First and foremost, I'll get this out of the way: I abhor all commercial social media. I don't trust them, I know users are the product, and - ultimately, I feel they're nothing but a cancer on society.

But, I also have to acknowledge that, for one or two use cases at least, they seem pretty unavoidable.

For me, that one use case is Facebook Marketplace. Here in Australia, there's simply no better alternative if you want to reach a large number of potentially interested buyers (or even buy some stuff yourself). The supermarket noticeboard is no more; the Trading Post was bought long ago and died on the vine; and Gumtree has devolved into a cesspool of nothing but scammers and fuckwits.

So, I use FB Marketplace. My FB account isn't in my name, uses a throwaway email address, and has no followers or friends. It's only a member of the local buy/sell groups that I'm interested in, and it performs no "social" activities (posts, likes, etc) at all.

Until now, I generally only use FB marketplace with a "clean", dedicated browser on my computer, running in private mode and via a VPN. But, it means I frequently miss messages from interested parties when I'm away from my computer.

I also sometimes use the mbasic.facebook.com site from a private Firefox tab on my iPhone, but FB has just started telling me I need to use Chrome (no. fucking. way.) or Safari (maaaaaybeeeee?) after October 28th.

When I was on Android, there were a few wrapper apps that I was able to use but, so far, my searches for an equivalent on iOS have turned up nothing.

So, knowing full well this may lead to nowhere, I thought I'd ask this community: does anyone have a good, privacy-friendly way to use FB on iOS?

Thanks in advance for any useful tips or suggestions.

Does anyone know if the 2024.5 Companion App update for iOS removed the ability to control entities from the widget? I've read the release notes but there's no mention of any features being removed.

I could absolutely swear that I had a working widget with most of my lights on it, a solitary button for each light, that I could single tap to toggle said light.

Then, a few months or so back, I noticed the widget didn't seem to be working. The entity icons had change to black, round shadows, and tapping them did nothing.

I deleted the widget, thinking it got corrupted somehow and have never been able to get it back exactly as described above.

Now, it seems that only thing I can do with widgets is use Actions. Some Actions have been auto-created by the Companion App for each scene on my server, and I can obviously create my own Actions, to trigger automations.

But, I don't want to have to frig around with Actions (using input_booleans and automations) to do something as simple as turning a light on or off.

Am I dreaming? Did the iOS widgets never have this ability? Or am I missing something really obvious to configure entities onto a widget?

Thanks in advance for any useful advice.

UPDATE: well, I've belatedly realised I've left out a key piece of information. I need to buy a pair of locks - one for a regular wooden entrance door, and one for a security screen door in front of it.

Turns out hardly anyone (reputable) makes a decent smart lock for screen doors, except the Yale Unity range, but those aren't Z-Wave compatible.

Guess we're sticking with keys for a while longer...

Hey folks - the time's come for me to consider diving into smart locks.

I've been running HA for many years now, and have resisted the urge so far, but a few recent incidents have me thinking smart locks are the next upgrade I need to think of.

My requirements, equal in priority, are:

• Must be usable via HA (automating my locks is the primary reason I'm considering this move)
• Key lock backup (I'm petrified of flat batteries stopping me from entering)
• Ability for HA to report on battery level (see above)
• Local network only (prefer IP, but will consider Z-Wave - anything that calls home in the cloud is a hard no)
• Code and/or fingerprint entry (unique code per person, at least 6 codes)

I say "consider Z-Wave" as I don't currently utilise any Z-Wave devices. The main reason for this is that I run HA (Home Assistant) on a (heh!) HA (high availability) Proxmox setup, and I hadn't sat down to think through how that would work with a Z-Wave USB hub across two nodes.

But, after some cursory research, it seems there's enough options out there that will let me control Z-Wave remotely via MQTT, so I can use one of my RasPis to host a Z-Wave hub just fine.

There's been plenty of positive comments on other posts regarding Schlage's locks, so I'll probably start my research there. But I'm very keen to hear of anyone's experiences with any smart lock brands - good or bad - to help guide my research.

While I'm at it, I'm open to recommendations on a Z-Wave hub. I have zero Z-Wave experience, but I gather it's reasonably straightforward to use. Simple enough requirements:

• Usable on a RasPi running Rasbian
• Decent enough range - has to reach the smart locks through a couple of internal walls, from the garage to the front door (about 6m/20ft)

Cheers in advance for any advice offered!

Ah, excellent. Let's convince the general public to fucking dob on each other. This is totally going to end well.

I hope they have really good gen-AI detection available.

Right wrist (I'm a leftie): Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar Tactical (with generic glass screen protector and silicone case)

Front left pocket:

• A leather pocket organizer, holding:
  • Victorinox SKA (Cyber Tool M edition)
  • Fisher bullet space pen, brass
  • Olight AAA white led torch

Front right pocket: my iPhone 15 Pro Max in a black Spigen Tough Armor case

Back right pocket: a large handkerchief (I get bloody noses and my engine runs pretty hot - I can sweat a lot at times)

Back left pocket: reserved for my minimalist EDC wallet when I carry it (not the exact model, I don't always carry, as I can use my phone for everything, including digital driver's licence)

Belt, right side:

• Leatherman Surge stainless, using the pocket clip, but on my belt
• A spring clip carabiner, on a belt loop, holding
  • My house keys and a trolley token release tool, in a black leather Orbitkey
  • My car fob

Belt, left side: RAE Gear sheath for Leatherman bit kit, holding:

• Dual bit kit
• After-market bit kit extension (simply cannot get the Leatherman ratchet extension ANYWHERE!)
• Leatherman saw blade (file lives on my Surge)

When I go camping/offroading, I'll often put the Leatherman into a Toolbro holster, holding my Wuben L50 rechargeable torch.

Sadly, it looks like WJMake is no longer selling on Etsy (where I got the Toolbro), which is a real shame. They sold some really nice, handmade EDC accessories, and were happy to customise to suit my exact needs.

Mine has the extra elastic loop on the side to hold my Space Pen, an extra pocket on the front to hold the Leatherman saw blade, and they swapped out belt loops for a pair of belt clips, so I could wear/remove without having to undo my belt - a really important (to me) capability when camping and offroading.

I host a Plex server for our household, which includes a couple of teenagers. All members of the household (myself included) have a PIN protected managed user profile on our Plex server.

The problem is, if I let the teenagers have my Plex account password to login to our Plex server, it automatically logs them in with the Home Admin profile, whereas I'd much rather it force them to select from the list of profiles on our server (eg. just like Netflix does).

This means that, every now and then, I have to manually go to whichever new device they want to run Plex on (such as a Playstation) and handle the login process myself, so I can be certain they're logged in with their own user profile - not the Home Admin profile.

I've set a PIN on the Home Admin profile, but that doesn't help unless you've already logged in first, then go to use fast user switching to select a different profile. On very first login, Plex will always auto-select the Home Admin profile.

I've searched high and low, but can't find any info or settings that help me change this behaviour.

So, my question is simple: is it possible to prevent auto-login as the Home Admin profile, and force selection from the list of managed users instead?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I should have provided more details about what I've tried so far. We have tested out using a separate Plex user account for the oldest kid, as all the reading I did suggested she would "inherit" my server's Plex Pass rights when streaming from it.

But, we found that the iPhone app could still stop playback after a minute. Plus we couldn't log her account onto the shared Chromecast TV, so she could watch her shows on the house TV. So we ended up moving her back to a managed user profile on our server.

EDIT 2: after some more reading, it now seems the mobile app must either be logged in with a Plex Pass account (mine, in our case) or the user has to pay a once-off fee to unlock it.

I could've sworn it was different when I first read about it a year or two back, where the app would "inherit" the server's rights, but I guess that's either faulty memory or they changed the rules. The once off unlock fee isn't a big problem, so that's one hurdle overcome.

The second problem is how to use multiple Plex accounts on the Plex app for Chromecast, so the kids can enjoy their content on the big screen when they want to. Has anyone cracked the code on how to achieve that?

I've just switched back to an iPhone after 10 years on Android, so forgive me if this is an obvious question.

I'm trying to setup a bedtime focus so that I only get notifications from specific apps - doorbell app, etc.

Logically, the way to do this is setup an explicit whitelist for those apps in my Sleep focus, on the assumption that anything else is muted. And this seems to work... for other apps.

But, system sounds still make noise - lock sound, going on charge, etc.

Is there any way to mute those sounds in a Focus? I thought the Silent Mode filter would do that, but that also turns off the notification sounds for the whitelisted apps. This seems a little counterintuitive to me, but it is what it is, I guess.

It seems like this should be an obvious thing to want, but I can't find any useful help content anywhere that explicitly talks about this. Or it may be that I'm not searching using the right Apple terminology.

So, short version: is there a way to selectively mute system sounds using a Focus, while still allowing selected apps to audibly notify?

Thanks in advance.

IMO, this is yet another government initiative that's turning out to be an absolute joke.

My 9yo daughter has been hounding our household to not throw our 10c deposit containers into the council bin. Instead, she wants to collect them and cash them in using the CDS Vic scheme. As she puts it, we get money AND the containers get recycled properly, rather than what happens with our commingled recycling bin.

The problem is, every time I go to one of the reverse vending machines in my area, they're out of order, or there's only one receiver working, with about six people in line, all with several bags or boxes each.

Then the CDS Vic app itself says the same operator is running an over the counter collection at our local netball club, but someone was dreaming when they put that into the app. I've never seen anyone collecting recycling there, and I drive past it at least twice daily.

The operator in our area (Return-It) should lose their contract for being fucking useless.

This has been going on for so long now, that I'm now holding an estimated 400-600 bottles and cans, which my daughter is begging me to not toss out, so we can get rid of them "the right way".

I'm all for doing the right thing, and making sure recyclables are, well, recycled properly, but when the personal inconvenience level is so high, all it does is cost more taxpayer dollars without moving the needle on our recycling performance.

/rant

Can't even take a short break from 3D designing stuff. Glad I'm switching over to FreeCAD. All I wanted was to grab some dimensions from an old model.

cross-posted from: https://reddrefuge.com/post/189022

Obligatory note for those that haven't read/retained the news: Simple Mobile Tools was sold to ZipoApps - an Israeli company that specialises in buying and monetising popular apps.

Fossify is the fork of the Simple Mobile Tools repos, and they're gradually getting through each app and re-releasing them under the new name.

Obligatory note for those that haven't read/retained the news: Simple Mobile Tools was sold to ZipoApps - an Israeli company that specialises in buying and monetising popular apps.

Fossify is the fork of the Simple Mobile Tools repos, and they're gradually getting through each app and re-releasing them under the new name.

So, after nearly 10 years of faithful service, my shitty ol' Wanhao i3 Plus is finally ready for retirement. Steppers are buzzing, occasional collisions with the bed, and the heat block just doesn't... heat as quickly as it used to.

Talking to a mate who does a lot more printing than I, it seems I can't pass up the Ender 3 V2. The right price for what I typically do, and is backed by a mature community.

I've ordered the auto-level kit with it, but nothing else. My i3 already sits in a Lack Rack I made, and it should comfortably take the new printer.

I have a couple of functional print projects on the backburner that were waiting for me to make a move, but wanted to get some advice on mods and upgrades first, that might make the first experience with the Ender even better.

So, asking the more experienced Ender owners out there: are there any essential upgrades, preferably 3D printed, you think I should look at first?

Cheers in advance!

I just spent a good chunk of today migrating some services onto new docker containers in Proxmox LXCs.

As I was updating my network diagram, I was struck by just how many services, hosts, and LXCs I'm running, so counted everything up.

• 116 docker containers
  • Running on 25 docker hosts
  • 50 are the same on each docker host - Watchtower and Portainer agent
• 38 Proxmox LXCs (19 are docker hosts)
• 8 physical servers
• 7 VLANs
• 5 SSIDs
• 2 NASes

So, it got me wondering about the size of other people's homelabs. What are your stats?

We have tickets for a festival he's headlining next month. I'm sure the promoters will line up someone else who'll put on a good show but, having seen Jimmy at this festival before, I know he'll be missed.

Wishing Jimmy a full, and speedy, recovery. The man's a national treasure!

I assume this is the genesis of a Five Eyes cloud platform.

Questions for me are which commercial partners are in the mix, and how will they ensure TS-level security?

I guess we'll never truly know, but it's hard not to worry about the implications of this.

"In Catholic morality, consent is necessary, but not sufficient, to make the sexual act right or wrong. It is the long-held teaching of Christ that sexual activity is only legitimately expressed within the loving relationship between husband and wife."

Er. Who's going to tell them?

So, a couple of weeks ago, I wrote to this community, asking for some advice about our new blue tongue's eating. And the advice I got really helped us start to understand the lizard brain a little better.

It's been nearly three weeks since we brought him home, and we've figured out he really likes tinned dog food, strawberries and raspberries. No luck with veggies just yet, but we're still trying new things. The important thing is he's not going hungry, and gets his calcium supplement with the dog food.

But he's still very reclusive, and quite cranky with us. Most of the time, he'll hide under his basking log, or bury himself under some substrate. When we've reached in to try and pat him, he jerks suddenly and hisses.

My daughter's been afraid to try patting him again herself so, the past week, we've just been getting her to hand feed him a small piece of fruit each day, to try and build some trust between them. It's gone well, and he's eaten out of her hand a few times now.

My biggest concerns are that either his behaviour isn't that normal and we've not done something right, or that we're running the risk of letting this behaviour become his new "normal", and my daughter won't get to have a relationship with her pet.

So I guess my question, without trying to sound too anxious or impatient, is if his behaviour at this stage would still be considered normal? Should we be doing anything different?

Once again, thanks in advance for any knowledge and experience you can share.

We got our daughter (9yo) a blue tongue lizard for her birthday this week. We picked it up on Tuesday afternoon (it's now Saturday morning, here in Australia). The store says it's about 6 months old.

We also bought a really nice enclosure for it, with all the bits and pieces: 4' wood enclosure with glass sliding doors; twin 75W ceramic heat emitters; thermostat (located around the mid-zone); UVB light (on 12hrs per day, from 7:30am); good substrate, a basking log, a hide-out, and some fake grasses and leaves to hide under.

I'm not convinced the thermostat is particularly good, but I've kept a digital thermometer at the basking end, and the heat seems to consistently sit at around 30°-35°C (~86°-95°F) there, which at least tells me that zone is OK. I'm not sure the cool zone isn't too cool. I plan on buying another thermometer for that end.

The problem is, it's not eating much. It tends to find a hiding spot near the cool end, and bury itself under the substrate. We gave it some diced strawberries on Wednesday. I ended up putting it right near the food, and it eventually ate about a strawberry's worth.

The past couple of days we've tried some diced apple (freshly cut each day), but it hasn't gone near the food at all. Most of those two days, it stayed hidden and/or buried under the substrate. Per the store's instructions, we're taking the food away again around mid-afternoon - 3pm-ish.

Today, we put some beef pet food out and moved the lizard next to the food bowl. It had a tiny, little munch, but didn't really eat what you might consider a meal.

The store says it could take a week or so for it to settle into its new home, and I understand that. We're being disciplined and resisting the urge to take it out and hold it, to try and keep stress levels down.

But, I'm a touch concerned at all the staying hidden/buried, and lack of eating, as we've been told juveniles should be fed daily. My daughter's starting to get really worried, and I've tried explaining that cold-blooded animals metabolise way slower than warm-blooded, so it's not like he's starving or anything. At least, I don't think he is.

Should we be concerned at all? At which point should I start to seek professional assistance?

Just looking for some reassurance that anything we're doing/not doing isn't causing any problems. Thanks.

Took this coming down the mountain from Lovick's Hut, roughly halfway to Bluff Hut, looking west.

The peak at the centre (with cloud hovering over it) is Mt Buller and the one to the right of that (1/4 in from right edge, slightly more cloud) is Mt Stirling.

Love me some Victorian high country.