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49 posts in the archive
TL;DR An epic poem in seven parts about Aldren, a mage who learns that true power lies in gentleness and patience rather than force. Written in iambic pentameter couplets with deep occult symbolism. I — LOAGAETH Friend—set thy voice to low and level air, For syllables are seeds that wake and bear. A whispered Name, once loosed, may bend the grain, Or lay a stillness on a raging rain. Ere stone had learned its patience in the deep, Ere rivers found their beds, and chose to keep, The gods drew Breath where no Breath yet could live, And speech became the first great gift to give.
TL;DR A working notebook on English metrical feet, line lengths, and rhyme schemes — from iambs to pyrrhics, with examples from Shakespeare to Frost. Why meter and rhyme There is a moment, and if you have spent any time at all wrestling with poetry, you know the one, when a line you are reading suddenly clicks. Not because of what it means, though that matters too, but because of how it sounds.
TL;DR A five-part lullaby for the poet's daughter, Harper, exploring adoption as a deliberate act of love, the inner music of the self, and the promise of guardianship. I. Threshold You were eight months into this bright, baffling world— eight months of milk-breath and clenched wonder— when I met you. Not a thunderclap. Not a prophecy. Just a doorway inside my ribs opening on its quiet hinge the instant your eyes took hold of mine.
TL;DR A seven-part Masonic poem tracing the soul's journey from seeking splendor to finding truth in quiet labor, mercy, and self-examination. I I sought you first for splendour— as boys seek brass upon the breast, or lovers seek a name carved deep in bark to outlast weather. I wanted the shining proof of you, a bright device to wear above my ordinary days, and set my heart between two inward columns as if a hall could be raised by pride alone.
TL;DR A sonnet-like poem in ten stanzas inviting the reader into a mystical tavern where time unhooks its hands and souls find communion. Where mists of silver robe the pilgrim road, I found a door within the night that sings; Its lintel carved, an omen of abode, And laughter rose as if on unseen wings; There beat a hearth whose coals like roses glowed, And reined-in Time bowed low and rest bestowed.
TL;DR A devotional two-stanza poem addressing a guiding star as both wound and healer — a psalm sung in the dark hours for the one who listens. O Star, dear Star, lean silence on my breast, While all the wine-dark heav’ns do hold their breath; The jasmine sighs; warm earth doth sink to rest, And moths, like prayers, beat softly after death; One piercing Star doth seam the night’s thin veil, And there my guarded silence waxeth frail.
TL;DR A ten-part narrative poem about a sailor lost at sea who finds salvation not in the horizon but in the light of a star named. I I have been longer than hunger on the sea— longer than thirst, longer than the salt’s slow sermon that polishes a man to bone and keeps polishing. The sky unbuttons nothing for me. The sun is a coin I cannot spend. The moon is a white bruise on the water’s shoulder.
TL;DR A prose poem about a single night in North Philadelphia that thawed a decade of winter — an ode to touch without possession. I had been winter for ten years, a house without lamps, a field with the wind walking in it and nothing else, my ribs a gate that refused to open. Then the city rose—brick and stoop and late siren— and you stepped out of the streetlight as if the light remembered you before I did, as if my name were a door and you knew the hinge.
TL;DR A long-form poem about two nights spent with a woman of honest hours, learning that tenderness can arrive without permanence. I speak to you as the lamps go thin, as if wind had combed the room and left it shining. I speak to you with the grain of my breath, you who arrived like winter wheat in a cracked field, you who set your palms on my shaken ribs and said, in a voice of snow and ember, wait.
TL;DR A Cavalier-style poem in eight stanzas exploring the ancient truth that conquering oneself is the foundation for conquering all. At first, my heart made treaty with the night, Bearing my own soft chains as bracelets worn; I shaded candle, called the coward light, And flattered dark as if indulgence sworn; Yet thine own whispers, Soul, like trumpets blew, And bid me face the field I fled and rue. conquer For valor, taught by fear, turns back to charge: I steeled my pulse, and ran into the roar; The griffin Doubt spread shadow-wings at large, And Envy hissed behind her iron door; I kissed the blade that hunted me before, And found it grew a key to Freedom's store.
TL;DR An exuberant hymn celebrating the sanctuary found in a lover's embrace — absurd, devotional, and utterly sincere. Beloved, tonight I bring my whole foolish republic to the wide republic of your chest. I arrive with my cheek as a petition, my mouth as a signature of heat, my hands two humble ministers negotiating treaties of warmth beneath your breath. Under your collarbone—the border— I declare myself citizen. Your chest: not a prize but a province; not inventory, but invitation.
TL;DR A meditation on the stages of love — from first flame to steady devotion, and the wisdom of knowing when to hold on and when to release. When the hush first sparks— skin kindles skin, a struck match in the midnight orchard; sap races, petals burn, hunger sings in the bone. Each heartbeat is a drum that forgets tomorrow. In this bright furnace nothing exists but flame, and even the flame forgets itself.
TL;DR A poem of leaving that is also a victory — walking away from neglect while carrying the lessons of love forward into unspent dawns. I arrived to you as a harbor battered by its own waves, salt‑scored, muttering to gulls that never answered. In your quiet courtyard my storms fell silent— we planted lemons in the clay and their small roots took hold the way forgiveness does: unseen, unhurried.
TL;DR Atomic commits — small, focused, self-contained changes that build and pass tests — make code easier to review, bisect, and revert. This post covers the conventions used by the Linux kernel maintainers, Google's Angular team, and the Git project itself. In modern software projects, a clean Git history is more than just an aesthetic choice – it is a cornerstone of maintainable, collaborative development. Practitioners across the industry (from Linux kernel maintainers to Google’s Angular team) advocate for atomic commits: each commit being a focused, self-contained change that can stand on its own.
TL;DR A spare, elegiac poem about carrying absence like a cathedral — finding beauty even in grief when it is born of love. When the earth held its breath, and the trees stopped speaking in green, I found your shadow pressed into the silence— not like absence, but like the memory of warmth left in a chair after someone has risen. I did not call your name. It was already there, inscribed beneath the skin of rain, folded into the hush of wheat fields bowing under the weight of their gold.
TL;DR New money enters circulation through a cycle: the government borrows from the public (creating debt), the Federal Reserve buys that debt (Quantitative Easing), and banks lend out deposits (Monetary Easing). The diagram below shows the full loop. An educational diagram I just finished creating showing how new money gets into circulation in the USA. Here I explain how the government borrows from the people, aquiring debt, as well as how new money is created and put into circulation.
TL;DR A comprehensive cheatsheet covering all the Spacemacs hotkeys worth knowing, available as a downloadable PDF. A cheatsheet I wrote for all the Spacemacs hotkeys worth knowing. Previous Next / [pdf] View the PDF file here. Download Cheatsheet check_circleKey takeaways - A complete Spacemacs reference cheatsheet is available as a PDF download - Covers all essential hotkeys for efficient Emacs navigation and editing
TL;DR A comprehensive exploration of duality in mathematics and electrical engineering, covering reciprocal impedance duals, voltage-current parallel-series duals, and electric-magnetic capacitance-permeance duals, with detailed worked examples and magnetic circuit analysis. Duality is an approach that has been applied across countless disciplines where one takes an existing structure and transforms it into an equivalent structure, often with the intention of making it more useful for a particular context. In electronic circuits this usually means we take an existing circuit schematic and transform it in such a way that it serves a similar purpose but suited to our specific use case.
TL;DR A deep dive into the reflection coefficient ((\Gamma)): what it means physically, how to calculate SWR and load impedance from it, how feedline length affects phase, and how directional couplers measure it in practice. Today I hope to answer a rather complex question: What does the Reflection Coefficient mean exactly, how do we measure it, and what can we do with it once we do. For example if we have a reflection coefficient of \(0.
TL;DR Rotations in 4D+ space aren't just 3D rotations with extra steps — they require a fundamentally different approach using rotation planes and Householder reflections. This post walks through the math and provides a complete PDF reference. Several years ago I was writing a Machine Learning paper that required me to do rotations in an arbitrary number of dimensions. As such I had an entire section of the paper devoted to explaining how that was done before moving on to the actual algorithm.
TL;DR A downloadable tutorial book covering frequency-domain circuit analysis by hand, with complete worked examples on common circuits. Originally intended to include time-domain analysis as well, but the time-domain section remains incomplete. Some time back I started writing a book in an attempt to help explain how to do circuit analysis by hand. Originally it was going to include both time-domain analysis as well as frequency-domain analysis. The book is incomplete and I never got to cover the time-domain but has several complete examples showing frequency-domain analysis on many common circuits.
TL;DR A workflow for generating professional LaTeX PDFs from Markdown using R-flavored Markdown (Rmd), pandoc, and custom templates. Supports dynamic R-script content, bibliographies, and multiple output formats. I write a lot of technical documents, and it is important to me that they look nice. In the past I have always resorted to using latex directly. It's an ugly language, hard to maintain, but it has always been the best solution.
TL;DR HAM (Hyperassociative Map) is a graph-drawing algorithm I invented in 2009 that draws graphs faster and more reliably than traditional force-directed methods — with no oscillations, no damping schedules, and guaranteed monotonic convergence. It was built for real-time distributed graph processing at massive scale. Introduction Almost 8 years ago, on Aug 15, 2009, I invented a new game-changing algorithm called the Hyperassociative Map algorithm. It was released as part of the dANN v2.
TL;DR A guide to rendering LaTeX-style algorithm pseudocode in HTML using pseudocode.js, with automatic page scanning and rendering via a small JavaScript snippet. I recently updated the code for my blog (yes, this one) to render, in classic latex style, algorithms as pseudocode. This style has been so extensively used from the 80's and continues to be used as a standard format for rendering algorithms as pseudocode. Below is an example of what I'm talking about, its the Quicksort algorithm rendered using this style.
TL;DR Bayes Theorem lets you flip a conditional probability — calculate (P(A \mid B)) when you only know (P(B \mid A)), (P(A)), and (P(B)). The classic medical-test example: even with a 95% accurate TB test, if the disease is rare, a positive result means less than a 2% chance of actually being infected. I've been getting a lot of questions from friends lately about what Bayes Theorem means. The confusion is understandable because it appears in a few models that seem to be completely unrelated to each other.
TL;DR An exploration of the Verhulst logistic growth model, from unrestricted exponential growth to restricted logarithmic growth, culminating in a novel extension that adds an artificial injection term to account for advertising, conservation breeding, and other external accelerants. The Logistic Function, sometimes with modifications, has been used successfully to model a large range of natural systems. Some examples include bacterial growth, tumor growth, animal populations, neural network transfer functions, chemical reaction rates, language adoption, and diffusion of innovation, to name a few.
TL;DR An astrophotography project capturing the Orion Nebula (M42) with resolution sufficient to resolve the Trapezium cluster as four distinct stars, including annotated charts identifying named and catalogued stars. As some of you may already know I am an avid Astrophotographer. Several years back I set out to photograph the Great Nebula in orion, particularly focusing on the 4 brightest stars at its center, called the trapezium. These stars produce the majority of the light responsible for lighting up the entire nebula.
TL;DR APEX, the new APRS-extended protocol, successfully running on a Raspberry Pi for Ham Radio use. We got APEX running on a Raspverry Pi today. Wonderful new addition to the shack. check_circleKey takeaways - APEX reference implementation runs on Raspberry Pi hardware - Provides a low-cost, portable APRS/APEX station for the shack
TL;DR APEX (APrs EXtended) is a backwards-compatible evolution of the APRS protocol that adds cross-band routing, preemptive routing, and a Python reference implementation, with a roadmap toward smart routing, geographic routing, and delay-tolerant networks. APEX stands for "APrs EXtended"; It will be a new protocol which expands on and fixes most of the issues in the older APRS protocol while still remaining backwards compatible. APEX defines both a new protocol and a new paradigm.
TL;DR A step-by-step guide to configuring the KAM-XL TNC for APRS on HF and VHF, covering radio settings, TNC host-mode configuration, and common pitfalls. After much frustration trying to get my old KAM-XL TNC up and working I finally got it all back up a few weeks ago. For the sake of future hackers I'd like to share the steps it took to get it all configured. 1. Buy the correct cables for your radio and hook it up.
Found this little gem on the bottom of the cradle charger for my Beofang. It reads as follows: PLACE TYPE Li-ion BATTERY CHARGER Note: Prevent cooks meals or is injured, only battery assigns carry on the charge. Input: DC 10V Output: DC 8.4V 400mA Charging The charge completes Bright trickling charge (battery stops using has been long) / the chareto mistake. I'm just going to leave this here, and remember Beofang puts just as much attention to detail into their hardware as they do their English.
TL;DR A detailed walkthrough of installing a Hustler BTV-6 multi-band vertical antenna on a city roof, including grounding, radial placement, feedline routing, and RF interference mitigation. For several years now I wanted to replace my older High Frequency antenna which had partially fallen down; it was a G5RV Jr. However it never really worked right; it used a metal mast which had detuned the antenna and after about a year it started to fall down and became completely inoperative anyway.
TL;DR A build log for a high-performance Ethereum mining rig using four Radeon R9 Fury X GPUs, achieving 111 MH/s. Covers hardware selection, Linux setup woes, and performance tweaking. As many of you know for many years now I've invested in, and had an interest in, cryptocurrency. However until now I never owned a mining rig simply because it didn't seem profitable enough to be worth the trouble. However recently a few things changed; first, with Ethereum entering the scene it became a profitable endeavor with a ROI that would exceed the initial investment in less than a year.
TL;DR A mathematical analysis of password entropy showing why memorable multi-word passphrases can be more secure than random character strings, plus practical techniques for creating strong yet easy-to-remember passwords. A few years back XKCD, as it so often does, got me thinking; this time about my choice of passwords. Up until that point I had always seen it as an intellectual challenge to memorize long random passwords for all my logins; usually 16 random characters, numbers, and symbols.
TL;DR A poem about finding one's true self through unconditional love, where giving becomes strength and two souls merge into one. Giving part of one's self so another can thrive, no greater a gift could I ever contrive. Thus my soul I do give to your worthy embrace, to an endless quest, for your fears to displace. Oh! To give you a world where your happiness thrives, that fate I shall seek through both of our lives.
TL;DR A poem about discovering light, contrast, and purpose through love, told as an initiation by the newborn moon. There in the living wood, I found the moon, and she gave herself to me. She is mine, though not to be owned. Sitting high in the heavens, radiating her grace for all to love. Though still all the more mine. All I knew was emptiness, knowing of nothing, blind to my existence.
TL;DR A love poem about how a partner's presence becomes rooted so deeply that they become an inseparable, living part of one's own being. I am not the person from when first we met. Back then I was only a seed, not even yet alive. But watered by your love, you gave me my life. So that my roots did imbibe you. So that I did grow, reaching towards the light, while drawing you into me, and you became a part of me.
TL;DR A mystical poem about a magical tavern born from shared dreams, where time unwinds, truth abounds, and lovers become one under ancient moonlight. In misty lands that the pale moonlight brings, There stands a tavern where it shines and it sings. In this warm place eternal laughter does flow; with a smile for each of the winds that will blow. To seek this land out less must be so much more, then set yourself free to drift to night's shore.
TL;DR A meditation on finding peace in the present moment, letting the past and future dissolve like waves washing over the shore. I hear the waves crashing on time's distant shore. Its salty mist hangs in the air. I can taste its dry burning on my tongue. Feel its sticky film on my skin. It coats every surface, fills every space. I invite it into my body with each breath, though it burns like acid.
TL;DR A bittersweet WWI-era ballad about a knight who rides into battle singing of his love, choosing honor and devotion over life itself. history About this poemThis was the song my grandfather used to sing to me as kid. He used to sing it with his army buddies during World War II. In days of old, when knights were bold, And barons held their sway, A warrior bold, with spurs of gold, Sang merrily his lay; Sang merrily his lay: "My love is young and fair, My love hath golden hair, And eyes so blue, and heart so true, That none with her compare.
TL;DR A poem about finding warmth in the moon's cold light while waiting for the sun to rise again. edit Author's noteI completed my first poem in 2 years last night. Id love any objective feedback anyone has for me. With arms outstreched, still too far to hold. The moon's light touching my weary hand; as ice melting through clenched fingers. My soul is a fire and its warmth betrays me.
TL;DR A poem about finding true sight in darkness, embracing wounded wings, and rising toward the sun. Light pierces through wind torn holes. My eyes ache adjusting to the light. Shapes and figures barely formed. A sweet scent calls me forward. But I know nothing of the day; like a blind man, seeking the sight he once knew. But it is not in the light one finds sight. It is in the darkness.
TL;DR A short, stirring poem about courage, love, and finding worth in a world gone wrong. In days of old, with heart so bold; when courage finds its way. A man comes forth who finds his worth, in love and righteous action. With strength of heart he fulfills his part, and confronts the popular passion. Fighting long and strong in a world gone wrong; the masses fight and plunder. Finding worth in one, then hope did come, the masses pushed asunder.
TL;DR A prose reflection on humanity's sacred duty as guardians and caretakers of all life on Earth. Lives around us are born and die. We live to see the life and death of the plants, animals, and people that surround us. Every year an entire world of plants, insects, and animals die around us leaving a barren icy world reborn new just as quickly as it died. Our beloved pets, our loved Grandparents, uncles, cousins, friends, and even parents are taken from us.
TL;DR A devotional love poem promising an eternal bond that transcends time, death, and distance. Take my soul upon your heart; know that I shall never part. All the void of heaven and earth; can not weaken my love's worth. Not time nor death nor land nor sea; none of these are stronger then we. For all my heart is fixed on you; no wish of mine will ever undo, the undying love I feel for two.
TL;DR A short, hopeful meditation on finding the light within humanity, even when the world feels burnt and gray. The heart of man is burnt and gray; for all our greatness we lost our way. All alone the blind prevail; no more love and we will fail. Honesty and integrity crumble; kings of men fall and fumble. Love is lost, people torn we die everyday and never mourn. But there is light in babies born.
TL;DR A dark, dreamlike poem about desire, destruction, and intoxication, where sweetness and poison grow from the same bramble. Brambled velvet, bloody thorns. The sweetest warmth on my tongue. A distant memory of a soft touch that never was. The thorns are a poison, and the fruit its cure. The sweet fruit that turns the ash in my mouth to wine, the peaceful ignorance of my intoxication. Numb to the destruction as I tear away the velvet fruit, leaving a mutilated husk, its life blood dripping.