#Home automation hub

[virtualizationhowto]

TrueNAS SCALE Server Build for Home Lab

TrueNAS SCALE Server Build for Home Lab #homelab #virtualization #TrueNASSCALEHomeServer #HomeServerSetup #DebianLinuxServer #RAIDConfiguration #FileSharingServer #MediaStreamingServer #HomeAutomationHub #NetworkSecurity #ServerHardwareUpgrades #selfhost

There are so many options for running a home server for storage and virtualization needs on a home network. I have run VMware ESXi and Proxmox servers for my virtualization needs for the past few years now. However, until recently, I only ran TrueNAS inside a virtual machine for testing and a few light-duty applications. A project I wanted to tackle was repurposing one of my SuperMicro mini…

[ezzybrownmedia]

Experience Smart Living with Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default”…

[epsilontechnologies]

Transform Your Daily Routine with LifeSmart Smart Home Solutions

Integrating smart technology into your daily routine can significantly improve convenience, security, and efficiency in today’s fast-paced world. One of the leading innovators in the smart home industry is LifeSmart, a company dedicated to making your home smarter and more intuitive. LifeSmart Smart Home solutions are designed to help you manage various aspects of your home effortlessly. Like lighting and security to climate control, all from your smartphone or voice commands.

Whether you are looking to optimize your energy usage, or enhance your home security. Simply add comfort to your living environment, LifeSmart has solutions that will transform the way you live. In this article, we will explore eight LifeSmart solutions that can make a real difference in your daily routine. Each of these solutions is designed to provide a seamless experience, ensuring your home is smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Main LifeSmart Solutions to Enhance Your Routine

Smart Lighting Control

Intelligent Climate Management

LifeSmart Security System

Automated Curtains and Blinds

Smart Home Automation Hub

Smart Lighting Control

One of the most impactful LifeSmart Smart Home solutions is smart lighting control. With LifeSmart’s smart lighting system, you can adjust the lighting in your home from your smartphone or set automatic schedules that match your routine. Whether you want to dim the lights for a movie night or brighten your home in the morning, LifeSmart makes it easy. This solution helps create the perfect ambiance for every moment and optimizes energy efficiency by turning off lights when they’re not needed.

Additionally, smart lighting can integrated with motion sensors to turn on lights when you enter a room, adding a layer of convenience and security. The LifeSmart Smart Home system ensures that your lights are energy-efficient and responsive to your preferences, reducing your environmental footprint.

Intelligent Climate Management

Controlling the temperature in your home is easier and smarter with LifeSmart’s intelligent climate management. This solution allows you to regulate heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature, no matter the season. With LifeSmart Smart Home solutions, you can set your ideal temperature through your smartphone or voice commands, or let the system automatically adjust based on your preferences and schedule.

By integrating intelligent climate management with sensors, LifeSmart ensures that energy consumption is optimized. You’ll no longer have to worry about manually adjusting the thermostat—LifeSmart makes sure your home stays at the perfect temperature, whether you’re at home or away.

LifeSmart Security System

Security is a top priority for any homeowner, and LifeSmart offers a comprehensive security system that includes smart cameras, motion detectors, and door/window sensors. With the LifeSmart Smart Home security system, you can monitor your home in real-time from anywhere, receiving alerts on your phone if suspicious activity is detect. This solution provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected with cutting-edge technology.

LifeSmart’s security system can customized to suit your specific needs, offering 24/7 monitoring, remote access, and integration with other LifeSmart devices. Whether you’re traveling or simply away for the day, LifeSmart ensures your home remains secure.

Automated Curtains and Blinds

For those seeking convenience and energy efficiency, LifeSmart’s automated curtains and blinds offer an ideal solution. With this system, you can control window coverings from your smartphone or set schedules for them to open and close at certain times of the day. This not only enhances privacy but also helps regulate indoor temperature by managing sunlight exposure.

By automating your curtains and blinds, LifeSmart ensures that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It’s an eco-friendly, stylish way to improve both the comfort and aesthetics of your living space.

Smart Home Automation Hub

At the core of LifeSmart’s solutions is the Smart Home Automation Hub, a central platform that connects all your LifeSmart devices. This hub allows you to manage your entire smart home system from one interface, simplifying the process of controlling lights, security, climate, and more. The automation hub is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice-controlled management of your home.

With the LifeSmart Smart Home Automation Hub, you can create custom scenes and routines that make your daily tasks more efficient. For example, you can create a “goodnight” scene that locks all doors, turns off lights, and sets the thermostat to your preferred temperature—all with a single command.

Conclusion

LifeSmart Smart Home solutions provide a range of features designed to make your life easier, more secure, and energy-efficient. From smart lighting and climate control to a robust security system and automated curtains, LifeSmart offers solutions that integrate seamlessly into your routine. By investing in LifeSmart Smart Home technology, you can enjoy greater convenience and peace of mind, all while optimizing your home’s efficiency.

Ready to transform your daily routine with LifeSmart? Explore their range of products and discover how you can create a smarter, more intuitive home. Visit Epsilon Technologies today to get started on your smart home journey. Epsilon Technologies is 1st official Distributor of LifeSmart UAE & Oman.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are LifeSmart Smart Home solutions?

LifeSmart Smart Home solutions include a range of smart devices like lighting control, climate management, security systems, and automation hubs designed to make your home more efficient, secure, and convenient.

How does LifeSmart Smart Lighting control work?

LifeSmart Smart Lighting control allows you to adjust your home’s lighting through a smartphone app or voice commands. You can set schedules, automate lights based on motion, and customize brightness levels.

Can I control LifeSmart Smart Home devices remotely?

Yes, with the LifeSmart app, you can control all your connected devices remotely from anywhere, ensuring you have access to lighting, security, and climate controls even when you’re away from home.

How does LifeSmart’s security system enhance home safety?

LifeSmart’s security system includes smart cameras, motion sensors, and door/window sensors. You can monitor your home in real-time, receive alerts, and control your security settings remotely.

[jasonmorris1880]

Does anyone here have any experience with SwitchBot smart home hubs?

I had never heard of SwitchBot until I started exploring smart home technology. Apparently, their smart home hubs are designed to seamlessly integrate various devices, making life more convenient and efficient. Users have shared that these hubs allow for easy automation and control of home appliances, enhancing comfort and energy management. It's exciting to see how these hubs can simplify daily routines and create a more connected living space.

I'm just curious for those who have tried it - how does the SwitchBot smart home hub compare to other smart home hubs on the market? Is it user-friendly and reliable, or are there features that stand out?

[techdriveplay]

Revolutionizing Home Convenience: Samsung Unveils AI-Enhanced Family Hub Refrigerator in Australia

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has recently unveiled its highly anticipated AI Family Hub French Door Refrigerator, now available across Australia. This advanced appliance represents a significant leap forward in the integration of artificial intelligence within home devices, offering unprecedented connectivity and smart capabilities. Launched just two days ago, the AI Family Hub is designed to…

[xiaomilifeonline]

Xiaomi Home Hub (ZSWG01CM) – обзор локального управления через терминалы, Mijia Automation Geek Edition и локальной Автоматизации

Подробнее – https://xiaomilife-online.blogspot.com/2023/01/xiaomi-home-hub-zswg01cm.html 

[condochance]

Smart Home Hubs: What are They and Why Do You Need One?

Smart home hubs are a cost-effective way to manage household tasks from virtually anywhere - find out what they can do, and why you need one!

[exitrowiron]

What to do when your flight is cancelled. (This is a long post, but if you travel you will find it helpful.)

Even though I'm mostly retired, I still fly frequently but I'm with Beth more often. Most flights are on-time and uneventful, but lately we've had 3 of 4 with a problem; the most significant was a cancelled flight when trying to return from Cincinnati to Seattle on Alaska last week.

The plane boarded and took off uneventfully, but it failed to gain altitude and within 10 minutes the pilot announced that an engine had malfunctioned, couldn't be restarted and we'd be returning to the airport. The plane was heavy with fuel for the cross country trip so the landing speed was higher than normal, the roll out was longer and fire trucks met the plane on the runway to ensure that the overheated brakes didn't catch fire - all standard operating procedure.

All the passengers and their carry-on luggage were deplaned and asked to stay close to the gate area while the two Alaska gate agents figured out what was going to happen. Nearly every one of the >160 passengers immediately got in line to speak with the agent at the gate; Beth and I were among the few who sat comfortably in the gate area.

Alaska is a relatively small airline, they don't have spare aircraft and crews hanging around in non-hub cities like CVG, so after two hours the gate agent announced that the flight was cancelled and that Alaska would create a replacement flight for the same time tomorrow and that we'd all be automatically rebooked. The line of 160 people hadn't moved an inch. Within a few moments we received emails with meal and hotel vouchers and the Alaska app updated with new boarding passes for the flight the next day. Our checked luggage was sent to the baggage carousel and we were sent on our way for the evening. The following day we boarded the flight and made it home without any more problems.

Here are some helpful tips:

If your arrival time is very time-sensitive:

Book a direct flight. Yes, you'll pay more but the odds of arriving on time (with your bags) go way up.

Don't check bags. If your flight gets delayed and you absolutely, positively have to be there on time, you may have the option of booking another flight on another carrier, and simply abandoning your original flight. If your flight is delayed due to weather, booking another flight won't make a difference - every flight is going to be delayed.

If you are deplaned and awaiting a decision about your flight, don't bother standing in line with all the other passengers. Your reservation, along with the reservation of every other traveler is being worked by the airline automation - check your app and email for updates. If the flight is cancelled and the airline has other flights to that destination, they will rebook everyone and unfortunately the passengers with the highest status will be first in line. Again, you may wish to try to book a flight with another carrier, but that will be expensive. Many years ago carriers would cooperate and rebook travelers on competing airlines, but this practice has been largely discontinued.

If your flight is cancelled for an airline controllable issue (ex. mechanical failure) and you are rebooked on a flight the next day most airlines will offer hotel and meal vouchers. Here's the thing, airline hotel vouchers are generally for crappy airport hotels (what other kind of hotel has last minute availability for a bunch of stranded passengers?). The Alaska Airlines fine print says that you can make your own accommodations and send them the receipt for reimbursement. Instead of the 1.5 star Quality Choice voucher hotel, we stayed at Marriott Courtyard. I have status at Marriott so we got a 4:00 pm checkout and didn't have to hang out at the airport all day. The hotel cost $175 and Alaska promptly reimbursed me $150 - that's a great deal for us and surely cost Alaska $100 more than the voucher hotel.

Lastly, Alaska is very generous in providing discounts for future flights as a way of apologizing for service issues. I've flown >1.5M miles on Delta and never received something similar. Alaska sends an email with a discount code for a future flight, but you have to keep the email OR add the code to your Alaska wallet yourself. That isn't a huge burden, but I think they should do it automatically.

In a rare example of bipartisanship, by the end of the week Congress is expected to pass a bill requiring airlines to automatically issue refunds for cancelled flights, rather than requiring travelers to chase down refunds themselves.

From Rolling Stone: On Tuesday, The Lever reported that financial statements from Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines suggested that the companies had an estimated $2 billion and $6 billion each in unused flight credits, respectively. According to a February filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, per the publication, Hawaiian Airlines made $312 million from 2020 to 2023 in unused, expired passenger tickets.

Interestingly Ted Cruz believes that conservatives don't want their money back, “Most consumers, if a flight is canceled, don’t want an immediate refund, they want to book a new flight,” he reasoned, dumping the last vestiges of logic as he explained that “almost all conservatives say, OK, put me on the next flight, and the rule saying no, you gotta give the money back automatically, no matter what the customer wants, that’s frankly a dumb idea.” Not surprisingly, for the 5 year period through 2024, Delta and American have contributed ~ $75K to Cruz's election campaign and leadership PAC.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

What does a traditional family/House dynamic look like, especially in terms of children?

[Does the whole House live in one large building, or is the House more of a common family space? Are children usually cared for by their parents, or is child minding more of a communal responsibility along the lines of "it takes a village to raise a child"? Etc.] < please treat these questions as additional questions like the ones on a school test that the teacher puts in to make sure that the student understands the original big question. I only included them so you could know what I meant when I say "House/family dynamic", because I know that can be confusing

Gosh, I wish you'd have written my exams.

What does a traditional family/House dynamic look like?

Houses are both residences and familial hubs containing a lot of related Gallifreyans. Here's what the dynamic typically looks like, especially when it comes to raising children:

🏠 Brief House Overview

First, a bit of context - Gallifreyan Houses are huge, often sentient structures. They're designed to support entire extended families, often containing multiple generations.

Interior Design: Houses often have high ceilings, large rooms, and sprawling corridors. This setup is on purpose - designed to make newly loomed Gallifreyans feel like children (many loomlings are created with fully-grown adult bodies).

Living Spaces: Houses contain individual bedrooms, communal living spaces, and operational facilities such as the Loomshed. They also have their own crypts for dead House members.

Animated Features: The Houses often have animated furniture, which, if not properly trained, might chase people around. Paintings whisper at passing cousins, and Druges, large automated humanoid servants, roam the premises, performing various duties.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family Dynamics

Gallifreyan families tend to be large and very hierarchical, with cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives living under the same roof. There's a strong thread of communal responsibility and shared upbringing when it comes to childrene (childe = singular, childrene = plural):

Childcare: Childrene are typically cared for by a combination of their parents and other relatives. Parents are present and will look after their child, performing the usual trips out to the galactic zoo or whatever.

Education: The responsibility for education and upbringing is communal, with older House members playing a significant role in brainbuffing (the educational process designed to shape young Gallifreyan minds). This is supported by the help of Avatroids - mechanical beings who were (basically) enslaved by the Time Lords. The boy Doctor had his own personal Avatroid named Badger, whose job it was to protect and educate him.

Communal Responsibilities: Given the House's size and structure, childcare is often a collective effort. The extended family takes part in guiding the children's education and development, with the aim of instilling a sense of duty and obedience ie. House values.

🧒 Children and Brainbuffing

As mentioned, childrene undergo brainbuffing, a rigorous educational process that equips them with a ton of knowledge before they step out into the big wide world. This process involves both formal schooling and informal training at home.

Early Education: During the first eight years, childrene are educated in writing, culture, mathematics, and science, surpassing the knowledge level of many human college students. Extended family members play a significant role in this process.

Traditional Activities: Despite the emphasis on duty, childrene can happily engage in activities like lushberrying and playing with onion dolls. However, there are no playgrounds on Gallifrey due to the focus on obedience.

Communal Upbringing: The entire House contributes to the upbringing, fostering a strong sense of community and collective responsibility.

🔥Then Comes Life

At the age of eight, children are snatched away from all of this and put into Chapter Academies away from their Houses and families for around 200 years. Bummer.

🏫 So ...

Gallifreyan Houses blend family living with communal responsibilities. They focus on fostering a sense of duty and service, with a significant emphasis on education and discipline. While parents play a crucial role in raising childrene, the communal approach ensures that every child has a network of support and guidance throughout their early years, which is then completely turned on its head.

Hope that helped! 😃

More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →😆Jokes |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |���Facts →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[ross-hori]

The epic Port Liner walk

A monorail connects downtown Kobe with its airport. The Port Liner is a 9km long, fully automated light rail running above street level for its entire length. I've wanted to walk it for a couple of years, and finally I had my chance.

With Mrs H safely delivered to the terminal and the car parked, I followed the monorail armed with my trusty Fujifilm X-T20 and a 35mm prime lens. The weather promised to be pleasantly cool and sunny, perfect for a few hours of walking and shooting.

Kobe Airport is built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It's a domestic hub, and you can turn up about 20 minutes before your flight and still catch it. There are decent amenities and a viewing platform that I might touch on in a future post.

The monorail runs out to Port Island, another artificial island with the lion's share of Kobe's docks. The road and foot bridge is close to 1km long, taking a lazy arch next to the docking station for Kawasaki's Hydrogen Road project. The walk offers stunning views of the docks and the mountains beyond.

Then the monorail veers left. We run past corporate headquarters, the home of Japan's Super Computer project and a zoo. This part of Port Island has an open, almost desolate feel.

Turning right, we're on our way to the main residential block. The walkway is still underneath the raised monorail, but things are about to change. The path rises and we come almost to the same level.

Then out into a park adorned with concrete structures imprinted with messages of peace from the cities Kobe is twinned with. Look a little closer, and those structures are revealed as light and ventilation wells for the car park beneath. 

Around us are the city's General Hospital, medical research centers and homes. Look hard enough and you might see the Ikea's deep blue box.

We keep on, past more apartments and parklets, once more beneath the twin tracks of the monorail. Onwards to the final park and the bright red arches of Kobe Bridge.

Up we go, climbing high. On our left, the double-deck highway runs back and forth, cars and trucks roaring by. On our right is the monorail, running along its bridge, carefully styled to blend into the box structure beside it.

Now down to the Port Terminal. Navigating the complicated mass of structures and supports keeps Kobe's transport flying through the air. Dare to stop and you will feel it shuddering and shaking through the soles of your feet.

Another small park. There are so many of these escapes, both figurative and literal. Created and maintained as refuges should history repeat and an earthquake come calling.

Now we're in familiar territory. These streets are ones I pound regularly to get here and there. So familiar I barely pay attention until I arrive at the terminus for the Port Liner.

Just over 3 hours to walk here. 11km covered with all my diversions and back-tracking. It'll take less than 30 minutes to get back.

[yogeshwarisinha]

Title: Integrating IoT Fire Alarms with Smart Home Systems.

Introduction:

Integrating IoT fire alarms with smart home systems is an innovative way to enhance safety and convenience in your living space. As technology advances, traditional fire alarms are evolving into smart devices that not only alert you to danger but also communicate with other smart home devices, providing a comprehensive safety solution. Here’s how you can integrate IoT fire alarms into your smart home system.

First, choose an IoT fire alarm that is compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem, whether it’s Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. These smart fire alarms can send notifications to your smartphone when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, even when you’re away from home. This feature is crucial for ensuring safety, as it allows you to take immediate action, such as contacting emergency services or checking on your property remotely.

Once you have your IoT fire alarm, the next step is to connect it to your smart home hub. Most modern smart home systems have user-friendly apps that guide you through the setup process. After connecting the fire alarm, you can create automation routines. For instance, if the fire alarm goes off, you can program your smart lights to flash, alerting you or your family members to the emergency. Additionally, you can set up your smart thermostat to shut off the HVAC system to prevent smoke from spreading.

Finally, regular maintenance and testing of your IoT fire alarms are essential to ensure they function correctly. Many smart fire alarms come with self-testing features and notifications for battery replacement, making it easier to keep your system in top shape. By integrating IoT fire alarms with your smart home system, you can create a safer living environment that offers peace of mind, knowing that you’re always connected to your home’s safety features.

[loominggaia]

ZAREENITE TERRITORIES

Zareen Empire has 10 major territories (also called cities or holds). This article contains some information about each of them.

Realistically, I imagine there are a lot of little small towns and villages between these cities, but they are just too insignificant to map.

Uman - Uman began as a simple gold-mining town on an island off the coast of Evik. As its industry expanded, the damage to the island increased, and the local nymphs began to retaliate against the industries with violence. The Zareenites suppressed the nymphs with military might, then the nymphs retaliated with an army of terragladia that destroyed all the industry. Zareenites lost control over the island for some time, as the terragladia were simply too strong to deal with.

In time, however, the Zareenites returned with the advanced technologies to counter these titan nymphs. The entire island was bombed from the sky and combat automatons were sent in to comb the area for stragglers. Finally, the nymphs were defeated and the industrial operations resumed, forming the city of Uman. Without nymphs to replenish the land, these industries completely stripped the island of its resources and Uman eventually began to crumble. One opportunistic developer took advantage of this cheap, barren land for a business venture and decided to build a theme park upon it.

Gladdieland is now the biggest theme park on Looming Gaia, and its existence is what keeps the city of Uman afloat as a resort town. Gladdieland itself is much larger than Uman, and the theme park’s owner is said to have more political sway than the mayor.

Driza - Its many power plants keep the lights on for most of Zareen Empire, and so it is a popular target for nymph and Aquarian terrorist attacks. Most citizens are blue collar workers employed at plants and factories. The Masterlite Energy corporation is the largest employer in the city, and therefore heavily influences its politics. Electricity is cheap in Driza compared to the rest of the empire, so many companies have chosen to build factories here. It also has very active naval and trading ports. Driza may be polluted and unsightly, but it is one of Zareen Empire’s most important holds.

Nasrin - This hold is best known for its oil fields. Most of Zareen Empire’s oil once came from Nasrin, which is used as both a fuel source and a material for the booming plastic industry. In recent times, these local oil fields have begun to run dry, and Nasrin is becoming more dependent on its mining and cargo industries instead.

Nasrin has suffered many tragic and devastating accidents related to its oil industry, including large explosions and raging fires. The entire city was destroyed on one occasion and had to be rebuilt from scratch. The ancient oil wells still remain, looming over the hold to remind citizens of its grisly past, as a lack of regulations caused many workers and slaves to die here. Some people believe the fields are haunted by their ghosts.

Elleg - Academia is Elleg’s bread and butter. This hold is home to the Beryl Technical Institute, the largest college in Zareen Empire, as well as many smaller schools. Elleg is populated by forward-thinkers who value efficiency, and so this city has notably advanced infrastructure compared to others. The Tungsten Body Company’s headquarters is located here, so it’s no surprise that automatons are everywhere.

In fact, Elleg’s infrastructure was built with robots in mind rather than peoples. The streets are notably clean and the architecture is sleek, but visitors will quickly notice how eerily sterile, gridded, and homogenized everything is in the newer parts of town, from the streets to the layout of the buildings. These design choices make it easier for robots to navigate on their own. Life in Elleg is so automated and efficient, some say that the presence of flesh-and-blood peoples only slows things down.

Viersen - Known as a multicultural hub, it is divided into many districts. Viersen is home to the highest population of red elves outside Damijana, most of whom live in the Irontree District. Its diverse population means this hold has a diverse economy. International food, music, and other products can be found here in its many bustling hypermarkets. Manufacturing plants and commercial stores employ most citizens here.

Of all Zareenite holds, Viersen is the most welcoming to nymphs and fae. Historically, Viersenites have gravitated towards Naturalist political ideals, which is reflected in the state of the city. Automatons are not appreciated here, and are often broken or vandalized. However, many of Viersen’s districts are quite scenic and lush with plant life compared to other holds, which makes it a healthier place to be for everyone.

Rhine - Rhine was once a vast, fertile plain where the native centaurs and humans farmed a variety of crops. During the Dworfen Expansion, Zareenite food corporations bought up the land and grew great monocultures upon it. Over time, liberal use of pesticides, insecticides, and unsustainable farming practices left the soil barren and unfit for farming. The Zareenite government then used this area to dump large amounts of toxic military waste.

As time went on and land became more scarce, developers became more desperate to buy up any chunk of it they could get their hands on. Developers purchased this toxic land and built cheap housing developments upon it, along with many undesirable structures like prisons, military camps, junk yards, and airfields. Once a beautiful field of flowers, Rhine is now known as a “wasteland” of urban blight and corrupt leadership.

Zareen Capital - This is the second-largest megalopolis on Looming Gaia, right behind Damijana. Zareen Capital is as tall and grand as the surrounding mountains themselves. Because of its age and storied history, it has a diverse range of districts and peoples. This is a city that never sleeps, for its nightlife scene keeps bumping all night long.

Zareen Capital is best known for its entertainment industry. It is the home of Lor Galor headquarters, the largest media conglomerate in the world, which produces the majority of films, books, and other media in the empire. Zareen’s richest and most famous citizens call this city home, dwelling in its impressive luxury high-rises that overlook the region. More infamously, Zareen Capital is known as the “city of vices” due to its abundant casinos, prostitutes, and illicit substances. Visitors come here from all over the world to have a good time.

Jaell - Jaell is remote, windy, and freezing all year long. People only settled here to find work at the many coal and iron mines, but when those mines began to deplete, Jaell’s leadership decided to shift its economy into a new direction. Today, it is best known for its winter games arena and sports resorts. Tourists can enjoy ice skating, skiing, rock climbing, and snowboarding any time of year. Jaell also has a reputation as a sex-tourism hotspot, thanks to its many “saunas”.

Kolsen - This ancient hold was built around a massive coal mine, and this coal continues to power Zareen Empire to this day. Kolsen is often called the “dirty diamond” of Zareen Empire because its wealth was built on the backs of Boanningwad slaves. Today those slaves have been replaced by automatons, but the city’s grim history is still apparent in its older districts where slaves were once forced to live separately from citizens.

Kolsen is still very much divided between the rich and the poor. The older side of the city–called “Old Kolsen” is crumbling and neglected, while New Kolsen is thriving and populated exclusively by the upper classes. The two sides are separated by nothing but a train track, yet citizens behave as if there is an impenetrable wall.

Azar - This city is surrounded by a great wall made of compacted trash. This wall serves as a border between Zareen Empire and Mogdir Kingdom. It was constructed in ancient times of war and is still maintained today. Azar is mainly a military city and home to many soldiers. Tanks and power armor are a common sight here, and the distant boom of weapons testing can be heard at all hours. This hold is notoriously unfriendly to fae and magic-users, likely due to its proximity to Mogdir Kingdom.

*

Questions/Comments?

Lore Masterpost

Read the Series

[your7oxygen]

Smart Home Design

Integrating Technology into Modern Architecture

Integrating technology into modern architecture not only enhances the functionality of a home but also transforms it into a more efficient, secure, and comfortable living space. Here’s how smart home design is shaping the future of modern architecture and how you can incorporate these technologies into your own home.

1. Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control their lighting through voice commands, smartphones, or automated schedules. These systems can adjust the brightness and color temperature of lights based on the time of day or personal preferences. For example, you can set the lights to gradually brighten in the morning to mimic a natural sunrise, making waking up a more pleasant experience.

2. Home Automation Hubs

A home automation hub acts as the central controller for all smart devices within a house. It integrates various smart systems, such as lighting, heating, and security, into one unified platform. This centralization makes it easier to manage and automate different aspects of home life. For instance, you can create routines that turn off the lights, adjust the thermostat, and lock the doors when you leave the house.

3. Voice-Activated Assistants

Voice-activated assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri, have become common in smart homes. These devices allow users to control various smart home features through voice commands. From playing music and setting reminders to controlling smart appliances, voice assistants offer a hands-free way to interact with your home technology.

4. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are designed to optimize home heating and cooling systems, resulting in energy savings and increased comfort. They learn your schedule and preferences over time, automatically adjusting temperatures to suit your lifestyle. Additionally, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust settings even when you’re away from home.

5. Home Security Systems

Modern smart home security systems offer advanced features such as remote monitoring, motion detection, and video surveillance. Smart cameras and doorbells allow homeowners to view live footage and receive alerts if unusual activity is detected. Integration with other smart devices, such as lighting and alarms, can enhance security and provide peace of mind.

6. Smart Appliances

Smart appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, are designed to improve convenience and efficiency. These appliances can be controlled remotely, provide notifications about their status, and even integrate with other smart home systems. For instance, a smart oven can be preheated from your smartphone before you arrive home.

7. Energy Management

Smart home design also emphasizes energy management and efficiency. Smart meters and energy monitoring systems provide insights into your energy usage, helping you identify areas where you can save on utility bills. By integrating these systems with smart appliances and lighting, you can further reduce energy consumption and minimize your environmental impact.

[zerosecurity]

LockBit Ransomware Gang Claims Responsibility for Wichita, KS Cyberattack

The notorious LockBit ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for a devastating cyberattack on the City of Wichita, Kansas, the largest city in the state with a population of nearly 400,000. This ransomware attack has forced the City's authorities to shut down crucial IT systems used for online bill payment, including court fines, water bills, and public transportation. Wichita, a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub in the region, and home to several aircraft factories, announced the disruptive ransomware attack last Sunday, May 5, 2024. In response, the City's IT specialists promptly shut down computers used in online services to contain the damage and stop the spread of the attack, as stated in their announcement: "This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to ensure that systems are securely vetted before returning to service." LockBit Ransomware Gang Threatens Data Leak Earlier today, the LockBit ransomware group added Wichita to its extortion portal, threatening to publish all stolen files on the site by May 15, 2024, unless the City pays the ransom. This unusually quick listing of a ransomware victim, merely three days after the attack, is believed to be in retaliation for the recent international law enforcement operation that named and sanctioned the leader of the LockBit ransomware operation, a 31-year-old Russian national named Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, who uses the online alias "LockBitSupp."

Lockbit Lists the City of Wichita as one of its victims.

Widespread Service Disruptions in Wichita

Meanwhile, Wichita continues to face significant disruptions, with the latest status update indicating that the following services remain unavailable: - Auto payments for water bills are suspended. - Public Wi-Fi at certain locations (Airport terminal, Advanced Learning Library, Evergreen, and Walters branches of the Library). - The online catalog, databases, and some digital services of the Library. - Email communications through the city network for Library staff. - Self-service print release stations and self-check stations at the Library. - Automated materials handler at the Advanced Learning Library. - Most incoming phone call capability for the Library. - Wi-Fi and phone services at neighborhood resource centers. - Public services, including golf courses, parks, courts, and the water district, require residents to pay in cash or by check while online payment platforms are shut down. Additionally, any Request for Bid, Proposal, or Qualifications with a due date of May 10, 2024, has been deferred until May 17, 2024, and the 'Bid Opening' scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, has been canceled. Public safety services like the Wichita Fire Department (WFD) and Wichita Police Department (WPD) have resorted to using "pen and paper" reports, and the Wichita Transit buses and landfill services can only accept cash payments. Data Theft and Potential Leak While the City is still investigating whether data was stolen in the attack, the LockBit ransomware gang is known for stealing data before deploying their encryptors. Therefore, if a ransom is not paid, data will likely be leaked in the future on the ransomware gang's data leak site, exacerbating the already severe impact of this cyberattack on the City of Wichita. Read the full article

[rahilatach]

Raspberry Pi Board: Revolutionizing Computing and Education

The Raspberry Pi board is a series of small, affordable single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity focused on promoting computer science education and digital literacy. Since its launch in 2012, the Raspberry Pi has transformed from a niche educational tool into a versatile platform used in a wide range of applications, from DIY electronics projects to industrial automation.

A Brief History

The first Raspberry Pi, the Model B, was released in February 2012. Designed to promote basic computer science in schools and developing countries, it featured a 700 MHz ARM11 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and basic connectivity options. The success of the Model B led to a rapid expansion of the Raspberry Pi lineup, with various models offering improved performance, more memory, and enhanced connectivity.

Key Features and Models

Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (2012):

Processor: 700 MHz ARM11

Memory: 256 MB RAM

Ports: 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Storage: SD card slot

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (2015):

Processor: 900 MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7

Memory: 1 GB RAM

Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Storage: MicroSD card slot

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016):

Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

Memory: 1 GB RAM

Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2019):

Processor: 1.5 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72

Memory: Options of 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB RAM

Ports: 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 Micro HDMI ports, Ethernet, USB-C for power

Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Raspberry Pi Zero (2015) and Zero W (2017):

Processor: 1 GHz single-core ARM11

Memory: 512 MB RAM

Ports: Mini HDMI, Micro USB OTG, Micro USB for power, GPIO pins

Wireless (Zero W): Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Applications and Uses

The versatility of the Raspberry Pi has led to its adoption in numerous fields:

Education:

Coding and Programming: Used in schools and educational programs to teach students programming languages such as Python, Scratch, and Java.

Computer Science Concepts: Introduces concepts like hardware, software, and networking.

DIY Projects and Maker Community:

Home Automation: Controls smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, and security systems.

Media Centers: Powers home media centers using software like Kodi.

Retro Gaming: Emulates classic gaming consoles using software like RetroPie.

Industrial and Commercial Applications:

IoT Devices: Serves as a hub for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enabling data collection and remote control.

Automation and Control Systems: Used in factories and labs for monitoring and controlling equipment.

Research and Development:

Prototyping: Facilitates rapid prototyping of electronic devices and systems.

Data Collection: Gathers data from various sensors in environmental and scientific research.

Community and Ecosystem

The Raspberry Pi has cultivated a vibrant global community of developers, hobbyists, educators, and students. Online forums, tutorials, and community projects provide extensive support and resources for users at all skill levels. The Raspberry Pi Foundation also offers official accessories, including cases, cameras, and expansion boards, further enhancing the functionality of the Raspberry Pi.

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi board has revolutionized the way people learn about and interact with technology. Its affordability, versatility, and extensive support network have made it an indispensable tool in education, DIY projects, and professional applications. As technology continues to evolve, the Raspberry Pi Foundation remains committed to expanding the capabilities and accessibility of this remarkable platform, ensuring that computing remains within reach for everyone.