Hydrogen Infrastructure

Zero Hedge reported on California launching a hydrogen hub infrastructure for hydrogen refueling infrastructure. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/california-launch-hydrogen-hub-expand-zero-emission-technology.  The California government’s official press release on the Hydrogen Hub was released 17 July 2024 at https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/07/17/california-launches-world-leading-hydrogen-hub/. Clean Technica produced an article about the Hydrogen Hub grant program that covers multiple states.

This blog will follow Nikola and Hyla, which are available online at https://www.nikolamotor.com/ and https://www.hyla.co/. Nikola produces the TRE FCEV.

General Motors has a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Honda for Hydrogen development. Hyundai has the XCIENT fuel cell truck. Kenworth has the T680. Like the Hyundai the T680 places the fuel tanks behind the driver from floor to ceiling.  The Kenworth is a partnership with Toyota with Toyota producing the fuel cell power plant and Kenworth producing the trucks.  All of these are limited to around 400-450 miles of range, with the exception of one of the XCIENTS which listed 400km, which is 248 miles. Hyundai has a class 8 truck in partnership with a company called Plus, and they claim to be fully autonomous.

Volvo has fuel cell trucks with a range of up to 1000 km.  International Trucks has a hydrogen fuel cell technology designed for routes 300+ miles in testing.  They use the General Motors fuel cell platform, and OneH2 mobile hydrogen production and fueling technology to bring the fuel station to the customer in a manner similar to Hyla.

Mistal Instruct using the above as Local Documents input:

The Hydrogen Hub infrastructure launched by California is an important step towards expanding zero-emission transportation options. With more refueling stations available, it will be easier for consumers to switch to hydrogen-powered vehicles and reduce their carbon footprint. It’s great to see multiple companies working together on developing hydrogen technology, including Nikola, Hyla, General Motors, Honda, Kenworth, Toyota, Volvo, International Trucks, and more. The range of these vehicles varies, but it’s clear that there is a growing interest in producing longer-range hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

EAP TLS Configuration

The Microsoft documentation for EAP Host troubleshooting can be found at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/eaphost/enabling-tracing as of 7/3/24. The Microsoft documentation on Netsh commands is available at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc779693(v=ws.10) as of 7/3/24.

There is a helpful FreeRADIUS HowTo at https://deployingradius.com/documents/configuration/certificates.html as of 7/3/24. The official FreeRADIUS documention contains similar information but the official documentation seems more spread out than this one page quick reference.

The Microsoft documentation for importing into the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store is available at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/trusted-root-certification-authorities-certificate-store as of 7/3/24.

Foxpass has a helpful guide for installing certificates on Windows for WiFi available at https://docs.foxpass.com/docs/install-scep-certificate-manually-on-windows as of 7/3/24. TP-Link has a great guide for configuring the clients available at https://www.tp-link.com/se/support/faq/3456/ as of 7/3/24. The TP-LINK configuration leaves a security gap related to validating the server’s identity. The Server identity needs to be validated, and the user should not be prompted to trust new servers or certification authorities. Kaplan Soft also has a Windows 10 EAP-TLS configuration available at https://www.kaplansoft.com/tekradius/Docs/Windows10EAP-TLSConfiguration.pdf as of 7/3/24. Fortinet also has a certificate import guide available at https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.6.0/examples/905663 as of 7/3/24. These guides show the old style wireless configuration and not the new one for Windows 11, which requests a SHA-1 hash of the sever certificate. None of these guides use the SHA-1 hash.

The official FreeRADIUS documentation for creating certificates can be found at https://freeradius.org/documentation/freeradius-server/4.0.0/raddb/certs/index.html as of 7/3/24.

EAP TLS on Windows 11

https://usercomp.com/news/1044322/setting-up-client-certificate-for-eap-tls-in-windows contains instructions for configuring EAP-TLS authentication on Windows.  The date on the article at the time of this writing was 17 September, 2023.

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/3456/ contains some screenshots but they are from an older version of Windows and do not include the screen requiring a SHA-1 fingerprint or server identification.  The date of the article as of this writing was 27 September, 2022.  One problem is the disabling of server verification. That might allow for evil twin attacks.

Simon Says and use Mojeek

The Simon Says blog has been online for a long time. Here is an entry from 2008 about ripping CDs on a Mac.  In a way this site shows what is wrong with the web.  Twenty years ago blogs and websites had favorites and blog rolls.  Through this people discovered many great sites.  Around 2012 WordPress removed the Link Manager from the default WordPress and the blog-sphere began to fade away because the links began to fray.  From there, Google began to limit search results to the chosen few.  Recently Bing search has begun allowing scrolling to many different search results again. I went to page 16 the other day just to see.  To use a Search Engine like it’s 2009, which was way better than now, use Mojeek.  I hope they don’t break it.  That’s how I found that 2008 entry about ripping CDs on a Mac.  That is a discovery that one would never find on Google.  It was like stepping into a time machine.

Shrink Firefox Interface

Use about:config –> browser.uidensity .

browser.uidensity is set to 0 by default.  Changer the  value to 1 and it takes immediate effect.

VirtualBox Disk Conversion

To convert a dynamic VirtualBox disk to a Fixed disk, run the following command:

vboxmanage clonemedium disk /path/disk.vdi /path/newdisk.vdi -variant Fixed

using –variant Standard would create a dynamic disk.  Then open the virtual machine and remove the existing disk and attach the new disk.  Then use the media manager to delete the unused media.

Use the following command to list registered virtual disks:

vboxmanage list hdds

Browser Extensions

Debian 12 PATH and X11

A few quirks with Debain 12 include that path not being set in similar fashion to Fedora, Ubuntu, and other distributions.  One must regularly set

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/sbin

In Gnome, applications will open on the server instead of the client when using X11 forwarding.  This will occur even though xcalc opens on the client normally.  The way to avoid this is to add the following to .bashrc

unset XDG_RUNTIME_DIR 
unset GDK_BACKEND

The general rule is compress, then encrypt.1, 2

1. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4676095/when-compressing-and-encrypting-should-i-compress-first-or-encrypt-first

2. https://crypto.stackexchange.com/questions/33737/is-it-better-to-encrypt-before-compression-or-vice-versa

Move /var to new disk

To add a new virtual disk and move the existing Linux partition to the new disk use the following process. The process assumes standard partitions without the use of Logical Volume Manager (LVM).

1. Backup the existing VM. One good way to do that is to clone the Virtual Machine and use the procedure on the new Virtual Machine.

2. Create the partition and format it.

$ mount /dev/sbd /mnt
$ shopt -s dotglob
$ rsync -aulvXpogtr /var/* /mnt
$ nano /etc/fstab

Add this line, replacing sdb and ext4 as necessary:

/dev/sdb /var ext4 defaults,noatime,nofail 0 2

Then

$ mv /var/ /var.old

Reboot and enjoy the new drive.

The ridiculous diamond

Update: As of 26 May 2024, The diamond has been replaced with a lightbulb in the far right area of the title bar, which is not nearly as grotesque.


The diamond in the title bar is why I refuse to pay for Microsoft Office 365. I pay Dropbox and SoftMaker instead. Microsoft has already lost several hundred dollars from at least one customer over it. They put it there under the auspices of the buyers of the subscriptions not knowing what they purchased. The business versions of Office 365 do not have that diamond.  If you want to write or work on spreadsheets, they expect you to stare it non stop because it is right in the line of travel for the eye.

An excellent alternative to Microsoft Office is called SoftMaker Office. It is made by a European company and it has a very modern and clean interface.  The interface is the worst part of Libre Office, and Soft Maker solves that problem beautifully.

This document went through several drafts, and finally a memo was needed for the author to prevent descent into the glum.

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (KJV, Ephesians 4:31)

What about installing Office 365 business for myself?  Many years ago, I installed Office 365 for enterprise.  This was around 2012 or 2013.  It had been called SharePoint Online and it did not include all of the desktop applications.  I configured SharePoint for a public facing website, handled the license assignments to myself and setup Outlook online to use Outlook 2013 with it.

Recollections of leaning Office 365 and a host of other items that I learned on my own time made me question the wisdom of independent study projects. I posed a question to some Large Language Models (LLMs) to see what they had to say on the subject.

This was the question. “Does independent study help one’s career prospects?”

Mistral Instruct (uncensored):

The first time I asked:

Independent study can potentially contribute to enhancing one’s career prospects. It shows a level of self-motivation, initiative, and discipline in pursuing knowledge and skills relevant to their field. Employers value these traits as they indicate a strong work ethic and the ability to take on challenges independently. Additionally, independent study can lead to acquiring specialized knowledge or expertise that may set an individual apart from others in their career field. However, it’s important to note that independent study should be balanced with formal education and practical experience for optimal career prospects.

The second time I asked:

Independent study can potentially contribute to enhancing one’s career prospects. It shows a level of self-motivation, initiative, and discipline in pursuing knowledge outside of traditional academic settings. This could be attractive to potential employers as it demonstrates an individual who takes their own professional development seriously. However, the impact on career prospects largely depends on how the independent study is conducted, what subject matter is studied, and how it relates to one’s desired career path. It’s always a good idea to consult with a career counselor or mentor to better understand how independent study can be leveraged in your specific situation.

Falcon:

Independent study can be beneficial for career prospects in several ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Gaining specialized knowledge or skills: Independent study allows individuals to focus on specific areas of interest and gain expertise in those areas. This can make them more valuable employees, as they have unique skills that are in high demand.

2. Building relationships with professors and mentors: Independent study often involves working closely with professors and mentors, which can lead to the development of strong professional relationships. These connections can be beneficial for career advancement, as they may provide opportunities for networking or job referrals.

3. Demonstrating self-motivation and initiative: Independent study requires individuals to take responsibility for their own learning and progress, which can demonstrate a level of self-motivation and initiative that is highly valued by employers.

4. Gaining experience in independent work: Independent study often involves working independently on projects or assignments, which can help individuals develop skills such as time management, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are valuable in many career fields and can make individuals more competitive job candidates.

Overall, independent study can be a worthwhile investment for individuals looking to advance their careers. By gaining specialized knowledge, building relationships with mentors, demonstrating self-motivation, and developing experience in independent work, individuals can increase their chances of success in the workplace.

Wizard 1.2

Independent study can indeed be beneficial for an individual’s career prospects. Here are a few reasons why:

1. **Specialized Knowledge**: Independent study allows you to delve deeper into specific areas of interest that may not be covered in your regular coursework or job responsibilities. This specialized knowledge can make you more competitive and valuable in the job market, particularly if it aligns with industry trends or emerging fields.

2. **Self-motivation**: Independent study requires self-discipline and motivation to learn on your own without external pressure. Employers often value these qualities as they demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to learning, which are highly desirable traits in the workplace.

3. **Problem Solving Skills**: Independent study requires you to solve problems and find answers by yourself. This skill is valuable in any career field as it shows your ability to think critically and creatively.

4. **Networking Opportunities**: Many independent studies involve working with a mentor or advisor, which can lead to networking opportunities that may help you advance your career later on.

5. **Enhanced Resume/CV**: Independent study demonstrates initiative and commitment to learning, both of which are highly valued by employers. It also provides an opportunity to develop new skills or deepen existing ones, making it a great addition to any resume or CV.

6. **Personal Growth**: Lastly, independent study can be personally fulfilling and lead to personal growth. Learning something new can boost your confidence, increase your knowledge, and enhance your overall well-being.

In conclusion, while it depends on the individual’s career path and goals, independent study can indeed help one’s career prospects by providing specialized knowledge, demonstrating self-motivation, enhancing problem solving skills, offering networking opportunities, improving resumes/CVs, and promoting personal growth.

Hermes

Yes, independent study can definitely help one’s career prospects. Independent study refers to the self-directed pursuit of knowledge and skills outside of a traditional classroom setting. This type of learning allows individuals to explore their interests in depth and develop expertise in specific areas that may not be available through formal education programs.

By engaging in independent study, one can gain valuable knowledge and skills that are relevant to their career goals. For example, someone interested in pursuing a career in technology could independently study programming languages or software development, which would make them more competitive in the job market. Additionally, independent study demonstrates initiative, dedication, and passion for learning – all desirable traits in potential employees.

Furthermore, independent study can also lead to networking opportunities with experts in one’s field of interest, which could result in new career connections or even job offers. Overall, engaging in independent study shows a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth – qualities that are highly valued by employers.

Nous Hermes 2 Mistral DPO

Independent study can indeed be beneficial for one’s career prospects. Engaging in independent study allows individuals to develop new skills, expand their knowledge base, and stay current with industry trends. This can lead to increased expertise, which is highly valued by employers and clients alike. Here are some ways that independent study can help your career:

1. Enhances Skills: Independent study provides an opportunity for professionals to learn new skills or improve existing ones outside of their regular work environment. This could be anything from learning a new programming language, mastering a software tool, or developing project management techniques. By acquiring these new abilities, individuals can become more valuable assets within their organizations and stand out in the job market.

2. Demonstrates Initiative: Employers often value employees who take initiative to learn on their own time. Engaging in independent study shows that you are proactive about your professional development and committed to staying current with industry advancements. This can make you a more attractive candidate for promotions or new job opportunities.

3. Broadens Perspective: Independent study often involves exploring different viewpoints, methodologies, and approaches than those used in one’s regular work environment. This exposure to diverse ideas can help broaden your perspective, making you better equipped to solve complex problems and adapt to changing circumstances.

4. Networking Opportunities: Many independent study programs involve networking with other professionals who share similar interests or goals. These connections could lead to potential collaborations, job opportunities, or mentorships that might not have been available otherwise.

5. Personal Fulfillment: Finally, engaging in independent study can provide personal fulfillment by allowing you to pursue topics of interest outside your day-to-day work responsibilities. This sense of accomplishment and satisfaction can contribute positively to overall job satisfaction and motivation.

In conclusion, investing time in independent study not only enhances one’s skills but also demonstrates initiative, broadens perspective, provides networking opportunities, and offers personal fulfillment – all factors that can significantly improve career prospects.

Llama 3 Instruct

Independent study can have a significant impact on one’s career prospects. Here are some ways in which it can benefit your professional life:

1. **Demonstrated initiative and self-motivation**: Pursuing an independent study project shows that you’re proactive, motivated, and willing to take ownership of your learning. These traits are highly valued by employers.

2. **Development of valuable skills**: Independent studies often involve developing specific skills or knowledge areas that can be applied directly to a career. For example, if you’re studying data science, you’ll gain practical experience with tools like Python, R, and Tableau.

3. **Enhanced problem-solving abilities**: Independent study projects typically require you to analyze complex problems, design solutions, and implement them. These skills are highly transferable to professional settings where creative problem-solving is essential.

4. **Improved time management and organization**: Completing an independent study project requires strong time management and organizational skills. Employers appreciate individuals who can prioritize tasks effectively and manage their workload efficiently.

5. **Increased confidence and self-awareness**: Pursuing an independent study project helps you develop a sense of accomplishment, which boosts your confidence in your abilities. This increased self-awareness can help you navigate professional challenges more effectively.

6. **Networking opportunities**: Independent studies often involve collaborating with peers or mentors who share similar interests. These connections can lead to valuable networking opportunities and potentially open doors for future collaborations or job opportunities.

7. **Enhanced employability**: Many employers view independent study projects as a demonstration of an individual’s commitment, work ethic, and ability to take initiative. This can make you more attractive to potential employers, especially in competitive industries where these skills are highly valued.

8. **Personalized learning experience**: Independent studies allow you to tailor your learning experience to specific career goals or interests. This personalized approach helps you develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and prepares you for real-world applications.

To maximize the benefits of independent study on your career prospects:

1. Choose a project that aligns with your professional goals.

2. Set clear objectives, timelines, and milestones.

3. Develop a plan to share your findings or showcase your work (e.g., through presentations, blog posts, or portfolio websites).

4. Engage in regular self-reflection and evaluation of your progress.

By pursuing an independent study project, you’ll not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your ability to take initiative, think critically, and solve problems – all essential qualities for career success!