetes. A once-grateful stray, he brought joy with his loving companionship and quirky habits. He’ll be deeply missed.

How to generate SSH keys on Linux

A step-by-step guide on how I generate SSH keys on my Linux system.

How to set the open and close limits on Aqara E1 curtain driver

How to set the open and close limits on Aqara E1 curtain drivers using the physical buttons, without the Aqara hub.

How to use PnP PowerShell to get a list of classic lists on a SharePoint Online site

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My Skepticism About 'AI' and How It's Actually Helping Me

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How to restore SSH keys on Windows 11

This is a note to self about doing the thing the title describes.

Our 2023 Thanksgiving Cruise

We went on a cruise during the week of Thanksgiving 2023. Here is my write up.

Re: Automation for Automation's Sake

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Password managers and 2fa

Here is my strategy for passwords and two factor authentication

My smart home setup 2023

I started my home automation journey in February 2021. Since then, I've added more functionality, so I'd like to document my current setup and thoughts.

How to backup and restore ssh keys on Linux

I just reloaded the OS on my little System76 box and I stumbled around a bit when trying to restore my ssh keys. Here is a note for myself but maybe it can help someone else too.

A quick note about my site migrations

Seeing some spam from my RSS feed? Sorry about that.

How to add a custom slugify filter to 11ty

During my recent blog migrations, I discovered the new slugify filter handles apostrophes differently. I'd prefer they were dropped. Here are the steps.

How I setup a new website on caddy server

I can never remember the exact steps to setup a new website on caddy server. These are my notes for the next time I need to do this.

Case study: Calculating business days with Power Apps

We had a requirement to calculate only business days in Power Apps, when calculating a due date in the future. I've never done this before, so it was an excellent opportunity to document how I came up with a solution that worked.

My approach to dialog boxes in Power Apps

This is my approach to dialog boxes in Power Apps

Welcome to mharley.dev 2.0

I've finally made a move to update my professional website.

Good morning computer 15-Jan-2023, Richmond VA edition

We moved!! And here are some links!

How to setup Calibre to remove DRM from ebooks on Linux

I'm writing this little guide as a note to myself on how to setup Calibre to make backup copies of the ebooks I purchase on my Linux system.

My 2022 in review

Here is a quick reflection on 2022

Twitter migration tension. Old guard vs new. Fight!

Some thoughts on the tension between the new Mastodon guard and the old. Can't we all just get along?!

My Open Source contributions for 2022

I'm a big user of open source software and I think it's important that we support the projects. Here are my contributions for 2022.

Good morning computer 18122022, vibe check and links edition

Just checking in and sharing some links.

Are personal Mastodon instances bad for discovery?

For the past 10 days or so, I've been using my own personal Mastodon instance and I'm not sure how I feel about it so far.

I updated my site design and layout - welcome to v5

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I need music player app recommendations for Android and Linux

I want to sync playlists between the two. How?

On the Twitter migration and the Fediverse

I have thoughts about the Twitter migration thing that's happening on Mastodon. After reading Hugh's essay on the topic, I feel inspired to scribble a few down.

How I Internet

Inspired by Cassey Lottman, I am going to share a bit about how I spend my time online.

Rachelle and I got married in Las Vegas

A quick write up about our elopment in Las Vegas.

My online personal brand. Why do I care?

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Welp, my XMPP experiment is over

I tried using XMPP for 6 months but have now shut down my server. Here are my thoughts.

Good morning computer, checking in 24jul22

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Re: The Linux Desktop is Hard to Love

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A quick note on contactless payments

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Good morning computer, zombie edition

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How I manage my imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a real thing and here are some techniques I use to manage mine

How I configured my Synology NAS and Linux to use rsync for backups

There are many guides on the web about this topic but many are different and contain unnecessary steps.

Hello to all the new Mastodon users

Here are some of my fav people to follow on Mastodon.

A quick note on my good morning computer posts

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Good morning computer, happy Sunday and the cold persists

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Power Automate Get Member Email Addresses of a SharePoint Online Group

Here is a quick walkthrough on how I use Power Automate to get member emails from a SharePoint Online group.

Good morning computer, happy Sunday morning 20mar22

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Good morning computer, cold and snowy in Nashville

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Why I bother with static sites

Many people in my feed seem to be frustrated by running a static site. Here is why I persist.

On ebook readers and why I am opting out of vendor lock-ins

A detailed look into why bad data retention practices and vendor lock in no longer works for me.

Good morning computer, 07Mar22

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On boycotts and why that's the wrong framing for me

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Good morning computer 02Mar22 - Work has been crazy

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Good morning - here are a few cryptocurrency articles I found interesting recently

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Good morning computer 23feb22

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Automating some of the publishing steps for my Eleventy blog

Heres how I automated some of the tedious steps of publishing new posts on my Eleventy blog.

Is Firefox OK?

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Police start arresting protesters to end the siege of Canada's capital

I'm so tired of COVID and protesters. Please go away.

On being frustrated with the current state of browsers

I feel pretty frustrated by the lack of a broswer that isn't working on an ad network

Lets make collecting an MP3 library popular again

If you are switching streaming services, why not just invest in your MP3 music collection? Let's make that shit cool again.

My complete blogging workflow

Here is my complete blogging workflow from how I manage ideas all the way to publishing and sharing.

Giving up on encrypted email

PGP is little more than performative LARP. I'm no longer going to mess with it.

How can we address racism if we can't acknowledge what racism is?

I'm using MLK day as an opportunity reflect on my thoughts about discussions around race

Say hello to obsolete29.com v4!

Eleventy came out with v1.0 so I rebuilt my site to celebrate.

In further defense of auto-update

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OpenSea valued at $13.3 billion in new round of venture funding

Rich people are dumb.

Please do not buy a WiFi router that doesn't autoupdate

We need to give our WiFi routers more considering than a jumped up toaster oven.

My Cryptocurrency experience

To form some first person experiences with cryptocurrency I'm trying to buy some bitcoin and pay someone with it.

Tech I Want in 2022

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My favorite books of 2021

According to my notes, I've read 38 books in 2021. Here is my list of favorites for the year.

My 2021 in review

This was not a great year for me but here are some recollections and photos from the year!

First concernt in two years!

I saw Whitechapel play at The Mill & Mine. I had a great time.

Read The Last Graduate - 4.5 stars

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My Open Source contributions for 2021 - Do you support any projects?

I performed my year end audit of the OSs projects I use and support. I'm hoping to encourage others to support their projects

Why its hard to move away from iPhone

As a long time iOS user, I trust Apple much more than I trust Android to protect my privacy

Log4j - challenge your work place to support OSS projects

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Ok, I give up - I'm back on my iPhone

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Researcher cracked 70% of WiFi networks sampled in Tel Aviv

Good password practices are as important as ever. Update yours if you haven't done so already.

You want Tor Browser ... not a VPN

Have I been overvaluing my VPN? Let's take a look at using Tor instead.

The Decentralization Fallacy

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On languishing and trying to see the positives

I've struggled with my mental health the last few months. I thought I was depressed, but "languishing" seems to fit pretty well too.

Updated social sharing (open graph protocol) images for my personal site

Using the large social sharing images added nothing to the information being published so I've decided to stop using them.

Breaking up with Apple - Two Month Check in

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Amazon-designed fridge will use the same tech as Amazon Go stores

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Firefox now shows ads as sponsored address bar suggestions

Oh man I really don't know how to feel about this. :(

Re: Government secretly orders Google to track anyone searching certain names, addresses, and phone numbers

My main threat model is focused on resisting surveillance capitalism but I am also interested in protecting myself from the police.

Coffeeneuring Challenge 2021

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It's time to stop paying for a VPN

Brian's threat model is not everyone's threat model so be sure to keep that in mind as you read this silly article.

Scooter user death in Nashville shows how car centric we are

Cities should be made for people not cars. Why do we have such a blind spot for how dangerous cars are?

I've changed from using 1Password to KeePass for password management

I just finished my migration from 1Password to Keepass. Here's my reasons and setup.

I've decided to stop using analytics on my personal site

I obsess about the analytics in an unhealthy way, plus this aligns better with my values. Win/win!

Neiman Marcus data breach impacts 4.6 million customers

Let's use this example of a data breach to review my SOPs as they relate to security and privacy.

Fairphone 4 has an incredible 5-year warranty, aims for 6 years of updates

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Game of Thrones is still the all time best TV show

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My online account creation workflow is very convoluted, for privacy!

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Film studios sue “no logs” VPN provider for $10 million

This is is disconcerting

Reply-to links in site feeds

I really love when people include Reply-to links in their RSS feed. Here are a couple options.

There’s no escape from Facebook, even if you don’t use it

The scale and scope of Facebook's internet surveillance is always shocking

How I'm using my Synology NAS to own my content

I've just started the journey of self-hosting and divesting myself from big tech. Here are a few of the things I'm doing so far!

My blog is now hosted on Capsul as a VPS

I wasn't unhappy with the performance of GitHub Pages but I felt Capsul aligned better with my organizing principles.

Analysts: Google to pay Apple $15 billion to remain default Safari search engine in 2021

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Amid backlash, Apple will change photo-scanning plan but won’t drop it completely

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MacBook Pro user tries Linux as daily driver

I recently purchased a Meerkatfrom System76 with the intent of replacing my 2015 MacBook Pro as my daily driver. I wanted to share my initial impressions.

Twitter threads are the new blog posts

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Social account thief goes to prison for stealing, trading nude photos

Reason number 5,117 as to why basic account security is important.

OnlyFans Says It Is Banning Sexually Explicit Content -->

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Opting out of Spotify

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Impressions of CalyxOS after two weeks

I've had my Pixel 4a, running CalyxOS for about two weeks now and I wanted to share my impressions at this point

The best grilled chicken

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An Apple fanboy tries out Android on a Pixel 4a

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Wait Apple, maybe I still love you

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I am breaking up with Apple

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Our quick weekend trip to Memphis

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Introducing my new Weber Performer 22 inch charcoal grill

We recently moved from an apartment complex into a house with a decent deck so we bought a new grill about it!

Resisting Surveillance Capitalism

I believe resisting surveillance capitalism is important and here are some of the things I do.

Common pitfalls of low-code solutions with Power Platform

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Using Power Automate Flow to add users to a SharePoint group

I recently had a requirement to add users to a SharePoint group using Power Automate Flow. This is how I did it.

Lessons learned from my time at USDA

I have accepted a new position at Asurion. Here is my retro from my time at USDA!

Why I blog

I recently read an article about building a blogging habit and I'm inspired to share my own thoughts on it.

Setting a conditional variable in Javascript

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Improving my automated open graph image process w/ Eleventy

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Improving upon my image processing with Eleventy

I recently relaunched my website and I believe I have improved upon my image processing setup using eleventy-img. Here is what I did.

Welcome to obsolete29.com v2.0!

“I have decided to rebuild my personal site. I wanted a more minimlist look and feel. Here is what I did!”

Hiking the Black Mountain section of the Cumberland Trail

I hiked Black Mountain on March 27th 2021. Here is my trip report.

Leaning into Power Platform

I have a confession. I'm a SharePoint Developer and I don't like Power Platform; I'd rather do it in PowerShell.

Watched: The Wire ★★★★½

Rachelle and I just finished watching The Wire and I think it's still a great show!

Getting started with home automation and my initial thoughts

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Lessons learned from my job search

My last day at Bridgestone was Monday, December 7th. These are my observations from my job search.

How to create a border-top linear gradient

I was struggling to create a linear gradient top border for a call out section. Here's the solution I landed on.

Automated social sharing images with Eleventy and Puppeteer

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Setup social sharing previews, SEO, and favicons on Eleventy

This is part four of how I used 11ty to setup my personal site. This is how I setup open graph protocol, search and favicons.

RSS, a love letter and walkthrough for my Eleventy site

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My 2020 in review

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Styling inline SVG images with an external style sheet

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Configuring responsive and optimized images with Eleventy

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Building my personal site with Eleventy

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Please meet my cats

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Lessons learned from my time at Bridgestone

After nearly 5 years with Bridgestone, I’ll be leaving the company because of restructuring. Since the announcement, I’ve reflected about my lessons learned that I can take away with me and onto my next opportunity.

I am learning web development

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Junior Dee Harley

Genealogy and family history page for Junior Dee Harley, with photos, records, and links for those researching or related to him.

My Blog

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Hello world!

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